On our one full day in Santa Fe, the Missus wanted to get some hiking in. So we got up early and had breakfast provided by our accommodation, the Inn of the Governors at the attached restaurant El Charro. As before, the breakfast was decent, unlike before the staff was very friendly and accommodating.
And just like we'd done on that previous visit we headed off to do some hiking. This time we did the Winsor Trail to Jawbone Trail which was about 15 minutes out of Santa Fe.
Not much elevation, but we had to watch for all the mountain bikers who were hauling down the trail on the way back.
Though we caught up with most of them because it seems the river crossings had been washed out, so you had to be a bit creative when crossing the river.
After our hike we headed back to the hotel and relaxed. Our breakfast held us up until dinner. Knowing this would be the case, I had made early reservations. Like dinner the night before our destination was just a short walk away. We headed out a few minutes early so we could wander and window shop along the way.
It's fun to wander about and check out the little shops.
I really wanted to try New Mexican cuisine and had been lobbying the Missus to finally have some. You see, the Missus is not the biggest fan of Tex-Mex and good lord after having so many wonderful meals in Mexico it had become more difficult then ever to convince Her. What I did manage to communicate was that She should perhaps consider New Mexican cuisine to be "regional", where the current cuisine shows influences of the local product and those who lived here.
The Shed had been recommended to me by several people, a couple of which had either lived or have relatives who live in Santa Fe. It had been described as "classic", "quintessential", an "institution" and other adjectives to me. I was told that "yes tourists go here….but so do we when we visit relatives." The place has even garnered a James Beard Foundation Award as "an American Classic of timeless appeal" in 2003. The Shed opened in 1953 and has been going strong ever since.
We arrived right at the opening time at 5pm, there was already a line outside. Luckily we had reservations as the restaurant filled up quickly. We were seated in the patio area.
Where we heard the line that became the "shot across the bow" for our meal. A gentleman, American mind you, looked up from the menu and asked the super patient Server, "ummmm, what's an enchilada?" Whoa….. I really felt for the Servers here, each one seemed to patient, even though the placed was totally packed! Our Server was amazing!
The Missus wanted some Guacamole and Chips to start.
The guacamole was fine, we prefer our guacamole a bit more coarse, with more heat, and this really in need of salt and more lime. It was almost like this was made in a food processor.
The chips were warm, with a perfect thickness, and crisp.
When the Missus saw Pozole on the menu She had to try it. I was a bit hesitant, because, well, I make pozole from scratch (yes, I know I need to get that post done).
My goodness, this was terrible. The hominy was obviously canned, over cooked and mushy. The menu said that lean pork was used; no kidding! The broth had no taste…..I don't use pig head for my version but do use pig feet…this had no flavor. To us it was pozole in name only.
The Missus got the Tamale appetizer smothered in cheese and green chile.
The Missus didn't care much for this either; saying that the sauce was very bland and the tamale lacked a good corn flavor.
I got the Enchilada Plate, which came with a side of "Pozole", the hominy was again mushy and bland, and beans, which had a decent texture, but lacked flavor as well.
I got this "Christmas style", that is with both red and green chile. The corn tortillas were quite good, nice flavor, the green sauce did seem a bit bland, the red had a mild smokiness and I enjoyed it more. Both sauces weren't spicy at all.
Service was wonderful, but this was not a great introduction to New Mexican cuisine for us. In spite of all the recommendations, based on the location, perhaps this is mainly a tourist restaurant that makes "food not to offend"?
The Shed Restaurant
113 1/2 E Palace Ave.
Santa Fe, NM 87501
Oh well, you can't win 'em all!
We took our usual stroll after dinner. We really enjoy wandering around Santa Fe.
This is a statue of Pedro de Peralta who is credited with formally establishing Santa Fe.
Check out this cool swing.
There's so much public art to see.
We always enjoy Santa Fe!
Thanks for stopping by!
Santa Fe looks fun. Too bad about your dinner though
bummer the food wasn’t too good
That posole (spelled with an S in NM) looked sad. I’d recommend a long-time local favorite, Maria’s, on Cordova Rd.
I’m so sorry to hear how bad that New Mexican food was. I put New Mexican near the top of any American cuisine, and the fact that the green and red didn’t have much flavor or heat is bizarre. Usually, they are fire, with the green being close to lava.
I also LOVE posole, and that version sounds not good at all!
Santa Fe a lot of fun ST!
I know Kat!
Thanks for the recommendation ALNC!
This was quite bland and lacking Dereck!
Too bad the meal confirmed the Missus’ disklike of Tex-Mex food. The enchilada story reminded me of a woman who asked “what’s guacamole?” I answered “It’s made with avocado, …” and she asked “what’s an avocado?”
I would like to mention, with kindness and respect, that NM food is not Tex-Mex.
That was a nice trail you hiked!
LOl Sandy!
Yes, I’m aware of the differences between Tex-Mex and New Mexican cuisine ALNC. Which is how I was able to convince the Missus in spite of Her apprehension about trying it. Especially since the chilies were different, etc….
We enjoyed it Soo!
Late to this but what a bummer. Next time I would go to La Choza, which is their sister restaurant and far more locals go there. I love the green chile chicken enchiladas at La Choza. And I can’t believe you didn’t get a sopapilla in the end as dessert/palate cleanser with honey!
Thanks for the recommendation Jon!