In observance of Valentine’s day this year, Louie and I reserved the weekend (rest day) to celebrate as we are one of those couples who are super busy every working day from day till night (yeah, even past actual office working hours). So while the rest of the world spent the much awaited, anticipated heart’s day on the dot, Cupid’s arrow was targeted at us three days after.
We did celebrate the day in a traditional fashion, nonetheless — giving flowers, greeting cards, exchanging gifts to each other and dining in an exquisite restaurant.
The part where we spent hours of intimate conversations discussing about businesses, work, money, new goals and perspectives and other updates on learning set us apart from typical dating folks. (These stories, and not romance, are what keep us together, I suppose. Har Har.) 🙂
Underneath the starless sky, we dined in Lola Café and Bar in Tomas Morato, QC, along a slew of remarkable restaurants waiting to be unraveled for all occasions. We were both first-time diners in Lola and when asked why he decided to choose this restaurant, Louie replied that he has just heard good recommendations from his relatives and friends. And right, they are!
Review of Lola Café and Bar (Tomas Morato, Quezon City)
Ambiance: ★★★★☆
Lola in Spanish means “strong woman”; in Sanskrit, it means “goddess,” specifically, Lakshmi. When translated from Filipino to English, it means “grandmother.” I just could not find anything in the ambiance of the restaurant that illustrated any of these meanings and translations. I didn’t find any valid reason on the web either.
Why Lola? I simply could not be at peace with the question running in my mind, so I managed to get a convincing answer myself somehow: Lola Café + Bar is modeled like a bungalow type of old house. The design and structure of its exterior probably dates back to the early times which straightforwardly imply its “lola-ness” or oldness. The theme of the interior as well communicates traces of history with projected eccentricity through the framed artworks on the wall and the lights hanging from the ceiling.
Lola Café and Bar has three dining areas: a garden-like setting outside where amigas can chat and gossip about the latest trends in fashion and the like holding their fans, the first floor where the closed kitchen, bar counter and three tables stand, and the second floor area featuring a wider space for bigger groups. In sum, I liked the minimalistic design and cozy vibe of this restaurant which made me feel at home.
I should have given this five stars for this review. However, when it was about time for us to leave, I saw a cockroach which climbed from the edge of the ground to the main entrance. The staff barely even noticed and we had to call their attention to put it away. One of them trapped the insect to a bottle of wine and left it there by the door—lifeless.
Service: ★★★★★
The wait staff promptly provided us with everything we asked and needed. They had good accommodation and respect to customers.
Food: ★★★★☆
The menu was not packed with so many items. There were only an average of 8 or less choices per section beginning from the appetizers, salads and soups, sandwiches, varied entrees and pastas to desserts. But the dishes all looked pleasing and satisfying, worth the trouble you might get finding the place.
We started the lovely dinner with Louie’s preference: an order of Two Sausages (PHp 200). Sausages are part of most people’s top comfort food list and are great eats regardless of the time of the day. Lola’s version of Two Sausages comprised of chopped chicken sausages on one end and sliced Hungarian sausages on the other with sauteed onions in between. I think these are best to be paired with garlic rice or toasted bread for either brunch or breakfast.
Next thing served was the Tartufo Pasta (PHp 260) which consisted of cream sauce, portabella mushrooms and truffle oil. The pasta was slick and soft, but still al dente, and that sauce was divine in taste — simplicity at its best. We requested the waiter to cut the whole proportion of the actual order into two for us to eat in our own plates.
Last main entree was the Baked Dory (PHp 200). The menu noted that customers would have to expect 30 minutes for this to be cooked. We didn’t mind. What resulted was a beyond-good hot-plated baked fish with crusted parmesan. I tried to eat it mindfully and thought hard on what was going on my head. The dory was seasoned well; the saltiness of the cheese complemented the flavor; and the texture of the parmesan flakes surrounding the fish prettily resembled that of breadcrumbs used to fry crisp fish fillets.
We could not leave the place without having desserts as we could not stand the strong taste of the last dish lingering on our taste buds (not that it wasn’t good). Out of the three choices, we had the Banofee Pie (PHp 150). It was vanilla-like custard ice cream layered with frozen bananas in the middle and Graham crust at the bottom, with sprinkles of strawberry, cherry or raspberry and chocolate syrup on the sides. Their banofee pie was a nice concoction of sweet (yet not so sweet) elements, grown-up style.
Price for Value: ★★★☆☆
We had four courses without spending more than PHp 1000. When put to isolation though, each dish was notably overpriced. Okay, to be fair, their food aren’t all haute cuisine but were great, so there’s little wonder Lola Cafe and Bar racks up a consistent flow of customers nightly.
Lola Café + Bar
99 Scout Lozano Street, Tomas Morato,
Quezon City, Metro Manila
For inquiries, call (02) 501-2620
Operating Hours:
Tuesday to Thursday 3:00pm – 11:00pm
Friday to Saturday 3:00 pm – 1:00 am
Sunday 3:00 pm – 11:00 pm
About Rochkirstin Santos-Sioco
Health and technology freak. Food and lifestyle blogger with a large appetite for food and travel.
Based on your photos, the place looks terrific. Black and white theme. Although the foods are basically popular (esp. pasta) but they still look appetizing. I’m curious what the dory’s taste like.
Try the dory then in your visit. Bring along a friend or two! 😀
indeed the place looks lovely with its minimalistic interiors. also i love how they put some effort of designing and giving some exact places where amigas or groupies can sit and enjoy their foods! xx
This is the type of restaurant which will hook you up not with what’s happening around mostly but with the elegant food. Plan to eat here when you visit the Philippines. 🙂
I spent my Valentine’s day working. haha. It’s nice that you were able to celebrate it even 3 days after.
The cafe looks cozy and clean. I hope I could also try their foods, they look so yummy. 😛
Yup, entirely it looks clean and comfortable.
Hehe I also spent V-day working. I remember Ramon Bautista tweeted “Hoooyyy hindi dahil araw ng mga heart, non-working holiday para sa brain, ok? Hihihi ingat” 🙂 I could so relate.
its never too late for a valentine’s day celebration. you guys are a workaholic couple, so this is also a good way to reward yourself to a relaxing dinner.
Yeah, I am a wholehearted believer in rewarding ourselves especially on special occasions, and Valentine’s Day is one of those times. ❤
Lola’s Cafe and bar looks really like an excellent place for a date with good food and ambiance.
Yup. I just don’t know why Lola has received few accolades from bloggers. Until now it is called an “undiscovered gem!” 😀
wow that’s so sweet.. the baked dory looks so mouthwatering!!!
Thanks! It’s the most amazing baked dory I ever had, only second to Swensen’s. 🙂
seems like a great place and foods, will definitely visit this when in the area..
Everything was just perfect on that day. This is a must-visit place. 🙂
I’ve heard my friend saying good things about this place. But unfortunately, I havent been able to visit it. The food looks good and I love those type of ambiance. Very homey, very cozy.
Yeah, it’s a homey restaurant in the area of the busy street of Tomas Morato. You may think that you are in someone’s living room or patio. Great for Friday brunch or lunch. 🙂
That is one great place to spend the Valentines with your love one. Food looks great tasting.
The place did not have hearts all over but it’s a great place to wind down and chit chat with a companion.
This is a must try restaurant even if not Valentines day.
I would like to try visit this one when I come home.
Yup, the good thing is they have a car park especially for their customers. So make sure to call them for a reservation and book for a slot in case you’re driving one.
Lola seems to be good place to spend some quiet time with that special someone. I hope they have a facebook page so I could check them further before going there.
Yes, they have. You can check it out at Lola Cafe+Bar.
A good place for someone or for partners to spend some quality “intimate” time hehe. Nice find and thanks for sharing it with us.
You’re welcome, Ron! 🙂 Maybe you can invite your partner to dine in here next time.
The photos and your description attest that this place is a must visit one. The foods, yet simple, are enticing.
Not a huge menu choice but one that will certainly please 🙂
Thanks for this post. We’re definitely eating here one of these days 🙂
Hi Camilla. You’re welcome. 🙂
[…] 2013, Louie and I celebrated Valentine’s Day in Lola Café. Seeing our old photos together gave me a chuckle. It’s been over two and a half years. So […]