The Double Eagle

Mesilla, New Mexico

Tennis scores from yesterday were 6-2, 6-0 in favor of Mrs. Phred.

The Double Eagle is full of antiques. The mirrors and chandeliers remind you a little of a high end bordello circa 1880. The building was built as a fine private residence in 1848. They have the finest margaritas this reviewer has ever encountered.

Two ghosts are frequently seen on the premises. A matron who lived here found her son and a maid in an unseemly tangle and accidentally  stabbed her son to death with scissors before doing in the maid.

The room above is the Pepper room for slightly less formal dining. You might not be aware that New Mexico and Arizona were acquired from Mexico in what is called the Gadsen Purchase for 15 million dollars. The territories were needed for a rail line from the East to California. The bank draft was apparently stolen by Santa Anna. No Idea how he cashed it. Maybe in those days they didn't have stop payments.

We ate in the main dining room. We had Chateaubriand for two. It was served with a tomato stuffed with a seafood that contained shrimp, so I got it all because of Mrs. Phred's allergy.

If you get to Las Cruces, don't miss this lovely, historic place. The food and drink don't get any better.