These days, diners are paying more attention to a restaurant’s quality over the quantity of food. Gone are the days of pages and pages of menu offerings that often leave patrons a bit confused and overwhelmed. Find out why offering a smaller menu can make a big impression on your customers.

Allows the Main Course to Stand Out

Offering a small menu will allow you to showcase what your establishment does best. A menu with too many choices can take away from your restaurant’s true vision. By picking your niche and executing that to perfection, you will become the new hotspot in town. When a diner comes into your restaurant, they need to be reminded of why they are in your restaurant.

Streamlines the Kitchen and Ordering Process

An assembly line is normally used in a restaurant kitchen to streamline the preparing and cooking process. It allows everyone to work efficiently but sometimes it can be a chaotic and hectic place. When a discerning patron makes a specific request with their order, the chef and kitchen staff need to be able to deliver. A smaller menu will allow your staff to become experts at preparing the dishes with the ability to make adjustments. In addition, the number of ingredients on hand will be easier to manage and maintain. You can also focus more on the quality of those ingredients, which can enhance the flavors of your dish.

Creates a Memorable Experience

Other than food, people always remember the experience they had at a restaurant. By having a simple menu, you can greatly enhance your customer’s experience. Patrons enjoy being able to come in, sit down and quickly decide what to have without spending too much time mulling over what to choose. If the menu is cluttered with too many choices, it can leave diners feeling stressed, taking time away from their dining experience. Timing is also a critical factor in wowing the customer. With the increased efficiency in the kitchen, the dishes will be delivered in a timely manner.

Impress your guests by “trimming the fat” and offering a smaller menu. The combination of a relaxed dining experience, quality ingredients and perfectly executed dishes is a recipe for success.

It’s NoJa’s attention to detail and our focus on farm-fresh ingredients that has allowed us to continue to serve this area for so long. For an intimate meal in one of the Port City’s longest-running restaurants in Downtown Mobile, make a reservation to NoJa. We have both indoor and outdoor seating in a secluded area, just steps from Dauphin Street in LODA at 6 N. Jackson Street. To reserve a table now, call 251-433-0377. Learn more about our cuisine and offerings at www.nojamobile.com or on our Facebook page.

At Noja, we truly want to offer a fine dining experience unlike any other. We go the extra mile with each meal that we prepare by adding unique flavors to jazz up ordinary cuisines. Our knowledge and experience have given us the ability to offer our guests’ decadent dining that keeps them coming back for more. One of the local fan favorites is the steak at Noja. There is a variety of ways to add incredible flavor to your steak.

Blue Cheese Cream

For some additional flavor, add some blue cheese cream to a tender, juicy steak. Blue cheese cream is smooth, tangy and is the perfect addition to steak.

Mushroom Peppercorn Sauce

Another fine pairing with steak is mushroom peppercorn sauce. If you are a steak lover, this sauce is one that you have got to try. The perfect mixture of heavy cream, peppercorns, mushrooms and butter will provide a flavor that your taste buds will thank you for.

Goat Cheese

Goat cheese with steak is great, but goat cheese on steak is a match made in heaven. The flavor of the goat cheese is powerful yet light, offering a dainty taste that balances perfectly with a juicy steak.

Foie Gras

Sear your steak in a pan and once finished, sear some foie gras in the same pan for about 2 minutes. After searing, add the foie on top of the steak for a delightful addition that is sure to make your taste buds go crazy.

Grilled Gulf Shrimp

Talk about a dynamic duo. Steak by itself is incredible, but throw in some grilled Gulf shrimp and you have the perfect meal.

Seared U-10 Scallops

One final idea for jazzing up your next steak dinner would be to add some seared u-10 scallops to the dish. Nothing goes better with steak than fresh seafood.

It’s Noja’s attention to detail and our focus on farm-fresh ingredients that have allowed us to continue to serve this area for so long. For an intimate meal in one of the Port City’s longest-running restaurants in Downtown Mobile, make a reservation to Noja. We have both indoor and outdoor seating in a secluded area, just steps from Dauphin Street in LODA at 6 N. Jackson Street. To reserve a table now, call 251-433-0377. Learn more about our cuisine and offerings at www.nojamobile.com or on our Facebook page.

Delicious in flavor and high in nutrients, duck has proven to be the new standard in savory poultry options. What was once reserved for special occasions is quickly becoming a staple among those who enjoy dining out or at home. If you’ve chosen chicken as your main meal for years, it’s time to start thinking about adding duck to your plate.

Fill up with Duck’s Fat and Protein

Duck is the perfect option for those who are mindful of their food choices. This lean meat is rich in protein and fat and has the same calories as turkey and chicken breast. Rendered duck fat has comparable health benefits to olive oil and is lower in saturated fat. It can also be used as a substitute for other oils when cooking and provides wonderful flavor.

Contains Vital Vitamins

Duck is chock full of vitamins and contains almost as many Omega-3s as chicken. It is a plentiful source of vitamins B5 and B12; both of which are essential minerals for your body’s nervous system. It also contains zinc, an immunity booster, and selenium, a vitamin necessary for proper thyroid function. Duck also provides a good source of iron because it is a red meat.

Easy to Cook and Versatile

Not only is duck a simple dish to cook, it is versatile. Duck has a hearty and naturally robust flavor and requires minor seasoning. The fat from the duck itself will provide enough flavor that you may only need a few dashes of salt and pepper. Cooking duck doesn’t require a culinary degree; just a watchful eye and a few flips to sear the sides.

Duck isn’t just for the main entrée anymore. It can be used in just about any dish including casseroles, soups, appetizers and salads. Purchase a whole duck and divide it into parts for a variety of dishes throughout the week. The breast can be cooked in the slow cooker or roasted in the oven, while the wings and legs can be baked and used as a confit. No matter how you choose to prepare it, you will have a variety of tasty meals.

Whether you choose to prepare duck at home or select it as your main entrée at NoJa, you will be impressed by its naturally delectable flavor profile. Expand your palate by adding duck to the menu and you’ll enjoy the benefits of a flavorful and healthy dish.

It’s NoJa’s attention to detail and our focus on farm-fresh ingredients that has allowed us to continue to serve this area for so long. To enjoy our Maple Leaf Duck Breast in one of the Port City’s longest-running restaurants in Downtown Mobile, make a reservation at NoJa. We have both indoor and outdoor seating in a secluded area, just steps from Dauphin Street in LODA at 6 N. Jackson Street. To reserve a table now, call 251-433-0377. Learn more about our cuisine and offerings at www.nojamobile.com or on our Facebook page.

Have you heard about Burrata cheese? If so, you may be wondering what it is and how you eat it. If you haven’t heard of Burrata, that’s okay too! Either way, we’re here to give you the 411 on this semi-soft cheese and answer any questions you may have about it. For starters, Burrata is a fresh cheese that originated in Puglia, Italy. Keep reading as we bite into the details!

Stracciatella
To really understand Burrata, you need to learn about Stracciatella – another fresh cheese from Puglia. Stracciatella means “strips” because it is actually a cheese made from strips of cheese leftover from mozzarella making. These leftover strips are combined with fresh cream to create fresh cheese – stracciatella!

So, What About Burrata?
Burrata cheese is made by taking a ball of mozzarella and pulling it flat. The flattened cheese is used as an “envelope” which is stuffed with stracciatella. Talk about cheesy heaven. You seal the cheese by folding it together and dip it into hot water. Then, you conserve it in cold water.

How It's Served
Burrata cheese is best when served fresh, but it’s good either way! However, it should be left to rest for about an hour outside of the refrigerator before being served. Burrata tastes incredible when served with sun-dried tomatoes, due to the contrast each ingredient provides. At NoJa, you will find Burrata cheese used in different dishes- we especially love adding it to our salads. Take note of this semi-soft cheese that is similar to mozzarella but is stuffed and mixed with cream.

If you are a cheese lover, Burrata should be on your list of must-tries!

NoJa is a Mediterranean-Asian restaurant in the heart of downtown Mobile with an ever-evolving menu. Call us at 251-433-0377 to make a reservation today then visit at 6 N. Jackson St.; Mobile. We have both indoor and outdoor seating in a secluded area, just steps from Dauphin Street in LODA at 6 N. Jackson Street. To reserve a table now, call 251-433-0377. Learn more about our cuisine and offerings at www.nojamobile.com or on our Facebook page.

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Whoever said manners are a thing of the past was completely wrong. Whether you are headed to brunch with friends or a fine dinner at NoJa with family, table manners are definitely something you should bring with you. For one, it can be a turn off to head out of the house dressed to impress but lacking in behavior. Here are a few of our favorite old-fashioned table manners.

Be Polite
Being polite extends beyond those that you are dining with. Be kind to your server and respectful to all of those you encounter throughout your dining experience.

Elbows Off the Table
This one can be very tempting and a hard thing to do for many of us. However, try to keep your elbows off the table. Not only is this proper table etiquette, but it will also help with your posture.

Wait for Everyone’s Food Before You Indulge
There may be times where your food is brought out before everyone else who is with you. Rather than indulging while everyone else sits, waiting for their food to be brought out, wait till everyone else’s plate has been brought so everyone may be able to eat together.

Proper Seating
When it comes to being seated, let your host guide you rather than choosing your table. It’s always a good rule of thumb to let the adults sit first. You should also help those who are elderly to their seat and make sure there is enough space for any maneuvering they may need to do.

Excuse Yourself
Cell phone etiquette should always apply to dinner time! Rather than taking a call at the table, excuse yourself and exit to the restroom or go outside.

Chew With Your Mouth Closed
It’s easy to get caught up in conversation with those around you, but keep in mind not everyone wants to see your meal being chewed. It’s also a good idea to be mindful of any bad habits like smacking or loud chewing.

Good manners never go out of style.

Noja is a Mediterranean-Asian restaurant in the heart of downtown Mobile with an ever-evolving menu. Call us at 251-433-0377 to make a reservation today then visit at 6 N. Jackson St.; Mobile.

© Hummingbird & South 2018: Reproduction without explicit permission is prohibited. All Rights Reserved. “We Put You Online So You Don't Get Left Behind.”

A bottle of wine can be the perfect gift for any occasion but especially during the holiday season when parties are plentiful. No one wants to show up empty handed to a party, and if you are unsure of what to give the host, a perfect gift that you can give is a bottle of wine! We understand that there are a lot of varieties and brands of wine in specialty and grocery stores, so we have compiled the perfect gift giving wine guide to get you through this holiday season.

2014 Klinker Brick Cabernet Sauvignon
Arrive at your party bearing a bottle of this, and you will undoubtedly make an impression—you may even get invited back. The 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon is the inaugural vintage of the varietal with flavors of cherry, currant, leather and a hint of black tea. Keep in mind that you will find a variety of Cabernet’s at every price, and you can spend anywhere between $10 and $25 for a nice Bottle.

Belle Glos Las Alturas Pinot Noir
The overall impression you will have with Belle Glos Las Alturas Pinot Noir is that it is rich with refined tannins, firm acidity and explosive layers of ripe fruit. Deep ruby red in color with intriguing aromas of sun-warmed blackberries, ripe plums, with hints of black licorice. A complexity of dark berry fruits unfold on the palate; blackberries and bing cherries along with dark chocolate flavors. You will also experience the vanilla and cedar oak undertones that further enhance the wine.

Bottega Prosecco in Gold, Rose Gold or White Gold (Silver) Bottle
Much can be said for Bottega’s elegance, freshness and liveliness of its bubbles and there is no better way to get a party started, or to unwind after a big party, than with a beautiful glass of Prosecco! The Bottega Prosecco bottles not only contains one of the most popular brands of bubbly but they are also very appealing to the eye. Choose from Gold, Rose Gold or White Gold varieties, each containing their own beautiful blend of Prosecco.

2015 Frog Leap Chardonnay, Napa Valley
Why not treat yourself to an amazing Chardonnay? If you are serving cuisine that pairs well with white wine, we recommend Frog Leap Chardonnay, which is said to be simply delicious and unlike typical Chardonnays in that it’s not fruity, sweet or oaky. This is also an excellent gift for your host or hostess as the price is not too extravagant but just around the mid-mark for a superb gift giving wine.

It’s Noja’s attention to detail and our focus on farm-fresh ingredients that has allowed us to continue to serve this area for so long. For an intimate meal in one of the Port City’s longest-running restaurants in Downtown Mobile, make a reservation to Noja. We have both indoor and outdoor seating in a secluded area, just steps from Dauphin Street in LODA at 6 N. Jackson Street. To reserve a table now, call 251-433-0377. Learn more about our cuisine and offerings at www.nojamobile.com or on our Facebook page.

© Hummingbird and South 2018: Reproduction without explicit permission is prohibited. All Rights Reserved. “We Put You Online So You Don't Get Left Behind.”

A cruciferous vegetable similar to cauliflower and kale, brussel sprouts often get a bad rep for their sulphuric taste and smell when overcooked. However, properly prepared brussel sprouts have a sweet, mild flavor and a handful of health benefits.

Brussel sprouts are high in nutrients and low in calories. They contain many essential vitamins and minerals as well as high levels of fiber. Certain nutrients in brussel sprouts are thought to help prevent cancer, reduce inflammation and heart disease and increase insulin sensitivity.

Vitamin K

Vitamin K is essential in promoting blood clotting and bone health. Brussel sprouts’ high levels of vitamin K increase coagulation and encourage bone growth which protects against osteoporosis. Individuals taking daily medications should consult a doctor before increasing their intake of vitamin K.

Vitamin C

Brussel sprouts contain high levels of vitamin C which aids in the growth and repair of tissues within the body. Vitamin C is important for immune health as well as iron absorption - specifically non-heme iron. Non-heme iron is the iron found in plant sources and the body does not as easily absorb it as iron from animal sources. High levels of vitamin C allow those with plant-based diets to absorb beneficial amounts of iron that they otherwise may not have gotten.

High in Fiber

Fiber is essential in relieving constipation, feeding beneficial gut bacteria, reducing the risk of heart disease and improving blood sugar levels. Fiber slows the absorption of sugar in the blood helping to regulate blood sugar.

ALA Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3 fatty acids reduce blood triglycerides, slow cognitive decline, reduce insulin resistance and decrease inflammation. The body has an easier time converting the omega-3s that are found in fish and other seafood, so those with a plant-based diet, or those who dislike seafood, need to intake more ALA omega-3 fatty acids, a specific type found in brussel sprouts, that the body can convert to the more active omega-3s found in fish.

Easy to Prepare

Brussel sprouts can be roasted, boiled, sautéed or even baked. Simply cut the ends off, mix the sprouts with some olive oil, salt and pepper, and roast them until they become crispy. If needed, remove the outer leaves of each sprout to get down to the rich green color (not darker green or yellow), as that is the most nutritious and tasty part of the sprout. Sprouts can be cut to desired thickness and added to pasta, stir-fries, used as a side dish or even added to nutritious smoothies.

Looking to try brussel sprouts but don’t want to prepare them yourself? Eat at Noja - a Mediterranean-Asian restaurant in the heart of downtown Mobile with an ever-evolving menu.

It’s Noja’s attention to detail and our focus on farm-fresh ingredients that has allowed us to continue to serve this area for so long. For an intimate meal in one of the Port City’s longest-running restaurants in Downtown Mobile, make a reservation to Noja. We have both indoor and outdoor seating in a secluded area, just steps from Dauphin Street in LODA at 6 N. Jackson Street. To reserve a table now, call 251-433-0377. Learn more about our cuisine and offerings at www.nojamobile.com or on our Facebook page.

© Hummingbird and South 2018: Reproduction without explicit permission is prohibited. All Rights Reserved. “We Put You Online So You Don't Get Left Behind.”

You may be thinking what is sustainability and how does it affect the restaurant industry?

Sustainability is the way people use resources without the resources running out. In simpler terms, it is reducing the waste of a product or implementing ways to help the environment.

Why is sustainability important?

We live in a world where environmental consciousness is a top priority. The issue of the decline of our planet's natural resources has become extremely important. With these ecological issues striking social trends, people strive to be more aware of the products they’re using and the waste they produce.

Research shows over 75% of consumers would choose a business with sustainable services over other non-sustainable industry. This is also a significant factor when deciding if you will be spending your money with a company.

Sustainability Within Noja

Our customers wants and needs are just as important as the food we produce. With our customers and staff in mind, we asked ourselves a few questions when discussing sustainability within our restaurant.

Why is it important to have a sustainable restaurant?
One major issue that causes the decline of natural resources is food waste. Think about the amount of food not used within a restaurant. They use only what they need from their products and toss the rest in the trash without thinking.

A restaurant can create opportunities to reduce food waste in multiple ways. Sustainability in the food industry can positively affect the decline of food resources in the world.

How will we implement sustainability?
When thinking of the major food waste issue within the restaurant industry, we developed a plan to help preserve products. The best way to reduce food waste is to use every ingredient completely.

From the most abundant ingredient to the smallest, every inch is used while preparing your meal. With our customer's desires in mind, we will continue to implement food waste reduction to become more environmentally conscious.

Noja prides itself on being environmentally aware while providing our guests with the most memorable experience. By using every ingredient entirely, we reduce food waste drastically. Our goal while reducing the waste of high-quality ingredients is to protect our planet and help restore earth’s natural resources. Having a sustainable process in our restaurant gives us the opportunity to make a difference in the environment. At Noja, we understand the importance of sustainability. We strive to restore the earth while bettering the lives of the Mobile community.

It’s Noja’s attention to detail and our focus on farm-fresh ingredients that has allowed us to continue to serve this area for so long. For an intimate meal in one of the Port City’s longest-running restaurants in Downtown Mobile, make a reservation to Noja. We have both indoor and outdoor seating in a secluded area, just steps from Dauphin Street in LODA at 6 N. Jackson Street. To reserve a table now, call 251-433-0377. Learn more about our cuisine and offerings at www.nojamobile.com or on our Facebook page.

Noja is a Mediterranean-Asian restaurant in the heart of downtown Mobile with an ever-evolving menu. Call us at 251-433-0377 to make a reservation today then visit at 6 N. Jackson St.; Mobile.

© Hummingbird and South 2018: Reproduction without explicit permission is prohibited. All Rights Reserved. “We Put You Online So You Don't Get Left Behind.”

At NoJa, we take pride in providing diners with a unique Mediterrasian dining experience. Our menu is seasonal and we offer the freshest ingredients so they are at the peak of their flavor. Mediterrasian dining at NoJa offers the complete farm to table experience!

Farm to table dining means we use local food that is acquired directly from the producer. Therefore, you know exactly where your food comes from. We take pride in knowing the source of our ingredients, unlike other restaurants that aren’t aware of their foods traceability. Plus, we are able to support local farmers while being able to provide the highest quality Mediterrasian food in the area.

Benefits of Farm to Table
Were you aware that there are multiple benefits of using ingredients straight from local producers? For one, farm to table produce provides a number of health benefits compared to produce at the grocery store. Other benefits include:

• Environmental sustainability
• Positive impact to the local economy
• Improves animal welfare

If you are looking for a dining experience that includes healthy, local produce, NoJa is the restaurant for you! Our seasonal menu offers something for everyone’s taste buds! To experience the farm to table difference, book your reservation at NoJa and get ready for fine Mediterrasian dining that will leave you wanting more!

It’s NoJa’s attention to detail and our focus on farm-fresh ingredients that have allowed us to continue to serve this area for so long. For an intimate meal in one of the Port City’s longest-running restaurants in Downtown Mobile, make a reservation to NoJa. We have both indoor and outdoor seating in a secluded area, just steps from Dauphin Street in LODA at 6 N. Jackson Street. To reserve a table now, call 251-433-0377. Learn more about our cuisine and offerings at www.nojamobile.com or on our Facebook page.

NoJa is a Mediterranean-Asian restaurant in the heart of downtown Mobile with an ever-evolving menu. Call us at 251-433-0377 to make a reservation today then visit at 6 N. Jackson St.; Mobile.

© Hummingbird and South 2018: Reproduction without explicit permission is prohibited. All Rights Reserved. "We Put You Online So You Don't Get Left Behind”