Santa Fe Entertainment

Santa Fe easily ranks among the countrys most cultured small cities. Gallery openings, poetry readings, plays and musical performances take place year-round, not to mention the world-famous opera and chamber music festivals in the summer. Equally dynamic is the dining scene, where green chillies rule the roost and some of the Americas finest culinary creations are born.

Eating out

Santa Fe is a foodies paradise, with hundreds of restaurants representing every kind of cuisine imaginable. Places come and go thanks to the intense competition, but the ones that last are truly extraordinary.

Many of the finest restaurants can be found in the downtown area around the Plaza, ranging from the ultra-hip to the seriously down-home, but be sure that you experience plenty of New Mexican cuisine. Some of the worlds most renowned chefs have restaurants here, and you can be guaranteed some delicious food.

Reservations are always recommended at the most popular places, regardless of the season. Prices may seem a bit high compared to eating out in other parts of the state, but the expense will be more than worth it. it

Local cuisine

Santa Fe-style cuisine has so many influences that its impossible to accurately pin down. However, you can bet that most of the menus in town have their roots firmly planted in traditional New Mexican fare, which blends both Hispanic and Native American styles.

Some of the more innovative chefs fuse these traditions with foods of the Pacific Rim, East Asia, the Mediterranean and Latin America. At the heart of many dishes is the ubiquitous green chilli. Served in a variety of ways, this addictive spicy vegetable is a must for every visitor. Green chilli stew is a favourite with the locals, but also look for stuffed chilli rellenos, green corn tamales and enchiladas served Christmas-style with red and green chilli sauce.

Theatre and music

Santa Fe is seriously committed to the arts, with no fewer than 24 performing arts troupes in action throughout the year and on a seasonal basis. The Santa Fe Playhouse is the oldest theatre group in the city, putting on a range of dramas, musical comedies and avant-garde performances in their historic adobe venue. Santa Fe Stages, Theaterwork Studio and Theater Grottesco are also well-loved local theatre troupes.

But the star of this city is the world-famous Santa Fe Opera, which ranks second only to the Metropolitan Opera of New York. It consistently attracts renowned conductors, directors and singers to its two-month season, which runs from June to late August. The operas partially open-air venue is equally stunning, with its location on top of a panoramic hill, just outside the city.

The club and live music scene takes a distant second to the more highbrow arts, but there are a few bars around town where you can catch some music. The best venue is the charming Lensic Performing Arts Center. This old movie palace, built in 1931, has a great atmosphere and a super location right off the Plaza. Other bars which often host live bands include El Farol, Evangelos and the Cowgirl Hall of Fame.

Shopping

Santa Fe has always been a trading post, even when the Anasazi civilisation lived here. This legacy of commerce remains, and the downtown area is literally packed with art galleries, jewellery shops, clothing boutiques and souvenir shops. Theres a broad range of items for sale, from traditional Native American crafts to contemporary artwork. Some consider Santa Fe one of the top art markets in the world, and the 150-plus galleries around town testify to its lure for artists.

A walk along Canyon Road is essential to experience the atmosphere and artistic talent that exists in this city. And dont forget to wander past the Native Americans sitting under the portal of the Palace of the Governors. The jewellery they make and sell here is some of the finest in the country. Serious arts aficionados should try to visit during one of Santa Fes great art festivals such as the Spring Festival in May, Spanish Market in July, Indian Market in August or the Fall Festival in October. As you can see, art is serious business in this town.