Lola's

[Wilfrid]

This deserves its own thread. 

Lola's was a great choice for a birthday celebration because it's such a celebratory place. Bright, simply furnished room, long bar at the front, dining counter at the back, chef Cupps at the pass. It got busy fast, a little noisy but nothing terrible. This is a restaurant you could recommend just for the service, completely delightful, nothing too much trouble. Some appetizers were plated for two people; we were three and it was no sweat to adjust the portions accordingly; and to serve jalapenos on the side for one dish because there was a spice-averse member of the party.

Note: all dishes are meant to be shared.

The food is actually interesting which is now so unusual for New York. Every plate is carefully composed from multiple ingredients (I did not see anything that was protein and two vegetables). The plating is distinctive, colorful with everything tossed together, each bite a surprise.

Everyone drank cocktails from the house list. I recommend the Montenegroni, essentially a Negroni with an Amaro accent. I then chanced on a delicious orange wine, Rogue Vine 'Jamon Jamon.' We ate:

ROASTED OYSTERS
scallion kimchi, apple mignonette

FRIED TILEFISH LETTUCE WRAPS
dill tartar, kohlrabi slaw

PIMENTO CHEESE TOAST
red onion + bacon jam, pickled jalapeño

LOCAL TUNA TATAKI
heirloom grains, maitake mushroom, grape yuzu kosho

SCALLOPS + GREEN CURRY
sprouting cauliflower, pumpkin, habanada peppers

SOUTHERN CHOPPED HERITAGE PORK
sweet potato, black garlic honey butter, collard greens

SWEET POTATO PIE
chai meringue

CAROLINA GOLD RICE PUDDING
sticky date cake, almond, cinnamon apples

The oysters were nice, if small. I could eat the fish "tacos" every day. Great bacon jam on the toast (although I was surprised it was served room temperature). The thick grape puree garnishing the tuna; the sweet pumpkin diced into the scallop dish; the excellent collards with the pork; this is cooking characterized by those little, surprise touches. The Dominican vote was for more rice in the rice pudding; I thought it was just fine and the date cake was delicious.

I thought I photographed the desserts but apparently not.

 

 

 

[MitchW]

Glad you liked; I remember having the tilefish lettuce wraps. We also had the fried chicken, something with clams, and a Carolina Gold rice bowl, so apparently the menu does change nicely.  (We were there back in May).

Edited November 24, 2024 by MitchW

[Wilfrid]

I would have gone for the fried chicken. Ordering shared plates for three people, there had already been a majority vote against the naan 😂

[MitchW]

A return trip this past weekend, and once again everything was quite good.  Our party of four (one of whom has a specific food allergy) was well accommodated by the kitchen. Chef actually came by the table with a menu that she had marked up with dishes that could be made to specifically leave out the allergen(s).

And sure - no problem making 3 fish wraps for our table...it's a place with excellent service all around.

A slightly different version of the pimiento cheese, currently on offer.  Served with wheat crackers and crudités.  Naan sneaks in at upper left of photo.

Happy to have this place.