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