Some of the best things in life are introduced to us via our exes, it’s easy to forget that, considering the bitter tastes that might intrude our senses when reliving the worst of times. Fortunately, that bitterness is easily replaced by the taste of southwestern spices and chiles, especially if one of those memories was the introduction by my ex to the amazing restaurant The Pantry, in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Just south of the historic district, the Pantry is more than just a restaurant, it’s a pilgrimage site for aficionados of southwest cuisine. Open for more than 75 years, the Pantry is a place where tradition and innovation converge to create an experience that leaves a lasting impression.
I almost always opt to sit at the bar, in the heart of the mix of things, where I can watch the gears of a bustling diner like clockwork. Where the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and roasted green chilies originates before exploring the restaurant. The Pantry’s Breakfast Burrito is the crowd favorite, scrambled eggs in a flour tortilla smothered with chiles and cheese, served with pantry fries or beans. Although I enjoy exploring the menu, I often come back to the Chilaquiles, tortilla chips sautéed with chile, cheese, and onions, and served with two eggs, beans, pantry fries, and garnish. The Breakfast Burrito and Chilaquiles are but the tip of the iceberg, the Pantry’s menu has an array of both breakfast and lunch flavors that continue to be a local favorite even after 75 years.
As you bid adieu to the Pantry and return to the bustling streets of Santa Fe, take a moment to savor the experiences, and the flavors enjoyed. For in this culinary oasis, time truly stands still (just ask my relationship), and every meal is an opportunity to celebrate the rich tapestry of flavors that define the southwest. My relationship with my ex-girlfriend may have melted and smothered, blended with green chilies, an otherwise empty ceramic plate, but my relationship with the Pantry will continue to last a lifetime.