Chasing Santa Fe: OLEACEAE. VINAIGRETTE & MODERN GENERAL

AN ODE TO VINEGAR

Of course there's a back story here. I was going to a SLOW FOOD EVENT - A Book & Dinner - and since everyone contributes something to the 'dinner' I was on the hunt for a great Fall recipe, which I found in Epicurean Magazine - Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Balsamic Vinegar Reduction. Then the search was on for a remarkable vinegar or two, and they were found at OLEACEAE (pronounced - oh lee ay see eye ) in La Fonda Hotel. And if you haven't been to this emporium of olive oil & vinegars, then your missing a delicious adventure. The quality, texture and taste of these concoctions is memorable.

Gleaming vats of olive oils and vinegars stand in rows of deliciousness, large placards revealing the infusions, tasting notes and perfect pairings; and tiny tasting cups waiting to be filled,,,

But, the shop also holds olive oil related products and wonderful condiments.

Shelves filled with Himalayan pink salt slabs, bricks and mortar & pestles .

Perfect packaging if your buying a gift for someone...

These variety GIFT PACKS are perfect stocking stuffers & hostess gifts!

And doesn't everyone need a pair of Onion Glasses?

100 E.San Francisco St.

At La Fonda Hotel

Santa Fe - NM

505.795.7780

http://www.oleaceaeoliveoil.com/

Thank you Samantha Bailey Smith for letting me roam and photograph your wonderful shop!

VINAIGRETTE & MODERN GENERAL

All this shopping for olive oil and vinegar made me hungry for an AMAZING SALAD, so I made a bee line for VINAIGRETTE. This trendy restaurant - now in ABQ and Austin Texas - is a favorite of Santa Fean's who are lovers of all things salad and organic. Owner Erin Wade grows most of the greens and veggies on her farm in Nambe, and is the wizard behind the unique salad pairings and dressings.

The salad choices are enticing...

Spinach Watrermellon

Late Summer Blackberry

Eat your Peas, to name just a few.

I chose the CHERRY TART with dried cherries, feta cheese, toasted pecans, baby arugula and champagne vinaigrette. I shared with a friend - the servings are so generous that when divided it's the perfect-size salad entree.

We also shared a side of DUCK TACOS - duck confit, hoisin and hot sauce with peanuts, cabbage, scallions in crisp jicama shells.

Then we stopped by MODERN GENERAL, Wade's contemporary nod to an old fashioned general store - located in a separate building just in front of Vinaigrette.

A family-style table divides the bright and delightfully 'cluttered' interior and offers a communal place to sit and enjoy MG's easy breezy breakfast, lunch & dinner offerings. Great coffee. fresh-pressed juices and smoothies!

And while you're waiting for your MG meal, you can shop...perhaps you need a pair of nifty garden sheers, or a rake, or a set of gorgeous coffee mugs, or a scoop or two of milled grains, or a pound of coffee,OR...