The setting: Parker’s, Seneca Falls. A summer night.
The scene: A friend and I walk in, it’s late. I know I’m hungry but I’m not sure what to get. That’s when I see Kristen of The Buffalonian Catering Company, seated at a nearby table with a plate of wings.
I mean, she’s from Buffalo… so I already know they’ll be good.
We quickly have a seat, I order a beer ( from Fleur De Lis of course) and the waiter comes by to take our order.
I believe the conversation went something like this:
“Welcome to Parkers, what can I get you guys?”
I’m looking over the menu but I already know what to do.
“I like Hot Wings.”
“Oh we’ve got hot wings. But we’ve also got DEATH WISH wings.”
My friend seems nervous. “I’ll take mild.” He says.
“You know you can do 6 and 6 on the dozen special, right?”
Our fate has been decided. And long story short, they were HOT. And amazing.
The shrimp basket we split on the side was great too!
But great & amazing really doesn’t just sum up my wings, they’re also the perfect words to describe local restaurateur Pete Mitchell’s impressive portfolio of restaurants. There’s also a Parker’s in Newark, in Auburn, and Geneva. Not only that, if you’re in the mood to treat yourself, next door to Parker’s Grille in Seneca Falls is the lovely 84 Fall, with some very exciting tapas to try. I’m still thinking about the orange sesame crispy cauliflower I had there last time I went.
And if you’re in Geneva, there’s Halsey’s. Home to legendary meat balls and fantastic pizzas. Last time I stopped by Halseys, the man, the myth, the legend, Pete Mitchell himself was there saddled up at the bar.
We spoke on his love of video games, the Finger Lakes, and the hard work that he’s put in to make these very special destinations happen. It was a short, but inspiring conversation.
I can’t wait to see what he cooks up next!
Visit:
Parker’s Grille Website
Oh, and how could I forget. DID YOU KNOW? Mr. Mitchell also writes a continuing op-ed column for The Finger Lakes Times, which you can read here.