Foothill Flavors

People are talking about Firewood
by Antoinette May

Now I ask you, is there any way that one could not be intrigued by a restaurant that has an axe handle for a front door opener?

Firewood is a happening place. People are talking about the new bistro in Murphys and for good reason.

The space itself is interesting—a former firehouse that’s been morphed into a trendy restaurant.

One enthusiastic patron likened the place to a medieval castle. I wouldn’t go that far. To me, Firewood Restaurant looks more like a block house. There’s an open girder ceiling, some interesting art work, a blinking ATM machine, and a large flat screen TV featuring sports, sports, sports.

The axe handles adorning the front door and staircase are innovative reminders that we’re in the land the Big Trees.

The eatery’s entire front opens onto Main Street where you can definitely feel the upscale town’s busy buzz. The balcony dining area upstairs has its own commanding view, a view that’s tailor made for discrete people watching.

Right away I loved the wood-fired pizza oven where Randall Mercado presides. On a recent Sunday evening, he and I found time for a quick chat. Randall said that ordinarily he tosses some 40 to 50 pizzas. That night he’d already made 110.

Of course I had to order one. I just couldn’t resist. The “White and Green Pizza” ($13.95) specially intrigued me. It’s made of spinach, fresh mozzarella, caramelized onions, roasted garlic and

lemon. The dough was soft yet crispy, the ingredients fresh and tasty. I loved it!

But I’m already eager to go back to try the Olive Pizza ($11.95) which consists of mission and kalamata olives, tomato, mozzarella and roasted garlic. Now doesn’t that sound interesting?

But then the menu also includes the Shrimp and Feta Pizza with tomato, eggplant and roasted garlic ($10.95) and the Prosciutto and Arugula Pizza with tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, prosciutto and fresh arugula. ($11.95). Choices! Choices!

Along with my pizza, I drank a frosted mug of Guinness ($3.75) that was a Goldie Locks choice— everything just right.

My husband, Charles, is a burgher kind of guy. On that particular evening, he got a bit exotic and ordered a Gorgonzola burger ($8.95) and was well pleased.

With his burgher, Charles enjoyed a mellow glass of Hovey Winery’s cabernet.

Firewood is the new happening place in Murphys and tends to get busy on weekends. There are no reservations but tables open up fast.

Jazmin Islas and the other friendly, attractive staff members will really work with you to provide the meal you want.

The set up is basic. You go to the back counter to place your order and pay. A server will give you a number and deliver the food to your table when its ready. Personally, I appreciate this practical unpretentious approach to casual restaurant dining.

The menu too is unfettered: a variety of pizzas, a plentitude of

burgers and a wide choice of Mexican fare. Everyone raves about the killer salsa verde and fish tacos— in fact, describe them as fabulous— so I’m really looking forward to a return visit to find out for myself.

There are also plenty of sides like onion rings, sweet potato fries and salads.

Think food served in plastic baskets, eaten with plastic utensils and on a plastic tablecloth. Everyone busy, busy, busy, serving, eating, laughing, talking. It’s called “fun.”

The owners of Grounds created this lively bistro to offer quick service, casual atmosphere, and kind to the pocketbook prices on par with their culinary flagship. Expect wood fired pizza, burgers and tacos to be presented in a dynamic new setting.

Firewood is great for groups because everyone can find something they want on the menu. Though the ambience is hot and trendy, young families will feel also home there. And everyone will appreciate the prices. Firewood is one of the best deals around.

See you there.

VITALS: Firewood Restaurant, 420 Main St., Murphys. Phone: 728-3248. Open every day from ll a.m to 9 p.m. Credit cards accepted. No reservations, but you can call in your order ahead of time.

PICTURES:

A prince among pizzas Randall Mercado is one busy guy. See him in action at Firewood in Murphys.

Jazmin Islas is fast on her feet at Firewood in Murphys.

Firewood’s warm interior says it all. The Murphys bistro is a happening place.