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You are here: Home / Archives for Best of Santa Fe

The Art of Women’s Clothing

July 5, 2016 by Malissa Kullberg Leave a Comment

La Boheme, Women's Clothing“Well-curated; a breath of fresh air; a unique shop with a marvelous aesthetic.” Head to La Bohème’s Facebook Wall and you’ll see love notes from past shoppers whose words suggest they are both clothes-savvy and worldly. Indeed, La Bohème is a women’s clothing store for those in-the-know: about fabrics, history, cultures and style. More than just a women’s clothing store, this boutique also carries antique silver jewelry; Nigerian indigo-dyed bags; delicate cottons; handmade paper and hats by Albertus Swanepoel –the diverse mix is satisfying for the senses and the sensibilities.

Owner Margaret Beattie takes pride in stocking items that are ethically and sustainably sourced and made by artisans impassioned about their work. Her commitment to excellence and fair-dealing dovetails powerfully with that of her suppliers. Their shared perspective creates mutually supportive bonds and unique opportunities. The tiny shop has hosted trunk shows with the likes of Christina Kim of Dosa and Gasali Onireke Adeyemo, who teaches traditional Yoruba batik and Adire (tie dye) around the country.

Margaret also has an outstanding collection of antique and contemporary Navajo and Pueblo jewelry. Many of the pieces were purchased Margaret’s mother-in-law, the artist Teal McKibben. McKibben originally sold art and jewelry in the same locale, then named La Bodega.

Margaret’s product knowledge is deep and her vision is strong. Perhaps because of this, scouts from other women’s clothing stores have slipped into the store, casually querying about her sources and connections. But true individuality is self-renewing. You might find some of these items elsewhere about town, but you won’t find them all, nor will you have Margaret, guiding you with back stories and a collector’s eye for the exquisite.

Running the show alone means that Margaret is occasionally pulled in two directions. While regular hours are 11:00 -5:30, it’s best to call ahead to ensure the shop is open during scheduled hours.

Filed Under: Santa Fe Blog Tagged With: Best of Santa Fe, Canyon Road, community, downtown Santa Fe, Santa Fe, Santa Fe Downtown, Santa Fe Neighborhoods

Dining Santa Fe: Andiamo

February 13, 2012 by Malissa Kullberg Leave a Comment

AndiamoDining Santa Fe: Andiamo. Authentic in taste, if a bit upscale for the term “Trattoria,” Andiamo reminds me of dining in Italy for its quality of ingredients, smooth composition, and generous hospitality.  An intersection of passion, pride, and joyous good humor prevails, whether the restaurant is packed or building steam. Credit the caring staff for upholding the feeling.  Credit the cook for putting together knockout culinary combinations.

The acme of appetizers is the Crispy Polenta: a Rumba of taste and texture– at once crispy, creamy, savory and sweet. My ten year old niece ate it with gusto as has every adult I know who’s put a fork into its luscious appeal.  The Parma Prosciutto + Belgian Endive is a tastebud-zinging balance of mildly bitter, fruity and salty flavors. For the main course, I love the Penne with House-Made Lamb Sausage, the Chicken Marsala with its earthy porcini side, and the Seafood Linguini.  I am less wowed by the Pizzas (for those, I head to Farina, in Albuquerque.  More on that in another post).

While I am not much of a dessert fan, I find the pots de crème irresistible, to a giddy, sybaritic, self-embarrassing degree. This Chocolatey Custard is rich enough to split, luxurious enough to make any meal a Valentine. My younger relatives favor the Profiteroles (puff pastries, ice cream AND chocolate sauce.) I hear the Pannacotta is excellent. Skip the unremarkable cookies.

A comparatively low-cost way to check out Andiamo is during its weekday Happy Hour.  Select glasses of wine and appetizers are offered at reduced prices. Sip, sample, and you won’t be able to resist returning.

Arguably “Santa Fe’s Best Italian,” Andiamo has snagged 1st place honors for four years running in The Santa Fe Reporter’s Best of Santa Fe annual poll (2008-2011.) Its fans are loyal and happy.

Andatene: Go. Eat. Enjoy.

Located at 322 Garfield Street, in the Railyard District, an easy walk from The Plaza, Andiamo is open for Lunch from 11-2 and from 5:00 PM for Dinner. Some items are available partially-cooked, to be completed and enjoyed at home.  Catering is also available. Tel: 505.995.9595

Filed Under: Featured, Santa Fe Restaurant Reviews Tagged With: Best of Santa Fe, cuisine, Restaurants, Santa Fe, Santa Fe Downtown, Santa Fe Reporter

Dining Santa Fe: The Green Chile Cheeseburger

January 11, 2011 by Malissa Kullberg 1 Comment

NM Dept of Tourism Green Chile Cheeseburger Trail“No state is more passionate about its burger than New Mexico,” states The New Mexico Department of Tourism, a claim that Texas, California, Illinois or half-a-dozen other burger-loving locales might dispute.  But the Land of Enchantment can call first and best for the marriage of burger and green chile.

Chile is what makes New Mexican food New Mexican, versus Mexican or Tex-Mex. Red and Green chile come from the same plant, harvested at different times. Red chile, made from dried, ground pods, has a sweeter, slightly smoky taste. Green chile is to me what pesto was to Genovese sailors: it holds the bright, fresh essence of New Mexican sunshine in a taste.

New Mexico’s Green Chile Cheeseburger Trail, put together by the New Mexico Department of Tourism, is a”[selection of] some four dozen of the state’s outstanding green chile cheeseburger restaurants, cafes, drive-ins, and joints.”  Below– in alphabetical order, not order of preference– are our recommendations for the best local spots in downtown Santa Fe.

Bert’s Burger Bowl: Our usual order is a green chile cheeseburger with a side of sweet potato fries and spicy sauce, but the flavorful gourmet burgers, such as lamb, Kobe Beef and Ostrich– are what really set Bert’s apart. Service is perfunctory. Outdoor seating options are tables on busy Guadalupe or in a plastic-windowed shotgun patio without atmosphere or adequate heat for cool weather. Also note that the Arnold Palmers are made with Sprite, not lemonade. Still, for quick, filling, savory and cheap, Bert’s is a good bet. Diners, Drive-ins and Dives’ Guy Fieri visited Bert’s in November of 2009. Watch the YouTube.

Bobcat Bite: This small, ever-busy, no-nonsense diner is a perennial Santa Fe Reporter “Best of Santa Fe” winner that has reaped kudos from sources as diverse as GQ, Bon Appetit and The Chicago Tribune.  The thick, juicy 10 ounce burgers are made of choice ground choice whole boneless chuck or sirloin served on a toasty, cornmeal dusted bun.  Homefries extra. Well-worth the 15 minute drive. 420 Old Las Vegas Highway Tel: 505.983.5319 Winter Hours: 11-7:50.

Cowgirl Santa Fe: The Cowgirl’s half-pound choice burger comes with fries and slaw, topped with your choice of cheddar, Monterey Jack, Swiss or Blue Cheese. Add a dollar for green chile strips and the Cowgirl’s burger is still a bargain relative to other sit-down restaurants.  Plus, the Kaiser Roll beats the typical tasteless, super-soft white bread bun by a yard. Feeling adventurous? For a few dollars more, you can get an Elk, Buffalo or Venison burger, smothered in Green, topped with cheddar, with a salad on the side. Tel: 982.2565; 319 S. Guadalupe St. For hours and Directions, click here.

Santacafé: I haven’t had their Green Chile Cheeseburger and, frankly, this isn’t the sort of fare I seek out at this upscale restaurant known for its American-Southwest-dash-of-Asian fusion cuisine (the Calamari with 4 Chile Lime dipping sauce is a must-try.) But if you want your burger in slightly more sophisticated surroundings, Santa Cafe is a good bet.  The courtyard is a wonderful setting in fair weather. 231 Washington Avenue Tel: 505.984.1788

Second Street Brewery:  The half-pound choice burger can be topped with green chile and cheese for an additional $1.75.  Homemade fries or chips are included, or you can substitute slaw, onion rings, soup, stew or a salad of mixed greens– my usual choice. Quality, handcrafted beers and frequent live music are among the reasons Second Street made the list. The newest location in the Railyard, is walking distance from the Plaza, and hard by Box Gallery and SITE Santa Fe, two of our favorite places for Contemporary Art.  Tel: 989-3278 The original Second Street Brewery is located at 1814 Second Street, near the Pacheco Street Arts District. Tel: 982-3030 The new Second Street is brand new and a tad swankier, but the old building has Ernie– as sensitive and savvy a waiter as you’ll find at any price point.

I put the vote for best Green Chile Cheeseburger out to my friends on Facebook.  The swift and rich response included plugs for Albuquerque eateries (Lumpy’s, Five Star Burger, Duran’s and O’Neill’s) as well as both confirmation (Bobcat Bite) and counterpoint (Rio Chama, Del Charro, Horseman’s Haven, San Francisco Bar & Grill, and El Milagro) for our Santa Fe lineup.

Have an opinion?  Leave your comment below.  We’d love to hear your thoughts.

READERS NOTE: Through the end of the month, you can nominate your favorite candidate for best New Mexico Green Chile Cheeseburger.  Follow this link to fill out the brief nomination form. Voting runs from March 1st through March 31st, so be sure to check back and cast your vote.

UPDATE:  The burgers made famous by John and Bonnie Eckre at the Bobcat Bite can now be enjoyed at their new location Santa Fe Bite, at the Garrett’s Desert Inn, in downtown Santa Fe on Old Santa Fe Trail.

Filed Under: Santa Fe Blog, Santa Fe Downtown, Santa Fe Restaurant Reviews Tagged With: Best of Santa Fe, Cowgirl Hall of Fame Restaurant, cuisine, green chile, New Mexico, New Mexico Department of Tourism, Restaurants, Santa Fe, Santa Fe Downtown, Santa Fe Reporter, The Railyard

Party on the Plaza: Southwest Roots Music at the Santa Fe Bandstand

August 1, 2010 by Malissa Kullberg Leave a Comment

Here’s something I love about my business.

In the course of checking out a house for a client, our paths intersected with Mike Koster, a Director of Southwest Roots Music (SWRM) and the founder and sustaining force behind the Thirsty Ear Festival. Most of us know them as the folks who’ve brought New Mexico the likes of Dr. John, Bo Diddley, Taj Mahal, The Wailers, and Odetta. But Southwest Roots Music is more than just a concert promoter. It’s a nonprofit 501c3 organization “dedicated to increasing awareness of New Mexico as a center for music, to promoting traditional music through educational programs and live performances by local and internationally renowned artists, and to helping strengthen New Mexico’s arts economy.” Click the links to read more on these worthy folks who add dimension to our musical scene.

Tomorrow night, August 3rd, I’m heading downtown for Southwest Roots Music night, featuring Boris and The Saltlicks followed by Po’ Girl.  Mike thought I might like Po’ Girl since I am a fan of Canadian Folk Duo The Be Good Tanyas. We’ll grab a loaf of Clafouti bread, some cheese and salad and make it an evening picnic.

httpvhd://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aypHpfaHQfs&feature=sub

Two years ago, I viewed the Santa Fe Bandstand as a hokey reminder that Santa Fe is, indeed, a small town.  But the city responded to complaints about quality and upped the caliber of featured acts. Right about then was the first year Southwest Roots Music got involved, along with the admirable not-for-profit Outside In Productions (Take a moment; click the link, and READ about their powerful mission.) The changes were so successful, 2010 readers of the Santa Fe Reporter awarded the Plaza Best Outdoor Public Space and the Bandstand concerts Best Community Event or Festival. No polls are perfect, but  Best of Santa Fe 2010 offers a pretty good insight into the tastes of Santa Fe denizens. Scan the calendar for upcoming events and take advantage of just one more offering that makes the City Different a remarkable place to call home.

As for Southwest Roots Music, they’re taking a couple of months off–for the first time in eleven years, but count on Mike to be back in the saddle by winter, bringing us fresh encounters with traditional music.

~*~*~

For honest, fly-on-the-wall insight on the Santa Fe Art Scene, read Patricia Sauthoff’s piece, Seen in Santa Fe’s Scene: A Critical Look posted on the End of Being’s website.

~*~*~

Mike Rohner wrote in to let us know he’d have a booth (#121) at the Girls Inc. Arts and Crafts Show on the plaza this weekend with new work.  Mike will be sharing space “with the talented brothers Gino and Viento Natchez” whose work can be seen at Four Winds Gallery. Swing by and support independent and emerging talents.


Filed Under: Cultural & Community Events, Santa Fe Blog Tagged With: Artists, Best of Santa Fe, economy, Emerging Artists, Independent Artists, Music, musical scene, New Mexico, Santa Fe, Santa Fe Downtown, Santa Fe Reporter, The Plaza

Dining Santa Fe: India House

September 22, 2009 by Malissa Kullberg 1 Comment

India-House Like many immigrants arriving in New York from India in 1974, Kewal Dhindsa found his first job in the United States in a restaurant.  Unlike his comrades, however, he refused to start as a waiter, determined to be a cook. He was so determined, in fact, that he cut a deal with the renowned Punjabi restaurant’s Master Chef to work six months without pay, on call like a medical intern. To sweeten his teacher’s temperament, he often brought him a fifth of spirits.

Those six months paid off, when Kewal got his first job as a cook, earning three times a waiter’s wage, and garnering the skills that enabled him to open his own restaurant in Santa Fe in 1992.

The early nineties were tough times to start a business.  The threat of Hantavirus nearly killed tourism, and Dhindsa took on a lot of debt to survive.  But eventually, tourism turned a corner, the business thrived and in 2005, the family opened a second restaurant, India Palace, in Albuquerque.

We spoke with Amrik Dhindsa, one of Kewal’s two sons, who credits the restaurant’s success to time, attention and quality of ingredients–like real saffron for the rice. “Good Punjabi cuisine is labor intensive.  To give the rice pudding deep flavor, you have to cook it for a long time and keep scraping it down.  If it sticks, it runs the whole batch. “India-House-3

Does India House have a specialty?  “Chicken Tikka Masala.”  Amrik’s favorite dish?  “Mint Lamb Curry, not a regular entree, but soon to be introduced. “We are very accommodating of our vegetarian and vegan customers.  We use different utensils and pans.”

Perhaps the most powerful secret to the rich satisfaction of the restaurant’s food is something found on grandma’s shelf: love and a desire to serve.  “Ours is a very hospitable culture.  We feel bad if we are not able to provide,” says Amrik. Familial warmth is pervasive throughout the restaurant’s culture.  Diners are greeted like honored guests.  And staff members work cooperatively, not competitively.

India-House“Waiters are not assigned tables or given a section, ” says Amrik.  “They work together.  One clears a table, one wipes and another is standing ready to set.” As a result, staff turnover is minimal.  Gurmit Saroya, whose son Surjit is the cook, has worked at India House for 17 years.  (A vegetarian, Gurmit’s favorite dishes are the paneer and makhni.)  Gurmit, too, praises the community spirit.

“We work like a family.  The feeling is good.  There’s lots of respect.”

He praises the owners for their generosity towards their staff.  “They make us whatever we want to eat, never tell us we can’t have something. They take care of us.”

Communal support is evidenced by the staff and owner’s approach to waiter John’s upcoming trip to India.  Although John will be gone for several months, the owners have decided not to hire a replacement.  Instead, everyone–including the owners–will step in to cover John’s shifts.  John, whose first job was as one of Mother Teresa’s Missionaries of the Poor, wouldn’t work anywhere else.

India House is located at 2501 Cerrillos, near the Casa Alegre neighborhood.  Hours: 11:30-2:30 daily for the buffet, and from 5:00-10:00 nightly for dinner. Tel: 471.2651.

Filed Under: Santa Fe Blog, Santa Fe Restaurant Reviews Tagged With: Best of Santa Fe, Casa Alegre, Cowgirl Hall of Fame Restaurant, cuisine, Culture, Restaurants, Santa Fe, Santa Fe Downtown

Dining Santa Fe: Best New Mexican

July 29, 2009 by Malissa Kullberg 4 Comments

Last week, The Santa Fe Reporter released its much anticipated Best of Santa Fe issue, the results of an annual reader poll ( SFReporter.com.) While we share a number of favorites, our short list for best New Mexican does not include this year’s multiple-category winner, Tomasita’s (although they do make fine sopapillas and fabulous honey butter.)  Check them all out and  send us your vote.

The Shed: Dependable excellence and charming atmosphere make this downtown spot just a block off The Plaza a mainstay for locals and tourists alike.  Good selection of non New Mexican fare if your party includes both the chile seeking and the chile adverse. We like the #10–one, blue corn, cheese enchilada and one, blue corn taco with chicken or beef.  The Chicken Enchilada Verde, with roasted chicken, is also quite good.  Carne Adovada with its deep red chile flavor is a popular item. The chile–especially, the red, is hot. If your palate or stomach favors milder fare, try the excellent Grilled Chicken, Blue Cheese and Walnut Salad, or the mushroom soup– light, creamy and nicely textured with bits of fresh mushroom.  Garlic bread is a surprisingly but pleasant side. Posole is regretably bland.  Expect a wait of at least 40 minutes for dinner, a little less for lunch, but don’t let that deter you from trying what is arguably Santa Fe’s best New Mexican restaurant. * Lunch: 11:00-2:30; Dinner: 5:30-9:00 RESERVATIONS RECOMMENDED * 113 1/2 E. Palace Ave. * 982.9030

Marias: Famous for its 100+ margaritas, Maria’s  takes the crown for the best local posole: full flavored, not too spicy, graced with chunks of braised pork and slivers of menudo.  We like the open faced tacos with beef and chicken as well as the enchiladas. The fajitas, served on a sizzling iron platter, have bright, deep flavor, and come with sides of tasty guacamole, fresh pico de gallo, and house made flour tortillas. The Garlic Butter New York (steak) also gets high marks.  Vegetarians have a few options, including cheese enchiladas, bean burritos and guacamole tacos.  Re: margaritas: Maria’s consistently wins polls for best margarita,  even earning the moniker “The Motherlode of Margaritas” from the Seattle Times. The range and variety of offerings bedazzle, like the flashing legs of a chorus line, but it’s the quality of ingredients that really brings home the accolades.  Maria’s only uses “real” tequila (made with at least 51% agave juice, although I’ve never had a Maria’s marg made with less than 100%) distilled and produced in Mexico and shuns mixes and flavorings in preference for freshly squeezed lemon juice and triple sec, etc. To avoid watering down the final product, the margaritas are shaken, not blended.  Denizen’s of lower altitudes, be forewarned, Maria’s margaritas are strong. Drink with restraint and respect.   555 W. Cordova Rd. *983.7929

Filed Under: Santa Fe Blog, Santa Fe Restaurant Reviews Tagged With: best margarita, Best of Santa Fe, green chile, Maria's, Restaurants, Santa Fe, Santa Fe Downtown, Santa Fe Downtown Real Estate, Santa Fe Plaza, Santa Fe Reporter, The Shed

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Sights and Sounds: Changing Gallery’s May 2 Event

By the time the evening was over, we could see our breath, but hours of damp and chill didn’t quench the warm afterglow from Sights and Sounds, Changing Gallery’s recent mix of art and music. Rising talent, Phillip Vigil, plastered Unit Seven with his energetic pastels. Jennifer Joseph had two paintings in Unit Six and […]

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See and Be Scene

A little over a year ago, my business partner and I held our first art opening at our listing at 123 West Santa Fe Avenue.  We knew a few artists without gallery representation in Santa Fe; I’d been the co-director of a contemporary art gallery in Santa Fe; we had open walls and a killer […]

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Dining Santa Fe: Best New Mexican

Last week, The Santa Fe Reporter released its much anticipated Best of Santa Fe issue, the results of an annual reader poll ( SFReporter.com.) While we share a number of favorites, our short list for best New Mexican does not include this year’s multiple-category winner, Tomasita’s (although they do make fine sopapillas and fabulous honey […]

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Santa Fe Art Scene: Substance over Style

Sure, Santa Fe was crowned a UNESCO Creative City in 2005 (for folk art and design) and has apparent squatter’s right in the Small Cities category of American Style’s annual poll on the top 25 arts destinations.  We’re known for the Canyon Road art galleries, the opera, Indian Market, Spanish Market and most recently, the […]

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