Parallel Bistro: Wine, Dine and Recline

For several years, restaurant patrons in the Broadlands area of Ashburn have been witness to an all too familiar cycle of seeing new restaurants open and then close not soon after – a sign of challenging economic times and a competitive dining market.

That has especially been true in a corner of the Broadlands Center shopping plaza at the corner of Claiborne Parkway and Broadlands Boulevard, not far from the Dulles Greenway.

A string of upscale restaurants have opened their doors, only to shutter them the following year. First there was 321 Ashland, then Café Panache.

took over the space in May 2010 and seems to be on a path to break the cycle, similar to what did for its location in the Cameron Chase shopping center.

Parallel, now nearing its two-year anniversary, has created a solid business based on a loyal following of patrons.

Dine-out fans have been drawn to its conspicuous curbside appeal with outdoor seating. The bistro frequently is host to an active social scene and offers live acoustic music throughout the week.

Once inside Parallel, chances are patrons will meet the effervescent and engaging owner, Jason Bursey. Bursey may look familiar to residents who frequent the in the Ashburn Village shopping center; he used to co-own the shop. So Bursey knows his wine; but he also knows food and beer, all of which he pulled together at Parallel Wine Bistro.

Bursey encourages diners to relax and spend time at Parallel.

“Food is more about relationships around a table — sharing and camaraderie,” he said. “It should invoke conversation.”

With wines being the focus of the bistro, a key attraction — wine machines — allow patrons can sample different wines using a wine card. With the card, wine enthusiasts can walk up, press a button and fill a glass with a taste, a half-glass or a full-glass.

“There is nothing like it in Loudoun County,” Bursey said, adding that he’s the first restaurant in Virginia to have such a machine.

Every month Parallel hosts a wine dinner. The next one is set for Tuesday, Jan. 31 and the bistro has invited Todd Anderson from Anderson’s Conn Valley Vineyards in Napa, California to join patrons. The planned five-course dinner features food paired with wines from the vineyard. The cost is $95 per person and limited reservations are available.

Parallel is also preparing for Valentine’s Day, which this year falls on a Tuesday this year: offering a special prix-fixe menu for five nights with recommended wine pairings.

A beer dinner is in the works with Lagunitas Brewing Co. from Pentaluma, CA. There will be five to seven courses paired with different beers.

“We have always had a big selection of beers and we want to have a little something for everyone,” Bursey explained. “We want it to be nice and casual without being stuffy.”

Parallel also offers a brunch buffet every Sunday starting at 11 a.m.

In late March or April, Bursey said, he plans to unveil a new spring menu. The menu is a constant work in progress, since Bursey likes to make subtle changes depending on what is available that is fresh, local and seasonal.

Currently, the menu features a variety of “sharing plates” such as bruschetta, crab mornay, flatbread, shrimp and grits, Ahi tuna sliders and more, all at the $10 price range. There are also larger plates for larger appetites, such as hanger steak, bistro chicken and pork belly cassoulet. And diners can also create a cheese and charcuterie board. Each menu item recommends a wine with which to pair it. Desserts include specialties such as a dark chocolate and raspberry torte, pomegranate and mascarpone mousse, and roasted pear cheesecake.

The wine selection changes regularly with Bursey constantly trying new wines and “plugging them into the menu.”

Bursey said he like to open other locations and continues to hone a concept that can be taken anywhere.

Bursey, 35, grew up in Northern Virginia and started working in restaurants at 18. He worked his first 10 years as a server and bartender, fueling his passion for service and guest satisfaction. Bursey, lives in Ashburn with his wife and two young children.