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An unexpected and hidden gem on Route 1 in Portsmouth, NH, Vida Cantina is a chef-driven restaurant celebrating modern Mexican cuisine. Chef/Owner Dave Vargas pushes Mexican cuisine to the limit, bringing bright, adventurous flavors and locally grown ingredients together on a plate. Inspired by his Mexican heritage, Vargas takes each dish to the next level with superb technique, product and creativity. Look for an array of tasty signature tacos, the pigs head carnitas platters with 20 tortillas, and margaritas with a choice of 40+ tequilas. Ask about the Salsa Flights and the Tequila Flights. General Manager Michelle Raye runs the craft cocktail program with a keen eye to fresh ingredients, fresh-squeezed juices, and plenty of tequilas as her team makes the best margaritas in the city. A local favorite gaining national recognition, Vida Cantina is considered one of New England’s best Mexican restaurants. Honor and awards include Hot New Restaurant, Best New Restaurant, Best Mexican Brunch, Best Chef-Seacoast nominee, Top Ten Restaurants in New England, and more.

DAVID VARGAS, CHEF/OWNER, VIDA CANTINA

David Vargas, Chef/Owner, Vida Cantina brings his Mexican heritage and appreciation for local seasonal New England product to every plate at Vida Cantina in Portsmouth, NH. David grew up in Southern CA and spent time in Mexico as an exchange student. His mother is from Guadalajara, his father from Jalisco, and it was important to his family that David appreciate his heritage. Appreciate it he does indeed at Vida Cantina, his first restaurant, where with each dish he is “elevating our understanding of what Mexican food is or should be, while elevating our understanding of what New England cuisine is or should be” according to the December 2015 review by The Portsmouth Herald.

David first learned his craft in his family’s Mexican restaurant, and then in the kitchens of Chefs Mark Gaier and Clark Frasier at Arrows and MC Perkins Cove. David chose to stay in New England, and became Chef/Owner of Vida Cantina in 2014. Known for his pigs head platters, daily seasonal menus, tasty array of tacos and for co-founding The Chefs After Dark Series, David is one of Portsmouth’s talented chefs creating a vibrant restaurant revolution catching the attention of the national food scene. Follow: @dvchef

AWARDS

Hot New Restaurant, NH Magazine

Best New Restaurant, Taste Magazine

Best Mexican Brunch, NH Magazine

Best Chef, Seacoast, Nominee, Spotlight Awards

One of the Top Ten Restaurants in the Greater New England Region, The Portsmouth Herald

Top Portsmouth Restaurants Worth The Drive, Eater Maine


Super Bowl 2016

SUPER BOWL CATERING MENU

*ORDERS MUST BE PLACED BY 2/3/16 FOR 2/7/16 PICK UP*

SALSA, GUACAMOLE & CHIPS

salsa fresca, salsa verde, mango habanero salsa,

guacamole, corn tortilla chips

{pequeno (feeds 10) $60//grande (feeds 20) $120}

BUFFALO CHICKEN WINGS

fresh cilantro & ranch dressing

12 pc. $12//24 pc. $24

CHILE CON QUESO

boom chips or corn chips

by the quart - feeds 10ppl - $20

CHIMICHANGAS

chicken - 12 pc. $24//24 pc. $48

queso - 12 pc. $18//24 pc. $28

CHORIZO POTATO SKINS

10 pc. $28

KALE SALAD

shaved organic kale with masa croutons,

cotija cheese, red pepper chutney

{pequeno (feeds 10) $70//grande (feeds 20) $130}

*add grilled chicken +$6 per person*

*add beef barbacoa +$8 per person*

*add pork carnitas +$6 per person*

TACO BAR

choice of green chili chicken//beef barbacoa//pork carnitas

served with Spanish rice, black beans and all of the trimmings;

salsa fresca, lime crema, queso fresco, jicama slaw & cilantro

{pequeno (feeds 10) $150//grande (feeds 20) $300}

CALL TO PLACE YOUR ORDER TODAY!

603.501.0648

News & Events

VIDA CANTINA IN THE NEWS

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Chef David Vargas to Cook “Vibrant Mexican” Cuisine at the James Beard House, Jan. 25, 2016

seacoastonline.com

Vida Cantina Elevates Dining Mexican…Chef David Vargas

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“Mexican Cooking Is What Chef David Vargas Was Born To Do”

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Top Portsmouth Restaurants Worth The Drive


SPECIAL EVENTS AT VIDA CANTINA

Chefs After Dark Series

Chef's After Dark Logo

Held once a month after hours in one of Portsmouth’s restaurant kitchens, this friendly chef competition has popular local chefs cooking up food on the spot with a secret basket of ingredients, being judged by their peers. Open to the industry, it is a night of shared stories, creativity, technique and camaraderie.

Chef Taco Series

Chef David Vargas hosts a monthly series of signature tacos created by local chefs

Daily Seasonal Menus

We love our farms, fishermen and foragers, and showcase their daily bounty with our daily seasonal menus.

Tunes for Tacos

Vida is adding to its collection of Latin American vinyl. Bring in some vinyl and we’ll cook up some complimentary tacos for you!

Service Industry Night / Pigs Head Platters

Check the website or call Vida to find out the details on our Industry Night program. There will be plenty of Pigs Head Platters and Margaritas!

Vida’s Taco Cart

What is more fun than a Taco Party at home or in the office? Vida caters events and parties, indoors or outdoors, with our fun new Taco Cart and more.

Service Industry Night

Sundays are Service Industry Night at Vida Cantina!

5-9pm

16oz MUGaritas

3$ bottle beers- Sol & XX Lager

appetizer & taco specials

**Please have current proof of employment in the service industry to participate

Holiday Events at Vida

Now taking reservations for your Holiday Events - we offer special menus, semi private dining space and a cozy setting for your group - call 603.501.0648 or email michelle@vidacantinanh.com.

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