New restaurant Noco Provisions celebrates its grand opening tomorrow.
Noco Provisions is located on the corner of Cascade Road and Forest Hill Avenue, where Forest Hills Inn previously sat until its closure in May 2016.
The building underwent a complete renovation. In addition to a bright, airy modern dining area, the building also has a new bar, patio and private dining space.
Noco Provisions offers a seasonally-driven menu of “regional comfort classics,” which Patrick Kneese, the restaurant’s general manager, said means comfort foods from all over the country.
“Regional comfort classics can mean different things to different people depending on where you are,” he said. “For instance, if you grew up in Del Mar, California that might mean a fish taco or a killer ceviche, if you’re in Georgia it might mean fried chicken, if you’re in Rhode Island it might mean Rhode Island-style calamari.
Kneese said diners will find a menu that is “approachable and familiar” on the surface, but with a “slightly different twist on traditional items.” Examples include entrees like fried chicken, pork ribs, grilled tri-tip steak, walleye and grits, a traditional burger, and a beet burger, all with a unique spin.
It’s not just the food that’s focused on regional comfort, Kneese said the goal of the renovation was to create a space that highlights Midwestern comfort and hospitality as well.
“The northern comfort, or NoCo part, was always more intended to be directed to the atmosphere and hospitality and genuine sense of place we are trying to establish here,” he said.
Kneese said there is no one friendlier than Midwesterners and the restaurant intends to highlight that friendliness and hospitality.
Kneese is no stranger to Midwestern hospitality. He grew up in the region, but has spent several years away, including the past 10 years in Denver, where he worked at Lola Coastal Mexican.
The restaurant’s leadership team also includes head chef Adam Watts, who previously served as executive chef for Grand Rapids Brewing Co. and more recently as head chef for Slows Bar BQ. Watts created the Noco Provisions menu.
Noco Provisions also offers a solid drink menu. The bar includes 24 rotating taps of local and international beers, as well as an extensive wine program, craft cocktails, including barrel-aged varieties, house infusions and unique brunch beverages.
Noco Provisions opens for dinner Thursday. Lunch will be added approximately a week after the grand opening and weekend brunch will begin soon.
Happy hour starts at 3 p.m. each weekday and dinner begins at 5 p.m. Weekend brunch runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Noco Provisions is located at 4609 Cascade Road SE.
*This article has been updated. It originally stated Noco Provisions would begin offering brunch this weekend. The restaurant will instead offer brunch soon.
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