By Molly Given<\/p>\n
East Market recently opened the doors to Mi Vida, a contemporary Mexican restaurant offering colorful designs, crafted cocktails<\/a> and a curated list of bites.<\/p>\n The venue (located at 1150 Ludlow Street) takes over 8,700 square feet of space in the area stretching from Market to Chestnut streets and from 11th to 12th streets \u2014 just steps away from Reading Terminal Market and the Pennsylvania Convention Center. The concept was created by Washington, D.C.-based hospitality group KNEAD Hospitality + Design, and Philadelphia<\/a> joins a lineup of locations around the country for the brand.<\/p>\n \u201cMi Vida has always been about creating spaces where people can gather, celebrate, and feel transported,” says Jason Berry and Michael Reginbogin, founders of KNEAD. “East Market felt like the perfect home for Mi Vida. It\u2019s vibrant, walkable, and community-driven \u2014 and we\u2019re honored to be part of the city\u2019s dynamic dining scene and East Market\u2019s continued evolution.”\u00a0<\/p>\n The menu at Mi Vida aims to blend traditional Mexican flavors with \u201ccreative, modern twists.\u201d Highlights include aguachile tropical, made with shrimp, crab, and mango in a lime-ash marinade; a variety of fajitas (ranging from adobo-grilled chicken to pasilla\u2013coffee-marinated ribeye); huevos rellenos; carne asada; a Guajillo hamburger; and much more.<\/p>\n The kitchen also offers guacamole options, a trio of salsas, a family-style section (dubbed Sabores de Mexico), tacos, enchiladas, large plates, plus a smattering of sides and desserts (think bites like churros, cornbread elote, sweet potato fries and more).<\/p>\n Mi Vida additionally sports a robust beverage program featuring more than 130 tequilas and mezcals. Alongside the agave-focused spirits, the cocktail menu features house creations that incorporate fresh citrus, seasonal fruits, and traditional Mexican ingredients. Guests can also order up classic margaritas, spirit-forward mezcal cocktails, and a selection of Mexican beers and wines chosen to complement the cuisine, plus some flight options for those who can\u2019t just choose one sip.<\/p>\n The venue is also open for brunch (Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.), lunch (Monday through Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.) and Happy Hour (Monday through Friday from 2 to 6 p.m.), along with a Taco Tuesday special.<\/p>\n \u201cThe opening of Mi Vida represents another important step in the continued evolution of East Market as a vibrant mixed-use destination in the heart of Center City,\u201d adds Daniel Killinger, President of National Real Estate Development. \u201cMi Vida brings a proven dining concept that complements the character and momentum of the neighborhood.”<\/p>\n Throughout the year, Mi Vida will also host a series of events, like Cinco de Mayo, National Tequila Day, Mexican Independence Day, National Taco Day and Day of the Dead.<\/p>\n