Photo: Gabriella Marks
we can’t wait to taste Grenet’s famous coq au vin and other French specialties.
| Chef Xavier Grenet of L’Olivier If a meal standing up suits you just as well as one sitting down to white linen, try Bang Bite Filling Station, the latest food truck to drive into our hearts. Chef and owner, Enrique Guerrero, has parked his truck at Old Santa Fe Trail and Paseo de Peralta, next to Ooh La La, Men! and across from Kaune’s, and from there he purveys a revolving menu of gourmet burgers, tacos, pulled pork, fajitas and fries, soups and other specials for lunch and dinner. For weekday breakfast, the amazing corn masa–meets–Mexican chocolate dish, atole de chocolate, could be a meal in itself, with its warm, porridge-like consistency. Catering’s available, too. Visit bangbitesf. com for a menu and check the food truck’s Facebook page for daily specials and hours. When my feet get weary and I need a break from the magical holiday beauty of the Plaza, I’m heading to a new, local and independent coffeehouse and art space in the Loretto Shoppes at the Inn at Loretto. Liquid Outpost has just a few spots for seating, but the charming, cozy space is filled with local artists’ works (including jewelry). It also smells divine from the fresh roasted coffee, espresso drinks, locally baked noshes and freshmade sandwiches. The owner, Sandra Vacca, is a genial hostess with a wealth of tips for visitors and locals alike. Stop in (except on Wednesdays) and tell ‘em Local Flavor sent you.
| Max Lehman’s “Junto Para Siempre!, 2013” Kudos to artist Max Lehman on his entry into the Tequila Herradura tequila barrel art creation competition. La Fonda on the Plaza was one of a handful of nationwide stops for this contest, which reaches its finale in Miami in December. Lehman’s winning piece, entitled “Junto Para Siempre!, 2013,” was inspired by the artist’s fascination with skeletons, which stems primarily from exposure to Mexican culture and immersion in the punk music scene. “Being given the opportunity to work on an actual Herradura tequila barrel was the kind of experience that forces one to think outside of the box,” said Lehman. “I was eager to try something new but also create a piece that could be recognized as a piece of my artwork, done in my style with techniques that I am well known for.
The entire process was a huge learning experience for me and has generated some great ideas that I am sure I will use in the future.” He’ll be up against finalists from the other seven competing markets, and the winner will receive a $100,000 prize. Visit herradurabarrelart.com. Speaking of art, Santa Fe contemporary painter H Margret has a new show at Marji Gallery, 453 Cerrillos in the Railyard District, titled “Horse Games.” This exhibition of new work celebrates horses, a subject near to the artist’s heart (she’s also an equine professional). The show runs December 7 through 31, with an artist reception on December 13. Call 505.983.1012.
| “Horse Games” by H Margret Set a timer for the opening of a new restaurant going into the former O’Keeffe Café space. Canyon Road’s Geronimo coowner Lloyd Abrams will open Georgia’s Museum Café in early 2014, after an extensive renovation of the building. If the critical praise and awards for Geronimo (and Executive Chef/partner Eric DiStefano) are an indication of what we can expect from the new eatery, then Johnson Street will continue to thrive as an up-and-coming destination. The new TerraCotta Wine Bistro and Momo & Co. Bakery are rocking it already! We can’t wait for more. Need some inspiration for your holiday dinners? At the Santa Fe Culinary Academy, it’s all about desserts on December 11, when co-founder Tanya Storey brings the learning. How does French Bûche De Noël, mini baked Alaskas and a French almond torte with mascarpone sound? Almost as good as Lauren Roybal, owner of Cocopelli Chocolatier, teaching you to make decadent truffles, holiday-themed molds and seasonal gifts on December 14? And what about Rocky Durham (the other Academy co-founder) giving instruction on posole, tamales and bizcochitos in the New Mexico Holiday Traditions class, December 17? My notebook’s ready for all the secrets and tips I can handle! Visit santafeculinaryacademy.com and watch for The Guesthouse (the student-run restaurant) to launch in January.
www.DavidCustomHats.com [505] 780-5059
Las Cosas Kitchen Shoppe & Cooking School’s instructor (and Local Flavor contributor) John Vollertsen takes you on a different kind of holiday culinary journey. This one touches down in Charles Dicken’s England for Vee’s Dicken’s Christmas Feast, December 13. Cheddar-ale soup, pub-style Scotch eggs with wilted spinach or apple and Stilton salad, anyone? How about roast duck with chestnut–caramelized pear stuffing, braised red cabbage and sticky date pudding? Yes, please! Visit lascosascooking.com for details on this and other culinary adventures.
A Taste of Life in New Mexico
DECEMBER 2013 - JANUARY 2014
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