Lola Cafe + Bar - Filipino Food with Unique Friendly Twist
If you are getting a little tired of the usual Filipino favorites, then Lola Cafe + Bar may just do the trick of reigniting the spark for our own lovable cuisine. Nestled in the inner streets of Quezon City, this adorable chic place serves Filipino dishes sparked up with a couple of twists to provide a little nudge and challenge to the traditional flavors. There are a lot of choices here in Lola Cafe, so let me shed a light on some dishes found here.
The Embrace of Nature and Home
Lola Cafe + Bar features a modern chill place that has this nature feel making you all relaxed and comfy. There is also warmth coming from the homey appeal of the restaurant making it perfect for family dining and bonding!
As mentioned, the place really seems and feels like a home away from home. This is why I won't be surprised if families choose to have their weekly bonding here in Lola Cafe. Oh by the way, during my visit here, there was a party being held inside while the rest of the bloggers stayed in the mezzanine.
If you are the type of person who appreciates some greens indoor, you will love this kind of setup here in Lola Cafe. Surely, visiting this place will take away your stress.
Of course, aside from the neat view insight, another source of your stress-relief is the collection of dishes here in Lola Cafe + Bar.
Alugbati & Kesong Puti || P200 - Solo || P310 - Share
Charred alugbati, roasted carrots & beets, aged balsamic
This Alugbati & Kesong Puti salad had this healthy and light. It was simple yet refreshingly great. This is despite the subtle bitterness from the garlic bits.
Cauliflower Fritos || P230
Battered cauliflower, sweet soy glaze, sesame seeds, lime
This dish is a sure winner as it conceals the vegginess of the cauliflower with the tasty batter and sweet savory sauce. It was a perfect appetizer, and it became my instant favorite!
Chicken Liver Tostada || P195
Liver pate, bacon crisp
This Chicken Liver Tostada is a must-try as well! I just love how well these two go together. The chicken liver provides something smooth and really tasty, while the caramelized bacon bits provide balance with its sweetness and meatiness.
Bone Marrow Sisig || P275
Grilled pork jowl, roasted bone marrow, garlic crumble, kamias jam
Definitely a one-of-a-kind dish, this Bone Marrow Sisig featured a guiltful yet superb blend of flavors that really shake off the taste buds. The kamias jam that comes with it magically adds another dimension to flavors that further shoots up the excitement from this dish.
Tinapa Omelette || P235 (Available from 2-6 PM)
Smoked fish, organic eggs, mixed greens, bonito flakes, lola relish, grilled bread
During the first few bites, this Tinapa Omelette seemed to be a little ordinary as opposed to the first three appetizers; however, as I went toward the center, things started to improve. Also, when I tried focusing on the flavors, I realized that the dish was amazing -- subtle flavors that cradle the buds.
Black Palabok || P295
Glass noodles, prawns, squid, smoked fish floss, squid ink bisque, soft boiled egg
This Black Palabok had this crunchy squid that went well with the familiar and friendly flavors of the traditional palabok. In other words, it's the classic palabok we all love with some twists.
Bacon Belly Batchoy || P320
Braised bacon slab, ox tripe, sweet garlic broth, soft boiled egg
The Bacon Belly Batchoy was really tasty with its noticeable chicharon essence. Also, the noodles was firm yet soft at the same time. The soup may get salty as you go along, so I suggest that you take smaller sips to maximize enjoyment.
1/4 Chicken Confit & Tinola Rice || P280
Ginger chicken, lemongrass rice pilaf, green papaya
This Tinola Rice was considerably plain in my opinion, although I have to admit that I loved how it was presented. To give you an idea of the taste, just think of a chicken rice, then blend some interesting Pinoy spices.
Miso Salmon & Sinigang Rice || P320
Pan seared salmon, tamarind & tomatoes, grilled vegetables
Just like the earlier this, I see this as somehow plain due to the highly familiar taste. However, let me just note some few things that I liked such as the enjoyable miso sourness as well as the fantastic quality of rice. Also, I prefer this over the Tinola rice.
Coconut Boneless Bangus || P430
Boneless milkfish belly, coconut & leek sauce, fried garlic
Brisket "Bistek" Tagalog || P410
Cured brisket, fried onions, garlic confit, lola relish, soy-calamansi
This classic Filipino dish had this soft tender meat drenched in a subtly sweet savory sauce. Also, the sauce is characterized by a mix of potent and distinct flavors marked with sour tang that may be sharp for some.
Strawberries and Cream Pavlova || P150
Meringue, textures of strawberries, coconut-tarragon mousse
Delicate and rightly sweet, this dessert is something that you should definitely give a try! You will love the blend of smooth cream on top, sweet fruit toppings and crunchy pavlova base.
Banoffee Pie || P170
Banana custard cream, graham crust, peanut butter
The Banoffee Pie was something that I appreciated due to its lovely simplicity. Also, the flavors coming from multiple ingredients dance harmoniously to produce a sweet finale!
Lola Cafe + Bar in a Nutshell
Overall, I would give this place a positive recommendation because of the interesting and often unique flavors that you may find in this restaurant. Prices are considerably friendly, and the staff are very much accommodating and nice. There are still a lot of very intriguing dishes on the new menu that I haven't tried, so I'm very much eager to go back and give them a try.
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Location: 99 Sct. Lozano cor Sct. Tuazon, Quezon City
Contact No.: (02) 501 2620 or 219 3254
Service Charge: 10% before VAT
