ARTfeast February 26-28

"Now in its 13th season, ARTfeast is heralded as one of the most inspired reasons for a getaway. The weekend of festivities celebrates the City Different’s world-class chefs and restaurants, an international array of vintners, original designer fashions and unique homes, along with nationally and regionally prominent artists represented by members of the Santa Fe Gallery Association. All of this fun and food helps young people develop the skills needed to creatively respond to life."

"Those of you who have attended in the past know that this is a fun-filled weekend of fine ART, FOOD, WINE, FASHION & HOMES benefiting art programs for the youth of Santa Fe . Whether you want to participate in Friday evening’s Edible Art Tour, recognized as the best attended winter event in Santa Fe, or get friends and colleagues together for a table at the Saturday evening Gala Dinner or attend the Sunday Artists’ Brunch and Auction, there are lots of opportunities to get out and enjoy the ARTfeast activities!"

The Essential Guide would like to extend a warm invitation for any and all visitors to Santa Fe to attend ARTfeast, a wonderful charitable cause that supports art education in public schools. ARTfeast provides a perfect excuse to travel to Santa Fe during the quieter winter months and enjoy everything that New Mexico has to offer. The Essential Guide is underwriting the Brunch & Auction event Sunday, February 28th at the Hotel Santa Fe. We hope to see you there!

Click here to visit the ARTfeast website

Click here to visit the Brunch & Auction Event at ARTfeast

Ski Santa FeA light snow is blanketing the city of Santa Fe skiers and boarders look in the distance and see the snowcapped peaks of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Nestled in those mountains at 10,000 feet is Ski Santa Fe one of the best kept secrets of New Mexico. The locals know and what visitors will discover is that the slopes will have "Powder" to ski and ride on tomorrow. This is just the beginning of a winter adventure you’ll want to repeat season after season. Seven lifts transport skiers and boarders to a top elevation of 12,075 feet and 6972 trails on 660 acres challenge guests at all skill levels from double black diamond to green beginners. Powder, moguls, steeps and runs groomed to perfection by the best of the southwest are all there for your skiing and boarding pleasure.

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L-R: Lost Ink, Brazos Fine Art, The Inn and Spa at Loretto, and Tammy Garcia of Blue Rain Gallery

Every year the release of the Essential Guide printed catalog represents the culmination of a hard year's work. Part of the celebration is the revealing of the book design for the front and back covers. This past year saw a risky deviation from the classical Southwestern motifs that have dominated previous Essential Guides. The 2009-2010 front cover went for a more understated Asian design, and was received with great acclaim by both advertisers and New Mexico visitors.

Here is an inside look into the Santa Fe and Taos businesses that are represented on the covers of the latest Essential Guide. Enjoy!

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Chef Charles Dale

Number of year’s @ current restaurant?

Since opening 14 months ago

Number of year’s in the field?

27 years and counting

Favorite dish to make is?

Roast chicken with carrots, potatoes and mushrooms – all in one pot

What do you like best about your profession?

Daily change – I am never bored

Your dream job would be?

Singer-songwriter, otherwise this is pretty close

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Queen's RansomLet’s face it: fashion is fickle. What’s in is out, what’s out is in and there usually isn’t a middle ground to stand on. Red is the new black. Or, is brown is the new black? Wait, isn’t black the new black this season? It’s enough to make someone’s head spin.

Fortunately, Santa Fe has more than a few fashionistas to help out the fashionably challenged. Essential Guide went to the best of the best and garnered their opinions on what works and what doesn’t.

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