Santa Fe's Inn And Spa At Loretto Announces New Restaurant

Santa Fe's Inn and Spa at Loretto to Ignite the Senses and Tempt Taste Palates as Luminaria Restaurant & Patio Opens in July

Santa Fe, NM - July 7th, 2008 - Inspired by the beautiful lights that illuminate the night, Santa Fe's Inn and Spa at Loretto will debut Luminaria Restaurant & Patio on July 22. The flames that create the essence of the traditional southwestern luminary have been captured in the spirit of the new restaurant which will feature bold flavors indicative of the area throughout its contemporary menu. Executive Chef Brian Cooper has developed a menu of contemporary American selections with Southwestern influences made from farm fresh and organic foods that feature creative, bold flavors that are bound to ignite the senses.

Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, the restaurant will feature simple, farm fresh foods and organic products when available from regional farms such as Talus Wind, Pollo Real and the Santa Fe Farmer's Market. Flames and heat play an integral role in the selection of spices and grilling techniques that Chef Cooper will utilize daily at Luminaria. Signature menu items featured at Luminaria nightly include Scallops and Spanish Chorizo with Lemon Spaetzle, Wilted Arugula, and Sweet Corn Sauce, as well as Ancho Braised Beef Short Rib with Parsnip Puree, Young Squash and Crisp Horseradish.

"It's about simple food done well," said Chef Cooper. "We'll be offering our guests and local customers contemporary American food that gives a nod to Southwest influences and culture. The fresh, organic foods that we'll use provide the perfect canvas for us to use bold flavors that accentuate menu items."

Chef Cooper's menu also is available on the patio at Luminaria where guests can dine outdoors in the heart of Santa Fe with stunning views of the historic Loretto Chapel. Not only will the spirit of the town create a unique setting for guests, but the arbor and vines, candle light and outdoor chiminea will set the tone for dining under the stars. A specialty drink menu promises to refresh guests at Luminaria with drinks featuring ingredients such as fresh fruits and juices, agave syrup and 100 percent agave silver tequila. Signature drinks include Pomegranate Lemonade and a Ginger Gloat.

The opening of Luminaria Restaurant is part of the Inn and Spa at Loretto's $7.5 million renovation. The restaurant was redesigned and reconcepted to give the Inn a fresh, contemporary dining experience for locals and guests alike.
The design and d�cor of the restaurant is based on the ancient history, traditions, arts and crafts of the Anasazi and their ancestors, the northern pueblo people. The Anasazi and their ancestral pueblo inhabitants were known as the chosen people, the "children of light." The December Season of Light and the use of luminaries was started centuries ago by the Spanish and Anglo inhabitants and later was adapted by the pueblo people.

The design of Luminaria bridges the influence of the Anasazi and their pueblo people to the Spanish and Anglo immigrants into what is now known as Santa Fe. The use of minerals-paint tradition, circa AD 875-1000, influenced the use of the charcoal grey walls, the white washed pine floors, the vigas and the latellas throughout the restaurant. The earth-tone leather, terra cotta upholstery with contemporized pottery designs on the pillows bridge the pueblo pottery, post 1600.

The resin wicker chairs and charcoal stone bar create an urban country design for a contemporary yet elegant style. The artworks by Mateo Romero of the Cochiti Pueblo are representations of "The Pueblo Dances" of both the Matachine and Buffalo which occur during the Season of Light. Dozens of large hurricane luminaries and candles creates a light-filled