The Lisa Porter Collection : August 2011

8/23/11

Geronimo

Photo Credit: Â© CORBIS

Nope, not that Geronimo.

This

in Santa Fe!

Nicole-Rodriguez-Gasperov-Santa-Fe-New-Mexico-2010-32

Located at 724 Canyon Road, the Historic Borrego House originally built in 1756 combines classic adobe style with early Territorial style architecture & lies in the heart of a historical district known to many as the "art and soul" of Santa Fe.

The importance of Canyon Road is known internationally, and the Historic Borrego House remains one of the crown jewels.

Since 1990, it's been home to the world-renowned restaurant, Geronimo.

Step inside and you are greeted by an enormous set of bleached and varnished moose antlers which are stunning against the creamy smooth adobe walls.

Being in an old home that pre-dates the United States, the restaurant is comprised of several intimate dining rooms with beamed ceilings, fireplaces, and cushioned bancos. During the snowy winter months, dinners are also served by the fire in the very cozy bar. That's where Nancy {mom} spotted Meryl Streep! I swear, the woman sees "everyone" in Santa Fe.

Moving on...all the dining areas are adjoined by a long narrow hall.

This is where I fell madly in love,

with the floors!

Old brick with layers and layers and layers of brown & black paint, wax, and a spilled cocktail or two! That's what one of Geronimo's owner told me. I would consider him to be a credible source.

Nancy {mom} claims she heard at a cocktail party from a very credible source that, "at one time the local mine comptroller lived there and was in a shoot-out with Geronimo & that's how the establishment got its name!"

Her "source" tells her that he can walk into Geronimo and put his finger right into one of the bullet holes by the beehive fireplace in the bar! Hmmm.....

So while {Nancy} was looking all over for the bullet hole, I was drooling all over the floors.

Did I mention that we were there before dinner was being served?

Thank goodness!

If you go, let me know because as I mentioned in "Good Morning Santa Fe" Canyon Road is not only home to one of Santa Fe’s many artistic communities. It is an ancient neighborhood of historic adobe houses, manicured courtyard gardens, and hidden alleys, all interspersed with some of the country's finest art galleries, interesting people & dining experiences!

In my next post, I'll take you grocery shopping in Tesuque Village with Pocahontas and Ali McGraw!

8/10/11

Evening Dance

Here is the place where loveliness keeps house.

Between the river and the wooded hills.

Here you may meet with beauty.

Here she sits gazing upon the moon,

or all the day tuning a wood-thrush flute,

remote, unseen;

When the storm is out,

it is she who flits from rock to rock,

a form of flying spray,

shouting, beneath the leave's tumultuous green.

Madison Cawein 1867- 1914

Photos, Lisa Porter

From the book, A Taste of the Sweet Apple

by Joanna Holt Watson

8/7/11

Tall, Dark, and Handsome

Circa 1880

Louis XVI Semainier

Mahogany chest having seven long drawers:

originally meant to hold a week's supply of clothing.

Antique Carrara Marble Top

Dovetail Construction

French Polish Finish

Bronze Hardware

Offered in Austin Texas where

Jean-Marc and Cynthia Fray are mastering the art of juxtaposing museum-quality pieces with fine art, exquisite Murano glass, glamorous Art Deco and whimsical mid-20th century finds.

Also, visit

"News, views, reflections, and musings about French Antiques, Art, Architecture, Culture, France, Italy, Austin (Texas) and a passion for good living."

I subscribe to their website & visit Le Blog often. I'll tell you, Jean-Marc & Cynthia are a delightful couple & Jean-Marc Fray Antiques is a delight for the senses!