Talavera Cocina Mexicana

We were SO thrilled when we found out Talavera had reopened after the remodel because for years it had been our favorite “go-to” date night restaurant (we’d bring all of our out-of-town friends and family here regularly.) Sadly, though, we were disappointed on a number of not-so-good (to us) changes when they reopened. Having said that, these new changes could be easily tweaked to make this restaurant as good as it was previously. To begin, they took away the staple of the traditional and delicious Mexican food experience: the chips. Chips to start are one of the best parts for us, even if they charged for them I wouldn’t mind. Pretty please, just offer them again! Give us the option. The two little baked corn circles they brought out were very bland. No salt or flavor. I understand they’re trying to help us make healthier choices without the fried food and flour products (they took away all gluten products, too) which is a nice gesture I suppose in some perspectives, but we do the “healthier” choices on a day-to-day basis and we would like to live a little when we go out to eat. Secondly, again I reiterate, their new gluten free approach. We don’t care for the new “only corn tortilla” option. The little soft round flour tortillas were our absolute favorite, especially with the melted cheese appetizer we would always get. (They also changed the pico that came with that on the side and it’s no longer as delicious.) Again, just allowing us the option between the two (flour and corn tortillas) would be better, as they did before. Thirdly, the sangria wasn’t as good. It’s a new recipe that was previously our favorite. My husband mentioned that. Fourthly, the portion sizes are smaller. The rice portion was half as much as it used to be. But the recipe is still good. Fifthly, some of the decor. It’s dark and more basic now, as they took away all the brilliant gorgeous blue and white hues of tiles and giant jars that I would gaze at and would lift my mood upon entering! They have now a plain brown paneled wall where the artful octopus used to be. If they put a large bright colorful pop of art there, maybe something abstract to go with their new modern approach, it would bring some zest and happiness to the overall new slightly somber/grey, monotone —flat—feeling. Just feels like it needs one central, colorful art piece. Ok; time for the positives! What I do like in the changes are the round tables and removal of the booths. The chairs are more comfortable. The natural texture of the light fixtures above the tables are a nice touch. Also, the server we had was absolutely wonderful! Very attentive and very kind. She made my night! We thoroughly enjoyed our entrees of the night. To wrap it up, if they bring back the chips and the flour tortillas I will pop the rating back up to 5 stars and we’ll be so happy! :D