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The 7 Must-Try Dishes On Escondido Santa Fe's 2025 Menu: Chef Fernando Ruiz's Culinary Masterpieces

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Stepping into Escondido Santa Fe in late 2025 is an experience that transcends typical New Mexican dining, offering a vibrant, high-end casual Mexican cuisine journey crafted by a culinary champion. This isn't just another restaurant; it is the debut venture of Chef Fernando Ruiz, a three-time Food Network Champion who has cemented his status as a master chef, recently earning a prestigious 2025 James Beard Best Chef Semifinalist nomination. The menu, constantly evolving to reflect the freshest ingredients and innovative techniques, is a dynamic fusion of flavors from Coastal, Central, and Northern Mexico regions, promising a truly unique and memorable meal. We’ve broken down the must-order items from the current menu to guide your next Santa Fe culinary adventure.

The latest menu at Escondido is a testament to Chef Ruiz's competitive spirit and refined palate, featuring a collection of dishes that are both deeply rooted in Mexican tradition and boldly modern in their execution. From world-class ceviches and signature margaritas to elevated mains, the selection offers something for every diner seeking an authentic yet upscale taste of Mexico in the heart of Santa Fe. Prepare to explore a menu where every dish tells a story of passion, skill, and culinary excellence.

Chef Fernando Ruiz’s Signature Main Dishes: A Champion’s Selection

The main course section of the Escondido Santa Fe menu is where Chef Ruiz’s mastery truly shines, featuring the powerful, complex flavors that have earned him national acclaim. These dishes are the cornerstone of the restaurant's reputation for high-end Mexican cuisine.

  • The Legendary Chile En Nogada (The Dish That Beat Bobby Flay!): This is arguably the most famous item on the menu, a direct nod to Chef Ruiz’s victory on Food Network. This seasonal, labor-intensive dish features a poblano pepper stuffed with a picadillo of ground meat and dried fruits, topped with a creamy walnut sauce (nogada) and pomegranate seeds. It is a masterpiece of balance, texture, and flavor, embodying the colors of the Mexican flag.
  • Braised Chama Valley Meats Short Rib ($32): Utilizing locally sourced ingredients from Chama Valley, this short rib is slow-cooked to perfection, resulting in incredibly tender, fall-off-the-bone meat. The preparation often includes rich, deep Mexican spices and a reduction sauce that elevates the natural flavor of the high-quality beef.
  • Mexican Surf & Turf ($50): A high-end offering that perfectly encapsulates the restaurant's fusion concept. This dish is a luxurious combination of premium steak and fresh seafood, often featuring a perfectly grilled seven-ounce cut alongside a succulent shellfish preparation, all tied together with bold Mexican-inspired sauces.
  • Pan Seared Grouper ($34): Highlighting the Coastal Mexican influence, the grouper is expertly pan-seared to achieve a crispy skin and flaky, moist interior. It is typically served with a vibrant, fresh accompaniment like an agua chile or a light, citrus-based sauce, showcasing the purity of the seafood.
  • Pork Chop ($36): A robust and flavorful option, the pork chop is a testament to the Central and Northern Mexican culinary traditions. It is prepared with a focus on seasoning and cooking technique, often accompanied by a hearty mole or a rich, smoky chile sauce.

Unforgettable Starters and Ceviche Crudo

Before diving into the mains, the starters and the dedicated Ceviche Crudo section provide a perfect introduction to the vibrant, fresh flavors of Escondido. These small plates are ideal for sharing and exploring the breadth of Mexican regional cuisine.

The Essential Appetizers

The appetizer list is packed with fan favorites and elevated street food classics:

  • Esquites ($10): This is the restaurant’s take on Mexican Street Corn. The roasted corn is served off the cob, mixed with lime, cotija cheese, chipotle mayo, and a dusting of red chile powder, providing a smoky, tangy, and creamy bite.
  • Ruiz's House Guacamole ($14): Freshly prepared, this guacamole is a staple, served with crispy Totopos and a duo of Salsa Verde y Roja. It's the perfect way to begin any meal and a simple showcase of fresh, high-quality ingredients.
  • Barbacoa Croquettes ($12): A popular lunch and late-night item, these crispy croquettes are filled with slow-cooked, tender barbacoa meat, offering a rich, savory, and comforting texture contrast.
  • Stuffed Jalapeños ($10): Bacon-wrapped and filled with cheese, these jalapeños are a classic appetizer that delivers a satisfying crunch, a creamy filling, and a manageable kick of heat.

World-Class Ceviche and Crudo

Reflecting the Coastal Mexican influence, the raw bar selections are a highlight, featuring meticulously prepared seafood:

  • Ahi Tuna Crudo Ceviche ($14): This dish is a prime example of Chef Ruiz's inventive approach. The fresh Ahi Tuna Crudo is often topped with unexpected, yet harmonious elements like kalamata olive tapenade, pushing the boundaries of traditional ceviche.
  • Scallop Crudo ($16): Featuring thinly sliced, fresh scallops, this crudo is typically dressed with a light, acidic, and spicy preparation, such as a citrus-based agua chile, showcasing the delicate sweetness of the shellfish.

The Escondido Margarita Experience and Brunch Favorites

No high-end casual Mexican dining experience is complete without a stellar beverage program. Escondido Santa Fe offers a sophisticated list of handcrafted cocktails, particularly its signature margaritas, alongside a compelling brunch menu.

Signature Margaritas and Cocktails

The bar menu is as inventive as the kitchen, focusing on premium tequila and fresh, exotic flavors:

  • Margarita De La Casa ($14): The house margarita is a perfectly balanced classic, using high-quality tequila and fresh lime juice.
  • Piña En Fuego ($17): For the adventurous, this cocktail blends pineapple with a spicy element, offering a smoky, sweet, and fiery kick that is unforgettable.
  • Margarita Coco ($15): A creamy, tropical take on the classic, featuring coconut for a smooth, dessert-like finish.
  • La Flaca ($16) and La Palomita ($16): These are two of the other popular, creatively named signature cocktails that showcase a mastery of mixology, often featuring unique infusions and fresh fruit purees.

Brunch Highlights

The brunch menu expands on the restaurant's offerings, providing both traditional and Mexican-inspired morning fare:

  • Shrimp & Grits ($16): A Southern classic with a New Mexico/Mexican twist. This dish features succulent shrimp served over creamy grits, often with a smoky, chile-infused sauce.
  • Oyster Montaditos (Starting at $4): Available during brunch, these are small, open-faced sandwiches or canapés topped with fresh oysters, providing a sophisticated seafood option to start the day.

The Escondido Santa Fe menu for 2025 is a dynamic showcase of Chef Fernando Ruiz’s talent. It successfully merges the comforting familiarity of authentic Mexican dishes with the innovative techniques of a world-class chef. Whether you are seeking the dish that beat Bobby Flay, a refreshing Ahi Tuna Crudo, or a perfectly crafted Silver Coin Margarita, Escondido promises a high-end dining experience that is a must-visit destination in Santa Fe.

The 7 Must-Try Dishes on Escondido Santa Fe's 2025 Menu: Chef Fernando Ruiz's Culinary Masterpieces
escondido santa fe menu
escondido santa fe menu

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