"D.C. hitmaker Hakan Ilhan is calling his latest project Alara, which refers to a “beautiful water fairy” in Turkish mythology. Seasonal menus and wines plan to focus on the four coastal countries of Turkey, Greece, Lebanon, and Israel. The restaurant will kick off with a selection of meze and hot and cold dips like red pepper-and-walnut muhammara, followed by lots of meaty mains like lamb chops, Greek interpretations of seafood (branzino), and potentially Moroccan tagine. Alara will also serve some best sellers found at Ilhan’s Turkish stalwart Ottoman Taverna in Mt. Vernon Triangle. Like his other establishments, expect a strong happy hour component and “very approachable” prices from day to night. The Mediterranean restaurant takes over the address that housed Italian darling Paolo’s Ristorante for over three decades till its closure in 2018." - Tierney Plumb
