Sol Mexican Cocina in Playa Vista offers delicious food, nice atmosphere- August 2016

Restaurant review of Sol Mexican Cocina written by Steve Schlanger

The Runway At Playa Vista

12775 W. Millennium #160

Playa Vista, Ca. 90094

(424) 289-0066

www.solcocina.com/playa-vista/

Sol Mexican Cocina is a beautiful restaurant located in the heart of Playa Vista. The area is

growing fast and becoming more popular. The design of this restaurant makes it both

comfortable and friendly. It has a large wraparound outdoor seating area that’s very perfect for

evenings. There is a roomy bar inside has well where you can eat and drink in a wonderful

atmosphere.

Let’s start with their specialty cocktails.  We counted over 17 different drinks on the cocktail

menu. I ordered the “Bulldog” which is a refreshing beer margarita made with Agavales Blanco

tequila, fresh lime, a touch of grapefruit soda served with an oversized mini Pacifico in an

oversize glass. The bartenders certainly know how to make a good drink and after my first sip I

knew I was at the right place. The “Bulldog” is a perfect way to start your dining experience. I

also tried the Strawberry Basil Martini; fresh strawberries and basil with deadhead aged

Mexican rum and fresh lime juice strained into a martini glass. It had a wonderfully fresh fruity

taste that was not too overpowering. The other guests at the table ordered a Cucumber

Jalapeño Margarita, featuring cucumber and a jalapeño, Corralejo Blanco, fresh lime juice, and

agave nectar. My guest enjoyed the drink completely and then ordered the Grande Clase Azul

Margarita, SOL’s Ultimate Margarita shaken tableside. It features Clase Azul reposado with

fresh lime juice, agave nectar, and Cointreau. I took a taste of all these drinks and give them all

high praises.

For our appetizers, we first ordered the “Guacamole Sol.” It is their guacamole topped with

mango, tequila, creamy goat cheese, toasted pepitas, and cilantro, which is mixed and made

fresh by your server at your table. You’re also given a generous helping of large chips which you

can use to dip into the guacamole. The guacamole was tasty, not too spicy, and had a very nice

texture. Our table also ordered the grilled sweet corn with chipotle salsa, cortical cheese,

ground ancho chile, and lime. The presentation of this dish is wonderful and when you see it

you know you have to order it. The taste is fabulous. We also tried the Peel and Eat Shrimp

Cucarachas. This dish is reminiscent of the barbecue shrimp one would find in New

Orleans. It consists of 12 shrimp roasted in the shell with garlic, cheese, fried lemons, and

chiles.  If you like shrimp this dish is not to be missed!

 

They also had six variations of salads that looked appetizing, but we passed knowing that we

needed to save room for dinner and dessert. For dinner we started with Short Ribs Taco. This is

tender beef short ribs in red chili salsa, with guacamole, lettuce, sour cream, pico de gallo, and

cotixa cheese. The presentation was wonderful, it was also served with fresh tortillas. The

garnishes were presented on a separate plate in a beautiful fashion. I like the dish a lot and

would have no problem ordering it again. We now get to my personal favorite which was the

Grilled Agave Shrimp Taco. This is three large grilled shrimp with agave and chilies, on

guacamole with a spicy green mayo, lettuce and pico de gallo. This was made to perfection. The

ingredients mixed with the sauces make this a perfect taco. We also enjoyed the Viper Taco,

grilled chicken with melted cheese, goat chili chipotle salsa, avocado, and onion. Once again

the chefs know how to make a wonderful dish by using the right ingredients and the right sauce.

Dessert was La Guera Blondie has suggested by our server. This is a concoction of white

chocolate and pecans, served warm with ice cream and camera envinada (caramel sauce with

a touch of reposado tequila fruit and pecans). Again, another unique dish that was very flavorful

and satisfying. We then departed the restaurant which was very full and the line of people

waiting to get seated at only tells you that my opinion is shared by many. I have only seen

happy customer at this a luxurious and very trendy establishment. We would like to thank Dave Malpee,

the manager that any top shelf restaurant would be happy to employ, for all his kindness and helpfulness.