Restaurants in El Malpais and El Morro National Monuments

A fun stop while exploring this part of New Mexico is the Ancient Way Café, near mile marker 46 on NM 53 (tel. 505/783-4612). Amidst knotty pine walls, comfortable booths, and local art, this place serves imaginative food using such treats as free-range chicken and eggs, hormone-free beef, and seasonal vegetables. For breakfast you might have huevos rancheros (eggs over tortillas smothered in chile), along with housemade muffins. Lunch or dinner might bring a burger or salad or a grilled veggie wrap with Anasazi beans. On a recent visit I had their special: chicken and vegetable pesto over chile/tomato linguine, which was excellent. Follow it up with a piece of apple piñon nut chile pie. Prices range from $5 to $20. It's open Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm. As well, dinner is served Friday and Saturday 5 to 8pm by reservation only.