From Border to Plate: Mexican Cuisine in Arizona

Brianne Emond, Catalina Salazar, Lia Osorio, Alexa MacMurray

Introduction Lia Osorio

This project delves into the dynamic and evolving role of Mexican migration in shaping Arizona's cultural landscape, with a specific focus on the power of food to connect communities and preserve cultural identity. Mexican migrants have brought with them not only skills and labor but also a vibrant culinary tradition that has transformed Arizona's gastronomic scene, introducing flavors, techniques, and traditions that enrich the state's everyday life.

By exploring the stories of restaurant owners, families, and community members, this research aims to understand how Mexican cuisine serves as a cultural bridge, uniting diverse generations and backgrounds through food. The project seeks to document how these culinary traditions have adapted and thrived in Arizona, revealing the ways in which food can foster connection, celebrate heritage, and enhance cultural appreciation across boundaries. Ultimately, the project strives to highlight Mexican cuisine as a testament to the resilience and cultural pride of Arizona’s immigrant communities, providing insight into the broader process of cultural fusion that is continually shaping the state's identity.

The project has several specific goals:

-Document the experiences of Mexican restaurant owners and their families: Through interviews, this project seeks to capture the stories of Mexican restaurant owners, chefs, and families who have introduced traditional dishes or created new culinary fusions.

-Investigate food as a tool for cultural preservation: We will explore how the act of cooking and sharing Mexican food helps immigrants maintain a connection to their heritage, passing on recipes, techniques, and stories to future generations.

-Examine broader cultural exchange and fusion: The project aims to highlight how Mexican food in Arizona transcends cultural boundaries, attracting people of all backgrounds and fostering a shared cultural appreciation that enriches Arizona's social fabric.

Pre-Presentation Mini Quiz

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Mexican Migration to Arizona

Mexican Migration History Alexa MacMurray

Mexican migration to Arizona was shaped by a range of economic, political, and social forces from the late 19th century through the modern era. With Arizona being so close to Mexico, it became a key spot for Mexican migrants and Arizona’s evolving industries provided good opportunities for migrants.

In the late 19th century, Arizona had significant economic developments with mining, agriculture, and railroads emerging as large industries. The increased demand for labor in these industries led to the recruitment of Mexican workers, who came for the promise of steady income. This period marked the beginning of Mexican migration to Arizona on a larger scale and Mexican laborers played a critical role in building Arizona and supporting its industries.

The Mexican Revolution, which began in 1910, triggered widespread violence and political instability in Mexico. Many Mexicans began to flee, seeking refuge in the US, including Arizona. The state became a safe place for those who escaped violence and economic hardship caused by the revolution. There was a large influx of migrants during this period, and it led to the formation of Mexican communities in Arizona.

The Bracero Program from 1942-1964 was a significant part of US and Mexico migrations, especially in states like Arizona. During WWII, there were labor shortages that prompted to creation of this program to temporarily bring Mexican laborers in to work on agriculture and railroads in America. In Arizona, this benefitted their cottom farming significantly. Many braceros ended up staying in Arizona after this contracts end

The Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965 caused a shift in US immigration policy, and removed national origin quotas and made it easier for people from Mexico to migrate legally. But, it also resulted in an increase in undocumented immigration when families wanted to join relatives in the US. Arizona had their established Mexican communities and attracted more migrants and Arizona witnessed an increasingly influenced demographic due to Mexican culture.

The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) was created in 1994 and led to new economic struggles in Mexico- especially for small farmers who faced issues trying to compete with the cheaper agricultural imports from the US. This led to increased economic migration as many Mexicans tried to find better opportunities in the US, and Arizona was an important destination for undocumented migrants. But, the US began to militarize their border, particularly in Arizona, which made migration more dangerous. It also led to an increase in permanent settlement in Arizona because crossing the border time and time again became more difficult.

Mexican Cuisine in Arizona

The Evolution Mexican Cuisine Brianne Emond

The origin of Mexican cuisine dates back about 9000 years, from the Aztec and Mayan cultures. The basic ingredients that founded this cuisine and were found in these cultures were corn, beans, squash, tomatoes, avocados, and more.

The Mayans were a nomadic civilization. Their stable ingredient in food was corn and they were the ones who invented the tortilla. Some of there toppings for their tortillas were beans. They turned the beans into paste because the meat was so scarce during this time. They also started the use of seasoning during this time seasonings like salt and peppers.

Mexican cuisine had a big jump in evolution when the Spanish arrived in the 16th century and introduced Mexicans to new cooking techniques, livestock, as well as brought new types of food. This is when Mexican cuisine experienced infusion with other cultures and their foods. The Spanish being in Europe brought over food and techniques they learned from other countries in Europe.

Geographically, Mexican cuisine is different in all parts of Mexico because of the experiences they encounter with other countries. If you go to different parts of Mexico, you will experience different types of the same food.

When going from state to state or even country to country, Mexican cuisine will always be different. In Arizona, there is a lot of history on what Mexican cuisine has come to today. A Chef named Silvana talks about how she has spent her whole life around food and how different it is today from just 20 years ago. She mentions that Mexican cuisine has taken a step up in quality, presentation, flavors, and products. She also talks about some local restaurants that up the bar on Mexican cuisine.

Connections Between Mexican Cuisine and Migration to AZ Brianne Emond

For this project we chose Mexican cuisine, considering Mexican food and immigration are deeply related to Arizona, a state with a long history of Mexican influence due to its proximity to the border.

As Mexican immigrants settled in Arizona, they brought their traditional recipes and foods with them. Dishes like carne asada, tacos, burritos, and tamales are now part of everyday life in Arizona, where Mexican cuisine is easy to find around every corner- along with their Americanized counterparts. When Mexican immigrants came to Arizona seeking work in agriculture, mining, and railroads, they brought their culture with them. These food traditions are a huge part of their culture, being passed down through generations and evolving. Mexican food eventually became a shape in Arizona's cultural identity, with many immigrants opening restaurants and food trucks that widened Arizona's food diversity and introduced them to the authentic flavors of Mexico. The massive industry around Mexican food in Arizona not only reflects the Mexican American presence but also shows how cultures can blend together to create new things through immigration. Mexican cuisine in Arizona is symbolic of the contributions that immigration makes to Arizona's own cultural landscape.

Mexican food in Arizona helps Mexican immigrants preserve their cultural identity. Food is something that helps immigrants stay connected to their roots and share their culture. The passing down of recipes is a way for Mexican Americans to keep their cultural traditions alive even though they are no longer in Mexico. Mexican food has helped connect people from different places under the shared appreciation and love for the flavors they offer, and has also led to adaptations to the norm. Because it is such a normalized thing for us now, to find a Mexican food place with ease, it is hard to realize the significance. Every authentic Mexican food establishment has a story behind it, that we hope to find out.

Americanized Mexican Food Brianne Emond

Taco Bell is a major corporation built for convince when serving Mexican food. This industry started in the 1950s when the founder Glen Bell created his version of a crunchy taco. He opened up a store 3 years later and named the store Bell's Drive-In and Taco Tia in the San Bernardino area. It became a franchise in 1964 when a retired police officer wanted to open a store in Torrance California. Ever since then Taco Bell has just grown since then they have over 8,500 stores in the United States.

https://www.tacobell.com/history

Authentic Mexican Food Lia Osorio

AZ Taco Boys began as a family-run business in Arizona, with the purpose of sharing authentic Mexican cuisine inspired by the traditions and flavors of Mexico. Since its inception, the business has been dedicated to honoring Mexican culture through tacos, salsas, and dishes made with fresh and authentic ingredients. Like Cocina Chiwas, AZ Taco Boys takes care of every detail in its recipes and the atmosphere of its locations, reflecting a deep respect for its roots. Its growth has been driven by its commitment to quality and its connection to the local community.

Authentic Mexican Food in AZ Alexa MacMurray

At Cocina Chiwas, they have food and drinks inspired from their traditional foods in Chihuahua, where the owners are from. They have been named one of the best restaurants in the US, and are right here in Tempe. The restaurant is special because they have paid attention to the little details, like Mexican alcohol stocking the bar, locally made dishes, and handmade tables and chairs. They just want to share their culture with others in a creative and authentic way.

Taco Fest Lia Osorio

Tucson Taco Festival is held annually in Tucson, Arizona, and is a big party for lovers of Mexican food, especially tacos. This event features a variety of tacos made by different local chefs and restaurants, who compete to win the title of "Best Taco." In addition to food, the festival includes taco eating contests, live music, wrestling, and fun activities for the whole family. Attendees can enjoy a wide variety of taco flavors and preparations, from traditional to more innovative versions, all in a festive and energetic atmosphere. It's a great opportunity to explore Mexican culture through gastronomy in a vibrant and entertaining environment.

Day of the Dead Festival

The Chiles and Chocolate Festival takes place at the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix, Arizona. This is an event for Day of the Dead, where visitors can try different types of Mexican cuisine made with chiles and chocolate. It is held in November and features food like spicy candies, sauces, and chocolate-inspired dishes. Alongside the food, there’s live music and dance performances, making it a lively celebration of Mexican and Southwestern flavors and culture. It's a great place to explore unique foods and enjoy local music and dance in a beautiful garden setting while experiencing a bit of Mexican culture, including a variety of different art forms. This event happened earlier this month!

Interview with Suny S.

Suny Is a first-generation immigrant who came from Mexico when he was a child with his mother, father, brother, and sister. They came here because of his aunt, who introduced his family to American customs. Immigration was a very difficult change because of the language barrier; it was also hard to become a member of society because they initially couldn't find jobs. When it came to who inspired his love of cooking, it was His grandmother. They would go to farmers' markets for new spices and try new and old foods. He now runs a successful restaurant chain called Taco Chello. His love and idea for cooking changed when opening up this restaurant. He wants everything that is served to be the same quality and have consistency. He says that systems are the most important thing when it comes to a restaurant. He makes the system more and more precise to make sure everything is the same quality. These systems have made it much easier for him and his team when opening up his new restaurant. He loves sharing his culture and makes new recipes to be able to reach a wide variety of people's interests. His menu is inspired by all different cultures so it isn't just one type of culture or group of people. For example, he made taci salads to please people who like salads more. He also takes certain steps in his carnitas to make them more like parts of Mexcio. He likes to think about how he can include people rather than exclude them.

Interview with Erika B.

Erika Belmonte works in an authentic Mexican restaurant after helping her parents run their's. Her parents immigrated to Arizona from Mexico when they were in their early 20s, alone with no family. They met each other through work and built a life together. Their story is what motivated Erika to start working on opening her own restaurant alongside with her family. Throughout the interview, she explains how their determination and drive to succeed has been an inspiration to her and showed her that taking risks is an important part of life. Aside from her parents, her grandmother and great grandmother have been a massive inspiration to her, as they have taught her their own recipes over the years on their visits to the states. She explains the importance of being authentic to her culture, even though she was born and raised in Arizona. Apart from just her food, she finds importance in the appearance of the restaurant as well. She wants her restaurant to feel like having a dinner with your family in Mexico, with no rush to get your food and go. Her parents came to Arizona feeling excited, yet alone in their journey. Over the years, they were able to connect with others who understand them and have similar experiences that made them feel proud to share their story and culture with others. Now, Erika wants to share her family's culture and food with others so anyone can experience a taste of her heritage.

Interview with Arianna

Arianna from SilvasTaco Mex came from Jalisco to the United States when she was 4 years old. She had many problems adapting to the country, also because Mexican-looking people could just be arrested when she came. Her love for cooking began with her grandmother who taught her different Mexican dishes in Mexico, but she was also influenced by the cooking methods here. She always tried to surround herself with Latin people to maintain her customs. Arianna considers that her greatest collaborators are her neighbors since she always receives recommendations from them. She works together with her father and her brother in her business. They have tried to maintain the original receipts but also incorporate trends from social media. SilvasTacoMex was created during quarantine and later became a very solid business in her family. Most of the customers are Mexican, but others who enjoy tacos also come. Arianna is grateful for being able to share her roots with everyone through her business and for having achieved the American dream of owning a business. The main challenges they face is the competition from the large number of businesses similar to theirs, but they trust in their recipes and their clientele. Despite issues with immigration, including the recent passage of Prop 314 in Arizona for those who may not have papers, she believes that maintaining love for her community and continuing to prepare food gives her a peace of mind. Maintaining Mexican food and culture is the main method to broaden people's horizons.

"Culture is always here, no matter where you at" - Arianna Silva

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Interview with Camilla

Camilla, my best friend, grew up in Mexico, surrounded by vibrant traditions and a close-knit family that shaped her into the warm and generous person she is today. Moving to Arizona, she found herself in a place where her heritage is beautifully celebrated, giving her a sense of belonging far from her birthplace. She often shares how the culture here reminds her of home, from the lively festivals to the familiar smells of authentic food wafting through local markets. It’s as if little pieces of Mexico are woven into her life in Arizona, offering comfort and pride.

One of Camilla’s most cherished memories is her grandmother’s pozole, a rich, hearty stew that her family would gather around every Christmas. Her abuela would spend hours preparing it, ensuring every ingredient was just right. To Camilla, it wasn’t just a meal—it was a symbol of love and togetherness. Now, living in Arizona, Camilla keeps this tradition alive. Every Christmas, she makes her grandmother’s pozole and invites friends and neighbors to share in it.

For her, it’s more than sharing food—it’s about fostering connection and earning respect from the community through a gesture of openness and hospitality. Watching her bring people together over a steaming bowl of pozole is inspiring. It reflects her deep-rooted love for her heritage and her desire to bridge cultures. Camilla’s ability to celebrate her roots while embracing her new home is a reminder of the beauty in sharing and honoring where we come from.

Wrap up Trivia

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Bibliography

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