Taos, New Mexico – You know that you are in for a gastronomic delight when a restaurateur has the unmitigated chutzpah to put their dessert list as page one of their six page menu.

I mean, come on, we had decided that we weren’t going to have dessert.  But then, Graham’s Grille paraded their hot New Orleans Apricot, Golden Raisin & Southern Comfort Bread Pudding served warm with home-made whipped cream right in front of my face.

While I was still hungry!  With all my defenses down!  Not fair!

Carol with Maître d' George Looms (left), and our waiter Thomas Kusher

It’s a beautiful Thursday, the temperature is around 70º, we just finished meandering around the central plaza in Kit Carson’s hometown of Taos, New Mexico, where we now find ourselves seated for lunch at Graham’s Grille by Leslie B. Fay.

We were referred to Graham’s Grille by our Innkeepers at Casa de las Chimeneas, and were delighted to see that they were just awarded a Diners’ Choice Award by opentable.com, and were also winners of Best of Taos, three years running.

The restaurant was abuzz with locals, and because I dragged us off the straight and narrow path having pre-ordered the bread pudding, we decided to split our lunch.

We started off with Tortilla Soup of Kit Carson’s Wife.  This was turkey, garbanzo & black beans, posole, green chile, and carrots served with blue corn tortilla strips, jack cheese & avocado.  It was piping hot, and out of this world.

For our main entree we shared Taos Tamale Pie.  This featured two home-made green chile & jack cheese tamales, black beans, salad garnish, and avocado.  I love authentic tamales, and this delightful dish was pure New Mexican cuisine at its best.

Then all of a sudden, there seemed to be a reverent hush in the room.

As we looked about to see why the sudden sense of quiet, out walked Thomas the waiter with our mammoth serving of hot New Orleans Apricot, Golden Raisin & Southern Comfort Bread Pudding served warm with home-made whipped cream.

What can I say, it was absolutely fabulous.  My dear mother was pretty good at serving up bread pudding, but mom’s bread pudding was nothing like this.  Sorry mom!

Our lunch was so delicious, I requested a dinner menu to see what temptations might be found.  There I found Oysters Florentine, Red Trout, Chipotle Cherry Grilled Salmon, something called Cajun Big Ass Shrimp, Steaks, Prickly Pear Glazed Pork Chops, Braised Lamb Shank, Tenderloin Medallions wrapped in Applewood Bacon, as well as delightful sounding poultry and pasta dishes.

No wonder this place is garnering such attention.

If you are in Taos, New Mexico, I highly recommend that you enjoy a meal at Graham’s Grille.  It’s only half a block from the central plaza, and is certain to please your inner foodie.

Oh, and don’t forget to leave room for the bread pudding.

Disclosure:  this scrumptious dining experience was provided by Graham’s Grille.