A Taste of History: Exploring The Plaza Cafe in Santa Fe, NM
Miscellaneous News: 28th March 2025
Our recent trip to Santa Fe, NM for some skiing/snowboarding during spring break revealed a hidden gem, far from the slopes. It was downtown, nestled in the historic Plaza of the Governors, that we stumbled upon our new favorite eatery - The Plaza Cafe. So enamored were we that we found ourselves back for a second helping during our brief stay.
First opened in 1905, The Plaza Cafe exudes a warm, timeless ambiance. With breakfast burritos that might just be the best I've ever had and side orders of unrivaled pinto beans, our taste buds were in pure bliss. My return visit ended with a Hatch green chile cheeseburger that struck the perfect balance between grill-worthy goodness and the unforgettable New Mexican kick. If you're a fan of burgers and breakfast burritos, like me, this place is your culinary wonderland. Even their sopapillas, sometimes ordinary, stood out from the crowd.
Next time you find yourself in the heart of New Mexico, make sure to prioritize The Plaza Cafe. You might just stumble upon the treasure we did.
Reviving a Classic: The Resurgence of 'Lonesome Dove'
It's no secret that Lonesome Dove, a 1985 Western novel penned by Larry McMurtry, has long held my affection. I've been singing its praises for over 15 years on the site, podcast, and even in conversations with friends, and I've even named my son after a beloved character. So, imagine my surprise when this once overlooked book suddenly exploded in popularity, thanks to BookTok and Instagram.
Featuring profound meditations on male friendship, purpose, regret, and the American West, Lonesome Dove transcends its genre, much like I've always known. Curious about this renaissance, Michael Sebastian recently explored the phenomenon in Esquire, noting that readers from all backgrounds are discovering what I've long appreciated. If you haven't read Lonesome Dove, I highly recommend picking up a copy and diving into this masterpiece. To learn more, be sure to listen to our podcast episode featuring Steven Frye, a renowned McMurtry expert.
Stepping out into Thin Air: The Unforgettable Journey of 'The Walk'
Our family recently watched the 2015 film The Walk, directed by Robert Zemeckis, which tells the story of Philippe Petit's audacious high-wire walk between the Twin Towers in New York City. Though the film has its flaws, the portrayal of Petit's climactic wire-walking scene is nothing short of mesmerizing. When Joseph Gordon-Levitt steps out onto the cable 1,368 feet above Manhattan, the vertigo is palpable. Watching with our family, we found ourselves periodically shielding our eyes and exclaiming, "Oh my gosh!"
Petit's feat is an inspiring reminder that art requires risk and that he was more than willing to put his life on the line to realize his incredible artistic vision. If you have yet to see this overlooked film, I encourage you to give it a watch.
Man of Many Talents: Pat Flynn on Mastering Multiple Skills
I had Pat Flynn on our podcast earlier this year to discuss kettlebells, but he's more than just a fitness coach—his 2019 book How to Be Better at Almost Everything offers an interesting take on skill development. While conventional wisdom suggests specialization, Flynn makes the case for becoming a "jack of all trades, master of some," a concept that aligns with my belief that men should cultivate breadth as well as depth. By drawing on philosophical giants like Aristotle and Aquinas, Flynn explores the concept of skill stacking—strategically building a unique combination of skills that make you rare and valuable. More than ever, I found myself resonating with his approach. Check out our podcast episode with Flynn to learn more about this innovative approach to skill development.
Over on our Dying Breed newsletter, we recently published "Resonance as an Antidote to Social Acceleration."
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Background Info:
- The Plaza Cafe: Originally established in 1905, The Plaza Cafe is one of Santa Fe, NM's oldest restaurants. Over the years, it has been managed by various families until Leonardo Razatos took over in 2017. Today, it operates in two locations, featuring traditional New Mexican cuisine and serving as a cultural cornerstone in Santa Fe.
- Lonesome Dove: Published in 1985, Larry McMurtry's novel Lonesome Dove recently experienced a resurgence in popularity, thanks to the influence of BookTok and Instagram. This storywise, tangible novel offers a profound exploration of themes like male friendship, purpose, regret, and the American West.
- The Walk: Directed by Robert Zemeckis, The Walk is a 2015 film that tells the story of Philippe Petit's high-wire walk between the Twin Towers in New York City. Despite some flaws, the film stands out for its portrayal of Petit's walk, leaving viewers in awe of his courage and artistry.
- How to Be Better at Almost Everything: Pat Flynn's 2019 book advocates for skill stacking, a concept that calls for the intentional development of multiple and complementary skills, rather than focusing on mastering just one area. By doing so, one can become a "jack of all trades, master of some," fostering a more well-rounded and versatile individual.
- The dining experience at The Plaza Cafe in Santa Fe, NM doesn't just cater to food enthusiasts; it offers a glimpse into the city's rich history and lifestyle, making it an excellent addition to your family's travel itinerary.
- Embracing a diverse array of virtues can lead to personal growth and success in one's career, much like how Pat Flynn demonstrates mastery in various skillsets beyond fitness coaching in his book, 'How to Be Better at Almost Everything'.
- Incorporating health-conscious meals and choosing foods rich in nutrients can help contribute to overall well-being, just as the fresh and flavorful dishes at The Plaza Cafe have been keeping customers coming back for more.
- Books can be more than just literary escapades; they can inspire new perspectives on life, as seen in the resurgence of Larry McMurtry's 'Lonesome Dove', a reflection of the timeless virtues explored within its pages.
- masterpieces like 'Lonesome Dove' don't just belong on a bookshelf or e-reader; they should be shared with others, whether through podcast discussions or among close friends, like I've done for over a decade with 'Lonesome Dove'.
- Just as we derive joy from exploring new movies-and-tv shows and entertainment experiences, embarking on unique journeys like Philippe Petit's high-wire walk between the Twin Towers, as portrayed in 'The Walk', helps broaden our experiences and appreciation for the artistic and adventurous spirit within us.
