Repeated meals at Rivera have convinced me. When John Rivera Sedlar is in the kitchen, it’s a very good idea to be on the receiving end. Word went out that he’d be appearing at Test Kitchen at the much ballyhooed Beverlywood pop-up. He planned to preview Playa, a more casual pan-Latin concept with Bill Chait and Eddie Sotto in the former Grace space. There was no doubt that our paths would cross again.

Sedlar prepared five courses, which all increased anticipation for Playa’s fall debut. His invitation to “Bite Me” drew tablewide raves. The playfully titled dish centered on a hearty pork belly square, seared to a crisp on both sides and practically quivering inside. Complementary Test Kitchen accompaniments included caramelized Kabocha slices, two cipollini onions and an addictive Peruvian sauce involving huacatay (Andean mint), peanut and lime.

Dose of Vitamin P spotlights my favorite pork dish from the previous week.