The Hungry Parrot

In downtown Bradenton, off of Manatee Avenue, is the new establishment, The Hungry Parrot.  Like many places here in Florida, it relies on a tropical theme to lure patrons in, but unlike most places, the decor is subtle and friendly, with clever signs and bright colors.  Outside, there is a wooden deck in front with several umbrellas and a small tiki bar for outdoor dining, however, because it's midday in August, we opted to eat inside.

I joined the other Ladies of Lunch (the L-o-L-ers), Kim and Rachel, who have arrived before me.  As we scan the menu, Kim explains that due to health reasons, she will be going gluten-free.  Thankfully,  she spies a few things that appeal to her and are considered gluten-free.  In the end, she selects the Duval Street Salad with grilled chicken.

Rachel, meanwhile, peruses several options but opts for the turkey reuben, more commonly called "the Rachel".  

Finally, I had seen something on their website about a Key West Prime Rib Sandwich that seemed special so, curious, I ordered that.

Our waitress, who was attentive and patient, took our order and as she left we began discussing more points about our experience.  We looked around the dining room, which wasn't large, but didn't feel cramped.  The inside was colored a soft blue and lots of cheeky and Margheritaville-type signs hung all about the walls.  We also appreciated the layout of the menu, which was very colorful and well-organized.

In a matter of minutes, our food arrives.  We are immediately surprised at the simplicity of our dishes.  After seeing all the details with the decor, I was expecting flower garnishes or tropical-printed plates. Instead, our food arrived on nondescript white platters and bowls.  My "Key West Prime Rib" sandwich, consisted of merely roast beef on a bun with some crinkle-cut fries.  Rachel's was very similar, with her reuben sandwich and fries as well.  Kim's was the most elaborate looking with it's apples placed precisely.  However there was a problem.

"Is this the right order?" she asks.  She looks back at the menu and sees that the description mentioned "greens" and nothing about cabbage.  Instead, her chicken and apples are sitting on a bed of iceberg lettuce, chockfull of purple cabbage.  

Just then, the manager, April, comes over to check on us.  Kim asks about the salad and April explains that all the salads come that way.

"I can fix it for you if you like?" April said, helpfully.  Kim, not wanting to cause trouble, says its fine, but as April leaves, she mentions how disappointing it is that the menu would mislabel it's salads.

"For anyone who enjoys iceberg lettuce and cabbage, they'd enjoy these salads.  However, not liking them, my options are suddenly slashed."

Back to our sandwiches, they are tasty but unremarkable.  My sandwich is very tender and moist, but I was hoping for some extra Au jus on the side, and maybe a different kind of bread.  

Rachel is satisfied with hers, although it's nothing special.

When we have finished, we begin rating the restaurant based on several factors, rating them from 1-5.

MENU OPTION      FLAVORS/TASTE      PRESENTATION      DECOR             LOCATION

Kim:  1                 Kim:  1                  Kim:  3                  Kim:  4            Kim:  4

Rachel:  4            Rachel:  3              Rachel:  1             Rachel:  5        Rachel:  4

Kris:  4                 Kris:  4                  Kris:  1                  Kris:  3            Kris:  4

CLEANLINESS      SERVICE                    PRICE                        Wi-fi.......                  Yes

Kim:  5               Kim:  5                     Kim:  $$                    Outdoor Seating......   Yes

Rachel:  5           Rachel:  5                Rachel:  $                  Pet-friendly............. Yes

Kris:  5               Kris:  5                     Kris:  $                      Carry-out..........        Yes

                                                                                          Delivery...........         Yes

Final Comments:

Kim-  "The chicken was good, the apples were fresh, and the citrus vinaigrette was good.  However, the menu was misleading, claiming the salad contained greens and no cabbage.  Instead it had iceberg and LOTS of cabbage.  The chicken was good, the apples were good, the fries were good.  The rest was crap."

Rachel- "For being a tropical theme restaurant, I was expecting a bright and colorful presentation.  Instead, the plate was a basic white.  I'm not usually a 'hot sandwich' fan but the name appealed to me."

Kris-  "I also thought the presentation was lacking.  The decor and menu led me to believe the theme would carry into the food.  Instead, it was very diner-y.  Although the sandwich wasn't bad, it didn't wow me.  If they could keep the tenderness of the meat but pair it with a different roll or something to jazz it up, it would be greatly improved."