Just returned from New Mexico, having dined happily at several places recommended by ba.food folks. Thanks to all who contributed your opinions. I'll tell you what we liked for any future travellers to the Southwest, but first... ** Does anyone know of anywhere in the Bay Area (preferably East Bay) where I might find good, authentic New Mexican food ? ** OK, highlights of places we liked in New Mexico: In Albuquerque, a little hole-in-the-wall across from the University called El Patio. We had our first New Mex lunch there after arriving, and inadvertently ordered the two hottest dishes on the menu. The waitress was mighty impressed with us when we polished them off. In Santa Fe, we dined at Santacafe and Coyote Cafe, probably the two best known (or at least best hyped) restaurants in the area. The food at Santacafe was excellent, though somewhat inconsistent dish to dish. Service was friendly and informed but hovering and way too fast for a restaurant of that caliber and price. This is sort of creative Southwest-inspired fusion food. Example: an appetizer of shiitake and cactus spring rolls served with a green chile dipping sauce, and lettuce leaves and shredded carrots to wrap around the rolls. Fun eating and actually very tasty. Coyote Cafe is overpriced ($42 prix fixe, 3 courses, no a la carte) but very good. Fun atmosphere, stylish presentations. Very good service and also very well informed (water pourer could enthusiastically describe how dishes were prepared). There is a choice of about 6 each appetizers, entrees, desserts. Portions are substantial. Food ranged from good but unremarkable to terrific (WONDERFUL smokey asparagus grilled over pinon). Very Bay Area (of course -- it's a Mark Miller restaurant). Perhaps our very favorite meal was at Jo Ann's Ranch O Casados (anyone know what casados means?) in Espanola, at another little hole-in-the-wall place, this time in a little shopping center, that apparently has gotten some press. Handmade THICK blue corn tortillas, chile made with their own chiles grown on a nearby farm, terrific carne adovado (pork slow-cooked in red chile). Half plates are around 3.99 and are HUGE, including beans, rice, a little salad, and sopaipillas. More details on request. Feel free to e-mail me, since it's not really Bay Area.
Albuquerque, NM