A FOODIE FAVORITE: LŌLA CAFE

Probably my favorite discovery in Manila was Lōla Cafe. I went there with my high school girlfriends, loved it so much that I went back the next day with my mom and Luke. It's funny because my friend Irish, the one who suggested it, was actually there for lunch the same day we had our dinner. Our coming back should be a testament to how good this place is, haha :) They serve elevated Filipino favorites in a very chic yet homey setting - perfect for catching up.

We ordered pretty much the same dishes on both my visits, and everyone enjoyed the meal every single time. Being the food lover that I am, allow me to present to you the delicious food savored in Lōla Cafe:

Veggie Hummus. Eggplant hummus served with pita bread. I love hummus and I just wish there was more. :) 

Beef Salpicao. Tenderloin cubes sautéed with garlic and olive oil. I love love love Salpicao! Beef and lots and lots of garlic? Yes, please!

Gambas Y Chorizo. Fresh baby prawn and chorizo, sautéed in olive oil and lots of garlic, served with pita bread. I normally steer clear of gambas coz although I love prawns, I'm not a big fan of spicy food. I thoroughly enjoyed this one coz it wasn't really spicy and there were chorizos in it! Nom nom nom!

Tartufo Pasta. Spaghetti in cream sauce with slices of portobello mushroom and truffle oil. It might look a bit boring for the lack of color but it really tastes (and smells!) good. 

Spicy Tinapa Pasta. Smoked fish, chili flakes, and fresh tomatoes. This pasta was a bit too dry for my liking but I still enjoyed it coz I loooove tinapa. So happy that they used tinapa as their main ingredient! 

Kare-Kare. Beef brisket, tripe and veggies in a rich peanut sauce, served with bagoong (shrimp paste). The dish that brought a huge dilemma - should we order rice? Haha! The kare-kare, like all the other dishes, was good, but due credit must also be given to the bagoong. Seriously, this place is like a haven for all my favorite flavors! :)

Cheers to friendship! Oasis and California Dream.

Pistachio Pavlova. Pistachio dacquoise topped with creme and mangoes. For sweet endings :)

The bar in the ground floor. Ok, fun fact, my girlfriends and I pretty much referred to that board for our order. It lists down their Best Sellers as well as New Items, plus the wifi password. Yup, free wifi too! (Rocketgirl's note- but please don't be anti-social!!! Good food becomes so much better with great conversations, I hope you get that too when you visit.)

Fun frames lining up the walls

The spacious second floor dining area

This sight really makes me happy :) Taking this photo made me feel really warm and fuzzy because there really is nothing like your high school girlfriends. I am so proud of each and every one's achievements and how far we've come. Especially lucky that we've remained friends through the years. I super miss them already!! :(

This was taken after my mom and I fetched Luke from the airport. It was his first personal time in Manila since he's been working the previous times and was pretty much cooped up in the hotel. Our first meal foreshadowed his entire trip as I really enjoyed showing him around and making him eat good food! Plus, I got to share the moment with my mom too! She's who I attribute my love for good food to, haha 

All smiles coz a) good food, b) we're together, and c) we're having our first wedding!!! Ahghh! We really are old, hahaha! 

I can't wait to go back! 

Lōla Cafe is located at 99 Scout Lozano Street, Quezon City, Philippines