The hot new Playa Mesa in Costa Mesa just celebrated its grand opening last week with executive chef Roland Rubalcava overseeing the kitchen. Rubalcava graduated from the Art Institute of Orange County Culinary program in 2005 after spending many years at his family’s taquerias and Mexican markets.
Following his culinary training at the Art Institute, Rubalcava worked his way up the ranks at various leading restaurants throughout the county and most recently as sous chef at the highly acclaimed and Best Mexican Restaurant recipient, Taco Maria.
Rubalcava’s acknowledgments include making OC Weekly’s Top 100 Dishes with his “Sonoran Dog” which he created while working at his family’s ...
