By Rena Distasio

Enter the Hilton Santa Fe Golf Resort & Spa at Buffalo Thunder and it soon becomes apparent that not only is this the state’s largest destination resort, it is also one of its most luxurious.  As part of the Hilton Hotels & Resorts family, the 395-room casino/resort couples the renowned service and amenities of the 100-plus-year-old Hilton brand with traditional pueblo atmosphere, art, and architecture to create a whole new level of hospitality.  That hospitality naturally defines every aspect of the resort—not only its casino, hotel, golf course, and spa, but also its restaurants, which range from family style to fine dining.  Says the Hilton Santa Fe Golf Resort & Spa General Manager, Tim Booth: “Times are challenging, and I think all good dining operators have made the determination that they are going to give great service and listen to the voice of their customers. That is certainly our guide.”

Painted Parrot Buffet
A meal at this 350-seat venue is akin to taking a culinary trip around the world. Offerings include an ever-changing array of international items (Asian, Italian, Mexican), surf and turf, matching salad bars, and a carving station, all anchored by a selection of New Mexican favorites that will satisfy even the most diehard locals. Desert lovers should make sure to save room for some of the most tempting sweets in the region, like the award-winning chocolate fountain, Southern-style bread pudding, creamy chocolate mousse, and a variety of cobblers, specialty tarts, and French pastries. There’s even a soft serve ice cream station with all the trimmings. Located on the lobby level, the Painted Parrot is open Monday through Friday from 4pm to 9 or 10pm, depending on traffic, and Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 10pm for brunch and dinner.

Red Sage Restaurant
As Buffalo Thunder’s signature fine-dining venue, Red Sage showcases a seasonally revolving menu developed by Chef de Cuisine Christopher McLean under the guidance of celebrity and consulting chef Mark Miller. Drawing on Native American, European, and Latin American influences, Red Sage is a symphonic homage to the culinary spirit of New Mexico and the Southwest as a whole. Signature dishes include a chile dusted, cast iron seared halibut and cast iron roasted Colorado buffalo tenderloin. Chef Hilary Dawson’s famously decadent deserts round out the offerings. Make sure to try the cowboy coffee crème brulee or pistachio chocolate tower. “Beyond a doubt, Red Sage is the place for simply celebrating or celebrating lavishly,” says Booth. And with entrees ranging from $28 to $40 each, Red Sage also remains one of the most affordable fine-dining experiences in the region. Hours of operation are Sundays through Thursdays from 11am to 11pm and Fridays and Saturdays from 11am to 12am.

Turquoise Trail Bar and Grille
Open seven days a week for lunch and dinner, Turquoise Trail pays tribute to the diners that lined historic Route 66 by serving generous portions of classic American meals at prices that won’t break the bank. Located on the resort’s Casino Level, Turquoise Trail features a full service bar with sports broadcasts, dining room seating, plus a stage for live entertainment. Like the Painted Parrot, the emphasis is on service, variety, and value. “We pay careful attention to what, exactly, we offer our customers, based on their feedback,” says Paul Aragon, Executive Director of Hospitality. “Our local customers are the people who are going to be in here four, five times a week, which is why we emphasize the importance of keeping things fresh for all diners by changing our menus on a seasonal basis.”
In addition, there are also daily specials designed to provide both variety and value, like a menu that features six to seven dishes for $5.00 each or a Thursday pasta bar for $7.77.

Mica Restaurant
Located on the lobby level and open daily from 7am to 2pm, Mica serves regional and continental favorites for breakfast and lunch in a relaxed and cheery atmosphere. Here, the emphasis is on value-oriented items prepared in fresh and innovative ways. Breakfast items include omelettes, waffles, and Mica’s signature New Mexican skillet. A few of the tempting lunch menu items include an excellent French dip, a variety of refreshing salads, and the ever-popular fish tacos and flat iron steak. A New Mexico chicken salad sandwich with local herbs, spices, bean sprouts, and grapes has likewise proven to be a best seller.

Pueblo Deli
If you don’t have time for a sit down meal, the Pueblo Deli provides delicious, freshly prepared grab-and-go items that include a variety of salads, sandwiches, and deserts. The Deli is open from 10am to 10pm Sunday through Wednesdays and until 4am Thursdays through Saturdays to accommodate those who are out and about until the late—or early—hours.

Club Warehouse
Looking for a new and exciting venue in which to host your next special event, corporate meeting, or holiday party? Then look no further than Buffalo Thunder’s Club Warehouse. Friday and Saturday nights, Club Warehouse is open to the public as a nightclub and lounge featuring its own casino, a dance floor and stage, VIP seating, and some of the best nationally recognized DJs and live musical acts.
During the week, Club Warehouse is available for rent as a venue for private parties and events under the guidance of its manager, KataLina Parrish, a New Mexico native with years of experience in the entertainment industry (including work as a film and television actress). Along with award-winning chef Mick Hug, who oversees the catering menu, Club Warehouse is destined to become one of the region’s top entertainment hot spots.
“The sky is the limit in terms of what we can do to realize someone’s vision for their party, meeting, or special event,” says KataLina. For more information or to book your next special event, give her a call at 505-231-9585.

For more information on all that Buffalo Thunder Resort and Casino has to offer, call 505-455-5555 or log onto www.buffalothunderresort.com