The first time I was in Lola’s was to pick out the food for my wedding. After we decided on the more traditional meat and potatoes spread, Lacy (the chef and owner) said she was bummed, thinking that we would go with a more unique option. I asked her what she recommended and I was so glad I did. She made some of the best pasta I have ever had. That was the first food that I ate from Lola’s. When we told our guests we were having pasta they were a little worried. After the wedding, people told me that our wedding had the best food they have ever had! This blog is about the meal my wife and I had on our weekly date night, this was a night we decided to go back to Lola’s.
Business: Lola’s American Bistro
Location: http://www.lolaamericanbistro.com/
Surroundings: The front half of Lola’s is wall to wall exposed brick, which I really love. The brink gives the place a warm, rustic, and inviting feel. The walls are decorated with stained glass art that are made by a local artist. All the baked goods look absolutely delicious on display under the counter.
Atmosphere: Lola’s is all over the board on atmosphere. When you want in you will see people sitting by the fireplace enjoying a handcrafted coffee type beverage and reading a book. Others will be working on their computers. You will also see couples both young and old enjoying a delicious lunch or dinner.
Food: I was told from a friend to try the stuffed mushrooms and they did NOT disappoint. Offta, these little guys are amazing! The stuffed mushrooms are what they sound like: button mushrooms stuffed with italian sausage with a coating of melted parmesan cheese and homemade alfredo sauce to dip the mushrooms in. I’m drooling.
The mushrooms provide an awesome natural cup for the stuffing not to mention the great earthy flavor they bring to the dish. The mushrooms cut some of the spice and richness from the rest of the dish which helps to balance it. The italian sausage has a little bit of kick but by no means is it overpowering. My wife even ate some of the stuffing and KFC chicken is too spicy for her. You can never go wrong with cheese, especially parmesan cheese. The cheese is melted to perfection, forming a nice crust on top the of the shrooms. Finally, the alfredo sauce for dipping brings the whole dish together.
For my entree I order the Blackened Chicken Penne. Obviously the chicken breast was seasoned with a blackening spice. Even though the chicken was blackened, it was not very spicy. It had a nice kick just to let you know it was there. The sauce was a pesto cream which covered every inch of the dish. The sauce was a combination of pesto and alfredo. I love the taste of basil pesto which is why I ordered this dish. I have never mixed pesto and alfredo before but let me tell you, it’s a knockout. The pasta also had sun dried tomatoes and roasted red peppers to round out the dish...and to get your serving of veggies in.
Price: $$ out of $$$$
Rating: 5 out of 5. Lola’s is a great place for a cup of coffee, light lunch, or a romantic dinner. Any of their pasta’s are a great choice...probably some of the best pasta I’ve ever had. I have also heard really good things about their pot pie. Make sure to get into Lola’s soon. I guarantee it won’t be your last trip!
