I always thought I'd have to go back to the Inns that make their homes in the countrysides of England and Ireland to get the kind of ambiance at breakfast that spoke of simple, early 20th century charm, with beamed ceilings and white walls with beautiful little pictures in tidy frames, french doors and windows, lined up tables overlooking delicate gardens and walking paths; a place that has heard whispers of relaxed conversation, and the tinking of little spoons in cups of tea or coffee.  I found that perfect place, here, in the States, in Albequerque, New Mexico of all places, at a fabulous historic Inn and farm called Los Poblanos. 

Whether on vacation, traveling for business, or going on a much needed retreat, we're all looking for that perfect place to stay for the perfect price.  We're also looking for all the amenities and inclusions that place has to offer; in other words, we are looking for the most complete package we can get our hands on.  While those offered extras can be the icing on the cake, for many of us those things can be the deciding factor as to whether or not we choose to stay at one particular establishment over another.  We'll even pay extra. 

A free breakfast is something we've come to expect from most any hotel, inn, or bed and breakfast, but this doesn't always mean that a free breakfast is included, and it doesn't always mean that breakfast will be any more than free coffee and a doughnut (in fact I've found that seems to be the going definition of a continental breakfast).  But while this may be the case, more and more Inns and Bed and Breakfasts are setting a higher standard to their breakfasts than ever before.  This is a very good thing.

When that breakfast includes perfect ambiance and a variety of delectables,  you know you've made the right choice.  Breakfast is, after all, the most important meal of the day, especially so when traveling. And it is very true that how you take your meal, any meal, is important for your whole being; it sets the tone for the whole day.

At Los Poblanos they offer more than just a breakfast, they offer a breakfast experience, and they offer it for free to Inn guests.  A gourmet paradise?  Yes. But it's not all about gourmet, it's about ingredients that are fresh, local, and organic. Their breakfast menus offer 1) something familiar with a gourmet twist, 2) something you've probably never had, with unexpected ingredients, 3) a traditional breakfast ordered off menu and made your way, and 4) they offer two small side buffets of house made helpings ranging from  fresh squeezed juice, to granola, along with other assorted local and farm fresh embellishments that satisfy any pallet. 

Aside from the traditional breakfast ordered off menu and the buffet items, all of which are offered everyday, each of the seven days of the week gives you two different Los Poblanos specialties to choose from.  So if you spent a whole week, and were traveling with someone, you could theoretically try 14 different specialty breakfasts.  We were guests for two nights and so our breakfasts were as follows:

More information:

• You don't have to be a guest at the Inn to enjoy a beautiful breakfast at Los Poblanos, but you will need to call ahead, as guests take top priority.

• You will receive a bill at the end of your meal even though it's free to guests. A polite way of showing just how much you've saved, and also so that you can see how much you should tip.
  

• Breakfast is served from 8-10 am each day.

• If you're lucky, you get to see one of the chefs picking fresh ingredients for your meal from the raised garden in the courtyard located outside the dining room on the west side. Feel free to stop and chat with them, they'll answer any curiosities you may have.
  

• Outdoor eating is available on the patio off the east side of the Ventana Room (dining room).

• I especially recommend a relaxing swim in the pool before breakfast.