CHRONICALES FROM A MEXICAN CHEF IN THE U.S.A.
by Chef Silvana Salcido Esparza
La Hija de la Chingada: Chronicles from a Mexican Chef in the U.S.A.
Defiant. Unapologetic. Revolutionary.
Award-winning Chef Silvana Salcido Esparza has spent her life breaking barriers and challenging the status quo. In this fearless and deeply personal memoir, she pulls back the curtain on her journey—not just as a chef, but as a Mexican, a woman, a lesbian, and an immigrant’s daughter—navigating a culinary industry and a society often hostile to her very existence.
From the bustling kitchens of her family’s panadería to the highest echelons of fine dining, La Hija de la Chingada is a story of survival, resistance, and triumph. Battling racism, misogyny, patriarchy, xenophobia, and homophobia, Chef Silvana refuses to conform, forging her own path through fire—both in and out of the kitchen.
With the soul of a rebel and the heart of a storyteller, she blends personal history with a fierce critique of the colonial structures that shape the American food industry. Through food, she reclaims her heritage, dismantles stereotypes, and uses her culinary artistry as a tool for social justice.
A bold exploration of identity, resilience, and the unbreakable bond between culture and cuisine, this memoir is more than a chef’s journey—it’s a manifesto. A must-read for anyone who has ever felt marginalized, silenced, or underestimated.
Because food is more than sustenance—it is power. It is a protest. And for those who dare to challenge the system, it is a revolution.
Silvana Salcido Esparza (she/her/ella) is an award-winning chef, cultural advocate, and unapologetic force in the culinary world, whose journey from Phoenix’s kitchens to Mexico’s coast is a story of resilience, resistance, and deep-rooted passion for her Mexican heritage.
Silvana Salcido Esparza (she/her/ella) is a celebrated chef, activist, and mentor whose culinary heritage and business acumen have made her a cornerstone of Phoenix, Arizona's dining scene. Born into a family of skilled bakers and cooks, Silvana has infused her award-winning cuisine with the rich traditions of her Mexican roots, earning acclaim from Esquire Magazine and Food Network’s Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives. She is a frequent James Beard Award semi-finalist and finalist and an inductee into the Arizona Culinary Hall of Fame. Beyond her culinary achievements, she is a dedicated businesswoman and a passionate advocate for social justice, challenging misconceptions about Mexican American culture and nurturing the next generation of chefs. As a queer, dyslexic, Chicana, and lowrider, Silvana’s journey is a testament to resilience and determination in the face of societal adversity. From the kitchens of Phoenix to the establishment of the iconic and acclaimed Barrio Café, her story is one of defiance against systemic racism and the cultural appropriation of Mexican cuisine endemic to the culinary industry. Silvana now resides in Playas de Rosarito, Baja California, Mexico, where she continues to inspire through her writing, culinary consulting, and a “free to all kids” Mexican cooking school—a heartfelt initiative to share her love of food and culture with the next generation.
