PHOENIX (AZFamily) — Former Vice President Kamala Harris made a surprise visit to a Phoenix taco restaurant Friday evening before her event at Arizona Financial Theatre.
Harris grabbed dinner with Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego at Huarachis Taqueria on Central Avenue. The restaurant remained open to the public during the visit, and most staff members did not know Harris would be there.
“My brother, he saw her first. And I whipped my head around, and I was like, oh, he’s not joking,” said Nicholas Solimene, a customer at the restaurant.
Harris is in town as part of her book tour for her memoir, “107 Days.” She is a fan of James Beard Award-winning chef Rene Andrade and has previously eaten at his other restaurant, Bacanora.
“Excited to have a good meal. Excited to meet a good person,” Andrade said.
In her book, Harris discusses some challenges that surrounded her presidential campaign, including pressure, strategy and uncertainty.
The book draws a parallel to some of the obstacles the Women’s Final Four athletes are up against as they fight for a championship title. The NCAA basketball tournament is happening at Mortgage Matchup Center this weekend.
“I am so excited about our women athletes, and they know the importance of having ambition. It’s a good thing. I encourage our young women, I encourage women to have ambition. See what you want and go for it. And know there will be so many people that are applauding you and supporting you. They give me so much inspiration,” Harris said.
Harris sat at the counter with Gallego as they ate carne asada tacos.
“It was neat to have our first female vice president here during our first Women’s Final Four weekend,” Gallego said.
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