The owners of Parish Line Bistro, Gabe Corchiani, John Georges, Mickey Loomis, and Mickey Parenton didn’t set out to open a destination restaurant in Metairie; they wanted to open a restaurant where their wives could enjoy a good meal and a few drinks. In less than a year Parish Line Bistro has become a social hub for Metairie diners.
Parish Line’s owners are no strangers to big business ideas. Corchiani is the founder of Fat Boy’s Pizza, the casual-dining pizza joint known for having the biggest slices of pizza in town, Georges is the owner of The Times-Picayune, Loomis is the general manager of the Saints, and Parenton is an executive with the gaming company Pinnacle Entertainment.
While Chef Chris Wilson opened the restaurant, Chef Joseph Long, former Executive Sous Chef at Windsor Court Hotel, has taken over those duties.
“The four owners live in the neighborhood and they wanted to create an extension of their living room and create a place for their wives to come,” explained restaurant general manager Nicole Naquin. “We have a lot of old Metairie ladies who like to come in and enjoy time with their friends.”
Open since October, the restaurant’s eclectic menu serves seafood, steaks, and a bit of everything in between in a relaxing, fun atmosphere that includes the only rooftop dining option in Jefferson Parish.
The menu specialties from chef Joe Long include Lobster & Avocado Salad, lobster, seasoned avocado, with Creole tomato dressing; Fried Chicken Sandwich, chicken breast, honey, Crystal hot sauce, and pickles; Gulf Fish Tacos, grilled fish, chipotle aioli, and pico de gallo; Wagyu Beef Sashimi, lime brown butter, charred tomato, cashew, and grilled focaccia; and Roasted Chicken Thighs, spaghetti, peas, bacon, and parmesan.
In addition to the food, Parish Line boasts an extensive drink menu with wine by the glass and bottle, a beer list that includes a few local selections, and some zero-proof options. In a fun twist, some of the restaurant’s signature cocktails are named after the owners’ wives, like the Spicy Christina Paloma made with Ilegal Mezcal Joven, Jalapeño infused tequila, freshly squeezed grapefruit juice, agave nectar, lime juice, and a Tajin rim; and KC Savory Tini made with Fair Quinoa Vodka, Dirty Sue olive juice, Dolin Dry Vermouth rinse, and garnished with blue cheese olives and black pepper.
As far as the rooftop, Naquin said that it has quickly become the most popular feature of the restaurant. Not only is the covered space made for all-weather dining, but it features a 130-inch TV and a fun tradition of taking a shot of one of the restaurant’s signature drinks, Buffalo Conductor, every time the Metairie Rd. train passes.
While Parish Line is walk-in only for lunch, reservations are suggested for dinner service.
Parish Line Bistro is open Wednesday, Thursday, and Monday, 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., Friday and Saturday, 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., and Sunday, 3:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. The restaurant is closed on Tuesday.
