Tender Fire Kitchen, Santa Fe

We have been going to Pink Pony Soft Serve at the El Ray Court Hotel’s parking lot. Tender Fire Kitchen Pizza is just across the parking lot from Pink Pony on Thursday nights. Some of our friends had said that Tender Fire Kitchen had some of the best pizza in Santa Fe. So we decided that we should check out. From our previous visits to Pink Pony, there always seems to be a large crowd at Tender Fire Kitchen. So we decided to go early for dinner on Thursday night. We didn’t beat the crowd but it sure was a pleasant experience to sit outside and enjoy the beautiful grounds of the El Rey Court.

I really enjoy the vibe of the El Rey Court. I think that Tender Fire plays music from their truck. I’m not sure but it sure was relaxing to sit under some large trees and just enjoy the evening.

There are tables on the lawn and you can also bring a blanket for a picnic. We waited about 30 minutes for our pizzas. That was fine because we were able to secure a seat and grab some beverages to go with our pizza.

This pizza was as good as the elote just different.

I ordered the special of the evening the elote pizza(15, I think) and also a margarita pizza. Tender Fire specializes in farm to table ingredients from local farmers. I confess I never heard of an elote pizza. I love elote so we decided to give it a try. The margherita pizza(15) was our backup choice.

We needed have worried about liking the elote pizza. What a different kind of pizza. It was absolutely incredible. The elote pizza had roasted corn of course, poblano puree(from Green Tractor Farm in La Cienega), mozzarella cheese, fresh corn from Shwabach Farm in Moriarty, Groundstonefarm’s (from Nambe) Cilantro,Frehiesnm’s sungold tomatoes(from Velarde) cotija, onion, and hot chili oil. Talk about using produce from local farmers, wow! Tender Fire Kitchen was very impressive.

The Margherita pizza had San Marzano tomato sauce, Fior di latte mozzeralla, shaved pecorino, and some of the best fresh basil I have ever had. It was scrumptious! This cooked on a portable wood burning oven so those of you that dislike burnt pizza crust this place isn’t for you. Just a heads up.

You can’t order ahead of time. You stand in line and wait. Some wait times are longer than other. Apparently we arrived a a peak time. So as I said our wait time was a little longer. Just so you know.

Tender Fire Kitchen also has a market salad that looked like something out of a food magazine. The price is 1-2 people or family for 15 dollars a group of 3 or more 25 dollars.

I would highly suggest that you sign up for their emails on their website. I did so I know where they are and what the special pizzas of the week are. You will receive an email on Wednesday for the Thursday-Saturday week.

Tender Fire Kitchen is open Thursday through Saturday from 5-8:30pm. Eventually Tender Fire Kitchen is going to be opening a brick and mortar location. On their website they are posting how you could investment in them. I think this opportunity is closing soon. Take -out is also available but you have to order at the Tendre Fire Kitchen truck.

The El Rey Court is located at 1862 Cerrillos Road in Santa Fe. If you go in the El Rey Court’s entrance turn toward the right and drive back to the truck on the left hand side.