Wake and Take in Arroyo Seco is a healthy, quick-service dining experience, the perfect pit-stop on your way up or down the mountain, with a welcoming vibe and a creative menu that pushes the boundaries of what is possible in a 15-minutes-or-fewer turnaround.
This is the second restaurant concept (ACEQ being the first collaborative restaurant venture) conceived by business partners Brittany Garner and Noah Torres-Pettus. Garner said the Wake and Take is a “transition to a less formal, streamlined dining experience, a natural progressive move because of the busy lives we lead with our children’s wellbeing and schedules being at the forefront.”
Atmosphere is as important as the food that is being served. While Wake and Take “encourages a mind-set of grab and go, it is also a place where people can use the great space we are lucky to have to create, work, get together with friends/family and have enjoyable experiences. I think Taos and surrounding communities can always benefit from positive, welcoming environments to gather.”
Popular items on the menu include: “the Burrito-crafted to be a morning or afternoon handheld. It easily satisfies the burrito craving while also pushing the boundaries of what a ‘burrito’ is. There is the hardiness of the beans and potatoes balanced with the spice of the green chile, the tang from the pickled onion, and the creaminess of the miso vinaigrette that binds everything together.”
The equally popular and gluten-free alternative to the burrito is the Thor bowl. Garner explained the Odin-this Acai-based smoothie bowl is hands down the most popular cold/smoothie based option. It brings the amazing tastes of a smoothie, “you get the filling and delicious textures of the house made “Rawnola” (non-baked granola) with the oats, dates and coconut flake and then the fresh fruit, toasted almonds, hemp seed and sweet drizzle on top. And the organic peanut butter blended into the base and dolloped on top brings the whole thing home. It’s satisfying, doesn’t make you feel bogged down and fuels you up for the rest of your day.”
There is The Curandera, a savory bowl option of a New Mexican style bean and rice dish, calabacitas with the green chile, corn, turnip and then balanced with the fresh microgreens, avocado and pickled peppers on top to cut through the richness of the base. Served with a flour or corn tortilla, this one has been a fave from the get-go.
The Wake and Take make the most crowd-friendly of the smoothie options available with banana, strawberry, blueberry, chia seeds and a house made “Mylk” (oat milk). “It is a straightforward smoothie that hits the spot for that smoothie craving. Honorable mention to The Feel Good smoothie though! Since this one appeared on the menu, it’s been a popular option. It is one of the more exciting (in a culinary sense) for us to make because it’s packed with everything beneficial. It has banana, pineapple, organic apple juice, turmeric, ginger, mushroom blend and CBD. This one has so many benefits and tastes amazing.”
Garner said The Wake and Take exists to contribute to the community positively. “Being a part of the Seco community for over a decade has brought forward the desire to make an impact any way possible, even if it is just through food. There is always an element of what else we can use this beautiful space for beyond just dining and I’m excited to explore that. There is a pride that is carried here about being able to be part of the Arroyo Seco Village. It is the jewel of Taos County and we are lucky to be here.”
The Wake and Take is at 480 State Road 150 in Arroyo Seco. To order online, visit wakeandtake.square.site. Follow them on Instagram @thewakeandtake or call 505-990-0296.