Albuquerque The Magazine, February 2022 by Albuquerque The Magazine

FEBRUARY 2022 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

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FEBRUARY 2022 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

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FEBRUARY 2022 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

FEATURE

Our annual list introduces you to a few eligible ABQ singles who have it all — beauty, brains, ambition. But one’s taste in music is also important, we feel. So, to break the ice, we asked all 19 of them to include in their profiles some sense of their musical vibe. And for fun visuals, we did their photo shoots among the instruments and gear at Lesmen’s Pro Audio, Lighting, & Video. So cue the stage lights, flip the mic switch, and turn to page 70 to meet this year’s Hot Singles of ABQ.

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DEPARTMENTS 22 Editor’s Note 25 Tapas

P. 94 P. 25

Immersive dining experiences at Electric Playhouse; Pueblo sculpture beautifies roundabout; exhibit on indigo’s significance at ABQ Museum; UNM men’s hockey program sets record; area students learn rocket science; Cirque du Soleil’s OVO returns; ABQ’s Incredible Kids.

34 Faces and Places 57 Datebook

93 People

94 Albuquerque the Interview As director of Popejoy Hall, Tom Tkach has turned the theater into one of the best places to host award-winning productions in the state.

98 Personality

P.98

Nichole Rogers is using her position with the city to connect the Black community with services that will improve their quality of life.

102 Behind the Scenes

A generous donation has allowed the American Indian Graduate Center to expand its reach in supporting Native students in their higher education journey with tailored programming.

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FEBRUARY 2022 Volume 18 Number 9 EDITOR IN CHIEF

Rozanna Martinez rozanna@abqthemag.com PHOTO DIRECTOR

Don James don@abqthemag.com ART DIRECTOR

Jared Lambert jared@abqthemag.com GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Candice Callado candice@abqthemag.com DATEBOOK EDITOR

Lori Wilding datebook@abqthemag.com CONTRIBUTORS

Tristen Critchfield Ashley M. Biggers Mel Minter Elizabeth Groening Carla Cafolla

Albuquerque The Magazine (ISSN 1936-4350) is published monthly except January by Albuquerque The Media Corporation, 1550 Mercantile Ave. NE, Top Floor, Albuquerque, NM 87107. Periodicals Postage Paid at Albuquerque, NM 87101, and at additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Albuquerque The Magazine, 1550 Mercantile Ave. NE, Top Floor, Albuquerque, NM 87107.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR We welcome letters to the Editor. You may e-mail yours to editor@abqthemag.com, or submit it directly from our website, or via snail mail. EDITORIAL SUBMISSIONS Our editorial calendar is available online at www.abqthemag.com/MediaKit.pdf. No phone calls, please. Unsolicited manuscripts require a SASE.

DEPARTMENTS

P. 118 P. 112

107 Culture 108 Creatives

P. 130

Dryland Wilds gathers plants and ingredients from the ABQ area landscape to create its all-natural skin care and self-care line.

110 Shelflife

Jason Strykowski provides New Mexico locations featured in TV and film that are worth a visit in recently released guide book; Daniel Gibson and Jay Blackwood document New Mexico’s skiing history in new book.

112 Tiempo

A monthly check-in with longtime Tiempo editor Mel Minter on the new performers—and familiar faces—making waves in ABQ’s thriving local music scene.

114 ABQ on Stage

Hamilton graces the Popejoy Hall stage; Honky Tonk Hissy Fit comes to The Adobe Theater and more...

124 From the Vine

P. 124

Ponderosa Brewing makes more than beer; Canvas Artistry moves to swanky location; Taylor Garrett releases sherry cask finished whiskey; Boxing Bear Brewing Co. takes top IPA spot.

117 Dish

118 Eats Review

Gobble This combines Salvadoran cuisine with culinary touches from Los Angeles and New Mexico at its spot in Old Town.

122 Eats, Etc.

Chello Grill offers flavorful Persian selections; La Salita creates New Mexican dishes with succulent turkey; Ms. Gennie’s House of Chicken prepares its signature protein in tasty ways.

130 A Recipe For Success

St. Felix Pantry director of development, Rachael Miletkov, makes a traditional Bulgarian treat.

132 Bites

Info-filled nuggets about the city’s restaurants to take with you on the go.

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DEPARTMENTS 153 Fun

154 ‘Til You Drop

Organ Mountain Outfitters helps feed the hungry; some thoughtful gift ideas for loved ones and friends.

158 Paws Button

Tips on what not to buy rabbits; nature park seeks financial help for wildlife care; documentary highlights area shelters.

162 ABQ’s Amazing Pets This month’s winners: Atlas, Rip, Hemi, and Shiloh

163 Piece of the Past The state’s first municipal airport terminal served a role in World War II and in the creation of the atomic bomb.

164 Passenger Window Artist Mel CK pays homage to her Panamanian roots by incorporating attributes of tropical animals in her work..

167 Photo Contest

P. 154 P. 164 P. 162

This month’s winner: Beauty And Peace by Nicole Anderson

168 A Few Things

Old Town is Albuquerque’s crown jewel. Its rich history and distinct architecture make it a notable landmark.

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FEBRUARY 2022 Volume 18 Number 9 PUBLISHER

Larryl Lynch larryl@abqthemag.com

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER

Gena Salazar gena@abqthemag.com

PROJECT MANAGER

Dakota-Lynn McCaffrey dakota@abqthemag.com SENIOR ADVERTISING EXECUTIVES

Philip Kjelland philip@abqthemag.com Megan Life megan@abqthemag.com BUSINESS MANAGER

Jill Morris business@abqthemag.com ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER EMERITUS

Scott Davis (1966–2004)

SUBSCRIBE!

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Albuquerque The Magazine 1550 Mercantile Ave. NE, Top Floor Albuquerque, NM 87107 phone: 505-842-1110 • fax: 505-842-1119 www.abqthemag.com

EDITOR'S NOTE

inding love in Albuquerque is not as hard as some people may think or some polls might indicate. We found 19 amazing singles that are successful, have a good sense of humor, and have plenty of qualities that many look for when seeking companionship. The best part of creating our Hot Singles issue was not only meeting the incredible people featured, but spending the day with them for the photo shoot that took place at Lesmen’s Pro Audio, Lighting, & Video. A special thank you goes out to owner Mark Padilla for allowing us to use the space. We incorporated musical instruments, stage lighting and props, as well as recording gear into our photo shoot for our Hot Singles of Albuquerque: The Music Edition feature. Our singles embraced the music theme and took it to a whole other level. We included some fun facts about their musical influences and details on their turn ons and turn offs. They also named the New Mexican dish that best represents them and why. Check out the final result starting on page 70. The love of theater is what led Popejoy Hall’s director Tom Tkach to play a role in the performing arts. Find out how Tkach amped up attendance, gave the theater a facelift, and brought Broadway shows to the Duke city by turning to page 94. Nichole Rogers has been an advocate for the Black community for years. Her contributions to empowering Black people, landed her a position with the city where she can continue her work. Head to page 98 to learn more about what her department is doing to help Black families. The generosity of philanthropist MacKenzie Scott has benefitted many arts and culture, social assistance, education and racial equity nonprofits throughout the country. The American Indian Graduate Center in Albuquerque received a $20 million gift from Scott. Find out what the donation is being used for on page 102.

Organ Mountain Outfitters began in Las Cruces with a mission to pay off student lunch debts so children would not go hungry. The retailer has expanded its sights on helping local food banks in southern New Mexico and in Albuquerque, where it opened a second location in Nob Hill. Learn about this giving apparel business on page 154. The pandemic has certainly put the spotlight on our healthcare workers who have tirelessly worked around the clock to provide care for patients with COVID and provide preventative measures such as vaccines to the public. It has been a trying year for most and there are plenty of doctors that are needed to diagnose and treat other issues not related to the pandemic. Many healthcare professionals nominated their peers for our annual Top Docs of ABQ survey. Find out the doctors that took the top spots in their field of expertise in our March issue. Until then, stay healthy out there and make sure you take time out to care for your mental well-being. Sincerely,

Rozanna Martinez Editor-In-Chief

CORRECTIONS

ON THE COVER

In our December/January issue, we listed the winners you voted for in our 2021 Best of the City Awards. Some locations and information were incorrect for some of the winners and Best of the Rest mentions. We regret the error and want to make sure that we provide accurate information. Here are the clarifications for the items:

Our Hot Singles issue looks amazing thanks to Mark Padilla, owner of Lesmen’s Pro Audio, Lighting, & Video. He let us have the run of the place for the photo shoot and made us feel like rock stars.

The incorrect name for Enchanted Sugar Candles was listed for Best Product Made Locally - Best of the Rest. The incorrect name for Perfect Pair Optical Shop was listed for Best Local Eyeglass Shop – Best of the Rest The wrong location was listed for Zendo Coffee for Best Latte Art. The coffee bar is located in the heart of downtown Albuquerque at 413 2nd St. SW. The incorrect website and owner name was listed for Grayskull Toys and Collectibles for Best Toy Store. The website is facebook. com/GrayskullTandC and co-owners are Anthony Garcia and Brian Palma.

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TINY BITES OF EVERYTHING TO SEE, DO AND BUY IN ALBUQUERQUE

FEED THY SENSES Visitors to Electric Playhouse are quick to marvel at the immersive venue’s sprawl of activities that dazzle the mind. So why not extend that experience to the realm of food? The enormous Westside facility now hosts monthly interactive dining events in one of its 360-degree projection mapped communal dining rooms. Each of the dinners are themed, and feature seasonal dishes along with interactive tabletop projections. The venue refers to this as “Immersive Dining,” and says it’s designed to engage all your senses by weaving together cuisine, entertainment, good company and visually interactive

FEBRUARY FEBRUARY 2022 2022| ALBUQUERQUE | ALBUQUERQUE THE THE MAGAZINE MAGAZINE

projection-mapping. Menus are created by Chef Steven Lujan, who creates seasonal, themed food menus, which are then matched with spectacular effects and music from Electric Playhouse artists. The result is a magical social environment of fine dining and spellbinding visuals and audio. Dinner themes span the imagination, and prices range from $39 for brunch to $95 for dinner for adults. Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free selections are available, as well as discounts for children. The latest offerings are available at electricplayhouse. com/dining-events. —RM

25 25

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Drea Cloak

Owner Drea Cloak: Holistic Health Coaching “I love the views while brunching on the patio at Los Poblanos. There’s something magical about enjoying delicious food while watching the alpacas, guinea hens and peacocks roam by. As an ABQ native and foodie, I always order the LP Cracked Potatoes, then dip them in a side of red chile (it’s a game-changer).” Start Bragging ABQ is a campaign to tell everyone what you love about our city. Got a brag about ABQ? Send it to us at editor@abqthemag.com. A traffic circle near the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center will soon be adorned with a commemorative piece by award-winning sculptor Greyshoes.

Amy G. Johnson, IPCC Curator of Collections, says Greyshoes’ proposed artwork was selected because it complemented the architecture of the IPCC and surrounding buildings.

The artist, whose real name is Upton S. Ethelbah Jr., of Santa Clara Pueblo and White Mountain Apache heritage, has been selected to create Pueblo Matriarch.

The area near the IPCC was the former campus of the Albuquerque Indian School. The campus was occupied in 1884 and operated by the Bureau of Indian Affairs until 1976. The property was granted to All Indian Pueblo Council as federal trust land, giving it reservation status. Greyshoes assisted in the transition as the BIA representative to the Council in 1976-79.

The 20-foot-high contemporary steel sculpture will incorporate traditional symbols meaningful to Pueblo people, including corn, clouds, rain, lightning, and the Avanyu or Water Serpent. The sculpture at 12th and Menaul, will be illuminated to highlight designs cut out of the panels. To honor its 40th anniversary, the Albuquerque Community Foundation partnered with IPCC to commission permanent artwork by a Native American artist from New Mexico.

“Pueblo Matriarch is going to be the mother of our Cultural Center, complementing the new expansion on the old Indian School campus,” says Greyshoes. “… I have a lot of roots, history, and life experiences that happened right there. It was a natural fit.” — RM

If a man can’t decide what to wear on a date, he might want to wear blue. Studies show that blue is the color women most like to see on men.

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Elena Sanchez

AGE: 4 SCHOOL: She hasn’t started school yet 3 THINGS SHE LIKES: Arts and crafts, going to the lake, and playing outside with her cousins and friends. 3 THINGS SHE DOESN’T LIKE: Spinach, Spiders and Mean People FUTURE PLANS: She wants to be a police officer when she grows up. HER STORY: Four years ago, Elena Sanchez made her parents’ lives just a bit brighter. “I wasn’t supposed to have kids, so she is our miracle baby,” says her mom, Gabriella Sanchez. At just four years old, she is already so loving and caring. Elena is an only child, but she is fortunate to be surrounded by countless cousins that are around her age. She sees them so often that they might as well be her siblings. “She is so loved,” exclaimed her mom. When the weather is warmer, Elena and her parents make their way to Elephant Butte Lake, which she loves. One of her favorite things to do is help her dad, JW Sanchez, drive the boat. This miracle baby’s smile is contagious everywhere she goes, and her affectionate personality will continue to grow as she does. —DLM

Submit your Incredible Kids at incrediblekids@abqthemag.com

INDIGO INFLUENCE

The color blue has a cultural and geographical significance in several parts of the world. Indelible Blue: Indigo Across the Globe at the Albuquerque Museum explores the history, techniques, and movement of indigo. The exhibition traces different varieties of plants back to regions and cultures that have used the elusive dye for thousands of years. Indelible Blue features artists from around the world who currently work with indigo. It also includes historical objects from New Mexico, Asia, Africa, and The Americas that demonstrate the versatility of indigo uses from dyed garments to household items. They include Navajo serapes, woven frazadas from the Rio Grande Valley, Zuni diamond twill manta, and more. The allure of the blue dye has made indigo part of the history of trade, colonialism, slavery, globalism, and cultural exchange. The exhibition also focuses on local traditions and practices outside of indigo’s existence as a global commodity. Indelible Blue runs through April 24 at the museum located at 2000 Mountain NW. For more information, visit cabq.gov/artsculture. — RM

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DO YOU BELIEVE IN MIRACLES? YES! Grant Harvey is building something special with the underdog University of New Mexico men’s hockey program.

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Competing at the Division III level for the American Collegiate Hockey Association, the Lobos set a school record with 13 consecutive wins to begin the 2021-22 season — surpassing the previous mark set when Harvey himself suited up for UNM. Now in his ninth season as coach, Harvey has legitimate championship aspirations for his squad, which is at a competitive disadvantage in many regards. Most notable is the fact that as a Division III program, UNM is not allowed to award athletic scholarships. “That’s what makes us almost a miracle,” Harvey says. “I’m convincing guys to stay. I’m like ‘Hey, I don’t even have any money to give you.’ But some of these guys want to play in front of their home crowd so bad, they forego some scholarships. I had a couple kids that went off back east, and they came back to me because they want to play in front of their hometown.” UNM is succeeding with a team that is largely homegrown: Of the 23 players listed on the roster at lobohockey.com, 15 have ties to the Land of Enchantment. That includes captain Jarrod Ronquillo, a legacy Lobo whose mother played volleyball for UNM, and Logan Colyer, an oft-underestimated 5-foot-6 sparkplug who Harvey describes as “the strongest player on the ice.” Most Lobos won’t play beyond college, but their futures are bright nonetheless. To wit: Ronquillo is a graduate student in chemical engineering, while Colyer is studying data analytics. “I would probably say I’ve got the most intelligent locker room conversation you’ve ever heard,” Harvey says. The strong local pipeline owes much of its foundation to the now-defunct New Mexico Scorpions franchise, which ceased operations in 2009. While the team is long gone, many of the players put down permanent roots in the state. As a result, their kids have stuck around to don the Cherry and Silver.

Lisa Abeyta

Economic Development Deputy Director City of Albuquerque “I love our airport. We’ve managed to preserve our unique New Mexico charm with Southwest furniture, local artwork, eateries— even free Wi-Fi. The whole experience is an awesome way to welcome travelers, plus a great reminder to locals that we’re home when we see the reminders of our heritage and culture.”

Start Bragging ABQ is a campaign to tell everyone what you love about our city. Got a brag about ABQ? Send it to us at editor@abqthemag.com.

“You’ve got some Canadians staying behind and proving that an ice rink’s an ice rink — even in the desert,” Harvey says. A mortgage broker by day, coaching the Lobos is a labor of love for Harvey, a dual U.S-Canadian citizen who surrendered his salary to help boost the team’s budget. Despite the lack of financial incentives, Harvey devotes approximately 35-40 hours per week to coaching-related duties. “I haven’t had any good sleep in a good three months,” he says. “I wouldn’t have it any other way.” — TRISTEN CRITCHFIELD

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Because Youtube’s domain was registered on Valentine’s Day, it was going to be an online dating website where singles could upload videos of themselves.

THE SKY’S THE LIMIT! Launching rockets is just a regular day’s curriculum at the Air Force Research Laboratory STEM Academy. Almost 200 middle school students from the greater Albuquerque area recently took part in the academy’s annual TECH Mission Model Rocket Launch event. Participants launched 20 rockets into the sky during the event held near Rio Rancho. In the weeks leading up to launch day, TECH Mission students learned about rocketry and how to build rockets in a STEM Academy classroom on Kirtland Air Force Base. Teams built a 4-foot model rocket and explored modeling and simulation using software called RockSim. On launch day, students assembled their rockets, connected a parachute and installed an altimeter. Spotter and Recovery students prepared for their launch duties while other team members installed the motor, put the rocket on the launch stand, and stood by for launch. “The rockets took about nine seconds to reach apogee, an average altitude of about 1,063 feet,” says Ronda Cole Harmon, director of the AFRL STEM Academy. “Then the rockets began free-falling back to Earth, until the ejection charge separated the payload and booster sections, releasing the parachute the students packed earlier. Time to landing was about 42 seconds after launch.” The TECH Mission provides STEM learning opportunities for students and educators through firsthand activities that apply STEM content to model rocketry. It also introduces participants to available career possibilities as they consider their place in the future workforce. — RM

Miles Lambert

AGE: 11 SCHOOL: Escuela Del Sol 3 THINGS HE LIKES: Snow days, Legos, Grilled Cheese Sandwiches 3 THINGS HE DOESN’T LIKE: Clowns, Reboots, Covid-19 FUTURE PLANS: He wants to work at Target so that he can get a good deal on Legos. HIS STORY: Like Miles Davis, who Miles was named after, he is one cool dude. Although he hasn’t quite figured out his taste in music yet, he has a great attitude about things. He is the youngest of three kids and is pretty easygoing. He recently moved from North Carolina to Albuquerque where he discovered he likes Dion’s Pizza and Blake’s Lotaburger grilled cheese sandwiches. “He was a good co-pilot with two cats in the backseat during the cross-country road trip,” said his dad, Jared Lambert. When Miles isn’t building Lego sets or gaming, you can find him reading Diary of a Wimpy Kid or Captain Underpants. He loves Marvel movies and his favorite superhero is your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man. —DLM

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Paul Mondragón

President Bank of America New Mexico “The bosque changes with the seasons, and is always showing me something new. I grew up in the valley and it was always a place to ride bikes and meet up with friends when I was a kid. Now I’m 53, and still love riding, walking or paddling the river that runs down the center of our city.” Start Bragging ABQ is a campaign to tell everyone what you love about our city. Got a brag about ABQ? Send it to us at editor@abqthemag.com.

The coldest temperature ever recorded in New Mexico was -500 F on February 1st 1951.

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ENTER THE BUZZING WORLD OF BUGS The high energy and intense acrobatic production OVO returns to Rio Rancho for six performances in early March. Cirque du Soleil’s eccentric and colorful world of OVO is comprised of a dynamic, immersive ecosystem inhabited by an acrobatic colony of insects. The production draws audiences into a new day in the life of insects full of vitality and movement. Show stopping acrobatics highlight the unique personalities and abilities of various insect species including mighty crickets jumping off trampolines and a hypnotic spider contorting inside her web. OVO is the story of a mysterious egg that appears in the middle of the insect world. The creatures are awestruck and curious about this iconic object that represents the cycles of their lives. Meanwhile, the beginning of an insect romance is developing. It is love at first sight when a quirky insect arrives in the bustling community and takes notice of a fabulous ladybug. OVO features 52 performers from more than 15 countries. The cast of OVO brings 10 high level acrobatic acts that redefine the limits of the human body. Since its opening in Montreal in 2009, OVO has thrilled more than 7 million people in 155 cities in 26 different countries. The production is written and directed by Deborah Colker. It features costumes designed by Liz Vandal. Most characters have two versions of their costumes: one more lightweight and functional for acrobatic performance and a second that is richly detailed. Gringo Cardia is responsible for the set design that creates an organic space and interprets nature. Props include a 30-foot mechanical flower. Berna Ceppas is behind OVO’s musical score that combines the sounds of bossa nova and samba with funk and electro music. A seven-piece band performs the music live. Performances run March 3-6 at the Rio Rancho Events Center, 3001 Civic Center Cir NE. Tickets are available online exclusively to Club Cirque members. For a free and easy subscription, visit cirqueclub.com. More information can be found at cirquedusoleil.com/ovo. — RM

ATM DEFINITION OF THE MONTH 32

Friengagement

(n.)

Best friends who agree to marry each other if they are both still single when they are 30. Usage: “Shortly after my friengagement, I met the love of my life. Note to self: Have some patience!”

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NOT LONG AGO

Short Storyathon On October 25, 2019, award-winning authors Sonja Dewing and Elisabeth Loya, in partnership with Plot Duckies met with local authors-to-be at FatPipe ABQ for the Short Storyathon. The event benefitted local arts and was part workshop and part networking opportunity. Attendees got advice from some of the city’s best writers and got a chance to get their work edited by professionals at no extra charge. 1. Sonja Dewing, Danielle Martin 2. John Ayala, Bruce Pitt 3. Dominique Jones, Chuck Larntz 4. Crystal Chronis, Christine Chronis 5. Paris Valencia, Callie Thomason French 6. Adam Sparks Brechtel, Genevieve Sparks Brechtel 7. Monte-Angel Richardson, Katy Hammel

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NOT LONG AGO

Toys for Tots Show and Shine Benefit Vroom! New Mexico Motor Events returned to hosting duties for the longest running Toys for Tots event in the city on December 8, 2019, at Elks Lodge #2500. Attendees were encouraged to bring their cars, motorcycles, trucks, unicycles, etc. to display at the event. The United States Marine Corps also collected $25 donations and/or pre-wrapped Christmas gifts for local children in need. 1. Amy Lawson, Jonathan Alcala, Jacob Divett, Dustin Mortensen 2. Paul Caputo, Joe Cowling, Jack Ming 3. Mike Gonzales, Rio the Roadrunner, Andres Trujillo 4. Leticia Munoz, Danna Moore, Carol Dooley 5. Tyler Sanchez, Renate Schuler, Matt Morrow 6. Art Baca, Kenneth Caudle 7. Krystle Shaw, Mychelle Gray, Jennifer Chapin

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NOT LONG AGO

New Day’s 11th Annual Benefit Concert On Dec. 17 and Dec. 18, 2021, the Historic Lobo Theater hosted “Once Upon a Time in Albuquerque,” a two-day concert benefitting New Day and its Drop-In Center. The event was presented by On the Road with Aretha and featured several musical acts including James Whiton, the Greyhounds, Chris Dracup and others. New Day helps youth experiencing homelessness. 1. J Richard Rivas, John Nichols 2. Christi Kim, Shawn Brown, Ashley Hanosh 3. Willie Jacobs, Connor Smith, Joban Smith 4. Judy Chavez, Michael Chavez, Dorothy Garcia 5. James Whiton, Eric McFadden, Kate Vargas 6. Michael Armer, Quickbeam, Russell Lee, Artha Meadors 7. Andrew Trube, Francis Farrell McDaniel

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NOT LONG AGO

2019 MDA Caregivers Luncheon As a child, State Auditor Brian Colon lost his father, Rafael Colon, to muscular dystrophy. Rafael was only 49 years old. And on November 14, 2019, Brian shared his story as the keynote speaker at the 2019 MDA Caregivers Luncheon. The event raised funds for research into curing and treating muscular dystrophy, ALS, and related neuromuscular diseases. 1. Gary Swetland, Alex Swetland, Brian Colon 2. Steve Trujillo, Robert Sanchez, Steve Busch 3. Cindy Nava, Rick Giron, Lawrence Roybal, Cheryl Colon 4. Paul Sanchez, Theresa Rael, Marcus Rael, Samuel DeFillippo 5. Howie Morales, “Mrs. New Mexico” Jennifer Maldonado, Lt. Col. Nathan Greenwood 6. Stephanie Telles, Antonio Corrales, Natalie Cordova 7. Roxanne Gonzales, Daniel Trujillo

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Bridal Guide

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Sandia Resort & & Casino I-25 & Tramway Road NE, Albuquerque, NM (505)796-7549 sandiacasino.com

hether you would like to say “I do” at the foothills of the Sandia Mountains or celebrate your special day in style, with your reception at the resort – we will make your “picture Perfect” day come true. The grounds are beautiful and are the perfect backdrop for your wedding day. Allow us to take care of all the details! Our professional sales and convention service staff is here to ensure every moment of your stay is unforgettable. With 50,000 square feet of flexible banquet space we can

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accommodate large celebrations or intimate gatherings. Our luxurious sleeping rooms make for the perfect retreat for you and your out of town guests, overlooking the beautiful Sandia Mountains. Attendees will feast on beautifully-presented catering options from our dynamic culinary team, while our dedicated staff oversees every detail of your big day. The resort amenities provide an incredible wedding experience, with options for golf, spa services, rehearsal dinners and more.

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We have wedding options for everyone and every budget. www.paradisehills.golf | 505.792.8630 10035 country club lane nw, albuquerque nm 87114 48

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TO P 5

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ABQ Non-profit

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We listen and stand with survivors in the spirit of advocacy without judgment, support survivors with disabilities in their decision-making, and help empower them to find and navigate support they choose to heal, learn, and grow as they reclaim their power. If you have been the victim of sexual violence, it is NOT your fault. With support and time, healing is possible.

The Arc of New Mexico: Sexual Assault Advocacy Program for People with Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities 5130 Masthead St NE | Albuquerque, NM (505)315-2800 | advocate@arcnm.org | ARCNM.ORG Sexual violence against people with disabilities is a silent epidemic. Research tells us that people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) experience the highest risk of violent victimization. Some studies estimate that people with I/DD are four times more likely to experience sexual assault than people without disabilities, while others indicate that 49% of people with I/DD will experience ten or more sexually abusive incidents in their lifetimes. People may wonder why sexual violence is so common in the disability community, but there are some common reasons people with disabilities are victimized at higher rates. Victims may not understand what’s happening or may not have a way to communicate the assault to someone they trust. Others might realize they’re being assaulted, but don’t know that it’s illegal or that they have a right to say no. It could be that they or someone they love may have been threatened, so they never tell anyone about it – especially if it’s committed by an authority figure they learn not to question. People with I/DD are rarely educated about sexuality or learn assertiveness training. Even when a report is attempted, they face barriers when making statements to police because they might not be viewed as “credible” due to having a disability. It’s estimated that 97 to 99% of abusers, or perpetrators, are known

and trusted by victims with I/DD: family members, acquaintances, residential care staff, job coaches, transportation providers or personal care attendants. Sexual violence can occur anywhere, and the delivery/service system created to meet the needs of people with I/DD contributes to the risk of sexual violence. So, the epidemic continues: people with disabilities are more likely to experience sexual violence at some point in their lifetime and are often targeted or not believed because of their disabilities. The barriers to accessing support services to promote healing and education, or to getting the tools and support needed can be difficult to navigate – but the Arc of NM is here to help. The Arc of NM’s Sexual Assault Victim Advocacy Program helps sexual assault survivors with disabilities. Our advocates are here to support victims every step of the way. We provide advocacy services, assist with navigating resources and accessible service options, and provide referrals and technical assistance for disability and trauma-informed supports. We can come with victims to medical and legal appointments, help to file a police report to press charges if chosen, help identify options if victims are not sure what to do, find a counselor who can help, or simply just listen and be there for victims. WWW.ABQTHEMAG.COM | FEBRUARY 2022

ABQ Non-profit

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Passion’s Story Inc., A Nonprofit Organization Priscilla Smith, President | Albuquerque, NM PASSIONSTORY.ORG Passion’s Story is an example of how our world can change

provide for their families. But due to lack of proper training, more

when we join forces. The nonprofit’s journey began during the

than 80 percent of these workers end up quitting. There are also

COVID-19 lockdown of 2020, when Priscilla Smith recognized

many aspiring technicians who cannot afford tuition to attend

that resources were becoming scarce. Smith, the owner of Paixao

beauty school. These obstacles have created a pattern that has

Nail and Beauty Bar (recognized by readers of this magazine as

led many young women down a path of self-doubt, destruction,

the Best of the City), created a plan that mobilized the ABQ beau-

homelessness, and even trafficking. Passion’s Story seeks to fill the

ty industry to form mentorship and scholarship opportunities

gaps that prevent career opportunities, and open doors for the

for young adults. To make the venture successful, Smith had the

many girls who love the beauty industry, whether it’s hair, nails,

perfect partners in mind: Toya Kaplan, founder of For the One;

make-up, or skin care. In addition to scholarship dollars and men-

Shelley Repp, Executive Director of the New Mexico Dream Cen-

toring, the non-profit partners also aim to share skills and knowl-

ter; Roxanne Fernandez, Director of Aveda Institute New Mexico;

edge to create a foundation for these young adults to begin viable

Michelle Schroff , founder of the Aspen Project and Project Zoe,

careers with sustainable incomes. Passion’s Story feels the need to

Laura Greer, secretary of Passion’s Story Inc.; and other dedicated

step out in faith on behalf of the next generation of our industry—

advocates. One of the group’s primary goals is to provide essential

we believe it’s the right thing to do. Because without passion, you

training for those employed in the beauty industry. Studies show

can’t find purpose.

that many of these employees turned to salons as a last resort to

FEBRUARY 2022 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

ABQ Non-profit

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Albuquerque Community Foundation 624 Tijeras Ave NW | Albuquerque, NM (505)883-6240 | ABQCF.ORG We are Albuquerque Community Foundation. We are rooted in Albuquerque and have invested in the community for 40 years. We pursue ways to make donations of all sizes have a larger and longer impact than they would otherwise have on their own. Along with partners, donors, students, and organizations, we have planted seeds of great change in the community. When you think about Albuquerque Community Foundation, we hope you will think of three words: Leadership, Trust and Legacy. They describe who we are, what we do, and will continue to be, forever. Since our founding in 1981, the goals of the Foundation have remained the same: to coordinate endowment-based contributions, distribute funds for community needs in a timely and equitable manner, and to serve as a leader and resource for philanthropy in this great city. We strive to make charitable giving accessible to all, make investments that address the greatest needs, and support the unique talents of Albuquerque. With continued conversation and community-informed giving, we are growing our impact, together.

Cuidando Los Niños 1500 Walter St SE | Albuquerque, NM (505)843-6899 | CLNABQ.ORG Cuidando Los Niños is a nonprofit organization that helps break the cycle of child homelessness. We provide children and their families with programs and services they need to thrive and become stable. For over 35 years Cuidando has strived to break the cycle of homelessness for children and families in our community. Cuidando takes action by providing high-quality early childhood education, therapeutic services, supportive housing, and parent education. Cuidando Los Niños has helped numerous families thrive and become stable. Every time you donate YOU are transforming a life, helping our community and creating a better tomorrow today.

WWW.ABQTHEMAG.COM | FEBRUARY 2022

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

ABQ Non-profit

Vitalant - Albuquerque 1515 University Blvd NE | Albuquerque, NM (877)258-4825 | VITALANT.ORG Founded in 1943, Vitalant is one of the nation’s oldest and largest nonprofit transfusion medicine organizations. We comprise a network of about 120 community blood centers, each with its own rich history and legacy. Vitalant provides lifesaving blood and comprehensive transfusion medicine services for about 900 hospitals and their patients across the U.S. Vitalant exists to help people realize their life-transforming potential by offering convenient blood donation opportunities and sharing our expertise in transfusion medicine. Every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood. This could be a little girl in the ICU or a mother with Stage 3 leukemia. If you’re worried about needles, don’t be—most blood donors compare the experience to a mild, split-second pinch! The entire process is very safe and very fast, and you will feel amazing knowing you potentially saved up to three people. In Albuquerque, our center at 1515 University Blvd. NE serves the community by providing a convenient and safe location for blood donation. Vitalant conducts approximately 150 mobile drives statewide, taking the ability to donate to businesses, communities, and organizations. There is nothing else you can do with so little effort which will have such a tremendous and lasting impact on another person’s life. You can make an appointment at (877)258-4825 or Vitalant.org.

The connection is you. We create connections, empowering everyone in the Autism community with the resources needed to live fully. FEBRUARY 2022 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

nmautismsociety.org

WWW.ABQTHEMAG.COM | FEBRUARY 2022

THE BUZZ AROUND ALBUQUERQUE: YOUR GUIDE TO EVERYTHING HAPPENING THIS MONTH

TOP PICK 1–13 | various times HAMILTON. HAMILTON is the story of America then, told by America now. Featuring a score that blends hip-hop, jazz, R&B, and Broadway, HAMILTON has taken the story of American founding father Alexander Hamilton and created a revolutionary moment in theatre—a musical that has had a profound impact on culture, politics, and education. Info: Popejoy Hall, 203 Cornell Drive NE, popejoypresents.com, (505) 277-4569, limited availability.

FEBRUARY 2022 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

thursday 3, 10, 17, 24 | 6:30–7:30 pm

Roadrunner Curling Club. Try the Olympic sport of curling. Learn to deliver a rock and sweep just like the pros. Info: Classes are at the Outpost Ice Arena 9530 Tramway Blvd NE. Find additional dates and reserve your spot at roadrunnercurling.org (505) 463-3264. $15 per person.

friday 4 | 4–7 pm

Through Brush and Lens: Views of Enchantment. Artist reception. Amapola’s February featured artist exhibition with paintings by Cynthia Mulvaney and photographs by Daniel Region. The show will run through February. Info: Amapola Gallery, in Old Town on the plaza, 205 Romero, NW. Open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily, (505) 242-4311, amapolagallery.com. Free.

4–13 | friday and saturday 7:30 pm sunday 2 pm Agatha Christie’s A Murder is Announced. An announcement in the local paper states the time and place when a murder is to occur in Miss Blacklock’s Victorian Home. The victim is not one of the house’s several occupants, but an unexpected and unknown visitor. Info: 224 San Pasquale SW. Tickets $15-$23.

sunday 6 | 1–5 pm

Guest Artist Reception Corrales Bosque Gallery. Laura Balombini will be available to answer questions and give a talk about her work. Info: 4685 Corrales Rd, Corrales. COVID safe practices.

friday 11– saturday 26 | friday and saturday 7:30 pm sunday 2 pm Rio Rancho Players. A Little Piece of Heaven by Matthew Carlin. A funny and poignant tale of a curiosity shop where people find things they’ve lost in life. Info: Avix Art, 4311 Sara Rd SE, Rio Rancho. Tickets: $15 adult; $12 65 and older, student, military; $10 Group (8+), rr-cc.org/buy tickets.

WWW.ABQTHEMAG.COM | FEBRUARY 2022

Trust us, these are but a few ABQ events YOU CAN'T MISS. 7

saturday 12 | 10 am– noon

Tips for Finding Your Voice and Your Core Story. Meeting presented both live and via Zoom by SouthWest Writers. See and hear author Jayne Ann Krentz (a.k.a. Amanda Quick), romantic and romantic suspense bestseller. Info: UNM Continuing Education. Preregister and obtain Zoom link at info@SWWriters.com.

saturday 19 | 8 pm

The TEN Tenors: Love Is in the Air. Ten singers perform a selection of the best love songs and ballads in perfect harmony. Info: Popejoy Hall, 203 Cornell Drive NE, popejoypresents.com, (505) 277-4569. Tickets: $79, $65, $45, $25.

FEBRUARY 2022 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

saturday 19 | 5:30– 7:30 pm

S.T.E.A.M. Nights at the Balloon Museum. This is a new event held every third Saturday of the month for curious minds of all ages. Come alone for a night out or bring the family. Info: 9201 Balloon Museum Drive NE, (505) 768-6020. Tickets cabq.gov/ artsculture/balloonmuseum or holdmyticket.com adults $6, seniors $4, youth ages 6 to 17 $3.

friday 25 and saturday 26 | 10 am–5 pm Lucky Leaf Cannabis Convention and Expo. New Mexico will become the 17th state to legalize adult use of cannabis effective April 1, 2022. There will be 100plus exhibitors from across the country, 30-plus expert speakers, panel discussions, cannabis cooking demos, a business crash course, and an after party. Info: Albuquerque Convention Center, 401 2nd St NW, luckyleafexpo.com, (972) 695-5553. Tickets: eventbrite. com.

tuesday 1 | 10–11 am

Ten Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s. Alzheimer’s Association, NM Chapter. Free webinar reveals warning signs to look for in yourself or others that may indicate dementia. Info: nmprograms@alz. org or (800) 272-3900.

wednesday 2 | 2–5 pm

Living with Alzheimer’s for Caregivers - Late Stage. Alzheimer’s Association, NM Chapter. Free webinar addressing questions that arise in various stages of the disease. Info: nmprograms@alz.org or (800) 272-3900.

thursday, friday and saturday 3–20 | 7:30 pm, sunday | 2 pm

Honky Tonk Hissy Fit. This is a rollicking comedy. Come on down and watch the tiny town of Doublewide, Texas take on the big city of Austin, Texas. Info: The Adobe Theater, 9813 4th Street NW, adobetheatre.org (505) 898-9222. Tickets: $17-20.

thursday 3 | 5–6 pm

Healthy Living for Your Brain and Body: Tips from the Latest Research. Alzheimer’s Association, NM Chapter. Free webinar explores how lifestyle habits may help keep our brains healthy as we age and possibly delay the onset of cognitive decline. Info: nmprograms@alz.org or (800) 272-3900.

sunday 6 |10:30 am

Chatter Sunday. Music for string ensemble, including Andrew Norman’s Gran Turismo for eight violins. With poet Margaret Randall. Info: Chatter at 912 3rd St NW, chatterabq.org/boxoffice. Tickets: $16 adults, $9 students and ages younger than 30, $5 ages younger than 13.

thursday 10 | 1–4 pm

Living with Alzheimer’s for Caregivers - Early Stage. Alzheimer’s Association, NM Chapter. Free webinar addressing questions that arise in various stages of the disease. Info: nmprograms@alz.org or (800) 272-3900.

thursday 10 | 5–6 pm

thursday 10, 17 and friday 11, 18 | 7 pm

Duke City Repertory Theatre’s Ugly Sweater Revue. Head Over Heels — A Very Valentine Revue! Albuquerque theatergoers have spent the last five years falling in love with this annual holiday revue. Join them as they re-imagine this bawdy, naughty show for Valentine’s Day and stream some of the best acts in the country to the comfort of your home. Catch the show via YouTube and Facebook Live. Info: RSVP to dukecityrep. com. Tickets are “pay what it’s worth.”

friday 11 |7:30 pm

Albuquerque Science Fiction Society. Local author Jane Lindskold talks about her two “Over Where” novels being released backto-back from Baen Books in February and April. This long-running science fiction club has author readings, science talks, films and discussions. Info: Activity Room, St. Andrew Presbyterian Church, 5301 Ponderosa Ave NE (near Erna Ferguson Library). Call 266-8905 or visit bubonicon.com. Free to newcomers.

Dementia Conversations. Alzheimer’s Association, NM Chapter. Free webinar. Learn more about how to approach important topics with a loved one with dementia. Info: nmprograms@alz.org or (800) 272-3900.

WWW.ABQTHEMAG.COM | FEBRUARY 2022

saturday 12 | 10–11:30 am The Xeric Garden Club hosts Dara Saville. The Ecology of Herbal Medicine. Author, herbalist, and geographer Dara Saville discusses our region’s most famous medicinal plants, and what we can learn about medicinal uses of these plants. info: Albuquerque Garden Center, 10120 Lomas Boulevard NE. Free.

saturday 12 |10 am–noon

Los Ranchos Winter Growers’ Market, second saturdays. Fresh local produce and products, plants, arts and crafts, music and more. Handicapped accessible, family and pet friendly. Info: 6718 Rio Grande Blvd NW. Facebook: Los Ranchos Growers’ Market. Colene (505) 610-9591.

friday 18 | 7:30 pm

sunday 20 | 3 pm

saturday 19 | 9 am–noon

sunday 20 | 2 pm

Ailey II. Talented young dancers perform fresh and exciting modern dance. Info: Popejoy Hall, 203 Cornell Drive NE, popejoypresents.com, (505) 277-4569. Tickets: $69, $49, $39, $25. Blue Star Mothers. General membership meeting for mothers of sons or daughters who currently serve or have served in the U.S. military that pack care packages four times a year for those serving in the military. They also volunteer and participate in several military events throughout the year. Info: 2919 Second Street NW, rgvnmbsm.org, Ruby (505) 203-8250 or Denise (505) 883-6240.

The Glenn Miller Orchestra. This longperforming jazz orchestra swings just as hot today. Info: Popejoy Hall, 203 Cornell Drive NE, popejoypresents.com, (505) 277-4569. Tickets: $64, $45, $35, $25. Corrales Historical Society Speaker Series. “The Four-Legged Bootlegger” presented by Chuck Hornung. The true story of the only time a horse was arrested and tried for a felony in federal court in New Mexico. Info: Old San Ysidro Church, 966 Old Church Road, Corrales. swinstead15@ gmail.com or corraleshistory.org. Free.

saturday 12 | 12:30–2:30 pm

How to Get Your Final Draft Ready for the Editor. Workshop presented by SouthWest Writers. See and hear writingand-editing pro Susan Katz both live and via Zoom. Info: Preregistration required, $20 for members; $30 for non-members. In person at UNM Continuing Education. Contact: info@SWWriters.com

sunday 13 | 10:30 am

Chatter Sunday. Chatter presents the incendiary Stay On It by Julius Eastman and Endless Shout by George Lewis. With poet Hakim Bellamy. Info: Chatter at 912 3rd St NW, chatterabq.org/boxoffice. Tickets: $16 adults, $9 students and ages younger than 30, $5 ages younger than 13.

tuesday 15 | 10–11 am

tuesday 15 | 2–5 pm

wednesday 16 | 1–4 pm

Living with Alzheimer’s for Caregivers Middle Stage. Alzheimer’s Association, NM Chapter. Free webinar addressing questions that arise in various stages of the disease. Info: nmprograms@alz.org or (800) 272-3900.

friday 18 | 8–10:30 am

The Great Backyard Bird Count. Grab your binoculars and head to the Botanic Garden for this nationwide annual snapshot of migratory birds. All information collected will be given to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology to be compiled with data from around the country. Info: ABQ BioPark Botanic Garden, 2601 Central NW. Volunteers meet tour guides in front of the Botanic Garden at 8:00 am. Free.

FEBRUARY 2022 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

sunday 20 | 10:30 am

Chatter Sunday. A full string ensemble performs Dvorak’s Serenade and more. Info: Chatter at 912 3rd St NW, chatterabq. org/boxoffice. Tickets: $16 adults, $9 students and ages younger than 30, $5 ages younger than 13.

tuesday 22 | 3–4 pm

wednesday 23 | 6:30–8:30 pm

The Art and Business of Writing for Young Readers. Presented by SouthWest Writers, live via Zoom, young adult novelist Lauren Wolk. Info: This is a Zoom only presentation. Non-members must preregister to obtain the Zoom link. Contact: info@SWWriters.com.

thursday 24 | 5–6 pm

friday and saturday, 25 through march 13 | friday and saturday at 7:30 pm, sunday at 2 pm

Hay Fever by Noël Coward. A cross between high farce and a comedy of manners with the eccentric Bliss family and their outlandish behavior when they each invite a guest to spend the weekend. Info: VSA North Fourth Art Center, 4904 4th Street NW, westendproductions.org, (855) 937-8505. Tickets: $22-25.

saturday 26 | 7:30–9 pm

Music in Corrales. Classical pianist Claire Huangci performs Bach/Busoni, Brahms, and Beethoven/Liszt for this Music in Corrales concert. Info: Old San Ysidro Church, 966 Old Church Road, Corrales. Tickets: $25 online in advance; $30 at the door, if available. musicincorrales.org/ tickets.

sunday 27 | 10:30 am

Chatter Sunday. Lee Hyla’s Howl for string quartet, based around the poem by Allen Ginsberg. Info: Chatter at 912 3rd St NW, chatterabq.org/boxoffice. Tickets: $16 adults, $9 students and ages younger than 30, $5 ages younger than 13.

sunday 27 | 1–4 pm

Open Studio Day. The Artist Studio once again welcomes the public to visit 13 individual studios. Artworks available for sale in wide variety of media, genres, sizes and prices. Info: The Artist Studio, 8200 Menaul Blvd. NE, (west end Hoffmantown Shopping Center). Free admission and parking.

sunday 27 | 2 pm

ChamberCHOPS, also known as The Chamber Music Cooperative of the Southwest, will present a concert. info: Faith Lutheran Church, 10000 Spain NE, chamberchops.org. Free.

Sunday 27 | 5 pm

Chatter Cabaret. A full program of chamber music with cash bar and appetizers provided by Slate Cafe. Info: Albuquerque Museum, 2000 Mountain Rd NW, chatterabq.org/boxoffice. Tickets: $27 general admission.

monday 28 | 3–4 pm

Effective Communication Strategies. Alzheimer’s Association, NM Chapter. Free webinar teaches how to decode changes in behavior to better connect and communicate with individuals living with dementia. Info: nmprograms@alz.org or (800) 272-3900.

ONGOING/DAILY daily | various activities and times

Jewish Community Center. The Ronald Gardenswartz Jewish Community Center of Greater Albuquerque (JCC) is part of your extended family, your home away from home—providing programs and services for all ages and stages in life. Within our walls or around the world, our members gather together to meet, play, learn, celebrate, and be part of the community. Everyone, regardless of age or religious affiliation, is welcome. Info: 5520 Wyoming Blvd. NE, (505) 332-0565, jccabq.org.

second and fourth saturdays | 7–10 pm

ABQ Dance Club. Fun social dances with a variety music for swing, country, ballroom, Latin. No partner needed. Info: ABQ Square Dance Center, 4915 Hawkins NE. For info, schedule updates and COVID restrictions email glkello@nmia.com or call (505) 299-3737. $8 non-members, $5 members.

daily | various times

Al-Anon Family Groups and Alateen– Meetings. This is an anonymous fellowship of relatives and friends of problem drinkers. Meetings are held on various days and times throughout Albuquerque and New Mexico. We come together to share our experience, strength and hope to recover from the effects of another person’s drinking. Info: Al-Anon Information Service, aisnm.org, (505) 262-2177.

daily | various times

Lovelace Silver Elite. Informative videos are offered that address health issues such as osteoarthritis, sleep apnea, cardiovascular issues, Parkinson’s disease and treatment options for male lower UTI’s and BPH, as well as radiology imaging as we age. Presented by Lovelace doctors that are experts in the subject fields. Lovelace Silver Elite also offers free seminars and VIP benefits. Info: lovelacesilverelite.com, (505) 727-5502.

daily |

Albuquerque Apparel Center and AAC School of Fashion Design. Melissa Lea, president and founder of AAC and awardwinning fashion designer, offers a variety of industry-based fashion design classes, seminars, retreats, and more. Couture, costume, and custom clothing design services, alterations, and patternmaking services are also available. Info: abqapparelcenter.com, (505) 803-6966.

daily |

Agora Crisis Center Volunteers. Are you a compassionate, non-judgmental person who wants to help others? Learn new skills, make friends, earn class credit, and be a part of a rewarding organization. Info: Agora Crisis Center, agoracares.org.

daily |

Animal Humane Free Behavioral Helpline. This service is available to all pet owners who are experiencing behavior problems with their dogs and cats. Animal Humane New Mexico’s trained behavior coaches answer questions and provide tips on everything from housetraining to living with multiple animals. Info: (505) 9387900.

daily |

Donate Blood. Because someone needs it every day. Info: (505) 843-6227, unitedbloodservices.org.

daily |

Epilepsy Support and Education Services—Meeting. For meeting time and place, call (505) 243-9119 or visit epilepsysupportnm.org.

WWW.ABQTHEMAG.COM | FEBRUARY 2022

daily |

Rattlesnakes. See different species of live rattlesnakes displayed in recreated natural landscapes. We are dedicated to conservation and preservation through education. Info: American International Rattlesnake Museum, 202 San Felipe Road NW, rattlesnakes.com. Tickets: $6 adults; $5 seniors, military, students, teachers; $4 children.

daily |

Roadrunner Food Bank. Volunteers needed to prep food for distribution, repack and sort items, and other activities. The gift of your precious time helps solve hunger for many New Mexicans. Volunteers must register in advance. Shifts are available in two-hour increments, Mondays– Saturdays. Info: 5840 Office Blvd. NE, givetime@rrfb.org, (505) 349-5358.

daily |

Ronald McDonald House Charities of New Mexico. We provide a “home-awayfrom-home” for families whose children are in medical treatment. Operating the 30-guest-room Yale House, 20-guestroom Highlands House, and the Ronald McDonald Family Rooms at UNM and Presbyterian Hospitals, volunteers make a vital difference in the lives of the people they serve. Info: Volunteer Coordinator, volunteer@rmhc-nm.org, rmhc-nm.org, (505) 842-8960.

ONE COMMUNITY... ONE FAMILY... THANK YOU ALBUQUERQUE!

daily | 10 am

“We Are of This Place: The Pueblo Story” Art Exhibit. The Indian Pueblo Cultural Center celebrates its 40th anniversary with this permanent museum exhibit that represents all 19 Pueblos and builds upon the IPCC’s 40-year history of telling the story of Pueblo people in their own voices. Hear stories in Pueblo languages from artists and elders, interact with art and artifacts, learn about the Pueblo people’s history of resilience, and experience traditions that have been passed down for generations. Info: IPCC, 2401 12th Street NW, indianpueblo.org, (505) 843-7270. Free with museum admission.

daily |

Lovelace Silver Elite presents Update on Atrial Fibrillation given by New Mexico Heart Institute/Lovelace Medical Group electrophysiologist Sean Mazer, M.D., FHRS, FACC. A-Fib increases the risk of stroke, heart failure and other complications. Info: lovelacesilverelite. com or (505) 727-5502. Join Lovelace Silver Elite. FREE seminars and VIP benefits.

daily | 7 am–8 pm

Free Fishing. From sun-up to sun-down, practice your basic fly-tying methods, flyrod casting techniques, fishing etiquette, effective catch-and-release practices and enhancement of advanced skills. Bring your own equipment and refreshments as the store and cafes are currently closed. Info: Tingley Beach, 1800 Tingley Drive SW, call 311 or (505) 768-2000.

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FEBRUARY 2022 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

daily | 10 am–5 pm

Adopt a Pet. Find your best pet ever. Adopt a dog, cat, puppy or kitten from Animal Humane New Mexico. Adoptions include spay/neuter, vaccinations, and a microchip. Info: 615 Virginia Street SE, (505) 255-5523 and 10141 Coors Blvd. NW, (505) 323-7387, animalhumanenm.org.

daily | 10 am–8 pm

Watermelon Mountain Ranch Animal Center. New Mexico’s largest no-kill animal shelter seeks loving homes for rescued dogs and cats. Adoptions are at select PetSmart locations and Watermelon Mountain Ranch. Donations, fosters, and volunteers are always welcome. Info: wmranch.org, (505) 771-0140, wmranchnm@aol.com.

daily | various times

NAMI NM and NAMI Albuquerque (National Alliance for the Mentally Ill). We have many support programs available weekly through Zoom at no charge. We also offer 8-week classes on mental illness that are available at no charge to family members and people with a mental health condition or diagnosis. During trying times, stress, anxiety, depression and anger are prevalent. Info: naminewmexico. org, namialbuquerque.org, (505) 2600154. Free.

various days | various times

Albuquerque Dolls. We have ongoing social events for women, including dinners, dancing, movies, volunteering, crafts, and trips, and we are having a blast. We encourage women to join together to support each other and learn more about New Mexico. meetup.com/AlbuquerqueDolls/

various days | various times

Albuquerque Visitor’s Guide. Info: Check out visitabq.org for many great ideas for exploring our city. An official Albuquerque Visitor’s Guide can also be obtained.

various days | various times

ABQ Scavenger Hunt. Team of 2-5 people solve clues, complete challenges, and work together to unravel secrets of the city. Info: (805) 603-5620, 1919 Old Town Road NW, urbanadventurequest. com, $49 per team, $10 off coupon at visitalbuquerque.org.

saturdays | 2–4 pm

Rio Rancho Youth Chorus is accepting new members in February. Ages 12-18, no experience required. No auditions. All are welcome. RRYC is Rio Rancho’s only community youth chorus. We study all styles. Each season is more fun and exciting than the next. Info: Avix Art, 4311 Sara Rd SE, Rio Rancho. Member dues $100 (payment plans and scholarships available on request), rr-cc.org/want-tojoin.

sundays | 10:30 am

Chatter Concerts. Weekly Sunday morning concerts in a full spectrum of chamber music which also include readings and refreshments. A calendar can be found at chatterabq.org. Info: New location at 913 3rd Street NW. Doors open at 9:30; for best seats, come early and enjoy the coffee and camaraderie. Advance tickets: $16 adults, $9 under-30 & students, and $5 children, at chatterabq.org/boxoffice and if still available, at the door: $20 adults, $9 students, $5 children.

mondays | 5–6 pm, every second monday | 6:30–8 pm

Outcomes: Grandparents Raising Grandchildren. Come for discussion and support groups. Info: Heights Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 8600 Academy Road NE, (505) 243-2551 to reserve a space. Free childcare and admission.

every third monday | 6–7:30 pm

Outcomes Grandparents Raising Grandchildren. Attend discussion and support groups. Info: West Mesa Community Center, 5500 Glenrio NW, (505) 243-2551 to reserve a space. Free childcare and admission.

mondays–saturdays | noon–2 pm

Exquisite Turquoise in the Castle. This extraordinary German-style castle is the museum setting, featuring rare turquoise specimens, lapidary demos, history and geology, a mine tunnel replica, hands-on activities for kids, and silversmithing. Info: The Turquoise Museum, 400 2nd Street SW, turquoisemuseum.com, (505) 4333684. Tickets: $20 adults, $15 children.

tuesdays and thursdays | 8 am–3 pm

Free COVID-19 testing. Info: Jewish Community Center of Albuquerque parking lot, 5520 Wyoming Blvd. NE. Schedule an appointment at cur.tv/jccabq. Open to the public.

tuesdays | noon

Kiwanis Club of Albuquerque Zoom Meeting. Come join us every Tuesday for a lunch meeting with interesting speakers to learn how you can help the children of Albuquerque and surrounding communities live better lives. Info: Currently on Zoom, when meeting in person: Embassy Suites Hotel, 1000 Woodward Pl. NE, facebook.com/Kiwanis-Club-ofAlbuquerque-1495809687323742/

tuesdays | 2–3 pm

Caregiver Support Group. Caregiving for a loved one can be overwhelming and isolating. This group provides a compassionate space for caregivers to gain emotional support and information. Facilitated by Erin Tarica, LMSW. Info: Jewish Community Center, 5520 Wyoming Blvd. NE. Preregistration required, (505) 348-4451, free.

tuesdays | 7:30–10 pm

Tango Club of Albuquerque’s Weekly Milonga. This is an Argentine Tango social dance party. Guided Practica, 7:30- 8 p.m.; Milonga 8-10:30 p.m. Info: Lloyd Shaw Dance Center, 5506 Coal Ave. SE, abqtango.org. Tickets: $3-$5.

tuesdays–saturdays | 9 am–5 pm

Art and History Exhibitions at Albuquerque Museum. See our website for the current listing of exhibitions. Info: Albuquerque Museum, 2000 Mountain Road NW, cabq. gov, (505) 243-7255. General admission: $3-$6, a $5 exhibition surcharge applies.

tuesdays–saturdays | tuesday–fridays 9:30 am, 1:30 pm, saturdays 10:30 am, noon, 1:30 pm

Casa San Ysidro Tours. Take a tour of this late 19th century building filled with an excellent collection of New Mexico vernacular art. Info: Casa San Ysidro, 973 Old Church Road, Corrales, cabq.gov/ casasanysidro, (505) 898-3915.

tuesdays–sundays | 10 am–5 pm

National Hispanic Cultural Center Exhibits. See our website for the current listing of exhibitions. Info: National Hispanic Cultural Center, 1701 Fourth Street SW, 246-2261, nhccnm.org.

tuesdays, thursdays, fridays, sundays | 11 am

Historic Old Town Tours. Explore historic Old Town on foot with our informative docents who will provide insight into the people and places that shaped our early community. Info: Albuquerque Museum, 2000 Mountain Road NW, cabq.gov, 2437255. Tour included with paid museum admission, $4-$6, Sundays free.

every first tuesday | 1–2:30 pm

Spanish Language Alzheimer’s Support Group. This meeting is for Spanishspeaking individuals caring for a family member with dementia. Info: Alamosa Community Center, 6900 Gonzales Road SW, Suite C, (505) 363-8499 or (800) 272-3900.

WWW.ABQTHEMAG.COM | FEBRUARY 2022

every second tuesday | 6–7 pm

Outcomes Grandparents Raising Grandchildren. Attend for discussion and support groups. Info: Los Vecinos Community Center, 478 1/2 Old Highway 66, Tijeras, (505) 243-2551 to reserve a space. Free childcare and admission.

wednesdays | noon

Rotary Club of Albuquerque Del Norte Club Meetings. The Club welcomes visitors and community partners interested in networking, fellowship, and uplifting presentations to in-person lunches. New members are welcomed into committees which suit their interests and skills. Info and schedule: rotarydelnorte.org, email rotarydelnorteabq@gmail.com.

wednesdays–sundays | 10 am–4 pm

Natural History Museum. Explore the most dynamic dinosaurs that roamed New Mexico. Learn to balance like Seismosaurus, hunt like Coelophysis, and stomp like Tyrannosaurus. Info: New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science, 1801 Mountain Road NW, nmnaturalhistory.org, (505) 841-2848.

wednesdays–sundays | 11 am–5 pm, wednesdays– thursdays | 5–8 pm

Cat adoptions. Come enjoy drinks, snacks, and time with adorable adoptable cats at Catopia Cat Cafe. Your visit will support their foster home and keep them company until they find their permanent homes, maybe with you. Info: catopiacatcafe.com, (505) 508-4278, ages 8 and above.

every first wednesday | 9 am–5 pm

Free First Wednesday. Start your month off right with free admission to Albuquerque Museum and sculpture garden tour. $5 additional special exhibit surcharge may apply. Info: Albuquerque Museum, 2000 Mountain Road NE, cabq. gov/artsculture, (505) 243-7255.

fridays | noon–1:30 pm

Grief and Loss Support Group. Grief is a natural process that can often be eased through sharing with others who have experienced the loss of a loved one or any other significant loss. Info: Jewish Care Program. (505) 821-3214. Free.

FEBRUARY 2022 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

fridays | 1 pm

Mural Discovery Tour. The IPCC houses 19 murals by Pueblo artists. Our guided tour introduces the art, traditions, and core values of Pueblo culture, and a who’s who of Pueblo artists. Reflect upon the murals and uncover layers of meaning in each, with representations of traditional Pueblo life, including dance, the seasons, and our connection to animals, as well as the contemporary vision of emerging artists. Tours can be scheduled for groups in advance by calling (505) 212-7052. Info: Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, 2401 12th Street NW, (505) 843-7270, indianpueblo. org. Free with museum admission.

fridays | 1–4 pm

Tamarind Institute. See the workshop facility, learn about fine art lithography, the current programs and the history of Tamarind (a division within the College of Fine Arts at UNM), a collaborative process video, and a printing demonstration. The public is welcome, no reservation required; reservation for other times: tamarind. unm.edu. Info: Tamarind Institute, 2500 Central Ave. SE, (505) 277-3901. Free.

fridays | 7–10 pm

Dance Party. Learn a new dance and meet new people each week at ABQ’s newest studio, with three beautiful ballrooms and state-of-the-art floating dance floors. Enjoy refreshments and an introductory dance class from 7–8 pm. Info: Holiday Dance Studio, 5200 Eubank Blvd. NE, call to confirm schedule, (505) 508-4020, holidaydancestudio.com. $30.

every first friday |

Free Admission Day at Anderson-Abruzzo Albuquerque International Balloon Museum. Check out this award-winning, world-class facility highlighting the art, culture, history, science and sport of ballooning and other lighter-than-air craft. Info: 9201 Balloon Museum Drive NE (north of Alameda), (505) 768-6020, cabq.gov/balloon.

every third friday | 7–9 pm

Cactus and Succulent Society of New Mexico. Discuss cacti and succulents; enjoy a program presented on a subject relevant to these plants. Program usually involves a slideshow. Not necessary to be a member to attend. Info: Albuquerque Garden Center, 10120 Lomas Blvd. NE, (505) 296-6020 new-mexico.cactussociety.org.

saturdays | noon–1 pm

Watermelon Mountain Ranch Volunteer Orientation. Come to the main facility in Northern Rio Rancho to find out all about the volunteer program and the opportunities to work with the animals in our care. Info: Watermelon Mountain Ranch, 3251 Westphalia Blvd. SE, Rio Rancho, wmranch.org. Reservations required: volunteerwmr@gmail.com.

saturdays | 2:30–4:30 pm

Tango Club of Albuquerque’s Weekly Practice. At this Argentine Tango practice no partner is necessary. Info: Lloyd Shaw Dance Center, 5506 Coal Ave. SE, abqtango.org. Tickets: $2.

second saturday of each month | 6–8:30 pm

Community Coffee House. Warm up with a cup and the opening musical performer. This is a great way to spend a Saturday evening listening to music and enjoying friends, old and new. Info: Unity Spiritual Center, relocated from the East Mountains to 9800 Candelaria NE, (505) 292-1998, uscabq.org/coffeehouse for info about the month’s performers.

second saturday of each month | 10 am-noon

Los Ranchos Growers’ Winter Market. Fresh local produce and products, plants, music, and more. Handicapped accessible, family and pet friendly. 6718 Rio Grande Blvd. NW, Los Ranchos, Facebook: Los Ranchos Growers Market, (505) 610-9591. Free.

third saturday of each month

Blue Star Mothers. General membership meeting for mothers of sons or daughters who currently serve or have served in the U.S. military that pack care packages four times a year for those serving in the military. They also volunteer and participate in several military events throughout the year. Info: 2919 Second Street NW, rgvnmbsm.org, Ruby (505) 203-8250 or Denise (505) 883-6240. Free.

every second saturday | 10–11:30 am

Outcomes Grandparents Raising Grandchildren. Come for discussion and support groups. Info: St. Paul’s United Church of Christ, 2701 American Road, Rio Rancho, (505) 243-2551 to reserve a space. Free childcare provided. Free.

WANT TO SUBMIT YOUR COMMUNITY EVENT FOR DATEBOOK? Please send an e-mail with the date, time, and event description to datebook@abqthemag.com. If available, include a high-resolution digital photograph or image. Listing information deadline is the 10th two months prior to publication (e.g.— all MAY events must be submitted by March 10, etc.). All events are subject to change. Please call event organization for final verification on events, times, dates, prices, and ticket availability.

every saturday and sunday | various times

Albuquerque Garden Center. Our events include the Cactus and Succulent Society Show and Sale, the African Violet Show and Sale, and the Annual Spring Plant Sale, and the Aril and Iris Show. The Shop features local artists all month. Info: Albuquerque Garden Center, 10120 Lomas Blvd. NE. Free.

every first saturday | 10– 11:30 am

People Living Through Cancer. Support Group for women with any GYN cancer plus concurrent group for families/ caregivers. The Gynecological Cancer Awareness Project holds these peerled groups at the People Living Through Cancer Office. Info: 3411 Candelaria Road NE, Suite M, theGCAP.org.

WWW.ABQTHEMAG.COM | FEBRUARY 2022

FEBRUARY 2022 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

Nothing evokes a memory—whether followed by a smile or frown—quite like a song. Those emotions make music such a powerful connector and conversation starter. So we decided to talk music to those who made our annual list of Hot Singles of ABQ—particularly songs related to love and relationships. Turn the page to find out what makes them turn up the volume.

BROUGHT TO YOU BY THE ATM BAND On Keyboard: Rozanna Martinez, Editor On Shutter Release: Don James, Photo Director Stage Manager: Jared Lambert, Art Director Concert Promoter: Dakota-Lynn McCaffrey, Project Manager

alisha swinson 40, Hair Stylist

FIRST ALBUM: NEVER BOUGHT AN ALBUM BAND SHE WOULD WANT TO JOIN: MÖTLEY CRÜE

lisha Swinson is a new transplant from California. She is single and ready to mingle when she is not cutting hair. The mother of three has been a hair stylist for 16 years. The career choice gave her the flexibility she needed to care for her children — ages 5, 12, and 17. She is looking for a partner who is independent and not jealous. Her love of country music developed as an adult. “I feel like it is just fun and happy and yeah there’s a wholesome aspect to it, but it’s also a little edgy. I can listen to it with my kids,” she says.

MOST EMBARRASSING SONG YOU LISTEN TO Any song by Justin Bieber. SONG TITLE THAT DESCRIBES YOUR LOVE LIFE Cold as You by Luke Combs. WHAT PUTS YOU IN A GOOD MOOD Country music, beer and football. MOST RIDICULOUS THING YOU’VE DONE FOR LOVE Drove a state away to meet someone for the first time. IDEAL DATE NIGHT Have some beers and listen to music while watching a game. BIGGEST TURN ON Confidence. RED FLAG ON A DATE Tons of ex talk. NEW MEXICAN FOOD DISH YOU WOULD BE AND WHY Green chile stew, it’s warm and comforting with a kick!

WWW.ABQTHEMAG.COM | FEBRUARY 2022

treven pilette 32, Bar Manager

FIRST ALBUM: SYSTEM OF A DOWN BAND HE WOULD WANT TO JOIN: OZZY OSBOURNE

on’t ask Treven Pilette for a Piña Colada when he’s working the bar. It’s his least favorite request. But if you’re looking for a Sazerac Old Fashioned, you’re in luck. It’s his preferred cocktail to create. Pilette is a Spider-Man fan and named his dog Parker after the main character in the series. He is looking for a woman who is spontaneous and up for random excursions. If they can snowboard, that is an extra bonus. Another plus in a potential partner is if she likes the band Muse. “They’re one of the best live bands. It’s like a rock orchestra,” he says.

FEBRUARY 2022 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

MOST EMBARRASSING SONG YOU LISTEN TO WAP by Cardi B featuring Megan Thee Stallion. SONG TITLE THAT DESCRIBES YOUR LOVE LIFE Complicated by Avril Lavigne. WHAT PUTS YOU IN A GOOD MOOD Chambongs and pizza. MOST RIDICULOUS THING YOU’VE DONE FOR LOVE Going out on the town with a friend in Phoenix for a week. IDEAL DATE NIGHT Snowboard trip, shots on the lift, and dinner after. BIGGEST TURN ON Weapons. RED FLAG ON A DATE No sense of humor and being on your phone too much. NEW MEXICAN FOOD DISH YOU WOULD BE AND WHY I like tacos, because tacos.

jenna espinoza 28, Criminal Prosecutor

FIRST ALBUM: BRITNEY SPEARS, OOPS!... I DID IT AGAIN BAND SHE WOULD WANT TO JOIN: QUEEN

orn in Albuquerque, Jenna Espinoza has resided in a few places including Indiana to attend law school. After graduating, she returned to her birthplace and now serves as a criminal prosecutor. She was born a few decades too late to attend what she believes is the ultimate music festival, Woodstock ’69. “The music was so pure, people were playing real instruments, and everyone was just having a good time,” she says. Her love of music led her to play drums for seven years. Now she is looking for someone who can keep the beat going in her love life.

MOST EMBARRASSING SONG YOU LISTEN TO Traitor by Olivia Rodrigo. SONG TITLE THAT DESCRIBES YOUR LOVE LIFE I Need Love by LL Cool J. WHAT PUTS YOU IN A GOOD MOOD Church, family time, working out and hanging out with my dog, Rocket. MOST RIDICULOUS THING YOU’VE DONE FOR LOVE Staying in a bad situation. IDEAL DATE NIGHT Anywhere with good food and music. BIGGEST TURN ON Someone who makes me laugh is the person that keeps my attention. RED FLAG ON A DATE Jealousy, rudeness, being self-absorbed and dislike of animals. NEW MEXICAN FOOD DISH YOU WOULD BE AND WHY Green chile chicken enchiladas. I’m a little spicy.

WWW.ABQTHEMAG.COM | FEBRUARY 2022

DR. Jessie simmon 37, Obstetrician-Gynecologist

FIRST ALBUM: MICHAEL JACKSON, THRILLER BAND SHE WOULD WANT TO JOIN: FLEETWOOD MAC

essie Simmon has been practicing obstetrics and gynecology for about four years. “I like being an advocate for women and it’s such a privilege to take care of them,” she says. When it comes to her romantic life, potential dates must know who guitar virtuoso Joe Satriani is. Simmon has seen him five times in concert and met him once. The experience left her gobsmacked, but says Satriani was humble and gracious. “His playing activates all the senses and literally when I hear him play live, I get goosebumps.”

MOST EMBARRASSING SONG YOU LISTEN TO Cher’s If I Could Turn Back Time. SONG TITLE THAT DESCRIBES YOUR LOVE LIFE Days of Thunder by The Midnight. WHAT PUTS YOU IN A GOOD MOOD Coffee, post-call days and travel plans. MOST RIDICULOUS THING YOU’VE DONE FOR LOVE Wearing barely any winter attire during a blizzard to appear cute. IDEAL DATE NIGHT Meeting up at a drinkery for hearty conversation. BIGGEST TURN ON “You know like nunchuck skills, bow hunting skills, computer hacking skills…” RED FLAG ON A DATE A guy wearing a wedding ring and an ankle monitor. NEW MEXICAN FOOD DISH YOU WOULD BE AND WHY Red chile ribs, they’re spicy and juicy and you can’t stop eating them.

FEBRUARY 2022 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

dr. john R. vigil 66, General and Addiction Medicine

FIRST ALBUM: SLY AND THE FAMILY STONE BAND HE WOULD WANT TO JOIN: EAGLES

r. John R. Vigil helps people struggling with substance abuse issues as part of his practice as an addiction medicine and general medicine physician. He is a retired vascular surgeon, who primarily focused on kidney transplants. Vigil says he looks for the “5 S’s” when looking for a mate: sexy, smart, sassy, sense of humor, and sense of adventure. He likes traveling, riding his Harley, mountain biking, hiking as well as trading and collecting Native American and Southwest art. He also loves listening to the Eagles. “Just their sound. I don’t think there is a song that I don’t like,” he says.

MOST EMBARRASSING SONG YOU LISTEN TO Probably something by Barry Manilow. SONG TITLE THAT DESCRIBES YOUR LOVE LIFE All out of Love by Air Supply. WHAT PUTS YOU IN A GOOD MOOD My dogs and good music. MOST RIDICULOUS THING YOU’VE DONE FOR LOVE I got catfished for several years and bought her an engagement ring. IDEAL DATE NIGHT A romantic moonlight dinner at a nice restaurant followed by a stroll on the beach. BIGGEST TURN ON Intelligence, a sense of humor and red hair. RED FLAG ON A DATE Paying more attention to the cellphone than me. NEW MEXICAN FOOD DISH YOU WOULD BE AND WHY Red chile because it’s hot and spicy.

WWW.ABQTHEMAG.COM | FEBRUARY 2022

krystle salazar 37, Teacher

FIRST ALBUM: TLC, CRAZYSEXYCOOL BAND SHE WOULD WANT TO JOIN: NO DOUBT

rystle Salazar’s teacher in elementary school inspired her to seek a career in education. She wanted to have the same impact on students. Salazar has been teaching for 12 years and is a middle school instructor. Out of the classroom, she seeks a companion who is family oriented, motivated and likes to laugh. Her concert bucket list includes Lady Gaga. “I think she is super talented and has original, super cool fashion,” she says. Salazar would have loved to have seen Selena. “I grew up listening to that music. And, again the fashion. I’m drawn to people who know how to dress.”

FEBRUARY 2022 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

MOST EMBARRASSING SONG YOU LISTEN TO Never Gonna Give You Up by Rick Astley. SONG TITLE THAT DESCRIBES YOUR LOVE LIFE I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For by U2 WHAT PUTS YOU IN A GOOD MOOD The gym, good food, my dogs. MOST RIDICULOUS THING YOU’VE DONE FOR LOVE Watched The Lord of the Rings movies back to back. IDEAL DATE NIGHT Being in good company and having good conversation in a casual or fancy setting. BIGGEST TURN ON A great sense of humor, confidence and a man who smells good. RED FLAG ON A DATE Someone who constantly talks about or criticizes their ex. NEW MEXICAN FOOD DISH YOU WOULD BE AND WHY Stacked red chile enchiladas because I’m hot, cheesy, and stacked in the best of ways.

elizabeth brooks 34, Interventional Radiologist

FIRST ALBUM: BLACK SABBATH, BLACK SABBATH BAND SHE WOULD WANT TO JOIN: NIRVANA

lizabeth Brooks is the silver lining to patients she sees as an interventional radiologist. Patients referred to Brooks are very ill. “I get to make a situation that’s really not good for someone possibly a little more bearable and a little better,” she says. Brooks likes listening to and attending rock shows. “I like the raw emotion behind it and a lot of the power chords that go with it.” Growing up, Brooks played classical piano for 11 years. A key note in a significant other is honesty. “I would rather know the truth than be lied to,” she says. MOST EMBARRASSING SONG YOU LISTEN TO A Justin Bieber song. SONG TITLE THAT DESCRIBES YOUR LOVE LIFE Dancing With Myself by Billy Idol. WHAT PUTS YOU IN A GOOD MOOD Pizza, wine, and laughing with my friends. MOST RIDICULOUS THING YOU’VE DONE FOR LOVE I’ve done some dumb things and had learning experiences. IDEAL DATE NIGHT I like dates where we can talk, laugh, and just have fun. BIGGEST TURN ON Confidence and being yourself. RED FLAG ON A DATE Talking excessively and critically about an ex. NEW MEXICAN FOOD DISH YOU WOULD BE AND WHY Sadie’s salsa, because I’m too hot to handle!

WWW.ABQTHEMAG.COM | FEBRUARY 2022

brittania garcia 40, Fine Dining Server

FIRST ALBUM: SWV BAND SHE WOULD WANT TO JOIN: TLC

rittania Garcia has been in the service industry since she was 16. “I love interacting with people and making sure that they are taken care of and happy. I enjoy talking to different people and learning things about them.” When off work, she is renovating her new home. She considers herself “artsy and crafty” and says she can make anything. Growing up in Oregon, she enjoyed entering beauty pageants and singing. Her favorite artists being Christina Aguilera and Britney Spears. She has lived in New Mexico for about 18 years and is a mother of two daughters, ages 18 and 24. MOST EMBARRASSING SONG YOU LISTEN TO Wings and Pizza (WAP parody). SONG TITLE THAT DESCRIBES YOUR LOVE LIFE I Am Woman by Emmy Meli. WHAT PUTS YOU IN A GOOD MOOD Animals. MOST RIDICULOUS THING YOU’VE DONE FOR LOVE I’m a giver and empath. I’ve done some pretty ridiculous things. IDEAL DATE NIGHT Dinner, drinks, and great conversation. BIGGEST TURN ON Being emotionally available. RED FLAG ON A DATE When someone’s rude to the wait staff. NEW MEXICAN FOOD DISH YOU WOULD BE AND WHY A sopapilla because I’m diverse.

FEBRUARY 2022 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

kevin howe

34, Bartender, Liquor Retailer Representative FIRST ALBUM: BOSTON, BOSTON BAND HE WOULD WANT TO JOIN: MÖTLEY CRÜE

ou meet all walks of life when you’re a bartender and liquor retailer representative. But the ladies that stand out to Kevin Howe are “rocker chicks” with a sense of humor. “Rocker chicks are usually edgy and outgoing,” he says. You will most likely find Howe at a metal show rockin’ out to a drum solo, preferably at a Tool concert. He has been playing drums since the early 2000s after his dad bought his sister a drum set. “She never used it. It was in the garage so I would just sit down and start playing it,” he says.

MOST EMBARRASSING SONG YOU LISTEN TO Ninja Re Bang Bang by Kyary Pamyu Pamyu. SONG TITLE THAT DESCRIBES YOUR LOVE LIFE Pretty Fly (For A White Guy) by The Offspring. WHAT PUTS YOU IN A GOOD MOOD Heavy metal and caffeine. MOST RIDICULOUS THING YOU’VE DONE FOR LOVE I have never done anything ridiculous for love. IDEAL DATE NIGHT Looking at Christmas lights after a nice dinner. BIGGEST TURN ON A sense of humor and long hair. RED FLAG ON A DATE No sense of humor, doesn’t like dogs. NEW MEXICAN FOOD DISH YOU WOULD BE AND WHY Calabacitas, I am the combination of complex flavors in one delicious dish.

WWW.ABQTHEMAG.COM | FEBRUARY 2022

ben howe 34, Bar Manager

FIRST ALBUM: LIMP BIZKIT, CHOCOLATE STARFISH AND THE HOT DOG FLAVORED WATER BAND HE WOULD WANT TO JOIN: AUGUST BURNS RED

ometimes being identical twins is not enough to convince someone you are siblings. Ben Howe and his brother Kevin frequently get asked how they’re related, especially when they’re both tending bar. “If we are in a funky mood, we’ll joke about being distant cousins,” Ben says. They look identical but each have their own traits. Ben describes himself as fun, obnoxious, and outgoing, which makes a good sense of humor a top quality in a woman. Ben is big on metal shows. His father taught him how to play guitar when he was about age 6 and he continues to play as a hobby.

FEBRUARY 2022 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

MOST EMBARRASSING SONG YOU LISTEN TO Ashnikko’s Daisy. SONG TITLE THAT DESCRIBES YOUR LOVE LIFE Hurricane by I Prevail. WHAT PUTS YOU IN A GOOD MOOD Music. MOST RIDICULOUS THING YOU’VE DONE FOR LOVE I once wrote a love note in Christmas lights. IDEAL DATE NIGHT Dinner at one of my favorite restaurants then a concert or River of Lights. BIGGEST TURN ON A sense of humor. I like to laugh and make people laugh. RED FLAG ON A DATE Lack of engagement or being timid. NEW MEXICAN FOOD DISH YOU WOULD BE AND WHY A green chile relleno because I’m a cheesy guy. Perfect for dad joke loving ladies.

ou would think Kenna McCarthy would have her share of potential dates as a barber at Kirtland Air Force Base. But, most of her clients are married and she would rather keep her romantic life outside of work. McCarthy, who has been cutting hair for 21 years, has three children, ages 17, 25, and 31. Her musical tastes include R&B, jazz, rock and pop. One concert that stands out to her is John Legend. “Music really helps with whatever mood you’re in. If you have a breakup you listen to something hard. You put some Metallica on there. Get it all out.”

kenna mccarthy 51, Barber

FIRST ALBUM: MADONNA STEVE PERRY’S BAND BAND SHE WOULD WANT TO JOIN:

MOST EMBARRASSING SONG YOU LISTEN TO Valley Girl by Frank Zappa. SONG TITLE THAT DESCRIBES YOUR LOVE LIFE Ghost Town. WHAT PUTS YOU IN A GOOD MOOD My two dogs and my flower garden. MOST RIDICULOUS THING YOU’VE DONE FOR LOVE I bought 24 roses and put them in an XOXO pattern from the front door to his truck. IDEAL DATE NIGHT Go to a car show then a Jazz Under the Stars concert at the ABQ Museum. BIGGEST TURN ON A great sense of humor. RED FLAG ON A DATE Being rude to restaurant wait staff. NEW MEXICAN FOOD DISH YOU WOULD BE AND WHY Green chile stew, I am warm and comforting with a little bit of spice.

WWW.ABQTHEMAG.COM | FEBRUARY 2022

meagan muÑoz 34, Education Law Attorney

FIRST ALBUM: SELENA, DREAMING OF YOU BAND SHE WOULD WANT TO JOIN: THE SUPREMES

eagan Muñoz is a new legal eagle and got barred on April Fools’ Day. But she is serious when it comes to practicing education law and meets with school board members across the state to advise them on day to day legal issues. When she takes off her legal hat, she is quite the jokester. She likes someone who can take a joke and is not intimidated by her. Muñoz hopes to one day catch H.E.R. in concert. “She is just very musical and I really love her lyrics and her music. And her style, I like it. She has a good vibe.”

MOST EMBARRASSING SONG YOU LISTEN TO Doses & Mimosas by Cherub. SONG TITLE THAT DESCRIBES YOUR LOVE LIFE TEMPORARY HIGHS by Snoh Aalegra. WHAT PUTS YOU IN A GOOD MOOD My puppy, Murph, and strawberry flavored candy. MOST RIDICULOUS THING YOU’VE DONE FOR LOVE I flew to the East Coast to drive 30 hours back to Albuquerque with a dude. IDEAL DATE NIGHT Trying new food, star gazing, and throwing in a whiskey tasting somewhere. BIGGEST TURN ON An intelligent sense of humor. RED FLAG ON A DATE When someone says, “You’re a lawyer? You must like to argue.” NEW MEXICAN FOOD DISH YOU WOULD BE AND WHY Blue corn pancakes, we’re both a unique New Mexico take on something you can find anywhere.

FEBRUARY 2022 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

nicolina nicthe 56, Accounting Manager and Comedian

FIRST ALBUM: BLONDIE, PARALLEL LINES BAND SHE WOULD WANT TO JOIN: THE RUNAWAYS

icolina Nicthe is an accounting manager by day and a comedian by night. She runs her own comedy show group called Lucky’s Laughs, which holds shows monthly at the German American Club. Nicthe is a punk rock girl. She’s partial to the Misfits, Ramones and Blondie. When it comes to falling for a guy, she looks for the typical traits as well as a full set of teeth, unless he can pop in a partial. “As long as he can put in that baby when we’re out in public, taking pictures. I don’t want to feel like the gap in his teeth,” she says.

MOST EMBARRASSING SONG YOU LISTEN TO Rock Me Sexy Jesus from Hamlet 2. SONG TITLE THAT DESCRIBES YOUR LOVE LIFE The Ballad of Love and Hate by the Avett Brothers. WHAT PUTS YOU IN A GOOD MOOD Making people laugh with my cynical humor. MOST RIDICULOUS THING YOU’VE DONE FOR LOVE Bought a banjo for a guy that I couldn’t afford when I was 21. IDEAL DATE NIGHT Cooking dinner at home, sharing wine and great music. BIGGEST TURN ON Intelligence and teeth. RED FLAG ON A DATE Limited hours they can meet. NEW MEXICAN FOOD DISH YOU WOULD BE AND WHY A sopapilla because I’m full of hot air and need honey poured on me to make me sweeter.

WWW.ABQTHEMAG.COM | FEBRUARY 2022

ramona morales 46, Political Lobbyist

FIRST ALBUM: MADONNA, LIKE A VIRGIN BAND SHE WOULD WANT TO JOIN: FLEETWOOD MAC

amona Morales is living her best life in her 40s. The political lobbyist describes herself as a confident free spirit. Morales is not superficial when looking for a significant other. “Obviously, you do want to be attracted to someone. Attractiveness to me now means kindness. It means someone who is a good human being.” Morales’ mother is a feminist and raised her with the same ideology. She admires impactful women and in music is inspired by Stevie Nicks. “I feel like she empowers people to believe that it’s not the 1950s where you have to be married with kids.”

FEBRUARY 2022 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

MOST EMBARRASSING SONG YOU LISTEN TO Sex and Candy by Marcy Playground. SONG TITLE THAT DESCRIBES YOUR LOVE LIFE Another One Bites The Dust by Queen. WHAT PUTS YOU IN A GOOD MOOD Self-care. MOST RIDICULOUS THING YOU’VE DONE FOR LOVE Moved to Colorado. IDEAL DATE NIGHT Listening to music at a relaxing spot and lots of laughing. BIGGEST TURN ON Kindness and respect. RED FLAG ON A DATE A person on their phone or checking out other women. NEW MEXICAN FOOD DISH YOU WOULD BE AND WHY My aunt’s Holiday Chili Rellenos. They have many layers and every bite is unique.

mike white 36, Chef and Restaurateur

FIRST ALBUM: BOYZ II MEN BAND HE WOULD WANT TO JOIN: THE LONELY ISLAND

rowing up Mike White hoped to be a professional baseball player. His second choice was to become a chef. Due to various injuries playing baseball, he decided to put on an apron. White has opened several local eateries and is a self-taught chef. His skills have won him many accolades including Best Chef in our 2021 Best of the City issue. His daughter, Brooklyn (13), sometimes helps in the kitchen. White prefers comedy shows to concerts but appreciates female artists, particularly Amy Winehouse. “She was very herself regardless of anything or anyone and not shy about showing that to people,” he says.

MOST EMBARRASSING SONG YOU LISTEN TO I’ve got a Dream from Disney’s Tangled. SONG TITLE THAT DESCRIBES YOUR LOVE LIFE Chris Isaak’s Wicked Games. WHAT PUTS YOU IN A GOOD MOOD Doing good deeds for other people. MOST RIDICULOUS THING YOU’VE DONE FOR LOVE Chased it! Love should present itself unconditionally. IDEAL DATE NIGHT At the ballpark watching the Braves win the World Series. BIGGEST TURN ON Unprovoked kindness and generosity. RED FLAG ON A DATE Cigarettes, talking about exes, a negative outlook. NEW MEXICAN FOOD DISH YOU WOULD BE AND WHY Chile relleno, it has a toasty exterior with love inside waiting to burst.

WWW.ABQTHEMAG.COM | FEBRUARY 2022

dr. bethany barrow 41, Obstetrician-Gynecologist

FIRST ALBUM: TLC, OOOOOOOHHH... ON THE TLC TIP BAND SHE WOULD WANT TO JOIN: DESTINY’S CHILD

r. Bethany Barrow jokes not wanting to be broke drove her to practice obstetrics and gynecology. All kidding aside, she says the field offers a nice variety of specialties during “a happy time in people’s lives.” Barrow doesn’t deliver babies daily but it does bring her joy. Barrow knows how to balance work and play. She enjoys traveling, mostly to warm locales that have a beach. Her music choices are also hot. She is a fan of Janet Jackson and the “fabulous” Tina Turner. “She’s like fire, right? She’s strong, she’s talented, and she doesn’t give up. She’s an amazing performer.” MOST EMBARRASSING SONG YOU LISTEN TO Iesha by Another Bad Creation. SONG TITLE THAT DESCRIBES YOUR LOVE LIFE More Than Material by Patti LaBelle. WHAT PUTS YOU IN A GOOD MOOD Exercise/ Orangetheory Fitness, delicious food, a heated blanket. MOST RIDICULOUS THING YOU’VE DONE FOR LOVE Lent money to an admitted gambler. IDEAL DATE NIGHT Going on roller coaster rides until we are dizzy. BIGGEST TURN ON Someone who unconsciously treats people with kindness and dignity. RED FLAG ON A DATE A “one upper.” NEW MEXICAN FOOD DISH YOU WOULD BE AND WHY Carne adovada because it’s freaking delicious.

FEBRUARY 2022 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

sara yingling 33, Spokesperson

FIRST ALBUM: BACKSTREET BOYS BAND SHE WOULD WANT TO JOIN: SPICE GIRLS

hen Sara Yingling is not working as a spokesperson for PNM, she is participating in body building competitions. She previously coached and took part in CrossFit for about 10 years. A romantic partner does not have to be as dedicated to fitness as Yingling, but they should have an interest in living a healthy lifestyle. Her musical tastes vary from No Doubt to ‘80s hair metal bands. But No Doubt’s frontwoman, Gwen Stefani, continues to be an inspiration for Yingling. “She’s just the epitome of cool and strength. She’s all about female empowerment and women should be strong and confident.”

MOST EMBARRASSING SONG YOU LISTEN TO Come On Eileen by Dexys Midnight Runners. SONG TITLE THAT DESCRIBES YOUR LOVE LIFE Woman by Kesha featuring The Dap-Kings Horns.WHAT PUTS YOU IN A GOOD MOOD Working out, local coffee, spending time with family and friends. MOST RIDICULOUS THING YOU’VE DONE FOR LOVE Rappelled down a building. IDEAL DATE NIGHT A wine tasting in Old Town then perusing its shops and galleries. BIGGEST TURN ON Humor, intelligence, and being genuine. RED FLAG ON A DATE When someone drinks too much alcohol or talks about themselves incessantly. NEW MEXICAN FOOD DISH YOU WOULD BE AND WHY Green chile chicken enchiladas because there are many layers to me.

WWW.ABQTHEMAG.COM | FEBRUARY 2022

scott caceras 36, Credit Union Chief Risk Officer

FIRST ALBUM: EMINEM, THE MARSHALL MATHERS LP BAND HE WOULD WANT TO JOIN: LINKIN PARK

cott Caceras has gone from running car dealerships to currently serving as a chief risk officer at a local credit union. Caceras is a transplant from San Francisco. He enlisted in the Army at age 17 and served for four years. He is a proud father of two: Jacob (18) and Skyler (4). He enjoys helping at his family’s nonprofit, Challenge New Mexico, which offers therapeutic horseback riding to people with disabilities. Caceras has been a big fan of the rapper Eminem since he was in 8th grade. “He’s relatable. There’s a song for every mood,” he says.

FEBRUARY 2022 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

MOST EMBARRASSING SONG YOU LISTEN TO Don’t Speak by No Doubt. SONG TITLE THAT DESCRIBES YOUR LOVE LIFE My Humps by Black Eyed Peas. WHAT PUTS YOU IN A GOOD MOOD Listening to Black Eyed Peas. MOST RIDICULOUS THING YOU’VE DONE FOR LOVE Drove five hours out-of-state to get her back. IDEAL DATE NIGHT Doing something competitive. BIGGEST TURN ON Playful touching and affection. RED FLAG ON A DATE Talking about money problems. NEW MEXICAN FOOD DISH YOU WOULD BE AND WHY Frito Pie, it’s different but really good.

Jenelle Vannoy 36, Radio Personality

FIRST ALBUM: MARY J. BLIGE, WHAT’S THE 411? BAND SHE WOULD WANT TO JOIN: DESTINY’S CHILD

enelle Vannoy has lived in Albuquerque for only a few months but listeners of 93.3 The Q are getting to know and love this bubbly and fun radio personality. She relocated from North Carolina to take the ABQ radio spot. Music has been part of Vannoy’s daily grind for years. Her preferred genre is R&B and hands down Beyoncé is her favorite artist. She is drawn to the artist’s promotion of women’s empowerment. But in a relationship, she likes to keep things on an equal plane. “(I’m) looking to build and grow as a couple not just have gender roles. We’re partnered,” she says. MOST EMBARRASSING SONG YOU LISTEN TO This is How We Roll by Florida Georgia Line. SONG TITLE THAT DESCRIBES YOUR LOVE LIFE Shot Clock by Ella Mai. WHAT PUTS YOU IN A GOOD MOOD Shopping and good food. MOST RIDICULOUS THING YOU’VE DONE FOR LOVE I moved to Charlotte believing my then boyfriend was going to move with me. IDEAL DATE NIGHT A crab boil picnic to enjoy by the ocean. BIGGEST TURN ON A man that can teach me new things. RED FLAG ON A DATE When a man’s phone is turned face down. NEW MEXICAN FOOD DISH YOU WOULD BE AND WHY Red chile because I can be spicy and a little feisty.

WWW.ABQTHEMAG.COM | FEBRUARY 2022

FOR WEEK ENDING JANUARY 29, 2022

THIS WEEK

TOP 40 LOVE SONGS TITLE

Compiled by the staff at Albuquerque The Magazine

Something 2

Burning Love

Sweetest Thing

To Be With You

This Could Be Real

Eyes for You (Ain't No Doubt About It)

Ascension (Don’t Ever Wonder)

One Fine Thing

Muskrat Love

I Want You (She's So Heavy)

No.1

1 week at No. One

ARTIST

The Beatles Elvis Presley U2 Mr. Big Richard Elliot Daryl Hall Maxwell Harry Connick, Jr. Captain and Tennille The Beatles

Longing

Never Tear Us Apart

She Keeps Bees

Angel/Better Together (Live in Paris, France/2008)

Into The Mystic

Van Morrison

Beyond

Leon Bridges

You Are the Best Thing

Lovebug

INXS Jack Johnson

Ray LaMontagne Jonas Brothers

So Into You

Ain’t That Love

My One & Only Love

John Coltrane & Johnny Hartman

In Spite of Ourselves

John Prine & Iris DeMent

I Believe (When I Fall in Love it Will Be Forever)

Spotlight

Lovesong

The Cure Led Zeppelin

Thank You

Fade Into You

#1 Crush

(Everything I Do) I Do it For You

Truly Madly Deeply

I Don't Want to Miss a Thing

Tamia Ray Charles

Stevie Wonder Anders Osbourne

Mazzy Star Garbage Bryan Adams Savage Garden Aerosmith

At Last

Etta James

Can't Help Falling In Love

Elvis Presley

Bless The Broken Road

Rascal Flatts

Your Song

If The World Was Ending (Featuring Julia Michaels)

When The Right One Comes Along

Striking Matches

She's In Love With The Boy

Trisha Yearwood

Let Me Love You

Look What You’ve Done To Me

Real Love

Elton John JP Saxe

Mario Boz Skaggs The Doobie Brothers

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ABQ THE INTERVIEW P. 94 | PERSONALITY P. 98 | BEHIND THE SCENES P. 102

PHOTO BY DON JAMES/ATM

STORIES BEHIND INDIVIDUALS WHO MAKE ALBUQUERQUE GREAT

BACK AT CENTER STAGE The pandemic closed most venues in 2020. But bringing back productions—COVID-safe practices and all—has been an upbeat process for Popejoy Hall Director Tom Tkach, who first brought Broadway to ABQ in the late 1990s. (p. 94)

FEBRUARY 2022 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

WWW.ABQTHEMAG.COM | FEBRUARY 2022

UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL WITH OUR LEADERS AND DIFFERENCE-MAKERS

Stage Of Renewal Longtime Popejoy Hall director Tom Tkach needed all of his 25 years of experience at the iconic venue to help it recover from the pandemic.

I PHOTO BY DON JAMES/ATM

n March 2020, New Mexico’s flagship theater went dark. Director Tom Tkach and his staff have guided the 55-year-old Popejoy Hall through the pandemic-related shutdown that, along with similar closures across the country, threatened the future of performing arts. The curtain rose again on the 1,985-seat hall in fall 2021 along with COVID-safe protocols. October 2021 also marked Tkach’s silver anniversary with Popejoy. He served as business manager for two years before taking on the directorship in 1998. It’s a role he claimed as his future ambition at 14, when he’d trek from his hometown in Linden, New Jersey, to New York City to see Broadway shows. After a quick detour into a corporate finance career, he served as director of the Monmouth County Arts Council/Count Basie Theatre, arts grants coordinator of the Middlesex County Arts Council, and as director of visibility for Very Special Arts New Jersey, before coming to the University of New Mexico.

ATM: What drew you into a career in the performing arts field?

you arrived in New Mexico to take the job at Popejoy?

TOM TKACH: I grew up 30 minutes outside Manhattan to Slovakian-immigrant parents. I’d go to New York for Broadway—Mousetrap was my first play and A Chorus Line was my first musical. I realized at a fairly young age that was a fun thing to do. Although I earned a degree in finance and started out in accounting, I gravitated to the arts. After several jobs in the field, I decided I wanted to be part of a large performing arts center. That brought me to Popejoy.

TK: Popejoy wasn’t financially balanced at the time. I wanted to fill Popejoy with 2,000 people in the audience, not just 200. I felt the only thing that would attract audiences of that size was touring Broadway shows. They could rise the tide of the whole center. We introduced the Broadway series in 1998. Popejoy also didn’t have a fundraising stream of its own. I had to convince the university that we could raise funds and not conflict with the other philanthropic drives. That was the first year that Popejoy broke even.

ATM: What were your priorities when

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ATM: Popejoy was built in 1966. What place does it hold in New Mexico performing arts? TK: It was built at a time with the Nation-

al Endowment for the Arts was beginning to produce touring shows to travel the U.S. There wasn’t anything on the UNM campus with the technical capacity for larger, touring shows. There was a cement structure where they held symphony concerts and Carlisle Gym. Then president, Tom Popejoy, and community members wanted a true performance hall. Since it was built, it’s been a cultural asset. When companies look at moving to a city like Albuquerque, they want to see assets in the community for their employees to enjoy. Popejoy has been that.

ATM: When planning, how do you know what will resonate with New Mexican audiences? TK: We do a lot of survey work, which

takes the guess work out of it. We have contact with 100,000 households. I’d call their interests eclectic. It’s everything from MOMIX [a Connecticut dance company founded by Moses Pendleton] to Broadway. We try to put on something

PHOTOS BY DON JAMES/ATM

ABQ

for everyone. Sometimes I see the same patron come to the whole season.

ATM: Why is it critical to bring back a full schedule to Popejoy?

ATM: What do you feel are the most significant milestones of your time at Popejoy?

TK: It’s important to bring back a full

TK: We’ve completed a few million dol-

lars in renovations in the past 10 years. We’ve revised all the public lounges. The past two summers, we’ve renovated all the artist support spaces. They used to look like old high school gyms. Now they’re brightly colored, well lit, and well-furnished spaces. These artists are touring from city to city, night after night. The support spaces are important for them to be comfortable.

ATM: What was the immediate impact of the pandemic? TK: When we got our notice in March

2020, we were loading in Escape to Margaritaville. There were 10 semitrucks standing by with scenery and equipment, and we had to shut down at the request of the governor and university president. After we went dark, we were moving shows two and three times because we didn’t know how it was going to play out. We had the highest subscription levels ever the year of the pandemic. Most of the patrons stayed with Popejoy and didn’t request refunds for those subscriptions.

schedule to Popejoy because that’s what a performing arts center is meant to do: to bring audiences and artists together to connect. It’s also critical to the operations of Popejoy. We get the building from the university, but we’re required to cover all operations funding. We did receive a grant from the National Independent

“We were loading in Escape to Margaritaville and we had to shut down at the request of the Governor and university president.” Venue Association’s Save Our Stages fund that allowed us to maintain our staff. Having our staff of 13 has made it easier to reopen and to reopen safely. The performing arts are also a wonderful way to get a bit of stress relief—even in good times. It’s a respite from the

world at large that’s become tougher and tougher. When you go into Popejoy, you’re focused on the show with 2,000 other people. The arts are different from other activities like sports because it’s not one team competing against another; you’re all one team routing for the characters on stage. You walk out of the performances uplifted and take that into your life. ATM: At the time we’re speaking, Popejoy is requiring patrons to provide proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test within 72 hours to enter the theater. What went into making that choice? TK: A lot of discussion went on. We also

require the audience wear masks. We feel it’s important because the audience is sitting in close proximity. Our patronage is made up of a lot of older subscribers who are vulnerable. We have a team of 200 volunteers who help with shows and may also be vulnerable. We’re also protecting the performers on stage who travel night after night. It didn’t make everyone happy, but we wanted to err on the side of keeping the most people possible safe.

ATM: Tell me about some of your educational programming. TK: I love the educational program.

That’s our primary outreach. We bring in

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ABQ

school age children to see productions. We’d typically bring in 60,000 students a year and have brought in a million students since the program’s inception. It’s a great opportunity for students, particularly from Title I schools, to see productions and to experience a college campus. Because of the pandemic, we haven’t been able to do this. In fall 2021, we filmed a live performance of Cirque Mechanics and broadcast it virtually. Around 3,000 viewers were able to tune in—more than we’d have been able to bring into Popejoy. It’s something we’ve discussed doing more in the future. We’re the largest venue in the state, but there are large portions of New Mexico’s residents who can’t get to Popejoy for performances. Virtual performances could bridge that gap. ATM: After spending 25 years at Popejoy, what continues to inspire you? TK: The capital improvements of the past

10, if not 15 years, have been exciting. Completing the public lounges was important. When I thought about being

a director for a performing arts center, I didn’t realize I’d spend so much time talking about toilets! We’ve also made improvements to the house lighting system. It was getting difficult to find replacement bulbs and the wiring was questionable. That was $200,000. Replacing the stage draperies was $80,000. We replaced the seats, which had never been done before. (They were previously refurbished.) We got a new sound system to the tune of $1 million. Ten years ago, we added a donor lounge using staff office space. It’s built on the premise of an airport lounge, where people are able relax and drink wine prior to the show and at intermission. The membership is $2,000, and people are happy to pay that because they’ve seen the value of a more intimate experience. Those funds help subsidize other parts of Popejoy. This is a continual process. We’re already meeting with university architects to do feasibility studies for the next phases of improvements. We’re looking at our dreams for what Popejoy could be in another 10 to 15 years.

FEBRUARY 2022 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

ATM: What are you considering in the feasibility study? TK: We’re looking at whether a larger

stage is possible. This stage was built mostly for orchestras, not for touring Broadway shows, but we fit it in. We’re also looking for additional rehearsal space. Right now, we borrow rehearsal space from other places in the university. Also, could additional seating be added? Could we make loading dock modifications to make loading in these large shows easier?

ATM: What’s the greatest challenge you face in your work? TK: Like anything else in life, it’s what

you make of it. When you’re managing an organization with so many facets, is everything going to go well 100 percent of the time? No. But I have faith we’ll resolve anything that comes up, even COVID. — ASHLEY M. BIGGERS

WWW.ABQTHEMAG.COM | FEBRUARY 2022

A LOOK AT THE LIFE & WORK OF ALBUQUERQUEANS WHO DESERVE A TOAST

City Difference-Maker As an official city liaison, Nichole Rogers is using her passion for advocacy to improve the lives of ABQ's African American residents.

N PHOTO BY DON JAMES/ATM

ichole Rogers has been tasked with ensuring that Albuquerque’s Black community has job opportunities and the resources it needs to thrive in the community. As the city’s African-American Community & Business Liaison, Rogers’ primary role is to make sure the Black community is tapping into available programs and assistance as well as being aware of cultural events throughout the year.

Rogers joined the city in April 2021. She hit the ground running and began pouring into tons of data to pinpoint what the city should be focusing on and how to better work with the Black community. Internally, she is trying to find ways to increase the number of Black employees who work for the city. “Right now, we have 124 African American, Black folks working at the city and we have over 6,000 employees,” she explains. “So that’s definitely an area that we need to focus on.” Another goal for Rogers is to increase home ownership in the Black community. “When I looked at the numbers, we have only 8% homeowners in the city of Albuquerque,” she says. “... We know that

home ownership is something that helps the family build generational wealth. Without that stability, it’s hard to build that generational wealth. And so that to me is a big focus on how we partner with people like Homewise, people like the African American (Greater Albuquerque) Chamber of Commerce who want to focus on Black home ownership.” Another big issue among Blacks is changing the mindset regarding COVID and vaccinations. “There’s some real fear and real trauma that the Black community has had in health care that makes it very hesitant to getting the COVID vaccine,” Rogers explains. “How do we leverage some resources in the city to also bring awareness

FEBRUARY 2022 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

to our community and do some myth busting around the COVID vaccines?” Rogers is putting together a steering committee to offer insight into approaches and solutions the city can offer to help the Black community overcome the issues Rogers has discovered in her data research. The committee will be comprised of people from the faith community, business community, students, youth, older adults and others. “I do not represent every facet of the Black community,” she explains. “We’re not a monolith. There’s lots of different parts of our community that I could not even begin to represent everybody.” Rogers will bring the ideas derived from the steering committee to Mayor Tim Keller. “We have a mayor who is listening and who does want to see our community advance and will put resources behind it to see it happen,” Rogers says. “What is it that we want? I don’t want to decide that for our community so I’m going to need

PHOTO BY DON JAMES/ATM

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help deciding what those big things are.” It is important for Rogers to step out into the neighborhoods that she is attempting to reach. Community block parties are a large part of Rogers’ department’s outreach. The block parties are held from noon to 3 p.m. each Saturday in selected neighborhoods. “We use our social vulnerability index to go to the places that are in the most need and really just spread resources to them, everything from rental assistance, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, (and we have) health partners on site,” Rogers says. The block parties are held in one neighborhood for the entire month. It allows people ample opportunity to plug into resources and find out more about what is available to them. A schedule and more information can be found by doing a Google search of the key words “CABQ community block parties.” “We know people have transportation issues, we know people have Internet access issues, and so being able to come to them and get them signed up for all of these resources has been really cool to

see,” Rogers says. “They’re just so grateful that we brought it to them instead of expecting people in need to always come to us.” The city’s Office of Equity and Inclusion recently received legislative funding for It Takes a Village. The mentorship program focuses on middle school and high school aged children in the Black community. “We’re looking at everything from academic mentorship, to make sure they are doing good in school, and also helping them dream about what they want to do when they grow up and helping them early on to start to be on the path for making that happen,” Rogers says. “... We’ll have the different organizations working together to provide mentorship because it does take all of us to make sure our kids have the resources they need to thrive.” Rogers, who is originally from Las Vegas, New Mexico, has lived in Albuquerque for slightly less than 30 years. She has been an advocate for the Black community through her prior work with the Welstand Foundation, which she helped create. The nonprofit empowers the next

FEBRUARY 2022 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

generation by creating programs and providing necessary resources in underprivileged areas. She participated in vaccination outreach events in her previous capacity as a staff development specialist with UNM Hospitals in the department of nursing excellence. She also helped the city during the 2020 Census by conducting extensive outreach and education in the Black community to inform them on the importance of their participation. “For me, I struggle because I knew taking this job I couldn’t tap into the resources of the city for my own foundation, but I knew what I’m going to gain in knowledge and just learning is going to be invaluable,” Rogers says. “It’s worth more than contracts and grants, the amount of things I’m learning. It’s not the easiest system to navigate, but my job is to decipher (resources) and teach everybody else how to tap into them too. I’m really excited to be able to do that.” —RM

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BEHIND SCENES THE

YOUR SNEAK PEEK AT JOBS THAT FLY BELOW THE RADAR

The $20 Million Question With MacKenzie Scott's incredible gift, the American Indian Graduate Center aims to skyrocket indigenous education for many generations to come.

PHOTO BY DON JAMES/ATM

hat would you do if, rather unexpectedly, you received a gift of $20 million for a cause you believed in? And then, you couldn’t tell anyone for more than a month? That’s the position CEO Angelique Albert found herself in when she answered the call informing her the American Indian Graduate Center received an unrestricted gift from MacKenzie (Bezos) Scott.

Scott became the third wealthiest woman in the world when she received a quarter of her ex-husband’s ( Jeff Bezos) Amazon stock in a 2019 divorce settlement. In 2020, she began giving away large sums of that money. According to Bloomberg News, she has since doled out $4.3 billion in 375 grants to arts and culture, social assistance, education, and racial equity nonprofits. Albuquerque-based American Indian Graduate Center fell into the latter two categories as the largest Native scholarship provider in the U.S. The organization has awarded more than $350 million in scholarships and grants since its founding more than 50 years ago, and it has served

over 500 tribes in all 50 states. Its alumni include the likes of former New Mexico Representative and current Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland. Receiving the call that AIGC was among the gift recipients left Albert (Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes) speechless. “I felt like crying. It felt unreal, like I was floating,” she remembers. “A gift that size is transformational. I felt so much gratitude to have someone notice an organization that’s been working so hard for so many years and believe in it.” Albert can’t disclose the ins-and-outs of the selection process; however, she can share that the gift was fairly unexpected.

FEBRUARY 2022 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

There was no application process; however, Scott’s team vetted organizations before granting the gift. That process included sharing the organization’s audited financial statements, which clearly indicated a history of serving the community it set out to impact. “What made AIGC fundable was the hard work of the entire team, board members, the executive team and entire staff, and the departments of student programming and research, and scholarships,” Albert says. Unlike a lot of funding in the nonprofit world, which is earmarked for certain programs or uses, this gift was unrestricted. It could be directed in any manner AIGC saw fit. The ability to choose how to direct these funds is particularly vital given the history of western education within indigenous communities. Sara LaBarge (Menominee Nation), director of strategic partnerships and a Gates Millennium Scholar and recipient of an AIGCS scholarship, observes,

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Christina McDonogh (Sugpiaq), Juris Doctor, is the vice-president of Cornell Law School’s Native American Law Students Association.

“Historically, western education has been used as a weapon against Native people as a means to assimilate them into mainstream culture. As such, a distrust of education exists that needs to be rectified and healed. To do that, Native scholars need to be supported at a holistic level that promotes the wellbeing of their identity while engaging them in meaningful learning. Unrestricted funding is crucial to the work that we do. It gives AIGC the autonomy and self-determination to decide how and where to invest funding.” AIGC went to work spending the funds after the June 2020 announcement. According to Dr. Corey Still (United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians), director of student programming and research, this marks one of the first times the organization can look in-depth at Native students’ needs and respond immediately with tailored programming. “Without this gift, we would not be able to expand our reach in supporting Native students in the higher education journey, not just financially but with meaningful and intentional services,” he says. Right out of the gate, the organization gave a million dollars to students. An annual survey revealed their greatest needs:

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Gavin Nadeau (Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa), received Indian Studies and History degrees from the University of North Dakota.

funding research; paying for graduate school testing fees; mid-year scholarships; and emergency relief for COVID-19-related needs, such as food and housing to keep them in school. Another two million dollars created an initiative to educate and certify 50 Native American CPAs. Albert says having certified financial professionals are a rarity across Indian Country and one of the greatest needs. “We wanted to do our part to increase the numbers,” she says. AIGC will continue pouring funding into student scholarships. Currently, it can fund only 18% of the students who apply, but Albert hopes to fund every applicant someday. Already, the funds are making an impact. This year, the center funded 1,600 student scholarships compared to its usual 1,300. The organization also plans to grow its staff from 22 employees to 50. Albert believes this trajectory will allow it to better serve students with programs that not only fund their entrance into undergraduate and graduate school, but also help them excel and graduate. Of course, the center has established an endowment to make these funds last well into the future.

“We’ve invested it in a way that we can reserve enough for long term sustainability but still use enough for impact,” Albert says. As time goes on, she hopes to explore programs that focus on tribal ecological knowledge to address climate change, and programs to revitalize Native languages and food systems. The gift stands to change the educational landscape across Indian Country. AIGC board of directors president Holly Cook Macarro (Red Lake Band of Ojibwe) observes, “These scholars raise up all of our communities. There is a saying that is apropos here: Be a good ancestor. Mackenzie (Bezos) Scott’s gift has provided the AIGC with the means to support generational change and the space to be good ancestors to future generations of Native scholars.” Reflecting on the transformational impact of this gift, Albert observes, “My grandfather on my dad’s side couldn’t own land. This is what equity feels like. It creates an opportunity to catch up from a very different starting point. This is what it feels like to have someone believe in you and to see the impact you’re making.” — ASHLEY M. BIGGERS

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COURTESY IMAGES

THE

BEHIND SCENES

COURTESY IMAGES

THE

BEHIND SCENES

Marcus Richardson (Haliwa Saponi Tribe), majors in American Indian and Indigenous studies at the Hussman School of Journalism and Media.

FEBRUARY 2022 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

Nadira Mitchell (Navajo Nation), is studying Natural Resources-Wildlife Conservation at the University of Arizona.

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CREATIVES P. 108 | SHELFLIFE P. 110 | TIEMPO P. 112

CULTURE

HIGH DESERT BEAUTY Dryland Wilds creates scents and skincare from plants they forage and harvest in the Land of Enchantment. (p. 108)

FEBRUARY 2022 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

PHOTO BY DON JAMES/ATM

A PULSE CHECK ON ALBUQUERQUE’S ART, MUSIC AND THEATER SCENE

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DIP INTO THE PERFECTLY MIXED PALETTE OF ABQ’S ART AND ARTISTS

CAPTURING WILD SPACES Desert duo combines art and science for sustainable skincare and fragrance brand.

ryland Wilds’ newest product, a Russian olive face serum, consists solely of organic jojoba oil, organic argan oil, organic prickly pear seed oil, wildcrafted Russian olive flower and leaf, as well as wildcrafted horsetail. This refreshingly short and chemical-free ingredient list isn’t unusual for the Albuquerque-based brand, started by Robin Moore and Cebastien Rose in 2016. In fact, every single Dryland Wilds product, from the piñon desert soliflore to the primrose lip tint, is handcrafted by Moore and Rose from dryland plants in New Mexico. “We are different from other cosmetic companies that have to test on animals and do horrible things because they use awful ingredients,” says Rose. “We test on friends and hardcore Instagram fans, get their feedback over a period of a year, and adjust until they’re very, very happy.”

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Correspondingly, Moore adds, “With us, it’s all just plants and amazing oils. To get back to that simplicity that’s based on ingredients that you can read, understand, and go out and see — that’s self-care.” Prior to Dryland Wilds, Moore and Rose worked as landscape designers until they were able to get the business going, spending six months coming up with the brand’s design: hand drawn animals wearing clothes, as well as determining the most iconic scents of New Mexico: piñon and juniper. Since then, the couple has taught themselves essential business skills, like bookkeeping, and are continuously figuring out creative ways to encapsulate New Mexico in a bottle. Over time, they’ve found the craft to be a mixture of innovation and scientific knowledge, concocting everything from green chile perfume to honey mesquite beauty oil. “We didn’t know what the reception would be, but we’ve found that people

who live in New Mexico or have experienced the state have such strong connections to the land,” says Moore. “Our sense of memory and place are so intertwined with our sense of smell, so the goal of our products is to literally transport you to those wild spaces.” Furthermore, Rose, who has been foraging since she could walk and learned everything she knows about plants from their grandmother, says, “And we’re hoping that by helping people feel even more connected to nature, they’ll take care of it a little bit better. This is Indigenous land and one way to respect it is to learn the plants and be a good steward.” To collect their ingredients, the pair venture all over the desert, harvesting invasive and common plants from ranchers and land stewards who want them removed. Basically, Moore and Rose save the plant material from going to burn piles or the dump, take it back to their South

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PHOTOS BY DON JAMES/ATM

Valley workshop, and extract properties and fragrances using slow, old perfumery techniques. We’re talking slow methods — for example, their limited-edition perfumes, including the cliff rose one they’re brewing up for this year, takes roughly three years to make. “We’re self-taught perfumers, so it’s been eye-opening to go out a couple of years in a row to do the harvest and then processing it in our garage to the point where the flower’s fragrance is captured just right,” says Moore. “We’re one of two perfumeries in the country that do it because it’s so long, but it’s so beautiful.” Dryland Wilds’ commitment to clean ingredients, sustainable practices, and aesthetic packaging has not only garnered a loyal clientele throughout the state, but across the world. In addition to being sold in 12 stores in New Mexico, its products are carried by retailers in Portland, San Francisco, and more. While Moore and Rose continue to run the business on their own, they recently hired Rose’s parents to ship out worldwide orders placed

through their online shop, drylandwilds. com. The site has been booming since the desert deodorant went viral on TikTok and instantly became their best-seller. Why? Because it’s natural, smells like a monsoon storm, and it works. “It’s packed with major antibacterial high desert plants, like Artemisia, so it doesn’t just cover up your odor like most deodorants. Ours effectively reduces or eliminates the bacterial load that causes the smell,” Moore says. When Dryland Wilds began attracting a widespread online audience, Rose’s entrepreneur father encouraged them to rent a space and start a “real factory.” However, both Moore and Rose are determined to stay local and to defy the pressure to scale up. Rose says, “What I love about my life is waking up with Robin, driving out to the middle of the desert or forest, setting up camp, harvesting flowers for two weeks, and getting paid for that. Our products are almost an afterthought that put food on the table, but the goal is helping people

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treat the land with more respect.” By staying a small business in New Mexico, Moore and Rose get to spend more time together, while also sharing Indigenous knowledge about New Mexico land that has been passed down for thousands of years. Standing up for social and environmental justice causes has always been their priority, seeing as they met co-facilitating a ‘Challenging White Supremacy Workshop.’ Therefore, Dryland Wilds regularly donates to anti-racist southwestern organizations and offers free wild walks to Indigenous folks. Moore says a massive part of Dryland Wilds is “using our platforms to support Indigenous-led causes and seeing that as crucial to sustainable land management because that’s where this wisdom of plants comes from.” For educational, empowering insights on local plants and a behind-the-scenes look at Moore and Rose crafting their products, follow @drylandwilds on Instagram.—ELIZABETH GROENING

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SHELFLIFE TAKING IN THE SCENERY F

TURN A PAGE WITH OUR LOCAL AUTHORS

A GUIDE TO NEW MEXICO FILM LOCATIONS: FROM BILLY THE KID TO BREAKING BAD AND BEYOND By Jason Strykowski University of New Mexico Press, 2021 296 pages $21.95 COURTESY IMAGE

inding a list of filming sites worth a visit in Albuquerque and throughout the state can be quite the task. Jason Strykowski narrows it down for readers in his new book, A Guide to New Mexico Film Locations: From Billy the Kid to Breaking Bad and Beyond. He profiles the cities, Pueblos, ranches, natural features and more that have appeared on TV or in movies. He also provides recommendations on where to stay and where to eat. And, he includes some moviemaking anecdotes shared by screenwriters, set designers, location scouts and others. ATM: How long did this project take to put together? JASON STRYKOWSKI: It took a couple

years and I also worked in the industry for about a decade so there's also a decade's worth of experience and me kind of soaking in information on sets.

ATM: The book includes Breaking Bad

locations. Have you experienced any other sets, whether it's TV or film, that people are really interested in here? JS: One of my early productions was on

The Avengers and that's certainly a film that I think still really reverberates with audiences because the Marvel cinematic universe has done so well. ATM: Did you take part in the filming of Breaking Bad? JS: I was on Better Call Saul, Season 3. I

was a producer's assistant on that show and I was a huge fan of the property at that point. I was geeking out every single day. I was getting to know the cast a little bit, who are all terrific.

ATM: Outside of Breaking Bad, with other actors and actresses who don't spend much time here and do a production and move on, how have you seen them treated in ABQ? JS: Everyone in Albuquerque is so cool about it. I have worked for well-known actors and we have gone out to get a beer

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or to get a bite to eat and people will kind of nod over and say 'Hey, that's so and so' and they just say 'Hi, glad to have you here' and they move on. They want to be respectful, they want to be polite, but they want to be friendly and it's just a cool thing. ATM: How long did it take to gather all the images featured in the book? JS: The book itself took a couple of years and the images in particular, I had help… But I still had to be very careful, make sure everything was accurate, and that it was available for use and that takes months. And then (UNM) Press did a great job with the map that I think is super handy. Altogether, I think people will get a sense that the state really has hosted so many different kinds of fun and wonderful films over a century. Any kind of movie you want to watch, it's shot in New Mexico. ATM: The book is kind of a bible for diehard movie buffs and for people who just enjoy watching movies. JS: My hope is that people who are local can just sort of grab it and get a new appreciation for architecture of our buildings or parks near them that also have this history on screen that maybe they've seen and have not thought about or people from out-of-town who want a nice baseline to start their New Mexico experience and then if they really want to

get granular then that information is in there too. ATM: I like how the book is easy to navigate and take along with you to find interesting places to visit. JS: What I love about guide books is you'll find things that you aren't looking for. That's always the best part. It's great if you're hitting the Breaking Bad list, but what if you're popping through and you find out about a David Bowie classic that you've never heard of, that's really rewarding. And there are places you can go see and then you go home and you watch the movie and you've had yourself a pretty solid experience. ATM: How do you feel about the final project? JS: I'm very happy with the book. I'm proud of the work that UNM Press and I did together. I hope people find it over time and I hope they get out there and maybe pick up a movie they had not previously thought about or go and experience a location that they really hadn't put much effort into in the past. —RM

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SHELFLIFE

A HISTORY OF HITTING THE SLOPES N IMAGES OF AMERICA: SKIING IN NEW MEXICO By Daniel Gibson and Jay Blackwood Arcadia Publishing, 2021 128 pages $23.99

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ew Mexico’s long and prominent ski history started with the miners in the late 19th century and the pioneer settlers. Until now, there has not been a comprehensive history written about skiing in the Land of Enchantment. Avid ski journalist Daniel Gibson and Jay Blackwood, a committee member of the New Mexico Ski Hall of Fame and curator of the New Mexico Ski Museum, joined forces to document the chronological history of skiing in the state through informative text and intriguing photographs that go as far back as 1896.

ATM: What was your involvement with the book and how did you partner with Daniel Gibson to create it? JAY BLACKWOOD: A couple years ago,

Daniel and I got together and we were talking and Acardia Publishing asked us to do a history of skiing in New Mexico. He has been a long-time ski journalist and knows a lot of people and has a lot of contacts. He has a lot of information that he's compiled over the years and I had a lot of photographs and information from what I've been doing. And we decided that was a good idea because there really wasn't a history of skiing in New Mexico.

ATM: How did you incorporate the photographs in the book? DANIEL GIBSON: It was finding the sources for the images and then requesting permission to use photos and have copies sent to us. We visited lots of photo collections and archives and spent days looking through pictures and pulling ones that we thought were particularly good. And then there was the process of writing the captions, which are quite detailed for photo captions. They really tell a story in and of themselves. ATM: Putting everything together must have taken some time. DG: It took far more time than I thought... But, I am pleased with the results. I am very happy with it. The only thing that I would've loved to include, which we could not find, was pictures of the miners on skis in the 1800s. We know that they

were skiing, but I could not find an image. ATM: There are some really old photographs included in the book with people on skis. DG: We did find, I think it's the oldest

existing photograph of an American Indian on skis, anywhere. That's thought to be a Taos Pueblo Indian delivering the mail to the mining community that was above Taos for a couple of decades called Twining, which actually became Taos Ski Valley... That was a real find. And then the woman on the very next page is the oldest image in the book. It's interesting. It's a woman, Charlotte Ellis, who was part of the Ellis family that homesteaded in the Sandia Mountains… As you can see, she's on skis. They used them for practical purposes to move through deep snow... That's from 1896. We tried to present the whole span of skiing in New Mexico, not just the recreational skiing, but the early people who used them for practical purposes.

(Images of America) format, we were constricted to a set number of pages and would have liked to have it twice as big. Unfortunately, we had to do some judicious editing to get what we wanted to get in there that we felt was the most important stuff, but I think it turned out well as it is. ATM: With the information and photos that were not able to get in are there any plans to do a secondary part to this? JB: I think there might be a possibility of Skiing in New Mexico Part 2, which will probably be along the same lines but include a lot of stuff that we weren't able to in the first one. —RM

ATM: It was great that you were able to each contribute so much to this book. JB: One thing we wished was that we

had more pages to work with. With that

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by mel minter

ABQ’S THRIVING LOCAL MUSIC SCENE

STICKING WITH IT inger and songwriter Joshua Benjamin Johnson holds up his phone to show an old photo of himself as a toddler, sitting on his grandpa’s lap in front of an oscilloscope. “It’s essentially my earliest memory,” he says. His grandpa, a radio engineer, discovered that if the youngster was aggravated and unresponsive to his parents’ soothing, he would quickly calm down when put in front of the device, mesmerized by the undulating sine wave. Decades later, that experience has been memorialized in the title track of his premier album, The Radio Engineer, a collection of songs that reveal a mature and compassionate insight into human foibles, passions, and desires—and that might soothe a soul or two with Johnson’s warm baritone. Reel-to-reel tape decks, spinning records, EQLights bopping up and down, and back porch singing sessions with his dad while watching lightning storms formed the audio/musical backdrop to the Albuquerque native’s boyhood. Gardening with grandma, who “could coax the soil to push up just about anything that would grow in USDA zone 7,” says Johnson, and who dispensed wisdom on difficult subjects such as the birds and the bees, was a counterweight to the audio inputs. She no doubt has something to do with Johnson’s master’s degree in landscape architecture. Johnson picked up the guitar at age 15, playing with a flat pick, but had an unusual difficulty: he couldn’t strum the guitar and sing at the same time. His uncle put him on the road to a solution by teaching him the Dire Straits song Romeo and Juliet, which requires finger-style picking. Eric Clapton’s Unplugged album got him to his desired destination. “There were some old blues standards on that and some originals, and when I learned those, I found that the words were falling on the same notes that his fingers were playing, and I was able to sing and play those things,” he says.

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Musician Joshua Benjamin Johnson has a new release to celebrate.

PHOTO BY DON JAMES/ATM

TACTICAL DELAY

Johnson started writing songs around 2003, while living in Charlottesville (he moved there for love) and hanging with some folks who were playing country-blues. It wasn’t until about 2009, while living in Amsterdam (again for love), that he began performing consistently. “I’m not sure if it was the distance from

home and all that entails, but I found I was able to be a productive songwriter during that time,” he says. Returning to Albuquerque, Johnson was hosting open mics at various places in 2015, and performing around town, which put him in touch with a bevy of local songwriters and musicians, several

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of whom appear on The Radio Engineer. Johnson also joined a songwriting group at the invitation of Meredith Wilder, formerly of Wildwood, and that produced a clutch of new material. “I was getting great response to my songs for a while,” he says, and that helped motivate him to record them. (He also pitched songs to Barrence Whitfield, an internationally known soul singer, who recorded Johnson’s Tall, Black and Bitter.) Backed by multi-instrumentalist Alex McMahon, Greg Williams on drums and piano, Bud Melvin on steel pedal, and Wilder on harmony vocals, Johnson recorded the album in his mom’s adobe house and had it in hand in April 2020, just in time for the COVID shutdown. He’s planning to throw the album a much-delayed and well-deserved release party in March 2022. Details still to come at press time, but the Press Club is a front-running possibility for the venue, and Johnson says Pawn Drive and Hello Darlin’ will be part of the show. You can check out the music on Johnson’s Bandcamp page, stay up to date at his Facebook page, and touch base at jbenjammin77@ gmail.com.

APART TOGETHER Aaron Pickett (bass) and Thomas Hooker (guitar, synths) first met in high school in Indianapolis a couple of decades ago, where they shared interests in video games and the grunge music scene, and

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The duo, Durkmoose, is currently working on a new project.

played together in a band. These days, the two are separated by almost 1,400 miles, with Pickett an air traffic controller in Albuquerque and Hooker a computer programmer/website designer in Portland, Oregon. That hasn’t prevented them from continuing to make music together, as the duo Durkmoose. Their first EP, Hill Controlled, released in July 2020, was nominated for three New Mexico Music Awards in 2021, with Andy Rogulich taking Best Mastering Engineer for his work on the track Delirium. After high school the two took different paths. “I joined the Navy,” says Pickett, which is where he picked up the slang insult “durkmoose,” a term that the two use affectionately for one another. Hooker went off to college out of state. Their paths converged again in Texas in 2006, with Hooker landing in Austin and Pickett in Fort Worth. “We got together once a month to hang out. We would dabble in music and do guy things,” says Pickett. It was in Texas that Durkmoose got its start. “There was a catalyzing event,” says Hooker. In 2017, the two met up in Austin to see A Perfect Circle in concert, which inspired them to get serious about their music. “We just kind of looked at each other and said, ‘You know what. Let’s just do it,’” he says. “With technology where it is,

FEBRUARY 2022 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

we can kind of collaborate.” The two began to compile the tracks for Hill Controlled, a term taken from a favorite video game. The first track they completed, Delirium had actually been recorded in Austin in 2009. “We polished it. We retracked everything,” says Hooker. “That was the first cornerstone of this EP.” Getting the tracks down is “a multifaceted process,” says Pickett. “We get together a couple times a year and jam and throw out ideas. We share MP3 files, and once the final product is ready, we get it to .wav. Thomas mixes it down, and we get it over to Andy.” The darkly shaded, guitar-driven, instrumental rock on Hill Controlled reflects the duo’s grunge influences. “Slowing down the tempo a little bit and turning on the distortion—I can feel how it has like a chug to it, a down-tempo pulse to it. You’re not going to jump around the room like a Van Halen song,” says Hooker. Looking for someone local to do the mastering, they sent a track to several engineers. “Andy’s mastering really jumped out,” says Hooker. “He was head and shoulders above the other studios we tried, just like giving it space and air, and making it sound polished. So, I think he deserves a lot of credit for how we come out.” The result is a more natural sound, not an overproduced product that squeezes the air out of the music. That helps explain the music's cinematic quality. In fact, the duo has heard from quite a few listeners that the music would be great in film, and they have begun the process of introducing it to music supervisors. They are working on a new project, which they expect to release toward the end of 2022. They would like to release a new EP annually. “We’re probably going to go a little harder, maybe bring up the tempos a little bit,” says Hooker. “We’ll see, but aiming for a heavier sound.” You can check out the music on their Bandcamp page, check in on their website durkmoose.com, or get in touch directly via band@durkmoose.com. Be sure to check out Musically Speaking, Mel’s online music journal, at www.melminter.com. If you’d like to share something with “¡tiempo!” readers, e-mail tiempo@abqthemag.com.

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BEHIND THE CURTAIN IN ABQ’S BUSTLING THEATER SCENE

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ABQ ON STAGE

THE WAIT IS OVER FOR HAMILTON AT POPEJOY HALL Abor animinci ducipit assimillore etur maxime ommodi re dissimus

Smaller productions shine at local theaters.

our years ago, The Adobe Theater presented the hilariously funny comedy, Doublewide, Texas to sold out audiences. The sequel to this extended run production was delayed by COVID, but the theater is back with Honky Tonk Hissy Fit. Many of the original cast from Doublewide, Texas including Joel Daniel Miller, Timothy Kupjack, and Margie Maes, are reprising their roles. It’s going to be another excellent production — Doublewide was a riot, this one promises to be the same. Come watch the tiny town of Doublewide, Texas take on the big city of Austin, Texas. The production is directed by Georgia Athearn, with Caedmon Holland stage managing, and runs through Feb. 20 at The Adobe Theater, 9813 4th St. NW. Performances are Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. There will be a Pay-What-You-Will show at 7:30 p.m. on Feb. 17. For infor-

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mation and tickets, visit adobetheater.org. Playing at Albuquerque Little Theatre, stalwart nonagenarian of the city, is Leslie Darbon’s adaptation of Agatha Christie’s A Murder is Announced. Considered by many to be the best of all Christie’s novels, this is a classic puzzle of mixed motives, concealed identities, and murder. The always observant Miss Marple is ably assisted by Inspector Craddock played by Tim Crofton, a talented performer known for his unforgettable roles in Leading Ladies and Shakespeare in Hollywood. Alaina Warren Zachary takes on the role of Miss Marple. Zachary has appeared in three major Broadway original cast musicals: Grease, Nine, and Baby. Now residing in Albuquerque, her award-winning screenplay These Broken Wings took top honors in a New Mexico screenwriting competition. Zachary has also written an episodic series, the hilarious Crankey Village, as a homage to New

Mexico. Agatha Christie’s A Murder is Announced is directed by Frances Lee McCain, and stage managed by Elizabeth Langston. Performances run through Feb. 13 at Albuquerque Little Theatre, 224 San Pasquale Ave SW. Showtimes are Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. Matinee shows will be held at 2 p.m. Feb. 5 and 7:30 p.m. Feb. 10. For information and tickets, visit albuquerquelittletheatre.org. Nouveau arrive Celebration Theatre Company is an LGBTQ+ resident theater company at the new Black Cat Cultural Center, located at 3011 Monte Vista Blvd. NE. Auditions for a new show, The Saloon are scheduled for Feb. 6, 7, and 8. Set in the late 1800s, it reveals the tragic reality of being “different” in the Wild West. The show will run at 7 p.m. March 18, 19, 25, and 26. A Sunday matinee will be held at 2 p.m. March 20. For audition details, text or call Maury Evans at (505)

WWW.ABQTHEMAG.COM | FEBRUARY 2022

FEBRUARY 2022 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

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717-9577. Information on the theater company can be found at facebook.com/ CelebrationTheatreCoABQ. Popejoy Hall’s long awaited and much anticipated production of Hamilton, runs through Feb. 13 at the theater located at 203 Cornell Dr. NE on the UNM campus. Tickets are scarce and producer Jeffrey Seller discourages buyers from visiting unauthorized sites. “There are many sites and people who are selling overpriced, and in some cases, fraudulent tickets,” he warns ticket buyers. “For the best seats, the best prices and to eliminate the risk of counterfeit tickets, all purchases for the Albuquerque engagement should be made through unmtickets.com or popejoypresents.com.” For those unfamiliar with the musical, it is the story of America then, told by America now. Featuring a score that blends hip-hop, jazz, R&B and Broadway, Hamilton has taken the story of American founding father Alexander Hamilton and created a revolutionary moment in theater. It has won Tony, Grammy, and Olivier Awards, the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, and an unprecedented special citation from the Kennedy Center Honors. “We are thrilled to have Hamilton in Popejoy Hall for three weeks,” says Tom Tkach, director of Popejoy Hall. “The cultural and economic impact Hamilton has on Albuquerque is significant. Providing opportunities for New Mexicans to experience world class performing arts in their own backyard is a big part of our mission.” The Playwrights Circle is an affable group of writers, actors, retired actors, non-actors, and anyone with a desire to learn more about all things theater. If you have written a play and would like to hear it read aloud as well as receive feedback from fellow authors, The Playwrights Circle is for you. Ditto if you are interested in reading a part in a play, or even if you just want to sit in its Zoom room and listen to others and ask questions. Contact Joel Daniel Miller or Andy Mayo via atgplaywrightscircle@gmail.com for more information. Abor animinci As a reminder, face masks, proof ducipit of COVID vaccinations or a negative assimillore etur COVID result within 48 hours, are maxime test ommodi required to attend all theatrical perforre dissimus mances. — Carla Cafolla

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ABQ ON STAGE

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EATS P. 118 | EATS, ETC. P. 122 | FROM THE VINE P. 124 | A RECIPE FOR SUCCESS P. 130 | BITES P. 132

DISH

PHOTO BY DON JAMES/ATM

A TASTE OF WHAT’S HAPPENING IN ABQ’S WORLD OF WINE, SPIRITS, AND CULINARY DELIGHTS

HOMELAND CUISINE Gobble This owner and chef, Nestor Lopez, combines food from his Salvadoran roots with ingredients from places he has called home. (p. 118)

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Eats

PHOTOS BY DON JAMES/ATM

DISH

TRIPLE PLAY ON FLAVORS

A fusion of ingredients from El Salvador, Los Angeles and New Mexico make up the recipes at Gobble This.

hat once was a food truck soon developed into something bigger, which required a location that could accommodate the masses. Gobble This opened as a food trailer in 2015. Customers would come from near and far to get their hand on its pupusas, tacos and El Chumpe sandwich, which is its version of a Salvadoran turkey sandwich. “It is the reason why we are called Gobble This,” owner and Chef Nestor Lopez explains of the sandwich. “It’s a play on words, on turkey, gobble, gobble.” In 2018, Gobble This moved from a

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food truck into an old adobe structure in Old Town. “This building was built in 1889, so you get a homey, historical feel to this place as soon as you walk in” Lopez says. “The whole vibe here is you’re at someone’s house.” The pandemic changed the concept at Gobble This. Lopez wanted to come up with a COVID safe method that would keep patrons, staff and their families safe. “I had a menu, but through COVID I got rid of it and I just picked items to serve for that week or for that day,” Lopez explained. “If people have been following

me for a while, there is a menu, it’s just more of a secret menu and you’re always going to get the same flavors. You’re always going to get pupusas, tacos, my sandwich. You just never know which filling of tacos you’re going to get, which filling of pupusas is going to be.” The prix fixe menus always include the three top requested items at Gobble This. “Our pupusas are famous,” Lopez says. “That’s what we’re known for. Our roasted garlic, spinach and cheese is a popular one. (We also have) our carnitas, black bean, green chile and cheese, and our Salvadoran turkey and cheese.”

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DISH NATURALLY REFRESHING Gobble This serves a variety of agua frescas (fruit drinks). Its ensalada is a mixture of coconut, mango, pineapple, guava, and peach served with a Tajin rim and a tamarindo chile straw.

FAMILY TRADITION El Chumpe sandwich was inspired by Chef Nestor Lopez’s mother and other Salvadoran parents in America who would make the turkey dish every Thanksgiving. It was then enjoyed through New Year’s Day.

PAST MEETS PRESENT Gobble This is located in an old building that once operated as a brothel, Greek restaurant, clothing store, children’s book store, jewelry shop, ice cream shop and more.

PALATABLE POCKET Pupusas are the national dish of El Salvador. They are made with a corn masa that has been flattened to pancake size, pan fried and stuffed with savory fillings.

Gobble This recently received recognition for its tacos. It recently made the top five list for Best Taco in the 2021 Best of the City awards. Meat lovers can enjoy carne asada tacos and vegetarians can opt for the grilled artichoke tacos made with housemade guacamole, red cabbage, diced onion, cilantro, jalapeño salsa and mango habanero salsa. “All these flavors instantly crash together,” Lopez explains. “It just explodes in your month with deliciousness. The way I grill it, reminds you of anything grilled and charred. The artichoke is transformed into something else. The outside being nice and charred and the inside being nice and moist. It’s seasoned with our achiote seasoning so it gives it a little smoky flavor.” The restaurant’s vegan taco is created FEBRUARY 2022 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

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DISH

with chickpeas, grilled onions, and grilled tomato. “We do vegan items as well here, but with a 24-hour notice reservation,” Lopez says. “That’s where I’m able to switch up the menu to more of your dietary restrictions.” The restaurant’s first menu item was its El Chumpe sandwich. “It’s a full roasted turkey cooked in a tomato mole sauce, so that’s delicious,” Lopez says. “That’s our traditional Salvadoran sandwich.” Lopez’s cuisine is a combination of his Salvadoran heritage, Los Angeles upbringing, and New Mexico influences. “There’s other El Salvadoran restaurants here in town, but I do things a little different,” Lopez says. “I do green chile

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Gobble This 308 San Felipe St NW (505) 480-8414 gobblethis.biz

here, I mess with red chile as well, and the style of cooking, (I use) guacamole, avocados from California. “All the recipes are from El Salvador just cooked in the Gobble This version.” Lopez was raised in Los Angeles where he attended Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts. In 2008, he began catering for the film industry. He did that for about three years before relocating to Albuquerque. “When I turned 30, I opened up (Gobble This),” Lopez explains. “I gave it to myself as like a birthday gift, see where we could go with this. Then when I turned 33, I magically got this (Old Town) location. So, things have been evolving... Sometimes I’ll have some friends to help me out, but mainly it’s me who does ev-

erything. From watering my plants to cleaning to shopping and doing the whole thing and I love doing it.” —RM

FEATURED DISHES PUPUSA

Corn masa filled with roasted garlic, spinach and cheese.

EL CHUMPE SANDWICH

Fully roasted turkey cooked in a tomato mole sauce.

ARTICHOKE TACOS

Grilled artichoke, guacamole, red cabbage, onion, cilantro, jalapeño salsa, mango habanero salsa. Items are on a preset menu, which is $40 per visit or $25 for members

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DISH

Eats, Etc.

PHOTO BY DON JAMES/ATM

A quick glance at three local eateries that you may or may not already know about.

Chello Grill is known for its three varieties of kabobs. The savory chicken and beef used in its kabobs is marinated overnight.

hello Grill is a nod to the heritage of owners Hass Aslami and Behrad Etemadi, who also launched the New Mexico-based Pizza 9 franchise. “They really wanted to express their culture,” says Chello Grill marketing manager Jasmine Bouquet. “They’re both [of] Persian descent. They wanted to introduce that to the Albuquerque area.” Chello comes from the Farsi term “chelow,” which is a Persian-style steamed rice. It’s a fitting name, because rice is quite prevalent throughout the restaurant’s menu. “…We actually (use) saffron in our rice … which is kind of known as liquid gold,” Bouquet says. A popular item at Chello Grill are the kabobs, which come in three varieties: veggie (with zucchini, squash, green chile and tomato), chicken (seasoned with tur-

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meric and lemon) and Koobideh (made with ground beef and onion). “We grill them on an open flame, fresh to order, and we do the prep for it every morning,” Bouquet says. “We marinate all of our chicken and beef overnight. That way they’re good for the next day, and they really pack a whole lot of flavor.” Before digging into the entrees, which also include a variety of salads, sandwiches and combination plates — diners often order the made-from-scratch hummus, perhaps the establishment’s most popular side. For those seeking refreshment, Bouquet points to the restaurant’s specialty tea bar — with as many as nine flavors — as an emerging favorite. “They’re all made with unsweetened tea, but they’re naturally sweetened with the fruit that we use in it,” she says. In addition to the regular offerings,

Chello Grill will occasionally provide a surprise to its customers as a measure of appreciation. “During the holidays, we do these special pistachio cookies that we give out with every order for free,” Bouquet says. The free samples aren’t just limited to holidays. “Because we don’t want the rice to burn, we line the rice cooker with potatoes so they soak up a lot of that saffron. We serve those to our customers as a specialty dish,” Bouquet adds. “We try and do little things to kind of help add to the customer experience.” —TRISTEN CRITCHFIELD

CHELLO GRILL 5010 Cutler Ave. NE, Suite A (505) 881-2299, chellogrill.com

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La Salita's Burrito de Eduardo— made with slow roasted turkey—is a popular dish among regulars.

Whether you prefer your bird fried, roasted or as a fried steak, Ms. Gennie’s House of Chicken has what you’re craving.

hough Andrew Vela’s roots are in Bay City, Texas, he’s had an affinity for the Land of Enchantment dating back to when he received a scholarship to play baseball at New Mexico Highlands University. When he retired following a lengthy career as a teacher at Rio Rancho High School, Vela was committed to launching a restaurant in New Mexico — but he didn’t want to stick to the Tex-Mex concept his family used in south Texas. Instead, he and his daughter, Drew Lip-

scomb, decided to focus on filling a void — fried chicken — that he saw was largely lacking in the state. And thus, Ms. Gennie’s House of Chicken was born in November 2020. The establishment is named after the family matriarch, Genevieve Mayfield-Vela, who embodies the restaurant’s ethos. “She has this way of making people feel very special, very welcome, no matter who you are,” Vela says. “That’s the goal of our service.” Beyond that, of course, is the signa-

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program titled Operation Kindness. “Our customers give monetary donations, which we turn and feed our customers,” Turner says. “We can have someone come in off the street or somebody call and tell us that they’re in need of a meal, so we can give them food.” —TRISTEN CRITCHFIELD

PHOTO BY DON JAMES/ATM

growing up). Lard and chicken stock are not used in preparation, making most of the dishes vegan friendly. Menu favorites include the chile rellenos, which are cooked to order in three varieties: cheddar, Swiss and avocado. The Burrito de Eduardo, originally crafted by a kitchen employee, is a favorite of regular customers, filled with slow-roasted shredded turkey and sour cream and topped with Swiss-American cheese. The restaurant’s ties with the community run deep. It also gives back, thanks to a

LA SALITA RESTAURANT 1950 Juan Tabo Blvd NE Suite H (505) 299-9968, lasalita.com ture product itself, which Vela believes will convert many customers from the fried-chicken chains that populate the Duke City. “We feel we’ve got an amazing recipe, no fancy frills,” he says. “It’s just plain love that we put behind it. We pressure fry our chicken… Once a certain kind of fried chicken is in its holder, time is of the essence. We feel we’ve got that down pat.” Ms. Gennie’s offers a grand total of five proteins on the menu: fried chicken, roasted chicken, chicken fried steak, fried catfish and smoked sausage. The catfish — lightly seasoned, deep fried in a southern cornmeal mix — comes highly recommended from Vela. Eight different sides, a biscuit or cornbread and one of four “pour overs” (green chile, red chile, white gravy, brown gravy) complete the lineup. To top it all off, local beers and wine are also available. —TRISTEN CRITCHFIELD

MS. GENNIE’S HOUSE OF CHICKEN 1520 Lomas Blvd NW (505) 242-4503, msgennies.com

PHOTO BY DON JAMES/ATM

a Salita comes from unlikely origins for a New Mexican-themed restaurant. The establishment began under the ownership of an Armenian couple, Sam and Ronnie, before Cindy Seifert, a server with Italian roots, took over operations in 1978. Seifert ultimately decided that the traditional state flavors would remain a fixture. Fast forward to the present day, and La Salita is still going strong, offering a variety of New Mexican comfort food in the form of enchiladas, burritos, chile rellenos and more. Currently at the helm is Stephanie Eddings, who assumed ownership when her mother retired, and general manager Sarah Turner. According to Eddings, it always made sense to keep the restaurant’s original menu theme. That community aspect is evident through the staff, a “Best of the City” award-winner for 2021. The fare also plays a significant role in return business. La Salita adopts a unique approach to New Mexican cuisine in that many of the dishes use turkey rather than chicken as a foundation. (That began with the original owner, who had a beloved pet chicken

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WHAT’S HAPPENING IN ABQ’S BEER, WINE, AND SPIRITS SCENE

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Ponderosa Brewing's head brewer, Antonio Fernandez, adds distiller to title.

SHAKING UP THE SPIRITS SCENE WITH NEW LIBATIONS AND LOCATIONS PONDEROSA STARTS DISTILLING, EXPANDS REACH Ponderosa Brewing has expanded its horizons into the world of distilling. It has produced its own vodka and plans to extend its spirit line. Head brewer Antonio Fernandez is aspiring to create a white rum and a gin with 100% New Mexico botanicals. He also wants to get a jump on distilling whiskey, bourbon and single malt scotch so that he can begin the aging process. The vodka is grain based and Fernandez will be experimenting with var-

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ious grains such as wheat and barley. The reasoning behind using grains is it works well with Ponderosa’s current brewing system. Fernandez has created a hybrid between the brewing system and a newly purchased still to make spirits. A fan of gin, Fernandez plans to create one exclusively with New Mexico ingredients. "Everything we need to make a nice gin we can get pretty much in the state," he says. "There's going to be some differences. Obviously, we don't grow citrus and things like that but there's other things we can put in there too. Hopefully stand apart a little bit."

He foresees including a gin that uses a hop as one of its botanicals. "I think that could add a really nice flavor," he says. "... I've had a couple that are actually pretty tasty so I think there's a lot of potential there for that." The original plan was to begin creating spirits after receiving a distilling license in the spring of 2021, but due to the pandemic there were shipping delays and other hiccups that delayed the arrival of needed equipment. Fernandez has been with Ponderosa for about 5 ½ years. He joined the team as head brewer after graduating with a brewing science and engineering degree from the American Brew-

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Canvas Artistry moves into spacious downtown location with a view.

ers Guild in Vermont. His brewing knowledge and experience paid off big at the 2021 Great American Beer Festival, one of the largest beer competitions in the United States. His Italian Pilsner brought home the gold medal in the hoppy lager category. It is the first GABF medal for Ponderosa. The pilsner will regularly be on tap at the brewery and its taproom at El Vado Motel. Chad Rennaker, who owns Ponderosa Brewing, is the developer behind El Vado Motel and the Monterey Motel revitalizations as well as the revamping of the Sawmill District area surrounding the brewery. The Monterey Motel houses MOMA Lounge, an upscale cocktail joint, which features New Mexico spirits and will include Fernandez's distilled libations. Ponderosa's craft beer and spirits will soon extend into other parts of the city. Another development project in the

works by Rennaker is a rebirth of the old Imperial Hotel located on Central Ave. near Interstate 25 in east downtown. The plan is to include a Ponderosa taproom on the property. An opening date has not been set but hopes are to begin operation sometime in 2022. Further down the line, another brewpub is in the works in the North Valley area. "We have land and plans, but there's not actually building started on that yet," Fernandez says. "That's a ways out. At some point, we'll have a little thing going between the brewery here and another brewery and the distillery and multiple taprooms and cocktail lounge."

APPRECIATE ART WITH FOOD AND DRINK Canvas Artistry’s popularity was larger than its capacity at its former Nob Hill location. Guests were usually met with

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a line to get in on weekends and other popular event nights. Owner Jesus Gomez knew he needed a larger space that would accommodate not only the growing number of guests but more space to hang and display art for sale by local creatives as well as a kitchen where the venue’s menu could be executed. Gomez hoped to make a smooth transition from the Nob Hill location to the new larger space downtown, but the pandemic hit and opening its new venue at 1 Central Ave. NW would have to wait until early November 2021. Located on the third floor of the One Central building, Canvas Artistry has an expansive space and features a main bar as well as two smaller adjacent bars, including one that houses Chakra Coffee by day and another that serves exclusively Bosque Brewing Co. craft beers. Each of the side bars offer full cocktail service on Friday and Saturday nights.

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urday nights. Gomez plans to incorporate more New Mexico spirits in featured cocktails as well as collaborate with local distilleries on dinners and other events. “I had a tasting with Safe House (Distilling Co.) and I like all of their products,” he says. “They have a really good chile infused vodka that we’ll probably feature on Sundays for our Bloody Marys. We definitely want to work more with local distillers. Right now, we have one cocktail featuring Hollow Spirits (Distillery), their Lavender Vodka. This one we are using for a cocktail called Zia Rain.” Patrons can find food and drink specials nightly, except for Mondays when Canvas Artistry is closed. Tuesday is College Night with $2 taco and beer specials. Charcuterie boards are half off with a full price purchase of a bottle of wine on Wednesdays, and $6 green chile cheeseburgers are offered on Thursdays. DJ Wae Fonkey, DJ Cello, and DJ SPEED ONE, each alternate nights playing various genres of music including R&B, hip hop, neo-soul, funk, oldies, chill vibes and more. DJs spin later into the night on Fridays and Saturdays and get an earlier start at noon on Sundays. Art is a large part of Canvas Artistry. Works by local, national and International artists decorate columns, walls and other spaces throughout the venue. The artists’ creations are shown for three months and each of their pieces are available for purchase. “It’s definitely a good opportunity for artists to be able to have a platform to showcase in a different setting,” Gomez says. “We do sell a lot of art.” Another appealing aesthetic of Canvas Artistry is its views of the city. Patio areas border and wrap around the south side of the venue. The area provides for some fresh air but good air quality can also be found in the interior space. “We invested in an efficient air filtering system,” Gomez explains. “They’re called DRVs so they basically ionize the air so it kills any airborne virus that’s in the air. Because of COVID we try to think of all the things we need to implement or put into play.”

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NOT YOUR TYPICAL WHISKEY Taylor Garrett Spirits continues to keep wine enthusiasts on their toes. The distiller recently released a small batch whiskey distilled from a bourbon mash finished in Oloroso sherry casks. “Taylor Garrett Sherry Cask Finish Whiskey is a special rendition of our flagship whiskey finished for 3-6 months in Oloroso Sherry barrels,” says Scott Feuille, Taylor Garrett founder and distiller. “The barrels we used came from the Jerez region of Spain and were used to age sherry for 30 years or more.” According to the distillery’s tasting notes, the exclusive whiskey has a complex nose of maple, candied nuts, crème brûlée, and caramel apple that

prepare the palate for rich notes of maple candy, dried apricot, and praline piñon. “Sweet vanilla and caramel notes in the whiskey are complemented by the traditional nutty flavors of the Oloroso Sherry, creating a complex and delicious spirit that we believe begs to be savored,” Feuille says. A local whiskey society has given the Sherry Cask Finish Whiskey a thumbs up. “I have tasted all of the offerings that Taylor Garrett has produced and the Sherry Cask Finish is by far my favorite and is the most complex offering from them," says Daniel Warren, Albuquerque Whiskey Society founder. The limited-edition whiskey is exclusively available at Vara Wines & Distillery located at 315 Alameda Blvd. NE.

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BATTLE FOR THE BEST IPA IN THE STATE Boxing Bear Brewing Co. is back on top when it comes to the IPA game. The Albuquerque brewery won the 2021 New Mexico Brewers Guild IPA Challenge. There were three rounds held at different breweries in the Duke City, Las Cruces and Santa Fe where attendees participated in a blind tasting and cast their ballot for their favorite. The final round was held on Nov. 20, 2021 at Boxing Bear’s Firestone Taproom where all the votes cast were tallied. Boxing Bear won with a total of 48 votes with Nexus Brewery taking second place and Three Rivers Brewery coming in third. Boxing Bear took the top spot with its Bear Knuckle IPA. The West Coaststyle IPA is packed with more than nine pounds of hops per barrel. It is aromatic, bright and bitter, according to the brewery’s flavor profile. This is not Boxing Bear’s first IPA Challenge win. It took the trophy in 2019 and won back to back titles in 2017 and 2016. A preliminary round was held in early November at Red Door Brewing Co. Representatives from breweries who submitted an IPA into the initial round whittled down 35 IPA entries to the final 16 that would move on to compete in the challenge. Hazy IPAs outnumbered West Coast style entries 11 to 5. —RM

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tangy

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Christmas Cocktail, $14 Los Conejos 1504 Central Ave. SE (505) 242-7490

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PHOTO BY DON JAMES/ATM

All good things come in twos— shoes, earrings, iconic couples like Danny and Sandy from "Grease." And now, you can add cocktails to the list, thanks to Los Conejos. Their Christmas Cocktail is a combination of two drinks, the green (Chile Verde) and the red (Chile Rojo). (If we have to explain the Chile/Christmas meaning, you're probably not from around here, but they're, you know, the traditional Xmas colors.) The mixologists at this a University-area agave bar were messing around one day when they decided that the two cocktails should be sipped simultaneously through two straws intertwined. “It’s really symphonious when all of the parts and flavors come together,” said Los Conejos mixologist Mary Francis Cheeseman. The Chile Rojo is made up of lemon juice, Aperol, Ojo de Tigre Mezcal, red chili hibiscus syrup, and juiced poblano peppers. The Chile Verde is a combination of BarSol Pisco, a white port, lime juice, pineapple juice and garnished with a banana leaf swirl. Fun fact: all juices are made fresh in-house. The drink has a little bit of spice, sweetness and sour flavors, and a touch of oakiness. We agree with Cheeseman: all the parts of this cocktail mesh perfectly.— DLM

PHOTO BY REECE MARTINEZ/ATM

CHRISTMAS COCKTAIL

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for Success with Rachael Miletkov

eing part of the solution is what motivated Rachael Miletkov to join the team at St. Felix Pantry in Rio Rancho. She became part of the food bank as director of development in January of 2020. “We shouldn’t have anybody in this state that is hungry,” Miletkov says. “We shouldn’t have any child that goes to bed hungry in this state, frankly, in this country. I felt coming to St. Felix Pantry would be part of that moving the needle in a positive direction.” The food bank serves about 35,000 people per year. Most of its clients visit weekly. “We do not require any income requirements,” Miletkov says. “We don’t have any immigration requirements. You don’t have to be a naturalized citizen or have a visa. You can be undocumented and we will serve you in the state of New Mexico.” When the pandemic hit, the pantry began to see new clients and an increase in donors. “We saw just from our analytics that people were Googling ‘food pantries in my neighborhood,’ ‘food pantries close to me,’” Miletkov explains. “People were aware that was happening in their community and they made an impact by saying ‘what do you need,’ making donations, giving from their heart and that to me is just something to celebrate with this community in particular that we came together and helped one another.” St. Felix receive produce, proteins and dairy products from many distributors including several supermarkets and family owned grocery stores.

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“For our produce, we also partner with organizations like Seed to Need,” Miletkov says. “They’re a farm in Rio Rancho that is run as a nonprofit and they get the freshest produce and it’s local. We don’t have to have a lot of carbon emissions to get the food, which is like a win-win, because the families that we serve are getting the most nutritious produce available, which is critical for kids.” In addition to food assistance, St. Felix also helps people keep the lights on and a roof over their head. “We see guests who need referral assistance and we help with utility, and mortgage and rent payments as well,” Miletkov explains. “… We receive grant funding from the state and Sandoval County as well as the city of Rio Rancho. If anybody is in need in the community of mortgage, rent, and or utility assistance, just call us.” The food pantry has about 100 volunteers. This year marks its 30th year of operation. “It started with sister Genevieve,” Miletkov says. “She was a Felician Sister that just saw that bread was being thrown away at local stores and she said ‘If I back my car up, will you just put the bread in my trunk? I can get it to those that need it.’ I

PHOTOS BY DON JAMES/ATM

Director of development at St. Felix Pantry

always say if you feel that you can’t make an impact or do something, just think about St. Felix Pantry because it started from someone seeing that there was a better way and a helpful way that can be introduced.” At home, Miletkov enjoys making her husband’s favorite dish, banitsa, which is from his country of origin, Bulgaria. Banitsa is traditionally served on New Year’s Eve and a coin, wrapped in aluminum foil, is tucked inside it. The belief is whoever gets the piece with the coin will receive a special blessing that year. Miletkov reached out to a friend whose mother was visiting from Bulgaria to learn how to make banitsa. “It’s delicious because it’s got so much butter, eggs, plain yogurt and phyllo dough,” Miletkov says. “It bakes up to this really crunchy, puffy, creamy pastry. There’s feta cheese in it.” —RM

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Banitsa Ingredients

Directions

One roll of phyllo dough (at room temperature) 2 Tablespoons of melted butter 5 small eggs (3-4 eggs if they are large) 3 spoonfuls of plain yogurt ½ Tablespoon of baking soda 12-16 ounces of sirene (feta cheese) 6 spoonfuls of olive oil

You will need a 9” x 13” x 2” cake pan and a clean kitchen towel. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Mix the eggs and sirene (feta) together, by hand, in a bowl. Mix the plain yogurt and baking soda in a separate bowl. Add the yogurt mixture to the egg/cheese and mix well. Add the olive oil to the melted butter. Grease cake pan with some of the oil and butter mixture, using your hands. Lay one piece of phyllo dough onto the countertop and gently grease with oil and butter mixture. Lay another piece of phyllo dough onto the one on the countertop and gently grease with oil and butter mixture. Dot the phyllo dough with egg/cheese mixture – be sure to gently distribute the mixture to the middle and all the way to the end of the phyllo dough. Roll the phyllo into a tight roll with the filling on the inside of the roll. Lay the roll into the cake pan. You will have approximately 10 rolls of banitsa per pan. Take care to divide the egg/cheese mixture evenly per roll. After your banitsa are all in the pan, evenly pour the rest of the olive oil/butter over the top. Bake at 350 degrees for 26 minutes on the middle rack. Remove the banitsa from the oven, sprinkle with water, and cover with a clean kitchen towel for at least 30 minutes. Eat hot or cold.

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BITES

OUR EATS ALUMNI, CONDENSED INTO PERFECTLY SIZED SNACKS TO TAKE WITH YOU ON THE GO

POLICY: eating establishments compiled by Albuquerque The Magazine’s editorial staff. These restaurants have been featured previously in the “Eats” department of the magazine. Restaurants may or may not accept reservations or major credit cards,

CORRECTIONS: Please send corrections and suggestions to bites@abqthemag.com.

5901 Wyoming Blvd. NE (505) 821-1909, 5starburgers.com From bison, salmon, turkey and crab to lamb, chicken and Black Angus beef, burger addicts will love Five Star’s 100 percent natural meat. Handformed patties or vegetarian options paired with wine from St. Clair Winery or beer from Marble Brewery are a match made in heaven.

1405 Central Ave. NE (505) 247-1421, 66diner.com This blast from the past specializes in burgers, chicken fried steak, liver and onions, and blue-plate specials, including the Pile Up: a mound of pan-fried potatoes, chopped bacon, green chile, two eggs, cheddar cheese, and red or green chile sauce on top.

ABC CAKE SHOP

1830 San Pedro Dr. NE (505) 255-5080, abccakeshop.com Specializing in custom cakes and baked goods for all occasions, this bakery focuses on freshness and flavor. Everything is made from scratch, including the cupcakes, cookies, pies, Danishes, pastries, and other desserts.

THE ACRE

4410 Wyoming Blvd. NE (505) 299-6973, theacrerestaurant.com The Acre Restaurant specializes in comfort vegetarian cuisine with a goal to challenge meateaters and question what vegetarian food is, all while creating healthy, sustainable dishes.

ABUELITA’S NEW MEXICAN KITCHEN $

6083 Isleta Blvd. SW, (505) 877-5700 Kathy Martinez’s brother, Chris Romero, opened Abuelita’s New Mexican Kitchen in Bernalillo 26 years ago. Since then, nothing has changed. The Huevos Rancheros are a best seller, as is the Kitchen’s signature dish, the Tacopilla.

AJIACO COLOMBIAN BISTRO

3216 Silver Ave. SE (505) 266-2305, ajiacobistro.com Inside the intimate space, you’ll find combination plates, arroz con pollo, arepas, plantains, and of course, a great cup of Colombian coffee. The dishes at Ajiaco combine indigenous Colombian, Spanish, African, and Arab flavors for a truly thrilling experience.

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AL’S BIG DIPPER

501 Copper Ave. NW (505) 314-1118, alsbigdipper.com From the beginning, Al’s Big Dipper has been a family affair. Every sandwich is named after a family member, and the owners test every soup they make. Try the 505 Lunch Deal—a cup of soup, a grilled cheese sandwich and a homemade cookie for only $5.05.

so call before visiting.

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5555 Montgomery Blvd. NE, (505) 888-2921 Owner Mohamad Abdel Jalil and his sons run this all-in-one operation—a small grocery store and Middle East restaurant—seven days a week. This family team makes fresh pita bread every day and serves platefuls of their delicious hummus. It’s a great spot for lunch on-the-go.

“Bites” is a guide to Albuquerque-area

FIVE STAR BURGERS

ALQUDS MEDITERRANEAN GRILL & GROCERY

ALDO’S NEW YORK STYLE PIZZERIA

ALICEA’S NY BAGELS & SUBS

1690 Pat D’Arco Hwy., Unit E plus 1 other metro location (505) 892-2026, aldosalbuquerque.com With handmade lasagna and pizza dough, among other items, Aldo’s New York Style Pizzeria shares family recipes with its customers. From the buttermilk ranch dressing to the Eggplant and Chicken Parmigianas, homemade cooking is not too far away. 1009 Golf Course Rd. SE, Ste 103, (505) 8964555 This East Coast–style deli on ABQ’s Westside is serving up 20 different sandwiches to Rio Rancho’s hungriest diners, using fresh-baked New York–style bagels and meats prepared in house for the likes of its Philly Steak and Cheese or the Cuban. Come hungry, because Alicea’s portions are not for the faint of heart. Can’t get out? Delivery options in Rio Rancho and parts of ABQ are also available when that hunger pang strikes.

AMADEO’S PIZZA AND SUBS

585 Osuna Rd. NE plus 2 other metro locations (505) 344-5555, amadeospizza.com This family-run pizza place believes that there truly are a million different ways to make a pizza. Using fresh, high-quality ingredients, they specialize in pizzas, subs, pasta, and fresh salads.

AMERASIA-SUMO SUSHI

800 3rd St. NW (505) 246-1615, amerasia-sumosushi.net Dim sum—which means “small piece of your heart” in Chinese—takes on a bigger meaning at AmerAsia, where everything is made from scratch daily. Try the fried beef and garlic dumplings, pork and ginger potstickers, or scallion pancakes.

AMORE NEAPOLITAN PIZZERIA

3600 Cutler Ave. NE, #3 plus 1 other metro location (505) 554-1967, amoreabq.com After relocating to Albuquerque from Naples, Italy, Gabriel and Kimberly Amador missed Neapolitan pizza. The husband and wife team, certified by the Association of Neapolitan Pizzaiuoli (APN), opened Amore, bringing a slice of Italy to Albuquerque. A Neapolitan brick oven fires delicious pizzas, such as the Margherita and the Zia, for 60 to 90 seconds at 905 degrees Fahrenheit. Local beer and wine compliment the pies perfectly.

ANATOLIA TURKISH MEDITERRANEAN GRILL

2132 Central Ave. SE, Ste C, (505) 242-6718 The specialty is the Doner Kebab, seasoned meat in the shape of an inverted cone, slow-cooked to perfection rotisserie style, and always freshly prepared. Whether you choose the Adana Spicy Ground Lamb or the ‘Burque Kebab, try the “baklove-ah” for dessert.

AN HY QUAN VEGETARIAN RESTAURANT

1450 Juan Tabo Blvd. NE, (505) 332-8565 This vegetarian Vietnamese spot is also veganfriendly. Pho fans don’t fret; Thai and wonton soup will satisfy any meat eater.

ANNAPURNA’S WORLD VEGETARIAN CAFÉ

ANNIE’S SOUP KITCHEN

5200 Eubank NE, Ste E7, plus 2 other metro locations (505) 275-2424, chaishoppe.com Annapurna offers some of the most enlightened, health-conscious vegetarian and vegan plates in the city, with plenty of options for people suffering from food allergies or Celiac disease. And the menu is world-class, with options from virtually every continent. 3107 Eubank Blvd. NE (505) 296-8601, anniessoupkitchen.com With four homemade soups made fresh every day, and home-style favorites such as avocado and bacon omelets and piles of potatoes topped with melted cheese, chile and eggs, Annie’s specializes in comfort.

ANTIQUITY RESTAURANT

$$$$

112 Romero St. NW (505) 247-3545, antiquityrestaurant.com Antiquity Restaurant is located just off historic Old Town Plaza. Antiquity holds the distinction of being the only restaurant in Albuquerque to serve the Henry IV—a bacon-wrapped filet mignon placed on a bed of artichoke leaves, topped with an artichoke heart and covered with béarnaise sauce.

ARTICHOKE CAFE

$$$

424 Central Ave. SE (505) 243-0200, artichokecafe.com This EDo fine-dining spot boasts a Wine Spectator “Award of Excellence,” and for good reason. A veteran of the Duke City’s fine dining scene, Artichoke Café remains the best bet for a great evening out. Innovative dishes and European aperitifs served by staff that takes ownership of the experience, the location is also an ideal launchpad for downtown adventures.

ASIAN NOODLE BAR

318 Central Ave. SW (505) 224-9119, asiannoodlebar.com Every kind of noodle awaits at this Downtown eatery, from spicy sesame udon noodles to chicken pho with cilantro, jalapeños, and lime. Slurping has never been so tasty.

ASIAN PEAR

8101 San Pedro Dr. NE, Ste D (505) 766-9405, asianpearabq.com Specializing in healthy, authentic, Korean-style eats, this shop pleases the palate with delicious takes on BBQ chicken, kimchi pancakes, and flavorful bowls.

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FLAMING UP THE FLAVOR

Gyros Mediterranean 106 Cornell Drive SE (505) 255-4401, gyrosabq.com

AZUMA SUSHI & TEPPAN

Saganaki, $6.75

4701 San Mateo Blvd. NE plus 1 other metro location (505) 880-9800 azuma-sushi-teppan-abq. com From flame-flipped teppan grill items to a substantial sushi selection, the menus at Azuma Sushi & Teppan have something for everyone. The green chileinfused New Mexico Roll and Filet Mignon Steak please palates daily and are perfect when washed down with an imported Japanese sake, soda, or beer.

B2B BISTRONOMY

3118 Central Ave. SE (505) 262-2222, bistronomyb2b.com Highlighting all-local ingredients (including New Mexico beef and Hatch green chile), B2B serves up a wide variety of tasty burgers—including plenty of veggie options.

BARELAS COFFEE HOUSE

1502 4th St. SW, (505) 843-7577 This legendary neighborhood restaurant serves New Mexican dishes from the Gonzales family cookbook: menudo, posole, chicharrone burritos, and huevos rancheros -- all smothered with its famous red or green chile.

BASIL LEAF VIETNAMESE RESTAURANT

PHOTO BY DON JAMES/ATM

The Greek dish saganaki originates from the word “sagani,” which was a small frying pan used to cook during the days of the Byzantine Empire. At Gyros Mediterranean, the saganaki is essentially a cheesebased appetizer fried with butter and olive oil in, of course, a small pan. The most important ingredient is the kasseri cheese, which comes from sheep’s milk and is imported from Greece. “It has a pretty unique flavor, very mild for a sheep’s milk cheese,” says owner Panos Marmaras. Another part of the saganaki’s appeal is the scene that accompanies the arrival of the dish at the table. According to Marmaras, what transpires next might prompt customers to cry “Opa,” a traditional Greek exclamation of happiness or surprise. “They get pretty excited because we light it up on fire at the tableside, which is not necessary the way we do that in Greece. It’s not always done like that,” he says. “People like a little show.” —TRISTEN CRITCHFIELD

1225 Eubank Blvd. NE (505) 323-2594, basilleaf.us Sure, Albuquerque offers a variety of Vietnamese eateries, but Basil Leaf elevates the everyday with healthy and fragrant versions of traditional noodle and soup selections. They’ll even modify for any dietary desire. Celiacs and vegans, rejoice!

BEN MICHAEL’S RESTAURANT

2404 Pueblo Bonito Ct. NW, (505) 267-6827 The food at Ben Michael’s is fresh, preservativefree and takes its roots from the owner’s family’s New Mexican recipes. Try the salmon or the steak served with a side of calabacitas, papas, and sautéed mushrooms.

BENNY’S MEXICAN KITCHEN

BLACK BIRD SALOON

1675 Bosque Farms Blvd. (505) 869-2210 Since 1972, Benny’s has obliged countless stomachs with delicious New Mexican treats, which include redchile smothered enchiladas and deep-fried burritos. Don’t let the Benny Burger—a double-meat, doublecheese beauty—intimidate you. And, don’t forget to save room for that vanilla ice-cream shake. 28 Main St., Cerillos, (505) 438-1821, blackbirdsaloon.com Black Bird Saloon is not just a popular Northern New Mexico eatery (located in Cerillos, NM), it’s also a time warp back through the building’s long and varied history. Items like the Miner’s Hand Warmer Breakfast Burrito or the Tumbleweed Salad stick out like a turquoise on a tourist.

BLACK MESA COFFEE COMPANY

BLADES’ BISTRO

$$$

221 NM Hwy. 165, Ste L, Placitas (505) 771-0695, bladesbistro.com Owner and chef Kevin Bladergroen’s restaurant offers a culinary journey from his 30-plus years of experience in restaurants across the country and Europe, serving up steak and seafood with a twist.

BLAKE’S LOTABURGER

BOCADILLOS

3806 Montgomery Blvd. NE plus 30 other metro locations (505) 883-7615, lotaburger.com Blake’s became an Albuquerque establishment more than 30 years ago, and almost immediately garnered kudos for its out-of-this-world green chile cheeseburgers (the restaurant has since scored spots on National Geographic’s “top hamburgers in the nation” list and Albuquerque The Magazine’s Best of the City list). Everything is made from scratch as soon as it’s ordered—and not a second before. 200 Lomas Blvd. NW, Suite 110 (505) 243-3995, bocadillos505.com Slow-roasted meats are the highlight of the Food Network “Chopped” winner, Marie Yniguez. Open for breakfast, lunch, or dinner on Wednesdays– Saturdays, pop in for a burrito or sandwich filled to the brim with pork, chicken, turkey or corned beef.

Albuquerque International Sunport 220 Sunport Blvd. SE, (505) 842-4305 With two Sunport locations, flight delays are easier when you’re close to Black Mesa. The house coffee and vanilla latte are sure to perk you up pre-flight. The made-to-order turkey sandwich will fill you up far more reliably than the bag of pretzels you’ll get on the plane. Baked goods, including the popular banana bread, are made in-house daily. Five menu items, including brownies and cookies, are glutenfree.

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BITES BOSQUE BREWING CO.

106 Girard Blvd. SE, B, plus 1 other location (505) 508-5967, bosquebrewing.com Another favorite on the ever-growing ABQ brewery scene, Bosque Brewing Co. is the product of three NMSU grads’ love for brew. With 10-12 of Bosque’s own sudsy creations on tap every day, the brewery is teeming with options to pair with seasoned fries, daily specials, or an array of other appetizers, soups, salads, and sandwiches.

BRICKYARD PIZZA

2216 Central Ave. SE (505) 262-2216, brickyardpizza.com Three very important pizza points rule supreme here: quantity, quality, and value. Enjoy hand-tossed, homemade pizza with fresh sauce in a spic-and-span, laid-back atmosphere.

BRIXENS

$$$

400 Central Ave. SW (505) 242-2400, brixens.com A creative spin on American bar fare inspired by New Mexican culture, the restaurant serves 99 bottles of beer, literally on the wall, and a range of food items. Brixens has many unique qualities, but a couple notable qualities include its all-day happy hour on Sundays and 3-6 p.m. daily.

BUDAI GOURMET CHINESE

6300 San Mateo Blvd. NE, Ste. H-1 (505) 797-7898, budaigourmet.com The menu features specialties from different regions of China and Taiwan, all painstakingly prepared by chef Hsia Fang. The Crispy Flounder Filet is sure to please diners from both the East and the West. The Mini Steamed Pork Buns shouldn’t be missed.

BURGER BOY

12023 New Mexico 14, (505) 281-3949, burgerboynm.com Everything in this tried-and-true staple is made from scratch: enchiladas, breakfast burritos, tacos and burgers (of course!). Fans are especially enamored with the green chile cheeseburger.

THE BURRITO LADY

938 Eubank Blvd. NE, (505) 271-2268 The Burrito Lady—otherwise known as Consuelo Flores—cooks every one of her huge burritos herself, made-to-order. That means you should be prepared to wait (the line here can often go out the door). It’s worth it—ask for your burrito smothered if you want to really heat things up.

BURRITOS ALINSTANTE

2101 Broadway Blvd. SE plus 5 other metro locations (505) 242-0966, burritosalinstante.com A paradise for anyone who loves wrapping tasty things (chicharrones, carne adovada, bacon, cheese, potatoes—you get the picture) up inside of locally made tortillas, this operation maintains a half dozen storefronts between Belen and Albuquerque.

C3’S BISTRO

4940 Corrales Rd. Ste. 400, Corrales (505) 398-9449 c3bistro.com Craving cajun and creole cuisine? C3’s Bistro serves up rich fiery food to satisfy that craving. They offer both casual and fine dining, so this is the place to get a cajun fried chicken sandwich for lunch and the creole braised lamb shank with asparagus over cheesy grits for dinner.

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CAFE 6855

6855 4th St. NW (505) 890-9150, cafe6855.com A sister restaurant to Vernon’s Speakeasy, Café 6855 has gourmet dishes, expertly prepared and served in an elegant atmosphere. The menu is populated with gourmet sandwiches, salads, and cafe specialties that redeploy Vernon’s ingredients to thrilling effect.

CAFÉ BELLA COFFEE

2115 Golf Course Rd. SE (505) 306-6974, cafebellacoffee.com With made-to-order panini and tasty salads filled with the freshest seasonal ingredients, this restaurant’s farm-to-table concept is a smart—and delicious—one.

CAFÉ CUBANO

At Laru Ni Hati Salon 3413 Central Ave. NE (505) 255-1575, larunihati.com Who would guess that an upscale hair salon such as Laru Ni Hati would also be home to delicious Cuban food—platanos, Cuban sandwiches, dirty rice, and even espresso and hand-rolled cigars?

CAFÉ LUSH

700 Tijeras Ave. NW (505) 508-0164, cafelushabq.com Located on a quiet neighborhood corner, this café is perfect for a nice brunch or lunch and your wallet will not be hurt after your visit. The menu is glutenconscious, vegetarian-friendly and has some of the best gluten-free red chile in town.

LA BAREN RESTAURANT

230 Louisiana Blvd. SE, Ste A (505) 232-6764, labarenrestaurant.com The pho and spring rolls have a die-hard following of Kirtland Airforce Base employees. Located across the parking lot from Talin Market, experience an extensive menu of traditional Vietnamese cuisine inside this dine-in and takeout eatery.

CAKE FETISH

2665 Louisiana Blvd. NE (505) 883-0670, cakefetish.com Cake Fetish specializes in baker’s cups filled with heaven, such as the Sleepless in Albuquerque (chocolate cake with mocha French buttercream frosting) and the Inside-Out German Chocolate Cake (coconut and pecans and crowned with chocolate French buttercream).

CAMPO AT LOS POBLANOS

$$$

4803 Rio Grande Blvd. NW (505) 344-9297, lospoblanos.com Beautifully situated in the heart of Los Ranchos, Campo is the newly renovated and reimagined fine dining establishment at Los Poblanos. A top-of-theline menu mixes with fresh ingredients from the Los Poblanos Farm and a quiet, rustic atmosphere to make for one of the city’s best dining experiences.

CANVAS ARTISTRY

1 Central Ave. NW (505) 639-5214, canvas-artistry.com Specializing in international street food with a local twist, expect seasonally rotating artsy fare made with local produce, daily and weekly specials, and art to boot. A great late-night spot with live spinning DJs featuring different genres each night.

CASA DE BENAVIDEZ

CASA TACO

5801 Academy Rd. NE plus 1 other metro location (505) 821-8226, casa-taco.com Both Casa Taco locations offer a window into owner James Pecherski’s signature take on the U.S. Southwest—a strange place where you could picture a classic John Wayne character lingering over a plate of Jamaican jerk chicken and Yucatan pork tacos. Casa Taco defies expectations.

CECILIA’S CAFÉ

CENTRAL GRILL & COFFEE HOUSE

230 6th St. SW, (505) 243-7070 Recognized on the Food Network’s “Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives,” and ranked No. 45 on the Travel Channel’s “101 Tastiest Places to Chow Down,” Cecilia’s Café offers tasty New Mexican treats, such as their Fireman’s Burrito or homemade chicharrones in a cozy atmosphere. 2056 Central Ave. SW (505) 554-1424, centralgrillandcoffeehouse.com This local favorite on Route 66, adjacent to Old Town, offers a bevy of breakfast and lunch options that will comfort your belly and your wallet. Here, you’ll find traditional New Mexican favorites, serious sammies, and solid caffeine with a staff famous for their classic Southwestern hospitality.

CERVANTES NEW MEXICAN RESTAURANT

CESAR’S MEXICAN & GREEK

CHEBA HUT

5801 Gibson Blvd. SE (505) 262-2253, cervantesabq.com Old-world style meets traditional New Mexican fare at this family-owned restaurant. Go for the madefrom-scratch chile rellenos, tamales, and carne adovada. 5300 Lomas Blvd. NE (505) 256-8017, cesarsmexicanandgreek.com Both the drive-thru and the dining room at Cesar’s are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. On the Mexican menu, try the No. 15, a chile rellenos plate. Popular Greek items include the No. 64 Gyros sandwich and the No. 78 Chicken pita sandwich. 115 Harvard Dr. SE plus 1 other metro location (505) 232-2432, chebahut.com Located next to UNM, Cheba Hut serves up toasted subs made from quality ingredients. Try sandwiches loaded with everything from guacamole, olives, mushrooms, cheeses, meats and much more.

CHEESE AND COFFEE

2679 Louisiana Blvd. NE plus 1 other metro location (505) 883-1226, cheeseandcoffee.com There’s more than just cheese and coffee here— think homemade soups, sandwiches, salads and specials. At lunch, the line often goes out the door, so it’s worth getting there early.

CHEZ AXEL

$$$

6209 Montgomery Blvd. NE (505) 881-8104, chezaxelrestaurant.com At Chez Axel, classical music is played at dinner Tuesday through Saturday, and the food has a decidedly French twist: cassoulet, trout amandine, chocolate mousse, and authentic French onion soup. Reservations are recommended.

8032 4th St. NW, (505) 898-3311, casadebenavidez.com One of the original New Mexican eateries in the North Valley, this expansive property boasts a lush patio, fabled margaritas and authentic eats, including a trademark on the sopaipilla burger.

WWW.ABQTHEMAG.COM | FEBRUARY 2022

CHOCGLITZ & CREAM

CHRISTY MAE’S RESTAURANT

10660 Unser Blvd. NW (505) 898-4589, chocglitzandcream.com Certified fair-trade chocolate and a chocolatier with 45 years of experience means you’ll find some of the best sweet-tooth satisfying offerings (including ice cream flavors such as raspberry red chile and Mexican coffee). 1400 San Pedro Dr. NE (505) 255-4740, christymaes.com “Hearty” and “homestyle” are the key words here, a hands-down favorite of early-dinner lovers. Oldfashioned staples are the standards, so look for chicken salad, potpies, country-fried steak with homemade mashed potatoes, and beef stew.

CHURCH STREET CAFÉ

2111 Church St. NW (505) 247-8522, churchstreetcafe.com Calling the oldest residence in Albuquerque its home, this café serves up favorites ranging from natillas to margaritas. They also sell their own bottled salsa and cookbooks with recipes from the restaurant.

CINNAMON SUGAR & SPICE CAFÉ

COCINA AZUL

CODA BAKERY

CONCHITA’S CAFÉ

5809 Juan Tabo Blvd. NE plus 1 other metro location (505) 492-2119, cinnamoncafeabq.com Featuring breakfast and lunch options, endless baked goodies, friendly staff and regular cooking classes, this place puts the “everything nice” in the well-worn phrase. 4243 Montgomery Blvd. NE plus 2 other metro locations (505) 831-2600, cocinaazul.com The newest location of the Old Town favorite serves up the same tried and true home-cooked recipes you’ve come to love. Don’t miss location specific specials and local brews amid New Mexican staples. 230 Louisiana Blvd. SE, Ste C, (505) 232-0085 Wrap your hands around one of Coda Bakery’s unique, Vietnamese-inspired sandwiches. Beyond its popular lineup of sammies, Coda Bakery also puts a distinctive twist on Vietnamese street food, using from-scratch recipes, including the bread, its deli meats, and its desserts. 400 Gold Ave. SW, Ste 119 (505) 339-6774, conchitascafe.com What began as the food truck, Conchita’s Creations became a downtown café with breakfast, sandwiches, and salads. New Mexican favorites shine here, just like abuela made them—including tacos, Frito pie, and burritos.

CORN MAIDEN

We’re your local Los Ranchos American Comfort Food eatery.

Voted Best New Restaurant!

$$$

1300 Tuyuna Trail, (505) 771-6060, tamaya.hyatt.com For a special dinner or celebration, look no further. Boasting a view of the Sandia Mountains, this restaurant will leave you breathless as you enjoy three-course meals with sweet potato Granny Smith apple soup, lavender salted shrimp or the classic crème brulee.

CORRALES BISTRO BREWERY

4908 Corrales Rd. NW (505) 897-1036, cbbistro.com Brews from all over the region make this Corrales bistro a must-visit for the affordable fare, killer atmosphere, and music seven days a week.

Also voted Best Brunch! 505.639.5807 | davesvalleygrill.com | Open Daily 8am-8pm 6601 Fourth Street NW, Los Ranchos de Albuquerque

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BITES

A LITTLE TASTE OF GREECE

PHOTO BY DON JAMES/ATM

The Vegetarian Greek Platter has been a staple on the Mykonos Cafe menu since the restaurant’s inception in 1995 — and for good reason. “Much of Mediterranean food is vegetable based, so it’s fairly easy to eat vegetarian at a Mediterranean food restaurant,” says owner Nicole Kapnison. “We believe in the Mediterranean diet: pure Greek extra virgin olive oil, lots of fresh vegetables, fresh herbs, and lemon. Greeks love lemon!” Those who order the dish will leave satiated and content with the variety of flavors offered while not feeling overly full with what they’ve just consumed. “The plate has dolmas, tabouli, hummus, feta, olives and spanakopita (spinach pie),” Kapnison says. “It’s fresh, easy to eat, and you leave feeling healthy and amazing.” —TRISTEN CRITCHFIELD Mykonos Cafe 5900 Eubank Blvd NE (505) 291-1116, mykonosabq.com Vegetarian Greek Platter, $18

THE COUNTY LINE BBQ

9600 Tramway Blvd. NE (505) 856-7477, countyline.com It doesn’t take long for the barbecue to arrive at your dinner table, whether it’s wood-burning oven cooked and slow-roasted brisket, ribs, or sausage. Throw in the Rib King Platter, green-chile stuffed pork loin, live music, and two stepping, and at The County Line, everybody wins.

CRACKIN’ CRAB

2100 Louisiana Blvd. NE plus 2 other metro locations (505) 433-4611, crackincrababq.com Their headline seafood boils are super customizable, allowing you to choose from a trio of house combinations or mix and match your own selection of crab, lobster, mussels, scallops, clams, or shrimp by the pound.

CRAVIN’ COOKIES AND MORE

10420 4th St. NW (505) 298-2597, cravincookiesandmore.com Serving up specialty cookies, muffins, breads, pies, and pretty much any dessert you can dream of, Cravin’ Cookies and More offers dine-in and to go orders to satisfy any sweet tooth, with coffee and hot tea to match.

CRAZY FISH SUSHI BAR AND RESTAURANT

3015 Central Ave. NE (505) 232-3474, crazyfishabq.com Tasty, fresh sushi and sashimi await you in this sleek Central Avenue restaurant, along with kitchen-made favorites such as tempura and crispy chicken.

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THE CROWN ROOM

$$$$

145 Louisiana Blvd. NE (505) 767-7171, abqdowns.com/crown-room Perhaps Albuquerque’s best-kept fine dining secret, this gem is tucked away in the newly remodeled Downs Casino. With an incredible selection of liquors and wines, gourmet dishes, tableside Bananas Foster, and Dom Pérignon palate cleansers, this special occasion hideout is hard to beat, anywhere in the 505.

DG’S DELI

1418 Dr Martin Luther King Jr Ave. NE (505) 247-3354, dgsdeli.com With 31 cold sandwich options and a wide variety of grilled hot sandwiches—ranging in size from mini to jumbo—there’s something for everyone here. Try the Green Chile Philly or the Lobo Club.

D.H. LESCOMBES WINERY & BISTRO

$$$

CURRY LEAF

6910-C Montgomery Blvd. NE (505) 881-3663, curryleafrestaurant.us Curry Leaf is the only restaurant in New Mexico to offer both North and South India cuisine. This means that, while you can get familiar favorites like tandoori chicken, you can also explore the world of chicken chettinad and dosas—a type of crepe made with fermented lentil and rice flour, filled with stuffing like potato, spiced vegetables, or ground lamb.

901 Rio Grande Blvd. NW (505) 243-9916, lescombeswinery.com With generations of experience in winemaking coursing through this North Valley staple’s doors, D.H. Lescombes Winery & Bistro specializes in pairing wine with its expertly crafted and entirely house-made menu, with a local twist. Themed events and giving back to its community are big parts of this eatery’s success, not to mention popular dishes such as its Chicken Picado, Mac and Cheese Bites, and Ghirardelli Port Brownie.

THE DAILY GRIND

DION’S

DELICIAS CAFÉ

DOG HOUSE DRIVE IN

4360a Cutler Ave. NE (505) 883-8310, dailygrindabq.net This family-friendly restaurant serves breakfast and lunch, including huevos rancheros and a huge assortment of baked goods. On Friday and Saturday, look for spontaneous specials, such as stuffed French toast or steak and eggs. 6001 San Mateo Blvd. NE, (505) 830-6561 Named after the city in Chihuahua, Mexico, Delicias delivers traditional fare of the region, like caldo de res (beef stew), gorditas, carnitas, flautas, and horchata.

6308 Fourth St. NW plus 14 other metro locations (505) 345-4900, dionspizza.com Launched in 1978, Dion’s aims to keep your wallet and tummy full with build-your-own pizzas, gourmet pizzas, slices, salads, and subs. The ranch and Greek dressings are homemade from secret recipes, and everything on the menu is tried and true. 1216 Central Ave. SW, (505) 243-1019 An ABQ landmark since the 1940s, the eat-in-yourcar Dog House serves grilled footlongs and halflongs topped with red chile, cheese, onions, and more. Enjoy your dog with a side of chili-cheese fries and a thick shake.

WWW.ABQTHEMAG.COM | FEBRUARY 2022

BITES DONUT MART

4501 Montgomery Blvd. NE plus 2 other metro location (505) 292-6278, donutmartusa.com Multiple locations sprinkled around town means a donut lover can always get a sweet fix. Find apple strudels, piñon coffee, green chile bialys, croissants, muffins, and even a Peanut Butter and Jelly donut.

DOWN N DIRTY SEAFOOD BOIL

6100 4th St. NW, (505) 345-0595 Southern transplants who make their way to ABQ have a new spot for traditional seafood boil. From dry rub to a spicy, buttery fusion sauce, your tastebuds will dance with delight when you feast on this eatery’s collection of crawfish, rock shrimp, crab legs, and more.

DUGGAN’S

EL PATRON

EL PINTO

EL SABOR DE JUAREZ

DURAN’S CENTRAL PHARMACY

EL SARAPE

EAST OCEAN CHINESE SEAFOOD RESTAURANT

3601 Carlisle Blvd. NE (505) 889-9315, eastoceanalbq.com East Ocean Chinese Seafood Restaurant was the first of its kind in Albuquerque. Most dishes are served family style and are made fresh to order. Those looking for traditional Chinese dishes should try the Roast Duck. Seafood eaters will enjoy the Honey Crispy Walnut Shrimp.

EL BRUNO’S RESTAURANTE Y CANTINA

8806 4th St. NW (505) 897-0444, elbrunos.com El Bruno’s got its start in Cuba, NM, in 1975. At the Albuquerque location, the tried-and-true family recipes are still the focus of the menu. The Ceviche, Pollo Adovo, and the Deep Fried Spinach are a few items guests can look forward to.

EL CAMINO DINING ROOM

6800 4th St. NW, (505) 344-0448 Those with a bottomless appetite might meet their match with any of El Camino’s breakfast burrito options. These plate-sized behemoths are filled with eggs, hashbrowns or home-fries, and your choice of meat, then smothered in red or green chile.

EL COTORRO

111 Carlisle Blvd. NE (505) 503-6202, elcotorroabq.com Made to order gourmet tacos are on full display among classic Mexican street food like elotes and ceviche. A full salsa bar lets you spice up your meat, fish, vegetarian, or vegan tacos. Taco Tuesdays feature $2 tacos and bottled Mexican beers.

EL PATIO DE ALBUQUERQUE

142 Harvard Dr. SE plus 1 other metro location (505) 268-4245, elpatioabq.com A UNM favorite since 1977, this family-owned restaurant uses local ingredients and makes everything fresh daily in small batches. The No. 10 Green Chicken Enchiladas have won rave reviews for years, as have the tasty salsa and pillow-soft sopaipillas.

$$$

10500 4th St. NW (505) 898-1771, elpinto.com Food and atmosphere go hand-in-hand at this Duke City staple, ensuring an unforgettable experience. Enjoy fresh salsa, enchiladas, burritos, carne adovada, and many more New Mexican dishes while sipping a margarita on one of the many beautiful patios. Reservations are recommended.

227 Lead Ave. SE (505) 312-7257, dugganscoffeeshop.com This breakfast and lunch spot serves up newsthemed entrees like the Journalist Salad and Fact Checker Green Chile Chicken Soup in an intimate setting. Cups are filled with locally roasted Trifecta coffee. 1815 Central Ave. NW (505) 247-4141, duransrx.com Where in the city can you get amazing huevos, kitschy printed dish towels, an emergency rubber chicken in a box, and a flu shot? There is only one answer, Duran’s Central Pharmacy.

10551 Montgomery Blvd. NE plus 1 other metro location (505) 275-0223, elpatronabq.com A customer favorite, El Patron’s menu includes dishes such as mouthwatering tacos, enchiladas, chile rellenos, and housemade chips. Wash them down with a tasty margarita.

3527 Gibson Blvd. SE, (505) 265-3338 Its name means “the flavor of Juarez,” and since 1980, this restaurant has served just that. Try the family recipes for menudo and carne desebrada (shredded roast beef sautéed with jalapeño, tomato, and onions).

3248 Isleta Blvd. SW, (505) 877-8871, elsarapeabq.com Specializing in authentic food from all regions of Mexico, you can count on dishes such as nopalitos (cactus sautéed with onions, tomatoes, and garlic), fresh salsa, burritos, chile rellenos, and seafood specials with shrimp, oysters, calamari, and fish.

ELOY’S NEW MEXICAN RESTAURANT $

1508 Wyoming Blvd. NE, (505) 293-6018 Opening 47 years ago, Eloy’s New Mexican Restaurant’s claim to fame is its consistent food and service, offering the same recipes that made it famous all those years ago. Try the No. 1 Eloy’s Deluxe Dinner, with a little bit of everything.

EMBERS STEAK & SEAFOOD

$$$

11000 Broadway Blvd. SE (505) 244-8288, isleta.com Whether you are dining inside or al fresco on the rooftop patio, Ember’s boasts some of Albuquerque’s most beautiful 180-degree views of the Bosque, making for the perfect setting to catch the sunset next to the warmth of the glowing fire pits.

FANO BREAD COMPANY

4605 McLeod Rd, NE (505) 884-5555, fanobread.com For more than 16 years, Fano has made the freshest bread in the city. Whether it’s the rustic loaf, the green chile cheese bread or raisin cinnamon bread, you’ll think you’re touring the streets of Italy with each bite.

FAN TANG

3523 Central Ave. NE (505) 266-3566, fan-tang.com With authentic family recipes that include coffee chicken (rubbed in Satellite coffee, then stir-fried with flavorful sauce) and creative additions like soul dumplings (made with tofu, kimchi, and cashew pesto), this spot is sure to satisfy.

FAREAST FUZION SUSHI BAR & LOUNGE

5901 Central Ave. NE, (505) 255-2910 The sushi is served aplenty, but those who shy from raw fish can flirt with some Thai or Chinese cuisine. This might be one of the only places where a “HeartAttack”—a sushi roll with deep-fried spicy tuna, jalapeños, mushrooms, and cream cheese—is a good thing.

FEBRUARY 2022 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

FARINA ALTO PIZZERIA & WINE BAR $$

10721 Montgomery Blvd. NE (505) 298-0035, farinaalto.com The Northeast Heights version of Farina offers the same urban atmosphere as the East Downtown (EDo) Farina, minus the elbow-to-elbow seating. Alto offers every pizza on the EDo menu, such as the Formaggio di Capra and the Carne, but includes unique dishes—Eggplant Parmesan Napoleon and Oven-Roasted Chicken Wings. Alto’s wine room is stocked with more than 300 bottles of wine.

FARINA PIZZERIA

510 Central Ave. SE (505) 243-0130, farinapizzeria.com Whether you like yours bianco or covered in carne, you’ll get a pie cooked to perfection at this relaxedbut-hip urban eatery.

FARM & TABLE

$$$

THE FARMACY

8917 4th St. NW (505) 503-7124, farmandtablenm.com This North Valley eatery’s ever-changing menu features seasonal produce, which often comes from the restaurant’s own farm. If the produce doesn’t come from the farm, it’s sourced from a slew of local vendors. Enjoy grass-and-alfalfa-fed steaks and produce-focused dishes that use local kale, chard, okra, chile, and tomatoes. 3718 Central Ave. SE, (505) 227-0330 The Farmacy takes the idea of organic and local ingredients, and presents them in a way that tastes like comfort. The Farmacy provides a tasty menu of eight breakfast items, as well as eight sandwiches for lunch.

FIESTA’S MEXICAN RESTAURANT & CANTINA

4400 Carlisle Blvd. NE, (505) 881-0478 Fiesta’s Restaurant & Cantina has been family-owned and operated since 1986, making it an Albuquerque go-to for quality New Mexican cuisine. With its family dining area, outdoor patio, lively bar and banquet room, Fiesta’s has something for everyone.

FLIX BREWHOUSE

FLYING STAR CAFE

FORQUE KITCHEN AND BAR

3258 La Orilla Rd. NW, B-1 (505) 445-8500, flixbrewhouse.com Flix is a one-of-a-kind concept; a movie theater that serves full meals and an in-house brewed beer menu in its stadium-seating “dining rooms.” The dream is real, Albuquerque–you can catch the latest blockbuster in theaters while knocking back a pint and having dinner brought to you. 8001 Menaul Blvd. NE plus 5 other metro locations (505) 293-6911, flyingstarcafe.com With menu options ranging from breakfast served all day to flavor-packed salads and sandwiches, handmade desserts to die for, and beautiful patio dining, Flying Star is the place to treat yourself to good vibes and great food. 330 Tijeras Ave. NW (505) 842-1234, albuquerque.hyatt.com Forque’s multi-level, tastefully decorated dining room features floor-to-ceiling windows and makes it easy to forget you’re dining at a Downtown hotel. The elegant presentation extends to the regional cuisine, which is prepared in the restaurant’s open kitchen by executive chef Eli White and his staff.

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BITES FORK & FIG

6904 Menaul Blvd. NE, Ste C (505) 881-5293, forkfig.com Upscale, but surprisingly down-home, Fork & Fig dishes offer up a streamlined menu of favorites, including burgers, sandwiches, and salads, with surprising artistry along the way. Sweet potato tots, anyone?

FOURTH AND ROMA CAFÉ

500 4th St. NW, #106, (505) 245-7662 Delicious chai, coffee, sandwiches, salads, and occasional East-Indian specials conveniently located in the old Bank of America building downtown.

FRANK’S FAMOUS CHICKEN AND WAFFLES

400 Washington St. SE, (505) 712-5109 franksfamouschickenandwaffles.com Owner and former Lobo basketball player Frank Willis wanted to give Albuquerque the soul food he had while growing up in Los Angeles. He fiddled with flavors, making sure they were perfect, before opening his restaurant to dish out favorites like chicken and waffles, fried pickles, mac ‘n cheese, and collard greens.

FRENCHISH

$$$

3509 Central Ave. NE (505) 433-5911, frenchish.com Envisioned as a casual neighborhood restaurant, frenchish’s menu draws inspiration from an eclectic mix of French and Midwestern U.S. cuisines, with an active focus on clean, simple foods.

FRIENDS COFFEE & SANDWICH SHOP $

200 3rd St. NW (505) 243-4801, fcass.com Every cup of coffee served at Friends Coffee & Sandwich Shop is from New Mexico Coffee Company, and a different flavor is showcased each day of the week. Local favorites such as the quesadilla and the Taco Burger are dependable lunch choices.

FRONTIER RESTAURANT

2400 Central Ave. SE (505) 266-0550, frontierrestaurant.com Famous for its legendary Frontier Rolls, hot-off-theiron tortillas, burgers, New Mexican favorites, hash browns, fresh-squeezed orange juice, and more, the Frontier is Albuquerque’s melting pot—it’s a guarantee you’ll see someone you know there.

GARCIA’S KITCHEN

2924 San Mateo NE plus 5 other metro locations (505) 888-3488, garciaskitchen.com This Albuquerque institution serves up classic New Mexican dishes, from freshly made tortillas to an extensive burrito list. You’ll leave one of the multiple locations with a full belly and content heart.

GARDUÑO’S OF MEXICO RESTAURANT AND CANTINA $$ 10031 Coors Blvd. NW plus 1 other metro locations (505) 880-0055, gardunosrestaurants.com

Garduño’s consistently earns enthusiastic kudos for its mouthwatering enchiladas, burritos, salsa, and knockyour-socks-off margaritas. And, with three locations around town, you’re always near a fiesta.

GECKO’S BAR AND TAPAS

5801 Academy Rd. NE (505) 821-8291, geckosbar.com Plenty of tasty tapas—including Southwestern Krab Taquitos and Red Molé Grilled Sirloin Tacos—and hearty salads and sandwiches, too.

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GINO’S NEW YORK STYLE PIZZA

3908 San Mateo Blvd. NE (505) 883-6000, ginosnystylepizza.com With handmade lasagna and pizza dough, among other items, Gino’s New York Style Pizza shares family recipes with its customers. From the buttermilk ranch dressing to the Eggplant and Chicken Parmigianas, homemade cooking is not too far away.

GIOVANNI’S PIZZERIA

921 San Pedro Dr. SE, (505) 255-1233 giovannispizzaalbuquerque.com Giovanni’s isn’t easy to spot at first, but once you’ve had a big slice of fold-in-half New York-style pie, you’ll never miss it again. Whether you like it covered in spinach, pesto and tomatoes, cheese-only, no cheese at all, or plain pepperoni, you’re sure to find your pizza match.

GOLDEN CROWN PANADERIA

GRASSBURGER

1103 Mountain Rd. NW, (505) 243-2424, goldencrown.biz Golden Crown Panaderia is known for taking creativity in baking to the next level. Try the original biscochitos or cappuccino, chocolate and sugar-free versions. Don’t miss out on homemade green chile bread, pizza, and creative bread sculptures. 5600 Coors Blvd. NW, Ste C3 plus 1 other metro location (505) 361-2368, eatgrassburger.com There’s a lot that sets the burger joint apart— including its community involvement, its vegan and gluten-free burger options, and its commitment to a no-corn syrup menu.

GREENSIDE CAFÉ

$$$

12165 NM-14, Cedar Crest (505) 286-2684, greenside.cafe This Cedar Crest café offers a casual family atmosphere with large portions of gourmet-quality food: French toast made with orange and vanilla batter, Turquoise Trail Trout, rich homemade ice cream, and a Monte Cristo sandwich with green chile.

THE GRILL ON SAN MATEO

3300 San Mateo Blvd. NE, (505) 872-9772 A choice of mesquite-grilled chicken, rib eye, hot dogs, and burgers (beef and garden) accompany bottomless house-made chips and salsa, complete with sides like classic fries and fried zucchini, and fresh fixings are on a build-your-own basis offering a completely customizable burger.

THE GROVE CAFÉ AND MARKET

600 Central Ave. SE, Ste A (505) 248-9800, thegrovecafemarket.com The brunch and lunch favorite is well-known for its exceptional dishes made from local and organic ingredients, and it now offers a newly expanded menu, with additions such as the French Ham & Cheese with d’affinois cheese, mostarda, and caper mustard sauce.

GYROS MEDITERRANEAN

106 Cornell Dr. SE, (505) 255-4401, egyros.com Tried-and-true Greek recipes, such as traditional Kota Reganato (oven-roasted chicken with oregano, garlic and lemon), fresh Greek salads, Patates, and, of course, sweet baklava, served in a friendly, laid-back collegial atmosphere.

HANNAH & NATE’S MARKET CAFÉ

4512 Corrales Rd, plus 1 other metro location (505) 898-2370 Offering breakfast and lunch, Hannah & Nate’s is all about flavor—whether it’s the flavor of traditional New Mexican cuisine, cuisines from throughout the world or the family recipes served.

HELLO DELI

HIBACHI ONE

HIGH POINT GRILL

7600 Jefferson St. NE (505) 797-3354, hellodeliabq.com Home to one of the most delicious breakfast burritos around, Hello Deli serves sandwiches and even Frontier’s sweet rolls. 3230 Coors Blvd. NE (505) 839-0808, hibachioneabq.com In addition to their tableside teppanyaki service, Hibachi One visitors can take advantage of private rooms. Hibachi options like shrimp, scallops, and filet mignon are available wherever you’re sitting in the house, as is a full menu of sushi, sashimi, and rolls. 9780 Coors Blvd. NW (505) 312-8519, highpointgrill.com Those perpetually on the hunt for the perfect burger will find plenty to love at High Point. With a foundation of 100-percent Akaushi, American Prime Wagyu beef, the burgers at High Point Grill are some of the city’s most popular. Its Southwest burger, for instance, features a red chile crusted patty, extra hot local green chile and cheddar cheese.

HIGH NOON RESTAURANT AND SALOON

$$$

425 San Felipe St. NW (505) 765-1455, highnoonrestaurant.com Located in a 300-year-old house in the heart of Old Town, High Noon has a menu stocked with New Mexican fare such as burritos and enchiladas, but you can also find baked brie and buffalo burgers here. Reservations are recommended.

HOLY BURGER

700 Central Ave. SE (505) 242-2991, holyburgernm.com Originally a Route 66 diner with a carport, and later Bob’s Fish and Chips, Holy Burger now boasts some of the juiciest burgers in town, as well as one of the breeziest and most boppin’ patios in the city.

HORSE AND ANGEL TAVERN

HOT PINK THAI

HOT TAMALES

HURRICANE’S CAFE

5809 Juan Tabo Blvd. NE, (505) 299-0225 Whether you want a simple sandwich for lunch, appetizers and a beer in the afternoon, or steak and enchiladas at midnight, this Heights tavern is the place to be any time of the day. 2626 San Pedro Dr. NE, (505) 872-2296 For dine in or takeout at lunchtime, you’ll get $1.50 off dishes over $10 and a free vegetable egg roll. Favorites include pumpkin curry, pad thai, and drunken noodles. Most dishes are customized with your choice of protein and spice level, from no chili at all to Thai hot. 1520 Rio Rancho Blvd. SE. Rio Rancho (505) 962-0123, hottamalesnmrestaurant.com This Rio Rancho restaurant serves bona fide New Mexican with hand-blended red chile and fireroasted green chile: Green Chile Stew Omelet, Hot Tamale Bowl, and Fajitas are just a few of the spicy dishes. 4330 Lomas Blvd. NE, (505) 255-4248 With Route 66 serving as the city’s heart, it’s always good to hop over to a good ol’ fashioned diner. Pick out a classic dish, such as pancakes or omelets from the lengthy breakfast menu, or chow down on a burger, enchilada, or chicken fried steak. Of course, you can take a stab at the hearty Disaster Burrito, but you’d better make plenty of room if that’s on your agenda.

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I SCREAM ICE CREAM

2000 Carlisle Blvd. NE, (505) 268-0139 The cozy dessert shop is filled with toys, gadgets, board games, and—oh yeah—34 flavors of ice cream and 28 different toppings. Each scoop comes with a free mix-in, and there are fresh mini doughnuts available on weekends.

IL VICINO

3403 Central Ave. NE plus 2 other metro locations (505) 266-7855, ilvicino.com Using wood ovens to bake its thin-crust pizzas, Il Vicino (which means “The Neighbor”) also offers hearty calzones and award-winning brews from its own brewery.

INDIAN PUEBLO KITCHEN

$$$

INDIGO CROW CAFÉ

$$$

2401 12th St. NW (505) 724-3510, indianpueblo.org The Indian Pueblo Cultural Center is the perfect backdrop for the Native American-inspired cuisine prepared in the café, serving traditional and innovative dishes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Reservations are recommended. 4515 Corrales Rd. (505) 585-3061, indigocrowcafe.net This café is cozy, thanks to the fact that it’s housed in an old adobe building. When it’s cold, patrons warm up by the indoor fireplace; when it’s warm, they enjoy meals such as lobster ravioli, tarragon chicken salad, and New Mexico chicken fried steak under the stars on the outdoor patio. Reservations are recommended.

IRONWOOD KITCHEN

5740 Night Whisper Rd. NW, Ste 250 (505) 890-4488, ironwoodkitchen.com This family operation’s goal: to serve meals made with whole foods at affordable prices. Try the green chile cheeseburger, with freshly-ground chuck, topped with fresh vegetables and roasted green chile.

JAPANESE KITCHEN

$$$

6521 America’s Parkway (505) 884-8937, japanesekitchen.com Entertainment is the main course at this teppanyaki grill restaurant. The cooks, who are at your table, can be caught tossing shrimp into their pockets and creating to-die-for dishes from the classic teriyaki chicken, to seafood or steak, and everything in between.

JAVA JOE’S

JC’S NEW YORK PIZZA DEPARTMENT

906 Park Ave. SW (505) 765-1514, downtownjavajoes.com You’ll find all walks of life at this relaxing Downtown joint, enjoying freshly made sandwiches, breakfast burritos, green chile chicken melts, coffee drinks and more.

215 Central Ave. NW, Ste B (505) 766-6973, jcnypd.com New York-style pizza, pasta, salads, and fully-loaded pasta and calzone dishes, all in a laid-back lounge. During lunch hour, the line goes out the door.

JIMMY’S CAFÉ ON JEFFERSON

7007 Jefferson St. NE (505) 341-2546, jimmyscafeonjefferson.com The menu here lists more than 100 items, most of them mouthwatering comfort foods: sandwiches, burgers, New Mexican dishes, handmade pizza, and breakfast served all day long.

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BITES JINJA BAR AND BISTRO

8900 Holly Ave. NE, Ste. B plus 1 other metro location (505) 856-1413, jinjabistro.com Evoking a vintage ambiance, Jinja serves inspired and mouthwatering pan-Asian cuisine, such as Kung Pow Chicken (a Thai version of the Chinese favorite) and Home-Style Chicken Udon Wok Bowl.

JOE’S PASTA HOUSE

3201 Southern Blvd. SE (505) 892-3333, joespastahouse.com A neighborhood Italian-American joint with an incredible dose of warmth and personality, Joe’s offers a terrific lunch buffet and an expansive dinner menu to please every palate in la mia famiglia: steaks, pasta, and some of the best cannelloni and tiramisu anywhere.

KABAB HOUSE: AUTHENTIC PERSIAN CUISINE $

8104 Wyoming Blvd. NE, Ste. A (505) 312-8949 Authentic, made-to-order Persian food is constantly sizzling on the grill here. The koobideh kabab is made with minced ground beef or ground chicken, onion, and house spices. Each dish is a healthy size and comes with soup, salad, and rice. Top everything off with a glass of delicious banana milk, or majoun, which is banana milk with almonds, walnuts, pistachios, and honey.

KAKTUS BREWING CO.

471 S Hill Rd, Bernalillo (505) 818-7285, kaktusbrewery.com Tucked away from it all, Kaktus specializes in European-style pints, and a menu featuring pizzas and apps uniquely topped with game meats like elk, boar, bison, and duck. Special events on weekends abound.

KAP’S COFFEE SHOP & DINER

KOLACHE FACTORY

8001 Wyoming Blvd. NE, Ste B3 (505) 856-3430, locations.kolachefactory.com The Kolache Factory franchise out of Texas focuses on Czech style Kolaches that were traditionally a warm, semi-sweet pastry filled with sausage, cheese, or fruit and originated in Eastern Europe dating as far back as the 1700s.

LA QUICHE PARISIENNE BISTRO

5850 Eubank Blvd. NE, Ste 17 (505) 242-2808, laquicheparisiennebistro.com Long considered an authentic French staple of downtown ABQ, La Quiche has comfortably settled into the Heights and the baked goods will comfort your lazy weekend brunch cravings with true Parisian cuisine from the mainland.

LA REFORMA

8900 San Mateo Blvd. NE, Ste I (505) 717-1361, lareformabrewery.com On the taco front, La Reforma is virtually unimpeachable, offering options like braised pork shoulder carnitas, tempura-battered white fish pescado, and rotisserie-broiled al pastor for carnivores, along with tempura-battered avocado (aguacate) for those looking for something plantbased.

LA SALITA

1950 Juan Tabo Blvd. NE (505) 299-9968, lasalita.com The name may mean “little room,” but this New Mexican restaurant always has a full house. The chile rellenos, chile con queso, sopaipillas, and shredded beef burrito (a Wednesday special) have earned loyal customers for 37 years.

LAGUNA BURGER

5801 Central Ave. NE (505) 232-9658, kapscoffeeshopanddiner.com Serving the Duke City and hungry travelers since 1968, Kap’s is the place to go for a great meal. Enjoy a hearty plate of chicken fried steak or chicken fried chicken with an egg on top or some golden brown, griddle-cooked flapjacks.

2400 12th St. NW plus 2 other metro locations (505) 352-8282, thelagunaburger.com Every half-pound burger is made fresh upon ordering, topped with Hatch green chile, and slipped on a butter-toasted bun made specifically for Laguna Burger by Sara Lee. Also on the menu: freshlycut fries, foot-long chile cheese dogs, and zingy breakfast burritos.

KATHY’S CARRY OUT

THE LAST CALL

823 Isleta Blvd. SW, (505) 873-3472 This carry out has been a South Valley favorite for 38 years. Look for the chicharron burrito with egg, fresh hand-cut fries, and the daily special—you just might land on a seems-too-good-to-be-true deal, such as three tacos for $3.

KATRINAH’S EAST MOUNTAIN GRILL $$

150 State Rd. 344 A (505) 281-9111, eastmountaingrill.com This contemporary diner specializes in homemade dishes, such as gyros, hand-cut steaks and burgers, and the best-selling Southern Salad (with fried green beans, bacon, cheddar cheese, tomato, and fried or grilled chicken or steak).

KIMO’S HAWAIIAN BBQ

3239 Girard Blvd. NE (505) 582-2797, kimosabq.com Hawaii comes home. What began as a food truck is now a brick-and-mortar location also. Try freshfrom-the-isles Kalua Pork and Huli Huli Chicken plates served with sides like steamed cabbage, rice, and macaroni salad.

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6261 Riverside Plaza Ln. NW, Ste A1 (505) 717-1207, lastcallabq.com This late-night eatery specializes in freshly-made Baja Mexican street cuisine (think: carne asada fries). If you’re lucky, you just might run into the “Taco Box” while out on the town: a mobile extension of the restaurant that brings the food to you.

LAVA ROCK BREWING COMPANY

2220 Unser Blvd. NE (505) 836-1022, lavarockbrewpub.com

The casual brewpub on Unser currently has 7 of their own beers available on tap, with several other local guest taps as well. Standard bar fare gets gussied up here, like the housemade hot sauces on the wings and the fries loaded with green chile and queso.

LAZY LIZARD GRILL

12480 North Hwy. 14, Sandia Park (505) 281-9122, lazylizardgrill.com From the King Cobra Pizza and made-fromscratch Jalapeño Poppers to their impressive selection of microbrews, the Lazy Lizard Grill has customers always coming back for more—and has the food and atmosphere to back it up.

LE BISTRO VIETNAMESE RESTAURANT

1313 San Pedro Dr. NE, (505) 266-6118 Le Bistro Vietnamese Restaurant is just as much a bakery as it is a restaurant, specializing in traditional Vietnamese cuisine.

LE CHANTILLY FINE PASTRIES

8216 Menaul Blvd. NE (505) 293-7057, lechantillybakery.com This French-style bakery features breakfast pastries, muffins, strudel, cookies, and tarts—not to mention delicious quiche, croissants, sandwiches and cakes. Try homemade soups such as creamy chicken and artichoke, then satisfy your sweet tooth with a tower of chocolate decadence.

LE TROQUET

228 Gold Ave. SW (505) 508-1166, abqfrenchrestaurant.com The Parisian bistro, open for lunch or dinner, offers classically simple French dishes made by Chef Jean Pierre Gozard. From Boeuf Bourguignon to quiche and delectable desserts, expect a tres bien atmosphere with a comprehensive wine list.

LEVEL 5 AT HOTEL CHACO

$$$

THE LIBRARY BAR & GRILL

LIMONATA ITALIAN STREET CAFÉ

LINDY’S DINER

2000 Bellamah Ave. NW (505) 318-3998, hotelchaco.com The food here needs be good, because first and foremost, it competes with the view. Like the name implies, Level 5 sits on the 5th floor of Hotel Chaco and offers a near-360 degree view of the city. 312 Central Ave. SW (505) 242-2992, library-abq.com Featuring more than a great party, the Library offers drink specials and half-priced appetizers during happy hour, as well as salads, hamburgers, sandwiches, wraps, and specialty items. 3222 Silver Ave. SE (505) 266-0607, limonatanobhill.com Channel your inner Italian at this street foodinspired café, where the breakfast and lunch menus feature perfect pastries, craveable cappuccino and trattoria-inspired lunches. The chef makes every dish from scratch and insists that everything about the restaurant, from the menu to the atmosphere, be done just as it would in Italy. 500 Central Ave. SW (505) 242-2582, lindysdinerabq.com Lindy’s is a neighborhood joint, through and through. The sort of place where, even if they don’t know your name, you’ll feel like they do anyway. The owners recommend the Ultimate Burger for that classic American diner experience.

LITTLE BEAR COFFEE

LOS COMPADRES RESTAURANT

2632 Pennsylvania St. NE (505) 917-8902, littlebearcoffeeco.com Located near Uptown, Little Bear is not just serving up quality brew, but also providing an outpost for the neighborhood and coffee community. 2437 Central Ave. NW (505) 452-8091, compadresabq.com Family recipes like the No. 16 Taco Plate, tacos with carne y papas (beef and potatoes) and the restaurant’s Menudo, have kept locals coming back for more than 15 years.

WWW.ABQTHEMAG.COM | FEBRUARY 2022

BITES

A PITA OF GREEK GOODNESS

PHOTO BY DON JAMES/ATM

For many diners, the gyro is synonymous with Greek food culture. “People can relate to it because if they haven’t eaten it, they’ve heard of it,” says Olympia Cafe general manager Charlie Akkad. Perfecting the dish is a different matter entirely, but at Olympia Cafe, the gyros are an art form. The slices of lamb and beef are shaved, not cut, for a consistent texture and then wrapped in a speciallymade pita and served with tomatoes, onions and most importantly, tzatziki sauce, which is typically made with yogurt, drained cucumber, olive oil, fresh herbs, garlic, lemon juice and salt. “We make it in-house every day,” Akkad says. “That makes the biggest difference in the world.” Word tends to spread fast regarding the meal, which is why Olympia Cafe’s version remains a staple menu item. “We don’t use that much advertisement,” Akkad says. “Word of mouth is what’s getting us new customers and our old customers keep coming back for more.” —TRISTEN CRITCHFIELD Olympia Cafe 2210 Central Ave. SE (505) 266-5222, olympiacafenm.com

Gyro, $6.49

LOS CUATES

LOYOLA’S FAMILY RESTAURANT

8700 Menual Blvd. NE plus 2 other metro locations (505) 237-2800, loscuatesrestaurants.com Popular since it opened over 25 years ago, Los Cuates serves its own ancho-chile salsa and tons of delicious New Mexican dishes in humongous portions. 4500 Central Ave. SE, (505) 268-6478 loyolasfamilyrestaurant.com You’ll find both American and New Mexican goodies here, from fried chicken, roast beef and sandwiches to tasty local favorites such as burritos and posole.

LUIGI’S RISTORANTE AND PIZZERIA $$

6225 4th St. NW (505) 343-0466, luigisitalianfood.com Enjoy more than 250 made-from-scratch Italian dishes, including pizza, chicken Florentine, spaghetti and meatballs, and green chile chicken lasagna.

M’TUCCI’S ITALIAN

6001 Winter Haven Rd. NW plus 2 other metro locations (505) 503-7327, mtuccis.com The menu at the Westside’s authentic Italian staple features refined comfort food classics, from meatball marinara to pot roast. Other menu items are crafted from choice Berkshire pigs that the eatery imports from northern Iowa and southern Minnesota farms. In fact, a unique pork dish is incorporated into a featured dinner special every night. Wash down your pasta, pizza, or salad with a carefully crafted cocktail from the bar.

MAC’S STEAK IN THE ROUGH

4515 Menaul Blvd. NE plus 1 other metro location, (505) 888-3611, macsnm.com Taquitos, onion rings, guacamole salad, and an original “steak in the rough”—slivers of beef served with French fries, coleslaw, a roll, catsup, and a fresh green scallion… these are just a few of the reasons Mac’s has been in business for so many years.

MAGOKORO

5614 Menaul Blvd. NE (505) 830-2061, magokoroabq.com

Magakoro pushes well beyond the bounds of ramen and sushi, treating visitors to a thrilling selection of flavors. They’ve also cultivated a reputation for elevating the bento box—commonly available at Japanese-inspired restaurants throughout Albuquerque—into a sensorial cultural experience.

MANZANO GRILLE AT THE CANYON CLUB AT FOUR HILLS $$ 911 Four Hills Rd. SE (505) 299-9555, canyonclubgolf.com

This newly remodeled property was rejuvenated thanks to its own club members, and now boasts modern décor, floor-to-ceiling windows, and a relaxed and inviting atmosphere. Members can enjoy creative dishes like Pork Alexander, New Mexico Eggs Benedict with green chile Hollandaise sauce, or the Turkey Lurkey, including green chile and Pepper Jack cheese in the dining room or al fresco on its large, shaded patio overlooking the mountain vistas. Dining-only memberships available.

MARIO’S PIZZA

2401 San Pedro NE plus 3 other metro locations (505) 883-4414, mariospizzaabq.com Gourmet pizzas, big bowls of pasta, custom calzones and New York-style sandwiches are the norm at this tasty Italian eatery.

FEBRUARY 2022 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

MARISCOS ALTAMAR

MARY & TITO’S CAFÉ

MAY CAFÉ

MAZAYA CAFÉ

1517 Coors Blvd. NW plus 1 other metro location (505) 831-1496, mariscosaltamarabq.com With live music on the weekends, colorful murals, and authentic Mexican seafood dishes such as tostada de ceviche with shrimp, fish, and snow crab, dining at Mariscos Altamar is well worth the trip. 2711 4th St. NW (505) 344-6266, maryandtitos.com From their famous carne adovada to their authentic New Mexican chips and salsa, Mary & Tito’s Café makes sure guests leave full and happy. This homey café also became the only Albuquerque restaurant to win a James Beard Foundation America’s Classics Award in 2010. 111 Louisiana Blvd. SE (505) 265-4448, maycafenm.com Traditional Vietnamese cuisine is easily customizable, fresh and healthy. The café’s spring rolls, made fresh to order, are popular with diners new and old. Try the pho or the bún. 120 Harvard Dr. SE (505) 582-2447, mazayacafe.com Mazaya Café is dedicated to adding an authentic Mediterranean dining experience to the medley of options in the Nob Hill area–without breaking the bank for its diners. If you are looking to fill up, fresh-grilled kebabs, a half-dozen wraps, shawarma, and three kinds of fried or steamed dumpling plates headline the restaurant’s entrée menu.

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BITES MICHAEL THOMAS COFFEE ROASTERS

(505) 504-7078, michaelthomascoffee.com Michael Thomas’ fresh-roasted coffees can be purchased in bulk or by the cup. Favorites include the Banda Bear Blend and the Duke’s Runners’ Blend. If you prefer to let them make your cup of Joe, try an espresso-based drink such as a Double Espresso, a Macchiato, or a Cubano.

MICK’S CHILE FIX

MILLY’S

3351 Candelaria Rd. NE, Ste A (505) 881-2233, mickschilefix.com One of the city’s true spots for getting something hot: try The Shocker (an eight-pound breakfast burrito), huevos rancheros, or the Frito pie, all with homemade red or green chile. 2100 Candelaria Rd. NE plus 1 other metro location (505) 884-0707, millysrestaurants.com If you’re not sure what to eat, have a little of everything with an American-New Mexican–Greek menu. This breakfast and lunch spot melds salads and sandwiches with traditional New Mexican and Greek entrees.

MONICA’S EL PORTAL RESTAURANT

321 Rio Grande Blvd. NW, (505) 247-9625 Traditional New Mexican favorites make up the menu at this Old Town staple that has been around for 34 years. Monica’s roasts its own green chile, makes biscochitos from scratch and offers red chile straight from the pod.

MONROE’S RESTAURANT

6051 Osuna Rd. NE plus 1 other metro location (505) 881-4224, monroeschile.com More than 50 years after opening its doors south of Old Town, Monroe’s continues to serve reliable New Mexican favorites to a local fan base, and service around here is a team effort, so no glass goes unfilled.

MONTE CARLO STEAKHOUSE

$$$

3916 Central Ave. SW, (505) 836-9886 The iconic steakhouse meets liquor store has been featured on the Food Network and boasts some of the best steaks in the city. Since 1971, locals always come back for hand-cut steaks, house-made Greek salad dressing, freshly cut fries, and a mean green chile cheeseburger.

MONTE VISTA FIRE STATION

3201 Central Ave. NE, (505) 255-2424

Once an actual working fire station, this second-floor restaurant now offers traditional bar food, wings, and nightly specials. Choose from tasty chicken wings and burgers, or order from the restaurant downstairs—they’ll bring your steak to you.

MR. TOKYO

11200 Montgomery Blvd. NE, (505) 292-4728 Soak up the cool Zen-like atmosphere while enjoying six versions of fried rice, sushi, sashimi, tempura, hibachi, grilled udon, soups, and teriyaki spiced with fiery Thai chili peppers.

MUSTANG CAFÉ

8601 Lomas Blvd. NE, (505) 275-4477 Perfect for anyone shopping at the Rich Ford car dealership—or anyone at all—is this auto-themed restaurant, which serves up homemade breakfast burritos, papitas, enchiladas, rellenos, tamales, and the Dennis Snyder Favorite: a 16-oz. sirloin patty with cheese and chile.

NAGOMI RESTAURANT

OLO YOGURT STUDIO IN NOB HILL

NAMASTE

O’HARE’S GRILLE & PUB

NARUTO

O’NIELL’S PUB

2400 Juan Tabo Blvd. NE, (505) 298-3081 nagomirestaurantabq.com The Nagomi menu is virtually overrun with Japanese culinary classics. Nagomi is also one of the few places in Albuquerque where you can go to indulge in shabu-shabu, a Japanese-style hot pot. 1580 Deborah Rd. SE plus 1 other metro location (505) 896-3126, namastenm.net Offering authentic Nepalese and Indian dishes— including chicken tikka masala and lamb curry— Namaste also serves traditional food with a New Mexico twist, such as the green chile chicken curry. 2110 Central Ave. SE (505) 369-1039, narutonoodle.com Who knew Ramen noodles could be so creative, so diverse, and so darn good. Naruto is reinventing the Ramen noodle with specialized dishes that can’t be found anywhere else in the city.

NEXUS BREWERY

4730 Pan American Fwy NE, Ste D plus 1 other metro location (505) 242-4100, nexusbrewery.com If the made-to-order fried chicken and waffles and mac and cheese has you drooling, reach for one of Nexus’ brewed in-house beers.

NICK AND JIMMY’S RESTAURANT AND BAR

5021 Pan American Freeway NE (505) 344-9169, nickandjimmysrestaurant.com Nick and Jimmy’s vision was a comfortable atmosphere with comfortable food. They blend traditional foods with new twists and serve everything from enchiladas to green chile meatloaf.

NOB HILL BAR AND GRILL

$$$

3128 Central Ave. SE (505) 266-4455, upscalejoint.com This restaurant manages to be simultaneously upscale and laid back, gourmet and down-home, visionary and traditional. Not to mention delicious: the Buffalo Calamari, Dirty “Kobe” Burger, Pineapple Chipotle BBQ Baby Back Ribs, and a slew of amazing cocktails make every visit exceptional.

NOMAD’S BBQ FOOD TRUCK (505) 206-7654

Authentic, smoky goodness, Nomad’s BBQ sammies— including pulled pork and hotlink varieties—are succulent and feature its homemade sauce. This roving BBQ hut definitely knows how to do a quality turkey leg and rib tips, too.

OAK TREE CAFÉ

4545 Alameda Blvd. NE (505) 830-2233, cafeoaktree.com

$$$

OHANA HUT

5740 Night Whisper Rd. NW (505) 508-4439, ohanahut.com Family owned and operated Ohana Hut means “Family Hut.” It specializes in Hawaiian, Japanese, and Korean flavors to create an Asian fusion menu with a New Mexican twist.

OLD TOWN PIZZA PARLOR

108 Rio Grande Blvd. NW (505) 999-1949, oldtownpizzaabq.com This comfy, funky, family-owned restaurant serves tasty pies, huge calzones, and portions of pasta that won’t ever leave you hungry.

FEBRUARY 2022 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

4100 Southern Blvd. SE, Rio Rancho (505) 896-0123, oharesgrillepub.com With a menu that is centered around the idea that variety is the key to success, O’Hare’s offers pub fare in a family-friendly atmosphere. Try the Corned Beef and Cabbage special, O’Hare’s Double Decker Reuben, or the staple Fish and Chips, for a truly Irish experience. 4310 Central Ave. SE plus 1 other metro location (505) 255-6782, oniells.com O’Niell’s boasts the same neighborhood feeling, many of the same staffers, and virtually the same menu (including the “weird sandwich,” the “burger in paradise,” and homemade fish and chips). Added: an outdoor patio and more beer choices.

O RAMEN

ORCHID THAI CUISINE

2114 Central Ave. SE, (505) 508-1897 Yes, the Duke City has the real thing. O Ramen’s Tonkotsu (pork bone broth) spends 18 hours on the stovetop before it blesses your bowl; expect plenty of options for vegetarians and Japanese curry lovers, to boot. 4300 Central Ave. SE (505) 265-4047, orchidabq.com Orchid Thai has been serving hungry Albuquerqueans traditional dishes like Pad Thai at its Nob Hill location for more than a decade. But this award-winning eatery goes beyond the traditional with unique dishes like deep-fried sesame duck, green tea curry, and Szechwan eggplant, all made from scratch.

THE OWL CAFÉ

800 Eubank Blvd. NE (505) 291-4900, owlcafealbuquerque.com World-famous green chile cheeseburgers, milkshakes, fajitas, quesadillas, meatloaf, burritos, fries… the list of great drool-worthy dishes goes on and on.

PACIFIC PARADISE TROPICAL GRILL AND SUSHI BAR $$

3000 San Pedro Dr. NE, (505) 881-0999 pacific-paradise-restaurant-abq.com Faux palms and tiki huts frame a menu filled with more than 100 options: salads, soups, stir-fry, seafood, fried rice, noodles, sushi, and dessert menu. Try the Seafood Rice Pizza or Rock ‘n’ Roll Sushi.

PADILLA’S MEXICAN KITCHEN

This hometown café has served a lot of locales over the past 30 years, and the current venue on Alameda is great at the basics, including burgers, sandwiches, and salads, made fresh, in-house every day.

3339 Central Ave. NE, Ste C (505) 718-4656, oloyogurt.com Nothing is as sweet as a guilt-free treat. In the same building as Staples in Nob Hill, Olo features a Candyland-esque interior, complete with 10 flavor choices and a salad-bar-sized toppings bar.

1510 Girard Blvd. NE, (505) 262-0115 It might not get any more New Mexican than it does at Padilla’s—from huevos rancheros and tamales to chile rellenos and egg-topped blue corn enchiladas. You may have to shake your head after a taste of the chile just to remind yourself you’re not in your grandmother’s kitchen. A sopaipilla dripping with honey will seal the deal for your traditional meal.

PAISANO’S ITALIAN RESTAURANT

1935 Eubank Blvd. NE (505) 298-7541, paisanosabq.com Family recipes have kept Paisano’s going for more than 35 years, but the hand-rolled pasta, handstuffed ravioli, homemade sausage and marinara haven’t hurt business, either. It’s also the only place in town to get wheat-free pizza and pasta.

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BITES

LAMB THAT SIZZLES

Zorba’s Fine Greek Cuisine 11225 Montgomery Blvd NE (505) 323-2695, zorbasabq.com

THE PALETA BAR

Païdakia, $34.99

2325 San Pedro Dr. NE plus 12 other metro locations (505) 884-0049, thepaletabar.com A hidden Albuquerque gem, The Paleta Bar has taken a tried-and-true, frozen Mexican dessert to new heights. Since 2017, this paleta wonderland has been slinging refreshing Mexican popsicles in endless combinations of flavors.

PAPA FELIPE’S MEXICAN RESTAURANT

PHOTO BY DON JAMES/ATM

The Paidakia — also known as lamb chops — are such a staple at Zorba’s Fine Greek Cuisine that some patrons consume the entree as ritual. “I have one customer that comes in only for that dish, and he comes in once a week,” says Madeleine Miller, whose family owns and runs the restaurant. “If you have the lamb chops (here), you won’t go anywhere else.” The lamb is cut straight off the rack, cooked to order and flavored with what Miller describes as “traditional Greek seasoning.” Miller makes sure to note that no artificial meat tenderizer is used. The dish comes complete with a pilaf of orzo pasta, which is sautéed with butter and cooked in broth, as well as Greek salad and freshly toasted pita bread. The generous portions tend to be a pleasant surprise for first-time diners. “I think (customers are) shocked when they see how big the lamb chops come to the table, and they’re practically sizzling and they’re all glistening because they’re fresh off the grill,” Miller says. “I think there’s a wow factor involved.” —TRISTEN CRITCHFIELD

9800 Menaul Blvd. NE (505) 292-8877, papafelipes.com Papa Felipe’s exceeds expectations by offering traditional New Mexican cuisine (enchiladas, stuffed sopaipillas, tacos) as well as simple twists on favorite dishes (green chile carne adovada, Tampico Tacos, Green Tamale Pie).

PELICAN’S RESTAURANT

$$$

9800 Montgomery Blvd. NE plus 1 other metro location (505) 298-7678, pelicansabq.com For 30 years, customers have fallen for Pelican’s— hook, line and sinker. Favorite entrées include Alaskan king crab, Australian lobster tail, and their delicious prime rib.

PEREA’S TIJUANA BAR

4590 Corrales Rd., (505) 898-2442 Open for lunch only, the family-owned and -operated business specializes in real, home-cooked New Mexican food that’s consistently earned kudos from customers who can’t say “no” to the Frito pie, carne adovada, and green chile cheeseburgers.

PERICO’S

7648 Louisiana Blvd. NE (505) 821-4900, papanachosfood.com Great homemade Mexican food based on tried-andtrue family recipes is the specialty here: burritos, fish tacos, and the namesake nachos will all make your panza happy.

10401 Golf Course Rd. NW plus 3 other metro locations (505) 792-5255 pericosmexicanrestaurant.com Serving delicious New Mexican food at affordable prices made Perico’s instantly popular, and the “home of the ½ lb burrito” is now an Albuquerque institution with three locations, catering services, and 22 different burritos.

PARS CUISINE

PHO LINH

PAPA NACHOS

4320 The 25 Way NE, Ste 100 (505) 345-5156, parscuisine.us For more than 20 years, Pars has served Persian and Mediterranean menu items in a unique atmosphere. Choose to sit on the floor under a large tent, and enjoy the talents of belly dancers, and enjoy tasty kebabs, gyros and more.

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9100 Central Ave. SE (505) 266-3368, pholinhabq.com Authentic Vietnamese cuisine is the name of the game at this restaurant. Look for pad thai, special noodles (with grilled barbecue shrimp), spring rolls, curry, and papaya salad.

PIATANZI

PIZZA 9

PIZZERIA LUCA

PLANTY SWEET

1403 Girard Blvd. NE (505) 792-1700, piatanzi.com A neighborhood Italian eatery with artisan flair, Piatanzi serves up big bites on smallish plates that please families and adventurous foodies alike, in a venue that scores big points. 4000 Louisiana Blvd. NE plus 12 other metro locations (505) 883-6463, pizzanine.com Chicago-style pizza at 10 locations around the city, along with the option of gluten-free crust—that’s what Pizza 9 brings to the, er, table. Don’t forget the wings, salads, breadsticks and calzones to complement any meal. 8850 Holly Ave. NE (505) 797-8086, pizzerialuca.com With imported Italian flour, cheese, and pepperoni, Pizzeria Luca offers authentic Italian cuisine. The restaurant has a subway-inspired interior and features delicious and affordable lunch specials. 2506 Washington St. NE (505) 433-7111, plantysweet.weebly.com Planty Sweet is the city’s first 100% vegan and gluten-free bakery and dessert shop, and the quality of the products available is hard to deny. Not only do their artisanal baked goods taste fantastic, they are impeccably presented, each crafted to please the eye as much as the taste buds.

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BITES POKI POKI CEVICHERIA

3422 Central Ave. NE plus 1 other metro location (505) 503-1077, pokipokinm.com Think deconstructed sushi if you’ve never had the traditionally Hawaiian poké. Completely customizable bowls with Latin and Asian fusion are the specialty here. Seven types of fish, 12 sauces, and 22 toppings make for endless combinations atop rice, chips, or a salad.

POLLITO CON PAPAS

6105 Gibson Blvd. SE (505) 765-5486, pollitoconpapas.com Get ready for a punch of Peruvian cuisine. The menu is dotted with combinations of chicken, potatoes, and cilantro rice. The chicken is brined in vinegar and cumin for about 10 hours, then fired on a spit. The traditional drink, chicha, makes the perfect complement to any dish. The southeast part of town just inched a bit closer to South America.

PONDEROSA BREWING CO.

1761 Bellamah Ave. NW (505) 639-5941, ponderosabrewing.net A sister brew pub to Pints Brewing in Portland, Oregon, Ponderosa features a wide selection of American and German standard beers, with a classic menu of burgers, salads, and innovative appetizers.

POP FIZZ

6770 Fourth St. NW plus 1 other metro location (505) 433-5440, pop-fizz.net Made in-house from all natural ingredients, kids can’t miss the Mexican paletas (popsicles) and ice cream tacos. For adults, boozy pops, shakes, and beer complement the small but substantial menu of sandwiches, burritos, and the coveted carne asada fries. Located at the National Hispanic Cultural Center, the patio is dog-friendly, and you might see its ice cream truck around the city at summer events.

PRAIRIE STAR RESTAURANT

288 Prairie Star Rd. (505) 867-3327, mynewmexicogolf.com Taking a drive past Bernalillo is a pleasure when you know the visit will include amazing made-fromscratch dishes such as herb-grilled ribeye with chipotle cheddar gratin and New Mexico bison-raised tenderloin. Reservations are recommended.

PUPUSERIA Y RESTAURANTE SALVADOREÑO

1701 Bridge Blvd. SW, (505) 243-8194 In El Salvador, pupusas (stuffed corn tortillas) are found on every street corner. In Albuquerque, they can only be found in the South Valley, stuffed with shrimp, calabacitas, cheese, beans, or guacamole and served with a side of fresh salsa and curtidos (a spicy cabbage salad garnish).

QUARTER CELTIC BREWPUB

1100 San Mateo Blvd. NE, #50, plus 1 other metro location (505) 503-1387, quartercelticbrewpub.com Irish brews like the Crimson Lass and Rye’t Side of Dublin are paired nicely with Celtic pub fare with a New Mexico twist. Must-tries include the classic fish and chips, ruben, shepherd’s pie, and poutine with green chile.

QUARTERS BBQ

801 Yale Blvd. SE (505) 843-6949 thequartersonyaleblvd.com Feeling hungry? How about 187,000 pounds of ribs and 15,000 pounds of Alaskan King Crab a year, an attached packaged liquor store, a secret sauce recipe, and customers hungry for more? Try the pork spare ribs or hot links.

RANCHERS CLUB OF NEW MEXICO $$$

1901 University Blvd. NE (505) 889-8071, theranchersclubofnm.com With more fine dining awards on their wall than years they’re been in business, the Ranchers Club of New Mexico inside the Crowne Plaza Albuquerque is a meat lovers’ paradise and wine connoisseurs’ promised land. Reservations are recommended.

THE RANGE CAFÉ

320 Central SE plus 5 other metro locations (505) 243-1440, rangecafe.com Locals flock to The Range Café when they’re in search of good, made-from-scratch comfort food, including meatloaf sandwiches, huevos rancheros, enchiladas, ice cream, and the gooey Life by Chocolate dessert.

REBEL DONUT

2435 Wyoming Blvd. NE plus 1 other metro location (505) 293-0553, rebeldonut.com Not only can you find their set flavors, including their raised glazed, chocolate cake glazed, rebel red velvet, birthday cake, and toasted coconut, but you can also order custom-made donuts or choose to experiment with their daily creations.

B e skte n

C h i cn g s

Wi s 3 yaeraorw! in

WINNER

2003 Southern Blvd . SE , Su i te 1 3 9 | Ri o Ra nch o

505. 99 4 . 0 3 63 | S LA T E S T R E E T B ILLIA R D S .C OM FEBRUARY 2022 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

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BITES RELISH GOURMET SANDWICHES

8019 Menaul Blvd. NE (505) 299-0001, relishsandwichesabq.com It’s no wonder this sandwich shop has been voted “best” by publications throughout Albuquerque—it serves only the best Boar’s Head meats and all of their dishes are accompanied by homemade sides or soups. Try the Cubano. You won’t be disappointed.

RESTORATION PIZZA

5161 Lang Ave. NE, Ste A (505) 582-2720, restorationpizza.com Here, good food and positive works—delivered simultaneously—is in the very nature of the business. The idea is to provide patrons with top-notch pies and first-rate beers while giving traditionally underemployed individuals work opportunities they would otherwise miss.

RICHARD’S MEXICAN RESTAURANT

RICHIE B’S PIZZA

3301 Menaul Blvd. NE, (505) 881-1039 Mexican favorites—such as carne adovada, relleño, tacos, and green chile enchiladas—cooked in the healthiest, most nutritious, yummiest way possible. Open for breakfast and lunch. 7200 Montgomery Blvd. NE, Ste A-2 (505) 312-8579, richiebsabq.com New York-style pizza has come home to roost in Albuquerque’s Northeast Heights. Whether by the slice or by the pie—some of which measure 25 inches in diameter—you’ll need every bit of your appetite when you visit Richie B’s. Not in the mood for pizza? Wrap your hands around a turkey, cheesesteak, or Italian sandwich, topped with its signature Viper sauce, or tempt your sweet tooth with traditional cannoli or New York-style cheesecake.

RIO BRAVO BREWING COMPANY

ROCKIN’ TACO

ROMA BAKERY & DELI

1912 2nd St. NW (505) 900-3909, riobravobrewing.com The pub and grill is bright and airy with high ceilings and a modern industrial style, mixed with the cozy rustic feel of a neighborhood bar, with 32 taps, including their award winning La Luz Lager. 2904 Indian School Rd NE, LS (505) 401-1000, greenjeansfarmery.org Rockin’ Taco is housed inside of Albuquerque’s premier indoor/outdoor gathering place, Green Jeans Farmery. With a food truck vibe and an East Coast flare, this hidden gem is elevating the street taco. 501 Roma Ave. NW (505) 843-9418, romabakeryanddeli.com You’ll find more than fresh-baked cookies and pastries at this bakery—feast your eyes (and taste buds) on grilled sandwiches and eight fresh deli salads and soups.

ROSEMARY

SADIE’S OF NEW MEXICO

4565 San Mateo Blvd. NE, Ste A plus 1 other metro location (505) 361-1842, rosemaryabq.com This plant-forward restaurant offers a soothing atmosphere, creative menu, and amazing food. Any menu item can be adaped to meet personal preferences and dietary restrictions. 15 Hotel Circle NE plus 2 other metro locations (505) 296-6940, sadiesofnewmexico.com A staple in New Mexican cuisine, Sadie’s features enchiladas, carne adovada ribs, tacos, burritos, and of course, world-famous chips and salsa. Reservations are recommended.

SAHARA MIDDLE EASTERN EATERY

SAIGON RESTAURANT

2622 Central Ave. SE, (505) 255-5400 saharamiddleeasterneatery.com Delectable Middle Eastern plates served up Manhattan-deli style. The chicken shawarma plate, complete with greens, pita, hummus, and awardwinning tabbouleh, is always a good bet. Complete with beer and wine, and belly dancing on weekends, this is a fave of students, locals, and out-of-towners alike. 6001 San Mateo Blvd. D4, NE plus 1 other metro location (505) 884-0706, saigonrestaurantnm.com Vicky Truong’s secret to 12 years of success has been consistency. Truong maintains an extensive menu that caters to every type of eater. From summer dishes such as noodle bowls to winter mainstays like beef noodle soup, Truong will make sure you find your favorites.

SAKURA SUSHI & GRILL

6241 Riverside Plaza NW (505) 890-2838, abqsakurasushingrill.com Favorites at Sakura are the Stone Pot Bibimbap (which is cooked at the table in a stone pot), the Tiger Roll, the Short Rib, the Baked Lobster Roll, the Sushi Tacos, and the impressive list of sake imported from Japan.

SALATHAI

3619 Copper Ave. NE, (505) 265-9330 Made-from-scratch, fresh, ingredients and keeping it simple are owner Pitak Pitakkan’s rules to cook by. Pitakkan cooks every menu item himself so don’t go to Salathai in a hurry. Pitakkan’s grandmother taught him to make curry and his curries are a longtime customer favorite.

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BITES SALT AND BOARD

THE SALT YARD

115 Harvard SE, Ste. 9 (505) 219-2001 saltandboard.com Salt and Board offers a tailored selection of wines to go along with different charcuterie boards, pressed sandwiches and salads. For those who aren’t wine drinkers, Salt and Board offers a variety of local New Mexico beers on tap. 6001 Osuna Rd. NE plus 1 other metro location (505) 750-9273, thesaltyardnm.com A multi-concept bar and restaurant, The Salt Yard is

equipped with games, dozens of televisions, great food, drinks, and plenty of space to stretch your legs. This unique location is a great place for parties, trying the newest beer and tequila (Blue Agave Republic is now a part of it), or just watching the game.

SAMURAI GRILL AND SUSHI BAR

$$$

9500 Montgomery Blvd. NE (505) 275-6601, abqsamurai.com What’s your pleasure, sushi or teppan? Here, you can have either expertly crafted right in front of you. It’s also where you can get fresh sushi favorites such as the California roll, the dragon roll, and a veggies-andsushi “Viagra salad” special.

SANTA FE BITE-ABQ

3407 Central Ave. NE (505) 369-1621, santafebite-abq.com

At Santa Fe Bite-ABQ, the green chile cheeseburger is treated with the reverence it deserves, presenting a precision crafted recipe. The details, in fact, are so carefully crafted that even the grilling surface needs to meet certain criteria. Absent a turn on the surface of a custom cast iron grill, it’s just not a Santa Fe Bite burger.

SANTIAGO’S NEW MEXICAN GRILL

1911 Eubank Blvd. NE, (505) 292-8226 It’s in the sauce—Papa Jim’s Taco Sauce, at least— which comes with items such as burritos, tacos, and salsa. This Santiago Scramble—a pile of scrambled eggs, cheese, corn tortillas, chorizo, and hash browns—is great morning fuel. The tamale and enchilada take-and-bake casseroles will please any partygoer. And take a jar of that taco sauce home— after all, you can.

SAVOY BAR & GRILL

$$$

10601 Montgomery Blvd. NE (505) 294-9463, savoyabq.com Resembling a California wine-country bistro, Savoy Bar & Grill is one of Albuquerque’s premier finedining establishments. Specializing in food and wine pairing, Savoy’s menu is a toast to the art of balance of food and wine.

SCARPAS BRICK OVEN PIZZA

SEARED

5500 Academy Rd. NE (505) 821-1885, scarpaspizza.com That brick oven is cornerstone to this neighborhood favorite, producing pizzas such as the shrimp pesto, the Greek, and the chipotle chicken. But Scarpas also knows pasta, including red chile cream pasta and pasta sorento with oak-roasted chicken.

119 San Pasquale Ave. SW (505) 999-8414, searedabq.com During the day, the space is Cheese & Coffee, but at night, it gets a makeover and becomes Seared, a fine dining establishment serving up steak, pork loin, and Atlantic Salmon among other things.

FEBRUARY 2022 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

SEASONS ROTISSERIE AND GRILL

$$$

2031 Mountain Rd. NW (505) 766-5100, seasonsabq.com As the name suggests, Seasons varies its menu in accordance with what’s going on throughout the year, using the finest, freshest ingredients. Depending on what time of year you venture in, you’ll find butternut squash ravioli, grilled Atlantic salmon, and bleu cheese-crusted beef filet. Reservations are recommended.

SERGIO’S LA DOLCE VITA

SHARK REEF CAFÉ

SHARKY’S FISH & SHRIMP

2740 Wyoming Blvd. NE, Ste 8, (505) 5542602 Fresh, made-from-scratch cookies, donuts, breads, pastries, cakes, and cannoli are on the mouthwatering menu at this Italian bakery. 2601 Central Ave. NW, (505) 848-7182 To conclude your tour of the Albuquerque Aquarium, grab a seat at this full-service restaurant, where the dining room features a view of the oceanic reef exhibit. Catering to visitors, families, and daytime dates, the menu offers simple, fun options. Call ahead for special events, like themed dinners and holiday celebrations.

5420 Central Ave. SW, (505) 831-8905 Slip on your flip-flops and enjoy some Baja–inspired seafood, tacos, and carefree beach house ambiance in this roadside outdoor eatery. Sharky’s won acclaim as the little food truck that could, and this brick-andmortar locale delivers the goods.

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BITES SIAM CAFÉ

5500 San Mateo Blvd. NE, Ste 101 (505) 883-7334, siamcafeabq.com With its array of freshly-made curries—all made with coconut milk and a wide variety of luscious spices—this restaurant scores high marks with Albuquerqueans who love Thai food.

SLICE AND DICE PIZZERIA

5720 McMahon Blvd. Ste B (505) 261-2058, sliceanddicepizzeria.com With both a sweeping library of board games and full menu of hot pies and subs, Slice and Dice is a venue for everyone from seasoned players to wide-eyed beginners (or people just hungry for some pizza). They provide a space where you can gather with a few friends and take in the twin delights of pizza and board games.

SLICE PARLOR

9904 Montgomery Blvd. NE, plus 1 other metro location (505) 232-2808, sliceparlor.com Made-from-scratch pizza dough that is hand stretched daily and cooked on a pizza stone. Have a slice of the old faithful pepperoni pizza; try the Pesto Pizza or the House Calzone. Don’t forget to enjoy the local artwork hanging on the walls.

SWISS ALPS BAKERY

3000 San Pedro Dr. NE (505) 881-3063, swissalpsbakery.com Desserts rule, but the sandwiches hit it out of the park. Endless flavors of pastries, tiramisu, and over a dozen cookies line the bakery case. Everything is scratch made including the many varieties of bread and authentic Bavarian style pretzels available on Saturdays. Paninis, grilled, and cold sandwiches round out the sweets with a full espresso bar.

TAAJ PALACE

1435 Eubank Blvd NE (505) 296-0109, taajpalacenm.com Taaj Palace is a multifaceted field of flavor and texture, built around the fiery core of the tandoor oven, that serves up a variety of delicious curries, including the widely popular chicken makhani (butter chicken), where tandoori chicken is presented swimming in a creamy tomato sauce.

TAJ MAHAL CUISINE OF INDIA

1430 Carlisle Blvd. NE (505) 255-1994, tajmahalabq.com Taj Mahal is filled with all of your Indian favorites, from fresh naan (try the garlic version) to tasty saag paneer. The line goes out the door for the popular lunch buffet.

TAKO TEN

1250 Candelaria Rd. NE, Ste B (505) 508-3518 Chef and owner Dominic Valenzuela takes a creative spin on tacos, or takos if you will, by curating a unique menu, which includes a Vegan Sweet Potato Tako.

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TASTE OF INDIA

THAI SPICE

THAI VEGAN

1605 Juan Tabo Blvd. NE (505) 294-6342, tasteofindiaabq.com Family recipes modified for American tastes; Taste of India typically dials back the spice a bit. But it’s no misnomer to think of Taste of India as just what the name advertises: a taste of regional flavors, conveyed by people who grew up with them 7441 Paseo Del Norte NE (505) 503-1521, thaispiceabq.com An extensive menu features authentic Thai favorites like Pad Thai or Thai fried rice. Lunch special includes an egg roll, entrée, and coconut milk tapioca pudding punctuated with an origami rose–topped straw. 5505 Osuna Rd. NE plus 1 other metro location (505) 884-4610, thaivegannm.com Utilizing local organic produce, you’ll get some of the healthiest food around, all without sacrificing taste. This non-vegan favorite has hearty offerings and a soy chicken that satisfies even the pickiest of meat eaters.

THEOBROMA CHOCOLATIER

12611 Montgomery Blvd. NE (505) 293-6545, theobromachocolatier.com More than 20 years of experience goes into every morsel of European–inspired chocolate and sweet treat at this 505 sweet-tooth savior. Streamlined and polished, Theobroma has the look of a franchise, but everything is hand-crafted and produced on-site.

WWW.ABQTHEMAG.COM | FEBRUARY 2022

BITES THUNDER ROAD STEAKHOUSE AND CANTINA AT ROUTE 66 CASINO HOTEL

VINAIGRETTE $$

14500 Central Ave. SW, Laguna Pueblo (505) 352-7888, rt66casino.com Nestled inside this busy casino, you’ll find dishes that are a confluence of cultures at Thunder Road: madefrom-scratch salsas, fresh tortillas, Pastel de Tres Leches Cake, Yucatan Tacos, Smoked Baby Back Pork Ribs, and much more.

TIA BETTY BLUE’S

1248 San Mateo Blvd. SE (505) 268-1955, tiabettyblues.com 1940s influence is sprinkled throughout this gem, from the décor to the food. The chile, red or green, is nice and spicy, just like your grandma made it. New Mexican breakfast and lunch items dot the menu (including many gluten-free and vegetarian options), but often have a unique twist, like ranchero blue corn waffles piled high with eggs, carne adovada, and chile. The coffee is fresh, and numerous specialty beverages are poured up daily.

UNCLE T’S SANGWICHES

1520 Deborah Rd. SE, Ste O, Rio Rancho (505) 404-9345, allthesangwiches.com Inspired by their grandmother, Uncle T’s has a menu filled with unbeatable sandwiches. Try out their Havana Press which is their version of the Cuban Sandwich. They also have an assortment of fresh pies to end your meal with.

UPTOWN SPORTS BAR

VIC’S DAILY CAFÉ

VICK’S VITTLES COUNTRY KITCHEN

VIET TASTE

6601 Uptown Blvd. NE (505) 884-4714, uptown-sportsbar.com A huge sports venue with wall-to-wall televisions and all the extras—solid American fare alongside a wide selection of local and national beers.

1828 Central Ave. SW (505) 842-5507, vinaigretteonline.com

Getting in touch with your “green” side has never been as hip as it is at Albuquerque’s newest go-to salad bistro. Vinaigrette offers a menu full of unique salads made with fresh produce from owner Erin Wade’s farm in Nambè. Items like The Nutty Pear-Fessor and the Asian Chopped Salad don’t sacrifice deliciousness just because they’re healthy. Expect one of 17 vinaigrette dressings to be perfectly paired with your salad.

VINTAGE 423

8000 Paseo Del Norte Blvd. NE (505) 821-1918, vintage-423.com

Decorated with plush booths, black and white photos of vintage cars, a glass wine cellar wall, and an outdoor patio with couches and fireplaces, Vintage 423 is a go-to location for good eats and happy hour—all year long.

WECK’S

4500 Osuna Rd. NE, #100, plus 9 other metro locations (505) 344-1472, wecksinc.com For nearly 20 years, Weck’s has served up huge, tasty portions of breakfast and lunch. Examples: The Original comes with one pound of potatoes mixed with eggs, cheese, and chile; the “Scratch Made” Buttermilk Pancakes are more than seven inches wide.

WESTERN VIEW

6411 Central Ave. NW, (505) 836-2200 With a cozy diner feel and a long history, Western View is turning out plates of diner classics and New Mexican staples—finely seasoned with a sprinkling of Greek options—for diners hungry for both hearty home cooked meals and classic countertop service.

YANNI’S MODERN MEDITERRANEAN $$

3109 Central Ave. SE (505) 268-9250, yannisabq.com Impeccable Mediterranean cuisine paired with a fresh atmosphere that whisks you away to Grecian shores, you can always count on Yanni’s for savory spanakopita, perfect pasta, and other delicious treats. Reservations are recommended.

YASMINE’S CAFÉ

THE YELLER SUB

ZORBA’S FINE GREEK CUISINE

1600 Central Ave. SE, (505) 242-1980 Yasmine’s is one of the few places in Albuquerque with shawarma—pitas filled with marinated chicken or beef that’s been pressed, stacked and cooked slowly on a rotisserie. Also try lamb and beef shish kababs, baba ghanoush, fatah, and four varieties of baklava. 7200 Montgomery Blvd. NE (505) 888-9784, yellersub.com Owner Mark Roerick has been perfecting his sandwiches since 1979 and the customer favorite, Steak & Grilled Onions Sub proves it. The potato chips, fries, and onion rings made from scratch the old-fashioned way sure won’t let you down. 11225 Montgomery Blvd. NE (505) 323-2695, zorbasabq.com The family behind University area favorite, Olympia Café, have relocated their tasty homemade Greek food to the Northeast Heights. Try the Southwestern Gyros or the enduring customer favorite, the pork, chicken, or lamb kebob.

3600 Osuna Rd. NE (505) 341-9710, vicsdailycafe.com With a full range of breakfast items, New Mexican favorites, and comfort food, this is a one-stop shop for tasty options like breakfast burritos, meatloaf, and coconut cream pie. 8810 Central Ave. SE (505) 298-5143, vicksvittles.com Rustle up your posse and head to Vick’s for heaping helpings of Texas-New Mexico fusion and breakfast served all day. Country comfort meets southwestern flair in an environment that welcomes suits and cowboys alike. Prepare to be stuffed. 5721 Menaul Blvd. NE, (505) 888-0101, pwbportal.us/viet-taste-abq With more than 100 menu options—noodle and rice dishes, eight varieties of Pho, coconut shakes, and many more—this restaurant is true to its name, offering a real taste of Vietnamese cuisine.

VIET PHO

4208 Menaul Blvd. NE, (505) 717-2359 This Vietnamese-based cuisine restaurant offers a homey feel and Southeast Asian comfort food. Try the popular Beef Pho Soup or go for a lighter dish like the Shrimp Spring Rolls.

VILLAGE PIZZA

3200 La Orilla Rd. NW, E-2 plus 1 other metro location (505) 219-3766, villagepizzanm.com Family owned and operated, Village Pizza offers salads, nachos, calzones, pasta, and of course, signature pizzas, along with an all-you-can-eat buffet.

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‘TIL YOU DROP P. 154 | THE PAWS BUTTON P. 158 | PASSENGER WINDOW P. 164 | PHOTO CONTEST P. 167 | A FEW THINGS P. 168

CLOTHES FOR A CAUSE Organ Mountain Outfitters was launched as a way to pay off student lunch debts. It has now reached out to food banks to help feed the hungry. (p. 154)

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PHOTO BY DON JAMES/ATM

OUT AND ABOUT: YOUR GUIDE TO SHOPPING IN THE DUKE CITY

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Organ Mountain Outfitters 3123 Central Ave. NE, Suite D (505) 980-5956 organmountainoutfitters.com

rgan Mountain Outfitters began as a mission to help families in the Las Cruces Public Schools system pay off reduced lunch debts. The store, which offers lifestyle gear and outdoor apparel, was founded by husband and wife duo, Chris and Kerry Lang. The two met in college and transplanted to Las Cruces, where Kerry’s family is from. Once there, Chris Lang came across a newspaper article that struck a chord. The story focused on children being denied food because of lunch fees their families owed. Chris Lang, who experienced food insecurity as a child in Oklahoma, felt

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Shop Talk

Nob Hill retailer pays homage to New Mexico landscapes and culture while giving back to local communities. something needed to be done. “That’s when this mission started and the ‘Buy a Shirt, Give a Lunch’ began,” says Nancy Portillo, director of operations at Organ Mountain Outfitters. “Since then they’ve paid off the debt for a couple years continuously in the community so whatever balance had accrued from the families they would pay it off at the end of the year.” The retailer has helped provide more than 100,000 lunches. Recent changes to Title I legislation now ensures no child is turned away at the lunch line. This as well as the pandemic caused the business to

pivot its mission at its original location in Las Cruces and its newer Albuquerque store, which opened in late 2019. The retailer has partnered with Roadrunner Food Bank in Albuquerque and Casa de Peregrinos food program in Las Cruces. “Our mission continues with ‘Give a Lunch’ but now we’ve pivoted a little bit toward the local food banks and so the mission kind of remains the same, it’s just taken a little step forward into our community and we’re really excited to see that flourish in the upcoming year. This is our fifth year in action.”

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PHOTOS BY DON JAMES/ATM

‘TIL YOU DROP

The retailer extended its reach with an online store that helped the business survive during the pandemic shutdowns. “We had a lot of support from other areas in the Southwest that had either come down and caught wind of our mission or just really liked the graphics because they were Southwest inspired and not just Las Cruces based. And, we saw one of the biggest supporting populations was Albuquerque,” Portillo explains. “... We had a lot of support through our online store and so we really wanted to help out the community and start building a community that

reflects pride and make our mission a little bit wider.” For now, the business plans on keeping its focus on the Duke City and down south, but has plans to expand each of the cities’ involvement in its communities. “(Our focus is) really getting our communities involved with these avenues of being able to give back like volunteering and participating in the community of food banks and education within food insecurities and being more knowledgeable with what’s going on in our areas,” Portillo says. —RM

Organ Mountain Outfitters’ products are handprinted and embroidered at its workshop in Las Cruces. “Everything, from the very beginning to the last stitch, is made right here in New Mexico and it’s been touched by local hands and a lot of thought and love has been put into it,” says Portillo. “We try to make gear that we would like to use.” The brand started out with shirts and has grown to include jackets, denim, hoodies, beanies, lanyards, mugs and more. Items are inspired by local scenery, environment, culture and the entirety of the Southwest. “We have gear for cold weather, rainy weather, windy weather,” says Portillo. “We have windbreakers, we have tech wear, we have sherpa denim that’s a little bit more fashionable, but also a forever piece that you can keep in your closet for years to come... That’s one of the perks of living here and being inspired by the outdoors and the activities that we are very privileged to have.” The retailer’s logo is a silhouette of a photograph taken by Chris Lang of the Organ Mountains that adorn Doña Ana County in southern New Mexico. It’s one of the defining natural monuments in the area and so I think it was just sheer inspiration from the natural surroundings and that’s just one of the most impactful things here,” Portillo explains. “You can witness the sunsets and you can still see the stars and sometimes the mountains get a little bit of snow peak... It’s definitely, I would say, one of the biggest aesthetic draws to this small city.” FEBRUARY 2022 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

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‘TIL YOU DROP

We Find It FOR YOU QUESTION

ANSWER

I need gifts that last longer than a day. Something that my loved one, friend, or colleague can appreciate into the near future and beyond. Is there anything that meets the criteria?

Gifting a new bouquet of fresh flowers delivered monthly, a four-layered box filled with truffle delights or a statement piece of jewelry made right here in Albuquerque is a way to not only create a happy moment but a memory that will last. Here are our suggestions.

FLOWER POWER Let the people you care about know how special they are with floral arrangements delivered monthly or bi-weekly by jenniflerus flower truck. Subscribers of the Flower Lover Subscription Program can choose to have flowers delivered to a significant other, family member, friend or other for 3, 6 or 12 months. Subscriptions are delivered on the first Tuesday of the month. Its newly added one month flower subscription delivers fresh flowers on the first and third Tuesday of the month. Subscriptions, prior to tax, are $100 for one month, $150 for three months, $295 for six months, and $595 for 12 months. Orders can be made through jennifleursflowertruck.com/order-flowers. Subscribers can include a handwritten note as well as list special delivery instructions and allergies to certain flowers. Floral selections are seasonal and jennifleurs does its best to obtain locally sourced flowers to support the area’s economy and growers.

jennifleurs flower truck jennifleurs.nm@gmail.com jennifleursflowertruck.com

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PHOTOS BY DON JAMES/ATM

Flower Lover Subscription Club, prices range from $100-$595, plus tax

‘TIL YOU DROP TRUFFLE TREATS FOR DAYS Chocolates come in numerous varieties, but truffles are the way to go if you are looking for something luxurious and tantalizing. Tim & Larry’s Elixir Boutique Chocolates has you covered with its four-layer assorted truffle box. The bright red encasement contains 64 pieces comprised of 22 flavors of assorted truffles. The box is as decadent as the sweets inside. The treasure trove of chocolates can be ordered on the chocolatier’s website or customers can visit the store to purchase. Boxes also can be shipped. Truffles are made up of a hard shell of white, dark or milk chocolate. The shell is filled with a ganache mixture of white, dark or milk chocolate, fresh cream, butter and a chosen flavoring. Elixir offers numerous truffles including milk chocolate cheesecake, dulce de leche, dark chocolate jasmine tea, dark chocolate hazelnut latte, white chocolate pineapple macadamia, white chocolate strawberry balsamic and more.

Four-layer assorted truffle box, $99 Tim & Larry’s Elixir Boutique Chocolates 4530 Alexander Blvd. NE (505) 933-5125, elixirchocolates.com

STELLAR STONES A unique combination of rare stones set in solid sterling silver is a stunner on any wrist. As with all Lilly Barrack pieces, the bracelet is handmade and crafted in Albuquerque. Its exclusivity comes from the arrangement of the stones. No two are alike. The piece is offered at Lilly Barrack stores on Paseo del Norte NE and on Rio Grande NW in Albuquerque as well as its store in Scottsdale, Arizona. The bright natural green quartz is a rare find and is beautifully complemented by London Blue Topaz that sparkles in a rich, deep cobalt hue. Lilly Barrack creates designer jewelry for everyday wear. For the past 25 years, she has been designing and crafting jewelry. Each piece is forged from heavy gauge American sterling silver and every stone is handpicked to order. —RM

Natural green quartz and London Blue Topaz bracelet, $350 Lilly Barrack 8000 Paseo del Norte NE (one other ABQ location) (505) 822-8401, lillybarrack.com

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KEEPING TABS ON ABQ’S FURRY FRIENDS

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PAWS BUTTON

HOPPY TIPS FOR BUNNIES, WILDLIFE RELIEF, AND SHOWCASING RESCUES RABBIT DO'S AND DON'TS Treats, toys and other items marketed for domesticated animals are not always a safe bet for your pet. The New Mexico House Rabbit Society posted a number of items to its Facebook page, facebook.com/nmhrs, that are not safe for bunnies. Some items include glazed donut cookies, crunch sticks with wild berry and honey flavoring, rabbit

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hutches and cages, water bottles, yogurt drops, pine and cedar shavings, as well as treat blends that contain corn, seeds, and rice. Many of the edible items are high in sugar and fat content, contain animal or dairy products, have indigestible ingredients, and more harmful effects. When it comes to habitat, pine and cedar shavings are toxic to rabbits. Proper enclosures for rabbits should allow them ample space for them to hop twice in any direction as well as be large enough to include a large sized

litter box, water bowl, and a hidey house where they can burrow, sleep and relax. The society teaches a Bunny 101 class for rabbit owners and prospective owners. February is Adopt a Rescued Rabbit month. Adoptable rabbits can be found on the society’s website, newmexicohrs. org. Potential adopters can fill out an application listed in each of the bunnies’ bios. The rabbits on the site are spayed or neutered and vaccinated. “They submit an application and then we contact them and set up meet and

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PAWS BUTTON greets so they can come meet as many rabbits as they want,” says Kirstin Tyler, New Mexico House Rabbit Society chapter manager and board president. “We always say that the rabbit chooses you as much as you choose the rabbit. We want people to meet a few of them and find the one that they have the best connection with and then they can adopt.” Rabbits are a 10 year commitment and need specialized care. They are not starter pets and are not suitable for children. “They need a lot of space,” Tyler says. “They need a lot of exercise. They’re sort of a combo between a dog and a cat because they can free roam. They use a litter box, but they do need a lot of exercise and play time especially when they’re younger. They need a specialized diet as well. One of the key things is they need to have a salad every day of at least three different kinds of greens. And they shouldn’t eat carrots. Carrots are too high in sugar.”

Financially hurt by COVID, Wildlife West Nature Park is seeking ways to rebuild its nest egg. The park in Edgewood relies on admission fees, donations, sponsors, members and more to support its operation. Volunteers are also needed. “It costs us about $200,000 a year to run everything, counting marketing, food, veterinary bills and so it’s not cheap,” says Roger Alink, founder and executive director. “The price of food has gone up a lot for zoo food because we buy USDA certified, approved food. We also get donations of scraps from the local grocery stores. We get that twice a week. The carnivores get special diet food. They don’t just get domestic meat, they get wild game, boar, processed through the food vendors that make zoo food.” The food comes from out-of-state, which means shipping costs. In addition to the food, the elk and deer at the park require a special grass hay. “It’s orchard grass,” says Alink. “Alfalfa is way too rich because wildlife really don’t eat that kind. They’re grazers, some are browsers, so just the cost of bales are really expensive. They’re like $16 a bale.” Donations can be made and memberships obtained through the park’s website, wildlifewest.org or by sending a check FEBRUARY 2022 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

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LENDING A HELPING HAND

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PAWS BUTTON to P.O. Box 1359, Edgewood, NM 87015. People who would like to volunteer can call (505) 281-7655. The nature park houses 25 different species including raccoons, bobcats, mountain lions, foxes, a golden eagle, hawks, owls, turkey vultures, a pronghorn antelope, a black bear, and more. “Everything is on non-releasable status,” Alink explains. “They wouldn’t live very long if they were out in the wild because they’re socialized to people and they would get in big trouble. So that’s what we do, rescue non-releasable native wildlife.” One of the park’s most popular events, the Chuck Wagon Supper Shows, are returning in a scaled down form in the summer. The Wildlife West Family Music Festival will have six events starting on July 2 and running through Labor Day weekend. Each event will feature food trucks and two bands. “We’re having a bird show in between the two sets of music,” Alink says. “That’s tradition for Chuck Wagon, a free flight bird show, and that show will be in the Bean Barn. We have a big barn, it’s an old historic pinto bean barn, so we’re doing the bird show in there.”

LIGHTS, CAMERA, ADOPTION

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Giving people a voice where they otherwise have none is the mission of Sopapilla Productions. The local film company, founded by Felicia Masias and Keith Allen, uses its platform to uplift people and businesses through media including restaurants. It recently set its sights on area animal shelters and how the community can help them. Animal House was filmed at 519 Studios, which is a free studio that is open to the public. “We actually had different projects with another producer named Riley Del Rey and she mentioned that she wanted to do an adoption show and we thought that was perfect,” says Masias. “So, we teamed up with her and we decided to interview three different adoption places so we highlighted Watermelon Mountain Ranch and we highlighted Pawsitive Life Rescue and Albuquerque Animal Welfare. We just kind of wanted to make a show that was super informative and really fun.” The Animal House series features interviews with rescue staff as well as with peoWWW.ABQTHEMAG.COM | FEBRUARY 2022

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ple who have interesting animals as pets including a belly dancer who performs with a python, a man with an amazing cockatoo that talks and dances as well as two girls who have a snapping turtle. The series also includes Felicia's Fun Facts that offers information about pets and has a question and answer section. “The whole premise behind it is we wanted to teach people about the adoption process, what they would need, something that they can do whether it be to foster or even volunteer, and at the same time entertain them in the process with the exotic animals and with the fun facts and B-roll of the different places." Animal House has led to the adoption of all the animals featured in the series. “There are a number of great rescue shelters in the ABQ area where loving pets can be adopted,” Del Rey says. “The folks working at the rescues are extremely knowledgeable and more than willing to help you with your adoptee.” Animal House was made with an entirely New Mexican cast and crew. Reruns of the production can be viewed on Comcast Channel 27. It also can be viewed by subscribing to Sopapilla Productions' channel at youtube.com/c/SopapillaProductions. —RM

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ABQ’s AMAZING PETS

By Dakota-Lynn McCaffrey

Atlas

Atlas, the Blue Nose Pitbull is kind of a big deal to his owner, Evan Tazzia. That is probably because Blue Nose Pitbulls are a rare breed of Pitbull making them hard to come by. Atlas also could be a big deal because he was a Valentine’s Day gift to Tazzia from his fiancée. Either way, Atlas is loved and spoiled. He was born Nov. 24, 2020 making him the baby of the household. He’s always full of energy and just wants to play with his two older pet siblings. Atlas loves to meet new people and isn’t very aggressive. Tazzia is a very active person and enjoys staying healthy and fit, which makes Atlas the perfect companion. The two take daily runs up and down Tramway, and will occasionally go on a hike. “This little guy really is my best friend,” said Tazzia.

Hemi

Samantha Knox is the proud owner of Hemi the Whippet who is getting ready to turn four years old. A Whippet is a descendent of a Greyhound, just smaller, however they are fast runners like a Greyhound. Knox’s mother raises Whippets and Samantha got Hemi from a friend's litter. Hemi does not enjoy the cold weather and would rather snuggle and wear faux fur coats. She has recently achieved her title in lure coursing, which is a sporting event for dogs where they chase around a mechanical lure on a field. She was able to run 100 yards in 7.2 seconds while participating in the sport. “There truly is nothing like watching Hemi in a big open field doing what she does best, hitting 30 miles an hour with a big smile on her face,” says Knox.

Rip

If you’ve ever watched Yellowstone on the Paramount Network, you’re probably aware that Rip Wheeler, the cowboy, isn't always the nicest guy and it's important to stay on his good side. Well, Rip the Sheepadoodle is the complete opposite. “The only mean thing about Rip is his name,” says Natalie Prieto, his dog mom. A Sheepadoodle is a breed between an old English Sheepdog and a Poodle, they are considered perfect companions and are smart, loving, and playful (the complete opposite of Rip Wheeler). Rip is a year old and for his birthday his dog dad, Cody Byrd, made him the most delicious steak for his dinner. Yes, this sweet boy is treated like a king. Just about everyone in Los Lunas’ Mid Valley Airpark (where Rip, Cody and Natalie reside) knows Rip the Sheepadoodle and just adore him.

Shiloh

It is surprisingly very common for people to have a snake pet and Shiloh, the desert bullsnake, just so happens to be one of them. Desert bullsnakes are native to New Mexico, so she lives comfortably in her large aquarium in the home of Christal Barclay. Like other bullsnakes, Shiloh is nonvenomous, which makes it easier to have her as a pet. They are a subspecies of gopher snakes and can get as long as eight feet. Shiloh is five feet long. She is just over 20 years old and is fed dead rats every few weeks. Barclay keeps the dead rats in her freezer and will thaw them out in water before feeding them to Shiloh. So, if you are brave and want a pet that doesn’t require too much attention, there’s always a desert bull snake.

Is your pet ATM’s next Pet of the Month? Send a photo and short story about why you think your pet belongs in these pages to petofthemonth@abqthemag.com.

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PIECE OF T H E PAST

THE DAWN OF SUNPORT

he old Albuquerque Municipal Airport Building, erected in 1937, served as New Mexico’s first modern municipal airport terminal. The structure replaced two private airfields that had been operating on the city’s east and west mesas since the 1920s. The flat terrain of the east mesa made it an ideal landing site for southwest bound flights, according to the Society of Architectural Historians (SAH) website. Advancing technology increased the safety and efficiency of transcontinental air travel in the 1930s. The airplane became next in a line of transportation technologies that included ox carts, wagon trains, railroads and automobiles that had driven the development of New Mexico since the 16th century. At the time, city leaders were intent on making Albuquerque the epicenter for air travel in the Southwest. Therefore, a modern facility was needed that could accommodate modern commercial airplanes and the growing numbers of cross-country air travelers. The facility would stimulate the city’s economic growth instantly and in the future. The city reached an agreement with Transcontinental and Western Airlines

PHOTO BY DON JAMES/ATM

Before going international, ABQ's airport served as an Army Air Station and transport hub for the Manhattan Project.

(TWA) in 1937. TWA sold land to the city for a new municipal airport that would be built by the city with the help of federal funding from the Works Progress Administration, according to the SAH website. Out of all the numerous public works completed in New Mexico, the new municipal airport received the most funding with a total budget of $864,000. The funding from New Deal agencies, was allocated between 1936 and 1939. City architect Ernest Blumenthal designed the Spanish-Pueblo style facility. He adapted romantic southwestern imagery with the Spanish-Pueblo style to adhere to the functional needs of the modern airport terminal. It is the only WPA-funded terminal built in this architectural style. The structure features tan stucco, which imitates adobe, a stepped massing and projecting vigas. The facade’s portico, stepped parapets and tower draw from Spanish Colonial architecture. Locally sourced material from the Jemez Mountains was used to build the facility. Traditional elements were used to conceal the terminal’s modern structure of reinforced concrete by utilizing adobe

FEBRUARY 2022 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

bricks, flagstone for the entry and floors, wooden posts, corbel brackets, corbel capitals and vigas, according to the SAH website. The building’s north facade, portico, courtyards and observation tower have preserved their original form despite modifications and renovations to the 12,000 square foot terminal. The Great Hall or main lobby has also retained its original aesthetic with heavy wood beams, a herringbone ceiling of latillas, tinwork chandeliers, handcrafted wood screens, wood and leather furniture and a large fireplace. The project employed about 350 workers monthly. The completion of the municipal airport coincided with the eruption of World War II in 1939 and it was designated as an Army Air Station and occupied by the Army Air Corps, according to the SAH website. Between 1942 and 1945, the airport was renamed Kirtland Field. It served as a Manhattan Project transport hub to bring scientists and materials needed to build the first atomic bombs at Los Alamos. The building now serves as the offices for the Transportation Security Administration. It is located at 2920 Yale Blvd. SE. —RM

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THE COLOR JUST JUMPS OUT Amphibian inspired art brings joy to Downtown.

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PHOTO BY DON JAMES/ATM

ops of vibrant color now dress a once dull cement wall of a downtown structure. Artist Mel CK shook things up with some aerosol sprays to adorn the two-story wall with an unnamed character she created that resembles a frog with human characteristics. The mural, located in an alleyway on 3rd Street and Central Ave, has the grinning frog man holding out a bright sunflower with the word “Vida” written in the center. Vida is Spanish for life, which is exactly what the artwork has brought the area. You would think a mural that large would require a large amount of aerosol sprays, but a can goes a long way when sprayed sparingly. “It depends on the colors, which one’s more dominant,” says the artist. “I’d say like one can probably does 150 feet if you’re being conservative about it. Depending on the cap. For that wall I used maybe close to, I want to say 10, because it was a very limited color palette so I didn’t need that much. And I didn’t blend too hard either. I did it very blocky.” Mel CK was invited to create the colorful piece as part of the Paint for Peace 505 project that launched in the summer of 2020. The local group invited artists to beautify downtown alleyways with their work. “We’re trying to make the community a happier place,” says Mel CK. “It already has community so it was really nice to see a lot of people come together and do their own thing at their own pace. The Paint for Peace was definitely a beautiful addition to downtown.” The frogman creature is one the artist’s more recent characters. “I decided to start doing, the frogs,” she says. “I did one in Denver and it was kind of a poor area of Denver. And the people that started walking around, they’re like ‘this makes me so happy’ because they never think about frogs. We get lost in everyday things that we don’t really think about those kinds of animals I guess. I notice how happy I make people so I decided to do a little more like human frog combinations like I do with my other animals.” Mel CK’s decision to include an amphibian in her art stems from her Panamanian heritage. She tends to lean toward more tropical critters that can be found in Panama. Painting the images of the cold-blooded creatures reminds her of her origins and inspires memories for others as well. “That’s what I love about art is it can bring out certain things in an individual that they’ve never thought about in a long time,” the artist says. Mel CK also dabbles in other types of art. Her work can be found on her Instagram page @mel_ck_og. “I’ve been doing that for over 10 years, for a long time,” she says. “I do have traditional paintings and like graphic design art like logos. I do clothing too on the side. More like punk urban, kind of more alternative clothing. I don’t really post about it. I probably should.” —RM

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Cast your BALLOTS

MARK YOUR CALENDARS TO PARTICIPATE IN EACH OF OUR ONLINE POLLS.

Feb. 1 – March 1

HEALTHCARE HEROES & TOP-NOTCH NURSE AWARDS If we didn’t already know, 2020 has shown us the true heroism and value of our local nurses. HOW TO NOMINATE: Go to abqthemag.com

TOP DENTISTS: VOTING BY DENTISTS ONLY

April 1 – may 1

There are few things more important than proper dental care, and so every year we ask local dentists to vote on those they trust most to care for a loved one. HOW TO VOTE: Go to abqthemag.com

BEST OF THE CITY

May 1 – AUGUST 1

It’s your city, so who better than you to tell us the best places to eat, shop, play and spend in ABQ? More than 6 million votes have been cast since Best of the City launched in 2005, and we feature the winners in our huge annual December/January Double Issue. HOW TO VOTE: Go to abqthemag.com

sept. 1 – oct. 1

ALBUQUERQUE’S HOT SINGLES Upload a photo and a brief description of the eligible single you think would make one of ABQ’s HOTTEST Singles. HOW TO NOMINATE: Go to abqthemag.com

TOP DOCS: VOTING BY DOCTORS ONLY

oct. 1 – nov. 1

How do you get to know a good healthcare provider? Every year we ask the city’s doctors to vote for their peers, and we publish the list of winners, just for you. HOW TO VOTE: Go to abqthemag.com

NOV. 1 – DEC. 1

ABOVE & BEYOND TEACHER AWARDS We shine some recognition on the amazing classroom mentors who make sure our students are learning. HOW TO NOMINATE: Go to abqthemag.com

ADVERTISING REGISTRY 100.3 The Peak....................................................................................................21 3 Advertising........................................................................................................34 Academy Dental Care.........................................................................................2,3 Albuquerque Community Foundation...............................................................54 Albuquerque Florist............................................................................................61 All World Travel..................................................................................................69 Assistance League...............................................................................................60 Bosque Aesthetics............................................................................................. 8,9 Bridal Elegance by Darlene................................................................................ 48 Bubba's 33.............................................................................................................63 California Closets............................................................................................... 56 Central Grill and Coffee House.........................................................................50 CNM .................................................................................................................. 97 Coyote 102.5......................................................................................................139 Crystal Springs..................................................................................................101 Cuidando Los Ninos (CLNKids).......................................................................54 Dave's Valley Grill.............................................................................................. 135 Dogfish Head Distillery.................................................................................... 121 Duke City Software............................................................................................ 67 Ethan Allen Furniture.........................................................................................17 Exhibit Solutions of New Mexico......................................................................27 Facility Pump Repair........................................................................................100 Fuego 102.9....................................................................................................... 161 Glam Nail Bar & Spa...........................................................................................38 Heritage Hotels & Resorts, Inc...........................................................................47 Hotel Parq Central...............................................................................................45 Houston Wholesale Cars LLC...........................................................................4,5 Inn of the Mountain Gods.................................................................................92 Inspire Salon.....................................................................................................146 KISS 97.3............................................................................................................139 Kubota Tractor Inc............................................................................................165 Little Toad Creek Brewery & Distillery............................................................. 116 Lonnie's Custom Jewelers..................................................................................46 Los Poblanos Inn/ Campo..................................................................................39 Menaul School................................................................................................... 65 Merry Maids...................................................................................................... 6,7 Mesa Tractor......................................................................................................127 New Mexico Autism Society...............................................................................55 New Mexico Orthopaedic Surgery Center.........................................................23 New Mexico Sports & Wellness .......................................................................37 Optimum . ..........................................................................................................33 Osuna Nursery..................................................................................................105 Paradise Hills Golf Course................................................................................. 48 Passion’s Story Inc...............................................................................................53 Princess Spa and Nails.......................................................................................49 QC Kinetix......................................................................................................12,13 Radiology Associates of Albuquerque................................................................35 Rio Grande Credit Union..........................................15,19,149, Inside Back Cover Route 66 Cleaners............................................................................................. 161 Rudy's Country Store & BBQ........................................................................... 135 Sandia Resort & Casino.................................................................................43,44 Santa Ana Star Casino Hotel............................................................................142 Slate Street Billiards..........................................................................................145 Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits..................................Inside Front Cover,1,129 Southwest Women's Oncology.......................................................................10,11 Southwestern HR Consulting..........................................................................155 Tamashi..............................................................................................................147 The Arc of New Mexico...................................................................................... 52 The Crown Room...............................................................................................66 Tully's Italian Meats and Deli/ Saratori's. .........................................................50 University of New Mexico Athletic Department..............................................152 UNM Alumni Memorial Chapel........................................................................49 Vitalant................................................................................................................55 Wealth Management Group LLC...................................................................... 24 WisePies.............................................................................................................151

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PHOTO CONTEST

BEAUTY AND THE PEACE By Nicole Anderson

Having a passion for the great outdoors, Nicole Anderson knows the best places to hike and never forgets to snap a photo or two. Anderson grew up in Stanley, NM and is currently a student at the University of New Mexico studying psychology. Not only does she attend UNM, but she works at UNM Hospital as a medical coder. Anderson has always loved to take photos and would use her iPhone any time a photo opportunity occurred. About a year and a half ago, she decided to ditch the iPhone and treated herself to a Nikon D3500. “During the pandemic, I got even more into photography and it became another passion of mine,” says Anderson. “Between work and school, I’m in front of the computer most of the day. In my free time, I love to get out and hike and see the amazing scenery New Mexico has to offer and my Nikon is great to take with me because it’s lightweight and easy to use.” She mentioned that she prefers a camera over an iPhone be-

cause you can do much more with a camera and the photos come out better. For example, an iPhone doesn’t offer the custom settings that a digital single-lens reflex camera does. Anderson’s two passions led her to capture a beautiful photo in the Valles Caldera. “I heard that they were going to close the backroads, so my boyfriend and I decided to take a trip out there while they were still open,” explains Anderson. Valles Caldera National Preserve is a 13.7 wide volcanic caldera in the Jemez Mountains. As the temperature drops, officials close the backroads due to bad driving conditions to keep people safe. The area is home to wildlife, streams and mountain meadows. The couple will usually hike the area, but it is better to drive around in late October due to hunters. “We were just driving around to take in the beautiful view, spot wildlife, and to take pictures,” said Anderson. —DLM

Enter ATM’s photo contest and see your photo featured in our PHOTO OF THE MONTH! Submissions should include one high-resolution digital file sent by email. All photos sent to ATM will be property of the magazine and will not be mailed back to sender. All entries should include your name and phone number. Please include a bio and a brief description of how the photo was taken. Email entries to: photocontest@abqthemag.com

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About

Old Town Originally founded in 1706 when a group of Spanish families settled near the Rio Grande, Old Town remains a cultural center of the Duke City more than three centuries later, with a wide variety of art, shopping, architecture and dining options for natives and visitors alike. Central to Old Town is the San Felipe de Neri Parish, an adobe structure with five-foot thick walls that is the oldest of its kind in Albuquerque. As one approaches the area, the church’s white towers are visible from quite some distance away. Walking is the ideal means of transportation here, and visitors can enjoy learning about the area through an on-foot tour that spans from Downtown to Old Town. Of course, it’s just as fun to explore the venerable neighborhood on your own, and at any given time it’s possible to run across live music and other performers showcasing their talents. —TRISTEN CRITCHFIELD

The San Felipe de Neri Parish, originally located east of the Plaza, collapsed in 1790 due to neglected routine maintenance. The church was then rebuilt in its current location just north of the plaza (completed in 1796).

3. Every weekend from May through August, Old Town plays host to an eclectic collection of live musical acts. 4. In an entrepreneurial spirit, one of the former shop owners in Old Town encouraged the city to gravel the alleyway behind his store. Once the gravel was in place he figured out that he could collect some of the gravel, tumble it, and sell the rocks in his store.

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Located in the center of Plaza Vieja, the Gazebo is an epicenter of activity in Old Town. Originally made of stone, the structure was eventually renovated to have an adobe style framework.

6. The holidays don’t officially begin until the Old Town Holiday Stroll kicks off the season in early December. The festivities commence with a tree lighting ceremony at Plaza Don Luis and continue with hot chocolate, live music and dance groups as families cross off their holiday lists by shopping at a plethora of local stores. 7. The Rattlesnake Museum boasts the largest collection of live rattlesnake species in the world, with snakes imported from North America, Central America and South America. 8. Many of the properties in Old Town retain fully operable bathrooms, including showers or baths, even when rented as retail space, just in case residential properties become more profitable than retail storefronts. These units are then easily convertible back into residential spaces.

9. The Old Town Portal Market located across San Felipe street on the east side of the Plaza was established as a city ordinance program 45 years ago. All the items for sale have been handcrafted by the artisans that sell their products on the Portal.

10.

All told, Old Town boasts more than 150 shops, galleries and restaurants for visitors to explore.

11. For 20 years, the award-winning Ghost Tour has provided an eerie and educational walk through Old Town, as guides and story tellers provide colorful accounts of the spirits who haunt the area. 12. The majority of the architecture in Old Town is adobe, in the traditional Spanish style. However, the arrival of the railroad in 1880 brought a change in the design. 13. The Albuquerque Photographers’ Gallery, is “the only cooperative art gallery in New Mexico dedicated solely to exhibiting and promoting contemporary fine art photography by local artists.”

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PHOTOS BY DON JAMES/ATM

1. Jim Hoffsis voluntarily raised and lowered the five flags on Old Town Plaza for many years. Jim passed away in October 2021, and his son John, proprietor of Treasure House Books and Gifts, is now carrying on the tradition that his father set in raising and lowering the Old Town Plaza Vieja flags daily.