The Nova

Thirty-two years is a cause for celebration and that’s what brought us to the Nova last month. Andrea picked the spot for her birthday lunch, so all four Christensons made their way to this cozy little spot on the hill. 

The Nova is connected to the Historic Casanova Liquors and the owners say they wanted a place where they could showcase their wines while offering good food. We can’t speak for the wine, but we can brag about their cuisine. Although the Casanova Bottling Company dates back over a century, their menu is anything but dated, featuring a menu that changes with the season. The wide variety included appetizers, sandwiches, salads, entrees and desserts.

We arrived for a late lunch and as hoped, the restaurant was between rushes. We were promptly seated next to the fireplace; a welcome amenity on a snowy day. The atmosphere boasted a casual elegance with Tiffany lamps, suits of armor and wine-themed decor. On a nearby table were Hershey’s Kisses for a sweet indulgence while waiting for the main attraction.

 

Our waitress was polite and knowledgeable. She also was skilled at knowing just when to come to our table to offer her service, which we appreciated as we navigated the menu. She let us know about the kid’s pastas they had available, but didn’t have on the menu, and offered to split the mac ‘n cheese between the kids as it would be a large portion for just one small appetite.

 

We started with a wonderful appetizer of warmed brie over apples. It had some sort of yummy crunchy topping, was drizzled with honey and was served with bruschetta chips. If you go, you have to have this appetizer.

The birthday girl chose the Nova-dorf salad, the Nova’s take on a classic Waldorf salad. It was leafy greens, sliced apples, grapes, walnuts, and dried cherries tossed in a seasoned mayonnaise dressing. It is one of their signature salads, and with good reason. It was delightful. The herbed breadsticks it came with were also quite tasty.

Eric chose the Crab and Tuna Sandwich. A crab and tuna patty served on a bun with tomato and mayo. The sandwich exceeded expectation and was complemented well with plump red grapes and crispy kettle chips, making it a well balanced dish in texture and flavor.

The girls felt similar about their mac ‘n cheese as the healthy portion size was quickly consumed by both. Mom and Dad had a smidgen of entree envy after tasting the noodles and sauce.

 

Total cost for the meal, beverages and tip, $46.40. Overall, it was an experience worth repeating, and we are already plotting our next trip to the little wine bar cum restaurant on the side of a hill.

The Nova
236 Coulee Road
Hudson, WI 54016
715-386-5333 - thenovaofhudson.com