Serbian Restaurateur Is Now Opening 2 Mexican Eateries in Silver Spring

The debut Mexican establishment Serbian bar vet Ivan Iricanin has been thinking about introducing to the area has turned out to be two new restaurants he’d like to add to the local dining scene: all-you-can-eat spot Buena Vida, and a la carte eatery Tacos, Tortas and Tequila.

Iricanin, founder of the Balkan-themed Ambar restaurants that have spread from Barracks Row to Arlington, Virginia, tells Washington City Paper about his plans for the sibling establishments headed to the space formerly occupied by 8407 Kitchen Bar later this spring. Second story Buena Vida is expected to borrow a page from Ambar’s unlimited small plates program, but will apply the deal in Silver Spring, Maryland, to specialty tostadas and empanadas instead of leek croquettes and lamb kebabs. Down below, Iricanin wants to serve breakfast tacos, bowls, and taquitos at TTT.

“Not everyone has the courage to go into breakfast. But being near the Metro, I expect a lot of workers to come through,” Iricanin, who serves weekday brunch at Ambar spin-off, Baba, tells WCP about his vision for the new restaurants. Iricanin’s goal is to have both places up and running by early April.

Iricanin has also expressed interest in turning the La Tasca tapas restaurant in Clarendon into some sort of Mexican eatery (presumably TTT, but maybe not). Eater will continue tracking this new career path for the local restaurateur as it develops.

• Team Ambar Wants to Turn Arlington’s La Tasca Into a Taqueria [EDC]
• Serbian Restaurateur Is Opening a Taqueria in Silver Spring [EDC]
• A Critically Acclaimed Silver Spring Restaurant Is Closing [EDC]