A sassy attitude towards traditional favorites prevails among many of our Las Cruces eateries and I LOVE it! Case in point….Brisket & Queso Nachos, an intriguing combination only found at The Game Sports Bar & Grill, a crazy, fun sports bar located next to New Mexico State University. Leave it to Marci Dickerson (owner) and her culinary team to develop a nacho platter that takes Tex-Mex to a new level.
This nacho idea was suggested by a customer who loved Dickerson’s legendary brisket. So Marci’s team got to work and created The Brisket & Queso Nachos which starts with a layer of fresh fried corn tortilla chips piled high with tender, shredded brisket (minus the BBQ sauce!). It is then topped with The Game’s signature queso, a light cheesy layer laced with sautéed spinach, diced tomatoes and chopped onion. Fresh guacamole, spicy pico de gallo, sour cream, jalapeños and black olives crown this appetizer with added flavor. I love the fact that you can get a full or half order anytime.
Sports are nothing new to the Dickerson clan; Marci’s grandmother was one of the first women to letter in a varsity sport at NMSU. All in all, it is a fun hangout with Aggie memorabilia hanging everywhere and TV’s on every wall. So stop by and grab a drink and a bite to eat! Once the weather warms up I will be back for a little patio dining…thanks Marci! The Game Bar & Grill 2605 S. Espina, Las Cruces, NM 88001, 575-524-GAME www.thegamebarandgrill.com
East meets West Another innovative appetizer that has become legendary to the Mesilla Valley is the Green Chile Cheese Won Tons at the Double Eagle and Peppers Café. This Asian inspired tidbit is truly addictive.
Buddy Ritter (owner) and his staff have been serving these stuffed won tons for years. The won ton wraps are stuffed with a variety of cheeses, spices and roasted, Hatch green chile. They are lightly fried and served hot with a spicy pineapple/jalepeno salsa creating a savory /sweet experience. This is an “East meets West” kind of appetizer unique to New Mexico’s love of green chile. It is the perfect appetizer you can team with one of 35 different margaritas served daily (more on that later!).
Relaxing in the historic and elegant atmosphere of this old building is so inviting. This place has a great history playing witness too many historical events, such as the Treaty of Guadalupe Hildago, the negotiation and confirmation of the Gadsden Purchase in 1854, Confederate Army occupation in 1861 and the incarceration and trial of Billy the Kid in 1881. Amazing!
Whether you want a casual or fine dining experience, you will find it here, just be sure to include the Green Chile Cheese Won Tons to your order. On the Plaza in Historic Old Mesilla 2355 Calle De Guadalupe, Mesilla, NM 575-523-6700