Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
158
list accompanies the menu. Bring your heaviest plastic; this is one of the most expensive
spots in Santa Fe, but a well-worth-it, memorable choice for special occasions.
330 E. Palace Ave. (at La Posada de Santa Fe Resort and Spa).
&
800/727-5276
or 505/954-9670. www.
rockresorts.com. Reservations recommended. Main courses $45 adults, $25 children 12 and under
brunch; $15-$28 lunch; $25-$45 dinner. Prix-fixe tasting menus at dinner $75-$125. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V.
Breakfast daily 6:30-11am; lunch Mon-Sat 11:30am-1:30pm; brunch Sun 11:30am-2pm; dinner daily
6-9:30pm.
Geronimo
CONTINENTAL This elegant restaurant offers one of Santa's Fe's
most delectable and atmospheric dining experiences. Occupying an old adobe structure
known as the Borrego House—which was built by Geronimo Lopez in 1756 but has
since been completely restored—it retains the feel of an old Santa Fe home. And now,
with Chef Martin Rios at the helm, its food is simply fantastic, always utilizing seasonal
produce. If you enjoy dining outside, reserve a spot on the porch and watch the action
on Canyon Road. You might start with Hawaiian tuna, smoked salmon and avocado
tartare, served with chive buttermilk pancakes, and then move onto Alaskan halibut with
red and yellow peppers, baby fennel, and saffron risotto. If you want to try one of Santa
Fe's most renowned entrees, order the peppery elk tenderloin with applewood smoked
bacon served with fork-mashed Yukon gold potatoes. For dessert try the Jivara chocolate
Palet d'Or, a flourless cake with apricot cream and caramelized Rice Krispies. The menu
changes seasonally, and there's an excellent wine list.
724 Canyon Rd.
&
505/982-1500.
www.geronimorestaurant.com. Reservations recommended. Main
courses $30-$50 dinner. AE, MC, V. Daily 5:45-9:30pm.
La Casa Sena
SOUTHWESTERN Combining alluring ambience and tasty
food, this is one of Santa Fe's favorite restaurants, though the food here isn't as precise
and flavorful as at Santacafé or Geronimo. It sits within the Sena compound, a prime
example of a Spanish hacienda, in a Territorial-style adobe house built in 1867 by Civil
War-hero Major José Sena. The house, which surrounds a garden courtyard, is today a
veritable art gallery, with museum-quality landscapes on the walls and Taos-style hand-
crafted furniture. During the warm months, this restaurant has the best patio in town.
The cuisine might be described as northern New Mexican with a continental flair. One
of my favorite lunches is the fish tacos with achiote-corn rice. In the evening, diners
might start with a salad of garden greens and grilled mushrooms, and then move on to a
pork loin with roasted sweet potatoes and a peach prickly pear sauce.
In the adjacent
La Cantina,
waitstaff sing Broadway show tunes as they carry platters
from the kitchen to the table. The more moderately priced Cantina menu offers the likes
of enchiladas with black beans and Mexican rice. Both restaurants have exquisite desserts;
try the black-and-white bittersweet chocolate terrine with raspberry sauce. The award-
winning wine list features more than 850 selections.
125 E. Palace Ave.
&
505/988-9232.
www.lacasasena.com. Reservations recommended. La Casa Sena
main courses $11-$23 lunch, $24-$42 dinner; 5-course chef's tasting menu $58, with wine $82; La Can-
tina main courses $13-$28. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Mon-Sat 11:30am-3pm; Sun brunch 11am-3pm; daily
5:30-10pm.
Rio Chama Steakhouse
STEAK/SEAFOOD Serving up tasty steaks in a
refined ranch atmosphere, this is one of Santa Fe's most popular restaurants. It's a good
spot for a business lunch or a fun-filled evening, and the patio is a bright spot during
warm months. Service is efficient, and there's a full bar. I suggest sticking to the meat
dishes here, though the fish and pasta dishes can be quite good too. At lunch or
dinner you might start with the Capitol salad, with lots of fresh greens, piñon nuts, and
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