The Newest Kid on the Downtown Block

During the day, skylights naturally illuminate a good portion of the attractive bar and the enclosed patio, and dark wooden accents and decorative light fixtures make the remainder of the restaurant interior feel sturdy, warm and cozy. The kitchen at Milagro will offer "cuisine of the Americas," with plenty of nods to Mexico, and the menu is in very capable hands: Chef Fernando Ruiz - who worked at Río Chama Steakhouse for many years.

The restaurant's Web site (www.milagro139) wasn't operational as of press time, but a menu is posted near the entrance to the restaurant on West San Francisco Street. Here's a taste of what's to come: tableside guacamole; queso fundido; tapas like quail with three mole sauces; barbacoa short ribs; an Anaheim-chile filet mignon; creative soups and salads; and scrumptious-sounding desserts (like chocolate-churro bread pudding and prickly pear crème brûlée).

You may also be impressed with the approachable prices offered at such a prime location in downtown Santa Fe - I didn't spy one item on the menu over $23.

Milagro139 celebrates its grand opening over the next few days with a variety of free late-evening public performances and events. Stop in at 10 p.m. Friday to catch Taos duo Vanilla Pop, which twists the hits of the '70s and '80s into Vegas lounge tunes. At 10 p.m. Saturday, singer-songwriter Gordon Free and his band celebrate the release of their latest album with a live performance. And at 10 p.m. Monday, Santa Fe's newest restaurant hosts Santa Fe's newest live-performance radio showcase, David Schwartz's and Clayton Cheek's "The Santa Fe Mix" (the show recorded on May 25 will be broadcast on KBAC-FM 98.1 on June 1). Jono Manson, Sharon Gilchrist, Terry Diers and Wiley Jim are scheduled to perform.

Milagro 139 is open from 3:00 PM for Tapas and Cocktails, and 5:30 on for dinner.

Every night through May 28, the live music kicks off at
10 p.m., and the tapas are complementary (while supplies last).