Dine Out : Parm

This can technically be a follow-up to my post on dining at Torrisi Italian Specialties since this popular sandwich shop has it's origins as a lunch counter next door. Parm is now a free standing operation with full sit-down service and a menu offering homestyle Italian-American classics centered around subs. The decor has a cozy old school diner vibe with kitschy wallpapered walls, shiny red stools lining the counter and a handful of small closely placed tables in the back. They open for lunch at 11AM. We got there at around 11:30 and were able to score a corner table. We started our meal with garlic knots and spicy broccoli rabe. The garlic knots were more cheesy than garlicky, not greasy and very good. Nothing like the kind you get from pizzerias but then these are 3 for $5. The broccoli rabe was tasty and had a nice kick though I didn't expect it to be served cold. Of course we had to try the eponymous chicken parm. We got the hero which features a double stack of breaded chicken topped with melted mozzarella and an outstanding marinara sauce on a toasted semolina roll. It was quite delicious as the elements and flavors of the sandwich were finely balanced. We also split one of their famous house roasted turkey sandwiches. Slices of turkey are layered with lettuce, tomato, red onions, mayonnaise and a spicy red sauce on your choice of bread. The turkey was juicy and flavorful and the spicy sauce left a subtle trail of heat. It was excellent as turkey sandwiches go. The hubster had initially wanted a zeppole for dessert but we were stuffed by the time we finished our food. A return trip is surely in order. The line was about 10 deep out the door when we left. If you can't get there for lunch, they're open for dinner with nightly specials. And if you're a baseball fan like me, they also have an outpost at Yankee Stadium.

Parm
248 Mulberry Street (Prince and Spring)
New York City
212.993.7189