by Faerl Torres
photographs by Daniel Nadelbach
Rio Chama Prime Steakhouse brings in big-time entertainment
RIO CHAMA PRIME STEAKHOUSE is as authentically New Mexican as its neighbor, the capitol building. In true Santa Fe style, the interior is rich and understated; a warm, refined welcome without pretense. To Karen Gallegos, the general manager and northern New Mexico native who grew up on a ranch, it feels like home. As summer approaches, Rio Chama is preparing to inject more vitality into the historic Barrio de Analco community with live music and seasonal ingredients to complement the classic menu.
This spring, the President’s Room at Rio Chama began showcasing renowned Santa Fe-based pianist Doug Montgomery twice a week. With plenty of indoor space and alfresco versatility, the President’s Room is the perfect site for the Juilliard-trained artist to entertain diners. Like the seasonal menu, Montgomery’s song list changes to suit the audience and atmosphere each evening. Whether you’re sipping a glass of chardonnay over the heirloom tomatoes or cutting into a locally sourced Wagyu New York strip, the music will pair as perfectly as the wine.
Executive chef Joshua Ortiz is looking forward to the energy Montgomery’s fans will bring. “I think we’ll see a new crowd brought in by Doug’s music who will be enticed to become regulars by the menu.” Like Montgomery’s timeless-meets-spontaneous musical repertoire, Ortiz’s menu features classic steakhouse offerings, prepared with an unexpected twist.
Upon taking over as executive chef in 2020, Ortiz reframed the menu, dubbing it “traditional American steakhouse with New Mexican flare.” His signature style shines through in every offering, from the Chupadero squash blossoms to his custom-crafted steak sauce to the seabass. He says the seabass is the star of the show, seared with butter, topped with citrus beurre blanc, and served on a bed of pearl couscous beside roasted tomatoes, artichokes and fennel with olive tapenade. Ortiz recommends pairing it with the house pinot grigio.
Like its namesake river, Rio Chama has two sides: a place to meet for a drink and rousing political discussion with colleagues from the Roundhouse, and a place to sit and bask in the contentment brought by mountain air, fine music, premiere food and close companionship. Rio Chama Prime Steakhouse is all things Santa Fe; the menu may be seasonal, but the pleasure and elegance are as evergreen as the piñon.
For a look at the seasonally changing menu or Doug Montgomery’s performance schedule, visit riochamasantafe.com.
