CALLE 16 MURAL PROJECT AND BARRIO CAFE PHOENIX

via barriocafe.com

Art, Food, Desert. Barrio Cafe To The Rescue.

After rice and beans, chips and dips, what’s next in Mexican food?

The Barrio Cafe.

With a fusion of French influence, Chef Silvana Salcido Esparza writes a new book every night.

The chapter I read came with the crew from 431 Stapley.

It started in Mesa.

“Did you get directions to Barrio Cafe?”

“No problem. I’ll follow you.”

“It’s about half an hour away. I might lose you.”

“You won’t. I’ve seen Bullit about ten times.”

Driving to dinner on the rush hour Phoenix freeways was a treat following someone who knew the roads.

Most of the traffic was going the other way and we had enough people in the car for carpool lane. It even had it’s own bridges jumping over regular lanes.

Then we pulled up on 16th, walked around, and saw this:

The block had fantastical murals.

Without a bite to eat the drive as worth it.

In a world of theater looking for new audiences, blogs looking for readers (hint, hint), the murals of Barrio Cafe are a great draw.

The Dia de los Muertos influence shows art in the glory you can’t find in galleries.

The size, texture, and flavor set the tone for what to expect inside Barrio Cafe.

This isn’t your Grand Daddy’s Tex-Mex.

Instead you’ll find nuanced dishes and informed staff who explain the difference between their offerings and traditional fare.

Rice and beans take a vacation from your table. That burning sensation that makes you wonder if you swallowed glowing charcoal?

Not here.

If you’re in the neighborhood, make the stop. If you’re not in the neighborhood, make the drive.

On the way out you might feel someone looking over your shoulder.

Does Portland, Oregon have anything to compare? The BoomerPdx blogger is on the prowl.