Chile Today, Hot Tamale!
5 Great Places to Eat in Santa Fe
Geronimo
Hey folks, alright, let's talk about this fancy place down in Santa Fe called Geronimo. Now, you gotta understand, it's not named after the guy who yells when he jumps off a cliff. No, no, it’s named after the Apache leader, which makes you think, right? But hey, when you walk in, it’s all elegance and class, not exactly what you'd think of for a rugged guy like Geronimo, but what do I know?
So, you sit down in this old adobe mansion—yeah, it’s actually an adobe mansion, can you believe that? And the vibe, let me tell you, it's like if a cowboy suddenly got a taste for fine dining and decided, "Yeah, I'm gonna eat fancy tonight." It's got these white tablecloths, romantic lighting, and the whole shebang.
Now, the food—oh boy, the food—it’s what they call "global French Asian fusion." I'm not quite sure what that means, but it sounds like they just threw darts at a map and cooked whatever they hit. But I gotta admit, it’s delicious. They've got this elk tenderloin that’s so tender, it practically apologizes for being so tasty as you’re eating it. And they pair it with things like brandied cherries. I mean, who thinks of this stuff? Cherries that get a little boozy? Genius.
The service is something else. It’s like having a butler who’s more attentive than your grandma at Thanksgiving. They’re always there, asking if you need more water or maybe another napkin. I don’t know, I can barely keep up with one napkin.
And the prices, they're not messing around. You might have to take a second look at your wallet and say, "Well, old friend, it was nice knowing ya." But hey, it’s worth it for a special night out. Maybe if you found some loose change in the sofa or won big in bingo.
In conclusion, Geronimo is the kind of place you go when you want to impress someone, or maybe just treat yourself because you found out your ex’s new flame isn’t as good-looking as you. Either way, you’ll have a grand old time, and that's the truth.
The Shed
Well, folks, let me tell you about a little spot called The Shed in Santa Fe. It’s tucked away, like a secret, right in the heart of the historic district. You’d almost miss it if you weren’t looking, and let me tell you, you'd want to be looking.
So, you walk into The Shed, and right away you know it’s not your typical restaurant. It’s cozy, colorful, with this old-world charm that kinda makes you feel like you’re dining in a friend’s kitchen—if your friend happened to live in a rustic adobe building from 1692.
Now, the food, oh boy, the food! They serve up what they call "New Mexican cuisine." Not "new" as in "just invented", but as in "New Mexico", the state, you know. They're famous for their red and green chile, and you gotta make a decision there, it's kind of a big deal. They ask you if you want red or green chile, or you can get wild and say, "Christmas," which means both. And I'm thinking, what’s more festive than Christmas? Maybe actual Christmas, but it’s a close call.
I tried their blue corn enchiladas. Now, these are not your run-of-the-mill enchiladas. They're stacked, not rolled—kind of like how I prefer my cash, stacked, not rolled. And let me tell you, they put this chile on top that’s so good, it could make you weep. I didn't weep, you know, because I’m a tough guy, but I thought about it.
The service? It's friendly, almost suspiciously friendly. You start to wonder, "What do these people want from me?" Turns out, they just want to bring you more sopapillas, which are these little pillows of fried dough that you drizzle honey on. They keep bringing them until you say stop, and I never say stop.
So, if you find yourself in Santa Fe, and you're thinking, "Hey, where can I get some good eats?" Well, head on down to The Shed. It's not just a meal, it's like a little adventure for your taste buds, without the fear of dysentery that comes with most adventures.
Sazn
Ah, Sazón in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Now, here’s a place that’s kind of a big deal, and you know, when you hear folks talk about it, they get all serious, like they’re talking about the Sistine Chapel or something. But, you know, it’s a restaurant. A fancy one, though, not the kind where you can get a burger for a buck.
So, you walk in, and the place is just dripping with art, really colorful stuff that makes you feel like maybe you walked into a museum where they serve enchiladas. The whole vibe of the place is like, "Hey, we're not just here to eat; we're here to experience something." And, boy, do you experience your wallet getting lighter. But that's fine; it's all part of the experience, right?
Now, the chef, he's a real artist, I mean, not like Picasso or anything—his stuff you can actually recognize. He serves up these dishes that are so pretty, you almost feel bad eating them. Almost. The mole, I gotta say, it's like a velvet painting for your mouth. Rich, complex, and I'm pretty sure there are like, 20 ingredients in there, but who's counting?
They tell you about each dish like it's a story. And these stories are longer than the ones your Uncle Terry tells at Thanksgiving before he falls asleep in the chair. But you listen, because, heck, you're paying for the stories too.
And the drinks, oh boy, they make these margaritas that'll knock your socks off. Not literally, of course, because then they'd have to charge you for new socks, and those wouldn’t be cheap at this place.
So, yeah, Sazón, it's a place you go to feel fancy and eat things you can’t pronounce. You leave feeling satisfied, a little poorer, and maybe wondering if you just ate a meal or saw a Broadway show. But either way, you know you had a good time, and isn't that what eating out is all about? So, if you're ever in Santa Fe and feel like splurging, give Sazón a try. Just make sure you bring your wallet. And maybe your Uncle Terry, if he’s awake.
Cafe Pasqual's
Hey there, folks. Let me tell you about a little spot I stumbled upon down in Santa Fe, it's called Cafe Pasqual's. Now, this isn't your typical greasy spoon where you might expect a fella like me to dine—oh no. It’s one of those places that's got all the charm of a grandma’s kitchen, if your grandma was a whiz at whipping up organic dishes and loved vibrant Mexican tiles.
Now, Cafe Pasqual's, they pride themselves on using fresh, organic ingredients. Yeah, they're all about that farm-to-table stuff. It’s like, you're eating a tomato salad, and you might just suspect that the tomatoes were sunbathing out back a few minutes before they hit your plate. And let me tell you, the flavor – it really slaps you across the face. Kind of like how my uncle used to do, but a lot more pleasant, I assure you.
The place is always packed. It seems like it's the town’s worst-kept secret. You'd think with all that crowd, the service would be slow, right? But no, the staff there zip around like they’ve all downed a couple of espressos. They’re quick, attentive, and not in that annoying way where they try to be your best friend. No sir, just the right amount of friendly.
And let's talk about the huevos rancheros. They serve it with this green chili that’s got just enough kick to wake you up faster than a double espresso. It's not just breakfast, though; their whole menu is a kind of love letter to New Mexico, with a bit of a twist here and there. Like they took the playbook and threw it out the window, then picked it up again and said, "Yeah, we can still use this."
So, if you find yourself wandering in Santa Fe with a hankering for something hearty, something that feels like a warm hug from your overly affectionate aunt, then I'd steer you right towards Cafe Pasqual’s. Just be sure to get there early, or you might just be enjoying your meal standing up, and buddy, that’s no way to savor the best darn chile in the West.
Izanami
Folks, if you ever find yourself wandering around Santa Fe, maybe looking for something a little different, a little, you know, exotic, then I've got a place for you. It's this joint called Izanami. It's up there in the hills, nestled all cozy-like at Ten Thousand Waves. Yeah, they say it's a Japanese-style spa, but between you and me, I was there for the eats, not the baths.
So, this Izanami, it’s not your run-of-the-mill sushi bar where they slap a California roll on your plate and call it a day. No, sir. This place, they've got this fancy thing called "izakaya dining." That's a Japanese term, means something like a pub where you can loosen your tie and forget about the stocks you botched that day on the market.
The ambiance, oh boy, it’s like you stepped right into a samurai movie, only nobody’s fighting, everyone’s just eating. Real peaceful-like. They've got these wood beams and all, with a view that’ll knock your socks off. Not that I was wearing any, what with the fancy Japanese decor and all.
Now, the menu. Let me tell you, it's like reading War and Peace — you don’t know what half of it means, but you feel smarter just holding it. They've got these small plates, see, and they encourage sharing, which is perfect if you’re cheap like me and you’re dining with someone who looks like they can eat less than you.
I tried the grilled shishito peppers. Those are a gamble, 'cause one in ten is spicy enough to make you wish you hadn’t gambled. It’s like Russian roulette, but with peppers. And the wagyu beef sliders – they melt in your mouth, and at those prices, they better, right?
The service, well, it's friendly. Not too friendly that you gotta start wondering if they’re going to sit down and join you, but just the right kind of friendly. They explain the dishes with all these adjectives, and you nod like you understand, but really, you're just thinking about that wagyu beef.
To wrap it up, if you’re in Santa Fe and looking for a place that’s a bit off the beaten path, and you're feeling adventurous – or if you just like saying “izakaya” because it sounds cool – then Izanami’s your spot. It’s good eating, good looking, and hey, the sake doesn’t hurt either. Just remember to bring your wallet, 'cause this kind of exotic ain't cheap. But it’s worth it, and that’s coming from me, a guy who still thinks twice about adding guacamole at Chipotle. So go on, give it a shot, and tell 'em Dominic sent ya.
So, there you have it. Next time you're in Santa Fe and your stomach starts growling like a bear, check out one of these places. You won't regret it, unless you forget to make a reservation. Then you might.
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