The FLX FAQs: Peter Browning of Viva Taqueria

The FLX FAQs

Peter Browning, Chef/Owner of Viva Taqueria in Ithaca

Founded in 1995, Viva Taqueria is a California-style taqueria run by Peter Browning and his wife Ursula —a place to get fast, healthy, delicious Mexican food at inexpensive prices. It’s a favorite among locals and college students alike. We took a minute to chat with Peter about his food life outside of Viva. 

Edible Finger Lakes: What is the most interesting thing you always keep in your fridge?

Peter Browning: Linzano Salsa. My daughter brought me some from her middle school trip to Costa Rica. It creates excitement from nothing! I will crave it until l I figure out how to replicate it.

EFL: What’s the last meal you cooked for yourself?

PB: Spatchcocked Chicken, Green Beans, New Potatoes and Slaw.

EFL: What’s the one kitchen tool you couldn’t live without?

PB: A coffee French Press, because if you can’t wake up then you can’t start cooking.

EFL: What was the first Finger Lakes wine/beer/spirit you ever tasted?

PB: Hazlitt Red Cat in 1985, I don’t remember drinking it but I remember it was first.

EFL: What was the first Finger Lakes-made food product you remember having?

PB: Purity Ice Cream… still going strong.

EFL: If you could add one item to the Finger Lakes foodshed that isn’t already there, what would it be?

PB: It is high time the Cornell Ag School develops a harvestable shellfish from Cayuga Lake.

EFL: What does it mean to you to be a part of the Finger Lakes foodshed?

PB: Keeping it local is such a win/win proposition. Better quality and neighbors supporting neighbors just makes sense. We all grow together.

Photo by Carly Browning