La Parrillada
Shop 470
Parramatta Rd, Leichhardt
Ph: 9560 0943
Immediately as you arrive in the vicinity of this restaurant you're likely to have doubts. Parramatta Rd, Leichhardt has always been more of a transit thoroughfare than a social mecca. The restaurant itself is bordered by several pubs, run-of-the-mill showrooms and for the most part the street is incredibly barren, particularly for a Friday night. An array of neon signifies that we're at the right place.
However, the atmosphere changes as we arrive. A wonderful smell of roasting meat is released as staff saunter around the room caring for tables that house a variety of different demographics – all in a talkative, friendly mood. It’s the kind of place where you almost feel obligated to have a good time.
We order the Parrillada (Peruvian barbeque) for two that comes with a bowl of chips, salad and some pretty intimidating servings of chilli in a variety of forms, some chorizos and barbequed chicken. The waiting time is used to take in the décor, which is high kitsch almost to the point of satire. It agrees with me. I like the bar. A western should be filmed there one day.
The desert menu is offered. The suitably intriguing Lucuma Ice Cream – made with the ground powder of the native Peruvian Lucuma fruit is the obvious choice for the adventurous. I choose the Crème Volteada, while quite nice, it seems underwhelming. The Ice Cream however, is from all reports, a sublime piece of ice confection with the unique flavour that really differentiates this meal. Our waitress was impressively informative, going so far as to explain the intricacies of Peruvian microclimates. She is proud of where she works and justifiably so.
Food- Tender cuts of meat (enough for several people), some desserts that they bet you haven’t tried before enveloped by a warm, homely atmosphere and some bizarre décor. Great
Value- Excellent. We essentially shared most of the meal and at $25-30 per person it provided wonderful value with substantial servings.
Service- Never in any doubt. And knowledgeable too.
Atmosphere- Jovial but not over the top
Verdict- Definitely worth a return visit/s. 13/20
1 comment:
Yeah, you really choked not getting the Lucuma icecream - but then again, what's new? I was surprised to learn that the Lucuma was a stone fruit - it tasted like weird relative of the cacao. It was an acquired taste, like foot-play, but all the more satisfying for that. In fact, I've been tempted to go back to the restaurant and get them to sell me some!
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