Santa Fe's Cafe Society

Santa Fe’s Café Society Photos Carolyn Wright

It’s a warm night. You can practically smell magic in the air. You’re looking for a bite to eat and some sweet summer wine, but more importantly, you’re looking for atmosphere. You’re looking for somewhere festive, somewhere with music hanging on the breeze as dancers rustle along art-filled halls. Whether you know it or not, you’re looking for El Farol.

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or the past 180 years — since 1835 — the old adobe building that houses El Farol has been a warm gathering place of great food, outstanding entertainment and warm friendship.

David Salazar bought El Farol 30 years ago on July 18, 1985. Before that, he worked in a number of fields ranging from cable television to contractual work for the government. Born in Hernandez, New Mexico (made iconic

by Ansel Adams “Moonrise over Hernandez”), Salazar’s family history in New Mexico traces back to 1793.

Salazar’s father ran a general store and the family used to deliver all the way up to the Colorado border. Salazar left New Mexico after high school and lived and worked around the United States. Before moving back to New Mexico, he was in Washington D.C. developing rural economic policy for the Carter administration.

When he returned to New Mexico, he continued to do contractual work for the government, but also took up real estate. As for how he came to own and run El Farol, he relates, “I listed El Farol and started looking at it more and more, thinking it was something I’d like to do. So I bought my own listing. I had never worked in a restaurant before in my life.”

“When people come out to El Farol, they have an opportunity to enjoy a café society. I remember a long time ago when people would go out they would dress up, eat, dance and listen to music. We’re not in an era of dressing up, especially out here in the west, but we do have good food and great entertainers, and we try to put it all together. Our byline is: come for the food, stay for the music,” describes Salazar. “The feel of a summer night can either be a hustle bustle or cozy and romantic. Since our patio not only has regular restaurant chairs but sofas as well, it is very leisurely and welcoming.”

With flamenco every Saturday as well as nightly music, El Farol offers the best of both dining and live entertainment. “We’re also expanding, using the stage to feature other types of entertainment,” Salazar explains.

“We’re hosting tributes to Cole Porter,

Lena Horne and Billy Holiday. We’re working with the opera where some of their apprentices will come sing arias.

Some of the local theater groups will come do short plays with limited cast.

Things of that sort are in progress.

We’re very excited.”

Summer is also an exciting time for executive chef Giovanni. “When the weather changes, we change the menu.

This summer we will have ceviches, gazpachos and all kinds of salads.

We work hard to bring a Spanish flair to our menu outside the classic New Mexican fare. I like to create. It’s the best part of this position,” he says.

Giovanni has been the executive chef for three years, but has worked at El Farol for 10 years.

Beyond the menu and music, El Farol’s larger compound is more than just the restaurant. It also comprises greenhouses, a gallery and gift shop. “We try to intelligently use all the space on the compound. In the summertime that becomes more feasible,” notes Salazar. Last year, the kitchen staff estimated 800 lb. of vegetables were taken out of El Farol’s private greenhouses.

The onsite gallery and gift shop provide additional ways to integrate the café society of El Farol. After a delectable bite, customers can peruse the works of Maxfield Scott, Roland Van Loon, Nacha Mendez, Patrick Dougherty, Marilyn Saks and Ellie Beth Scott. Check the El Farol website for art openings and events.

“Come for the food, stay for the music” is the shorter, more poetic way of saying, “Come to El Farol for the onsite-grown delicious food, stay for the renowned local music, dance, theater and art.” It gets a little wordy, and by the time you’ve read the whole sentence, chances are you’re whisked away by the magic of El Farol anyway.

El Farol 808 Canyon Rd. 505.983.9912 www.ElFarolSF.com Executive Chef Giovanni