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PHOTOS by Stephen Lang
Saveur Bistro
S
aveur Bistro owners Dee and Bernie Rusanowski have created a delightful restaurant in the heart of Santa Fe that caters perfectly to the eclectic tastes of its clientele. Here, carnivores and vegetarians alike will find a wide selection of beautifully prepared food, made from the freshest ingredients and served with a generous dollop of hospitality. Opened more than a decade ago at a prime spot on the corner of Montezuma and Cerrillos, Saveur has since become a beloved Santa Fe eatery. While it’s not unusual to see a line snaking out the door during the breakfast and lunch rush, don’t be deterred; it moves quickly, thanks to efficient teamwork among its staff. With its rustic tiled floors, earth-toned walls, gleaming copper pots, and brightly colored ceramics, the restaurant imparts a French country charm that Dee considers an extension of her home. While she spreads the love with her infectious enthusiasm for people, heartily greeting diners from her spot behind the register, Bernie does so with his food: a compendium of carefully crafted American and French-style breakfast and lunch items available for either dining in or taking away. Whether you crave a custom breakfast or a continental buffet of hand-squeezed juices and fruit-filled pastries, breakfast at Saveur is a special way to start the day. Lunch is always a destination, the perfect spot to bring family, friends, and colleagues to graze the buffet, enjoy a made-to-order sandwich, or indulge in a full gourmet meal—accompanied by a glass or two of well-priced French wine and a luscious dessert. And for a quick, delicious dinner, stop by at 3:30 p.m. to purchase the remaining fresh food. Reminiscent of fine European specialty shops, Saveur’s deli counter is lined with a wide selection of exotic cheeses and meats, as well as a variety of tempting desserts. The buffet, presided over by Bernie in his crisp white apron and toque, offers an array of vibrant vegetables, hot meat and pasta dishes, and three choices of soup. Entrees range from seafood crepes topped with cheese sauce to a perfectly sautéed steak. Devoted Francophiles, the Rusanowskis make yearly trips to France, where Bernie continues to hone his culinary skills. Whether he’s stuffing an avocado with delicately flavored shrimp salad, steaming perfectly seasoned, al dente green beans, or whipping up a crème brûlée, Bernie demonstrates the depth of his commitment to cooking what he calls “food the way it should be cooked, the food you remember from your childhood, the food that makes you feel good.” And ultimately, that’s what a meal at Saveur is about: feeling good. Step inside and you’re a stranger only until Dee kisses your cheek and gives you a hug. After that, you’re family. Open Mondays through Fridays, 7:45 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. Breakfast, lunch, and catering
204 Montezuma, Santa Fe | 505.989.4200 | saveur.com
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Fall 2013–Spring 2014 Trend
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