Ivan Iricanin, founder and CEO of Street Guys Hospitality, announced the April anticipated opening of two new Mexican concepts: Tacos, Tortas & Tequila (TTT) & Buena Vida, which will be located at 8407 Ramsey Avenue in Silver Spring, Maryland, 20910. TTT is the first-floor authentic meets modern Mexican diner with 50 seats and a 10-seat bar serving breakfast, lunch and dinner with grab-and-go service available from 7 a.m. to 11p.m.

One will enjoy exceptional $3 to $5 house-made tacos and $7 to $12 tortas and quesadillas here, while on the second floor, Buena Vida will feature a casual, contemporary dining experience, including Street Guys Hospitality’s signature unlimited Mexican small plates dinner option priced at $35 per person, as well as weekend bottomless brunch option priced at $39 per person.  Buena Vida is 3,700-square-feet with seating for 150, which includes a 50-seat private dining area and a 10-seat bar. In both outlets, happy hour will be a crowd-pleaser.  It will be offered throughout TTT on weekdays from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., and at the bar of Buena Vida, with $5 fare and libations.

Graham Bartlett, who most recently served as regional executive chef for Richard Sandoval Restaurants, has been tapped to serve as chef de cuisine for TTT & Buena Vida. Guests can anticipate traditional flavors from all the corners of Mexico, incorporating cage-free eggs and meats primarily sourced from Amish farmers, along with local seafood from the Chesapeake.  Bartlett’s comprehensive menu at Buena Vida will also have a big emphasis on vegetable dishes. Lunch will feature an array of healthy salads, sandwiches, and chef’s signature dishes such as Black Bean and Kale Soup, Yucatan Guacamole with pickled mango and goat cheese, and Carolina Shrimp and Crab Enchiladas.  Prices will range from $8 to $19.

For dinner, the small plates selection includes over 40 dishes to share and taste ranging in price from $6 to $14.  Signature items include Mezcal Cured Organic Salmon Tostada; Sweet Corn Empanadas with handmade with organic corn masa, guajillo garlic and salsa verde; Chilorio Braised Marcho Farms Pork Sopes, and Roseda Farms Steak Alambre with house-cured bacon, poblano, and Oaxaca cheese.

Those on the go will enjoy TTT for its authentic Mexican fare and quick service, casual ambience.  All items are made from scratch including the organic corn tortillas and house-made sauces. Signature breakfast items include Carne Asada Con Huevo y Aguacate Tacos, steak and egg with avocado; Huevos Rancheros Tacos; Choripan Con Huevo, house-made chorizo with egg; Potato and Cheese Taquitos, as well as a Breakfast Guacamole.  For lunch and dinner, TTT will serve its signature Tacos; Tortas; Quesadillas, and Tostadas.  Signature tacos include the popular Al Pastor Pork, spit-roasted with pineapple and salsa verde; Slow-Roasted Barbacoa Beef; Crispy Local Skate Wing and Chicharrón.  One can anticipate prices ranging from $3 to $12 for menu items at TTT.

Both restaurants will showcase an expansive beverage program.  Buena Vida will have an approachable list of wines representing Spain and South America with bottles ranging from $25 to $80. 16 wines will also be available by the glass with prices ranging from $8 to $15.  Additionally, one will find a variety of traditional and craft Mexican beers by the bottle and on draught, along with a diverse selection of tequilas, including blancos, reposados, añejos, premium, and house-infused options staring at $8. A vertical tasting will be available featuring tequilas made with different aging techniques.  A horizontal tasting comparing three tequilas made by different distilleries is another option with prices beginning at $18, as well as an exclusive premium tasting of three high-end tequilas.  A variety of mezcals, starting at from $8 per shot will be available along with a mezcal tasting highlighting three unique selections for $25.

TTT will offer a cocktail menu that showcases the diversity of Mexico’s celebrated spirit, featuring agave cocktails as well as classic margaritas.  Priced from $8 to $12 each, standouts include the Traditional Margarita made with 100% agave tequila, available with fresh mango or strawberry purée (available frozen or on the rocks); Fresh Aqua Fresca—Horchata, Pineapple, Watermelon, or Jamaica, as well as cold pressed juices. One can also enjoy excellent coffee from La Colombe Coffee Roasters, which will be available for take-out as well.   House-made milkshakes will also be available, along with traditional and craft Mexican beer.

Iricanin has hired HapstakDemetriou+ to design both concepts.  The 1,500-square foot restaurant, TTT will showcase vibrant colors and bold graphics inspired by the colorful street food scene of Mexico.  Other highlights include a 12-seat heated sidewalk terrace, complete with a covered awning. Upstairs at Buena Vida, the light-filled restaurant draws on the warm, relaxed characteristics of Mexico.  The wrap-a-round bar will energize the space and offer a dramatic focal point.  Natural woods, woven textures and greenery add to the charm.