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We spent 4 days in Santa Fe over New Years. We lived in ABQ for years and went to SF for day trips. So this was the first time spending a longer period of time in quite a while.
Here are the places we had meals.
The Chocolate Maven This was really good. We had lunch there. It had a great menu with a variety of items and it was hard to choose. DH had a risotto with feta, shrimp and basil. It was very good, but it took a really long time for it to come out of the kitchen. They were busy, but this was the special and one would have thought it would be out a bit faster. I had bagel, lox and cream cheese. It was very good. The desserts are why people flock to this place. We took some chocolate almond croissants with us. They were very good. [it is a bit out of the way, but worth finding]
821 W San Mateo Rd Ste C http://www.chocolatemaven.com/
La Choza This was a really good spot for lunch, away from the plaza. Same owners as The Shed, but less expensive and a bit more local with New Mexican food. I had chile rellenos with posole which was excellent. DH had a carne burritos. Sopapillos were served on the side, nice and light and fluffy.
905 Alarid St www.sfshed.com/lachoza.htm
Andiamo! for wonderful Italian done simply and at reasonable prices. We went there for NYE. We never go out that night, crowds, rushed service, so so food. This was a really good experience. DH had fried oysters with aioli, I had gravlax and arrugula salad. We both had rack of lamb for dinner. DH had flourless chocolate torte and I had profiteroles with fudge sauce and ice cream.
322 Garfield St http://www.andiamoonline.com/
La Boca for tapas . We ordered a few plates to start. Olives, almonds, duck. All were very good. I was sure we were going to have to order so many plates because the portions were so small. The service was slow, so by the time we got the first round of plates, we were full and didn't order anymore.
72 West Marcy St, http://www.labocasantafe.com/
We had lunch at Torino's 227 Don Gaspar Ave., Inside Santa Fe Village and again, away from the crowds. You wouldn't know it was here if you weren't looking for it..Italian/French home style cooking at great prices. DH had a caprise salad and I had a salad nicoise. Both were really good and great price.
http://www.torinosfoods.com/
We didn't get there this trip but like to have dinner at Paris Cafe on 31 Burro Alley Street, around the corner from Lensik Theatre for a bistro meal that is very good.
http://www.cafeparisnm.com
We also had before dinner drinks at La Fonda and after dinner drinks at Hotel Santa Fe where we enjoyed some wonderful live music.
Deb
Santa Fe Restaurants - trip report
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We had similarly lousy service at La Boca last September, DebitNM. Didn't mind it so much though, because Robert Duvall was sitting just a few tables away.
Thanks for the reviews on the others. We haven't made it to most of them yet. Just wondering..... Is the ugly economy evidenced in Santa Fe these days?
We got there just before 1 pm on Monday 12/29. I thought it would be pretty empty in town, due to the economy. Man, was I wrong!
Took 45 minutes to find a parking spot and the line was down the block to get into Plaza Cafe. The plaza was packed!
We were not back to plaza proper again during the day, night time was pretty and not to crowded.
Lots of people on Canyon Road, walking around, but no one seemed to be buying anything.
Deb
Sorry La Boca didn't fit the bill. We had a delicious long lunch there. It was very busy then as well -- made reservations after we couldn't get a table earlier in the week.
I need to get busy on my Taos report! Lots of food consumed in Taos and Santa Fe this trip.
Oh no Beach, don't misunderstand about La Boca. We liked it; the service was slow and they served the plates out of order but what we ate was very good. It was kind of a "their loss" thing since we would have ordered more dishes had they come out faster.
I understand that the days over the holidays can try any restauarant.
It was a good thing that we only ordered a few plates, it saved us both in calories and $$.
I appreciate and agree with your recommendations. I look to you for SF guidance.
Deb
I understand. It's hard to rate a restaurant during that busy week of Christmas and New Year's. Same with Valentine's Day.
I hope you give it another try when you're in town again.
When I was there this past summer I also went to La Boca. Service was good, but I was underwhelmed with the food. Quality was good, I just didn't like some (about 50%) of the tapas I ordered. They sounded good from the menu but just didn't taste all that great.
I've had great tapas many other places so I went away disappointed.
La Choza was the best meal of the whole trip - better than the shed. Simple fare, but tasted great.
Gotta run now, it's quarter of.
"Lots of people on Canyon Road, walking around, but no one seemed to be buying anything."
I acutally almost did this last trip, but my wife was one margarita short of being convinced. Next time.....
Does anyone ever buy anything on Canyon Road?
Look forward to your trip report, BeachGirl.
J
Deb
Does anyone ever buy anything on Canyon Road?
Yep. Have a favorite gallery in Taos, too. Have to say he sold 9 paintings between 3 of us. I guess the down market hasn't affected everyone.
My Taos report is finally up and running if you want to read:
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=1&tid=35176493
Giada di Laurentiis is featuring Chocolate Maven on one of her shows. Now, will it be impossible to get in for lunch in April?
I am not sure that is a new episode, so I wouldn't worry too much. Just get there a bit before noon.
I want to know how you get a job like that - get to take you husband on weekend trips to exotic places, where all you do is eat wonderful meals and all on someone else's dime!!
Deb
Well, first you need to look like Giada (do you have a billion dollar smile?). Then it helps to come from a famous family. And then you need the talent. It's easy!!!
I love the local Santa Fe food and try to eat that most of the time. I love their enchildas and can't get enough of them. Any good recs for those???
topping
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=1&tid=35176296 for Santa Fe Trip report re restaurants.
Deb
We just returned from Santa Fe. After doing all the New Mexico type eateries we were looking for a change. Found a wonderful new restaurant Called "Galisteo Bistro". Food was excellent and resonably priced. I believe it was on a corner of Galisteo street.
Update from 4th of July weekend:
Geronimo: Eric DiStefano (chef) is back at Geronimo and he still has his Coyote Cafe as well.
The menu has changed (as they do) but we we not crazy about it as it had a very strong Asian flare. I like Asian but it this went too far as the menu didn't have a nice mix of flavors and types of dishes as they have produced in the past. All focuses on one direction. Boring.
** Not up to old Geronimo standards ** Quality wasn't there this time. Service was excellent and they were very interested in our comments. So, we'll see how it is next time around. Both desserts were disasters. Poorly made, bad crusts, soggy tempura banana sticks and more.
Bistro 315 is under renovation so check before you go to see if they are open. Still one of the top choices in Santa Fe.
Cowgirl Cafe: Fantastic Sunday morning/afternoon meal and music. Sunday morning from 11-2ish they have gospel -- country gospel. Think toe-tappin', Johnny Cash gospel. Those girls were fantastic! We were going for a late breakfast/early lunch meal but ended up staying until 2:30 listening and enjoying the atmosphere. Lots of people on the patio enjoying the music and food. It's a new favorite Sunday morning spot for us now. And, the chile rellenos was perfectly cooked and I highly recommend it.Looking forward to going back. And where else will you see someone come out to ring the triangular bell to let you know "it's 12 o'clock and the bar is now open"!! Gotta love a place that does that!!
(FYI -- You cannot purchase alcohol before noon on Sunday.)
www.cowgirlsantafe.com
Rancho de Chimayo still wasn't open yet from the fire this early spring. I hear the reopening is late August now.
Inn of the Anasazi patio:
http://www.innoftheanasazi.com/dine2.cfm
They are serving on their patio now and a nice menu of quesadillas, trio of buffalo burgers, tortilla soup (excellent), salads and other items. We enjoyed everything we had on all of our trips there. Service was very good and had an excellent drink for a hot afternoon -- Equator. Gin, pineapple juice, soda and orange and cucumber zest. Perfect on a hot day.
http://www.innoftheanasazi.com/i/pdf/patiomenu.pdf
Thanks for adding on,Beachie! You are the go to girl for SF dining, in my book.
Deb
Deb, you are very kind!
Geronimo has been a big disappointment for the last couple of visits...