Most Hollywood classics should never be remade: Planet of the Apes, King Kong—need I say more? But sometimes a classic gets a cool, fresh make-over, and it gains legions of new fans while retaining its original ones.

Well just in time for the holidays, Lola’s is back with a host of new food items and entertainment offerings, while still improving on what made Angelenos fall in love with it the first time – a killer martini. If you’ve never visited (and I’m slightly embarrassed to say that I hadn’t prior to this trip), then you must know two things: 1. Lola’s is famous for their Apple Martini, and 2. They pair your food with specialty martinis, like stylists who find clothes and shoes to match!

Lola’s now offers a new Martini Pairing special: a four course meal that pairs each course with a different martini for only $45. I started with Lola’s Crab Cake & Slaw. The crab cake was delightful—wonderfully seasoned and filling, as was the homemade slaw, which wasn’t a thrown-together side item to fill space; instead the mixture of fennel, apple, red onion and the vinaigrette added sweetness to the dish. Together they were wipe-your-plate-clean good. The light green apple martini, aptly presented in a red-stemmed glass, was perfection: sweet, potent and slightly addictive. I allowed myself only a few sips, because a lot more was coming.

Chicken Stuffed Chicken followed. Imagine a chicken salad sandwich, sans the bread, with a side of spinach salad mixed with homemade potato chips. An unexpected yet surprisingly yummy combo. Great for anyone still doing the Atkins diet. A Cantaloupe Martini accompanied the dish. This is a fruity drink blended with vodka, orange juice, lime and cantaloupe.

Course three brought a choice of pizzas. The Lox Pizza, which I selected, came topped with smoked salmon, cream cheese, fresh tomato, capers and green onions. The combo made for a clever blend of ingredients. The Vertigo Lemon Drop, like its name suggests, was strong and tangy. The tartness of the lemon was well balanced by the sugar lined rim.

The last course was the dessert course which involved lots and lots of chocolate. Lola’s Chocolate Decadence, was a flourless chocolate cake covered with white chocolate ganache. I was left feeling satisfied but not heavy, which was nice after so many courses. The final martini: Clockwork Orange was refreshing, sweet with a hint of orange flavor.

I was too full to try Lola’s Sunday Supper, a new offering that features prime rib, roasted potatoes, veggies, and gravy—all served with beer. Also new to Lola’s is Bar Trivia at 8pm on Sundays and Comedy Nights at 8pm on Mondays.

This holiday season, I’d recommend watching Miracle on 34th Street, or another classic movie, and then heading over to Lola’s for some grub and a martini. I’ve heard that the Pumpkin Martini rocks!

Lola’s
945 North Fairfax Avenue
West Hollywood, CA 90046
www.lolasla.com
(323) 654-5652

Hours: Weekdays: 5:30pm-1:30am
Saturdays: 11am-1am
Sundays 11am-12am