What can you say about El Farol that hasn’t already been said?
It’s the oldest cantina and restaurant in Santa Fe. It has been the home of the bohemian art scene for well over 175 years and still home to the originals Spanish tapas bar in Santa Fe.
Sitting at the bar, in this 300 year old adobe, nestled on the fashionable and home of the world famous Canyon Road, one is immediately transformed back to a time of the rugged and wild west. Walking on squeaky, uneven wood floors you are surrounded by one of the most interesting collections of art in the city. El Farol host one of the largest collections of “fresco” paintings in Santa Fe, second only to the New Mexico Museum of Fine Art.
While at El Farol make sure you try some of my favorite tapas to tempt your appetite. 1st and foremost, you must try the Pasta Pinon Verde, penne pasta in a poblano, manchego and pinon cream sauce. This is decadent and by far, one of my favorites. The kids will love it!
Two of my favorite vegetable dishes El Farol offers are the Alcachofas and the Aguacate. Alcachofas or Artichokes are served with a reggiano-crusted heart in lemon-caper butter. Aguacate or Avocado is fried with salsa cruda and lime crema.
Both vegetables are unique in taste, preparation, and presentation, which leave your taste buds in a maze of wonderment.
If you’re looking for more protein and are looking for a meat dish, I recommend the Puerco Asado, grilled pork tenderloin with figs, port and idiazabal (a tangy Spanish cheese). This dish is like having your main course and dessert all at the same time.
Speaking of dessert, dive in to the Tres Leches Cake, a vanilla sponge cake soaked in sweetened coconut milk tequila cream and condensed milk. This dessert, I have to say is one if my favorites everywhere we go and the tres leches cake at El Farol fits the bill. Served with a large spoonful of homemade cinnamon whipped cream.
Entertainment is on the bill EVERY NIGHT, from folk to rock to latin music, including poetry on Monday Nights!
See you at El Farol
by Victor Romero
