Las Casa Sena...

Everyone loves eating in this historic courtyard of a restored 1860 adobe casa in warm weather. But, in cooler months, it's warm and cozy inside, where the fire crackles and the works of Santa Fe masters hang on the walls. Our entrees were sublime: roasted chorizo-stuffed pork loin with grilled peach-onion sauce, mashed rosemary sweet potatoes, wilted chard and "Kellfire" sauce and lamb rack with Dijon-mint marinade, roasted root vegetables and green peppercorn sauce. Likewise the starters, the lobster and salmon cakes with jicama salad, plantain-lime salsa and ginger marinade and scallion tempura of shrimp with chipotle hot and sour sauce and green papaya slaw. 125 E. Palace Ave. 505-988-9232

El Farol...

Dine on Spanish tapas with Southwestern twists (there are nearly 40 hot and cold choices) or one of the house specialties: paella Valencia or sesame seared salmon with sautéed spinach, pinon, and raisins and garbanzo aioli. Then dance the night away with locals in the cantina. 808 Canyon Road. 505-983-9912.

The Shed...

It's so good, I had lunch there twice. You can't go wrong with the enchilada plate: two rolled blue corn tortillas layered with cheddar cheese and onions. Have them served "Christmas" and you'll get red and green sauces. Sides of pinto beans and posole are included. Start with a blue cheese and walnut salad and share a bowl of fresh guacamole. The margarita's pack a punch. Cheap eats and a fun atmosphere to boot. 113 1/2 E. Palace Ave. 505-982-9030.

Tamale Molly...

Ordering is as easy as 1-2-3 at this tiny diner, which funnels its profits to help fight hunger. Order a simple one-, two- or three- tamale meal in this yellow, orange and hot pink storefront eatery. The dainty and delectable hand-tied vegetarian tamales include such varieties as pine nut with cilantro and green chile, goat cheese and mint, vegan black bean with chipotle chile and honey pecan. Meals come with two sides which change daily. I had tasty carrot ginger apple slaw and green chile rice. 323 Aztec St. 1-877-509-1800. www.tamalemolly.com

(Source: Paula Crouch Thrasher ,The Colors of Santa Fe, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, February 24, 2002)

A Child-Friendly Menu in Santa Fe...

Congrats to the Corn Dance Cafe in Hotel Santa Fe! They've come up with a terrific child-friendly menu/place mat and coloring activity sheet that both children and grown-ups can appreciate. We were most impressed with their healthy choices as well as the way the management retained their Native American theme. Here's a few fun examples...

Running Deer's Fire-roasted Maize (a juicy ear of corn)
Swift Arrow's Good Things Growing Salad
Papoose Pete's Pssghetti (pasta with tomato sauce)
Chief Soggy Bog's Cranberry Blast (cranberry, lime, orange & pineapple juice)

(Source: Journeywoman files)

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