After our lunch at Manzanita Market we decided to check out a couple of shops we'd seen the day before. The Missus wanted more chocolates, so we stopped in at Chokola.
Which had a nice selection for the Missus.
The Missus got a nice box of chocolates which She enjoyed.
Chokola
100 Juan Largo Ln.
Taos, NM 87571
We enjoyed window shopping.
Here's an interesting sign in the gift shop for the Benedictine Monks of Taos.
We found a shirt that both that Missus and I liked in one of the shops and decided to get that. It's one of my favorites currently.
On Kit Carson Road, past all the art galleries and shops we saw a tea shop.
And popped on in. The girls working were really nice, but didn't have much knowledge regarding some of the teas they sold, so they got the manager to chat with the Missus.
And in the end, the Missus got some Early Grey and stuffs for Her.
tea.o.graphy
125 Kit Carson Rd.
Taos, NM 87571
After which we headed back to the hotel for a break.
As for dinner; well, I hadn't made any reservations for this evening, but had shown the Missus the menu at Lambert's which many consider to be the best fine dining establishment in Taos. The Missus really wasn't feeling like having that type of meal, wanting something more relaxed. I then showed Her the menu of Lambert's more casual bar and lounge called the Treehouse and we knew where we'd be getting dinner. The place was basically a half block from where we were staying and we strolled over getting there a bit after 5pm.
The place was already fairly busy! We got one of the small high-tops with stools, our bartender, I wish I could recall her name was awesome. We asked about the various wine and cocktails and once she knew our tastes, heck, we just left it up to her! She didn't let us down.
As for the food; things started off with the Smoked Trout Deviled Eggs.
Quite smoky and savory, creamy, with a slight eggy-richness. Not overly fatty, this was quite nice.
Next up was the Duck Confit and Waffle.
The duck confit had been breaded and fried, the batter was super sweet, the duck tougher and drier than what we'd consider duck confit. The blue corn waffle was crisp, but the supposed chipotle-agave glaze was overly sweet as well. We loved the charred turnips.
We enjoyed the Bison Relleno.
Crisp exterior, the bison short rib had a light, seet-beefiness to it and was very tender. The cilantro-lime crema really helped to cut the richness of the dish.
Last up was the Goat Birria Tostada. Knowing how much I like birria de chivo, you know I had to try this.
Loved the crispy-crunchy blue corn tostada. The queso was mild, so it didn't mess with the flavor of the goat, which was milder in gaminess than other versions I've had but not bad. Mild spices, did not like the broth/sauce which were bland. The pickled onions really helped things by adding acidity to the dish.
Overall, a pretty nice, relaxed meal. Most of the customers on this evening seemed like locals. I'd return if we're in Taos again.
Especially if that bartender is working, she was amazing.
Treehouse Bar & Lounge (Above Lambert's of Taos)
123 Bent St.
Taos, NM 87571
After dinner, we took our usual walk. This time, we headed south down Paseo Del Pueblo Sur.
Again taking time to appreciate the art and beauty of the town.
Before heading back to our room for a nice night of sleep.
I'm sure we'll return to Taos!
Thanks for stopping by!
We were sent a text when our room was ready; which was in one of the buildings in back of the Inn, it was comfortable and quieter than the rooms up front.
The Missus really enjoyed the Gruet Brut and also the Gruet Chardonnay with dinner. Gruet is a winery based in New Mexico. We'd end up getting a bottle for the Missus from one of the shops in Taos the next day.
The pork was nicely charred. In terms of flavor; it had some sweetness and a bit of spice…..the nice crispy bits were pretty good. The tortillas were almost crisp and brittle without much flavor. The sofrito rice and beans I covered above.
It was loaded with meat. The beef rib, their version of Xà Quách Suon Bò had also been seared a bit before service. The sliced "short rib" (as defined in the menu) was cut too thick, super tough, and lacked flavor. Strangely, what is usually not my favorite item in a bowl of pho, the squeaky meatballs was the item I enjoyed the most. Of course, there was no option for tendon or tripe. The rib meat came off the bone cleanly, was decently tender, but seemed to have had all the beefiness cooked out of it. Yes, it was a large portion of meat.
The huge clump of noodles were mushy and over cooked. The broth was super bland….I do complain a bit about how pho broth in San Diego seems to be on the sweeter side of the scale….well, you know what, I would have gladly accepted that here! Much like the Niu Rou Mian broth at 
In case you haven't heard of this, Good News was created back in the 70's. I believe that Good News is mainly sold back in the Islands these days. This was my late Mom's favorite guilty pleasure. She would get me to walk to Kaimuki Sundries or Lau Market to get one for her every once in a while. Every time I see it within the confines of a small neighborhood store or market, I can't help but think of my walks (she never did learn to drive and we had no car) around the corner to get one for her.