Willi’s Wine Bar Return Was a Hard Decision
Iconic Stark's restaurant will rise again.
The burned remnants of Willi's Wine Bar, on the corner of Old Redwood Highway and Ursuline Road, in Santa Rosa on Tuesday, October 10, 2017. (Christopher Chung/ The Press Democrat)
7/27/2014:A1: DINING DYNAMOS: Mark and Terri Stark in the dining room at Starks Steak & Seafood in Santa Rosa earlier this month. Between 2003 and 2012, the pair opened three restaurants in Santa Rosa and two in Healdsburg, each with its own style. They plan a sixth at the former The Italian Affair in downtown Santa Rosa.
PC: Mark and Terri Stark at Stark's Steak & Seafood, in Santa Rosa on Tuesday, July 8, 2014. The couple also owns Bravas Bar De Tapas, Willi's Wine Bar, Willi's Seafood & Raw Bar, and Monti's Rotisserie & Bar, and are getting ready to open a sixth restaurant in Sonoma County. (Christopher Chung/ The Press Democrat)
Spanish Tapas at an award-winning small plates restaurant from Mark and Terri Stark in Healdsburg. Heather Irwin/PD
Spanish Tapas at an award-winning small plates restaurant from Mark and Terri Stark in Healdsburg. Heather Irwin/PD
Whole snapper at Bird and The Bottle, a new Stark Reality Restaurant in Santa Rosa, CA
http://starkrestaurants.com/ This popular spot has indoor seating and outdoor dining in the backyard, where a bar has been built. Sample from a wide variety of authentic Spanish tapas (snacks), some cold, some hot, some liquid, some not. There’s paella for two or four, and a wine list with lots of Spanish selections, including 13 Sherries. It’s a friendly, relaxing atmosphere for nibbling good food and drinking good wine with friends. 420 Center St., Healdsburg, 707-433-7700.
Grits with preserved egg, hen of the woods mushrroms, schmaltz at Bird and The Bottle, a new Stark Reality Restaurant in Santa Rosa, CA
"Craft" Mac and Cheese with mortadella and fried Brussels sprouts at Bird and The Bottle, a new Stark Reality Restaurant in Santa Rosa, CA
Buttermilk fried chicken at Bird and The Bottle, a new Stark Reality Restaurant in Santa Rosa, CA
Bird and The Bottle, a new Stark Reality Restaurant in Santa Rosa, CA
Potato Skin Fondue at Stark's Steakhouse
I have been there (go to driver) for many years, I worked my company to the top of there computer as we always drop everything to drive their customers. large parties small party one time I had to send five vehicles they are always loyal customers for our service. This is John, I appreciate all the work for Comfort wine tours, Comfort car services. formerly first class Taxi. My customers from Mayacama and all over really enjoyed there time.
Thank you for making this decision. My wife and I frequent your establishments and are never disappointed. From the front of the house to the care in preparation of the inspired dishes on your menus we are always pleased. Willi’s was always our first choice to take our friends visiting from out of town. We lived 2 blocks from there and it was a pleasant walk to and from the best bistro in Sonoma County. We’re still working through our loss and wish you both success in this new venture.
Great news. We frequent all the Stark’s restaurants and are never disappointed. But we have the biggest soft spot for Willi’s, truly a Santa Rosa icon. What a gem. Also glad to hear about the Deli, given our eastern and mid-western roots.
My wife is professionally acquainted with the Starks and from the few conversations I have had with them and other people’s comments they are a nice couple who also take good care of their staff which is one of the reasons for their success. Plus Mark is a good cook. The best meal I ever had a Monti’s was on a rare night when he was in the kitchen. I am happy for them on their success in a tough industry, glad that Willi’s is re-opening, etc., etc…
BUT!! What I am really excited about is the deli. I hope they stay true to New York style Jewish deli roots and that everyone realizes that a good pastrami sandwich cannot be had for $4.99. If I want a mediocre pastrami or corned beef sandwich I can get that at Oliver’s.
5
Could someone please utilize the old Johnny Garlic’s space on Farmers Ln???