Ashland’s Tlalli Restaurant Thrives, Celebrates Indigenous Roots
UPDATE: Ashland’s newly opened Tlalli restaurant is drawing enthusiastic crowds with its vibrant Indigenous recipes and cultural celebrations. Just last night, on August 3, 2023, the restaurant hosted a lively open mic event, Flor y Canto, showcasing original rap and traditional mariachi music, where attendees celebrated love, liberation, and community.
The event featured performances from Estefani Castro, the lead producer of “Quixote Nuevo” at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival. Castro’s powerful performance resonated with the audience, many of whom see Tlalli as a sanctuary amid escalating tensions surrounding immigrant communities. “Tlalli’s Flor y Canto nourished our stomachs and our spirits,” Castro stated, reflecting on the event’s significance.
Co-owner Freddie Herrera, whose roots trace back to El Salvador and Guatemala, emphasizes the restaurant’s welcoming atmosphere. “Every guest should feel at home, just like my mother always asked, ‘tienes hambre? Quieres comer?’” he added. The name Tlalli, meaning “land” in Nahuatl, embodies the owners’ commitment to connecting with the Earth through their culinary practices.
The menu is a vibrant mix of flavors, spotlighting organic, non-GMO Mesoamerican ingredients. $18 entrees include mouthwatering options like an ahi tostada and cactus tacos, while $22 braised oxtail tacos and a stunning salmon dish wrapped in banana leaves showcase the depth of the cuisine. Herrera, an award-winning mixologist, has crafted unique cocktails that honor his heritage, including a refreshing Tlalli punch.
Patrons are already calling Tlalli “a magical, almost sacred space.” Ashland resident Karolina Lavagnino praised the authentic flavors and traditional cooking methods employed by Naz Orescan Campos, who prepares each sauce with care. The restaurant’s hot-pink decor and lively atmosphere invite all ages, with music that fills the air and staff who greet guests with warmth.
Despite being situated in a quieter area of Ashland’s Railroad District, Tlalli is quickly becoming a neighborhood favorite. Owners Manya Orescan Campos and Herrera have successfully created a destination that draws returning customers, transforming the dining experience into one of connection and resilience. “Every customer feels our love,” Manya expressed, emphasizing the restaurant’s vibrant energy.
Reservations are often booked weeks in advance, but walk-ins are generally accommodated. The restaurant is open from 5 PM to 9 PM Thursday through Monday at 542 A Street, Ashland. Interested diners can call 541-708-0210 or visit tlalli.restaurant for more information.
At the open mic event, Manya shared her poetry, addressing the current challenges faced by America’s immigrant community. “Art is a form of resilience,” Castro noted, highlighting the importance of community support against forces of oppression. The night was filled with emotion and connection, underscoring that Tlalli is more than just a restaurant; it is a vital space for culture, healing, and togetherness.
As Tlalli continues to flourish, it stands as a testament to the power of culinary tradition and community spirit. The restaurant is not just offering food, but also a vibrant cultural experience that resonates deeply with its patrons, transforming the local dining landscape.
