New Mexico: Santa Fe Art, Museums, Food and Chile

We just flew in to the beautiful and scenic dessert lands of New Mexico. Known for the blue and purple sunsets New Mexico provides the perfect tranquil escape for any busybody looking to get away. We rented a car and took the 25 min. trip into downtown Santa Fe and checked in to our hotel, the Inn and Spa at Loretto. This beautiful hotel put us just a block away from the historic Plaza which is home to a plethora of shopping, fine art galleries and museums including the renowned Georgia O'Keefe Museum.

We started off the excursion roaming through Santa Fe exploring the food and Art galleries the quaint downtown has to offer. If you are going to go to Santa Fe you'll find plenty of restaurants that will allow you to indulge in some authentic New Mexican food such as Sopapias but the staple Southwestern treat that you wont find anywhere else is the Chile. Whether you order tacos, enchiladas, hamburgers, or a Sprite you are going to hear the same question "Red or Green?" In order to save you the embarrassment Ill let you in on the meaning behind the "red or green?" conundrum.





The question refers to the type of Chile you want smothered over your meal. Mind you this isn't pork and bean style American "Chili" but rather sauces made with true New Mexican red and green spicy Chiles. Don't get scared off right away, typically the Chile isn't too spicy and has more of a zip than a burn and is incredibly delicious. The red Chile is more of a curry sauce typically blended with garlic and onions while the green Chile is a stew type sauce with actual green Chile strips and generally a little spicier. If you want to sound like a local when answering the Chile question just say, "Christmas!" And you will get the best of both worlds.

Personally my favorite Chile dish and one of the more...unusual, is the god sent gift of the Frito Pie. Just like the name states it is a bowl full of Frito's smothered in either red or green Chile (or Christmas as we learned earlier) topped off with refried beans, lettuce, cheddar cheese and diced onions. Probably one of the simplest and best meals I have ever had and better yet, they can be found just about anywhere including another local favorite; Blakes Lota Burger.

That's all for now but I'll keep you updated, if anyone knows of some must see spots in New Mexico or other cool places to stay let me know!

Father's Day To Do's: Washington Brewers Festival

So that special day is coming up where we cast aside our whining, do the dishes and take out the trash without being told and make sure that the lovable lug in our life has quick access to a fresh cold one and of course the remote. The conundrum thus far unanswered of Fathers Day is; "what the hell should we do?" Well, frett no more my esteemed colleagues as I will present to you some ideas that are sure to keep the big man happy and pre-occupied.

The 2008 Washington Brewers Festival: Hooray fer Booze!

Situated near the Lake Washington shoreline in the pristine 316 acre Saint Edward State Park the glory that is the Washington Brewers Festival boasts a ridiculously massive list of the best and most unique micro-brews know to man from the Nottie Nelly Golden Ale of the Pike Brewing Co to the Blueberry Creme Fruit Beer of the Norther Lights Brewing company. This festival is sure to satisfy any thirst and challenge the pallet of any beer connoisseur. Remember however, as desperately as the big guy may want to (myself included) I would strongly advise against trying every tempting concoction strewn about the festival grounds.

The Festival includes a wide assortment of live bands and entertainment including (on Saturday and Sunday) over 200 beers on tap, tastings, a root beer garden (for the little ones and DD), keg toss contest, craft market food and more. Truly an event for that the whole family can enjoy while allowing Pa to run around like a kid in a candy store.

When:
Friday, June 13th 5pm - 9pm -- 21+ only
Saturday, June 14th, 11am - 8pm -- All Ages
Sunday, June 15th, 11a, - 8pm -- All Ages

Where:
Saint Edward State Park
14445 Juanita Dr. NE
Kenmore, WA 98028

Tickets:
$15 in advanced
$20 at the door
$8 for the designated driver

Where to Rest Your Throbbing Head:
Residence Inn by Marriott
A solid and reasonably priced standby to comfortably suit the whole gang.

Courtyard by Marriott:
Another good choice in the Marriott family this charming hotel is priced to book and is situated only 4 miles from the festival grounds putting you out of earshot but allowing escape quick and easy.

More Places to Stay Near Saint Edward State Park:




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Other Ideas:

• Is Dad a sports fan? Why not take him out to a ball game for the all American Dads day out!?
• A bag of clubs and a sweet big boy go-cart. Spend the weekend at a golf resort or send dad out for the day of a solid uninterrupted 18 holes of pure joy and serenity. (tip) The Roosevelt Hotel in New York has an established relationship with Chelsea Piers Golf Course where you can take advantage of privileged tee times, pre-paid ball cards and use of pro-line golf equipment.
• Maybe the big guy is more the outdoorsy type. Get a cabin vacation rental or pitch a tent and get your fish on!