I remember watching the smoke pillar rising up into the air when Parlour, amongst other venues, caught fire in 2011. I was disappointed, having heard great things about it, but never having been, so was pleasantly surprised when it re-opened in late 2013. It took me another eight months to get there, but I did for a Sunday lunch catch up with a friend. We had the lunch deal, $16 for a meal and glass of house wine, which is very good value in Canberra. On this occasion I chose comfort food – the pappardelle with pork belly and sofrito (which is apparently a red sauce). The pasta was handmade and silky, and the pieces of pork were tender and full of flavour, although spread a little thinly. The parmesan had a good amount of bite to it, and the glass of house red matched reasonably well. My friend ordered the calamari, which was beautifully presented but appeared to be a much smaller serving than the pasta. We were impressed by the cozy atmosphere, and were considerately seated away from the four or five other diners. Definitely one to come back to.
Parlour Wine Room, 16 Kendall Lane, Newacton Pavilion, Canberra ACT http://www.parlour.net.au/
