When it comes to Further Bistro, nothing could be closer to fresh than this most welcome addition to the growing number of restaurants in Truth or Consequences, New Mexico! With several Mexican, New Mexican, pizza, and traditional restaurants in town, Further offers a refreshing new approach with its 100% fresh ingredients, all of which are served sliced, chopped, diced, and mixed into healthy, mouthwatering menu choices, so let’s take a look at this amazing new restaurant and the inspiration behind it.
Meet Restaurateur Eric Downs
Early Years and Career
Eric Downs, co-owner of Further Bistro with another local, Gordan Edelheit, was born in East Texas, where his parents worked as entrepreneurs. Eventually, they moved to Las Vegas, Nevada, where his mom worked as a Pit Boss, giving Eric first-hand exposure to casino life, and, more importantly, fine dining. And when he moved with his father to Pueblo Colorado as a teen, Eric’s culinary career took root. He started cooking at Captain D’s and then worked as a chef d’ partie at the local country club, later returning again to Captain D’s as a manager. He then moved on to manage the Do Drop Inn, world famous for its signature pizza, attracting the likes of Kid Rock and Arnold Schwarzenegger. The pizza was so popular that Eric’s team fulfilled pizza requests from Dubai, Italy, Germany, and several other countries by shipping half-baked pizzas, which were then finished off by the recipients!
Another Career and Another Turn
Eric eventually pursued another line of work when he became Project Manager and Compliance Officer for the State of Colorado’s Marijuana Enforcement Division. And while he enjoyed his new career, which he worked at for more than three years, Eric learned that his grandparents, residents of Truth of Consequences, were having difficulty with basic tasks, such as housekeeping, yard work, and cooking. With care of his grandparents a priority, Eric uprooted himself from Colorado and headed south to Truth or Consequences to lend a hand.
Getting Established in Truth or Consequences
Now close enough to help his grandparents on a daily basis, Eric started working at Sierra Del Rio, the 18-hole high desert golf course at Turtleback Mountain Resort in Elephant Butte, neighboring city to Truth or Consequences. Eric enjoyed his work at this beautiful location, but when Covid forced the operation to temporarily shut down, Eric once again moved on, becoming the locations scout for movies made in the area, with two feature length films having been filmed in Truth or Consequences during his tenure.
Further is Born
Missing his culinary roots, Eric envisioned a new type of restaurant, one that filled a gap in Truth or Consequence’s culinary scene. He wanted to provide something fresh and different – something truly unique as an addition to the downtown’s epicurean collective. Eric imagined a concept in which he could offer the maximum amount of tempting food choices with the least amount of inventory, all without the need for cooktops and ovens. So, with this “all things fresh” idea in mind, the backing of Gordon Edelheit in place, and the ideal location available, Further was born, opening at 107 Main Avenue in Truth or Consequences on Labor Day, 2023.
Further: The Concept and the Menu
Overview
Eric’s idea was to start with the six most popular salads in America and then, with those as the foundation, determine what else could be created with those same ingredients. Plus, he wanted to take everything “further”, adding more flavor and visual appeal by, for example, making his own chipotle mayonnaise, choosing a dill Havarti rather than plain, offering sun-dried tomato feta, and adding edible flowers to parfaits and desserts. In addition, moving forward, Eric will keep the menu fresh by using seasonal fruits and vegetables. For example, the fall menu will include hot soups, such as Vegan Beef Stew, Green Chile Chicken and Cheese Chowder, Green Chile Stew, and Butternut Squash Soup. Fall charcuterie trays will include delectables such as Irish Whiskey Cheddar, Whole Black Figs, and Port Salut, while fall desserts will feature Green Chile Apple Custard, Strawberry Bananas Foster, and other seasonal delights.
Salads
Each a canvas of creativity, Further Bistro’s salads take you on a tantalizing journey of flavors. A crisp bed of mixed greens or tuscan baby lettuce are topped with a wide variety of meat, cheese, and other premium toppings and flavorful dressings, with salads ranging from Caesar, Greek, Eastern, Southwest, and Italian to the Tortuga and a make-your-own option – each a symphony of carefully-balanced flavors.
Sandwiches and Wraps
Whether you choose a fresh bun or a Spinach, Tomato Basil, or Jalapeno Cheddar Tortilla, you’ll fully enjoy either experience. Bold flavors and dynamic textures are woven into your sandwich or wrap, combining fresh meats, cheese, and veggies that are sure to satisfy your cravings. Or, you can go for a childhood favorite, peanut butter, honey, and banana!
Fruit Cups and Parfaits
Greek yogurt, topped with layers of fresh and macerated fruit and granola, flawlessly combine to create mouth-watering parfaits that serve as the perfect choice for a snack or dessert. And the 16-oz fruit cups, made with diced seasonal fruit, offer a refreshingly healthy choice as a meal or add on.
Charcuterie, Fruit, and Sandwich Trays
The 9-inch charcuterie tray is perfect for an individual or shared lunch, and the 18-inch tray, featuring three pounds of assorted meats and cheeses, fruit, and garnishes, is ideal for parties. Each sandwich tray offers a delectable array of gourmet creations that will serve up to 18 with deliciously-satisfying sandwich halves. And when it comes to Further’s fruit trays, you and your guests will enjoy a medley of freshly-cut seasonal fruit, creating a tapestry of flavors that awaken the senses while adding natural sweetness and healthy vitality to your event.
A Multi-Dimensional and Ever-Growing Experience
With two distinct seating areas and a covered “Woody Crumbo” outdoor pet patio, Further offers a spacious and welcoming environment for guests, whether for lunch, dinner, or events, such as birthday parties, meetings, and celebrations. Plus, Further makes it easy to have fun, with plenty of games available for guests, including dominoes, chess, cards, and cribbage. Also, in the back portion of the patio (The Grotto), guests can practice disc golf! And there’s more to come. Eric plans to introduce breakfast items and individual charcuterie cups to the menu and, on the patio, disc golf putting competitions and live music.
Conclusion
When you’re looking for the polar-opposite of deep-fried, calorie-laden foods, Further Bistro at 107 Main Street in Truth or Consequences, New Mexico, is the perfect choice. With 100% fresh ingredients woven into salads, sandwiches, wraps, parfaits, charcuterie and desserts, Further’s fresh, healthy choices are sure to delight. Learn more at FurtherBistro.com or, better yet, stop by Further to enjoy delicious food, play some fun games, relax with friends, and leave with a smile on your face. Open seven days a week, early to late, Further Bistro is the newest and freshest culinary option in Truth or Consequences. Give them a try today!
