Five Chicken Parmigianas worth the drive
Is it parma, parmy, parmi or even parmo? However you say it, it's a delicious meal and these five are worth the drive.There’s probably never been a fistfight over how to shorten the name of Australia’s favourite chicken dish, but it must be a close thing. Is it parma, parmy, parmi or even parmo? Everyone agrees on four things though: crumbed chicken, ham, cheese and tomato, but how the chef puts them together varies. So here are five parmas to check out across the country that are definitely worth the drive. Or parmis. Or whatever…
The Henley Brook, Swan Valley, Western Australia
A pub that’s affectionately nicknamed “The Hen” would want to do a great chicken parmigiana and this one is definitely worth crossing the road for. The Henley Brook makes a great outing for family or friends with its sprawling lawn, shady trees, musical interludes and a classic pub menu. The kitchen makes the most of the Swan Valley’s abundant produce so the parma zings with freshness to go with the succulent crumbed chicken.
The Avoca Hotel, Avoca, Victoria
It’s a two-hour drive from Melbourne to Avoca but as a hub for the Pyrenees wine district, this bustling town is worth it. One of its many gold rush-era historic buildings is the Avoca pub, renovated to become a dining destination in itself and if you don’t feel like something fancy, head straight for the chicken parma. All the ingredients are classic – apart perhaps from fresh basil - but the result is all oozing goodness perfect with a glass of Shiraz from the fabulous wine list of local drops.
Big Fellas Pizza, Merrimac, Queensland
This humble pizza place out the back of the Gold Coast isn’t an obvious choice for a delectable parmi but guess what? Big Fellas regularly rates high among the best and if size is important, it’s easy to see why. Each slab of chicken is the size of a manhole cover and as well as the usual cheese and Napoli topping there’s a choice of Hawaiian (this is Queensland so … pineapple!), Italian or mushroom. Chips and salad come free, so bring your appetite.
Sevenhill Hotel, Clare Valley, South Australia
The Sevenhill Hotel has more than 160 years of history behind it, so the proprietors know a bit about pleasing a crowd. Set in the heart of the Clare Valley wine region a couple of hours north of Adelaide, it’s the classic country pub with stone walls, warming log fires and a sensational menu of gourmet fare along with classics such as delectable chicken parmi served with coleslaw and rosemary garlic chips. The wine cellar is a cracker, so ask for a local Riesling to match your cheesy, chickeny main course.
The Red Heifer Bistro, Mudgee, NSW
It’s a brave diner who walks into a Mudgee pub in the heart of NSW cattle country and asks for chicken instead of steak. But the Red Heifer Bistro in the Lawson Park Hotel does a fine parmy if chef Stefano Burlando can be torn away from his beloved grill. Not only does his parmy have the crunch and gooey goodness of the best but the price includes two sides of your choice. Smoked chipotle mac and cheese? Brussel sprouts or mashed spuds? The result is clucking wonderful.
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