D e s e r t E x p o s u r e
February
2009
Table Talk
The Kitchen Is Closed. . .
Say goodbye for now to "Indian Joe," the politically incorrect mannequin that is a must-see for tourists at the Buckhorn Saloon and Restaurant in Pinos Altos. The rough-and-ready eatery with its popular bar and Old West decor will close March 1 for extensive renovations for up to a year or more. Since the restaurant shares plumbing with the next-door Pinos Altos Opera House, that business also will close, leaving the folks at Mimbres Region Arts Council scrambling for a venue for its Folk Series; Corrine West and The Posse are slated to perform on March 6. The Melodrama Theatre, which completed its 12th season at the Opera House in November, will also be without a home.
And so much for "new owner" Tom Laws revitalizing the China Gate restaurant on Hwy. 180 in Silver City. This reporter spoke with Laws last month, at which time he confirmed that he recently had begun operating the restaurant and said he had plans to expand and improve the menu, adding "American cuisine" items such as steak. But a trip to the eatery just three weeks later revealed a vacant building, a sign on the front door reading "Business Closed," and a disconnected phone. Smith Real Estate confirms that the restaurant currently is for sale through agents Judy Ward and Court Hall, and that Laws had been leasing the business for four or five months. Ward welcomes potential buyers' inquiries about the business at 388-7830.
Seems there's no Second Coming for Messiah's Health Shoppe on 13th Street in Silver City. The place is stripped down to the bare walls, completely gutted and the phone has been disconnected. As previously reported in Table Talk, Adam Grimes bought the eatery from John Fuller in September 2007. A sign in Messiah's window says the building is being renovated. And how!
And Las Cruces has one less place to procure tacos: Adios to Victoria's Mexican Eatery on Solano.
Coffee lovers in Deming will have to find a new place to perk up, as the Joe Perk coffeeshop has poured its last cup o' joe.
Eating In and Out
Rob Connoley checked in to say that as of this month Café at the Kumquat in Silver City has fully launched its Dinner-Ready-To-Eat program. Connoley has been dabbling in the meals-to-go arena, selling his ever-popular lasagna, meatloaf and quiche from the Kumquat's fridge, but has kicked it up a notch, offering a rotating menu of hot meals as well. "Our focus will continue to be fresh, organic and locally produced foods at an affordable price," Connoley says.
Eat Your Heart Out Catering has expanded its offerings and services after moving into much larger quarters, according to owner/operator Veralee Berg. After operating out of the kitchen at Cienega Spa and Salon last year, Berg moved her pots and pans to 800 W. Market St. in Silver City with the New Year. In addition to regular full catering and wedding cakes, the business now offers Dinners-To-Go take-away meals weekdays 5-6:30 p.m. and by special order on weekends. While not a restaurant, Eat Your Heart Out can seat and serve private parties of up to 30 people, Berg says. She has many years of experience as a caterer and decorating specialty cakes and describes her company's fare as "hearty meals prepared from scratch using family recipes." Inquire about delivery. 313-9005.
If you'd prefer to eat out rather than take out, Shevek & Co. has a new "recession-busting menu," promising average savings of 25 percent over the old menu. You can still choose from three different sizes for each dish, customizing the dining experience for your waistline as well as your wallet. And even better than 25 percent off is free, as in the free champagne toast or dessert romantic couples can choose from on Valentine's Day weekend, Feb. 13-15. 602 N. Bullard, 534-9168.
New Eats
It's a done deal! Eddie's Done Deal Pizza has opened its doors at 1103 S. Solano Dr. in Las Cruces, in the building that used to house Casa de Menudo. The eatery offers meatball sandwiches and calzones as well as pizza. Owner Eddie Farrell is from New York City, where he used to work in pizzerias, and says he wanted to run his own place. Hey, you want better pizza? Like they say in The Big Apple, fuggetaboutit! Call Eddie's: 523-1788.
Las Cruces is getting three new casual eateries on Mall Drive, next to the Mesilla Valley Mall. McAlister's Deli could open as early as this month, according to Mike Cook, superintendent with C-J Stone Construction Inc., which is building all three of the new restaurants. He hopes to open the second eatery, Buffalo Wild Wings Grill and Bar, in May if all goes well and the weather cooperates with construction plans. Buffalo Wild Wings is a sports bar-type of restaurant offering a full, casual menu, including 14 different kinds of sauces for its wings. (buffalowildwings.com) The third eatery, name to be announced later, is slated for later in the year.
Red Mountain Cafe isn't new, but the Las Cruces restaurant is under new ownership, and now serves beer and wine. 1120 Commerce Dr., 522-7584.
— Donna Clayton
Send restaurant news to donna@desertexposure.com