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For the time of your life….dining on delicious foods, sipping wonderful, complementary wines and indulging yourself in beautiful, historic Northern New Mexico…I have just selected the best of the best for your touring pleasure.
YOU will be personally treated to demonstrations of the signature dishes of the most famous chefs in Santa Fe and Taos and tour the best wineries, view the beautiful autumn color midst New Mexico’s gorgeous mountains-- all among friendly foodies.
No wonder the first Artist’s Colony in America was founded in Taos. You will see why when you indulge in the passion of the area—it is unbelievably gorgeous.
This enchanted week will begin in Albuquerque with the following itinerary:
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Saturday, October 16
The tour will begin when you arrive in Albuquerque at the Old Town Hotel Albuquerque Hotel (where our cooking school was located from 1993 to 1997). If you arrive early, you will have fun shopping in the many shops and galleries in Old Town or viewing the lovely collections in one of the nearby museums.
I will greet you at 5 PM and take you for a tasting at one of America’s most gorgeous, award winning wineries, Casa Rondena in the lovely north valley. Then on to the El Pinto Restaurant for a traditional New Mexican dinner.
Sunday, October 17
After a breakfast of your choice, we will depart for historic Taos, located on a high mesa, surrounded by the Sangre de Cristo mountains. Taos has been a thriving location for the Native Americans where the last remaining apartment house adobe Pueblo still stands.
Initially settled by the Conquistadores, in about 1540, Taos is well known for its beauty and peaceful valley. Taos was the first capital of the New Mexico territory—later moved to Santa Fe. We will be staying in the historic, gorgeous and colorful Casa Benavides Bed and Breakfast where the rooms are each furnished with handmade Mexican furniture and accented with brightly colored textiles and tiles. Each morning, a gourmet Mexican breakfast will be served in the beautifully appointed dining room.
I will depart for Taos at 10 am for a magnificent ride driving along the Rio Grande River, viewing the autumn foliage, historic villages and mountains. A stop along the way for a tasting at the Award Winning Boutique Chirapada Winery in the village of Dixon will showcase another one of New Mexico’s great wines. Snacks and soft drinks will be provided on the van.
Arrival at Casa Benavides is estimated at about 3:00 pm.
Delight in dining at Lamberts of Taos rated the best in the area, where you can view the chef creating the famous specialties. You will have an enjoyable experience as the servers are all artists whose works are displayed throughout the restaurant.
Monday, October 18
After enjoying a delicious breakfast of Mexican and American specialties at Casa Benavides, we will depart for the Taos Pueblo at 9:30 am. The Taos Pueblo Indians have lived in the valley for almost 1,000 years…perhaps longer. View the adobe apartments, the only remaining continuously occupied apartment style Pueblo of its kind and learn about their lifestyle.
Then on to the beautiful home of the Millicent Rogers Museum, where the Standard Oil heiress’ collections of jewelry, pottery, textiles, dolls, basketry and all manner of Pueblo and Hispanic art are attractively displayed.
We will have lunch at Doc Martins in the Taos Inn, one of the oldest Inn’s in northern New Mexico which features traditional and innovative Southwestern foods.
Enjoy an afternoon of shopping and gallery hopping in Taos.
For dinner, I will give a cooking class at the Casa Benavidez featuring native Northern New Mexican dishes. Selected wines, beers and soft drinks will be available.
Tuesday, October 19
After another wonderful breakfast of locally freshly made specialties, we will board our van for a tour of the famous high road to Santa Fe, stopping by charming villages clinging to the tall mountain sides.
Dating from the Conquistadore times of the mid-1500’s, these picturesque villages; each specialize in different arts and crafts. Mid-way, we will stop by the famous village of Chimayo where King Philip gave a huge land grant to the early settlers as a gift for coming on the long Conquistador trek and working to name as much land as possible for the Mexican flag.
We will lunch at the Rancho de Chimayo, an old colorful hacienda which features the famous red chile of conquistador origin.
 After this delicious lunch, we will ride to Santa Fe, past the Sangre de Christo mountains, the beautiful backdrop for Santa Fe. The mountains are named “the blood of Christ” for the rosy glow they take on at sunset.
We will be staying at the historic St. Francis hotel, one of Santa Fe’s oldest and just beautifully reappointed hotels, originally built as an artist’s enclave and is only a short block from the Plaza.
The remaining afternoon is free, followed by dinner at 7 PM where the well-known chef, Estafan Garcia, known for his acumen of the local Northern New Mexico cuisine will demonstrate his specialties and treat us to a wonderfully delicious dinner.
Wednesday, October 20
Santa Fe is famous for its rich history, beautiful setting, works of art and outrageous shopping. Following a breakfast of your choice, there are optional museum tours—a nearby walk from the hotel.
 At noon, we will be treated to a chef’s demonstration by Mark Kniffen and lunch at the famed Compound, where the chef and restaurant were the restaurant of the year in the James Beard awards a few years ago. A lovely setting with delicious food will be our treat.
Following, the afternoon is free to explore Canyon Road, where more art is sold than anywhere on earth or to shop anywhere you wish.
Dinner will be on your own. We will give you our suggestions. Santa Fe boasts over 200 restaurants, many of which are world class, so you will have a chance to explore your to your own palate’s pleasure.
Thursday, October 21
Following breakfast, you will have free time to shop, sightsee or whatever appeals to you. At 11 AM, we will mosey over to the historic Sena Plaza, built by a Spanish Prince to woo his lady to the new world—quite a palacial setting where we will lunch at the special Shed Restaurant of world renown.
Following, I will give a tour and a review of the history of the Plaza and nearby Loretta Chapel and Cathedral where the second tower remains unbuilt in respect of the Death of the Archbishop Lamy who was killed by the Indians at his retreat in Tesuque. (Also the title of a well known book by Willa Cather.)
Dinner will be at the new, trendy and quite delicious Martine’s which is all the buzz in Santa Fe. Chef Martine hails from Guadalajara, a third generation chef who creates the most special flavors with outstanding garni and presentation. You will absolutely love it!! He will also delight you with some of his culinary artistry in a demonstration.
Friday, October 22
Following breakfast, each will depart for the Albuquerque Sunport in time for their scheduled flight.
Tour Details
The total tour cost (excluding airfare) is $2,800. A single room supplement is an additional $290. The price includes seven days and six night’s accommodations, area excursions including a the Taos Pueblo and Millicent Rogers Museum, travel to restaurants, a cooking class by Jane Butel, four chef’s demonstrations, visits to two world class wineries, daily breakfasts, lunches and dinners as listed in the itinerary, all ground transportation (including to the airport from Santa Fe), taxes, tips, and gratuities. Tips to drivers, maids and guides not included.
A deposit of $600 per person is due upon reservation. If you choose to pay in full with your reservation, you will receive 10% off the tour cost.
Final payment is due September 5, 2010.
If you have questions regarding the itinerary or would like to register for the trip please let us know via e-mail or phone –
Phone 505-243-2622 or jane.butels@gmail.com.
Go To Registration - Click the option below to add to cart.
Pay in Full - single room
Pay in Full - shared room
Pay with Deposit - single room
Pay with Deposit - shared room
Cancellation penalties are as follows:
After deposit $300
30-15 days prior to departure $500
15-7 days prior to departure $1000
Less than seven days before departure – full payment
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