Red or Green: A Chef-Guided New Mexican Lunch Immersion

Skip to the front of the famously long lines to savor authentic New Mexican flavors with a seated luncheon at one of Santa Fe’s most beloved generational eateries. Enjoy award-winning chile, top-shelf Margaritas, artisan confections and our rich local history on this flavorful journey.

The Basics

• Fridays 12-2pm

• 2 hours

• $99/pp

• Instant confirmation online or call 505-395-0552 to book over the phone

• This tour involves the least amount of walking of all of our tours. Not sure if you’re up for one of our walking tours - this seated lunch experience, with only short walks to-and-fro, is the one for you!

Skip the long lines and dive into the bold, smoky, and complex flavors of traditional New Mexican cuisine with a chef-guided lunch at La Choza—the beloved sister restaurant of The Shed. Starting in the Santa Fe Railyard, we’ll take a scenic stroll along the historic Rail Trail before settling in for an exclusive, three-course meal at this local favorite, renowned for its award-winning red and green chile.

Led by a culinary expert, this immersive lunch explores the origins and evolution of New Mexico’s distinct cuisine, with a comparative tasting that highlights the key differences between Mexican and New Mexican flavors. To elevate the experience, we’ll celebrate Santa Fe’s status as the Margarita Capital of America with a top-shelf margarita pairing for each course, showcasing different styles and expressions of this iconic cocktail.

After indulging in a feast of local flavors, we’ll finish on a sweet note with a locally inspired dessert at Santa Fe’s premier craft ice creamery—the perfect way to cool down after a chile-filled meal…or is it?

What You’ll Be Tasting

The focus of this tour is the history of New Mexican Food, explored through a three-course lunch experience

• New Mexican vs. Mexican style Posoles with a surprising side

• Famous Blue Corn Enchilada with Sopaipillas/Honey

• Tequila/Margarita pairings with each course

• Local artisanal ice cream pairing

What You’ll Learn

• The Origins of New Mexican Cuisine – How Indigenous, Spanish, and Mexican traditions shaped the flavors of the region.

• Red or Green? The Story of Hatch Chile – Learn why chile is the heart of New Mexican food and the difference between red and green varieties.

• Mexican vs. New Mexican Food – A guided comparative tasting highlighting key differences in ingredients and preparation.

• The Evolution of Santa Fe’s Food Scene – How historic recipes continue to influence modern chefs.

• The Art of Tequila Pairing – Experience different styles of tequila paired with each course and learn how they enhance flavors.