Paella de Mariscos photo by Mary MacRae Warren
Remember that tiny green chile, the one that was deceptively small but packed a wallop when you bit into it?
Viva Latin Bistro is like that little firecracker. It's hot!
The 45-seat restaurant, newly opened in Bay Ridge Brooklyn, just might be the borough's best bet for traditional Colombian cuisine. Run by the beautiful Lopez sisters -- Jessica and Jennifer -- this small restaurant serves up huge Latin flavor. While the emphasis is on Colombian comfort food, the dishes they grew up with, the restaurant offers a range of specialties representative of Latin American cuisine.
Choose from huge platters of saffron-scented paellas ($14-15) to fresh seafood selections such as filete de Tilapia al ajillo (Tilapia filet in a garlic sauce served with coconut rice and tostones $14) and Seviche de Camarones (shrimp marinated in orange, lemon, & lime juices $9), to a variety of appetizers such as arepas de Chocolo (traditional sweet corn cakes served with goat cheese $4) .
A stylishly eclectic blend of traditional Colombian artwork and modern furnishings, Viva Latin Bistro is a perfect date restaurant with cozy, intimate banquets. Go on a Friday or Saturday night when a Colombian guitarist serenades diners and be sure to ask for his rendition of the classic, "Besame Mucho."
Parking is sparse on this stretch of Bay Ridge's busy restaurant row, but the restaurant offers valet parking weekends.
The Lopez sisters are as charming as their restaurant is inviting. You'll be tempted to linger long after your espresso and pumpkin cheesecake ($3.50) or traditional Tres Leches cake ($3.50) are done.
Comments
Ate at this restaurant this week - and was quite disappointed. While the waitstaff was attentive and the atmosphere was festive, the entrees left a lot to be desired. Appetizers were OK - the arepas were terrible, bland and without texture. The chorizo was good, as were the nachos and empanadas.
Entrees went downhill fast - the paella was bland and without flavor (although very 'fishy' - the clam went uneaten because I wasn't sure of it's freshness). No saffron here whatsoever, something you come to expect with paella.
A few other dishes - the paisa was a rubbery, poorly cooked and seasoned steak. The filet mignon skewers were ok, but again, bland.
Desert was good. Unfortunately, the entrees were bad enough to merit not returning unless it's just for appetizers while opening up a bottle.
Got something to say?
Examiner.com is looking for writers, photographers, and videographers to join the fastest growing group of local insiders. If you are interested in growing your online rep apply to be an Examiner today!