I recently visited The Parlour on 103 Avenue and 108 Street. My companion and I received great service and a delicious meal. As it was around five o’clock, we expected a dinner rush but the servers didn’t hesitate to make us feel welcome. We sat on the top floor and, with it being patio season, we had a nice light breeze. It was neat having a view of the downstairs where the bar and most of the restaurant buzz was happening. Definitely a place I will be returning to in the future.
Bruschetta Caesar – An interesting twist on a Caesar, this delicious cocktail is something I will have to have again. For Caesar lovers, many can appreciate the saltiness of one that’s made to perfection. This particular one completes this with crushed basil, capers, Parmesan and other herbs. A must-try for anyone looking for a salt fix!
Montelvini Pinot Grigio – The smooth taste of this wine was just what I was looking for in a Pinot. It complemented the saltiness of the whole meal with hints of pear and apple.
Calamari – This dish was awesome! The amount you receive on a plate is well worth the money and it came out very quick. It is complemented by a chipotle aioli and chilies to add a delicious little kick. They were crispy but not overdone.
“The wise guy” pizza – Pizza is the specialty at the Parlour and it was very noticeable. We chose “the wise guy,” which is topped with Italian sausage, onion, fennel, pecorino and fresh rosemary. The crust was soft and there was a plentiful amount of cheese.
Garden Gnocchi – Although this dish was very good, it wasn’t as flavourful as I was expecting from an Italian place. The bruschetta and spinach were very fresh. The gnocchi itself was very firm as it should be. It makes for a very light dish but I found myself looking for something more.
Some of the specials include $10 pizzas and half off wine to make you feel a little better about indulging. They also do group dinners in a private room for any events that you feel like being catered for. Whether you are going on a date with your significant other or have a party, you need to plan for The Parlour. It’s a great atmosphere to dine in!
– Vicki Formanski
