The local restaurants we review are usually new, hip, vibrant or unique. Our latest venture out took us to Talara, and much to their credit it’s a combination of all four.
Talara bills itself as ‘Nuevo Latino tapas restaurant and bar,’ which automatically puts it in the “unique” category. But consider: Talara, the sister to two widely acclaimed Pittsburgh restaurants (Seviche and Sonoma Grille), recently opened in May and was a packed house on a Tuesday evening at 8pm (reservations are accepted, though not required). The crowd was lively, the music was bumpin’, and the menu was one-of-a-kind. Cuban art adorns the walls, and full length windows allow guests to observe the goings-on outside.
We strolled to the bar upon arrival, and were enchanted by one of the more exotic drink selections we’ve seen. I started with the traditional Brazilian Caiprinha and Erin choose the Talara Sangria. The nature of the drinks demand the bartenders to treat each as somewhat of an art form, but we can’t forget the food…
Round 1. It was impossible for us to start anywhere but the Seviche Bar, as it’s not every day one has that option. Our server, Christine, was more than helpful explaining the assortment. Talara offers seven preparations that you marry with your choice of seafood from both a raw and semi-raw list. We went with Traditional Seviche with conch, Fire and Ice with scallops, and Asian Tartare with tuna. Our three selections were vastly different, yet equally delicious in their own right.
Round 2. Erin saw the Chips and Salsa delivered to the table next to us, and remarked, “Well, we gotta get that.” It came with plantain, malanga, and tortilla chips with black bean hummus, curried tropical fruits, and Talara-roasted corn salsa. It might be the most eclectic and exciting Chips and Salsa in town.
Round 3. Talara is all about tapas, so we needed to work on that side of the menu. We choose Tres Quesos, a selection of three cheeses served with olives and toasted flat bread, which was a nice way to experience new cheeses. Erin picked this one, as her love of cheese is well documented. The Mojo Criollo Pork Shank was my choice, glazed with a Cuban citrus marinade, roasted corn, and goat cheese polenta, and prepared wonderfully.
“…vastly different, yet equally delicious.”
Round 4. We didn’t need round four, but, “When in Rome…” Erin was enticed by the Mini Paellas, and ordered the Filet Mignon A La Plancha (wild mushrooms, Chorizo, and bell peppers), while I doubled up on the filet and went with Bistec (served with caramelized onions and Jarlsberg cheese on Lavosh crisps). We were fond of both dishes, and at this point, pleasantly stuffed.
There are plenty of reasons to visit Talara, if only to check out their creation of a vibrant new experience. Their daily happy hour and outdoor seating (coming soon) are also on the list. Whether you are looking for the all-out tapas experience, or a refreshing cocktail and Seviche, look no further than the exciting new hotspot, Talara.
Talara | 615 President Street | Harbor East
410.528.9883 | www.talarabaltimore.com
#314 Serving up Something New Everyday | said:
[...] exactly your style, you will still never be disappointed at Talara. According to an article in Charmed Magazine, “The crowd was lively, the music was bumpin’, and the menu was one-of-a-kind”. So [...]
02.12.10 at 4:08 pm
#329 Ordinary Drinks Don’t Exist at Talara | said:
[...] be afraid to try something new…you may just find your new favorite drink! According to Charmed Magazine, the high quality and innovation of the drinks makes each individual drink its own art [...]
03.08.10 at 4:52 pm