It really feels like winter. I just returned to the Seacoast area after a month-long visit to my parents in sunny Florida, and to say it’s been an adjustment would be a massive understatement.
I don’t usually mind winter (for the first couple of months, at least), but trading the sandy, white beaches of Siesta Key for the sand-covered roads and new-fallen white snow of New England has been a bit much.
I can’t hop on the next plane back to the Gulf of Mexico, but I can warm my soul a little with the modern Mexican cuisine at Vida Cantina. I discovered this delightful restaurant this week, and it was just what I needed to help me forget, momentarily, the gray skies and chilly temps.
Situated on Route 1 between Starbucks and Walmart, Vida Cantina occupies a former Friendly’s restaurant site. Inside, I found a cozy atmosphere – dimly lit, but boldly decorated in a fun, contemporary Mexican theme.
The full bar has a tin ceiling, while the ceiling tiles above the dining area have been painted with bright, bold colors. The bar features funky red and white wallpaper, while a variety of bright colors give the main dining space a casual, fun appearance.
The environment gave me an immediate boost, but the food really lifted my spirits. I ordered Maine Meat Pig Head Taquitos to start.
The bartender confirmed that the taquitos (meat served inside a crisp, fried shell) were made with actual pig cheeks. They were warm and crunchy, with just enough spice to get my attention.
Maine Meat Pig Head Taquitos
The taquitos were served on a bed of avocado crema, which was delicious. It provided a bit of a cool contrast to the warm, spicy dish.
Deciding on a meal was challenging. The menu had numerous tempting options, like a crispy chicken cutlet, served with chipotle aioli, baja slaw, red pepper chutney, and bacon; eight kinds of tacos, all of which looked amazing; a flat-iron steak with pistachio salsa macha; and a local crab enchilada.
Ultimately, I settled upon a Cubano sandwich (or torta). It had pork pastrami, bacon, Dijon mustard, chihuahua cheese, and house-made pickles.
The Cubano Torta
It was awesome. The bread had been pressed and grilled, like a panini; inside, the blend of meat, cheese, mustard and pickles made every other Cuban sandwich I’ve had melt in comparison.
The meal also came with chips. I hesitate to use space to praise chips, but honestly, they were the best chips I’ve had in a restaurant.
Crispy and just salty enough, they were also warm and were a nice complement to the sandwich. The server brought me a side of salsa, which wasn’t particularly strong or spicy, but tasted good with the incredible tortilla chips.
If you’re looking to escape from your winter blues or just take a break from cabin fever, I’d strongly recommend a visit to Vida Cantina. It’s a cheerful place with great food, and the staff seemed genuinely happy to be there.
It was just the break I needed, and I hope you enjoy it, too.
Vida Cantina is located at 2456 Lafayette Road, and is open from 4 to 9 p.m., Monday to Thursday, and from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday to Sunday. Visit their website at https://www.vidacantinanh.com/ or call 501-0648.
