It’s everyone’s fave pub classic – chicken parmigiana – a dish so widely loved it has its own nickname!
Whether you call it a ‘parma’ or a ‘parmy’, there is no doubt Aussies have fallen in love with chicken schnitzel, covered with tomato sauce and topped with melted cheese.
The origins of the dish do go back to old Italy, where it was originally made with eggplant and not chicken, as poultry was too expensive for most households. Once Italian immigrants arrived in America, they discovered meat was cheaper and more widely available, resulting in many Italian dishes such as meatballs and parmigiana being made with chicken.
However you top it, there is a parmy out there for everyone…here are five restaurants to find the best in town:
Beloved Local Watering Hotel
A beloved watering hole and gathering place since 1862, The Mansfield Hotel on High Street holds a significant place in the town’s heart. At the epicentre of Victoria’s magnificent High Country, this hotel has a classic wraparound verandah overseeing the street, while a century-old Pink Oak tree in the courtyard provides shade and a story or two for both locals and visitors.
With a focus on local and seasonal food and wine, the menu showcases freshly made pasta, wood-fired pizza and pub classics like a Panko crumbed chicken parmy with Napoli, honey-glazed ham, three cheese melt, chips and salad; or chow down on beer-battered fish, housemade tartar sauce, chips and salad.
Country Goodness on the Plate
Country goodness, one plate at a time, is what you’ll find at Woomargama Hotel on Woomargama Way in Holbrook. Located just off the Hume Highway in Southern NSW, this classic watering hole is rich in history and the perfect place to stop when travelling through the region to enjoy a peaceful night’s rest and refuel at the dining room from a rustic menu celebrating local, farm-fresh ingredients.
For a taste of rural charm that connects you with the heart of the countryside opt for mustard-crusted lamb rump, with Dijon mustard, rosemary, honey, creamy mash, green beans, vine tomato and red wine rosemary jus; or chow down on chicken breast parmigiana, ham, Napoli sauce, mozzarella, chips and salad.
Traditional Pub Classic Meals
Visitors and locals alike eat, drink and be merry at Hotel Phillip Island on The Esplanade in Cowes. For more than 20 years, this watering hole has been a favourite restaurant, bar and entertainment venue for streetside dining, or enjoy the intimacy of the courtyard and deck to catch up with family and friends over a memorable meal.
With beer and cider on tap, along with innovative cocktails, traditional pub meals and gourmet pizzas, there is something to tempt all tastes – stop in on Wednesdays for Parma night and devour a chicken parmy or schnitzel, chips and salad for just $20.
Steak, Seafood, Pizza & Parmys
Find one of Caloundra’s best dining experiences at Corner Pocket Bar & Grill on Lower Gay Terrace. Whether holiday-makers dropping in or locals popping down for a beer, this well-loved dining destination has a breezy alfresco area for balmy Sunshine Coast days, while indoors projects a rustic vibe of exposed brick, recycled timber and stacked stone pillars, ideal for lingering over a glass of wine with friends.
Perhaps a Godfather parmy hits the mark, topped with Napoli sauce, salami, roasted capsicum, mushrooms, olives and cheese; or the breaky parmy with bacon, avocado, cheese and Hollandaise sauce, best enjoyed with an ice-cold Pure Blonde or glass of Chardonnay.
Captivating River Views
Set on the picturesque Macleay River and bordered by thriving palms, luscious green grass and neat hedges, is Riverside Tavern on New Entrance Road in South West Rocks. From a tiled alfresco dining space with charming, wooden outdoor furniture, guests are treated to captivating views of the flowing river through the trees, where sailboats can be seen drifting past.
A Mod Oz menu boasts hearty choices to suit all tastes, dive right in with a starter of salt and pepper squid, with lemon and chilli plum jam; before mains such as chicken schnitzel topped with Napolitana sauce, bacon and mozzarella, served with crunchy chips and a side salad.
