By Jessica Koslow
Alejandro Meza is passionate about the simplicity of good food and good ingredients.
He shares that at Joliet Café & Bar, which opened its doors three years ago in Runway Playa Vista’s Free Market. The eatery celebrated its anniversary on Aug. 17.
“I love the concept we have created here,” said Meza, who goes by Alex.
“It is relaxed. There is always a great atmosphere at any time of the day. We have the best cocktails, best coffee, tasty food and top DJs. It is always quite an eclectic mix, so there is something for everyone.”
Joliet is an Italian and Spanish-inspired bistro, and one of its specialties is European cured meats for the perfect sandwich.
“We do not need 100 ingredients to make a good sandwich,” Meza said. “We did not want to be another California café. The vision is more upscale, sexy and intimate.”
Reflecting on the past three years, Meza said Playa Vista — and the world — have changed.
“Things were very different when we opened in 2021,” he said. “The pandemic created many restrictions around the opening of Joliet. Playa Vista was less active but over the months and years, it has grown so much into this awesome community we are so proud to be part of.”
The lesson he learned about life and business: Change is good. “I do not get too attached to one single idea,” Meza said.
“Business changes fast, so you have to stay alert and have the capacity to change direction at any given moment. Also, do not be afraid to ask for help. I have believed in this over the years, and I am so grateful to those who have stood by me.”
To celebrate, Meza threw a birthday party on Aug. 17, treating his friends and the general public who wandered in to charcuterie boards filled with meats, cheese, hummus, olives, rice dolmades, crostini and mini pressed pastrami sandwiches, and lobster rolls.
Joliet celebrated its three-year anniversary on Aug. 17. (Joliet/Submitted)
“We decided to invite as much of the community as we could fit in our little speakeasy,” said Meza, who hails from Venezuela and has been in the hospitality industry for more than 15 years.
“We recently underwent some renovations at the cafe and speakeasy, so it was great to show it to everyone and to see so many familiar faces who have supported Joliet from the outset. My three closest friends DJ’d, one of whom just flew in from Australia to be here.”
The night began with a string of ’80s hits, such as “Jump (For My Love)” and “I’m So Excited.” When Whitney Houston’s “I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me)” played, a handful of guests sprang to the dance floor, singing out loud.
The drinks were flowing, including some of Meza’s favorites: prickly pear margarita with tequila, agave and lime over ice and Gramercy, featuring Nolet’s gin, passion fruit, lemon and elderflower.
Meza — wearing a hat, flower-printed shirt and huge smile — made the rounds, bobbing between the bar, tables and connected patio. He chose Playa Vista for his latest endeavor after attending a barbecue at his best friend’s new home in Playa Vista.
“I fell in love with the area,” he said. “When I looked around, I saw what was missing and thought I could create an impact and bring something fun and exciting to the area. I think early on, many people questioned us having a late-night bar in Playa Vista.”
Now on any given day or night, friends, couples, co-workers and family slip into Joliet to eat, drink and chill. Specialty coffees include Vietnamese cold brew and horchata latte, the breakfast menu offers a sandwich and burrito, and dinner highlights include chicken piccata and lobster mac and cheese.
“The menu is mostly influenced by my travels,” Meza said.
“I love to visit friends all over the world, and I am always interested in new ideas and recipes along the way. There is always some trial and error with menu curation but many core items on our menu have become our staple items.”
Plans include continuing their comedy nights and hosting salsa and live acoustic music. Their trailer in front of the Free Market is open through the summer, offering pizza night every Friday on the patio.
“I love the Playa Vista community because everyone is so loyal and supportive,” Meza said.
“Customers have become friends and like family, the area is safe, and there is always something fun to do in the community, from live music to early morning running club, yoga, and the farmers market.”
Joliet
12751 Millennium Drive, Suite 5 -165
Playa Vista
213-286 -2675
jolietplaya.com
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