For the first time in Southwest America, the famous Michelin Guide is recognizing 12 New Mexico restaurants as part of its new Southwest series, which honors locations in our state, as well as Arizona, Utah, and Nevada.
Two Albuquerque restaurants and 10 Santa Fe restaurants celebrated this week in an event in Las Vegas.
While Michelin didn’t hand out any of its highly coveted stars to restaurants in New Mexico, it named some as “Recommended Restaurants,” and others received the special “Bib Gourmand” distinction for providing high-quality food at an affordable price.
The Michelin Guide honored Campo at Los Poblanos and Frontier in Albuquerque, and Paper Dosa, La Choza, Jambo Cafe, and Tia Sophia’s in Santa as Bib Gourmand Selections. Meanwhile, it honored Restaurant Martin, Market Steer, Paloma, Arroyo Vino, and Izanami as “Recommended Restaurants.”
Michelin recognition makes Los Poblanos Executive Director Matthew Rembe feel wonderful, along with Frontier. He also mentioned peeling back the layers of the city to explore Albuquerque.
While some may have been surprised by Frontier, many of its fans say it deserves the recognition.
A frequent Frontier-goer says their food is fairly priced, with large portions, and that people are friendly in the restaurant.
Campo has also received individual honors for Chef Christopher Bethony and Spirits Manager Joseph Simonson.
A Total Shift In How Michelin Operates
The first Michelin recognition in the Southwest represents a shift in how Michelin operates, according to Rembe.
To him, he loves that Michelin is now rating different regions around cities, not just big cities anymore. He was also pleased that Albuquerque received recognition alongside Santa Fe because he considers the people behind Santa Fe eateries ‘heroes’ who have shaped the culinary arts of the state.
He says there is no doubt that the state should be nationally and internationally recognized because of how unique its cuisine is.
This recognition will boost the number of visitors to the state and the food industry in the state.
