Part 1:

Part 2:

 Here’s the Scoop from the Gabby Gourmet Restaurant Show on Saturday, April 9, 2011.

We were in Santa Fe, New Mexico at the fabulous Encantado Resort. Our Guests are:

Encantado Resort : www.encantadoresort.com
Charles Dale, Executive Chef
Julie Baker, Director of Sales and Marketing
 
First, Scoop for the week:

We went to Pizzeria Basta for dinner and it was fabulous. This is one great place-you think you are in a pizza joint but it is not. The food is amazing, wines great, service terrific and a place not to miss. We had an amazing wine-one that we spoke about on air last week-Gruner ---and then the hamachi of sea bass, chicken liver pate with housemade foccacia that is divine, and the best burrito with pork belly and leeks and grilled bread. Then we had pizza, half chicken with egg, and the grilled veggie salad—amazing all. And for dessert we had divine tiramisu and the best praline gelato.

Cochon 555 was a huge success. The Ritz Carlton did a spectacular job handling the huge group, having a special place for 20 judges, and 2 separate party areas. It was amazing.
The 5 chefs—Alex Seidel, Jennifer Jasinski, Frank Bonanno, Lachalan Mackinnon Patterson, and Kelly Liken were are great. Each had a 200 lb. pig that they deconstructed, cooked in their own ways and presented. Some chefs had 17 different dishes but not all.
Alex Seidel won—his was the best ever. He prepared a 6 course dinner (bite size) in order of service and every bite was beyond heavenly. Great wines were served and the party rocked. It was a great event.

We went to the new Amato’s Alehouse and it is so great. The place is gorgeous and fun-bar downstairs that rocks-patio on second floor –it is amazing—overlooks the city-and a bar upstairs too- 40 beers on tap, fabulous wine list both in selection, size and price. So many beers-almost impossible to choose! Then the food is so affordable, fun, perfect for sharing too. The apps of calamari (great), chicken wings, meatballs with super bread—all these can be a meal too. Then we had the ugly tomato and mozzarella salad and a super BLAT salad. Next we had the lamb burger and fries, the brie, chicken, and apple sandwich, the brined half chicken (very good), and pork chop---and sweet potato too. Desserts were bread pudding, a crustless delicious ricotta cheesecake, and terrific gelato. It’s a place for fun and a big hit.

The Gabby dinner at Se7en was a big hit. They had lots of wine and beer to start and please all. They began with hot and sour soup and then apps of crab wontons, scallion pancakes, duck rolls, and pork dumplings. All were super. Then we had beef, chicken, shrimp and even tofu with curries, sauces, and divine combos---and the fish dish in ginger was great too. Lots of great food and rice. And green tea or coconut pineapple ice cream for dessert.
TV was great with cookbooks—go to TV appearances-the cookbooks are super, the recipes better.

We went to the Original Pancake House for lunch on our way to errands. The food is great-service very slow-but so good. The eggs, bacon, buckwheat pancakes, toast, were all great.

Dinner at Il Posto was fun with friends. They have a wine locker so we drank some very good wine. Dinner was mussels and fried artichokes for starters. Then 3 of us had the arctic char and the big winner had the chicken. We had a chocolate tart for dessert

We went to the seven course tasting dinner at Randolph’s at the Warwick-this is such a fun night-and the fans went wild picking their favorite of 3 presentations for each of the seven courses—that is a lot of food!!! And voting is great-the chefs, staff, servers, wines, and all are terrific—hope you all can come to the next one.

As we leave for Santa Fe and Encantado Resort in the morning, we will keep you up to date with the travel spots.

Here is our first fun spot on the road:
Max’s
403 ½ Guadalupe, Santa Fe
505-984-9104
www.maxssantafe.com
This is an amazing place. Small and intimate with a focal bar, the feel is casual and welcoming. Owner Max is amazing and Chef Mark incredibly talented as he presents an awesome menu of inspired American cuisine. Start with homemade bread and butter as you decide on your meal. The two hour egg with crispy and soft polenta, wild mushrooms and mushroom foam, is beyond amazing… or choose the beet or house salad or lentil soup with pork belly. All fantastic!
Entrees of halibut with baby artichokes, rabbit pot pie….heavenly like you have never seen……. or pork served in several preparations are all awesome. Add flank steak sous vide, or ravioli, and you are in for a very special treat. Decadent desserts are mandatory! We had the best lemon soufflé tart, chocolate bombe, that one cannot describe, and mango sorbet or cheesecake. After dinner a white chocolate passion fruit truffle is served that explodes in your mouth, but refreshes the palate. Service shines, the wine list is excellent, and Max’s is one of the best places in Santa Fe or anywhere. It is a must when you come to Santa Fe!!

NOW ON TO THE SHOW AT ENCANTADO

Question of the day:
How many pork belly and scallops dishes have been served in the last year? 1821

Guests:
Encantado Resort :www.encantadoresort.com
Executive Chef Charles Dale
Julie Baker - Encantado Director of Sales and Marketing

Max’s
Max, owner
Mark Connell, Chef

Encantado Resort: www.encantadoresort.com
Encantado is a 65 room casita resort and the average room is 625 sq ft…….spacious, private, romantic! Beautiful views and spacious rooms are enhanced with the clean lines and warm, but modern feel. The view over the rugged and mountainous terrain of 57 acres is peaceful and relaxing. Trails, beautiful spa and large fitness facilities are just a few of the elegant amenities…..really it is just paradise!!
All guest shuttles are Mercedes cars, so you are in Encantado style even when you pop into town! They offer amazing packages for the Santa Fe Opera…..in fact, Terra; the restaurant will be again pairing menus to the Opera!! Check out the amazing weekend packages……lots to choose from!!
Terra will be doing a fabulous Easter menu that has an appetizer buffer, ordered entrée, and a dessert buffet…..we saw the menu and it is wonderful.
More to come for our dinner tonigh,t but everything we have had so far…..bar menu of Lamb quesadilla, guacamole with cumin tortilla chips, custom cocktails from George and Matt…….ABSOLUTELY FANTASTIC!!!

Max's
www.maxssantafe.com
505-984-9104
Mark chef from Max an absolutely amazing chef. Comes from Colorado and also was at La Tour and Gamecock club.
How is the Rabbit Pot Pie? Amazing !!!!
Halibut, beautiful pork crispy pork confit, pork loin, and of course Pork belly! The long cooked egg with creamy and crispy polenta was unbelievable.
Mark also does the amazing desserts and we have to confess that we couldn't put our forks down.......they almost hurt us with the fabulous, fabulous food!! If you are in Santa Fe, you must go.

Callers
Cliff -
Won a GC to McCormick’s during restaurant week and had a great dinner!
3200

Karen-
Does Encantado do weddings? Of course! And beyond a beautiful place to have a wedding ….call l Julie Baker - 505-946-5810 to make arrangements, or go to website : www.encantado.com.
4149

Pam-
Just got back from Encantado. Love Loved loved it. Great service and amazing rooms.
6500

Julie-
2850

Judy-
Goes to Santa Fe often. Loves that Terra does gluten free dishes but best to call ahead if you are coming with dietary restrictions just to be safe
413

Kathy-
Has been to Encantado. Liked Gabby dinner at Se7en...had a great time. Also went to T-WA and liked it.
509

Paul-
Euclid Hall on opening day and had a great dinner
1080

Margaret-
Romano's and Cafe de France in Littleton were great.
933