emd3

I am posting this here after accidentally putting it in the lounge...

I am going to Santa Fe w/ a friend for a 4 day weekend in early Feb Staying at Hotel Chimayo; need relaxation and time to gab and eat and drink wine. I've been to Santa Fe many times, friend has been once. She is a foodie (but not a snobby one) and a wine connoisseur, has a wine cellar in home. I like good food and wine and service and abhor bad service, it can ruin an otherwise good to great experience for me.

I am familiar w/some restaurants in Santa Fe and have some I really like, but want to ty new places for lunches and dinners. We will eat at Casa Sena, I love their food. attitude, and wine list. We prefer casual so I think Geronimo is out.

Where else to eat? Many posts (like DebitNM's 2009 on her SF trip food) are a bit dated. I am looking at Andiamo from LeeAnn's report.. We like to share apps/small plates (haven't been to LaBoca but have seen some bad service posts here). We aren't breakfast people and eat an early lunch and later dinner.

We';; probably go to Vanesie for piano bar music one night. Where else for live music? Used to go to El Farol but had bad service there a few yrs ago and would really have to persuade myself to give it another try- maybe just for music this time..

I value your input! Thank you.

martym

We were just in Santa Fe for Christmas. See my trip report-- http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...th-friends.cfm

BTW--our experience at La Boca--the service was very good and it was an every-table-filled lunch service on Christmas Eve--plus the food was fabulous--especially the roasted pear salad, the mushroom bruschetta and the grilled articokes.

BigRuss

Tomasita's - there's a reason that it has a line out the door before it opens for lunch.

BigRuss

Andiamo is good too. Nice and quiet, good place for a toddler to fall asleep on his old man . . .

Cowgirl BBQ is an interesting scene.

ElendilPickle

We enjoyed the bar at La Posada in December. They had a jazzy guitarist and singer, and the room is pretty small so it's a nice, intimate experience. Their drinks are a little pricey, but tasty.

Lee Ann

emd3

Excellent, keep it coming. I am looking into all of your recs and reading Marty's trip report.

volcanogirl

We liked going to The Shed. If you're up for a great burger, we enjoyed the green chile cheeseburgers at Bobcat Bite - it's been written up in all kinds of mags like Bon Appetit, etc. even though the place is a super casual dive type joint.

BeachGirl247

We like The Compound and Casa Sena for a nice lunch on days we are going to stay home for dinner. We've eaten at the Compound twice this week -- it's really been great lately. La Casa Sena has a nice menu and reasonably-priced wine list. Dinner for Two is really good as well. Galisteo Bistro is nice and a favorite is Bistro 315, always good (great wine list) and not as dressy as Geronimo or Compound. They also offer a prix fix menu for early dining.

The Shed, Tomasita's and Tia Sophia's are favorites for authentic NM. La Choza is off of the plaza and same family as The Shed. We've had hit and miss experiences there but they do offer more items than The Shed. Also, Harry's Road House is fun and a lot to choose from on the menu.

Also, Tune-Up Cafe has a fun atmosphere as does The Pantry, but we've only dined at The Pantry for breakfast. We enjoy the green chile burger at Del Charro as well as Bobcat Bites which is huge and can easily be shared.

We enjoy Andiamo as well as Pranzo's at Sambusco Mall. Pranzo's has 1/2 price bottled wine on Sunday night -- any wine! It is very busy to say the least. Also, Il Piatto on Marcy Street has been good, too. It's across the street from La Boca which just opened another restaurant - more casual but same style food but we haven't eaten there yet. Hopefully, someone can chime in about that one.

You'll be next door to The Inn of the Anasazi so stop in to their cozy bar for a cocktail or wine.

I know I'm forgetting others so I'll post back when my memory serves me better!

DebitNM

Always good to get the latest skinny from our in house, almost resident, SF go to gal. Thanks!

emd3

Wow, Beachgal, excellent update. I love Casa Sena, and am looking into your others.

I know La Choza, as I usually stay at Sage Inn and walk across the rd. to La choza right away as soon as I check in. Love the margaritas there also.

Will look closer at the Compound based on your post also.

santafefoodie

Taberna La Boca from the La Boca team opened this fall and is fab. Happy hour between 5 and 7 daily offers great deals. Half-priced tapas and wine specials Arrive early- the place can be packed by 6- everyone's caught on to this great deal. Good wine list.

La Casa Sena changed it's concept last summer. Smaller menu- emphasis on fresh and local. Affordable wines (plus a long list of expensive ones)

Check Vanessie's music schedule- they offer piano music in the early evening and then have other genres- sometimes a cover charge.

If you've never been to Galisteo Bistro- check it out. Good food, good wines- attentive chef owner.

While Fuego at La Posada may not be casual enough- try the bar there. Chef Carmen Rodriguez's new Global Latin menu is excellent- I think they serve some entrees in the bar- the menu's on line.

315 casual with good list.

Also for Italian and good wine- Il Piatto.

Enjoy your dining adventures in Santa Fe!

Lots of good food in Santa Fe!

emd3

Thanks so much, SFFoodie! Wow, Taberna La Boca sounds and looks great! I think that will be our tapas evening.

Critic review:
http://www.sfreporter.com/santafe/ar...sh-nights.html

5OHS

You guys are killing me! Have to get back to SF! ASAP!

Toucan2

I've only now realized that there are two threads going on this, I must have seen the one in the lounge. Lots of great ideas here!

emd3

Yes, I accidenmtally posted it in the lounge first when I intended to post it here. SO I canme here and repodted it...

I am going to post my proposed food and music itinerary here soon for feedback...