De La Tierra Restaurant

A GuestLife New Mexico
Great Chef

Nestled among the cottonwood trees at the famous El Monte Sagrado Resort and Spa™ in historic Taos, New Mexico, the cuisine of the De la Tierra Restaurant can only be described as unique, pleasurable and sustaining. Led by award-winning and an exceptionally creative Executive Chef Ruben Tanuz, the De la Tierra staff bring gastronomical wonderment to the tables in this most beautiful setting.

Anchored with large original paintings by James Rosenquist and Lynne E. Windsor, the dining room’s soaring ceilings are accented with a mixture of pueblo plaza architecture and subtle oriental influences. Adjacent to the locally favorite Anaconda Bar, complete with a large freshwater fish tank and beautifully stylized gold anaconda snake, be prepared for a remarkable dining experience.

Chef Tanuz, calling upon his deep New Mexican heritage, has crafted a delightful and adventuresome menu, melding regional flavors and fresh local ingredients to create a new take on global cuisine. His starters menu is varied and tasty including a clever twist on the traditional Caesar Salad that includes Red Chile croutons and Pablano Pepper Pesto. The not-to-be missed Chef’s daily selection of four Tapas is always wonderful and may include Elk empanadas with lingberry sauce and fresh crab cakes.

The entrees selection, again diverse and freshly seasonal, is exceptional in its own right starting with Pueblos Harvest Tamales or the delightful Molasses Marinated grilled Quail on a parsnip cake and sautéed baby spinach. Grilled Salmon with spinach enchiladas, Seared Striped Bass and a Pan Roasted Rack of Lamb with a sage bread pudding and black pepper demi-glace round out a sensational list. The Mustard Crusted Elk Chop on a bed of jasmine and wild rice pilaf with roasted apples provides another fine option.

Wine steward Brendan Curran has assembled an impressive array of wines from around the world including a grand California selection, many from Australia and an exceptional choice of Italian whites and reds. Many served by the glass, they are certain to satisfy the most discriminating diner. A reserve list is available upon request. Mr. Curran’s informative presentation and deep knowledge are welcome attributes to the De la Tierra experience.

Dessert in this Taos mecca of culinary satisfaction is a must with an extraordinary selection at hand. The Vanilla Bean Crème Brule with fresh berries and a unique Pinon Thyme cookie is devine and the Tequila Lime Pie served with a prickly pear syrup is sure to satisfy. The artisan cheese selection, adaptable to the season is always intriguing, especially when enjoyed with the flight of three Ports especially paired for the cheese presentation.

The magic of Taos along with its legends and drama abounds at every turn in this unique western community. Dining at De la Tierra draws you in and closer to the mysticism and deepens the adventure.

Reservations are recommended. The Garden restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days a week with brunch also served on Saturdays and Sundays. The Anaconda Bar® offers live entertainment.

Accolades

De la Tierra® named one of the “Top 66 Best New Restaurants in the World.”

El Monte Sagrado named one of the “Top 100 Best New Hotels in the World.” — Condé Nast Traveler, Hot List, May 2004

El Monte Sagrado voted one of the “Top 15 to Watch Out For in 2005.” — Travel and Leisure, August 2004

De La Tierra®:
317 Kit Carson Road,
Taos, NM 87571,
(only four blocks from Taos Plaza)
(800) 828-TAOS, (505) 758-3502.

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