Cooking it up in Santa FeBy Marilyn Miller The Inn on the Alameda, one of Santa Fe’s premier small hotels, and the unique Santa Fe School of Cooking have teamed up to give you a luxurious getaway with a luscious Southwest flavor. “Muy Sabrosa”, meaning “very tasty” is the culinary package offered by these two fine establishments.
The Inn on the Alameda is a very tranquil and peaceful location. With classic Pueblo-style architecture and attentive personal service, the old-world ambiance of Santa Fe flows throughout the comfortable 71 rooms and communal areas of the Inn on the Alameda. Mexican tile, handmade furniture, hand-woven rugs, local artifacts, and traditional kiva fireplaces contribute to the hotel’s warm and inviting atmosphere. It is spacious, warmly inviting with its deco in warms colors and Southwest furnishings. The fireplace aglow on chilly nights invites you to curl up on a couch and enjoy one of the many books in their library. The large adjoining dining area offers breakfast and an evening wine and cheese reception.  Rooms are spacious and finely furnished. The kiva fireplace, southwest decoration, furnishings and large very comfortable and inviting bed induce an enjoyable and relaxing stay. The large bath with aromatic amenities, fine robes and slippers all add to the incredible comfort in these luxurious suites.
After a pleasant night’s rest and delicious breakfast, head out for the The Santa Fe School of Cooking. Close to The Inn, it is located in the downtown area of Santa Fe, one block off the historic Santa Fe Plaza.  A variety of tantalizing classes reflect the unique cultural mix of Santa Fe, with menus ranging from traditional New Mexican, Native American, Mexican, and Spanish to vegetarian, and contemporary Southwestern cuisine. They offer thirty different and regularly scheduled classes that cover ingredients and techniques for preparing traditional Northern New Mexico dishes (such as enchiladas, carne adovada, posole, calabacitas, sopaipillas) and very contemporary Southwest dishes (anything from lime-marinated salmon to lamb adovada). Included are also vegetarian and light cooking classes and menus for Southwestern breakfasts, Tapas and Mexican cuisine.  Classes can be scheduled for groups, individual lessons, corporate team building, or can be part of the festivities for family reunions, wedding showers or salsa making contests.
Our class consisted of about twenty very pleasant persons. Our chef was energetic, fun, informative, entertaining, handsome, knowledgeable, and an overall excellent chef. Throughout his dozens of handy cooking tips he would interject bits of humor while guiding us through preparation of a full five course meal. There was not a bad seat in the house as the cooking area is arranged so that we all had an excellent view of the cook and prep areas. 
 Strategically placed overhead mirrors aid in promoting this excellent view for everyone in the class. We were all seated at tables for four, with fine linen tablecloths, and full place settings. And the best part yet was that we all enjoyed a full five-course meal, with beverages included, upon completion of the cooking lesson. Incidentally, beverage choices included wine, beer, coffee, tea, water and other soft drinks. Excellent experience!
 The Santa Fe School of Cooking also has a Market where their award winning cookbook may be purchased, along with anything from oven mitts to seasoning ingredients to Mexican chocolate and vanilla. They also offer a variety of utensils, equipment, and gift baskets. It’s a charming shop and the friendly owners are onsite to answer any questions. The Chef is also available after class to address any additional questions that will assist you in becoming your own Southwest/Mexican food specialty cook.
 The Inn on the Alameda offers this culinary package year-round, so any season can be the perfect reason to escape to the “City Different.” Lasting 2½ hours, this class includes exceptional recipes, professional instruction, and a complete demonstration of the menu. And as mentioned it’s followed by a savory lunch prepared just moments before!
Rates for the "Muy Sabrosa" package range from $320 to $648** for two and include: Two nights accommodations at Inn on the Alameda, offering a variety of appealing room types 2½ hour Cooking Class for two at the Santa Fe School of Cooking with lunch following Lavish "Breakfast of Enchantment" complimentary continental buffet each morning Afternoon gratuitous Wine & Cheese Reception daily 20% discount at Ristra, one of Santa Fe’s finest restaurants (libations excluded)
**Rates for this two-night package will vary depending on the room type and dates selected. After school, students can explore downtown Santa Fe, one of the most memorable destinations in North America, before returning to the tranquil comforts of the Inn on the Alameda. Each afternoon between 4:00 and 5:00 PM, the Inn invites guests to enjoy a wine and cheese reception in the Agoyo Room, providing a perfect opportunity to share the day’s adventures and make plans for tomorrow. Hotel amenities also include complimentary parking for guests, two outdoor hot tubs, fitness facility, guest laundry, guest e-mail center, complimentary coffee service and toll-free and local calls at no charge. Across the street is a park with a path that follows along the river, offering an excellent outdoor location to walk, jog or just sit and enjoy the peaceful scenery. The Inn’s central location makes it simple for guests to explore the nearby restaurants, art galleries, open-air mercados, and one-of-a-kind boutiques that define the ‘City Different.’ For reservations and information, contact the Inn on the Alameda at 1-800-984-2122 or 505-984-2121 or visit www.innonthealameda.com . For information on the cooking school, visit www.santafeschoolofcooking.com |
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