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Ardovino's Desert Crossing
Rating Details »
- Price Range:
-
$$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Good for:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
6 reviews for Ardovino's Desert Crossing
Ardovino's Desert Crossing is just a short drive from Sunland Park Casino, yet it really feels like a secluded ranch far away from civilization. We were greeted by the hostess who was extremely friendly as was everyone we encountered through out our visit. Once seated in a comfortable and high-backed booth(middle booth on the right from the entrance to the main dining area, to be exact) we did sit for about 10 minutes before our waitress came up and asked if we were being helped, and when we said no, you could tell she immediately and genuinely felt bad, and shot a look towards the hostess area as if to say "I can't believe you sat someone and didn't tell me!" That was the only snafu during our experience.
We ordered a bottle of Petite Syrah which hit the spot...not being total wine snobs, I can't really critique the wine. We liked it, and a bottle was only $24. We also ordered the artichoke hearts which are stuffed with goat cheese and battered/deep fried, not too heavy and not too large.
For our entrees, the wife had the Eggplant alla Parmigiana("Herb and parmigiano-reggiano breaded eggplant baked with mozzarella and marinara sauce served atop handmade pappardelle tossed in herbs, garlic and olive oil") and I had the Pork Chop Ardovino("Honey and sherry marinated, center-cut pork chop, char-grilled with whole mustad pomegranate molasses glaze, with baked sweet potatoes and fresh Kentucky green beans.") The eggplant was the best by far, the pasta was heavy on thyme, but that didn't overpower it. The pork chop was a little tough, but the sauce was fantastic. I have never had Kentucky green beans, but they were crunchy and earthy and complimented the dish perfectly.
For dessert we had the spumoni, which is two scoops in a waffle bowl, with a drizzling of chocolate fudge on the plate. Forgot to take a before picture and the after picture is never pretty.
The bill came to $96 after tax and tip, but very worth it. We will be back, not too often but definitely have to try the pizza next time.
One footnote, while we were dressed very casual(tshirt/shorts), the majority were business casual or better. Next time I will dress a little better.
If I was a more permanent fixture in El Paso, Adrdovino's Saturday morning farmer's market would absolutely be a more permanent fixture in my life.
First off, they have at least one organic grower. He's an older gentleman and had a good variety of veggies and some herbs. He also sells awesome smelling organic smudging sage, which I have to admit I was tempted to buy even though the smell of burning sage makes me gag. I ended up with heirloom eggplant, chard, bell peppers and squash from him and some tomatoes and lemon cucumbers from the master gardener stand. I think the total for all of it was around $10.
Aside from the restaurant, they serve breakfast out of an old airstream trailer. Good breakfast burritos and amazing looking pastries but weak, watery coffee (hence the lack of a fifth star).
The drive to Ardovino's is miss leading, you drive up a dirt drive and if there isn't enough parking in the main lot there another lot at the bottom of the drive and someone in a golf cart will be waiting for you to drive you back up to the front door.
When you enter you will be greeted by a pretty smile and asked if you have a reservation. If you tell them no they will do their best to get you seated. To the right as you enter is the bar with a very good selection of wine and live music. To the left is a cigar lounge and straight ahead is the main seating area that is well lit and romantic over looking New Mexico; at night it is very beautiful to look out the window and see the light of town. The servers are very attentive and quick. After they take your order the server will bring you a basket of bread and olive oil to dip your bread in.
I ordered Australian Barramundi which is delicious it stimulated ever taste bud and sent chills through my body. I got the salad first and it was a nice little salad and it full of flavor and fresh, not like the salads out of a bag. The Australian Barramundi came on a bed of saffron risotto and topped with string vegetables. The fish (barramundi) was perfect and full of flavor. The serving sizes of the salad and entree are perfect it doesn't leave you over full or wanting more, you are left satisfied.
If you would like you can have dinner in another dinning area where the live music is being played or you can just have a few drinks at the bar or other side tables next to the fire place while you listen to the live music as you visit with your date or friends. I found they have a good selection of wines. I had a semi-sweet Riesling wine called J-Lore, I wish I knew where I could but this in stores but I haven't been able to find it :(.
It really is an oasis of good food and wonderful atmosphere in an otherwise industrial area - Beautiful inside and out. The Barramundi is wonderful. The specials are always worthwhile. The lasagna is decadent, even for lasagna. My son enjoys the Spumoni, which is very nice.
The musical acts are fun, as are the owners.
Not to be confused with Ardovino's Pizza in El Paso, Ardovino's Desert Crossing, on the New Mexico side of the border is a hidden oasis. El Paso can feel like hustle, bustle, dust and heavy industry, but this airy place is just the opposite. The atmosphere is casual, yet high-end. I've never tried the wood-fired pizza, but the fish special I had was lightly seasoned, flaky and delectable. Also at the table: Red Mender's Tender, a fillet with Green Goddess sauce, tumbleweed onions, baby potatoes and grilled veggies. Thumbs up on that as well. If the weather is nice, be sure to eat out on the patio, where a gentle breeze sends eclectic live music by as you eat. The Mecca Lounge inside seems like a hip place for drinks, with funky decor and a casual feel.
Hidden near the hills, just southwest of El Paso, on the New Mexico side, is the biggest little Italian joint in the area. It's by no means a hole in the wall, but unless you know where to look, you won't find this on the main strip. It's almost like heading to a spa in the middle of nowhere. Driving up to the restaurant, you'll notice the large patio area which looks like it gets a lot of use during the spring/summertime. The outdoor woodfired pizza oven sits glowing with red embers, as staff pull out some woodfired goodness. Entering, you'll find the bar/lounge immediately to your left. The place is decorated with a lot of local memorabilia, which seemed to fit the modernized setting. A jazz band played background music, without being a bit overbearing. The main dining area was decorated in crimson hues, custom booths, and custom light fixtures that stood out. I decided I needed to try out the pizza, because anyone who goes to the trouble to keep a woodburning oven on the premises, must know a thing about pizza. It was in fact very good, but I think my Pazzia experience trumps it. I also order the Chicken Diavalo which came with mini roasted potatoes and sauteed vegetables. Dinner was fabulous and the bar also knows how to make a good Greyhound. The wait staff were in top form and catered to our every need, although there was little to be asked. There's also a banquet facility for special catered events by the restaurant. If you're tired of all the Mexican specialties, this is the Italian restaurant to go to.
