Lola - Seattle - Tom Douglas

Working our way down the Pacific coast, after Vancouver we started off Seattle in good fashion with a very nice meal at Lola, a contemporary Greek spot, which is located in the Andra Hotel -- our home for the next few days. I wasn't exactly sure what to expect but in my limited experience, the dining scene in small, urban hotels seems to be undergoing a bit of a renaissance these days. And Tom Douglas, the proprietor of this and several other restaurants in the Seattle area, has a more-than-solid repututation. Turns out, this was distinctive and innovative food, with some very creative riffs and updates on conventional Greek fare . . .



Lola is located in the Andra Hotel at 2000 4th Avenue, Seattle WA 98121



Skordalia with Grilled Whole Wheat Pita
This was the only disappointment of the evening. I tried to appreciate this stylized version but it came off more like a garlicky hummus than a Skordalia. Thinking about the boss version I can get at Greek Islands in Chicago made me a bit sorry I ordered this. Happily, it was the only weak link in the entire meal.



Kabob of Lamb Heart with Yakima Apricot Puree and Seared Onions deglazed with Ouzo
Here you can see the steam rising off the supremely hot griddle pan, after the ouzo was added. The rich flavor and dense texture of these lamb hearts were both sensational and the ouzo-soaked onions were a perfect accent.



Grilled Octopus, Sweet Peas and Pork Belly
This dish just killed. I loved the combination of elements here and the preparation was immaculate. The belly was so crispy it cracked when chewed. Truly inspired.



Turkish Lamb Ravioli (aka manti) with Aleppo Pepper Butter
Another great dish. Here, the ravioli contained tender chunks of lamb meat and they were topped with bright tomato, cool yogurt and fresh mint leaves.



Tagine of Suckling Pig with Foraged Mushrooms, Grain Mustard, Mustard Greens and Crispy Cracklin'
What can I say about this awesome dish? The pork was so moist and deep in flavor. The sauce tied it together with the greens and the perfectly chewy mushrooms.



Wild Alaskan Halibut with Zucchini Puree and Roasted Almonds
Another delicious dish. The fish was terrific, especially with the zucchini and the roasted almonds.



Green Beans, Tomato and Dill
Not mushy but properly soft, these beans were sensational. The sweet, reduced tomato and the fresh dill just made it.



Blueberry Sorbet with Fresh Berries
Sweet, sour and totally refreshing. The berries were terrific, too.



Chocolate-Caramel Pot de Creme with Red Wine Cherries and Vanilla Cream
Super dense and delicious. I loved the soaked cherries.



Apricot Crostada with Ginger & Marigold Ice Cream, Apricot Caramel and Yogurt
I love fruit and pastry desserts and this one was excellent. Here, the pastry was crispy and well-layered and the filling was bright, sweet and very representative of fresh apricot. The additional accents took it to another level.

Other than the Skordalia misstep, I wouldn't hesitate to order any of these dishes again. Each of the others really delivered. The ingredients were great, the conceptions were inspired and execution was sensational. Service, proviced by Ian, was friendly, enthusiastic and informative. I hope this first meal we had in Seattle was an omen of things to come. It was truly enjoyable on many levels.

=R=

Lola
Andra Hotel
2000 4th Avenue
Seattle, WA 98121
206 441-1430

Wow Ronnie, great post! Greek food is probably the last thing I would think of ordering in Seattle. Now all that has changed. That dish with the octopus and pork belly calls out to me. I'll be visiting Lola on my next trip to Seattle for sure.

stevez wrote:Wow Ronnie, great post! Greek food is probably the last thing I would think of ordering in Seattle. Now all that has changed. That dish with the octopus and pork belly calls out to me. I'll be visiting Lola on my next trip to Seattle for sure.

Me neither, but we were exhausted and the thought of trying a well-regarded place without having to leave the hotel was a welcome one. And we'd had 2 Chinese meals and one Syrian meal in Vancouver, so it was a nice change. Still, in some ways, I feel safer referring to this as 'Greek' food. In any case, it was really delicious. It kind of had an Avec-like feel, which I appreciated. I'm guessing that all Tom Douglas' restaurants are worth trying but I doubt we'll have time to hit any of the others on this trip. Tonight, some friends are making us dinner, which is always a crapshoot.

=R=