The first review will be an oldie but a goodie. Viva. I went to Viva knowing what I was going to order, receive and enjoy. As per usual, it did not disappoint.
Driving up to the restaurant you wouldn't be the first person to miss it. Unassuming and unpretentious. Parking on Sargent and Spence can be challenging at times, however today I was pleasantly surprised to be able to park right out front. Always a great feeling since being in the West End/Core of Winnipeg there are some interesting characters usually walking around looking for a little pocket change. As I entered the building, the smells fill every inch of the foyer. To me, all I smell is comfort. Strangely enough it was not very busy in the restaurant but I was not complaining. There has been many lunch when I have tried to come on in for a quick bite to find the restaurant packed and a line up out the door. As I walk into the restaurant I notice that they are continuing their renovations of the restaurant. It is nice to see that they are not staying stagnant with the previously out of date décor. The dining room is quaint with maybe 15-20 tables with no wasted space.
I sit down to join my friend and we don't even look at the menus - mostly because - like most other patrons, the staff know who I am and what I am going to be ordering - #28. Simple as that. The only real decision is if we are going to eat a regular or a large. The #28 is a Deluxe Vermicelli - complete with vermicelli noodles, cucumbers, lettuce, bean sprouts, mint, their unreal charbroiled pork, pork balls, to die for spring rolls and shrimp. Let that all sink in. Boom! Most people will then pour the fish sauce on top of the mound of food to make a sort of sauce but not this kid - I like to nude. Each bite is one that I wish I had over and over again. I can eat a large and still feel as though I want more and more. The freshness and expedience of the meal is truly wonderful. Speaking with Phuong, one of the owners of Viva, I learn that this truly family restaurant is where it is today because of "mama". Normally a fixture in the back of house, on busy days you can see her coming out to help with the tables.
We finished our lunch with nary a noodle left in the bowl. We decided to finish up our lunch with a Vietnamese Coffee. Full disclosure, I am not a coffee drinker, but even I enjoy the sweetened condensed milk and slow drip espresso delight. Happy to serve it cold or hot this sweet creamy coffee is delicious.
We finish up our coffee and headed out to pay our bill. I look around and I see all sorts of other favourites being served - from pho (a basketball sized bowl of Vietnamese soup) to more traditional Chinese dishes such as chicken with black bean and Beef Satay.
If you are looking to take a trip to flavour country and not via a Marlborough - give Viva a try. Please let me know what your favourite dishes are at Viva and I will have to give them a try.
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