Spagio

Spagio's is a Grandview staple. It was there before Grandview became a restaurant Mecca. Originally known as the Gourmet Market, Chef Hubert has never let any grass grow under his feet with Spagio. Spagio is always changing, evolving, and growing, both in space and offer, which is a real testament to Hubert's skills as a chef, and as an entrepreneur.

There has always been a strong German influence here, as Chef Hubert is from Germany. But that offer expanded to pan-European, and now includes even Pacific Rim cuisine. And a real specialty of the place is wood-fired pizzas, which are served both in Spagio and its adjacent wine store, Spagio Cellars. The wine store is actually pretty interesting as they seem to use a different wholesaler than say Carnardo's or The Twisted Vine, and hence they have a different assortment.

In addition to the restaurant and wine store, Spagio offers catering, cooking classes, a great bar, live music - you name it, Spagio does it. They just keep adding things, and it's all good. Hubert just keeps experimenting until he gets new things to work.

Spagio the restaurant serves a big brunch crowd on the weekends, and features omelettes, Stuffed Butter Croissant French Toast, and Eggs à la Maison - Black Forest ham and poached eggs perched atop freshly baked brioche and topped with Hollandaise sauce au gratin. Spagio in general features lots of dishes with great tasting sauces and gravies (maybe that German influence again).

Lunch can be sandwiches, a (typically elaborate) salad, or a substantial main course of meatloaf, chicken pot pie, Spatzle with Gruyere, or a daily seafood special. Their Niçoise Salad is excellent, one of the best in the city - mostly crunchy vegetables and tuna and egg as opposed to leafy salad. And their frisee is different and special, and reason alone for going to Spagio.

But dinner is where Spagio shines. They have a very loyal repeat customer base, and the place can really be rocking on a Friday or Saturday night. Big bar, music, and lots of people partying.

The dinner menu adds a lot of seafood and roasted meat dishes. But the salads are still there, the pizzas are there, and there is also a gluten free menu, and a section 4ZKids. There aren't many business opportunities that have gone unnoticed.

The restaurant itself is a little quirky, and a lot larger than it look like from the outside. Just as the printed menu displays a lot of creativity and personality, so does the dining room. There are huge wall paintings, mostly of people partying, and upside down umbrellas hanging from the ceiling. It's all whacky and playful - you're supposed to have fun here!

Spagio is a Grandview institution with creative cuisine, and something for everyone. The food is delicious, the atmosphere delightful, and the prices are modest. A winning formula that explains the crowds.