Parallax - Tremont, OH (Cleveland)
I always love trying a new places, especially those owned by local renowned chefs. Parallax, owned by one such chef Zack Bruell, has been on my bucket list for a while so I made a reservation for one on Open Table. With a simple Asian inspired menu, Parallax delivers on taste and an energetic ambiance.
You are served bread for starters. I love how unique it was because they served a side of salt to sprinkle in the olive oil. The sea salt brought out the natural flavor of the olive oil and I was able to put as much as I wanted. It was a delicious way to start my meal.
Next up I tried the mushroom cream soup. It wasn't as creamy as I was expecting, but it had a deep woody and earthy depth of flavor that I really enjoyed. The mushrooms were puréed and mixed with a broth. It was topped with fried leeks, which was a nice addition. It cut through the richness of the broth and added a nice burst of crunchy freshness.
I don't always order a salad as my dinner entree, but when it do its because I'm trying so many different things on the menu. Tonight's main course was the frisée salad. It was no ordinary frisée salad because it was topped with pork belly and a fried poached egg. Pork belly is just damn delicious. It's pork belly! It's a fatty piece of meat that's quite delicious when prepared properly. The fried poached egg was truly the reason to order the salad. I have never had one before and it was all that you expect it to be: lightly fried on the outside with a crunchy coating, but then the yoke was perfectly runny. Just take a gander below and tell me that doesn't make your mouth water.
Overall I enjoyed my meal at Parallax and recommend giving them a try. The lively atmosphere is perfect for going on a special occasion or with a good group of friends. If you're into wine, they have an extensive wine list and will spoil you with their bottle service. They offer wine by the glass or the bottle with a few specials that are 1/2 off. They'll also offer to keep the bottle on ice if it calls for it.