Panacea - Novara

Again in Novara for this new gastronomic investigation: in via Greppi, in the historic center, Watson and I investigate the Panacea bistro, in business since 2013, but which until now had eluded our surveillance. For the opening at 7.35pm (differently from what is indicated on the restaurant 's website) we enter this restaurant which consists of a single room furnished in the fashion of French bistros: large blackboards with dishes and drinks listed and tables from an old time tavern , but in a shabby chic version. Everything is characteristic, but for me, who have terrible eyesight, reading the dishes written in chalk on the blackboards hanging on the walls is a difficult task; I therefore decide to photograph them to be able to read more comfortably what the Panacea cuisine offers. Watson and I agree on the starter and first course: buffalo parmigiana and tagliatelle with sausage and pumpkin sauce: both excellent dishes even if the parmigiana should have been a little hotter. For the second course I opt for a Milan Novara in winter : a Milanese steak fried and then baked on gorgonzola cream (served accompanied by baked chips) while Watson decides for a Panacea house cutlet also It is served with a side of potatoes. The second courses, especially the Milanese, are a bit heavy: wanting to combine the meat with the zola at all costs when there is already a sauce accompanying the potatoes I found it a stretch. In the meantime, the place has filled up and the lack of soundproofing (perhaps due to the high ceiling), despite there being around forty seats, has made the room quite noisy (also due to some patrons who are not particularly disciplined). with a lemon ice cream (alas also listed here as sorbet , but what a sorbet it isn 't) which helps us in the digestion of the second course which, as mentioned, is a bit demanding. The staff is courteous and attentive, the bathrooms are tidy and the prices , finally in Novara, are correct: with a bottle of 2022 Dolcetto d 'Alba Massolino we spend €61 each. Try it knowing that the second courses are generous portions and difficult to digest. Parking: In an area closed to traffic and on street parking is a few hundred meters away. Kid friendliness: Some dishes are suitable for the little ones, but the place is a bit cramped and no, it doesn 't leave room for their exuberance. Wheelchair accessibility: Access is possible, but moving between the tables is not. Service: Dine in Meal type: Dinner Price per person: €60–70 Food: 3 Service: 4 Atmosphere: 3

Service: Dine in Meal type: Lunch Price per person: €10–20 Food: 4 Service: 4 Atmosphere: 4

Simple and friendly environment. Very nice food. Quick, efficient and friendly service. There were 6 of us and we will be back Service: Dine in Meal type: Lunch Price per person: €20–30 Food: 5 Service: 5 Atmosphere: 4 Recommended dishes: Insalata Di Mare, Cotoletta Panacea Con Patatine Fritte Con Salsa Panacea, Dolcetto

Very salty cheese and pepper. I had been warned about the raw ham variant, but I didn't expect such a borderline dish. I was sorry that, when we left the restaurant, there was a sign with lower prices compared to those displayed before lunch. Maybe it's cheaper for dinner? Well, in any case I didn't find this move brilliant. Service: Dine in Meal type: Lunch Price per person: €20–30 Food: 3 Service: 4 Atmosphere: 2

Price per person: €20–30 Food: 4 Service: 5 Atmosphere: 4 Recommended dishes: Cotoletta Panacea Con Patatine Fritte Con Salsa Panacea