Hello, my name is Janie, and I'm a foodie (murmurings of, "hi Janie..." from the crowd...Allow me to take my holy interest in food and direct it in a productive manner: sharing information and intel about food I have found. Case in point: living in the desert Southwest, a little restaurant in Scottsdale came to my attention. Specifically, that this facility boasts 'authentic' Mexican fare created by a chef that hails from a long line of food aficionados  according to lore, her father was a Mexican baker, his father was a Mexican baker, and so on, back to the year 1200. Dubbed the Barrio Queen, the owner/chef not only attended culinary school, not only came from a long line of bakers, but also spend time in real Mexican kitchens during what was described as a spiritual and food related Vision Quest in Mexico, emerging with creativity and fresh ideas. All hail the Barrio Queen, located in old town Scottsdale. I sampled the nachos and found them to be top notch. The tortilla chips were fresh and homemade, the dish not covered in cheese, but rather in just enough to allow for the spices to emerge naturally. The decor is replete with family photos that lend an air of ancestry and connectivity to family and the old country, infusing the establishment with what can only be described as personality. Oddly enough, the Cuban music playing in the backgrounded added to this ambiance. Next time, I'm trying the mole.

www.barrioqueen.com