Small Stove, Wide Tables

At the family-owned Restaurante Ixtapa, the tight-knit staff prepare Mexican food from scratch and serve it in a well decorated dining room and an expansive outdoor eating area. I had the pleasure of capturing owner Gladis and her hard-working staff from morning trips to the produce market in Raleigh to late nights cleaning the kitchen and prepping. They welcomed me with open arms, and I ate my way through the menu over the course of the semester.

What stuck with me most about Ixtapa was the joy the staff both carry and share with their customers. They often work long shifts, and when the weather is nice and the outdoor area is full, they don’t get a break until they’ve pumped out the last order from the crowded kitchen.

But chef Frankie never stops cracking jokes, and waiters Maritza and Zuri never stop smiling as they take orders. The joy spreads to the community of Hillsborough through the food. Kids play on the swings or on bikes while their parents relax and have a wonderful meal and a drink. The long wooden tables and play area makes Ixtapa feel as much like a park and a community gathering spot as a restaurant.

I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to spend time at Restaurante Ixtapa this semester. Thank you to Gladis and the entire staff for allowing me to capture your hard work and welcoming me into your space.