The Parish English Gastropub || 7/31/12

There's a new kid on the block and he's definitely come to play...

Housed in the old Angelique Cafe in a building reminiscent of the Flatiron in New York, Executive Chef Casey Lane (The Tasting Kitchen) has done the seemingly impossible... transform basic British pub fare into insanely delicious fine dining.  The Parish, easily one of the most anticipated new restaurants in DTLA is now officially open and serving up an assortment of shareable bites that are each as good as the next.  My only complaint? Not having a big enough stomach to try everything in one night!

When one enters this establishment from the seemingly quiet street, you're met with a simple exposed kitchen and an array of outdoor patio seating.  It's bright and lively and full of excitement.  There you're greeted by a hostess toting the latest in restaurant technology who checks you in via iPad and points your way up the staircase to a tastefully lit bar complete with sexy silver beer taps.  Once you've settled in and ordered a cocktail or two, it's just a quick jaunt to a candlelit table ready to be filled with sweet and savory dishes that will completely redefine your idea that the Brit's know nothing about food.

Funny that it takes a Texan to cook amazing British food!  That is of course until Gordon's The Fat Cow opens up at the Grove.  Seriously can't wait for that showdown to happen!

POUTINE OF FRIED OYSTERS (15)

Fried anything covered in gravy is excellent. Just be sure to order something extra to be able to sop up all the leftover gravy!

FRIED OLIVES & CHICKPEAS (5)

This one was just OK.  A very good bar snack and something I'd totally order again if I were grabbing a beer or two...

DEVILED EGGS (6)

Nicely whipped eggs with Creme Fraiche for an even richer texture, they're topped with a smoky paprika and an excellent tomato jam!

WOOD-GRILLED BONE MARROW (15)

Just make sure to order a shot of sherry as well for a little Bone Luge action! The pinch bowl of sea salt was an extremely nice touch and the celery salad truly refreshing.

GRILLED CORN WITH HONEYCOMB BUTTER (6)

As crazy as it is, if there's just ONE thing to order it's THIS.  Honestly the honeycomb butter is phenomenal and we seriously could have slathered it on anything and been happy. Just amazing.

MOJAMA WITH DUCK EGG, TRUFFLE & POTATOES (16)

Salt cured dry aged Tuna belly? And then topped with a fried duck egg? Why yes please!  This dish does have a lot of salt, so be prepared, but once you take a bite you'll be happy you did.

FRIED CHICKEN WITH GRILLED PEACHES, TOMATOES AND CURRANT VINAIGRETTE (23)

Juicy and tender chicken surrounded by a well seasoned crust, the real winner of this dish was the juxtaposition of the savory chicken with the sweet & smoky flavor of fresh peach and sour vinaigrette.

FRIED FROGS LEGS WITH BREAD & BUTTER PICKLES, JALAPENO SLAW & GRIBICHE (14)

Tastes just like chicken... these are some of the biggest jumper legs I've seen and they lived up to the image.  The pickles and jalapenos added a nice crunch and the gribiche sauce melded everything together perfectly.

MEAT PIE WITH BRAISED PIG HEAD (20)

Told by my friend "The Meat Pie will change your life." It certainly redefined my idea of what could be done to elevate a traditionally simple dish!

STICKY TOFFEE PUDDING (7) & ELVIS GOES TO SUSSEX (9)

And finally onto dessert.  The toffee pudding was superb while the Elvis left me wishing that the piles of white stuff on top were ice cream and not fluffy whipped cream. 

The Parish
840 S Spring St
Los Angeles, CA 90015
(213) 225-2400
http://www.theparishla.com/