Cacho’s Bistro at Sawmill Market serves South American specialties
Cacho’s Bistro at Sawmill Market excels at South American specialties
Sawmill Market’s short life has been like a rollercoaster ride over an active volcano.
The food emporium near Old Town opened to much fanfare in March, just before the governor restricted restaurants to takeout and patio dining. It sputtered along for a while on takeout only before closing completely. Now, it’s back from oblivion, just in time for the dog days of summer.
Despite the on-again, off-again rollout, people are finding their way to the restored lumberyard across from Hotel Chaco, if a recent Saturday evening is any indication. The gravel lot on the south side of the building was almost full, and there were about 50 people sitting at tables on the large patio behind the market. Everyone was wearing a mask, and an attendant monitored the entrance, ready to close the doors as soon as the 50% capacity on the patio was reached.
It’s easy to see the attraction. The market is impressive in both the variety of its vendors and design of its space. Lots of pale wood, natural light and plants take the dystopian edge off the industrial-style interior. There’s something of interest around every corner, from the domelike oven decorated with fiery red tiles inside Hawt Pizza to the bar at Paxton’s Taproom made out of leftover wood from the old lumberyard. Outlets of established operations such as Eldora Chocolate share the space with new ventures.
Notable among the latter is Cacho’s Bistro, the selfdescribed “best Venezuelan bistro in Albuquerque.” Also, to my knowledge, the only Venezuelan bistro in Albuquerque.
Ronsuelvic Cavalieri, Cacho’s Bistro owner and guiding hand, got her start at the Rail Yards before locking down a spot at Sawmill.
Cacho’s Bistro showcases the Venezuelan penchant for cooking meats, cheeses and other fillings inside bread and pastry. There are familiar