| Santa Fe Restaurant Reviews |
| The Anasazi Restaurant New American / Global 113 Washington Ave., Santa Fe, NM 505-988-3030 |
Santa Fe Restaurant Review:
In my mind, the upscale Anasazi Restaurant was one of the Big Four in Santa Fe, along with
the nationally-known Coyote Café, The Compound, and Geronimo. But when I recently
stayed at the Inn of the Anasazi again and dined in the restaurant, they were a little off
their game. It was a new chef and new attention to nickels and dimes, it seemed. At this
point, I would say that one of the above restaurants, or SantaCafe or even Cafe Pasqual or
Nostrani (not yet reviewed) would be a better choice for a great meal. But the hotel itself
was as good as ever.
SETTING - The restaurant is at the front of the famed Inn of the Anasazi in the heart of
Santa Fe, a hundred feet from the plaza, facing the 400 year-old Palace of the Governors.
The boutique hotel has (or had) the only Mobil 4-Star hotel rating in New Mexico. The Anasazi
Restaurant has its own front door (on the left, above), through a small patio in front and then
through the cozy, atmospheric bar (highly recommended for a pre-dinner drink).
FOOD - The chef is new since my last visit, came from a hotel in the Northeast, and
unfortunately, what I chose was uninspired and reminded me that this is still a hotel
restaurant. Quite the let-down from my previous dinners here. (In general, I think that hotel
dining tends to be unremarkable, but there are exceptions.) The list of entrées ($30-$38) is
short but an interesting read, at least. I can no longer vouch for the execution.
WINE - An extensive list ranging from $40 to $300.
AMBIANCE - Southwestern, with a log viga ceiling, stacked sandstone walls, and earth-toned
murals reminiscent of the large rock paintings (pictographs) left behind by the ancient ones.
The lighting is low and the mood is relaxed. Attire is dressy casual.
PARKING - The valet parking is not cheap, so you may want to find other arrangements - but
if you're dropping big bucks on a dinner, who cares?
RESERVATIONS - Not a bad idea, although I personally have never seen the restaurant full.
Also open for lunch and breakfast.
BOTTOM LINE - Elegant setting and polished service will make you feel like a big spender.
Hopefully my last dinner was just an off night.
In my mind, the upscale Anasazi Restaurant was one of the Big Four in Santa Fe, along with
the nationally-known Coyote Café, The Compound, and Geronimo. But when I recently
stayed at the Inn of the Anasazi again and dined in the restaurant, they were a little off
their game. It was a new chef and new attention to nickels and dimes, it seemed. At this
point, I would say that one of the above restaurants, or SantaCafe or even Cafe Pasqual or
Nostrani (not yet reviewed) would be a better choice for a great meal. But the hotel itself
was as good as ever.
SETTING - The restaurant is at the front of the famed Inn of the Anasazi in the heart of
Santa Fe, a hundred feet from the plaza, facing the 400 year-old Palace of the Governors.
The boutique hotel has (or had) the only Mobil 4-Star hotel rating in New Mexico. The Anasazi
Restaurant has its own front door (on the left, above), through a small patio in front and then
through the cozy, atmospheric bar (highly recommended for a pre-dinner drink).
FOOD - The chef is new since my last visit, came from a hotel in the Northeast, and
unfortunately, what I chose was uninspired and reminded me that this is still a hotel
restaurant. Quite the let-down from my previous dinners here. (In general, I think that hotel
dining tends to be unremarkable, but there are exceptions.) The list of entrées ($30-$38) is
short but an interesting read, at least. I can no longer vouch for the execution.
WINE - An extensive list ranging from $40 to $300.
AMBIANCE - Southwestern, with a log viga ceiling, stacked sandstone walls, and earth-toned
murals reminiscent of the large rock paintings (pictographs) left behind by the ancient ones.
The lighting is low and the mood is relaxed. Attire is dressy casual.
PARKING - The valet parking is not cheap, so you may want to find other arrangements - but
if you're dropping big bucks on a dinner, who cares?
RESERVATIONS - Not a bad idea, although I personally have never seen the restaurant full.
Also open for lunch and breakfast.
BOTTOM LINE - Elegant setting and polished service will make you feel like a big spender.
Hopefully my last dinner was just an off night.
