Our Story

Ahhh, the sun, warmth, friends and family, and the unmistakable excitement as the city prepares for its annual spring bash—Feria de abril: a week long party of frolic, food, and fun. The sounds of Flamenco, the colors of beautiful dresses, the fragrances of orange blossoms, the heat of the Andalucian sun, and the enticing aromas from the simple yet powerful kitchens as they churn out tortilla, paella, and pescaito frito. Oh, to be back in Sevilla…

Since these friends knew Michigan would be their home for years to come, they embarked on a mission to recreate la Feria in their own backyards. And so began a yearly tradition of cooking, dancing, and celebrating in an attempt to bring the joy of Spain to Southeastern Michigan. Each year these friends invited others to join them at their “feria,” and the party grew in numbers and popularity. Soon, murmurings began that la Feria—with all of its goodness—should be more than a once a year affair; somehow it should be held in a permanent gathering place for all to enjoy year round. And the seeds of what would come were planted.

Fast forward 17 years to October 2013, and talk of sharing a piece of Spain with others became a reality when three friends—Pilar Barón-Hidalgo, Naomi Khalil, and Elias Khalil opened the doors to La Feria.

Ahhh, the sun, warmth, friends and family, and the unmistakable excitement as the city prepares for its annual spring bash—Feria de abril: a week long party of frolic, food, and fun. The sounds of Flamenco, the colors of beautiful dresses, the fragrances of orange blossoms, the heat of the Andalucian sun, and the enticing aromas from the simple yet powerful kitchens as they churn out tortilla, paella, and pescaito frito. Oh, to be back in Sevilla…

Since these friends knew Michigan would be their home for years to come, they embarked on a mission to recreate la Feria in their own backyards. And so began a yearly tradition of cooking, dancing, and celebrating in an attempt to bring the joy of Spain to Southeastern Michigan. Each year these friends invited others to join them at their “feria,” and the party grew in numbers and popularity. Soon, murmurings began that la Feria—with all of its goodness—should be more than a once a year affair; somehow it should be held in a permanent gathering place for all to enjoy year round. And the seeds of what would come were planted.

Fast forward 17 years to October 2013, and talk of sharing a piece of Spain with others became a reality when three friends—Pilar Barón-Hidalgo, Naomi Khalil, and Elias Khalil opened the doors to La Feria.

Pilar, the culinary talent of La Feria, is both owner and head chef. Pilar created the menu based upon recipes from her mother and grandmother, and is committed to serving authentic, traditional Spanish cuisine to her guests.

Naomi, a life long devotee of Spanish culture, cuisine, and traditions, is an owner who strives to ensure that guests and employees are embedded in an environment of uncompromised quality, hospitality, and authenticity.

Elias, a life-long resident of Detroit, is both owner and general manager. Elias is co-author of a book on the neighborhood, entitled Detroit’s Cass Corridor, and engages his extensive social network to ensure La Feria is a good and welcoming business for all who enter its doors.

With five years under their belt, and a longing by Pilar for more products from her homeland, the three friends expanded their offerings in December 2018, when they opened Cata Vino Mercado and Wine Bar. The new offering is housed in the space adjacent to La Feria. Cata Vino offers patrons a retail wine shop specializing in wines and sherry from Spain, and a retail gourmet foods section selling cured meats, cheeses, olives, tinned seafood, and other take-home delicacies. Cata Vino is a wine bar as well, providing residents in the area an inviting space to enjoy a glass of wine and some tapitas (small tapas!) before or after they dine at La Feria, or as its own destination. Take a trip to Spain in Detroit when you walk through our doors and join us as family