Fine Lifestyles Santa Fe & Albuquerque Volume 9 Issue 1

Vince, Robert Graham, Paige , Hudson, Mac jeans, AG, 7jeans

A WORD FROM THE PUBLISHER

Spring in the Land of Enchantment is a beautiful time of year. Our average high is 69, plenty of sunshine, skiing is still possible and other outdoor activities begin to take off, such as rafting, fishing and hiking.

Spring is also a time to shake off the winter blues and begin to venture outside and partake in some of our less strenuous activities, such as shopping at our favorite retail stores and my preferred pastime, dining out!

In this issue, we introduce two new quarterly features. The first is our ‘Shopping & Business Guide.’ Using just the camera on your smartphone or tablet, or using a QR Code Reader app, you will be able to go directly into the businesses website to shop or just browse without getting in your car!

The second new feature is a ‘Restaurant QR Code Menu Guide.’ Same process as the Shopping/Business Guide. These QR Codes take you directly to the participating restaurants’ menu. That gives you a chance to preview the various dish items prior to kicking off the evening.

There’s a detailed article in the following pages that explains exactly how to use the QR code, whether from your phones, tablets, camera, or using an app. Happy shopping and dining!

Featured on the cover is Vida Dental Studio, a fully comprehensive dental health and well-being practice, that uses revolutionary technology such as ‘air abrasion’ and ‘painless’ injections. Air abrasion allows for removal of minor tooth decay and stains without drilling. Their use of ‘Microscope Dentistry,’ with enhanced magnification and illumination, allows for more accurate diagnoses and treatment. Vida Dental Studio is committed to giving their patients a better quality of life through state-of-the-art dental care!

Also in this issue is a very informative Real Estate Market Update from Barker Realty, outlining the current state of our housing market and thoughts on what to expect in 2023.

As always, our goal at FineLifestyles is to inform, entertain and keep you in touch with the very best our vibrant community has to offer. We hope you enjoy this issue and will take time to explore some of the products and services featured in these pages, so you can take full advantage of what our wonderful city has to offer!

Mike Puzey

Fine Lifestyles

SANTA FE & ALBUQUERQUE

SPRING/EARLY SUMMER 2023

Volume 9 Issue 1

DESIGN

DeAnne Wood

FRONT COVER PHOTOGRAPHY

Laura Cockfield

PHOTOGRAPHY

Laura Cockfield

Liz Lopez

Ashley Lynn

Herschel Mair

Gabriella Marks

Douglas Merriam

Debbie Stone

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Wolf Schneider

Anya Sebastian

Debbie Stone

PUBLISHER & SALES

Mike Puzey

mikep@finelifestylessw.com

910.508.3694

SUBSCRIPTIONS

Subscribe at www.finelifestylessw.com or email mikep@finelifestylessw.com

Fine Lifestyles Santa Fe, is published four times a year by Fine Magazines, LLC. We reserve the right to edit any materials chosen for publication including photographs. We reserve the right to reject or accept any article, photograph, images or advertisement. All contents of Fine Magazines, LLC, publications are copyrighted 2023 with all rights reserved, except for original articles submitted to Fine Lifestyles, where copyright resides with the author. No other part of this publication may be reproduced without the written permission of Fine Magazines, LLC or its writers. The name Fine Lifestyles Santa Fe, its logo and material cannot be reproduced without the written consent of the publishers. The views and opinions expressed in the expert advice columns herein are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views and opinions of Fine Magazines, LLC or the companies it represents. The information contained herein is of a general nature and is not intended to address the circumstances of any particular individual or entity. Although we endeavor to provide accurate and timely information, there can be no guarantee that such information is accurate as of the date it is received or that it will continue to be accurate in the future. No one should act upon such information without appropriate professional advice after a thorough examination of the particular situation.

Return Undeliverables to:

2895 Pueblo Bonito, Santa Fe, NM 87507

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Santa Fe Shopping, Business and Menu Guide

SHOPPING & BUSINESS GUIDE

Over the last couple of years, the number of global on-line shoppers has grown immensely. In 2022, global on-online shopper totaled 29% of the world’s population or over 2.3 billion people! Over the next 2 years, on-line shopping will increase by 42% and 64% over the next 3 years.

The convenience of E-Shopping and accessibility to multiple shipping options has led many retailers to enhance the shopping experience by improving product information and customer reviews.

In the following pages you will find various retailers and businesses with a corresponding QR code. That QR code will take you directly to the retailer website to view their product offering or services they provide. There are two ways to access the QR code. You can either focus your smart phone or tablet camera over the QR code. Wait for the corresponding link to pop up on your phone and tap to pull up the website. The 2nd way is to download a free QR code reading app on your phone and use it.

We hope you find this new quarterly feature to your liking and easy to use. With that being said, “HAPPY SHOPPING!”

MENU GUIDE

Santa Fe is one of the top “Foodie” cities in the country and that makes the City Different a great home for some of the top restaurants in the world! We thought that it would be great to bring you an easy and up to date way to look at your favorite restaurants menus as they change throughout the season! We are introducing our QR Code menu guide feature that will be a part of each quarterly issue. You access the menus the same way you do in the Shopping/Business Guide with your smartphone and tablet.

How do QR Codes Work?

STEP 1

Open your camera phone or QR code app

STEP 2

Hover over the qr code and touch the screen to focus (you may need

STEP 3

Once the yellow/white link comes up, touch it and check out what the businesses in our city have to offer!

Love for Life Dispensary—We offer the best in medical and recreational cannabis products. Large selection of top quality brands, plus specialty items. Convenient location next to Meow Wolf, with easy parking. Come on by!

Indigo Baby—Here at Indigo Baby, we provide high-quality, hand-crafted goodies for kids of all ages from New Mexico and around the globe. Come in and experience the magic.

Scan

phone

Love for Life Dispensary

505-231-7775

1330 Rufina Circle, Santa Fe

Spring Shopping & Business

Guide

Fine Art Framers

Indigo Baby 505-954-4000

185 Paseo De Peralta Devargas Center, Santa Fe

Pandora’s—Luxury Bedding and bedroom accessories available in the finest fabrics and carefully crafted from New Mexican artists as well as Artisans from around the world. Exotic creations combined with stunning colors are what defines our products!

Fine Art Framers

505-982-4397

1415 W Alameda St, Santa Fe

14 Fine Lifestyles SANTA FE & ALBUQUERQUE STYLE

Scan me with the camera in your phone or QR code app to see more products

Pandora’s 505-982-3298

173 Paseo de Peralta DeVargas Center, Santa Fe

The Deli at Sassella—Our product is of the highest quality and ships direct from Italy. Oils, vinegars, gourmet sausages, cheeses, breads and crackers, charcuterie, moles, desserts and sweets. We offer a selection of our home-made breads, sauces, soups, panini, lasagna, gelatos and sorbettos as well as meats, cheeses, pastas and specialty items.

Scan me with the camera in your phone or QR code app to see more products

K&K Skin Products—Our Night Routine Set is a spa experience with Refresh Oil Facial Cleanser, Repair Wrinkle Serum & Premium Bamboo Washcloth Paired with our White Jade Crystal Roller & Gua Sha for real results, guaranteed!

Scan me with the camera in your phone or QR code app to see more products

The Deli at Sassella

505-954-1658

216 McKenzie St.,

Spring Shopping & Business Guide

Vida Dental Studio—Experience dentistry the way you’ve always deserved to be treated. Our team will accommodate all your dental concerns, provide personalized treatment plans and give you the smile you’ve always wanted.

Scan me with the camera in your phone or QR code app to see more products

Sleep & Dream Luxury Bed Store—Sleep & Dream features an excellent variety of luxury brands, including Hästens, Vispring, Aireloom, and Posh + Lavish. And no sleep experience would be complete without a full line of luxury accessories. So check out what we have to offer, then come by the store and find out why Sleep & Dream can get you on the path to a great night’s sleep.

Scan me with the camera in your phone or QR code app to see our services

New Mexico Fairy Hair—Fairy Hair (hair tinsel) is sparkly silken strands, paired with a single hair without glue or heat, often lasting weeks or months! Available by appointment and online. Call or email for private parties and events.

newmexicofairyhair@gmail.com

Spring Shopping & Business

Stephen’s Consignment—Large Selection of quality consignments. We offer Estate Sale Service and Appraisals!

Stag Tobacconist—Stag

Tobacconist, Santa Fe’s oldest and largest Cigar Shop, has been serving the Santa Fe and Northern New Mexico community for over 45 years. Come enjoy our remodeled Cigar Lounge.

The Longworth Gallery—We are honoured to represent internationally acclaimed artists such as Valimir Kush with his Metaphorical Realism and Michael Parkes, with his Magical Realism, it is exciting to a platform for debuting emerging artists.

Cowboys and Indians—Cowboys and Indians is a veritable shoppers paradise, is located in the heart of Santa Fe’s historic plaza. The Southwest’s Premier Custom furniture maker!

Arrediamo Santa Fe —specializes in importing only the finest, authentic, hand-knotted, vegetable dyed, handspun wool or silk rugs for your home or office. We are proud to offer the Southwest’s largest collection of handmade contemporary, southwest, traditional and antique Persian, Turkish, Afghani, Tribal, and Tibetan rugs.

Cowboys and Indians

505 982-8280

72 E San Francisco St Santa Fe

Spring Shopping & Business Guide

James Kallas

Jewelers

James Kallas

Jewelers is a full-service jewelry studio specializing in custom jewelry design. We also offer in-house repairs, engraving, appraisals, and gold buying. Throughout Santa Fe, James Kallas Jewelers is known as the premium custom jewelry design store.

Arrediamo Santa Fe 505-820-2231

202 Galisteo St, Santa Fe

Linson’s Design Source —We specialize in custom window coverings, upholstery, bedding, and outdoor spaces. We carry over 450 lines of interior and exterior fabrics. Please stop in and see us or call for your free in-home consultation.

“We had several neighbors, friends and customers reach out to us and congratulate us on the cover feature in Fine Lifestyles Magazine. We received a great deal more feedback from this publication than other ones we have tried. It also reaches a lot of the demographic that supports our business, both long time customers and NEW ONES!”

-Nicole

Director Santa Fe School of Cooking

Ammerman,

“After advertising with Fine Lifestyles for many years, we have never had such a great response to a single advertisement as we did from the cover story. We could not believe the support from our community. This is by far the best advertising investment that we have ever done. We highly recommend Fine Lifestyles to anyone looking to increase their revenue!”

-Lupie Linson, Owner Linson’s Design Source

Collective

It's That Time of Year!

By Anya Sebastian

Spring is in the air and as blossoms start to appear, signaling the end of the cold winter months, this is the time when thoughts turn to ways of improving our health. We all know the basics about exercising, eating right and adopting a healthy lifestyle, but other things are important, too, even if they do not get as much attention and in this magazine issue we highlight just three of them.

The first, as illustrated on the cover, is dental health. ‘Healthy mouth, healthy body,’ is more than just a catch phrase. Taking care of mouth, teeth and gums has a profound impact on our overall physical health. Regular check-ups are therefore important and will make sure that we really do have something to smile about. There are also many ways to improve that smile, including veneers, tooth whitening, bonding, inlays, implants and crowns. And since hardly anyone looks forward to going to the dentist, Vida Dental Studio has come up with ways to make patients almost enjoy their visit.

Dentistry has come a long way in the past few years, as have other areas of health care. One of them is medical marijuana, which research has now proven to be highly effective for treating many ailments, from insomnia and anxiety disorders, to post-traumatic stress disorder and even cancer. Dispensaries are now popping up all over the place, and the range and variety of products can be overwhelming. Having a knowledgeable and trusted guide to help make sense of it all, is invaluable, and that is something that Love

for Life Dispensary considers a priority. So if conventional treatments haven’t been effective, or if you’re looking for a natural alternative to Big Pharma, head over there to check out what medical marijuana has to offer.

While it is not a physical illness, hair loss can nevertheless cause mental and emotional distress and can definitely undermine the quality of life. It is also a very common problem and there are now a number of ways to deal with it. Dr. Christopher Plaman, at Precision Medical Hair Restoration, is the only provider in the state to offer physician-assisted robotic hair transplantation, the latest and most advanced treatment. Since everyone is different, solutions can vary, and Dr. Plaman offers free consultations to explain the various options available.

So while it may be too late for new year’s resolutions, there is still time to celebrate the new year by focusing on creating a new and healthier you. There are many new and exciting options out there, just waiting to be discovered.

VIDA DENTAL STUDIO Not Your Typical Dental Office

By Anya Sebastian

The sound of laughter is not something one normally associates with dentists’ offices, but at Vida Dental Studio it is a regular occurrence. And that is just one of the things that makes this place different from the norm.

“People make a lot of assumptions about what to expect when they go to the dentist,” says Dr. Devin Giron, who opened his Santa Fe practice about five years ago. “Let’s just say it’s not something people typically look forward to. Our goal at Vida Dental is to transform those expectations.”

That goal defines what patients experience from the moment they walk through the door. The atmosphere is both welcoming and informal, and the studio clearly operates as a team, with everyone working together to provide the best possible outcome. “It all starts with communication,” explains Dr. Giron, “making people feel at ease and building relationships. Everyone here knows and understands that, because that’s how the whole place operates.”

It was the combination of art and science that first attracted Dr. Giron to the world of dentistry. Born and raised in New Mexico, he wanted a profession that was both aesthetically satisfying and analytically

challenging. He also enjoyed working with his hands—woodworking was a favorite pastime— and dentistry seemed to offer the perfect blend.

After graduating from UNM, Dr. Giron spent some time working with a dental practice in Albuquerque before moving on to the health department in Isleta Pueblo, where he stayed for about six years. It was there that he met Dr. Galen Detrik, the dentist who is now his professional partner. He had an office in Albuquerque at the time and had volunteered to come to the pueblo to fill in for someone. The two became friends and subsequently discovered that they shared similar ideas about dentistry and how it should be practiced.

“The fact is that dentistry has been done the same way for a very long time,” explains Dr. Detrik, “and it doesn’t have to be done that way. It’s common practice for dentists to decide how they want to deal with a particular issue, without giving patients a choice. We like to tell them what options are available, go over the pros and cons of each one, and then talk about which one would be the best fit for that particular individual. In other words, it’s collaborative, and if the client finally opts for something we can’t provide, we know someone who can.”

The studio is well equipped with all the latest technology, from state-of-the art dental X-ray sensors, to scanners and cutting-edge guides for implants. “Most people accept that dental wear and tear is something to be expected as the years go by,” points out Dr. Giron, “just as they think it’s normal to put on weight as they get older; but that really isn’t the case. Being proactive, instead of reactive, can really make a difference and changing people’s perception of themselves is something I find really gratifying.”

Dr. Detrik clearly agrees. “The mouth is the gateway to the body,” he points out. “Healthy mouth, healthy body, and instead of buying a new car or taking a luxury vacation, the best thing you can do is invest in your health. What I hear most often from patients who have undergone some kind of transformative procedure is that they only wish they had done it sooner. People who have avoided smiling are suddenly being told they have a pretty smile, and being able to change people’s lives like that really is a privilege.” Vida Dental Studio

ALL STARTS WITH COMMUNICATION, MAKING PEOPLE FEEL AT

MEDICAL MARIJUANA is a Whole New World

By Anya Sebastian

Marijuana for medical use is a topic surrounded by confusion and misinformation. Years of legal wrangling, together with a cultural disapproval of recreational cannabis, have blurred the lines between truth and myth, so that the many benefits of medical grade cannabis are still largely unknown to most people.

Research has, in fact, been ongoing for quite some time, producing results that are both exciting and life-changing. The recent legalization of marijuana in New Mexico for recreational use has brought cannabis back into the mainstream, but without much by way of public education. That is something that Love for Life Dispensary is doing its best to change. “Most people

associate cannabis with recreational use,” says owner, Gyana Basse, but medical marijuana is a whole new world,”

Parts of the plant, known as terpenes, can be put together in different ways to produce different results, creating products that address specific issues, like pain, insomnia, anxiety, adult ADD, post-traumatic stress disorder…and many more. “ Since everyone is different, we always start out with a consultation, to determine how best to serve the person’s needs,” explains Gyana, “and we then work with the client until they get the results they are looking for.”

Included in the store’s wide selection of offerings are unique lines of recreational and medical marijuana products created by Multitude Manufacturing, a company that has worked with plants and their terpenes for over 35 years. That experience has proved invaluable for this new enterprise. The marijuana flower is complex, and producing a high-grade medical line requires a focused attention to detail, together with an awareness of the subtleties and different effects of the terpenes in each plant.

“We only offer flower that has been trimmed by hand,” says Gyana, “ because that preserves the trichomes, which are very delicate. They ultimately determine the taste and smell of the flower, as well as the effect it has on the body and mind. It’s unfortunately quite common these days for buds to be trimmed by machine, in which case most of the trichomes are lost.”

It is also not uncommon for terpenes themselves to be chemically reproduced, mainly for use in cheap vape pens. They may also contain additives, like corn, or even toxic substances like propylene glycol. Everything that Love for Life sells is clean, top-of-the-line and third party tested for purity, with no additives of any kind.

The dispensary has also put together ‘medical menus,’ listing different varieties of products. Designed specifically to address certain issues, such as relieving stress; increasing focus; inducing calm and addressing insomnia, they are available in the form of 25 mg. gummies, and 1,000mg. tinctures. That is much higher than the limit for recreational use, which is 100 mg. for an entire

container. Anyone wanting to purchase medical grade marijuana has to qualify for a special card, to prove their eligibility.

The tinctures contain both THC and CBD, and anyone not wanting, or needing THC, can check out the products in the adjoining store, Hemp Apotheke, which specializes in CBD products with the same high standards of purity.

Everyone in both departments is knowledgeable, well-trained and eager to help. So if you have a concern you would like to resolve, or just want to relax and get high, head over to Love for Life Dispensary, to check out the options that are now available. It really is a whole new world.

RECAPTURE THAT YOUTHFUL CONFIDENCE!

Hair loss is much more common than people realize. More than 80% of men and 50% of women will experience some degree of hair loss during their lifetime. But despite being an extremely common issue, it’s something that’s all too often undiagnosed, misdiagnosed or mistreated.

Establishing the root cause of hair loss is important, so that treatment can be personalized, considering the extent of the loss, past medical history and personal goals. Treatments can range from increasing density of thin hair, filling in balding areas, lowering the hairline, concealing scar tissue, reshaping eyebrows, and even beard restoration. The results can transform a person’s entire physical appearance, adding shape and definition, while promoting a more youthful appearance.

There are, in fact, many different options, ranging from prescription medications, laser

treatments, topical serums, regenerative therapies, and hair transplantation. We offer free consultations, so people can be informed about the best options for their individual needs.

Hair transplantation – is an outpatient surgical procedure that involves borrowing hair from an area with higher density, typically the back of the scalp, and redistributing the hair to a balding area or thinning area. At our facility we perform hair transplantation using a method called Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE). FUE is a less invasive form of hair transplantation which involves performing individual extractions of hair follicles one by one instead of removing a larger strip of tissue from the donor area. The advantage of FUE is it can yield very natural results with a quicker recovery time and minimal scarring compared to older techniques. I perform FUE with either the Artas iX Hair Restoration System or a manual approach with a Waw System or

Neograft device depending patient characteristics and goals. The Artas iX is a physician assisted robotic system that uses artificial intelligence and high-resolution imaging along with precise algorithms to select and extract individual hair follicles. We are the only medical center in New Mexico that specializes specifically on hair restoration and have the only Artas iX robot in the state. With an optimized medical strategy, the results from a hair transplant can last for many years. However, the longevity and success from the procedure can depend on many different factors so it is critical to have an in depth evaluation by a hair restoration surgeon who is familiar with the intricacies of the process. I am a proud and active participating member of the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery (ISHRS), the world’s leading society dedicated to achieving excellence in

medical and surgical outcomes in hair restoration and we use an evidence based and patient centered approach for each patient.

I chose this field of medicine because I became increasingly aware of the profound psychological and social impact that hair loss can have on people’s lives. Psychologically, hair is linked to identity - it’s the first thing people see when they look in the mirror - and hair loss often undermines their sense of self and their quality of life. It’s really gratifying when people come back with big smiles and share stories about improved personal and professional relationships, renewed enthusiasm for social interactions and other positive impacts on different areas of their life. I have dedicated my practice to treating hair loss because I am passionate about helping people not only restore their hair but also their confidence!

DR. CHRIS PLAMAN

ABIM Board Certified Physician Associate member ISHRS

505.557.5500

precisionmedicalhair.com

CHAOS STRIKES AT A ZEN MONASTERY BOOK REVIEW

In the mountains south of Taos, the secluded Sleeping Tiger Zen Center is readying for a silent meditation retreat with guests coming from California, Colorado, and Los Alamos. The quiet sparseness of the zendo’s eight-day program promises inner peace. What the visitors don’t know is that the center’s staff members have internecine issues like at many establishments. To make matters worse, the morning the attendees arrive, Sheriff Ulysses Walker discovers the body of a local Picuris Pueblo tribal member dead in the mountains near the remote monastery. Is there a connection? Plus a snowstorm is moving in, along with sinking temperatures. That’s the set-up for Murder at Sleeping Tiger by C.R. Koons, a former therapist who’s based in Dixon, NM.

The sun rising over the mountains brings dawn to the property as caretaker Tomás drives into the retreat center, noting that the lights are already on at Roshi Melanie’s house as the former Brooklynite-turnedBuddhist instructor prepares her spiritual program. Retreat manager Jo, who’s recovering from the stress of a paramedic career, is setting out sticks of incense and beeswax candles. When the first van pulls up with guests, Jo notices, “Roshi Astrid Berg got out of the front seat, pulled her black cashmere coat tight around her and shuddered with distaste at the cold. She left her designer bag on the seat and headed toward the zendo without a word.” Everyone here has an agenda, it seems.

Trying to maintain order, Jo helps Tomás shovel snow and salt the walkways as more snow pelts the Zen center under gun-metal skies. The next morning, havoc hits anew when another body is found frozen dead, this time in the plaza of Picuris Pueblo where wood smoke scents the air. What’s more, it’s a Sleeping Tiger staffer. This novel’s intriguing characters, palpable ambiance, and progressing plot prove irresistible, with particular insight into Northern New Mexico norms. An oasis of calm this retreat is not

By Wolf Schneider

Author C.R. Koons

MAY 6 TH A BENEFIT FOR ST. ELIZABETH SHELTERS & SUPPORTIVE HOUSING

Kentucky Derby DAY EVENT HIPICO SANTA FE

HIPICO

TICKETS: $125 PERSON / $225 COUPLE

TICKETS: $125 PERSON / $225 COUPLE

TICKETS: $125 PERSON / $225 COUPLE

Farm to Table Seating

Farm to Table Seating

.

Celebrate under the BIG TOP with Old & New Friends

Celebrate under the BIG TOP with Old & New Friends

Farm to Table Seating

LIVE Entertainment, LIVE & Silent Auctions, Hat Parade Visit www.steshelter.org for tickets or call 505-982-6611 ext. 104

LIVE Entertainment, LIVE & Silent Auctions, Hat Parade

. . .

Celebrate under the BIG TOP with Old & New Friends

Rosé

With spring and summer just around the corner, it seems like a good time to turn our attention to lighter wines. Rosé is a type of wine that incorporates some of the color from the grape skins, but not enough to qualify it as a red wine. It may be the oldest known type of wine, as it is the most straightforward to make with the skin contact method. The pink color can range from a pale orange to a vivid near-purple, depending on the grape varieties used and winemaking techniques. Usually, the wine is labelled rosé in French, Portuguese, and English-speaking countries, rosado in Spanish, or rosato in Italian.

Rosé rose to popularity on the world stage following the conclusion of World War II when two Portuguese wine producer families both released sweet, slightly sparkling rosés to the European and American markets. These wines, Mateus and Lancers, would go on to set record sales in Europe and the US and dominate the Portuguese wine industry for most of the 20th century, but their popularity has declined in the recent years of the 21st century as consumers prefer lighter and drier wines.

Rosés account for vast majority of Provence’s wine production, ranging from half to almost two thirds of all the wine produced in the region. The rosés of Provence are often known for their food and wine pairing matches with the local Mediterranean cuisine of the region, particularly the garlicky aioli sauces and tangy bouillabaisse stews that are the hallmark of Provençal cuisine. Try the Hecht & Bannier Rosé from Provence. Everything you want in a Provencal rosé. It is my go to Provencal rosé and a great value.

For an Italian Rosato try the Frescobaldi Branciato Rosato. This is a somewhat more full bodied wine that has great acidity and freshness. Try it with a summer frito misto di mare and you will be transported to the sunbaked shores of the Italian coast. There’s nothing better.

Take some time to experiment with rosé from different regions. You will be surprised just how good and affordable these wines can be.

RESTAURATEUR OF THE YEAR

Suzanna and Lawrence Becerra have been awarded 2022 “Restaurateur of the Year” by the New Mexico Restaurant Association. Co-owned with James Beard Award winner Chef Fernando Olea (Sazon) and Michelin Star Chef Cristian Pontiggia (Sassella), each restaurant has rocketed to the top of their field over the last couple of years. The following is a quick Q & A with Suzanna and Lawrence….

What was the driving force that called to you to get into the highly competitive restaurant industry?

Suzanna and I love to travel and food has always been a passion of ours. When we moved to Santa Fe in 2004, we were really enjoying the fine dining scene and were big fans of Fernando Olea, who then had a restaurant called Epazote. I had lived in Mexico City, so I was familiar with Mexican fine dining, and I thought, “Wow, this guy is the real deal.” Time went by and one day Fernando called me and, knowing that I had a background in finance, asked if I knew any investors who might be interested in opening a restaurant. I said, “Hold that thought!” So, we met and on the back of a napkin we put together a vision for a restaurant. We came up with the idea of opening a fine dining Mexican restaurant, specializing in tequila and mezcal. The location on Shelby Street was perfect and when Sazon opened, it was an almost immediate success.

Over the last couple of years, both Sassella and Sazon have become nationally recognized restaurants with foodies across the country. What do you owe their success to?

We had food that most people were not familiar with, but once they tasted it, they fell in love with it. There was a wide selection of high-end tequilas and mezcals which, once again, people didn’t know much about. The art on the walls, featuring Mexican artists, is part of our private collection and when you walk in the door you certainly don’t think you’re in Santa Fe. You could be in a restaurant in Mexico City. Fernando does what he does best, cooking great food and acting as a great host and it’s the same with Cristian at Sassella. He is an Italian master chef, has won all kinds of awards and has the same kind of warmth and charisma.

Sassella—True Italian Cuisine

In addition to working at two Michelin Star restaurants in Europe, Lombardy native Chef Cristian Pontiggia has received several awards from La Confrérie de la Chaîne des Rôtisseurs, an international gastronomic society. The Italian government recognizes him as a Master Chef, and he holds a culinary degree that certifies him as a Doctor of Enogastronomy.

Restaurant Logos/Awards

How have your backgrounds helped with the day-in day-out management of running two restaurants?

I started my career in banking and I’ve worked with some very large companies. I like to say I’m not really a restauranteur, I’m a finance guy. I knew nothing about the restaurant business, so I came to this with a fresh set of eyeballs and my experience taught me to do things a bit differently. Delegating is important and training is ongoing every single day. I run the business side and curate the wine lists and Suzanna takes care of the environment.

What were your initial thoughts being named “New Mexico Restauranteurs of the Year?”

We were both very surprised and very honored to receive that award. But while we were the recipients, all of our staff were really recipients of that award, because this isn’t something the two of us could do by ourselves. Everybody contributes and without them none of this would be possible.

How have you used your platform, Spinning Plates Group, to give back to the community that has supported you over the years?

Suzanna and I are associated with a number of different charities in town. Our main interest is in supporting charities that provide extra-curricular, educational activities for children K through 12. That is the main focus of our giving and of course the restaurants are a perfect platform for us to help other charities in their fundraising activities as well.

Sazon

Originally from Mexico City, Chef Fernando Olea, Best Chef of the Southwest 2022 James Beard Award Winner, has been enthralling diners in Santa Fe since 1991 with his unique interpretation of contemporary and traditional Mexican dishes. Chef Olea creates sophisticated flavors using Old Mexico’s indigenous and culinary traditions alongside ingredients from around the world. His menu is deliberately small, featuring fresh and locally sourced produce and meats when possible. Chef Olea is also 2022 New Mexico Chef of the Year.

Restaurant Logos/Awards

SAZÓN A Feast for All the Senses

By Anya Sebastian Photography by Herschel Mair

Photography Creative Direction Suzanna Becerra

Arestaurant that has achieved the recognition and reputation of Sazon could simply relax and carry on doing what they’re doing. Once you’ve reached the top, there’s nothing left to prove, after all.

The challenge is to stay involved and keep things interesting and that is something that award-winning Executive Chef Fernando Olea, and co-owners Lawrence and Suzanna Becerra, are completely committed to. “Most of the dishes on our menu are available year-round and are so popular that people would be really upset if they weren’t there,” says Lawrence, “so we come up with new and different takes, rather than adding new ones.”

Uniqueness is really Sazon’s defining quality and one variation is a rack of lamb, with an added spinach sauce, large beets and crispy rice noodles, covered with a balsamic glaze. For dessert, there is fruit crumble, resting on a compote of fresh berries, with an edible orchid and a caramelized sugar

design in the background.

CARAJILLO Licor 43, chocolate Liqueur, espresso, foam

ESPRESSO MARTINI Dahlia Reposado Cristalino, Chocolate Liqueur, Gifford Vanille de Madagascar, espresso

PASSION FRUIT MOCKTAIL Passion fruit puree, fresh lime juice, agave nectar, soda water

SPECIALTY SPIRITS Variety of the best Tequila, Mezcal and Agave

That dedication to excellence applies to drinks as well as food and Sazon has acquired some truly exceptional new products. One is a mezcal from Baja, aged 7 years in French oak cognac barrels, resulting in a softer, more mellow taste. “This 7 Year Special Reserve is the only one I know of, to be aged in that way, or for that long,” Lawrence says, “so this really is an exclusive find.”

Another exceptional find is a rosé, also from Baja, created from garnacha (grenache) grapes. “Rosé has become very popular in recent years, but most are really not that great,” says Lawrence, “so I tried this one with some trepidation. It turned out to be one of the best I have ever tasted and I’m sure it will be very popular for the summer months.”

Sazon now has the same mocktails as its sister restaurant, Sassella, created with a nonalcoholic base of gin, rum or tequila. These are an extremely popular option for designated drivers, or for those wishing to drink and still drive home.

Known also for its outstanding art, Sazon has some new, magnificent paintings by three of Mexico City’s most celebrated artists. These

are also on display in the private dining room upstairs, which can be reserved for private meetings or family gatherings.

Success has clearly inspired the restaurant to keep growing and innovating in every way. A visit to Sazon is a complete experience, guaranteed to satisfy all five senses. When the time comes to leave, you know you will be back.

RACK OF LAMB in a spinach sauce with shaved beets and crispy rice noodles

BERRY AND RHUBARB COBBLER

Sassella CREATING NEW CULINARY ADVENTURES

By Anya Sebastian • Photography by Herschel Mair • Photography Creative Direction Suzanna Becerra

Having established itself as a popular culinary destination for both locals and visitors alike, Sassella is now looking to increase its seating capacity. “We had to turn people away from the patio last summer,” says co-owner Lawrence Becerra, “ because dining al fresco proved to be so popular.”

The elegant patio, with its towering deciduous trees, should re-open on Mother’s Day, or possibly sooner, weather permitting. Regular patrons will see, not only additional tables, but also new dishes. “Chef Cristian Pontiggia finally persuaded me to add a burger to the lunch menu,” admits Lawrence. “This is America, after all.” But Sassella is also an upscale Italian restaurant, so this is no ordinary burger. Made with buffalo, not beef, it comes with onions, prosciutto, fontina, crispy parmesan, and arugula pistachio pesto mayo, and is already a firm favorite.

There is also a new pasta dish, Limone e Gamberi, which is angel hair pasta, with shrimp, clams, white wine, lemon juice, lemon zest, mint, pistachio and capers. And a completely original, novelty dessert, created, believe it or not, out of candy floss. You just have to experience that for yourself! Lighter, more summery wines will be included in the famous wine list as summer approaches, with new additions from vineyards in Sicily.

An exciting new development on the drinks menu is a selection of cocktails made from alcohol-free spirits, currently gin, rum and tequila. “There’s a growing demand for mocktails,” explains Lawrence, “and these are the best products we have found. Designated drivers, or those who want to drink and still drive, can order one of these without feeling left out. There are quite a few non-alcoholic cocktails to choose from, and we’ll be adding more in the summer. They are already a huge hit.”

The dining room has added a few more tables as well, and the updated interior, designed by Suzanna Becerra, features one entire wall of mirrors, creating the illusion of an even larger space. Those in search of a more casual dining environment can book seats in the spacious bar area adjoining the main dining room.

The consistent standards of elegance, exceptional food and wine, and great service, all contributed to Lawrence & Suzanna Becerra being recognized as the New Mexico Restaurant Association 2022 Restaurateurs of the Year. With two outstanding restaurants, Sassella and Sazon, this is clearly a well-deserved distinction.

Sassella

225 Johnston Street, Santa Fe 505-982-6734

sassellasantafe.com

Lunch: Friday to Monday, 11:30am–2:00pm

Dinner: Monday to Saturday, 4:30pm until closed

on the menu

MAIN PHOTO: L’Agnello-Lamb Loin, truffle Demiglaze, mushrooms, Gnocchetti, crispy green beans

MAIN BOTTOM: Chef’s Burger-Buffalo smash burger, onions, prosciutto, fontina, crispy parmesan, potato chips, arugula, pistachio pesto mayo, French fries

TOP LEFT: Limone e Gamberi, angel hair pasta, shrimp, clams, white wine, lemon juice, lemon zest , mint, pistachio capers, Sassella EVOO

MIDDLE: Novelette-House made seasonal cotton candy, fresh fruit, crumbled pistachio, crunchy caramel with a couple of secrets!

BOTTOM: Mocktails, Vespa, non alcoholic French 75, non alcoholic tequila ranch water, non alcoholic Crodino

PALACE PRIME Primed and Here to Stay

By Anya Sebastian

Restaurants have come and gone at this location, but Palace Prime seems finally to have figured out how to establish one as a permanent fixture. General Manager, Charles Dampf, describes it as, ‘a fine dining restaurant, featuring prime steaks, seasonally sourced seafood and fresh, hand-made pasta.’ It also has a bar area, with one of the largest selections of spirits in Santa Fe. The after-hours bar scene is vibrant and energizing and many of the bottles on the shelves, including bourbons and tequilas, are ‘specials,’ unique to the establishment. The casually contemporary and sumptuous dining room has spacious comfortable seating and fabulous art throughout. The dining room is highly sought after for reservations. There is extensive outdoor patio seating, which is very comfortable during the warmer months.

The restaurant’s success may also be due to the fact that the people who are hands-on running the place grew up here. Bar Manager, Todd Walker, Wine Director, Austin Flick, and Charles Dampf himself, all left to gain experience in other places before coming back to Santa Fe. So they have the knowledge and experience gained from working in top establishments elsewhere, coupled with an insider’s understanding of what the city wants and needs. Seasoned local restaurateur, Charles Dale, is also on board as a consultant.

Upscale food is served in a welcoming and friendly atmosphere— no need to dress your best to eat here—and selections can change

daily. There is, however, an unusual specialty of oysters on the half shell from many different parts of the country, depending on the season. “We easily go through 8 to 10 cases a week, if not more,” says Executive Chef, Douglas Hesselgesser. “It’s definitely one of our most popular items.”

Overall, the menu has excellent choices of prime steaks, various fish dishes and the house-ground prime burger with smoked green chile and New York cheddar, made from the trimmings of filet mignon, prime rib and New York strip steaks from Pat La Frieda out of New York. Outstanding pasta specialties are included too. Not only is the pasta hand-made, it is also made from flour specially imported from Italy. “Dishes might seem simple at times,” comments Wine Director, Austin Flick, ‘but the care that chef puts into them, together with his original touches, really makes a difference.”

Hesselgesser has exemplary culinary credentials and he is clearly an exceptional chef. Ingredients are always top of the line, eggs are local and freerange, and whenever possible, products are sustainably sourced and organic.

As for wines, the list covers multiple pages, with more than 300 selections always in stock. There is also an overwhelming choice of cocktails, many of them the brainchild of bar manager

Todd Walker, with names like Palace Penicillin and Todd’s Toddy. “It’s also a place where people can stop by for a drink, before or after a show at the Lensic, since it’s literally just around the corner,” points out wine director Austin Flick.

In other words, there is something here for everyone, young or old, romantic or solo, so whatever your mood, stop off at Palace Prime, relax over a cocktail, and enjoy the welcoming vibe. This place is definitely here to stay!

THERE IS SOMETHING HERE FOR EVERYONE, YOUNG OR OLD, ROMANTIC OR SOLO

Chef James Campbell Caruso has been a fan of Spanish cuisine for over two decades. After seven years at El Farol, he was inspired to go out on his own, and opened La Boca restaurant in downtown Santa Fe in 2006. “I thought then - and I still think now - that Americans don’t really know too much about Spanish food,” he says. “They are familiar with French and Italian, but Spanish not so much, and I really wanted to turn people on to the flavors of Spain.”

He clearly succeeded, because a more spacious sister restaurant, Taberna, was added in 2012. More relaxed than La Boca, with live music on the weekends, both offer the same menu. “I call it modern Spanish cuisine,” he says, “because it’s my own personal take on traditional recipes, inspired by the ingredients and the flavors.”

La Boca is especially well known for tapas, something Chef James, who has been nominated 8 times for a James Beard award, specializes in. “I do like to educate people,” he explains, “and eating tapas is a good introduction to the many different flavors of Spain. They’re so versatile, there’s really no limit to what you can do.” Wines are not forgotten either and the restaurant, which features Spanish wines and sherries, was awarded a Wine Spectator Award of Excellence in 2022. The restaurant is open every day from 11:30am until 9:00pm and the menu is also available for take-out.

La Boca

72, W. Marcy Street 505.982.3433

labocasantafe.com

Fans of La Boca’s Spanish cuisine can now find some of the great products imported and used by Chef James to create his restaurant’s special dishes, at Bodega, a new location just a few steps away, which opened in December last year. Here you can peruse and take home, top-of the-line items, including cheeses, different kinds of specialty olives and olive oils, spices, seafood, chorizos, anchovies, charcuterie and more. There are also paella pans from Spain, as well as cutting boards, ceramic items and table ware, specially made for Bodega by local artists.

For those in search of good food, but with limited time to spend over a complete meal, there is a coffee/lunch counter, featuring Chef James’ signature tapas, together with one-of-a-kind sandwiches on special bread created by his wife, Leslie. Also on display is a selection of mouthwatering pastries, all freshly made in-house, and everything is available to go. Spanish charcuterie and cheese platters can be pre-ordered for picnics or special events and there is also a full-scale catering service. Definitely a welcome addition to the downtown culinary scene.

505.982.3433

Bringing Fine Spanish Foods Home

By Anya Sebastian

Bodega

Corner of Lincoln and Marcy St.

As the days get warmer and more beautiful, we are getting our patio area ready for your dining pleasure. Whether it’s serving you lunch, or dinner in the dining room, patio or lounge, we will prepare your meal or cocktail with the same care and attention to detail you have come to expect!

SU SUSHI IS BACK!

El Nido’s Sushi Restaurant, Su is delighted to welcome chef Alexander Gaytan. Drawn to Japanese cuisine at the age of 17, he spent many years learning the Art of making Sushi, Tempura and Teriyaki. Alex accredits his training to “Itamae“ Shohko Fukuda, Kuni San, and Masa Hattori. “I wanted to learn everything I could, because the food is so beautiful,” he says.

Everything on the menu uses the freshest ingredients. Many of these items come directly from Japan, including rice, sauces, spices, seaweed and oils. Now with advances in distribution, we can access fresh seafood from around the world. We recently started to receive fish from the Toyosu Fish Market, which is flown in weekly from Japan. Our menu is currently evolving and as word spreads and the customer base grows, new dishes will be added. Come try three new delicious flavors of Japanese mochi as a sweet after taste.

“My goal is to see the restaurant filled with happy customers, who leave with a smile on their face,” says chef Alexander. “For me, that is what makes everything worthwhile.”

Tuna and Salmon Hand Cut Roll

Inside of roll: Cucumber, Avocado with Wild Caught Snow Crab. Topped with Bigeye Tuna, White Tuna, Yellowfin Tuna, and Scottish Salmon. Finished with Black, Green, Gold and Masago Roe.

Omakase—“I leave it to you”

Chef Selection of Japanese Scallops, Bigeye Tuna, Scottish Salmon and Red Snapper with Fresh Vegetable Hand Roll

Seared Seabass with Gold Flying Fish Roe

Chef Cristian Pontiggia

Chef Fernando O’lea Chef Angel Estrada

Chef Douglas Hesselgesser

Chef Joseph Wrede

Chef James Campbell Caruso

I wanted to write and tell you how much I enjoyed your magazine which I received this past week! I was thrilled to read about the real estate market changes over the last year. I also discovered new restaurants to try, and two new places I want to shop that I wasn’t previously aware of. I can’t wait to check them out! I’m really looking forward to the next issue. Keep up the good work!

—Deborah S.

Chef Ziggy Montalvo

Chef Alexander Gayton

IN RETROSPECT

Now that the real estate market has begun to settle, we can take pause and reevaluate the lessons from the past year. New trends have emerged from buyers: move-in ready homes are a premium, outdoor living is a must, and an extra room for an office or gym has become the norm. The same goes for auxiliary dwellings, whether for visiting family or for rental income, and the shift towards a more energy efficient appliances and finishes seem to be at the top of most wishlists.

For many who are happy in their current homes they refinanced at a low interest rate and question the value of making a move and are improving their homes with a renewed eagerness. This, undoubtedly, will continue to starve our market of much needed inventory well into the future.

And the inward migration patterns changed with those priced out of Santa Fe finding residence in Taos or Albuquerque and those coming from expensive metropolitan areas finding Santa Fe still a bargain. California leads the way with neighboring states of Texas, Colorado, and Arizona close behind. The Pacific Northwest still trickles in many buyers as well as the far Northeast.

REBALANCING

For the past few years, sellers undoubtedly had the upper hand. With multiple offers nearly guaranteed and buyers pushing pricing over asking, we saw record growth in pricing, record low inventory, and days on market for residential listings in the single digits. In June of 2022 we saw the market peak and have been slowly rebalancing since.

In Santa Fe we closed out 2022 with nearly all those trends reversing, but not as dramatically as in other markets. Other Intermountain West markets, such as Boise and Denver, have seen their sales and pricing drop nearly 50%. Santa Fe is far from those figures, but has seen a correction in the realm of 20%, which while notable, is still rather strong considering the highs we reached this past year.

For buyers we are seeing negotiations and opportunity to evaluate options before writing an offer–a big relief from same-day offers of just a few months ago. For sellers we are seeing concessions and the evaporation of over-asking offers. Overall, there’s a balance coming back between both sides.

THE REAL ESTATE PARADOX

Given the higher interest rates and seemingly endless headlines predicting the next recession, most have braced themselves for the inevitable crash. Yet, Santa Fe remains extremely desirable and despite sellers achieving historically high sell prices, the pressure from buyers has not completely dried up.

The bigger story goes back to the market crash back in 2008 which gutted the homebuilding ranks nationwide. Leading into 2020, we had nearly a decade worth of sluggish building despite an increasing population and the invention of the short-term rental investment property. Then the pandemic hit and the great reshuffling began which stripped our market of nearly all inventory.

Despite the headwinds our local market is still challenged by low inventory and intense demand. Those with cash offers are still purchasing while buyers financing their homes are finding creative ways to seal the deal. Until we reach an inventory balance, buyers should not expect a dramatic change in pricing anytime soon.

average +27.9% +26.2% AVERAGE MEDIAN the big picture

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From traditional to contemporary, Hunter Douglas window fashions enhance the beauty of any décor. Contact us to explore the wide variety of fabrics, textures, styles and colors for your home. Whatever you select, your rooms are sure to be inviting for years to come.

Linson's Design Source

Designer Screen Shades

From traditional to contemporary, Hunter Douglas window fashions enhance the beauty of any décor. Contact us to explore the wide variety of fabrics, textures, styles and colors for your home. Whatever you select, your rooms are sure to be inviting for years to come.

Silhouette window shadings

428 Sandoval Street, Santa Fe, NM

Please contact store for hours

From traditional to contemporary, Hunter Douglas window fashions enhance the beauty of any décor. Contact us to explore the wide variety of fabrics, textures, styles and colors for your home. Whatever you select, your rooms are sure to be inviting for years to come.

Linson's Design Source

Sunday and Monday:Closed

428 Sandoval Street, Santa Fe, NM

(505) 984-8700

Please contact store for hours

Linson's Design Source

428 Sandoval Street, Santa Fe, NM

www.linsonsdesignsource.com

Sunday and Monday:Closed

Please contact store for hours

(505) 984-8700

Sunday and Monday:Closed

www.linsonsdesignsource.com

(505) 984-8700

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www.linsonsdesignsource.com

©2021 Hunter Douglas. All rights reserved. All trademarks used herein are the property of Hunter Douglas or their respective owners.13944712

©2021 Hunter Douglas. All rights reserved. All trademarks used herein are the property of Hunter Douglas or their

With Hunter Douglas window fashions, the possibilities are endless.

With Hunter Douglas window fashions, the

Mesquite with turquoise side board and onyx lamps

Mesquite coffee table with turquoise and onyx lamps

Copper metal wall headdress with hand beading

Vanilla leather swivel chairs

Mesquite sofa table with turquoise inlay

Acacia root coffee table with turquoise inlay

Walnut dining table with inlay Wood turned bowl with turquoise

HERMAN MILLER EAMES CHAIR

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ROLEX, OMEGA, BREITLING, PANEFRAI, JCL, HUBLOT, TUDOR, BVLGARI

Soak in ‘MAGIC WATER’ at Durango Hot Springs

by Debbie Stone

The Southwest region is the ideal spot for restorative dips, from riverside locales to mountain pools, and boasts such destinations as Truth or Consequence, Ojo Caliente and Jemez Springs here in New Mexico, and Pagosa Hot Springs in Colorado.

Recently, I checked out another of these havens in Colorado— Durango Hot Springs Resort + Spa. Formerly known as Trimble Hot Springs, the place underwent a total renovation and fully reopened in August 2021. The major rehaul included putting in new pools, remodeling the spa and adding an upscale day club with numerous amenities and concierge level service. Future plans include a hotel and glamping facilities.

The property is set on 65 acres, surrounded by mountains in the scenic Animas Valley, eight miles north of downtown Durango. It’s comprised of over forty unique thermal mineral water features, including sixteen natural mineral hot springs soaking pools (twelve of which are located in the adults only section and four in the family area), private Japaneseinspired cedar soaking tubs, cold plunge pools, a reflexology walking path and a rain tower. Additionally, there’s a resortstyle swimming pool, concession area, men’s and women’s bath/shower dressing rooms and a full service day spa, offering a variety of treatments to enhance wellbeing.

Durango Hot Springs’ water is one hundred percent pure natural geothermal mineral water. The property claims to have some of the best natural mineral water in the world. They state that they are building better water, or what they call, “Magic Water,” based on mineral counts and unique technologies. The water is geothermally heated and brought to the surface via wells, with temps ranging from 106 to 127 degrees in the summer and from 112 to over 127 degrees in the winter. Each pool has its own water source with a specific temp, which circulates out every two hours to maintain cleanliness.

The water has a blend of 34 minerals and each has its own individual health benefits. The property uses state-of-theart technology to bind the minerals to the water molecule, increasing absorption and the clarity of the water. It also has the distinction of being the only hots springs in the world to utilize the unique AquaGen system. This system infuses the pools with tiny oxygen bubbles, which serve to enhance the healing properties of the water.

Some of the hot springs I have soaked in have a strong rotten eggs odor due to the sulphur content. At Durango Hot Springs, I didn’t smell anything because there are only low or trace levels of the mineral.

I enjoyed going from one pool to another in Goldilocks fashion to experience the different temps. I discovered that 103 degrees was ideal. The pools are terraced, which allows for great views of the scenery. They are also nicely landscaped, with natural privacy curtains.

Additionally, I appreciated the separation between the adults and family areas. Kids can behave like kids without having to adapt to adult standards of noise and behavior, while adults can have their own peaceful realm.

ENJOY A REJUVENATING DIP LARGE

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by Kaldoun!