DINING/PARTY: CAFE VIDA DINNER PARTY

0

CAFE VIDA DINNER PARTY

I ran into an old pal recently, and she invited me to a dinner party she was throwing at Cafe Vida in Culver City. As the former restaurant critic for the Culver City News, I’m still always interested in that area’s foodie scene (that I helped make hip, if I do say so myself!,) so off I went.

The menus for that evening, presented by candlelight.  Photo by Karen Salkin.

The menus for that evening, presented by candlelight. Photo by Karen Salkin.

Another friend had just mentioned how “yummy” the food is there, and since she “trained” with me, (in restaurant reviewing,) I trusted her. I’m so glad I did! Everything was delicious!

And the service, led by waitresses Gaby and Gemma, could not have been more pleasant and accommodating. (They said to remember their names, think of this: one’s a talker, and one’s a gem. Get it? Gaby and Gemma!) I especially loved the sweet busboys. We were a group of about thirty, who filled up the patio, so serving us all could have been a challenge, but not for these peeps. My mother would have loved this crew!

The chef was rolling-out some new menu items that he wanted us to try, all to great success. And, even though it wasn’t a Tuesday, we were also treated to an assortment of small soft tacos that are available always, but on Taco Tuesdays they are quite the deal! (Please check with them for the hours of that special.) There were five varieties, including vegetable ones that I’ve never seen before, and also-unusual short ribs. I was very satisfied with the spicy chipotle chicken one that I wound-up with.

Kale and apple salad.  (Mr. X loves this plate!)  Photo by Karen Salkin.

Kale and apple salad. (Mr. X loves this plate!) Photo by Karen Salkin.

But I would have been happy with just the house-made guacamole, which was some of the best I’ve ever eaten. Truly. I ate so much of it that I was stuffed! But I couldn’t stop myself. It was that good!

After a bit, we moved on to the organic kale and apple salad that was chopped to just the right size, with a perfect combo of ingredients. I always am grateful to be eating something healthful that I’m also enjoying the taste of.

Braised short ribs dinner.  Remember--I was taking pix by candlelight. Photo by Karen Salkin.

Braised short ribs dinner. Remember–I was taking pix by candlelight. Photo by Karen Salkin.

I really couldn’t eat anything else at that point, so I didn’t join the rest of the crowd in several other dishes, but when I saw the braised short ribs with golden Yukon mashed potatoes and poblano corn succotash, I knew I just had to make room! It was a perfect entree, one that I’ll go back for.

I was pleased to discover that Cafe Vida had my two favorite beverages readily available—Mexican Coke and Mexican hot chocolate. (Did I dine at the perfect place for me, or what?!) My table-mates were equally impressed with their lattes and the like.

I thoroughly enjoyed this introduction to Cafe Vida. I’ll try to make time to go back soon and do a full review for you guys, maybe even of the brunch or burgers. If those meals are as delish as the dishes we tried at this dinner party, we can’t ever go wrong there!

Share.

Leave A Reply