By Sara Atencio-Gonzales, The Paper. – New Mexico still doesn’t have a Michelin-star restaurant, but it’s culinary scene earned national recognition this week as the Michelin Guide announced its first-ever selections for affordability and other recognition the American Southwest, with two Albuquerque-area restaurants among those honored.
Frontier, the longtime Albuquerque restaurant on Central Avenue, received a Bib Gourmand, a distinction Michelin gives to restaurants offering quality food at a good value. Frontier was the only Albuquerque restaurant to receive the designation and joined four Santa Fe establishments on the list.
Campo at Los Poblanos in Los Ranchos de Albuquerque was named to Michelin’s list of recommended restaurants. The restaurant also earned another major honor when spirits manager Joseph Simonson received the inaugural Michelin Guide Southwest Exceptional Cocktails Award.
Simonson’s cocktail program draws heavily from Los Poblanos’ farm and distillery, incorporating locally grown herbs, botanicals and house-made spirits. Michelin highlighted drinks that use ingredients including lavender, lemon balm and dill grown on the property.
Santa Fe also made a strong showing. Jambo Cafe, La Choza, Paper Dosa and Tia Sophia’s received Bib Gourmand distinctions, while Arroyo Vino, Izanami, Joseph’s Culinary Pub, Market Steer, Paloma and Restaurant Martin were among Michelin’s recommended restaurants.
While no New Mexico restaurant received a Michelin star, the inaugural Southwest selections put several of the state’s restaurants in the international dining guide’s spotlight.