Isn’t it wonderful to be surprised! I’ve driven by Harlow’s Lounge time and time again, meaning to stop by and check it out, until I finally did. And boy, am I glad I made the stop.
It’s the January lull when the whole world seems to come to a sudden stop after the grand finale to the end of another year. Even the weather seems calmer than usual after a wild winter storm. It seems Mother Nature has spent all her energy and needs a rest while she warms herself up a bit in the glow of the mild, starlit night sky. She has time to decide her next mood as winter settles in for a while, and she slumbers on.
I let her mood and the calm, slow pace settle in each step I take before opening the doors to Harlow’s Lounge. A warm atmosphere greets me, with happy patrons catching up at the bar and diners seated throughout the restaurant. Easy-listening blues comes through the speakers, setting the tone for the evening.
A table at the back welcomes me. I sit facing away from the large TV to take in the view of the outdoor patio, just to remember that summer soon returns and to savor the Now. The cushioned chairs make it easy to do just that before Jules, my waitress, greets me, and we chat for a minute before ordering.
I always like to take a moment to look at the drink menu, and Harlowe’s has a good one with a full bar and a talented bartender to match. If you’re into hard ciders, I recommend the Blurberry by Humboldt Cider. It’s rich, thick, creamy, and sweet. Plus, you will be sure to feel it with the first sip. At 10.8% alcohol content, it’s not for the weak-kneed. However, you will have many other choices, from sweet to savory. A personal favorite of mine is the Bloody Mary. And Harlowe’s makes a good one. It has all the classic flavors that a good Bloody Mary should have–spicy, salty, citrusy, with a horseradish kick and acidity from the tomato. Plus, it comes with a huge slab of candied bacon, a slice of lime, and a skewer with a pearl onion and an olive. If you’re looking to have an appetizer and drink at the same time, this is the drink for you.
Speaking of appetizers, you can’t go wrong with the stuffed tempura mushrooms. Served over a bed of arugula and microgreens, these are a perfect way to start a meal. Harlowe’s uses house-made crab stuffing to fill the mushrooms, then tempura-batters them, fries them to perfection, and adds a topping of sriracha aioli and sweet soy sauce. These are full of flavor: the mushroom and crab cake complement each other well, and the crunch on the outside with a hint of sweet and spicy make this an appetizer worth getting every visit. My suggestion is to eat them with the greens for a full-flavored experience.
For the main course, you’ve got several options to choose from. Jules recommended I try two: the Chicken BLAT and the Fried Rice Ahi. Her recommendations were spot-on. The BLAT starts with marinated grilled chicken, then layers on candied bacon, avocado, lettuce, and tomato, before sandwiching it between two slices of toasted sourdough. As is, it’s an exceptional sandwich. But Harlowe’s adds just the right amount of barbecue sauce to give it a zing that makes you want to take another bite, then another. I recommend getting it with onion rings; they’re crisp, tasty, and a perfect complement to the sandwich.
For something a little different, try the Fried Rice Ahi. The ahi is lightly marinated, then placed on fried sushi rice with avocado accompaniment, topped with sweet soy sauce, sriracha aioli, and a dusting of black sesame seeds. The fried sushi rice has the perfect balance of delicacy and chew, and when paired with ahi, avocado, and aioli, it makes for a unique and delightful flavor profile.
No meal is complete without dessert, and once again I went with Jules’ recommendation and got the locally made peanut butter cheesecake. With a chocolate top and crust sandwiching the creamy peanut butter cheesecake, it’s like eating a giant, well-made peanut butter cup. I highly recommend sharing this dessert, as it’s both rich and filling. I also recommend enjoying it with a cup of Harlowe’s deep, rich coffee. The flavors are meant to go together.
I am stuffed with more to-go boxes than I’ll admit to. But how does one say no when everything looks so tempting from that first sip of wine to that last taste of coffee? Ok, I didn’t get to the wine because the Blurberry came with quite a punch, so I guess I am speaking of a future visit, because you can guarantee I’ll be back!
901 Bevins St, Lakeport, CA 95453
Phone: (707) 262-1234
