Gardens are the perfect way to explore some vast colors and botanical sights, but what about spicing things up for your tastebuds? Philadelphians can do just that by heading to the mainline’s newest eatery, Lola’s Garden.
The new concept located in Ardmore comes from Avram Hornik and FCM Hospitality, who are known around the city for other venues such as Morgan’s Pier, Juno, The Garden at Cherry Street Pier, Rosy’s Taco Bar, Harper’s Garden, River Beer Garden and Parks on Tap. Lola’s however marks the first venture for the organization out to the suburbs.
“We are excited to be part of the renewed energy and exciting changes in Suburban Square and in Ardmore,” said Hornik in a statement. “Back in the early 90s, I owned several coffee houses and wanted to bring an outdoor coffee kiosk and seating to the very same spot at what will now become Lola’s Garden. Now, 25 years later, my relationship with Suburban Square comes full circle. Kimco Realty is transforming what was one of America’s earliest planned suburban shopping centers. Shopping centers and malls are no longer designed exclusively as a place for commerce. They are now community gathering spots with a much larger purpose of promoting and fostering socialization and interaction. We want to be part of that energy and the new direction for Suburban Square as it evolves into an urban pedestrian-friendly town center and community hub that includes a grocery store, gourmet farmers’ market, restaurants, green space and much more. Exciting developments in the near future that really attracted me are the plans for new housing coming to the Suburban Square area, plus the new rail station for Downtown Ardmore. This is FCM Hospitality’s opportunity to partner with Kimco and Suburban Square to spotlight and celebrate all things local and from our state – from food and beer, to wine and cocktails. We are excited to join the Ardmore and Main Line community.”
Lola’s Garden opened just last weekend, and in all, the 4,300 square foot space is broken down to 1,800 square feet inside for dining, a lounge and bar, and 2,500 square feet outside for the giant four-season outdoor trellis. The socially distanced seat count is 240+ people, with tables presented six feet apart.
According to the release, from the kitchen, Lola’s Garden will offer a seasonally influenced, modern American culinary program that will offer a variety of options including vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free selections. Under the leadership and talents of Executive Chef Andrew Wood, guests will find dishes featuring uniquely paired honest and local ingredients. Lola’s Garden will open with bites, salads, sandwiches, and entrees along with a brunch and lunch menu to roll out a few weeks later. Diners are also informed not expect more than a handful of ingredients on each plate.
Highlighted menu items include spinach fettuccine with crab, pepperoncini, and blood orange; braised happy valley lamb leg with roasted carrots, turnips and onion soubise; salt-roasted fingerling potatoes with Serrano ham, romesco sauce, herb salad and more. The menu will rotate with seasonal and local finds, similar to FCM’s Harper’s Garden in the city. Cocktails will also follow a similar suit and even seasonally rotating hand-crafted artisan mocktails, such as their Blackberry Ginger Soda, Spicy Pineapple, Cucumber Basil Butterfly and Hibiscus Palmer. On top of the fruity lobations, Philadelphians can also find a selection of beers, wine and a full line-up of spirits.
If you haven’t already gathered from the name, the new eatery will be florally appealing and has its own springtime aesthetic that will last all year long and well into the winter. Lola’s features one-of-a-king art, handcrafted pieces and hidden nostalgic nods throughout the inside and outside.
For now, Lola’s Garden (51 St Georges Road) is open Wednesday through Sunday 5 to 10 p.m. Starting Wednesday, April 28, Lola’s will open for lunch and dinner, and launch brunch service that weekend. Starting May 3, look for Lola’s to be open seven days a week for lunch, dinner and brunch. For information, visit lolasgardenrestaurant.com
