Thursday, October 27, 2005

Spark Woodfire Grill Features Catering and Holiday Party Planning

Please do not hesitate to contact us at www.sparkwoodfiregrill.com for assistance in planning your Catered Event or upcoming Private Party. The restaurant can accommodate up to 300 guests. Don't forget - Online Ordering is also now available.

Monday, October 03, 2005

Justin Wine Tasting Dinner Menu

Spark Woodfire Grill’s Monthly Wine Tasting Dinner
featuring…
Justin Winery
on
Wednesday, October 19th, 2005 at 7:00pm
~
In 1981, two bankers named Justin and Deborah Baldwin moved to Paso Robles and began Justin Vineyards and Winery. With a yearning to create superior wine, to be together and to enjoy a certain quality of life, the Baldwin’s began their joint venture. While Deborah was at the helm of marketing, Justin took charge of production and together they began the massive undertaking of running a successful vineyard.


Known for Bordeaux style blends, Justin’s reputation revolves around being the leading boutique wine producer in the Central Coast by "combining Old World tradition with New World techniques". Their Flagship wine ISOSCELES is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot grown solely on estate property. Wine Spectator 2000 named 1997 ISOSCELES as the 6th Best Blended Wine in the world. Come experience these highly allocated Justin wine selections paired with our Chef’s delicious cuisine.
MENU
Thinly sliced zucchini layered and baked with imported Battipaglia buffalo mozzarella and San Daniele prosciutto
Sauvignon Blanc 2004
~
Di Gragniano pasta tossed with Maryland Blue crab and cherry tomato ragu
Chardonnay 2004
~
Sautéed filet of Venison over braised morel
mushrooms
Cabernet Sauvigon 2003/Isosceles 2002
~
Light gorgonzola flan served with olive bread
Obtuse Port
~
Individual golden "Baba" cake with light orange syrup and finely diced fresh fruit
$75.00, plus tax and service
Please call for reservations. Space will be limited.
310-277-0133

Sunday, July 31, 2005

Au Bon Climat Wine Tasting Dinner on August 17th, 2005


Au Bon Climat Vineyard Wine Master/Owner, Jim Clendenen and Spark Owner/Partner, Danilo Terribili have co-hosted several of these Wine Maker’s Dinners over the years. It is rare two such knowledgeable and organic palates come together with the intention of sharing their expertise. Wine and Spirits Magazine recognized Jim Clendenen in the Fall of 2004 as one of its "50 Most Influential Winemakers".
Please don’t miss this incredibly informative, approachable, sublime food and wine pairing!
MENU
Salad
Chilled zucchini soup garnished with chopped sauteed shrimp
Pinot Gris/Pinot Blanc (80%/20%) 2004
Pasta
Garganelli pasta tossed with sautéed Italian sausage, rapini and pecorino romano
"Hildegard" White Wine 2001
Fish
Grilled sea scallops in a pomegranate sauce served over braised radicchio and endive
Santa Maria Valley Pinot Noir 2003
Meat
Oven roasted rack of lamb with oyster mushrooms in a garlic, rosemary reduction
Sanford and Benedict Vineyard Pinot Noir 2002
Cheese
Aged Wisconsin parmesan cheese, celery and guava membrillo
Bricco Buon Natale Barbera 2002
Il Podere Dell’Olivos "Pronto" Aleatico 1994
$75.00, plus tax and service
Wednesday, August 17th, 2005
9575 W. Pico Blvd, LA, 90035
Reservations Required - 310.277.0133

Thursday, June 02, 2005

LA Times Loved Us!

CRITIC'S NOTEBOOK by S. Irene Virbila

A flash of Alto Palato's tenor
Spark Woodfire Grill on Pico Boulevard is coming into its time.By S. Irene VirbilaTimes Staff WriterJune 2, 2005Spark Woodfire Grill moved into the old Osteria Romana space on Pico Boulevard some months ago, but it's only now that the place is taking off. This is the third of the Woodfire concept Cal-Mediterraneans. There are also ones in Studio City and Huntington Beach, but this one is special.A little history: The three-story pink building opened as Osteria Romana Orsini in the late '60s. Through the years the owner brought in wave after wave of chefs and cooks and waiters from Italy. Celestino Drago started out here as a waiter. So did his brother, Tanino.Danilo Terribili, who went on to work with Mauro Vincenti at Rex, remembers that they used to grow basil in big pots up on the roof, because you couldn't buy it anywhere then. Terribili later opened Alto Palato (now closed) in West Hollywood. Now, by a twist of fate, he's back at the place where he had his first job in L.A. — as owner (with Bill Chait, who founded the Louise's Trattorias).

The place has a good look, updated and contemporary with bright pumpkin walls and jolts of color. Downstairs feels more clubby, and on Thursday nights the Wilson-Turner Collective holds forth from 8 to 11 p.m. Oh, you won't have any trouble hearing; even in this small space, the jazz musicians are amplified. On the second floor, which has its own separate bar, the music arrives muffled, stripped of juice, but it is possible to talk, always a plus.After a faltering start, the kitchen at this new Spark recaptured its mojo once Fredy Escobar, former chef at Alto Palato, took over the stoves. He's added some old Alto Palato dishes to the more generic Cal-Mediterranean menu.

Start with a classic: a thin-crusted Roman-style pizza Margherita, garnished with a light tomato sauce, a little mozzarella and a few sprigs of basil. They've also got a build-your-own option for the anarchists out there. Or go with the rich, cheesy eggplant Parmigiana or a salad of creamy burrata cheese with tomatoes and basil.Pasta dishes are deftly handled, especially the homemade lasagna layered with smoked mozzarella and Bolognese sauce. Who even makes lasagna anymore?Spark "classics" are more American comfort food, things like meat loaf, spit-roasted chicken, tri-tip, etc. Smoky baby back ribs are falling-off-the-bone tender.At the Sparks, everything is big, so you'll have to enforce your own discipline. Or take home something for the doggie. Look to the specials board for grilled Santa Barbara spot prawns, or a Kansas City bone-in steak with blue cheese if you're hankering for the steak equivalent of a cheeseburger.

The wine list has some good bottles at decent markups. The bar makes a mean cocktail. And for dessert, you can get an affogato — a cup of espresso poured over vanilla ice cream — for the road.The place is also surprisingly comfortable and welcoming. It's some place to get a supper during the week or, on Thursdays, and the weekend, hang out with friends. I suspect as Escobar settles into his new job, he'll be experimenting more with what a wood-burning oven can do.*Spark Woodfire GrillWhere: 9575 W. Pico Blvd., Los AngelesWhen: Lunch 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Mondays-Fridays; dinner 5 to 10 p.m. Sundays-Thursdays, 5 to 11 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays. Valet parkingCost: Starters, $5 to $12; salads, $7 to $13; pizzas, $12 to $14; classics, $14 to $17; chops and steaks, $15 to $29; desserts, $6Info: (310) 277-0133, www.sparkwoodfiregrill.com

http://www.calendarlive.com/dining/cl-wk-critic2jun02,2,5961394.story

Tuesday, May 31, 2005

Online Catering for Executive Meetings

Executive Online Catered Packages
(10 person minimum)
Layers of thinly sliced eggplant, melted mozzarella, basil, imported parmesan and tomato sauce. Also includes a selection of either
(1) Caesar salad or (1) Chopped salad
Minimum: 10 Orders @ $11.00 each
Choice of: - Wood Roasted Chicken, Provolone and Pancetta
- Italian Meatloaf
- Barbeque Tri Tip
- Grilled Vegetable
Grilled sandwiches are served with French fries and coleslaw. Also includes a selection of either (1) Caesar salad or (1) Chopped salad
Minimum: 10 Orders @ $10.00 per person
(Please list the number of sandwiches per your selections in the comment box)
3) Mesquite Grilled Salmon with Tarragon Dipping Sauce
Includes a selection of either (1) Caesar salad or (1) Chopped salad
Minimum: 10 Orders @ $14.00 per person
4) Oak Roasted Rotisserie Chicken
Includes a selection of either (1) Caesar salad or (1) Chopped salad
Minimum: 10 orders @ $11.00 per person
5) Mesquite Grilled Chicken Breast
Served with Sonoma goat cheese and smoked tomato relish. Includes a selection of either (1) Caesar salad or (1) Chopped salad
Minimum: 10 orders @ $14.00 per person
6) Italian Meatloaf
Includes a selection of either (1) Caesar salad or (1) Chopped salad Minimum: 10 orders @ $12.00 per person
7) "Prime" Pub Steak
8 ounce, Dry aged, tender steak served with green peppercorn sauce, Swiss chard and baby carrots.
Minimum: 10 orders @ $20.00 each
8) Lasagna di Mauro
Layers of pasta with smoked mozzarella and Bolognese meat sauce. Includes a selection of either (1) Caesar salad or (1) Chopped salad
Minimum: 10 orders @ $11.00 per person

Organic Wine Tasting Dinner

Yorkville Cellar’s Organic Wine Tasting Dinner
Wednesday, June 8th, 2005

Spark Woodfire Grill proudly presents our Monthly Chef’s Wine Tasting Dinner paired with the wines of Yorkville Cellars; the most awarded California Winery using organically grown grapes. Yorkville Highlands is home to the Randall Hill Vineyard in Mendocino and continues to set the bar for delicious organic wine made with 100% Estate grown grapes from a CCOF certified organic vineyard. A five course dinner will be prepared by Spark Woodfire Grill’s Executive Chef Fredy Escobar to accompany the Yorkville Wine selections.

MENU
Salad
Sauvignon Blanc 2003
Lightly breaded Pacific Skate Wing over baby greens tossed in a lemon infused olive oil


Pasta
Eleanor of Aquitaine (Sauvignon/Semillon) 2002
Maryland Blue Crab filled half moon ravioli with sautéed leeks and chanterelle mushrooms

Main
Cabernet Franc 2001
Richard the Lion Heart (Cab. Franc, Cab. Sauv., Petit Vardot, Malbec) 2000
Rotisserie rack of pork seasoned with fennel and garlic served with a Gruyere cheese, potato, and ham torte

Dessert
Sliced pear, Marsolina ricotta and sweet onion marmal
ade
7:00pm
$65.00 per person, plus tax and service

Space will be limited. Reservations are required.
Phone (310)277-0133 or pamela@sparkwoodfiregrill.com

Wednesday, May 18, 2005

Live Jazz Every Thursday at Spark Woodfire Grill

Pssssst…
Spark your interest in some great Jazz?
Join us at Spark every Thursday night
For LIVE Jazz and smooth tunes
With
The Wilson-Turner Collective
8pm – 11pm

The Wilson Turner Collective starring Stewart Wilson-Turner will be appearing every Thursday night on the downstairs level at Spark Woodfire Grill. Originally from Manhattan, Stewart and his musicians create that intimate, romantic, downtown feeling you may encounter walking along the streets of Greenwich Village and hear...that special sound, so you walk down a few stairs into a place which transports you with its soulful music, beautiful bar and the smell of delicious food wafting in from the kitchen. Reservations for dinner tables will be accepted, however space is limited.

Thursday Night Happy Hour
6pm – 8pm
$5.00 Appetizers
$5.00 Specialty Drinks


Spark Woodfire Grill
9575 W. Pico Boulevard
Los Angeles, Ca 90035
For more information: 310.277.0133 or
pamela@sparkwoodfiregrill.com
www.sparkwoodfiregrill.com
(On-line ordering now available)

Monday, April 11, 2005

Parading through Parador Vineyards with Steve Ventrello

Spark Woodfire Grill
9575 W.Pico Boulevard
Los Angeles, Ca 90035
310.277.0133 or pamela@sparkwoodfiregrill.com
http://www.sparkwoodfiregrill.com
Spark Woodfire Grill is honored to have Steve Ventrello of Parador Vineyards joining us to host our next Monthly Chef’s Wine Tasting Dinner. Steve is a pioneer in bringing Tempranillo clones to Napa from Alejandro Fernandes’ famous Pesquera Vineyard in Ribero Del Duero, Spain in order to create this unique blend of wine made from Cabernet, Sangiovese and of course, Tempranillo.
Thursday, April 28th, 2005
MENU
Appetizer
Parador Tempranillo “Rancho Chimiles Vineyards” 2002
Braised Treviso radicchio with Parma prosciutto and manchego

Pasta
Parador Napa Valley Red Wine 2001
Risotto with oyster mushrooms and sweet Pecorino Toscano

Meat
Parador “Reserva” Napa Valley Red Wine 2000
Parador Cabernet Sauvignon “Hossfeld Vineyard” 2001
Veal Ossobucco in a white cremolata sauce with lemon rosemary couscous
Dessert
Fresh berries and English cream
$65.00 per person
Please make your reservations as soon as possible because space will be limited.
310.277.0133
Or
pamela@sparkwoodfiregrill.com

Thursday, March 03, 2005

Terrabianca Wine Tasting Dinner



On Wednesday, March 23rd, 2005, Spark Woodfire Grill on Pico Boulevard is honored to be hosting a Terrabianca Wine Tasting Dinner. Spark Owner/Partner, Danilo Terribili has put together a special menu which he will be overseeing in the kitchen. We are also thrilled that Maja Guldener, daughter of famous Terrabianca Vintner Roberto Guldener, will be joining us to answer any questions you may have regarding their delicious wines.

“The art of making wine is the art of living. Drinking great wine is the art of
enjoyment”.
Roberto Guldener, Terrabianca Vintner

A Sojourn through Terrabianca Wines
From Tuscany with Maja Guldener

Appetizer
La Fonte 2002
Cavolo Nero bruschetta with shaved imported Parmesan and finished with Terrabianca olive oil

Pasta
Chianti Classico Scassino 2001
Maccheroni tossed with duck ragu wrapped in cabbage over a butter marjoram sauce

Meat
Chianti Classico Riserva Croce 2001
Terrabianca Campaccio 2001

Rack of lamb and sautéed oyster mushrooms in a Campaccio wine reduction

Cheese
Pecorino Toscano served with membrillo and walnuts

Dessert
Chantilly cream layered puff pastry with tangerines
$65.00 per person
Please make your reservations as soon as possible. Space will be limited; 310.277.0133

9575 W. Pico Boulevard, Los Angeles, Ca 90035
Phone: 310.277.0133/Fax 310.277.0208