Viva La Playa at Lake Worth Beach

While we were visiting Florida in June, we had the pleasure of having lunch with our dear friend Maria at Viva La Playa at Lake Worth Beach.

A yellow Spanish style two story building with arches and tables and chairs.

Viva La Playa at Lake Worth Beach, Lake Worth Casino in South Florida

When we left the area a little of a year ago we had heard that they were closing Mulligans Beach House. That surprised us because the food was consistently good with large portions and fair prices. It was a fabulous location for a restaurant. In fact the first restaurant in that location that we used to frequent from the time we moved to Florida, was the legendary John G’s. John G’s had opened in 1973 and they remained at that location until they were forced to relocate because the original Lake Worth Casino was being torn down and rebuilt anew.

John G’s moved to another location by the beach in Lantana where it’s still thriving. And when the Lake Worth Casino reopened, Mulligan’s Beach House occupied that corner spot.

A lifeguard stand on the beach with the ocean.

The lifeguard stand just across the street from Viva La Playa at Lake Worth Beach

One of the reasons that the location is so awesome is that it’s perfect for having brunch or lunch and then heading down to the beach for the day. And that was our routine, most Sundays, all summer long! But on the Sunday that we went to the beach for lunch, great food, stimulating conversation and an amazing view. Viva La Playa made us feel like we were on vacation!

Umbrellas, sunbathers, beach and ocean across from Viva La Playa at Lake Worth Beach

More of that awesome beach view.

Sea Grapes, beach, ocean and pier across from Viva La Playa at Lake Worth Beach

Just a few steps away is Lake Worth Pier and Benny’s on the Beach

The night before we had enjoyed dinner at Benny’s on the Beach, Viva La Playas sister restaurant which is just a short walk down the beach at Lake Worth Pier. So I was really excited to see how this new restaurant would compare. Both places offered a very varied menu of interesting and delicious food with ample portions. But I enjoyed the ambiance at Viva La Playa much more. There I felt truly transported to South America.

A winning trio of owners

Three men who own Viva La Playa at Lake Worth Beach

From left: Lee Lipton, Chef Jeremy Hanlon and Max Lipton, owners of Viva La Playa at Lake Worth Beach Photo Credit: Forbes Magazine

Restauranteurs Lee and Max Lipton have had a lengthy business relationship with Executive Chef Jeremy Hanlon. Chef Hanlon has been lauded in the South Florida area for close to 10 years. Their latest venture, Viva La Playa, is another partnership with Jeremy. Here he has been given the opportunity to create a new concept restaurant with mindfully cultivated signature dishes that take you on an indulgent journey.

Together they have created a beautiful and fashionably styled restaurant to please the senses. Hanlon’s inspiration for his thoughtful and creative menu come from his travels where he was able to cook and learn throughout the world.

Chef Jeremy Hanlon

“The earlier part of my career was based on little to zero income learning from the best in the culinary world,” stated the executive chef. “Working endlessly to pursue my love for the culinary craft was my schedule. Daniel Boulud was my mentor at his (New York City) flagship, Restaurant Daniel, where I proceeded to work my way through the kitchen mastering each aspect of the kitchen. I cultivated corporate business sense in over 30 countries while assisting International franchisees and tailored my ability to speak publicly and teach via Food Network.” [Forbes Magazine]

The menu at Viva La Playa at Lake Worth Beach celebrates the bold Latin American approach to cuisine. It features flavors from Mexico, Peru, Colombia, Cuba and Brazil among many other amazing places. And their focus is on handmade and authentic techniques. They even grind heirloom corn to make their tortillas! Everything is fresh, the vegetables are straight from the farm, all sauces are made in house using the best ingredients and they even press all of their own juices!

The food

A blue and yellow plate topped with two hand held empanadas at Viva La Playa at Lake Worth Beach

A pair of Empanadas – One filled with Brisket and the other with Rotisserie Chicken.

Excited to taste everything, we opted for a random selection of dishes for the three of us to share. It wasn’t easy to narrow down our selections but we managed to choose four dishes. We started off with spicy salsa and yummy fresh totopos, which are basically round tortilla chips that we enjoyed while making our other three choices. After much discussion and debate we finally decided on the handmade Empanadas. The options for the empanadas were with Brisket or Rotisserie Chicken. Our server was kind enough to bring us one of each. And we were so glad he did!

A large shallow bowl with artistically arranged fruit and vegetables at Viva La Playa at Lake Worth Beach

Hearts of Palm Salad with Strawberries and Blackberries

Next we had a Hearts of Palm Salad with Strawberries and Blackberries. It was so gorgeous that we hated to disturb the artistry. But we’re so glad that we did. The combination of fruit and vegetables was enhanced by a fresh strawberry vinaigrette. It was bright and tart and oh so yummy.

A platter of black bean tortilla wedges, a dipping sauce and fries at Viva La Playa at Lake Worth Beach

Shrimp Quesadillas and Fries.

Last, but certainly not least, we enjoyed the Shrimp Quesadilla made with black bean tortillas, Mexican chorizo, baby sweet pepper, pickled red onions, Cascabel chile, Monterey Jack and Cotija cheeses.

Everything we ate tasted so fresh and amazing. I look forward to dining there again the next time we are back in South Florida.

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