So, ya wanna eat like a New Mexican? So do we! 

This week I contacted my friend, and fellow Santa Fe Foodie, Joseph Griffo to see if he would like to join me in my adventure of uncovering the hidden gems of New Mexican/Mexican cuisine in our wonderful not so tiny desert town. He said yes and we discussed a few places. I asked him if he had ever eaten at long-time local’s favorite El Comal. He hadn’t so I suggested we go there. I was excited to show him a new place that he has not been to.

Joseph wrote a wonderful post about another locals fav, Fred’s Socorro Chile, for buying Chile during Chile season here. In addition to being a phenomenal retired chef, Joseph is also a gifted artist and photographer. You can see some of his wonderful photos in the blog post.  

I have always been a fan of small homestyle mom-and-pop businesses. They are humble, turn out delicious homestyle food, and are the businesses that add depth and culture to a community. These are the places that give our communities soul and make our food adventures interesting and fun. El Comal fits this description perfectly and has been a local favorite for decades.

Joseph ordered the Chile Relleno smothered in green. Mexican rice and posole are the standard sides. The rice and posole were perfectly prepared.

I ordered a chicken enchilada, a Chile Relleno, a Carne Adovada Chalupa, and a beef taco. No, i did not eat it all in one sitting! (Well, almost! ha) All smothered in glorious red and green.

A note about the Chile Rellenos at El Comal is that they use Poblanos instead of New Mexican Chile. Stuffed with Oaxaca cheese (or very possibly mozzarella) and deep fried. As with everything else it was delicious.

Oaxaca cheese (pronounced “wah-ha-kah”) is a creamy, stringy cheese that’s similar to mozzarella, made with cow’s milk.

Both the red and green were delicious!
Green Chile-It was chopped and thick with not too much liquid. Mild heat level
Red Chile-Earthy and not overpowering. Mild heat level.

Did I mention how incredibly friendly the staff was? 

My final comment is that I ask you all to go and support El Comal and all of our other incredible local businesses. It is they and you that make our community what it wants to be.

Let’s eat! 

Other posts from this series: Ramblin’ Cafe