September 1- 3, 2023, 133 N. Franklin Street
Santa Fe
The Shed in Santa Fe, a beloved family-owned institution since 1953, and its sister restaurant La Choza, specialize in Northern New Mexican fare, including green chile stew—a spicy braise made with roasted green chiles, potatoes and pork—as well as enchiladas, burritos, tamales, rellenos, and huevos rancheros. The most important question when dining here is red, green, or Christmas? This refers to the sauce you’d like your dish smothered in; green chiles turn red as the ripen and dry in the sun, creating a different texture and a slightly sweeter, more complex flavor. You’ll often hear people say, “Come for the green, stay for the red.” When in doubt, choose both: Christmas.
The Shed: Monday through Saturday 11a.m.-2:30p.m. and 5-9p.m., 113 1/2 E Palace Ave
La Choza: Monday through Saturday 11a.m.-2:30p.m. and 4:30-9p.m.,905 Alarid St, Santa Fe
Big Jim Farms
Los Ranchos
Ready to dig in and get your hands dirty? Head to Big Jim Farms, a fourth-generation organic family operation, where you can pick and roast your own chiles. Jim Wagner and his family have been growing heritage green chiles for over 100 years—and from July through October, seven days a week, their 21 acre fields are open for a variety of U-Pick crops, including green chiles, flowers, and pumpkins. “Seven years ago we opened up the farm for a weekend to allow people to experience the fields. It was so popular that we decided to open for the entire harvest season, and the number of visitors we get doubles every year,” says Jim’s daughter, Chantelle Wagner. “We had 60,000 visitors last year!” While picking, look for markers that highlight the many heritage varieties, including Sandia, whose size and heat makes it perfect for rellenos, and the fiery hot Lumbre. They, too, offer Red Chile Ristra workshops, which serve to connect visitors with the culture and traditions of New Mexico.
July-October, seven days a week from 8am-6pm, 4515 Rio Grande Blvd NW, Los Ranchos
