Happy Holidays!

I live just 8 miles up the mountain from Chimayo, another wonderful Spanish Land Grant village on the High Road, which is a great thing for several reasons. First, it is the home of the beautiful el Santuario de Chimayo, a lovely mission church built between 1814 and 1816.

• 

• 

This church is considered to be a place of miracles and healing. Hundreds of thousands of people, some making pilgrimages, come from all over the world to enjoy its peace and spirit every year and I live in its back yard! The Santuario is particularly beautiful during the holiday season. See more at elsantuariodechimayo.us.

Second, very close to the Santuario is Leona’s Restaurante, a local lunch place with amazing food, primarily takeout, although there are a few tables set among the ristras and memorabilia. I highly recommend the chicken tamale bowl with chili. Leona serves spicy New Mexico cuisine made from recipes passed down through the generations.

She uses the freshest ingredients and the best of time-honored traditions. Her Original Recipe Biscochitos (a traditional Spanish cookie) are not to be missed. During the holidays you can get them in the shape of stars and Christmas trees. Leona will ship. Take a look at what she has to offer at leonasrestaurante.com.

And last but not least is the sumptuous Rancho de Chimayo Restaurante, serving renowned traditional and contemporary Native New Mexican cuisine in a hundred year old adobe home. I have shared many a meal and margarita there with good friends. Rancho’s website is ranchodechimayo.com.

So, during this holiday season, I wanted to share a bit of New Mexico’s traditional beauty with you and I figured there was no better way than by paying a visit to my three favorite spots in Chimayo.

Happy Holidays everybody! May your blessings be many, your sorrows few, and joy your steady companion.