This is Part 2 of my tribute to Santa Fe, New Mexico. I love it there! Here are two reasons why.My two favorite things about Santa Fe are entirely entwined with each other: I love its food and its people. Of course Santa Fe's cuisine comes from its people--its strong Native American, Spanish, and Mexican populations.
Did you know that Santa Fe is literally America's oldest, official city? It was founded an entire decade before the British colonials even landed on Plymouth Rock. No offense intended, but the Spanish colonials got here first, and thank goodness.
With such a long and diverse (and yes, tumultuous) history, nearly every cafe, barista, pub, club, diner and restaurant in Santa Fe, New Mexico, features the foods and spices of the city's past and present: Native American flat breads, Spanish tapas, French pastries, Mexican everything, and yes, even American food is here--and it's always fresh, tasty, and easy to find. No hunting in the phone book for ethnic food--just walk down the sidewalk, choose an eatery, and open the door. You'll find some of the best tasting food in the world. (In my last post I mentioned some of my travels. Having eaten on cruise ships and in Europe, I can tell you that Santa Fe beats them both.)
If you're a locavore like I am (you choose to eat locally produced food when possible), the best part of Santa Fe is the Santa Fe Farmer's Market, open year-round. You can buy everything from chile peppers (all varieties, from mild to 3-alarm) to standard and exotic fruits and vegetables. You can buy locally produced cheeses, wines, and even art at this market (yes, art!). And you will hear local street musicians, called buskers, too. The Santa Fe Farmer's Market is more than a market--it's a community event and gathering place.
My favorite breakfast place in Santa Fe is called the Horseman's Haven. We usually heard two or three languages spoken here each morning, and the huevos rancheros were the best we had all week (and large enough to share or save half for lunch). Speaking of lunch, we recommend Pasqual's, located on Santa Fe's famous Plaza (more on The Plaza in Part 3). For dinner you must go to Canyon Road (you'll be there anyway for its dozens of art galleries) and eat at El Farol's. It's pricey, but worth it. Save this restaurant for a special evening with a special someone. Andrew and I loved their tapas selection.
If you get hooked on Southwestern cuisine (I have always loved Mexican food, but the Southwest's flavors are even better), check out the Santa Fe School of Cooking. You can learn how to roast a chile and wrap a tamale, and then go home and repeat it in your own kitchen.If you like to meet people who are different from you, go to Santa Fe. If you like foods that look and taste differently from what you normally eat, go to Santa Fe. If you love to learn and want to grow personally, go to Santa Fe and don't come back until you're a better person. It won't take long. Santa Fe will enrich you.
If you're in the Spooner area this month, stop in see us at Black Iris Gallery (located between the stop lights on Hwy 63). We are currently showing Paul Oman's new watercolor art show called Landscapes & Cityscapes: Paul Oman 2010. Several of his award-winning pieces are on display now through the end of June. It's an impressive show and just as good as what I saw in Santa Fe. See above for a sample of his work.Above: A Day in Bayfield, original watecolor, Paul Oman, 2010
See you soon at Black Iris Gallery & Custom Framing!
Sincerely,
JoAnn
Black Iris Gallery & Custom Framing
Spooner, WI
715-635-4548
http://www.blackirisframing.com/
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