When El Chavo in Los Feliz closed in early November, fans of the Mexican staple (and its sister bar, Chavito) were left wondering what was to become of the place. Now, it seems, we have an answer. Beginning on Saturday, January 16, a temporary pop-up featuring some of LA's finest food and drink personalities will breathe new life into the restaurant. Ceviche Project's Octavio Olivas, Scarpetta's Freddy Vargas and Cocktail Academy's Brandyn Tepper are taking over the space, turning it into a ceviche, raw, tequila and mezcal bar. Diners will be able to order freshly shucked oysters, big eye tuna topped with yuzu habanero sorbet, inventive tamales and tacos, crispy pig ears with salsa verde—and plenty of Tepper's creative cocktails. No, this isn't the El Chavo of yesteryear, but change is good, right?
Reservations are available Tuesday through Sunday, 5-11pm each night; you can secure your spot on El Chavo's website. Word on the street is that this collaboration is only temporary, but who knows—if all goes well, this might be the new face (and menu) of El Chavo. In the meantime, we're excited to take advantage of Olivas' fantastic ceviche, experience Vargas' departure from the Italian food he's used to cooking at Scarpetta, and indulge in Tepper's reinterpretation of classic Mexican cocktails. It's good to have you back, El Chavo.