OUR Story
The Chimayo Experience
Chimayo is a small town in Northeastern New Mexico, consisting mainly of the mission, Sanctuario de Chimayo. The word “Chimayo” is derived from the Tewa Indian word for the local landmark, the hill of Tsi Mayoh. The surrounding area is well known for the red, clay-like dirt behind the Catholic mission that is said to have miracle healing properties, and for the Chimayo heirloom chile that is indigenous to this region. We use this chile powder in many of our dishes and condiments. For more information on Chimayo, click on this link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chimayo,_New_Mexico
Chimayo Stone Fired Kitchen is located in the historic Century Building on Main Avenue in downtown Durango. The building was originally built sometime in the mid-1890s. Over the years it has been a department store, a furniture store and even a fitness club through much of the '70s and '80s. The building's current owners converted the space into a Chelsea's British Pub franchise from 1994-2000, after which time it was leased to a Chinese restaurant from 2000-2011. By the time we took over the space, it was time for a complete remodel. Demolition began on January 3, 2012, and required two weeks and 14 large dumpster loads of trash before we could get started on construction. During
the demolition phase, we uncovered the original Carnegie steel support beams, the original tin ceiling, the original maple hardwood flooring and most of the original brick wall. All had been covered up with layers of materials from countless remodels over the years, but we were able to restore these historical elements to original condition.
Bobby & serafina middleton- owners
Bobby and Serafina Middleton are the owners of Chimayo Stone Fired Kitchen. They currently live in Albuquerque, NM with two of their three children, Anna (15) and Aeliana (13). Bobby’soldest son, Caleb (27), is a captain in the US Army and is currently stationed overseas.
For over a decade, the Middletons have spent significant time in Durango and the surroundingareas for long weekends away and even for short working trips during the week. When theopportunity arose to buy Chimayo, they jumped at the chance to continue offering the incrediblefood and warm ambience of Chimayo to the local community.
Bobby is a research nuclear engineer who currently specializes in mathematical systems and indry cooling. He has a PhD in Nuclear Engineering from MIT and is also a US Navy veteran,having taught Math, Physics, Reactor Dynamics, and Core Characteristics at Nuclear PowerSchool in Goose Creek, SC from 2001 to 2005. His personal interests include hiking, reading,math and physics, and spending time in nature.
Serafina has a Master’s degree in Applied Mathematics from the University of New Mexico andis currently working towards her PhD with a research focus in complex systems modeling. Shealso holds a love of nature, antique books, pottery, and philosophy.
Michael Lutfy Founder
Michael began working in kitchens in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania at the age of 12, then worked in various restaurants for the next 16 years. During that time he was employed as a catering director/executive chef for a gourmet wine and foods shop with an exclusive celebrity clientele in Santa Barbara while pursuing a degree in film/television; executive sous chef for several fine dining restaurants including Tutti's in Montecito, California; Louie's in Santa Barbara; Le Biarritz in Newport Beach; and as executive chef/food and beverage manager of the Variety Arts Center in downtown Los Angeles, a 400-seat restaurant and seven-story entertainment complex that hosted Hollywood parties, award shows, plays, TV show tapings, conventions and many other large functions for up to 1200 people. After that, he embarked on another career path in publishing, working as an Associate Publisher/Editorial Director for Penguin Random House USA from 1988-2011.
In 2001, a call from his sister to help out at the racetrack to cook for the owner of Andretti-Green Racing reignited his passion for cooking. From 2001 through the 2006 racing seasons, he was the Executive Chef for Andretti-Green Racing, the championship Indycar racing team owned by Michael Andretti. He traveled the racing circuit throughout the U.S., Canada and Mexico, responsible for budgeting, planning, organizing and preparing gourmet fare for 80 staff members and up to 300 sponsor guests.
Michael is a graduate of the Brooks Institute of Photography in Santa Barbara, California. He spends a lot of his free time hiking and photographing the Colorado San Juans, the Southwest, and other parts of the world. Some of his work is displayed throughout Chimayo. His work may be viewed on his website, mlutfyphotography.com
Birgitte Lutfy Founder
Birgitte obtained a culinary degree from the Holstebro Culinary Academy in Denmark, with a specialty in charcuterie, the artisanal method of producing high-quality, hand-crafted meats, including sausages, salami, prosciutto, veal, beef, pork and chicken in the European tradition.
After several years working in artisan charcuteries throughout Denmark, she relocated to the U.S., working as the catering director and food services manager for Irvine Ranch Farmer’s Market and Promeli’s Gourmet Foods, both in Newport Beach, California from 1995 through 2000. At both companies she organized and catered small and large functions throughout Orange County, with management responsibility for all staff, food ordering and budgeting. From 2001 through 2006, she was the co-executive chef for Andretti-Green Racing, responsible for overseeing the organization and execution of all track dining setup and functions, coordinating with the AGR hospitality staff, and the preparation of appetizers, cold prepared foods, fine pastries and desserts.
From 2007-2011, Birgitte was the designer for Closets Plus, designing custom closets, pantries and garages. From this experience, Birgitte was able to develop her design talent and construction skills that form the basis for Chimayo's design.
Birgitte is also an accomplished metal and glass fusion artist. Many of her steel sculptures and glass creations are on display for sale throughout Chimayo. She spends most of her free time at her metal and glass studio in the Animas Valley. Her work may be viewed on her website, birgitteglassmetalart.com.