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by Vanessa Daniel
Viva La Frida has created a new meaning for the phrase "Food is Art." Owner Angelica Diaz has masterfully transformed an old used car lot into an art gallery, culinary school and poetry house while still leaving room to be known as one of the best restaurants in Seminole Heights. Since opening in July of 2001, Viva La Frida has primarily been known for hosting many music, theater, dance, and cultural events in its courtyard and stage area, but also has the power to attract people for its fresh Mexican fare.
When arriving at the restaurant, you are immediately attracted to the building's magnetic colorful exterior including hues of bright red, yellow, green, and purple. The walls drastically stand out from the row of used car lots they are situated between. You walk up to the hallway which leads to teal-colored French doors that open to an array of local artwork and Frida Kahlo inspired paintings (famed Mexican artist known for her self-portraits), bohemian styled ceramics and sculptures, and a consortium of painted masks, skeletons and skulls that cover the vivid multi-colored walls. Shortly after I was seated, the waiter brought over fresh homemade salsa fresca and crispy bandera mexicana chips while I looked over the menu. The cuisine, which differs from the usual Tex-Mex, offers a more fresh, gourmet Mexican taste. The menu includes many dishes such as spinach stuffed chicken breast ala friducha-sauteed spinach,
Monterey jack cheese stuffed chicken breast topped with poblano cream sauce, and pesto-bleu cheese stuffed chicken breast ala panzon. After reviewing the appetizers which include portabella mushroom alambras - two skewers grilled with marinated portabella mushrooms, red onions and peppers with a soy-tamarind dipping sauce
($6.99), I chose the queso izquintli fundido ($6.99) - cheese fondue made with melted Monterey jack cheese, sautéed onions, and roasted peppers - served with fresh tortillas for dipping. I then selected the artichoke add-in to the fondue among other add-in options such as portabella mushrooms, nopalito, chorizo, and carne machacha. For my entree I decided on Viva La Frida's popular chicken mango quesadilla ($9.49) - a healthy sized flour tortilla stuffed with shredded chicken, fresh sliced mangos, and melted Monterey jack cheese, accompanied by poblano rice and black beans dressed up with melted cheese and chipotle sour cream. I also sampled the beef manchaca chimichangas ($9.49) - a crunchy fried burrito stuffed with shredded beef and Monterey jack cheese, ranchero sauce, and a chipotle sour cream sauce.
Angelica Diaz's vision to mix food, art, and music is what has made this spot a cultural landmark in the Seminole Heights neighborhood since 2001. With a handful of Best of the Bay awards including Best Culinary Support of Culture, and Best Avant-Garde Mexican Restaurant, many locals and visitors routinely gather at Viva la Frida to enjoy the fresh authentic Mexican cuisine and to gain an artistic insight into the Tampa cultural scene.
VIVA La FRIDA is located in the Seminole Heights Area
5901 N. Florida Avenue - Tampa, FL 33604 (813) 231-9199
7/9/05
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