Plancha tables back at Descanso

Descanso in Costa Mesa has reopened much of its indoor dining areas, including the popular Plancha Tables, which have been closed since last year.

The Plancha tables are similar to the familiar Japanese Teppanyaki tables, where a chef prepares a meal for eight people seated around a large grill. Of course, Descanso cuisine is Mexican, so the menu options range from al pastor to skirt steak to chili rellanos.

I was invited to a media event at Descanso last month to get the full Plancha experience. Our server took our order, which the chef fixed for our table. Most of the guests at my Plancha grill ordered steak, so I took the opposite route and decided to see what the chef could do with salmon.

Our chef was a flurry of activity, preparing each course to the guest’s specifications, while simultaneously grilling rice and vegetables.

My salmon was perfect, with a touch of spice. The Plancha tables are open nightly—except Tuesdays starting May 25, when the Plancha room is transformed into a streetside taco stand for Taquero Tuesdays.

For one night each week, the Plancha Room will serve up flavorful tacos made with expertly grilled meats and vegetables as an interactive taco bar experience.

The Taquero Tuesday menu highlights gourmet $2 Street Tacos and $3 Quesadillas with a choice of steak, chicken, carnitas or shrimp. Dishes are served with traditional streetside toppings including housemade salsa, cilantro and onions.

Descanso: 1555 Adams Ave., Costa Mesa, (714) 486-3798, descansorestaurant.com