La Casa Sena: the Perfect Place for a Romantic Dinner in Santa Fe, New Mexico

One of my favorite restaurants for a romantic dining experience in my hometown of Santa Fe, New Mexico, The City Different, is La Casa Sena. Specializing in "innovative American Southwestern Cuisine", this elegant restaurant is situated on the historic Sena Plaza in downtown Santa Fe. The territorial-style structure was built by the successful merchant Don Juan Serna and his wife when Santa Fe was still part of Mexico, and encompasses one of the most beautiful and romantic patio dining areas to be found in the Southwest.

Imagine this romantic evening:

You slip into the intimate La Casa Sena Cantina for drinks and enjoy the singing waiters who are accompanied by a live pianist. They entertain you with Broadway ballads and romantic songs, sometimes solo, sometimes in a small group, occasionally strolling between the tables. One of the waiters stops at your table to sing a few bars of a sad ballad, something about unrequited love. You prop your elbows on the table, turquoise bracelet slipping down your wrist and rest your chin on your hands. You feel like Sophia Loren.

For an appetizer, you try the Pinon Crusted New Mexico Goat Cheese. Pinons are the nuts that are harvested approximately every four years from the local pinon trees that are indigenous to these high desert and mountains. They were a staple of the native peoples for years and are reputed to be the most delicious pine nuts in the world.