We picked Antigua because it was still open when we rolled into town after 8pm. We were not expecting such a beautiful dining room, nor quite so many options. We decided to go for the appetizer sampler to try a bit of everything, but nopales weren't on the sampler, so we had to add the nopales salad to our appetizers so we could try those too. 

From shrimp empanadas to chile rellenos to bacon-wrapped prawns, the appetizers were one delight after another, and the unlikely standout was the simple, yet astounding tomatillo dip sauce, just wow.

We could have finished there and decided that the drive from Albuquerque was already worthwhile, but we'd already ordered a main course. And oh wow that main course! I ordered the Covhinita Pibli, regional favorites from the Yucatan being pretty exotic here in NM. I was quite pleased with the warm heat and slight tartness of the sauce, which was paired remarkably well with the slightly sweet roasted corn rice. As impressive as my meal was, though, it paled in comparison to Raz's Pulpo Borracho. 

First, let me say how utterly surprising it was to find slow-cooked whole octopus tentacles in the middle of landlocked southern NM. We also knew we were rolling the dice on ordering something so exotic here. That gamble payed off in jackpot! I'm quite certain I've never had octopus done so well in the the whole of North America! These tentacles were close competition for those we've had in coastal Europe. We were happy to tell the manager of the house that when he stopped by to check on our enjoyment of the meal.

But we weren't done there! Our server, Jazmin, sang the praises of the Flan Almendrado, and we just had to try one. So worth the fact that I'm going to be working it off my hips for a month to come! This may be the best flan either Raz or I had ever tasted!

All, in all, this was a remarkable experience made even better by the warmth and attention to detail of the incomparable Jazmin. So very worth the drive from Albuquerque to come back again and again!