La Parrilla Restaurant Review
Cuisine: Italian, Spanish and Argentinean
La Parrilla is a hidden gem among the numerous restaurants and bars that line the main avenues of Oswego. Authentic Italian, Spanish and Argentinean cuisine await your taste buds, as you sit in their eclectic restaurant or out on the side deck. Truly a unique space, with the walls lined with local artwork and clothed tables, the kitchen hums merrily under the exotic music that fills the one room space. Friendly owner/chef Raymond Jock and his team of servers wait to answer all your questions and assist in picking out the right food for your appetite. From the bread plate, liberally adorned with garlic infused olive oil and a Mediterranean relish, to the fruit infused sangria, your meal begins at a leisurely pace and your taste buds slowly awaken to the adventure that awaits.
The food is delicate, comforting, and awash in flavors. The blend of the 3 cultures is evident in each dish, whether one opts for a strictly Italian, Spanish, or Argentinean meal, or samples all three in the different choices that abound.
Recommendations:
Beautiful, tender, perfectly cooked. The flavor explodes in your mouth and makes the dish come alive. True South American steak at its best. Lightly seasoned with salt, pepper and homemade sauce.
Italian dogunts. Decadant. Crisp and sugary on the outside, moist and soft on the inside. Food that lives up to and exceeds its presentation. Beautiful to look at but even better to eat. Dunking in the neutella is heaven. Seasonal. In summer dish is accompanied by local fresh fruit compote.
Perfect combination of smoky chorizo (locally made from Basco and Gears), beans placed over a bed of delicate rice. Beans have a true Spanish flavor. Chorizo takes something that is good and makes it spectacular. Comfort food at its finest.
An Italian original – outrageously moist rice surrounded by a crisp outer shell, placed delicately in a marinara and parmesan sauce. It is a fried infusion almost akin to a paella ball. Extremely unique appetizer – a must order!
Dry white wine infused with fresh orange, apple and lime slices. Crisp but not too sweet – just the right hint of subtle fruit undertones.
Marinara sauce, homemade chorizo, pepperoni and fresh mozzarella in perfect balance: the chorizo (made on the premises) has beautiful highlights with a slight infused heat that compliments the mozzarella, with thick slices of pepperoni to sink one’s teeth into. Truly an infusion of flavors – the crispness of the crust, the sting from the meat, all balanced out by the smoothness of the cheese make this an award winning charcoal crust pizza.
Most of the food is from local growers, and the menu changes seasonally, due to what is available and fresh. Chef Raymond is proud of promoting organic agriculture and supporting local growers and artisanal food producers whenever possible.
In all, a visit to La Parrilla is a joy for the senses: the eyes, ears, nose, and most especially the palette. It is worth the wait (reservations recommended) for an evening of pure entertainment. La Parrilla is open for lunch and dinner and is one restaurant that should be on everyone’s to do list when in Oswego.
Prices:La Parrilla
118 West 2nd street, Oswego, NY
315-216-4179
LaParrillaOswego.com
Reviewed June, 2011
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