Danielle Cortez
Audio By Carbonatix
Barrio Cafe, the boundary-pushing restaurant that has served Mexican food in Phoenix for more than 20 years and is credited for its role in putting the Phoenix on the culinary map, closed on Friday. On Sunday, the restaurant hosted an “Ultimo Adios,” goodbye party with artists, food vendors and music.
Chef Silvana Salcido Esparza, the co-owner and driving force behind Barrio Cafe, reminisced with fans, signed copies of her new book and celebrated the start of her retirement as her iconic restaurant bid farewell.
State Representative Cesar Aguilar made an official proclamation declaring June 2 Chef Silvana Salcido Esparza Day and the executive director of Phoenix Pride, Mike Fornelli, announced that the chef will be the Grand Marshal at this year’s Phoenix Pride.
Here’s a look at Sunday’s festivities.
At the event, Salcido Esparza signed copies of her new book “La Hija de la Chingada: Chronicles from a Mexican Chef in the U.S.A.”
Danielle Cortez
Salcido Esparza shares a moment with a patron at Barrio Cafe’s closing party.
Danielle Cortez
Salcido Esparza poses with a patron and one of her many James Beard Award nomination certificates.
Danielle Cortez
Olla Olla Crepes served a variety of traditional crepes at Barrio Cafe’s closing party.
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Estero Beach Tacos Food Truck served aguas frescas at Barrio Cafe’s closing party.
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Lola’s Taco Truck was on hand serving tacos on hand-pressed fresh corn tortillas.
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Food vendors such as Lola’s Tacos kept the party well fed at Barrio’s closing party.
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Eduardo BBQ brought delicious mesquite-smoked barbecue to the party.
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A customer adds sauce to his lunch of Eduardo BBQ’s mesquite-smoked meats.
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Salvadoreño’s Zpotes Food Truck served their signature pupusas and tamales at Barrio Cafe’s closing party.
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State Representative Cesar Aguilar delivered an official proclamation declaring June 2 Chef Silvana Salcido Esparza Day.
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The chef celebrates the honor of June 2 officially becoming her very own day.
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Another major announcement was cause for celebration for the chef. The executive director of Phoenix Pride, Mike Fornelli, announced she will be the Grand Marshal at this year’s Phoenix Pride.
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Another of Salcido Esparza’s loves is the Phoenix lowrider community. Her customized ride was on display at her restaurant’s final event.
Danielle Cortez