I don’t like gourmet cooking or ‘this’ cooking or ‘that’ cooking. I like good cooking. ~ James Beard
CLOSED FOR BUSINESS, EFFECTIVE JUNE 5, 2016
QUESTION: What kind of person drives two or even four hours from home just to eat dinner?
ANSWER: A hungry one who likes really good cooking. And from Las Cruces and Albuquerque, respectively, two and four hours is how long it takes to drive to the Curious Kumquat, a restaurant in Silver City, New Mexico.
The city was once a center for silver mining as its name suggests. Young William McCarty, who would later gain fame as “Billy the Kid” also called it home.
Now Silver City is a regional mecca for adventurous travelers seeking something new in food and art and The Curious Kumquat is the place to find them both.
What has made the ‘Quat, as locals affectionately call it, a serious foodie favorite?
The answer lies in the exotic and quality foods the owners have promised to bring to every dining experience.
Each dish features only the freshest local ingredients, many foraged from the wilds of nearby Gila National Forest.
And Chef Rob Connoley who has traveled all over ~ Asia, Latin America Africa, Europe, the U.S. ~ infuses menu offerings with the various flavors discovered on his wanderings.
Lettering above a dining room doorway greets you with Curious Kumquat’s declaration of purpose.
What is especially good at the Kumquat in Silver City?
The multi-course tasting dinner is arguably the restaurant’s most acclaimed offering. Foraged ingredients play a major role and dinner guests find eating as much an adventure as a delight.
But then you might expect meals rich with exotic spices and wild edibles like acorns and cattails to surprise, even dazzle.
So when hubby and I drove out there for lunch recently, we were thrilled to discover that whether lunch or dinner, the ‘Quat dazzles.
Even the simplest lunch fare of soup, sandwich, and salad ~ without the more unusual foraged ingredients found on the dinner menu ~ is a treat.
He ordered the Turkey Melt and House Salad made with organic greens and pecans hailing from right here in Las Cruces. Typically hard to please with salad dressings, he happily scarfed up every piece covered with a tasty vinaigrette.
See how happy:
Happy husband at the Curious Kumquat.
I went the soup and sandwich route, opting for a bowl of the hearty house classic Green Chile Corn Chowder. It warmed me up right away, and was, in a word: “Yum.”
Ditto my Farmer Brown sandwich, “slow roasted” chicken, asadero cheese, and caramelized onions. So delish on a slightly toasted bun with jalapeño mayo.
Green Chile Corn Chowder and Farmer Brown sandwich at the Curious Kumquat.
How I lived without jalapeños in my mayo until now, I don’t know.
We hope to return for a dazzling dinner soon.
Should you ever find yourself hungry and traveling anywhere near Southwest New Mexico, head for The Curious Kumquat in Silver City. It’s worth the detour.
The Curious Kumquat, 111 East College Avenue, Silver City, NM ~ 575.534.0337 ~ Open Tues-Sat for lunch & dinner.
I hope your meal was worth the four hour driving, Melodie, But something tells me you were not driving just for the food… you most likely tried to find an excuse to travel some more. I know how much you love traveling. Thanks for linking up to #TheWeeklyPostcard.
From here, Anda, it was ONLY! two hours. 🙂 But yes, you know me ~ I am ALWAYS up for traveling and trying new and promising things, like #TheWeeklyPostcard!
Love New Mexican cuisine, Melodie! Wh
Me, too ~ whoever you are! 😉
This was a great story for #theweeklypostcard. Of course, I *would* say that, because it sounds absolutely delicious! But then, I’m a mega fan of New Mexican cuisine. Blame it on living in Albuquerque for as long as I did, lol.
That was quite a drive! How did you find out about this place?
Thanx for dropping by, Linda ~ First read about the ‘Quat in a magazine article. Then, while on the most recent Bataan Memorial Death March, I walked a ways with a couple from Silver City who confirmed it would be worth the trip.
I love corn chowder so adding in the green chiles sounds delicious!
Thanks for the post and pictures, Melodie!
Steve
Only hope you can taste for yourself sometime, Steve ~ “What a combination of favorites,” is what I thought when I saw it on the menu.
I don’t blame you for driving hours to dine here. I love the name and wow…your food looks delicious especially that Farmer Brown sandwich. I’m also a fan of New Mexican cuisine and caramelized onions 🙂 What a great find!
Agree, Mary ~ “Curious Kumquat” is a quirky sweet name. And the lunch menu works, too. With your sense of adventure, you’d also enjoy the more . . . “adventurous” dinnertime tasting menu! Thanks for visiting!