BY MIKE PUCKETT

ViVa Bar + Kitchen is located in historic downtown San Diego on the corner of 4th and F. The ViVa sign and the lights out front give it a cool vibe and when you walk in, bam!!! You have arrived. Now, that might have been a little dramatic, but this is no tale I assure you. We showed up on a Wednesday night and let them know we meant business. Business is what we got, for sure.

I first heard about this place the night before at a restaurant. They told me to check out ViVa’s as some great things were happening there and when I heard about the specialty cocktails and tequila list, we called Uber and here we are.

The whole place is open with a bar in the middle and large screens to watch sporting events. It’s a great place to go whether you are with a group or by yourself.

We sat down by the open windows to enjoy the cool air and ordered a couple of Margaritas. We had the Fresco Margarita and the Wild Hibiscus Margarita. Both were very tasty and the Hibiscus Margarita was outstanding. I could tell right then that this was going to be one of those amazing nights.

We ordered the Soup of the Day: Wagyu Beef Meatballs with Basmati rice in a chicken stock base and just a hint of mint. Amazing!

For small plates, we sampled the Baked Mussels, a pleasing combination of fresh New Zealand Green Lip Mussels with shallots, garlic, panko and butter. Such garlic buttery goodness!

Our next appetizer was the Bistro Filetto; a Grilled Filet Mignon Medallion, Tomato Compote, Chimichurri and Crostini that was out of sight good! The filet, cooked to perfection, just melted in your mouth.

I told our server know to thank the chef for us. Then, to our delight, Chef Arnold Vargas Brown (former executive sous-chef under Bertrand at Mister A’s) actually came out and introduced himself. I love to greet the Chef behind the meal; it gives the restaurant that extra lift they need to stand out in such a restaurant-rich area.

An added benefit to meeting the chef is that you can ask for his recommendation for the night. We took his advice with grins from ear to ear and it wasn’t just the margaritas talking! Well…maybe a little bit.

We charged on and ordered a couple of specialty cocktails: a Whisky Smash and Redheaded Jamo, both were a strong representation of the bartender’s skills.

For the main course, we had the Duck Two Ways; breast and leg of duck with Gorgonzola Potato Hash, Pork-Braised Red Cabbage and Cherry Pinot Sauce. Duck can go either way for me; I love it or I hate it. I loved it. I don’t eat duck much, I have to admit, but this was the best I’ve ever had. A couple from out of town asked us what the Chef had suggested and ordered it as well. Everyone thought it was not just good, but great!

Next up was a traditional Spanish dish, Paella de Barcelona: halibut, scallops, mussels, garlic, shallots, Saffron Risotto topped with Butter-Poached Lobster Tail. It tastes like it looks, check out the photography, I will leave it at that.

At this point, the bartender stopped by to talk to us – I told you this place was friendly! He noticed all the great items we were ordering and thought we were celebrating something. I suppose we are – finding one of my new favorite spots downtown.

The bartender let me in on the Tequila Flights they offered, where we could choose from a list of different tequilas. Choose we did, to the figure of six; but just half a shot glass of each so we could taste them all. All of them were unique and flavorful.

We first sipped on a variety of Tanteo Tequila Flights: Cocoa, Jalapeno and Tropical. Then we tasted other, more traditional types of tequila: the House Choice Tequila Flight with Fortaleza Anejo, Hussong’s MR Reposado, and Patron Silver.

And if that wasn’t enough of a dessert, we then savored the White Chocolate Mango Mousse 9, a decadent dessert made with white chocolate, mango and cream all whipped together! A perfect ending to a perfect night out.

If you’re looking for a wonderful menu and great tequila in the heart of San Diego, I highly recommend ViVa Bar + Kitchen.

PHOTOGRAPHY: MIKE PUCKETT