D e s e r t E x p o s u r e
April
2008
Table Talk
Farewell to Silver City's pasta man. Chef Jake Politte has sold his restaurant, Spaghetti Western at 106 N. Texas, just shy of the eatery's fifth anniversary. "It's just time. I didn't come here to work myself to death," Politte says. "I stepped out my front door the other day and saw that my fruit trees were in full bloom and I hadn't even had the time to notice it." After a "gourmet pizza blow-out bye-bye party" with some of Politte's most loyal customers, the restaurant was set to close on March 29 with the final reservation-only family-style "global menu" dinner. Politte says his immediate plans include a couple of weeks in his Barcalounger eating nothing but cinnamon-brown sugar Pop Tarts, then working on his house in Hurley and pondering what's next. "I hope the buyer will make it a place that I want to come to and eat," Politte says. "She has restaurant experience and I know she plans to cook Italian, so that's hopeful." No word yet on when the eatery might reopen.
Adobe Springs restaurant, 1670 Silver Heights Blvd. in Silver City, has temporarily stopped serving dinner. Cynthia Shylo, who owns the eatery with her husband Ladislav Dufek, wants to wait until her eatery's liquor license comes through so she can serve up dinner with spirit — and spirits. The completely redone eatery — Shylo gave the place and its menu a full overhaul when she bought the restaurant last year (see review in the August 2007 Desert Exposure) — still serves lunch Mon.-Fri., 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m., and brunch on the weekends, 8 a.m.-2:30 p.m., and sells take-out — from Shylo's homey meatloaf to gourmet fancy-schmancy stuff — for folks who want a taste of the Springs at home. Shylo also is looking for a few good servers and other restaurant staff for the future expansion. Look for a Spring and Summer Menu coming soon. 538-3665.
You want smoke with that? Vintage Wine, the wine bar serving up drink, casual finger foods and, yes, cigars at 2461 Calle de Principal, had its grand opening last month. If you're looking to unwind with a glass of New Mexico wine over platters of bread, cheese, olives and fruit, and finishing it off with some gourmet chocolates and a cigar, head over to the spot behind El Patio, off the Mesilla Plaza. Non-smokers, have no fear — puffing is limited to the outdoor patio. 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday, 12-5 p.m. Sunday. 523-9463.
Boba Cafe, the Las Cruces restaurant owned and run by entrepreneurial, high-energy NMSU student Tina MacDonald, is expanding and hopes to soon serve beer and wine. The only spot around, it seems, that serves up trendy "bubble tea" — a flavored drink with tapioca beads — Boba features affordable, casual fare like soups, salads, sandwiches and quesadillas, as well as espresso and coffee drinks, and sells a unique line of gifts, including tea, stationery, origami and teapots. 1900 S. Espina St., 647-5900, 10:30 a.m.-9 p.m., Mon.-Sat.
Irish eyes and beer lovers in general should be smiling soon. As reported in January, Brigid's Cross, an authentic Irish pub — outfitted with decor and furniture built on the emerald isle — is coming to Las Cruces, set to open at Picacho Hills this month. Owned by Patrick Hanson, the pub is rolling out the green carpet just a wee bit later (begorrah!) than previously predicted. 647-1455.
There's another option for tacos in town. Acosta's, a new Mexican restaurant, has just opened at El Paseo and Missouri in Las Cruces. 524-2080.
— Donna Clayton Lawder
Send restaurant news to donna@desertexposure.com