Appetizers from Vida's Mexican Kitchen St. Louis

Story and Photos: Michelle PG Richardson

CONTACT INFORMATION:

WEBSITE: http://stlouis.vidacantina.com/

FOR DIRECTIONS: SEE MAP AT BOTTOM OF ARTICLE

Vida knows how to do Mexican.  From traditional to contemporary, you know what you get is always from fresh, quality ingredients, always from scratch, and always perfect.  Here's the scoop on some of my recommended favorite starters and appetizers at Vida St. Louis, complete with photos, and links to other favorites like Vida's mixed drinks, entrees, sides, and desserts.

Always Complimentary Chips and Salsa

Most of us are used to chips and salsa at a sit down Mexican Restaurant, so if it's an appetizer of chips and salsa you're looking for, I do love Vida's.  Vida's chips and salsa come complimentary, and are endless.  And theirs, like everything else they make at Vida's Mexican Kitchen y Cantina, are house made.  I do have to say Vida's salsa is definitely the best salsa I've ever tasted.  It has ust enough spice.  I, myself, (used to) have a thing for Chevy's salsa. This salsa is not as peppery, and it is not a chain salsa by any means, so my advice is don't compare.  Just enjoy the perfect blend of flavors.  A major plus, the chips hold the salsa any way you want them to (heavy or light) because Vida's salsa has nice body to it.    But it's not thick or chunky, so make sure you've got a plate in front of you, because it will drip.  If you're wondering what the kids will think of it, I took the family to try it out because I was so impressed, and yes, Vida's chips and salsa was a new favorite and not to be compared with any other.  

Starters (Appetizers)

Handcrafted Guacamole

If you're a guacamole lover, you'll be in heaven here.  There are a variety of handcrafted guacamole to choose from.  Avacado, white onion, jalapenos, cilantro, tomatoes, and lime juice are all blended together in a molcajete (mortar), and served with fresh tortilla chips.  You can even add mango roasted poblano peppers (which I highly recommend!).

Traditional (Chicken or Ground Beef), Lump Crab, or Carne Asada Nachos

You can get their nachos appetizers with chicken, ground beef, crab, or steak.  Chris and I shared both the lump crab and carne asada (steak) nachos.  I was particularly keen on both.  Some serious yum, and surprisingly, some serious crunch.  Despite the fact that these nachos were piled high (as you can see in the photo above) and fresh out of the oven, Vida's tortillas did not die a soggy death, despite the heat or the weight.  They were, instead, crispy toasted perfection.

Ceviche Cocktail

The most surprising and exciting appetizer was Vida's own creation, the Ceviche Cocktail.  Vida is very proud of this starter, and so they should be.  In it you'll find shrimp, crab, avocado, and cilantro in  spicy tomato salsa.  It's served with fresh tortilla chips, but I much preferred eating it right out of the serving glass.  I felt the tortilla chips blanded and therefor took away some of the fabulous feasts of flavors that the Ceviche Coctail offered.  Every bite was different, and every bite meant to be savored and appreciated.  

So what's the scoop on Vida's other evolved Mexican cuisine temptations, and what would I recommend (details and photos)?  

Check out the 4 links below and find out:

Map and Directions to Vida Mexican Kitchen y Cantina St. Louis Galleria