Syracuse is Sparky Town

The magical thing about a flame is that when you light another match or candle to share the fire, it doesn't diminish the original light.  All that is diminished is the darkness.  And so it is at the corner of Catherine Street and Burnet Avenue since Sparky Town opened a few months ago. 

Sparky Town has quickly become the "funky place to meet and eat" that owner and chef Linda "Sparky" Mortimer has envisioned for her restaurant and cafe.  Every time I've stopped in, whether it was for lunch, a cup of coffee, or dessert to go, I've run into friends and colleagues.  Sparky Town isn't just a neighborhood cafe for Hawley Green but it feels like the neighborhood place for everyone regardless of where they live.

That must have a lot to do with Sparky herself.  She has a way of making you feel as if you're a dear friend being welcomed home even if it's your first time through the door.  In between taking orders, cooking and tending to the business of running a restaurant Sparky manages to stop at each table to check in on folks and to get to know her guests.  You can probably chalk that up to her naturally outgoing personality, but Sparky's experience catering and teaching cooking classes at Williams Sonoma might also explain how she can turn out great food while making you feel as if dining there is the most exciting thing that could be happening to you.

Thanks to fellow blogger, Jill, I had the chance to enjoy a delicious lunch not too longer after after Sparky Town opened.  On one of those brightly sunny but cold days that are, for now, a distant memory, we enjoyed the Chef's Choice panini of the day made up of roast beef, caramelized onions, and gorgonzola cheese on wheat bread.  I could have gone with a healthy salad option that is a hallmark of Sparky's menu but I ordered the home fries instead--a good choice for a day when comfort food was in order.

The sandwich and friendly vibes had me feeling happy because before I knew what was happening I was ordering dessert.  There were more options than I expected--but perhaps I had forgotten that Sparky Town is not just a place for lunch but a place for good Coffee Mania coffee too.  The words, "coconut cake" were barely out of the waiter's mouth before I had said, I'll take it!"   

This cake restored my faith in finding great desserts in Syracuse.  A hint of citrus in the icebox-like cream cheese frosting and almond flavor in the cake made for a phenomenal home-style slice that took me back to my childhood.  It was so good that I proceeded to come back for individual slices in the weeks following because neither I nor my husband could get enough of it

Among other items not be missed is the Anti-oxidant salad.  The day I enjoyed this delicious mix of broccoli, tomatoes, walnuts, olives and garlic I had a head cold and runny nose.  But as God as my witness, by the time I finished lunch I was feeling better.  I felt my strength returning with every bite--or was it just the good vibes of the place?  I made a note to myself to order the full size version the next time I come in.  The Artie panini--stuffed with more good things such as artichokes, sun dried tomatoes, gouda cheese and turkey breast (this time, on sunflower bread)--had nice, clean flavors and made me feel righteous enough to, once again, order dessert.  This time, I ordered the bread pudding with Frangelico.  It was warm with a tender bite complemented by toasted pecans but I found it a touch too sweet and the Frangelico a bit too assertive. 

 

With the semester winding down my schedule will once again become my own--and when it does, I hope to get to Sparky Town more often.  If you haven't been yet, do check it out.  She's open for coffee (and scones and other goodies) early--6am Monday through Saturday--and lunch  from 11-3pm  Tuesday  through Saturday.  Sparky Town also does catering for those times when you want the spark of this special place to come to you.

Sparky Town, 324 Burnet Avenue (at Catherine), Syracuse, NY
www.sparkytown.net

Archive Alert:  On this date in 2007 I was cooking out of my Pantry Pickings

Comments

[Jill Hurst-Wahl]

My schedule is "driving" me, so I have not yet been back. But that will soon change! I'm glad Sparky's vision has come true!!!

[Sally Big Woods]

Wow! Sounds awesome. Next time I'm in the 'cuse I'll check it out! Whenever you're in Philly next, I bet you'd like Carman's: http://www.hollyeats.com/Carmans.htm

keep up the great work

[Stefanie Noble]

"With the semester winding down my schedule will once again become my own..."

Hear, hear. I plan on stopping in next week. Now I can't wait!