The Parish Café — Restaurant in Healdsburg

This little slice of Louisiana is not something to be missed if you find yourself up in Healdsburg. If you don't often find yourself in Healdsburg, you should really do something about that. But anyway, on to Parish Cafe. I ate there for breakfast during the 2013 Barrel Tasting event in northern Sonoma County and those flavors haunt me to this day.

The beignets are a revelation in the towering heights of pleasure that can be scaled with some delicate, fluffy pastry and confectioners sugar. I would be there every morning for these heavenly little pastry clouds and a cup of locally roasted coffee if it wasn't a 3 hour commute each way.

The crawfish and andouille omelet was delicious and...well, playful in its flavor composition. Everything is presented as simply as can be so the intensity and complexity of the flavor was a very pleasant surprise. However, it could not prepare me for the flavor explosion that was my ex-girlfriend's shrimp and grits. She graciously let me have a bite and....wow, just...wow. The bacon, shallot, scallions, and Creole tomato sauce create a flavor profile that is other-worldly. It was an experience not unlike the end of 2001: A Space Odyssey. I had tasted the grits of God..and my life would never be the same.

I know this will be a regular stop on all trips to, through, and anywhere near Healdsburg in the future. The greatest struggle within me is whether I will have the courage to explore the rest of the menu or if the mind shattering deliciousness of those dishes I have already tried will hold me prisoner. Only time will tell.

I would recommend this place to anyone with the courage to try new and amazing food. Just be ready for...

It smelled delicious, the atmosphere is cute, but I can't rate the food. Do not go here as a party of one! I was told that the only table I could have was outside. It was raining and 55°, so that was kind of a slap in the face. In the counter area there were three 2-person tables pushed together (empty), and they were unwilling to pull one table off so I could be seated. There was no waiting line. I happen to be a restaurant owner myself, and I do not understand this. Maybe there was a reservation, but then explain that to me. Don't tell me to go sit out in the rain. I guess I will go spend my money elsewhere.

Update: It sounds like your hostess gave you an untrue version of what happened. It was never explained to me that there was a reservation for that table, and since it was my first time there on a friend's recommendation, I had no idea that you even took reservations. Since I didn't know this and since there was no waiting line, I found it funny that they didn't offer to pull them apart. All the hostess told me was that I had the option to "sit outside where there is no heater" ( it was never explained that it was covered), or.... then she shrugged her shoulders at me like my only other option was to leave. I was not told if there was a wait list or not, nor was I given it an approximate wait time for being seated at the counter. Without any of those things explained to me, it resulted in the review above. Take the review for what it is . . . an opportunity to check in with your hostess. I'm guessing she's embarrassed that she got called out, so she's giving you a version of events that makes herself...

Great service, good portion sizes relative to price, and solid flavors.

We got in and out in 45 minutes for lunch, including dessert (beignets, of course). The wait staff was prompt and attentive.

The half muffuletta was huge! Good meats, cheese and that classic sesame bread. My one complaint is the tapenade was dense with olives but not very brine-y. I'm accustomed to more of the latter.

The shrimp po'boy was a good size and all the ingredients were fresh. However, the fried shrimp was pretty bland. I was expecting marinated shrimp which have been breaded with some spices in the cornmeal - these featured neither as far as I could tell. And while plain mayo added some richness to the sandwich, a Creole remoulade or other seasoned sauce would have made up for the bland shrimp. Thankfully, a bottle of Louisiana hot sauce was on the table so I took matters into my own hands.

The beignets were perfect. Hot, fresh, and generously dusted with powdered sugar.

Overall, I definitely recommend this restaurant. Just don't expect...