900 Literary Road
Lolita is casual yet stylish. I was at home wearing jeans among a crowd that included those in a coat and tie. Although the place touts itself as Mediterranean, the menu smells of a traditional American bistro cuisine. The old converted neighborhood corner had a crowded yet quaint dining area appointed with white tablecloths and seating to be expected of a fine dining establishment. One evening I ate in the outdoor patio, which provided for a fantastic dining atmosphere.
The appetizers worth noting include roasted bone marrow (grilled bread, scallions and salsa verde), roasted dates (with almonds, chiles, bacon and parsley) and seared shrimp (feta white wine, tomato and mint). Taken aback by the concept of eating bone marrow, this bovine treat was moderate in flavor but excellent for uniqueness.
Entrees worth noting included the gnocci (pork ragu, tomato, parmesan) and lamb steak (tomato, kalamata olives, fennel, arugula, feta, balsamic). But the most tastefully rewarding experience appeared as a simple side dish. The fried brussel sprouts (anchovies, capers, walnuts) provided a vinegar delight that had me muttering "mmmmmm" with each bite. It was such an unexpected experience from a vegetable I would joke as having an aweful taste. This restaurant redefined for me what brussel sprouts have to offer.
The selection of beer was adequate, providing options for those who crave a more flavorful dark beer experience. The variety of domestic and european wines, however, was outstanding. The standard brewed coffee was flavorful but not too bitter. Finally, a warm sticky, toffee pudding is a great way to end a meal.
This dining experience is not only my favorite in Cleveland, but one of my favorites anywhere. I highly recommend this casual yet chic establishment. When in Cleveland, be sure to dine at Michael Symon's Lolita and accompany any of the wonderful entrées with the 'to-die-for' fried brussel sprouts.
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| Lolita in Cleveland's Historic Tremont |
Cleveland, Ohio
Signature Dish: Fried Brussel Sprouts
This is one of Michael Symon's restaurants located in the trendy old world Tremont district of Cleveland. Michael Symon has appeared abundantly on the Food Network, including a rein as Iron Chef and later the host of Melting Pot and Dinner: Impossible. This particular location in Tremont was established in 1997 and was originally named Lola after his aunt. In 1998, Symon was named one of the Ten Best New Chefs in America by Food & Wine Magazine - and the restaurant was named one of America's Best Restaurants by Gourmet Magazine in 2000. In 2005 Lola was converted into Lolita and Lola was re-opened as a more upscale bistro in downtown Cleveland. In 2007 Cleveland Magazine named Symon as the Best Local Chef for these two locations, Lola and Lolita. Most recently, in 2009, he won the prestigious James Beard Foundation Award in the "Best Chef Great Lakes" category. Now, according to Urban Spoon, Lola is ranked at the top fine dining experience in Cleveland, while Lolita takes the third spot in the category.
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| Michael Symon |
The appetizers worth noting include roasted bone marrow (grilled bread, scallions and salsa verde), roasted dates (with almonds, chiles, bacon and parsley) and seared shrimp (feta white wine, tomato and mint). Taken aback by the concept of eating bone marrow, this bovine treat was moderate in flavor but excellent for uniqueness.
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| Fried Brussel Sprouts |
The selection of beer was adequate, providing options for those who crave a more flavorful dark beer experience. The variety of domestic and european wines, however, was outstanding. The standard brewed coffee was flavorful but not too bitter. Finally, a warm sticky, toffee pudding is a great way to end a meal.
This dining experience is not only my favorite in Cleveland, but one of my favorites anywhere. I highly recommend this casual yet chic establishment. When in Cleveland, be sure to dine at Michael Symon's Lolita and accompany any of the wonderful entrées with the 'to-die-for' fried brussel sprouts.
