Restaurant Reviews
Parker House's new owners doing the right thing
LYDA BARSH
Fall 2008 |
The antipasto plate ($8.50) could feed one or two people as an entrée. There was plenty of salami, capicolla, grated Parmasan, black olives, and warm grilled eggplant, zucchini and peppers served on a bed of greens and with grilled pesto bread.
Parker House is located in a beautiful old home on Elm St., and it has a warm and cosy ambiance. Coffee beans are roasted once a week on the premises, and this gives the rooms a delicious aroma. There is jazz playing in the background, but the music isn’t loud so there is no need to shout across the table.
For many years, Parker House was one of my favourite places. But I could never get accustomed to the way guests had to stand in line to order when they walked in. This fast-food style type of ordering was confusing and awkward for newcomers.
I had a few other experiences at Parker House over the years that were less than hospitable. I had not been there for two or three years.
There are new owners at Parker House, Lora Mazzonna and Michael Ritchie. I am delighted to report there is wait staff during the dinner hours who come to the table to ask guests what they would like to eat and drink. (Guest still order at the kitchen window for lunch.)
The dinner menu changes slightly every day. Appetizers, all priced under $8.50, include a smoked salmon plate, and escargot in butter served with a toasted garlic panini.
I had gone meatless for several days, so I couldn’t wait to try the stuffed pork tenderloin with peach sauce as my main course. Three slices of pork were served with roasted mini red potatoes and a spring green salad ($12.95). Stuffed pork tenderloin is one of my favourite comfort foods, and I would order this again.
My companion, who orders fish whenever he can, ordered the broiled salmon fillet coated with a mixture of tarragon, honey and Dijon mustard and served over rice.
He said it was as good as the salmon dish he makes, which is high praise. This means it was seasoned and cooked to perfection.
Our friend Sue ordered the pork and agreed with my assessment. Ralph ordered the penne in vodka sauce. He’s an Italian and knows pasta. He said it was good but he was less enthusiastic than the rest of us were about our meals.
The men had carrot cake for dessert, and the ladies got a taste. The carrot cake had a delicious whipped cream cheese frosting.
We were delighted with our meals, which cost $68 for two, and included lots of wine, a cappuccino, coffee, and one dessert. We closed the place at around 11 pm, and promised to return.
Parker House, 259 Elm St., 674-2442
Open for breakfast Saturday and Sunday from 10 am to 2 pm. Lunch
is served daily (closed Mondays)
from 11 am to 3 pm. Dinner is served Tuesday to Saturday from 5 to 8 pm.
RATED 4 FORKS OUT OF 5
