After 8 years, Playa has just unveiled an exciting new menu. Mill Valley’s popular Modern Mexican restaurant recently received a 2024 Michelin Bib Gourmand accolade (only 4 other Marin restaurants have that honor), as Chef Michael Siegel takes diners on a culinary voyage with his revelatory Modern Mexican cuisine. Look for an exciting menu that continues to embody bold and bright flavors and honors the Mexican tradition of shared meals. Passion and heart (“comida con corazon”) are the guiding principles behind Chef Michael Siegel’s menu, which is designed to captivate and enliven all the senses.
The North Bay favorite from Real Restaurants (Buckeye Roadhouse, Bar Bocce, Bungalow 44) received rave reviews the minute it opened its doors in 2016. The San Francisco Chronicle gave it three stars and listed it as one of the Top 10 new restaurants in the Bay Area and Michelin Guide recognized Playa with their Michelin Bib Gourmand accolade in 2024. Needless to say, Playa seems well on its way to join these venerable institutions.
“We are excited to expand our offerings to include interesting and lesser-known Latin American flavors”, explains Siegel, whose impressive background includes time behind the stove at Betelnut, Bix, and Shorty Goldstein’s Jewish Deli. The accomplished chef is currently at the helm of both Playa and nearby Corner Bar. With Siegel’s broad culinary acumen—he takes diners on a sumptuous culinary journey brimming with flavors from south of the border.
Split into four sections including Antojitos (snacks/little cravings), Mariscos (seafood), Platos Fuertes (Mains) and Masa (ground corn dough) there is much to discover on this alluring menu. Along with the tried-and-true favorites like guacamole and a trio of spicy salsas, a wildly inventive vegetarian option includes the satisfying Chile Relleno that showcases ancho chile, potato, plantain, tofu “chorizo” with black beans and a cashew crema. Another notable Antojito addition is a spicy Albondigas with pork and beef meatballs and plenty of chipotle-tomato salsa. Seasonal soups and salads round out the Antojitos offerings.
Platos Fuertos invites diners to share large plates including the Molcajete that features a sizzling volcanic rock bowl of skirt steak, prawns and house made chorizo topped with panela cheese, nopales and roasted tomato chipotle salsa. Pollo al Carbon and Plato de Carnes are also hearty, made-to-be-shared dishes that are served with piping hot handmade tortillas. A handful of refreshing Mariscos range from ceviche and Hamachi crudo to ahi tostadas and jumbo shrimp with grilled jalapenos and lime butter.
An entire listing titled Masa on the reimagined menu offers the most intriguing expansion of all. Chef Seigel makes his tortillas in-house that include blue corn masa options as well as yellow corn. Fried blue corn tortillas stuffed with delicata squash, pepitas, queso fresco and salsa makes the classic Tlacoyo a treat for the tastebuds. The irresistible Suadero—a crispy jalapeno flour tortilla filled with brisket, salsa de chilaca peppers, purple daikon and avocado burst with flavor and is sure to be a fast favorite.
In keeping with the adventurous spirit at Playa, General Manager, Manfred Mendez has designed a new cocktail program with stunning and colorful concoctions that complement Siegel’s spicy and earthy flavors. The Santa Madre combines two mezcals and sweet and spicy notes from pineapple syrup and ancho verde. Allspice adds a warm note to a Tepache Cocktail of mezcal and house-made tepache. The whimsically named Smokin’ Mirror is inspired by the classic Manhattan but offers a decidedly Mexican twist with Tequila, Mezcal and port.
Of course, the selection of over five inspired margaritas is always available as are Mexico’s favorite cocktails, the Palomas and Cantaritos. Notably Mendez has introduced Sotol, a Chihuahuan distilled spirit made from Dasylirion plants that imparts smoky notes to one of the Paloma options.
With a chef like Seigel who brings endless enthusiasm to every menu he creates, this one is sure to not only satisfy, but also to encourage the discovery of new ingredients, flavor profiles, and ultimately broaden our culinary horizons.
Playa is located at 41 Throckmorton Avenue in downtown Mill Valley. The restaurant is open for lunch, dinner and cocktails Tuesday – Sunday, as well as weekend brunch. For more information or a peek at this week’s menu, visit www.playamv.com or call (415) 384-8871.