"Went to Layla’s because they had Paella as a special for Father’s Day weekend. Had never been there, but was going to be in the area and the lure of Paella was too much to resist. Arrived between lunch and dinner and had the place to ourselves (me, wife and MIL), picked a table and perused the menu…I already knew my entree, but needed an appetizer. I opted for Boudin balls, wife chose the mushroom meatballs. My mother-in-law and I both chose the Paella, wife selected the Mojo shrimp. Let me start by saying this is a casual dining experience, no linen tablecloths candles or sparkling water. What you will get is some really authentic food that doesn’t come from a no. 10 can, freezer or microwave. The appetizers arrived piping hot and although the boudin balls were good…the mushroom meatballs were superb! Couldn’t get enough and all three of us were second guessing our decision to get the half order…don’t make our mistake, get the FULL order! Before I talk about the entrees, I would like to give you some idea of my experiences with paella. I have been fortunate to have tasted this wonderful dish in Spain when I was in the Air Force. It is the bar by which all others have been measured. I’ve had some that have nearly eclipsed that bar and others that were nothing more that a box of Spanish rice with cocktail shrimp mixed in. Layla’s paella was close to the bar, lacking only the traditional pan and the crusty bottom. It is otherwise a wonderful example of a dish you would not expect to find in a small North Georgia community. It was full of shrimp, scallops, muscles, calamari, clams and a flavorful rice. I ate the entire dish (I am still full from it several hours later) my mother-in-law opted to bring most of her helping home after eating her fill. My wife thoroughly enjoyed her Mojo Shrimp and I’m looking forward to finishing what she brought home! We will definitely make the effort to return to Layla’s when we are back in town. There were several other specials I want to try on future visits…I might even save room for some of their house made flan."
