Local baker and owner of Barrio Bread, Don Guerra, chef Carlotta Flores of the Si Charro restaurants are teaming up to open Barrio Charro.
The two Tucsonans, who have both been nominated for the James Beard Award, have worked together on several projects in the past, but seeing how the current pandemic has impacted the local food scene allowed the creative juices to flow.
“As a baker, I am passionate about creating delicious food that fosters community and fuels relationships,” said Don Guerra. “I am thrilled to team up with Carlotta Flores to start Barrio Charro and celebrate the beautiful community and food culture in Tucson, and provide a way for people to continue to gather for meals and support one another in this great place we are blessed to call home.”
Barrio Charro’s menu will feature select alcoholic and craft beverages that’ll pair nicely with Barrio Bread’s creations, and also some all-natural protein options found on such Si Charro menus, like the Carne Asada from Charro Steak or the Mesquite Grilled Salmon from CharroVida.
Additionally, the new restaurant will be serving dishes like avocado toast, bruschettas, and their own versions of open-faced tortas. There’s also rumors of a special Barrio rendition of a “Tlayuda” which is something like a Mexican pizza.
“We both are excited for this new venture,” said chef Carlotta Flores. “Being able to work together is truly going to be so much fun as we have a great friendship and respect for each other’s work ethic.”
The new concept is setting up shop near the Safeway on Campbell and Prince Road — a shopping center that currently houses Ghini’s French Caffe and the Mediterranean restaurant, Med Cuisine.
A grand opening date has yet to be set, but stay tuned for more details.
To keep up with Barrio Charro, follow them on Facebook or visit barriocharro.com.
Article written by:
Matt Sterner
More about MattAt a very young age, Matt Sterner was gifted with the artistic ability to masterfully roll a burrito to the highest of standards, but the wrapped medley of delicious innards wasn’t his first love. Matt’s first true love was a combination of reading, writing, and creating. He grew up reading comics, the ingredients list of his shampoo and conditioner bottles, choose-your-own-adventure books, and the Scrabble dictionary — something he found useful when challenging his grandmother to a game.
He attended college at New Mexico State University and graduated with a degree in Digital Filmmaking. One of his favorite classes was screenwriting because he became responsible for the story’s birth before it came to life on-screen. After school, Matt took on numerous positions at a local television station in Tucson. From dealing out stories about heartbreak to producing “fluffier” content for a lifestyle broadcast, he learned what it takes to adapt to the many emotions the world of media can stir. Since 2017, Matt has dabbled in the culinary world of Tucson as well as San Diego, California from time to time.
If you’re in the mood for strange stories, head over to his pride and joy, wonkytimes.com. And in case you’re curious — yes, after all of this time, he still manages to roll a killer burrito.
