D e s e r t E x p o s u r e
July
2008
Table Talk
New places to chow
Debra Lenderman has opened Kountry Kettle Restaurant in the Mimbres Valley, approximately mile 10.5 on Hwy. 35, just on the right before the cattle guard at mile marker 11 and the Wilderness Ranger Station. Lunch and dinner, Thurs.-Mon. 11:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m. 536-3737.
Jake Politte has opened a new restaurant, 1zero6 at, well, 106 N. Texas St., where he ran Spaghetti Western for his first five years in Silver City. The colorful chef says the new joint — serving up Pacific Rim-Italian fusion cuisine — gives him a chance to re-make himself and bring something new to the local restaurant scene. In a 180-degree about-face, the restaurant does not take reservations except for parties of five or more. Serving dinner Fri., Sat. and Sun., 5-8:30 p.m.
The universe is, indeed, expanding. The Planet, a casual eatery at 2293 Divot Ave. in Las Cruces, has opened an additional location at NMSU, inside the student activity center. Breakfast, lunch and dinner, Mon.-Fri. 8 a.m.-8:30 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Sun. 12-6 p.m.
You've heard of "dinner and a movie"? How about eggs benedict and a movie? Break An Egg has opened at 201 S. Solano Dr. in Las Cruces, serving up breakfast and lunch with a movie-themed dcor. The eatery features simple to upscale fare in the mornings, from eggs Florentine to French toast to omelets, and for lunch, burgers, salads and sandwiches. 6 a.m.-2 p.m. 647-3000.
Buns in the oven
Mariano's, a new Italian restaurant, is coming to Pinos Altos. Resident and former Silver Winds Gallery owner Judy Jenks confirms that construction is well underway at the old Judge Bean store. "I thought they'd be open for the art fair, but that didn't happen," says Jenks, who handled publicity for the June event. "But they're over there, working every day and I'm sure they'll be open sometime soon." A liquor license hearing for Mariano's LLC is scheduled for July 17.
A new restaurant, 500 South, will soon open at, well, 500 S. Telshor Blvd., where Garduo's used to be. Not much is known about the new restaurant yet, and Phoenix-based publicity manager Amy Andelora is giving up no secrets. But she does say the eatery will incorporate local agriculture and that Las Crucens can expect something totally different from Garduo's. Extensive renovations have just begun on the eatery's interior. 500 South will employ around 100 workers, and folks looking to apply for a job can email info@500south.com
What else is cooking
Savino's Caf, 1120 Commerce Dr. in Las Cruces, has new owners. Anthony Garcia and Tina Lujan have brought back the beloved $7 lunch special, added some salads to the menu and lowered dinner entre prices. Mon.-Thurs. 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Fri. 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Sat. 12-10 p.m. 521-7949.
And in the "bad news-good news" department, two of Las Cruces' fast food franchises, Chuck E. Cheese at 700 S. Telshor and Church's Chicken at 300 E. Lohman Ave., received failing grades and were downgraded to "unsatisfactory" status late last month. Both eateries whipped their ships back into shape and made the "satisfactory" grade when they were re-inspected the next day.
— Donna Clayton Lawder
Email restaurant news to donna@desertexposure.com