Santa Fe Celebrates 400 Years With A Gala Food Festival

Hidden throughout the United States are cities that many consider timeless.  These cities are home to hand-built cobblestone streets, churches that display the craftsmanship of artisans long passed, and markets and businesses that have withstood the test of time.  One of North America’s oldest cities, founded in 1610, is hosting its 20^th annual culinary tribute to wine and chile. In the heart of America’s oldest capital, the Santa Fe Wine & Chile Fiesta partners with several hotels, restaurants and vineyards to celebrate its two-decade love of this uniquely Southwestern pairing.

Containing one of the three largest art markets in the country, Santa Fe has all the markings of a cultural and culinary destination with various museums, grandiose churches and festivals scheduled throughout the year. The fiesta is a week-long celebration of food, wine and the tastes of the southwest. Throughout the festival, participants will visit various hotels and restaurants where chefs will present them with lavish meals and hand-picked wines to pair.  This year marks the 20^th annual festival and the celebration will last from September 22^nd through 26^th. More than 200 restaurants located in Santa Fe, the Eldorado Hotel & Spa and its own recently renovated The Old House restaurant will play host to several Wine and Chile Fiesta events.

On Friday, September 24^th, The Eldorado will host the Live Auction & Guest Chef’s Lunch to introduce the culinary expertise of Executive Chef Anthony Smith and local Santa Fe Chef Mark Kiffin of the Compound Restaurant and visiting chefs Jenifer Jasinksi of Rioja, Janos Wilder of Janos Restaurant and cheese expert Laura Werlin. From 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., Chef Smith et al have created an exclusive five-course luncheon paired with wines from the acclaimed Spottswoode Estate. Other fiesta events include a Reserve Wine Tasting and Auction also on Friday from 4 to 6:30 p.m. at the Eldorado in addition to a silent auction of 50 rare wine lots scheduled during the tasting to benefit the Wine & Chile Foundation’s education programs. The education program offers Santa Fe restaurant workshops on cooking and wine for its employees.

On Saturday, September 25^th, Santa Fe’s greatest restaurants will come together at the Grand Food & Wine Tasting to present a glorious afternoon at the Santa Fe Opera, featuring tastes from 65 of Santa Fe’s finest restaurants and sips from 100 world-class wineries.

“The Wine and Chile Fiesta combines some of Santa Fe’s most favored resources,” said Alfred Matter, Managing Director at the Eldorado Hotel. “Guests of the festival experience the best in food and wine so prevalent throughout this world-class culinary destination.” The Old House restaurant at the Eldorado Hotel was rated “Best Food in New Mexico” by Zagat and boasts a new menu from Executive Chef Anthony Smith. Event tickets range from $50-150. For more information about the Santa Fe Wine and Chile Fiesta, visit www.santafewineandchile.org. For more information about the Eldorado Hotel and its many culinary activities, visit www.eldoradohotel.com.

Thanks go to the Santa Fe Food & Chile Fiesta and the El Dorado Hotel for submitting this article and sharing news of their fabulous event!

Tags: Santa Fe events, Santa Fe Food Festivals, Santa Fe sightseeing, Santa Fe travel tips

Category: Featured, South-West