THE SPANISH WORD charla translates most directly as chat or conversation—and that’s what dining at New Paltz’s newest Mexican restaurant inspires. Owned by husband-and-wife team Ernestina and Luís Martinez, La Charla presents an intimate atmosphere and a menu of authentic Mexican staples with unexpected twists, like the Chile Relleno Norteño—roasted chile poblano stuffed with menonita cheese and caramelized Vidalia onions, accompanied with a vibrant tomato chipotle sauce, lime-cilantro cream and queso fresco. More adventurous palates can savor the Chapulines de Monte taco (filled with Oaxaza-style dried grasshoppers, avocado, cilantro, and tomatillo salsa on a hand-pressed corn tortilla), or the Barbacoa de Lengua taco (filled with Baracoa-style braised beef tongue). You might like talking about the food, but the subject inevitably will shift to the décor: The walls of La Charla abound with dazzling colored tiles and murals. At the back of the restaurant, an exposed grill allows diners to watch as tortillas are warmed and filled. If you’ve been looking for a place to reconnect, rekindle or just want to re-center, this spot has perfected the recipe.

La Charla
127 Main St, New Paltz
(845) 633-8276
lacharlarestaurant.com