5 Years

This year the Bayless threw the annual Frontera holiday party at Kendall College to accommodate the newfound largeness of the Frontera family. It was significant for us because for the first time those who work at Xoco were honored with 5 year anniversary awards. Xoco itself is 5 years old: these are the ones who have been with the restaurant since day 1. Out of the five recipients, no less than 3 have parents who have worked at Frontera Grill / Topolo for many years. This year Baker’s father Jose was honored with a 25 year award. Lupita’s mother Juana was awarded her 25 year award last year. Tony’s uncle Jesse has been integral to the restaurant for more than a decade and a half. That kind of loyalty is what makes us who we are, a true family-owned and operated restaurant, starting with the Bayless themselves.

Chef Alonso made amazing Moroccan spiced meatballs of lamb. Chef Wil made the most succulent shrimp in spicy, acidic roasted tomato sauce. And yet, for me, the stars of the dinner were inedible human beings! Thank you Baker, Lupita, Tony, Maestro and Peligro for being there since day 1. You are the through line from the genesis to the present. It’s because of you that Xoco is the special place it is. 5 years in, we are only getting harder, better, faster, stronger. 5 more years! Fierro a cien!