Finger Lickin’ Good.

If you like Fried Chicken along with a plethora of southern and Asian influenced creative dishes then check out Lola’s in the Flatiron district.

I never eat fried chicken, but I was tempted once I viewed the dish from my counter seat in the back of the restaurant with a full view of the emerald tile open kitchen.

I was comfortably perched on the other side of the terrazzo counter where the chef and all the extremely friendly staff  diligently work.

Chef Suzanne Cupp’s fried chicken is gluten free. I would never have guessed having tasted numerous gluten free items because my daughter avoids gluten. Most are horrible.

The chicken is dark meat thighs which I fully reject. Not this time. It is crunchy, the meat sweet and delicious and comes with an adorable fish decanter filled with delectable homemade coconut vinegar and hot honey which I did not indulge in.

Now settle in and find out about this new New York City gem.

Lola’s pays tribute to Chef Suzanne Cupps (pictured) noble grandmother (Lola means grandmother in Tagalog)  who showed immense courage during World War II.

The menu reflects Chef Cupp’s experiences growing up in Aiken, South Carolina and working in New York with chef Anita Lo from the now shuttered iconic restaurant, Annisa, as well as her time with Union Square Hospitality Group.

We kicked things off with a delightful organic Orange wine ($17) and a refreshing Shandy, a unique take on the English classic this time made with a mix of Pilsner and Yuzu ($17).

We enjoyed sitting at the kitchen counter and watched the preparation of the dishes along with the baking of the light and fluffy Naan bread in the open pizza oven.

The bread arrives warm accompanied by a savory Carrot Masala Yogurt ($17).

We also selected the refreshing Chopped Beet Salad with recently added Sweet Cherries, Marinated Feta, Fresh Mint and Sunflower Seeds ($18).

The unique Union Square Bento Box wasn’t actually served in a bento box. Each item is presented separately with amazing Crispy Potatoes, a delicate Cabbage Pancake (add another few to the order) and Chili Crisp Summer Squash ($27).

Tuna was the fish of the week served over Coconut Red Curry, Sprouting Cauliflower and Daikon ($35).
The tuna was not my favorite selection. I was more than happy to do a deep dive into the fried chicken on my own.

The Stir Fry Egg Noodles were our only misstep. The noodles were unintentionally cold and the Japanese Curry, Bok Choy (delicious on its own), Pole Beans were not a great mix ($28).

The Leche Flan dessert was excellent. Again, I never eat flan, but this one was delectably different and served with a divine strawberry rhubarb jam ($10).

Lola’s makes for a lovely evening. Chef Cupps, GM/partner Nick Salinger and the Lola’s staff are so incredibly friendly and accommodating.

You can stop by for a drink. The creative cocktails and  interesting, affordable wine list is worth perusing.

The bar is located at the front of the house, tables dominate the restaurant and the  kitchen counter in the back was my choice.

Check out the new addition to the NYC dining scene and order the fried chicken!

Lola 2 West 28th Street New York City. Open Tuesday-Friday 5-9:30pm. Reservations on Resy.