Eastside hipsters who live Downtown and in Silverlake are different from Westside hipsters in Venice, and not just in terms of hat styles and facial hair. So when I heard that Casey Lane, venerated chef of The Tasting Kitchen on Abbot Kinney, was opening The Parish downtown, I wasn’t sure if Lane’s new venture would be able to replicate the success of his Venice eatery. So far, things look promising.
Like The Tasting Kitchen, The Parish has an uber-cool bar with an array of tasty cocktails, and is a destination for many solely to imbibe. And just as The Tasting Kitchen epitomizes the casual elegance of the Westside, The Parish has nailed the urban, retro-cool and slightly dangerous vibe of Downtown. I would describe its decor as “vintage hipster chic” and speakeasy-esque.
The cuisine at The Parish is elevated British gastropub fare. On the whole it’s very good, but not yet of the level of The Tasting Kitchen. My favorite dish is the Meat Pie with Sausage, Cheddar and Mashed Potatoes. It’s served in a delicious pot-shaped crust. I also love the Sauteed Corn with Basil, Chili, Chickpeas, Dill Aioli & Pecorino, as well as the Porchetta for Two with Cider Braised Cabbage & Salt Roasted Potatoes. But several of the other things I’ve had there are just OK and the desserts are disappointing. Nevertheless, for a fun evening, I recommend checking this place out. Don’t forget your fedora.
The Parish is located at 840 S. Spring St., Los Angeles (Downtown). If you enjoy Consuming LA, please subscribe, like me on facebook and/or follow me on twitter at the top right of this page. And please forward to your friends!
Deviled Eggs
Almonds
Pot of Pickles
Marinated Figs with Basil, Arugula & Parmesan
Grilled Shrimp with Moorish Carrots, Fried Chickpeas, Cured Black Olives & Mint Yogurt
Poached Egg with Leeks, Lentils, Mustard Vinaigrette and Parmesan Breadcrumbs
Grilled Branzino with Marinated Eggplant, Pea Tendrils and Olives
Porchetta for Two with Cider Braised Cabbage & Salt Roasted Potatoes
The Bishop’s Roast (Whole Roasted Rotisserie Chicken with Chorizo, Farro and Currant Vinaigrette), served with a Growler of Black Market Contraband
Sauteed Corn with Basil, Chili, Chickpeas, Dill Aioli & Pecorino
Bread Pudding
Olive Oil and Rosemary Cake
Cool Cocktails
A dark, speakeasy vibe.
