Culinary Find in Rural Northern New Mexico

Monday September 28, 2009

After a very relaxing night at the serene and lovely Abiquiu Inn in Georgia O'Keeffe Country, we enjoyed breakfast at their cafe and then had a bit of trouble pulling ourselves away from the gallery and gift shop.

But soon we were on the road headed to La Madera, a little burg nestled in the rolling hills. We were looking for the home and studio of famed maker of utilitarian micaceous pottery, Felipe Ortega.

We pulled into a collection of small homes and was told Felipe was in his studio just up the hill. He greeted us warmly and thus began a very memorable day. He demonstrated how he, with great ease, makes beautiful pots with the glittering clay and told us of his heritage and fascinating personal history.

We then went outside and watched the firing process for quite a few pieces crafted by Felipe, his family members and apprentices. In an open fire surrounded by bark, the smoke wafted through the pottery and into the warm autumn air. A prayer was offered and we left the pottery to enter his home and enjoy lunch cooked in the pottery that he makes.

He explained why food is better cooked in the pottery. We ate his chile enchiladas and calabacitas had to agree. As we traveled through New Mexico, we found that restaurant enchiladas just couldn't match up to the food at Felipe's.

You, too can visit Felipe Ortega, have a meal at his place and even stay overnight. The website explains his B&B offerings as well as how to purchase the beautiful pots.