Gettysburg is surrounded by vast farmland in every direction. Spotlighting these local ingredients is the driving force behind the menu creation at The Parrot, a casual, fine dining restaurant in the heart of historic downtown Gettysburg.
Building Relationships
Restructuring a kitchen to make it your own is not for the faint of heart. Chef Leo Tazza came aboard as executive chef at The Parrot with a vision in mind. One of his first tasks was to better understand each product’s origin. Recognizing an opportunity to build strong relationships with producers, chef Tazza took a hard look at suppliers in the area. It was important to find a chosen few that fit with his vision for the restaurant.
The Parrot Burger is a creation of organic beef from Weikert’s Farm a few miles down the road. This family farm has been around since 1834 and supplies beef and eggs to many local restaurants. Its cattle feeds on grass and is both hormone- and antibiotic-free.
Local produce is the essence of many of The Parrot’s dishes, like an entree of pureed parsnips, curried cauliflower and baby carrots for those steering clear of meat. The Taste of Summer salad is a refreshing complement to any entree, with a bowl of beautiful, crunchy summer vegetables dressed up with a light champagne vinaigrette.
Craft Beverages
Buying local products is not exclusive to the kitchen. Along with traditional bar options, many local brewers are finding their way into town by way of The Parrot.
Come in for a taste of Jack’s Hard Cider, brewed up the road in the rolling hills of Adams County. If draft beer is more your style, enjoy a local favorite, Tröegs, often found on the rotating taps. Wyndridge Farm in Dallastown is another locally supplied beverage line that’s great to pair with your favorite menu flavors. Local wines and spirits, such as Mason Dixon Distillery, will soon be appearing on the beverage menu, too. The Parrot continues to grow its local drink options, so look for new flavors over the coming months. The staff welcomes any and all suggestions!
The Parrot’s new menu is a celebration of the staff’s hard work and efforts to provide patrons with the best the area has to offer. As local offerings change through the seasons, so will the menu. If you’ve stopped in to sample the new dishes, let us know what you think in the comments below.
Find The Parrot at 35 Chambersburg Street in Gettysburg; phone: (717) 337-3739.
- Feature photo: Pexels
- Other photos: The Parrot
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