As a new transplant to Chama from California, I have been fortunate to experience all of these in my 2 short years of living here. I moved here to retire and have never been so busy in my life! Who would have thought there were many things to do in such a small little village? I’m mostly writing about the last of the best-known things: Foster’s Hotel Restaurant and Saloon. When I first moved here, I was all about trying out all the eateries in my new home. Searching for the best New Mexican food and the coldest beer. It turns out that Foster’s was the last place I checked out. And you know what they say about that! It automatically turned into my favorite watering hole.

Fun atmosphere, ice-cold beer, and a server that remembered my name. Her name was Tabitha. We would go in there at least once, if not more times a week. Tabitha still remembered my name and my beer! I got to meet a few locals and eventually one of the owners. Her name was Anna. All was good! Then the day came when the tourist season was coming up. That’s when things changed. Anna and Tabitha approached me about working there. “Doing what?” I asked. They wanted me to work as security because they thought I looked tough…. and scary! After I picked myself up off the floor laughing, I was like, “Me? But I’m a nice guy! And everyone knows everyone here!” Anyway, I accepted the offer, which allowed me to meet the next owner, Josephina; we call her Toasty. And work began. And is that place ever hopping during the season! Honestly think I spent more time clearing tables and trying to help the bartenders than policing up the place. Like I said, pretty much everyone knows everyone here.

A few months went by, and I was asked if I wouldn’t mind helping behind the bar. With NO experience what so ever I, of course, said, “Sure!”. I get a 4-day crash course, 2 days a week for 2 weeks, and Bam! I’m a bartender! I am definitely having fun, making good money, and it gave me a chance to meet more people from the village and neighboring towns. I’m not as good as Tabitha and Marlow, the other bartender, at remembering names, though. It’s probably because I’m an old guy, but I do remember what my customers drink! What does that say about me?? So much for retirement. Do you think they tricked me into working here??

Your Bartender,

Phil