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NoRTH
 We
found ourselves up North the other night, up in Northern Tucson that
is, and decided that it might be as good a time as any to give one
of the newer restaurants in the La Encantada shopping center a try. We
were starving first of all, since our actual plan had been to go out
to lunch but we never got around to it, so when signs begin to roll
in that evening was nigh, we were more than ready to dine. We hoped
the fact that it was early on what would likely be a busy Saturday
night, would work in our favor since we didn't have reservations
anywhere and pulled in to La Encantada and parked figuring we'd
simply walk around and see what looked good. We found numerous
places to choose from right off the bat with Sushi, Big Game,
Seafood, and Italian all clustered together facing a circle drive
and looking equally as appetizing. We stood frozen for a moment
scratching our heads and rubbing our stomachs trying to decide which
direction to turn. Inertia quickly gave way to action however when
one of us remembered reading somewhere about almost comically bad
service at Bluepoint the Fish place and we realized that we had just
had sushi two days ago and were scheduled to have big game the next
day. When another of us pointed out that NoRTH was owned by the same
folks behind Wildflower which has long
been a staff favorite, that was all it took and in we went.
The reason we were out and about in the first place, it so happened,
was that we were entertaining and showing the sights to a visiting
dignitary and potential new staffer going by the appellate of Miss
Krittenden. Miss Krittenden was in from St. Louis and toying
with the idea of accepting some of the editorial responsibilities
here at the Goliard on the culinary side of things. We had brief social encounters with her in the
past and flew her in for an interview and a get further acquainted weekend. Miss Krittenden
had dabbled in restauranteering in the past
not to mention worked in wineries and hotels throughout the Midwest so she seemed like
perfect company to share a new restaurant experience with. And while she assured us that St. Louis does
have eating establishments not owned by sports figures, we thought
it might be nice to show her some of the diversified cuisine Tucson
has to offer. And NoRTH, even though it serves Italian food which St
Louis is actually known for, seemed like it might be a good place to
start.
Things got off on the right foot at NoRTH when we were greeted by a friendly
hostess who looked more like Anna Kournakova than Anna herself
probably does these days. Anna didn't bat an eye when we said we had not reserved
anything and asked us if we'd like to sit outside or in. The sun was
just setting at that point and the outside seating looked
interesting in that they seemed to have comfortable couches to
lounge about on and we stood there hemming and hawing until Miss
Krittenden stepped forward and explained that it would be a tad
nippy for her liking once evening proper set in and she would prefer
an indoor table. She had a point and we followed Anna to a
comfortable four top. Just as we were being seated, the sun made
it's final dip behind Gate's Pass and the
automated blinds quietly rose revealing a pleasant view of the city
lights.
Our waiter arrived promptly and seemed like a pleasant enough chap
who said his name was Justin and inquired as to our needs drinkwise.
While the one of us currently breast feeding made the usual
inquiries about decaffeinated iced tea (nobody seems to carry that
anymore and she settled for water) another staffer scanned the wine
list and found it fairly extensive and pricey which is not atypical
and ordered the cheapest Chianti. Miss Krittenden then announced
she'd have a Grey Goose martini dry as the hills with several extra
olives. Now we never drink vodka and aren't about to start but
somehow her drink looked much more appetizing, appropriate and sophisticated
than ours did when the waiter appeared with a mini carafe and portioned out
the wine. This would begin a trend that would last throughout the
evening with Miss Krittenden waiting until we had ordered and then
requesting something that sounded, looked and ended up being better
than whatever we got.
But we hadn't figured this out yet when we ordered a small
pizza that was dissatisfying only to sit by as Miss Krittenden
luxuriated in a large plate of better food. We can't remember the
details but North can be a fine place to dine if you have class and
are experienced in the finer things and a humbling experience
otherwise. Miss Krittenden pronounced everything fine and to her
liking so there you go.
NoRTH - Tucson
2995 East Skyline Drive
Tucson, AZ 85718
P: 520.299.1600
F: 520.299.1621
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