I have to say that El Meson has consistently been one of my favorite restaurants in Santa Fe since I moved here. With the addition of Chispa in 2000, it has become a regular stop for both locals and tourists.
The reasons are pretty simple. the chef, David Huertas, was born and raised in Madrid (Spain, not New Mexico), graduated from the Culinary Institute of America and certainly knows how to prepare traditional Spanish fare. Another great thing is that there is nightly entertainment in the bar with no cover (it was flamenco night when I was there).
Another nice thing was that on the evening I was there, that regular old hag hostess was no where to be seen. That nasty mean old lady has become a joke with everyone that I know. Everyone that I mention her to knows exactly who I am talking about and we all agree that she is just plain rude and wonder why she is working the door (and has been for quite some time)—she must be a relative.
Anyway, by far, the most important reason to visit El Meson and Chispa is that they serve one of my favorite beers, Alhambra Negra.
Everyone who knows me knows that me loves me beer. I am sure that there are other restaurants in Santa Fe that serve Alhambra, but I only drink it at El Meson—for reals.
The restaurant serves entrees, apps., etc., but I prefer the tapas in the bar.
We started our meal with some nice Padrón peppers. My friends the Neezies (a couple—both their names start with "N") serve Padrón peppers during the summer when they entertain. They purchase them from a local gardener at the Santa Fe Farmer's Market at the Railyard. I tend not to be awake during the Farmer's Market's hours of operation so I rely on the Neezies for my fix. It is nice to know that occasionally El Meson will offer them as a special.
We chose another special for the second tapas of the evening—braised mussels. I have to say that I prefer the mussels that are on the regular menu to the special that evening. I kinda like slopping up the broth with a piece of bread and, although the mussels themselves were good, the broth was a little bitter and sour.
Our final tapas was yet another special for the evening—crab cakes. They were very good, but rather small. There were two, so Seezy and I both got one, but again they were about the size of a half dollar. Oh, well, no worries, it is tapas.
I say no worries until we got the check. The total including tax and gratuity was almost $70!! for three tapas and four beers.
Ridiculous.
I think those two tiny little crab cakes alone were over fifteen bucks. For fifteen dollars those crabs had better have just crawled off Paris Hilton!
I just find it a little disappointing to spend $70 on dinner for two and leave the restaurant hungry and sober.
So, the Teezy review: Good food, Good Entertainment, Great Beer, mediocre service (avoid Broomhilda at the door), and whatever you do, don't order the specials!
email me: Teezy
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My favorite place for tapas is Ole right up the street from me, but what is it with the tapas prices? It set us back $102 without tip.
ReplyDelete102 DOLLAS!!
ReplyDeleteWhat the hell were you eating?
Now I feel cheap for bitching about seventy bucks.
I looked at the Ole site—the menu looks good, I will have to check it out the next time I am in Los Angeles—I'll start saving now.
Why doesn't Taco Bell serve tapas?
A chalupa with nacho cheese and marinated Squid doesn't sound half bad. I think they should sell sangria with my gordita.
ReplyDelete