Andrew R.
Yelp
This is the first time we've eaten at Market Steer since their move. We have greatly enjoyed this restaurant over the years. Being a special occasion (our 36th anniversary), a perfect excuse to go back. The Market Steer in the past was excellent, but I think it has elevated itself to a higher level after the move and recent awards for the very talented chef, Kathleen Crook. This is now one of the top high-end dining experiences in Santa Fe, rivaling (but distinct from) Sazon, Restaurant Martin, and Geronimo's, all outstanding Fine Dining Restaurants.
Upon seating, we were served a very delicious warm bread from the East Coast, accompanied by butter, green chile, and cream cheese (?) mix to spread on top. Wow, it's hard not to eat all this deliciousness even knowing one shouldn't fill up on it.
We started with a dish we've had several times here and have to order: The Tex-Mex Mussels ($23). These Pei Mussels are incredibly tender; the green chile butter and beer sauce pair superbly with the large baguette. This is a substantial appetizer, perfect for sharing. If you like mussels, you should give them a try; you won't be disappointed.
The "New Mexico Cut" featured on the menu is always sourced from Lone Mountain Wagyu of New Mexico, hence its name. The cut varies, so ask what it is that night (thus the MP, as this varies too). This night, the cut was picaña steak, also known as a culotte, which is a cut favored in Argentina, specifically a top sirloin cap. It was 6oz, a great size to split with an outstanding Lobster Tail on top ($55 for the Wagyu $25 for the Lobster Tail). It was recommended that the steak be cooked rare, which was fine with me (rare or medium-rare, heck, I'll eat Tartare, which they offer here, and I hope to try it next time). We were told it has a crust of salt and paper that can be lessened by request, but I always like to try a dish as the chef likes to make it. The Wagyu had excellent flavor, as one expects from this kind of cattle, and the crust was delicious. "Enhancements" (sauces for the beef, $5 each)? No way! If you really love the rich flavor of fine meat, skip them all. Don't cover up the amazing flavor, is my recommendation. The Lobster Tail was one of the best I've eaten in memory. With the steak, we had a side of Sautéed Haricot Verts that came with a piquillo pepper vinaigrette and spiced pecans. The Verts were perfectly cooked al dente, the sauce delicious, and the spiced pecans a great addition. The steak came with a few grilled garlic cloves, which were quite yummy.
We were full, splitting all this food, but we couldn't turn down a dessert. The 'lightest' we found was a key lime cream burlee. Very unusual but excellent.
The service was outstanding, and the entire team that took care of us was amazing. A special shout-out to our great head waiter, Ian.
Market Steer has become one of the top premier high-end Restaurants in Santa Fe, it isn't at all surprising that just this month, Market Steer chef Kathleen Crook was selected by the James Beard Foundation for Taste America series