I seem to have a set of senses that are very perceptive to the world around me.

I cry when I hear Luciano Pavarotti sing Nessun Dorma.  I find myself reverently mute at the sight a beautiful sunset.  I find great joy breathing in the beautiful scents that inhabit our world.  I melt at the gentle touch of a scalp massage from my wife.

And… I wanted to dance atop my table at Encantado’s Terra Restaurant when I had the privilege to sample Chef Charles Dale’s regionally influenced American Cuisine.

Chef Dale was named Best New Chef in America by Food + Wine Magazine in 1995 and twice nominated for Best American Chef in the Southwest by the James Beard Foundation.  And now the AAA Five Diamond Encantado Resort and Spa has landed Chef Dale to entertain the palates of foodies from all over the world.

As we entered Terra we were seated in front of a wall of glass with a glorious sunset about to unfold before eyes.  I ordered a nice Bordeaux, and ran to the restaurant’s patio to capture the photograph above (click the photo for a large version).

The knowledgeable and indulging staff made us feel comfortable, and began to explain the abundant gastronomic opportunities that lie before us.

Carol w/ Chef Charles Dale

To start our journey, Carol opted for Acorn Squash Soup with caramelized apple and toasted hazelnuts, while I fixed my mind on Arugula and Hydro-Cress Salad with beats, prickly-pear dressing, Spanish Cabrales cheese, and piñon-nut clusters.

Then for the pièce de résistance, Carol settled on Agave-Glazed Tasmanian Salmon with achiote-grilled corn, mushroom-stuffed squash blossom, and a black bean “caviar” vinaigrette, while I nominated Tamale and Herb-Stuffed Saddle of Rabbit with carrot emulsion and plum sauce.

I can’t begin to explain how wonderful it is to have your palate exposed to such wonderful, and unexpected combination’s of taste, texture, and temperature.  To find rabbit in my tamale, and agave-glaze on Carol’s salmon was not only unexpected, but exquisite.

If you are one who enjoys fine cuisine, and you find yourself in the Santa Fe, New Mexico area, then I simply must insist that you make the short ten-minute drive to Terra at Encantado.

Furthermore, please come back here and leave a comment about your experience.

We would love to hear about your new love affair with Terra at Encantado.

Disclosure:  this experience was provided by Terra at Encantado.