Wednesday, August 09, 2006

a tale of two Santa Fe lunches(The Blue Heron & Bobcat Bite)

Yesterday my friend Charles, who moved to Santa Fe this past year, invited me to see The INN at SUNRISE SPRINGS (www.sunrisesprings.com) where he now works and to join him for lunch at their restaurant, THE BLUE HERON(242 Los Pinos Rd tel. 505-428-3600). I was quite impressed with the lunch and dinner menus, and while the location is a bit far from town (about 15 mins), it is well worth the trip out past the Santa Fe Airport to this secluded and serene spot. You can even get a day pass to the hot tubs/pool and facilities (or use the spa) if you really want to relax. The lemonade is cold and has a hint of ginger. The chef actually must adore ginger as the COCONUT CURRY Soup with Shrimp and Ginger has a nice infusion as well. While the soup is hot, it really was refreshing on a hot afternoon sitting outside (in the shade of the many trees) over the ponds and springs all around, with gurgling water everywhere. My entree was a superb TANDOORI CHICKEN WRAP, but I almost chose the Duck Salad. Whatever one decides on, I am sure it makes for a hearty, yet not overdose, of lunch in one of the calmest settings for miles.

Today, I made the pilgrimage to BOBCAT BITE (505-983-5319) located 4 miles southeast of the I-25 and Old Pecos Rd intersection on the Old Las Vegas Hwy (Historic Route 66). Bobcat is open from 11am-750pm only Wed-Saturday, so plan ahead. While we arrived at 1115am, there was already one name of the waitlist as there are so few tables. We waited about 20 minutes for a table, and by then the list was about 10 names long! (Hint: arrive before 1115am or after 2pm for lunch). While you might look at the menu at Bobcat Bite, there is really only one choice in my mind: The HAMBURGER with GREEN CHILI which is a 10 ounce Fresh Ground Choice Whole Boneless Chuck burger cooked to order and served on a simple, but fresh, bun with lettuce, tomato, potato chips (unless you order home fries) and topped with mild-hot green chilis. It is unquestionably the best burger ever, anywhere, and not just because of the chili, but because of the quality of the meat and the love that goes into the making of each one!