What happens when a long-time fixture of the Charlotte dining scene channels his entrepreneurial spirit while sharing a bottle of the finest agave spirits with friends?

Chris Swinyard gathered with a mutual friends and colleague in Atlanta one weekend. The veteran chef was sharing stories over a couple shots of tequila when he began discussing ideas for creating an authentic, old-world-style Mexican restaurant in uptown Charlotte.

Intrigued by Chris' concepts and his love for traditional Mexican cooking, his friends urged him to pursue this passion. Chris' friends knew his credentials were top notch, having served at Executive Chef at establishments such as Red Sage in Washington, DC, Mestena Restaurant in San Antonio and Dean and Deluca in New York City.

A couple hours past, more stories were shared, more tequila was poured, when Chris decided these ideas were too good to simply remain ideas. Plus, the type of restaurant they had in mind was something new and fresh to the Charlotte dining scene.

However, he paused. Chris knew if this restaurant were become a reality, it had to be done properly: imaginative concepts and creative pairings, using locally grown and harvested ingredients prepared in a traditional, old-world Mexican style; handcrafted cocktails, including specialty margaritas and top-of-the-line service served in a welcoming atmosphere.

Thus Vida was born.

In crafting the Vida menu, Chris traveled extensively, learning proper techniques used in traditional, old-world-style Mexican cooking. Chris' recipes fuse those techniques with updated flavors and pairings. Tortillas are made locally, by band, every day, providing a fresh foundation for every dish served at Vida.

Of course, no meal is complete without a refreshing cocktail. Much like the cuisine, you won't find any prepackaged, bottled mixers in these margaritas. Fresh lime juice is blended with tequila and orange liquor to create the fundamental compliment to any Vida dining experience.

While he was busy constructing the menu, Chris also began working on two important ingredients to the Vida recipe: ambiance and service. Vida's atmosphere is warm and inviting, accentuated with rich materials and Earth tones.

The final piece of the puzzle came together when Chris learned of an available space overlooking Charlotte's most vibrant intersection, the corner of College and Trade Streets at EpiCentre.

Now, Chris' dream is a reality. As he puts it, "This is the type of food I love to cook, and I can't wait to share it with our guests."

Chris invites you to stop by Vida today so you can sample what their evolved Mexican cuisine is all about.