A Revisit to Lola Cafe and Bar, Quezon City

I have blogged about Lola Cafe and Bar in Quezon City way back and have paid them a visit several more times after that. Some with old time friends, others with family, and the recent one which I am writing about right now was with some of my favorite Manila bloggers. 

Despite several competitors rapidly sprouting, it is still one of my favorite restaurants in Tomas Morato Quezon City area. Hence, a bloggers' lunch to check out new additions to Lola Cafe and Bar Menu highlights an excitement one weekend which would have been ordinary otherwise.

Since Lola's opening several years back, its residential-turned-into-restaurant charm is still palpable. There are several changes that transpired in terms of its appearance, menu, and the likes, but its vision to serve good food thankfully is still ever the same. 

The impressive interior is still as lovely as I remember it from my last visit. Quirky wall decors that add life to the place remain unchanged. While majority of these decors heavily lean on the black and white palette (which I deem perfectly complements the over all look of the place) a burst of colors just solidifies a well thought-out design carefully executed.

The mini bar is still as inviting. A very fitting feat since Lola Cafe and bar is known to serve impressive lines of mocktails aside from other beverages one may avail. The Al fresco dining area which I deem the best place to enjoy a drink or two is now enclosed but still as lovely.

The use of mason jars as part of their lighting fixtures still holds its charm for me just like the way it did during my first visit at the cafe when these jars are just starting to make its way as part of decorative element in every cafe and restaurant there is.

Judging from the number of times I visited Lola, the menu seems to undergone little changes every now and then. But the most impressive change happens when Chef Jonvic Mangibin (from the now defunct OTKB at BGC) was given the position as a chef consultant at Lola.

First on the table were two appetizers; one was made out of surprising ingredient that yields surprisingly good result, and the other was something familiar but made well worth the try by the addition of - bacon.

The surprising one was the Cauliflower Fritos (Php230). Had I not been informed or had I not perused the menu for some note-taking, I would have probably went home still under the impression that these fritos were chicken nuggets. From the flavor to its texture, I wouldn't have thought that it was cauliflower that I was munching on. 

All things considered, it was an impressive dish. Something worthy of a hearty applause.

The Chicken Liver Tostada (Php195) could be just any other liver pate, but this one is paired with crisp caramelized bacon - making its pogi points several notch higher. Spread the pate on the crisp melba toast, top it with the bacon, then you're good. 

Then there's Alugbati and Kesong Puti Salad (Php200/solo, Php310/share) which also came as surprisingly good for me considering the fact that I am not really a big fan of alugbati. 

It is a good call that there were lettuce in the mix otherwise I would really have a hard time ingesting all the alugbati leaves. The roasted carrots and beets were a thoughtful addition that adds distinct character to the salad. However, the kesong puti that goes rather well with the aged balsamic dressing was really the one that made me love this dish.

Served in a mini cast iron skillet, the Tinapa Omelette (Php235) topped with mixed greens was a sight to behold but it really isn't something I am ver enthusiastic in having again on my future visits. Yet, it is noteworthy that they uses organic eggs in making this dish. 

It was a mistake that I took part in indulging on Lola's Brisket "Bistek" Tagalog (Php410) rather late - towards the end of the meal before the dessert, to be specific - because otherwise, I would definitely down an entire serving of it with much gusto. 

It has the flavor and the impeccable tenderness that I want in my beef brisket. It is a perfect dish by all means.

I am not really crazy about batchoy dish in general but Lola's Bacon Belly Batchoy (Php320) got everything going for itself hence, it ended as one of my favorites. 

The flavor of the broth, the hearty noodles, the generous ingredients, and the awesome bacon belly made this dish well worth visiting Lola for.

Another favorite dish was the Bone Marrow Sisig (Php275). Downright sinful, yes. But it is not something that one gets to feast on everyday, so might as well indulge. 

The toasted flat bread it was served with was great accompaniment. But I am Pinoy by heart so I wouldn't be shy to say that I ate this dish with a bowl of rice. The kamias jam was a genius addition as it cuts through the fatty flavor of the sisig and the bone marrow. 

After feasting on the 1/4 Chicken Confit & Tinola Rice (Php280) further my utmost respect for Chef Jonvic. 

I love Chicken Tinola and this version adds sophisticated flair to it without overbearingly so - making it still the comfort food that I wouldn't mind having on a day to day basis. 

The Miso Salmon and Sinigang Rice (Php320) was equally impressive. 

The salmon was perfectly seared in my opinion, and I love that the taste of miso incorporated to it did not overshadow the distinct flavor of salmon. Its combination with the Sinigang rice was just genius because its sourness adds another facets of flavor to the dish.

I am all well and happy with the salmon dish but when the Coconut Boneless Bangus (Php430) made its way to the table I was immediately smitten.

I have had several boneless bangus in the past but this one makes it special because of the coconut sauce. I love that the texture of the fish was crisp to the bite only to be interrupted with the silky tenderness of the fish meat as you go along.

One cannot not have a room for dessert when dining at Lola Cafe and bar because while the dishes they serve are highly impressive, the desserts are equally well worth the calorie intake. 

The Banoffee Pie (Php170) for instance features a medley of flavor brought about by the combination of banana custard cream and peanut butter. One spoonful cannot be enough, trust me. Then there's also the Strawberries and Cream Pavlova (Php150) which any meringue and strawberry lovers may appreciate.

It wasn't so surprising for me that these new menu items at Lola Cafe and Bar left an impressive streak in my memory. Because for one, I am always confident about their food. Then, with Chef Jonvic as their consultant, I cannot expect anything less than stellar. As always, Lola Cafe and Bar did not disappoint.

Lola Cafe + Bar
99 Sct. Lozano
Quezon City, Philippines
Tel. Nos.:  (02) 5012620 / (0917) 8176045 / (02) 2193254
Facebook: /Lola Cafe+Bar
Operating Hours:
Mon-Thu:11:00 am-11:00 pm
Fri-Sat:11:00 am-1:00 am
Sun: 11:00 am-10:00 pm