edible Announces Our 2017 Local Heroes
Edible recognizes this group of amazing individuals and organizations for their work to create healthy, sustainable food systems in New Mexico. We determine these awards through reader nominations and a reader poll. The local food movement is a grassroots effort that often involves late nights, backbreaking work, dirty fingernails, and being a generally good sport. In an effort to showcase these individuals, organizations, and businesses for their work to build a stronger local economy and a robust local food system, each issue this year will spotlight several of the winners with interviews about the work they do.
Here, our readers share words on why they nominated these winning individuals and businesses.
Tia Sophia’s
Cafe, Santa Fe
“Local institution; family-run business. Great homestyle New Mexican food, reasonably priced, and very consistent.”
Artichoke Cafe
Restaurant, Albuquerque
“Twenty-eight plus years in the business—their food and service are always impeccable. Love their commitment to local sourcing.”
Rancho de Chimayó
Restaurant, New Mexico
“We have been going to Rancho de Chimayó for over twenty-five years. It is still our quintessential destination for out of town visitors. We always find quality food, good service, and a setting that cannot be beat.”
Loyal Hound
Gastropub
“Husband and wife team that delivers consistently upscale ‘gastropub’ food with a gourmet twist. Great food, and owners are always present to ask about your meal and experience. They are always pushing the food envelope by using locally sourced ingredients.”
Santa Fe Brewing Company
Beverage Artisan, Alcoholic
“Santa Fe Brewing does an amazing job brewing delicious beers. The staff is always friendly and helpful with selecting beers.”
Farm to Table
Organization
“Farm to Table collaborates with dozens of partners across the state to ensure every man, woman, and child in New Mexico has access to healthy food. They advocate for equity and fairness in our food system with education and policy development.”
The Shop Breakfast & Lunch
Cafe, Albuquerque
“The Shop consistently rises above their humble location by producing delicious and ambitious dishes. They also have made a firm commitment to sourcing local ingredients and to supporting neighborhood activities.”
Colin Shane, Arroyo Vino
Chef, Santa Fe
“Chef Colin Shane puts forth enticing and consistently spectacular food, often using produce from their garden. Always an exciting dining experience.”
Heidi’s Raspberry Farm
Food Artisan
“Heidi Eleftheriou is a force of nature. She has set an amazing precedent for what it means to be a local farmer and entrepreneur.”
Santa Fe School of Cooking
Specialty Retailer
“Both Nicole [Curtis Ammerman] and Susan [Curtis] are such great community collaborators. They draw experience and expertise from a pool of chefs, rather than a single personality. Their shop has a well-rounded offering of all the cooking traditions of New Mexico. The school’s signature strengths are warmth, collaboration, and celebration.”
Natalie Bovis, The Liquid Muse
Mixologist / Cocktail Program
“Wonderful, creative drinks; great books and media columns; and extremely supportive of local businesses and culture.”
www.theliquidmuse.com
Cherie Montoya, Farm & Table
Olla Award (Local Hero Award)
“Cherie is a New Mexico gem. She embodies the spirit of community. She is dedicated to educating New Mexicans on quality food choices while preserving the past and embracing the future. She has vision and dedication for her customers, community, and family. She is a model for excellence for girls, women, and the farmer in us all. Way to go, Cherie!”
izanami
Restaurant, Santa Fe
“The most interesting restaurant in Santa Fe with the best sake list within one thousand miles. Since José ‘Kiko’ Rodriguez took over the kitchen at izanami six months ago, the food has been outstanding, and they use a lot of local ingredients.”
Carrie Eagle, Farm & Table
Chef, Albuquerque
“Chef Eagle consistently provides the freshest, highest-quality food to guests at Farm & Table. She works regularly with over twenty local farmers, ranchers, and food artisans to source the best local and regional food possible. She leads a dynamic team and has been recognized regularly for her culinary achievements.”
My Sweet Basil
Food Truck
“Fresh food, delicious menu, using locally grown organic products. They offer amazing food that is continuously presented beautifully. The best food truck in Albuquerque. Also, they are the sweetest people you will ever come across.”
Verde.
Beverage Artisan, Non-Alcoholic
“Awesome commitment to local, sustainable sourcing and to supporting New Mexico and regional growers and producers across their menu! And tasty products to boot!”
Romero Farms
Farm / Ranch
“Romero Farms is one of the biggest organic farm operations in northern New Mexico and their commitment to serving our community is unmatched. Matt [Romero] and his staff are extremely helpful, friendly, and professional.”
