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"Opening October 12 at 1723 S. Catalina Avenue inside the Riviera Village development, Vida Modern Taqueria occupies a flipped, Vanrooy Design–built space that presents an airy, casual hangout with a small bar and a few televisions; blonde wood accents crest across the back wall and ceiling like a wave, leading to a garage-style roll-up door and a small open-air patio, while splashes of color along the painted brick bar wall liven the room. The menu mixes casual comfort and bright introductions, from queso fundido and nacho starters to tacos such as crispy carnitas with cinnamon, Mexican red snapper, and the very cheesy birria de res, with craft beer, wine, and sangrias also on offer. The incoming Vida is the first collaboration between Mickey Mance, longtime vice president of sales for the Mickey’s Italian Deli family business, and Justin Essman, a former partner in the Baja Sharkeez group. It opens October 12 and will keep hours from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday through Wednesday, extending to midnight Thursday through Saturday." - Farley Elliott