Fodor's Expert Review El Meze

Set back from NM 68 in tiny El Prado, this 1840s adobe house with an expansive back patio affords unobstructed views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Tightly spaced tables, polished-wood floors, and bright red adobe walls make it easy to imagine you're tucked away inside a small cafe in the southern Spain countryside, and indeed, El Meze specializes in the flavorful cuisine and wine of this region (along with some more regionally inspired fare). Andalusian-style chicharrones (fried pork rinds) and buffalo short ribs adovada (marinated in red chile) make terrific starters, while duck confit with slow-braised collard greens, smoked bacon, preserved lemon, and hot-pepper vinegar is a perfectly prepared larger plate. The well-chosen wine list includes Torrontes, Albarino, and fine Rioja blends from throughout Spain.