Jenny's View
Dear Friends,
Please join me, in gratitude, as we celebrate the launch of our Centennial Year!
To be part of La Fonda’s one-hundred-year history has been one of the highlights of my professional life. All of us at La Fonda are proud stewards of the oldest hotel in the oldest capital city in the United States, and we understand the deep honor bestowed on us to preserve Santa Fe’s landmark — a treasure of architecture, art and heritage.
Witnessing La Fonda’s story and evolution over the past thirty years in various capacities has afforded me the opportunity to reflect on the meaning of hospitality over time and to celebrate the individuals that have kept our doors open —consistently— for 100 years running.
When you really think about that, it’s an utterly amazing feat! La Fonda's doors have been unlocked and swinging open since 1922, welcoming visitors and guests into Santa Fe's living room where they are safeguarded and treated like family. Thanks to a community that values respect and a team of employees that look out for others and one another— visitors and locals alike have enjoyed relaxation and comfort, day and night, here in the heart of the city for a century.
The structure that guests enjoy today opened in 1922 and features the influence of architects Isaac Rapp, Mary Elizabeth Jane Colter and John Gaw Meem. Authentic elements including hand carved beams and furniture, stained glass skylights, hand-crafted chandeliers, tin and copper lighting fixtures and the whimsical painted folk art windows add to the charm of La Fonda's rich story.
Elements of the original design are still evident throughout the hotel, and over the years have been revived and reimagined by various architects and design partners, including William Lumpkins and our dear friend, Barbara Felix of Barbara Felix Architecture + Design. Both Felix and Lumpkins played integral roles in the transformation of our gorgeous atrium dining room, distinguishing La Plazuela as a sophisticated destination for New Mexico inspired cuisine.
There’s no better occasion to reflect on our many blessings than the Thanksgiving holiday, and no better venue than La Plazuela to share a meal with family and friends. La Plazuela will feature a prix fixe $75 menu where guests can choose from various appetizers, entrees and desserts in each course, from 11 am to 9 pm. Naturally, a traditional Thanksgiving main course will be offered, as well as scrumptious side dishes like jumbo lump crab cakes with roasted tomato-cilantro concasse and local roasted beet salad created by our talented new Chef de Cuisine, Bobby Griffing.
Bobby adds a creative edge and an international flare to our culinary team. His career started in El Paso, Texas at a local restaurant and has taken him on many culinary adventures over the years through various countries including Japan, Mexico, the Bahamas and the United Arab Emirates. At La Fonda, he draws on his extensive experiences abroad to create innovative new flavors that result in a truly modern take on classic cuisine (not unlike our British founder, Fred Harvey).
If you’ve been to La Plazuela, you’ve likely met our restaurant manager, Carol Anglin. Carol was recently selected as a brand ambassador finalist for the 2021 Historic Hotels of America Awards of Excellence. The nomination is well-deserved! Carol has been with the hotel in various capacities since 1992, working her way through the ranks to become a key leader in our hotel. Carol cares deeply for her employees and our guests, she is culturally sensitive and she helps everyone integrate into La Fonda’s family. She represents La Fonda with equal parts compassion and professionalism. She is our most passionate brand ambassador and shares the rich history of the hotel with enthusiasm and joy that resonates as deeply authentic — because she is just that: authentic, loving, and true.
And remember to save the date for La Fonda's very special celebratory Party of the Century on January 22, 2022, as we honor our storied past and look to the future during a festive evening that highlights our landmark property. Enjoy drinks and live performances in our gorgeous atrium dining room, hoop dancers in the historic New Mexico Room, rooftop mariachis, the folk tunes of Bill Hearne, and more! We will debut a special documentary narrated by Ali MacGraw, La Fonda Through the Decades, in the Lumpkins Ballroom featuring Santa Fe characters and leaders who have shaped the unique place La Fonda holds in our City of Faith, while our distinguished culinary team serves the signature cuisine of Chef Lane Warner.
Celebrate with us and take advantage of our Centennial Package, enjoy discounted luxury accommodations, two tickets to the Party of the Century, breakfast for two in La Plazuela and a copy of our coffee table history book, La Fonda Then & Now. Tickets to the event can be purchased here. All profits will benefit the Southwest Association for Indian Arts "SWAIA" (also celebrating 100 Years of the Arts).
I hope to see you at the party!
Jenny
