Midtown Bistro - Grows With Each Year

Midtown Bistro Grows With Each Year

Photo Carolyn Wright

W

ith the warm weather finally here, everyone wants to eat outside. It’s a quintessential Santa Fe experience both locals and visitors enjoy.

Midtown Bistro’s patio has become a magnet for diners seeking exceptionally fine food served in an alfresco setting.

With native plants, a lovely rock garden and soothing tableside fountains, the place has a Zen-like aura. And at night all lit up, it’s a sight of beauty.

It’s not all about good looks though at Midtown Bistro. Food takes center stage and shines under the highly capable helm of executive chef Angel Estrada. Estrada is co-owner of the restaurant with longtime Santa Fe restauranteur, Edmund Catanach.

“I learned how to make everything from scratch, using whatever was available, whatever was fresh from the farm, says Estrada. My father is a farmer so that’s Chef Angel Estrella Photo Kara Duval

Photo Carolyn Wright

Photo Kara Duval

Photo Carolyn Wright

how I learned about the importance of using locally sourced products.

I work with the local farmers here and my menu is all about using what’s in season. Estrada describes Midtown Bistro’s cuisine as “American food with a Southwest flair.”

In addition to dinner and brunch, Midtown Bistro is an ideal place to go for a business lunch, where professionals know they can find a great centrallylocated spot. Estrada always reserves room on the menu for seasonal specials, relying on local farmers to supply the best of the changing harvests, such as squash blossoms in the summer months and winter vegetables for tempura later in the fall. The pasta of the day and the daily

fresh-made soups and sandwiches — favorite lunch choices — also showcase the best of freshly harvested farmer’s market produce, along with elegant cheeses and meats.

An exciting new development is the renovated expansion off the main dining room. “We’ve added on to the restaurant,” Catanach explains. “We now have a private dining room that seats up to 35 guests.” Included are bar seats along a counter and an open space with windows and plenty of light. Adding to the casual bar-like atmosphere, Catanach and Estrada have added several new microbrews to the menu in addition to their fine wines. “Stop in, order an appetizer, and enjoy a beer or glass of wine,” Catanach suggests. “Or, plan your

private event or dinner.” The next expansion is ideal for graduations, business meetings, reunions, or just an end-of-day bite and beer.

Now in its third year, Midtown Bistro keeps getting better and better. “We have a great staff; to have our employees on board with us because they share our passion is an honor, and it reflects to the customers when they come through the door,” reflects Catanach. “We have our patio, and we’ve just added on to the restaurant with our expanded space.

We’re doing more and more each year.”

Midtown Bistro 901 W. San Mateo Rd. 505.820.3121 MidtownBistroSF.com