AS MANY OF US RUSH BACK TO DINING IN, WHAT DOES
THE “NEW NORMAL” LOOK LIKE FOR RESTAURATEURS?
By Ellie Duke · Photos by Douglas Merriam
“The new normal that we’ve adjusted to is [that] people are more in their own world,” says Camille Bremer, managing partner of Santa Fe’s Radish & Rye. “We have such a great bar, and such a great atmosphere where there [used to be] so much interaction happening between guests that don’t know each other. So that was a big change.” Bremer reflects that during the pandemic, people saw food more as a necessity than as an experience, and Radish & Rye prides itself on offering a unique, welcoming atmosphere, in addition to excellent food.
But even though patrons might be keeping to themselves more, they are grateful to be able to once again experience dining in. “It’s amazing to see and to feel the support. . . . I can’t even tell you how many times a night I hear ‘I’m so glad you’re open, thank you so much for being here,’” Bremer adds.
Photo: Douglas Merriam