Silvana Salcido Esparza is a renowned Mexican-American chef and culinary visionary, celebrated for her commitment to preserving the rich heritage of Mexican cuisine. Born into an 800-year baking legacy, she immersed herself in the culinary traditions of Mexico through extensive travel, studying the diverse regional flavors and techniques from the ancestral cooks that helped shape her cooking philosophy. She comes to the festival with a memoir entitled "La Hija de la Chingada."
Awards: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Servant-Leadership Award - 2022 Horace Steele Child Advocacy Award - 2021 Culinary Hall of Fame (Scottsdale Culinary Festival) - 2004 RIPE Award (Inaugural Class) - 2013 Congressional Library Recognition - June 2, 2024 U.S. House of Representatives Tribute and Retirement Recognition - May 14, 2024 June 2 – Official Chef Silvana Salcido Esparza Day in Arizona - 2024 Masters of the Southwest Award (Phoenix Home & Garden) - 2016 Food Pioneer Award (Foodist Awards) - 2015 Women Who Move the Valley Award (Phoenix Magazine) - 2013 Spotlight on Success Local Heroes Award (ONE Community) - 2017 Believe in Women Award (Phoenix Mercury, WNBA) - 2023 James Beard Awards: Semifinalist for Outstanding Chef - 2023 Nominee for Best Chefs in the Southwest region (Barrio Café Gran Reserva) - 2020 Semifinalist for Best Chefs in the Southwest region (Barrio Café Gran Reserva) - 2019 Semifinalist for Best Chefs in the Southwest region (Barrio Café Gran Reserva) - 2018 Semifinalist for Best Chefs in the Southwest region (Barrio Urbano) - 2017 Semifinalist for Best Chefs in the Southwest region (Barrio Café) - 2014 Semifinalist for Best Chefs in the Southwest region (Barrio Café) - 2012 Semifinalist for Best Chefs in the Southwest region (Barrio Café) - 2011 Semifinalist for Best Chefs in the Southwest region (Barrio Café) - 2010
Communities: Arizona Author, LGBTQ+, Gender Nonconforming, Hispanic or Latinx, Indigenous or Native American
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