It’s Chile Season
Chiles are an essential food to Taos and New Mexico as a state. Technically a fruit, the chile is the official state vegetable of the Land of Enchantment. So much so, that New Mexico has been dubbed the “Chile Capital of the World.” And the state’s number one cash crop is in season right now, through the end of the month.
Chiles are indigenous to North America. New Mexico Pueblo tribes have been cultivating chile for thousands of years, and the Spanish immediately added the versatile ingredient to their meals upon their arrival in 1540.
But the most important fact you need to know about New Mexico chiles is your answer to the all-important question: red or green? It’s quite literally the “official state question” here. But psst – we’ll let you in on a little secret–red chiles are just ripened green chiles. But they have two very different tastes and uses. And answering the question may be more complicated than you assume. You can also answer “Christmas,” which means equal parts red and green chile.
Chiles are present in almost every iteration of a meal you can imagine in New Mexico. From the expected classics like chiles rellenos to the inventive mouth-waterers like green chile cheeseburgers, every food spot from Taos to Las Cruces will have plenty of chiles in both colors to try.
Here at El Pueblo, we get in on chile season as well. Our fan favorite breakfast option is no doubt the green chile and tamales. And on Saturday nights, our kitchen serves green chile stew for any guests of the hotel. If you’re thinking about stopping by Taos this chile season, we have plenty to prepare your palate. But trust us, you can’t go wrong anywhere in the Chile Capital of the World.
The Most Important Meal in Taos
There are so many reasons to choose El Pueblo Lodge for your Taos adventure. A central location on Paseo del Pueblo Norte helps, but it’s also what goes on within our walls that enhances the Land of Enchantment–breakfast.
Our El Pueblo Lodge breakfast has been a guest favorite for as long as we’ve been open. Our secret? Generous and complimentary self-service. While that may not sound too different than a standard hotel breakfast, ours is truly rooted in that southwest style.
Locally sourced green chiles, tamales, burritos and beans headline the hot options every day of the week. Fresh fruit bowls and juices complement the complimentary options as well. Also, fresh breakfast sandwiches have become a hit and are here to stay.
The meals are exclusive to hotel guests only, creating a unique El Pueblo stamp on your Taos stay. Whether you’re exploring Taos for multiple days or just stopping by on your Southwest road trip, make sure you refuel with us in the mornings. Your hunger will thank you.
Best Dessert in the Desert
We’re getting to the dog days of summer in Taos, New Mexico. If you live here, or just have visited before, you know it gets hot and hotter. But, if you live here or have been before, you probably know of something a little more comfortable – and delicious.
Taos Cow, about a 10-minute drive north of El Pueblo in Arroyo Seco, is the best place to find ice cream on a hot July day. All their flavors are completely all-natural and rGBH-free. And with over 30 of them, there’s a refreshing option you’ll enjoy on a day-to-day basis. That’s helpful if you’re staying a few days with us.
A true New Mexican staple, Taos Cow sources all their ingredients in state. The cream and milk is from Albuquerque’s South Valley. The pistachios are from Alamagordo, pecans from Las Cruces and even lavender from Albuquerque. For anyone who travels by taste, Taos Cow is the best ice cream in New Mexico.
It’s so good, we’ve heard stories of people traveling from California and Nevada to take some pints and quarts home with them. If you’re on a road trip, pack a cooler, because you’ll want to take some Taos Cow with you through the dessert.
Eat New Mexico True
When you do a quick Google search of New Mexican food, you’ll get everything from enchiladas to tamales to chiles rellenos. While all of these dishes have our mouths watering, they’re not necessarily exclusive to the history of New Mexico. The truest New Mexican dish you can find comes in the form of a sopapilla.
Sopapillas are fried pastries made from a soft and sweet dough that act as a type of quick bread. The word “sopapilla” comes from the Spanish word “sopaipa” which is a derivative of the Mozarabic word, “xopaipa,” which means “bread soaked in oil.” The Spanish, Arabic and Jewish influences of the dish and its name convened in Albuquerque over 200 years ago.
As a type of quick bread, sopapillas are incredibly versatile and are used as a sweet pastry, side dish or the main entrée all the same. The natural air pocket that occurs in the middle of the tortilla-like dough creates room to stuff the bread with meat, cheese or beans for a hearty star of the meal. But at the same time, the light bite of the thin bread meshes well with honey, syrup or powdered sugar to enjoy after those enchiladas, tamales and chiles rellenos.
When you’re in town, make sure you have your eyes peeled for sopapillas on whatever menu you decide to eat from. In our opinion, these following places have the best sopapillas in Taos, and they’re all right down Paseo del Pueblo Norte:
Michael’s Kitchen Restaurant & Bakery (3 min walk)
Ricky’s Restaurant (3 min drive)
Taoseño Restaurant (6 min drive)
About That Breakfast
It’s Taos and we know there’s so much to explore. That’s why we’ve developed a hearty, homemade and complimentary hot breakfast buffet to help power you through your day of adventure.
Aside from an assortment of bagels, pastries and cereals, we feature an extensive hot bar boasting local Southwestern flavors. We often hear a lot of “mmm mmms” from the breakfast room and wonder what it’s all about?! Well from the feedback we got and clearly what we’ve read on TripAdvisor, the star of the morning menu is our savory, home-made breakfast burritos.
But what makes them so special you ask? Well that’s for us to know and you to…enjoy! (hint, home-made green chile sauce) Check out a few past reviews:
“The complementary breakfast is AMAZING!!! Especially the burritos!! This place is a must and when we return, there will be no question about where we will be staying!” sdolson04
“The best part of this was the complimentary hot breakfast. A lot more options that your typical complimentary breakfast. I immediately focused on the homemade breakfast burritos. Those were a total standout, especially when topped with the house-made green chile sauce. Mmm, I can still taste these.” Lucy S
“Breakfast had a delightful Southwestern flair with tortillas, pinto beans, and browned onions and pepper – all the fixings for a Breakfast Burrito.” Culture45551506515
“The homemade breakfast is to die for. Breakfast burritos, roasted potatoes, green chile along with beans and the other usual fare fills you up for a great day of hiking or shopping!” Chris L
So next time your wanderlust brings you to Taos, reserve a stay with us and be prepared for your most important meal of the day to wow you.
Just Eat It!
Popular online dining resource Eater just made your trip to El Pueblo Lodge even more tasty. This month Eater released “The Essential Restaurants in Taos, New Mexico,” and it’s the perfect go-to guide for dining your way through Taos on your next visit. So, who made the sweet and savory cut? Here are the highlights:
The Love Apple
Why visit? Seasonal and locally grown ingredients punctuate the often-changing menu. Don’t miss the baked tamale with Oaxacan-style red mole, finished with an egg and creme fraiche.
Doc Martin’s Restaurant
Why visit? The restaurant is a registered historic landmark known for globally inspired dishes. Try the chile relleno, which features an Anaheim chile stuffed with chevre, pepitas and pico de gallo.
Taos Mesa Brewing Taos Tap Room
Why visit? Come for the specialized brews like the Kolsch .45 and Kachina Peak Pale Ale, an homage to the summit of Taos Ski Valley; stay for the juicy burgers, tacos and cheesy Frito pies — an homage to, well, great food.
Lambert’s of Taos
lambertsoftaos.com/new-manager/main
Why visit? A top spot for a special occasion, this fine dining mainstay also has a mighty fine wine selection, thanks to the staff sommelier. Indulge in the short ribs braised in espresso and red chile for a refined taste of the southwest.
Chokola
Why visit? Dip into this cozy cafe for a decadent sip of single-origin chocolate, offered hot or cold for sipping or as mousse, bars and gelato. Take a walk on wild side and try chocolates infused with matcha, rosemary or chile. How fiery!
Common Fire
Why visit? Dig into comfort food favorites like chicken soup with house-made noodles, barbecue short ribs, and mustard-spiked mac and cheese. Just don’t skip the house-made bread.
5 Star Burgers
Why visit? Craving a burger? Open wide and take a bite out of the Taos Burger, topped with strips of fried green chile, barbecue sauce and cheddar cheese. Burger nirvana …
Aceq Restaurant
Why visit? Beer-battered cheese curds in Taos? The owner’s Wisconsin roots are reflected in that mouth-watering and oozy-gooey choice — but also save room for the chicken and waffles, fish and chips or bacon-wrapped dates.
Best Local Flavor
Taos became famous as an artist community but has since grown its reputation as a must-visit gem of the Southwest. From the breathtaking Sangre de Cristo Mountains and outdoor activities to a thriving culture and gallery scene, a vacation in Taos, New Mexico is just what the doctor ordered. When you stay at El Pueblo Lodge, you will be right in the thick of things and within walking distance to many of the areas top attractions. As popularity has grown, more and more world-class dining options have popped up – many of which are walking distance the lodge. Below are three of our favorite options less than one mile from El Pueblo Lodge!
The Best in Local Flavor
Located just down the road from El Pueblo Lodge is The Love Apple – a delicious restaurant that prides itself on using local organic ingredients. Not only is the food delicious but the ambiance and location, inside an old Catholic church from the 1800s, makes it an extremely special place for a night out. The menu at The Love Apple is a seasonal rotation and uses the best local ingredients available to create an ever-evolving selection of simple and tasty dishes.
Complete Your Vacation with Delicious Mexican Cuisine
After booking your lodging in Taos New Mexico, your next step should be to track down some authentic Mexican or Southwestern cuisine. There are ample restaurants to check out during your stay, and we would encourage you to give a few of them a shot. After checking into El Pueblo Lodge, however, saunter down the road to Bella’s Mexican Grill for delicious and affordable authentic Mexican cuisine. Whether you play it safe with tacos or a burrito or try something a little less ordinary, you will return to the best hotel in Taos NM both satiated and supremely satisfied.
Get Romantic at Lamberts of Taos
Whether you are visiting Taos for Valentine’s Day, an anniversary, or just looking for something special to spice things up in the mountains, Lamberts of Taos is your answer. This local restaurant boasts an almost entirely homemade menu, right down to the pastries, bread, and ice cream. Lamberts also places a lot of care and attention into matching meals with wines and specialty cocktails, leaving no stone left unturned.
No matter your cuisine of choice the burgeoning restaurant scene in Taos is sure to have something to please your palate. And by staying at El Pueblo Lodge, you are placing yourself right in the middle of a foodie’s paradise.
photo cred: loveapple
