Author Archives: steve

Arroyo Vino

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Interior
Interior
Chicken liver
Chicken liver
Faro spring salad
Faro spring salad
Halibut
Halibut
Chicken
Chicken

***** (5 stars)

We were tipped off to this great restaurant/wine shop by a sommelier at a restaurant in a different city. It was a great referral, as the food is superb.

The grilled artichoke made a nice starter, and the house-made chicken liver was wonderful. We also really enjoyed the spring salad.

The chicken had a great coating of Indian spices, and the halibut also offered a nice medley of flavors.

Of course, being attached to a wine shop, there are lots of nice selections on the wine list, although we would have liked to have been able to browse in the shop and then take a bottle into the restaurant. Wine prices aren't exactly bargains, but it is a ritzy part of Santa Fe.

Arroyo Vino
218 Camino La Tierra
Santa Fe, NM 87506

https://www.yelp.com/biz/arroyo-vino-santa-fe-3

The Pantry Rio

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Patio
Patio
Interior
Interior
Exterior
Exterior
Breakfast Burrito
Breakfast Burrito
Breakfast Sandwich
Breakfast Sandwich

***** (5 stars)

This is a nice place right near the center of old Santa Fe, with quite a bit of patio seating, most of it well shaded by umbrellas.

We had the breakfast sandwich and the breakfast burrito. Both were good, and fairly similar, except that the sandwich was grilled and the burrito was covered in green chili sauce (which is optional, but was very good).

Service was friendly.

The Pantry Rio
229 Galisteo St
Santa Fe, NM 87501

https://www.yelp.com/biz/the-pantry-rio-santa-fe

The Turquoise Room

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Exterior
Exterior
Bar
Bar
Interior
Interior
Mexican Firing Squad and Turquoise Margarita
Mexican Firing Squad and Turquoise Margarita
Spare Smoked and Grilled Baby Back Ribs
Spare Smoked and Grilled Baby Back Ribs
Pork Carnitas
Pork Carnitas

***** (5 stars)

This was a real treat! Capturing all the ambiance of an old Fred Harvey Hotel, this place is definitely worth a stop on Route 66.

The food and cocktails were excellent, and the service was truly friendly. We shared pork carnitas, and smoked grilled ribs. Both were terrific.

The Mexican Firing Squad is a serious drink, and the Turquoise Margarita is a fun one.

After your meal, the parking lot is easy walking distance to the famous corner in Winslow Arizona for your photo op.

The Turquoise Room
303 E Second St
Winslow, AZ 86047

https://www.yelp.com/biz/the-turquoise-room-winslow-2

Seared

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Exterior
Exterior
Interior
Interior
Lady finger appetizer special
Lady finger appetizer special
Rib Eye
Rib Eye
Salmon
Salmon

***** (5 stars)

Excellent food is topped by truly great service at this fine dining but not stuffy restaurant right off historic Route 66.

The real standout here was a special appetizer using ladyfingers(!), feta, apples, and bacon. It sounds weird but it was fantastic and unique.

Meals include a soup or salad. The gaspacho was nice and spicy, and the Caesar salad was classic, but with the dressing on the side. The salmon and ribeye were both very good.

The wine list is great, and really concentrates on the complex chewy reds that we love.

Our server's wine knowledge was truly impressive, and he offered us a ton of great tips for visiting the area.

Seared
119 San Pasquale Ave SW
Albuquerque, NM 87104

https://www.yelp.com/biz/seared-albuquerque

Ten 3

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Bar
Bar

***** (5 stars)

We came here for the amazing 360 degree views, but the food is really good, too. I just sat at the bar and had the chip trio, but the people around me were raving about the wings, meatloaf, and other dishes.

My Ten 3 Margarita was excellent.

Service at the bar was great.

Ten 3
30 Tramway Rd NE
Albuquerque, NM 87122

https://www.yelp.com/biz/ten-3-albuquerque

Elote Cafe

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Exterior
Exterior
Interior
Interior
Bar
Bar
Exterior
Exterior
Elotes
Elotes
Buffalo Mole Poblano
Buffalo Mole Poblano
Carnitas
Carnitas

**** (4 stars)

This trendy place offers a new take on traditional Mexican dishes such as Carnitas and Mole. For example, The Mole Poblano features Buffalo. The sauce is quite flavorful, but the accompanying rice and refried beans would not pass muster at the most pedestrian of Mexican restaurants.

Given that the dish is the restaurant's namesake, the Elotes are a particularly good appetizer. They are served in the increasingly popular deconstructed style (essentially really good creamed corn), which makes them much easier to eat.

There are a wide variety of made-to-order Margaritas.

Service at the bar was extremely friendly and attentive.

It's expensive but, hey, this is Sedona.

Elote Cafe
350 Jordan Rd
Sedona, AZ 86336

https://www.yelp.com/biz/elote-cafe-sedona-4

Cuptown

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Exterior
Exterior
Interior
Interior
Croissants
Croissants

***** (5 stars)

This nice little coffee shop is just off the main road through Sedona. They have a nice selection of locally made pastries, plus the usual coffee drinks. It's nice to patronize local business rather than the chains.

Cuptown
274 Apple Ave
Sedona, AZ 86336

https://www.yelp.com/biz/cuptown-sedona

Wigwam Motel

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room 19
room 19
sunrise and moon
sunrise and moon
room 19
room 19
Front office and gift shop
Front office and gift shop

***** (5 stars)

I was not expecting the rooms to be that great and selected this place solely for the experience, but actually they are quite nice. Surprisingly spacious and very clean. And of course some great photo ops!

Front desk staff is very friendly.

If you go, be sure to get food at Howard's Donuts, almost next door. Great breakfast sandwiches and donuts and coffee!

Wigwam Motel
2728 E Foothill Blvd
San Bernardino, CA 92410

https://www.yelp.com/biz/wigwam-motel-san-bernardino-2

The Clinkscale

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Interior
Interior
Exterior
Exterior
Turkey French Dip
Turkey French Dip
Cauliflower Steak Burger
Cauliflower Steak Burger

***** (5 stars)

Charming and stylish new American cafe and bar in the heart of historic Jerome. The Cauliflower Steak Sandwich is the single best presentation of cauliflower steak I have ever had. Friendly service and a nice vibe.

The Clinkscale
309 Main St
Jerome, AZ 86331

https://www.yelp.com/biz/the-clinkscale-jerome