SALAZAR

For the past two years, I’ve had an incredible journey of working with the many talented chefs in and around our city. From the first phone calls in early 2012 asking if they would be interested in being a contributor to my food magazine ‘project’ called 513{eats} to, in this last year, being asked to create imagery for their own restaurants and promotional projects. Just as I had approached each piece within the pages of 513{eats} then, I continue to look for and share the personality, vision, and voice of each and every chef, restauranteur, maker, artisan, or grower that I work with in helping them create authentic, beautiful photographic food narratives for their businesses. Creating and sharing their individuals stories through my photography is what I have fallen in love with.

Chef Jose Salazar was one of the very first chefs I met and worked together with on more than a few pieces for 513{eats}. Last year he announced that he was taking the jump and opening his own establishment, SALAZAR, which opened its doors this past December. Best described, in his own words, “The restaurant is built with our community in mind and our menu and atmosphere reflect the neighborhood- a mix of old and new. Salazar celebrates changing of the seasons with a farm inspired menu that’s, creative and refined, yet, playful and approachable. It’s the kind of restaurant that you could pop in, grab a seat at our comfortable bar, a drink and a quick bite, or you could hang out and sample the diversity offered up by our kitchen. We are also proud of our concise, well thought out list of craft beers, cocktails and wines. We promise to treat you as family and will do our best to make your experience a fun and tasty one.”

Over the last few months I’ve been documenting the construction stages as well as the artisans who have contributed their wares to the personality of his restaurant. I’ve shared posts about ceramicist, Bethany Kramer as well as master woodworker, Hayes Shanesy, and now, after settling in a bit, chef was finally ready for me to come in and properly photograph the finished interiors, his portrait, and, of course, plated dishes from the menu, all of which will live on his beautifully crafted website by Adam Dewey Bowen of Big Media. I’ve already dined at his restaurant several times now, and to me, Chef Salazar has created a warm, embracing environment with the timeless, neighborhood vibe of an establishment that wears the comfort of having been around for years, as well as, of course, serving up quality, flavorful, beautifully prepared food. If you haven’t been there yet, you’re in for a treat when you finally pay him a visit.