Boulevard News – August 2016
Launching a Cross Border Barrios Hermanos Exchange
Bridging Food Culture Between Vibrant Hubs in Tijuana and The Boulevard
Barrios Hermanos, a movement celebrating like-minded urban neighborhoods who value art, culture and vibrant business communities, bridges together ‘barrios’ on both sides of the border to resurge their bording cities of San Diego and Tijuana. Branded first by Rudy Argote and Miguel Marshal, founders of Estacion Federal, a historically restored mix-use development located adjacent to the border, were interested in developing an exchange between communities with similar values. Just 17 miles from The Boulevard in North Park, San Diego, Beryl Forman, Marketing and Mobility Coordinator saw the energy and attention to small business and knew there was a relationship to be had. Beryl reiterates the opportunity by stating, “Two business districts, two countries, one goal – to lift our ‘barrios’ in unison. By offering people the opportunity to play a hands on role in reviving their neighborhoods, we can ensure a sense of pride and commitment, and support a regional desire to bridge international collaborations within the San Diego-Tijuana Region.”
Almost two years ago, The El Cajon Boulevard BIA created San Diego’s original foodie market. By showcasing a handful of San Diego’s creative, up-and-coming chefs, and garnering the support of great local businesses, the BLVD Market was an immediate hit. To enact our first Barrios Hermanos exchange, the August market expanded its offerings by welcoming three unique food artisans Taqueria Vegie, Quesos el Popo, and Crema y Nata Helados from south of the border. This exchange exemplifies the notable attention being given to Tijuana’s food scene with chef’s that are finding new approaches in showcasing their traditional cuisine. By providing these vendors with a platform to share their tacos with a vegan twist, fine selection artisanal Mexican cheese, and homemade ice cream sandwiches on The Boulevard, regulars of the BLVD Market, who are coming from North Park and other surrounding neighborhoods were thrilled by the evolving market and its emerging Baja culture.
Antonio Gamboa, owner of the wildly successful Telefonica Gastro Park says “We recently visited and walked El Cajon Blvd, its reclaimed alleyways and hub at 30ECB. The spirit of businesses and the welcome we received was overwhelming. How could we not want to be a part of this?” Antonio goes on, “We hope to have some of the BLVD Market Chefs come to our new location opening in Valle de Guadelupe (Baja’s Wine Country) to further an exchange of art and culture.” Local businesses Heart & Trotter and Unico Juice Shop, along with our anchor market vendors Lumpia City and Hawaiian Poke, local distillery Old Harbor and 30ECB brewers The Homebrewer and Tiger!Tiger! make the BLVD Market unique, and will act as great ambassadors to the Tijuana’s lively food and arts scene.
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