A Grand Space

Viva Modern Mexican is the latest flagship to the historic La Arcada on State Street

By raymonD Bloom • photos By alexanDer siegel

Brendan Searls, a well-known restaurateur in Southern California, opened Viva Modern Mexican just before Fiesta in July of 2016, replacing Cielito as the flagship eatery in La Arcada. “It’s truly an iconic space, and it’s an honor to follow in the footsteps of all the previous restaurants who have been in this beautiful space with such a storied history,“ says Searls, “This spot has been synonymous with local hospitality since 1927, and I am putting the soul back in and giving the restaurant back to the people.”

The cuisine is a combination of traditional Mexican fare, featuring authentic recipes dating back more than 100 years, to modern flair items that feature everything from poke tuna tacos, to a vegetarian cauliflower steak served over sunflower seed risotto.

“It’s all about the locals,” he says. “If you don’t have their continued trust and support by giving them an authentic value, you won’t get the visitors either. You have to stay true to that.”

At just $29, the black angus filet is a great value and is served with herb mashed potatoes, wild mushroom and carrot ragout in a guajillo red wine reduction, an entrée which truly stands out.

You’ll find the prep chefs arriving to work at 5:30am daily to start making the fresh salsas, sauces, guacamole and handmade tortillas for the extensive variety of tacos and fajitas found on the menu. “We also pride ourselves on serving just-made hot tortilla chips”, says Searls, something that not many restaurants can do. “We make all of that from scratch every day. It’s hard work, but I’ve travelled throughout Mexico extensively and that’s how it’s done.” Some of the favorites on the menu include the Negro Modelo braised short rib tacos, and the spit-roasted pork tacos with grilled pineapple salsa, all of which are prepared fresh daily.

The happy hour menu is Monday-Friday from 3pm to 6pm, and highlights chicken, short rib, Baja, or pork belly tacos for just $3 or three tacos for $7. The Gringo burger is paired with a beer for $12, and pork belly, chicken and veggie flatbreads are $8. Viva sig- nature margaritas, which are quickly becoming the talk of the town, are just $6.

Viva has paid close attention to their vegetarian guests, creating an extensive menu just for them. Some of these items include a roasted beet salad, layered with feta cheese and kale, a Santa Barbara quesadilla made with butternut squash, Swiss chard, kale, and poblano rajas, and succotash tacos with sautéed corn, zucchini, rajas, and tomatillo sauce, all of which are made with fresh local ingredients.

With over 10,000 square feet of space, and seven distinctive spaces available for special occasions, Viva Modern Mexican is one of the largest private event venues in the region. “We’re just a few hundred feet away from the Courthouse where hundreds of weddings take place virtually year round,” notes Searls. “We can accommodate any type of private event, from small family gatherings, to large-scale wedding receptions, ranging from 10 to 400 people”.

“We have a very distinct culture here”, says Searls. “We never have customers, only guests”, which creates a refreshing sensation you can feel right when you walk in. Viva’s flexibility and desire to please every one of their guests creates an environment you just can’t get anywhere else.

Searls feels this space, coupled with the historic La Arcada Plaza, and our wonderful turtle fountain, creates an environment that is unique and special; quintessential Santa Barbara.

1114 State Street in downtown Santa Barbara. Reservations call 805-9654770 www.vivasb.com