Know Your Neighbor: Michael's Kitchen just one part of Romero's life

The closing of Michael’s Kitchen from Oct. 30 to Dec. 16 means that patrons must wait to experience the delicious food and great service for which the restaurant is known. It also means that the food establishment’s cashier, Tim M. Romero, received extra time to help with bazaar-related tasks for the Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish activities that took place Dec. 10 and Dec. 11.

“Now that I’m on break, I volunteered to help with the bazaar. My job is to collect prizes, money and gift certificates for the raffle, silent auction and bingo,” Romero said.

Bazaar, parish feast celebration

Romero said the process of helping with the bazaar actually started in late October. "I went to ask for prizes. I took a letter from Father Daniel Gutierrez. The letter included my phone number and indicated whether or not the possible donor or donors would help. Some people gave me the donations directly and others dropped them off at the parish office,” Romero said.

Romero’s requests formed a pool of possible items for the winners of the activities. Some of the donated items include paintings, books, gift certificates (including services and restaurants), wreaths, a box including a t-shirt, cap, cup and other items from Taos Mountain Casino, crystal Nambė bowl and money for prizes. “We were so fortunate to receive so much,” Romero said, “that Father finally said, ‘Stop.’ The parish hadn’t sponsored a bazaar in a few years, so everyone was ready,” he said.

During a discussion regarding the Our Lady of Guadalupe parish activities, Romero referred to the events as “a good place to celebrate our parish feast and a good place to gather and visit.” The schedule begins at the parish hall with games, concessions, entertainment and a cake walk. Vespers occurred followed by Mass at the church. A procession forms a part of the Saturday Mass.

Interested persons plan to serenade the image of parish patroness Our Lady of Guadalupe at the church. The feast Mass precedes the meal (free of charge) at the parish hall. Following the meal, bingo and a silent auction lead to the excitement of the raffle drawing. Raffle ticket purchasers need not be present to win. The Advent Mass closes the Our Lady of Guadalupe feast/bazaar celebration.

Back in the kitchen

December 16 remains a special day at Michael’s Kitchen for two main reasons — the re-opening of the restaurant just in time for the holidays — and the 20th anniversary of Romero's employment at the iconic eatery. 

His job duties include three main activities. Romero serves as a cashier, and when necessary, sells items featured in the bakery cases. Michael’s Kitchen caters food, specializing in bulk item orders. Romero takes the catering orders and sends them to the kitchen for completion. “At the beginning of the order, I ask the number of people expected for the occasion and request at least a two-day notice to enable the cooks to order the food,” he said. Michael’s Kitchen prepares orders for a variety of occasions such as funerals, birthdays, anniversaries and special events. Catering items include enchiladas (red, green or both), salad, Spanish rice and beans. Another menu offers roast beef, mashed potatoes, gravy, salad, a vegetable and a roll.

Family, hobbies

Romero’s paternal grandmother, Margarita Varos Garcia, raised him. He listed his parents as Ida Lujan of Las Vegas and D. Ben Romero of El Prado. One of 10 children, he named his nine siblings: Joe Lujan; the late Floyd Lujan; Pauline (the late Peter John) D’Andrea; Mary Jane Martinez; Phillip Lujan; and Ruben Lujan. Other Romero siblings include his twin Priscilla (Robert) Romero; David B. (Brenda) Romero Jr.; and the late Bernadette R. (the late Armando Sr.) Valerio. 

Since Romero spends much of his time dealing with the public, he likes to stay home and relax during free moments. When he decides to visit a casino, he selects Taos Mountain Casino due to its smoke-free environment. On a spiritual level, Romero frequently attends rosaries as part of the traditional burial rite. He helps at the morada (place of worship) in Arroyo Seco, always taking a tray of enchiladas on Good Friday. Romero also observes a custom called "La renta de la morada," presenting a list of intentions for which he requests prayers.

Dance forms a large part of Romero’s interests and energy. He enjoys any type of music, and since the early 1980s, has led marchas (marches to music) with Stella McGinnis. The pair completed this activity hundreds of times, as well as teaching youngsters the steps to traditional Spanish dances. “Not too many people are getting married, so we don’t lead too many marchas nowadays,” Romero said.  

Romero loves Spanish food, but recent health efforts include more chef salads and avoiding the temptation to eat bread. His reading tastes include The Taos News(“through and through”) and his TV viewing centers on watching the news. Romero calls the latter “keeping up with all the dirt.” In the summer, Romero tends to his garden. He grows many varieties of flowers, calabazitas, cucumbers and carrots.

“I never have to worry about something to eat. People give me stuff. Right now, I have four to five pounds of piñon in the freezer. De hambre no me muero. (I’ll not die of hunger),” he said.

Even though the local custom of sharing food with one’s neighbors still exists, Romero laments the fact that “some things end as you’re getting older.” The dances at Los Compadres and The Indian Hills are two examples of activities no longer in existence. However, for Western movies and TV, it's "Bonanza, Gunsmoke and Little House on the Prairie." 

Perhaps in honor of tradition, Romero remains content to help revive the annual parish bazaar at Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish.