Ah, Spa....

Detours at La Fonda

GORGEOUS NEW POTTERY: DON SWANSON FROM TUCSON AND KELLY JO KUCHAR FROM ALBUQUERQUE

We have just received a lovely selection of various sized cups, mugs, bowls, and vases from long time artist Don Swanson. Each colorful one of a kind piece is hand thrown, hand painted and glazed by Don in his studio in Tucson, AZ . Being in such demand has created waiting lists for his much coveted work and his production is limited since he is a “one man show”. Pieces go quickly, so stop by soon to view the collection.

With time, talent and inspiration, Kelly Jo Kuchar turns plain ceramic plates, bowls and vases into one-of-a-kind, hand painted works of art, which are widely treasured throughout the nation. Some of the designs offered at Detours are even custom designed for La Fonda, many resembling the murals featured in each of the bathrooms throughout the hotel. Each piece of Kelly Jo Designs ceramic ware reflects the artist’s inspiration – rooted in the styles of the American Southwest, her bold and colorfully striking art captures elements of the food, the culture and the landscape that characterizes this beautiful part of the country. Because of the functional nature of the products, these pieces of art can be on display in the home and then when entertaining, be taken down and used as serving pieces. All Kelly Jo Designs, Inc. ceramics are made with non-toxic, lead-free materials so they are food safe and can be used in the microwave, dishwasher and oven. All pieces are crafted in her production studios in Los Ranchos de Albuquerque, NM. We love especially Kelly Jo as Jenny Kimball has been collecting her work for years and they both went to SMU. Go Ponies!

Recipe for Adventure

Tuna Tartare - Serves 4

Chef Lane proves that gourmet food can be good to your waistline as well as your taste buds. The fish tartare is best served chilled, not at room temperature. And, because the fish isn’t cooked make sure you get the freshest, best quality you can. You can also make this dish with bass, mackerel or salmon instead of tuna. INGREDIENTS 16 ounces Ahi Tuna, small diced, keep ice cold 2 green onions, thinly sliced 1 teaspoon serrano chile, minced 2 ounces avocado, diced small 1 Tablespoon cilantro, chopped 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated and chopped 1 Tablespoon honey 2 ounces soy sauce 1 ounce lime juice, fresh 1 ounce sesame oil 2 Tablespoons black and white sesame seeds, toasted Toss all ingredients together, keep cold and serve in the next 3-hours or so. Chef recommends serving it immediately.

Live at La Fonda

Two-time New Mexico Music Award winners, The Bus Tapes, fronted by husband and wife duo Case and Heather Tanner and backed by Daniel Murphy on electric guitar and Jim Reid on drums, take audiences by the hand through a “what’s-cool” tour of music. Their eclectic mix of originals and covers, everything from blues and folk to R&B ballads and country-western swing, has been rocking crowds since 2008. In fact, they headlined the Silver City Blues Festival this May! “We’re excited to return to La Fiesta Lounge,” said Case. “Heather is a wonderful entertainer with an engaging personality. Audiences immediately find her quite likable. And our music resonates with audiences young and old, because its reminiscent of the era they most familiar with. We put our modern twist on it.” Case and Heather met at a local music store, where Case worked and Heather was a customer. A co-worker of Case’s introduced them, noting that both shared the last name of Tanner. What were the odds? Now the two make beautiful music together in front of audiences all over, including La Fiesta Lounge. Come see them in La Fiesta September 14th & 15th. Take a listen on YouTube or visit their Facebook page.

It's a good time to...

Burger anyone? Yes, please! Especially when it’s The Green Chile Cheeseburger Smackdown (Sept 8), an afternoon of tasting and voting for the best combo of meat, cheese and chile in the land. Who will be crowned the Reigning Chomp? Who will take the coveted People’s Choice Award? The event benefits Cooking With Kids and Southwest Grassfed Livestock Alliance, so everyone wins!

Then lace up your running shoes for the Race Different (Sept 16), the Santa Fe Thunder Half Marathon. Don’t worry couch potatoes, there are 5K and 1-mile events, too. Join the fun for a good cause - raise funds for the work of Global Running Culture, an all-volunteer non-profit organization that promotes healthy lifestyles.