Gabriel's north of Santa Fe, New Mexico

* Atmosphere

* Good food: food of the Southwest and Old Mexico

* Great service

* Tableside guacamole : made right in front of you.

* Ease of access: exit 176, Hwy 84/285

LINK

* Five miles north of the Santa Fe Opera

Every time we're in the area, we go here to eat. The food is great and we love watching them make the guacamole at our table. Unlike so many restaurants, they give you enough for four people to eat and not have to worry about everyone having enough.

The chips, which is an important part of a mea are fresh, crispy and never ending.

The atmosphere is casual to as formal as you want. We're seen people in tux, cowboy, hippie, slacks to t-shirts and shorts.

The service is very good and right at your elbow when you want a refill.

There is an art studio next to the restaurant, but we've never been there early enough to go in. It's on our list of things to do.

If you want an pleasant evening, good food, good service and an enjoyable atmosphere this is your place.

Gabriel's is a four motorcycle hands down.

John Madden

Landmark Grill at the Plaza Hotel in Las Vegas, NM

This is a must.

We were told there was an hour and a half wait. It was only fifteen minutes.

The wait is after you're seated, a waiter/waitress appears, you see a menu, order food, watch other people (we love watching people) and then get food.

That's the 90 minute wait!

The food is well worth the wait.

Our waitress, Stacy, was also well worth the wait. She was friendly, outgoing, funny, and has a personality that lights up a room.

She's a student at New Mexico Highlands University, in Las Vegas। She's also a member of MARIACHI VAQUEROS de la SIERRA that performs at many functions.

The evening was well worth the drive from Pendaries (check blog for eating experience at the Lodge)!

Per a quote from their website:

"Unparalleled in service and delicious food, the Plaza’s own Landmark Grill serves breakfast, lunch and dinner 7 days a week in an elegant yet casual Victorian dining room. The Grill specializes in charcoal-broiled steaks and chops, New Mexican, and the occasional alligator on the menu!"

To eat here is for the eating experience, food quality, good service as well as atmosphere. It's not fast food by any means. It's quality with a touch of lace boarded by Old West History.

We were not interested in the alligator. The steaks were mouth watering as was everything else.

The price is a little on the high side, but all things considered, it's not bad. Even for a couple of tight wads like KP and I.

It's an evening out, not just a meal and a four motorcycle rating.

John Madden

Love to eat

Amarillo, Texas.

I have to start out in Amarillo with the best place to eat.

Cafe Marizon, at 705 S. Polk St., is one of my all time favorites.
Phone: 805-374-3058

A good place to eat has to have more than food. It has to have character, staff and an owner who cares.

Scott Camarata owns the cafe with his wife Shana. We eat there a lot and Scott is an very friendly, outgoing, and
gracious individual. His staff is always friendly, work to give you a good experience and the food is very good.

The walls are loaded with old photos of early Amarillo, old hat boxes and other things that five it character and
an atmosphere that allows you to relax, enjoy and not feel rushed.

Check it out and you'll become a fan too.
Rating: Four Motorcycles!

Ruidoso, New Mexico.

A couple trips ago we found "Cornerstone Bakery" at 359 Sudderth Drive.
Phone: 575-257-1842

Sue Detrick is the managing partner and she's a treat all by herself.

The food is beyond good and when my wife, Judy, asked for a change on an order, she was told
"I can do it, but it might look pretty."

The chief not only prepares great food but he's concerned about how it looks. He doesn't have to worry, becasue
it doesn't stay as a piece of artwork very long. It's mmmm good.

I'm a desert freak, so to speak. I believe in the saying "eat desert first" even if I don't do that. Their pies are mouth watering, got to have more good and the crust is from another planet. It's so good!

Give Sue a hello and be prepared to eat so much you're stuffed.

Ask her how she ended up in Ruidoso?

Rating: Four Motorcycles!

While in Ruidoso check out "In-Ka-Hoots" at 1203 Sudderth Drive. It's owned by Pat and John Sellers.
Phone: 575-257-8082

Shancee the Shih-Tzu is the "greeter."

I've only met John and he's as nice of a man as you'll ever come across.

Their place is a haven for jewelry, home decor, western art, antiques, gift items, floral and etc. It's a nice, neat, well laid out, and very comfortable place.

Unlike most men, I like to look (called shop - I have no problem with my masculinity) and being an artist, I'm always interested in good art. They have it.

John Madden