Name: Nicky Moreno
Occupation: Head Chef at the Inn on the Alameda
Having grown up in Roswell, Nick Moreno is a New Mexico native. He worked at a restaurant in Madrid, NM for 10 years before moving to Santa Fe to work at the Inn on the Alameda. He’s been working at the Inn on the Alameda for 3 years now.
What are some of your favorite parts of the Inn on the Alameda?
We have two hot tubs, a beautiful garden, and a nice outdoor patio you can eat on. Also, the staff is wonderful. Everyone that works here is very nice and accepting from the housekeepers to the front desk.
How do you like working at a hotel versus a traditional restaurant?
You see a lot more repeat guests and they will come up to you to say hello. It really feels like home and I think that’s because of the small, cozy atmosphere of our hotel. We also get to encounter guests from all over the world.
How would you describe the New Mexican cuisine?
Green chilli, Tamales, chicken enchiladas, chilaquiles, huevos rancheros, and carnitas.
Is that what you specialize in at the hotel’s restaurant?
We do New Mexican cuisine as well as international. We have a big variety and even cater to vegans and gluten-free guests.
What are your favorite dishes on the menu?
Chicken Tinga, which is a Mexico City dish. We do shredded chicken in a chipotle sauce with onion and serve it on tacos. I also like our chicken enchiladas. We grill the chicken outdoors and add Santa Fe green chili.
Sounds delicious! Are there other restaurants you’d recommend visitors check out while in Santa Fe?
Geronimo, Restaurant Martín, La Casa Sena
And for drinks?
Del Charro or our hotel bar.
What is Santa Fe’s LGBTQ+ scene like?
We don’t have gay bars anymore because everything is mixed in and accepting. It’s pretty nice because we can go wherever we want.
What are 3 spots the community should check out while in Santa Fe?
1. The Opera. It’s about an 8-minute drive from here and puts on high quality shows.
2. Ten Thousand Waves is a beautiful spa. You can sit in the hot tub and look up at the stars.
3. Canyon Road is where all the famous art galleries are. It’s right around the corner from our hotel.
And lastly, what’s your favorite part about Santa Fe? Our evenings. People should really enjoy those and take advantage. Once it cools down, sit outside somewhere on a nice patio and enjoy the view.
