Jenny's View

November Greetings

Dear Friends,

Now that the crisp chill of fall has settled over Santa Fe and winter has swiftly arrived, it’s time to seek out your favorite fireplace retreat – and it just so happens that our portal fireplace is one of the most beautiful spots in the city! Rich with history, it offers a blazing testament to our design journey.

The large terracotta panel above the fireplace was created by German artist, Arnold Rönnenbeck and features symbols and characters from Zuni and Hopi tribal traditions. The central figure represents Shalako, a famous Zuni Pueblo kachina dance that celebrates the end of the old year and the beginning of the new – making the portal at La Fonda an ideal place to reflect on another year of community and friendship while taking in the warm spirit of hospitality that a visit to our hotel affords.

Whether you’re a local or a hotel guest, we invite you to indulge in one of our signature winter cocktails, crafted by the stellar mixologists at our Lounge; try a Pumpkin Old Fashioned or a Biscochito Martini, and raise a glass to the magic of the season!

We recently celebrated the 15th anniversary of the annual Fred Harvey Weekend, and I couldn’t be more grateful for the dear friends and guests who joined us. This year’s event was a special reunion of FredHeads, including the talented filmmaker, Katrina Parks, who created a commemorative video capturing the warmth, stories, and camaraderie shared during these celebratory weekends.

  

The event was capped off with our favorite Fred Harvey Foodie Dinner in the Lumpkins Ballroom. With over three hundred attendees, we celebrated the icon with Harvey-curated cuisine, amazing wines and a benefit auction that topped the charts! Thousands of dollars were raised in benefit of the New Mexico History Museum. Our favorite auction item – a date with the famous Harvey Girl Twins, Beverly Ireland and Bernette Jarvis – made the evening an absolute hit, and I am proud to say, La Fonda was the highest bidder for this coveted item.  Thank you to everyone who attended!

  

Our team is busy preparing for the hustle and bustle of the holidays – especially our signature holiday buffets that have become part of so many family traditions. Chef Lane and his crew have put together another fantastic Thanksgiving menu complete with roasted turkey, pan-seared salmon, orange-cranberry relish, apple cornbread dressing, and of course traditional pumpkin pie to boot! It promises to be an amazing spread of flavors. Reservations fill fast, so book soon and join me in celebrating Thanksgiving at La Fonda!

Cheers to a season of thanks,
Jenny

Jennifer Lea Kimball
Ambassador & Board Chairman Emerita
La Fonda on the Plaza