Description: "Located in the heart of the gorgeous town of Jemez Springs, about 53 miles from Albuquerque, this combination motel and magical small town cafe has become an institution. Natural hot springs and an old-fashioned bathhouse are tourist magnets for this tiny town. There's a great vibe here, which might sound very seventies, but then the place is very seventies. Alternative is a good moniker for The Lizard. The menu, groovy decor, and even the staff here have a New Age bent and I mean that in the nicest way. You'd never guess that Jack Dempsey once gave boxing demonstrations in this very spot. The fare is light and health-conscious, a perfect spot for a meal after a long soak in a lithium tub at the Bath House across the street. The menu changes often it might include a carmelized tofu rice bowl with veggies, or Greek lasagna with spinach, Kalamata olvies, and feta cheese.

For the carnivore, there's a not too spicy blue corn chicken enchilada with green chile. Carnivores will also appreciate the nicely priced 8 oz. ribeye with sauteed veggies, roast potatoes and a salad. There are calzones filled with tomato sauce, spinach, and cheese, and pizzas that tend toward the gourmet. Desserts are often down-home American favorites like blueberry cobbler, chocolate raspberry pie, and a special diet tree like sugar free raspberry pie.

I often scheduled visits to soak in the natural beauty of the hot springs on days the Lizard is going to be open. You might just do the same." © 2004 Scott Sharot ISBN 1-887140-48-4