“La Parra- A Berwyn Gem”

[rating=5] Destination dining! Have you ever heard a person say I would drive an extra hour for the meal that they have at ——–? Or, have you heard people saying that they drove way out of their way BUT the meal was one of the best ever? These are restaurants that are classified as “Destination Dining”. They are not on your way or even close to where the evening plans are taking you, but the food is so good and the service so special that you will make adjustments in your evening to dine there ( providing they can get you in).

Tonight Alan, Jane, Vicki and I visited such a restaurant. While this restaurant is just two years old ( yes- it came to be during the pandemic) it feels as if they have been around forever. Part of this is that all of the owners have been part of Chicago restaurant traditions for over 20 years. Co-owners Salvador and Jose have lots of years of experience with the big boys in town as do their employees. The upbringing is Italian dining but what they have done is added the Mexican qualities and spices to bring to their tables some of the most favorable dishes one can dine on.

There menu is considered Mediterranean, but I would call it Italian /Mexican Fusion with some unique Tapas items to bring another aspect to the experience. The wine list is sensational and they do some clever cocktails. You know that when I am not drinking vodka, I tend to do an Old Fashion and they have a unique one- “smoked”. It is brought to the table under glass with smoke surrounding the glass and when uncapped, a very flavorful cocktail indeed. I must learn how to do this as it is the BEST!

As we do in many cases, instead of picking off the menu which could take hours with their selection, we asked our host, Jose to bring us a sampling of the best of the best. He promptly went to work and made certain that not one of us could ever complain that the portions were not ample. We did a number of tapas dishes, three of the many choices of entrée and two dazzling deserts.

From the tapas menu we did the fried Calamari in a diavold sauce, grilled octopus, potatoes, jalapeno  onion, sour cream and tomato mole sauce. We also had an order of Patatas Bravas ( fried potatoes with a zesty tomato sauce). We also enjoyed the Tuna Carpaccio ( chipotle sun-dried tomatoes ,crystalized garlic and a citrus soy sauce).

The main dinners were the Short Ribs a La Milanese with saffron and risotto. The meat was juicy and tender and the Risotto was “out of this world”. We also enjoyed the Gnocchi Ricotta (chicken, asparagus, sun dried tomatoes, truffle cream sauce and parmesan cheese). The third entrée was a chicken and mashed potatoes which also is available with veal ( A La Limon).

Every bite was an experience to savor. The sauces and spice form just the right touch for each of the meals we tasted. We also were able to see the kitchen area from our table and saw some marvelous looking pizzas ( I told you they are more Italian). The steaks looked magnificent as did the Rack of Lamb and the  Salads ( they have several). AHA- a reason to come back.

For desert, Jose brought us their cheese cake which was smooth creamy and light and another cake that was more like a strawberry flan as they flamed it before serving. While we were already at capacity, we managed to join the clean plate club with both of these amazing deserts.

LaParra Restaurant and Bar is located in Berwyn ( just a few minutes west of the city) at 6710 West Cermak. The phone number is 708-317-5339 and website is  www.laparrarestaurantbar.com

They open daily at  11:30 am and are open til 10 p.m. ( Friday and Saturday til 11 p.m.)

Parking is a breeze ( street parking and FREE)

NOTE: during rush hour, we made it from Northbrook in an hour ( and home in 38 minutes). As I said this is a destination restaurant and well worth the trip. The experience will be memorable for you and your party. The menu is designed that everyone will find something that appeals to them. Have fun with it! try some new things. Get a Mexican/Italian experience.

They have patio seating and have now enclosed it with heaters so that they can accommodate the patrons finding out about them.

On Wednesdays and Tuesdays they have some musical entertainment to add to the flavor.

This is a true “family” restaurant and from their family to yours, you will feel at home when you walk through the doors. In fact, you will forget everything you ever heard about Berwyn. You will be in heaven at La Parra Restaurant and Bar!