PARTS AND LABOUR

Wrapping up my Summerlicious 2013 reviews is a dinner visit to Parts and Labour in the Parkdale neighbourhood.

Atmosphere: I’m on the fence about communal tables. If I’m expecting them and am with a large group of friends, they’re great. If I’m not, sharing a table can strain my introvert bubble. Seating along the bar is also available. The light fixtures, decorated with fluorescent light bulbs were an interesting fixture and added to the industry feel of the decor along with bare, painted brick walls.

Service: The service was friendly and their twitter account is well maintained. I tweeted a question about parking early in the day and had a response within a few hours. During our meal the service was okay, available when needed and otherwise unobtrusive.

Food: From the $35 set Summerlicious menu, I ordered the steak tartare to start, halibut with braised white beans, herb leaf salad and soft boiled egg for my main and the lemon marshmallow pie for dessert. I also took a bite from my friend’s order of the mackerel with dill and fennel.

The steak tartare arrived with the yolk already spread on the plate and a small serving of hand cut chips and pickles. I like steak tartare and the dish was solid. The mackerel was the more unique choice and had complex flavours with a strong dill presence. For my main, the halibut was cooked to a nice tenderness, I loved the soft boiled egg and the herb salad had a great bite to it. The beans weren’t memorable, but added a filling component that one could take or leave. My favourite course was the dessert. The lemon marshmallow pie was tangy and sweet, creamy filling on top of a nice crust.

For medium to large groups, I’d readily recommend Parts and Labour as an option in the neighbourhood. The food was on point and atmosphere was relaxed and casual. For myself, I’d like to check out their brunch menu, I just wish Parkdale wasn’t such a trek from home.