Explore Santa Fe: Restaurants

Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the spectacular Santa Fe Sangre de Cristo Mountains, this five-day event, running September 22 through 26, pairs culinary creations from 60 of the City Different's finest restaurants with world-class wines produced by 90 different wineries.

The Santa Fe Farmers Market has been recognized as one of the top local markets in the country and is a popular spot for locals and visitors during its Saturday and Tuesday market days. After polling local restaurants, an additional market day was selected to better serve busy Santa Fe chefs wanting to support the Santa Fe Alliance's growing Farm to Restaurant initiative.

This latest New Mexico Tourism Department culinary trail recognizes the venerable independent restaurants statewide that opened before 1970. Restaurants operating for at least 40 years are both rare and notable of special recognition. Many have been in the same family for multiple generations. Others are operated by someone selected by the founder to carry on the tradition. These establishments and their proprietors have the authenticity and character that helps define New Mexico, and that visitors to our state seek. Submissions will be reviewed by a panel of Tourism Department and culinary authorities. All restaurants meeting the criteria will become part of the Trail, which will be promoted at the Tourism website www.newmexico.org and by other means.

"Red or green?" may be New Mexico's official state question, but diners will be facing many more delectable choices when the state's first Restaurant Week promotion debuts in Santa Fe (February 28th to March 6th) and Albuquerque (March 7th to 13th). It's a one-of-a-kind opportunity to experience extraordinary menus from the area's finest restaurants - and enjoy fantastic lodging packages - at very attractive prices.

To date, close to 70 restaurants and hotels are participating in both cities. Restaurants are featuring three-course, prix-fixe dinner menus for $25 per person, $25 for two, or, at a few restaurants, $40 per person. Several more participants are expected to sign on in the next few weeks.

We are pleased to announce that Amavi will be featuring a Robert Kacher Wine Dinner on November 4, 2009. The dinner will take place at 7:30pm and will include five courses with wines paired for 85 dollars per person. A fantastic deal for the quality of wines and food that will be here! Hope you all can join us!