In some ways, I’m glad I don’t live in Santa Fe (as much as I love it) because New Mexican food is so rich. Surrounded with food like this, well, the results would not be good.
Though you can’t tell, these are vegetarian enchiladas from the Church Street Cafe in Albuquerque. In good New Mexican fashion, they are smothered in cheese. I tried to be healthy by also having the spinach :-).
The food plates all start to look the same because many of them are all just a hot mess, but this is a stuffed sopapilla from El Patio, also in Albuquerque.
Moving on to healthier fare… this tortilla bowl salad was served to our group at Rancho de Chimayo. This thing was huge. I’d venture to say I could only eat about 1/3 of it.
Of course, every meal starts out with chips and salsa (and guac, if you want it). And it’s hard to control yourself when the salsa is as good as it always is in New Mexico.
If you really want to be bad, you can always order some queso to start your meal (which often can be a meal in itself).
And if you want to be a bit adventurous, try a Frito Pie. Layered on the bottom with crunchy Fritos, the top usually has chili (with beef). I opted for vegetarian. It was OK but I don’t think I’d order it again (it’s almost too healthy compared to the options above!).
Most of the photos here were taken before our actual culinary tour started (we eat a bit healthier than this). But this is pretty standard fare throughout New Mexico.
If you’re interested in joining our Santa Fe Culinary Tour in 2014, let me know now. This year sold out and we already have a waiting list for next year!
Travel Well,
Beth
Related links:
Santa Fe’s Chocolate Trail
Tamale Making in Santa Fe
Santa Fe Photos
Mexican food is the best! I could eat it every day!