Peter and I need to spend more time in downtown L.A. I can only think of a few eateries that we’ve been to lately: Church & State, Wurstküche and Rivera (which was way back in May), and I just realized that I hadn’t yet posted photos from our wonderful Rivera dinner!
We were joined by Andrew Camp, who was then the fromaggier at Palate Food & Wine. Andrew and I began exchanging emails, after he requested to use some photos I took of him at Palate for his website. Soon after, we were FaceBook pals and happily, pals in real life too.
Our evening at Rivera was excellent, and I personally felt Chef John Sedlar’s sense of joy and fun on each delicious plate. If, like me, you like an adventurous cocktail every once in a while, then you’ll love hanging out in the gorgeous bar as well. Ever had a drink garnished with finely ground crickets?
The Donaji, made with Mezcal, Citrus, Pomegranate, Agave Nectar and Chapulin Salt (finely ground crickets!!)
Progression of Stuffed Olives (Such a clever idea! Don’t they look happy?): Orange, Black Bean, Anchovy, Ham, Cheese $12
Tortillas Florales (best I’ve ever tasted) with “Indian Butter” aka Guacamole $7
Chile Pasilla Relleno (so GOOD but I didn’t want to mess up the plate!) $10
(of course I messed up the plate!)
Banana Leaf Braised Pork Shoulder $24 (Loved the crispy potatoes) and Carne Churrasco with Cabrales on top $29 (I would order BOTH again).
No photograph of dessert: Studio en flan (three differently flavored flans) $8
Dining Date: 5/23/09
If you haven’t been to Rivera yet, you’re in luck! Rivera is participating in DineLA’s Restaurant Week, which begins on October 4th. Special three-course meals at Rivera are $22 for lunch and $34 dinner.
DineLA Week is Oct 4-9 and 11-16 2009
For more Rivera details including STUNNING food photos, check out KevinEats
my last bite... 
It’s 4:00 p.m., I’m at my desk at work and I’m hungry (didn’t eat enough at lunch) — now I’m starving. This looks so good. The Latino-Mexican influences really appeal. The stuffed pasilla, the pork shoulder. Going to the DineLA site right now. Thanks!
Crickets? Crickets?! How cool is that?
I need to make my way to Rivera. MUST.
I need to try the chile pasilla relleno!
I have a picture of the estudio en flan. 🙂
i went to rivera for drinks and dessert, but never for dinner… i guess it’s time to haul my butt to the city!
oh i need to go here soon! might skip dineLA though, as i always seem to be disappointed with food during these specials.
Thanks for posting the pictures and allowing me to remember and relive a lovely evening with you two. It brought a big smile to my face. 🙂
Me too!
Rivera is like my restaurant that got away. I keeping trying to get there — even made (and had to cancel) reservations a couple months ago — but I just can’t seem to pull the trigger! Your post makes me want to make it a priority before the end of the year. It all looks fantastic — really almost too pretty to eat!
I need to go back!
i love the stenciled spices
Wow, I love the plating ideas. I’ll put Rivera on my list for next time. I hope I get to go back to LA soon!