Whatever Lola wants.....

As the song goes " I always get what I aim for," when I go to Lola's on Harrison.

This fine dining, casual gourmet restaurant is a place where I often go for their " starters," which is more than enough for me.  I love to fill up on their " angry" shrimp and grits or their jumbo crab cake with fennel salad. But don't get me wrong, it would be a mistake not to try any of their beautifully prepared entrees. From their cocoa-cola ribs to their Filet Mignon with mushrooms in truffle sauce- there's nothing skimpy about the presentation or the fresh ingredients.

But as I mentioned, sometimes I want a few bites of something I'll never prepare at home that's mouth watering and complex.  This neighborhood restaurant exudes a plain comfort at every corner- from their outside patio to their romantic tables for two.

Pooch alert- Downtown Hollywood is very dog- friendly and Lola is no exception. The courtyard  is
a favorite hangout of several downtown canines!

 But you know me, even though I am devoted to my cool vodka on the rocks- I don't mind exploring new mood altering liquor drinks.   Ask for James, not only is he one of my favorite bartenders in town, but he truly loves his work and the proof (excuse the pun) is in the drinks he creates.  It is a delight to watch James swishing new concoctions in glasses and goblets while sharing secrets and small talk from the happenings of the past week.   I have to admit, I'm getting addicted to a little town gossip  with a side of buttermilk onion rings. But don't just stop at the starter menu, come hungry because there are more carnivore delights such as grilled spring lamb, to long bone smoked pork chop.

Chef Bob Mignola often conjures up new specials to compliment the favorites so be ready for a treat on any night.



www.lolasonharrison.com

Go ahead - order take out

Hollywood Vine - 2035 Harrison St, Hollywood, FL 33020
(954) 922-2910

What a pleasure to live in downtown Hollywood! One of my favorite jaunts is my beloved Hollywood Vine.  Located on Harrison Street (just a stone's throw from the dance studio where exercise classes involve a pole and high heels) is our upscale version of Cheers! (where everybody knows your name)! :-) 
Not only will you feel like you're sipping wine bottled in Tuscany but the selection of quality spirits and cheeses are sublime.





Tina, hostess extraordinaire, is a no-nonsense wine wench. She's a treasure for all the patrons who can't make up their mind of what to drink or eat. Try anything from their selection of cheeses, pate, and salamis and you will want to top it off with a bite or two, or three of their specialty chocolates.  This is such a comfortable place that often I go there and have take out food delivered to me while I'm already sipping vodka.  Yep, it's the cool clear stuff for me after a hard afternoon of Pilates. That's the kind of place it is. No one cares if you order a pizza from somewhere else as long as you sit down to chat while you're enjoying yourself.  The casual attitude is what makes this gourmet wine cafe a place for  neighborhood friendlies to catch up and relax.