Craving a Trinidad “Double”? Look no further than here.

[ 0 ] February 22, 2018 | Johnna

Spark Fry Bread

The name has changed but the chef stays the same. This is definitely a good thing at the newfound Spark, located in the same space that was formerly known as Old Engine 12. Executive Chef, Peter Prime, reigns from the twin islands of Trinidad and Tobago, which explains the Caribbean-inspired smokehouse menu. Not much has changed décor-wise, but there are many changes to report for the new menu. The top things that stood out to me were the number of goodies for the vegetarian diet and for the Trinidad Carnival lover in you. When you think smokehouse, you do not think veggies where meat tends to come to mind. Spark is changing that for the New Year, new ownership and with its new name.

Three things to try for the vegetarian and Trini Carnival lover in you:

Fry Bread. Reminiscent of Trinidad “doubles”, the fry bread at Spark is worth the trip up North Capitol alone. The traditional Trinidadian street food known as “doubles” are traditionally served with curried chickpeas and spicy flatbread. Spark changes it up a bit by serving it with three filling selections to choose from: curried garbanzo beans, coconut collards and cucumber relish. Even the most carnivorous person will want to spoon these fillings into the palatable and light bread.
The Urban Legend at Spark

Coconut Braised Collard Greens. If fry bread is not on your agenda, then you should definitely add the greens to your menu selections at some point. Sweet and spice meet in the middle on this one with the perfect stewed marriage. Try as a side or appetizer.

The Urban Legend. They had me at Pop Rocks. Being an 80’s baby, Pop Rocks were everything on the playground. At the end of my dinner at Spark, it was no surprise that I sat there staring at the Pop Rock selection box like a child trying to decide on my color. This was a serious matter. Served alongside banana beignets and Rum and Coke syrup, The Urban Legend is not your average folklore.

For anyone craving Trinidad doubles like I do every time I leave a Caribbean carnival (where they are everywhere), add Spark to your list. Though you cannot whine up on di road, you can reminisce over your last trip and use this time over dinner to plan your next one.

Tags: international cuisine, restaurant reviews, restaurants, washington dc

Category: restaurant reviews, Reviews, Various Cooking Styles, Washington D.C.

About the Author (Author Profile)

Johnna French is a Harlem NY native with deep roots in Panama, Washington, DC and North Carolina. All four places have heavily influenced her life and the foods she loves today. After graduating Howard University School of Law and beginning her life as a young professional in the city she was led to start Johnna Knows Good Food in November 2007 to keep family, friends and colleagues updated on where to go and what to eat while dining in the nation’s capitol. French, who still practices law, leads a team of three writers to cover the ever expanding Washington, DC food scene. French has been featured in print and television, appearing in Washingtonian Magazine and is a regular contributor to various local TV affiliates including WUSA 9, FOX 5 DC and WJLA (ABC Affiliate) News Channel 8. During the 2016-2017 football season, Johnna aired on Comcast Sports Mid-Atlantic (CSN) show, Redskins Life, as the weekly tailgate host. Johnna is currently a regular contributor to the FOX Baltimore Weekend morning show.