Life, food, events, and community in Albuquerque, NM

What is the "fanciest" resturant in Albuquerque?

Not thinking of nicest. Not thinking of most expensive. Looking for a place to take my 4 year old daughter for her 5th birthday that makes her feel like she is really out on the town. We used to go to the Nordstrom's cafe before we moved here. The waiters dressed really nice, the food was cheap, and family friendly, and you had to walk through the home decor section with all the crystal do dads. She thought she had died and gone to heaven (It was as cheap as McDonalds!).

I spoke to a friend today, and she was thinking maybe a hotel had a fancy dining room? Right now, Flying Star on Juan Tabo is the fanciest thing she thinks Albuquerque has. It has columns, clouds, and fabric covered walls. Just wondering where else we could take her all dressed up that makes her feel special. (I know about the St. James Tea Room, haven't been there yet, it might work.) Any other ideas????

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Permalink Reply by chantal on August 6, 2008 at 4:56pm: I just took my 5 year-old nieces to El Charritos on W. Central for their Mariachi breakfast on Sundays. To them, it was otherworldly but not in the crystal chandelier sort of way you might be looking for.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Monica on August 6, 2008 at 4:59pm: You should take her to the St James Tearoom! It's perfect for a young girl. It's very elegant with victorian decor and great service. They serve you traditional English tea complete with scones and gourmet finger foods. It's become a tradition with my friends and I. We go there at least once or twice a year for english tea. You should definitely check it out!; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Kelly on August 6, 2008 at 5:10pm: I second and third the St. James Tea Room. There's no place like it in town, and it's very much a fancy, dress up kind of restaurant. Between the personalized place cards and the servers in long skirts and white aprons, your daughter will think she's in another world.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Nora on August 6, 2008 at 5:15pm: I'm totally with the people who say St. James and The Melting pot. If you look online there are other tea rooms in ABQ too.

If you go to St. James, don't forget to raid their hat box. It's half the fun.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Erika Ruth on August 6, 2008 at 7:34pm: Yes, I think we have decided on Tamaya. I think that is just what we were looking for.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Adelita on August 6, 2008 at 6:09pm: Erica, a long time ago I wrote a little post about going to fancy restaurants when I was a kid. The two that I wrote about are no longer around, but I sure do remember the fun of getting dressed up and going out with my parents. Hope your daughter has fun wherever you go! Like Khan said the memories will stay with her forever!; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by roadrunner lady on August 6, 2008 at 6:20pm: Since she was born we have taken our only daughter to the Ranchers Club. She is now 9 1/2 and here are my reasons: They see few enough kids that you get treated most special. Because the service is so fine it gives you a chance to show how a "special" restaurant is set apart from the applebees. and they are happy to cater to small portions or let you share (making it not all that expensive). and they have basic veggies steak and chicken!; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Erika Ruth on August 6, 2008 at 7:33pm: The rancher's club will be perfect for my 2 year old when she gets a bit older. She loves fillet mignon. It is so cute out of a 2 year olds mouth. It looks great, and I can't wait to go. She'll just have to get a bit older. (Right now, well, she has the patience of a 2 year old!); ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Erika Ruth on August 6, 2008 at 7:37pm: Thank you everyone for your responses! It really opened my eyes to restaurants in town I haven't tried yet. I think we have decided on Tamaya. From the pictures, it is just the "Style" we are going for. The tea room looks like fun, but the prices seem a bit higher than I would want to spend, and it seems like it is small rooms. She'll like to get the scope, and have a view and people watch. (Open restaurant). Plus, I think the whole place will be rather fantastic for her.

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What is the "fanciest" resturant in Albuquerque?

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