Things are blooming in Santa Fe; it’s mostly in the 60s with a few colder days to remind us of winter. Outdoor dining spots are open and busy, newly pedied feet are sporting sandals and sunhats are appearing. It’s a fine time in Santa Fe. Come visit!
Santa Fe dining:
A local favorite, The Shed, where they’ve been serving up New Mexican food since 1963 madeTravel + Leisure magazine named it to their Top Mexican Restaurants in the US list. We’re thrilled to see them on this elite list. If you go to dine, know that there’s a big difference between the local dishes and those found at a Mexican or Tex-Mex place.
The Shed, photo/Steve Collins
While we’re on the subject of New Mexican restaurants, Maria’s, a long-time favorite was recently sold. Santa Fe Dining Inc., owners of a slew of popular eateries around Santa Fe. Current owner, Al Lucero has said that the new owners have assured him that the menu will remain essentially the same. Maria’s is famous for its list of over 100 margaritas. The change of ownership will take place at the end of May or early June.
Yet another venerable Santa Fe dining institution is changing hands. It appears that the Pink Adobe has been sold to the people who own the Guadalupe Café. No one answered The Pink’s phone, but the voicemail message called it “sister restaurant” to the Guadalupe. No one is ready to talk about this yet due to a confidentiality agreement, but following these breadcrumbs is not hard. The Pink, opened in 1944 by artist Roslea Murphy, a New Orleans native. Her Gypsie Stew and Steak Dunigan are local food legends. Since her death, the family-owned restaurant has had some snags, but this seems like the final one. The restaurant’s Dragon Room Bar is a legend.
The Pink Adobe, photo/Steve Collins
Albuquerque dining:
Thought we rarely include Albuquerque here, we had to add this. The wonderful Los Poblanos Historic Inn and Organic Farm is on Bon Appetit’s list of Best Food Lover’s Hotels in America. The small inn deserves it. Their sustainable approach to dining, including growing much of what they serve in summer, and having relationships with their purveyors makes this a very special spot to dine. Congratulations to Los Poblanos.
Los Poblanos Historic Inn and Organic Farm, photo/Steve Collins
Santa Fe Music:
Summer in Santa Fe means outdoor concerts and many of them are free. The Santa Fe Bandstand offers free concerts in the Santa Fe Plaza throughout the summer. This year, they will start on the Summer Solstice, Friday, June 21st. Some national names such as The Derailers, Lloyd Maine and Jimmy Stadler join the ranks of local favorites (including Alex Maryol, Bill Herne, Mathew Andrae) and lesser known local musicians that will be taking the stage this summer. Here’s the full schedule.
Spinning wheel and weavings at Tierra Wools, photo Steve Collins
Northern New Mexico:
Take a drive to Los Ojos and join Tierra Wools for their annual Spring Harvest Festival on Saturday, April 27th from 10am to 5pm. There will be weaving, natural dying, and sheep shearing demonstrations; food and live music. The drive, through the Abiquiu and the heart of O’Keeffe country is beautiful. Yellow Hills Ranch, a bit down the road from Tierra Wools in Tierra Amarilla is opening their gates to people who want to picnic there and take a hike. To make arrangements, call Deborah Stephens at (575) 209-0325 or email her at [email protected].
Bill Hearne at a cowboy BBQ, photo/Steve Collins
Misc:
Native American actor, Wes Studi is being named to the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum’s Hall of Great Western Performers in Oklahoma City. Studi, a Santa Fe resident, who has been in a wide range of films including Dances with Wolves, and The Last of the Mohicans also played Joe Leaphorn in the made for TV movies based on Tony Hillerman’s popular book series. The only other Native American to receive this honored was Jay Silverheels, a Mohawk First Nations actor, who played Tonto on The Lone Ranger TV series.
What are you doing this week in Santa Fe? If you have any Santa Fe events or news to share with us, let us know.
