By Sara Collas
Indianapolis, Indiana (The Hollywood Times) 8/8/25 – Vida in Spanish means life. My twin and I found plenty of Vida at a corner restaurant located in the historical neighborhood of Lockerbie Square in Indianapolis, Indiana on a Saturday Night.
Vida was packed. Surrounded by stunning townhouses with Easter colors selling for a half million. The space is perfect for the hefty price tag of $100.00 for a four-course meal. But wait! Before the reader judges a restaurant located in the Midwest, please take a step in this unforgettable place. A variety of factors led to the packed house including delicious food.
My sister ordered from the four-course menu and chose the Beef tartare, chicken ballotine, Peking duck, and Guayaquil Cake for dessert. Each course was savory and delicious. The beef tartare a real treat was served with caper berry, preserved lemon, quail egg, pickled mustard seed, and toasted baguette. The Chicken Ballotine our favorite was served with cauliflower purée, Brussels sprouts, golden raisin, and coffee-harissa honey. Besides great food, the interaction with customers is equally important.
The staff made us feel like we were Rockstar’s walking into a packed audience of adoring fans for the entire evening. There was the charming hostess, Libby who treated us like royalty. She sat us at the wood bar whose soft brown color and smooth texture was comforting among the chaos of a busy restaurant. Some people such as Libby were effortless and effervescent in their roles. But not everyone was as graceful.
For instance, I noticed the manager getting in the way of multiple people including me on the way to the restroom. The environment can be kinetic which could have led to our accidental collision.
Servers trying to balance trays with multiple plates, patrons finding their tables, drinkers at the bar ordering martinis hoping for a buzz on a Saturday night, and people serving water. We never needed water demonstrating attentiveness and detail the staff provides. I even observed a staff member cleaning the glasses at the bar as if it was performance art. Wiping away the unsightly blemishes on the stained glasses with patience and perfection. It could inspire a choreography on labor as performance art. Martha Rosler, a feminist artist of the seventies did a performance called the Semiotics of Household Labor based on the tedious and monotous drudgery of household labor.
The atmosphere at Vida restaurant was a down to earth mid-western vibe with a dress to dazzle flair. The patrons included Joann and Marjorie, who described it as their one of their favorite restaurants.
I often judge restaurants and bars based on the cleanliness of their bathrooms. There is a college bar called Brothers in Muncie, Indiana that it a mess. Trash on the floor, and filthy toilets. This is not the case at Vida. The bathrooms are private, elegant, and pristine.
Who knew this restaurant could rival Beverly Hills finest restaurants such as Spago in L.A. California when it comes to incredible food and outstanding service. When I name dropped, The Hollywood Times the service magnified. Libby, the charming hostess found a table for us at the bar and Olivia who served our amazing drinks provided phenomenal service.
The staff in their effortless, attentive, and engaging interactions with customers is what keeps bringing people in to celebrate food by bringing people together. We highly recommend this restaurant and look forward to our next dining experience.
