The Raw & the Sauced: Building Flavor at Leo’s

Nothing feels quite as far apart as sitting on a tiny plastic stool along a street in Chiang Rai, eating pork belly from a bag, and settling into a polished walnut barstool in Santa Fe with a carefully crafted cocktail in hand. And yet, somehow, Leo’s brings those worlds together.

Through bold flavors, genuine passion, and a deep commitment to freshness, Leo’s captures the energy and spirit of dining across Thailand and Southeast Asia—right here in Santa Fe. Chefs Zak Pelaccio and Stella Achenbach share how the restaurant came to life, from the vision behind the space to the layers of flavor built into every dish. Their story reveals not just a menu, but a journey.

This spring edition is a celebration for mushroom lovers.

Mushrooms are incredibly versatile—low in calories, rich in B vitamins, and grown locally by many farmers across New Mexico. That means fresh, flavorful varieties are easy to find year-round. A simple sauté with garlic and ginger brings out their natural depth, and using a mix of different mushrooms adds even more richness to the dish. It’s an easy way to highlight the bold, savory character that makes mushrooms so loved.

Local Hero Nominations Close This Sunday

This is your chance to recognize the people and organizations who are shaping New Mexico’s food and farming community.

Each year, the Local Hero Awards celebrate those who are committed to fresh, locally produced food across the state. These are “people’s choice” awards, meaning they’re nominated and voted on by the community—making every recognition deeply meaningful.

There are twenty-seven award categories open to individuals, businesses, and organizations throughout New Mexico. Anyone can submit a nomination, and voting is open to the public in most categories. Even self-nominations are welcome.

A few awards, like the Olla and Spotlight Awards, recognize long-term contributions and are only given once per category to each recipient.

Nominations remain open through April 5, 2026. Voting will take place from April 27 through May 26, with winners announced on July 1.

Angels Dine Out | Thursday, April 16

Enjoy a night out at one of 33 participating restaurants in Santa Fe, and a portion of your meal will support Kitchen Angels. Each restaurant will donate 25% of your bill, turning a simple dinner into something that gives back to the community. Reservations are encouraged, so plan ahead and make it a meaningful night out.

Indigenous Foodways Festival

This festival celebrates the living traditions and deep-rooted knowledge of Indigenous food across the Southwest.

Through storytelling, demonstrations, hands-on classes, art, and shared meals, the event highlights the voices and cultures that have shaped this region for generations. It’s a space where tradition meets innovation—where food becomes a way to honor identity, care for the land, and invest in the future.

The festival takes place on Saturday, June 20, at Museum Hill. It’s an opportunity to experience Indigenous foodways in motion and connect with the people and stories behind them.

Alameda Greenhouse

At Alameda Greenhouse, a passionate team of growers is dedicated to cultivating healthy, thriving plants for the community. Whether you’re an experienced gardener or just getting started, they welcome your questions and are always ready to help.

Located in Albuquerque, they’ve created a space where people can learn, grow, and connect—making gardening something everyone can enjoy.