Gelato shop transforming to European Cafe
Wine & cheese, paninis and craft cocktails join spotlight
New things are ahead for the Cookman Avenue gelato shop currently known as Casa di Dolce, as a transformation begins Monday when the eatery closes its doors for six weeks of renovations.
Praised as one of the Jersey Shore’s best gelato destinations, owner Scott Mizrahi said he’ll take this opportunity to rebrand and launch a European-style café.
“We’ll still have the same great gelato and the same great staff, just with a new experience,” Mizrahi said.
To be named Lola’s European Café, in homage to his mother, its renovations include a change in décor, adding more seats and a menu expansion.
Mizrahi bought the business shortly after he moved here 5 years ago.
“It was one of my favorite shops so I thought I could make a go of it,” he said.
After learning to perfect an Italian master chef’s gelato recipe, Mizrahi was off and running.
“We’ve kept all the old world recipes,” he said. “We import everything from Italy except the milk and sugar.”
After obtaining a liquor license, a wine and cheese pairing became part of the small shops features, which will continue under the shared liquor license agreement with a neighboring eatery. Mizrahi said he’ll now expand the selective wine list with vintage from around the world.
“I want to create an intimate experience for couples,” he said. “It’s going to be a warm place to sit and have an after dinner drink.”
A local mixologist helped create a new crafted cocktail menu with mudslides, chocolate and espresso martinis topping the list. Prosecco, dessert wines and imported beers will complete the expanded menu.
The renovation will also yield an expansion of the Panini menu, gourmet coffee and tea selection as well as their scratch made desserts, like the one-of-a-kind gelato cakes.
Fans can follow the renovation and relaunch via their Facebook page.
Lola’s European Café at 539 Cookman Avenue will reopen from 10 to 10 p.m. Sunday and Tuesday through Thursday. Friday and Saturday hours are from 10 a.m. to midnight. They will be closed Mondays until the summer season gets underway.
———————————————-
Follow the Asbury Park Sun on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.