Usually, the only two words you need to hear to drive to Napa are “chard” and “cab.”

Here are two more: Iron Chef. As in, Masaharu Morimoto, who opens Morimoto Napa tomorrow in the Riverfront development downtown.

Of course, there will be fresh fish flown in from around the globe. But for his first West Coast venture, Morimoto’s also sourcing local ingredients and introducing new menu items: fig tempura (foie gras-infused chunky peanut butter sauce), Duck Duck Goose (local duck five ways, gooseberry sauce), pork chop and applesauce (miso-marinated pork chop, warm bacon kimchi).

The dramatic dining room mixes modern with traditional: wrought-iron chandeliers, a wood-textured concrete bar, alfresco seating overlooking the Napa River.

And, it turns out, the Iron Chef is into beer: He’s brewing his own on-site. There’s even an extensive sake list. Are you in the car yet?

Morimoto Napa, 610 Main Street, at Fifth Street, Napa (707-252-1600 or morimotonapa.com).

Photo: Peter Hopper Stone

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