preserving history & the environment Tand chances are you will be familiar with.”“It’s been key that we adjust to the changing diet needs of ourcustomers,” he added. “We also wanted comfort food that people areake a step into DowntownJoe’s front door off Main Street greeted with the clanging of a bell that Joe and his wife, Nancye, opened Downtown Joe’s in 1994 after a lets everyone know they are welcome. combined twenty-seven years of restaurant experience. Together they The popular Napa eatery and brewpub weathered some slow times in downtown Napa, continuing to adjust turns twenty this month. The bell was an menu, service and style to meet the needs of local economics. Joe credits opening gift from a frequent customer of Nancye’s midwest influence for being the first Northern California the previous Willits Brewing Company, restaurant to introduce their famous “real Buffalo wings.” hoping Downtown Joe’s would keep the “We are not a fancy place with picture perfect plates,” said Nancye. “We beer, and it’s still being rung today. provide real food that is good for you.” To celebrate, they are embracing the Today their business future has never looked brighter, as they are the New Year by going greener and adapting anchor and first eatery along the Napa River’s growing restaurant row. to their customers’ dietary trends by Last year they completed a substantial earthquake retrofit, and installed an adding alternative items to their menu. earthquake meter under the building to maintain its historic presence and Housed in the historic 120-year-old legendary history of Napa. Old Napa comes to life in pictures adorning building adjacent to Veterans Park, the walls. Joe takes great pride in pointing out the significant history that Downtown Joe’s is the place to go for took place in his establishment, and he is filled with stories as well. Joe and unpretentious fun and friendly service, Nancye’s kids are fifth generation Napans and have long ties to the Valley. according to owner Joe Peatman. Joe’s great-grandfather came to Napa in the late 1800s from Italy to make “We want to provide a place that is accessible to everyone and at the wine. His father, Joe Sr., and grandfather were attorneys in town, while same time know that we are providing affordable, delicious meals that Joe’s mother, Angela Borvelli, also has considerable family history. come to us in a sustainable way,” said Joe. To continue towards a greener business, Joe said all the motors in “Downtown Joe’s is committed to finding vendors who care as much the refrigeration units were changed out this past year to decrease their about our environment as we do,” said Joe. “Serving classic pub favorites electrical footprint. This year they are changing all the light bulbs and with your health in mind, and an emphasis on sustainably harvested, fixtures to be more energy-efficient. wild caught and farmed seafood, meats and poultry. There are no added Remember, “When the lights start flashing in downtown Napa, the hormones, no antibiotics fed or administered to any fish or animal served party starts happening at Downtown Joe’s.” from our kitchen. All are fed a 100-percent vegetarian diet that is grown in dirt that has been free of pesticides for at least three years.” 902 main street, Downtown Napa, 707.258.2337. open every day from 8:30 am.–10 pm. Late night menu available in the pub after 10 pm. To take that commitment one step further, they recently added twelve gluten-free and twelve vegetarian dishes to their menu. J A N U A R Y / F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 3 53
NVLife Jan-Feb 2013
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