D e s e r t E x p o s u r e
July 2009
Table Talk
Pret-ty Cheesey!
Follow your nose to The Curious Kumquat at 111 E. College Ave. in Silver City. You'll find plenty of good stuff to eat and the sweet smell of success in the air. The gourmet grocery and cafe recently received recognition in the summer issue of Culture, a national cheese magazine, for its noteworthy selection of — what else? — cheeses. Curious Kumquat, which will celebrate five years in business this fall, is owned by Tyler and Rob Connoley. 534-0337, 866-KUMQUAT (586-7828), info@curiouskumquat.com, curiouskumquat.com
New on the Cruces Menu
Even though the planned 500 South restaurant is not coming to fruition, a new eatery will fill the spot left vacant by the old Garduno's at 500 S. Telshor Blvd., near the Mesilla Valley Mall. Owner Tom Springer of Springer Management, Las Cruces, says he will partner with local physician Rene De La Vega to open De La Vega's Pecan Grill and Brewery, hoping to open this fall. Springer is planning a venue attractive to a variety of budgets, dishing up everything from burgers and fries on the back patio to fine dining. The proposed menu includes favorite regional recipes, specialty soups, salads, sandwiches, steaks and seafood. The restaurant will also brew its own beer, Springer says, and will have an extensive wine list. The kitchen, bar and patio will undergo remodeling and decor enhancement toward a "family atmosphere," and also will include large banquet facilities. De La Vega's will also offer takeout, catering and some late-night entertainment.
And John Hoffman, owner of the former Dona Ana County Courthouse (see "Courting Progress," July 2008), says the nearby building he also owns at Main Street and Amador Avenue is under renovation and could become a new restaurant. The spot is across Amador from My Brother's Place restaurant. Hoffman hopes to turn the space into a restaurant with room to rent some small boutique space. The location is some 3,000 square feet, commercially zoned. For information, call 524-6871.
To Market, to Market
Casa Luna Italian Restaurant, at 1340 E. Lohman Ave. in Las Cruces, is up for sale. The building and everything inside is listed for $795,000. Tracy Pidge of Steinborn GMAC Real Estate says the restaurant is still in operation while it is on the market; the owner ready to hand the functioning restaurant over to the buyer.
The Kitchen Is Closed!
Antonio's Mexican Restaurant on the Downtown Mall in Las Cruces has closed its doors.
— Donna Clayton