95060 Fri Aug 12 12:46:12 -0700 2005 2 6 Southwest 0 520221 The Purple Rose Italian Restorante is one of those rare "finds" that must be shared. On our recent vacation to the Western USA we came across this resturant just outside of Taos. Anyone who likes Italian cuisene and is anywhere near Taos NM MUST visit this place. Owner Jeanne Timber and Executive Chef Craig Kennah have created a bit of Italy in the mountains outside of Taos. Did I mention that the view out of the dining room window is spectacular? We saw 4 rainbows over the mountains at the same time. But it's a resturant. Food should be the most important thing. The food here is the most authentic Italian I have had in a long, long time with one exception. I told Jeanne that the maranara is VERY close to what my Italian grandmother used to make. The Purple Rose Antipasto was very good. Maybe a little too much balsimic. The complimentary Rose Knots were excellent. These are dinner rolls soaked in butter and garlic served warm. Entrees were very good. The meatballs were very large and excellent. Everything was loaded with flavor. I ordered a Cappellini Puntanesca for our pasta course as puntanesca is one of my favorites. It was not the traditional puntanesca I am used to as it had a lot of artichoke hearts and onions and not many capers or olives. BUT, I would order it again, and that's the real test isn't it? The limited wine list has adequate selections to complement your meal. We enjoyed a nice Barbera with our meal. Prices seemed reasonable. Service was friendly and above average. It's always a good sign when you walk into a place with your SO and you look at each other and say in unison "Boy, this place smells good". So, next time you are in Taos go to: The Purple Rose, 88 HWY 150, Ski Valley Road, Taos, NM 87571 505-776-1444 Tim K. Fri Aug 12 12:46:12 -0700 2005 0 Tim K 1 520265 We were in Taos in May. I'd done a lot of reasearch on their restaurants and asked for help on several sites...Nobody ever mentioned this place or we'd have been there. Is it up near the ski resorts? We stayed in the town and never went into the skin areas. Sun Aug 14 16:36:47 -0700 2005 520221 0 Chuck 2 520281 Yes. Go North out of Taos several miles to the first traffic light. Turn right, it's about 3/4 mi down on the left. Mon Aug 15 13:16:53 -0700 2005 520265 0 Tim K