{"id":38126,"date":"2020-03-06T19:00:02","date_gmt":"2020-03-06T11:00:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/primer.com.ph\/food\/?p=38126"},"modified":"2024-09-04T10:46:57","modified_gmt":"2024-09-04T02:46:57","slug":"lola-cafe-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/primer.com.ph\/food\/location\/philippines\/mandaluyong\/ortigas-mandaluyong\/lola-cafe-2\/","title":{"rendered":"Lola Cafe at The Podium: Comfort Meals Straight From Grandma\u2019s Heart"},"content":{"rendered":"

In every Filipino household, our grandmothers have always been the light providing us comfort, love, and tales of both old and new. Truly, without them, a home is dull.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

And as an ode to loving lola<\/em>\u00a0of each Filipino family, <\/span>Lola Cafe<\/b> is best known as a hidden gem that serves modern Filipino cuisine in Tomas Morato, Quezon City.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"IMAGE from Philippine Primer<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

Established in 2012, the restaurant started in a humble house that, as they explain it, \u201cholds the warmth and love of a grandmother or <\/span>lola<\/span><\/i>, in Tagalog<\/span>,<\/span><\/i> within its walls.\u201d It has then expanded its reach to the south of the metro and opened a new home at <\/span>The Podium<\/b> in <\/span>Ortigas, Mandaluyong City<\/b>.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>IMAGE from Philippine Primer<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

The restaurant\u2019s name also has a story to tell. In fact, it was named after the old lady who owned the old house in Tomas Morato, paying homage to the grandmother.<\/p>\n

With that, Lola Cafe goes back to the roots of having a <\/span>lola<\/span><\/i> and promises to share their story that\u2019s too good not to tell\u2014but in this case, it\u2019s shared through classic Filipino cuisine.<\/span><\/p>\n

Food that transcends time<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

Holding on to its promise, Lola Cafe carries the best of well-loved Filipino dishes but of course, with an unexpected twist that works not only for the older generation but also for millennials and younger ones.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe make sure that all our dishes are balanced that even with the twists, these can be appreciated by the lolas and aunts,\u201d Corporate Executive\u00a0Chef Wowie Alipio\u00a0<\/b>said.<\/p>\n

\"\"IMAGE from Philippine Primer<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

A popular choice for diners is Lola\u2019s <\/span>Truffle Lengua<\/b>. Upon serving your table, you can instantly smell the distinct truffle from the velvety cream sauce that makes this dish indeed pleasing to the taste.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

What\u2019s more, the slow-cooked ox tongue is so tender that it kind of melts in your mouth with a bit of crunch from the oyster mushrooms.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>Truffle Lengua \/ IMAGE from Philippine Primer<\/em><\/span><\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

Another bestseller from their menu is <\/span>Pasta Negra. <\/b>This seafood spaghetti is made with al dente pasta saturated in squid ink sauce and topped with fresh baby squids. It also has <\/span>aligue<\/span><\/i> or crab fat for some added flavor.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>Pasta Negra \/ IMAGE from Philippine Primer<\/em><\/span><\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

As you know, Pasta Negra has a black sauce so you need to be extra cautious as it definitely stains your teeth (or perhaps your whole mouth).<\/span><\/p>\n

If you are looking for something spicy, Lola\u2019s Cafe has a classic Filipino dish that could wake up your senses.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The deconstructed <\/span>Lola’s Bicol Express <\/b>is composed of frizzled pork belly in a butter-based coconut beurre blanc sauce. Placed on top are a spread of bagoong<\/em> (Filipino shrimp paste) and a copious amount of chili.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>Lola’s Bicol Express \/ IMAGE from Philippine Primer<\/em><\/span><\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

Don’t forget to mix the sauce with the bagoong so you can get the full potential of the dish\u2019s piquant flavor.<\/span><\/p>\n

A perfect meal-ender or afternoon snack<\/span> is the offbeat version of the classic cheesecake recipe. The <\/span>Kesong Puti Cheesecake <\/b>is a hodgepodge of sweet and salty as it highlights the mild tart flavor of the Filipino white cheese.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>Kesong Puti Cheesecake \/ IMAGE from Philippine Primer<\/em><\/span><\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

This cheesecake is garnished with salted<\/span> latik <\/span><\/i>(coconut milk residue) and toasted<\/span> bukayo<\/span><\/i> (caramelized coconut strips) on top for some added crunch and sweetness. We assure you that its palatable zest is almost irresistible that you could not let it pass without a good cup of coffee.<\/span><\/p>\n

New dishes<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

Aside from their bestselling dishes, another thing to anticipate at Lola Cafe is their new addition of dishes and luckily, Philippine Primer got to sample some of their latest offerings that one should definitely try.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"IMAGE from Philippine Primer<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

A one of a kind fare is the <\/span>Pork Ribs Adobo <\/b>that takes on the all-time favorite Filipino entree. Good for sharing, this dish is made with slow-cooked pork ribs in thick Lola\u2019s adobo sauce.<\/span><\/p>\n

Just like any good rib dish, expect the tender meat that literally falls off the bone.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>Pork Ribs Adobo \/ IMAGE from Philippine Primer<\/em><\/span><\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

Meanwhile, the <\/span>Chicken Inasal Sisig <\/b>will give a treat of two kinds of Filipino dishes in one.\u00a0<\/span>Made with sizzling chicken sisig served with chicken aioli on top, this dish is a pure delight with the goodness of chicken inasal in sisig form.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>Chicken Inasal Sisig \/ IMAGE from Philippine Primer<\/em><\/span><\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

Take note that it is best eaten while it’s still sizzling hot and with a cup or two of rice. Just make sure to mix it immediately upon serving so that everything will be cooked evenly.<\/span><\/p>\n

A particular choice in their small plates menu is the <\/span>Honey Bagoong Wings<\/b>. This fried chicken wings will have your mouth full of sweet and savory flavors as every wing is tossed in Lola\u2019s in-house bagoong and honey coat.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>Honey Bagoong Wings \/ IMAGE from Philippine Primer<\/em><\/span><\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

Last but not the least, enjoy some good old\u2019 Pinoy <\/span>merienda <\/span><\/i>with LoLa Cafe\u2019s <\/span>Streetfood Sampler<\/b>. This platter is comprised of <\/span>isaw<\/span><\/i> sticks (chicken intestines), kwek-kwek<\/em> (battered, deep-fried quail eggs), squid balls, fish balls, and slices of green mango and jicama.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>Streetfood Sampler \/ IMAGE from Philippine Primer<\/em><\/span><\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

A reminiscent of a traditional house, Lola Cafe\u2019s interior boasts a homey yet modern ambiance that\u2019s not hard to miss.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Although it speaks modern and industrial, there are still touches of an old traditional house like the capiz windows, wooden accents, and garden elements. The dining area, which can seat at least 120 people, is accented with fairy lights giving it a laid-back feel.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"IMAGE from Philippine Primer<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

Further,\u00a0Lola Cafe is also open for events, meetings, or special occasions. In fact, there is an area further inside that is meant for small\u00a0gatherings where diners can spend private time enjoying Lola Cafe’s modern Filipino dining.<\/p>\n

\"\"IMAGE from Philippine Primer<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

Apart from their\u00a0branches in Tomas Morato<\/strong> and The Podium, Lola Cafe recently opened another home at S Maison,<\/strong> which will surely delight people in the south!<\/p>\n

Indeed, Lola Cafe’s hearty meals are a celebration of love and life that\u00a0<\/span>proves there is nothing greater than a grandmother\u2019s touch.<\/span><\/p>\n

How to get here<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u2022 Lola Cafe is located on the 5th floor of The Poduim in Ortigas, Mandaluyong City.
\n\u2022 From Ayala,\u00a0get on EDSA Avenue going northbound to Ortigas Center. After passing by SM Megamall, make a right turn onto Guadix Drive and merge at ADB Avenue in San Antonio where the entrance at The Podium will be on your right side.\u00a0The nearest landmarks around The Podium are SM Megamall and St. Francis Square.
\n\u2022 The Podium has a basement parking available for mall guests.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

As an ode to loving Abuela of each Filipino family, Lola Cafe at The Podium goes back to the roots of having a grandmother and promises to share their story that\u2019s too good not to tell\u2014through classic Filipino cuisine.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":38144,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[69,68,57,6644,6645,135],"tags":[479,5082,5087,5083,5084,5085,5086,1867],"class_list":["post-38126","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-filipino","category-mandaluyong","category-ortigas-mandaluyong","category-private-room","category-rent-entire-restaurant","category-the-podium","tag-filipino-cuisine","tag-lola-cafe","tag-lola-cafe-ortigas","tag-lola-cafe-the-podium","tag-lola-cafe-tomas-morato","tag-modern-filipino-cuisine","tag-restaurants-in-ortigas","tag-the-podium"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/primer.com.ph\/food\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/38126","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/primer.com.ph\/food\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/primer.com.ph\/food\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/primer.com.ph\/food\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/primer.com.ph\/food\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=38126"}],"version-history":[{"count":9,"href":"https:\/\/primer.com.ph\/food\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/38126\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":54642,"href":"https:\/\/primer.com.ph\/food\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/38126\/revisions\/54642"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/primer.com.ph\/food\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/38144"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/primer.com.ph\/food\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=38126"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/primer.com.ph\/food\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=38126"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/primer.com.ph\/food\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=38126"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}