Santa Fe

After a long sabbatical, I am returning to my blog...hope all of you are still out there.
We recently took a fast trip to Santa Fe...I cannot say it was typical. Usually we drive, taking long, luxurious days to cross the country, camping by streams and the dry, flat lands of Kansas. We boarded a plane with friends and drove the Turquoise Trail from Albuquerque to Santa Fe. We stopped in Madrid for lunch and some boot shopping. This might have been the most unusual part of the journey...in a used boot store, WFS goes to sit on a bench...not unusual, you might say...but, what is unusual, was he tried on boots, found some great black ones, cut a deal with the owner and walked out with them on... our complete history has never included impulse shopping(on his part, at least).

We arrived in Santa Fe late afternoon. We quickly made reservations for Ristra, a small bistro on Aqua Fria...celebs are spotted here often in our visits but Santa Fe is feeling the pinch like the rest of the nation. Celebs were not to be found but we certainly feel this is a little star in Santa Fe.

Quickly following, in no particular order, was:

Trattoria Nostrani.... quirky, to be sure, but fine, fine food and wine...and gardens so lovely as to melt your heart and soul. I defy anyone to find pasta any better than the dishes served by this hugely talented FEMALE chef.

Bistro 315 on Old Santa Fe Trail...small, quaint and serving a Prix Fixe for $18.00, yes, 18.00. After a few glasses of wine on the chilly, rainy patio, we were quite happy to have such warm, comforting food. Soft shell crabs, corn brioche pudding and cole slaw...finish with a cherry crisp.
Smallish portions but just right...

El Farol...tapas, tapas, tapas and an absolutely crazy, fun atmosphere...we go there each and every time we land in Santa Fe...what's not to love?

Geronimo's.....Okay, I know, it is way too expensive and such a destination but they do deliver the goods. I had a veal loin to die for and I must say, one of the best desserts in Santa Fe... We dressed up a bit and relaxed in a ***** dining room. The rest is, history

La Casa Sena...If you are dining under the cottonwood tree and sipping a wine from their extensive cellar, then I could not find another comment to add to this dining adventure...except, the beautiful gardens and the excellent cuisine and the handsome servers and the slow, laid back pace that makes me love Santa Fe so very much. All this and more is rolled into a meal at La Casa Sena.

The Shed...when you are surrounded by your loving, beautiful family and dear, dear friends and you are sharing every bite and telling wild tales and laughing as your lips turn numb from the silver margaritas and you want the night to never end...this is as good as it gets, no matter the cost...but, hey, the Shed is a bargain and an institution and our lovely friend, Robert treated us....a perfect, perfect evening....

Mucho Gusto...this came as a surprise for great CHEAP dining...situated by two of our favorite SF establishments( Travel Bug and Act 11, a consignment store)...we hurriedly dashed in before meeting up with Cynthia, from NYC and her sister, Hillary, from Albuquerque...we were totally amazed at how good, authenic mexican food can be...and our server ( from Minneapolis) was such great fun. I am sure we'll add this find to our list~~~ next visit.

Ecco, Espresso and Gelato....Great place, good wireless, fantastic coffee...and oh, the gelato. Olin had a pint,one pint, of chocolate hazelnut...when he left his pint unguarded for a moment, Kim and I tried to sneak it into a hiding place...we were busted as he returned almost immediately...we were caught red-handed! Their luscious flavors linger, for months and months.

The huge, ominous clouds that covered the high blue skies of the desert lingered for most of our stay....locals were rejoicing as the fat raindrops fell...
I rejoice anytime I am in Santa Fe, rain or shine.