
Vivian is the creation of Chef Josiah and Shannon McGaughey who started it as a kitchen pop-up in 2015. Within a year they had their own food truck called Salt & Smoke but they still aspired to own an actual restaurant space. They did just that, opening Vivian in the River Arts District in January 2018. They serve a seasonal changing menu with French overtones. It’s made up of 2 rooms, one with the long bar and counter seating and another room with just tables. There was a patio that people came and went from but I didn’t go there to get a photo. Lots of art is on the walls, sound panels are on the ceiling, the walls are of brick and wood, the lighting is lowered, the floor is concrete and the tables are bare wood. The service was first rate with good advice and recommendations on ordering. In addition to a nice wine list, they have a full bar from which we enjoyed a basic Negroni as we worked out a meal plan. The food is outstanding and I would heartily recommend you try it. Continue reading