Lola Café is an exciting new Oaxacan-themed restaurant that opened on June 30th and is quickly becoming a favorite breakfast, brunch, and lunch spot on Colorado Boulevard.
We checked in with Lola Café’s owner, Orlando Rodriguez, to learn more about his vision for Oaxacan-Californian cuisine:
What is the story behind Lola Café?
I’m from Oaxaca, Mexico, and have resided in California for approximately 12 years. Over the years, I’ve worked for various companies in different roles and had the privilege of serving many influential individuals in the culinary industry. I constantly compared techniques from around the world to those of Oaxaca, and I was struck by the striking similarities. It all began because of my mother’s bakery in Oaxaca, where I received my initial culinary education. In that bakery, we exclusively used a traditional clay oven, capable of baking 100 to 150 loaves of bread at a time. We heated it with firewood and employed only wooden utensils. I mention this because my mother taught me to cook using these methods.
What made you want to open an Oaxacan-themed restaurant in Eagle Rock?
When I was told about the community of Eagle Rock, I was tremendously excited. It’s a tightly-knit, hardworking, and friendly neighborhood. However, as a newcomer, I didn’t know what they favored. There was substantial competition from excellent restaurants in the vicinity. It was then that I remembered my mother’s advice: ‘When you do something, do it with passion, or don’t do it at all.’ I contemplated offering California cuisine with an Oaxacan twist to diversify the typical offerings and to share my Oaxacan roots and culture through my food. It’s not 100% authentic; it’s an infusion of Oaxaca and California, prepared with love. Lola Café is a family restaurant that is forming with the support of friends and acquaintances. One person who has been instrumental in this venture is my friend Gerardo, who manages Lola Café’s kitchen. Each dish is crafted with an Oaxacan touch and presented in an appealing manner.
How do Oaxacan dishes figure into Lola Cafe’s menu, and what dishes would you recommend to someone who hasn’t had Oaxacan food before?
The name Lola Café pays homage to the most significant person in my life, my greatest inspiration and support: my mother, Lola. Oaxaca boasts a diverse range of dishes and culinary treasures, and this is what we aim to convey in every one of our dishes. Each dish was created with the intention of not appearing too foreign or exotic to people’s palates. It’s just a touch of Oaxaca. For example, our Chile Relleno omelet with Oaxaca cheese, panela cheese, and salsa borracha on top is a blend of Californian omelet flavors with the distinct flavors of Oaxaca cheese and salsa borracha, offering a unique twist. Or consider our Oaxaca Fries, featuring Oaxaca cheese sauce and a sprinkle of chapulines powder (they’re not crickets). One dish I’d love for you to try is the Ribeye Chilaquiles with mole and salsa Macha, toasted chiles, and eggs prepared to your liking.
How has the response been so far from Eagle Rockers, and what are you looking forward to as more people try out and become more familiar with Lola Cafe?
The people of Eagle Rock have been incredibly welcoming. We’ve received numerous recommendations from those who have tried our dishes. On our first day, we didn’t even have a printed menu, just a handwritten note. The first person who tried our food posted a photo on the Eagle Rock Neighborhood Group page, and that’s where the Lola Café story began.
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Lola Café
2040 Colorado Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90041
lolacafe2023.com
(323) 561-3029
Open Daily: 8am-3pm