I couldn't think of a better way to kick off this new adventure than to talk about one of my favorite restaurants in the Boston area, Parson's Table (formerly known as Catch). The best way for me to describe PT is in two words- cozy and delicious.
The warm red of the walls and the rustic charm of the reclaimed wood tables paired with soft candlelight makes this small space intimate and inviting. Best of all is the bar that opens into the restaurant's kitchen. There patrons can enjoy their dinner while watching everything being carefully cooked and prepared. It's such a treat to be able to experience what is usually kept behind closed doors. Where other chefs might feel exposed, Chris Parsons and his team handle the “open office” environment with ease and panache. Those sitting at the bar see how precisely each dish is assembled and the passion in each preparation.
As for the food, I can’t say enough. I had the pleasure of sampling the Cucumber Gazpacho, Pork Belly, Pan Roasted Swordfish, Hand-Cut Pappardelle with House Lamb Sausage, and the PT Sundae. All were equally fantastic. I don’t know about you, but one of the biggest dining letdowns for me is when one part of the meal is excellent and the rest is just fair. Or, equally as disappointing, orderer’s remorse (ex: my fiancée meal was great and mine, well, was not). Inconsistency can make the difference between good and great. There is none of that at PT. From the complexity and depth of flavor in the gazpacho (and the refreshing mini cucumber ball surprises) to the melt-in-your-mouth pork belly to the fantastic balance of flavors in the pappardelle to the sweet and salty deliciousness of the PT Sundae, my whole palate was engaged in the meal and enjoyed every minute of it.
Finally the service- always friendly and attentive. The servers are so easy to talk to and completely unpretentious. They truly make dining at PT a pleasure.
Oh, and who could forget, the value! PT’s new menu boasts affordable prices (and locally sourced ingredients) that make going out for a very nice meal easier to stomach, pardon the pun, and not just for that special occasion anymore.
