Mexico City’s premier restaurant group, Grupo Carolois announced the opening of its upscale chef-driven Mexican restaurant, La Popular, in the city of Roseville, Calif. The first stateside conceptfrom one of the top gastronomic epicenters of the world—Mexico City—the 191-seat restaurant highlights authentic Mexican cuisine and an extensive agave-centric cocktail program combined with warm hospitality set in a lush, modern space.
An authentic, energetic destination, La Popular presents an elevated take on classic dishes with exceptional ingredients and innovative preparations. Helmed by Executive Chef César de la Parra, La Popular’s menu features traditional, shareable Mexican favorites that make for a fun, sociable dining experience.Guests may explore a selection of raw seafood dishes, such as Ahi Tuna Tostadas with crispy leeks, chipotle mayo, and avocado and Agua chile with tiger prawns, cucumber, avocado, red onion, chipotle aioli, and soy vinaigrette. Other standout dishes include a variety of authentic, elevated tacos, served with fresh flour and corn tortillas, all made in-house. Tacos vary from Carnitas, pork confit with guacamole and charred jalapeño; to Al Pastor, fire roasted pork with pineapple, onion, and cilantro; to Campechano, ribeye and chorizo with chicharrones, lorenza salsa, and avocado salsa.Adding to the fun, La Popular also offers a variety of desserts such as Churros withChocolate Ganache and Dulce de Leche, Tres Leches, and much more.
“I am looking forward to bringing authentic, high-quality Mexican food to this new market. La Popular is a perfect place to celebrate with friends and experience vibrant, adventurous flavors. Between the quality ingredients, Mexico City influence, upscale vibe and whimsical cocktail program, La Popular is an experience that will invigorate all of the senses,”says Eduardo Gomez, CEO of the combined restaurant group, Eureka! Restaurant Group and Rockets + Pineapples.
A Mexico City native with over two decades of experience, Chef de la Parra joined Grupo Carolo in 2013, and now oversees the menu development for 27 restaurants in Mexico and 26 Eureka! restaurants in the United States. Chef de la Parra’s passion for food began working on his family’s ranch; prior to his current role, he trained at a variety of Michelin-star restaurants around the world. An instrumental member of the leadership team at La Popular, he looks forward to being part of its continued success and expansion in the United States.
Created by Vice President of Beverage Operations Trevor Tyler, the agave-centric beverage program is centered around unique experiential craft cocktails. The bar highlights an impressive selection of agave spirits encompassing more than 80 labels of tequila and mezcal. The library features rare Mexican spirits as well as emerging artisan products, sourced from a variety of small-batch distilleries in Oaxaca, Jalisco, and Guadalajara.Highlights include Count Diablo, featuring mezcal, ghost pepper tincture, Campari, sweet vermouth;Forbidden Paradise Mule with blanco tequila, fresh ginger, lime, passion fruit, chamoy, bee pollen; Oaxacan Jellyfish featuring oaxacan rum, pineapple, lime, blue lemongrass, and coconut, topped with a lemongrass smoke bubble; Desert Rose with hibiscus lime infused blanco tequila, mezcal, cinnamon-infused Licor 43, prickly pear, pomegranate, lemon; Mezcalero’s Gold with mezcal, aguade tomate, ancho reyes liqueur, habanero, and the Yucatan Toucan house punch.
La Popular’s unique design features chic modern interiors complete with textured concrete wall tiles and patterned floor tiles rooted in the traditions of Mexico. In contrast, backlit smoky mirrors, glossy green tile, and neon signage bring a modern influence to the space. Transporting guests to the mountains and beaches of Mexico, La Popular is filled with greenery inspired by the country’s lush, tropical surroundings. Additional notable design features include an al fresco fire pit, a live fire kitchen, large sliding doors that give the space an indoor and outdoor feel, and two chef’s tables, allowing guests a front row seat to the action in the kitchen.
The expansive bar features multiple TVs for sports game viewing—ideal for watching the 2022 World Cup this month and next—and a covet-worthy playlist that creates an unbeatably fun vibe for guests. La Popular also offers week day happy hour specials, which includes discounted beers, wines, margaritas and tequilas, and a selection of small plates such as Northern Mexican Chipotle Bean Dip, Street Tacos, and more. The debut stateside location, La Popular in Roseville, Calif., will be followed by locations in Austin, Texas in March 2023, as well as Claremont, California and Porter Ranch, California later next year.La Popular is located at 234 Gibson Drive, Suite 120, and is open Sunday–Thursday, 11:00 a.m.–11:00 p.m.andFriday and Saturday, 11:00 a.m. –12:00 a.m. Happy Hour is offered Monday to Friday from 3:00 –6:00 p.m. with an extended Taco and Tequila Happy Hour from 6:00 pm to close on Tuesdays.
