The neighborhood of Parkdale is peppered with culinary successes. Just like Grand Electric and The Rhino, Parts & Labour has become a staple of the area, frequented by the West End folk, while surrounding units and stores remain closed and/or cluttered.
The Parts & Labour menu is mostly tapas style, with enough options for vegetarians and those who want to mow down solo. Prices are reasonable based on portions and taste – I would recommend sharing so you can experience as many dishes as possible. If you’re not feeling it, opt for The Parts & Labour Burger – a dish the resto has become so known for that they recently opened a burger shop (P&L Burger) on Queen West at Augusta.
Parts & Labour is a favourable option when booking for a large group – often a pain point in the city’s hot spots. Each table can accommodate up to 14 people, while smaller parties are left to mingle at arm’s length. Do not expect to grab a table for drinks sans nourishment however, the group policy states a $25 minimum per person (loosely followed as long as you order some food.) Warning: Despite P&L’s easy breezy group accommodation, they will not split the bill. Sigh.
As for the tapas options, I have only good things to say – the vegetable dishes were each hearty, unique and delightful. I imagine those not tested by us – squash risotto and leek soup – are just as satisfying.
Pictured:
Roasted cauliflower, pumpkin seeds, salsa verde. $10
P&L Salad, kale, broccoli, celery, radish, zucchini, chilli, bread crumbs, pecorino, lemon, olive oil. $9
Grilled broccolini, black sesame seeds, pecorino, fried egg .$10
The meat section of the menu includes some interesting options, such as fried sticky pigtail ($12) and grilled beef tongue ($12). Others include buffalo duck confit ($14), bone marrow ($14) and flat iron steak ($15). The seafood options include grilled octopus ($14), seared scallops ($15), roasted mackerel ($13) and maple glazes roasted halibut ($15).
Pictured:
The Parts & Labour Burger, 7 ounces of Canadian brisket (ground daily), dill-mayo, bacon-onion jam, iceberg lettuce and Monterey Jack cheese on a toasted Blackbird Baking Co. milk bun. Served with fresh cut fries. $15
Roasted mackerel, ground black sesame, black garlic, burnt cabbage, charred cucumber. $13
Since our dinner was in celebration of nut Jess’ birthday, we were lucky enough to end the evening with the dessert to conquer all desserts – the SUPER doughnut. Yes, it’s as perfect as it sounds – a fresh cinnamon and sugar coated doughnut with ice cream, whipped cream, cookie crumb, crushed meringue and strawberry preserve. The small version serves 1 to 2 people at $12 and the large serves 3 to 4 at $20 (can also accommodate 8 people, as we proved some weeks ago.)
In a nutshell, I recommend P&L for its hip vibe and great menu options. They also serve brunch on Sunday from 11am to 3pm, which 3 of the nuts recently tried, and, as expected, the food was scrumptious (although it’s a smaller menu with less veggie options, but perfect if you want to avoid the ritual brunch line-ups.)
Lastly, I will mention that P&L’s facility also includes a dance “cave” in the basement, playing R&B through the night, allowing restaurant goers to filter in and out. Be sure to get a stamp prior to 11pm at the front door to avoid a cover charge, if you opt for this plan. The music was not exactly my cup of tea, but new Beyoncé was played more than once, so I have nothing to complain about.
More on the Parts & Labour website.
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