Lola's Opens in King Street District. Photo Tour

[PeeJayEss]

Yeah I went today too. A "Lola's Double Fisted Dirty Sanchez" doesnt sound very appetizing.

Did you read the description?!? It sure did sound appetizing!

[Non-RedNeck Westsider]

[thelakelander]

Are they open now?

yes and its amazing.

I had the ginger tofu burrito last night, Ock had the Empanadas, and Lake had a Burrito I think.

Not only was the food delicious (the Salsa that comes with the table is just magnificent) but no one at the table could eat all of the food that they brought.

I had the Leapin Lizard which is a burrito with cajun seasoned gator meat.

[fsujax]

^^that sounds good. I love gator meat.

[Gators312]

Went today with a friend...it was fantastic.  Really great food, nice variety on the menu but not too much.

The drink menu was extensive as well, lots of beer and liquor choices.

I had the Chimmy Taco and a Latin Beef Empanada, and the friend had Lola's Empanada and a Fish Taco...

After this meal, we both concurred that Taco Lu not coming to Murray Hill isn't nearly as dire as it seemed a couple hours ago...

[ben says]

Loving these reviews! Great news gets even better.

[Ocklawaha]

The empanada's were very good, they are, however, Argentine style. The pico de gallo salsa was too hot to be South American, and a bit shy on the cilantro. Most South American food isn't raging hot and in fact most dishes are deep Frys, grilled over fire or boiled, the Andean region is more famous for every type of 'stew' or 'soup' known as sancocho. American's who are trying these empanada's for the first time and looking for an authentic way to eat them should know to bite the end off of the crescent shaped pie crust and spoon in the salsa, south of the border you would be squeezing in fresh lime juice, pronounced 'LEEmon'.

Though the menu did have a section that reads 'From the streets of Bogota' using yellow cornmeal in place of white arena is anathema. Too sweet.

I tossed out an offer to the owner that if he wants a couple of REAL Colombian dishes, IE: empanada's (Medellin style), sancocho, arepa's (think a flat bread made from hominy and grilled), I've got a couple of relations that would be happy to come over and give the crew a few lessons...

HEY, NOT JUST ANYBODY CAN SAY THEY HAVE A 'COLOMBIAN CONNECTION!'

I'll give them an A+ or a solid 10 for effort...
and
A more typical C+ or 5 for authentic taste...

Give me a call.



OCKLAWAHA

[AshleyLauren]

Are they open now?

yes and its amazing.

I had the ginger tofu burrito last night, Ock had the Empanadas, and Lake had a Burrito I think.

Not only was the food delicious (the Salsa that comes with the table is just magnificent) but no one at the table could eat all of the food that they brought.

Stephen,
I think we should give Pizza Palace a break next Tuesday and go here!!!

[MissMinda]

There was supposed to be salsa that came with the table??? Hmm I didn't get any yesterday. I know they were packed, but it is one of the things hubby and I remarked on after leaving. Most places do serve chips and salsa, especially if you're waiting 45 min for your food on a busy night.

[thelakelander]

^We paid for our chips and salsa.

[JaxDiablo]

The empanada's were very good, they are, however, Argentine style. The pico de gallo salsa was too hot to be South American, and a bit shy on the cilantro. Most South American food isn't raging hot and in fact most dishes are deep Frys, grilled over fire or boiled, the Andean region is more famous for every type of 'stew' or 'soup' known as sancocho. American's who are trying these empanada's for the first time and looking for an authentic way to eat them should know to bite the end off of the crescent shaped pie crust and spoon in the salsa, south of the border you would be squeezing in fresh lime juice, pronounced 'LEEmon'.

Though the menu did have a section that reads 'From the streets of Bogota' using yellow cornmeal in place of white arena is anathema. Too sweet.

I tossed out an offer to the owner that if he wants a couple of REAL Colombian dishes, IE: empanada's (Medellin style), sancocho, arepa's (think a flat bread made from hominy and grilled), I've got a couple of relations that would be happy to come over and give the crew a few lessons...

HEY, NOT JUST ANYBODY CAN SAY THEY HAVE A 'COLOMBIAN CONNECTION!'

I'll give them an A+ or a solid 10 for effort...
and
A more typical C+ or 5 for authentic taste...

Give me a call.



OCKLAWAHA

See Ock, I was happy with the empanadas... since my mother was born in Cordoba, Argentina, and grew up just outside of Buenos Aires, they are what I'm used to.  It seems like it's a big mashup of various cultures.  I didn't see the indication about the columbian connection, though if they want some Argentina flavor, I'm sure mommy dearest would be happy to come visit them and hang out. 

All in all, I've been fairly happy with the food, I realize there are still some things that need to be ironed out, and the service is still learning everything.  Though for a fairly inexpensive meal (less than $10 for a good sized burrito), nice beer selection (3 pages), and a fair amount of margaritas.  I will be a regular.

[ben says]

Caveat: only tried one item, the ginger teriyaki tofu burrito.

God was it awful. At times completely bland, at times an assault to the taste buds. Tasted like sushi meets some awful attempt at 'Mexican'.

Why they had to mimic the 'ginger teriyaki' tofu thing from Burrito Gallery I have no idea. Tofu was flavorless (BG's is amazing), ginger was overpowering (the thing had tons of pickled ginger in it, too much if I may add), and the 'green rice' was bland (TacoLu's is better).

Took 15 minutes for one burrito on a to-go order. Can't imagine how it is when it gets busy here.

THAT BEING SAID, everything else people were eating looked and smelled delicious. The empanadas looked fantastic...the smell was driving me nuts.

I'll 100% go back, as I know they're a new restaurant and they're working out the kinks, just won't get that burrito.

Anyone know if they use corn tortillas on their tacos?

[PeeJayEss]

Anyone know if they use corn tortillas on their tacos?

They are flour if I'm not mistaken. I'm not personally a fan of corn tortillas, though I don't know if that would be more or less authentic (I don't really care about authenticity though). I had Corner Taco earlier in the day and, while its delicious, I do not like their taco holders. I have the ginger tofu taco thingy at Lola's and I don't like tofu or ginger, and I thought it was delicious. Strange but the flavor variety somehow worked quite well.

[ben says]

Anyone know if they use corn tortillas on their tacos?

They are flour if I'm not mistaken. I'm not personally a fan of corn tortillas, though I don't know if that would be more or less authentic (I don't really care about authenticity though). I had Corner Taco earlier in the day and, while its delicious, I do not like their taco holders. I have the ginger tofu taco thingy at Lola's and I don't like tofu or ginger, and I thought it was delicious. Strange but the flavor variety somehow worked quite well.

Since you mentioned Corner Taco, how are their fillings? (I know you don't like the corn shells.) Haven't had a chance to check them out yet.

[PeeJayEss]

Since you mentioned Corner Taco, how are their fillings? (I know you don't like the corn shells.) Haven't had a chance to check them out yet.

Quite good. They're pretty simple: meat prepared however on a radish salad base with sweet chile and whatever else might come with that taco (peppers, tomatoes, they're big on asparagus, cheese, etc). Pretty good selection of meats (chicken a couple of ways, carnitas, shrimp, mahi, tempeh,).