A DAY IN SANTA FE

We had a delightful dinner at la Choza, in Santa Fe NM on Wednesday. Their specialty is 'New Mexican Cooking'. I didn't know what NMC was upon entering the place and I didn't know when we finished dinner. The food had a bit of a bite, but was very good. I still would have preferred a slice of pizza, but I don't think pizza can be found in the area! Thurs. am found us touring Old Town Santa Fe. The Old Town area is a mix of outdoor NA booths around the plaza, art galleries, and stores with boots, knives, blankets, and an occasional Hagen Das. Progress meets the West! We also toured the outskirts of Old Town, which is a true artist colony. Rockport MA can't hold a candle to this area. Many large outdoor sculptures and art galleries in the artists' homes and studios. While this is an 'older' area the real estate values are in the $750K range. Moving further away from the 'Old Town' we viewed new homes in the $1 to $5 million range. The interesting aspect is that all construction MUST adhere to strict historical building codes. Outside colors must be approved and maximum height of 2 stories for residential and 4 story commercial structures are strictly enforced. Adobe is everywhere!

A visit to the Georgia O'Keeffe Art Museum finished off the day. Yes, it's the new 'artsy' me!

Rock, Paper, Scissors

To end the day, we went to the Santa Fe Capitol Grill. This is not part of the national chain, but rather a new restaurant in the area. I give it a 4-star rating – for whatever that's worth! I had a dish called 'Cherry Chicken Breast'. I thought it had great flavor! As we were leaving, I asked Nancy if she could remember the ingredients or would she like the menu to copy to ingredients. When we got to the cashier's station she asked for a menu and proceeded to copy the information. Along strolls a gentleman who asked how the meal was and what we were doing. He then told Nancy that it will not be the same. About 30 seconds later, a second gentleman appears, asks what she is doing, and then said: “stop writing, I'll give you the recipe.” He then gets a piece of paper from the cashier's station and begins writing the recipe and explaining to Nancy the ingredients, the prep work and order in which to prepare the final dish. Lastly, he said “Give me a call if you have any questions” and handed her his card.

Kudos to Israel Castro – Executive Chef – Santa Fe Capitol Grill. Sorry, no photos of the Cherry Chicken Breast at this time.