Be Bop a Lulu
Written: Jan 27 '00
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Good food. Wild atmosphere. Rowdy, fun, energetic.
Cons: Challenging location, loud, loud, loud.
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| Malena's Full Review: LuLu Cafe |
It is a good thing we had reservations, otherwise we would have waited, become annoyed, and not enjoyed the chaotic atmosphere of Lulu’s renovated warehouse dining room—loud, vibrant, and warm with revelry. Everyone seemed to be having a good time. Nor would we have admired the lovely food. Our starter was a swath of soft cheesy polenta topped with grilled portobello mushrooms. We devoured it posthaste lest anyone attempt to take it away from us. Yes, it was that good. It was explained to us that food is served family style—vast portions meant to be shared—and our server recommended the rotisserie rosemary chicken and the grilled pork loin. Waiting for our meal to arrive, we whiled the time by enjoying slabs of thick bread; we chatted with our table neighbors, who had just flown in from New York. "Oh," we said, "We’re from Spokane, in town to celebrate our 20th anniversary. San Francisco is where we met." "How sweet," they replied, and toasted us with glasses of Chardonnay the color of citrines, which they both seemed to relish. With every sip, they emitted a lush, "Ah."
Our plates arrived, fragrant and alluring. The succulent chicken rested on top of a mound of oil-infused mashed potatoes that were, frankly, divine. The pork loin was glazed with some of Lulu’s famous balsamic vinegar—dark, sweet fig. This vinegar is why I wanted to come to the restaurant in the first place. I discovered it by chance in a Sur La Table catalogue, and now I cook with it as often as my imagination allows me. It glazes chicken and pork beautifully. There are three flavors: fig, currant and black cherry.
Even though we were full we had dessert because, well . . . we’re pigs. The caramelized vanilla bourbon pot de crème sounded better than it tasted, which was ultra sweet—too much for our palates after such a heavy meal. The pear tartlet floating in a raspberry coulis, however, soothed our tongues and graced our rounded bellies as we went out into the night looking for an elusive taxi.
So. Lulu is loud, which is something to consider if you want a calm romantic supper. The pace is hectic, which complements the chaos; the dining experience can be invigorating or enervating, depending upon the diner’s mood. Tables are jammed together like tiles on a floor—minimum spacing between each table. The location is problematic, too. Who thought that transforming South of Market into anything other than a scary place to be avoided was a good idea? It’s just not convenient—by taxi, by bus, or by foot. Still, the food, the food—so compelling, so generous, so good.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
Malena
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Member: Ma'lena Walley
Reviews written: 4
Trusted by: 2 members
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