Parsnip and Noir

Ever since Upstairs on the Square closed we've been watching the construction in the historic building unfold.  Upstairs was such a special part of the Square and nothing could replace it.  In fact, my guess is that the new restaurant taking over the space, Parsnip, will be held to an even higher bar than most new restaurants because of the closing of the beloved Upstairs on the Square.  I certainly did when we went to check out Parsnip when it opened just a few weeks ago.  I wasn't that interested in the place until I saw an article on the decor.  It reminded me of the art deco stuff that we saw in Palm Spring so we decided to take a look.

Parsnip has an extremely limited, and rather pricey, menu.  I'm sure the food is amazing, judging from the service and the decor but I can't imagine eating there.  The prices are just way too high and if I'm going to pay those prices I'm going to eat at Puritan, Harvest, or Rialto.

We decided to check out the upstairs lounge area for drinks.  The lounge has a bar against one wall and lounge seating with a few tables.  The iconic round windows are still there although the low, lounge seating doesn't take advantage of what could be stellar views from the windows.  The decor is totally retro- 50s-70s inspired.  I have to say, Parsnip nailed the look, even down to the glasses.  The dining room looks like it came out of Alfred Hitchcock's North by Northwest.

I ordered the Breeze Through the Trees- gin, bubbles, grapefruit juice, pine liquor, fresh lemon, and rosemary.  It was delicious!  My only criticism is that it is served over ice, with a straw which brings down the sophistication a bit for a $15 cocktail.  The lounge snack menu looked more reasonably priced and if we go back I'd love to sample the fried artichokes.

Love the glass!

 After Parsnip, we decided to linger in the Square.  It was one of those random 70 degree nights in November and we felt like we had to take advantage.  We ended up at Noir and grabbed a drink on the patio.  It was so nice to be outside this late in the fall.  Also, I might have a slight affinity for Noir's Old Cuban drink with it's perfectly balanced blend of mint syrup, rum, and bubbles!