Mi Vida on 14th - Bebidas Deliciosas y Comida Fantastica!

DC's got no shortage of good restaurants, and I'm always down to check out new (or reimagined) spaces. Recently I had the chance to visit Mi Vida on 14th and T, NW - the old Match Box space is newly-bedecked in bright colors, intricate patterns, and truly eye-catching.

The inside is dark yet airy, and the industrial look matches well with blond wood and low-Kelvin lighting. It was nice outside so I sat on the patio along T Street. Outside, there's probably 20 tables, with chairs made of woven, bright-orange chunky paracord. Perfect for people-watching right across from Compass Rose!

To start I had "La Frozen", a thirst-quenching chilled concoction of Sauza blanco tequila, mango, ginger, passionfruit, fresh lime, and agave. It's very spirit-forward, so if you like boozy cocktails, this is for you. The ginger is a nice touch, too, and the mango and passionfruit is balanced nicely to give just the right mix of fruit. 

By the way, they have a *very* extensive agave tasting menu. Dozens of mezcals and tequilas are listed on the menu, including lesser-known offerings like sotol and raicilla. There are some pretty cashy labels on there, too, so now that Espita is gone this seems to be THE place in DC for high-end agave spirits. They've got flights, too, if you want to try a curated selection.

So what about the food? I had the chance to sit down with Joe Jo Jennings, guest relations manager for the KNEAD group, to talk a little bit about food philosophy. According to Joe Jo, the restaurant is focused around communal plates and sharing menus – large sample platters for families or groups. I didn’t get one (although I feel like I probably I ate enough for one!) and judging by what's on offer, they’re a good spread of the stuff on the menu. Here they call the family platter "Sabores," or "tastes" in Spanish.

“Sabores is a sample of who we are”, said Joe Jo, “This isn’t a Tex-Mex spot and there’s no sizzling fajita plates or yellow corn chips." That is true, and the menu reflects a more elevated experience. They sure do stuff you here - probably one of the more generous restaurants in terms of offerings. Here's a snapshot of what I had:

• Huevos Rellenos: tastly little eggs that are filled with XYZ. Great for a snack and very reasonably priced ($1.50 each, so perfect add-ons to a meal.) 
• Queso Fundido: an exercise is hot, gooey, cheesy gluttony - filled with chorizo, herbs, and cheese. It also is served on a small, square cast-iron which is cute.
• Bunido: Corn cakes. It’s a touch sweeter than the cornbread you might find at “Southern” places, rumbly and works kinda like a dessert. Not like corn pudding, though!
• Guacamole: pretty snappy, actually, with a kick of heat. Also very good, and some of the best guac I think I've had for that reason. Chips are also awesome. 
• Mole enchiladas: The mole is made here (dark, a bit smoky, and heavy on the chocolate) and very good. It has a regular spice amount, nothing too hot, but instead presents a deep and rich flavor. Richer than any mole I think I’ve had, and well worth it. Save some extra mole sauce to spoon over the tortillas.
• Churros: I'm not a fan of sweet desserts, but these are really good. They're accompanied by three suaces: berry, dulce de leche, and chocolate. Not as sweet as some churros I've had, which is good. Nice and crunchy too!

Service was impeccable – seated promptly, waters refilled without asking, and Not the place for quick bar bites or tapas, this is a big meal kind of place. If you’re lucky enough to get Keandre as a server, you are in for a great time. Come hungry!