It’s not every opening that we serve art on a platter. This Friday, February 22 we’re hosting Terra at Four Seasons Encantado during the Edible Art Tour, and the food will be as colorful as the canvases.

ARTfeast is an annual fundraiser for nonprofit ARTsmart, which provides opportunities for local kids to connect with the visual arts. The Edible Art Tour, ARTfeast’s most popular event, transforms 35 Canyon Road and downtown galleries into gourmet restaurants for an evening with the help of our area’s best chefs.

Chef Andrew Cooper of Terra will be our guest artist Friday evening. Andrew has over 20 years of experience all around the world, and has committed himself to bringing out the best in local cuisine wherever he is. His offerings are regional, seasonal, organic and modern.

Black And White – Sharon Markwardt

While you’re visiting our pop-up eatery, make sure to satisfy your art cravings as well. We’ll have works on show from everyone in our stable. Sample the vibrant acrylics of Andree Hudson, drink in the glowing oils of Matthew Higginbotham and chew on the mythological sculptures of Rob Gigliotti.

Make sure to leave room for more delicious food and great art later in the weekend at ARTfeast’s Artists’ Champagne Brunch & Auction. Sharon Markwardt will represent Waxlander at the event on Sunday, and her vibrant artwork will be up for auction to benefit ARTsmart.

The Edible Art Tour is Friday, February 22 from 5-8 pm, and the Artists’ Champagne Brunch & Auction is Sunday, February 24 at 11:30 am. You can buy tickets for both events at Waxlander or on the ARTfeast website. Check out our Twitter and Facebook feeds for more information and updates.

If purchasing a piece off the blog, mention that you found the piece on the blog and get a special discount!

An Independent locally owned travel specialty store in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Located due east of the plaza in the oldest part of Santa Fe. The Travel Bug is just a couple of minutes from Historic Canyon Road. They carry a wide array of international guides and maps, local maps and guides, travel accesories, globes, flags, gps and have a full espresso bar. Free wifi and two public terminals.

We also are a prime resource for local recreational information for exploring the nearby national forests, wilderness areas and parks.

Located at 839 Paseo de Peralta in Santa Fe, 505-992-0418.

I love browsing the many maps of new mexico and other states and countries!  Had an coffee and bagel this morning!

Inside the Travel Bug in Santa Fe!

Encantado is not only a resort, it is an experience.  Coming from Santa Fe, the mountains and sunsets have always tugged at my heart strings and the drive out to Encantado brings me to that exact feeling!

Chef Charles Dale

And after my 15 minute drive from the gallery, pulling into the parking lot, I had to stop when I got out of the car because the resort is truly beautiful.  I recommend arriving before sunset and having a drink on their beautiful patio, then a casual stroll to Terra, an amazing restaurant with excellent service.  The atmosphere is high-end but the attitudes are high-quality.

Terra, Encantado’s signature restaurant features majestic views of the surrounding vistas, offering an inventive interpretation of American Cuisine with regional influences. Using organic ingredients, many sourced locally, it offers a dining experience in perfect harmony with the Encantado lifestyle.

You truly deserve a break and when you arrive in Santa Fe, make your way to Encantado, if for no other reason than to walk the grounds of the resort.  Truly experience a Santa Fe landscape and see why our artists live here and make Santa Fe their home.  Visit http://www.encantadoresort.com/ or call them at 505.946.5700.

Here is a list of amazing chocolatiers!

C.G. Higgins Confections – Featured on The Food Network, makers of fine quality Chocolate Truffles, Boutique Caramel Corns, Excellent Nut Brittles and Fine Chocolate Sipping Drinks.  Daily Happy Hour, 4pm – 6pm, featuring prices on our Expressions, Lattes and Sipping Chocolates.  Hours: Monday – Saturday, 9am – 6pm.  847 Ninita St. (at St. Francis Drive)  Three blocks north of Cerillos/St. Francis Intersection. 505-820-1315.  www.cghiggins.com

The Chocolate Smith – As seen on The Food Network!  They specialize in Fine Fresh Dark Chocolate handmade daily.  Stop in and visit their chocolate foundry and gift shop.  Toffe Almond Bark, Don Juan Pecans, Green Chili Pistachio Bark, Sea Salt Caramel, White Chocolate Lemon Lavendar Bark and Chile Chocolates and More.  Hours: Mon – Sat. 10am – 5:30pm. Sun. 12 – 5pm.  Just south of Whole Foods at 851-A Cerillos Road.  505-473-2111.  Shop their full online selection at www.chocolatesmith.com.

Kakawa Chocolate House – Authentic Meso-American and Historic Eurpoean Chocolate Drinks.  Intense Truffles, Tortes and Cakes.  All handmade with the finest chocolate, chiles and ingredients.  Sit and enjoy the Real Flavors of Real Chocolate!  Mon – Thurs. 10am to 6pm, Fri – Sat. 10am to 8pm, and Sun. 12 – 6pm.  505-982-0388.  www.kakawachocolates.com.  1050 Paseo de Peralta across from Gerald Peters Gallery.

Todos Santos Chocolates and Confections - Todos Santos carries housemade creations including truffles, toffee and gold or silver leaf covered chocolate milagros as well as eclectic confections from around the world. In the Sena Plaza Courtyard at 125 E. Palace #31 in Santa Fe.  505-982-3855.  Check out La Casa Sena wine shop and sit enjoy a nice dessert wine with gourmet chocolate!

For daily handmade chocolate in Santa Fe, including Green Chili Pistachio Bark, Rosemary & Marcona Almond Rounds, White Chocolate Lemon Lavendar Bark and Weather Proof Chocolate Pate… The Chocolate Smith is your place.  At the Chocolate Smith they specialize in gourmet dark chocolate handmade the old fashioned way for the tastes of today.  Our signature creations are uniquely packed with classic flavors & regional southwestern flair.  They begin with a bitter sweet blend of dark chocolate and add mostly organic and local ingredients.

Check out their Gourmet Wax Dipped Chocolate Pate which is suitable for travel anywhere in the world and make s a unique gift for any connoisseur.  You can visit their quaint chocolate boutique at 851A Cerillos Road in Santa Fe.  Call 505-473-2111 to place an order.  Visit www.chocolatesmith.com.