VIDA Modern Taqueria, a new, modern Mexican restaurant, is now open in Redondo Beach’s Riviera Village neighborhood, at 1723 S Catalina Ave.
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The debut concept from local hospitality veterans, Mickey Mance (Mickey’s Italian Deli) and Justin Essman (formerly of Baja Sharkeez Restaurant Group), VIDA is a Baja-inspired taqueria that serves “contemporary interpretations of traditional south of the border dishes and flavors, combined with inspiration from Los Angeles’ vibrant taco landscape,” according to a press release.
“Having solidified their hospitality careers within the local beach community over the past two decades, Mance and Essman are passionate about providing a refreshing and unique culinary experience to Redondo Beach,” a spokesperson told What Now Los Angeles.
As the VP of Sales and Operations of Mickey’s Italian Deli, Mance managed the family business’s operations and played a key role in contributing to the deli’s growth over the years. Essman, a former partner of Baja Sharkeez Restaurant Group and General Manager of Hermosa Beach’s Tower 12, notably lead the development of the restaurant and bar’s nightly entertainment.
VIDA Modern Taqueria’s menu features “modern interpretations” of traditional Mexican street food classics. To inform VIDA’s menu development, Mance and Essman took inspiration from numerous research trips to Mexico, where they sought to capture quintessential Mexican street food flavors and techniques, as well as conducted multiple tasting tours to notable taquerias throughout Los Angeles, according to the release.
Their research is reflected in the 16 different types of tacos offered at VIDA, all made with homemade, hand-pressed tortillas. Standout street tacos include Chicken with Mole Taco, Cinnamon Carnitas Taco Crispy, Mexican Red Snapper, and Birria de res. Vegan tacos, such as the Tempura Cactus Tacos and Mushroom Taco, are also available.
Beyond the tacos, appetizers include Queso Fundido, Nachos por Vida, Esquite and Sopes, as well as three Ceviche dishes, including Octopus, Spicy Shrimp, and Peruvian Scallops. Salads and bowls, such as a Chopped Salad and Surf Bowl, and larger entrées like a Rib Eye Steak, Seafood al Mojo de Ajo and Pan Roasted Red Snapper, complete the menu offerings.
VIDA’s bar program offers a Sabe-based craft cocktail program with “playful twists” on classic cocktail recipes including the El Pistolero, Tulum 75, and Poquito Mas. The VIDA beverage program also serves two versions of small-batched, fruit-infused sangrias, such as the Pecadora (white sangria) and Mas Malo (red sangria.) The beer list includes local options like Golden Road Mango Cart Wheat and King Harbor Redondo Special Lager, as well as imported Mexican beer selections, like Monstruo de Agua Sugoi Agave Blonde and Victoria Mexican Lager. The wine list has a selection of reds, whites, and bubbles, sourced from California and France, which are offered by-the-glass and bottle.
Designed in collaboration with local hospitality design firmVanrooy Design, VIDA’s interior was inspired by both the tropical coastline of Baja, as well as the festive decor found in traditional Mexican taquerias, according to the release. Design elements include abstract shapes in hues of magenta, seafoam, gold and yellow and turquoise wooden dining chairs, upholstered sandy brown leather booths, distressed wooden dining tables and black-washed pendant lighting.