Here are 10 things to know about the beach villa installation at Downtown's NOCO Park
EVANSVILLE - NOCO Park has put on its summer outfit and is hosting visitors with new entertainments and a new menu through Oct. 21. Here is how to enjoy it.
What is NOCO park?
NOCO Park is an outdoor/indoor space on Third Avenue in Downtown that opened in the summer of 2021. It’s part restaurant, part lounge and part art installation. The outdoor spaces are being utilized only for the time being, and the theme changes seasonally.
What’s the summer theme?
NOCO Villa is a beach village theme with a South-of-the-border feel. There is a large sand area, a palm-covered hut with dining tables, lots of tropical plants, more tables with shady umbrellas, wicker furniture, a pavilion bar with rugs and upholstered seating, games, even a rope swing set.
Wow, doesn’t building that take a lot of effort?
Yes, it does. Owner Nicole Pinedo reported that it took two full months to build and install the summer-scape, after removing last winter’s ski chalet installation. Everything is made to be taken down and stored. One Main Financial helps with corporate sponsorship.
Where does the food come from?
NOCO park has their own food truck now, called NOCO Kitchen, and the food is prepared there. The menu will rotate to match the concept. This summer’s menu evokes a beach feel. Everything is made fresh in small batches.
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What’s on the menu?
Pinedo is from Bolivia and has added some Bolivian specialties she’s fond of. The chicken empanadas are a fried pastry packet filled with chicken, potato, egg, olives and onion and are served with a spicy aioli or salsa. Fresh guacamole is served with plantain chips.
Mexican food is represented with Elote or corn the cob coated with cotija cheese and Valentina brand tajin seasoning.
There’s even a burger for people who like to stick to the known path.
For dessert, have a churro sundae with either dulce de leche caramel or chocolate sauce.
What about drinks?
Non-alcoholic drinks include creamy horchata and aguas frescas made with hibiscus simmered with pineapple or the Palm Springs house blend with strawberry, pineapple and mint. Cocktails include a mojito, margarita, mai tai, sangria and paloma.
Can I just walk in?
Maybe, but don’t count on it. Reservations are made ahead for visitors to stay in 90-minute blocks. Go to the website to reserve a space that is adequate for the size of your group, and to order your food, which will be ready when you arrive.
You may order additional food when at the table. If there are open spaces and time before the next scheduled group arrives, walk-ins will be accommodated. There is a $10 per person entry fee, so if you have not reserved online this will be added to your food bill.
What is there to do besides eat?
There is a ping pong table and groups are welcome to bring board games, and there are tons of photo ops, which is a big part of Pinedo’s interactive installation philosophy.
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Can I bring kids or pets?
Kids, yes. Children 3 and under get in free. Pets, no.
Can I rent NOCO for a private event?
Yes. Visit the website at nocopark.com or email hello@nocopark.com for more information.
NOCO Park
Location: 163 S. Third Ave.
Phone: 812-633-3315
Hours: Thursday - Saturday, 6-10 p.m. Tickets are for 90-minute stays.
Website: nocopark.com; facebook.com/nocoparkdowntown
This article originally appeared on Evansville Courier & Press: NOCO Park presents beach villa and restaurant in Downtown Evansville
