Whether or not you’ve heard, Albuquerque, New Mexico is one of the foodie centers in the U.S., and we can attest to that fact after our visit. You may think the balloon festival is the big draw, but really, you need to stay for the vittles.
Los Poblanos Historic Inn and Organic Farm sits on 25 acres in the historic city of Albuquerque, and encapsulates the concept of sustainable ecotourism in the lovely Santa Fe Style of architecture. This working organic farm includes beautiful accommodations, a lavender farm with artisan products, beautiful views of the Sandia Mountains, and gardens galore, all with a preservation mindset. Unfortunately, we only were there for the shoot, not the stay (Though marital negotiations will occur in the future in that regard in the Bowman household).
Fortunately, we had the opportunity to speak with Jonathan Perno, Executive Chef at the on-site Campo restaurant. His 10-year-plus tenure has helped to put Campo on the Good Food 100 list, which highlights restaurants that help to build more transparent and impactful food systems across the food chain. Biological systems, farmers, ranchers, restaurants, purveyors, and the environment all win with this mentality, and it starts with chefs that practice their art with a higher purpose. And a delicious one, from what Rick experienced.
Jonathan has been nominated five times as a semi-finalist for a James Beard award. He has a holistic mentality and understands the connection between the food he prepares and the soil from which it springs. His menu planning and execution incorporate all parts of the process of creating food artistry, including the sourcing, treatment and husbandry of the plants and animals he uses in the kitchen. And it’s obviously working in a most delicious manner.
Links:
https://lospoblanos.com/about/los-poblanos
https://lospoblanos.com/dining/our-team/
https://chefscollaborative.org/
https://chefscollaborative.org/join-us/business-members/
https://chefscollaborative.org/event/save-the-date-meat-matters-new-mexico/
https://quiviracoalition.org/butcher/