If you are one the unlucky people that haven’t yet tried the hot new Italian to the Surry Hills block, Parma, which offers a delicious range of modern Italian dishes inspired by the fresh produce of the ‘food heart’ of Italy – Parma then you need to remedy that instantly. Situated on the corner of Crown and Campbell Streets, the 120 seat restaurant is the perfect spot for a quick pizza at lunch, an after work aperitivo or a sumptuous dinner.
Head chef Efrem, brings his relaxed Italian style of cooking and personality to the venue. He explains: “Parma is all about creating a comfortable environment for diners to sit back, relax and enjoy some really good Italian food and wine. I’m always on hand to talk about the food and produce, and have even been known to share a recipe or two!”
To start, a range of stuzzichini or entrees are available, as well as authentic antipasto and formaggi from the deli. The pasta and risotto course includes the popular Slow Roasted Duck and Porcini Lasagne and a delicious Tarragon Tortelloni with Organic Chicken Broth and Parmesan Crisps.
Pizza is a highlight here, with toppings ranging from the spicy Diavola – Tomato, Mozzarella, Spicy Salami, Anchovies and Onions – to the delicate Verde – Pesto, Goats Curd, Roasted Capsicum and Truffle Oil. Gluten free bases are also available and all pizzas use fresh Buffalina Mozzarella from Italy.
For those looking for something a bit more substantial, main courses include the classic Saltimbocca Alla Romana, Lamb Shank and Involtini Di Pesce Spada – Charred Swordfish Rolls Filled with Pine Nuts and Ricotta, Semi Dried Tomato, Parsley Pesto and a Green Bean and Potato Salad. If there’s any room left at the end of all that, a Semifreddo Cappuccino or Torta Caprese is a must.
The drinks menu is as colourful as the food, with a range of local and Italian beers and wines including Fabiano from Verona and Sorelli sourced straight from Tuscany. Cocktails include the Parma Bellini and for something to put hairs on your chest there’s The Godfather, which comprises Scotch whisky and Di saronno served over ice.
The restaurant’s stylish interior is anything but cliché and features white washed brick walls, comfortable banquette seating around the edges adorned with colourful, playful cushions and a striking black and white feature wall displaying an artistic street scene. The open bar downstairs and kitchen upstairs provide a sense of performance for diners as they can watch all of their dishes, including the pasta, being made from scratch.
With more exciting things in the works this week will see some live entertainment kicking off with myself on the mic, and an amazing pop up market…
For further information or bookings, visit www.parmacucina.com.au or the Facebook page .
Arrnott Olssen
Editor Rogue Homme
