Tasca Latin Bistro is a lively new restaurant on State Bridge Road in Johns Creek where chef/owner Rogerio Martins plays with the flavors of South America and the Caribbean. Martins, a Brazil native, worked at Mitra in Midtown and Sias in Duluth before opening Tasca. That background shows up in the casual fine dining atmosphere and a menu that features as many small plates as entrees.
The look: As advertised, the storefront is set up bistro style, with a small bar near the entrance and cozy tables arranged around the space. Bright colors, contemporary art and Moravian Star pendant lights create an energetic glow. There's a fireplace and a nook in back where the chef's table may be reserved for "semiprivate" dining.
The scene: At lunch one afternoon, the scene was surprisingly serene. Business people engaged in quiet conversations between bites of Cuban sandwiches and french fries, while the wait staff moved swiftly between the dining room and the kitchen. Evenings, things get more spirited, especially on Fridays when Latin musicians set up on a small bandstand and tables are cleared to create a dance floor.
The menu: Martins' tapas offerings include scallop ceviche ($9), citrus pork taquitos ($6) and a duck and wild mushroom quesadilla with havarti-dill cheese ($7). Entrees range from beef shoulder tenderloin with quinoa ($14) and braised lamb shank with cilantro rice ($17) to seafood paella ($17) and vegetarian pasta ($12). Look for chef's specials at both lunch and dinner.
The drinks: The wine list mixes South American, Spanish, Italian and California selections priced at $27 -- $65 by the bottle and $5 -- $10 by the glass. The bargain-priced beer list includes a good number of craft offerings on draft such as Allagash Dubbel ($4) Avery IPA ($4) and Sweetwater 420 ($3).
The extras: There are beer and sake specials, plus $5 tapas on Wednesdays. Every Thursday is "ladies night," with $3 drinks and $5 tapas. Wine tastings are on the first Tuesday of every month.
Dining out
Tasca Latin Bistro
Lunch: 11:30 a.m. -- 2:30 p.m. Mondays -- Fridays. Dinner: 5 -- 10 p.m. Mondays -- Saturdays. Closed Sundays.
Soups, salads and sides, $4 -- $6; tapas, $5 -- $9; entrees, $12 -- $19; lunch, $8 -- $12.
10970-A State Bridge Road, Johns Creek, 770-753-0855, tascabistro.com
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