One Of The Most Incredible Businesses In New Mexico, Michael's Kitchen Is Unlike Any Other Restaurant
By Courtnie Erickson|Published September 21, 2021
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Courtnie Erickson
Author
From Southern Utah to the Panhandle in Idaho, Courtnie Erickson has lived in what she believes are the best (and the most beautiful!) areas in the country. She graduated with a journalism degree from Utah State University and has more than 15 years of professional writing experience. You’ll likely see her with a Dr. Pepper in her hand and a pair of running shoes on her feet. Courtnie is a writer and editor at OnlyInYourState.
There are hundreds of places to eat in the Land of Enchantment, but only a handful are delicious, delightful, and unchangeable. At these restaurants, you know that you’ll receive exquisite service, incredible food, and a welcoming atmosphere. There is one small business, located in Taos, New Mexico, that is one of these delightful restaurants: Michael’s Kitchen. As soon as you walk inside, you’ll know you are someplace unique, special, and phenomenal. Michael’s Kitchen is not only a small business that serves mouthwatering food, but it’s a wonderful place to be. In fact, several employees have spent decades working at this amazing restaurant in New Mexico.
Michael’s Kitchen is a restaurant and bakery that serves authentic New Mexico cuisine. It is a place you will want to return again and again to try everything on the menu.
The current building wherein this restaurant is housed was once named Spivey’s, and it was built in the 1940s. During a vacation to Taos, Michael Ninneman and his then-wife Carol learned about the restaurant, bought it, and uprooted their family to start this new adventure.
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It took some time before the restaurant took off -- three years of recipe testing to ensure the menu was perfect.
During this time, Michael also bought the Fiesta Bakery, located just a few blocks away. And after lots of hard work, Michael’s Kitchen Coffee Shop and Bakery was officially born.
Years later, Michael married Patricia, who had two daughters -- Gina and Vanessa. Gina married less than a decade later and purchased the restaurant from Michael. Today, Gina and Derek Apodaca remain the proud owners of Michael’s Kitchen.
According to Derek, "My wife Gina and I bought the restaurant in 2005. We once had a customer say that he had been here in the '70s and was amazed that nothing had changed. He even had the same server wait on his table!"
Even the employees at this restaurant have been treated with the best care. To Gina and Derek, staff loyalty is vital and is what makes this restaurant stand out in the food industry. They work hard to make sure each employee knows he or she is valued and appreciated.
Many employees have worked at the restaurant for decades. One employee recently celebrated her 60th year working at Michael’s Kitchen in New Mexico. Two other cooks have recently celebrated 40 years at this beloved restaurant.
Not only will you receive the best service at Michael's Kitchen, but your taste buds will be in for a real treat as well.
Everything in this restaurant is made from scratch, with the bread, buns, rolls, and croissants made fresh in the bakery.
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Michael’s Kitchen serves breakfast and lunch. No matter what you order, the portions are huge and the entrees are packed with flavors. You will enjoy every single bite.
The lunch menu is full of an assortment of sandwiches, appetizers, American dishes, and Spanish plates. There is something for everyone in your family. Just make sure you give yourself plenty of time to browse the extensive menu... you’ll need it.
While the world is changing all around you, there is one place you can count on: Michael’s Kitchen in New Mexico. From delicious food to the most excellent customer service, you’ll quickly realize this restaurant in New Mexico is certainly not like the rest.
To learn more about Michael’s Kitchen and to view the menu, click here. Make sure you follow this New Mexico restaurant on Facebook or give them a call to order ahead at (575) 758-4178.
Do you have a favorite small business that is helping the community and working hard to make the world a better place? We want to know about them! Nominate them here and tell us all about what they do and what makes them so special. Also, don’t forget to follow Only In New Mexico on Facebook and Instagram to learn about other incredible places to visit and things to do in the Land of Enchantment.
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