Luminaria

Let me tell you how great this place was to us. We had two screaming toddlers and zero reservations, and they found us a great table even at 7 on a Sunday night. They did their best to accommodate our older one (various children's plates), but he had a full meltdown, as he sometimes does, and they never said boo! (We were outside, yet near a lot of other guests.) My wife and I wound up taking turns walking him around the Loretto church (next door). This was literally THE best meal I've ever rushed. My wife and I both went through our food quickly (to give the other person a break) and we both said each bite melted in our mouths...the food was outstanding...the service even more. People are right that it's not cheap, but it's worth it.

My mother and I were staying at the hotel and thought we would try the restaurant.  First my mom went in person at 5pm to make a reservation for the next evening for dinner.  It took a minimun of 15 minutes as the maitre d' was scattered and constantly taking calls, leaving her standing there. He would be talking to her and then the phone would ring.  Instead of asking the person on the phone to hold he would help them, ignoring her and when he returned he'd forgotten where he was and would have to start over.  
The next day, we decided we wanted appetizers, rather than a full 3 course dinner, so we cancelled our reservation.  When we went to just have apps, he first seated us outside.  It was starting to get windy and chilly, so we asked if we could move inside, and he said it was fine.  The minute we stepped foot back inside so he could seat us, his attention was moved to the phone and the other people arriving, leaving us standing there... again.  After standing there for 15 minutes, he looks at us and says "right this way" but when we started to follow, he says "no, I was talking to them."  Seriously?! That was the final straw, so we left.  
He should not be the first person customers should have contact with. The manager lady was there near the end and she didn't have anymore of a clue than the maitre d'.

One of the best meals we had on our New Mexico trip!  This romantic restaurant is located inside the Inn at Loretto and is normally a pricey place, but we went for an early dinner and took advantage of their Cena Pronto menu (5pm-6:30pm).   I had the salad, salmon, and panna cotta.  My husband got the tortilla soup, chicken, and apple tart.  He also chose the menu with the wine pairing, which he thoroughly enjoyed.  The meal started off with a spread of breads and compound butter, including the MOST delicious blue corn bread.  I'm still craving that tiny delicious corn bread.  I probably could eat a dozen by myself!  We had a lovely girl from Lithuaian serving us and another man from Guatemala - both were so attentive and lovely.  We left full, giddy (from the wine), and happy that we got a 5 star meal at a 3 star price!