Maria's New Mexican Kitchen - Santa Fe, NM Review

This Maria's is worthy of one's imbibement, however. And I do mean imbibement. (Not a real word, I know. But you get the point.)

Located away from the often overly popoular Santa Fe plaza, Maria's is known primarily to resident Santa Feans, primarily for its margaritas. More than 100 are offered, ranging from a special Maria's margarita made from Cuervo Gold tequila, Bols triple sec and fresh squeezed lemon juice, which will set you back about five bucks, to the 24-Karat Gold Reserva, featuring 100th Anniversary Hand Crafted Jose Cuervo 100% agave anejo barrel select Reserva de la Familia tequila and 150th Anniversary Cuvee speciale Cent-cinquantenaire Grand Marnier with fresh squeezed lemon juice. Set aside $40 for this one.

Maria's claims its margaritas have been voted the Best in Santa Fe by the readers of the Santa Fe Reporter for 11 years in a row.. Perhaps it is because at Maria's they have so much reverence for the key ingredient, tequila.

Our host explains that Tequila is made only in Mexico, distilled from the sugary juices of the heart of the Weber Blue Agave plant. To be considered true tequila, it must be at least 51% agave sugar. The more pure agave juice, the better the tequila.

Incidentally, the Mexican government strictly regulates tequila producers and issues a NORMA number to those distillers that meet the standards. The N-O-M designation followed by four numerals indicates real tequila. Without that code, it simply is not real tequila.

Maria's margaritas are shaken with ice so that the ice chips off to dilute the mixed drink just enough. Blenders are not used because they produce too much chipped ice and water down the final flavor.

Maria's recommends against shots or slammers of tequila. You miss the flavor nuances and intoxication can come quite quickly. Helpfully, on the latter point, Maria's warns flat-landers that drinking alcohol in the higher, 6,000 foot altitude of Santa Fe can lead to absorption into the blood much faster. Designated drivers are recommended.

As for eats to accompany the drinks, try Maria's famous barbecue ribs, billed as a Santa Fe tradition for 50 years, and quite tasty I can attest. The Missus raved about her vegetarian tamales, for the veggie lover in you.

For dessert, don't pass up the flan. It is one of the best we have had anywhere.