Mountain Views News          Saturday, December 18, 2010

GOOD FOOD & DRINK

8

 Mountain Views News Saturday, December 18, 2010 

Aficionado by Dave Hart

41st Annual Wine and Cuisine 
Tasting Event – Artist Selection:

Djbril N’Doye

Any good sports coach knows that to win, you not only have draft the 
right players, but also put these players in the right position – where the 
player is naturally talented. The Friends of the Sierra Madre Library Wine 
Tasting Chairpersons have been busy doing just that – getting the right 
players in place for their annual February event. 

De and Pat Alcorn are pleased to announce Djbril N’Doye as the 
poster artist for the Friend’s 41st Annual event. Djbril is an internationally 
recognized artist with work in galleries, homes and businesses throughout 
West Africa, the USA, Mexico, Cuba, Western Europe and Japan. 

“Djbril is a Sierra Madre resident, and has exhibited his work at our 
Friend’s Art Fair for several years “said Pat. “He’s graciously agreed to 
produce and donate his original art work for our Wine Tasting poster which 
you’ll soon see around town. And, you can purchase the piece at our silent 
auction” Pat added. 

Born 1953 into the Lebou Tribe in Senegal, West Africa, self-taught N’Doye considers his work to be 
“universal” art, his style of drawing inspired by sculptures in ebony. Previously working with standard materials 
such as oils and watercolor, after a half dozen years of experimentation and research, Djbril developed his own 
distinct technique using only ballpoint pen. After taking the ballpoint pen drawings to a very high level of 
professionalism, he began using charcoal pencil on larger surfaces to further develop his intensely emotional 
drawing style. After receiving numerous awards throughout Africa, in 1985, Djbril founded Suunu Artist’s 
Group in Bargny, his hometown, with the objective of encouraging and developing local artists, painters and 
writers, to support the Bargny Artist community. After relocating to the USA in 1995, N’Doye has devoted his 
time to developing his own exhibits. He’s actively participating in a number of Southern California galleries 
and festivals as well as speaking to students from grammar schools to college. 

The always-popular Friends Wine Tasting and Cuisine evening will take place at the Alverno High School 
Villa, 200 N Michillinda Avenue, on Friday February 18 7:00p – 9:30p. General entry tickets at a cost of $60 
will allow entry at 7:00, but Premier admission will allow 100 folk an early entry at 6:00 and include many new 
surprises. Current paid members of the Friends will receive a $5 discount off general entry when purchased 
at the library. Beginning mid December, tickets can be purchased at Arnold’s Hardware, The Bottle Shop, 
Iris Intrigue, and Savor the Flavor. You can also pick up tickets at the Sierra Madre Library, or on-line at 
sierramadrelibraryfriends.org. In addition to attending one of the social highlights of the year, you’ll enable the 
Friends to support your library services and programs. This past year The Friends of the Sierra Madre Library 
provided over $58,000 for equipment upgrades and improvements. 


Eat Well! 

The Golden Spur Rides Again!

Glendora is ten miles east of Sierra Madre and 
was founded in 1887, incorporated in 1911 with 
only 700 residents; Glendora lies nestled in the 
shadows of the scenic San Gabriel Mountains. 
Today, Glendora is one of Southern California’s 
finest residential communities and has a 
population of over 52,000. 

 How many restaurants make it 10 years? 
The fatality rate in the restaurant world is 
exceptionally high. Miraculously, I found a 
restaurant in Glendora that 
has survived over 80 years. 
The Golden Spur isn’t a 
Peter Dills discovery, but 
more like a re-discovery. 
Located on the historic 
Route 66, where the area 
residents used to be able to 
ride their horses down to the restaurant and leave 
them in the dirt parking, well the restaurant has 
been paved over and the restaurant does still offer 
the charm of bygone era. I assure you the interior 
look is modern and that the wagon wheel inside 
is just a prop.

The restaurant is full service, with bar, dining 
room and an entertainment lounge. Chef 
David Kretoviks formally of the Central Park 
Restaurant of Pasadena has taken over kitchen 
duties and transformed this once sleepy village 
restaurant into a hot destination. Out with 
the old and in with the new? Not so fast!!! 
Chef Kretoviks has added his take to the 
menu, but still has kept the charm of the 
old-time favorites. “Even down to the garlic 
bread I had to recognize that the regulars 
wanted change but a few of the favorites had 
to stay.” The menu covers all of the diners 
needs with fish, chicken, beef and pasta. 
The menu is the perfect size for the kitchen 
staff to excel. I started off with Grilled Artichokes, 
($9.95) a meal in itself. The chef tells me that they 
are in season so that is my first choice. For you 
less adventurous shrimp cocktail and crab cakes 
are another great selection. On the night that I 
was there the chef let me try Pan Crusted Salmon 
($22), pan seared Diver Scallops ($22), and the 
Grilled Bone-in Rib Eye Steak ($42.95). I must 
admit that the salmon and scallops were very 
good, I mean, very good! But, the Bone in did it 
for me, when I am at a steak restaurant; I think 
that the bone-in is a must. It adds a wonderful 
flavor to the meat. There are less expensive cuts 
on the menu including a 12 oz. New York Cut 
(22.95), that the menu describes so appropriately 
as smaller cut same great taste, and I agree. 

This isn’t your parents Golden Spur, the staff 
is exceptionally knowledge and the Spur even 
boasts a sommelier that walks to each table 
suggesting a wine to go with your entrée. He 
suggested a ruby port that went great with my 
dessert the Chocolate decadent cake.

In the mood for entertainment? Most nights 
there is something happening in the lounge. On 
my visit on Tuesday night they had Karaoke. I 
love the spur and think you will as well.

The Golden Spur Restaurant 123 E. Rte 66 
Glendora (626) 963-9302

Listen to KABC Talk Radio 790 AM for more 
dining tips, or email me at thechefknows@yahoo.
com 


TABLE FOR TWO


Win Two Tickets to the Friends 
of the Library 41st Annual Wine 
and Cuisine Tasting Event

February 18th at the Alverno Villa

Look for this Wine-Tasting Artwork in Mt. Views 
Publications now until January 31st. Answer the 
wine trivia question, complete the entry form and 
drop off at the Sierra Madre Library. 

Drawing Rules – Limited to one entry per 
person, per Mt Views publication. Winner need 
not be present to win General Admission tickets. 
Completed entry form must be delivered to the 
Sierra Madre Library during hours of operation, 
same week of publication. Drawing tickets have no cash value and cannot be 
refunded. Eligible entry form does not require a correct answer to the trivia question.


Cafe 322 - 322 W. Sierra Madre Blvd. - Sierra Madre. CA

Phone (626) 836-5414 Fax: (626) 836-5787 


What can you tell from smelling the wine?

[ ] Where the bottle was puchased

[ ] The type of grape used in producing the wine

[ ] If my bank account is overdrawn

 Name: ______________________________________ 

 Phone:______________________________________

Drop form off at the Library at 440 W. Sierra Madre Blvd during regular hours.


Specialty Online Gifts from Sierra Madre Grocery Company!

Our assortment of Gourmet Food Products make great gift giving easier and more affordable than 
ever. Gift Certificates and Holiday Gift Boxes filled with Flavorful Products are also available.

 Shop Now & Savor the Specialty of Sierra Madre Grocery Company www.sierramadregroceryco.com 


AT SIERRA MADRE PLAYHOUSE:

A CHRISTMAS CAROL 

Review by Despina Tsiknas-Arzouman

I thought this could be the shortest review I’ve ever written, 
i.e. “WOW! I was blown away! What an extraordinary show 
and tremendous effort by everyone involved -- from top to 
bottom. The dramatization of this Charles Dickens’ classic, A 
Christmas Carol (adapted and directed by Christina Harris), 
was not only visually beautiful, it was emotionally engaging, 
intelligent, and as thought-provoking as the classic film renditions 
-- except it is better because it is live theatre, and playing 
right here in our lovely Sierra Madre Playhouse!! Everybody 
should drop what they’re doing and reserve their tickets today 
for the next show.” 

However, I realize there is far more to say. For example, all 
the costuming was period-perfect as well as beautifully tailored; 
the acting was great -- especially the lead role of Scrooge 
played by Stuart James Galbraith which was nothing short 
of outstanding. Not only was the entire cast superb, but on 
opening night the director (Christina Harris) filled-in as the 
Mrs. Fezziwig character (as if she didn’t have enough to do). 
The program also included dancing, and singing, and there’s 
even little added surprise performance during one of the 
festive scenes. In addition, the entire crew has to be highly 
commended. The stage backdrop was wonderful, the lighting 
effects were well designed and perfectly timed, the stage-set 
transitions were smoothly executed, the music was well chosen, 
and the stage management couldn’t be better. I also have 
to add that not-only can I see this show become an annual 
tradition here in Sierra Madre, but I can also imagine it moving 
to Broadway. (It should).

Of course, there is also the content of the story itself. A Christmas 
Carol is a masterpiece that so eloquently tells the story of 
the trials, tribulations, mistakes, and habits-patterns of one 
man (the main character, Scrooge) that have caused him to 
become a nasty, old, scornful (but financially rich) man. We 
observe how Scrooge’s life affects the lives of other individuals 
--especially that of his employee and nephew-- and how the 
interwoven circumstances in those people’s lives (especially of 
his deceased partner and now ghostly visitor, Marley) Scrooge 
is afforded the opportunity to change the course of his thinking 
and life from the downward spiral of light-losing anger, 
meanness, exclusiveness and of course ‘humbug,‘ and redirect 
his efforts in an upward-wending direction; in which he practices 
care, lovingness, thoughtfulness, and true consideration 
and assistance in supporting the real needs of others. 

Lastly, because I endorse the credo of full disclosure, it is necessary 
to reveal that Director Christina Harris has been a client 
of mine -- BUT I assure everyone that that fact has not 
swayed my review of her “blew-me-away” play. And, in fact, 
this just goes to show . . . any one of us might find ourselves in 
the presence of someone and never realize the potential greatness 
“hidden” in the depths of their character. 

A Christmas Carol is currently playing through December 23 
at the Sierra Madre Playhouse, 87 W. Sierra Madre Blvd, Sierra 
Madre, CA 91024. For reservations call (626) 355-4318, or visit 
online ticketing at www.sierramadreplayhouse.org . All seats 
are $23 each (or groups of 12 or more, $20). This show is the 
ideal holiday family entertainment. 

Mark Charlotta (l.), Stuart Galbraith 

Photo Credit: Ward Calaway