It’s been a while since I reviewed a restaurant, mainly because most time’s I’m out it’s an invitation, and on the rare occasion I get to choose where to eat, it’s an old favourite, but with a glut of new places springing up, here I am again, sharing my thoughts and humble opinion.
Last night we tried out La Vida with family from London who usually want to eat by the sea. Not so easy to find somewhere with such a setting and decent food. La Vida on the end of Howard Street is a new tapas bar with a view and I’ll tell you right now, I’m already planning to go back.
There were 5 of us and with a diabetic, a vegetarian, a non spice eater, an octogenarian and me in the mix, tapas seemed the easiest way to satisfy us all. There’ll soon be an app for that (tee hee).
La Vida is a few weeks old and I’d seen positive comments from people I know on facebook and wanting to go somewhere non-Sicilan for a change, it seemed the perfect opportunity. I do know the owners – because I once went to see a bookcase they were selling – but I have a feeling I’ll be seeing them more often.
The space is small but offers a number of tables and bar stools and a couple of tables outside too. They manage to get the temperature right and the decor is eclectic; using big tins for wine coolers (an idea I will steal) and lots of wood.
The menu changes daily but I would be perfectly happy to repeat the food we ate again and again. Octopus was delightful, squid flavourful, we had lovely ribs and figs stuffed with cheese and nuts, a tomato salad, sweet potato fries and breads to mop up all the juices of the tongue tingling, addictive chorizo. My only ‘dislike’ is mayonnaise – a dollop of which adorned the fries – so those were the ones left for the rest of the gang.
The wine list is concentrated but we had difficulty choosing as there were a number of favourites – we opted for a Druro which, had it not been for the octogenarian’s bed time, would have ordered a second bottle and watched the moon rise.
I’ve already told my bestie our next date is here and I don’t think I’ll have to try too hard to convince my sister to come with me on her imminent visit, especially if I show her snaps of the cocktails!
You don’t need to book a table – but suggest warning them if there is a big group of you. It is already very popular with tourists, gaming types and locals – and it’s a turn up and sit down kind of place and somewhere I’d be perfectly happy to go alone.
