Terra

It’s not quite a stretch to suggest that any restaurant that opened in Terra’s magical space would be successful. The Four Seasons Rancho Encantado’s flagship restaurant, Terra actually occupies the mystic penumbra between the mountains and the desert. Its patio opens onto a breathtaking view of the Rio Grande valley, and the famous light that continues to draw so many artists and seekers to northern New Mexico bathes it each evening. So, yeah, serve Kraft mac ’n’ cheese, and you’d probably be fine. But just as the majestic atmosphere inspires diners, so too it seems to inspire chefs. Charles Dale (now of Bouche) helped make Terra famous for locally sourced, painstakingly prepared fine dining; though his were big shoes to fill, Andrew Cooper is making his own waves, frequently hosting chef dinners and collaborating with other local culinary leaders. And from classics like the Terra burger to creative entrées like a lamb duo served with a wild mushroom puree, heirloom cauliflower and—get this—granola, Cooper has continued the restaurant’s tradition.