Fall Tracking: Rivera

With so many new restaurants readying for fall debuts, we're here to keep you updated on the important projects and when it's time to make those ressies.

Initial Projection: September 2008
Current Projection: December 4

Now that the Lakers are back at Staples and L.A. Live is only months from debuting its first round of restaurants, it's time to check in with some other anticipated spots around the South Park neighborhood downtown. First up, Rivera at the Met Lofts (11th and Flower) from John Sedlar, Bill Chait and designer Eddie Soto. For those that don't know, Sedlar basically introduced Southwest influences to contemporary cuisine, things we almost take for granted today; as Jonathan Gold put it, "It is hard at this remove to remember a time when there weren't blue corn tortilla chips, when chipotle cream sauces didn't exist, when you didn't see guacamole, chile-rubbed quail, or even corn-kernel garnish at serious restaurants, but he started all that." But don't expect Rivera to be a blast from the past.

Expect dishes with Spanish, Portuguese, South American, Central American, Mexican and Southwest influences, plus a raw bar (kind of a Latin crudo bar); handmade tortillas and tamales; tequilas on tap; communal tables; and windows run the length of the space, from the bar all the way to the kitchen, overlooking Flower. Swankness. At last check in, Sedlar hoped for an early November debut, but he tells the Daily Dish that December 5 is the target date.
· Plywood Special Report: John Sedlar's Rivera [~ELA~]
· Plywood Report: Fulfilled, Rivera, More [~ELA~]
· John Sedlar's Rivera to open Dec. 4 [Daily Dish]For more stories from Eater LA, go to la.eater.com.

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