D e s e r t E x p o s u r e
December
2008
Table Talk
A storied Silver City institution, the Buffalo Bar and Dancehall, shut down abruptly last month due to fire-code violations in the old building, according to county fire marshal Milo Lambert. The barstools were empty for just 10 days, though, as the bar side of the establishment was quickly and easily brought up to snuff. Construction continues in efforts to bring the Buff's dancehall side up to safety code, and owner Sam Trujillo says the whole place should be open this month, in time for holiday parties — including the much-anticipated Black Tie event, a fundraiser for the Mimbres Region Arts Council, on Dec. 20.
New Eats
What's old is new again. Silver City's Golden Dragon has reopened in its familiar spot at 914 Pope St. under owners May and Jackie Hung. Bigger menu and Chinese-food buffet, too! Come hear the dragon roar seven days a week: Mon.-Sat. 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Sundays 12-9 p.m. 388-9101.
Begorrah! There seems to be an Irish pub theme brewing in Las Cruces! After several delays, Patrick and Jovonna Hanlon threw open the doors to Brigid's Cross in September (see review in this issue). Now a new Irish-themed restaurant, Dublin's Street Pub, is pulling pints and serving up an enhanced Bennigan's-esque menu. In fact, the pub has taken over the spot at 1745 University Ave. that used to house a Bennigan's. That chain eatery closed in July, after its parent company's Chapter 7 bankruptcy. In addition to the beers, the independent Dublin's Street Pub has a full bar. 522-0932.
Risotto's MedRim Bistro (see review in the January 2008 issue) has expanded, opening a location in El Paso last month. In Las Cruces, Risotto's occupies the building at 510 S. Telshor Blvd., which used to house Johnny Carino's. As reported in January, Risotto's plans continued expansion — at least eight Risotto's restaurants in the Southwest, from El Paso to Albuquerque. 521-4619, www.risottosmedrim.com
Coming Soon
Anthony Quintana is getting ready to open a new restaurant in the building that houses the Cienega Spa, Salon and Gallery. Pam Hogan, who co-owns Cienega with her husband Robin, says they are leasing the space to Quintana, a culinary school grad, and that he hopes to be doing catering by this month, possibly lunches, too. Quintano describes his proposed menu as "Southern Bistro with heavy fusion flavor" and plans to serve up steaks, ribs, pastas, fish and more. A wine and beer license is in Quintana's future plans.
500 South, the new restaurant slated to open at 500 S. (get it?) Telshor Blvd., the site of the old Gardunos, hopes to open by next spring. Currently undergoing massive construction and re-design, the new restaurant will have a more contemporary look, according to owner Tom Springer of Albuquerque-based Springer Management, and will boast an expanded bar and banquet area.
Tossed Salad
Owner Eddie Lacy has shut down Tegmeyer's Salad Works at 1300 El Paseo, but is opening up a new restaurant in a new location and with a new name. Lacy worked at Tegmeyer's since it opened in 1987 and bought the business in 2004. Unable legally to take the Tegmeyer's name with her, Lacy soon will open Miss Eddie's at 504 E. Amador Ave., the former site of Mariscos Cancun Mexican Seafood (and Golden China Restaurant before that). Miss Eddie's will offer — in addition to a salad bar, of course — a menu and a hot buffet.
Throwing in the Kitchen Towel
Au revoir. A sign on the door at Marc's European Grill, 420 Avenida de Mesilla in Las Cruces, indicates the business has closed — apparently this time for good. Plagued by staffing issues, Chef Marc Laliberte was forced to shutter the eatery in the past but reopened when he'd hired enough capable folks to produce the quality fare that was his raison d'etre. Now, however, the business phone has been disconnected and Lalibert could not be reached for comment.
The American BBQ Factory at 1660 S. Valley Dr. in Las Cruces has closed.
Cows everywhere can breathe a little easier. Bob's Burgers on El Paseo in Las Cruces has flamed-broiled its last quarter-pound patty.
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