After 22 years of spicing up the Phoenix culinary scene, the renowned Barrio Café is saying adios. The restaurant's famed owner and chef, Silvana Salcido Esparza, has decided to hang up her apron for retirement. Barrio Café has left its mark by elevating Mexican cuisine beyond typical expectations, blending traditional flavors with fine dining.
Fans of Barrio Café have been flocking for one last taste of the award-winning eats since the announcement made waves across the city. In a heartfelt Instagram video, Salcido Esparza revealed, "So, uh, it's true. I'm retiring, It's true. I did get a little old, and I am very sick," according to the Phoenix New Times. Her absence, it seems, leaves a void that could not be filled by anyone else; the chef made it clear, "Without me, there is no Barrio, so Barrio has to close."
The restaurant's closure was first reported by the Arizona Republic, and Salcido Esparza has been open about the difficult decision to shutter Barrio Café. She emphasized the importance of her team and the community that supported the establishment all these years, telling the Arizona Republic, "I love you, I thank you, you're part of why Barrio exists." This message underlines the deep connection between the restaurant, its staff, and its patrons.
Salcido Esparza isn't just known for her gastronomic contributions; she's been a beacon for advocacy in Phoenix. During the restaurant's long tenure, she's managed to notch eight James Beard Award nominations and has been on the frontlines for causes like women's rights, immigrant rights, and LGBTQ+ equality, as reported by 12news.com. Even when the pandemic closed Barrio's doors, she channeled her culinary skills into feeding the homeless of Phoenix.
As for the chef's next chapter, don't expect her to vanish from the cultural conversation. Salcido Esparza announced she's already penning her autobiography, "La Hija de la Chingada: Chronicles of a Mexican Chef in the U.S.A," with presales starting on May 5. She aims to spend time feeding the less fortunate in Mexico and embracing the lowrider culture. The chef ensured fans that her Phoenix spirit wasn't going anywhere, despite Barrio Café's curtain call.
