2025 BOV Party Spotlight: Blending Culture and Flavor with Latha Restaurant and Bar
MADISON RUTHERFORD
From left to right: Latha GM and beverage director Will Brazil; owner Evelia Davis; chef-partner Digby Stridiron
Derived from the Swahili word for “flavor,” Latha’s name embodies its mission to showcase the diverse culinary traditions and deep cultural legacy of the African diaspora. The restaurant and bar, which opened in the historic Silva House at Heritage Square in 2023, pays homage to the dynamic interconnection of the cuisines and cultures of Africa, South America, the Caribbean and the Southern United States through dishes like piri piri wings, oxtail grilled cheese and dayboat fish moqueca. Taste for yourself at this year’s Best of the Valley Party on Saturday, October 18, where Latha will be serving samples of lamb griot, a Haitian staple that owner Evelia Davis says “celebrates heritage through bold, vibrant flavors that invite guests to experience the richness and diversity of the diaspora on one plate… We’re focused on creating not just a tasting, but an experience that invites guests to discover who we are and what we celebrate at Latha.”
Latha will join dozens of other BOV-winning small businesses, plus bottomless tastings, live entertainment, a custom photo booth, scavenger hunt, beer garden and more at PHOENIXmagazine’s 2025 Best of the Valley Party. Tickets are available here.
What will you be serving at this year’s Best of the Valley Party and why did you choose that dish?
We’ll be serving lamb griot, a dish made with our tamarind barbacoa hot sauce, paired with curried avocado and sweet plantains. This dish was chosen because it beautifully represents the authentic flavors and culinary traditions of Africa and the diaspora, blending Caribbean and African influences with a modern, elevated twist.
Tell us about Latha, your food philosophy and any ingredients or cooking techniques you like to highlight at the restaurant.
Latha is a contemporary Pan-African kitchen that celebrates the vibrant flavors and shared food ways of Africa, the Caribbean, Brazil and the American South. Each dish tells a story, bridging continents and cultures to create an experience that is both authentic and modern, inviting guests to taste the journey of our collective heritage.
What’s something you’ve learned from past food festivals that you’re doing differently this year?
We’ve learned that festival attendees are curious, passionate and eager to explore new flavors. This year, we’re leaning into that excitement by offering a dish that truly tells our story, one that captures the heart of the African diaspora through bold flavors and meaningful connections.
What are you most looking forward to about this year’s event?
We’re most looking forward to sharing the rich culture, vibrant food ways and stories of the African diaspora with the community. Events like this give us a beautiful opportunity to connect through food, celebrate our heritage, and invite guests to experience the heart and flavor of Latha.
