Priscilla "PC" Ulibarri, the founder and longtime owner of a New Mexican restaurant on Santa Fe's south side known for its legendary red chile and viewed as a classic eatery by many locals, passed away last week. She was 81. Ulibarri and her husband, Reynaldo "Reinnie" Ulibarri, opened PC's Restaurant and Lounge in 1986, an establishment that soon became synonymous with generous and delectable enchilada plates, a family-oriented atmosphere and a bar where sports reliably played on the television.
The restaurant has been on Airport Road since 1996 and continues to serve up Priscilla Ulibarri's recipes. "She was loved by the people. She loved people, and showed it in her cooking," said John Paul Ulibarri, who bought the restaurant from his mother in 2008.
Born and raised in Santa Fe, PC Ulibarri opened PC's Restaurant and Lounge when she was in her 40s. She cooked as a way to "bring people together," her son said. It is a discipline in which Priscilla, who leaves behind a rich culinary legacy, excelled.
"We are heartbroken by Priscilla’s passing, but her legacy will always live on. For those of us that got to know her it was the privilege of our lifetime, PC was such a beautiful soul and forever we are thankful," reads a recent social media post from the restaurant. John Paul Ulibarri described his mother as a kind and caring woman who was well-known in the community.
He said her food and the atmosphere the restaurant has maintained over the decades are key to her legacy. The.