For my birthday celebration, we decided to visit Vianda in Santurce, and what an incredible dining…read moreexperience!
The ambiance was beautiful, with dim lighting, a spacious layout, a center bar, and an open view of the kitchen. It felt intimate yet lively, perfect for a special occasion. We visited during October, and the seasonal menu was exceptional! Since there were three of us, we took advantage of the opportunity to try several dishes.
We started with glasses of Prosecco and cocktails before moving on to appetizers.
The **Alcapurrias with Serenata de Chayote** were perfectly crispy, with just the right amount of sauce. The chayote was incredibly flavorful! We also tried the **Bacalao & Arepa de Coco**, which normally comes with two servings, but our waitress kindly allowed us to add a third so everyone could enjoy their own. Such a thoughtful touch!
Next was the **Crudo de Dorado**, which was actually prepared with robalo that evening, and it did not disappoint. The combination of citrus, kiwi, and a little spice was refreshing and perfectly balanced.
Now, let's talk about the **Mofongo Ahogado**, the absolute HIGHLIGHT of the night! WOW! The presentation alone was beautiful, served in a bowl resembling a coconut, with the broth poured tableside. The mofongo was soft, with little bits of crispy chicharrón, and the broth was so rich and flavorful. We originally ordered one to share, but after the first bite, we immediately ordered TWO more! There was no way we were sharing this one. Every bite felt like a warm hug to the soul. Easily one of the most memorable dishes I've had!
We also ordered the **Prime Hanger Steak & Short Rib**, another excellent choice. The steak was cooked perfectly, the mushrooms were delicious, and the pana (breadfruit) was such a pleasant surprise! Creamy, cheesy, and stuffed with short rib. I wasn't expecting that combination, but it worked beautifully.
To finish, we tried the **Fried Chicken**, and talk about crispy! Perfectly seasoned, crunchy, and paired with mango and papaya that added just the right amount of sweetness and freshness.
And of course, I can't forget the **Clarified Coconut Espresso Martini**. Visually stunning and just as delicious! Such a creative twist on a classic cocktail.
What I loved most about Vianda was how they incorporated traditional Puerto Rican ingredients into creative, elevated dishes without losing those familiar.