¡Viva! by Chef Ray Garcia Brings Fire and Spice to Resorts World

Continuing the final roll-out of its dining portfolio, stacked with more than 40 bars and restaurants, ¡Viva! debuted at Resorts World over the holiday weekend, overseen by celebrated Los Angeles-based chef Ray Garcia.

Following the closure of his Broken Spanish and B.S. Taqueria restaurants, the light and airy Strip restaurant is currently the only permanent location for Garcia’s highly acclaimed spin on modern Mexican cuisine, earning him the title Esquire magazine’s Chef of the Year back in 2015.

Designed by Celano Design Studio in conjunction with local architect Marnell Companies, the dynamic space features an indoor promenade patio, bar and lounge area, suspended ceilings decorated with plants and floral arrangements, a large mural by artists Chalk & Brush, and an outdoor, people-watching patio open to a restaurant row that will eventually be home to Bar Zazu, Brezza, and Carversteak.

Hoping to add lunch and brunch at a later date, the daily dinner menu has imported a number of Garcia’s favorite elements, including wood-fired quesadillas, fresh seafood crudos, and handmade corn tortillas.

Among the highlights, the shrimp and clamato coctel de camaron, ancho rubbed lamb ribs and a side of red cabbage slaw, chicharron and garlic mojo, octopus with chorizo and salsa molcajete, and a 6-ounce cut of Mashima Reserve American wagyu prepared with salsa, roasted tomato, and fingerling potatoes.

The restaurant has also introduced a full cocktail collection from mixologist Michael Monrreal, that offers a flight of five margaritas for the undecided, including the house favorite, ¡VIVA-Rita!,

¡Viva!, Resorts World, 3000 Las Vegas Boulevard S. 702-676-6020. Open daily from 5 to 10 p.m and closing at 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.

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