It’s true that we, as humans, greatly respond to our environment. In old literature, the author’s description of the weather directly paralleled the mood of the characters. This happens in real life though, which is why we heed the advice of our mothers to save money for a rainy, boring day. At Paladar Latin Kitchen and Rum Bar in Annapolis Towne Centre, the environment stimulates the senses. However, the colorful, enjoyable environment there isn’t the only stimulating factor–the food, drinks, and incredible happy hour all please the palette and do good things for the soul. We paid this Annapolis Towne Centre favorite a visit to get the details on the menus, much talked about mojitos, and for a glimpse at the cool rum bar vibe inside.
Though happy really shouldn’t be limited to a few hours, the happy hour deals at Paladar certainly compensate for the shortened hours of “happy.” There are actually two happy hours–one from 4 to 7 p.m. daily and the other from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday through Thursday. The former provides the best specials, like $5 mojitos in a range of flavors, $5 maragaritas, $5 sangria, $5 wine and beer specials, and food specials. The traditional mojito is to be raved about: it includes muddled limes, mint, and even a stick of sugar cane to munch on. The latter, late night happy hour comes with only food specials, and is best characterized as $5 Latin finger food.
Moving to the beginning of the day, Paladar provides a great brunch menu perfect for lazy Saturday and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. You can expect classic brunch foods with a Latin-infused flavor, like fried eggs and chorizo hash and spicy shrimp and grits. The brunch items average around $11 in price. Lunch and dinner are not much more expensive than brunch, coming in around $12. There are lots of meat dishes that take a lighter spin on things, like the short rib empanadas, which is a dish of slow-cooked ribs stuffed in pastries and topped with salsa and sour cream. Also for lunch/dinner, the tacos are exceptional. Choose from blackened fish, grilled chicken, grilled sweet potato, braised duck, Cuban braised beef, or roasted pork tacos. Tacos come with a side of beans and cost $13-$16. Vegetarians have plenty from which to choose: black bean soup, gazpacho, salads, and a delicious heart of palm salad topped with avocado, black beans, and a juicy sauce.
As a side note, the guacamole is quite special on its own. Paladar serves up the Latin appetizer with homemade plantain, yucca, malanga, and tortilla chips on the side. There are variations of guacamole too–spicy, traditional, and whatever the chef came up with that day. Guacamole makes the perfect accompaniment to the happy hour drink specials too, coming in at only $5. 
As Paladar proudly displays itself as a rum bar, it’s worthwhile to ask the servers or bartenders what variation of rum you might like. There are plenty from which to choose–from light to very dark and aged, over fifty in all. Something so simple as the type of rum can make all the difference. For example, the mojitos are so mouth-watering because they are made with quality, light-colored rum. This rum is not the stuff you’ll find at the grocery store, but lucky for you, Paladar will be around for a while.
At the beginning of this, we talked about the environment, and sorry for the cop out, but you really have to see it to get the full effect. The style is bold and big in both color scheme and items for use and on display. Huge bright pink lamps cascade over the dining floor. Guests sit on comfortable, dark chairs at wooden tables. Inside the bar, guests see “Rum Bar” on a hot pink print sprawled across the collection of liquors. The windows on most sides let in lots of light and add to the feel of a comfortable yet jazzy place. Guests can eat indoors or outdoors, right on the main drag of Annapolis Towne Centre.
Try out Paladar for happy hour and you’ll be back for the real deal food. The hours of operation are Sunday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Friday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. The bar is open a few hours longer. Visit them at 1905 Towne Centre Boulevard and feel free to liven up your day. See them on the Web at www.paladarlatinkitchen.com.
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