Santacafe

Description:

• This is where my mother and I go to celebrate birthdays and other special occasions because the place exudes unique charm, both in its food and ambiance. The food combines the best of many cuisines, from Asian to Southwestern, served in an elegant setting with minimalist decor that accentuates the graceful architecture of the 18th-century Padre Gallegos House, 2 blocks from the plaza. The white walls are decorated only with deer antlers, and each room contains a fireplace. In warm months you can sit under elm trees in the charming courtyard. Beware that on busy nights the rooms are noisy. The dishes change to take advantage of local and seasonal specialties, each served with precision. Their Sunday brunch menu offers such delights as a mascarpone-stuffed French toast and poached eggs with corned beef. For a lunch or dinner starter, try the shiitake and cactus spring rolls with Southwestern ponzu. One of my favorite main courses at lunch is the baby spinach niçoise salad with tuna seared to perfection. At dinner I've enjoyed the grilled rack of lamb with potato-leek gratin. A lighter eater might try the sautéed Diver scallops with kalamata olive linguine and wild mushrooms. There's an extensive wine list, with wine by the glass, as well. Desserts, as elegant as the rest of the food, are made in-house; try the warm chocolate upside-down cake with vanilla ice cream.

• © Frommer's 2012

Awards:

Frommer's

•  Very Highly Recommended 2010