Bonnie, David, Jon, Michelle, Andrew, Marcia, Kate, Pam, Jason, Catherine, and I enjoyed the perfect night out.
On the second-to-last night of Renaissance, we must plan to take our dinner off-campus. Andrew and Marcia made reservations for ten at the hotel restaurant and Bonnie, David, Andrew, Marcia, and I planned to attend. Before dinner, we had changed venues to Ristra and upped the ante to eleven.
A special thanks to David for finding us an amazing restaurant and organizing us and herding us and sheparding what turned out to be a perfect night out.
We collected and started gabbing in the hotel bar. We kept expanding the circle on a four top until eight were snacking on quesedillas and drinking margaritas and beer.
We could not settle the tab until 8:35, and we had a reservation at 8:30. The restaurant was ten minutes away.
Like dumb kids, we all marched down the rain-drenched streets. In the street. Cars honked and we laughed.
We finally arrived and shuffled in. We were lucky. Although Catherine had already eaten, we were able to convince her to join us merry pranksters.
This is part one because it is late and I have three panels tomorrow: two as a panelist and one as a moderator.
Before I sign off, I would like to give kudos to the wait staff and everyone at Ristra: Spirited Cuisine for being generous, indulgent, patient, skilled, professional, and flexible.
I know this isn’t enough but I want to publicise a brilliant experience! I can recommend the Chorizo Calamari and an appetizer. People were raving as was I. It is sauteed in a sauce like a tomato bisque. I can also recommend highly my special entree which was elk. It might not be available so I can also recommend highly the rack of lamb. And here is the 411 and the digits:
Ristra Spirited Cuisine
548 Aqua Fria Stree
Santa Fe, NM 87501
(505) 982-8608
www.ristrarestaurant.com
I will talk more about the meal and the perfect evening tomorrow.
