How This Mexican Chef Is Changing Perceptions With Food

Yellow cheese and chimichangas—you’re not going to find them in chef Silvana Salcido Esparza’s Phoenix restaurants. One of the best Mexican chefs in the world, she creates dishes with cultural pride, serving authentic Mexican food inspired by women who handed down recipes for generations. Beyond her restaurants, she is an activist fighting bills and laws targeting the undocumented by building community through street art, lowrider events and lots of love.