The first taste of La Boca, a tapas restaurant in Santa Fe, is the blood orange sangria, perfectly delicious for a day when the temperature is in the teens. It’s a cute space off the main square and it’s hopping with tourists and locals alike as the flamenco music washes over animated conversations.
It’s happy hour so The Monster decides to nibble on a few plates to begin his New Mexico eating extravanga.
So here is the damage done:
Fried marcona almonds with just a hint of spice, they are perfect to nosh on as you await your food.
Patatas bravas, local fingerling potatoes with spicy sherry vinegar and aioli are the first order of business and they are spicy, cooled down by the aioli. Everything you love about thick cut fries with a delicious kick.
Herb marinated chicken breast with spinach-artichoke-manchego cream is next up and it is quite nice (especially the rich, textured sauce) though it is a small portion for the price.
Cazuela de calabasa, roasted butternut squash puree with melted manchego may as well be dessert it is so luscious and creamy.
Gambas al ajillo garlic shrimp with oloroso and shaved almonds are plump shrimp in a seductive, smoky sauce.
The Monster wishes he could just keep ordering because the very idea of cold weather is a straight kick in his nuts. But dinner number two (there will be three this evening) awaits!
Why go? You too order ice cold drinks on ice cold days.
Monster rating: 4/5 Monsters
72 W Marcy Street
Santa Fe, NM 87503
(505) 982-3433
