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| - I'm really surprised (in a good way) to be writing this review. I actually went to Lolita hoping to not like it. I know, I know....that's absolutely ridiculous, right? I'm just not a fan of Michael Symon. I love all that he does for the city and to bring attention to our culinary "scene" but I'm way over the celebrity chef thing. I remember watching him on Melting Pot way back when the Food Network wasn't mainstream and the shows actually had real chefs cooking real food (who remembers the cook-alongs with Sara Moulton!!) and wish that he was that guy again. Well, that was the basis for my desire to have a horrible time at Lolita on Friday. We were celebrating a birthday and the birthday girl is caught in the "he's on tv so he has to be good" mindset and chose this establishment for her milestone celebration.
First, let me address the service. The wait staff was a very solid good. Exactly what I would have expected from this restaurant and price level. Fairly attentive without being overbearing. Pleasant without trying to be your best friend. Absolutely no complaints (expect maybe the sour expression from one of the hostesses but who really cares if she can't smile?)
Now the food. Everything we had was very good. Everyone was very happy with their meals. We had everything from pasta to duck to pizza to pork chop. I can only speak about what I tasted myself but each member of our party of 7 left with happy bellies and taste buds.
For starters, I shared the beets with my fellow family beet lover. We were thrilled with this dish. Beets, olives, and feta cheese - what could be better?! Not a lot of seasoning or unnecessary toppings to distract from the point of this dish which is delicious, yummy beets. I sampled someone's brushetta which was very good if not a little too oily or garlicy. Nothing that would stop me from eating a plate of it but just something I noticed. I also sampled the pork belly appetizer....pork fatty goodness. Yum is all I can say.
I ordered the buccalini and enjoyed my dish. I chose to give this review 4 stars because of this dish, though. It was just a little too salty for my tastes. I couldn't figure out where the abundance of saltiness was coming from but it was definitely there. Other than that, it was a delicious dish. Warm and filling and quite hearty on a chilly evening. I should note that 2 other diners in my party sampled this dish and felt it was the best entree on the table. They also love salt.
I sampled the pork chop and it was cooked to perfection. Great grilled pork flavor and moist meaty happiness. I also sampled the mushroom pizza which was fabulous. I happen to adore Killbuck Valley mushrooms and these did not disappoint. I also love this style of pizza so it was the perfect combo for me. I wish I had some for lunch today.
My favorite part of the meal was the sides. I selfishly convinced someone to choose the polenta as a side dish simply because I wanted to taste it. I'm glad I was selfish because it was really good (so super creamy) and she loved it. I think the cauliflower was my favorite though. Even if you hate cauliflower, you will like this dish. Seriously. Don't discriminate.
I would really like to return to Lolita and order a couple appetizers and all of the side dishes. Actually, I think the perfect meal here (for me) would be the beets, the brushetta, the cauliflower, and the polenta. Can I do that?? Please?!?!
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