New restaurant fuses authentic Mexican fare with flair in O'Hara

Sep. 11—Luis Gil-Chacon is only 22 and already owns his first restaurant.

The O'Hara resident is on a mission to reinvent how Pittsburgh patrons enjoy authentic Mexican food.

Gil-Chacon, formerly of Robinson, partnered with his mother, Belsy Chacon, also now of O'Hara, to open Viva La Vida (which means "live your life" in Spanish) last month in Fox Chapel Plaza.

"Our concept is to innovate Mexican food," Gil-Chacon said. "We have a filet mignon, a nice salmon or cod fish or Mexican sushi. My main inspiration is a fusion concept. It's taking what you most like and taking pieces of it — I took the best out of Mexico."

A "Welcome to Pink Paradise" message greets guests, and the interior displays a bold butterfly motif combined with hot pink velvet chairs, black tables — all a deliberate choice.

"We tried to make a Mexican urban city style to show Mexican food can be modern and approachable," he said. "The actual space inside is called pink paradise because when you walk in it's like a tropical escape. We'll treat you here like you're at a resort — somewhere where someone is catering to you. That's gotten lost in restaurant culture and, here, customer service is an absolute priority. We're nothing without our guests."

Lacking in sleep but making up for it in the hard work department, Gil-Chacon is on-site every day.

"It's a big step, but I'm positive it's the beginning of my adult life," he said.

Business has been brisk and the reviews are glowing, for which the Chacons are grateful.

"We've been very well-received by the community, with more than 100 reviews on Google, a perfect 5.0 review on Google," Gil-Chacon said.

He attributed four aspects for the success of the new eatery, which is open for lunch and dinner.

"The service, ambiance, food and vibe are all contributing to this experience," said Gil-Chacon, who works from open to close. "I'm thanking the Lord for what we've received."

Two chefs from Mexico City relocated to Pittsburgh to handle the kitchen at Viva La Vida.

Head chef Gustavo Badillo is a noted chef in his native Mexico with hundreds of restaurant openings.

Ricardo Hernandez worked and trained along with Badillo in Mexico.

Appetizers include Frida's fajita nachos ($18); flame-kissed fuego fundido ($14) with Oaxaca cheese blend, chorizo and warm tortillas; and chipotle harmony empanadas ($13) served with chipotle chicken, avocado salsa and chipotle aioli.

An extensive menu features plenty of choices, including street tacos, Mexican sushi and salads, burritos, enchiladas, fajitas, vegan options such as vegan fish tacos and authentic desserts such as dulce de leche churro bliss and coco-loco flan.

"It was always a dream for me to do this. My parents have been working in North Carolina and Pennsylvania for 25 years. I was working with my mom since age 8," Gil-Chacon said.

It took the Chacons about six months to gut the interior of the former Patron Mexican Grill and create an urban, pink-themed and visually exciting space.

Pittsburgh muralist Ashley Hodder painted multiple murals on an entire wall, depicting deceased famous entertainers hailing from Mexico.

Mother and son handle all of the front-of-the-house duties.

"I was a bartender for 12 years. Here, I do a lot of everything," Chacon said.

The open-concept dining room and bar has seating for 125. Reservations are encouraged and can be made online. Brunch is served until 3 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays.

"We're visionary people, and we are looking to open up in different locations in Pittsburgh," Gil-Chacon said. "And we aren't just bystanders. I moved here. We get involved here."

The Chacons said patrons are pleased with their product.

"A lot of our customers are well-educated, well-traveled, and they go to Mexico and they say 'finally' with our food," Gil-Chacon said. "I have high-end tequilas and liquors and when we pull people in from everywhere, it varies, and we aim to adjust accordingly to our customers, all of who appear to appreciate our hard work and a good meal."

Reservations for Viva La Vida, 1141 Freeport Road, O'Hara, can be made at vivalavidapgh.com.

Joyce Hanz is a native of Charleston, S.C. and is a features reporter covering the Pittsburgh region. She majored in media arts and graduated from the University of South Carolina. She can be reached at [email protected]