50 Days to 50 Years, Day 08: A day in downtown Santa Fe and an evening at Geronimo
"You don't need a silver fork to eat good food." — Paul Prudhomme
Chef Prudhomme is right, I make and eat good food all the time. But I think everyone should have a true silver fork experience every once in awhile—Day 3 of the Santa Fe Foodie Excursion allowed for just that. We had the morning free, so we walked to the Plaza in downtown Santa Fe and explored some of the free galleries and the neighborhood art. The Grant Corner Galleria had some beautiful and unique pieces that would have been worth it if I was living large. We explored the grounds of the Georgia O'Keeffe museum and the beautiful Cottonwoods that grace the grounds. [gallery ids="4473,4472,4471,4470,4469,4468,4467" type="rectangular" orderby="rand"] It was quite muggy, and the clouds were heavy with rain, so we knew we would get a good downpour sometime during the day. Despite this, we still took our time getting back to the condo, and snapped some pictures of the sculptures that peppered the yards and sidewalks of the neighborhood. [gallery ids="4463,4464,4310" type="rectangular"] We got back to the condo in time enough to relax before our silver fork dinner at Geronimo, and right before the rain! We sat on the condo porch to listen to the rolling thunder, and watch the rain and lightning. I love the smells, the sounds, and the feeling of the wind and the rain electrifying the atmosphere—such a fabulous treat! Its been years since I ate at a 5-star restaurant, so I was excited to get dolled up for my silver fork evening.
The view from the porch as the rain fell and the thunder roared.
All dressed up and ready to go!
Geronimo Restaurant is housed in an historic building built by Geronimo Lopez in 1756. Called the "Borrego House", this elegant and noble structure has thick adobe walls, kiva fireplaces and wood beams; a treat for the eyes as well as the palate. Chef Sllin Cruz specializes in a menu that uses local foods and showcases the indigenous cuisine of New Mexico. So the menu changes seasonally, dependent upon what is available.
Geronimo's specialty is a Tellicherry Rubbed Elk Tenderloin, so that is what we both ordered; but not without starting out with a Red Belgian Endive Salad, Wagyu Beef Carpaccio appetizer, and a 2013 Malbec that was absolutely incredible in clarity and bouquet. Lynn had himself a beer as well, because why not? [gallery ids="4483,4484,4485,4487" type="rectangular"] We received palate-cleansing porcelain servers of Raspberry and Lime sorbets, and then we dived into the main course. The Elk Tenderloin did not disappoint. It was a melt-in-your mouth rare cut for me, and Lynn had his medium well. The beautifully seasoned Mushrooms and Snow Peas were a heavenly addition. Accompanied by the Malbec, the entire meal was akin to a religious experience, and we savored every bite. [gallery ids="4491,4489,4486" type="square"] Amazingly enough, we saved room for dessert: Lynn had a Vanilla Ice Cream with Marizipan topping and a Cardamon base. I had an Orange Creamsicle Cake, reminiscent of my favorite childhood ice cream bar.
I considered it a success that I didn't spill anything down my front and managed to keep my elbows off the table. This #foodieexcursion has been Beyond, and I am sad to see it come to an end. But this silver fork dinner experience was a fitting end.