March 17: Rancho de Chimayo

green or red?

Okay, I know some of you are here for the chile. Green, Red, Christmas/both — chile peppers are at the heart of so much Nuevo Mexico tradition.

Today’s postcard comes to you from Rancho de Chimayo, a wonderful restaurant in Chimayo, about half an hour north of Santa Fe. The town’s name comes from the Tewa word, Tsi-Mayoh, one of four sacred hills in the area. There’s a lot to be said about Chimayo, which is most famous for its Sanctuario, a place of pilgrimage for devout Catholics. We’ll save all that for another time.

For today, sit down with me and enjoy a classic New Mexico dish: blue corn enchiladas with chicken and green chile, with pinto beans on the side. Lunch wouldn’t be complete without a sopapilla to go with it and help to put out the fire in your taste buds. Dessert is natillas — what I like to think of as heaven in a bowl.

I’m including a few more photos so you can savor all of this with me. My most recent trip was a solo one, but last year I brought my friends Katie and Wei-Li and thought you’d enjoy their smiling faces along with the food. Oh, and that kitty that color coordinates with the patio.