Oak Street Ranch

Do You Know The Way To Santa Fe?

Ok - Followers of the Syndicate or the Ranch may know that this week, we had to venture to Santa Fe, NM, for a little business, and a little pleasure. Normally, we'd do an extended travelogue, but I think this time, a quick summary is in order.

It goes something like this:


Wednesday: Landed in Albuquerque. (Realized that I could never live here, because I'd have to spell check my own address every time I wrote it on something). Got the rental car. (Santa Fe airport has a great public transport to rentals system. Very efficient). Drove to Santa Fe. Checked out a bit of downtown. Saw a couple historical things. Grabbed lunch at the Coyote Café – brought to you by the guy who basically started the “southwest cuisine” movement Mark Miller). Some GREAT carne asada soft tacos, etc.









Checked out the pad we’re staying in. Part of some real estate Jen’s client owns. Nice little pad. Two bedrooms. Very southwest decor (bright colors, fabrics on the walls, the floors, local art, etc) amazing kitchen, nice place to use as a home base. Hung out there a bit, settled in. Later, went to an Italian place not far from the house, that is I think, #44 on the Food and Wine top 50 Restaurants in the US or something. It was good – I don’t know about top 50 though– these folks should get to LA some more!!



















Thursday:
We have had a BUSY day! Started at one of the more well known "locals" restaurants for breakfast (Café Pasquals, if you’re googling). Wow - Snug Harbor could take a lesson! Went out to Bandolier National Monument - cave dwellings, etc. Really cool - great weather, hiked, good photos (caves, ruins, deer, etc).









Came back into town - Saw "Canyon Road" - its basically the Rodeo of Santa Fe - its lined with art galleries. Imagine... parts of downtown Santa Barbara. Then, walked over to the Palace of the Governors for history review, and of course, native american crafts. And a little shopping downtown.









Thursday Evening– Dinner at the Inn of the Anasazi. Very well known, really nice. Great wine list. Good food. Here, a perfect example of the "early" town that Santa Fe is. We left around... 11:00pm I think. We were among the last folks in there. A good portion of the staff, chefs, etc had all gone home by then. No joking. There were 3 other people there by the time we left.

Friday AM -Jen has work to do with the client in town. I have some remote work to take care of. (Plus, going to Kinko's to print out our Southwest Airlines pre-boarding passes!) Lunch at a small cafe. Dinner at a client's house just out of town. Of course, Friday evening also involves packing, since our flight is first thing Saturday Morning.

Saturday - may not be any update,but I think you get the gist of it - Drive the hour or so back to Albuquerque. Drop the car off, shuttle back to the airport and wing our way back to LA!

What can I say about this place? Very calm, laid back vibe - imagine Santa Barbara without that whole "beach" thing. The altitude takes a little getting used to, that's for sure. I don't think I'll be finishing any triathalons when I get back to LA, but I am sure I'll be able to feel the difference.

There's a strong bias towards conservation of indigenous culture (at least what we're seeing in "town,") reflected in art, architecture, and overall town planning.

It has its small town quirks. I still can't for the life of me, figure out why they have people selling newspapers (The "NewMexican") in the middle of intersections (Yes, I know, in Los Angeles, this would be guys selling fruit or flowers or concert tickets and t-shirts or something... but still...its strange). Its been a very nice visit though.

posted by Mitch @ 3:11 PM