Tecolote Cafe - Santa Fe, NM

This is simply the best place for breakfast in Santa Fe, and perhaps anywhere. Friendly is what best describes the atmosphere. It was one of our favorites, and when we lived in SF we went often. Bill and Alice would make it a point to come around to say hello and spend a few moments to share what was going on in their lives, and to find out what was happening in ours. This was not a sales ploy but rather a genuine interest in who was visiting their cafe. It always felt very much like visiting the kitchen of dear friends. Of course these friends made sure to place a large basket of freshly made muffins (lovingly baked by Alice) on every table, and when breakfast was delivered by staff members who clearly loved their jobs it was always perfection on a plate. (Just give me eggs and green chile and I'll be happy...) True, we haven't been there in a few years, but our friends  in town continue to go and rave the reviews continue on. Tecolote is nothing less than a legend, and when in Santa Fe it is quite simply - a must.

Just before writing this I discovered, with great sorrow, that Bill passed away just a month ago in May as a result of an earlier fall. What a loss to the community. We shall keep Alice and the rest of their family in our thoughts. I'm sure that under the family's sure guiding hands Tecolote will continue to be what his vision first inspired in June of 1980.

Evaluation: Extraordinarily sincere!

 
www.avam.org
1203 Cerrillos Rd
Santa Fe, NM 87505
(505) 988-1362
http://www.tecolotecafe.com/

The Pink Adobe - Restaurant - Santa Fe, NM

This is the place where Georgina and I met, so naturally we have fond memories. When we were members of the staff it was a very friendly place to dine. When we went back a couple of years ago we couldn't help but notice that the environment was much more structured and we did have the feeling that a good deal of emphasis had been placed on "turning the tables" meaning get them seated, feed them, and get them out so that the next batch could come in. Still the food continues to be very good, particularly the Steak Dunnigan (a sixteen oz monster smothered in green chili and mushrooms) is simply not to be missed. Rosalie Murphy, the original owner (friend to tons of celebs) is gone now, passed away (though I still do a pretty good impression of her - being bitter) as are all of the amazing people we worked with. At this point it seems like the template of what was is still in place, but home town flavor, alas - that's gone now. This is one that walks the line in my mind, so I am compelled to give this...

Evaluation: Kind of sincere

  

406 Old Santa Fe Trail
Santa Fe, NM 87501-2770
(505) 983-7712

Dave's Not Here - Restaurant - Santa Fe, NM

 Right, so we don't live in Santa Fe anymore, and have not lived there for like eleven years. Nevertheless some things endure in memory (and taste buds), and this is one of those places. The burgers are big and sloppy. The fries are exactly what you should never put in your body. The service is fast and generally friendly. However some-days you'll have to stand in line outside in the warm New Mexico sun to await a table. It's not a tourist destination. The green chili is, of course, a must and a small amount of blue cheese on that burger is always a good idea.


The Dave Story: Dave was a beloved local chef who worked for another restaurant in town who branched off to claim his own small bit of local fame with this little place formerly called - you got it - Dave's. Unfortunately, with instant fame came a growing habit that got him in deep trouble. So deep that he had to give the place up. The folks who took it over however paid deserved tribute to his ground work by keeping everything the same but for that slight alteration of the name.

Evaluation: Very sincere

  

1115 Hickox St, Santa Fe, NM 87505
(505) 983-7060