We swung by the soft opening for the newly opened Charro Vida to eat and grab some photos.
Although we ordered as much as we could eat in one sitting, there’s plenty more to explore. However, we were impressed with what we had and will be back for more. Here are seven of our favorites so far.
Spanish Lesson ($6, vegan [+$4 for anchovy])
Pimentón Marcona almonds, marinated lima beans, and mixed olives create a simple yet sophisticated platter. The warm, tender, creamy lima beans are surprisingly the star. If you love anchovies, don’t hesitate to spend the extra $4 for the lemony white Spanish anchovies.
Carrots de la Casa ($8.50)
Tender sous vide heirloom carrots are charred and served with beets, apple, pomegranate picado, local goat cheese, and turmeric oil.
Frida Salad ($12)
This salad balances sweet watermelon, bitter arugula, and cool cucumber and mint with red onion, local goat cheese, Vida herb dressing, and fried cubes of cotija.
Bandera Enchiladas ($17, vegan)
This dish features a trio of enchiladas in three mole sauces: calabacitas & beets en tomatillo; papas y poblano en chile rojo; chorizo planta en crema. The fluffy quinoa grain salad, beans, and veggies are a welcome departure from heavier conventional sides.
Branzino Almendra (market price)
The succulent branzino is dusted with almond flour, pan-seared, and served with a rich hummus-based sauce, charred tomato, asparagus, and potatoes. This was one of the best branzino interpretations we’ve ever had.
Fruit on the Beach ($6)
This Mexican fruit platter features sweet-and-salty house-made chamoy, Tajín, lime, and spiced pepitas.
Churro Dreams ($6.50 vegan and gluten-free)
These hefty, crunchy churros are sure to be a hit with the gluten-free eaters and churro lovers. The Mexican chocolate ganache certainly helps.
Charro Vida is located at 7109 N. Oracle Rd. For more information, visit charrovida.com. Keep up with Charro Vida on Facebook.
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Article written by:
Jackie Tran
More about JackieJackie Tran is a Tucson-based food writer, photographer, culinary educator, and owner-chef of the now-closed food truck Tran’s Fats. Although he is best known locally for his work for Tucson Foodie, his work has also appeared in publications such as Bon Appétit, National Geographic, and the New York Times.
An adventurous foodie, he enjoys culinary experiences ranging from seasonal omakase to sloppily devouring green chili patty melts in his car afterhours. His favorite foods include aguachile, garlic noodles, and leftover fried chicken illuminated by the fridge light. His favorite drinks include morning micheladas, fireside imperial stouts, candle-lit negroni, and grassy mezcales.
Outside of food, he also loves playing musical instruments, karaoke, Tetris, Super Smash Bros. Melee, and petting Addie’s dog Spaghetti.
If you’d like to stalk him, visit his Instagram @jackie_tran_ or jackietran.com.
