Pajarito Brewpub & Grill staff are introduced to the new menu Monday by Chef Peter Knaus and owners Patrick Mockler Wood, his wife, Emily and his mother Cathy Mockler in preparation for launching the new menu items later in the day. Knaus has been in the culinary industry for some 13 years in everything from brewpubs to fine dining. Mockler Wood said Knaus has a passion for made-from-scratch local seasonal foods and an extensive knowledge of whole animal butchery, sausage and charcuterie. Photo by Maire O’Neill/losalamosreporter.com

Staff listen to ingredient and item changes on the Pajarito Brewpub & Grill Monday afternoon. Photo by Maire O’Neill/losalamosreporter.com

The Pajarito Brewpub & Grill truffle mac n’ cheese with its creamy four-cheese sauce, toasted panko and white truffle oil has was Number 6 in the Best of New Mexico. Photo by Maire O’Neill/losalamosreporter.com

Pajarito Brewpub & Grill co-owners Emily and Patrick Mockler Wood listen to Chef Peter Knaus’s presentation Monday afternoon. Photo by Maire O’Neill/losalamosreporter.com

Sample dishes are set out on the bar for staff to see how they are to look when they are served. Photo by Maire O’Neill/losalamosreporter.com

New to the Pajarito Brewpub & Grill menu is this salmon salad consisting of grilled Alaska keta-salmon, kale, cucumber, radish, carrot, sprouts, dill creme, pickled onion and citrus vinaigrette. Other new items include the Pajarito Duck Burger, Elk Gyro, Spicy Black Bean Burger and Guiness Brownie. Photo by Maire O’Neill/losalamosreporter.com