In fact, don’t tell anyone, but celebrities who love Santa Fe, its art galleries and incredible restaurants but would prefer discretion, often book suites in this down-the-road relaxing resort. It might not have the flash and panache of a Ritz or a Four Seasons, but it has authentic, caring people who want you to enjoy, families always welcome. How often do you hear that? It’s truly a wonderful place and maybe you will run into a member of the James Taylor family. You didn’t hear that from me.
So, the French architecture signs abound, as do resorts that have multi-languaged staffs to discover. In fact, one of the sweetest notes I received was from Bishop Lodge’s Spa Director (who happens to be…French!) Antonieta Matter.
She not only expressed hope that my spa treatment was wonderful (it was!) but also enclosed a lovely parting gift—an aromatherapy candle and bath oil to soothe this savage breast. A hand-written note! When’s the last time you received one of those, thanks to Twitter, IM and all those tekkie gizmos that make us more disconnected than connected. But I digress, as is my wont.
What about the French natives you find speaking rapidement on the streets? According to one spritely hotel assistant at the Hotel Santa Fe, a gorgeous hotel decorated in Native Americana and other historical artifacts discovered while construction was underway.
By the way, this hotel might as well have been French-inspired, with concierges and personal butlers making a stay oh-so-memorable.
And speaking of French resorts, a new Auberge property recently opened, Encantado, another French-inspired off-the-beaten-track spot beautifully designed and ready for visitors. Encantado, which translates to “Enchantment,” the state’s motto, is immaculate, contemporary and very French.
Onto the most important French inspired discovery in Santa Fe—the food!
You won’t believe how many wonderful French restaurants, bakeries, pastry shops and cafes you will find in this artists’ haven. Remember this is Georgia O’Keefe land—vast, beautiful spaces, wide –open vistas and attention to detail.
In my case, food may have to take a back seat (for the moment) to the architecture, but you must visit The French Pastry Shop (in La Fonda Hotel) in the Plaza area.
You like crepes? They serves full-blown meals as crepes, and the only hard decision is figuring out which one to try. First.
I went with the Chicken Mushroom (with béchamel sauce) and I was tempted to go the Croque route, but last minute changes are what I do best, so crepe it was.
And the bread! It was French! Almost as good as being in Paris. Sorry, no competition, but this was close. The requisite quiche Lorraine, salade nicoise and tourte milanaise are also on the menu, should you be so inclined.
But make sure you have room for dessert crepes, which range from seasonal fruit to Nuttella. Goes great with a café au lait. Maybe not so great for the arteries, so drink some Red Wine and your French will kick in nicely. And maybe reduce that ADL (bad cholesterol).
Now, I could detail more French restaurants for you to explore, but it’s more fun to discover them on your own. So I suggest you troll the tourism board site, do a little research and discover the French treasures yourself. You will be astounded and tres amusee…..
Bon Voyage au Santa Fe!
Naomi Serviss is a freelance spa/travel writer based in Tucson, who wants to spend summers in Santa Fe if she finds a benefactor.
