The brand new patio at Beef and Leaf Cafe promises to be a popular place to visit. Courtesy photo
The newly-renovated Beef and Leaf Cafe dining area. Courtesy photo
The bar area at the new Beef and Leaf Cafe in the Hilltop Shopping Center. Courtesy photo
CHAMBER NEWS RELEASE
The culinary landscape of Los Alamos is set for a vibrant transformation with the grand opening of Beef and Leaf Café, a new restaurant by renowned local chef Laura Crucet. Located in the Hilltop Shopping Center in the North Community, this latest venture promises to offer a blend of comfort and sophistication that will quickly make it a local favorite.
Chef Laura Crucet, a graduate of Le Cordon Bleu in Paris, whose culinary career spans over 25 years and two continents, is no stranger to success in the kitchen. Her previous local ventures, Pig and Fig Café in White Rock (opened January 2016) and Sugar and Cream Café in downtown Los Alamos (opened December 2023), continue to be celebrated for their innovative and delicious offerings. With Beef and Leaf Café, Crucet and her team plan to take upscale comfort food to new heights.
A Stunning Renovation and Inviting Atmosphere
The transformation of the new space was a long and arduous labor of love, with an 18-month
renovation that included gutting the existing space and reimagining every detail. The result is a stunning restaurant with a modern French country style, characterized by wood and cream coloring with gold accents and pops of red. The elegant space holds 64 indoor seats and an additional 60 seats on a beautifully designed patio, which also features an outdoor bar.
The beautiful patio is the work of two local landscaping companies. First, Oasis Landscaping leveled, paved, fenced and lighted what was essentially a patch of dirt on the side of the building. Montoya Landscaping then put in fresh herbs and plants, an irrigation system and installed shade cover to complete the inviting patio space. The potted herbs are used in the café’s cooking, creating a seamless connection between the restaurant!s environment and its menu.
The Beef and Leaf Café space provides a warm atmosphere to accompany its comfortable
menu, accented by the art on the walls. Local artist Emily Savage was commissioned to create
four still life oil paintings for the new location, while Colorado artist Vicky Sawyer provided a
Beef and Leaf painting (Cabbage Patch Dolly), similar to her iconic Pig and Fig painting (Lulu
and Her Lunch) at that location.
The new design emphasizes elegance and comfort, making Beef and Leaf Café a perfect set-
ting for a variety of dining experiences, from casual lunches to special dinners.
“My team and I are so excited to open Beef and Leaf Café and bring this great new dining experience to the community,” said owner/chef Laura Crucet.
An Exceptional Wine and Beverage Experience
At Beef and Leaf Café, wine is taken very seriously. With four sommeliers on staff, diners can
always expect expert assistance in selecting the perfect wine to complement their meal. The
café offers 14 different wines by the glass or carafe, along with a bottle list of unique selections
from across the globe.
In addition to its impressive wine selections, Beef and Leaf Café will serve a curated selection of craft beer and creative cocktails made with New Mexico spirits. This thoughtful beverage program is designed to enhance the dining experience and offer guests a variety of options.
Dining Hours and Offerings
Beef and Leaf Café will serve lunch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and dinner from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., Tuesday through Friday. Additionally, the café will offer “bar bites” from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., providing a selection of small plates ideal for a light afternoon snack or a pre-dinner treat. On Saturdays, the café will be open from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. for bar bites and from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. for dinner. On Sundays, the café will delight guests with brunch from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., offering a refreshing start to the week.
The menu will feature upscale comfort-crafted seasonal dishes that showcase Chef Crucet’s expertise and dedication to using fresh, local ingredients. Each dish is designed to be both satisfying and refined, reflecting the cafe’s commitment to quality.
Reservations and Opening
Beef and Leaf Café will open to the public on Thursday, August 1 and the online reservation system can be found at https://www.opentable.com. Given the anticipated popularity of this dining destination, reservations are strongly suggested to ensure a spot at this exciting new café. More information about the cafe can be found at: https://www.beefandleafcafe.com.
Beef and Leaf Café is set to become a standout addition to the Los Alamos dining scene, offering a unique combination of comfort, sophistication, and culinary excellence. With Chef Laura Crucet at the helm, this new restaurant promises to be a delightful new offering on the Los Alamos restaurant scene.