On the side
PLAZA CAFÉ SOUTHSIDE HHH 3466 Zafarano Drive, Santa Fe; 505-424-0755, plazacafesantafe.com
We ventured to the Plaza Café Southside for brunch one Sunday so we could choose between breakfast and lunch, and started with a gorgeous plate of Blue Cornmeal Piñon Pancakes ($12.95) for the table. Topped with orange-butter and plenty of cinnamon maple syrup, we gobbled these down and liberally poured the syrup to coat each bite.
One of my dining companions stayed the breakfast course and ordered the gargantuan plate of Breakfast Blue Corn Enchiladas ($15.95). Stacked blue corn enchiladas are topped with scrambled eggs and served with a heaping side of hash browns.
Because I am such a fan of the Greek salad ($16.25), I ordered one for the table because this is the dish that keeps me coming back to the Plaza Café.
The New Mexican Chopped Salad ($15.95) is another winning option for vegetarians or those seeking a vegetablepacked meal. Mixed greens are topped with a colorful and tasty combination of avocado, tomato, roasted corn salsa, green chile, apple, cilantro, garbanzo beans and a cumin vinaigrette.
If you prefer protein, you can’t go wrong with the Crispy Fish Tacos ($18.95) which always satisfies. Strips of Alaskan cod are fried until golden brown delicious and placed in two corn tortillas with cabbage, chopped tomatoes, cilantro, avocado and a creamy chipotle salsa.
Upon entering, the dessert display greets you and you’ll be easily swayed to treat yourself to dessert. Everything is homemade, but don’t feel committed to eating dessert in the restaurant.
My personal favorite is the Coconut Cream Pie ($8.50). What helps this interpretation stand out is the creative and naturally gluten-free coconut macaroon crust. A thick layer of sweetened coconut and egg whites are the base for a not-too-sweet coconut custard and whipped cream.
One of my dining companions ordered the Caramel Apple Pie ($8.50). Thinly sliced apples are tossed with a generous amount of cinnamon to make this All-American pie a winner.