Tortilla chips come with three salsas: which one to try first?
made from Sauza Hornitos Reposado, Sauza Hornitos Añejo, Grand Marnier, and Patrón Citrónge—delish! We decide that dishes from the appetizer menu suit our appetites, since we had done a little nibbling before the deluge hit. We order a trio of starters, kicking off with a basket of corn chips (served warm—yummy) with a trio of salsas—tomato, roasted pineapple, and tomatillo—each has a nice kick and pep from roasted jalapeño. Our guacamole is gobbled up, and we order a second bowl. My vegan friend loves the kale and roasted chile hummus served with veggies and pita chips for dipping; we all agree the kale makes it special. A tasty cilantrolime–dressed salad with roasted pulled chicken and avocado is served in an avocado half, retro-style, tipping its hat to the days of the Harvey girls who would have been proud to serve it. The large menu also offers enchiladas, short ribs, wraps, burgers, sliders, and much more, making it the ideal destination if your gang is yearning for either big or small meals. The hungriest in the group (oh, that was me) loves the torta de borrego, a two-fisted sandwich with tender local lamb shoulder, tomatoes, arugula and feta—also local—with lemon-cilantro aioli. Sided with crisp and light beer-battered onion rings, it’s the hit of the night. Desserts come in mini $3 bites—great if you just want a little sweet finish to the night. The tres leches in a shot glass is fun, given a zip with prickly pear coulis. We love the churros with Mexican chocolate dipping sauce so much that we order a second. As the band kicks into high gear with “Beast of Burden,” we all flirt with idea of getting up to dance; but wisely, given the hour and full bellies, we don’t. Next time! With the holidays upon us, and promises of out-of-town guests along with the need for celebrations, I know where I’ll be going. At La Fiesta Lounge everything old is new again, and I love it.—JV
The torta de borrego, stuffed with local lamb, caramelized onions, and feta cheese, is served in the hotel's La Fiesta Lounge. Even the hungriest two-stepper will be back up and dancing after!
Desserts are small— served in a shot glass— and satisfying. Fresh berries and mint top the tres leches and prickly pear coulis combination.
La Fiesta Lounge at La Fonda Hotel, 100 E San Francisco, 505-982-5511, lafondasantafe.com october/november 2016
santa fean
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