A gem or two in N.E. New Mexico!

CLAYTON, NEW MEXICO (extreme N.E. corner) - I stopped at a place called the Hi Ho Restaurant, a Mexican-American place. I was torn between chicken-fried steak and the tamale platter, but when they told me the c.f.s. was frozen not homemade (and therefore, I reckoned, not worth trying), I went for the tamales. Absolutely WONDERFUL!! Totally homemade, 3 large tamales with bean chili (or you can get green chili), some homemade gravy, rice, and a small salad, less than $8 with tax. This place is run by very friendly people as well. I asked for the tamales without cheese (I prefer the taste not be altered by something that doesn't taste at all like tamales); they brought it with cheese then took it back and brought one without. (Waiter had said "no cheese" and the cook thought the waiter had said "grilled cheese.") Will certainly be the best meal of this 11-day trip. They offered to give me the meal *free* because of the longer wait due to the mixup, but I insisted that friends had been buying me meals all week in Oklahoma City and I should return the favor...so I did pay & left a nice tip.

An "unsearched" possible gem, as well - on the way out of town while looking for Route 402 (not marked very well), I passed a place called the Rabbit Ear Cafe which was absolutely OVERFLOWING with people. I assume the locals in this VERY isolated small town know good food, and won't stand for anything less. If I ever get back to Clayton NM and it's still there, I may have to try it out. FRANK (chartquest1954)

Thanks,chartquest,I'm headed to NM tomorrow at 6am.Though I won't be going to that part of NM this trip,I'll keep your suggestions on file for future trips.

I nominate Charlie's Spic and Span Bakery and Cafe in Las Vegas, NM for a visit as well.