Parish in the South End? God Bless America!

1) the state of this blog is pathetic. Come on Birch D-ers -- for the amount of food we eat and like -- write something witty and entertain me and Schmat!

2) I am guilty as well so I am now posting.

3) I like to make lists.

Okay so..something amazing has happened in the South End neighborhood of Boston. A few months ago I drove down Mass Ave with a friend of mine (who was still new friend at the time, so somewhat shocked by my enthusiasm for this small piece of news) and stopped him mid sentence and yelled "Oh My God!" in response to a sign in an empty storefront window..."Parish Cafe...Coming Soon."

For those of you who know us or have read Schmat's past blog post (see Wedding Edition), Parish Cafe is one of the best places to eat in Boston for something good and casual. It's all sandwiches all the time and you know how much we like sandwiches. It was on my "pro list" when I thought about returning to the Commonwealth from the Empire State.

Let's be clear. It is no Roma's - these are somewhat fancy sandwiches. But they are awesome. My two favorites are the Zuni Roll (turkey rolled up with havarti and bacon, served warm with a little cranberry sauce or something you dip it in) and the Regal Regis (marinated steak and mushrooms on french bread). Each sandwich is created by a local chef here in town and served with your choice of potato salad or cole slaw. Oh and when they have it - the Flour BLT is f-ing awesome.

The current Parish is located in Back Bay on Boylston Street. It's not too far from here and it's been good to us over the years. But now to have one located seriously 5 minutes around the corner from my house...it's just more than I could ever ask for.

Rose and I went last night to finally try the new digs. The space is fine - open - and it looks like the windows will open garage style (a la the icehouse) in the summers. The staff...was confusing...but fine. And the food (Rose = Zuni Roll + potato salad; Julie McCoy = Regal Regis + cole slaw) was excellent. Rose was a bit concerned about the cheese in her sandwich but I am happy to say Parish II seems to be off to a good start. We lived on the edge and started with onion rings - a new addition to the menu - that came with an aioli of some kind. They were greasy and good.

Rose and I wrapped up by 9 and I was home in bed and asleep by 10. Another perfect Friday night as far as I am concerned.

So that's it. Parish in the South End! Makes the election of Scott Brown ALMOST tolerable. It's been a heckuva week, folks.