Latin Lover
Pork Belly and Tequila on Beverly

You knew the moment you met.

You and tequila would always have a special relationship.

And you’re ready to take things to the next level. Sealed with some pork belly.

Introducing a new Latin spot called Playa, opening Friday on Beverly Boulevard.

With sand-colored brick walls, lots of sunlight and some fuzzy chandeliers that look like lazing sea urchins, this place feels like the beach—if the beach had a towering wine closet and a heftier supply of tortillas and tequila. (Think of it as a more casual version of Rivera, another spot from Playa’s chef, John Sedlar.)

Your best move: come and meet a bunch of friends you’re going out with, take over the large round table in the front window and start with a round of A Oaxacan the Clouds (mezcal, roasted tomatoes, crispy sage).

Before long, your table will be covered in shareable small plates like Maize Cakes with Pork Belly, broken up with some eclectic Spanish wines. At some point you’ll probably realize you never made it to the going-out part.

That’s when it’s time to order the Luna Mezcal—it’s chocolate cake with mezcal ice cream.

Your move, Baskin-Robbins.