PHOTOS: Bistro Vida, Where Young Professionals Eat

Lounge music a la Thievery Corporation style radiated from piquing our curiosity.

The christmas lights wrapped around the trees on Santa Cruz Avenue illuminated the faces of young couples who sat at the intimate, French bistro style tables lining the front of the restaurant. None appeared to be more than 35 years of age. 

All were nonchalantly dressed, as though they had just emerged from a day at the office, cast their blazers aside, and decided it was time for a meal created by an artisanal chef. Some cupped glasses of red wine in their hands, as they smiled and conversed, waiting for their meals to be delivered.

I was entertaining a very picky Belgian culture ambassador that evening; after perusing a chalkboard in the front of the restaurant upon which the specials were written, he announced in his thick French accent that this spot was where he would like to dine. Good thing he did. I wasn't sure we'd be that served non-bar food at that hour on a weeknight.

Click through the photos to read about our experience.