Albuquerque The Magazine, May 2022

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With spring finally here, it’s time for you to start living more and cleaning less!

Leave the housekeeping chores to Merry Maids and spend more time enjoying what you love, with who you love.

Call now for your FREE ESTIMATE (505) 294-1411 8

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505-294-1411 • info4030@merrymaids.net merrymaids.com/albuquerque Follow us on Facebook

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CORRECTION

We’re quite proud of our annual Top Docs of ABQ issue, in which we poll the city’s physicians and ask them to tell us which peer they would refer a loved one to in each of 45 medical specialties. The issue runs each March, but unfortunately this year’s edition had a slight word alignment issue in the layout that may have caused confusion. These are the physicians who received votes in medical specialties outside of the core 45. We would like to congratulate each of them, plus all of the doctors who were voted in by their peers. Salud! —Larryl Lynch, Publisher

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DEPARTMENTS 24 Editor’s Note 27 Tapas

P. 118 P. 108

What’s new at Explora; an insider’s guide to attending a NM United game; ABQ leaders and educators celebrate 50th Anniversary of Bless Me, Ultima; New Mexico Wine Festival returns after 3 year hiatus; Art Meets History at 516 ARTS.

42 Faces and Places 58 Datebook 80 ABQ’s New(ish) Restaurants The post-pandemic explosion of new spots to dine has been something to behold. Check out the more than 100 restaurants that have arrived in just the past couple of years (okay, three years).

107 People

108 Albuquerque the Interview

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Monte Skarsgard rounds up produce and meats from local growers and ranchers to deliver to your doorstep through his natural grocery service, Skarsgard Farms.

114 Personality

Kristelle Siarza founded the Asian Business Collaborative to help local Asian and Pacific Islander businesses maneuver through challenges that make them vulnerable.

118 Behind the Scenes

Guitar teacher Darryl Dominguez has inspired students to strum their way to fame.

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DEPARTMENTS

P. 130 P. 134

P. 122 121 Culture

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122 Creatives

136 From the Vine

A recent transplant to Albuquerque from Chicago, Claire Marie Patterson, creates minimalist yet striking jewelry under the label Cindre.

America is the biggest importer of tequila. And guess what U.S. city was key in jump-starting that trend? Yup, Albuquerque.

124 Shelflife

Lesley Lowe takes us on the journey of her daughter, Vashti, a local attorney whose life was cut short by cancer, in her book Autumn Gold; Donna Blake Birchell shares the history of New Mexico’s abandoned locations in her book New Mexico Ghost Towns.

126 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.

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142 A Recipe for Success

129 Dish

130 Eats Review

Juniper Steakhouse at Santa Ana Star Casino Hotel offers an elevated experience at an affordable price.

134 Eats, Etc.

There is plenty to love at Owl Cafe including its staple green chile cheeseburger; New Mexico fare at the Range Café remains king among diners; consistently good comfort food is the name of the game at Vic’s Daily Cafe.

Tessah Latson, state director for Best Buddies International’s New Mexico affiliate, gives insight on the nonprofit and shares one of her family’s Finnish cookie recipes.

144 Bites

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

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MAY 2022 Volume 19 Number 1 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 Carl Knauf Ryan Flanagan

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.

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DEPARTMENTS 177 Fun

178 ‘Til You Drop

A couple of great outdoor summer fitness gear ideas; whether your tastes lean toward glam, Boho chic, or modern, The Grey Heron has something to adorn you and your home.

182 Paws Button

New Mexico’s Wild Spirit Wolf Sanctuary dedicates itself to the rescue of wolves, wolfdogs, and other canine species; the city’s Animal Welfare Department needs your recyclables for shelter pet playtime.

184 Amazing Pets This month’s winners: Clio, Penny, Loki and Tsuki Claudio

187 Piece of the Past Albuquerque’s oldest apartment complex, Anson Flats, is remembered through new units that were created with a similar architectural style of the apartments destroyed by fire.

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188 Passenger Window

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Sleek welded stainless steel spires suspend a rugged granite boulder from the Gila Forest to create Suspense.

191 Photo Contest

This month’s winner: Backyard Buckeroo by Angela Chavez Adkins

192 A Few Things

You’ve not doubt had a margarita or two for Cinco de Mayo. Here’s a rundown of the Mexican holiday that enjoys far more celebrations north of the border.

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MAY 2022 Volume 19 Number 1 PUBLISHER

Larryl Lynch larryl@abqthemag.com ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER

Gena Salazar gena@abqthemag.com

PUBLISHING DIRECTOR

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

Philip Kjelland philip@abqthemag.com Megan Life megan@abqthemag.com PUBLISHING ASSISTANT

Ashlee Olsen ashlee@abqthemag.com BUSINESS MANAGER

Jill Morris business@abqthemag.com ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER EMERITUS

Scott Davis (1966–2004)

SUBSCRIBE!

Annual subscriptions to Albuquerque The Magazine are $19 for 11 issues. You may subscribe directly from our website.

Send check or money order to:

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

©2017 Albuquerque The Magazine All Rights Reserved

EDITOR’S NOTE

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othing brings people together like good food.

That is why the ATM team wanted to make sure our readers are in the know of what has popped up in the last three years.

There are a plethora of places that popped up just before the pandemic hit and soon were on hiatus during the pandemic shutdowns. The restaurant industry will never be the same but you can help build them back up by patronizing local eateries.

The service might be a little slower due to understaffing but your patience with waitstaff and the kitchen crew is sincerely appreciated. Your food will come out, but it just might take a few minutes longer than it did prior to the pandemic. I have found that the wait is worth it.

Juniper Steakhouse at Santa Ana Star Casino Hotel is not on our new restaurant list, but it is definitely worth a visit. We sat down with Executive Chef Russell Gleason and Sous Chef Patrick Cawley who told us about all the enticing entrees and sides including its Slow Roasted Prime Rib with a 10 Spice Seasoning Crust. Read more about the mouthwatering menu in our Eats section.

Check out our new restaurant feature to find a few places that will make your taste buds dance.

Bringing fresh produce, proteins, and dairy products from local and regional growers, ranchers, and farms to New Mexicans’ doorsteps was a no-brainer for Monte Skarsgard. His business, Skarsgard Farms, also offers meal packages that are ready to “heat and eat.” Learn more about Skarsgard, how he grew his business, and his plans to open a brick and mortar this year in our Albuquerque The Interview section.

Kristelle Siarza knew there was a dire need to create a resource center for Asian and Pacific Islander businesses. In July

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2021, she founded the Asian Business Collective. As violence against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders has increased, safety has become a priority for ABC. However, it still has maintained the goal of helping members flourish by educating them on employee retention, economic recovery grants, understanding and responding to regulations governing their businesses and more. Learn more about Siarza and ABC’s efforts in our Personality section.

As for me, the time has come to say goodbye. This will be my final issue with Albuquerque The Magazine as I am moving on to another opportunity. I would like to thank the ATM staff for entrusting me with their prized possession and allowing me to be part of their team. Although my time here has been short, it has been a learning experience that I will always remember.

I also want to give a huge thank you to all the readers that have been so supportive of me and the publication. I know the magazine will continue to shine a light on all the positive things we have to be grateful for in the Duke City and give props to the people who make Albuquerque great.

Sincerely,

Rozanna Martinez Editor-In-Chief

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

BROADENING HORIZONS

MAY 2022 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

and provides mentors to really help them understand the various steps needed to stick with these different STEM classes, and then courses of study and careers,” Leigh says.

“And that’s everything from highlighting the STEM in all of the construction trades, for example, you know, all the way through different programs at Air Force research labs with directed energy, alternative energy sources with local solar companies.”

The studio will have a new exhibition called STEM In Burque. There is an entire suite dedicated to water resource management that Explora created in partnership with the Albuquerque Bernalillo County Water Utility Authority. A makerspace in X Studio will provide an area where students can design and fabricate their own products and explore their entrepreneurial skills. Teens also will receive help preparing for their futures by getting assistance with college applications and grants as well as being able to participate in financial literacy classes —RM

COURTESY IMAGE

New exhibit areas and events are in full bloom at Explora.

The Nature’s Notes exhibition, which is an outdoor exhibition, focuses on the various sounds that you hear in nature. In addition to the new exhibits, new and old programs are back including adult night. The next adult night, Tinkering: Make and Create, will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. on May 20.

“We basically close down the building to our usual younger visitors,” says Kristin Leigh, Explora deputy director. “It’s an 18 and over night, you get all the exhibits to yourself. There’s a band, there’s food trucks, and it’s just a great date night or outing with friends.

One of Explora’s largest events, New Mexico Science Fiesta, will be held June 11-18. The big finale on June 18 at Expo New Mexico will feature different organizations celebrating STEM in New Mexico.

Also happening this summer, is the opening of the 8,000 square foot teen center, X Studio.

“It connects them to the equipment, the programming, the people who are doing STEM in our neighborhoods,

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Addie Bailey

AGE: 4 SCHOOL: Preschool at Calvary Christian Academy TOTALLY INTO: Going camping/ fishing, cooking, and painting NOT A FAN OF: Bugs, balloons popping and when people are sad or mean FUTURE PLANS: She wants to be a veterinarian so she can work with cats.

HER STORY: Although she’s only 4, Addie is already making an impact in her community. From a young age, she has always been very vocal and doesn’t hesitate to share her opinion. She stands up for those around her and is never afraid to express how she feels. “She’s the nicest and most friendly little girl. She even prays when she sees an ambulance go by,” exclaims her parents, Justin and Rosie Bailey. She is always up for an adventure and loves to go camping, swimming and fishing. Addie is a very curious little girl. “She is always asking lots of questions and wants to learn more about everything,” her mom says. Addie does everything in her power to make sure everyone around her is just as happy as she is. —ASHLEE OLSEN

Submit your Incredible Kids at incrediblekids@abqthemag.com

CAPTURING THE PAST

Art Meets History: Many Worlds Are Born (Part 1) takes inspiration from beloved New Mexico author Rudolfo Anaya.

The light, the land, the mysticism and people were his subjects and their storylines have spanned generations.

Jeanna Penn Winona, Day Nursery The group exhibition features extensive content based on New Mexico’s many histories, worlds born from beauty, violence and a deep sense of place, according to 516 ARTS. Many Worlds Are Born, which runs through May 14, is the first component of the twopart contemporary art exhibition at 516 ARTS, 516 Central SW. The second portion, Art Meets History: Technologies of the Spirit (Part II) will be on display June 11 through Sept. 3. The exhibitions bring together historic content and contemporary art. The project looks at how divergent histories of race, conflict, and colonialism in New Mexico influence how we imagine our futures, according to 516 ARTS. — RM

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SOCCER DO’S FOR NEW FANS

The saying that you have to be there to understand may never be truer than when talking about a New Mexico United game. The audience experience is unrivaled across the United Soccer League. In 2019, during the United’s first full season (and before the pandemic turned them into road warriors), the team topped the league for attendance with an average of 12,693 per game.

Those nearly 13,000 enthusiastic fans create a palpable energy that ebbs and flows with the game. They jeer when the ref gets a call wrong and fall into pin-drop silence when the visiting team gets on the scoreboard. And when the United score? The roar is deafening, and the air becomes thick with yellow and black smoke wafting from the supporters’ sections smoke bombs. The smoke colors the air above Rio Grande Credit Union Field at Isotopes Park for minutes. Overall, the home atmosphere has attracted players to the club and made a formidable one for opponents.

The club’s largest supporters’ group, The Curse, anchors the stadium celebrations. They, along with a drum line and other groups like the Black Diamonds, vociferously march into the game a few minutes before kickoff and lead raucous chants from their favored spot near the field. Fans tend to be a friendly bunch who will happily explain the beautiful game’s rules to newcomers. To these fans, every new acquaintance is just another supporter in the making. So, it’s never too late to join in. Just remember the team’s slogan: “!Somos Unidos! We are United!”

— ASHLEY M. BIGGERS

SUPER FAN CHECKLIST

STAND UP AND CHEER DURING THE MAGIC MINUTE — FROM WHEN THE GAME CLOCK READS 19:12 (REPRESENTING THE YEAR NEW MEXICO WAS FOUNDED) UNTIL 20:19 (THE YEAR OF NEW MEXICO UNITED’S INAUGURAL SEASON).

WHEN A UNITED PLAYER SCORES, CHANT HIS LAST NAME THREE TIMES AFTER THE ANNOUNCER SAYS HIS FIRST NAME.

IF A PLAYER FROM THE OPPOSITE TEAM SEEMS TO TAKE A DIVE AND FAKE AN INJURY, JOIN IN SARCASTIC CHANTS OF “POBRECITO.” FOR THE FULL FAN EXPERIENCE, GRAB A TICKET IN THE SUPPORTERS’ SECTIONS, 116 AND 118. JUST KNOW YOU’RE JOINING A ROWDY, RAMBUNCTIOUS CROWD. WANT TO CELEBRATE A BIRTHDAY OR ANNIVERSARY? EMAIL YOUR SHOUTOUT TO INFO@NEWMEXICOUTD.COM WANT TO LEARN MORE CHANTS? THE CURSE WILL TEACH YOU AT CURSENM.COM.

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Mathew Kaiser

AGE: 9 SCHOOL: H.T Jaramillo Elementary TOTALLY INTO: Playing video games, animals, and eating junk food NOT A FAN OF: Having to go to school and eating asparagus FUTURE PLANS: He wants to be a mechanic like his dad.

HIS STORY: Mathew has always been very determined. No matter what he sets his mind to, he will find a way to accomplish it. His dad, Eugene, is a mechanic and has become one of Mathew’s biggest role models. “I want to be a mechanic, like my dad, when I grow up,” exclaims Mathew. He is full of personality and “always down to play,” says his mom, Krystal.

Despite school not being his favorite activity, Mathew never fails to excel, especially in Math.

His mom shares that her son is “very easygoing and super affectionate.” He is full of energy and puts a lot of that toward football. He plans to continue to strengthen his skills and knowledge of the sport so he can become a great football player in the future. Mathew has always been very outspoken and isn’t afraid to say what’s on his mind. —ASHLEE OLSEN

Submit your Incredible Kids at incrediblekids@abqthemag.com

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FOREVER BLESSED

This year marks the 50th anniversary of New Mexico author Rudolfo Anaya’s beloved book Bless Me, Ultima.

The coming-of-age story of Antonio and his spiritual journey, guided by a curandera named Ultima, is a treasure to many New Mexicans and others throughout the country. Anaya passed away in 2020, but his legacy continues through his literature. We asked some educators as well as city and county leaders, what Bless Me, Ultima means to them. — RM

Mario Montoya, UNM Instructor, 2021 recipient of the Rudolfo Anaya Fellowship

Adrienne Adams

Director, Digital Health Partnerships Providence Health “ABQ is an inclusive place with a strong sense of community— an environment where we want to raise our son. My husband, 7-month-old son and I just moved back after living in Seattle. We love the people and incredible quality of life, plus being able to easily get into the open space with stunning views, like the Pino Trail.”

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.

“For me, Bless Me, Ultima is about more than a curious boy and his magical, beloved curandera. It is a story about New Mexico.

Our traditions, our customs, our unique cultura, born from bosque mud like adobe brick and ristra red chile... For New Mexicans, Bless Me, Ultima put us on the literary map, on a worldwide stage, showcasing our great culture and storytelling tradition. Rudolfo Anaya gave us a voice. A soft, comfortable voice that is as warm as a homemade fire and a bedtime story. He’s not only the Grandfather of Chicano Literature, but the wise, compassionate abuelo of all New Mexico, who steadily reminds us that our stories matter.”

Steven Michael Quezada, Bernalillo County, District 2, Commissioner “Bless Me, Ultima provided me with a renewed heartfelt appreciation of my home and family here in New Mexico. It sparked my interest in learning more about the diversity and history in this Land of Enchantment, which has influenced aspects of my career as an actor, comedian, writer and producer. The characters took me back to memories and lessons of my youth that I will always cherish and appreciate. They are blessings that I am proud to share with my own family. Thank you, Rudolfo Anaya, for giving us a beautiful gift that assures we never forget our rich and important New Mexican culture and heritage.”

Scott Elder, Albuquerque Public Schools Superintendent “Bless Me, Ultima is one of the most important and memorable books for many, especially New Mexicans. Through his talent, life experiences, and humanity, Rudolfo Anaya brought to life the story of a young boy whose experiences and family resonate with so many in our state but, until its release, were not often represented in literature.

Bless Me, Ultima is a beautiful story that awakened awareness and appreciation of culture and traditions unfamiliar to audiences worldwide.”

Despite its spiky appearance, agave actually belongs to the Agavoideae family, which is a succulent closely related to the lily plant.

Klarissa Peña, Albuquerque City Councilor, District 3 “As a young Chicana it was so inspiring to pick up a book that I could relate to. That feeling of pride that our traditions were being highlighted in a way that represented our culture and heritage was so meaningful. Rudolfo Anaya is the founding father of Chicano literature and his work has inspired other Chicana(o) writers to share their stories.”

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Campbell Row

Software Developer RS21 “My favorite thing about Albuquerque is the local businesses. Local coffee shops, like Little Bear Coffee, are filled with great people and tasty drinks. It provides an excellent change of scenery for those of us who work from home.”

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.

President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s Good Neighbor Policy, passed in 1933 to improve relations with Latin American countries, paved the way for Cinco de Mayo to become a more mainstream American holiday.

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Jay Shah

Senior Marketing Manager Dreamstyle Remodeling “I love the Downtown Artwalk, especially strolling our downtown streets the first Friday of every month, supporting independent artists, stimulating the local economy, and adding New Mexico flair to my home! I enjoy inviting friends and family so they can experience something truly unique and vibrant on a neighborhood level.”

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.

There’s a Cornish superstition that buying a new broom in May is bad luck. The origins of these superstitions have been lost, but it is likely that the Newfoundland influence can be traced to 19th-century England.

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Melodie Lamb

AGE: 8 SCHOOL: Bellehaven Elementary School TOTALLY INTO: Drawing and painting, playing with her pet guinea pig, Oreo, and animals NOT A FAN OF: Vegetables, spiders and bullies FUTURE PLANS: To become an artist or graphic designer.

HER STORY: Melodie is one of the most artistic and sincere kids you would ever meet. You can always find her drawing and pulling inspiration from those around her to incorporate into her art work. When she’s not in school, she enjoys spending time with her family and going shopping with her mom. Melodie has always been commended for having such a kind heart. “She is the most compassionate and respectful kid there is,” says her mom, Shazda. She continues to be awarded by the staff at her school because of her respect and kindness. Wherever Melodie goes, laughter follows. She never fails to put a smile on everyone’s face. “Melodie is full of life and is always the life of the party. She’s super goofy and loves making others laugh,” her mom exclaims. —ASHLEE OLSEN

Submit your Incredible Kids at incrediblekids@abqthemag.com

VIVA VINO

Wine enthusiasts can rejoice the return of the New Mexico Wine Festival after a three year hiatus.

The age 21 and over event, will be held May 28 through May 30 at Balloon Fiesta Park, 9401 Balloon Fiesta Pkwy NE. Attendees will notice a new element this year. Guests can wander the Wine Garden, surrounded by fresh flowers and floral decor, showcasing flower and plant vendors.

Eventgoers will find a new festival layout with covered wine pavilions where they can enjoy tastings from 18 New Mexico wineries serving up more than 200 wines. Wine by the glass, bottle or case will be available for purchase.

Live music, painting classes conducted by Go To Art Camp and a silent disco pavilion are returning to the event. Tasting tickets are $30 and can be purchased at nmwine.com. The ticket price includes a $5 off any bottle of wine at the festival and $1 from each ticket benefits the Vineyard Restoration Fund. The fund is an initiative to plant 200,000 new vines across New Mexico. — RM

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Be a Hero The Haven House Domestic Violence Shelter in Rio Rancho hosted an event on April 2nd at Haynes Park in Rio Rancho. The event brought awareness to children who have witnessed or have been affected by Domestic Violence. The Haven House understands the importance of families and communities working together to strengthen families to prevent child abuse and neglect.

1. Rio Rancho Mayor: Gregg Hull, RR City Councilor: Bob Tyler, State Rep: Joshua Hernandez, Jennifer James 2. Andrea Rogers, Estella Weitz, Dale Klein-Kennedy, Seth Muller 3. Juli Velasco, Jalene Berger 4. Zia Ghostbuster: Knox Yazzie, Xander Chang, Daniel Mullahey 5. Rada Moss, Andrea Rogers 6. Cherish, Flash, Smiley

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7. William Chisholm, LoisAnn Brock

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Denim and Diamonds The Rio Grande Downs Syndrome Network hosted a gala on April 2 at Sheraton Uptown. The event celebrates and supports individuals with Downs Syndrome and the lucky few who get to love them.

1. Michael Barreras, Jeannie Barreras, Consuelo Crowder, Bret Crowder 2. Tianna Habersham, Ted Mossman, Derek Barreras, Kyle Barnes 3. Nichole Tavenner, Samantha Maynez, Isabelle Sadler 4. Isaiah Jaramillo, Chad Cordova 5. Alice Ramirez, Michelle Stark, Steven Stark 6. Mitch Earls, Scott Abbate, Brittany Abbate, Liz Earls 7. Natalie White, Sara Cook, Jeff White

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Taylor Garrett Whiskey’s Bottle to Throttle Cocktail Competion Taylor Garrett Whiskey partnered up with Bourbon and Boots in downtown Albuquerque on March 21 for an all-outshowdown style bartending competition with every cocktail featuring a Taylor Garrett handcrafted spirit. The DJ kept the groove upbeat while event goers cheered on their favorite bartenders from around town. The entire event benefitted Boys and Girls Clubs of Central New Mexico.

1. Daniel Warren, Scott Fueille, Djuna Benjamin 2. Levi Young, Rich Baca 3. Teresa Carson, Ken Carson 4. Michelle Zemke, Daniella Visokay, Miranda Durr 5. Kyle Baca, Ian Bahe 6. Sean Cobley, Krystal Barrera

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7. Esperanza Allen, Bryan Stearley, Stephanie Welch, Josh Lovato

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WiseChoice Foods Gratitude Social On March 10, 2022, WiseChoice Foods thanked business partners, alliances and individuals who have helped grow and support the Albuquerque-based company. The event, which was held at company headquarters at the Aperture Center at Mesa del Sol, was also a kick-off to promote the upcoming WisePies Pizza Run on May 15, which benefits the Make-AWish Foundation of New Mexico. The company’s signature WisePies healthy frozen pizzas (including the Hatch Green Chile Uncured Pepperoni Classico) are now sold in more than 5,000 stores nationwide.

1. State Sen. Michael Padilla, Season Chavez, Steve Chavez 2. Josh Hernandez, Jennifer James, Kristina Salcido, Kiki Salcido 3. David Campbell, Shelly Campbell, Rathi Casey, Ben Casey 4. Alicia Holder, Steven Morrell, Gena Salazar, Adrian Salazar 5. Elizabeth Allbright, Sandra Leyba, Travis Lewis, Victor Valtierra 6. James Jaramillo, Jason Daskalos, Michelle Guzman, Rudy Guzman, Nasib Thabet 7. Maralyn Beck, Season Chavez, Nicole Chavez

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NOT LONG AGO

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Runners Ball Where else can you wear running shoes and fancy clothes? The Runner’s Ball! That’s where. Last year’s Ball kicked off at Hotel Parq Central with race entrants being treated to drinks, food, laughs, and running (if you are so inclined.) Proceeds went to help the youth wellness program, Running 505.

1.Melani Farmer, Louella Buchanan 2.John Sabourin, Nancy Sabourin, Rick Buchanan 3.Laura Burns, Tèa Nielsen 4.Nara Olivas, Bethany Grow 5.Ireena Erteza, Carol Dow 6.Marissa Schwartz Hoff, Angel Kent

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7.Christine Cartwright, Chryssa Charalambides

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PAID ADVERTISEMENT

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odywork is an exploration of both the physical body and the energetic body, tapping into an unspoken commonality between all people,” says Tatiana Poling, owner of Sensame. It was early in her practice that she began to receive intuitive feelings and mental images during massage therapy sessions.

This began a life-long journey to develop these abilities. After temporarily closing her massage practice during the pandemic, she furthered her mediumship training with well-known mediums throughout the US and the UK. “I found that practicing intuitive mediumship was more about empowering others to listen to their own intuition rather than predicting future outcomes. This allows each individual to trust their interpretations and live with a heightened self-awareness.”

The last 18 years of her wellness career have included nutritional services, therapeutic massage modalities, reiki, and ultimately intuitive mediumship, developing a holistic healing approach to her private practice. Being an intuitive medium means she can blend with and interpret the energy of people both living and those who have passed on. “My intention is to provide healing messages from loved ones while also offering validation and insight into areas of my clients’ lives that need attention.”

The language of mediumship is always evolving, and Tatiana feels a responsibility to express the impressions she receives with compassion, authenticity, and clarity. She says therapeutic touch is an essential part of maintaining health, and when combined with an intuitive reading can access important parts of your story that transcend the conscious mind. Her understanding and acceptance of this practice deepens every day and she’s excited to share this discovery with her clients.

Tatiana is incredibly grateful that her business has continued to expand through the loving referrals of her growing community. She says her hope moving forward is that “whether you connect through a medium or through the development of your own intuition, we continue to shift the narrative of separateness into one of collective healing.”

WWW.ABQTHEMAG.COM | MAY 2022

PARTNER CONTENT

Judy Lui, MD

Physician and Owner Elite MD - A Boutique Medical Spa 801 Encino Place NE, Suite C-7 Albuquerque, NM (505)218-7006 · elitemdlui.com

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udy Lui, MD, has a unique medical practice.

She brings the emphasis back to the doctor-patient relationship, restoring the trust, confidence, and continuity in that relationship which she feels is missing in today’s medical environment. As the sole practitioner at Elite MD—A Boutique Medical Spa, she ensures the time and commitment to do just that. Moreover, her services are customized and integrated with a holistic approach specifically for each individual.

Dr. Lui and Elite MD provide everything you need for Health, Beauty, and Wellness. Customized services include Botox and dermal fillers, laser hair removal, laser skin resurfacing, platelet-rich plasma injections, stem cell therapy, medical hair restoration, hormone replacement therapy, IV Infusion therapy, acupuncture, supplements therapy, counseling for nutraceuticals and cosmeceuticals, and so much more, all with a holistic approach to your specific needs.

Dr. Lui is a board-certified pediatrician and Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine with over 27 years of experience. She has been practicing integrative medicine for the last 15 years. She opened Elite MD in 2019 with a focus on customized health services, a high standard of care, a discerning eye, and meticulous “attention to detail.” She attributes the success of this three-year old business and surviving a pandemic to hard work and being blessed with loyal and generous patients. “The appreciation and gratitude of my patients give me the satisfaction of a job well done. I am also grateful for their trust in me to take care of them.”

In addition to these individualized services, Dr. Lui gives back to the community through her support of St. George’s Greek Orthodox Church and its philanthropies, local schools, non-profit organizations, and Go Red (part of the American Heart Association).

Start your own patient-doctor relationship today with this highly trained, caring, and devoted medical physician.

MAY 2022 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

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PARTNER CONTENT

Alejandro Salcido

Family Nurse Practitioner Medical Director of Look Rejuvenated Med Spa 400 Gold SW, Suite 605 · Albuquerque, NM (505)716-5566 · lookrejuvenatedmedspa.com

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s the child of immigrants, Alejandro Salcido, Nurse Practitioner and Medical Director of Look Rejuvenated Med Spa, grew up watching his parents work hard and make sacrifices to build a better life for themselves and for their son. They showed him that anything worth having is worth working hard for, and that’s a lesson he says he carries with him every day and in every aspect of his life.

Alejandro has over 17 years of medical experience in a variety of fields including emergency medicine, trauma, and family practice.

“Throughout my career,” he says, “I’ve loved working in the fastpaced environment of the hospital setting and in the medical field more generally, but I have also had a strong independent streak. Being able to bring both together in this smaller and more specialized space allows me to focus on each individual client. I believe the joy and energy this brings me has truly enabled the success of Look Rejuvenated.”

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Alejandro and Look Rejuvenated offer a wide variety of Medical Spa services including injectables, micro needling with PRP, hair restoration, skin rejuvenations, Vitamin Injectables, other esthetics, and medical consultations. They are thrilled to announce that they recently opened a second location in the Scottsdale, Arizona area and will soon be offering functional medicine to their customers.

“Our collective commitment to constantly learning and practicing a growth mindset has enabled us to not only continue to expand our menu of services, but to scale our business to help us serve an even broader client base.”

Alejandro is grateful for his family and friends whose support helps him keep going on this journey. But at the end of the day, he says, knowing that he has helped people be and feel their best is the most powerful motivation.

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WWW.ABQTHEMAG.COM | MAY 2022

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

TOP PICK ABQ Beer Week. Albuquerque’s premier beer week returns with an 11-day celebration for its 10th anniversary. Albuquerque Beer Week is a barley-filled celebration with local microbrew tastings, tours, food events, and local bands. Info: abqbeerweek. com.

The 10th Annual ABQ Blues & Brews. Kicking off beer week with craft beer, ciders, seltzers and spirits, unlimited sampling, games, four stages and six blues bands. Info: 2-6 pm, May 29, Sandia Resort and Casino, 30 Rainbow Rd. NE, abqbluesandbrews.com. Tickets $15-$65.

MAY 2022 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

COURTESY IMAGE

May 29-June 5 |various times

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sunday 1 10 am–2 pm

Rail Yards Market.

Opening for the season.

Food, Art, Music. Hosting over 150 vendors of fresh produce, fine food, healing hands, and handmade art. This is the finest Growers’ Market experience for locals and tourists alike. Info: 777 First St. SW and handicap accessible. Free parking.

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sunday 15 7 am WisePies Pizza. A fun incentive (pizza!) to make a wise lifestyle choice with your family and friends will benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation of New Mexico. 1 mile fun run, 5K run, and 10K super challenge. Info: Event will be held at Mesa del Sol, 5700 University Blvd. SE. Sign up at wisepiespizza.com/ pizzarun. Hot WisePies pizza and refreshments available.

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wednesday 4 showings at 5 pm and 8:30 pm

New Mexico Entertainment. May the 4th Be With You, celebrating the 45th anniversary of “Star Wars: A New Hope” with an appearance by the 501st Legion and presales entered to win door prizes. Costumes encouraged. Info: Guild Cinema, 3405 Central Ave. NE, nmentertains. com/movie-screenings, $10.

friday 6 4–7 pm

“Beautiful Time.”

Amapola Gallery's Featured Artists' display for May with Philip Green's raku clocks and Elzbieta Kaleta's paper cuts combine in a colorful and rewarding show. Reception from 4 to 7 pm. Show runs through the month.

Info: Amapola Gallery, 205 Romero NW. Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, (505) 242-4311, amapolagallery.com.

saturday 7 and sunday 8 10 am–5 pm

25th Placitas Studio Tour.

76 artists will open their studio doors and share with you their fascinating artwork which is as diverse and captivating as the artists themselves. Art will be for sale at every studio.

Info: Visit placitasstudiotour. com to explore the tour brochure, visit the artists’ pages, and download the 2022 tour map or contact Nancy Holley at (505) 5154323 ornchholley47@gmail. com. Brochures are also available at the Homestead Village.

WWW.ABQTHEMAG.COM | MAY 2022

Trust us, these are but a few ABQ events YOU CAN'T MISS. 9

saturday 7 and sunday 8 10 am–6 pm

18th Annual Kite Festival.

Springtime in New Mexico brings wind and sunny skies, creating perfect conditions to fly a kite! Join the fun as kites fill the skies with colorful shapes throughout the weekend.

Visitors can bring their own kites, buy one at the festival, or watch professional stunt kite fliers maneuver kites expertly in the wind. Info: Wild West Nature Park, 87 North Frontage Road, Edgewood, New Mexico, (505) 281-7655, wildlifewest.org for directions. Free.

saturday 14 your mailbox

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The Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive. This is a national event to help those in need. Info: Place non-perishable food in bag(s) by your mailbox for your letter carrier to take to a local post office. If you would like to volunteer to sort donations at the post office dock, register at cervistec. com or call (505) 349-8841.

Donations benefit Roadrunner Food Bank.

MAY 2022 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

sunday 15 1–4 pm

Artist Reception. Wild Hearts Gallery, an artist’s collective of 15 local artists, presents Roger Evans’ “Imagine the Impossible” where a parade of acrobatic animals will rival the circus acts of old with their gravity-defying performances and oddities of nature. The exhibit runs May 3–29. Info: 221 Homestead Village Hwy 165, Placitas, wildheartsgallery.com, (505) 361-2710. Free.

sunday 22 9 am–4 pm

2022 Parade of Gardens.

Sponsored by Council of Albuquerque Garden Clubs, this year’s tour will be of 12 personal gardens in the far NE Heights. Musicians will be featured in the gardens. Info: Rain or shine. Tickets are limited to 900, are timed, and are sold online at paradeofgardensinabq. com. Not handicap accessible.

Busses will take you between gardens. $20 tour tickets, $15 lunch ticket from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the #10 garden. Visit paradeofgardensinabq.com for meeting location.

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sunday 1 | sunday 2 pm

monday 2 | 6–7:30 pm

tuesday 3 | 8–10 pm

Driving Miss Daisy, the classic Pulitzer Prizewinning drama by Alfred Uhry, is the story of an elderly southern lady and her driver who form an unlikely friendship that spans the test of time. Info: Adobe Theater, (505) 898-9222, adobetheater.org Tickets: $17$20.

Virtual Vivace book group reading. Santa Fe Opera Guild presents “The Romance of Tristan and Iseult” in Zoom virtual meeting format. The tale of Tristan and Iseult is one of the greatest and most retold legends in European history and will be performed at the Santa Fe Opera this summer. The book was written in 1900, some 35 years after the opera premiered. Moderator: Bernadette Snider and Special Guest Facilitator: David Hughes. Info: Virtual check-in at 5:50 pm. For information online and to register, go to guildsofsfo. org/SantaFe/Events.html.

Marcus King. A 25-year-old guitar phenomenon and innovative songwriter who can simultaneously switch from swaggering rock to supersonic soul, having written songs and performed onstage for half his lifetime. Info: Sunshine Theater, 120 Central Ave NW, ampconcerts.org.

Tickets: $39-$44.

sunday 1 | 10:30 am Chatter Sunday. Boyd Meets Girl, the duo of Australian classical guitarist Rupert Boyd and American cellist Laura Metcalf. With poet Kristian Macaron. Info: Chatter at 912 3rd St NW, chatterabq. org/boxoffice. Tickets: $16 adults, $9 students/under-30, $5 under-13.

sunday 1 | 1–5 pm Corrales Bosque Gallery. The theme for May is “Wildlife,” and the gallery will display art celebrating wildlife presented in various mediums including oil/ acrylics/graphite, photography, jewelry, beading, and ceramics. The show will continue through the month of May. Info: 4685 Corrales Road, Corrales.

Corralesbosequegallery.com, (505) 8987203.

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tuesday 3 | 10–11 am 10 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. Free. Contact: nmprograms@ alz.org or (800) 272-3900.

tuesday 3 | 5–6pm 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. Free. Contact: nmprograms@alz. org or (800) 272-3900.

wednesday 4 |1 pm Wheels Museum. A Cinco de Mayo Spanish Music and Variety Show featuring The Silver Fox, Greg Cordova on guitar, and Fred Sanchez on bass will be a lot of fun with singing and dancing to the New Mexico songs that you love. Info: 1100 2nd Street SW, (505) 243-6269, wheelsmuseum.org.

Free; donations appreciated.

wednesday 4 | 4–6 pm Tamarind Class of 2021-22 Panel Discussion. Join graduating Tamarind printers on Zoom for a discussion of the program and the collaborative process.

Info: RSVP for Zoom details on Eventbrite.

More information at tamarind.unm.edu.

WWW.ABQTHEMAG.COM | MAY 2022

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wednesday 4 | 5:30–7 pm

friday 6 | 5–7 pm

friday 6 | 5–9 pm

100 Women Albuquerque. We meet quarterly at Rio Bravo Brewing Co., and each of us donate $100 to the same local nonprofit (or two women can team up and each give $50). Info: Rio Bravo Brewing patio, 1912 2nd St NW. Free to attend, come learn about our impact and meet other women in the community!

Tamarind Collaborative Class Exhibition, Opening Reception. View and purchase a portfolio of 12 lithographs created at Tamarind Institute by UNM Graduate Students in collaboration with students of Tamarind’s Professional Printer Training Program. Info: See tamarind.unm.edu.

Silent Disco. With some magic headphones and a shining selection of local DJs, together we will dance the night away.

To make it extra special, we’ve partnered with Electric Playhouse to bring a video mapped projection experience to the disco. Info: The Rail Yards, 777 First Street NW, organized by SOMOS Albuquerque in downtown Albuquerque. visitalbuquerque. org/event/somos-albuquerque-2022 for map and tickets.

thursday 5 | 1–3:30 pm Living with Alzheimer’s for Caregivers – Early Stage. Alzheimer’s Association, NM Chapter webinar addressing questions that arise in various stages of the disease.

Free. Contact: nmprograms@alz.org or (800) 272-3900.

thursday 5 | 7:30 pm Bobby Shew Sextet. Renowned trumpeter Bobby Shew returns to Outpost with his New Mexico sextet to perform a concert of his original compositions. Featuring Bobby Shew on trumpet and flugelhorn; Alex Murzyn, tenor saxophone; Chris Buckholz, trombone; Jim Ahrend, piano; Micky Patten, bass; Joe Chellman, drums.

Info: Outpost Performance Space, 210 Yale SE, (505) 268-0044, Tickets: $30 general admission, $25 Outpost members and students, available online at outpostspace.org.

thursday 5 | 7:30–9:30 pm Engine. Cumbia, rock and blues – the Franco-Argentinean trio will present songs from their albums, including an unreleased new EPI. Info: @708, 708 1st St NW, ampconcerts.org. Tickets: $22-$25.

thursday 5 thru sunday 15 | 4–10 pm SOMOS Albuquerque. This is a city-wide festival that will showcase the very best Albuquerque has to offer, including world class entertainment, food vendors and local restaurants, craft brewing, arts and culture organizations, nonprofits, technology companies, and so much more.

Info: Located in downtown Albuquerque. v i s i t a l b u q u e r q u e . o rg /e v e n t /s o m o s albuquerque-2022 for map and tickets.

thursday 5 thru sunday 15 | thursday, friday, saturday 7:30 pm, sunday | 2 pm Hay Fever. Noel Coward’s classic comedy is a shrewd, farcical look at a dysfunctional family oblivious to their ill-mannered behavior. Live music from the 1920s and 1930s provided by Brad Clement. Info: West End Productions at North Fourth Art Center, www.westendproductions.org (855) 937-8505. Tickets: $22-$23.

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friday 6 | 8–10 pm

tuesday 10 | 3–4:30 pm

wednesday 11 | 8–10 pm

Chicano Batman. High-spirited alternative synthesis from tropicália, West Coast psychedelia, and late-'60s/early-'70s soul.

Info: El Rey Theater, 620 Central Ave NW, ampconcerts.org. Tickets: $31-$35.

Carmen. Virtual Zoom Webinar format.

George Bizet’s best loved opera premiered in 1875. Images of Carmen, the sultry temptress, feisty Flamenco dancers, strutting bullfighters, and fortune tellers are associated with the production which will be performed at the Santa Fe Opera this summer. Classic music lecturer, writer, and critic James M. Keller asks if that is still the right approach for 2022. Info: Virtual check-in 2:50 pm. For information online and to register, go to guildsofsfo.org/SantaFe/Events.html.

Complementary for Guild members and $10 per device for non-members.

Todd Snider. The quintessential postmodern troubadour, toiling away on the folk and Americana circuits year after year, always engaging his audience with new songs and the best stories. Info: Lobo Theater, 3013 Central Ave NE, ampconcerts.org. Tickets: $28-$33.

saturdays 7, 21 and 28 | 12:30– 2:30 pm SouthWest Writers.

Prizewinning novelist Ellen Meeropol can be seen in a three-week Zoom live course, “Using Multiple Narrators to Deepen Your Novel.” Info: Meetings May 7, 21, and 28. Cost: SWW members $120/nonmembers $125. Preregistration required at southwestwriters.com/class-registrationhearing-voices.

ONE COMMUNITY...

ONE FAMILY...

THANK YOU ALBUQUERQUE!

saturday 7 and sunday 8 | 2:00 pm Rio Rancho Youth Chorus. This spring concert, “Spring Awakenings,” is one of Rio Rancho's best kept secrets! This small but mighty chorus will charm you with their rich harmonies and engaging performances – a great way to spend Mother's Day. Info: 4311 Sara Rd SE (2nd floor), Rio Rancho. Tickets $15 with discounts for ages 65 and older, ages under 13, and military. On sale at www. rr-cc.org/buy-tickets or email info@rr-cc. org.

saturday 7 | 7:30–9:30 pm From Bamako To Birmingham: Amadou & Mariam and Blind Boys of Alabama.

Culturally satisfying fusion of Afropop and soulful gospel that combines contemporary African sounds and AfricanAmerican roots music. Info: National Hispanic Cultural Center, 1701 4th St SW, ampconcerts.org. Tickets: $36-$56.

sunday 8 | 10:30 am Chatter Sunday. Cello duos performed

by Felix Fan and Mariel Roberts. Info: Chatter at 912 3rd St NW, chatterabq. org/boxoffice. Tickets: $16 adults, $9 students/under-30, $5 under-13.

tuesday 10 | 10–11am Dementia Conversations. Alzheimer’s Association, NM Chapter. Free webinar.

Learn more about how to approach important topics with a loved one with dementia. Free. Contact: nmprograms@ alz.org or (800) 272-3900.

tuesday 10 | 7:30–9:30 pm Colin Hay. Lead vocalist of Men at Work, member of Ringo Starr’s All Starr Band, and successful solo artist. Info: National Hispanic Cultural Center, 1701 4th St SW, ampconcerts.org. Tickets: $41-$61.

wall to wall flatscreens bold burgers STONE BAKED pizzas ice cold beer at 33° 33°

MAY 2022 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

4861 Pan American Freeway NE Albuquerque,, NM 87109 Albuquerque 505.. 344 505 344.. 7427 www.. bubbas33 www bubbas33.. com 65

wednesday 11 thru sunday 15 | various times

friday 13 | 9 am–5 pm saturday 14 | 9 am–2 pm

Popejoy’s Broadway in New Mexico.

“Come From Away” is the remarkable true story of 7,000 stranded airline passengers and the small town in Newfoundland that welcomed them. “On 09/11, the world stopped. On 09/12, their stories moved us all.” Info: Popejoy Hall, 203 Cornell Drive NE, popejoypresents.com (505) 2774569. Tickets: $49–$102. Check website for health and safety measures.

Parents Reaching Out. The 17th Annual Family Leadership Conference will help provide opportunities for families and youth to improve their knowledge and skills in leadership and advocacy. Fun networking opportunities and a selection of workshops will be available. Info: Embassy Suites, 1001 Woodward NE, discounted rooms available. No child care available. parentsreachingout.org, (800) 524-5176 for more information. Tickets $25–$200.

thursday 12 | 1–3:30 pm Living with Alzheimer’s for Caregivers – Middle Stage. Alzheimer’s Association, NM Chapter webinar addressing questions that arise in various stages of the disease.

Free. Contact: nmprograms@alz.org or (800) 272-3900.

thursday 12 | 6–7:30 pm Ciboleros & Comancheros: Commerce, Identity, and History. Artist Juanita Lavadie and digital archivist Jillian Hartke will be in conversation with exhibition cocurator Alicia Inez Guzmàn and will share two distinct histories of commerce in New Mexico. Info: 516 ARTS, 516 Central Ave SW, register online 516arts.org/ programs/events. Free.

thursday 12 | 7:30 pm The Pleasure Pilots. Outpost’s inaugural concert for a “Spotlight on the Blues Series,” co-curated by Putnay Thomas, host of the KUNM Blues Show since 1987, features the old school style blues and rhythm & blues of New Mexico’s The Pleasure Pilots with David Phillips, keyboards, vocals; Fred Spencer, guitar, vocals; Terry Bluhm, bass, vocals; Lee Taylor, alto saxophone; Kanoa Kaluhiwa, tenor saxophone; Sam Nesbitt, baritone saxophone; and Davo Bryant, drums, percussion. Info: Outpost Performance Space, 210 Yale SE, (505) 268-0044.

Tickets: $20 general admission, $15 Outpost members and students, online at outpostspace.org.

friday 13 | 11:15 am–1 pm Annual Great Grant Giveaway hosted by the Albuquerque Community Foundation.

Nonprofit organizations in Albuquerque have been selected to present their amazing work to a room filled with 700 people. A $500 check on every table will be awarded to one of the nonprofits. The

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friday 13 | 5–6 pm Understanding Alzheimer's and Dementia.

Alzheimer’s Association, NM Chapter Webinar. Learn the basics of Alzheimer’s and how it affects the body and brain.

Free. Contact: nmprograms@alz.org or (800) 272-3900.

saturday 14 | 6 pm Second Saturday Community Coffeehouse.

During this evening, award-winning singer/ songwriter Anna Rudolf from Placitas will debut her sultry style and intimate and engaging music and lyrics at the Unity Spiritual Center. Info: 9800 Candelaria NE. Doors open at 6 p.m. Performance at 6:30 p.m. The Coffeehouse hosts quality musical experiences in a family-style, listening room environment with snacks and beverages. Free.

fridays and saturdays 14, 20, 21, 27, 28 | 7:30 pm saturdays and sundays 14, 15, 21, 22, 28 | 2:30 pm Rio Rancho Players. “A Little Piece of Heaven” is presented. Heaven is a combination of both comedy and mystery with poignant moments surfacing throughout this charming two-act play.

Info: 4311 Sara Rd SE (2nd floor), Rio Rancho. Tickets $15 with discounts for ages 65 and older, students, and military, rr-cc.org/buy-tickets or email info@rr-cc. org.

saturday 14 | 10 am-noon SouthWest Writers. Kristen Owens, frequent magazine contributor, will discuss “The Personal Essay,” both in person and via Zoom. Info: Non-members must contact the office for a link at (505) 830-6034 or info@swwriters.com.

Members free. First three meetings free to non-members; $10 thereafter.

saturday 14 | 10 am–4 pm Heritage Day. Each year in May, Casa San Ysidro joins the Corrales Historical Society in celebrating local heritage that exhibits the living traditions of New Mexico.

Celebrate with Casa and the Albuquerque Museum with a variety of activities that highlight local art and history. Info: Casa San Ysidro, 973 Old Church Road, Corrales. (505) 898-3915 and cabq.gov/ casasanysidro. Free.

sunday 15 | 7 am WisePies Pizza. A fun incentive (pizza!) to make a wise lifestyle choice with your family and friends will benefit the MakeA-Wish Foundation of New Mexico. 1 mile fun run, 5K run, and 10K super challenge. Info: Event will be held at Mesa del Sol, 5700 University Blvd. SE. Sign up at wisepiespizza.com/pizzarun.

Hot WisePies pizza and refreshments available.

WWW.ABQTHEMAG.COM | APRIL 2022

sunday 15 | 10:30 am

saturday 21 | 5:30–7:30 pm

saturday 21 | 6:30–8:30 pm

Chatter Sunday.

Pianist Natasha Stojanovska performs a program of music

by Eastern European women composers.

Info: Chatter at 912 3rd St NW, chatterabq. org/boxoffice. Tickets: $16 adults, $9 students/under-30, $5 under-13.

S.T.E.A.M. Nights at the Balloon Museum.

This is a monthly event for curious minds of all ages. Come alone for a night out or bring the family; there is something for everyone! Available third Saturday of the month. Info: 9201 Balloon Museum Drive NE, (505) 768-6020. Tickets cabq. gov/artsculture/balloonmuseum or holdmyticket.com $6 adults, $4 seniors, $3 ages 6 to 17.

The New Mexico Symphonic Chorus. The chorus teams up with your New Mexico Philharmonic for Carl Orff’s choral masterpiece, “Carmina Burana!” Powerful, inspirational, and captivating with a global following that spans more than eight decades. Info: nmphil.org, (505) 3234343. Performance at Popejoy Hall, 203 Cornell NE, $35–$90.

monday 16 | 12–1pm 10 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. Contact: nmprograms@alz.org or (800) 272-3900.

thursday 19 | 1–3:30 pm Living with Alzheimer’s for Caregivers – Late Stage. Alzheimer’s Association, NM Chapter webinar addressing questions that arise in various stages of the disease.

Free. Contact: nmprograms@alz.org or (800) 272-3900.

thursday 19 | 7:30 pm Peter Erskine Quartet (A New Mexico Jazz Festival Event). Featuring four giants of jazz improvisation: Drummer Peter Erskine; tenor saxophonist George Garzone; pianist Alan Pasqua; and bassist Darek Oles. Their live recording, “3 Nights in L.A,” from their extraordinary threenight live summit at L.A.’s jazz club, Sam First in early 2019, was described as “… the epitome of live improvisational jazz” (Jim Worsley, All About Jazz). Info: Outpost Performance Space, 210 Yale SE, (505) 268-0044. Tickets: $30 general admission, $25 Outpost members and students, online at outpostspace.org.

thursday 19 | 7:30–9:30 pm Makana.

Internationally acclaimed slack-key guitarist, singer, composer, philosopher, activist, and one of Hawaii's cultural ambassadors to the world. Info: Chatter, 912 3rd St NW, ampconcerts.org.

Tickets: $22-$27.

saturday 21 | 9:30 am–1:30 pm Blacksmithing Basics. The technique of heating metal and forging it into necessary implements and tools dates back over a thousand years. Understanding the basic principles and techniques can speed the learning process. Info: Class is at Casa San Ysidro with Dave Sabo, 973 Old Church Road, Corrales. Registration at continuinged.unm.edu. Wait list probable.

Bring water and snacks. $125 for the day.

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saturday 21 | 7:30–9:30 pm The Small Glories. Roots powerhouse duo are Cara Luft & JD Edwards, a musical tour-de-force partnership planted on the Canadian Prairies. Info: The Cell, 700 1st St. NW, ampconcerts.org. Tickets: $20$25.

sunday 22 |10:30 am Chatter Sunday. Premiere of “Chattering”

by Richard Hermann, plus music by Mozart, Martino, and Machaut. Info: Chatter at 912 3rd St. NW, chatterabq.org/boxoffice.

Tickets: $16 adults, $9 students and ages under 30, $5 ages under 13.

sunday 22 | 5 pm Chatter Cabaret. A full program of chamber music with a cash bar and appetizers provided by Slate Cafe. Mezzosoprano Olga Perez Flora sings Brahms and more. Info: Albuquerque Museum, 2000 Mountain Rd. NW, chatterabq.org/ boxoffice. Tickets: $27 general admission.

monday 23 | 12–2:30 pm Living with Alzheimer’s for Caregivers – Early Stage. Alzheimer’s Association, NM Chapter webinar addressing questions that arise in various stages of the disease.

Free. Contact: nmprograms@alz.org or (800) 272-3900.

tuesday 24 | 3-4:30 pm Tristan und Isolde: Love, Longing and the Tristan Chord. Tristan und Isolde is a paean to love and longing, themes immortalized in Richard Wagner’s monumental opera to be performed in Santa Fe this summer.

Presented by Desirée Mays, author of Opera Unveiled book series. Info: Virtual check-in 2:50 pm. For information online and to register, go to guildsofsfo.org/ SantaFe/Events.html.

Complementary for Guild members and $10 per device for non-members.

tuesday 24 | 5–6 pm Dementia Conversations. Alzheimer’s Association, NM Chapter. Free webinar.

Learn more about how to approach important topics with a loved one with dementia. Contact: nmprograms@alz.org or (800) 272-3900.

wednesday 25 | 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. Contact: nmprograms@alz.org or (800) 272-3900.

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wednesday 25 |6:30–8:30 pm

tuesday 31 | 5–6pm

SouthWest Writers. Susan Katz, an editor with 40 years' experience, will explain via Zoom “Why Every Writer Needs an Editor.” Info: Non-members must contact the office for a link at (505) 830-6034 or info@swwriters.com. Members free. First three meetings free to non-members, $10 thereafter.

10 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. Free. Contact: nmprograms@alz. org or (800) 272-3900.

thursday 26 | 1–2 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. Contact: nmprograms@alz.org or (800) 272-3900.

saturday 28 | 1:30–3 pm Heritage Spinning and Weaving. Learn to dye wool with indigo. Info: Casa San Ysidro, 973 Old Church Road, Corrales (505) 8983915 or cabq.gov/casasanysidro.

saturday 28 thru monday 30 | 12–6 pm New Mexico Wine Festival. Divine wines by the taste, glass, bottle, or case, sensational live music, and delicious food trucks. Shop fine art, jewelry, local foods, and crafts.

Info: Balloon Fiesta Park, 21 and over only. General admission $30, valid for any one day, 2 for $50 valid for any day, holdmyticket.com. Each person receives a commemorative wine glass, all-you-careto-sample wine tastes, and $5 off any bottle of wine.

ONGOING/DAILY various days | various times Albuquerque Visitor’s Guide. Info: Check out visitabq.org for many great ideas for exploring our city. An official printed Albuquerque Visitor’s Guide can also be obtained.

tuesday–saturday through may 14 | 12–5 pm “Art Meets History: Many Worlds Are Born.”

Group exhibition features contemporary artists working with historic photographs from the Albuquerque Museum Photo Archives. The work spans multiple generations and understandings of New Mexico's many histories, worlds born from beauty, violence, and a deep sense of place. Info: 516 ARTS, 516 Central Ave. SW, info@516arts.org, (505) 242-1445.

Admission free.

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.

daily | various times and locations 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.

saturday 28 | 7:30–9:30 pm Carla Morrison. Raw retellings of emotional, personal heartbreaks are the bedrock of Morrison's material, and this honest approach earned her multiple Grammy nominations and Latin Grammy wins over the course of five albums. Info: National Hispanic Cultural Center, 1701 4th St. SW, ampconcerts.org. Tickets: $27-$46.

sunday 29 | 10:30 am Chatter Sunday. Premiere of “The Census at Bethlehem” by Gregory Spears, plus music by Antonio Vivaldi. Info: Chatter at 912 3rd St. NW, chatterabq.org/boxoffice.

Tickets: $16 adults, $9 students and ages under 30, $5 ages under 13.

tuesday 31 | 1–2pm Living with Alzheimer’s for Caregivers – Middle Stage. Alzheimer’s Association, NM Chapter webinar addressing questions that arise in various stages of the disease.

Free. Contact: nmprograms@alz.org or (800) 272-3900.

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daily | various times

daily |

daily | 7 am–8 pm

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.

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.

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. Great place for a picnic with trails. Info: Tingley Beach, 1800 Tingley Drive SW, call 311 or (505) 768-2000.

daily |10 am–4 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 | 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, (505) 277-3013.

daily | Animal Humane Free Behavioral Helpline.

This service is available to all pet owners who are experiencing behavior problems with their dogs or 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) 938-7900.

The Indian Pueblo Cultural Center. We celebrate our 40th anniversary with “We Are of This Place: The Pueblo Story” Art Exhibit, a 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 | 10 am–5 pm

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

daily | Epilepsy Support and Education Services.

For meeting time and place, call (505) 243-9119 or visit epilepsysupportnm.org.

daily |11:30 am–5:30 pm 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, Suite A, (505) 242-6569, 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.

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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, information line (505) 260-0154. Free.

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 Rd. NE, (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 St. SW, turquoisemuseum.com, (505) 433-3684.

Tickets: $20 adults, $15 children.

daily | 10 am–6 pm thru October Wildlife West Nature Park and Zoo. Get close to the 20 species of native New Mexico Wildlife, including four adorable tree-climbing grey foxes. Info: Located at 87 North Frontage Road, Edgewood, New Mexico, (505) 281-7655, wildlifewest.org for directions. Admission to the zoo is $9 adults, $7 seniors, and $5 students.

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 ABQ Scavenger Hunt. Teams of 2-5 people solve clues, complete challenges, and work together to unravel secrets of the city.

Info: (805) 603-5620, 1919 Old Town Rd. NW, urbanadventurequest.com, $49 per team, $10 off coupon at visitalbuquerque. org.

various days | various times Tango Club of Albuquerque. Please visit info@abqtango.org for details about various classes, workshops, and opportunities for social dancing.

sundays | 10 am–2 pm Rail Yards Market, Traditions. Food, Art, Music. Hosting over 150 vendors of fresh produce, fine food, healing hands, and handmade art. This is the finest Growers’ Market experience for locals and tourists alike. Info: 777 First St. SW and handicap accessible. Free parking.

mondays | 2:30–4 pm UNM and Cancer Support Now. Survivors Writing Together, a journaling support group for survivors, men and women, all cancer diagnoses. Info: Our Helpline is available 7 days a week at (505) 255-0405.

Hosting web meetings only at this time.

Please call our helpline for an invitation to join a web support group or to connect with someone for one-to-one support.

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first and third mondays | 4:30–5:30 pm

tuesdays–saturdays | 9 am–5 pm

tuesdays, thursdays, fridays, sundays | 11 am

UNM and Cancer Support Now. Survivors and/or caregivers, all diagnoses, men and women. Info: Our helpline is available 7 days a week at (505) 255-0405. Hosting web meetings only at this time. Please call our helpline for an invitation to join a web support group or to connect with someone for one-to-one support.

Art and History Exhibitions at Albuquerque Museum. See our website for the current listing of exhibitions. Info: Albuquerque Museum, 2000 Mountain Rd. NW, cabq.gov/ artsculture/abqmuseum, (505) 243-7255. $3-$6 general admission, $5 exhibition surcharge may apply.

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 Rd. NW, cabq.gov, 2437255. Tour included with paid museum admission, $4-$6, Sundays free.

tuesdays–saturdays | 9:30 am, every third monday | 6–7:30 pm 1:30 pm tuesday–friday; 10:30 Outcomes: Grandparents Raising am, noon, 1:30 pm saturday 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.

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. Pre-registration required, (505) 348-4451, free.

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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, $4-$6 general admission.

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 St. SW, (505) 2462261, nhccnm.org.

every first tuesday | 1–2:30 pm Spanish Language Alzheimer’s Support Group. This meeting is for Spanish-speaking individuals caring for a family member with dementia. Info: Alamosa Community Center, 6900 Gonzales Rd. SW, Suite C, (505) 363-8499 or (800) 272-3900.

first and third tuesdays | 12– 1:30 pm Cancer Support Now. Rio Rancho area breast cancer support group for patients and survivors of breast cancer. Info: Our Helpline is available 7 days a week at (505) 255-0405. Hosting web meetings only at this time. Please call our helpline for an invitation to join a web support group or to connect with someone for one-to-one support.

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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.

second tuesdays | 12–2 pm Cancer Support Now. How to be your Own Best Advocate for patients, survivors and/or caregivers, all cancers. Learn to identify and eliminate barriers in finding both medical and non-medical resources, information, and support during cancer diagnosis and treatment. Info: Our Helpline is available 7 days a week at (505) 2550405. Hosting web meetings only at this time. Please call our helpline for an invitation to join a web support group or to connect with someone for one-to-one support.

second and fourth tuesdays | 4–5:30 pm Cancer Support Now. Santa Fe Women’s Group, Surviving Sisters. All cancers, all diagnoses, all stages, all women. Info: Our Helpline is available 7 days a week at (505) 255-0405. Hosting web meetings only at this time. Please call our helpline for an invitation to join a web support group or to connect with someone for one-to-one support.

wednesdays | 7 pm Albuquerque OpenTango. Argentine Tango introduction class and dance. No partner needed. Info: Juno Brewery, 1501 First St. NW, abqopentango.wixsite.com. Free.

second wednesdays | 12–1 pm Cancer Support Now. Sandia Base cancer support group for survivors of all cancers, all stages, men and women. Info: Our Helpline is available 7 days a week at (505) 255-0405. Hosting web meetings only at this time. Please call our helpline for an invitation to join a web support group or to connect with someone for one-to-one support.

second and fourth 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.

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wednesdays–sundays | 10 am–4 first and third thursdays | pm 6–8 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 Rd. NW, nmnaturalhistory.org, (505) 841-2848.

wednesdays–sundays | 11 am–5 pm, ages 8+ wednesdays–thursdays | 5–8 pm, all ages Cat adoptions. Come enjoy drinks, snacks, and spend 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, Paseo Village, 8001 Wyoming NE, Suite C-5, (505) 508-4278.

every first wednesday | 9 am–5 pm Free First Wednesday. Start your month off right with free admission to the Albuquerque Museum and Sculpture Garden tour. $5 additional special exhibit surcharge may apply. Info: Albuquerque Museum, 2000 Mountain Rd. NE, cabq.gov/ artsculture, (505) 243-7255.

thursdays | 11:30 am Road Runner Business Networking Group.

If you’d like to generate more business referrals, meet with us. Info: Jimmy’s Café, 7007 Jefferson NE. Contact Terry at (505) 377-6074, triddle@rmmsonline.com or roadrunnersabq.com

thursdays | 4–5:30 pm UNM and Cancer Support Now. Friends and family writing together. This is a journaling support group for grief and anticipatory grief for caregivers of a person with any type of cancer. Info: Our helpline is available seven days a week at (505) 255-0405.

Hosting web meetings only at this time.

Please call our helpline for an invitation to join a web support group or to connect with someone for one-to-one support.

Cancer Support Now. Women’s North Valley cancer support group for all cancers, all women, survivors and/or caregivers.

Info: Our Helpline is available 7 days a week at (505) 255-0405. Hosting web meetings only at this time. Please call our helpline for an invitation to join a web support group or to connect with someone for one-to-one support.

second and fourth saturdays | 10–11:30 am Cancer Support Now. Create to heal using art, music, writing, and meditation to explore the journey of cancer, for survivors and caregivers, all diagnoses, men and women. Info: Our Helpline is available seven days a week at (505) 255-0405. Hosting web meetings only at this time. Please call our helpline for an invitation to join a web support group or to connect with someone for one-to-one support.

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.

first and third thursdays | 4:30–6:30 pm Cancer Support Now. Pancreatic cancer caregiver support group for caregivers of patients and survivors of pancreatic cancer, all stages, men and women. Info: Our Helpline is available 7 days a week at (505) 255-0405. Hosting web meetings only at this time. Please call our helpline for an invitation to join a web support group or to connect with someone for one-to-one support.

WWW.ABQTHEMAG.COM | MAY 2022

Admit it: we never realized what a big role ABQ restaurants played in our lives. Sure, we were fans and patrons of so many local eateries well before the pandemic. But it wasn't until so many of them had to drastically alter or limit their operations (or even close temporarily or permanently) during 2020 that we came to understand this: eating out isn't just an occasional pasttime, and we love our restaurants more than we knew.

To celebrate, we're bringing you a look at the 100+ amazing Albuquerque dining spots that opened since (or slightly before) the pandemic hit our shores in February of 2020. Dig in and enjoy—both here in print, and in person!

WRITTEN BY ROZANNA MARTINEZ AND ASHLEE OLSEN PHOTOS BY DON JAMES ILLUSTRATIONS CANDICE CALLADO

Though it opened well before the pandemic in 2018, Sixty-Six Acres is an emblem of the new wave of ABQ restaurants: modern décor, innovative dishes, hip atmosphere.

EL ROI CAFE

CURIOUS TOAST

CRAFT TOAST BAR AND COFFEE SHOP OPENED 2021 505.737.7817 This trendy downtown spot isn't just for fans of toast. The menu features combinations that attract patrons—and their Instagram accounts. The city's first craft toast bar occupies a renovated historic building, and utilizes fresh ingredients like berries, eggs and locally-baked bread.

NATIVE AMERICAN CUISINE, NEW MEXICAN CUISINE AND AMERICAN CUISINE OPENED 2021 505.401.9313 El Roi Cafe has a wide array of different cuisine options. Offering Native American cuisine, New Mexican flavors, and several comfort food options, you’re guaranteed to find something you’ll love. The signature Indian taco keeps locals returning, time and time again.

FAT T’S BBQ

BBQ WITH NEW MEXICAN INFLUENCED SIDE DISHES OPENED 2021 505.718.1727 The specialty here is Texas-style smoked barbecue along locally-inspired side dishes. Meats are smoked for several hours with white oak wood. What started as a food truck, quickly turned into a brick-andmortar in Old Town. What remains unchanged are their best sellers: smoked ribs and brisket.

HAPPY ACCIDENTS

AMERICAN FUSHION OPENED 2021 IG@HAPPYACCIDENTSBAR This trendy Nob Hill nosh bar is where you want to be on a Friday night. The unique cocktail creations and fun decor offer an experience you won’t get anywhere else.

The menu features creative dishes, like the Fried Chicken Skin Sammie, a perfect pairing for their house-made vodka cherry limeade.

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FUN NOODLE BAR

HOT MESS BBQ & SOUL FOOD

ASIAN CUISINE, FEATURING HAND-PULLED NOODLES OPENED 2019 505.881.6888

SOUTH CAROLINA BBQ AND SOUL FOOD OPENED 2020 505.298.0246

The specialty is a wide variety of homemade noodles, but also Asian and Chinese-inspired appetizers and dishes.

All noodles are hand-pulled and made to order, using fresh ingredients and careful attention to each dish. If you can't decide from the extensive menu, co-owner Alex Zheng recommends the spicy beef noodle soup.

South Carolina barbecue and soul food is alive and well right here in the heart of Albuquerque. The meats are smoked at the restaurant and made to order.

Hot Mess BBQ offers options that you can’t find anywhere else around the city.

Some of their must-order specialties include the meat sampler, Southern fried catfish, and fish & grits.

WWW.ABQTHEMAG.COM | MAY 2022

TAKO TEN SPECIALTY TACOS OPENED 2020 505.508.2518

Tako Ten, which opened its original location in August of 2020 and a second location just last month, offers taco options from traditional staples like al pastor, carne asada, and carnitas to specialties such as the fried chicken taco, blackened shrimp taco, and vegan sweet potato taco. The variety comes from the creative mind of chef and owner Dominic Valenzuela. “I've kind of always been playing around with using the taco as a canvas, and just dressing them in different ways to transport people's palates to these different places,” he says.

Valenzuela's love for chicken and waffles and the combination of Louisiana-style hot sauce mixed with maple syrup is the inspiration behind the fried chicken taco. It's topped with lettuce, a maple red hot glaze, cheese and chipotle crema. Valenzuela also loves sweet potatoes and wanted to include them for vegan-friendly taco option.

He starts the dish with sweet potato fries glazed in a non-bee honey syrup, topped with a chipotle hummus and a five-spice salt, which gives off aromas from the Middle East and Asia. A refreshing Jerusalem salad made of mint, cucumber, tomato and red onion completes the serving. Each taco is packed with flavor, but to add an extra kick, Tako Ten has eight salsas, ranging from not hot to pretty hot. Offerings include salsa rojo, salsa verde, Yellow Mango (made with Peruvian aji amarillo chili peppers), Purple Fresno (created from beets and California Fresno chiles), and Tres Chiles (made with chile de arbol, chile piquin and Asian chili peppers). “I like to get creative and I thought of one of my favorite artists, Frida Kahlo, and I imagine that paint palette, and people painting their tacos,” Valenzuela explains. “We live in an Instagram kind of era. Everybody's taking pictures of the food.

We wanted them to have something vibrant to showcase their tacos and just really make them look interesting.”

Tako Ten offers 10 specialty tacos that will make your taste buds sing.

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RIO BRAVO BREWING CO. AMERICAN CUISINE OPENED 2020 505.900.3909

Rio Bravo Brewing Co. offers hearty sandwiches, several styles of chicken wings, lighter fare like soups and salads and other tasty bites.

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This brewery actually opened in 2015, but relied on food trucks until the expansion to their kitchen in 2020. Since then, the establishment has found a new foothold in its food offerings. “We increased the volume of our food output by probably 150%,” says co-owner Randy Baker. “It's really efficient. We have a great team on board. Bryan (Johns), our head chef, he's really growing into his own and he's been so good that we've given him the ability to expand.” About 1 ½ years ago, Baker had a custom smoker built after Johns proved his skills on a smaller, store bought smoker. “Once I realized what he was able to do on the grill, I went and had a custom smoker built by a guy who lives up in Moriarty,” says Baker. “It's been a great asset to the kitchen. He does about 150 pounds of pulled pork and then about another 150 pounds of brisket every time he fires that thing up so that's working out really well. And then, just the addition of the kitchen equipment prep area has just really made it more accessible to (the kitchen staff) and easier to facilitate any large events or small events.” On weekends from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., it's all about brunch here. “On our brunch menu, we have a good variety,” says co-owner Denise Baker. “We have huevos rancheros, Eggs Benedict, burritos, regular American breakfast, (and a) breakfast sandwich.”

WWW.ABQTHEMAG.COM | MAY 2022

MESA PROVISIONS KITSUNE ASIAN SOUTHWEST FUSION OPENED 2021 505.977.2313

Kitsune has a unique approach to the restaurant industry. They feature Asian-inspired bar food, and base menu choices off of the staff’s taste. It was recently featured on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives with Guy Fieri who couldn’t get enough of Kitsune’s pork belly bowl.

SEASONAL AND LOCAL CUISINE OPENED 2021 505.494.5264 The rotating menu options here are based on seasonal selections. Mesa prides itself on having more diverse options compared to most other restaurants in the Albuquerque area. Always putting forth high-quality food and service is the main goal. A good representation is the green chile cheddar biscuits with red chile butter—an absolute must-try.

REVEL BURGER AMERICAN FOOD FEATURING PUB SELECTIONS OPENED 2020 505.303.4700

SANTA FE BITE ABQ

NEW MEXICAN STYLE COMFORT FOOD OPENED 2021 505.369.1621 Specializing in New Mexican-style comfort food, Santa Fe Bite ABQ does not disappoint. Being locally owned and operated, as well as having a minimalist approach sets Santa Fe Bite ABQ apart from other restaurants. Manager Jerard Hernandez says “You get more bang for your buck.” Its green chile cheeseburger and Frito pie are just two of the local favorites.

The term "gastropub" is apropos here, with American cuisine crossing paths with upscale bar food.

Most notable are the fresh burgers, made with house-ground Angus beef and prepared with fresh buns. For thrill-seekers, try the 5-patty Jaw Breaker burger. Located inside Revel Entertainment, the great food pairs perfectly with fun, beverages, and good times.

RUMOR PIZZA

CLASSIC NEW YORK STYLE PIZZAS OPENED 2021 RUMORPIZZA.COM If you’re looking for no-nonsense New York style pizza, this is your spot. The menu is short and simple—there are only six pie options, one size (18 inches) and take-out only. Plus, they're only open Thursday-Saturday. Toppings are based on what's in season, ensuring top notch quality every single time.

KAMIKAZE KITCHEN ASIAN/SOUTHWEST FUSION OPENED 2019 505.900.8296

It's an art form to take classic Asian dishes and give them a Southwestern flare. To that end, the team at Kamikaze is unmatched. The Wonton Nachos have become a staple in the restaurant, but don't sleep on the other local favorite: the green chile enchilada egg rolls.

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THE KITCHEN @ PALMERS AMERICAN AND NEW MEXICAN CUISINE OPENED 2020 505.508.0508

CANVAS ARTISTRY STREET FOOD WITH LOCAL INFLUENCE OPENED 2021 505.639.5214

This eatery sits on the third floor of the hip, new One Albuquerque building, a shiny emblem of downtown renewal. And the menu doesn't disappoint: nuevo cuisine with a local influence. “(It's) our take on street food using local ingredients,” says owner Jesus Gomez. The restaurant also has modern decor, and is home to a coffee shop and taproom.

SOO BAK SEOUL BOWL

What started as a pop-up restaurant inside Palmers Brewery has become a permanent (and welcome) fixture. The menu features American and regional options that pair well with the selection of tap beers. The menu has seasonal changes to take advantage of fresh offerings. "Great products and great quality at a good price," says owner Damon Maddox.

TOKYO BANGKOK

ASIAN DISHES WITH A FOCUS ON SUSHI, THAI, AND JAPANESE OPENED 2019 505.433.3448 The menu features an array of Asian cuisine, from fresh sushi, to Thai dishes. The friendly staff and delicious eats, not to mention the beautifully designed dragon sushi rolls, make for a great experience here. Owner Roman Hampton says the Smokey Roll is a must-try item for every visitor.

THE HOPPER

ASIAN/KOREAN FUSION OPENED 2019 505.268.0017

BRICK OVEN PIZZAS TWO LOCATIONS OPENED 2021 505.898.0079

The cuisine here is a fusion of Asian and Korean food—but with the added twist of New Mexican flavors. It is one of the only local restaurants where you can find such a unique blend of flavors. The New Mexican Bibimbap Bowl is guaranteed to satisfy.

This local pizzeria chain offers a selection of made-to-order brick oven pies. It also has a large selection of domestic beer, and frequently features live music. Management says that's the goal: a fun atmosphere that combines good pizza, cold beer, and live music.

TURTLE MOUNTAIN NORTH

BLOOD SAUSAGE

Turtle Mountain has been a Rio Rancho institution for more than 20 years, and recently expanded to this newest location. The menu here features hearty options, like the Adam Bomb pizza, and the Monte Cristo sandwich. The new spot also boasts one of the biggest bars in the metro area, and comes with an emphasis on craft-driven cocktails and local craft brews.

Here's the scoop: this spot is one-of-a-kind. First off, it has an ‘80s horror theme, complete with spattered blood decor and lifesize tribute to Freddy Krueger. Secondly, the menu has several versions of, yes, blood sausage. Owners Cameron Markham and Elizabeth Blankstein wanted to bring a new experience for fun-seeking patrons. Consider the mission accomplished.

BREWPUB FOOD OPENED 2021 505.404.0414

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AMERICAN CUISINE OPENED 2022 505.265.9452

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M’TUCCI’S ITALIAN DINING 505.503.8168

Albuquerque holds a special place in Jeff Spiegel’s heart. After all, he grew up here. As a young adult, he headed East to pursue his higher education.

That is where he met his now wife, Katie Gardner, 55 years ago. The two have been married for 45 years, and together they have opened two restaurant empires. The couple owned 11 restaurants in New York between 1982 and 2006 before relocating to New Mexico. It wasn't long before Spiegel began considering opening a restaurant again. “We discovered

something that was really important to us,” Spiegel says. “And that is, we discovered that owner -operator restaurants in Albuquerque didn't have their owners operating them and that's what convinced me that we ought to do it, because we are owner-operators.” The result materialized into M’Tucci’s Italian Restaurant, which has since expanded into M’Tucci’s Twenty-Five, M’Tucci’s Moderno in Rio Rancho, and recently M’Tucci’s Bar Roma in Nob Hill.

M’Tucci’s soon-to-open Bar Roma will feature a speakeasy The founders' mission is to ensure that employees are well-paid, have insurance benefits, and upward mobility Following global trends, M'Tucci's schedules employees to work only four days a week Two-thirds of the Bar Roma building was transformed into a production kitchen (called Provisions) for pastas, breads and other items Pastries are created at the Pastry Palace located inside the Twenty-Five location

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TEN 3

ELEVATED FINE DINING OPENED 2019 505.764.8363 No other restaurant does it quite like Ten 3. For starters, at 10,300 feet above sea level, it's among only a handful of places in the world with high-altitude fine dining. And it feels even more exclusive when you consider that all water, food, spirits and staff have to take the Sandia Peak Tram to access the gleaming restaurant. Four out of the five days that Ten 3 is open, it is receiving food, alcohol and linen deliveries. The restaurant’s morning crew arrives at 6:30 a.m. to meet purveyors at the base of the rugged Sandia Mountains to load supplies onto the Tram, which transports the goods up to the restaurant—a process that takes about 3 to 4 hours to complete. “Sometimes we have to take two Trams or three, but I've gotten very strategic on how I forecast my order,” says Executive Chef J Martin Torrez. “I'm not just ordering it for one day. I have certain items coming in on different days. It's a team effort.” Tram cars also are used to transport water up to the restaurant and other facilities on Sandia Peak. Water is transported in storage units located at the bottom of each of the two tram cars. The elevation is also a factor in how food and pastries are prepared. Torrez and his kitchen staff have mastered making the adjustments needed to prepare exquisite offerings at the restaurant, which opened in August 2019. The meatloaf served on the lounge side has become a patron favorite. It is made with a Kobe and American wagyu beef blend, wrapped in bacon, and stuffed with smoked gouda cheese. It is complemented by green chile gravy mashed potatoes and chef’s seasonal vegetable. On the fine dining side, the Chef’s Catch of the Day remains a crowd pleaser. “We get the freshest catch flown in and sent up to the mountain,” says Torrez. “We do a Chilean sea bass that will be featured on our spring menu with cilantro-lime jasmine rice, pattypan squash, with pineapple gastrique and coconut crema.”

The Ten 3 team is dedicated to making every meal a memorable one by ensuring everything is masterfully orchestrated at 10,300 feet.

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TIKKA HUT

INDIAN CUISINE/FUSION OPENED 2022 505.508.0348 This purveyor of authentic Indian food recently opened a second location.

The menu features dishes with flavor and spice incorporations from different regions of the Middle East. Tikka Hut is an all scratch-made kitchen, using traditional techniques in ingredient and dish preparation. Its flatbread with the scratch-made sauce is a must-try, according to owner Hanif Mohamed.

VEGOS

VEGAN NEW MEXICAN CUSINE OPENED 2021 505.554.1041 Vegos is a rarity: a New Mexican restaurant in Albuquerque with every option on the menu vegan friendly. Owners Elizabeth and Jonathan Bibiano try to stay away from heavily processed ingredients, thus almost everything is scratchmade, including its sauces and cheese.

THE OFFICE BAR & GRILL

COMFORT FOOD OPENED 2019 505.898.7001

What was once the unassuming grill at Paradise Hills Golf Course has been remodeled into a huge, modern, hip gastropub. The menu has comfort food alongside New Mexican staples. Housing more than 30 beers on tap and an extensive selection of spirits and cocktails, The Office is the perfect happy hour destination.

THE JEALOUS FORK BUILD YOUR OWN ENCHILADAS OPENED 2021 505.312.5506 The Jealous Fork and Fork & Fig were formerly sister restaurants, but owner Josh Kennon renovated the spaces to combine the two Uptown restaurants.

Its menu selection puts a unique twist on a classic New Mexican favorite — enchiladas, which customers can create to their liking from the various ingredients. Offering several protein, sauce and cheese options, no enchilada will be like the next.

IT DIMSUM VARIETY OF CHINESE CUISINE OPENED 2019 505.856.3328 Small-dish lovers will enjoy the wide variety of authentic Chinese cuisine. Many members of the staff have been in the industry for more than 10 years, and have mastered how to provide a great dining experience. The dim sum is traditional, but the restaurant's decor and atmosphere are modern.

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DAVE’S VALLEY GRILL & LOUNGE AMERICAN STYLE MENU OPENED 2022 505.639.5807

With more than 35 years of experience in the restaurant industry, owner Dave Hanisch is well versed in what it takes to run a successful restaurant. With the recent addition of an elegant lounge adjacent to the grill, the vibe here continues to evolve. The comfort-food menu has items like the Thanksgiving Turkey Bowl (“a whole meal all in one bowl," says Hanisch), and the weekends feature elegant brunch items.

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VARA WINERY & DISTILLERY

TAP N’ TACO BUILD-YOUR-OWN TACOS OPENED 2021

SPANISH TAPAS OPENED 2019 505.898.6280

The menu is based on the Spanish tradition of tapas (small plates), carefully selected to pair with Vara's selection of wines and spirits. With both hot and cold dishes, as well as many different flavor combinations, the range of flavors is vast. Stop in to try the Fried Green Chile Bombas paired with a drink flight.

The tacos here are custom-made to your liking, from the choice of shell, to proteins, to toppings. In short, you get to build your tacos exactly the way you want. Plus, with a cafeteria-style design, ingredients are prepared right in front of you. And for the perfect pairing, there's a full bar with signature cocktails, plus 16 local and domestic beers on tap.

SOBREMESA RESTAURANT & BREWERY NEW MEXICAN AND AMERICAN CUISINE OPENED 2020 505.444.5555 The team here let us in on secret: 99% of their products are prepared fresh daily. That makes sense, since it's a scratch kitchen with locally sourced ingredients. The menu takes advantage of seasonal changes to ensure that the freshest ingredients are in rotation. With a variety of different categories and cuisines all in one place, this family-friendly Westside spot is a great place to try something new.

XIN XIN CAFE & BOBA

DEBAJO TAPAS Y VINO

DAMACIOS BAR & TAPAS

BOBA AND PASTRIES OPENED 2021 505.298.0158

SPANISH TAPAS OPENED 2021 505.503.8645

AMERICAN STYLE TAPAS OPENED 2021 505.595.7383

Asian boba teas (with the fun tapioca pearls) have become a staple in American culture, and few ABQ spots do it as well as Xin Xin. In addition to their many milk teas, the menu features desserts, pastries, and coffee—plus a huge selection of traditional English and American teas.

A carefully crafted selection of tapas made with locally sourced ingredients brings an authentic dining experience.

The offerings include Spanish favorites like paella, as well as several varieties of Spanish wine.

In keeping with the vibe of Downtown, Damacios offers a fun and vibrant atmosphere. With a variety of tapas and an extensive selection of cocktails, you can opt for either a Friday night out or Sunday brunch here. The spicy stuffed mushrooms are a fan favorite and pair perfectly with any cocktail.

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STRIPES BURRITO COMPANY

BURRITOS, TACOS, CHICKEN 505.565.5351

Gary Hines had a goal of pursuing a career in the sports realm while attending the University of New Mexico on a wrestling scholarship. His last year at UNM, Hines worked as an assistant coach. Soon he realized that his salary might not support a reasonable quality of life. “I broke it down and I was making like 49 cents an hour,” Hines says. “I thought, ‘Oh, my gosh, I have to find another living’ and that's what got me into the food business.”

Over the past 25 years, Hines has been a founder and owner of several wellknown restaurants in the Albuquerque area, including Hurricane’s, Twisters, and Albuquerque Grills, which was a full service chain in Best Western hotel chain locations. Hines has since sold the restaurants, and now owns Stripes Burrito Co. and Stripes Biscuits & Burritos locations, which he operates with his business partner, Victor Sanchez.

Stripes crews make chile daily at each location Stripes has donated over $100,000 to the local VA Hospital and plans on donating another $100,000 in July 2022 Stripes uses real potatoes and real eggs rather than frozen or out of a carton options There are currently six locations, with plans to open three more in the near future 10% of Stripes’ net proceeds are donated to the local VA hospital

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BOURBON & BOOTS BAR AND GRILL WITH SOUTHWEST INFLUENCE OPENED 2021 505.717.2056 It's easy to forget about the food here (with a large dance floor, and the variety of bourbon, beer, spirits, and cocktails).

But the menu is stellar, too, featuring upscale bar food options, plus a selection of different entrees with Southwestern flair — one of the most popular being the Snake Bites (jalapeños stuffed with cream cheese and wrapped in bacon).

Owner Rich Baca says his Downtown fun spot is all about “good food, good times, good music, and great service.”

CHILE CHICKEN NASHVILLE HOT CHICKEN SOUTHERN-STYLE FRIED CHICKEN OPENED 2019 505.293.1700 The hook here is very specific: authentic southern-style spicy fried chicken. The menu has six different heat levels to choose from, starting with none, and progressing all the way to ‘really cluckin’ hot!’ Nashville-style chicken is relatively new to ABQ, and is certainly a must-try.

VOODOO GIRL PIZZA & PINTS BRICK OVEN PIZZERIA OPENED 2021 505.243.6095

ABQ's Downtown scene is well-suited for this classic pizza, taco and beer spot. The menu is still expanding, and includes the recent addition of street tacos. There are also more than 30 craft beers to choose from, and all pizzas are made-to-order with fresh ingredients, and fired in a brick oven.

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THE POINT AT THE PROMENADE

STEAK, SEAFOOD, AND PASTA OPENED 2022 505.312.8519

Chef Mike White opened a restaurant at this location in 2021, but decided to change concepts, and thus The Point is scheduled to open about the time this magazine hits newsstands. White also owns High Point Grill on the Westside, and says this new restaurant will feature steaks, seafood, and pasta.

ZU HOT POT CHINESE CUISINE/HOT POT OPENED 2021 505.918.8336

One of the few hot pot restaurants in Albuquerque, Zu has a large selection of ingredients to choose from in creating your customizable pot. Owner Felices Chen has been in the restaurant industry for more than 30 years, and has perfected the classic hot pot style, where the addition of your own ingredients makes for a memorable experience.

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SIXTY-SIX ACRES MODERN BAR AND GRILL WITH INTERNATIONAL INFLUENCE OPENED 2019 505.243.2230 Sixty-Six Acres is all about consistency and perfection in their dishes. The menu is kept short for this reason, but the offerings come from a wide spectrum of international influences. It's a good bet that every guest is bound to find something here that they can’t live without. This Mid-Valley eatery opened in January 2019, strives to source as many local ingredients as possible. The green chile cheeseburger is a good example of a dish made with entirely local ingredients—and it's one of the most popular items on the menu.

The modern decor here (along with an elegant bar) makes this a great place for both special-occasion celebrations or just casual lunches. With a large wrap-around patio on two sides of the building, the gorgeous scenery of Albuquerque is the perfect accompaniment to food and drink. “It is such a fun and approachable environment,” says Patrick Martin, general manager. Myra Ghattas, owner and operator, has been in the restaurant industry for many years and owns another local favorite, Slate Street Cafe. “Myra has a huge impact on the community," says Martin. "She supports local, and urges others to do the same. This is one of the biggest draws of the restaurant." The bar features a selection of local draft beers, wines and distilled spirits. They even offer drink options with a little New Mexico flair, such as cocktails made with chile-infused tequila, or beer infused with piñons.

Sixty-Six also serves up package liquor sales, and offers a variety of local wines and spirits for purchase, alongside other locally crafted merchandise.

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Every ingredient on Sixty-Six Acres green chile cheeseburger is sourced locally. The restaurant tries to source locally as much as possible.

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UPSCALE BURGERS & SHAKES AMERICAN CUISINE OPENED 2021 505.835.5902 The mission at Upscale is simple: provide customers with a better alternative to fast food. The restaurant team prides itself on making many of its items in-house, including brioche buns and condiments. Chef James Garrigan runs the kitchen and also co-owns the restaurant with his wife, Megan. “We make our own buns, make our own sauces and mayos, and everything is made from scratch,” says Megan Garrigan. “And we've recently expanded our menu to include more salads and sandwiches with, of course, that homemade baked bread.” The burger menu here is split into two categories: classic and upscale. “We have our classic burgers, which you know is like your basic burger, or your bacon, mushrooms, Swiss (cheese),” says Megan. “I would say out of that category, we sell a lot of the green chile singles and doubles (burgers)."

The second category of burgers (known as Upscale Burgers) features specialties like the carne adovada burger, the tortilla burger, and the Bistro burger, which is made with short rib. The restaurant opened in July of 2021, taking over a space that once housed a ‘50s themed restaurant chain inside Cottonwood Mall. “There was some remodeling to do so we redid the floors,” says Megan. “But we kept the walls the same as it was and we reupholstered the booths. We took out that red (upholstery) and brought in a calmer blue color. And we've got plants around and greenery and some flowers as well just to make some colors pop. We wanted it to be a nice, calm and safe space where people come and enjoy good food.”

Upscale Burgers & Shakes has everything for the burger lover, and some decadent surprises for those who crave something a little bit extra.

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MARIGOLD CAFE NEW MEXICAN AND INDIAN FUSION OPENED 2019 505.433.4427

Blending the best of New Mexico and India to create unique and flavorful offerings is what makes Marigold Café shine. The café, which opened in November of 2019, is co-owned by husband and wife team Harrison and Violet Cisar and their business partner, Kirby Gabrys. “My wife, Violet, she is part Indian,” says Harrison Cisar. “So we get a lot of the Indian flavor and flair for our restaurant from her. And then we both have grown up here our whole lives and we both love New Mexican food as well. And so, we wanted to incorporate that into our menu. The whole menu is just kind of based on what we love about food. We like to intermix some classic American cuisine as well throughout our menu, but it all has either some Indian fusion or some New Mexican fusion interwoven through it.” The green chile chicken curry is made with an onion based sauce with spices, and is slow-cooked to allow the flavors to come together nicely. Green chile is infused into the dish that is prepared on the spot when customers order it.

Other top selling bowls are the coconut chicken curry bowl as well as the Tikka bowl. Customers also rave about the green chile chicken melt featuring sourdough bread from local Pastian's Bakery. “The way we prepare our chicken is we marinate it,” Cisar explains. “It's called Reshmi chicken. It's a special marinade that we use and we skewer the chicken and we slow cook it in our authentic Tandoor oven. Once the chicken is cooked, we chop it up real fine. And we add green chile, pepper jack cheese, and we melt that down. And then we add it to the sandwich which has our own homemade hot sauce and spicy mayo. It's a really delicious sandwich.”

Marigold Cafe combines New Mexico cuisine with a blend of Indian flavors.

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NIO SZECHUAN CHINESE CUISINE AND ASIAN KITCHEN OPENED 2022 505.881.0165 Think authentic Asian dishes, using high quality, fresh ingredients every time—that's Nio Szechuan. The atmosphere is friendly, as is the service. Start your meal with the steamed dumplings and finish it off with the mochi ice cream.

THE ACRE DOWNTOWN VEGETARIAN COMFORT OPENED 2021 505.433.2073 With a seasonally rotating menu, owner Shawn Weed uses locally grown produce to craft homestyle, scratch-made meals. The Acre was recently featured on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives, where host Guy Fieri raved about its Buffalo Cauliflower and Meatlessloaf. Every option on the menu is a vegetarian spin on classic dishes.

TUERTA

THAI STREET THAI CUISINE OPENED 2022 505.554.3780

Not only can you get your favorite Asian staples here, but you can also try an assortment of Thai street food. This new eatery aims to provide fresh flavors and combinations, an aim of owners Joshua Gomez and Michelle Waterson, who have incorporated their experiences from Thailand.

NAAN AND DOSA INDIAN CUISINE OPENED 2021 505.797.4243 With plenty of traditional recipes, Naan and Dosa is the newest local option for authentic Indian cuisine. Freshly ground spices, fresh vegetables, and authentic Indian herbs ensure the dishes are top quality.

NOODLE WORKS

SANDWICH SHOP OPENED 2019 IG@TUERTANM

CHINESE CUISINE OPENED 2020 505.990.0055

A selection of sandwiches, salads, and soups on the ever-changing menu at Tuerta are made with the freshest ingredients, seasonal produce, and slow roasted meat. Being centrally located in Downtown makes Tuerta your one-stop shop for lunch. Owner Liam Kimball continuously offers options for vegetarians and gluten free diets.

Locally owned and operated, Noodle Works specializes in authentic Chinese dishes, fresh-cooked when ordered, and made in an open kitchen so customers can watch the process. Among the favorites are hand-pulled noodles.

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CLOWN DOG GOURMET HOT DOGS OPENED 2021 505.255.0052

Clown Dog handcuts its fries daily. They are double fried and served crisp and hot. The fries can be topped with red or green chile, vegetarian chili or beef and bean chili.

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From a culinary standpoint, anything goes at Clown Dog. Whether you have a thrill seeking palate or traditional taste buds there are plenty of condiments to dress your dog at this restaurant, which opened in April of 2021. “We have over 50 different toppings that they can choose from to build their hot dog,” says owner Rich Bartel. “We have some of the traditional stuff that you expect to find at a hot dog restaurant, like beef and bean chili, sauerkraut, grated cheese. Then we also have some different things that you don't expect to find at a hot dog restaurant that are still really good on a hot dog, such as the New Mexican favorites, green chile and red chile. We do chopped pineapple, we do chopped peanuts, we have roasted red bell peppers.” There is the Freak Show section for patrons who want to venture off the beaten path, with menu items that include SpaghettiOs and Froot Loops, popcorn, even peanut butter and jelly. The menu has four pre-formatted favorites, but there are plans to expand that menu to 10 prebuilt hot dogs for guests who choose not to build their own. “On the next menu, we'll have a Fire Eater hot dog,” says Bartel, proud of his continuation with the restaurant's circus theme. “It'll have red and green chile, jalapeños, salsa, spicy stuff...then top it all off with some sour cream to help ease the pain (from the spiciness).”

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SPRING ROLLIN' VIETNAMESE FAST FOOD OPENED 2019 505.792.7786 The concept of Spring Rollin' is wonderfully simple: gourmet Vietnamese cuisine prepared fresh right before your eyes. Customers can choose from a number of freshly made spring rolls and egg rolls—just pick the type of wrap, noodle, protein or tofu, veggie, texture and sauce, and the rollin' begins.

“They are all handmade from scratch,” says co-owner Dipo Alam. For those who prefer the fried egg rolls, freshness is also key.

“When people order it, we drop it (in the fryer), and we deep fry it," says Alam. Also on the menu are Bánh mì sandwiches, made with protein or tofu on buttered and toasted buns, as well as Pho, with choice of noodles, protein or tofu, and one of three broths: regular beef, spicy lemongrass beef or mushroom-based vegetarian broth. The proteins include chicken, beef, shrimp, and pork sausage, and of course, tofu for vegetarians. "All of that we actually already marinated with Vietnamese barbecue sauce, too," says Alam.

"I don't really know how to explain it, but in a way, it's kind of like teriyaki sauce.” The freshness and custom creation of both the spring rolls and the fried egg rolls are a big hit with customers, says Alam. "The way that we're doing it is like Chipotle (or) Subway style, you always can customize what you actually want," he says. The original location for Spring Rollin’ opened about three years ago on Albuquerque’s Westside. Since then two other locations have opened with the latest launching in February of 2022.

Spring Rollin' offers patrons a variety of ways to prepare their spring rolls. Customers can even add Flamin' Hot Cheetos crumbs to their rolls.

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WHIPTAIL AMERICAN TAPAS OPENED 2021 505.859.7410

American comfort food served tapas-style alongside handcrafted cocktails is what you will find at this popular spot in Rio Rancho. Some highly requested bites include the chicharrones tossed in organic agave, and the ground pork and beef meatballs in marinara sauce (borrowed directly from owner Chastity Bustos’ group of family recipes). The meatballs are simmered in the sauce and served in a cast iron dish. “Those were a dedication to my grandma,” Bustos says. “I lost her last year and she was a huge meatball fan, spaghetti and meatballs. And so, we did some meatballs on the menu for her.” Flavor is the name of the game at Whiptail, which opened in December 2021. The pork belly and the 16-ounce ribeye, which are both cold smoked, are proof.

“We cold smoke (the ribeye) for five hours," says Bustos.

"And then the au jus that is served with it, that au jus takes us about eight days to create, so that's why it's so special.” Guests who prefer lighter fare can enjoy a serving of the Ahi tuna ceviche, which features diced tuna tossed with coconut soy vinaigrette, jicama and the jalapeño, and served on atop an avocado puree.

“And then we use yuca root and we shave it nice and thin, crisp them up, and use those as garnish," says Bustos. The cocktails here are also popular—and creative. “For our Gummy Bear Daiquiri, we use Albanese gummy bears and melt them down and make them into our simple syrup,” says Bustos. Their signature Whiptail Martini takes on an unusual visual characteristic: it changes colors. “The reaction between the butterfly pea flower and the citrus that goes into the Martini changes it from like a blue purple to a pink," says Bustos, who adds that the menu of drinks incorporate housemade syrups infused with lemongrass, honey, lavender, basil and more.

Fried Brussel Sprouts with balsamic vinaigrette and green apples is just one of Whiptail's unique offerings.

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MY MOMS HOME-INSPIRED NEW MEXICAN FOOD OPENED 2022 505.255.0052 That warm, fuzzy feeling you get when you eat something that reminds you of your mother’s cooking is exactly what restaurateur and Chef Marie Yniguez was aiming for when she opened My Moms (and yes, her slang moniker is "moms"). Yniguez, who was recently nominated for a 2022 James Beard Award in the Best Chef: Southwest category, opened her newest eatery with recipes straight from her mother’s home kitchen, including Olga's Red Chile Enchiladas. “It's just the way my mom does it,” Yniguez says. “A three-tortilla cheese enchilada with New Mexico red chile, and an egg on top. And then you put the lettuce, tomatoes, a little bit of red onion, and cucumbers.” Yniguez also uses her mom’s method of making red chile, hydrating the chile pods, then straining and thickening it before adding salt, garlic and oregano. “My mom's been making that her whole life,” Yniguez says. “And, you know, it's just something that no matter what, I think if I had a one last meal, that would be the meal I'd want.” Yniguez's menu here is also inspired by the way her mom made meals stretch to feed four children on a limited income. “Not all of us had money and stuff so you ate a lot of bologna sandwiches, Spam sandwiches,” Yniguez says. “And it was just good and it made you feel good.” My Moms fried bologna sandwich, made with lettuce, tomato, mustard, mayonnaise and a slice of cheese, is one of the restaurant’s best sellers. “It’s almost like a grilled cheese bologna and just a little fancier, I guess,” she says. “But it takes you back (in time)... That's the point, like you don't even realize the love that your mom puts in food and it could be just a Spam burrito and it just makes you feel good.”

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Chef Marie Yniguez posted a video of her making a bologna sandwich on TikTok. It received 1.4 million views.

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SAWMILL MARKET OPENED 2020

Flora Restaurant & Flora Taco-To-Go • Mercantile Cafe • Red & Green: New Mexican Cuisine • West Cocktail and Wine Bar • 135 ° BBQ • Blue Door Patisserie (pastries and sweets only) • Cacho's Bistro • Churro y Corn • Dr. Field Goods • Hawt Pizza Co. • Eldora Chocolate (sweets only) • Kulantro • Meso Grill • Neko Neko (ice cream only) • Paleta Project • Roti N.M • Rush of Prana • Salty Catch • Tulipani Pasta • XO Waffle

EL VADO OPENED 2018 Rude Boy Cookies (cookies and ice cream only) • Buen Provecho Happy Chickenzz • Bosque Burger • Street Food Sensations A Heavenly Taste Cakery (sweets only) • Ikigai

505 FOOD HALL

GREEN JEANS

TIN CAN ALLEY

Kukri Chicken Meateor Burgers Tino's Tacos Taste of Love Thicc Pizza Co. Naruto Ramen Humble Coffee (pastries and donuts only)

Amore Neapolitan Pizzeria SA BBQ & Tacos Rustic on the Green Pho Kup Squeezed Juice Bar Nitro Fog Creamery (ice cream only) Little Bear (coffee only)

Amore Neapolitan Pizzeria SA BBQ On The Flip Pho Kup Guava Tree Squeezed Juice Bar Nitro Fog Creamery (ice cream only)

OPENED 2020

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OPENED 2016

OPENED 2020

Illustrations by Candice Callado

Since 2016, the city has seen the influx of five food halls. Many of their individual eateries opened during the pandemic, so we thought it best to include them all in our round-up.

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MERAKI COFFEE + MARKET MODERN BISTRO, COFFEE AND COCKTAILS OPENED 2020 505.291.1116

Between the word and the walls, this hip eatery is all Greek. “The open air concept, natural stone, and white washed walls is common theme in Mykonos,” says owner Nicole Kapnison. “The name Meraki is a word Greeks use to describe the love and attention you use while setting a table, cooking a dish, or anything else you may prepare for others. When you leave a piece of your heart and soul into your work, we describe that as Meraki.” The name (pronounced may-rah-kee) is fitting for this Northeast Heights coffeehouse and market, which opened in November of 2020. It's quickly become popular for its Greek coffees, specifically frappés and freddos. Kapnison says the whipped coffees made with powdered sugar and poured over milk or ice can be found on every street corner in Greece. Many popular food menu items keep guests coming back for more, too. One of the crowd favorites is the avocado toast, made with fresh tomato, English cucumber, watermelon radish, and microgreens. Guests can also add prosciutto, smoked salmon or an egg. Patrons are also fond of the loukoumades, or Greek donut holes, which are soaked in local honey and topped with crushed walnuts and powdered sugar. The afternoon delight menu (available until 7 p.m.) has the popular Meraki Burger, which is topped with a bacon fig jam, melted Brie, green chile aioli, and arugula. Handcrafted cocktails as well as wine can also be found at Meraki.

“Everything we offer contains fresh natural ingredients. We don't use sugar substitutes, bleached flours, or ingredients you can't pronounce,” says Kapnison. “All of our syrups for the coffees are made in-house and available for purchase to use in baking, coffees, or cocktails. We also have a local ‘market,’ which consists of products from local artisans, local honey, our homemade coffee syrups, homemade jams, and spices.”

Meraki Coffee + Market's Goddess Toast with smoked salmon, Greek yogurt, and marinated tomato, is one of many delightful bites on the menu.

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CRAZY BOMB CUPS SNACK SHOP OPENED 2019 505.737.9233 Before going any further, take a good look at the pic on the left. Crazy, right? And a bomb—and a cup! The idea is that you can make a custom treat at Crazy Bomb Cups by combining any flavors you wish from the dozens upon dozens of choices. Some patrons love to pucker up with a combo of sweet and sour, while others opt for fruits and swirls of sauce. And then there's something called a sushi pickle. “One of the most popular items that we have right now, I will say, are the sushi pickles,” says owner Cindy Lopez, referencing a dill pickle wrapped in a fruit roll up and sliced, sushi roll style, complete with chopsticks. “We sell a lot. I'm out of I don't know how many jars a week of pickles.”

Or maybe cucumber shots are more your style: two cucumbers cut in half and filled with Chamoy, a Mexican sweet condiment made of dried chilies, lime juice and fruit.

On the saltier side is the chips and fruits platter that allows patrons to choose the fruits of their choice, paired with the chips of their liking, such as Hot Cheetos, Takis, Ruffles or hot fries. Customers can choose to top it with pickles or nacho cheese.

Four different sorbets and four different ice creams are also available, along with about 75 toppings, including Mexican candies such as mango gummies covered in chile and Chamoy, American sweets like Skittles and M&M’s as well as cookies, cereals, pecans, almonds, granola, peanuts, cherries, various syrups, and whipped cream. Smoothies, particularly the mango smoothie, and a variety of aguas frescas, are a few other frequent requests at the eatery, which opened in July 2019.

Customers also cannot get enough of the cinnamon and sugar dusted churros, the mini pancakes, and (take one last deep breath) fried Oreo cookies.

Crazy Bomb Cups offers about 75 toppings to dress up its sorbets and ice creams, including colorful concoctions like this mango-and-Chamoy sorbet with gummy peach rings.

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ABQ THE INTERVIEW P. 108 | PERSONALITY P. 114 | BEHIND THE SCENES P. 118

EMPOWERING A COMMUNITY Asian and Pacific Islander business owners have discovered an ally in a collaborative founded by Kristelle Siarza, an experienced business founder and leader who is of Filipino descent. (p. 114)

MAY 2022 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

PHOTO BY DON JAMES/ATM

STORIES BEHIND INDIVIDUALS WHO MAKE ALBUQUERQUE GREAT

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UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL WITH OUR LEADERS AND DIFFERENCE-MAKERS

The Planted Seed Monte Skarsgard is helping to grow the concept of community farming—several hundred weekly ABQ deliveries of fresh produce at a time.

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earning the ins and outs of farming, with a Community Supported Agriculture program in place, inspired Monte Skarsgard to create something similar in Albuquerque.

In the early 2000s, Skarsgard worked on a farm located just outside of Seattle. Locals would visit the farm once a week to pick up produce that had been harvested. At the same time, the home delivery model was picking up steam in Seattle. The popularity of home delivery combined with the agricultural scene created an environment where people would get together to “eat tacos and drink beers” and talk about different models that their farm was implementing for sales. It was exciting for Skarsgard to see wholesale-type farms flourishing, which contributed to him opening his own farm.

ATM: When did you start your own farm?

MONTE SKARSGARD: So starting the farm back here in 2003, I loved the CSA model that I was used to. But also I really liked the home delivery aspect of instead of having to go to the farmers market, and farmers markets are great, but they're very finicky on sales. Like if it's raining

out, then people stay home, but you've harvested all of your crops. So I was really looking for a way to be more consistent with our sales, and that everything that we were taking out of our fields, to make sure that we were selling that stuff and finding a home for them. So yes, we started this kind of mixed CSA with home delivery.

And it worked out great. I feel like we

MAY 2022 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

had really good success and really good demand, and a kind of welcoming by the community.

ATM: What brought you to Albuquerque?

MS: I was born and raised in Albuquerque.

I know Albuquerque very well. I know New Mexico very well. And so it felt great to kind of have this CSA type connection with people. And then they were able to connect to the farm and really support us and kind of see us grow over the years and over the seasons. And so what I really try to do is connect people with their food for sure, but also connect them with our food and everything that we were doing.

ATM: What have you done to make that connection with the community?

MS: We've done just a lot of various things

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over the years. We've done a You-PickTurkey for Thanksgiving, where we raise the animals, we raise the turkeys, and then had families come out and actually be a part of the harvest for that. And, You-Pick-Patches, if you can think about it, we've done it, we've thrown a lot of spaghetti at the wall to see what sticks.

It just kind of has grown over the years with more consumer feedback... It's been, I think, a kind of slow but good progression of adding thoughtful products to our offerings and not just adding stuff because we're trying to just fill space on our website. It's really trying to develop that partnership with all the vendors, the ranchers, and the growers we work with. And it's definitely not quick, it really takes time to get to know a vendor and kind of see where any bottlenecks or hang ups might be. But at the end of the day, we've got a really strong partnership with many ranchers and vendors in Albuquerque and throughout New Mexico. We're in a good spot right now.

ATM: That's great that you do the reaching out for your customers

so if they do want to support local you're kind of doing the work for them.

MS: I think people really trust that if we're coming up with a new product, that it's a high quality product and it's a healthy product as well and that it is as local as possible. The chemicals are not going to be in there. The preservatives are not going to be in there. And yeah, really kind of just develop that trust with families over the years... We've got a lot of very loyal customers and people who really like what we do and just are a fantastic support for us.

ATM: Speaking of your customers, about how many people do you serve in the greater Albuquerque area.

MS: We're doing about 900 a week. I would say, probably 600 of those are in the Albuquerque area. Throughout the state, we go up to Los Alamos, Santa Fe, Placitas, and then the East Mountains, but also go down into Los Lunas, T or C, Las Cruces and Ruidoso.

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ATM: Are your customers primarily individuals or businesses?

MS: Individuals. We do some businesses, but the majority of our sales are direct to consumers, so, you know, dropping off at people's doorsteps and not necessarily dropping off at a business. I mean, we do like to work with businesses if that works out, but almost 100% of our customers right now are all houses and families and individuals.

ATM: Do you only work with local growers and ranchers or do you also get product from out-of-state sources?

MS: We do not take the hard line that if it's

not produced in New Mexico, we're not going to get it because of people who enjoy citrus and things like that. I don't want to tell people they can't have an incredible orange. If we just have to cross the border in Arizona to find that incredible orange and great producers, then I will do that.

We feed people 52 weeks out of the year and so we're working with Colorado, Arizona, (some parts of) Texas, southern

Colorado. We even have a farm that we know in Sonora, Mexico, in northern Mexico, (owned by) a great family we've known for a while. They are able to produce incredible tomatoes at a time that we just can't get them around here locally...

For me, a lot of it is the personal interaction and the partnerships that we're able to develop on a real personal basis rather than just kind of drawing lines.

ATM: You keep growing and growing. I know that there had been talk about some expansion into the old Model Pharmacy near Carlisle and Lomas. Is that happening?

MS: We are actually just finishing that up right now. It's been, as you can imagine, a very interesting time with labor and trying to get this thing built out. And also to just try and have enough talented people to staff it because we really want to do it right. The space is absolutely fantastic.

We're just about finished with the space and we're going to be opening a very market heavy cafe. It will be kind of our first brick and mortar space that we've had, which is exciting. It'll be kind of a 7 a.m.

MAY 2022 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

to 3 p.m. concept where you can kind of come in and have a farmers market. Since the pandemic, the demand for our prepared food offerings has been through the roof. And so we are going to be highlighting and focusing all the work that our bakers and chefs are doing. There's a lot of prepared meal offerings (out there), but none of those businesses are really supporting the local producers. The idea is to have very convenient food, but all of this stuff is made with organic produce and meats from local ranchers.

ATM: I know a lot of people in the community, especially in that neighborhood, are looking forward to it opening.

MS: I know it's been slower than we were hoping for, but at the end of the day, the product is going to be fantastic. And the food that's coming out of there is just amazing. I'm just really excited. People are gonna be blown away at the flavors and also just the value that (comes from) working with local producers. We want to make local food as approachable as possible for our community. — RM

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

Stronger Together Kristelle Siarza has founded a cooperative alliance designed to help her fellow Asian and Pacific Islander business owners bond and prosper.

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PHOTO BY DON JAMES/ATM

Being Filipina is not only a lifestyle and a culture. It’s my identity,” says Kristelle Siarza, owner and CEO of Siarza Social Digital. “It’s how I run my company, how I raise my son, and how I’m planning my wedding. I’m proud of my culture. We’re known for being hardworking, humble people, and very resilient."

That resiliency has served her well as the founder of the Asian Business Collective, which she founded in July 2021. During the COVID-19 pandemic, hate crimes against members of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders has grown exponentially. According to the Center for the Study of Hate and Extremism, anti-Asian hate grew by 339% in 2021, up even from 2020’s unprecedented levels. National and local headlines have illuminated the devastating results of these crimes against Asian people and business owners.

Amid this atmosphere, a personal experience tipped the scales for Siarza. When

chatting with the owner of her favorite Chinese restaurant in Rio Rancho, she learned the business hadn’t qualified for federal incentives like a Paycheck Protection Program loan. The owner worried she hadn’t received it because she was Chinese. When Siarza heard about the racist phone calls the business was receiving, she knew she had to do something. “It broke my heart,” she says.

She founded the non-profit ABC to serve businesses like these and now serves as the organization’s volunteer executive director. Businesses don’t have to be members to participate; help is avail-

MAY 2022 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

able to anyone who needs it. While the goal is to grow the business community, safety has become a top priority.

The collaborative gathered in Civic Plaza in March 2021 with other members of the AAPI community to take a stand against racial violence.

“We will not tolerate the broken glass you see from a terrible act of vandalism.

We will not tolerate a racial slur that makes you feel ashamed by the look of your eyes or the color of your skin. We will not fear that your business will shut down because of money, because of crime, or because of racism,” Siarza said in a speech during the event.

Those words hold true as the fight to protect the businesses and business owners continues.

“One of the things we’re encouraging businesses to do is speak up when you

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have a crime against your business. We have to advocate for them. Sometimes our languages don’t even have words to describe the issues we’ve been undertaking,” Siarza says. “Asian cultures have commonalities of peace and serenity. It’s tough when things are fighting against us.”

Beyond protesting and advocating, ABC has approached business development on multiple fronts. It has organized workshops on employee retention and economic recovery grants, handed out free personal protective equipment, and hosted a vaccination clinic. It has also hired translators through the New Mexico Asian Family Center to help business owners understand and respond to regulations governing their businesses.

Businesses such as Talin Market, Dr. Mamie Chan Eye Care, and The Burrow Café have been involved in the organiza-

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tion. Jane Merzweiler, who arrived from Korea 22 years ago and owns Sushi and Saki says in one of ABC’s videos, “The fact that an organization like this exists gives me a lot of strength.”

This month it will celebrate May as Asian Pacific Islander Heritage month.

ABC is also planning an Asian Expo and Marketplace for August. The festival is slated to include workshops, translation support, a marketplace, and an Asian film festival.

ABC is the first united effort among the Asian business community to represent their needs, which are often overlooked.

“New Mexico is very open and understanding of other cultures,” Siarza says.

“But when we continue to talk about it being a triculture state, we’re excluding other cultures that are meant to be part of the conversation. I don’t get angry about it. I

just work to change it.”

Siarza knows how impactful economic development and mentorship can be; she’s experienced it herself. She came to New Mexico in eighth grade when her mother’s corporate job at Gap paid to relocate the family from San Francisco. The late Dely Alcántara, founder of the New Mexico Asian Family Center as well as an educator, was the first Filipina she met in New Mexico. Alcántara mentored Siarza until Alcántara’s 2019 passing. Siarza says the leader always inspired her to give back.

Siarza has done that through her own digital marketing agency, which she founded because “I was a really bad employee.” She recalls, “I would fail at a lot of projects because I wasn’t passionate about them.”

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with dual goals of disrupting the industry and creating jobs. She’s done the latter by hiring 20 team members, including five who work remotely from the Philippines.

She excels at uniting people. “I’m very happy when I’m connecting people to each other and to resources to be successful. Entrepreneurs do that all the time.

That’s why I’ve been successful,” she says.

Siarza has added her work with ABC to an already full plate that includes other duties such as serving on the board for the New Mexico Foundation for Open Government and as president of the Bosque School Parents’ Association. She’s also a self-proclaimed obsessive hobbyist, who’s always trying to up her golf game or master the next video game.

“I can’t settle for boredom,” she says.

“That’s what I love about being an entrepreneur — trying to get better and better.”

However, inspired by her fiancé and son, she also tries to step back and enjoy life.

“A lot of entrepreneurs don’t talk enough about family life,” Siarza says. “Sometimes you have to step back, enjoy life, and say, ‘Damn, you got a lot done.’” —ASHLEY M. BIGGERS

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BEHIND SCENES THE

YOUR SNEAK PEEK AT JOBS THAT FLY BELOW THE RADAR

A Thousand Lessons Guitar instructor Darryl Dominguez celebrates 35 years of teaching local students to freely pursue their musical dreams.

D PHOTOS BY DON JAMES/ATM

arryl Dominguez grabs a guitar from among the three mounted on the wall of his Corrales home studio. He carefully situates the acoustic, six-string Ovation guitar, with the pear-shaped instrument molding perfectly around his thigh. His fingers proceed to perform snippets of a speedy arrangement by the Spanish composer, Albéniz.

He suddenly stops. “That sounded awful,” he says, “because I’m not warmed up at all.”

For more than three decades, Albuquerque-area guitar students have been warming up to Dominguez. The former University of New Mexico guitar student realized a passion for teaching early in his music education and has since turned that interest into a lifelong career. “I always romanticized the idea of making it on my own,” says Dominguez, 56. “In the eighth grade, I said, ‘I don’t know how I’m going to do music, but as long as I don’t have to work an eight-to-five, I’ll call that a win.’”

For Dominguez, it all began when he saw Ace Frehley perform on a TV variety show. The Kiss guitarist’s talents proved enchanting to a 12-year-old in need of an outlet. It wasn’t all theatrics, attitude and

rock ‘n’ roll from there on out, however.

By the time Dominguez was a senior in high school, he was also listening to Bach.

“I was the shyest kid,” says Dominguez. “I was just trying to survive teenage life. The guitar was filling holes, but at the same time, I was very passionate about the music. I loved it. I lived for it.”

The musician has shared his expertise with more than 1,000 students over the years, rewarded with each apprentice’s respective success story. His passion helped pave the way for his teaching. Yet, instruction was never intended—Dominguez just happened to stumble upon teaching as a career.

Dominguez attended UNM and ma-

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jored in acoustic guitar performance before eventually earning a master’s degree in classical guitar performance. He has taught music theory and ear training at the College of Santa Fe, and served as an assistant in the guitar department at UNM. Dominguez began teaching private lessons in 1986 while still a student himself. The position was a natural, unexpectedly enjoyable fit.

Due in part to his vast knowledge of different genres and styles, Dominguez says he had the confidence and experience to make it on his own—and attract aspiring guitarists. Bandaloop Records artist Kate Vargas was one of Dominguez’s students as a teenager. “I had a (music) theory background and so we didn’t go that route,” says Vargas, now based in New York. “He was like, ‘I want you to want to play, so what do you want to play?’ That’s certainly what I needed. He pushed me in the right direction.”

Dominguez is able to adjust to what resonates with each student, but his at-

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titude and approach always remain concrete. Motivation is vital to the success of method, and each student comes to him with a different intention or life situation—he just tries to elevate the moment.

With Vargas, she didn’t need the rigidness of restraints, she needed a personalized challenge, says Dominguez. He encouraged her to perform her original material, something she had never fathomed at the time, at the annual community recital he organizes. She now has four studio albums to her name.

Other success stories have accumulated over the years for Dominguez’s students.

“He has so many strengths as a teacher, like his open-mindedness to everything.

He’s able to really share his passion of music and understand the passions of others,” says Stewart Tuttle, an ABQ native who took lessons for five years from Dominguez before heading off to find fame in Hollywood. He now makes a liv-

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ing operating a recording studio in Los Angeles, yet still periodically video-chats with Dominguez for refresher instructions. “He just had so much knowledge.

It poured gasoline on a fire that I had sparked inside of me,” says Tuttle. “Much of how I’m succeeding today, working with artists one-on-one in the studio, comes from those lessons that I had with Darryl.”

Dominguez has been able to establish those cherished bonds by first making sure the teacher gets to know the student before deciding on a curriculum. He asks each new student what they would like to play and assures them that nothing is out of reach. Once the student is comfortably settled, Dominguez will listen to the song of choice, dissect it by ear, and then start playing it as if he knew it all along, eventually writing and printing out the tablature for the student.

Then he inserts technical instruction

and theory into the lesson. Since he is using the student’s selection as a base, the lessons tend to be more enjoyable. “Everyone’s different … but you’re not going to get any results chiding them about what they should be doing or not be doing.

The main thing is to motivate them while they’re here,” says Dominguez, whose aim is to have each student perform their track at the annual recital.

In these times of social-distancing, Dominguez says he has adapted to virtual learning. Many of his students now take lessons via a video service, and the guitarist is set to start recording classes to place on YouTube. But despite the modern classrooms, the teaching methods— and results—remain the same. “He set my standard for musicality,” says Vargas, who is currently doing a 2022 West Coast music tour. “That’s how you do it, that’s what a musician is.” —CARL KNAUF WWW.ABQTHEMAG.COM | MAY 2022

CREATIVES P. 122 | SHELFLIFE P. 124 | TIEMPO P. 126

CULTURE

CONTEMPORARY ADORNMENT Claire Marie Patterson creates jewelry for all walks of life through her brand, CINDRE. (p. 122)

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PHOTO BYDON 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

MEDITATIONS ON FORM

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Claire Marie Patterson makes contemporary jewelry with a twist. t’s rare to find an artist who doesn't consider themselves creative. But that’s what Claire Marie Patterson believes. Jewelry making isn’t “as artistic as painting. It’s not quite as intensely from this creative place,” she says. “There’s a mechanical aspect to it. I love working with my hands.”

Whether imbued with creativity or not, the college-educated silversmith and Albuquerque transplant makes demi-fine jewelry — and has found an audience for it.

The contemporary jeweler had an early start. She celebrated an elementary school birthday in a bead store. In fifth grade, she made a necklace with Swarovski crystal and wooden beads for a school fundraising auction, which her mom purchased and (much to her embarrassment) still wears.

Patterson also grew up dancing ballet,

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tap, and jazz, and she pirouetted through Humbolt State University where she majored in dance. As she pursued her minor in studio art, with a jewelry focus, she found the dance and jewelry making had remarkable similarities. Although dance is seen as an effortless, free flowing art form, it only appears that way after rigorous and routinized practice to perfect form. Jewelry is much the same way; the final piece dazzles despite the effort that it took to get it that way.

“I always focused on how I could create stuff in multiples. In college, there was a big emphasis on that — not making one piece at a time but soldering each step [on multiple pieces] at the same time,” she recalls. “My brain works in a routine way, having steps, following a methodical process.”

The foundation of her brand, CINDRE, grew out of a final college project. Patterson launched it formally in summer 2016,

then took her studio practice on the road from her native California to Chicago. After she moved to Albuquerque in 2021, she’s found herself with time to make the shop her part-time career.

Ornamentation has always been central to her personal aesthetic and the brand.

“I grew up in the age of Tumblr,” she says. “There were always tons of pictures of tattoos. Thrifting was always a huge thing for me. I love vintage fashion and love to collect it. Whether it’s wearing permanent tattoos, or day-to-day clothing and jewelry, I’ve always loved to focus on adornment.”

Her love of her craft is inked into her skin as a tattoo of a jeweler’s coping saw climbs up the inside of her forearm and a set of pliers rounds the back of it.

Making this type of adornment accessible to everyone is central to Patterson’s approach.

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for all bodies, all incomes, and all people in general,” she says. “These styles fit on all bodies, and they’re not super girly or super masculine.”

Many of her pieces begin with tubing.

Using this singular material pushes her to explore its limits.

“This constant allows me to be more creative,” she says. “I take it in as many different directions as I can. It’s a really interesting challenge to myself.”

She sets the tubing in unusual shapes, such as wavy hoops and drops rather than perfect circles. Often, she caps the ends of the sterling silver and brass tubing with cubic zirconia stones, which gives the jewelry unexpected sparkle as it moves.

Additionally, the material allows her to create a trick of the eye. While most of the pieces look quite heavy and substantial, they are physically light when worn because the tubing is hollow.

“I always have people picking up earrings and remarking about how they expected them to be much heavier. I love defying those expectations,” Patterson says.

The shapes for pieces come to her in unexpected ways. She doesn’t consciously brainstorm or sketch; ideas just come to her as she moves about in the world.

One of her signature pieces, for example, is inspired by the architectural form of a bike lock. (Patterson’s also a cyclist.) The earrings open and shut with a secure tension clasp, much like the more functional point of inspiration. She’s also drawn inspiration from chains, and industrial shapes she’s seen in plant and hardware stores.

“I don’t want to say I pander to trends, but I do see things in the greater fashion world and see how they could play out in my work,” she says.

Although living in New Mexico hasn’t directly inspired any pieces in her collection, she has found that Albuquerque has stoked her creative fires.

“Since I’ve been living in New Mexico, I’ve felt more impetus to be creative,” she says. “I’ve been churning stuff out lately in greater quantity.”

Although she works strategically to produce the pieces, each one is construct-

MAY 2022 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

ed and set by hand in small quantities.

Part of that has been because Patterson now has access to her own, home studio.

During the pandemic, limited access to the shared workspaces she’d relied on for years pushed her to set up a home studio.

The tools and metals were a considerable investment. She and her husband installed a professional jewelry bench at the right height for her and built a custom soldering station to make the space her own.

Prior to the pandemic, she was a regular at Renegade Craft—a prestigious, curated art show. She hopes to return to Renegade and add appearances at West Coast Craft, a juried show in Los Angeles and San Francisco, later this year. Locally, Luna and Luz and No Longer Wander represent her work. This month, Patterson is joining a Mother’s Day pop-up at Spur Line Supply Co., 800 20th St. NW, from 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Saturday, May 7, and 11 a.m.–4 p.m. Sunday, May 8. Her work is also available online at cindre.shop. — ASHLEY M. BIGGERS

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TURN A PAGE WITH OUR LOCAL AUTHORS

A JOURNEY OF HOPE

but rather the beginning. Vashti wanted to share her experience with cancer and treatment with the world in hopes it might help someone going through the same thing. During her short time on Earth, Vashti accomplished a lot. After completing law school she soon began working as a prosecuting attorney with the 2nd Judicial District Attorney’s Office in Albuquerque. A few years after Vashti’s death in 2015, her parents found the courage to read her journals where she detailed her cancer journey. Lesley Lowe’s book Autumn Gold ends with two pages taken from Vashti’s final journal entry.

Lowe wrote the book to inspire hope in others as they learn about Vashti’s story.

ATM: I'm very sorry for the loss of your daughter at such a young age…

She accomplished a lot during her lifetime. Was she always motivated even when she was a child?

LESLEY LOWE: We laugh, my husband and I, because we say she was just kind of born that way. She was always the last little girl to leave the birthday parties in the neighborhood. And we’d always tell her, ‘There's always tomorrow. You don't have to do it all today.’ But she lived her life like that right to the end. So that was kind of just in her I think.

ATM: Tell me about when Vashti was diagnosed with multiple myeloma.

LL: She had backache for a few months, but she was an athlete and a very healthy young woman. And so she just worked through that… And she came over (one day) and she said, ‘Boy, I just don't feel good.’ Then the doctor saw her and when he saw her she was actually hospitalized.

And they were quickly able to find out that she had a huge tumor about mid-back on her spine... They found that the tumor was cancerous… And she just said, ‘Oh, I'm so scared.’ We didn't have any idea.

ATM: When Vashti’s treatments and bone marrow transplant was not successful and she was coming to terms with everything, what did she do next?

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AUTUMN GOLD

By Lesley Lowe 33 Greyhound Press 271 Pages $18.95

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hen Rusty and Lesley Lowe lost W their 38-year-old daughter, Vashti, to cancer it was not an ending to her story

LL: She called her very besties and had sleepovers and things like that. And in the book I, I talk about one where she's telling a real good friend of hers since they were young girls, ‘I'm not going to be gone. I won't be gone. You know, life and death are one coin. It's all just like everything in nature, it comes forth and blooms and dies, and then comes forth again. And we're all just going through this transition from one to the other…’ She had reunited with her college sweetheart, who she hadn't seen in like 12 or 15 years, and they reunited the day before her first transplant. He was with her ‘til the end and that's kind of where I got the idea to write the book.

ATM: When you decided to write Autumn Gold, how long did it take you to put it together?

LL: She was diagnosed in 2013 and she passed away in the spring of 2015. And I didn't start writing this book until 2019.

There was just no way I could have ever done it because the grief was just so deep in me. I really wondered at the time, can I even get through it? I know the day she died, I thought, ‘Oh God, take me with her.’ It seemed like, we had run a marathon together and then we see the finish line, and we both smile, and then I look and poof, she's gone… Friends of hers started contacting me saying, ‘I want to tell you a

story about how I met Vashti.’ And I said, ‘Okay,’ and so after I heard a few of them, when people called I’d take notes. And actually, a lot of the book is just their stories that they passed on to me.

ATM: Where does the title of the book, Autumn Gold come from?

LL: Well, that was another thing my editor and I argued about. We only had two big arguments — it was the ending and the title. Because a lot of Vashti's friends put great titles forward, I think we had a page that we were keeping track of with 25-30 titles that would have been attractive, I think for a younger person like 30.

But the editor read it in the prologue of the book, which is just one page long. It's Vashti going into that psychiatrist's office at UNM, and she looks out the window, and she sees all these trees that are golden and crimson. And she thought how odd, the most beautiful they are is right before their leaves die and drop. And the editor said that left such an impression on her.

—RM

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SHELFLIFE

TALES FROM DESERTED TOWNS copper and zinc ores. Towns popped up across the rugged wilderness until the Silver Panic of 1893, World War I, and the Great Depression crumbled the economy.

Relics where vibrant communities once flourished are all that is left to remind us of what once was. New Mexico author Donna Blake Birchell delves into the history of the state’s abandoned cities in her book, New Mexico Ghost Towns, and provides coordinates so readers can explore each site at their leisure.

NEW MEXICO GHOST TOWNS

By Donna Blake Birchell Arcadia Publishing 192 Pages $21.99

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he promise of riches attracted T thousands of treasure seekers to the Land of Enchantment for its gold, silver,

ATM: What inspired you to write about New Mexico ghost towns?

DONNA BLAKE BIRCHELL: I had been traveling a lot, writing my other books, and I'd come across these small towns that are kind of going by the wayside. And I thought this would bring a little bit of attention to it, and maybe help them be preserved for the future.

ATM: How did you conduct your research? Where did you find information?

them do have the same families in that area that have been there for generations.

And, they have a lot of great stories to tell.

ATM: Where did you obtain the photos that are featured in the book?

DBB: A lot of it was through books, the Internet, of course, and then I do a lot of research through a site called newspapers. com, which is awesome, because it brings in newspaper articles from the past and kind of brings to life these little places that you've never heard about before. All the good and the bad. And of course, I travel to them and get some personal feeling of the location. If there's people there to talk to, I gladly do that as well.

DBB: Most of them are mine. But the vintage photographs came from the Library of Congress. They have a wonderful archive of photographs of New Mexico, and everywhere else for that matter, but New Mexico is very well represented in the Library of Congress.

ATM: And when you would encounter people at these different locations, had they lived in the area most of their lives?

DBB: I love it. New Mexico is my home. I was born and raised here in Carlsbad. And it's a dream to be able to go travel and find out all this for myself too. You know, just to touch history, to walk the same paths as some of our historical characters did in the 1800s, and to be able to bring that love to the readers. It's overwhelming to me to be able to think I could actually do that and people like it. It's amazing.

DBB: Well, some of them, yes. Some of them like Chloride, Mr. (Don) Edmund, and his wife, Dona, purchased it a few years ago. They found it by happenstance, which was a good happenstance… It looks pretty much like it did back in the 1800s. And, you know, it's fabulous that he's preserving it. Some of the other places more like Lincoln, of course, is preserved by the state, so they are very proud of their community. And White Oaks is very proud of their community. A lot of

ATM: New Mexico has such a rich history on so many levels. It's a lot of research, but it sounds like you enjoy it.

DBB: I felt very lucky to be able to still see

them. My hat goes off to the people who are trying to preserve these places. There's over 400 ghost towns in New Mexico, but there are only about 100 of them you can visit, that aren't more than just a foundation or a rock on the side of the road. It’s sad to see those when you come up on the ones that are no longer or have been knocked down. That just breaks my heart to see that. But, yeah, you feel like a part of history when you come up on onto a storefront. You wonder what went on there… They all have such rich history and you wonder why they were abandoned. And, you want to preserve this for the future so that somebody else can come in and enjoy it as well and get the same feeling. —RM

ATM: It's incredible that some of these structures are dilapidated, but they're still standing and there's still some kind of presence. What was it like discovering these pieces of the past?

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by mel minter

ABQ’S THRIVING LOCAL MUSIC SCENE

CROSS-COUNTRY CONNECTIONS

I

t’s hard to miss John Funkhouser. First, he’s taller than most humans. Second, he has a near permanent smile that welcomes you into his easygoing and enthusiastic orbit. Third, he is a terrific pianist and bassist who’s made an impression on the local music scene since he and his wife arrived here from Boston last July, courtesy of the pandemic.

In December 2020, Funkhouser, who was teaching online at Berklee College of Music, and his wife, who was also working remotely, decided to “go somewhere warm for the winter,” says Funkhouser.

They spent time in Albuquerque, Tucson, and Atlanta.

“We liked it so much here, we decided to move,” he says.

Aside from the weather and landscape, both were taken by “the vibe” in the Land of Enchantment. Funkhouser—who led his own jazz group in Boston, has played and/or recorded with some of jazz’s brightest luminaries, and has performed around the world—knew almost nothing about the music scene here, but he decided it was worth the gamble, given the presence of the New Mexico Jazz Workshop and the Outpost Performance Space.

Originally from the Boston area, Funkhouser got his musicology B.A. at Cornell, and a master’s in jazz piano, bass, and composition at New England Conservatory (NEC). After graduating, he landed a gig at the Westin Hotel in Singapore for several months, and then he and his wife backpacked around India and Southeast Asia for a time. While in New Delhi, he and his wife—“by pure chance, or not,” he says with a cosmic chuckle—happened across a concert of classical Hindustani music, to which he’d been introduced at NEC. “At the end of six hours, we were more enlivened, because the energy of the music was so up and so positive and uplifting,” he says. “So we really got the spiritual aspect of the music. That was when it really sunk in on a deep level that it’s

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PHOTO BY DON JAMES/ATM

DIGGING THE VIBE

way more than just music. It’s yoga, a musical discipline of yoga—yoga meaning a union with the divine.”

Back in the U.S., he and his wife spent four years in New York City, where Funkhouser was teaching and performing, before returning to Boston, where he landed his teaching gig at Berklee and put

together the John Funkhouser Group. He also dove into classical Indian music and formed the unique piano/tabla duo Piandia with tabla player Jerry Leake.

Arriving in Albuquerque, he encountered bassist/sound engineer Chad Scheer playing Ultimate Frisbee. Scheer invited Funkhouser to sit in on a gig with WWW.ABQTHEMAG.COM | MAY 2022

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the band Once Again, which led to an invitation to join the band, which is where Funkhouser met guitarist and bassist Micky Patten, who knows everybody.

Patten invited Funkhouser to join the Wednesday night jams at Kaktus Brewing Co. in Bernalillo and to sit in at the weekly jams at Bobby Shew’s house when the regular pianist, Jim Ahrend, is unavailable. Along the way, he met many of the local luminaries, including Alex Murzyn on tenor, Terry Burns on bass, and John Trentacosta on drums, who now form three-fourths of the John Funkhouser Quartet, which made its Outpost debut in March.

“The four of us started getting together,” Funkhouser says and things clicked very quickly. “Everybody in the group has an open mind and is able to go in a lot of different directions.”

Funkhouser has been impressed by the sense of community he’s found in the local music scene, and he’s having fun and feeling motivated, playing and teaching in his new musical home. You can keep up with him, check out his music, and connect with him at johnfunkhouser.com.

SIDEWAYS SUCCESS Two members of the band—lead singer and rhythm guitarist Aaron Lee (Cochiti/ Navajo/Oglala Lakota) and lead guitarist Jaren Robledo (Navajo/Mohave)—are closing in on graduation at colleges back east, so over the last several years, they’ve been in Albuquerque only a few weeks

annually. The other two—drummer Levi Maes and bassist Benjamin Work—are carrying heavy academic loads in Albuquerque, so they have limited availability during much of the year. Nonetheless, the multicultural rock group Side Montero released its first full-length album, In the Loop, in December. Recorded at Elephonic Studios in Albuquerque, its sophisticated, well-produced songs are getting some well-deserved attention.

The band got its start about 13 years ago—in the third grade—when Lee moved into the North Valley neighborhood already inhabited by Robledo and Maes. The three enjoyed covering their favorite bands—Arctic Monkeys, Sublime, AC/DC, and Cage the Elephant—and as they got older, they started writing original material. In high school, Work was recruited to fill the bass slot for an upcoming gig and completed the quartet.

But in the summer of 2018, Lee, Robledo, and Maes were joyriding on the S, a North Valley dirt road popular with teenagers for all manner of shenanigans, when they managed to roll the Maes family car, a Montero, which landed on its side— hence the band name—without injury to the three. That was nearly the end of the group when, says Maes, his father told him, “You’re grounded, and you’re never to see them again.”

A year or so later, apologies from Lee and Robledo accepted, the restriction was lifted, and the band focused on their original material, which ranges “from ballads to punk moshing songs,” says Robledo.

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The band defines its genre as “alt indie rock.”

“I think we use that umbrella term because we all listen to such different stuff and are influenced by such different things,” say Work. “We bring different styles to the table while we’re writing.” Because of that variety, says Lee, “We have so many ideas we want to do, and we can’t do them all. So we have to compromise and sacrifice.”

The highly collaborative process might begin with a fragment of a melody someone has brought in.

“The first thing that happens is me and Levi would be jamming,” says Work, trying to find a good foundation for the song.

Then, the group may jam out different parts for the tune before turning to lyrics, “which is where it gets really tense,” says Robledo.

“We have this huge white board in our practice room,” says Maes, “and we’ll have a section for ideas. So if Aaron comes up with a part for a verse, and we finish writing the song, then we start writing and arguing over lyrics.”

“It’s definitely incremental steps,” says Lee. “We start with a riff, and then we just kind of take a break and sit on it, marinate on it, and eventually come back with new ideas.” The final product will be “well battled out,” he says.

Because these guys have been friends for so long, they have no problem shooting one another’s ideas down without fear of hard feelings, and they welcome the input from one another, which they feel sharpens the final product.

While apart during the school year, the four will work independently on material and send material back and forth digitally. So when they are able to get together, they have several well-developed ideas that they can work on and record in fairly short order. The quality of In the Loop testifies to the efficacy of their process.

You can confirm that for yourself via any of the usual streaming services, and you can stay up-to-date on the band’s goings-on via their Facebook (MonteroSide) and Instagram (@Side_Montero) accounts. Reach them directly at side_ montero@yahoo.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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EATS P. 130 | EATS ETC. P. 134 | FROM THE VINE P. 136 | A RECIPE FOR SUCCESS P. 142 | BITES P. 144

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RAISING THE STAKES Juniper Steakhouse, inside Santa Ana Star Casino Hotel, offers prime cuts with plenty of surf and turf options. (p. 130)

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PHOTO BY DON JAMES/ATM

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

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Eats

PHOTOS BY DON JAMES/ATM

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A NIGHT ON THE TOWN

Juniper Steakhouse offers a fine dining experience in an entertaining atmosphere.

J

uniper Steakhouse inside Santa Ana Star Casino Hotel prides itself on offering “affordable elegance.”

From the décor to the entrées, no detail is overlooked. The restaurant's most popular request is its prime rib served with rich beef au jus and horseradish cream.

The entrée usually sells out on weekends.

The time and effort taken to prepare this juicy cut is undeniable once you take a bite.

The fat cap of the prime rib is removed and the meat is slow roasted for about 7 to 8 hours. A 10 spice seasoning makes up the crust. The seasoning includes black pepper, rock salt, garlic, onion, as well as

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caraway, fennel, sunflower, and coriander seed.

“We coat (the raw prime rib) with that seasoning, all around it, the sides, the end, the top and then we let it marinate for two, three, four days,” says Executive Chef Russell Gleason. “It depends on how fast you go through them.”

Another top seller is the filet mignon cooked to order. Some great accompaniments include the green chile mac and cheese made with penne pasta, Hatch green chile, cheddar cheese, cream and butter. Another enticing side is the Brussels sprouts with apple wood smoked bacon and a balsamic vinegar glaze.

Juniper Steakhouse has a full bar that offers an extensive wine list as well as a martini menu featuring handcrafted seasonal cocktails. Some offerings have included a chocolate raspberry martini, a hazelnut toffee martini, a peach blossom martini, and a fireside martini.

For those who prefer more surf than turf. There are several options to fulfill seafood cravings. Diners can choose from Chilean sea bass, Pacific red snapper, Atlantic salmon, scallops and shrimp. The seafood chowder is a big seller. It is made with New Zealand Greenshell mussels, clams, shrimp and scallops.

The Seared Sesame Ahi Tuna is a light WWW.ABQTHEMAG.COM | MAY 2022

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ELEGANT WELCOME The wrought iron fence in Juniper Steakhouse’s entry way was fabricated by a construction worker who works for Santa Ana Star Casino Hotel.

The restaurant ran into issues with a fence it had originally ordered so the construction worker, who has experience making fences, offered to create a fence for the restaurant.

AWARD WINNING DINING Juniper Steakhouse won Best Casino Restaurant in the 2021 Best of the City Awards.

MIDDAY EATS A special lunch menu with burgers, sandwiches and salads is offered from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday through Monday

SEA TO SHORE Seafood items are flown in once or twice a week. The product is prepared that week. No seafood product is in the kitchen longer than a week.

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but delectable choice. It is as appealing to the eye with its colorful plating as it is to the palate with its refreshing burst of flavors. The tuna is seared for 10-15 seconds to keep its bright ruby hue. It is served with an Asian slaw made of carrot, Daikon, red bell pepper, red onion, mint and cilantro.

A Sriracha aioli, comprised of mayonnaise, Sriracha sauce, white vinegar, garlic and onion, gives it an extra flavor kick along with a sweet soy glaze and wasabi cream.

The décor at Juniper Steakhouse sets a warm and inviting tone. The entryway is adorned with a custom made wrought iron fence. Once guests walk into the restaurant, their eyes are drawn to a Kiva style fireplace. Dining fireside adds a touch of elegance to the experience.

The rest of the dining area is decorated with different elements from New Mexico and the Southwest. Private dining rooms are multifunctional and provide a space for celebrations or business meetings. The rooms are equipped with a TV flat screen and state of the art speakers for a full audio and visual experience.

Juniper Steakhouse’s menu is executed

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Juniper Steakhouse (Inside Santa Ana Star Casino Hotel) 54 Jemez Canyon Dam Road, Santa Ana Pueblo (505) 867-0000 santaanastar.com/juniper-steakhouse

by Executive Chef Russell Gleason, Sous Chef Patrick Cawley, and their team. Coincidentally both Gleason and Cawley are originally from Long Island, New York.

Gleason has been at Juniper Steakhouse for about four years. He has worked in various places around the country and the world, including Las Vegas, Florida, Iowa, Guam, Japan and the Philippines. His culinary career began in the 1980s when Gleason was 15 years old working at the pizzeria his uncles owned.

Cawley moved to New Mexico in 2019.

His start in the kitchen began at a deli. He later moved up the ranks from dishwasher to cook at a bustling restaurant.

“The diner, that was nuts, a thousand covers a day, all day,” Cawley says. “(We served) everything. It was a full menu all day. So I think if you could do well in a New York diner, you could do well anywhere.”

Gleason and Cawley were foreign to New Mexico cuisine and soon learned its love for chile and other cherished ingredients and foods.

“It's a whole different world,” Cawley said. “You lose all the Italian touches. It's

funny how like in New York, where we grew up, 85% of everything you did was Italian base something, everything. It doesn't matter if it was Chinese food, American food, deli, pizzerias, it doesn't matter. It was Italian based. Out here it's green chile on everything. They don't exist anywhere east of Texas… I've cooked things to try things I've never had before.” —RM

FEATURED DISHES FILET MIGNON $45

pan seared beef, shallots, thyme, demi-glace, compound butter

505 BURGER $14, WITH BISON $16

grilled 8 ounce beef or bison patty, smoked bacon, cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomato, roasted green chile, red onion, steak fries

SLOW ROASTED PRIME RIB $33 12 OZ, $42 16 OZ

Boneless prime rib, 10 spice seasoning crust, rich beef au jus, horseradish cream

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Eats, Etc.

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

T

he Range Café came from humble beginnings, originally opening in a small location in Bernalillo as the brainchild of business partners Matt DiGregory and Tom Fenton.

It didn’t take long for the establishment to attract a crowd.

“It was kind of a smash hit from Day 1 to the point where we were so busy for breakfast and lunch we ran out of food the first day,” DiGregory says. “We didn’t open for dinner for a couple months until we kind of got our feet on the ground a little bit.”

Fast forward to the present day, and The Range boasts six locations: One in Bernalillo (in a different location), four in Albuquerque and one in Los Lunas.

Between DiGregory’s and Fenton’s

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culinary backgrounds, they figured they could do a fine dining take on breakfast and lunch options. That eventually expanded to dinner.

“We worked under this French chef at Prairie Star and we learned a lot on how to treat food well,” DiGregory says. “Tom had a culinary background with a lot of seafood places on the East Coast. We said let’s take fine dining and scale it down to a funky restaurant in Bernalillo. That’s where the concept started.”

Since its inception, meatloaf has been a staple on the Range menu, and the recipe hasn’t changed in nearly 30 years. While meatloaf and chicken fried steak are signature items, New Mexican-based fare is king among diners.

“Our No. 1 seller is huevos rancheros.

It’s our No. 1 seller by a huge distance,” DiGregory says. “We sell close to 100,000 orders of it per year.”

Those who dine at the Range can expect to see a distinctly local influence inside, from the decor to the furniture.

“There’s a sort of community and when we have a new location I just say, ‘Hey here’s your space, do something to it,’” DiGregory says. “Whatever it is they come up with has always been really cool.” — TRISTEN CRITCHFIELD

RANGE CAFÉ 320 Central SE (Plus 5 other locations) (505) 243-1440, rangecafe.com WWW.ABQTHEMAG.COM | MAY 2022

PHOTOS BY DON JAMES/ATM

Meatloaf has been on the Range Café menu since it opened 30 years ago.

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V

ictor Pandazis has been around the restaurant industry in some shape or form since he was 7-yearsold — his father owned Andy’s, a popular Duke City breakfast spot that closed in 1997 — so it should come as no surprise that he is quite particular when it comes to standards set at Vic’s Daily Cafe.

That starts with consistency. Since its opening in 1998, the menu at Vic’s has remained “99 percent” the same, and Pandazis doesn’t cut corners in any aspect, whether it’s ingredients, preparation or service.

“People say the restaurant’s always the same,” Pandazis says. “I use the analogy of a metronome you might see on a piano.

That tempo never changes. That’s the way our food should be. It should be exactly on the same time. It doesn’t matter if it’s the first customer who comes in the morning or the last customer at the end of the day.

That product and that consistency has to be there.”

The signature dish at Vic’s is the chicken fried steak. There’s a good reason for the dish’s popularity. Entitled “Big Daddy Chicken Fried Steak” on the menu, the preparation adheres to all of Pandazis’

The Big Daddy Chicken Fried Steak is a highly requested dish at Vic's Daily Cafe.

principles.

“Everything else on the menu moves really well. We sell a lot of meatloaf, a lot of liver and onions. But that chicken fried steak is the signature dish for us,” he says.

“We bring in whole muscle, we trim the beef, we portion them, we cube the steaks in house and they’re all hand-made to order. That’s what makes it what it is.”

Pandazis acknowledges that Vic’s has grown in popularity over the years, but he and his staff have resisted the temptation to adopt an assembly-line approach.

The green chile cheeseburger at the Owl Cafe remains its top attraction.

F

rom the start, the Owl Cafe has been a standout operation — both for its unique appearance and for the quality product found inside.

Managing partner Ski Martin was part of the small corporation that purchased the naming rights and recipes from the popular Owl Bar in San Antonio, New Mexico, and set about building the eye-catching Albuquerque location for a grand opening on Feb. 16, 1986.

Prospective visitors were intrigued by the architecture, which featured an owl’s head incorporated into the design of the diner, along with the turquoise neon

lights that spelled the establishment’s name while emphasizing the bird's features. By reputation alone, the trademark Owl Bar green chile cheeseburger — established in 1945 — would probably have been enough to attract the masses.

The recipe for the green chile cheeseburger remains unchanged to this day, and it’s still a drawing point for customers some 36 years since the Owl Cafe’s inception.

“The burger is fresh ground daily and is hand-pattied. And it’s a special blend of meats,” Martin says. “The chile is made exactly how they made it for years. We have

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“As you get busier, it’s really easy to fall into that trap of trying to find an easier way. You start to look for compromise,” Pandazis says. “Once you begin down that path, it becomes very slippery. I know it’s hard, but this is what makes us successful.”

—TRISTEN CRITCHFIELD

VIC’S DAILY CAFE 3600 Osuna Rd. NE #105 (505) 341-9710, vicsdailycafe.com not changed one thing since I opened.”

Over time, the Owl Cafe’s menu has grown and changed around that staple.

Today, diners can choose from a plethora of options, including a multitude of award-winning shakes, sandwiches such as the Taos Turkey and New Mexican Reuben, a menu full of specialty burgers, breakfast (Martin recommends the pancakes without syrup), a wealth of New Mexican options, and desserts made by an onsite baker.

Couple that with a 1950’s diner environment, and the Owl Cafe is an ongoing attraction for locals and out-of-state visitors alike.

“We have four hotels behind us, and we have people that absolutely come to stay at the hotels so they can eat here once a year,” Martin says. “We average probably 700 to 1,200 people (in the restaurant) a day.” —TRISTEN CRITCHFIELD

OWL CAFE 800 Eubank Blvd NE (505) 291-4900, owlcafealbuquerque.com

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

PHOTOS BY DON JAMES/ATM

FROM

ALBUQUERQUE MIGHT BE THE TEQUILA CAPITAL OF AMERICA. WHY NOT? THE UPSCALING OF TEQUILA IN ABQ When M.A. “Mike” Morales moved to Albuquerque in the late 1980s, he quickly recognized that the city had a special love for tequila. “Tequila was just so ingrained in the culture, not just in Albuquerque but the whole state,” says Morales, who co-founded an authoritative online site known as Tequila Aficionado while in ABQ. “In fact, New Mexico is home of the first registered exportation of tequila into

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the United States, a full 40 years before it was even a state.” Sure enough, according to documentation, in August of 1873, three barrels of the Mexican spirit traveled by ox cart through El Paso to Santa Fe—marking the beginnings of our affair with tequila.

That love has continued for nearly a century and a half. Morales, who continues to be part of TequilaAficionado. com from his home in California, says the ABQ market is an important one for tequila makers and distributors.

“The master tequila distillers know that Albuquerque is a great jumping

off point for new tequilas, or even new iterations of existing tequilas,” says Morales, who is a tequila Master Catador (taster). “It’s like that tree stump those entertainers touch at the Apollo Theater. You do it for good luck, which is why the tequila companies start in New Mexico. Plus New Mexico has always been a hotbed for tequila.”

That heightened interest led Morales to launch a tequila event during his years in ABQ in the early 2000s.

Known as the “New Mexico International Intimate Tequila Tasting,” the event ran for four years and drew WWW.ABQTHEMAG.COM | MAY 2022

FROM lines of patrons seeking tickets and the opportunity to sip on fine tequilas.

Eventually Morales’ company evolved into other segments, including a magazine; annual tequila awards; product reviews; even an online course on the nuances of how to taste and enjoy tequila. “I like to say I was involved in some of the history of what I call the ‘upscaling’ of tequila. I was riding this wave, not even knowing it was a wave,” he says. “It all started because of New Mexico. There’s a big history of fine regional cuisine there, and it pairs great with tequila.”

JUST CALL IT AN AFFORDABLE, LIQUID LUXURY Some say the stay-at-home days of the 2020 pandemic led us to spending more money on premium alcohol. The logic goes like this: since we couldn’t spend on big-ticket items like travel, we instead pampered ourselves with

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smaller luxuries—like pricey tequila. Whether that’s true or not, there’s been a consumer rush toward upscale tequila the past two years. One of the longtime premium standards, Don Julio’s 1942 Añejo, goes for about $150 a bottle. But recently, that has seemed paltry compared to new upscale brands like Komos, which can cost $400 for the extra añejo (aged) variety, which Celebrity-owned tequilas include those by (from left to right) Kendall Jenner, George Strait, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Lebron James, Guy Fieri, and Carlos Santana.

media—led to booming sales. Liquor distribution giant Diageo then paid $1 billion to buy the brand in 2017, and every celebrity took notice. Today, there are tequila brands owned or endorsed by Jordan, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Mark Wahlberg, Carlos Santana, Jimmy Buffet, Nick Jonas, Chris Noth, Rita Ora, George Strait, Sammy Hagar, Lebron James, and many, many more.

TEQUILA ISN’T JUST FOR CINCO DE MAYO ANYMORE By law, tequila can only be made in certain parts of Mexico, and exports are tightly controlled by the Mexican government. It’s also been skyrocketing in popularity for the past decade, mostly in the U.S. Last year, America imported nearly 300 million liters of tequila, by far the most of any country (runner-up Germany, by comparison, only imported 6 million liters in 2021).

It’s also been a leader among spirits in number of new products and new varietals introduced, including categories for Ultra Premium tequilas, Cristalino tequilas, celebrity-owned brands, mezcal and even local ‘tequilas’ (known as agave spirits, since by Mexican law only those spirits produced, bottled and labeled in and near Jalisco, Mexico can legally be known as tequila). “The tequila drinkers of today have become much more sophisticated and are constantly looking for new expressions from new brands, or their favorite brands,” says Michael Trujillo, Director of Mixology and Spirits Education for Southern Glazer Wine & Spirits' regional operation in Albuquerque.

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LOCAL DISTILLERS HAVE AGAVE OFFERINGS, TOO Ultra-premium tequilas are meticulously crafted and typically aged longer. They can cost $400 or more, including those in elegant clay or ceramic bottles.

even comes in a keepsake glazed ceramic bottle. “Ultra premium tequila is now in the same shelf space with fine cognacs and single malt Scotch,”says Trujillo. Even some of the celebrity tequila brands have gone high-dollar, like Michael Jordan’s Cincoro añejo, which is also around $400.

Yes, tequila can’t be made in the U.S., but there’s nothing preventing distillers from producing a closely-associated, agave-based spirit. True tequila is made from a particular plant (the Blue Weber agave), which is roasted,

CELEBRITY BRANDING AT IT’S FINEST George Clooney may have accidentally started a gold rush to tequila, not just among drinkers but among investors, as well. When the actor and his buddies started Casamigos Tequila in 2013, it was widely reviewed as a good tequila, pleasant and fruit-forward, but not stellar. But Clooney’s popularity, particularly among women—and the trendy hipness of his tequila on social

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Local distillers are getting also riding the tequila wave, though their American-produced spirits can’t legally be called tequila. The alternative name is agave spirit.

mashed, fermented and aged in Mexico. New Mexico distillers are making small-batch spirits from a similar playbook.

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CLEARLY, THE TASTE IS IN THE TEQUILA Since we live in an age of variety, spirit producers have found themselves constantly creating new iterations of their existing products. That includes the tequila world, where many brands are even putting non-traditional, infusion-based tequila on shelves (cucumber-melon reposado, anyone?).

But some of those iterations are also appealing to purists, which is the case with cristalino tequilas. This varietal is popular with tequila drinkers who prefer their spirits with less aroma and notes of wood (more like vodka, less like bourbon). Cristalino tequilas are clear like silver (or blanco) tequilas, but unlike those young (joven) tequilas, cristalino is aged, so it has a much smoother taste. However, to offer a different profile, it is filtered to remove some of the flavor from being aged in wood barrels (hence the clarity of the liquid). The elegant product has led to marketers offering up the

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A growing segment is cristalino tequila, which is aged but filtered to remove color and some notes of barrel wood.

After decades of relative obscurity next to tequila, the earthier-tasting mezcal is finding new fans with slick marketing and packaging.

WWW.ABQTHEMAG.COM | MAY 2022

your next yourevent! next event!

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Fans of Breaking Bad are likely aware of Dos Hombres mezcal, owned by the show’s stars, Aaron Paul and Bryan Cranston (note their signatures on the label).

spirit as a premium option, and it has become a popular tequila for sipping and collecting.

WINNER

2056 Central Ave SW, Albuquerque (Across from Old Town) 505.554.1424 | centralgrillandcoffeehouse.com

Thank You!

THE RISE OF MEZCAL

While most 70-proof alcohol is made from grains or vegetables, the tequila family of spirits are derived from the agave plant. Aside from tequila, the group includes spirits like mezcal, sotol, raicilla and bacanora. The fastest-growing in popularity is mezcal, which is mostly produced in Oaxaca, Mexico. Whereas a decade ago it would have been rare to find even one brand of mezcal on ABQ liquor store shelves, today it enjoys an ever-expanding fan base. And similar to the different grapes and growing regions that differentiate wine, mezcal marketers now play up the plant varietals that set mezcals apart from each other. Also like tequila, mezcal enjoys a solid ABQ connection: Breaking Bad actors Aaron Paul and Bryan Cranston recently launched Dos Hombres mezcal. And while most celebrity spirit ownership is just about branding & social media influence, Jesse Pinkman and Walter White rolled up their sleeves and truly involved themselves in the process. It’s what you do, after all, when you’re doing something with love. Provecho! — JC

MAY 2022 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

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FROM

THE

SPIRIT SPOTLIGHT

VINE

herbaceous floral

zesty

sweet

LAVENDER ‘99

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WWW.ABQTHEMAG.COM | MAY 2022

PHOTO BY DON JAMES/ATM

PHOTO BY DON JAMES/ATM

Lavender ’99, $15 Campo at Los Poblanos Historic Inn & Organic Farm 4803 Rio Grande Blvd. NW (505) 344-9297, lospoblanos.com

PHOTO BY REECE MARTINEZ/ATM

In 1999, lavender was first planted on the grounds of Los Poblanos Historic Inn & Organic Farm. And now, 23 years later, people can enjoy the Lavender ‘99, a lightly sweet, lavender colored cocktail. “It is a perfect refreshing cocktail,” explains Campo’s bar manager, Matt Dickinson.

The Lavender ‘99 has all of the right ingredients to make it enjoyable on a warm spring or summer day. Bartender Jordan Gallegos first adds Crème de Violette, a violet flavored and colored liqueur, fresh lemon juice, LP’s homemade lavender syrup, and locally produced Nikle Gin. He then shakes the ingredients together, tops off the concoction with white sparkling wine, and garnishes it with a lemon peel and a fresh lavender sprig. The smoothness of the gin and zestiness from the freshly squeezed lemon juice balances out the sweetness from the liqueur and homemade syrup, which makes it easy to drink. Pro-tip: take the Lavender ‘99 out on the bar patio where you can take in the beauty of the property as you take sips of the refreshing goodness. —DLM

MAY 2022 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

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DISH

A

o

for Success

with Tessah Latson

T

essah Latson keeps the moving parts of Best Buddies functioning to maintain its success in helping youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Latson is the state director of the Best Buddies New Mexico affiliate. Best Buddies, which is headquartered in Miami, is present in all 50 states and in 54 countries.

New Mexico became an official affiliate in 2014.

Best Buddies dates back to 1989. Anthony Kennedy Shriver, the son of Eunice Kennedy Shriver, who started Special Olympics, began Best Buddies while he was attending Georgetown University. The focus was to create friendships between students with intellectual and developmental disabilities and students without.

"We serve folks with IDD, Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, but also what we call typical students or typical individuals. The emphasis is on schools.

We've got chapters in elementary school, middle school, high school, and college, but we also have our Citizens Program, which is for adults with IDD to get together and socialize and to create friendships.”

Best Buddies also offers a matching program.

"Oftentimes, folks who have IDD, when they leave school or any transition services in their mid-20s, there's not a lot of opportunities to interact and plug in,” Latson says. “So we fill that gap.”

The organization has a jobs program that helps participants find employment and provides job coaching and job placement.

"It starts with internships that we do in collaboration with the Division of Voca-

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tional Rehabilitation and Albuquerque Public Schools called Project SEARCH,” Latson says. “We have two employers that are our partners for those internships — Embassy Suites and UNMH.” Best Buddies New Mexico recently launched its pre-Employment Transition Services, to serve as a bridge between its school based programs and employment programs for career exploration.

"Kind of think of it as matriculating them through a meaningful education and employment path while keeping them connected and plugged into the community,” Latson explains.

The COVID pandemic has created some setbacks for the organization as a whole.

"COVID has knocked us down to about two-thirds capacity with some chapters going dormant and things that we were looking to prop up and support,” Latson says. “But in a typical year, we serve up to 800 students and 44 chapters… A little more than half are currently active right now. So we're looking to remedy that.”

Latson continues to persevere and encourage her team to keep progressing forward.

“Keeping my team motivated and focused on the bigger picture is huge, especially when there's so many details and moving parts to lots of what we do,” she explains.

Latson, who became state director in August 2021, is also responsible for community relations and fundraising efforts.

She works closely with the government relations director for the region, talking to state legislators, working with employers, and being a spokesperson for the organization.

"I've worked in the nonprofit, as well as government sectors here in New Mexico for 20 years,” Latson says. “I'm originally from Massachusetts, but this is really my sole home. And I've worked in the disability inclusion arena that whole time and then overlapping with workforce and economic development.”

During her downtime, Latson keeps the spirit of her New England and Finnish roots alive through her cooking and baking. One recipe that is near and dear to her 9-year-old daughter is an old family recipe for Finnish-style cookies.

"It's actually a cookie recipe that my great grandmother from Finland used to make,” Latson says. “I've modified it over the years. It's a molasses clove cookie and so there's a lot of spices. I've ratcheted up the spices over the years, but it was literally the first thing that I baked on my own when I was like, 7 years old. And it's like our main comfort baked good in our family.”

The cookies bring back fond memories of Latson's childhood.

"My great grandmother passed away when I was four, but one of my distinct memories is getting those cookies out of this big glass cookie jar and sitting on her very polished, very clean, white kitchen floor eating those cookies. I'm second generation Finnish on my dad's side, so it's unique flavors I think for New Mexico.

It's definitely more New England and European.” —RM WWW.ABQTHEMAG.COM | MAY 2022

PHOTOS BY DON JAMES/ATM

State Director, Best Buddies International New Mexico Affiliate

DISH

Clove Molasses Cookies Ingredients MONTH 20XX | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE 1/2 cup + 2 Tablespoons unsalted butter

1 egg

1 Tablespoon canola oil

A pinch of salt

1/2 cup granulated sugar

2 teaspoons baking soda

1/2 cup brown sugar

2 teaspoons cloves (generous)

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 Tablespoon ground ginger

1/4 cup molasses

2 Tablespoons cinnamon

2 cups all-purpose flour

MAY 2022 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

Directions

Soften unsalted butter and add canola oil. Then add granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, molasses and egg. Beat well. Add flour, baking soda, cloves, ground ginger and cinnamon. Mix well and roll into balls. Dip tops in granulated sugar. Space about 2 inches apart on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake at 350 degrees for 8-10 minutes. Dough can be prepared and refrigerated up to 1-3 days prior to baking.

Yields approximately 2-3 dozen cookies, depending on the size you desire.

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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 editor@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.

66 DINER

$

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) 896-4555 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.

WWW.ABQTHEMAG.COM | MAY 2022

PHOTO BY DON JAMES/ATM

BITES

LIGHT AND CREAMY DELIGHT There’s some debate regarding the origin of the Tres Leches cake, a popular dessert in Latin American countries. “Some people say it was created in Nicaragua, but Costa Rica always claims the title,” says Buen Provecho owner Kattia Rojas, who might be a little bit biased since she hails from the latter. What isn’t up for discussion is the delicious quality of Tres Leches, which is essentially a vanilla sponge cake soaked in three kinds of milk after it’s baked. At Buen Provecho, the cake is a family recipe that’s made from scratch. Rojas’ version uses condensed milk, evaporated milk and heavy cream as the “Tres Leches,” and chantilly cream on top makes for a melt-in-your-mouth texture. Other toppings include a variety of fruits and nuts, depending on preference. Other options by request include Rum Tres Leches or Four Leches, which adds either coconut milk or dulce de leche. “Tres Leches is one of the people’s favorites,” Rojas says. —TRISTEN CRITCHFIELD Buen Provecho 2500 Central Ave SW #3 (505) 620-5325, buenprovechoabq.com

AZUMA SUSHI & TEPPAN

$4 slice, $30 full cake (8x8-inch), $45 (9x13-inch)

$$

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 chile-infused 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

$$

BEN MICHAEL’S RESTAURANT

$$

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!

2404 Pueblo Bonito Ct. NW, (505) 267-6827 The food at Ben Michael’s is fresh, preservative-free 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

$

1675 Bosque Farms Blvd. (505) 869-2210 Since 1972, Benny’s has obliged countless stomachs with delicious New Mexican treats, which include red-chile smothered enchiladas and deep-fried burritos. Don’t let the Benny Burger—a double-meat, double-cheese beauty—intimidate you. And, don’t forget to save room for that vanilla ice-cream shake.

BLACK BIRD SALOON

$

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.

MAY 2022 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

BLACK MESA COFFEE COMPANY

$

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.

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

$

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.

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BITES BOCADILLOS

$

BOSQUE BREWING CO.

$

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.

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.

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

$

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

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.

BRIXENS

BURRITOS ALINSTANTE

BRICKYARD PIZZA

$$

$$$

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.

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$

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

$$

CAFE 6855

$$

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.

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.

WWW.ABQTHEMAG.COM | MAY 2022

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

$

LA BAREN RESTAURANT

$

CAKE FETISH

$

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.

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.

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

$$

CASA DE BENAVIDEZ

$$

CASA TACO

$$

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.

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.

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

$

230 6th St. SW, (505) 243-7070 Recognized on the Food Network’s “Diners, DriveIns & 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.

MAY 2022 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

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BITES

SUGAR, SPICE AND EVERYTHING NICE

El Patron 10551 Montgomery Blvd NE (Plus 1 other location) (505) 275-0223, elpatronabq.com

CENTRAL GRILL & COFFEE HOUSE

$

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

$$

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.

CESAR’S MEXICAN & GREEK

$

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.

CHEBA HUT

$

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.

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PHOTO BY DON JAMES/ATM

As a standalone item, a churro is the type of sweet treat that’s just synonymous with bliss. “They taste wonderful,” says El Patron head chef Jose Maldonado. “The crispiness of the dough and the cinnamon gives you a little kick and makes you happy and smiling . That’s all I can say.” The traditional Latin American dessert — a long piece of deepfried dough formed with star-shaped ends and sprinkled with either cinnamon or sugar — takes on an even more delectable form at El Patron as Churros A La Mode. Maldonado knew it was a combination destined for success, complete with vanilla bean ice cream, whipping cream and chocolate syrup. “I like to think sometimes like a kid,” he says. “I believe I haven’t heard a young kid say no to ice cream. Everybody likes ice cream … After you have some spicy enchiladas, that will complement the whole thing.” The dessert has been a hit with diners in the Land of Enchantment. “If somebody says it reminds (them) of back home or of (their) mother’s cooking, that to me is the biggest, nicest compliment I can get,” Maldonado says. —TRISTEN CRITCHFIELD

Churros A La Mode, $6

CHEESE AND COFFEE

$$

CHOCGLITZ & CREAM

$

CHELLO GRILL

$$

CHRISTY MAE’S RESTAURANT

$

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.

5010 Cutler Ave. NE, Ste. A 505-881-2299 Chellogrill.com The chicken and beef used for their variety of kabobs get their savory flavor from being marinated overnight. Enjoy them with Persian-style steamed rice, chelow. Chello Grill also offers a specialty tea bar offering different flavors.

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.

CHILI HILLS RESTAURANT

$

5 State Rd. 344 Edgewood plus one other location (505) 220-6263, chilihillsedgewood.com Breakfast, lunch or dinner, Chili Hills is the place to be. Specializing in homemade comfort food, you’re guaranteed to leave full. From burgers, sandwiches, desert, barbeque, breakfast and more; this mom and pop’s restaurant is not one you want to miss.

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

$

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.

WWW.ABQTHEMAG.COM | MAY 2022

BITES COCINA AZUL

$

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.

CODA BAKERY

$

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.

CONCHITA’S CAFÉ

$

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

$$$

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.

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.

MAY 2022 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

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 kitchenmade favorites such as tempura and crispy chicken.

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.

CURRY LEAF

$

THE DAILY GRIND

$

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.

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.

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BITES DELICIAS CAFÉ

$

DG’S DELI

$

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.

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

$$$

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.

DION’S

$

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.

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DOG HOUSE DRIVE IN

$

DURAN’S CENTRAL PHARMACY

$$

DONUT MART

$

EAST OCEAN CHINESE SEAFOOD RESTAURANT

$$

EL BRUNO’S RESTAURANTE Y CANTINA

$$

1216 Central Ave. SW, (505) 243-1019 An ABQ landmark since the 1940s, the eat-inyour-car 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.

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

$

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.

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.

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.

WWW.ABQTHEMAG.COM | MAY 2022

EL COTORRO

$

EL PATIO DE ALBUQUERQUE

$

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.

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.

EL PATRON

$$

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.

EL PINTO

$$$

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.

EL SABOR DE JUAREZ

$

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).

EL SARAPE

$$

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.

MAY 2022 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

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FAN TANG

$$

FAREAST FUZION SUSHI BAR & LOUNGE

$$

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.

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 “Heart-Attack”—a sushi roll with deep-fried spicy tuna, jalapeños, mushrooms, and cream cheese—is a good thing.

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 familyowned 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

$$

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.

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BITES FORQUE KITCHEN AND BAR

$$

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.

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

$

FRANK’S FAMOUS CHICKEN AND WAFFLES

$

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.

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

$

GOLDEN CROWN PANADERIA

$

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, cheeseonly, no cheese at all, or plain pepperoni, you’re sure to find your pizza match.

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 sugarfree versions. Don’t miss out on homemade green chile bread, pizza, and creative bread sculptures.

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.

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

$

GARCIA’S KITCHEN

$

2400 Central Ave. SE (505) 266-0550, frontierrestaurant.com Famous for its legendary Frontier Rolls, hot-offthe-iron 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.

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.

MAY 2022 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

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BITES GOBBLE THIS

$$

308 San Felipe St. NW, 87104 505-975-3969 Gobblethis.biz Due to the success of starting out as a food truck, Gobble This opened up a location in Old Town.

Gobble This has different plates inspired by El Salvador, Los Angeles and New Mexican. One of the more popular items on the menu are the pupusas made with roasted garlic, spinach and cheese.

GRASSBURGER

$

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.

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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

$

HANNAH & NATE’S MARKET CAFÉ

$

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, laidback collegial atmosphere.

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

$$

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.

HIBACHI ONE

$$

HIGH POINT GRILL

$$

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.

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MAY 2022 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

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BITES HORSE AND ANGEL TAVERN

$$

HOT PINK THAI

$$

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.

HOT TAMALES

$

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.

HUMBLE COFFEE COMPANY

$

4200 Lomas Blvd. NE Ste. C Plus 1 other metro location (505) 289-9909, bakerad.com/humble Humble coffee keeps its menu very simple. With a focus on classic coffee options, Humble doesn’t offer specialty drinks or a lot of add-ins. Owner Mark Baker wants patrons to be able to taste the difference in the array of beans they use. Simple and classic has always been Humble Coffee’s approach.

HURRICANE’S CAFE

$

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.

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

$$$

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.

INDIGO CROW CAFÉ

$$$

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.

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IRONWOOD KITCHEN

$$

KAP’S COFFEE SHOP & DINER

$

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.

KATHY’S CARRY OUT

$

JAVA JOE’S

$$

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).

JC’S NEW YORK PIZZA DEPARTMENT

$$

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

$$$

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.

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.

$

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.

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 $$

KIMO’S HAWAIIAN BBQ

$

KOLACHE FACTORY

$

LA QUICHE PARISIENNE BISTRO

$

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.

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.

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.

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.

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BITES

SMOOTH AND CREAMY COMFORT FOOD

Church Street Cafe 2111 Church St. NW (505) 247-8522, churchstreetcafe.com

LAGUNA BURGER

Natillas, $6.75

$

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: freshly-cut fries, foot-long chile cheese dogs, and zingy breakfast burritos.

THE LAST CALL

$

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.

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PHOTO BY DON JAMES/ATM

Church Street Cafe’s Natillas, also known as Mexican pudding, is a recipe that has been passed down through owner Marie Coleman’s family for generations. There’s nothing fancy behind the preparation method. “Normally when you make it at home, we do it with meringue that we fold into the pudding,” says Coleman, who hails from Cuba, New Mexico. “But at the restaurant, we don’t put the meringue in because it just doesn’t hold up very well. We put (in) sugar, corn starch, milk, a little pinch of cinnamon, and eggs. We just put it in a bowl and put the eggs and yolk and thicken it and put it in a saucepan. (Then) it comes out." The dessert has been on the menu since the restaurant’s inception in 1993, and many regulars have been ordering it just as long, often accompanied by a cup of coffee.

“They love it. It’s really smooth and it’s creamy,” Coleman says.

“It’s like a nice pudding. Kind of similar to a vanilla custard, but not really.”—TRISTEN CRITCHFIELD

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

$$$

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.

THE LIBRARY BAR & GRILL

$$

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.

LIMONATA ITALIAN STREET CAFÉ

$$

LINDY’S DINER

$$

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

$

3123 Central Ave. NE Ste. D Plus 2 other metro locations (505) 917-8902, littlebearcoffeeco.com Little Bear Coffee Co. strives to bring a memorable experience within its different locations. There are always different coffee and blend selections to choose from when visiting Little Bear. Roasting all the beans in-house and creating craft drinks allows for Little Bear to uniquely highlight their selection.

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.

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BITES 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.

MS. GENNIE’S HOUSE OF CHICKEN

$$

1520 Lomas Blvd. NW 505-242-4503 Msgennies.com Love is the special ingredient that goes into each and every dish at Ms. Gennies. The restaurant offers a variety of proteins including fried chicken, roasted chicken, chicken fried steak, fried catfish and smoked sausage.

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

$$

MARISCOS ALTAMAR

$$

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.

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.

MARY & TITO’S CAFÉ

$

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.

MAY CAFÉ

$

MAZAYA CAFÉ

$

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, freshgrilled kebabs, a half-dozen wraps, shawarma, and three kinds of fried or steamed dumpling plates headline the restaurant’s entrée menu.

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

$

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.

MILLY’S

$

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.

MAY 2022 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

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

$

NAGOMI RESTAURANT

$

NAMASTE

$

NARUTO

$

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.

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.

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BITES 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.

O’HARE’S GRILLE & PUB

$$

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.

O’NIELL’S PUB

$$

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

$

THE PALETA BAR

$

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

$$

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).

$$

POKI POKI CEVICHERIA

$$

POLLITO CON PAPAS

$$

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.

PELICAN’S RESTAURANT

$$$

$$

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

$

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.

PADILLA’S MEXICAN KITCHEN

PHO LINH

$

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.

160

$$

PARS CUISINE

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.

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.

PLANTY SWEET

$$

PEREA’S TIJUANA BAR

$$

$$

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.

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.

ORCHID THAI CUISINE

THE OWL CAFÉ

PIZZERIA LUCA

PAPA NACHOS

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.

$

$$

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.

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.

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.

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.

PIZZA 9

$$

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

$$

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.

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.

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.

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 bisonraised 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).

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BITES 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.

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.

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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

$

ROSE GARDEN

$

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.

10401 Golf Course Rd. plus one other location (505) 897-8889, rosegardenabq.com Over 100 menu items and the great customer service ensures locals always return. Rose Garden never disappoints with a wide range of appetizers, soups and entrees. Owner, Mieng Lu, says the Kung Pao chicken, orange chicken and beef lo mein are just a few of his favorites.

RUDY’S COUNTRY STORE AND BAR-B-Q

$$

2321 Carlisle NE plus 1 other metro location (505) 884-4000, rudys.com Texas-style slow cooking over oak is what makes Rudy’s brisket, ribs and sausage so mouthwatering—not to mention the “sause.” Every serving comes with paper towels, unlimited sliced onions and pickles, and bread to mop up the leftover BBQ.

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A TOUCH OF SWEETNESS

Tomasitas 4949 Pan American Freeway NE (505) 344-1204, tomasitas.com

Sopaipillas with honey butter, served with meal

RUSTIC BUBBLE TEA CAFE

$

RUSTIC ON THE GREEN

$

840 Juan Tabo Blvd. Ste B (505) 505-1813, rusticbubbleteacafe.com Rustic Bubble Tea Café has all of the fundamentals of a bubble tea shop down, of course–the hint is in the name, after all–but what sets the independent Albuquerque startup apart is the Vietnameseinspired menu that accompanies its decadent beverages.

3600 Cutler Ave. NE (505) 315-1148, rusticburger505.com Rustic simplicity is the key for this burger joint at Green Jeans Farmery, serving up five equallycraveable burger options and two different kinds of fries from its minimalist menu. Don’t let the simplicity fool you: this unique eatery does gourmet burgers that has fans coming back for more, including its Day of the Dead burger with a secret “Diablo” puree and the Divine Intervention, topped with bleu cheese and caramelized onions.

RUTILIO’S NEW MEXICAN FOODS

PHOTO BY DON JAMES/ATM

Virtually any self-respecting New Mexican restaurant offers sopaipillas on its menu. Tomasita’s is no different. One needs to only visit the establishment’s website to read numerous testimonials regarding the traditional cuisine. Making the perfect sopaipilla is something of a science. “The thing with the sopaipilla is that it’s just about the technique of making the masa. It’s not so simple,” says owner George Gundrey.

“There’s just so many little tiny details that can go wrong.

So really what it is, I would liken it to a craftsperson who’s throwing a pot on a wheel. There’s just a bunch of little details that you just kind of learn from doing it.” What also makes Tomasita’s sopaipilla’s stand apart from the competition is that they come with honey butter, something Gundrey’s mother, Georgia, elected to do in the restaurant’s formative years. As far as Gundrey is aware, they were the first to do it. “No one does it. It’s just delicious,” he says. “The best is actually honey butter with a little extra honey on top.”

—TRISTEN CRITCHFIELD

$

455 N. Main St., Belen (505) 864-0093 Belen Mayor Rudy Jaramillo’s carne adovada is what put Rutilio’s on the map. This hangout serves their perfect pork with rice and beans, stuffed inside burritos and sopaipillas, and layered inside enchiladas and quesadillas. Add Rutilio’s breakfast burritos and classic New Mexican combos, and guests are sure to find something worth campaigning for.

RUTILIO’S NEW MEXICAN FOODS

$$

SAKURA SUSHI & GRILL

SADIE’S OF NEW MEXICO

$$

SALATHAI

1605 Juan Tabo Blvd. NE (505) 503-8629 With a menu packed with 50-year-old traditional New Mexican recipes, it can be hard to know where to begin. It is recommended for first timers to order the carne adovada which is perfectly “lean, savory, and fiery”.

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

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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.

MAY 2022 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

$$

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.

$

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.

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.

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BITES SIXTY-SIX ACRES

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SLAPFISH

$$

2400 12th St. NW (505) 243-2230, sixtysixacres.com If you had to boil Sixty-Six Acres down to two words, they would be “casual” and “classy.” Featuring craft cocktails and a wealth of locally sourced, globallyinspired dishes, Sixty-Six Acres is the ideal spot to grab a relaxed, refined meal.

6400 Holly Ave. NE plus 1 other metro location (505) 503-1645, slapfishrestaurant.com Have you ever had fish so fresh that it jumped up and tail slapped you in the face? Well, that’s the joke behind the very popular eatery, Slapfish, located in Holly Square. This fast casual gem has gained a great reputation for efficiency, service, flavor combos, and the freshness of their seafood.

SLATE STREET BILLIARDS

$

2003 Southern Blvd., Ste 139 (505) 994-0363, slatestreetbilliards.com Come for the pool, stay for the nachos, and the burgers, and the wings. Rio Rancho’s favorite pool hall also offers has great Happy Hour pricing and plenty of special events.

SLATE STREET CAFÉ

$$

515 Slate Ave. NW, (505) 243-2210 slatestreetcafe.com Slate Street Cafe is a sleek, contemporary eatery that combines big city ambience with inspired, modern cuisine. From the smoked salmon frittata to build-your-own bruschetta to mouthwatering Ahi tuna, their culinary flair will tantalize and delight from breakfast through dinner.

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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 wideeyed 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

$

SOO BAK

$

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.

111 Hermosa Dr. SE (505) 268-0017, soobakfoods.com Serving up a style of food known as “koi fusion”, Soo Bak offers a wide variety of delicious entrees including eight different varieties of kimichi. Try the Soy Crunch Kimichi, which comes with pickled chayote squash, onions, some jalapenos, and fish sauce, apple juice, soy sauce, and vinegar.

SOBREMESA

$$

3421 Coors Blvd. NW (505) 444-5555, sobremesanm.com A plethora of comforting foods can be found on the menu including tacos, fish and chips, and a guest favorite, green chile cheeseburgers. Wash down one of these delicious plates with a signature beer.

SPINN’S BURGER & BEER

$

SQUEEZED JUICE BAR

$

4411 Montaño Rd. NW (505) 899-6180, spinnsrestaurant.com Every burger served at Spinn’s is made with never-frozen, fresh-ground Angus beef. Try the restaurant’s signature Armadillo Burger. Spinn’s fries are cut and fried when you order them.

7900 San Pedro NE, Ste A-12 plus 2 other metro locations (505) 821-1437, squeezedjuicebars.com Incredibly innovative, modern mixed juices, smoothies, and other healthy delights for people on the move and looking for exercise recovery.

Three to five pounds of fruit are squeezed into every drink, and it’s all extract, no fillers, and sure to brighten your day.

STEEL BENDER BREWYARD

$$

8305 2nd St. NW (505) 433-3537, steelbenderbrewyard.com The 275-seat brewery has an industrial vibe with cozy undertones. But the Los Ranchos brewery stands apart from competitors based on its wide selection of house made beers and its gourmet menu.

ST. JAMES TEAROOM

$$$

320 Osuna Road NE, Ste D (505) 242-3752, stjamestearoom.com Albuquerque’s long-standing, go-to teahouse, this enveloping, intricately detailed, and authentically British tearoom provides old-fashioned conversation and honest service.

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BITES 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

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.

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SCARPAS BRICK OVEN PIZZA

$$

THE SHOP BREAKFAST & LUNCH

SEARED

$$

SIAM CAFÉ

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.

SEASONS ROTISSERIE AND GRILL

$$$

SHOGUN JAPANESE RESTAURANT

$$

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.

3310 Central Ave. SE, (505) 265-9166 When your order of sushi comes around the bend on its floating wooden boat, you couldn’t be happier, whether you’ve ordered the “Super Crunch” (shrimp tempura roll), or the “TNT Roll” (fish, zucchini and onion, baked with spicy mayo and smothered on a California roll).

$

2933 Monte Vista Blvd. NE, (505) 433-2795 Breakfast and lunch at The Shop guarantees a plethora of flavors and textures that are tough to find in the Duke City. Combining down-home Southern staples with Mexican and New Mexican traditions, you’re bound to discover a new appreciation for bacon and eggs.

$$

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.

STARR BROS. BREWING

$

STEVE’S ICE CREAM AND JAVA

$

5700 San Antonio Dr. NE, Ste B1 (505) 492-2752, starrbrothersbrewing.com With dishes ranging from American favorites to Southern fare, Starr Bros. Brewing is more than an award-winning brewery. It’s turned heads with Poutine Burqueño, a New Mexican take on the Canadian, greasy-spoon classic. The house burger, with high-quality beef and homemade green chile aioli, is a customer favorite.

323 Romero St. NW # 16, (505) 242-8445 In addition to a dozen ice cream flavors and an array of sherbets, the ‘chill’ side of the menu boasts delightfully smooth malts and fountain drinks. For those looking for a good cup of Joe, Steve’s also delivers–offering a broad selection of coffees and a full set of espressos.

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STICKY RICE

$

7600 Jefferson St. SE, Ste 5, (505) 797-1288 Likely the only authentic Laotian sticky rice to be found anywhere in ABQ, this simple menu offers moist, slow roasted chicken and a few frills at prices you can’t beat with a chopstick. The family meal is a steal.

STORMING CRAB

$$

STRAIGHT UP PIZZA

$$

5001 San Mateo Blvd. NE (505) 407-2032 albuquerque.stormingcrab.us Specializing in large, customizable seafood boils rich in Cajun and Atlantic coast flavor, Storming Crab’s selection of dinner combos are encouraged to build their own. Black and green mussels, shrimp, crawfish, white clams, and crab legs can be ordered by the pound.

2801 Eubank Blvd. NE, Ste G (505) 796-9343, straightuppizza.com Offering New York style pizza with a New Mexican edge, Straight Up Pizza serves the Northeast Heights with specialty pizzas, unique toppings, and a plethora of options for any pizza connoisseur.

STRIPES BISCUITS & BURRITOS

$

8050 Academy Rd. NE plus 4 other metro locations for burritos (505) 835-5214, stripesco.com A place where two American breakfast staples come together. Stripes serves up a variety of delicious breakfast burritos which range from carne adovada or chicharron. If you aren’t in the mood for a burrito, enjoy a hearty plate of homestyle biscuits and sausage.

SUSHI & SAKE

$$

SUSHI KING

$$

SUSHI XUAN

$$

4214 Central Ave. SE (505) 797-8000, abqsushiandsake.com With specialty sushi rolls, select Korean favorites, and a family-friendly atmosphere, Sushi & Sake specializes in Asian food with a Korean flair. Also look for non-sushi options, such as teriyaki chicken.

9421 Coors Blvd. NW, plus 2 other metro locations (505) 890-6200, sushikingnm.com With three locations around Albuquerque, Sushi King proves day-after-day that it is king of the sea, boasting a large variety of specialty sushi rolls, Japanese curry dishes, and monthly menu revisions to keep the options fresh and appealing.

Reservations are recommended.

417 Tramway Blvd NE #3 (505) 200-2477, sushixuannm.com

You’ll find more than tasty sushi here. Diners dig into Chinese, Vietnamese, and Thai dishes, too. Sushi Xuan has multiple shipments of fresh fish during the week, and only uses Japanese Kokoro rice, and organic veggies whenever possible.

SUSHIYA

$$

2906 Juan Tabo Blvd. NE, Ste D (505) 275-4777, nmsushiya.com This family-owned and operated restaurant strives to serve up sushi the way you’d find it on the southern California coast. A clean and comfortable atmosphere pairs well with friendly service and some of the thickest cuts of sashimi in the city.

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.

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BITES TAAJ PALACE

$

TACO SAL

$

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.

TALKING DRUMS

$$

TASTE OF INDIA

$$

1606 Central Ave. SE (505) 792-3221, talkingdrumsabq.com Talking Drums restaurant is serving up some unique African and Caribbean fare inspired by a form of communication expressed through specific drumbeats. Though most of the items are traditional, keep an eye out for some New Mexican fare.

9621 Menaul Blvd. NE, (505) 298-2210 This family-owned and operated restaurant offers tasty, traditional New Mexican (burritos, chile rellenos, enchiladas, tacos, huevos rancheros and more) with its very own chunky salsa, made with real green chile.

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

TAJ MAHAL CUISINE OF INDIA

TEOFILOS

$$

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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144 Main St. NW, Los Lunas (505) 865-5511, teofilos.com The restaurant’s generations-old made-from-scratch recipes will draw you to Los Lunas, along with the warm chips, chile rellenos, crème cake, enchiladas, and more, all handmade from scratch.

THAI BORAN

$$

3236 La Orilla Rd. NW (505) 492-2244, thaiborannm.com Steeped in spicy tradition, Thai Boran has quickly gained traction as one of the top Thai restaurants Albuquerque has to offer. Thai Boran, which means “Old Thai”, features 53 items on its menu, including five soups, six curries, and five unique dishes off the “Chef’s Collection” section.

THAI CUISINE 2

$

THAI KITCHEN

$

4201 Central Ave. NE (505) 232-3200, thaicuisinenm.com thaicuisinenm.com/home2 Housed in perhaps the most curious A-frame along Route 66, this is the second-coming of a muchbeloved Westside Thai staple, and judging by the fandom, it’s simply better. Be wary of the heat in these dishes, and if you’re vegan/vegetarian, be very, very thankful.

10701 Corrales Rd. NW (505) 890-0059, thaikitchenabq.com Art Xaiyasiha is one of two siblings who crafted one of the Duke City’s first great Thai restaurants, Siam Café. Thai Kitchen is his very own venture, featuring his takes on authentic dishes that taste “just like they do back home.”

THAI SPICE

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THAI TIP RESTAURANT

$$

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.

1512 Wyoming Blvd. NE, Ste E, (505) 323-7447 The folks at Thai Tip make grocery store runs three times a day to ensure they have enough fresh ingredients for their delicious rice, Thai-style noodle dishes, stir-fries, and salads.

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THAI VEGAN

$$

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.

TIA BETTY BLUE’S

$

TIA B’S LA WAFFLERIA

$

TIA JUANITA’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.

3710 Campus Blvd. NE (505) 492-2007, lawaffleriaabq.com You’ve never experienced waffles of this magnitude.

A residential home-turned-restaurant, anticipate artisan flare (lavender whipped cream, goat cheese, and caramel apple toppings) and plenty of goods for vegans and celiacs.

Albuquerque International Sunport 2200 Sunport Blvd. SE (505) 842-4280, fresquezcompanies.com Headed on a flight out of ABQ? Stop here for your New Mexican food fix: breakfast burritos, green chile chicken enchiladas, carne adovada.

You can even take your green chile to go with the restaurant’s special “thermal bags” for travel.

TOMASITA’S

$$

TOMATO CAFÉ

$$

TROMBINO’S BISTRO ITALIANO

$$

TSAI’S CHINESE BISTRO

$$

TULLY’S ITALIAN DELI

$$

4949 Pan American Fwy. NE (505) 344-1204, tomasitas.com Serving family recipes and making traditional dishes with local ingredients, Tomasita’s has been one of the state’s most popular local spots since Georgia Maryol opened it in Santa Fe in 1974.

7900 San Pedro Dr. NE (505) 821-9300, tomatocafe.com A buffet-style, all-you-can-eat, sit-down restaurant where you create the menu: thin-crust pizzas, pastas, meatballs, steamed broccoli, and Italian green beans cooked over an open flame are just some of the treats.

5415 Academy Rd. NE (505) 821-5974, bistroitaliano.com The former Trattoria Trombino cooks up Italiano autentico, with huge dishes of pasta with homemade sauces, grilled meats and fish, and veal marsala. The cool atmosphere lends relaxation, turning any meal into a vacation. Reservations are recommended.

2325 San Pedro Dr. NE, Ste 1E (505) 508-2925, tsaischinese.com Tsai’s offerings range wide across the traditional (diners especially recommend favorites like the Shrimp Kung Pao or Orange Beef) but those looking for something new to try should make for the Chef’s Specials.

1425 San Mateo Blvd. NE (505) 255-5370, tullysdeli.com This Italian deli serves two dozen subs for dine-in or pick-up lunch. A fully stocked market features Italian pantry goods from pasta to olive oil. Don’t forget a box of pastries, cookies, biscotti, cake, or a famous cannoli on your way out.

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BITES TURTLE MOUNTAIN BREWING COMPANY

$$

905 36th Pl. SE, Rio Rancho plus 1 other metro location (505) 994-9497, turtlemountainbrewing.com turtlemountainbrewing.com Known for its handcrafted ales and lagers, which are brewed on the premises, this is more than just a place to enjoy a few drinks. It’s also a great place to enjoy wood-fired pizzas and calzones in a relaxed, laid-back atmosphere.

TWO BOYS DONUTS

$

plus 4 other metro locations 6400 Holly Ave. NE, Ste H (505) 302-0102, twoboysdonuts.com Regularly stocking more than 30 flavors of donut, Two Boys has particular favorites—like their blueberry cake donut with maple icing and cinnamon sugar—and also brews up Villa Myriam coffee, giving you everything you need for a full-course wake-up.

TWO FOOLS TAVERN

$$

3211 Central Ave. NE (505) 265-7447, 2foolstavern.com A taste of the Emerald Isle: fish and chips, bangers and mash, bread pudding, Guinness on tap, and live Celtic music on Sunday afternoons.

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.

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URBAN HOTDOG COMPANY

$

VIC’S DAILY CAFÉ

$

10250 Cottonwood Park NW, Ste. 440 (505) 898-5671, urbanhotdogcompany.com With about 20 choices—and even a vegetarian option—this restaurant has become a dog-lover’s go-to. Look for Chicago and NYC classics, plus adventurous temptations like the Crafty Dog (topped with mac ‘n’ cheese and bacon).

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.

VICK’S VITTLES COUNTRY KITCHEN

$

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.

VIET TASTE

$

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.

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.

VINAIGRETTE

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.

WECK’S

$$

WESTERN VIEW

$$

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.

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.

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WHICH WICH

$

WHOLE HOG CAFÉ

$

8110 Louisiana Blvd. NE plus 2 other metro locations (505) 856-1617, whichwich.com A national brand with local twists, list your favorites on the bag and await a sammie that edges the competition. The UNM location is a student mainstay.

9880 Montgomery Blvd. plus 1 other metro location (505) 323-1688, wholehogcafenm.com Get award-winning Memphis-style barbecue in a family-friendly atmosphere. Can’t-miss items include the pulled pork, potato salad, and the homemade banana pudding.

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

$

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.

ZINC WINE BAR AND BISTRO

$$$

3009 Central Ave. NE (505) 254-9462, zincabq.com Imaginative, gourmet cuisine (think: duck confit eggrolls, chicken skewer salad, and pine nut spanakopita) and an out-of-this-world wine list meets a friendly, laid-back atmosphere at this Nob Hill favorite. Reservations are recommended.

ZORBA’S FINE GREEK CUISINE

$

ZENDO COFFEE

$

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.

413 2nd St. SW (505) 926 -1636, zendocoffee.com With an ever changing menu, Zendo Coffee has something for everyone. Featuring an assortment of options from classic coffee drinks to fun, seasonal flavors. Stop in to try a Turkish Latte, one of the staples at Zendo, or mix it up with a seasonal favorite like the Rose Cardamom Latte.

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‘TIL YOU DROP

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‘TIL YOU DROP P. 178 | THE PAWS BUTTON P. 182 | PASSENGER WINDOW P. 188 | PHOTO CONTEST P. 191 | A FEW THINGS P. 192

ENERGY AND EARTH Suspense by artist Michael Metcalf features a suspended boulder obtained from the Gila National Forest in Silver City. (p. 188)

MAY 2022 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

PHOTO BY DON JAMES/ATM

OUT AND ABOUT: A LOOK AT THE POSITIVE

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‘TIL YOU DROP

We Find It FOR YOU QUESTION

ANSWER

I’m looking to get outdoors more this summer. I am in moderate shape and want to do activities that are not strenuous but can help me get in better shape. What gear do you suggest I invest in to get started?

We think an electric bike and a pair of comfortable running/walking shoes are key in helping you be more active outdoors. An electric bike helps keep you in shape while taking the stress off your joints with its pedal assistance. A pair of comfortable running shoes will help prevent injury and cushion each step for a leisurely walk or a jog.

CYCLING WITHOUT LIMITATIONS Sport Systems owner, Duane Kinsley, has seen an uptick in sales of electric bikes. Customers have cited several reasons for purchasing an electric bike including rising gas prices and its approachability for all levels of bike riders. “When people try them, they like them,” Kinsley says. “And it's really for riders all throughout the entire spectrum.” Electric bikes are the answer for people who do not ride bikes or have not considered it because they are not in good shape. “So those riders get on an electric bike and they just go ‘Wow, this is so much fun. I can ride up these hills, I can go ride somewhere,’” Kinsley explains. Electric bikes start at about $1,200. One of Sport Systems top of the line e-bikes is the Specialized Turbo Vado 3.0 step-through Class 3 e-bike. The bike has a max speed of 28 mph assisted. It has a mission control application that will disable the motor when parked. It is also equipped with fenders and a rear rack with integrated lights at the front and rear. —RM Specialized Turbo Vado 3.0 step-through Class 3 e-bike, $3,250 (Other e-bikes starting at $1,199)

COURTESY IMAGE

Sport Systems 6915 Montgomery Blvd. NE (505) 837-9400, nmsportsystems.com

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‘TIL YOU DROP Heart & Sole Sports takes footwear very seriously. They help its customers find the right fit for their active needs. One of its most popular shoes provide plenty of cushion for active lifestyles. They are great for a stroll around the neighborhood or a run in the foothills. The Hoka BONDI 7 offers great impact protection. The shoe is not only popular with runners and walkers but also people whose professions entail being on your feet for long amounts of time. Heart & Sole staffer, Jon Hockerson, says he sees many Fed Ex and UPS drivers, nurses and others from the medical field, and people who work in the restaurant industry request the shoe.

A leather nonslip version is also available. Hockerson says he also has customers who are recovering from surgery or other injuries request the shoe because of its plush, all-day cushioning. Heart & Sole has been in operation for 22 years. Most of its referrals are word of mouth from satisfied repeat customers. So it is no surprise that Heart & Sole has been named one of the 50 best running stores in America. —RM HOKA Bondi 7, $160 Heart & Sole Sports 2817 San Mateo Blvd. NE (Plus 1 other location) (505) 884-5300, heartandsolesports.net

MAY 2022 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

PHOTO BY DON JAMES/ATM

WALKING ON AIR

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The Grey Heron 9132 Montgomery NE (505) 377-5678 thegreyheronabq.com

K

ayla Miller was never one for a runof-the-mill shopping experience.

“I wasn’t raised going to the mall. My mother took me into all the small shops,” she says. “That’s how I was raised. Even as a teenager I wasn’t a big person to go to the malls. I always wanted to own (a shop of my own).”

Miller didn’t give up on that dream, even while working as a government contractor and moving constantly as the wife of an Air Force colonel. When she was finally able to plant some roots in the Land of Enchantment in retirement some six years ago, the opportunity was right to capitalize on that dream.

The Grey Heron got its name from Miller’s granddaughter, who chose the bird as the subject for a school project

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Shop Talk

One of a kind finds for every style as well as instructive classes on furniture painting processes make The Grey Heron a unique boutique. and learned that in some cultures the animals were considered royalty. Somehow the name stuck when Miller opened her business in September 2018.

“She goes, ‘And you’re a royal bird, Grandma.’ That was it from the mouth of babes,” Miller says. “Now she’s 13 and she lives in Colorado. She tells everybody all the time that she has her own store.”

Miller immediately set about creating a memorable environment at her store, which on its website describes itself as “boutique styling” offering everything from “Farmhouse Glam to French Country to Boho Chic to Modern.” In other words, you’re not going to find your typical product line at The Grey Heron.

“I think the biggest thing was going back to that, visiting a small shop, having

that ambiance,” Miller says. “So one of the biggest things that we hear out of our customers, they come in and it’s a deep sigh.

It smells good. It looks good. It’s an ambiance thing. They come in, they say, ‘This feels like home. It’s my quiet place. It’s my resting place. The store caters to me.’

“We try very hard not to have anything that any other shop has.”

Clothing, furniture and Annie Sloan Chalk Paint are the top sellers, but shoppers can also find gourmet food, furniture, home decor, jewelry and baby items at the store. The Annie Sloan line is a particular source of pride, as according to Miller, she is one of two retailers in the state to carry the paint. For the uninitiated, Annie Sloan is a renowned line of furniture paint founded in 1990 by its namesake, who has WWW.ABQTHEMAG.COM | MAY 2022

PHOTOS BY DON JAMES/ATM

‘TIL YOU DROP

published some 26 books on paint effects, color and interior design. The paint is known for its ability to achieve a variety of decorative effects when applied to wood, glass, brick and laminate.

Another aspect that makes The Grey Heron stand out is that it will help guide customers through the painting process with instructive classes. It’s just one of several crafty-type courses offered at the store.

“We have a classroom in the back,” Miller says. “...I think we had our first class a month after we opened the store. Annie Sloan has a paint process along with her paint line, so we teach the basics. The 101 class is what we call it. That is the basics of how to use the paint, how do you get different effects with it. There is also a 201, 301 and a 401 class.

“We have a bring your own furniture paint class. That one we only offer about four times a year, because obviously they’re having to bring their own piece of furniture. It’s a five-hour class. We also do craft type classes.”

Class times range from two hours to more than five, while prices can be anywhere from $35 to $275 per session.

Miller will also open the classroom by request, renting out the space to groups from workplaces, churches and more. The audience for this type of offering is predominantly female.

“A lot of it for the ladies is just having the chance to come in and see other people and have a great time,” Miller says.

Since its opening, the Grey Heron family tree has grown more branches throughout the city. A couple former employees have started their own stores, while another who took the paint course also opened her own shop. Still there are more students who began painting their own furniture and selling it through sites such as Facebook or Craigslist.

“We seem to have stuck some roots and let them go,” Miller says.

Despite all the success, Miller prefers to maintain a low profile while running her business. It’s not about her, it’s about the store and the atmosphere it provides.

“I’m actually an introvert by nature. I am on when I have to be,” she says. “So when I come in, I’m all about the behindthe-scenes type of stuff. For me, I like to come in and I just as soon nobody knew I was the owner.” —TRISTEN CRITCHFIELD

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THE

KEEPING TABS ON ABQ’S FURRY FRIENDS

COURTESY IMAGE

PAWS BUTTON

LENDING A HAND TO HOWLERS Wild Spirit Wolf Sanctuary continues its mission to rescue and protect coyotes, New Guinea singing dogs, red foxes, Australian dingoes, wolves and wolfdogs.

It all began in 1991, when the sanctuary was founded at The Candy Kitchen Wolf and Wolfdog Rescue Ranch by the late Jacque Evans who was a local artist.

She used profits from her painting sales to support rescued wolves and wolfdogs.

With the help of co-founder Barbara Berge, the sanctuary transformed into a nonprofit organization regulated by the USDA, according to the nonprofit’s website.

The sanctuary, located in Ramah, New Mexico, operates with an “Animals Come First” attitude. Its mission is to rescue non-releasable, captive bred, displaced, and unwanted wild canids, particularly those that are a direct result of the exotic pet trade from all over the United States.

Rescued animals receive a permanent and safe sanctuary that addresses their physical, mental and emotional health as well as their wellness through tailored nutrition, medical care, enrichment and animal companionship.

Another component of Wild Spirit is

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education. The organization helps spread the word on the plight its recues face and provides information that focuses on wolfdogs and how to tell the difference between a wolf, a wolfdog, and a domestic dog. Education also addresses the ethical care of domestic and wild animals, relationships between people and wildlife, compassionate co-existence, and humanity’s role in being part of the change that helps ecosystems heal and thrive, according to the website.

The sanctuary is open to visitors. People who cannot stop by the sanctuary can keep up with the rescues on Wild Spirit’s website, wildspiritwolfsanctuary. org. The sanctuary hosts various events throughout the year, including quarterly enrichment, Howl-O-Ween, a Howling Poetry Contest, and Art Pack April where the public is encouraged to create unique artwork.

Wild Spirit relies on donations and support from individuals, businesses and organizations to provide for its rescues, support its volunteers and staff as well as assist with infrastructure.

Direct donations can be made through its website. People can also sponsor a rescue, become a sanctuary member, and sponsor engaging enrichment to rescues.

Wild Spirit is also constantly look-

ing for volunteers who can donate their time. Volunteers can donate a few hours, a weekend or longer to help with specific projects. Past projects have included landscaping, campground cleanup and maintenance projects.

PET PLAYTIME Who knew many recyclables make the perfect toy for pets up for adoption at Albuquerque Animal Welfare Department facilities. The department runs the Eastside Animal Shelter and the Westside Animal Shelter. It also works with Lucky Paws, Mobile Lucky Paws, PetSmart Charities Everyday Adoption Center, and Catopia Cat Café.

Many items can be repurposed to provide enrichment for shelter animals.

Wanted items include empty plastic water bottles, egg cartons, toilet paper rolls, paper towel rolls, wine corks, small food boxes such as pasta boxes, oatmeal boxes, frozen food boxes, small cookie boxes, and unwanted socks.

For people who do not have these items, they can check out the Amazon list for Kongs and soft treats. More information and Albuquerque Animal Welfare updates can be found at facebook.com/ AlbuquerqueAnimalWelfare.—RM WWW.ABQTHEMAG.COM | MAY 2022

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T H E MONTH ABQ’s PET OFAMAZING PETS

By Dakota-Lynn McCaffrey

Clio

Penny

Clio, the teacup Yorkshire Terrier, is just over four pounds and is somehow the best guard dog. “She’s very vocal,” explains Alyssa McKinney, her owner. Clio is four years old and McKinney and her husband Jerry brought Clio home from a breeder not long after their engagement.

“When choosing her name, we knew we wanted something unique.

We're both kind of history nerds and decided to name her Clio after the Greek goddess and celebrator of history,” says McKinney.

When Clio isn’t cuddling on the couch and taking naps, she’s running around with the family cat, Zia. She doesn't care for walks and if she does go on a walk, she must be carried home because of how tired she gets. Any time she goes for a car ride, Clio has to be looking out the window. “We absolutely adore her and our little family wouldn't be complete without her,” exclaimed McKinney.

Penny Lane might just be the sweetest “giant” there is. She is a full bred Great Dane and is named after The Beatles song, Penny Lane. Although Penny is large, she is a big baby and would rather be a lap dog. “She is always curling up on the couch or on a chair outside, even though they are too small for her,” says Mariah Madrid. Penny is so spoiled that when she would go for car rides in Madrid’s boyfriend’s old vehicle, Penny got to sit in the front seat. She isn’t much of a barker and loves to cuddle with other dogs as well as her owners. For a while, Penny would always chew up just about any toy she got, until one day, she received a stuffed eggplant and treated it like a blanky. She would always take it to bed with her and cuddle with it. So, just because Great Danes are large, it doesn’t mean that they can’t be babies.

Loki

Tsuki Claudio

“Loki is mischievous, hyper, and all around a troublemaker,” says Chris Peralta, the owner of Loki, the cat. He is basically the cat version of Loki from the Marvel Cinematic Universe, which is why the name is so fitting for him. This guy likes to climb up curtains, tackle his older cat sister, and is always looking for anything to hunt. For just being 10 months old, he is already so smart. In fact, Peralta and his fiancée are always having to hide treats from him, however, that doesn't do much because Loki can find them and knows how to open the container. Despite his troublemaking, he is still the sweetest, cuddliest boy who will nap for hours on anyone's lap who will let him.

Tsuki (pronounced Sookie) Claudio, the three and a half year old Samoyed is described as sassy, stubborn, and independent, but very sweet.

Dina Morales got Tsuki when she was just eight weeks old from Michigan. Because Tsuki is perfectly white, Morales thought the name would be perfect because it means “moon” in Japanese.

“Also, Sookie is a character from the TV show Gilmore Girls, which was a show my sister Daniela and I would watch all the time together, and we bonded over it,” says Morales. Every month Tsuki gets professionally groomed to stay the perfect fluff ball that she is. This sweet girl loves to eat peanut butter and cause mischief with her dog brother, Skye. She is the type of dog that loves to lounge around but will always be ready for a walk.

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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KubotaUSA.com © Kubota Tractor Corporation, 2020. This material is for descriptive purposes only. Kubota disclaims all representations and warranties, express or implied, or any liability from the use of this material. For complete warranty, safety and product information, consult your local Kubota dealer. For the complete disclaimer, go to KubotaUSA.com/disclaimers and see the posted disclaimer.

KubotaUSA.com © Kubota Tractor Corporation, 2020. This material is for descriptive purposes only. Kubota disclaims all representations and warranties, express or implied, or any liability from the use of this material. For complete warranty, safety and product information, consult your local Kubota dealer. For the complete disclaimer, go to KubotaUSA.com/disclaimers and see the posted disclaimer.

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PIECE OF T H E PAST

A PLACE ONCE CALLED HOME

A

nson Flats was the oldest remaining apartment building in Albuquerque.

Built in 1910, Anson Flats was originally owned by general contractor and cement supplier, Anders W. Anson. He constructed several other Albuquerque buildings of note, including the Alvarado Hotel, Santa Fe Railroad Depot, Rosenwald Building and the old Post Office at 4th and Gold, according to the city's historic landmarks website.

At the time of Anson Flats' construction, Albuquerque was undergoing a growth spurt due to the impact of the railroad. At the time, New Mexico was nearing statehood and new building materials and styles were being imported from the East. Anson's designs reflected the architecture of row houses in eastern cities such as New York and Baltimore.

Each of the spaces featured a living area, kitchen and bath.

Anson Flats' exterior was highlighted by rough-textured concrete walls

PHOTO BY DON JAMES/ATM

The Anson Flats served as a housing complex during Albuquerque's population booms a century ago. Despite several bouts of fire damage, the structure lives on.

and columns with a repeating pattern of porches. Although many houses that were being built during that time spurred interest, Anson was the sole example of the eastern part of the country's influence on multi-family structure design.

Disaster struck Anson Flats on several occasions. The property was severely damaged by fires in 1989, 1992, 1993, and 1995. The building was undergoing renovations when the final fire damaged Anson Flats beyond repair.

It received its landmark designation in response to a threat of it being demolished. The Anson Flats group hired Garret Smith Ltd. to reconstruct the structure and restore it to its original design. Residential units, including two townhomes, were built. The townhomes featured modern amenities. Each had an enclosed porch and balcony overlook with a private deck. Each of the units also have a full basement for utilities or to be used as a work or play space, according to Suina Design Architecture.

MAY 2022 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

The exterior of the current structure has an air of the original design. However, the interior was updated to meet newer market demands.

"The project demonstrates our office’s commitment to affordable infill housing in the downtown core of Albuquerque, with the goals of providing new housing, higher density, affordability, and pedestrian orientation within a growing urban center," according to Suina Design Architecture. "Offering contemporary opportunities while recreating one of the city’s landmark buildings has been achieved with the Anson Townhomes."

The units located along the 800 block of 5th St. NW, now house several attorney offices and a drug court location. The string of units is conveniently located near the Bernalillo County Metropolitan Courthouse, the Second Judicial District Court, and the federal courthouse. —RM

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THE

PASSENGER WINDOW

A REPRESENTATION OF SOCIETY AND NATURE

Suspense features granite and steel to create an illusion of potential energy.

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PHOTO BY DON JAMES/ATM

N

othing interrupts a leisurely drive quite like seeing a granite boulder suspended in mid-air. Residents in the area near Jeanne Bellamah Community Center in the Northeast Heights know the feeling. Suspense, a striking work

by Silver City artist Michael Metcalf, was commissioned by the city in 2013. The sculpture features rods of stainless steel supporting a half-ton-plus boulder in the center.

The large granite boulder was sourced from the Gila National Forest by Metcalf, who obtained permits to remove remove and transport the stone. The raw material, he says, plays an important role in the story that the piece is intended to tell.

The 1,260-pound boulder is suspended above the ground between the steel bases with the support of 10 steel arms. Metcalf named the sculpture Suspense because he wanted the message of the piece to represent the relationship between society and nature. He also aimed to encapsulate the illusion of potential energy with the suspended boulder, Metcalf said during his dedication speech.

The materials used in the sculpture are assumed to remain intact far longer than the society in which they currently stand.

When Metcalf spoke about the sculpture in 2014 at Jeanne Bellamah Community Center, he exclaimed that the different materials are meant to represent several parts of our environment. Representing energy with the steel tubes, Earth is represented by the stone, and bronze spires represents the oldest material used by man.

Metcalf submitted his proposal for the sculpture when the City of Albuquerque’s Public Art Program reached out to the community. The Jeanne Bellamah Community Center and park location had been narrowed down to Metcalf and one other finalist. Ultimately, his Suspense proposal was chosen out of 99 other submissions.

He visited the site when expansions were happening at the community center. While visiting, Metcalf spoke with

the architect and looked over the original design for the building to aid in his process with creating the Suspense concept.

The sculpture was built right where the original basketball hoop had been placed at the community center. Metcalf shared that Suspense was not pre-built from a past concept, but rather was designed to fit that specific environment. Once the design was completed, the sculpture was built in Metcalf ’s home studio where some of his family members and students from Western New Mexico University pitched in to support with the fabrication of the sculpture. An engineer ensured the sculpture was built correctly and would remain standing once placed on site.

Metcalf has two other sculptures around the state, one of which is also located in Albuquerque. The well-known spiral sculptures that can be seen while exiting the Uptown area are Metcalf ’s work.

Located at the on-ramp to Interstate 40 from Louisiana, Positive Energy of New Mexico and Positive Energy of New Mexico (#2) feature similar components and share a similar message to Suspense.

Metcalf has been teaching sculpting at Western New Mexico University for more than 25 years, and has been instrumental in starting the Made In Silver City art gallery at the Murray Hotel. —ASHLEE OLSEN

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ADVERTISING REGISTRY 3 Advertising.......................................................................................................40 About Seniors Complete Moving Services.......................................................149 Academy Dental Care........................................................................................2, 3 Albuquerque Acupuncture & Integrative Medicine.......................................... 56 Albuquerque Blues & Brews Festival..................................................................32 Albuquerque Florist........................................................................................... 67 Albuquerque Isotopes Baseball........................................................................6, 7 Albuquerque Public Schools...............................................................................74 All World Travel...................................................................................................43 AlluraDerm Med Spa........................................................................................105 Animal Humane New Mexico............................................................................63 Annapurna's World Vegetarian Cafe..................................................................151 Assistance League...............................................................................................60 Bear Canyon Oral and Facial Surgery................................................................ 72 Bien Sure Restaurant..........................................................................................62 Bosque Aesthetics..........................................................................................14, 15 Brew Lab 101......................................................................................................174 Bubba's 33............................................................................................................ 65 California Closets...............................................................................................49 Central Grill and Coffee House........................................................................139 CNM....................................................................................................................55 Coyote 102.5........................................................................................................73 Crystal Springs................................................................................................... 76 Dave’s Los Ranchos Lounge..............................................................................147 Dermatology & Skin Cancer Center of New Mexico........................................50 Downs Racetrack & Casino..............................................................................163 Duke City Software...........................................................................................152 Elite MD..............................................................................................................53 Erin Trujeque Memorial Golf Tournament........................................................75 Ethan Allen Furniture.........................................................................................21 Exhibit Solutions of New Mexico...................................................................... 31 Facility Pump Repair..........................................................................................113 Fairwinds Rio Rancho......................................................................................106

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Floorscapes........................................................................................................155 Flora Mexican Inspired Cuisine........................................................................175 Frontier Restaurant...........................................................................................170 Frost Gelato........................................................................................................151 Fuego 102.9........................................................................................................ 72 Glam Nail Bar & Spa.......................................................................................... 44 Golden Pride BBQ Chicken & Ribs..................................................................170 Greystar Overture...............................................................................................68 Heineken............................................................................................................128 Houston Wholesale Cars..................................................................................4, 5 Hummingbird Music Camp.............................................................................154 Inn of the Mountain Gods..................................................................................61 Inspire Salon..................................................................................................... 181 Jack Daniel’s. ......................................................................................................133 Jungle Jam...........................................................................................................26 KISS 97.3.............................................................................................................117 Kubota Tractor Inc............................................................................................186 Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry....................................................................Back Cover Look Rejuvenated Medical Spa...........................................................................54 Los Poblanos Inn Farm Shop.............................................................................47 Mark Pardo Salon & Spa.....................................................................................41 Mas Tapas Y Vino................................................................................................37 Menaul School..................................................................................................157 Merry Maids..................................................................................................... 8, 9 Mesa Tractor........................................................................................................23 National Museum of Nuclear Science and History.........................................110 New Mexico Orthopaedic Surgery Center........................................................ 25 New Mexico Sports & Wellness ......................................................................167 New Mexico United.................................................................................... 29, 183 Olo Dessert Studio...........................................................................................162 Optimum.................................................................................................. 10, 11, 36 Osuna Nursery..................................................................................................176 Passion’s Story Inc..............................................................................................66

Power Ford................................................................................Inside Front Cover QC Kinetix.....................................................................................................12, 13 Questa...............................................................................................................146 Radiology Associates of Albuquerque................................................................45 Rio Bravo Brewing Company............................................................................ 173 Rio Grande Credit Union........................................17, 19, 190, Inside Back Cover Route 66 Cleaners.............................................................................................139 Rudy's Country Store & BBQ...........................................................................147 Sandia Sports Bar...............................................................................................70 Santa Rosa.......................................................................................................... 30 Satellite Coffee.....................................................................................................37 Savoy/Seasons.................................................................................................. 166 Skrewball Peanut Butter Whiskey....................................................................168 Sensame.............................................................................................................. 52 Slate Street Billiards..........................................................................................150 Smiles by Design...........................................................................................77, 79 Southern Glazer Wine & Spirits........................................................................141 Southwestern HR Consulting.......................................................................... 153 SunCare Spray Tan & Skin Care Salon..............................................................111 Thai Spice............................................................................................................34 The County Line Bar-B-Q................................................................................. 161 The Education Fund.......................................................................................... 112 The Grove Cafe & Market..................................................................................69 Truth or Consequences.....................................................................................164 Two Fools Tavern...............................................................................................172 University of New Mexico Athletics - Lobo Football.......................................185 Villa De Saratori's............................................................................................. 169 Wealth Management Group...............................................................................39 West Cocktail & Wine Bar.................................................................................64 Whiptail..............................................................................................................171 WisePies............................................................................................................189

WWW.ABQTHEMAG.COM | MAY 2022

PHOTO CONTEST

BACKYARD BUCKEROO

By Angela Chavez Adkins

B

eing born and raised in New Mexico, Angela Chavez Adkins knows just how special green chile is to all of us. “Backyard Buckeroo is a perfect representation of the next generation and combines New Mexican tradition into the photo,” she says.

Chavez Adkins has been behind a camera since college. She was introduced to broadcasting while attending the University of New Mexico as a journalism major. From there she had the opportunity to work alongside a camera crew. She decided to purchase a Nikon D3300 camera after her daughter was born so that she would be able to capture pictures of her kids to share with distant family.

Chavez Adkins is now a mother of three and uses photography as a creative outlet. She previously practiced law, but made the decision to step away when her oldest son was diagnosed

with autism. She is now a stay-at-home parent to aid in her son's therapy and care for her other two children. Amid the height of COVID, she was supporting her family with virtual learning and virtual therapy. She decided to take an online photography class to expand her knowledge since taking photos was something she had come to love. After noticing that her eldest son was the most relaxed during his therapy sessions, she was able to capture many joyful pictures.

Aside from photos of her sweet little ones, Chavez Adkins loves to capture the scenery of New Mexico and surrounding areas. “We visit Durango quite often, and I get as many pictures as I can while we are out there,” she says. —ASHLEE OLSEN

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

MAY 2022 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

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About

Cinco de Mayo Cinco de Mayo (Spanish for May 5) is typically marked each year with fiestas fueled by tequila, guacamole, and mariachis. It's an Americanized celebration of Mexico's defeat of the French army at the Battle of Puebla. It's a bit of a David vs. Goliath story, as the Mexicans were outnumbered, and the invaders sent by Napoleon were well-armed.

The victory is commemorated modestly in Mexico, mostly in the state of Puebla. But interestingly, here in the U.S., it's one of our biggest party days (it's widely believed that beer companies amped up the holiday for marketing purposes). And while most revelers may not know the war history, they're more than happy to participate in the annual celebration, which goes a long way to appreciating and learning about our neighbors to the south. Viva Mexico!

1. In the United States, we eat

nearly 80 million pounds of avocados on Cinco de Mayo. And most of those avocados are imported from Mexico.

2. Some people wrongly be-

lieve Cinco de Mayo celebrates Mexico's independence; it commemorates Mexico’s victory over the French on May 5, 1862 at the Battle of Puebla during the Franco-Mexican War.

3.

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2,000 Mexican soldiers defeated 6,000 French soldiers at the Battle of Puebla.

4. Latinos in California got

news of the victory and held some of the first Cinco de Mayo fiestas.

5. The battle occurred in the east-central Mexican town Puebla de Los Angeles, which is now named Puebla de Zaragoza to honor General Ignacio Zaragoza who led the army to victory.

6. Annually on May 5, the

battle is reenacted on the original site in Puebla de Zaragoza; accompanied by celebratory floats and fiestas.

7.

Some of the largest celebrations are held in Chicago, Los Angeles, and San Antonio, Texas.

8. The National Hispanic

Cultural Center will host Una Celebración de Mexico on May 6, 2022, where musicians and performers will pay tribute to Mexico.

9.

The South Broadway Cultural Center is hosting a Cinco de Mayo celebration on May 5, 2022 with a screening of the movie, Selena, ballet folklórico performances, arts and crafts.

11. The International Mole Festival is hosted on Cinco de Mayo in Puebla.

12. Mole poblano is one of Cinco de Mayo’s most loved dishes.

13. During the Battle of Puebla, the Mexican Army were the underdogs and referred to as the Ragtag Army. They only had outdated guns to use and hid behind cactus plants.

14. The colors most

commonly associated with Cinco de Mayo celebrations are red, white, and green, symbolizing Mexico’s flag.

10. It is not considered a federal holiday in Mexico, but some schools are closed and kids get to stay home to celebrate.

WWW.ABQTHEMAG.COM | MAY 2022