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Lola’s in West Hollywood (CLOSED)
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By Michael Hepworth

Lola’s in West Hollywood is close to becoming an institution in West Hollywood if it is not one already, their big claim being that they introduced the Apple Martini to the world.
After being a local favorite hang out for 13 plus years, the friendly restaurant/bar attracts a strong regular base, and with a new hard working chef in charge the food is stepping up a notch and the bar is being raised quite significantly.

Ryan Bergunio is only 27, and the seven months or so he has been in charge has seen a consolidation of the American comfort food on the menu, plus a gradual introduction of some of his own creations. Many of the staff has been around since the beginning, and server Wayne who works the room like the pro he is, is the man to ask for if you are looking for detailed breakdown of the spruced up menu. Every table gets served Lola’s world famous potato chips for a start, and a visit to the restaurant is worth it just for that.

Top choice for an appetizer has to be the Dungeness Crab Cakes with fennel slaw and apple puree ($14). As good as any I have had lately, as was the Beef “Tataki” salad ($14) with sliced tomatoes arugula, red onions & shaved parmesan in red wine vinaigrette. The pan seared NY steak did not dominate the salad, but every piece was consumed with relish.

If you are into seafood then the Steamed “King” Salmon w/sautéed sweet garlic shrimp ($26) are creatively prepared with caramelized red potatoes, baby spinach, truffled mushrooms in a jus. Te pan-seared Jumbo Scallops ($26) are another example of the quality main courses available at Lola’s, and this version is topped with caramelized crabmeat remoulade cooked inn a warm sage butter, and served with a combination risotto of wild mushroom, saffron and edemame.

A selection of pasta is highlighted by the house special Spaghetti Bolognese ($15) that can also be infused with truffle oil if needed. This was a good selection, and a good choice if you are looking for a simpler meal, that still has the chefs touch.

Desserts are also freshly cooked on the premises, and at $7 each are a bit of a steal. The warm chocolate bread pudding with vanilla ice cream and strawberry can be a bit heavy after several course, so something lighter might be the way to go. That might be the plate of freshly baked cookies ($9) that take 25 minutes to prepare and should be ordered when selecting your entrée. 

945 N. Fairfax, W. Hollywood, CA 90046
323-654-5652
By Michael Hepworth

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What exactly is GRAND BRULOT I thought to myself as I opened the bottle for the first time just around the time this lockdown took effect. Well, Grand Brulot is listed as a VSOP Cognac Café and it can be used in Bloody Mary’s, Manhattans, Negronis, Martinis, spritzes and sidecars , just for starters. It is a blend of Ugni Blanc & Colombard that is crafted into 80 proof VSOP. Then 100% Robusta Ecuadorian coffee bean essence is extracted and blended with brandy to meld for a few months and finally, it is blended with the VSOP Cognac. There is also a whiff of peppermint, nutmeg and hot cocoa in the drink. The retail price is $42.99.

The idea for the drink was instigated in 2015 by John Bernbach who asked for the help of industry veteran Francisco Tonarely to investigate the potential of a cognac/brandy drink blended with coffee. Three year later in August 2018 Grand Brulot was launched. This cognac comes from the Tardy Cognac Group and the grapes come from its single estate. Grand Brulot also plays homage to a New Orleans specialty of the same name that is still served around town.  The name Grand Brulot was inspired by the famous French pirate Jean Lafite who helped New Orleans repel the British invaders in 1812. He would order coffee, pour cognac in the saucer, set it alight and mix it with the coffee.
Recipes:

THE RISE AND SHINE
2 oz Grand Brulot
Orange Twist

Just pour Grand Brulot over ice and the orange will highlight the flavors
of the spirit.

BRULOT BLACK MANHATTAN
1 oz Grand Brulot
1 oz Bourbon
1 oz Sweet Vermouth
3 dashes Orange Bitters

Bartender Todd Smith created this one. Stir all the ingredients together in
a mixing glass. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass with ice and garnish

with orange wheel.

FRENCH NEGRONI
1 oz Grand Brulot
1 oz  Sweet Vermouth
1 oz Campari

Build in a rocks glass over ice and garnish w/orange wheel.

GRAND BRULOT CAFÉ HOLIDAY
1 oz Grand Brulot
0.5 oz Crème de Cacao
3 oz Porter Beer or Stout
3 dashes of bitters

Throw cocktail ingredients between two cups a couple of times to mix
And ignite the foam from the beer. Pour into a highball glass over ice
And garnish with nutmeg.



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