Exit Interview

One of Phoenix’s most famous chefs, Silvana Salcido Esparza, stayed here her entire career. Until, after 22 years, she closed her beloved restaurant Barrio Café last year.

Born and raised in Phoenix — largely in south Phoenix — painter Antoinette Cauley’s art is a mix of intense realism, portraiture that she has called “hood whimsical.” She sees herself as a representative — and an advocate — for the Black community in south Phoenix.

Rogelio Juarez is a writer. He just defended his master’s thesis in fine arts at Cornell University as part of its creative writing program — one of the best in the country. He’s looking to publish his first novel next year.

Yvonne Watterson's experience with public education left her with a bad taste in her mouth — and a diminished view of both Phoenix and the United States.

In Phoenix, Rachel Egboro developed two, parallel careers — one in nonprofits and philanthropy and another on storytelling stages across the Valley. Now she lives in New York. She talked to The Show about why.

Until recently, Tamara Stanger was an award-winning chef in the Valley, crafting innovative cuisine using native, often foraged Arizona ingredients.

“This Week Sucks Tonight” comedian Michael Turner has a simple thesis on the Valley of the Sun: Phoenix doesn’t deserve nice things — nice things he says he tried his hardest to create here.