Lolita Is All Set to Reopen Tonight

Marcie Turney and Valerie Safran’s first restaurant is all grown up. Lolita, which opened as a BYOB ten years ago comes back tonight with a liquor license and a new look, the result of a months long renovation. Among the changes, a sixteen seat bar and chef’s counter that looks into the open kitchen.

Also revamped is the menu. Inspired by Turney’s recent trips to Mexico City, the food is inspired by Mexican street food and includes tacos, ceviches and other traditional plates. Rest assured carne asada loyalist, that signature Lolita dish remains. Freshly made tortillas, formed from a hand-cranked press in the open kitchen will form the base for eight taco dishes that populate the menu. A rotating spit, or trompo, will slow cook layers of thinly cut meats.

Though the BYOT (bring your own tequila) days of the past might be over, the mixes live on in the new Lolita. Also on the drink menu are Margaritas del Jardin, a selection of margaritas made with freshly squeezed fruit and vegetable juices. These juicy selections include:

• The Green Garden, prepared with a garden puree of fresh green vegetables including kale, spinach and basil, as well as ginger, agave and Cazadores reposado
• Cucumber-Jalapeno, with jicama, limonada, cilantro and Camarena
• Beetarita, with beet root juice, green apple, ginger and tequila blanco

Check out the opening menu here and Emily Teel’s look at the space, food and drinks as well.

Lolita Opening Menu – April 2014 (PDF)

Lolita [Foobooz]