Santa Fe eats

August 7, 9:10 PMSF Global Getaways ExaminerLisa Alpine

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It is a tradition on my trips to Santa Fe to have a turquoise margarita at sunset at the Bell Tower Bar on the rooftop of La Fonda.

My mood mellows and I watch bats switch guard with the swallows as the daylight diminishes. I then head downstairs to La Plazuela for guacamole—made tableside by Lupe. He has been the artful custodian of guacamole grinding for decades at the hotel. He uses  a well-worn lava stone mortar and pestle.

The menu features Nueva Latina cuisine prepared by chef Lane Warner who strolls by the tables and checks in with the diners. This takes courage because many American tourists are not acquainted with Southwest cuisine's chili factor and voice their alarm. I'm addicted to his deliciously tangy AND spicy chili rellenos.

If pinon is Santa Fe’s perfume, then ristras (dried chili strands) are the necklace. Chilies play a numero uno role in New Mexican cuisine, and just as stories are nourishment for the soul, regional food is a way to digest the culture (literally). A word of caution--inquire about the hot factor when ordering anything with chilies!

Cafe Pasqual’s dishes up the best southwest breakfast in a festive Mexican kitsch atmosphere. Their Durango Omelet bursting with smoky ham flavor, creamy jack cheese and the perennial green chilies might get me back on the plane to New Mexico sooner than I imagined.

Wallet allowing, I sometimes take a creative diversion from my diet of red and green chili fare and splurge on a meal at The Anasazi Restaurant where I savor a poetic creation of crawfish and Tasso ham crusted halibut with red pepper coulis.

Details, details . . .

The Bell Tower Bar at La Fonda is open from 4pm until sunset April-October weather permitting.

La Plazuela at La Fonda cooks up wonderful Southwest/Latino cuisine in the most beautiful dining room in Santa Fe. Lunchtime is great because the sunlight pours through all the painted glass walls and skylights and prices are lower than for dinner menu though they only serve the table-side guacamole at dinner. 505-982-5511 or 800-523-5002.

Café Pasqual's  offers colorful atmosphere and excellent organic New Mexican breakfasts, lunches & dinners. 505-983-9340 or 800-722-7672.

The Anasazi Restaurant is very upscale serving an excellent Native American/Southwest menu. 505- 988-3236.

Story by Lisa Alpine