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| - When looking for a lunch or dinner option that's out of the box and packed with fresh flavors from South of the border, not to mention easy on the budget and the schedule, Viva has become my new go-to.
The focus is on rotisserie-style chicken made in-house. The outside is covered in seasoning and cooked to near fall-off-the-bone perfection. And then you get your choice of sauces, all made on-premises, that are each show-stoppers in their own right. One creamy with just the hint of a spice kick, one packed with diced cilantro, and another red with the chili pepper base and a smoky flavor with a just a bit of kick at the end. All 3 very different, but somehow each work perfect with the chicken.
Most meals also come with a choice of sides, which are anything but an afterthought here. Rice seasoned with cilantro, beans modestly spiced with a cumin and other herbs, and even a small green salad with red onion and a balsamic vineagrette all show the kitchen's skill and focus on flavor. Even the regular fries and the sweet-potato fries are elevated due to a coating that makes them particularly crunchy upon presentation. The same can be said for the fried yucca. A great alternative to the fries, these wedges have a slightly sweet and earth flavor that pairs well with creamy sauce. I've also found the sweet plantains to be well done here, with just the right consistency, not too mushy and not too firm.
This is not to say the other menu offerings are second-class citizens, however. The Lomolito sandwich is quite nice, for example. Thin strips of seasoned stake and vegetables are served an a super fresh roll that finds the right balance between crunch and chew. Vegans and vegetarians can rejoice with the other options here, including the uber-healthy avocado stuffed with quinoa.
I also like the restaurant's decidedly green focus, using compost friendly plates and utensils while also making an effort to separate the trash to increase recyclables. Even the patio in the back is earth-friendly, with hanging gardens of herbs and flowering plants. The only ding I can find here is the music. It's a constant club dance mix that's just a tad too loud, especially at lunch time. While it is lively, its a little off-putting for a mostly-business lunch crowd. Still, it's worth the fist-pumping beats to chow down on some of the best fast-fare you can find within earshot of uptown. The quality is all there and the flavor quality is superb. Here's to hoping for a very long life for Viva, a great addition to the neighborhood.
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