2.20.2011

TREEHOUSE PASTRY SHOP & CAFE - SANTA FE

                                                       Photos by C. Whitney-Ward

Well, this popular all-organic, vegetarian breakfast/lunch cafe isn't actually perched in a tree. It's tucked into an industrial-style loft compound with metal exteriors the color of burnished adobe.  And when you step inside, the open and soaring space is filled with light, colorful paintings  and very, very friendly folks behind the counter.





                                       Photo courtesy of Tree House Pastry Shop & Cafe

Just about anything you order will be delightful. I think Deborah Madison -  author of  Local Flavors - summed it up beautifully:

"There’s something about the food [at Tree House] that is so clean and simple – it does not try to impress you or create a headline, but its so good and pretty
and it sparkles with this freshness!"

 

I stopped by for breakfast, which was a treat. They raise the bar when
 it comes to homemade granola.


And the made-to-order Pupusas - corn masa griddle cakes filled with black beans & jack cheese - were wonderful, each bite dripping
 with a lovely red salsa.  

Their cupcake reputation is legendary, but they also offer a tasty selection of just-baked pastries as well.



Next visit I'll stop by for lunch and give their Bird House
 Veggie Burger a whirl...

          Burger photo courtesy Tree House Pastry Shop & Cafe


1600 Lena Street - in the Lena Street Lofts
 505.474.5543
Closed Sunday & Monday

2.18.2011

SANTA FE WHIPPED CREAM CLOUDS

                                                                                     Photo by C. Whitney-Ward

2.16.2011

FAMOUS OASIS - ALONG SANTA FE'S AIRPORT ROAD



The sign looks like a giant postcard.
Having a wonderful time, wish you were here!
And if you whiz on by, you'll be missing a colorful and delicious adventure.


This two-year old eatery is owned by Julio Perales who is carrying on the family  tradition. "My parents ran a restaurant when I was a kid. I'm bringing back all my Mama's food," says Perales who feels that he is blessed by an angel who brings him wonderful customers.


What's his best seller? "The Breakfast Burrito; it's my Mom's recipe."
But the menu has lots of tasty choices.


And while you're waiting for your order to come up, you
can enjoy the colorful and fun surroundings.







Bring the kids for Mexican ice cream.

FAMOUS OASIS
6534 Airport Road - past the Tree Bus Stop
Take the first right after you see the sign...then immediatley take
the dirt road on the right.




THE BUS STOPS HERE!


                                                                                   Photos by C. Whitney-Ward

Quite literally, the bus does stop here. If you're lucky enough to
be waiting for a ride along Airport Road, you can stand under the
bowers of this extraordinary sculptural wonder and feel the
 magic of artist Joe Tyler's welded steel whimsy.