{"id":459,"date":"2008-05-01T11:16:48","date_gmt":"2008-05-01T18:16:48","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.portlandmonthly.com\/portmag\/?p=459"},"modified":"2010-02-19T11:49:18","modified_gmt":"2010-02-19T18:49:18","slug":"bar-lola","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.portlandmonthly.com\/portmag\/bar-lola\/","title":{"rendered":"Bar Lola"},"content":{"rendered":"

reviewed by Diane Hudson May 2008<\/p>\n

Good Food Bar None<\/strong>
\nBar Lola is a knockout in the East End. <\/em><\/p>\n

\"lola1\"Seated at the crest of Munjoy Hill as Congress Street plunges toward the Eastern Prom, Bar Lola, the newest of the new up here, is delighting crowds of excited diners.<\/p>\n

We just closed our eyes with pleasure upon devouring the warm, tasty, small squares of bread we were treated with barely after sitting down. Served in a gorgeous piece of pottery with olive oil and herbs for dipping, the \u201cluna\u201d squares are handmade by Steve Lanzalotta, the baker at Micucci\u2019s.<\/p>\n

For wine, we chose an immensely affordable high-quality Amira Cabernet Franc Paarl from South Africa (2004) ($6 glass, $22 bottle). It was a perfect accompaniment.<\/p>\n

\"lola2\"Next up, a squadron of Portuguese Sardines ($4). Served with thin, tasty house-made crackers and a nifty hot sauce, these satisfied us greatly, as did the light and lovely Maine shrimp frittata with chile and lime ($4). Garlic fans, or anybody seeking fullness of flavor in a dish: Do not miss the roasted eggplant and garlic pur\u00e9e ($3). Also earning raves: the olives with fresh herbs ($3) and the Charcuterie plate with cornichon and whole-grain mustard ($5).
\nThe succulent braised rabbit, served with spaetzle, tarragon, and pan-roasted vegetables including deliciously sweet parsnips, melted in our mouths (this is absolutely a restaurant for sharing). Another \u201cwow\u201d experience is the handmade ravioli with sofrita and a delicately seasoned stuffing. \u201cWe make and roll the ravioli ourselves,\u201d says co-owner\/chef Guy Hernandez, \u201cstuffed with mortadella, spinach, garlic, and a little chicken breast poached in white wine.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"lola3\"But we weren\u2019t finished! We gorged on the duck ($15), a pan-seared breast done to perfect medium rare. The tender slices sported just enough cabbage, chestnuts, and cider glaze to kick things well into the level of performance art.<\/p>\n

The banana cr\u00eapes with caramel sauce and fresh whipped cream ($5)\u2013absolutely heavenly\u2013and a trio of select cheeses ($6, the selection may vary) accompanied by aged balsamic, a homemade mostarda of dried apricots, and delicious dried fig pur\u00e9e, sent us out this door anxious to tell everyone we can about this new restaurant\u2019s magnetic appeal. Go East; mecca awaits.<\/p>\n

Bar Lola, 100 Congress Street, Portland. Dinner Wednesday-Saturday, 5-10 p.m. Reservations strongly suggested. Wine Dinner May 13 includes a 5-course meal with wine pairing ($65 includes tax and gratuity). 775-5652 or www.barlola.net<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Bookmark<\/a>