I met up with friends last week to check out Talara during the benefit for cystic fibrosis, and encouraged everyone to come out via my post - so now I owe a follow up.
As a "Nuevo Latino" restaurant, Talara's decor was bright and contemporary. The long bar stretched the right side of the restaurant, and was completely packed when we arrived around 7 p.m. We requested a table and had to wait about 30 minutes, but were able to squeeze into a small bar spot. The $5 happy hour was extended until 11 p.m. for those who donated to CF research, and the menu was mouth-watering. I immediately zeroed in on the shrimp and tropical fruit ceviche I'd seen on the menu before, as well as the traditional Brazilian caipirnha. I love sugarcane in my drinks, and Talara's caipirnha offered just enough. Friends enjoyed a classic mojito, a mango mojito, and a cocktail that I can't find, but had Chambord, so where could it go wrong?
The shrimp ceviche was amazing. Seriously, I'm thinking about it right now and wondering when I can make it back. A friend offered to split the marisco mini paella, and it definitely served both of us. The prices are a little high and portion sizes a little small for dinner, but for happy hour and tapas, they were perfect. High marks also went to the scallops wrapped in chorizo, served atop polenta. The scallops were quite large and the chorizo complimented the polenta perfectly.
I definitely plan to return to Talara and sample more items off of the regular menu. I probably won't review again, though - I think I just blew my spell-check's mind.
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