I first met Matt Romero at the Santa Fe Saturday Farmers' Market. While roasting green chiles grown at his organic farm in Dixon, New Mexico, he kept up a steady, friendly banter about his farm, the chiles, and his background. After growing up in Espanola he spent 23 years in Colorado, learning how to talk like an Anglo (tongue in check with this remark). I assume that is where he spent many years as an executive chef, but he gave it up to farm about 8 years ago. He started out as a small vendor but quickly grew to become one of the largest vendors at the Santa Fe and Los Alamos markets. Matt was also instrumental in helping to get the 4.5 million dollar Santa Fe Farmers' Market started. He highly recommends organic farming, and his farming philosophy is worth reading right here. In the photos below, you can see Matt roasting a large, rotating basket of chiles, a New Mexico staple which is coming into harvest right now, and it's a big deal!! Notice the gloves he's wearing as he handles the hot roasted chiles.
I like the pink apron complementing his shirt:-)
ReplyDeleteI love a man who's not afraid to wear pink. Organic farming is big here too Kate, and the roasted chillies..yum!! Have a great weekend.
ReplyDeleteI'm NOT hot stuff. Can barely handle mustard and ketchup. Just a sensitive guy I guess.
ReplyDeletemmm, green chillies! Interesting, I never knew how they roasted them.
ReplyDeleteI am off to Flagstaff for the weekend and I am so hoping to find a place roasting chiles up there. I would just love to get some of the wonderful treats.
ReplyDeleteOne of our favorite stops at the market every Saturday. His produce is wonderful. I hope your enjoyed the museums.
ReplyDeleteI like his shirt! Looks like a hot job - I bet he takes a cool shower at the end of every day.
ReplyDeleteI think Matt may just have the best chiles around! AND he is so darn friendly! I haven't been out to see him this season, but once I get "resettled" I'll be back at the farmer's market again.
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