D e s e r t E x p o s u r e
April
2009
Table Talk
Singing a New Tune
Cali McCord confirms that she has sold Meson de Mesilla, the high-end Mesilla inn with two restaurants and bar she extensively renovated for over a year, then closed after operating for eight months. (See Table Talk, February 2008 and Business Exposure, September 2008.) A sign at the site indicates the company is hiring. McCord says a four-member partnership now owns the business. McCord, a former country music singer, entertained in her bar, Merci's Spirits, backed by a jazz band called Smoke, and says she hopes to again sing in the venue once it re-opens. "We've already talked about it and they are very open," she says. The new owners could not be reached prior to press time, but a representative at the site says they are hoping to re-open as early as May. 1803 Avenida de Mesilla, 525-9212.
It's About the Beer
Changes are afoot at the Silver City Brewing Company, 101 E. College Ave. A couple of months ago, owner Bob Brockhousen turned over the reins to his new general manager, Desiree Wyatt, so he could focus on the back of the shop, installing his new 150-gallon tanks and getting the brewing aspect of his operation up to code. "That's what Bob's about — the beer," Wyatt says. "He's brewed small batches, and now he's going for it on the big scale. It's why he opened the business in the first place." The brewpub also has started serving lunch, under the direction of a new kitchen manager. Look for a special $7-and-under lunch menu with a special "Taste of Philly" section and a bodacious buffalo burger, along with the pizzas, BBQ sandwiches and salads the joint already is known for. Open 11:30-8 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 11:30 a.m.-9 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. 534-2739.
To Your Health
Silverado Health Shop has opened at 303 E. 13th St. in Silver City, the former home of Messiah's Health Shop, which closed a few months back. Owner Johnny M. Poe says the space has been completely renovated and the new vitamin shop and eatery will offer improved service to its health-conscious customer base. "If we don't have what they want — special products, herbs and vitamins and all — we can get it for them. That's along with offering great things to eat," Poe says. Silverado manager Brent Hines, who previously wielded his spatula at WNMU, describes the health-oriented restaurant's menu as "fresh sandwiches and salads and smoothies." Open 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Monday through Friday. 534-9404.
Tortilla Flats
The long-awaited Mas y Mas Tortilleria has opened in its slot at Suite C of The Hub Plaza in Silver City. Get the tortillas while they're hot and fresh — and that's all day long! Owner Cira Tozoya says that once the tortilleria has a stove hood installed and a final fire inspection, the eatery will be serving up "rellenos, tamales and all that stuff," liberally seasoned with their own freshly made salsa. 8 a.m.-5 p.m., sometimes even later, Tozoya says, Monday through Saturday. 534-9255.
Smoking Allowed
Follow the sweet trail of barbeque smoke to Smoky Dick's BBQ, the second eatery in Las Cruces owned by Ace and Michelle Perez, of Dick's Cafe. In a quirky play on words, the new Smoky Dick's BBQ is located at 2265 S. Main St., in the location where Dick's Cafe was housed temporarily after a smoky fire forced it from its 2305 S. Valley Dr. spot. Perez says the new eatery's offerings are "traditional barbecue," and include brisket, beef ribs, baby back ribs, sausage and brisket sandwiches, bathed in their own proprietary sauce, as well as salads. Smoky Dick's BBQ is open 10:30 a.m.-8:30 p.m., Monday through Saturday. 541-5947.
East Meets Southwest
Las Cruces has had a mini-infusion of Asian-themed eateries recently. Katana Teppanyaki Grill has opened at 1001 E. University Ave., right next door to Mix Pacific Grill. The new restaurant offers teppanyaki-style dining, a traditional Japanese method of cooking where the food is prepared at the table — on a flattop grill called a teppan — in front of guests. Open 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and 5-9 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Katana does not have its own phone number, but can be reached via Mix at 532-2042.
And China Temple has opened at 1030 El Paseo Road, in the building that used to house J.W. Flours and A Taste of Home cafe. China Temple offers a buffet from 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m., Monday through Saturday, with a lunch buffet 11 a.m.-2 p.m., as well as a breakfast buffet on Saturday and Sunday, 8 a.m.-2 p.m. 526-7166.