Chef/Owner
DAVID HUERTAS
213 Washington Ave. Santa Fe, NM 87505 505-983-6756 
DAVID AND
KELLY
- Since July of 1997, El Mesón has been serving local Santa Feans and their visitors the traditional foods of Spain. Chef/owner David Huertas takes a special pride in the food that he serves, constantly in the kitchen, his tapas are not only delicious and gratifying, but steeped in the simple flavors of his native country.
The paella is classic and legendary: served straight from the flame to your table in black iron pans where the saffron infused rice is perfectly cooked and heaped with chicken, chorizo, seafood and more.
The house-made sangria is from a generations old recipe with a splash of brandy and dessert cannot be passed over -- one taste of the heavenly flan or arroz con leche and you are in David's grandmother's kitchen.
David was born in Madrid, Spain and though mostly raised there, he has also lived and been educated in Belgium, Peru, Chile and Venezuela. After receiving a bachelor degree from Kenyon College in Ohio, he turned his life's ambition toward the restaurant business. He completed and graduated with honors from the Culinary Institute of America and then returned to Spain to apprentice in some of the most renown restaurants in Madrid and Córdoba. Santa Fe became home in 1993 and after working in the kitchens of Bishop's Lodge, Santacafé and La Traviata, David realized the need to open something closer to his own heart.
The cuisine of El Mesón is based on ancient and modern recipes, as well as those handed down orally from generations of the Huertas' family. In December 2000, renovations were completed and with the help of newly-wed wife Kelly, the ¡Chispa! tapas bar was opened adjacent to the restaurant. Offering a fine array of tapas as well as a full bar, it adds to the Andalusian atmosphere, complimented by a distinguished Spanish wine list that includes special sherries and liqueurs imported from a country full of passion, tradition and excellent food.