THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED Tallula

THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED Tallula Restaurant Review:

Mysterious, romantic and alluring may be the adjectives that come to mind when someone enters Tallula. Meander through the softly lit rooms filled with candle light and the seductive scents of Indian cooking will take one upstairs to a cozy mezzanine, up another narrow and curving flight of wooden stairs, then out onto an outdoor balcony. Distressed walls, stained glass, and moody hues quickly transport anyone away from the bustling Castro District. The multi-level restaurant is grounded by a cozy lounge with a J-shaped bar and small, squat tables surrounded by pillow-topped ottomans, all of which look out over 18th Street through large, plate glass windows. The saké cocktails make use of exotic flavor combinations like lemon-licorice and tamarind-cherry and pair nicely with the appetizer list. Try the crisp pani puri with a dash of firewater, a plate of spiced frites, or the lemon- and cilantro-flavored small potato pancakes topped with a dollop of tamarind and date chutney. Tallula's salad is a cooling mix of thinly sliced jicama, cucumber and kholrabi that complements the spicier dishes. A standout whole golden trout is crusted with fennel, roasted, then boned before being brought to the table. Juicy curried lamb chops arrive with mint relish and chickpea croquettes. Servers are happy to play guide to the wine list, which is plentiful with crisp and spicy wines. For dessert try the roasted peaches topped with paneer cheese or cardamom rice pudding with black cherry sauce.