Denver Restaurant Review: Lola

With food inspired by coastal regions of Mexico and a top rated tequila bar, Lola has remained a Denver favorite for close to a decade. Considering the onslaught of new restaurant districts and Denver's ever-changing tastes, remaining a a popular dining destination in this sink or swim climate says a lot about what Lola is whipping up. Having spent three years on South Pearl Street and an additional seven in the trendy LoHi neighborhood, it's obvious that Lola is doing something right.

Contrary to Lola's acclaim, I never had the chance to go until this past Thursday night. With such high expectations it's easy for popular restaurants like Lola to fall short, but Lola not only lived up to those standards but far surpassed them. With an extremely hospitable crew, quality flavors and coin-style margaritas, this Denver favorite found it's way into my top five restaurants in Denver.

We started out with some sweet, smokey salsa and cocktails. 

Jamey Fader, Lola's Executive Chef/Owner, suggested we try this sweet specialty drink as it was his grandmother's favorite. With fresh lime, cucumber, agave nectar, and a squeeze of orange, it's easy to see why this easy-sip drink is such a hit.

 Fader's fascination with authentic Mexican flavors spawned from having worked behind the scenes at various Denver restaurants like Jax Fish House. He partnered with Query in 2002 and began creating unique yet authentic cuisine, pulling inspiration from regions like Oaxaca, Yucatan peninsula, Baja, Veracruz and the Northern Pacific Coast. Drawing on Lola's tradition, new Chef Kevin Grossi, is rolling out some amazing items of his own.

It seems to be teamwork that makes Lola work so well. With an amazing General Manager, Patrick Kneese, runs the floor while letting Chef Kevin Grossi and Jamey Fader whip up wonderful things.

The table-side guacamole plays a large role in Lola's popularity. A rolling table full of ingredients is brought to your table where you help create your very own specialty guac. 

My favorite part of the night was the halibut and kale. There is something wonderful to be said about a seared piece of fish and perfectly cooked veggies. Lola's chefs stay within the flavor boundaries but add their own creative spin to each dish.

I couldn't have had a better night!

Denver Restaurant Review: Tamayo

July 1st through September 30th marks Tamayo's annual Guacamole Festival here in Denver. Come taste Chef Richard Sandoval's guacamole creations inspired by the diverse regions of Mexico. Flavors from Yucatan, Baja, Sur, Norteno, and Pacifico work to create this unique series of guacamole tasters that are only around for a limited time.

Last night, I was lucky enough to help kick off this year's Guacamole Festival (see menu here). Both a guest and myself were treated to a platter of guacamole samplers including: The Baja, Sur, Pacifico, Traditional, Bacon, Tuna Tartare, and the Spicy Crab. The samplers came on mini tostadas, piled high with each guacamole flavor alongside habanero and tomatillo salsas.

The Sur featured cotija cheese, cilantro, lime, tomatillo, onion and GRASSHOPPERS! I consider myself to be a fairly adventurous eater, but I wouldn't last a week on Survivor. I'm not about to eat any bugs. However, those who ate it said it was surprisingly delicious. 

My two favorites were the Baja featuring kiwi, strawberry, mango and mint and the Pacifico with grilled beats, walnuts, orange and lime.

Tamayo has always been one of my favorite restaurants in Denver and it's always fun to try something new. Make sure you venture down to Tamayo this summer for some one of a kind guacamole or at least a margarita or two!

Tamayo Makes My List - Denver Restaurant Review

Tamayo is a long-time Modern Mexican favorite in the heart of Larimer square in down town Denver. Chef, Richard Sandoval, creates a one-of a kind cuisine, mixing traditional flavors with contemporary. Along with Tamayo's innovative fare, this Denver "hotspot" is home to a collection of over 100 tequilas and agave spirits, perfect for a post-work pitstop - (happy hour from 2:00pm-7:00pm daily.) 

From now through September, Tamayo will feature its first annual Guacamole Festival. Sandoval has introduced a number of exclusive guacamole creations with one of a kind ingredients like kiwis, grasshoppers, and grilled beets. So when I was asked to cover the Guacamole Festival this past week, I jumped at the opportunity. I decided to take my dad on this culinary adventure, as a makeshift father-daughter date. 

We started out with the Traditional Margarita on the rooftop lounge, which overlooks Invesco Field.

and of course, Larimer Square.

The chef prepared us an amazing appetizer with fresh fruit, fried cheese, and a balsamic reduction. 

There were six guacamole creations to choose from, all inspired by different regions of Mexico. Naturally, we wanted to try them all, so we ordered the Guacamole Tostada Sampler. Usually the sampler comes with a taste of the Baja, Sur, and Pacifico. Last night, however, the Sur (the one with the grasshoppers) had sold out - I must admit, I was a little relieved. Instead, we ordered the Bacon, as my poor dad has been eating vegetarian on most nights because of me.  

The Pacifico was my favorite - beets, roasted walnuts, queso fresco, and orange, topped off with habanero salsa.

Needless to say, we hated it...

For our next course, the chef made us an amazing sorbet with mint and diced fruit at the bottom. 

Last but not least, we split the Wild Mushroom Flat Bread with goat cheese, caramelized onion, black bean pure, and truffle oil. 

I am so happy to have been asked down to Tamayo, as it has easily found a cozy spot on my "Favorite Eats in Denver" list.