Insignia Pub

by Million Elephants (subscribe)

Insignia is an odd kind of pub. Unlike many of its neighbours, there isn't a big screen in sight. No football, or rugby or cricket on show. Late at night it appears to be a place that clubbers on their way out stop in for a drink.

It's normally busy during lunchtimes due to its low cost menu. Mains are all $13.50 and many snack and sides are around $10 and serving sizes are pretty good.

I went for the classic Parma, which came piping hot and slathered in cheese. I had read something about their special parma sauce before ordering and I was intrigued to see if previous comments were valid.

It came with a small side salad with a balsamic dressing which was tasty and fresh. Under the Parma was a large pile of thick and hot chips. The combined heat of the chips and parma meant that I had to wait a while to let them cool before I could get stuck in.

The Parma breading was thick and crunchy, and the sauce was intriguing. At first I was a little put off, but ultimately I liked it very much. It was slightly sweet and nutty, perhaps a hint of nutmeg, which was very unexpected.

The flavours were great, and while the sauce was different I really liked the originality of it. The only disappointing element was the thinness of the chicken breast. A little thicker and it would have been a much better Parma.

Insignia also has a ton of beer and cocktail specials and many comfortable couches to sit back and relax in. It may not look amazing from the outside, but it's warm and welcoming and really good value.

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Why? Cheap, wholesome and hearty food and cheap drinks.

When: Until late

Where: Flinders and King Streets, Melbourne

Cost: cheap

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