While we were sleeping, Meza Latin Fare opened (last Tuesday, July 28 says Alejandro Meza the charismatic owner) on 14th – right next to Porchlight Coffee.  Meza has employed some guerilla marketing to introduce itself – including chalk arrows and a plethora of flyers.  If you see the “free tapas” flyer shown in the photo at left, grab one immediately!  The tortilla – a classic Spanish tapas – is on offer for free if you buy any other food item between $6 and $12.  I had the opportunity to try one today and it was reminiscent of the best tortillas I sampled in Madrid.  It’s ok to take two bites of the tortilla, even if Alex reminds you it’s meant to be eaten in one.  I’m excited to have the Capitol Hill equivalent of Txori and Ocho , though Meza will have more pan-Latin small bites (including the Justin-endorsed arepitas de maiz) than the classic tapas offered at Txori and Ocho.  Meza will be closed Monday but will open again on Tuesday at 11 a.m.  Hours of operation will be 11 am to 9 pm Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.  On Friday and Saturday, they will be open from 11 am to 3 am.

More photos on Flickr including shots of the wall art and beautiful black bead chandelier.  Their liquor license is yet to be approved.  Justin recommends the arepitas de maiz (corn fritters).