Lights out!

Many people (not just us) have said that Ola Lola's is a very special place, fitting nicely in this magical corner of la isla. Monday night was just more proof of that.

Monday night was one of the most fun, interesting, crazy, weird awesome nights we've spent at Ola Lola's. And that's saying something!

The afternoon started pretty normally until the power went out about 4:00 pm. With no power, we cannot serve food. Every time the refrigerator or freezer are opened, cold escapes. If the outage lasts too long, food begins to spoil. As long as the doors remain closed, food will stay frozen and cold enough for up to 24 hours. Plus, as night falls, the kitchen staff can't see to prepare food.

So we hung a lantern in the bar and put candles on the tables. We served drinks and beer to all comers. True, a number of would-be diners left in a bit of desperation (we are one of the few restaurants open on Monday nights). But a number of people hung around - and hung around! - waiting for the power to come back on. Others came and went. A couple of people who went came back.

For us, it was an easy night. Elaine and Pichi and Dottie actually got to sit down with guests and socialize.

When the lights suddenly came on at 10:00 pm, the dozen or so people who were still sitting around booed! We quickly turned out all the lights except those in the bar itself.

I've done a terrible job describing the magical feeling but trust me, it was there. We're even talking about doing a lights out night once in a while. Like the electric company doesn't provide us with enough!