A Visit to El Meze Restaurant

mini cardamon doughnuts with caramel chocolate dipping sauce

It occurs to me that I have not written about my favorite restaurants in Taos. How can that be? My "day job" is blogging over at my Napa Farmhouse 1885 and Red or Green? blogs. My favorite hobby is cooking. My weekly food shopping trip to our local organic market, Cid's, is a treat. So how did I miss telling you about the best places to eat? For such a tiny town, (Taos' population is around 5000 and Taos County is approx. 30,000), we have a number of excellent restaurants. I look forward to sharing the ones I consider the best of the best.

photo from el meze website

I am starting my favorite restaurant round-up with El Meze. Located in El Prado (about a mile from the center of the town of Taos), El Meze serves delicious, local, farm-to-table food. Chef Frederick Muller describes it this way:

"At El Meze Restaurant, I prepare fresh, regionally inspired rustic comfort food that is uniquely American. I call it, “La Comida de las Sierras,” the food of the mountains, fresh trout, jamon, corn and chiles, wild mushrooms from our mountain forests, local organic produce from our small farms. This is how I like to eat and how I like to cook, clean flavors, rustic and simple."

El Meze opened in 2008 but I went for the first time this past December. Full disclosure, I planned to go for New Year's Eve in 2012 but had a bit of a bad experience when trying to make a reservation. Long story short, they had a prix fixe menu and I phoned to ask if they had vegetarian options. The curt response was "No". I took offense, made other plans, and wrote them off. Bad idea on my part...everyone has a bad day, right?  Some girlfriends of mine decided to have a holiday celebration the week after Christmas and convinced me that El Meze was not to be missed. They were so right!

L-R Shawn, Me, Eliza, Jennifer, Lily

El Meze (which means table or tapas) serves small "Share" plates (which are much bigger than the menu portrays) and "Large" entree sized portions for main dishes. Because there were five of us we ordered a number of items and sampled everything. For starters we had the crispy Herb Frites, Chile Rajas; roasted Poblano Chile, roasted red peppers, chevre and seasonings, Frijoles de olla; heirloom bolita beans from New Mexico with sharp white cheddar from Vermont, jalapenos, cilantro and green onion served with grilled flat bread. (This is my personal favorite) and we had a order of Chicharrones; These are not your typical fried pork rinds. El meze's version delivers squares of pork belly rubbed with spices, fried to a crisp and served with a chimmichurri sauce. I would recommend everything.

photo from el meze website

We shared salads (try the grilled hearts of romaine) and for entrees we had the Tamale de cardenas; buffalo, the Beef Oxtails and the Pasta e Fagiole; homemade pasta with white beans, tomatoes, basil, garlic and Reggiano Parmigiano which sounds typical but, with the fresh ingredients used, is amazingly good.

the amazing mini cardamon doughnuts

I don't always order dessert when I go out to dinner. Skipping dessert at El Meze would be a big mistake. We ordered 5 different kinds...everything was amazing...but I have to tell you about the doughnuts.  Oh my...the donuts. Made to order Cardamon Spiced Mini Doughnuts served hot, crispy on the outside...meltingly tender on the inside. They come with a hot chocolate & caramel dipping sauce and they are fantastic. You would be crazy if you didn't give them a try! We also tried a creamy Lavender Creme Brulee, a dense but light Dark Chocolate Souffle Cake and and an Almond Semifreddo served with fresh berries. 

El Meze has a wonderful wine list and their dessert menu lists suggested sherries, port and dessert wines. 

Postscript. My birthday is in February and to celebrate my husband told me to pick anywhere I wanted to go to dinner. I picked El Meze because I wanted to go back and I wanted him to experience it too. He started with the mussels for his appetizer and then had the fabulous Truchas Verva Buena; grilled whole trout with preserved lemon, mint, cilantro and garlic. He said it was the best trout he had ever eaten. We, of course, shared the aforementioned doughnuts...He fell in love! We each had a glass of the Alvear Solera 1927 Sherry from Spain with our dessert. Another magical evening with an incredible meal. I cannot wait to go back to El Meze.

peter enjoying his doughnuts at el meze!

El Meze

Located at the El Torreon Hacienda

1017 Paseo del Pueblo Norte, El Prado, NM 87571
Mailing address: 309A Apache, Taos, NM 87571
P – 575-751-3337
F – 575-751-7394
Email – elmeze@mail.com

HOURS OF OPERATIONS

Tuesday – Saturday 5:30pm – 9:30 pm
CLOSED: July 4th, Labor Day, New Year’s Day, Sunday & Monday
OPEN: Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve & Christmas Day

My best,
diane
Feb 28, 2014

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Dog Friendly Taos

Hiking the area around the John Dunn Bridge

Sometimes it seems like everyone in Taos has a dog...or dogs. And what a terrific place for them. Hiking, swimming in rivers, lakes and streams, walks in Kit Carson Park; we even have a cross country skiing area (Enchanted Forest XC) with dog trails:

"Enchanted Forest presents an area especially for our four footed friends. 5k of trails, smooth groomed for easier skiing and varying from 6 to 12 feet. The dog trails meander through a large meadow and circle through the trees back to the parking area. Most dogs leave the trail to "take a break" but if your pooch makes some "brown klister" in the trail, a stick and a flick helps keep the trails clean.

The dog trails are open to both skiers and snowshoers with their pet pals, no track is set because of the wear from paws and snowshoes. Leashes are required in the parking area and dogs must be in at least voice command on the dog trails. If your dog cannot "play nice" under voice command a leash will be required.

Dog trails are provided as a service of the Enchanted Forest for guests who want to ski or snowshoe with their dogs. Please respect the posted rules for the use of the dog trail system for the continued enjoyment of all our guests.

You are not required to have a dog to use trails. The dog trails are fun for all skiers and snowshoers."

We have many dog friendly shops, hotels and galleries and you will see both locals and tourists walking their dogs. In warmer months there are numerous restaurants with very dog friendly patios . Some of my favorites include:

The Alley Cantina - On the Plaza in Taos, New Mexico

GUTIZ! - Latin-French Fusion in Taos, NM

Martyrs Steakhouse

Adobe Bar | Best Bars in Taos | Live Music | Taos Inn

El Gamal

Yes, most Taos dogs have a pretty amazing life. Sadly, there are some members of our community who take the "just a dog" approach. Dogs that are mistreated, neglected, abandoned, left outside in freezing or very hot weather. Dogs that are ignored, not given attention or love. Happily Taos has numerous educational and support programs to help. My favorite is our local Humane Society called Stray Hearts.

"The Humane Society of Taos, Inc dba: Stray Hearts Animal Shelter is a 501c3 non-profit organization. Our mission statement:  Stray Hearts Animal Shelter of Taos is wholly dedicated to interim compassionate and humane care and rehabilitation for lost and abandoned animals, upholding their rights for such, protecting animals from abuse and neglect and exploitation, and placing them into responsible and loving homes. We are committed to animal population control and public education to ensure long-term positive management of animal populations in our area."

Stray Hearts is focused primarily on finding homes for the dogs and cats in the shelter. They also focus on education regarding the humane treatment of animals, animal health, training and spaying & neutering. There are numerous fundraisers held throughout the year to ensure the financial viability of this amazing organization. In 2013 they raised $40k in a one day radio-a-thon and earned enough at the 4th annual Dog Day of Summer Concert to pay for a part time veterinarian at the shelter.  Stray Hearts receives a lot of support from volunteers who man the office, back of house, walk dogs, foster animals, work at the adopt-a-thons held every weekend during the farmers' market season and many other tasks.

Snow day in Kit Carson Park

In addition to Stray Hearts, the following non-profits are to be commended for the help they provide to animals in Taos County:

Four Corners Animal League Taos New Mexico

Equine Spirit Sanctuary Taos New Mexico

Taos Feral Feline Friends

I am writing about Taos dogs in this post because my beloved 10 1/2 yr old golden, Mosey, seen in most of the pictures here, was diagnosed with inoperable cancer in December. I have been focusing most of my time and energy exploring ways to extend his life as long as I can while keeping his quality of life high. I recently started a new blog MoseyLove! Support & Resources For Fighting Pet Cancer in Northern New Mexico.

The website is still in its infancy but I plan to chronicle my journey with Mose's cancer sharing what I learn regarding cures, treatment, prevention, diet, holistic options and resources for Northern New Mexicans going through the same situation. My ultimate goal is to start a non-profit which raises funds for low income New Mexicans unable to afford treatment. I was shocked at the cost of surgery, radiation, chemo, anti-cancer drugs etc. I am so fortunate to have purchased insurance with a cancer rider when Mose was a puppy. I have joined a number of canine cancer support groups on Facebook and it breaks my heart every time I read about someone who has to make the choice to forgo treatment because of financial concerns. Who knows? maybe one day my nonprofit will be listed with the ones I discussed above.

1 in 3 dogs will develop cancer in their lifetime. Would you like to get involved with helping me form my organization? If so, please contact me via the MoseyLove! site. I would really appreciate your ideas and suggestions.

My best,
diane
1.27.2014

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December in Taos & The Festival of Trees

Luminaria (small bonfire) at Lighting of Ledoux

December in Taos is magical and celebrating the holidays here is a "must do" experience. There are both annual traditions and new experiences every year. I am particularly fond of the Lighting Ledoux St event which this year is being held on Saturday night, December 7th. This historic street is lit by farolitos (paper bags filled with sand and holding a lit candle) and all the shops, galleries and museums are open. Luminarias (small bonfires) are in most of the courtyards and merchants hand out marshmallows for toasting. Read more about Lighting Ledoux by clicking here.

Farolitos line the street

Friday night, December 6th, is the annual Tree Lighting in the Plaza. You can read my post from the 2012 lighting by clicking here.  This year's schedule of events is as follows:

• 4:00 PM Welcome by Mayor Darren Cordova
• 4:00 PM - 4:20 PM Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts Light Fibrolites,
• 4:02 PM - 4:07 PM Taos Cheer,
• 4:07 PM - 4:17 PM Taos Middle School and Taos High School Chorus,
• 4:17 PM - 4:27 PM Taos Middle School and High School Band,
• 4:27 PM - 4:32 PM Sister Missionaries of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints,
• 4:32 PM - 4:45 PM Mariachi Jaguar Enchanted,
• 4:45 PM Yuletide Parade,
• 4:55 PM Fiestas de Taos Royal Court introduction and Holiday Greetings,
• 4:55 PM Santa Claus will be handing out 200 toys donated by and with the help of the Taos Optimist Club Elves,
• 4:57 PM - 5:07 PM Christmas Caroling led by Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts,
• 5:07 PM - 5:17 PM Taos Middle School Drill Team,
• 5:17 PM - 5:32 PM Taos Youth Music Group,
• 5:32 PM - 5:42 PM Mystic Dance,
• 5:42 PM - 5:57 PM Trio Alarcon,
• 5:57 PM Mayor Darren Cordova Holiday Greetings and Countdown to Tree Lighting.

Complimentary hot chocolate and cookies will be served. The Taos Plaza and businesses will be open to foot traffic, please remember that during this fun filled event vehicles will not be permitted in the plaza. Special parking arrangements will be provided for people requiring ADA access to the event.

(from Taosgov.com)

I plan to attend the tree lighting ceremony and then held over to the El Monte Sagrado Resort for the Festival of Trees. This annual event benefits many local charities in Taos. Sponsors decorate trees and wreaths and designate to which charity they would like the proceeds donated. Guests then bid on the entries via silent auction. So many worthy charities are represented and I am happy to report that Habitat for Humanity has 2 trees this year (full disclosure, I am a HFHT Board Member). Museums, animal welfare, victims of violence, ending hunger & homelessness, among others, are some of the non-profits included . In addition to the silent auction there is music, food, drinks and lots of holiday cheer. I look forward to posting a recap of the event next week.

Event info:
Festival of Trees and Wreaths – Community Party Friday, December 6, 5:30-10:00pm
El Monte Sagrado Living Resort Conference Center, 317 Kit Carson Rd. 
The event centers around a silent auction of beautifully decorated wreaths and trees. The proceeds benefit many of the Taos communities non profits. Music and dancing this year with The Damn Band, food, drinks, and a raffle. $20 entry fee, includes drink ticket, appetizers and live music. (from taos.org

Lots going on and this is just the first week of December...whew!

My best and Happy Holiday from Taos!
diane
December 4th, 2013

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World's Best Ski Towns?

courtesy National Geographic , Photograph by Bud Force, Aurora

National Geographic just created their "Top 25 List of Best Ski Towns in the World".  Of course Taos made the list!

"Best For: Art-loving skiers and boarders with a taste for steep runs and green chilies

In the world of classic ski towns, Taos is a unique gem. Originally an ancient, high-desert pueblo at the foot of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains in northern New Mexico, the city was populated in the early 20th century by artists and writers who were attracted to the Native American and Hispanic culture, stunning natural surroundings, and the region’s 300 annual days of crystalline sunshine. In 1955, a German immigrant named Ernie Blake founded Taos Ski Valley 18 miles outside of town in a narrow valley engulfed by precipitous peaks. Today, the Swiss-style chalets at the area’s base exude an old-time European character while the town itself feels like a funky Southwestern artist’s colony."  cont.

In my opinion we are #1.  Read the full story here

My best,
diane
Dec 4th, 2013

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A Visit to Taos Pueblo

The "new" San Geronimo Church, built in 1850

A trip to Taos is not complete without visiting Taos Pueblo. And, if you live here, attending many of the feasts, festivals and events held throughout the year is a "must-do" addition to your calendar.  Last July I wrote about the annual Pow-Wow and I cannot wait to share my experience after this year's Christmas Eve Vespers & Bonfire Procession, but today I want to provide some history and background on the Pueblo itself.

We have been to the Pueblo many times but one Saturday in late October we decided to take one of the tours offered every 20 minutes during open hours. Our guide, Pat Romero, who also hosts a Monday night show on local favorite KTAO radio (Contemporary, traditional and pow-wow Native American music by Native American artists), shared his experiences growing up on the Pueblo. 

Taos Pueblo is thought to be the oldest continuously inhabited community in the United States...over 1000 years. The native language, Tiwa, is still spoken today however it is "unwritten, unrecorded and will remain so"*. This is a result of the history of oppressions the people have endured.  

About 150 people currently live full time at the Pueblo, also known as the village, in buildings made of adobe (bricks constructed of mud and straw.) There is no electricity or running water and wood stoves are used for cooking and heat. Outdoor ovens, called hornos, are used for cooking and baking especially the delicious bread sold at the Pueblo and local farmers' markets.

Horno oven

It is difficult to listen to the history of the Pueblo without feeling a sense of sadness at how the people were treated. At first, visitors were welcomed and treated with kindness from the tribal members. They were repaid by being forced to convert from their native religion to Catholicism and slavery in 1619 under the guise of being "civilized". They revolted in 1680, won, and lived peacefully until the Spanish regained control in the 1700s. This lasted until 1847 where, by now, the United States was in charge. A man named Charles Bent governed the territory, now known as Arizona and New Mexico, in the midst of the US war with Mexico. According to our tour guide, Northern New Mexico was a bit cut off from Mexico and the United States. In an effort to gain independence from both governments people from the town of Taos and from the Pueblo teamed up and killed Governor Bent. The US government retaliated by rounding up and killing the leaders of the Pueblo.  Many of the tribal members fled to what they thought to be safety by inhabiting the original Catholic Church built in 1619. The US soldiers burned down the Church killing a majority of the people.

Remains of the original San Geronimo Church and the cemetery

another view of the old cemetery

Despite the gruesome history, the people of the Pueblo are kind, generous and welcoming. Many of the homes are open to the public with their residents selling crafts, art, jewelry, pottery, leather goods and/or the aforementioned horno bread. A day at the Pueblo includes shopping, walking the beautiful grounds, viewing the Red Willow Creek which is the "river" which flows through the center of the village and touring (from a distance) the structures, both the Hlaauma/North House and the Hilakkwima/South House, as well as the individual homes.  The North and South Houses are the original condominiums, homes with common walls, built over 1000 years ago.  Really beautiful.

photo, courtesy Taos Pueblo Website, Brett Schneider

TAOS PUEBLO

Monday-Saturday: 8:00am – 4:00pm
Sunday: 8:30am – 4:00pm

Guided Tours available daily starting at 9:00 am.

120 VETERANS HIGHWAY
TAOS, NM 87571

The Pueblo is generally open to visitors daily from 8am to 4:30pm, except when tribal rituals require closing the Pueblo.

Late winter to early Spring the Pueblo closes for about ten weeks.
Please call ahead if you’ll be visiting during this time. 575-758-1028

A visit to the Pueblo anytime throughout the year is wonderful but, for a truly amazing experience, try to attend one of the annual Feasts Days, Dances or other events.  The 2013 calendar follows but check the website for dates and times for upcoming years.

TAOS

Jan. 1, Turtle Dance
Jan. 6, Deer or Buffalo Dance
May 3, Santa Cruz Feast Day
June 13, San Antonio Feast Day
June 24, San Juan Feast Day
July 12,13,14, — 28th Annual Taos Pueblo Pow-Wow
July 25, Santiago Feast Day
July 26, Santa Ana Feast Day
Sept. 29, San Geronimo Eve Vespers
Sept. 30, San Geronimo Day, Traditional Pole Climbing
Dec. 24, Procession of the Virgin Mary
Dec. 25, Deer or Matachines Dance

* Taos Pueblo Visitors Guide

My best,
diane
November 29, 2013

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We're #6! We're #6!

I love posting articles written about Taos, wonderful Taos. Money Journal just came out with their "10 most liked US Cities" list and we ranked sixth.  Forgetting the fact that we are actually a town....not a city...this is pretty cool.  Major cities like Seattle, Portland Oregon, Boston and New York City made the list and then there is Taos.  How cool is that?

The magazine wrote:

"6- Taos, New Mexico – This historic Spanish outpost is still one of America’s most popular towns. Long a hub for artists and counterculture types, this small city now hosts a world class music festival and attracts visitors from all over the world. Taos might be America’s most popular small city."

You can read the rest of the article by clicking here.

We were also featured in a Forbes article titled "America's Prettiest Towns".  This time we were third out of twenty.  Forbes said:

"Taos, a stunningly beautiful mountain community located just north of Santa Fe, has earned a reputation for one of the country’s most captivating small towns. Although it is now known as a winter playground for its world-class skiing, and year-round getaway for the rich and famous, Taos retains its small-town feel while increasingly becoming an artistic hub. Santa Fe’s designation as a UNESCO Creative City has no doubt led to some spillover, but Taos’ beauty would attract artists despite outside influences. Majestic mountains, the kind of blue sky you only get at higher elevations (almost 7,000 feet – a good 1,800 or so feet higher than Denver and its “mile-high” moniker), and the desert climate all add to the traditional, Santa-Fe architectural style of the town’s center. The neighboring Taos Pueblo is a popular tourist destination and a designated National Historic Landmark."

You can read the rest of the article by clicking here.

I, of course, agree with every point except that we attract all kinds of people from all walks of life...not just the aforementioned "rich and famous".  If you live here you know how amazing Taos is.  If you have not visited yet, what are you waiting for?

My best,
diane
November 16, 2013

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