Vegan Girl: Oui Oui Parigi

by Melissa Brenner

As the plus 100 degree weather continues in our fair state, so does my search for food suitable for the insane heat wave that satisfies my palette.

Even though my scheduled dinner companion stood me up (yeah, you know who you are), I was not left wanting for good company and conversation. One of the greatest things about Parigi is the staff. I was pleased to dine with Diane at the bar while being entertained by Dino polishing the espresso machine in the most sinful manner. (Special thanks to both of you for being so amazing). Dino’s other talent is making sinfully delicious cocktails, which is just what a girl needs to cool off on a hot summer night. 

This night’s cocktail of choice was a perfect mixture of Pear Vodka, St. Germain (my favorite) and Prosecco.  I would have asked them to name it after me, but the last time I had a drink named after me it was a BAD night (courtesy of the presently missing dinner companion).

The other great thing about Parigi is the food. While chefs Janice and Chad are happy to whip up something vegan for you, I had my heart set on the Stuffed Portabella Mushroom piled high with fluffy quinoa, peas, carrots, parsnips and spinach. I just love quinoa and wanted to make sure I had the chance to enjoy this entrée before the menu changed. Other items on the menu that are easily veganized are the Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad with marcona almonds, scallions and a cider vinaigrette (sans the bacon) and the Arugula and Pear Salad with candied pecans, shaved red onion and raspberry vinaigrette (sans the Roquefort).

Parigi is well known for their use and support of local farms and businesses. Their use of local ingredients really comes through in the flavor and perfect balance of the dishes, which are rotated for seasonality and availability. It contributes to your feeling that you got exactly what you needed, the rest of that comes from the great staff, regular customers and atmosphere.

This spot is truly living up to the tag of “a neighborhood bistro” in all the right ways.

So, run on in, eat some great food, introduce yourself and tell everyone I said “Hello”. If you’re there on a Tuesday night, you’ll be lucky enough to catch Diane. If you’re really lucky you’ll catch Dino polishing the espresso machine.