Nashville | The Wait is Over- Maíz De La Vida Is Now Open In The Gulch
Over the last couple of months, I’ve decided I have two work personalities: the one who hits snooze at least two times before crawling out of bed and heading into the office and the one who will wake up at any ungodly time in the middle of the night, without hesitation might I add, to catch a flight for a work trip. The past two months have been a little chaotic, and frankly, I’ve spent more time commuting back and forth to BNA than I have in my bed- a good problem to have on occasion.
During my last stint at home, the stars and calendars aligned, and I had the opportunity to check out Maíz de la Vida’s brick-and-mortar location in the Gulch.
Like many Nashvillians, I was first introduced to Maíz de la Vida through their taco truck outside of Chopper. If you’ve ever had a chance to enjoy their quesabirria and consommé, you know that Chef Julio Hernandez, a James Beard semifinalist, is the real deal when it comes to Mexican street food. Now, with their new spot, you can enjoy their insanely delicious, handmade tortillas and mouthwatering dishes in East Nashville and the Gulch.
Maíz De La Vida | Interior
Even more exciting is that Maíz de la Vida’s restaurant menu goes beyond what you might have tried from the truck. Expect to see some new dishes that highlight their love for traditional Mexican flavors, including Mole Negro paired with duck and, for my vegetarians Mole Amarillo with cauliflower.
Maiz De La Vida | October 9th Menu
Maiz De La Vida | October 9th Menu
My advice- Order as much as you can and plan for your next visit. The menu is so enticing, you will want to try one of everything. Don’t sleep on the Guacamole and Salsas- they are far from basic and have incredible flavor and heat. And those chips! Literally to die for.
Maiz De La Vida | Queso Fundido | Quesillo + Beans + Salsa Verde + Caramelized Onions + Tortillas
Maiz De La Vida | Guacamole & Salsas
Save a little of the salsa and dress up your Steak Taco, which is the perfect warm-up dish for the evening.
Maiz De La Vida | Steak Taco | Tallow Aged Sirloin + Chimichurri Fries + Salsa Verde
While my first choice was the Carne Asada (apparently, it was popular as they were sold out that evening), so I went with my second choice, the Mole Negro. What a crowd-pleaser! Not to mention a stunning presentation by Chef Julio and the team.
Maiz De La Vida | Mole Negro | Duck Breast + Sweet Potato + Sesame + Tortillas
Whatever you do, save room for dessert. The Tres Leches De Cafe combines the best elements of a traditional Tres Leches cake and Tiramisu. Talk about dessert perfection. OMG.
Maiz De La Vida | Tres Leches De Cafe | Espresso + Zabaglione De Queso + Almonds
Unfortunately, Maíz De La Vida had not received its liquor license at the time of my visit. Still, it’s my understanding that they will have an extensive cocktail program, including Mezcal service! I see that, as well as a few Margaritas and Palomas, in my future!
Whether you’re craving Queso Fundido, a Tostada, or something totally new and different, like mole, you know it will be fantastic. Maíz De La Vida is perfect for a casual meal with friends or a laid-back dinner date. So, grab your appetite and get ready to make this your new favorite go-to spot!
Tariff | Antojitos start at $8.00 and range upwards of $20.00. Entrees or “Fonda Fina” are priced between $18.00 and $48.00. I am unsure of cocktail prices as they were unavailable during my visit.
Can’t Miss | As simple as it was, I loved the Guacamole and Salsas and the Tres Leches De Cafe. I will be ordering both during my next visit.
Potential Pass | While I enjoyed the Steak Taco, other dishes deserve some attention.
Until Next Time!