An interview with Florence P. Jaramillo, Owner/President
Best Restaurant, Greater New Mexico
Florence Jaramillo started Rancho de Chimayó with her husband, Arturo, in 1965. For more than fifty years, the restaurant has been a favorite of locals and travelers alike. When asked what led her to a life in the restaurant business, Florence answered, “I had always worked in some form of accounting. I always was interested in cooking and different foods. My dad was a very good cook. When we opened the restaurant, I worked in the kitchen. I learned how to make chile and how to increase the quantity. I made some French recipes that my father taught me for weekend specials. I always like working in the kitchen.”
What do you love most about local food?
I love the taste, and the fact that chile has a lot of vitamins and beans have a lot of proteins.
What are some of your favorite places to eat and why?
I like Osteria in Santa Fe, but I don’t go to too many places because of my age. I only get to leave my restaurant in winter and spring. I like Italian cooking. I also like La Fonda. My favorites are restaurants that use local produce.
What’s your favorite way to spend a day off?
I don’t have too many of those, but when I get a chance, I usually go shopping for our bed and breakfast. New sheets and other linens, etc., and fruit from Costco. If the restaurant needs supplies, I’ll do that too. It’s a day in Albuquerque for me!
Do you have a serendipitous moment?
At my age, every day is serendipitous. For our forty-fifth anniversary in 2010, I decided to thank all our customers by running daily specials for $2.00 (1965 prices). I had so many customers I thought I was going to lose money, but at the end of the month, it turned out to be one of my best months!
Tell us about your life outside of Rancho de Chimayó.
I have been involved in quite a few associations and boards. At present, I am an honorary board member of the New Mexico Restaurant Association and the Los Alamos National Laboratory Foundation. I am also a director for our Food Industry Self Insurance Fund (FISIF) which handles workers comp claims for the food service industry in New Mexico.
How did you get to where you are now? What’s the backstory, and what was the moment that brought you to your current work?
I met my former husband in 1951 while on vacation. At the time Mr. Jaramillo was in the navy. He was from New Mexico. When his grandfather died, his family wanted him to move back, and we bought them out. We wanted to start a business and were encouraged by locals to open a restaurant. We sold our home in Connecticut and moved with our three-year old daughter to New Mexico.
What do people always ask you?
They want to know about the history of the area. Also about Chimayó chile. I just like talking to people and they tell me how they visited the area long ago.
Who would you like to have lunch with if you got the chance?
I’d have lunch with Pope Francis and I’d ask him what his favorite foods are.
What makes you laugh?
A good joke and seeing my customers, they make me happy.
What gets you fired up?
To get up every day and serve people good food.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with edible readers?
Thank you for being who you are and supporting the restaurant industry.
