Chef Silvana Salcido Esparza was raised in a traditional Mexican family. During her childhood Silvana's parents owned and operated the first and only Mexican bakery in Merced located in central California.This bakery was truly a family affair. Chef Silvana's fathers' craft of baking was learned from his father before him, who in turn learned it from his wife's family. The family tradition of baking can be traced back to France and brought to Mexico with the migration there during the reign of Maximilian & Carlota.
Fulfilling a lifetime goal, in the year 2000 & 2001 Silvana embarked on an adventure of discovery. She traveled throughout Mexico's back roads and small villages learning more about her Mexican heritage, customs, people and, most of all, the food.
Through her culinary experiences as a child and her travels, chef Silvana developed her own style of Mexican cuisine. Silvana likes to refer to her version of taditional and typical Mexican cuisine as Modern Mexicana. Silvana’s restaurant, Barrio Café, has received accolades from The New York Times, Sunset Magazine, Metropolitan Home Magazine, and has been the top pick of Mexican restaurants in Phoenix by The Arizona Republic, Phoenix Magazine, Arizona Business Magazine, and Phoenix New Times among others.