RESTAURANT REVIEW

Lola Restaurant & Ultra Lounge (cont.)

something that absolutely will fit the bill for land-lubber, seafood lover, or devout foodie. Amazingly inventive salads, the incredible array of small plates, everything from 8oz filet ($34) to a 10oz LOLA Burger ($15). You must try the flatbreads $9-14, they are an outstanding start to any type of meal. What strikes you most is the way everything about this place cooks on all burners. The drinks are great (and a bargain at their ½ price M-F 4-7pm Happy Hour). The wine list is truly something. With wines indigenous to their area, there are superb selections you don’t see other places. And many are available by the glass.

Every plate we sampled had its own explosion of tastes that are so incredible thanks to the genius of Executive Chef Bruno Silva. With Wendy a long time, his prowess did not go unnoticed by her devoted fans. Her other two restaurants Cucina Mio also in Delray Beach, (and almost next door, won the Boca Reader Choice Award two years running) and her Bistro Mio in Coral Springs was voted the Best Italian Restaurant and Best Pizza in Coral Springs. Not shabby.

You want your meal to last longer here. Softer music through dinner hours, the place starts to hop around 9 (later on weekends) with LIVE entertainment nightly. Great food, great drinks, great music makes for a great night. Especially when you can count on the meal being consistently perfect. Toss in a lively Sunday Jazz Brunch (11-3), a robust lunch from 11am, a private room for parties and that incredible outside dining opp, and you become a regular without even intending to. On Monday nights they have an incredible deal ALL bottles of wine are ½ price with your meal. And this place and this girl gives back, a lot. Her place is coveted by charities and other orgs for their functions because not only is the food off the charts, the layout lends itself to mingling. (Check out the bar some Fri or Sat night!)

Flatbread

When asked how she came up with the name she said in simple Wendy style, “Nothing seemed right and I was trying for quite some time, then sitting in my own restaurant one day I look up and there on the wall is an Italian proverb I’ve always loved. Vive bene, spessa l’amore di risate molto. Live well, Love often, Laugh a lot. So LOLA became Love often, Laugh a lot.

Fitting for a place where people seem to be so happy, so satiated so much of the time. Wendy Rosano has another winner on her hands. 16950 Jog Rd, Delray, 33446. 561.496.LOLA (5652). www.loladelray.com. Hours: Open 7 Nights. M-F 11am-11pm. Wed & Thurs to midnight. Fri & Sat to 2am! Sun to 10pm. Lunch M-F.