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| Sala ~ upscale casual ***1/2 1186 N. Highland NE, Atlanta GA 30306. (404) 872-7203. Dinner Hours are Monday thru Thursday 5 p.m. - 11 p.m. Friday & Saturday 5 p.m. – 12 a.m. Sunday 5 p.m. - 10 p.m. Menu: ***1/2 Traditional Mexican fare without many innovative twists. If you are expecting exotic, you may be disappointed. Taquitos, enchiladas, tacos and margaritas are all featured along with a few other ambitious items, such as roast leg of lamb. The drinks are the most creative item on the menu, and margaritas are all mixed table side with your choice of four flavors. Food Quality: **** Appetizers are the tastiest items on the menu. We go for the ceviche and taquitos. My shrimp enchiladas have only a few tiny shrimp, though the poblano chile cream sauce helps kick it up a notch. My dining companions try the pork loin and steak special, and although they both cleared their plates, I didn't hear any "ahs" or "yums" from either one. Food Presentation: ***1/2 After seeing the effort put forth to decorate the room, I am surprised at the globs of beans and rice slopped on the plates. The ceviche is served in a martini glass, as are the margaritas. For a few moments, we are lost in a sea of martini glasses, but then after sipping our tasty mojitos, it’s no longer a problem. The presentation itself could use a little verve. Mediocre food somehow tastes better when tarted up a bit. Atmosphere: **** The large room is beautifully decorated with many glowing lanterns that flatter winter complexions. Although warm and inviting, it quickly becomes noisy when filled to capacity. Between the music and the sheer volume of voices, we find ourselves struggling to hear each other without shouting by the end of the meal. Cleanliness: **** Only several months old, Sala still has that fresh gleam with shiny silverware, squeaky glassware and unspoiled upholstery. Service: ***1/2 Our server is friendly and knowledgeable, steering us toward the tastier menu items. History: Sala has been trying to overcome initial mixed reviews since their opening in Virginia Highland in September of 2002. Sister restaurants include the top-notch La Tavola and sleek South City Kitchen, as well as the hidden jewel, Food Studio. The word “sala” means parlor or large room used for celebrations, which is quite a giveaway, as the restaurant’s strongest features are clearly the vast open space and the charming decor. review by Suzanne Wright |
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