CHICO — There is an absolutely mouthwatering new Mexican restaurant in downtown Chico.
Mas Vida restaurant (Mas Vida means “more life”) is located in the Phoenix building on Broadway Street next to Jon and Bon’s Yogurt Shoppe. I had the pleasure of meeting with owner/operator Mikey Heredia on Wednesday. He had me try the tacos and they were absolutely delicious. Heredia is warm and easy to talk to.
The restaurant opened November 20. Heredia also owns some restaurants in Oroville. His mother shops for him and gets fresh meat from butcher shops and fresh produce.
Heredia says his signature dish is a quesabirria, which is a crispy tortilla served with shredded beef, Monterey jack cheese, cilantro, onion and red sauce. His average price point is around $13.
“It’s something different from what you’re used to,” Heredia said. “I get creative.”
Heredia was born in Mexico and immigrated to the United States when he was 2 years old. He says the food is unique and originates from Michuacan in Mexico. Heredia moved to Chico from Sacramento.
I loved the decor in the dining room. Heredia has celebrated the day of the dead with some colorful skeleton paintings and butterflies dangle from the ceiling. The butterflies are called monarcha butterflies and migrate to Mexico at the end of November.
Heredia started learning the restaurant scene when he was 16 from working with his uncle in the kitchen. The recipes originate from he and his mom. Heredia said he was a “troublemaker” and ended up staying out of trouble by working with his mom in the kitchen.
“We are sharing with people our unique flavor and food,” Heredia said.
The restaurant is family-run as Heredia’s mom helps him and his brother and friend works with him.
Heredia wants to add brunch and a signature drink made with beer and clamato called a michelada , similar to a Bloody Mary but made with beer instead of vodka. Heredia is working on getting his beer and wine liquor license.
Heredia wants the restaurant to be a place where people can hang out in and bring their significant others for date night. When he saw the location he said his “mind raced” about the possibilities for a restaurant.
“I’m passionate about my vision,” Heredia said. “I want it to be a welcoming place for people to lounge in and have good food. I want them to enjoy the paintings and the vibe. I’m here for the community and to help it grow. I want to see people smile as they walk out of here and be satisfied and happy.”
Heredia wants to have an open environment to communicate with people and reach out to them and get feedback on what they desire.
The dining area seats 30 people. Heredia plans to cater special events in the future.
“I want to create more life, more love, more joy and good food,” Heredia said.
Mas Vida can be found on Facebook under Mas Vida and Instagram under masvidachico. Mas Vida is located at 300 Broadway St. The hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The hours are subject to change. More information can be found on masvidachico.com. The phone number is 965-5103.
Jennie Blevins writes a business column every week. To submit ideas or suggestions or ask questions, email her at jblevins@chicoer.com
