Trying to impress your newest love interest?
Head out to the Hyatt Tamaya Resort in Bernalillo. About 15 minutes outside Albuquerque, the Santa Ana CafÇ in the Tamaya offers up great atmosphere and even better food. Don't let the name fool you, it's not a burger joint or a cafeteria. It is actually a fabulous restaurant that turns dinner into an experience that lasts the entire evening.
The road up to the resort is dark and serpentine, allowing you to feel that you are on the path toward something unusual. Approaching the Tamaya you see low buildings in classic New Mexican style with attractive lighting and gorgeous landscaping. Every place I looked had been sculpted to be aesthetically pleasing. Once you are there, the impeccable service of the Hyatt makes an indelible impression. The valets, doormen and hosts are personable and service-oriented.
I started my night by following my companions into the Rio Grande Bar. Decorated in New Mexican style, and at 7:30 p.m. on a Friday night, it is not very crowded. Inspired by the southwestern art and dÇcor, I ordered a Margarita Turquoise, made with Jose Cuervo 1800 Reposado tequila, blue Curacao with lemon, lime and pineapple juices. One of seven different margarita choices, the Margarita Turquoise is $7.75 and worth every penny. It comes with an extra little pitcher of the concoction, just to make sure you get enough. I was going to have two, but thought better of it. The ample drink selection includes a variety of wines, beers and cordials - all of which, unfortunately, have hotel prices. The Rio Grande Bar serves appetizers and has a diverse, but overpriced, selection of cigars. If you're going to smoke one, bring your own. The bar also offers live music Friday and Saturday nights from 8-11 p.m.
After a few drinks, my group headed downstairs to the Santa Ana CafÇ. The restaurant has a soft, dark atmosphere that almost encourages you to speak quietly. Not a party spot, but a perfect place to whisper little love poems to your sweetie. The restaurant's menu offers little reason for it to be called a cafÇ. The menu is diverse and creative, with many unusual treats.
My meal began with a bowl of the Pueblo Tortilla Soup ($4.95). The soup was artfully presented with red tortilla chips and shredded white cheese. In addition to looking good, it's also a tasty broth that gets you excited for what is coming next. The guajillo pepper, lime and cilantro give it a great flavorful kick.
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For my main course I ordered the Spicy Rock Shrimp Pasta ($16.00). As one of the biggest eaters I know, even I couldn't finish the whole entree. The meal was delicious.
The parpadelle pasta was a variety you don't see everyday. The cream sauce was subtly spicy, not overpowering. And unlike a lot of cream sauces, it was relatively light and didn't just sink to the bottom of my stomach. The roasted tomatoes, leeks, artichoke hearts and rosemary complimented the shrimp well and helped form a scrumptious meal.
My companions tried the Herb Rubbed Breast of Chicken ($14.75) and the Wild Mushroom and Duck Enchiladas ($13.50). I sampled both, of course. The chicken was simple, but appetizing. The skillful cooking made it quite savory. The duck enchiladas were out of this world. The restaurant takes this old southwestern favorite and completely revamps it.
The presentation is unique, with Peking duck, guajillo chile mole, and blue corn tortillas piled high. If you like New Mexican food, you have to try this unusual and tasty dinner. Other unique items on the menu range from a Brie cheese and apple appetizer ($6.75) to an antelope steak dinner entrÇe ($24).
Throughout the meal the service was exemplary. However, one of our meals, the duck enchiladas, came out cold. When it went back to the kitchen, our waiter brought out a shrimp cocktail and said, "We can't have you waiting too long." This attention to detail and customer service made the entire meal even better. Soon the enchiladas were replaced on the table, piping hot.
After dinner, instead of sampling the dessert menu -ranging from $4.25 to $6.75- we went back to the Rio Grande Bar to take advantage of their fine cordial selection. The eighteen-year-old Glenlivet ($14), while a bit pricey, topped off the evening.
The experience, from start to finish was luxurious and fun. This is the type of restaurant where you can have a great meal, an excellent selection of liquor and an environment conducive to conversation - all for a reasonable price. My only gripe would be the expensive drinks. But hey, it's a resort, right?
