b Happy Sumo Food Journal: September 2011

Friday, September 30, 2011

Los Ojos - Jemez Springs, NM


On the same trip to NM (see below), I tried another recommendation in Jemez Springs.  There's not much to JS, I think there were maybe only two or three places to eat in the entire town.
After perusing the menu, I settled on the green chile and cheese tamales.  I first had these at El Cholo in Los Angeles.  At El Cholo, many years ago, they were fantastic.  These, on the other hand, were mediocre.  They were pretty much tasteless, as were the beans, and the rice was hard.  And the sliced from a can olives...please.  This meal was worse than the Mexican restaurant in Biloxi, and that's pretty bad.
My eating companions didn't fare much better.  Sheryl ordered chicken nachos, which came sans chicken, and melted cheese-like sauce, much like the kind you get out of the dispenser at 7-11.  Inconceivable!  And unforgivable.
All in all, a disappointing culinary trip to NM. 

Overall rating - 1.5 sumos.


Sugar's - Embudo, New Mexico

Wow, I can't believe it's been over 2.5 years since I last posted.  Well, now it's time to get going again, although I'm afraid it's not going to be in chronological order.  Anyhow, giddyup!

Sugar's came to my attention through www.roadfood.com.  I was on my way to NM so decided to give it a try.  It's a completely out of the way place, on Highway 68 between Taos and Espanola.
One of their signature dishes is the brisket burrito.  Brisket, green chile and cheese.  For those of you unfamiliar with "New Mexico style" cuisine, most everything revolves around NM grown and roasted green chile.
So how was it, you ask?  Disappointing...compared to my gold standard, the green chile burrito at J&S in Montebello, CA, this wasn't even in the ballpark, not even the same sport.  Honestly I really wanted to like this place, but the food just didn't measure up.

Overall rating - 2 sumos.