Some people portend that salt and alcohol can negate the negative effects of fat and "empty" carbs. Rio Chama offers an excellent place to test out that theory. The appetizer sampler platter with gooey potato skins, tangy grilled shrimp, thick Roundhouse onion rings and divine finger-lickin' baby back pork ribs obviously isn't
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good for you, but we promise, you'll feel better for eating it. The hearty Chama red chile with steak chunks, beans and tortillas makes another soul-soothing starter. When you're looking for a serious piece of meat for dinner, there's no better choice than Rio Chama. The signature New York strip Delruebico comes encrusted with black pepper and slathered with a brandy-Dijon glaze. The steak asada tastes infused with its zesty red chile rub and comes with a sour and spicy goat cheese relleno. If you're not in the mood for meat, you're probably in the wrong place, though there is a smattering of fish dishes (try the medium rare yellowfin tuna steak). Don't forget happy hour: It's one of the best in town and the margaritas are lethal-in a good way.
414 Old Santa Fe Trail, 955-0765. Lunch and dinner daily.
$$$.
SFR Pick:
Slow roasted ribs.
