Russo, Early On,
Drove up from El Paso in 1971 to ride the C&TS with my then seven year old son. Also made the OM rotary run with Coker firing. Moved to Colorado in 1976. In those days finding a decent meal in Chama was a challenge. The Elkhorn served a good breakfast, but the restaurant has changed hands several times. Vera opened her own place across the street from the now vacant "new" Veras. Vera's old place served great mexican food. The quality dropped when she opened the new restaurant. It did do a lot of business. Fosters is an enigma. Sometimes the food is passable, breakfast is not bad, but I've had some grim meals in there. The sisters (Smurfs) mostly act like they are doing you a favor by letting you eat there. When they opened up the Branding Iron Motel with the restaurant the food was passable. (It's hard to screw up breakfast) The cook at the Branding Iron, Fina, opened up a small place just across from the High Country. She serves a good meal.The small place right across from the depot serves or served a passable breakfast, if you can tolerate Jay smoking a cigarette in the doorway. A couple of unnamed Ex C&TS employees have said check to see who is currently cooking at a particular restaurant. Chama doesn't add any new cooks they just move from restaurant to restaurant. The mexican buffet at Osier is passable. After living in El Paso for many years I"m spoiled when it comes to Mexican food. It is sometimes worth a drive to Alamosa for good mexican food, especially if your staying in Antonito. Say hi to Jack Campbell's son Caine, when you're at the High Country. He's the bartender. Russ, you can get a beer there. High Country has remained consistent with the food's quality including the mexican dishes. Avoid at all costs the restaurant in the trailer across from the Branding Iron.
You can do better with a 7-11 hot dog. The restaurant at the Branding Iron has been closed for several years, I'm told they can't get help.
Edited 6 time(s). Last edit at 04/23/2013 10:55PM by HighCommander.