| The Compound Restaurant "Contemporary American Cuisine" 653 Canyon Road, Santa Fe 505-982-4353 |
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| Santa Fe Restaurant Review: The Compound Restaurant's reputation continues to grow under owner-chef Mark Kiffin, who was named "Best Chef in the Southwest" by the James Beard Foundation in 2005. The Compound has been written up in Bon Appetit, Gourmet, the New York Times. SETTING - The Compound is secluded -- tucked away behind the art galleries on ritzy Canyon Road. When you turn in, you'll follow a long driveway down the hill past some other buildings to find it nestled among the trees. The interior is white and smooth and cool -- but not austere -- with an undulating ceiling and polished brick floors and many interesting nooks and crannies. FOOD - The Tuna Tartare Topped with Osetra Caviar or "Made to Order Wild Mushroom Soup" are great starters. For an entree, try the Forever-Braised Lamb Shank or Seared Sea Scallops with Housemade Pappardelle and Braised Oxtail Ragout. Their menu changes seasonally, but they carry over their "classics". You can see the menu by clicking here. Entrees are $27-$37. Their Decadent Liquid Chocolate Cake was voted Best Dessert in Santa Fe by a poll of Santa Fe chefs. WINES - As Wine Spectator magazine recognized, their incredible wine selection is first class. About half the labels are French. Prices are not cheap, starting around $50 and well on up. Similarly, wines by the glass are $12-$15 for a healthy pour in its own small carafe. AMBIANCE - The service is Santa Fe-warm without being pretentious -- you quickly feel at home. And they seem to have a lot of "regulars" among their clientele. Frankly, I like the Compound Restaurant best for a great lunch. Only in the full light of day can you appreciate the beauty not only of the building's interior, but also of its gorgeous landscaping and courtyards (see photos). To go to their web site, click here. RESERVATIONS - Recommended. BOTTOM LINE - The prices are high (bring your best credit card) - but the Compound Restaurant delivers. |
| Santa Fe Restaurant Reviews |
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