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.
So excited to find someone who knows about Rancho de Chimayo! With relatives in Albuquerque this was a pilgrimage each year when we came to visit from the East Coast. After visiting the Mission Church (place of pilgrimage you referenced), my uncle would always take us up to the town for dinner. I have never been able to find sopapillas to match the ones I ate there.
Thank you for this post it brings happy memories and stories that need to be told!
Good food
Good friends
Good times
What's not to like?