| Maria's Mexican 555 West Cordova Rd., Santa Fe 505-983-7929 |
|
| Santa Fe Restaurant Review: A poll of Santa Fe chefs voted Maria's restaurant as the best "New Mexican" food in Santa Fe. It attracts knowledgable Mexican food lovers from far and wide. SETTING - A building dating back to the 1950's, a couple miles south of downtown Santa Fe. FOOD - Casual New Mexican. This classic Santa Fe -- you'll find thick tamales and excellent chile rellenos. For me, the ultimate is any plate with a taco (fresh-made, world class tacos here), or the Blue Corn Enchiladas with Carne Adovada inside (an extra $2 for the Adovada). Wow. And if you like margaritas, this is the place. Maria's industrial-strength margaritas are the best in town -- in my opinion, and also that of Santa Fean magazine -- and Maria's has a long list to choose from. Even the "regular" can't be beat. I know -- I've had more than a few. TEQUILAS - Whoa! Maria's can quickly become a party, because they serve a hundred different tequilas, and the usual "top shelf" standards like Cuervo Gold aren't even good enough to make the cut here. Try a "flight" of 3 one-half ounce samples served in stemmed crystal glasses. Maria's gives you a list with 3 columns: the left is premium Silver (light) tequilas, the middle is premium Gold tequilas, and the right is the super premium Anejo (aged) tequilas. For $10, you pick one of each. I would recommend ordering 3 of the same brand so you can enjoy the differences between the silver, gold, and anejo (ahn-YAY-ho). We pass them around the table. You don't need to "shoot" them -- they're silky-smooth sipping tequilas. If you haven't had a really good tequila before, here's your chance. AMBIANCE - This place is always busy. Park in back. The interior of the restaurant is tastefully understated with white-washed walls, wood floors, and a slightly western look. No touristy Mexican decor here. The building has been added onto several times, so it rambles into various rooms. RESERVATIONS - They do take reservations, which I've never done, but they might be worthwhile at peak times like weekends. BOTTOM LINE - I was reading an interview of actor Val Kilmer not long ago. He owns a home near Santa Fe, and his favorite place for Mexican food is Maria's. No surprise. |
| Santa Fe Restaurant Reviews |
 |
 |
 |
 |