The Soul of Barrio Café
CHEF SILVANA SALCIDO ESPARZA'S BARRIO CAFÉ CONCEPT
REPRESENTS THE CULTURE AND THE SOUL OF CENTRAL PHOENIX.
Established in 2002 by partners Wendy Gruber & chef Silvana Salcido Esparza, the Barrio Café was a dream come true for the duo – a little neighborhood eatery providing authentic southern Mexico cuisine and chef's original creations in an unpretentious atmosphere.
“My mantra in the kitchen is to cook with love.
If you don't have love, you are not cooking.
It's part of my soul, of my being,”
says chef Silvana Salcido Esparza.
The downtown Phoenix and Latino arts movements are vibrant with art installations and projects on Roosevelt Row, Calle 16 and Grand Avenue; the movements are not only alive in arts, but cuisine as well. ‘¨’¨Chef Silvana Salcido Esparza’s Barrio Café concept represents the culture in Phoenix. Esparza's colorful restaurant brings authentic southern Mexico flavors to Phoenix and is located in the heart of the Calle 16 mural project. The art of the Barrio Café and its neighborhood is of various local and international artists – from El Mac to the local hero, Lalo Cota.
“Art is vital for life. Period. Whether you're coming
to the Barrio Café or driving by the Barrio Café,
you're going to get art whether you like it or not.
Just open your eyes and look around,”
says chef Silvana Salcido Esparza.
In this video that Visit Phoenix helped to produce, Esparza shares the story of Barrio Café, her central Phoenix eatery.
Check it out: You Tube Video.
BARRIO CAFÉ
2814 N. 16th Street, Phoenix
