volume 7, number 4 April 2002
New Mexico's Premier Food, Arts and Lifestyle Magazine

Hot stuff going on at JosephÃïs Table

The handmade chocolate and dessert rooms of Xocoatl (751-7549) have opened in the original jail of the old County Courthouse on the Taos Plaza (121 North Plaza). In this case of life-imitating-art, a shock of delightful recognition marks the faces of those entering Xocoatl as they recall scenes from last year's hit movie Chocolat. This chocolate is other-worldly. Figs and dates stuffed with marzipan infused with orange zest; dark and white chocolate hearts with macadamia butter or pistachio butter; raspberry truffles ... a whole page of words might come close to describing the passion owner Scott J. Van Rixel has for chocolate. Former restaurateur of the brilliant but defunct Taylor's restaurant at Quail Ridge Inn, Rixel has created a sense-ation that worries some and tickles others. It's really fabulous.

Toques off to Chris and Kelly Maher and the staff of Momentitos de la Vida (776-3333, just south of Arroyo Seco on Ski Valley Rd.) who won their second Automobile Association of America (AAA) Four Diamond rating for the second year in a row—pretty amazing for a place that's only been open for three years. Vida was one of three New Mexico restaurants to join AAA's select group. The two others to receive the prestigious 2002 AAA Four Diamond award are Ranchers Club in Albuquerque, and The Old House in Santa Fe. Live long and prosper.

Big changes are in store for Chef Joseph Wrede of Joseph's Table (751-4512, 4167 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Ranchos de Taos) as he is planning on moving Sept. 1. No, not out of town, to the heart of the historic district. Many of you may be familiar with the curious compound being constructed at the El Monte Resort at 317 Kit Carson Rd. There are self-sustaining, year-round, gray-watered solar green houses and all sorts of alternative housing accoutrements being installed there. Unconfirmed rumor has it that a well-known food and beverage talent will join Joseph Wrede when he reopens in his new digs come this December. That duo will probably just knock the socks off any three-legged dog that wanders down Theodora Lane. If the mountain won't come to Joe, it looks like Joe will come to the mountain. Bravo!