Since first opening in its Studio City location in 1999, the Zagat-rated Spark Woodfire Grill has consistently hit all the necessary and notable fine dining lists. Though eating here has always been surprisingly affordable given the quality of the cuisine and the elegance of the Osvaldo Maiozzi-designed interior, Spark has got downright economic thanks to its recently introduced "Lets Do Lunch" menu which features 10 items for $10 or less.
A personal Spark fave is the Fork & Knife Salad ($9), their version of the classic wedge. With no tacky bacon bits in sight, it goes above and beyond the average wedge with candied walnuts, diced tomatoes, fresh chives, red onion, and the most delectably tangy bleu cheese adding pizzazz to the obligatory iceberg and cream-based dressing. Also recommended is the 1/2 Wood-Fired Roasted Chicken Breast Sandwich, which comes with your choice of soup, caesar or chopped salad on the side ($9). Both wash down nicely with a glass of the Redwood Creek Sauvignon Blanc (one of several excellent wines on the menu for $6 per glass).
Lunch runs from 11.30 AM through 3 PM. If you're looking to dine a little later, Spark's "Happy Hour" is also worth checking out. Kicking off at 5 PM, with last orders at 7PM, it features 1/2 price beer, wine, well drinks and specialty martinis, and an appetizer menu with items that range from $3 to $6.
The Breakdown
Fork & Knife Salad or 1/2 Wood-Fired Roasted Chicken Breast Sandwich w/ Soup or Salad $9
Wine $6
Tax $1.46
Tip $ 3.00
Total = $ 19.46
Added value celebrity sighting:
With George Clooney's Fryman Canyon home being but a stone's throw away, there's been several sighting of the Oceans Eleven sophisticate at this establishment in recent times.
Get the 411: Spark website
11801 Ventura Blvd.,
Studio City, CA 91604
Tel: 818.623.8883
(Additional locations in Beverly Hills and Huntington Beach.)
