Universal CityWalk Expands Its Eclectic Dining Options with Newest Restaurant Additions, Antojitos Cocina Mexicana and VIVO Italian Kitchen, Serving Up Fine Cuisine in a Casual Environment
With eye-catching traditional Mexican décor in bold hues of oranges, greens and pinks, and complemented by striking, hand-painted murals, Antojitos Cocina Mexicana sits at the heart of CityWalk, bringing an aesthetic vibrancy to the destination.
Spearhead by Executive Chef Gian Caterina who hails from Brazil, Antojitos Cocina Mexicana serves up fresh ingredients—diced, marinated and grilled—to perfection.
The substantial menu features such delectable items as Guacamole Trio and Chips, including signature guacamole, pomegranate guacamole with queso fresco and pepita guacamole with jalapeños and lime salt; Carnitas Nachos (crispy pork carnitas); Queso Fundido (melted Oaxaca, Chihuahua and cotija cheeses); Chicharrones de Pollo (crispy chicken bites, chili lime salt); Elote (street corn) and Sopa de Tortilla, to name a few.
Flavorful tacos, made from hand-pressed tortillas, include Carne Asada (tequila marinated steak), Al Pastor (tender pork), Pollo (achiote braised chicken), Chorizo con Papas (ground chorizo with crispy potatoes), Birra de Res (six-hour braised beef), Baja Snapper (crispy fish) and Vegan Chorizo, all served with Mexican crema, refried or black beans and Mexican red rice.
Diners can enjoy a sampling of enchiladas that includes Molé (braised chicken), Rojas (braised beef) and Verdes (three blended Mexican cheese) flavors, or they can opt for any of these as a standalone entrées.
Desserts, the celebratory finale of every good meal, includes such decadent sweets as Chocolate Hazelnut Cream Bar, a trio of Coconut, Pear and Mango Sorbet, traditional Flan and Churros.
Antojitos also caters to dietary restrictions, offering vegetarian options.
Situated within a sleek, modern setting, VIVO Italian Kitchen boasts an open expo kitchen and prides itself in serving heirloom family recipes as part of each carefully prepared meal.
Featuring both indoor and al fresco dining and serving an array of palate pleasing lunch and dinner menus, VIVO’s signature dishes come to life under the stewardship of Executive Chef Cyndi Tran, whose culinary training translates to the creation of fine Italian cuisine with such menu items as Tuscan kale and white bean soup, creamy garlic mushroom sauté, mussels marina, house-made meatballs, a variety of Paninis, tempting hand-tossed, hearth baked pizzas and a selection of innovative twists on classic pastas favorites.
The arrival of Antojitos Cocina Mexicana and VIVO Italian Kitchen mark the ongoing celebration of CityWalk, which has boosted the city’s rhythm with a variety of memorable experiences for 25 years. With the introduction of new restaurants, including popular eateries Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville and Voodoo Doughnut, shopping experiences and the state-of-the-art multi-million dollar renovation of the Universal Cinema, the spotlight continues to shines brightly on Universal CityWalk as one of L.A.’s most influential lifestyle centers.
Antojitos Cocina Mexicana, VIVO Italian Kitchen and Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville all accept reservations, and cover a percentage of valet parking at CityWalk.
More information about Universal CityWalk and Universal Studios Hollywood is available at www.CityWalkHollywood.com and www.UniversalStudiosHollywood.com. Regular updates can be found on Universal Studios Hollywood’s Twitter @UniStudios, Facebook-Universal Studios Hollywood and Instagram @UniStudios.
Universal Studios Hollywood is The Entertainment Capital of L.A. and includes a full-day, movie-based theme park and Studio Tour. As a leading global entertainment destination, Universal Studios Hollywood delivers highly themed immersive lands that translate to real-life interpretations of iconic movie and television shows. Attractions include “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™” which features a bustling Hogsmeade village and such critically-acclaimed rides as “Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey” and “Flight of the Hippogriff™”, and the new mega attraction “Jurassic World—The Ride.” Other immersive lands include “Despicable Me Minion Mayhem” and “Super Silly Fun Land” as well as “Springfield,” hometown of America’s favorite TV family, located adjacent to the award-winning “The Simpsons Ride™” and DreamWorks Theatre featuring “Kung Fu Panda Adventure.” The world-renowned Studio Tour is Universal Studios Hollywood’s signature attraction, inviting guests behind-the-scenes of the world’s biggest and busiest movie and television production studio where they can also experience such thrill rides as “Fast & Furious—Supercharged” and “King Kong 360 3D.” The adjacent Universal CityWalk entertainment, shopping and dining complex also includes the all-new multi-million dollar, redesigned Universal CityWalk Cinema, featuring deluxe recliner seating in screening room quality theatres, and the “5 Towers” state-of-the-art outdoor concert stage.