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Restaurant Shutter: Playa Rivera Is Closing This Week
Sad news for fans of John Rivera Sedlar's imaginative fusion cuisine today, as word comes that his restaurant Playa Rivera is closing down in a couple of days.
The last service at the much-lauded multi-ethnic eatery, where diners encountered Sedlar's Mexi-China inspired menus, guest chefs from Baja, and an outstanding cocktail program among other always-evolving treats and tastes, will be Wednesday, March 6th, according to restaurant representatives.
Playa has been a critical success, and has proven an invaluable career-boosting training ground for Chef de Cuisine Kevin Kuzande, who was just named one of Zagat's "30 Under 30" in Los Angeles. However Sedlar and restaurateur Bill Chait say "the concept has not met the high expectations" they set for Playa when it opened in 2011.
The restaurant is also one of the few in L.A. using its own space to grow its own food; their "Cielo" rooftop garden has been supplying produce and herbs for Playa, but will continue to do so for Sedlar's other restaurant, Rivera, in Downtown.
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After a few weeks, expect Sedlar and Chait to introduce a new restaurant and concept in the former Playa space.
On closing night, guests at Playa can order from the full menu, and can toast to the last supper with cocktail specials.
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