Tarla Mediterranean Grill owner Yusuf Topal decided that in opening a new restaurant near his current one in downtown Napa, he’d open it up to the community to decide on the name. That name, after receiving “hundreds of emails” from loyal customers, is Napkins, which a nickname that Napa Valley locals sometimes use to refer to themselves. The new bar and grill takes over the former Peking Palace space at 1001 Second Street (at Main), next door to Carpe Diem Wine Bar. And the chef will be Michael B. Powell, who will oversee both Tarla and Napkins. The food promises to be seasonally driven “American cuisine with a global influences,” with dishes like cherry-smoked pork ribs with espresso barbecue sauce; and blackened bison sliders with smoked gouda, Creole mustard, and spicy pickled green beans. The opening is planned for June. [Earlier]
