According to Gina Mudarris, The Parker House Manager, Team Construction, from Vancouver, took charge of the project and raced it to the finish line, completing renovations a meager two days before the grand opening; and those two days were all that remained for the training of staff!  The massive amount of effort required, by all involved, was fueled by the thrill of opening on time: Which they did to a full house!  And it hasn’t slowed down yet, with consistent solid booking for dinner reservations seven nights a week.  But with a dining capacity of 350, a lounge, and a sports bar downstairs there is always room for walk-ins as well. 

After just one month in operation The Parker House management barreled forward with ongoing plans for more music, a variety of entertainment, and Sunday Brunch.  Lunch service began on January 25th: Monday through Saturday, 11:00 – 2:30 pm.  Live music can be enjoyed in the dining room Wednesday through Saturday nights, and in the downstairs Sports Bar on weekends where dancing is encouraged on the large dance floor.  The downstairs also includes banquet facilities.  Some of the ideas being reviewed for future entertainment include a card tournament, line dancing, and ballroom dancing.  And exterior decking should be completed by summer to provide outside waterfront dining as well. 

On a busy night The Parker House has been serving between 450-500 dinners!  This flood of activity has brought with it a parade of fond memories from patrons far and wide who have regaled the staff with stories of the old Parker House: obviously a family favorite.  It was, in fact, in recognition of the community’s connection with The Parker House that Victor Espinoza decided to keep the restaurant name the same, as opposed to changing it.  But the incredible turnout has also drawn in new patrons, some even trickling in from Portland, and is easily attributed to the desire for upscale riverfront dining in the Camas – Washougal area.  This was more than evident on New Year’s Eve when they provided an elegant dinner, complete with their own fireworks display upon the river, to a full house! 

The renovations, which purportedly crept into the millions, have resulted in a Parker House that is a successful blend of old and new.  The interior design, handled by Parker House Manager Gina Mudariss, is a blend of the former nautical theme, woodsy banisters and paneled walls, with more modern and elegant tapestry fabric in booths, and a fabulous splash of carpet reminiscent of Spain.  The entryway alone will draw you in with its oversized gas fireplace and the scent of pizza from the pizza oven upstairs off the main dining room.  Kitchens, plumbing, electrical, everything was overhauled to turn The Parker House into an even better version of its former self.

In January, Executive Chef Barry Powelson, formerly with The Hilton Corporation, was brought on board.  Well versed in high volume, fine dining, Chef Powelson has quickly moved into gear.  With the purpose of establishing interesting options for patrons he has established separate Dinner, Lunch, Bar, and Happy Hour menus, with specials that will change daily.  Although the cuisine is considered high-end steak and seafood, Chef Powelson intends to focus on new and innovative seafood preparations, featuring both regional and tropical fish.

Suggestions or requests are always appreciated in the kitchen.  He, like the others involved at The Parker House, is excited with the response from patrons and the potential growth for this establishment.  What more could we ask for?  A warm, inviting atmosphere, live music, views of the Columbia River, and a new, fresh cuisine!  Victor Espinoza and The Parker House team have brought to life what I think will soon become a new, old favorite.  Go ahead…check it out!

Parker House Restaurant
56 S. First St.
Washougal, WA
(360)835-2167