3 minute read
Her Name Was Lola
Embark on the ultimate dining experience you didn't know you were missing.
BY MACEY PHILLIPS | PHOTOS BY ALAINA MULLIN
From Santo creators Maher Fawaz, Andrew Fawaz, Bradley Ryan, and Gabriel Reyes comes the newest addition to the well-established group of restaurateurs, Lola — a Spanish inspired tapas restaurant. With over five years in the making, the menu and wine list have been perfectly curated to leave you feeling as if you’re dining in the heart of Spain. Situated right in Nashville’s Sylvan Park, Lola seamlessly fits right in with the community of locally owned neighborhood go-to’s. However, its crisp, European style flair will certainly leave it standing out from the rest.
Upon walking in, “the ambiance is simple, modern, yet elegant as all the focus is on the flavors'', says Maher. Carefully picked tiles sourced from abroad greet you as you enter and handcrafted, imported tables and chairs pepper the interior giving it a foreign yet enticing atmosphere. While tiny plates spread across the table, rest assured that each one is packed and bursting with flavors that instantly transport you across the Atlantic to the streets of Spain.
Handpicked are two phenomenal females making this dream a reality. Juliana Aguiar, originally from Brazil, has spent the last twenty years perfecting her culinary skills in Spain. As Head Chef she is opting for traditional, Spanish foods with a modern twist. When asked about her ideas behind the plates she says, “The idea is for the food to be inviting; new enough to want to try it, but never intimidating. The food here is for every palate and is meant to take you on a journey”. And that it will. A few menu specialties she's serving up will include a rotating Croqueta (like one topped with a curry mayo), a Tomato Salmorejo soup, and a customary Charcuterie Plate consisting of the Spanish standard Jamon Iberico, Lomo, Bressaola, Fuet, Marcona almonds and in-house pickled vegetables.
Heading up the wine is Sommelier and General Manager, Melissa Santos. Originally from Mexico, Santos went into culinary arts where she studied in both New York and Italy. But it was in Italy that her wine knowledge expanded and has since become a deep passion of hers. Fresh from her move from Pamplona, Spain last year, she has developed a wine list that is filled with names you're sure to have never heard of. Taking a special interest in smaller vineyards, in addition to Spain and Italy, she is importing wines from unique and unexpected places like Greece, Mexico, Germany, and Portugal. She states that she has “specifically selected wines with a great story behind them and that this will be far from your average wine list. We will have around 60 wines with both by-the-glass and bottle options rotating semi- frequently”. The essential fundamental of Lola is their desire for every guest to feel completely immersed in the culture that is placed on their plate and being poured in their glass.
When asked about the name, an answer both equally surprising and exciting was revealed. Andrew explained, “The inspiration behind the name and concept is from Spain’s very own, Lola Flores, a triple threat in dancing, singing, and acting. She embodies a soft, feminine presence paired with a strong and powerful element that really represents the beating heart of this restaurant”. Sketched on a wall that can be viewed from all tables, is the figure of Lola Flores herself, ensuring that her presence is felt and what she symbolizes is carried out.
With under 60 seats to claim inside, and another 20 on the terrace, this intentionally intimate eatery is meant to cultivate connection with those around you, as well as with every bite and sip you take. We imagine nothing but success and sought-after reservations for this latest Siège Hospitality endeavor.
