PHOENIX — A restaurant owner preparing to serve a line of hungry customers is nothing new — unless your restaurant is first vetted by the U.S. Secret Service and your hungry customers are Vice President Kamala Harris and her running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz.
That’s the situation Adriana Zapata, owner of Cocina Adamex, faced when Harris and Walz entered her downtown Phoenix restaurant during their visit to Arizona on Friday.
Although an event organizer had notified the restaurant of the arrival of a “VIP” and a group of intelligence officers had already inspected the restaurant, Zapata did not know when this would happen.
“We remained in the dark until we saw the Secret Service arrive again. They occupied our parking lot and blocked it off,” Zapata said. Outspoken by KTAR News 92.3 FM with Bruce and Gaydos on Monday. “And then we knew it was starting.”
Harris’ campaign team was in town for a rally in Glendale the same day they visited the restaurant. During the vice president’s visit, Harris spoke with Zapata’s children and gave her niece advice about college, telling her to “master” college.
“She (Harris) is a very down-to-earth, very personable, very authentic and friendly person,” Zapata said.
But of course, a presidential candidate’s visit to a restaurant wouldn’t be complete without trying the food. Harris devoured red tamales, while Walz ordered green tamales because Zapata said he couldn’t eat spicy food.
Preparations for the vice president’s visit began Thursday after Zapata left the restaurant early. An organizer told her son, who was at the restaurant, that a “VIP” might be coming. Despite the secrecy, Zapata tied the details of Harris’ visit to the Valley and hoped he would show up, too.
What followed was a visit from the Secret Service, an intimidating experience for anyone. Despite the seriousness of the situation, Zapata said, the Secret Service gave a detailed explanation of what would happen when the vice president arrived, including where he should stand and walk.
“The whole thing is choreographed,” Zapata said. “They are really highly professional and polite people.”
Why Harris’ campaign chose Cocina Adamex is unknown, but Zapata believes it was the attention the restaurant received on social media for its extra-large conchas, as well as logistical issues given the restaurant’s proximity to the highway and government buildings.
Zapata said it was possible that U.S. Rep. Ruben Gallego, a former guest at the restaurant, recommended the establishment.
