A few weeks ago Kevin and I joined his parents for dinner at Parkers’ Restaurant and Bar in Downers Grove. The restaurant is located right off of a main highway next to office buildings so can seem unassuming from the outside, but we were all pleasantly surprised and thoroughly enjoyed our experience.
When we first sat down we were pleasantly greeted by our server who went over the night’s specials with us. Our service was great throughout the entire meal. Kevin started his meal with a bowl of Lobster Bisque which was served non-traditionally with a lobster ravioli instead of plain lobster meat. He thought the bisque was good, but not that best he has had. I unfortunately forgot to snap a picture of his soup so you’ll have to use your imagination.
For our entrees we each ordered something different. With a menu focused on seafood, I selected the Pan Roasted Jumbo Gulf of Maine Sea Scallops which were served with Brussels Sprouts and Potato “Colcannon”, English Peas, Red Pepper, Pea Shoots, and a Grain Mustard Reduction. The scallops were sweet and cooked perfectly and paired deliciously with the mustard reduction. I also loved the Brussels and potato combo and had no problem finishing my entire plate!
Kevin’s mom chose one of the specials for the night which was a Cedar Plank Grilled Halibut served with Charred Lemon, Garlic Sauteed Spinach, Mashed Sweet Potatoes, and a White Wine-Lemon Butter Sauce. She let me try a bite of her fish which had great grill flavor from the cedar plank.
His dad went with a more casual option of the New England Lobster Roll which was accompanied by Coleslaw and Sweet Potato Fries. A pretty standard lobster roll made with Hellmann’s Mayonnaise and Fresh Lobster Meat, but delicious nonetheless.
Kevin went the non-seafood route and ordered one of their specialty dishes – the Charcoal Grilled Center Cut Pork Chop with Sweet Potato Fries, Blue Cheese, Arugula, and Apple-Cider Grain Mustard Glaze. The pork chop itself was nice and thick with a pink center. Kevin enjoyed his dish, but was expecting a little more since it was labeled as one of the signature items.
We were celebrating Kevin’s mom’s birthday that night so we decided to order several different desserts to try. Since we had just come back from Key West, we had a taste for Key Lime Pie. This version was served with an Italian Meringue and Raspberry Sauce. The pie was perfect tart with a little sweetness added from the meringue. Delicious!
Kevin’s mom ordered the Caramel Budino which was recommended by the restaurant. This dessert is an Italian style custard with Salted Caramel and Chocolate Cookie Crumbles. In my opinion, this dessert stole the show! The custard was creamy and decadent, but not too sweet which I loved.
Kevin’s dad chose the Ice Cream Tower which was layers of Vanilla, Chocolate, and Coffee Ice Cream with Chocolate and Salted Caramel Sauces. This dish was massive and probably could’ve served all four of us. Even though the ice cream was good, he didn’t even come close to finishing it.
Overall we really enjoyed our experience at Parkers. It would be a great place for family meal or even a business dinner. They have a nice patio as well that will be perfect for summer dining!
Parkers’ Restaurant and Bar is located at 1000 31st St. in Downers Grove, IL
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