Lola’s European Café opens with wider selection
same gelato, new wines, bourbons & dessert martinis
The popular gelato shop on Cookman Avenue has been transformed into Lola’s European Café.
Reclaimed wood panels are offset by the wide glass windows that allow light to showcase one-of-a-kind rustic furnishings and home décor pieces [offered via vitagehomeandgarden.biz].
“It’s nice to see the changes,” longtime patron Michael Flashburg of Ocean Township said. “There gelato has always been the best – full flavored with very little guilt.”
Formerly known as Casa di Dolce, owner Scott Mizrahi [shown right] reopened this week with an extended menu and the new name that honors his mother.
“I want people to know we are still the same gelato shop and still the same staff,” Mizrahi said. “It’s just a new experience.”
Staying true to its foundation as one of the area’s leading gelato destinations, Lola’s European Café now offers a wider gelato and Panini sandwich selection sure to fit any palate.
A small array of artison spreads, mustards, oils, sices and local honey are available for sale. And the gourmet coffee and tea selection are highlighted by scratch made desserts, like their one-of-a-kind gelato cakes and cupcakes.
“I want to create an intimate experience for couples,” Mizrahi has said. “It’s a warm place to sit and have an after dinner drink.”
New to the menu is a selective wine list featuring vintages from around the world that can be paired with cheese platters accompanied by fruits and nuts or meats and olives.
The intimate bar offers a choice of gelato-based dessert martinis that include Chocolate, Espresso, Root Beer Float, or the Grasshopper.
Small barrel bourbons lends way to a smoke bourbon bar, where bourbon soaked barrel planks are lit to allow smoke to be trapped in a glass prior to the bourbon pouring.
Prosecco, dessert wines and imported beers complete the expanded bar menu.
Mizrahi said upcoming events will feature local guest bartenders, a wine and cheese pairing night with lectures on the vintages and cheese, a ladies night, and a dolce doggie night.
Lola’s European Café is located at 539 Cookman Avenue in the Steinbach building. Hours of operation are as follows: Tuesday to Thursday 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday 11:30 a.m. until the last patron leaves, Saturday 11:30 a.m. until the last patron leaves, and Sunday 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. They will be closed Mondays until Memorial Day weekend. For more information call (732) 807-3777 or visit their Facebook page.
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