Join us with ‘Tala To-Go” as we take our coffee beyond the café and into the heart of our local communities. Whether it’s a festival, a neighborhood market, or popular spot, we’re there with a cup in hand, discovering what makes each area around our cafes unique. Together, let’s explore the places and events that bring our community to life, one sip at a time.

Our first stop was, of course, Tala! As I walked into the cafe, the scent of freshly brewed coffee greeted me like an old friend. Grace was on aux, and the lively tunes of Remi Wolf filled the air, perfectly matching the hot afternoon vibes. I opted for an iced China breakfast tea with passionfruit mango syrup—my not-so-secret menu favorite—while Lex, with her signature blue hair, went for the trusty Main Squeeze. Lex is the kind of person whose energy is as vibrant as her outfit choices. She was sporting a freshly thrifted dress, and her excitement was contagious as we embarked on our summer adventure

With our drinks in hand, we took a stroll down to the Port Clinton Art Festival in Highland Park, our second stop on this Tala to-go adventure. The weather was quintessential summer: sunny and hot, with surprise breezes that made the heat just bearable. The festival was alive with hundreds of art vendors, showcasing mixed media masterpieces that drew in many visitors, ourselves included. We wandered through the booths, drawn by the eclectic mix of creativity in every booth while serenaded by a talented fiddle duo. Lex, ever the trivia queen, casually dropped the knowledge that a violin and a fiddle are the same instruments—who knew?

One of my favorite booths was a jewelry stand where the artist reworked metal into the most extraordinary pieces. A particular ring, inspired by Alice in Wonderland, caught my eye, evoking memories of a childhood classic. Another standout was a photograph of tall trees against a mountain range, a scene that made me think of the outdoor scenes from Twilight.

After the festival, we returned to Highwood to enjoy Mexican food at Tacos del Norte. The calm and welcoming environment reminded me of Tala. Lex and I both ordered horchatas, instantly making us nostalgic for the dirty horchata back at Tala. I indulged in shrimp tacos, while Lex opted for a gordita. We both agreed that corn tortillas are, without a doubt, superior. After some extensive yapping, our adventure came to a delightful close.

Reflecting on the day, it was the perfect afternoon—filled with art, great company, and delicious food—all fueled by Tala. I enjoyed it immensely and can’t wait to hit up more events like these around the café. And who knows? Maybe I’ll pick up a taco or two for the road.