Repeated meals at Rivera have convinced me that when John Rivera Sedlar is in the kitchen, it’s a very good idea to be on the receiving end. When word went out that he’d be appearing at Test Kitchen to preview Playa, the more casual pan-Latin concept he’s opening with Bill Chait and Eddie Sotto in the former Grace space, there was no doubt that our paths would cross again, this time at the much ballyhooed Beverlywood pop-up. Sedlar prepared five courses, which all increased anticipation for Playa’s fall debut, but it was his invitation to “Bite Me” that drew tablewide raves. The playfully titled dish centered on a hearty square of pork belly, seared to a crisp on the top and bottom and practically quivering inside. The complementary accompaniments included slices of caramelized Kabocha, a pair of 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.