My Northern New Mexico Love Affair: Artful Dining

There's nothing like sampling local food & drink to get a true 'taste' of a destination. Layer on the influence of cuisines that reflect multiple cultures and I'm especially excited. Such has always been the case, during my Northern New Mexico travels. 

I stumbled upon Michael’s Kitchen, Restaurant & Bakery during my first Taos visit, in 1982. At that time, the restaurant had only been open for about eight years. But it has been a ‘must-do’ for me, through many additional visits. I love the restaurant's old-school vibe, with its creaking floors and handcarved, wood sun 'mural,' almost as much as I love the Atole (blue corn)-Piñon Pancakes and drooling over their enormous bakery case.

I've always been a sucker for an authentic soda fountain too. Taos Mercantile Co.'s soda fountain was another welcome surprise when I stumbled upon it. Yum! The funny thing is I had shopped in the retail area of this business multiple times, over the years, but hadn't previously zeroed in on this classic counter.

But perhaps my favorite Taos dining spot is Orlando’s New Mexican Café. Not far from Taos Pueblo, it's a world away from the pueblo's serene vibe (the Pueblo is not currently open). The restaurant is tiny and bright on the inside, with a comfortable patio full of tables with umbrellas and a wait list. We saw a gorgeous sunset on one evening, while toasting our recent arrival over big margaritas and tasty plates.

What are your favorite dining spots in Taos? I need to update my list, for my next visit!