Dining at Elmwood at Sparks
Elmwood at Sparks
After we arrived at Holladay House Inn, we knew where we wanted to get dinner. In October we had come to Orange, Virginia to celebrate our anniversary and had eaten at Elmwood at Sparks Restaurant. So we knew how good it was and looked forward to another great meal.
Just as before, we made last minute reservations through our bed and breakfast, Holladay House Inn. With little notice, we were able to get in within minutes, even though they were very busy. We are even able to sit at our original table as we had for our anniversary. We were greeted by the waitress that helped us before and remembering her name I greeted her with it. She was surprised that I remembered. I have to say our last visit had been such a wonderful delight that it wasn’t hard to recall those that made it so good. Kristen got our drinks and allowed us time to read over the menu.
Kristen
Elmwood at Sparks
We quickly knew just want we wanted. I ordered a starter of Shrimp and Parmesan Grits with Shallots, Herbs, Tomatoes and Chardonnay Butter, which I enjoyed the last time I came and a Filet Mignon with Wild Mushroom Risotto and Roasted Vegetables. Brett ordered the Creamy Mushrooms and Penna Pasta Roasted Red Peppers, Parmesan, Belchamel, Basil Pesto and Toasted Pine Nuts which he had the last time as well.
Shrimp and Parmesan Grits with Shallots, Herbs, Tomatoes and Chardonnay Butter
Filet Mignon with Wild Mushroom Risotto and Roasted Vegetables
Creamy Mushrooms and Penna Pasta Roasted Red Peppers, Parmesan, Belchamel, Basil Pesto and Toasted Pine Nuts
As we waited for our starter, the Chef Cooper peeked out from behind the counter which was very close to our table and asked us how our Bed and Breakfast was coming. We were very surprised since we had only been there once before and were not local residence or business. How wonderful that he remembered!
The food was out of this world as it had been before. After we finished we ordered a single dessert of Crepes with Maple Butter Sauce and Pumpkin Ice Cream. As we finished, we spoke to Kristen and enjoyed the very special customer service she offered. We left wishing that they were closer to us so we could enjoy their wonderful food, gracious customer service and warm atmosphere more often.
Crepes with Maple Butter Sauce and Pumpkin Ice Cream
The Sparks Building is a historic two and one half story Federal period commercial and domestic building that was built around 1830 for James Forbes. There has been some exterior alterations with include the construction of modern store front; the Sparks Building still retains much of its original material. The Sparks Butchery & Deli was located on the west side of the building in 1902.
When Chef Randy Cooper opened Elmwood at Sparks, the cafe had formerly offered a deli menu. Executive Chef Randy Cooper was trained in classical French and New American cuisine at Johnson & Wales University. Over the past fourteen years Chef Cooper has worked in many prestigious restaurants including Vista Verde Guest Ranch in Steamboat Springs, Colorado as Chef de Tourant; Boar’s Hear Inn as Chef de Cuisine; Ivy Inn as Sous Chef; Glenmore Country Club as the Fine Dining Chef, and most recently, as the Executive Chef of the Grille at Prince Michel Vineyards, receiving the coveted Four Diamond AAA rating.
Looking for those who are dedicated to natural and sustainable farming and seeking the best of local ingredients, Chef Cooper has quickly made Elmwood at Sparks a local favorite. Using his southern heritage along with his training, Chef Cooper will frequently change his menu to reflect the season and availability. Chef Cooper also showcases his ability to sift from a casual lunch stop to a fine dining restaurant in the evening. It is the evening menu that Chef Cooper culinary skills shine.
www.elmwoodcatering.com
Whether Chef Cooper is offering a lunch menu, dinner menu or a catered event, according to his web site he stands by his philosophy that “It’s all about the food – whether customers want to grab a quick sandwich to take back to the office or dine here. Using the best products, I use my menu to offer quality dishes.”
The food and restaurant look excellent. Wish I could go there!
You can. Just jump in the car… 😉
Yah well… Perhaps next time my wife and I go to Mechanicsville to see her daughter we could go but I have no idea how far that is. Colonial Williamsburg is about an hour or less away from Mechanicsville. 🙂
Orange is closer to Charlottesville than Williamsburg.
Oh my gosh you’re making me really hungry. Great culinary photos!
Thank you! It was really good!
Oh! Drooling over the food. Nice blog, too.
By the way, thanks for dropping by to my blog http://jamesvahn007.wordpress.com/. Most appreciated. Take care.
You are so welcome! We hope to see more of your blog in the future! I have to say the food was out of this world! I just wish it was closer to us now so we could go more often! Thank you for stopping by!
Yeah. I can see it through the presentation and all that. Thanks, too, for stopping by.
🙂
Love the shrimp! Jealous… 😀 keep em coming! 😉
Thanks for givin some love on my post!
Love,
Grace
You are so welcome! We hope to see more of your blog in the future! Yes, shrimp and grits are my favorite comfort food! Thank you!
Thank you, and yes I agree with ya! 😉
Hugs hugs!
Hugs back at ya!
Delizioso!
Yes I have to agree! 😉
Looks really good. I waited until after I ate to look at the post :-).
I am so glad! Every time I post something to do with food, I always hear how I made someone really hungry. Thank you!
Those crepes look fantastic! thanks for liking my blog!
You are so welcome! We hope to see more of your blog in the future! They really were so good! Thank you for stopping by our blog too!
thank you for all your likes
You are so welcome!
Shrimp and grits. Real southern comfort food!
Yes! I totally agree!
That first photo is beautiful. It truly captures the essence of the holiday season — it’s cold outside, c’mon in! 🙂
Thank you! Believe or not, but it was one that I just snapped as we were walking back to the bed and breakfast. It caught my eye.
Thanks for the like from another Dusk to Dawn theme fan!
You are so welcome! We hope to see more of your blog in the future! Thank you so much for stopping by!
Holy Shrimp and Parmesan Grits, Batman! This is going on my bucket list.
Haha I love your comment! It made me smile today! I would highly recommend the shrimp and grits!
I detect some serious looking delicacies in that thar place.
Yes, I have to say you are so right!
My brother recommended I might like this blog.
He was entirely right. This post truly made my day.
You cann’t imagine simply how a lot time I had spent for this information! Thank you!
You are so welcome! I am so glad you enjoyed it! I hope you find other posts just as much fun to read! Thank you so much for stopping by!