AUGUST 2025, ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

Page

Lifelong

EDUCAT 0 RS OF

ALBUQUERQUE

No offense to students everywhere, but it’s safe to say any teacher who has spent two, three or four decades in the classroom must love their job. Because, yes, it’s a tough gig. So that makes it a joy for us to celebrate those ABQ educators (teachers, coaches, administrators, etc.) who have dedicated the better part of their careers and lives imparting knowledge and wisdom to our future generations.

BY AUSTIN SEIDEL, TRISTEN CRITCHFIELD & ADDIE SIEMBIEDA

PHOTOS BY DON

JAMES

Late UNM professor honored on Mars; the unique things you can check out— for free!—at the library; a mental health hotline geared towards veterans; plus, a free, city-wide program for young artists, writers, and storytellers.

People

Albuquerque the Interview

As the National Hispanic Cultural Center celebrates 25 years, the center welcomes Zack Quintero as the new NHCC director.

128 Behind the Scenes

As one of two co-op distribution centers in the country (yes, you read that correctly), La Montañita Co-Op’s Albuquerque Distribution Center makes sure fresh and organically-grown products make it onto shelves.

DEPARTMENTS

“STRAWBERRY ICE CREAM” BY LISE WATKINS

Jesse Littlebird hails from a family of artists, but he’s forging his own path as a creative through painting—and through opening a collaborative gallery space all his own.

134 Storytellers

A Q&A on ‘High Desert Blood’ by Andrew Brininstool; Leaders of Enchantment podcast with Doug Campbell, start-up guru; and Gary’s Art Link Letter.

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.

DEPARTMENTS

140 Eats Review

Café Lush is a neighborhood joint that provides fresh, tasty, and eclectic brunch items in laid-back digs.

144 Eats, Etc.

A local hot chicken company— brought to you by the same folks from Tikka Spice—is taking over ABQ. Plus, Miches in the South Valley serves up delectable ceviche nachos.

146 Spirit Spotlight

O’Niell’s Pub keeps it classy with their authentic Irish Coffee.

148 A Recipe for Success

Seema LaGree, the Executive Director of the Presbyterian Ear Institute, shares a cookie recipe from her parents’ hometown in India.

150 Bites

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

AUGUST 2025

Volume 22 Number 4

PUBLISHING DIRECTOR

Lise Watkins lise@abqthemag.com

PHOTO DIRECTOR

Don James don@abqthemag.com

GRAPHIC DESIGNERS

Emily Klumpenhower emily@abqthemag.com

Kristy Johnson kristy@abqthemag.com

STAFF WRITER

Austin Seidel austin@abqthemag.com

EDITORIAL INTERN

Addie Siembieda addie@abqthemag.com

DATEBOOK EDITOR

Lori Wilding datebook@abqthemag.com

CONTRIBUTORS

Tristen Critchfield

Mel Minter

Peter St. Cyr

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.

193 Fun

194 Look Good, Feel Good

Get pickleball-ready, thanks to these tips from physical training experts.

196 Local Stuff We Love

Some fun (and prideful) ways to keep cool during the scorching ABQ days of summer, plus a spice blend that invokes a flavor profile beloved by our entire state.

198 Shop Talk

Tired of being online and in front of a screen? Puzzled, a shop in Old Town, has some fabulous options for fun and games—no Wi-Fi required.

200 Paws Button

A one-woman, mobile vet rehab clinic offers an unlikely service to pets dealing with long-term pain management.

202 Amazing Pets

This month’s winners: Trixie the Cat, Luna the Dog, and Sheldon the Tortoise.

204 Passenger Window

A glorious depiction of the morning, as seen on the Piedra Lisa Dam.

207 Photo Contest

This month’s winner: ‘Even Now, I Bloom’ by Mark Orgeron.

208 A Few Things

Don Schrader has been an ubiquitous presence in ABQ for decades—but how well do you know this local legend?

81 Cannabis

ABQ’s leading cannabis professionals are here to help local connoisseurs procure the best products—with the best possible service.

111 Local Love Business Spotlight

There’s no harm in ditching the out-of-state chains and showing some love to these local and beloved businesses.

187 A Better You

A new-and-improved you is just around the corner, thanks to these specialists who are passionate about helping clients get fit and physically aligned.

AUGUST 2025

Volume 22 Number 4

PUBLISHER

Larryl Lynch larryl@abqthemag.com

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER

Gena Goodson gena@abqthemag.com

ADVERTISING MANAGER

Philip Kjelland philip@abqthemag.com

SENIOR ADVERTISING EXECUTIVE

Megan Life megan@abqthemag.com

PARTNERSHIP DEVELOPMENT

Bill Stanage bill@abqthemag.com

ADVERTISING EXECUTIVE

Jake Handler jake@abqthemag.com

PUBLISHING ASSISTANT

Ariana Lopez ariana@abqthemag.com

BUSINESS OFFICE business@abqthemag.com

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER EMERITUS

Scott Davis (1966–2004)

Question: what kind of student were you in school as a youngster? I’d say if we’re being honest, we’d probably admit that we all at times might’ve caused agita to our teachers, am I right? And we probably all had some level of resistance to the whole ‘school is for learning’ thing, being kids and all.

But as the years roll on, it’s rather heart-warming to know that each of us grew better in some small (maybe big) ways because of the steadfast effort of our teachers. And surely we all now understand what dedication it took for educators to stand in front of us everyday to pass along wisdom and knowledge, possibly while some of us slept or ignored their lessons. We decided to give a little love to a few local teachers who have spent decades raising the insight and awareness of generation after generation of ABQ students.

That group includes teachers like Cheryl Russey, who has taught about 1,000 students during her 47 years at several ABQ elementary schools; and Coach Pete Pino, who’s been mapping game strategy from the sidelines of ABQ high school basketball courts for so long that he (jokingly) says he can’t remember if he started in 1970 or 1971 (it was 1971). In all, we feature 20 educators worthy of a ton of praise—and a little of your attention (which is easier to give now than it probably was in our school days). The fun lesson begins on page 92.

The other must-read this issue is from our cover, a piece on longtime Albuquerque activist Don Schrader. Surely you know at least a little about Don: over the years he’s become a staple on sidewalks from Old Town to Nob Hill, often at public street events, usually with a big smile and straw hat, and always in the bare minimum of clothing. As he approaches his 80th birthday this November, Schrader has admittedly slowed down—but only by a bit. Staff Writer Austin Seidel

jumped through a few hoops to track him down (via his land phone line, since he owns neither a cell phone nor a computer) for some insight into the man who is arguably our city’s most recognizable figure. For more fun facts—and a few hardline opinions—on justice, health, nutrition and more, take a journey into the mind of Schrader on page 208.

And we also add to another upcoming birthday celebration: the 25-year mark for the National Hispanic Cultural Center, for which we turned to Zach Quintero, NHCC’s executive director. As a bonus, we also get to know a bit about Quintero, whose youthful looks make him appear to be younger than the Center (he’s 34, but his old-soul credentials get restored when you read that he’s a huge fan of the music of Flock of Seagulls, whose pop culture fame peaked before Quintero was born). The full write-up starts on page 124.

We hope you enjoy this issue of ATM; we’re already working on the next one for you!

Sincerely,

CORRECTION

In our “Heroes of ABQ” feature story in July, we misstated the age of Michelle Williams. Williams, 34, was featured in the article for her efforts in making reproductive healthcare and education accessible to women across Albuquerque. She is an Advanced Practice Clinician with Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains, located in the city’s Northeast Heights. Williams was previously part of a private gynecology practice, but joined Planned Parenthood to better meet a need she saw in the community.

We sincerely regret the error, and salute Michelle and all the other unsung heroes in our city.

New Voices, New Chapters

Since 2012, the New Mexico Academy of Rock and Blues (NMARB) has provided free, community-based programming for future musicians ages 7-19. Starting in 2020—in the midst of the pandemic—they decided to extend their offerrings to include cuentistas (or storytellers)—and the result has been tremendous. (p. 32).

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

PHOTO BY DON JAMES/ATM

TAPAS

AN OTHERWORLDLY HONOR

A BELOVED UNM SCIENTIST LEAVES HIS MARK ON THE SURFACE OF MARS

Long before the technology advanced enough to allow rovers to explore Mars, Horton Newsom was thoroughly engaged in planetary science.

It was that passion—along with decades of tireless work and research—that ultimately led NASA to name a martian feature in honor of the late University of New Mexico planetary scientist. Horton Newsom Point, according to unm.edu, is a “100-meter wide feature on the flanks of Mount Sharp.” It’s part of a geological area

called the Yardang Unit—an elongated ridge created by wind erosion located at the base of the mountain.

Before his death in a car accident on April 19, 2024, Newsom was an integral part of several Mars missions, including one, the Mars Science Laboratory’s “Curiosity” rover, that remains active and will eventually reach his landmark.

“It was just such a fantastic thing that this feature is named after him,” says Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Earth

meteorite museum, which is located on the first floor of Northrop Hall.

“It is a beautiful little gem of a museum where anyone in Albuquerque can come in and look at some incredible planetary materials, including meteorites that fell to Earth that have their origin on Mars,” Crossey says.

A fellowship at UNM has been established in Newsom’s name to help support the research of the next generation of planetary scientists. While Newsom has

and Planetary Sciences Laura Crossey, a longtime colleague of Newsom’s at UNM. “When the ‘Curiosity’ rover ends up on Horton Newsom Point or right next to it, that will be a real milestone, and it will give us another chance to just remember and honor Horton.”

Newsom arrived at UNM in 1986 and spent the majority of his tenure as a research scientist at the Institute of Meteorics. According to Crossey, he was “instrumental” in redesigning the school’s

impacted many in his field, he was also someone who would set up telescopes on the West Mesa for observation events, allowing novices the opportunity to share in his passion.

“We’re lucky that we can see as many things as we do in the night sky. And many, many times Mars is very visible,” Crossey says. “And so every time a planet is in view in the night sky, I think of Horton.” —TRISTEN CRITCHFIELD

THE YARDANG UNIT

Oh, the Things You Can CheckOut! (At

the Library)

As a rapidly-approaching-broke college student, I frequent the Lomas-Tramway Library for all of my fiction fixes. With an easy hold system, an expansive catalog, and 19 branches across the city, the Albuquerque Public Library is a resource that I regrettably underutilized until a few years ago.

Most people are familiar with the books and music available for check out, but less well known are all the nontraditional items that the library has to offer. When my friend and I walked into the International District Library, we had no clue where to find these items, or even what to look for.

The librarian excitedly told me where to find these specialty items when I asked. She pointed out the board on the desk, where patrons could grab claim tickets for museum passes and ukuleles, one of the library’s newest additions. I found out that the library is one of the only places in the city to find free mobile Wi-Fi hotspots.

As we wandered the stacks, we found boxes of jigsaw puzzles available to check out. Directly beneath the cookbooks, we spotted cake pans in all sorts of fun shapes – my friend insisted that I should have checked out the one shaped like Lightning McQueen from the Cars movies.

Back at the circulation desk, I pulled the ukulele ticket off the board and handed it to the librarian. We walked out of the library with the ukulele I checked out in hand, my friend teasing me every second of the drive home.

While I’m nowhere close to being the next Israel Kamakawiwoʻole, after a weekend of following along with a LinkedIn Learning tutorial (accessed with my Albuquerque Public Library card), I can now proudly strum a tune.

Items available vary across branches, and many items are checked out on a first-come, first-served basis. Whether you’re dabbling in a new hobby or looking for cost-effective resources, there’s no place like your local library! —ADDIE SIEMBIEDA

The Good Apples

Putting together this month’s “Lifelong Educators” story made our Albuquerque The Magazine team reminisce a bit about some of their memorable teachers from yesteryear who made a difference in our education—and our lives. Here’s the fun lowdown from the magazine staff:

AUSTIN SEIDEL, STAFF WRITER

“My favorite teachers were my 2nd grade teacher Mrs. Averrett, and my 3rd grade teacher Mrs. Kennedy. Mrs. Averrett brought her border collie Maggie to class, and Mrs. Kennedy gave us nap time—and I still remember them to this day.”

LARRYL LYNCH, PUBLISHER

“My 10th grade civics teacher Mr. Fanning was incredibly quirky, but taught in such a way that he got students to laugh—and engage in one of the most important subjects we should learn.”

DON JAMES, PHOTO DIRECTOR

“My college photography professor, Joyce Neimanas, was encouraging and kind— something we should all strive to be. She was the first person to ever buy my photography.”

JAKE HANDLER, PUBLISHING COORDINATOR

“My 7th grade English teacher Mr. Torres had us analyze movies like ‘Star Wars’ and ‘A Beautiful Life.’ He was a NCAA March Madness fan and let me watch the games in his classroom during lunch.”

LISE WATKINS, PUBLISHING DIRECTOR

“My photography teacher, Mr. Mercer, was the only reason I graduated high school. He knew my home life wasn’t good and gave me lots of hall passes to spend hours working on the yearbook. He’s the reason I do what I do.”

ADDIE SIEMBIEDA, EDITORIAL INTERN

“My 4th grade teacher Ms. Kennedy always encouraged my crazy ideas, including starting and editing the classroom newspaper. I guess the whole writing thing worked out!”

CONTINUED ON PAGE 29

TAPAS

A 21st century Lifeline

Veterans in New Mexico who are struggling have options when it comes to seeking help.

Thanks to an initiative at the federal level, those in need of mental health support in any part of the United States simply have to dial 988 and stay on the line to receive assistance from qualified counselors at their local call center. For more veteran-specific assistance, they can dial 1 and be directed to a national crisis line. There’s also something called the “warmline” where those taking calls will have lived experience.

“It’s just a different flavor of support,” New Mexico 988 program manager Claire

Carmony says of the warmline. “All of our peer support specialists do have lived experience with substance use or mental health struggles or navigating complex sort of state systems … They’re able to sort of advise a little bit more. Whereas our counselors are going to really focus on crisis intervention and referring to ongoing mental health or substance use support … whatever the person is needing.”

The service is free to all New Mexicans through the Behavioral Health Services Division of the New Mexico Health Care Authority and is supported by the New Mexico Department of Veteran Services. In addition to calling, there are text and

online chat options available. There’s also a NM Connect app that provides resources and guidance for anyone experiencing mental health struggles.

Thus far in 2025, New Mexico 988 has averaged 168 veterans on the crisis line and 189 on the warmline on a monthly basis. The conversations can cover a wide range of mental health topics.

“Our interactions do tend to be a little bit brief,” says Director of Community and Stakeholder Relations Rosella Sanchez. “We don’t really have a chance to delve into everything. But we do certainly see calls around PTSD. We see calls around substance use. We get a lot of calls around thoughts of suicide, which can be related to PTSD and other things.

“Our most frequent call on the warm line is people feeling isolated or dealing with some loneliness. We also get calls about people transitioning back (to life) after military service.”

—TRISTEN CRITCHFIELD

Reasons to Call 988

• Family or relationship issues

• Work or school stress

• Anxiety about money or housing

• Grief, loss, or loneliness

• Alcohol or drug misuse

• Self-Harm

988nm.org

The Good Apples

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 27

EMILY KLUMPENHOWER, GRAPHIC DESIGNER

“It’s easy for me to choose a favorite childhood teacher: I only had one—my mom! A public school teacher by profession, she homeschooled me all the way from my first day of preschool to high school graduation.”

PHILIP KJELLAND, ADVERTISING MANAGER

“When I walked into my 6th grade classroom, Mr. Gabrytch had a poster on the wall reading ‘You never get a second chance to make a first impression.’ That life lesson has stuck with me.”

BILL STANAGE, PARTNERSHIP DEVELOPMENT

“My 6th grade teacher Helen Dolittle was my favorite because she always believed in me.”

LORI WILDING, DIRECTOR OF FIRST IMPRESSIONS / DATEBOOK EDITOR

“Señora Alarid, my high school English and Spanish teacher, was personable and worked well with students. I had lunch with her a few years ago!”

MEGAN LIFE, SENIOR ADVERTISING EXECUTIVE

“My 4th grade teacher, Mrs. Lawyer, welcomed us every Friday with homemade cinnamon rolls, and every afternoon for reading hour, she would have us reading the classic children’s book, Fudge-A-Mania.”

KRISTY JOHNSON, GRAPHIC DESIGNER

“Mrs. Udall, my 12th grade English teacher, helped me develop a desire to know the ‘why’ behind things in life; and Mrs. Platt, my high school art teacher, helped me to become a portrait artist right out of school—an artistic path my career follows to this day.”

ARIANA LOPEZ, PUBLISHING ASSISTANT

“My elementary school teacher, Mrs. Apodaca, inspired me in so many ways. We wrote entries to each other every week in a notebook journal, and often talked about life and the future.”

GENA GOODSON, ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER

“My 2nd grade teacher, Mrs. Malseed, asked each of us to write down what we thought a ‘snickerdoodle’ was—and then saved our responses and gave them to us at high school graduation. (Let’s just say I definitely didn’t know a snickerdoodle was a cookie.)”

ark It HERE

SANCHEZ FARM OPEN SPACE

What was once the historic site of a 300-year-old farm has now transformed into a vibrant outdoor community space, located in the heart of the South Valley. Sanchez Farm Open Space can be accessed from dawn until dusk year-round, and today, it plays a big role in water waste management for the surrounding area. In the late 1990s, the Public Works division bought the 14-acre property, and initially, the city had planned to just turn it into a storm drainage facility (or one giant hole in the ground).

However, local residents became very involved in the process—and they envisioned a more communal space that could serve as a hub for outdoor recreation. Thanks to the community, the final design included a pond and an area for farming, which are both still active to this day, allowing wildlife and human activity to thrive and flourish side-by-side.

Most notably, La Plazita Institute (LPI) organizes a farming outreach program geared towards youth and adults in need of a positive opportunity to give back. For over a decade now, the Open Space Division and LPI have worked collaboratively with the Recuerda a César Chàvez Committee to put on the Dolores Huerta Day of Service & Learning, where hundreds of students from across the metro area gather every year to learn about César Chàvez and Dolores Huerta, all while actively engaging with farming practices for the greater good of the neighborhood. —AUSTIN SEIDEL

SANCHEZ FARM OPEN SPACE 1180 Arsenal Road SW

Amenities:

• Pet friendly

• Wheelchair accessible

• 0.6 mile loop trail

• Bike lane located on adjacent Isleta Blvd

• Wetlands

• Farming plots

PHOTOS BY DON JAMES /ATM

IF YOUR POSTS OF ABQ ARE AWESOME ENOUGH TO PRINT, TAG THEM!

TAPAS

The Incredible Cuentistas

The New Mexico Youth Arts Ambassadors, a free, citywide literary arts program, continues to cultivate community and creativity in youth artists and storytellers.

After spending a decade in coastal California, native New Mexicans (Beleners to be exact) Ana and Keith Romero returned home in 2011—and soon after, they founded the New Mexico Academy of Rock and Blues (NMARB) as way to give back to their tierra madre.

“From 2012 to 2019, it was all about learning instruments, writing lyrics with community mentors, and performing,” says Ana. However, when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, the Romeros quickly realized that music education and virtual learning did not go hand-in-hand. “As a result, we created the New Mexico Youth Arts Ambassadors as an expansion to our programming. We began by bringing in community mentors to create workshops over Zoom. The program featured art, poetry, and curandera workshops in that first year.”

Today, NMYAA attracts cuentistas (or storytellers) in-person from around the

city, providing multidisciplinary opportunities for them to share their experiences through spoken word, poetry, film, and song. Their art has even been displayed in various local galleries and youth film festivals—including an anthology collection, ‘Cuentistas: Our Stories.’

“It is a tangible literacy project,” says Ana. “Our students learn not only to tell their stories and gain literacy skills along the way, but they also gain creative confidence, critical thinking, public speaking skills—and they make new friends and create lasting bonds, which is possibly the most important element of all.”

NMARB/NMYAA works alongside FUSION | 708, OneAlbuquerque, and the Southwest Educational Partners for Training (SWEPT) to make their programming possible. Ultimately, for the

Romeros, NMARB and NMYAA are deeply personal projects, founded on a mutual love for learning—and for preserving New Mexico’s stories. “I love the way New Mexicans tell stories,” says Keith, who, by day, is a high school bilingual education teacher and a community musician. “I don’t want our youth to lose that part of our culture; I want them to learn, preserve, and help pass it down to the next generation.”

For interested cuentistas, registration is free and can be completed online via www.nmarb.org or via email at newmexicoarb@gmail.com. Additional community workshops are also available throughout the year—such as the popular ‘Writers in the Wild’ series, which offers hiking paired with a guided class by a community artist. —AUSTIN SEIDEL

FACES&PLACES

Earth Fest La Montañita Food Co-op

5. 3. 6. 4. 7.

Earth Fest, held on Apr 13, brought our community together to celebrate our very own planet—Earth! This event showcased learning, local vendors, plants for your garden, local food, live entertainment, and more. Earth Fest raised awareness, helped attendees understand the actions we need to take to protect the environment, and showed how to preserve Earth’s natural resources.

1.  Erin Easley, Ben Easley, Polly Barkhurst, Mila Easley

2.  Kevin Strong, DC Scales 3.  Christopher Fortson, Megan Bott 4.  Jolene Gallegos, Michael Chocol

5.  Tamara Hubbard, Hilary Walker   6.  Beth Arnold, Kemper Barkhurst 7.  Austin Mye, Habron Botts

FACES&PLACES

Kentucky Derby Party Mandy’s Farm

The Kentucky Derby Party, held on May 3, was a fun filled event that raised money for a great cause. This event coincided with the iconic Churchhill Downs’ Kentucky Derby. Mandy’s Farm has raised thousands of dollars to support adults with intellectual and developmental conditions since the party’s launch in 2017. Guests wore stylish Derby attire, indulged in great food, bid on auction items, and even cheered on racing goats!

1. Craig Corey, Deborah Corey

2. Alex Jaciw, Michael Alaniz

3. Lisa Jaramillo, Jerrissa Jaramillo

4. Pamela Powell, Marc Powell

5. Jennifer Yeh, William Yun

6. Christian Gallagher, Leean Kravitz

7. Tim Vanderburg, Jessica Vanderburg

FACES&PLACES

Market Street Rio Rancho Grand Opening Market Street

Market Street celebrated their grand opening in Rio Rancho on Apr 24, with live speakers and a ribboncutting ceremony. More than just a grocery store, Market Street stands as a symbol of growth and connection, bringing the community together to celebrate unity and a new chapter.

1. Matt Jones, Mike Benavidez, Mike Houseman, Bob Tyler

2. Dorothea Doyel, Joanie Zagorsky

3. Lara Harrison, Donna Hollingsworth, Michael Powdrell

4. Brandon Bennett, Sarah Bennett

5. Jeff Berry, Daron Corbin, Jon Drury

6. Jeremy Montoya, Dan Szuch

7. Joyce Solis, Alberto Solis

FACES&PLACES

Meals on Wheels Celebrity Waiter Event

Sandia Resort & Casino

Meals on Wheels, held on Apr 26, was a lively event where local business and community leaders hosted tables and acted as ‘celebrity waiters’ for their invited guests to get donations. The night was filled with competition, costumes, and fun—all designed to encourage donations in a light-hearted, interactive way. This event guaranteed a memorable experience that raised money for a good cause.

1. Sarah McKinney, Chris Holden

2. Angela Balogh, Kathy Steen

3. Lauril Sachet, Azeem Vasi

4. Michelle Dearholt, Arturo Lozoya

5. Peter Gineris, Chris Taylor

6. Ruth Cox, Quinten Cox

7. Steve Jenkins, Tanya Jenkins

FACES&PLACES

Somos Albuquerque National Hispanic Cultural Center

Somos Albuquerque, held on May 10, showcased an event where music, creativity, and culture collided. The slogan for this event was ‘A Love Letter to Albuquerque,’ and guests enjoyed live music, local food, handcrafted goods, a live DJ, dancing—and more!

7.

1. Kathy Conway, Ben Conway, Josh Bradford, Evan Wrons

2. David Tetrault, Katrina Tetrault

3. Dave Casaus, Jodie Casaus

4. Carlos Maestras-Olguin, Angelea Maestras-Olguin, Olivia Lanier

5. Natalie Nevada, Pablo Marquez

6. Max Gruner, Addie Pace

Heather Yarin, Derek Twitchell

PERSONA GRATA

FRIDAY 8 | 6PM

Our own Lise Watkins’ (Albuquerque The Magazine’s Publishing Director) debut solo show, “Persona Grata,” is opening at The Groove Artspace front gallery on August 8th, 2025. Watkins’ approach to portraiture is playful and often explores the relationship between light and likeness. Drawing on her background as a graphic designer and photographer, Watkins

blends elements of traditional portraiture with graphic sensibility to create a unique style of contemporary portrait painting that feels surreal while being rooted in the identity of her subjects. Opening reception: August 8th, 2025, at 6pm. The show will be available for viewing through August 2025 . 309 Gold Ave SW, Albuquerque, NM 87102

AUGUST 2025

Trust us, these are a few ABQ events YOU CAN'T

THURSDAYS |6–8 PM

Live Music at Town & Ranch. We are featuring our favorite local artists to pair with our selection of local spirits and craft cocktails. Info: Town & Ranch, 1318 4th St NW. For details visit lospoblanos.com/ events. Free.

SUNDAY 24 | 2

PM

Tamarind Talks: Raven Chacon. Raven Chacon is a composer, performer and installation artist from Fort Defiance, Navajo Nation. A recording artist over the span of 24 years, Chacon has appeared on more than eighty releases on various national and international labels. In 2022, he was awarded the Pulitzer Prize in Music for his composition “Voiceless Mass.” He will discuss his project “Tiguex,” a large-scale musical composition consisting of twenty overlapping movements performed over the span of September 27 across Albuquerque. Info: Albuquerque Museum, 2000 Mountain Road NW, tickets and more information at eventbrite.com, Free.

MISS.

WEDNESDAY 20

5:30–7 PM

100 Women Albuquerque. Join us at Rio Bravo Brewing as we socialize and each donate $100 to the same local nonprofit. Every quarter, we raise close to $15,000. As a donor, you get to vote on the nonprofit for the next quarter. All women are welcome. Info: Rio Bravo Brewing, 1912 Second St NW. 100womenabq.org. No charge to join.

FRIDAY 1–17 | FRIDAYS

7:30 PM AND SUNDAYS 2 PM

Small Craft Warnings. This play by Tennessee Williams set in a bar and located on the Pacific coast of Southern California is about love, but it is mostly a play about loneliness, fear of abandonment , and despite everything, fear of getting attached. Info: The Adobe Theater, 9813 4th St NW. Tickets are $17–$26 and are available at adobetheater.org or call (505) 898-9222. Will also show on Saturday the 16 th at 2 pm and Thursdays, 7th and 14th , at 7:30 pm with tickets at $10.

FRIDAY 1–SATURDAY 30

TUESDAY–SATURDAY 11 AM–4 PM

THURSDAY 14 | 7:30 PM

Robert Lah’s Chamber Jazz. Outpost’s 29th Annual Summer Thursday Jazz Nights continues with pianist Robert Lah, whose original compositions range from mainstream and blues to hard bop and Latin, and longer multi-movement works. Chamber Jazz takes inspiration from Classical approaches to musical structure and performance practice and applies those concepts to jazz. Info: Outpost Performance Space, 210 Yale Blvd SE, (505) 268-0044. Tickets: $30/$20 Outpost Members/$15 Students with current valid ID, at outpostspace.org.

SEPTEMBER

The Gallery ABQ Sandia Heights Artists are represented this month, including featured artists George “Hauie” Hayes (oil) and Michelle D’Amour (oil). Forty-three artists representing 17 studios will be showing their art. Info: 8210 Menaul Blvd NE, thegalleryabq.com,(505) 292-9333.

BY HAUIE HAYES

THURSDAY 7–SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 13

THURSDAYS–SATURDAYS, 10 AM–3 PM

Practice // Portal. A group exhibition featuring five Harwood Studio Artists whose work is inspired by memory, offers meditation, and moves toward the future. Info: Harwood Art Center, 1114 7th St NW, harwoodartcenter.org.

SATURDAY 6 AND SUNDAY 7 | 10 AM–5 PM

Sandia Heights Artists Studio Tour. Art enthusiasts are invited to visit 14 homes in the foothills by the Tramway and meet 43 artists in various fine art media including jewelry, pottery, glass woodcrafting, textiles, painting, algorithm art, and mixed media. The tour is free and self-guided. Info: Information and interactive map available at sandiaheightsartists.com.

“CAMO 2” BY NATALIE VOELKER

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friday 1 | 1–4 pm

Serendipity and Sharing Artist Reception. Amapola Gallery presents Delfie Martinez and Vera Russell as our Featured Artists in August. Their works include kiln glass and paintings. Using vastly different art forms, both artists benefit from the serendipity of process, and a desire to share their visions of the world with others. The exhibition will be up for the month of August. Info: Amapola Gallery, on The Plaza in Old Town, upstairs at 205 Romero St NW, (505) 242-4311, amapolagallery.com.

friday 1–saturday 30 | tuesday–saturday 11 am–4 pm

The Gallery ABQ. Sandia Heights Artists are represented this month, including featured artists George “Hauie” Hayes (oil) and Michelle D’Amour (oil). Fortythree artists representing 17 studios will be showing their art. Info: 8210 Menaul Blvd NE, thegalleryabq.com, (505) 2929333.

friday 1–sunday 3 | various times

The Great Southwestern Antique Show. On Friday from 1–6 pm there is a sneak preview with admission fees going directly to the KNME NMPBS Endowment fund. Shop and visit with over 100 quality antique

dealers from across the U.S. Learn about the Southwest and the art of collecting and investing in Fine Art & Antiques, Native American Art, Ethnographic Art, Textiles, Furniture, Historic Photos, Rare Books, Jewelry, and more. Info: Expo New Mexico/State Fair Grounds, Lujan Center, 300 San Pedro Dr NE, gswevents.com/ show-information.

friday 1–saturday 30 | 5–7 pm

Weems Gallery Resale Art Show. “This is a great opportunity for people wanting to sell original works from their own private collections or family estates, and those wanting to purchase works not available on the open market,” said Suzanne Woodworth, Gallery Manager. “This resale show is the perfect avenue for connecting sellers and buyers, and we’re excited to present it again this year.” Info: Weems Gallery, 5935 Wyoming Blvd NE, (505) 293-6133. Hours are Mon-Sat, 10 am–5 pm.

friday 1 | 5–8 pm

Fundraiser for Christina Kent Early Childhood Education Center. Join us for a special fundraiser celebrating the art created by the Christina Kent student artists. Proceeds of the evening will benefit the newly constructed expansion of the Center. Info: The Groove Artspace, 309 Gold Ave SW. Free.

friday 1–sunday 17 |

fridays 7:30 pm, sundays 2 pm

Small Craft Warnings. This play by Tennessee Williams set in a bar located on the Pacific coast of Southern California is about love, but it is mostly a play about loneliness, fear of abandonment and, despite everything, fear of getting attached. Info: The Adobe Theater, 9813 4th St NW. Tickets are $17-$26 and are available at adobetheater.org or call (505) 898-9222. Will also show on Saturday 16 at 2 pm and Thursdays, 7th and 14th at 7:30 pm with tickets $10.

friday 1 | 9 pm

Chatter Late Works. The doors open at 8 pm for night sounds for adventurous listeners. Music for six instruments with electronics. Cash bar provided by Rumor Brewing. Info: Chatter, 912 Third St NW. Tickets: $15 general admission at chatterabq.org.

saturday 2 | time tbd

Remarque Print Workshop Grand Opening. After 25+ years in the Nob Hill space, we have moved to 901 Edith Blvd SE. This is a very exciting time of change and growth for the Workshop. Info: Don’t miss the late summer/fall classes with many to check out on our website, remarqueprintshop. com, (505) 268-8952.

saturday 2 | 10 am

Railyard Photos by Jim Kubié with Roland Penttila. Roland is a retired civil engineer who came to New Mexico in 1998 to work on the NM-44 highway project. He has had photos displayed in photo shows, published in books and is currently a photographer for Nob Hill News. After retirement in 2012, he joined the Albuquerque Historical Society and Historic Albuquerque for which he’s the Treasurer. He volunteers with the Photo Archives of the Albuquerque Museum digitizing their extensive print collection. Info: WHEELS Museum, 1100 Second St SW, (505) 243-6269. Admission is free, but donations are gratefully accepted.

saturday 2 | 4–8 pm

Midtown Association Back to School Bash. Sponsored by Keshet with proceeds benefiting Locker #505, bring your family for an evening of fun filled with food trucks, climbing, a flash mob, raffle, water play, face painting, games and more. Locker #505 provides appropriate school clothing to K-12 Bernalillo, Sandoval, Valencia and Torrance County students in need. Info: Keshet Arts, 4121 Cutler Ave NE, (505) 224-9808. Contact locker505.org or keshetarts.org for more information.

sunday 3 | 10:30 am

Chatter Sunday. Cellist Guy Fishman plays music by J.S. Bach. As always, your ticket includes a custom coffee drink from our espresso bar. Info: Chatter, 912 Third St NW. Tickets: $17 adults in advance; $20 atdoor, $9 students/under-30, $5 under-13 at chatterabq.org.

monday 4 | 7 pm

Concert: Creed with Daughtry and Mammoth. Come enjoy the Summer of ’99 tour. Info: Isleta Amphitheater, 5601 Isleta Blvd SE, isletaamp.com, (505) 452-5100. Tickets at livenation.com and check out livenation.com/tickettosummer for $30 tickets.

tuesday 5 | 7:30 pm

Concert: Counting Crows. The Complete Sweets Tour with Gaslight Anthem. Info: Isleta Amphitheater, 5601 Isleta Blvd SE, isletaamp.com, (505) 452-5100. Tickets at livenation.com.

tuesday 5–sunday 31 |

tuesday–thursday 10 am–4 pm; friday–sunday 10 am–2 pm Bowerbirds. Wild Hearts Gallery presents Judith Roderick, Art Quilts, expressing her love for birds with her featured show. The artist’s reception is August 16, 1–3 pm. Info: 221-B Homestead Village, Hwy 165, Placitas. Discover the virtual tour at wildheartsgallery.com, (505) 361-2710. Wild Hearts Gallery is an artists’ collective of 14 local artists.

Tuesday 5 | 4:30–5:15 pm

Town & Ranch Production and Distillery Tour. Join a behind-the-scenes tour of our production space, meet the team, and watch our lavender essential oil be transformed into soaps, salves, spirits and more. Closed-toed shoes are required. Info: Town & Ranch, 1318 4th St NW. For details visit lospoblanos.com/events. Free.

wednesday 6 | 5:30–7:30 pm

Artist Talk: A Toast to 10 Years. Join us at La Quinta for a special evening celebrating Valpuri Remling and her ten-year journey as Tamarind’s Master Printer. Info: La Quinta Cultural Center, 4803 Rio Grande Blvd NW. $35 includes a sparkling wine toast, light hors d’oeuvres and a handson activity guided by a Tamarind student printer. For details visit lospoblanos.com/ events.

thursday 7–saturday, september 13 | thursdays–saturdays, 10 am–3 pm

Practice // Portal. This is a group exhibition featuring five Harwood Studio Artists whose work is inspired by memory, offers meditation, and moves toward the future. Info: Harwood Art Center, 1114 7th St NW, harwoodartcenter.org.

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thursday 7–saturday, september 13 | thursdays–saturdays, 10 am–3 pm

Shared.Futures: A Compendium of ArtScience Collaboration. This was a four-month workshop where artist and scientist pairs co-created an ArtScience piece which communicates a scientific possibility through an artistic lens. Work from 2021–2024 is highlighted. Info: Harwood Art Center, 1114 7th St NW, harwoodartcenter.org.

thursday 7 | 6–8 pm

Live Music at Town & Ranch with Grant Knoxlyn. We are featuring our favorite local artists to pair with our selection of local spirits and craft cocktails. Info: Town & Ranch, 1318 4th St NW. For details visit lospoblanos.com/events. Free.

thursday 7 | 7:30 pm

Cade Gutierrez Quintet. Outpost’s 29th Annual Summer Thursday Jazz Nights continues with saxophonist and composer Cade Gutierrez, performing music from his upcoming release inspired by jazz, R&B, fusion, rock, Latin music and pop styles. Info: Outpost Performance Space, 210 Yale Blvd SE, (505) 268-0044. Tickets: $30/$20 Outpost Members/$15 Students with current valid ID, at outpostspace.org.

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friday 8 | 12 noon–10 pm

Albuquerque Smoke Show: Pitbull. BBQ, Tequila and Party in the Park with other artists TBD. Don’t miss the hottest weekend of the summer. Info: Balloon Fiesta Park, 5000 Balloon Fiesta Pkwy. General Admission and VIP tickets available at abqsmokeshow.com, $86.56 to $241.76 including fees.

friday 8 | 5–8:30 pm

The Groove Artspace Second Birthday Bash. Come celebrate the second birthday of The Groove Artspace where we’ll have art, music, food, pop-ups and lots of fun hanging out with our growing community. Info: The Groove Artspace, 309 Gold Ave SW. Free.

friday 8 | 5–9 pm

Family Picnic Night. Spend an evening surrounded by floral landscapes as you discover talented local performers at seven locations throughout the Botanic Garden and Aquarium. Pack a picnic and celebrate a fun night with the family. Info: Adult tickets $15. ABQ BioPark Botanic Garden, 2601 Central Ave NW. Find under Upcoming Events at abqbiopark.com.

friday 8–sunday 31 | fridays and saturdays 7:30 pm, sundays 2 pm

A View From the Bridge. Arthur Miller’s iconic drama tells a gripping story of family, loyalty, and betrayal, and follows a Brooklyn longshoreman whose dangerous choices threaten to unravel his family and community. Info: Vortex Theatre, 2900 Carlisle Blvd NE, (505) 247-8600. Tickets at vortexabq.org.

friday 8 | 6–9pm

Persona Grata Opening Reception. Lise Watkins’ debut solo show is opening at The Groove Artspace, front gallery. Watkins’ approach to portraiture is playful and often explores the relationship between light and likeness. Drawing on her background as a graphic designer and photographer, Watkins blends elements of traditional portraiture with graphic sensibility to create a unique style of contemporary portrait painting that feels surreal while being rooted in the identity of her subjects. The show will be available for viewing through August. Info: The Groove Artspace, 309 Gold Ave SW.

friday 8 | 7:30 pm

Albuquerque Science Fiction Society. Join us for a preview of the Bubonicon 56 programming schedule and artwork.

Attendees are encouraged to bring tabletop and card games to play after the preview. This long-running NM science fiction club has author readings, science talks, films and discussions. Info: Activity Room, St. Andrew Presbyterian Church, 5301 Ponderosa Ave NE. Call (505) 2668905 or visit bubonicon.com. Free to newcomers.

friday 8 | 8 pm

Concert: Alabama Shakes with Shannon and the Clams. Alabama Shakes is an American rock band that formed in 2009 in Athens, Alabama. Shannon and the Clans is an indie garage punk quartet from California. Info: Isleta Amphitheater, 5601 Isleta Blvd SE, isletaamp.com, (505) 4525100. Tickets at livenation.com and check out livenation.com/tickettosummer for $30 tickets.

saturday 9 | 10 am–12 pm

Pastel Society of New Mexico. Placitas artist Meg Leonard will share her creative journey plus her new children’s book “The Fire and the Feather” based on true events of her family. This is a rare opportunity to meet and learn from an amazing artist and acquire more knowledge about pastels and the Pastel Society. Info: Albuquerque Museum, 2000 Mountain Rd NW. Free.

saturday 9 | 10 am–4 pm

Funky Fused Flowers for the Garden. Make colorful fused ornaments for your garden with local glass icon Linda Guernsey. Info: The Groove Artspace, 309 Gold Ave SW. Reserve your spot at thegrooveartspace. com. All materials are included for $150.

saturday 9 | 10 am–5 pm

Stamping on Fabric. Join others at Remarque Print Workshop for a fun, easy class. We’ll be carving soft-cut linoleum blocks and hand-printing them on fabric. Bandanas and one tote bag will be provided to each student, and you’re welcome to bring your own textiles, shirts, or paper to print on. Info: This workshop will be held at our new location, 901 Edith Blvd SE. Look for the big bosque mural. Register at remarqueprintshop.com/ products/stamping-on-fabric-august-9. Class fee is $130 plus tax.

saturday 9 | 12–10 pm

Albuquerque Smoke Show: Blake Shelton and Friends. BBQ, Whiskey, and Party in the Park with Blake, Dylan Scott, Tanya Tucker, Neon Union, Abby Anderson, and Frank Ray. Info: Balloon Fiesta Park, 5000 Balloon Fiesta Pkwy. General Admission and VIP tickets available at abqsmokeshow.com, $108.74 to $241.76 including fees.

saturday 9 | 4–6 pm

Outside of the Box. This Artists’ Reception celebrates the creativity of New Mexico Artists in an exhibition depicting their evolving artistic perspectives. Info: New Mexico Art League, 3409 Juan Tabo Blvd NE, (505) 293-3034, newmexicoartleague. org. Gallery hours are 10 am–4 pm, tuesday–saturday.

saturday 9 | 6–8 pm

Silent Movie Night at Town & Ranch. Enjoy themed craft cocktails and snacks while a silent movie starring Charlie Chaplin plays on the big screen. Happy hour specials from 3–5 pm. Info: Town & Ranch, 1318 4th St NW. For details visit lospoblanos. com/events. Free.

saturday 9 | 8 pm

Concert: Joe Bonamassa. Enjoy this American blues rock singer, guitarist, and songwriter. Info: Sandia Resort and Casino Amphitheater, 30 Rainbow Rd, (505) 7967500. Tickets at etix.com or Sandia Casino Box Office.

sunday 10 | 10 am–4 pm

Create a Texture Mosaic with Natural Materials. Explore the use of natural materials including slate, wood, glass and found objects embedded in thinset to create a unique, ungrouted, high texture

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mosaic piece. Info: The Groove Artspace, 309 Gold Ave SW. Reserve your spot at thegrooveartspace.com. All materials are included for $150.

sunday 10 | 10:30 am

Chatter Sunday. Voices from the Santa Fe Desert Chorale present “Beneath the Listening Sky.” Info: Chatter, 912 Third St NW. Tickets: $17 adults in advance; $20 atdoor, $9 students/under-30, $5 under-13 at chatterabq.org.

monday 11–friday, september 12 | various times

Youth Production Camp. In this camp, attendees will be working on a fun play, “The Trial of the Big, Bad Wolf,” that dives deep into the courtroom drama surrounding the infamous wolf. Info: Ages 8–17, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 4:30–6:30 and Saturdays 9–12. Performances September 13 and 14 at 2 pm. Info: Vortex Theatre, 2900 Carlisle Blvd NE, (505) 2478600. Register at vortexabq.org, $250.

tuesday 12 | 6:30–8 pm

Night Walk at the Botanic Garden. Explore the Garden under the light of the moon on this guided tour, where you’ll learn about night-blooming plants, nocturnal pollinators, and more. This is the last tour date of the 2025 season. Info: Info: ABQ BioPark Botanic Garden, 2601 Central Ave

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NW. More info and tickets under Upcoming Events at abqbiopark.com, adults 18+ $15, seniors $10.

tuesday 12 | 8 pm

Concert: Def Leppard with Bret Michaels. Come enjoy these rock and roll legends. Info: Isleta Amphitheater, 5601 Isleta Blvd SE, isletaamp.com, (505) 452-5100. Tickets at livenation.com and check out livenation.com/tickettosummer for $30 tickets.

wednesday 13 | 7 pm

Albuquerque Concert Band. Join the Albuquerque Concert Band and our new conductor, Col. Jim Keene (Ret.) for an hour of great music. The music theme will be Songs of Service. Info: New Mexico Veteran’s Memorial Park, 1100 Louisiana Blvd SE, abqband.org. Free admission and open to the public.

wednesday 13 | 7:30 pm

Raul Midón in Concert. New Mexico-born singer-songwriter and guitarist Raul Midón is nothing if not prolific. His 14th and latest album, Lost & Found, is a blend of what he calls “smooth folk,” “alt-pop” and “jazz.” A master at combining genres, “his music suggests a three-way fusion of Stevie Wonder, Bobby McFerrin and José Feliciano” (New York Times). Info: Fusion

708, 708 First St NW. Tickets $33 at tickets.ampconcerts.org/tickets/449622.

thursday 14 | 7 pm

NHCC Summer Film Series: Stand Clear of the Closing Doors. In this movie, an undocumented Mexican maid searches for her autistic son in the NYC subway system as Hurricane Sandy bears down on the Eastern seaboard. Along the way, the desperate mom gets some unexpected help from members of her community. Cash bar opens at 6 pm. Info: National Hispanic Cultural Center, Bank of America Theatre, 1701 4th St SW, (505) 246-2261. Free, but please register at my.nmculture. org/32079/43073.

thursday 14 | 6–8 pm

Family Fun: Pet Portraits with Alison. This guaranteed-to-succeed method is fast, fun and fabulous. Bring in a color picture of your favorite creature (8x10) and we’ll convert it into a colorful portrait you’ll be proud of. Info: The Groove Artspace, 309 Gold Ave SW. Reserve your spot at thegrooveartspace.com. All materials are included for $60.

thursday 14 | 7:30 pm

Robert Lah’s Chamber Jazz. Outpost’s 29th Annual Summer Thursday Jazz Nights continues with pianist Robert Lah,

whose original compositions range from mainstream and blues to hard bop and Latin, and longer multi-movement works. Chamber Jazz takes Classical approaches to musical structure and performance practice, applying those concepts to jazz. Info: Outpost Performance Space, 210 Yale Blvd SE, (505) 268-0044. Tickets: $30/$20 Outpost Members/$15 Students with current valid ID, at outpostspace.org.

friday 15 | 7 pm

Spanish Harlem Orchestra. Outpost, in partnership with the New Mexico Jazz Workshop’s Music Under the Stars series, presents three-time Grammy award winning Salsa and Latin Jazz band, Spanish Harlem Orchestra (SHO), last heard here at the 2023 NM Jazz Festival. They’re back for another electrifying performance under the stars. It’s authentic, New York style, hard core salsa at its best. Info: Outpost Performance Space, 210 Yale Blvd SE, (505) 268-0044. Tickets: $35$40 at nmjazz.org.

friday 15 | 7 pm

Concert: Lainey Wilson: Whirlwind World Tour. Country music fans love Lainey Wilson because she is genuine, as well as a star in the genre. Info: Isleta Amphitheater, 5601 Isleta Blvd SE, isletaamp.com, (505) 452-5100. Tickets at livenation.com.

friday 16 and saturday 17

7 pm and 9:30 pm

Comedy: Jiaoying Summers. Jiaoying Summers is a comedy powerhouse on a rapid rise blending fearless, dark humor with a deeply personal and refreshingly global perspective. Born in China and now based in Los Angeles, she turns cultural clashes, immigrant identity, and motherhood into razor-sharp comedy that resonates across continents. Info: Santa Ana Star Casino, 54 Jemez Canyon Dam Rd. Tickets at quezadas.holdmyticket. com/tickets.

saturday 16 | 6–8 pm

Fused Glass Mosaic. Create a mosaic that looks like stained glass by composing pieces of colored glass onto a backer sheet, then “grouting” them with powdered glass. Once fused in the kiln, it creates a solid piece of art. Info: The Groove Artspace, 309 Gold Ave SW. For full details and to reserve your spot, go to thegrooveartspace.com. $75 includes all materials and a firing.

sunday 17 | 10:30 am

Chatter Sunday. Hear music for horn, clarinet, and piano by George Rochberg and more. As always, your ticket includes a custom coffee drink from our espresso bar. Info: Chatter, 912 Third St NW. Tickets: $17 adults in advance; $20 atdoor, $9 students/under-30, $5 under-13 at chatterabq.org.

sunday 17 | 8 pm

Concert: Nelly & Saint Lunatics with Ja Rule: Where The Party At Tour. Nelly has continuously raised the bar for the entertainment industry since stepping on the scene in 2000 with his distinctive vocals and larger-than-life personality. Ja Rule is an award-winning rapper, actor and entrepreneur. Born and raised in New York City, Ja Rule is an icon in the music industry. Info: Sandia Resort and Casino Amphitheater, 30 Rainbow Rd, (505) 7967500. Tickets at etix.com or the Sandia Casino Box Office.

saturday 18–december

12:30 pm

Children’s Chorus of Rio Rancho. Rehearsals during our spring 2025 season begin and will continue through our concert in December. CCRR is a cooperative community chorus located in Rio Rancho. We are accepting new members (2nd-5th grades) from Rio Rancho and all surrounding areas including Edgewood and Belen through August. No auditions and no experience required. Just come and join the fun. Registration is $150 at rr-cc.org. For questions, contact info@rr-cc.org.

saturday 18–december | 2 pm

Rio Rancho Youth Chorus. Rehearsals during our spring 2025 season begin

and will continue through our concerts in December. RRYC is a cooperative community chorus located in Rio Rancho. We are accepting new members (6th12th grades) from Rio Rancho and all surrounding areas through August. No auditions and no experience required. Registration is $150 at rr-cc.org. For questions, contact info@rr-cc.org.

monday 18 | 6 pm

Concert: Collective Soul and +LIVE+ with Our Lady Peace and Greylin James Rue. This is a great musical line-up. Info: Isleta Amphitheater, 5601 Isleta Blvd SE,

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isletaamp.com, (505) 452-5100. Tickets at livenation.com and check out livenation. com/tickettosummer for $30 tickets.

tuesday 19 | 7:30 pm

Concert: Whiskey Myers and Tedeschi Trucks Band: Live in ’25. Hear great rock and blues at this concert. Info: Isleta Amphitheater, 5601 Isleta Blvd SE, isletaamp.com, (505) 452-5100. Tickets at livenation.com and check out livenation. com/tickettosummer for $30 tickets.

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wednesday 20 | 5:30–7 pm

100 Women Albuquerque. Join us at Rio Bravo Brewing as we socialize and each donate $100 to the same local nonprofit. Every quarter, we raise close to $15,000. As a donor, you get to vote on the nonprofit for the next quarter. All women are welcome. Info: Rio Bravo Brewing, 1912 Second St NW. 100womenabq.org.

thursday 21 | 7:30 pm

UNM Music Faculty Concert. UNM faculty Dr. Christoph Wagner (cello) is joined by West Texas A&M faculty Dr. Rossitza Jekova-Goza (violin) and Dr. Choong-ha Nam (piano) for a concert of music by Franz Schubert and Dmitri Shostakovich. Info: Keller Hall, 203 Cornell Dr NE, (505) 277-2131. Tickets at the box office or unmtickets.com.

thursday 21 | 7:30 pm

Rodolfo Gonzalez & The Latin Jazz Fusion Ensemble. Outpost wraps up its 29th Annual Summer Thursday Jazz Nights with the Afro-Cuban rhythms and Brazilian jazz fusion of Rodolfo Gonzalez & The Latin Jazz Ensemble, performing award-winning original compositions as well as works from renowned Latin music composers. Info: Outpost Performance Space, 210 Yale Blvd SE, (505) 268-0044. Tickets: $30/$20 Outpost Members/$15

Students with current valid ID, at outpostspace.org.

friday 22–sunday 24 | various times

Bubonicon 56. Join others for a great weekend of fun at New Mexico’s original, best and longest-running Sci-Fi & Fantasy Literary and Arts Convention. There will be panels and presentations (featuring top authors, artists, and scientists), a costume contest, art show, dealer’s room, Green Slime Awards, charity auctions, fan programming, and much more. Info: Albuquerque Marriott Uptown, 2101 Louisiana Blvd NE at I-40. Reservations available for $159/night; call (800) 2289290, mention Bubonicon. Tickets and more information at bubonicon.com or (505) 266-8905. All-weekend and oneday passes available. Discounts for youths under 19 years of age.

saturday 23–january 2026 |

tuesday–sunday 9 am–5 pm

Modern Art and Politics in Germany 1910-1945: Masterworks from the Neue Nationalgalerie, Berlin. This exhibition tells the story of powerful works of art, many of which were on display in the 1937 exhibition “Degenerate Art” where the National Socialists condemned modern art and ideas or were created in response to that exhibition. Paintings

and sculptures by major German artists including Ernst Ludwig Kirchner, George Grosz, Max Beckmann, Hannah Höch, and Paul Klee are juxtaposed with other experimental European artists of the period including Pablo Picasso, Wassily Kandinsky, Giorgio de Chirico, and Salvador Dalí. This exhibition is supported by an indemnity from the Federal Council on the Arts and the Humanities. Info: Albuquerque Museum, 2000 Mountain Rd NW. Tickets at artsandculture.cabq.gov/ events/abqmuseum. Adults $6.

saturday 23 and sunday 24 | 10 am–4 pm

Fun with Tile Mosaics. This two-day class is a great chance to learn mosaic basics, including design, tile cutting, adhesives, and grouting to complete a wonderful 8×8 piece ready to display. This class is appropriate for all ages, and both beginners and experienced mosaic artists are welcome. Info: The Groove Artspace, 309 Gold Ave SW. Reserve your spot at thegrooveartspace.com. All materials are included for $150.

saturday 23 | 7:30

Levi Platero | Chris Dracup: Funk of the West Concert. Steeped in musical lessons as far back as teaching himself guitar at nine years-old from the Three Kings and Stevie Ray Vaughn, Levi Platero’s

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leads and songwriting reflect a lifetime absorbing music. Renowned for his soulful skills on both electric and acoustic blues guitar, Chris Dracup is well-versed in various musical genres. His talent for original songwriting and electric live performances have earned him praise from both critics and fans. Info: KiMO Theatre, 423 Central Ave NW, presented by AMP Concerts. Doors open at 6:30. Tickets $17-$33 plus fees at cabq.gov/ artsculture/kimo/events.

sunday 24 | 10:30 am

Chatter Sunday. New music for clarinet and strings by Canadian composer Carmen Braden from Yellowknife, Northwest Territories. As always, your ticket includes a custom coffee drink from our espresso bar. Info: Chatter, 912 Third St NW. Tickets: $17 adults in advance; $20 atdoor, $9 students/under-30, $5 under-13 at chatterabq.org.

sunday 24 | 2 pm

Tamarind Talks: Raven Chacon. Raven Chacon is a composer, performer and installation artist from Fort Defiance,

Navajo Nation. A recording artist over the span of 24 years, Chacon has appeared on more than eighty releases on national and international labels. In 2022, he was awarded the Pulitzer Prize in Music for his composition “Voiceless Mass.” He will discuss his project “Tiguex,” a large-scale musical composition consisting of twenty overlapping movements performed over the span of September 27 across Albuquerque. Info: Albuquerque Museum, 2000 Mountain Rd NW, tickets and more information at eventbrite.com, free.

tuesday 26 and thursday 28|

6–8 pm

Drawing Basics: Still Life w/Shape, Shadow and Light. In this two-evening class, Artist Ben Harrison will instruct attendees in the fundamentals of still life drawing with pencil and charcoal, including how to utilize shape, shadow and light to enhance the art. Info: The Groove Artspace, 309 Gold Ave SW. Reserve your spot at thegrooveartspace.com. All materials are included for $120.

tuesday 26 | 6:30–8 pm

Twilight Tour at the Zoo. Experience the sights and sounds of the Zoo at twilight on this guided tour. You’ll observe nocturnal animal behavior, learn about their habits, and more. This is the last tour date of the 2025 season. Info: ABQ BioPark Zoo, 903 Tenth St SW. More info and tickets under Upcoming Events at abqbiopark.com, adults 18+ $15, seniors $10.

tuesday 26 | 7 pm

Concert: The Offspring: Supercharged Worldwide in ’25 with Jimmy Eat World and New Found Glory. Come out for a great night of music! Info: Isleta Amphitheater, 5601 Isleta Blvd SE, isletaamp.com, (505) 452-5100. Tickets at livenation.com and check out livenation.com/tickettosummer for $30 tickets.

friday 29 and saturday 30 | 7:30 and 9:30 pm

K-Von at Quezada’s Comedy Club and Cantina. Comedian K-von is bringing his hilarious PG-13 comedy show to Quezada’s. You’ve seen his “Dry Bar Comedy” specials and he has also appeared on Netflix and NBC’s Last Comic Standing. Most recently he starred in a movie alongside Jon Heder (aka Napoleon Dynamite). This will be a great night of laughs. Info: Santa Ana Star Casino, 54 Jemez Canyon Dam Rd. Tickets at quezadas.holdmyticket.com/tickets.

wednesday 27 | 8:30 am–12 pm

CNM’s 60th Anniversary Celebration. In addition to our celebration, there will also be the grand opening of the Ted Chavez Trades & Technology Center, as well as ribbon cutting, food trucks, vendors, tours, music, and more. Info: CNM Main Campus, 716 University Blvd SE, contactcenter@

cnm.edu, (505) 224-3000. Free and open to the public.

saturday 30 and sunday 31|

10 am–4 pm

Glass on Glass Mosaic Suncatchers. Learn a variety of techniques for working with glass mosaic while creating a beautiful suncatcher in this two-day class. Artist Erika Harding leads this class for everyone, from beginners to those who are more experienced. Info: The Groove Artspace, 309 Gold Ave SW. For full details and to reserve your spot, go to thegrooveartspace.com. All materials are included for $150.

saturday 30–monday, september 1 | 12–6 pm

The Harvest Wine & Music Festival. This Labor Day weekend, enjoy 200 wines, 22 wineries, and 24 bands for one unforgettable experience, including an artisan marketplace, delicious food trucks, a free silent disco, and mini golf and games. General admission includes full access and wine sampling at all wineries plus additional perks. Info: Balloon Fiesta Park, 5500 Balloon Fiesta Pkwy NE. 21 and over only. Tasting tickets at holdmyticket. com including a VIP upgrade.

saturday 30 | 2–4 pm

Tamarind Open House. Join Raven Chacon and Tamarind staff and printers for workshop demonstrations, gallery tours, and a preview of Chacon’s six-color lithograph, made in collaboration with Valpuri Remling and Ginny Fielding. Info: Tamarind Institute, 2500 Central Ave SE, (505) 277-3901.

saturday 30 | 6–8 pm

Sinatra and the Rat Pack Night at Town & Ranch. Enjoy themed craft cocktails and retro lounge vibes with the music of Sinatra and the Rat Pack. Happy hour specials from 3–5 pm. Info: Town & Ranch, 1318 4th St NW. For details visit lospoblanos.com/events. Free.

sunday 31 | 10:30 am

Chatter Sunday. Music for strings and harpsichord by Reena Esmail and Alban Berg. As always, your ticket includes a custom coffee drink from our espresso bar. Info: Chatter, 912 Third St NW. Tickets: $17 adults in advance; $20 atdoor, $9 students/under-30, $5 under-13 at chatterabq.org.

sunday 31 | 7 pm

Concert: Pantera with Amon Amarth. Info: Isleta Amphitheater, 5601 Isleta Blvd SE, isletaamp.com, (505) 452-5100. Tickets at livenation.com and check out livenation. com/tickettosummer for $30 tickets.

ONGOING/DAILY EVENTS

every day |

Tickets On Sale Now–It’s Balloon Fiesta in Summer. Just like Christmas in July, but with balloons. The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta will be held October 4–12 this year. While that seems a long time away, an amazing Observation Deck experience is being curated just for you. Comfortable and accessible indoor and outdoor seating, delicious catered meals, no lines, and a bar – as a matter of fact, have a drink on us. Get your tickets today and be prepared to have an elevated experience. Info: Tickets and lots more information at redziaevents.com/e/theobservation-deck-2025.

various days | various events and times

Presbyterian Health Plan Place. This beautiful facility has been open for a while and has activities all month long, including fitness, nutrition, and wellness classes, such as strength training, pain care awareness, beginner’s fitness journey, tai chi, salsa dancing, sewing, making crafts, Zumba, education, and fun such as Lego Club and Dreamcatcher making. Info: 2100 Louisiana Blvd NE, Ste. 408. See what’s available and the calendar at phs.org/ health-plan-place. Registration can also be done at this web address.

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.

various days | various times

Cancer Support Now. Free services. Info: Call the helpline, (505) 255-0405. Also, various days/times listed throughout Datebook for specific group and individual assistance.

various days | various times

CSP Dance Studios. Providing Albuquerque with the best partner dance instruction in town, including ballroom, Latin, swing, country, and line dance instruction. Info: 1624 Eubank Blvd NE, (505) 883-9521. Please check out our website to see all that we offer, cspdancestudios.com.

various days | various times

Overeaters Anonymous. This program of recovery uses Twelve Steps, Traditions, and Concepts, as well as the nine tools of recovery to provide a fellowship of experience, strength, and hope, where members support each other’s recovery from compulsive eating disorders such as overeating, binging, bulimia, and anorexia. Info: For more information and a list of local meetings at oa-cnmi.org or call (505) 261-3553.

various days | various times

New Mexico Young Actors, Inc. Now in their 45th season, NMYA features youth ages 9 to 19 in all roles. The mission is to develop an appreciation of theater in our community – performances by children and for children. NMYA offers classes, workshops, and productions, and are always looking for new young actors to join their company. Weekly theater classes are offered for ages 5 to 18; Drama I classes for elementary, middle, and high school students; and Advanced Drama productions are available for returning students. Call (505) 821-8055, email info@ nmyoungactors.org, or visit the website at nmyoungactors.org. Prorated fees and tuition assistance available.

various days | various times

Old San Ysidro Church Tours. Come see the beauty and learn the history of one of Corrales’ most significant historic buildings. Informative docents are on hand to provide insight into the history and current usage of this iconic landmark. Info: 966 Old Church Rd, Corrales. Register for a tour at corraleshistory.org. Free.

various days | 8–10 pm

Haunted Tour of Old Town. Take a tour of Old Town Albuquerque and learn about the many ghosts who have made the Old Town square their home. Legends,

folklore, ghost stories, and history come to life as you depart on an intriguing excursion – 314 years of haunted history. Info: Approximately 1 hour, 50 minutes. abqtours.fun.

daily |

Cancer Support Now. LGBT Cancer Peer Support, no charge one-on-one peer cancer support matching for cancer survivors and/or caregivers. Info: Our Helpline is available seven days a week at (505) 255-0405. Currently hosting web meetings only. Please call our helpline for an invitation to join a web support group or to connect with someone for one-toone support.

daily | 9 am–5 pm

At Play in the Atomic Age. The toys of the atomic age reflect the times and culture of their day. The Atomic Age was born with the Manhattan Project and blasted into the public’s consciousness in 1945. This exhibit features over 100 artifacts from the permanent collection of the Nuclear Museum and artifacts on loan specifically for this exhibition. Info: The National Museum of Nuclear Science and History, 601 Eubank Blvd NE, (505) 2452137. Tickets $15 at nuclearmuseum.org.

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daily | various times

Wellness Classes at Los Poblanos. Restore, revive, and move with a class in the Wellness Yurt. Class offerings include Gentle Yoga, Flow and Restore Yoga, Vinyasa Yoga and Mat Pilates. Info: Los Poblanos, 4803 Rio Grande Blvd NW, (855) 486-1380. $15 per class. To reserve your space, visit lospoblanos.com/ hacienda-spa/wellness-classes.

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 to meet, play, learn, celebrate, and be part of the community. Everyone, regardless of age or religious affiliation, is welcome. Info: JCC, 5520 Wyoming Blvd NE, (505) 332-0565, jccabq.org.

daily | various times

Al-Anon Family Groups and Alateen. Meetings held various days, times, and locations throughout Albuquerque and New Mexico and is an anonymous fellowship of relatives and friends of problem drinkers. We come together

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to share our experience, strength and hope to recover from the effects of another person’s drinking. Info: Al-Anon Information Service, aisnm.org, (505) 262-2177.

daily |

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 part of a rewarding organization. Info: Agora Crisis Center, agoracares.org (505) 277-3013.

daily | 10 am–5 pm; closed sunday

Weems Gallery & Framing. The website enables people to purchase fine art online, as well as kaleidoscopes, jewelry, glass, sculptures, photography, and wood. Go to weemsgallery.com, (505) 293-6133.

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) 9387900.

daily |

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

daily |

Epilepsy Support and Education Services. For meeting times and places, call (505) 243-9119 or visit epilepsysupportnm.org.

daily | 11:30 am–5:30 pm

Rattlesnake Museum. See different species of live rattlesnakes displayed in recreated natural landscapes. The owners are dedicated to conservation and preservation education. Info: American International Rattlesnake Museum, 202 San Felipe Rd NW, Ste. A, (505) 242-6569, rattlesnakes.com. Closed Mondays.

daily |

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

daily |

Ronald McDonald House Charities of New Mexico. A “home-away-from-home” is available for families whose children are in medical treatment. Operating the 30-guest room Yale House, 20-guest room 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.

daily |

Cancer Support Now. Relaxation support sessions over the telephone by appointment. Our Helpline is available seven days a week at (505) 255-0405. Currently hosting web meetings only.

daily | 7 am–8 pm

Free Fishing at Tingley Beach. From sunup to sun-down, practice your basic flytying methods, fly-rod casting techniques, fishing etiquette, effective catch-andrelease 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. Make sure you have a fishing license. Info: Tingley Beach, 1800 Tingley Dr SW, call 311 or (505) 768-2000.

daily | 9 am–4 pm

The Indian Pueblo Cultural Center. Please join others for virtual and in-person events which offer a unique way to experience Pueblo culture including cultural dances, daily artists, lecture series, pick-up meals, book club, collections tours, Indigenous agriculture workshops, and many other special events. While here, enjoy the restaurant and shop at the store. Info: IPCC, 2401 12th St NW, (505) 843-7270. See website for events and exhibitions, indianpueblo.org.

daily | 10 am–1 pm; 2–6 pm

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

daily | various times

NAMI NM and NAMI Albuquerque (National Alliance for the Mentally Ill). There are many support programs available weekly – Zoom at no charge. Also, 8-week classes are offered 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.

daily | 10 am–5 pm

Amapola Gallery. This is a group of 39 local artists and artisans who have joined together to keep quality and variety up, prices down. They are small, local, creative, and the artists’ wondrous works are always priced right. Info: Amapola Gallery in Old Town on the Plaza, 205 Romero St NW, (505) 242-4311, amapolagallery.com.

daily | 10 am–5 pm

Explora! Explora! is an innovative experiential learning center located in the heart of Old Town Albuquerque with over 250 interactive exhibits and activities in science, technology, engineering, art, and math for the whole family. Open 9–11 Mondays for Toddler Time. Info: 170 Mountain Rd NW, explora@explora. us, (505) 600-6072. Tickets: $6–$10 at explora@explora.us/visitor-information.

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 occur at select PetSmart locations and Watermelon Mountain Ranch. Donations, fosters,

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and volunteers are always welcome. Info: wmranch.org, (505) 771-0140, wmranchnm@aol.com.

daily | 12:30 pm

Duplicate Bridge. There are open games for newer and experienced players Monday–Saturday, and special novice games on Thursdays. Come with your favorite partner or call us for help finding a partner. Info: Duke City Bridge Club, 8616 Northeastern Blvd NE, (505) 2712877, dukecitybridge.com. Entrance fee is $6.

various days | monday–thursday 9 am–12 pm; saturday–sunday 10 am–2 pm The WHEELS Museum, Inc. This museum is a 501(c)3 non-profit community organization whose mission is to create a transportation museum at the downtown Albuquerque Steam Locomotive Repair Shops. Educational programs, tours, and presentations are provided for the community in the 21,000 square foot historic building located at 2nd and Pacific SW (1100 2nd St SW). Info: Visit wheelsmuseum.org for information on all the interesting and informative exhibits, (505) 243-6269. Tax deductible donations are gratefully accepted; contact Leba at leba4@aol.com.

various days | various times

Create Art at The Groove Artspace. Explore your creativity in a relaxed setting with local teaching artists. A wide range of art classes are offered for adults, teens, and youth. Info: The Groove Artspace, 309 Gold Ave SW, (505) 750-1713. Check out our full list of daytime and evening availability, as well as weekday and weekend classes at thegrooveartspace. com. Class fees generally include all materials.

various days | various times

ABQ Scavenger Hunt. Teams of two to five 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 contact info@abqtango.org for details about various classes, workshops, and opportunities for social dancing.

saturdays and sundays

Birthday Parties at Explora. The smartest party in town is at Explora! Celebrate with all-day museum admission, a private party room, and an interactive activity of your choice led by an Explora host. Now booking online at explora.com for twohour blocks. Pricing for members and non-members.

sundays | check website

Breaking Bad Tour. Breaking Bad fans won’t want to miss this entertaining and action-packed tour that features many show locations that only true fans will appreciate. Your Breaking Bad knowledge will be tested with trivia from the show, so come prepared to win prizes. Locations may change depending upon ongoing filming schedules. Info: 1919 Old Town Rd NW, abqtours.fun for more information and $80 tickets.

sundays | 10:30 am

Chatter Sunday offers weekly Sunday morning concerts which also include readings and refreshments. A calendar can be found at chatterabq.org and in Datebook above. Info: Performances are held at 912 Third St NW. Doors open at 9:30; for best seats, come early and enjoy the coffee and camaraderie. Advance tickets: $17 adults, $9 under-30 and students, and $5 children, at chatterabq. org/boxoffice and if still available, at the door: $20 adults, $9 students, $5 children.

sundays | 1–3 pm

Brain Gang Trivia with host, Matt Hoffberg. Bring your brain, bring the gang, and show us your wits. It’s free, it’s fun, and there are prizes to be won. Info: Craft Republic,

4301 The Lane 25 NE, braingangtrivia. com. 18+ welcome.

sundays | 5–7 pm

Brain Gang Trivia with host, Matt Hoffberg. Bring your brain, bring the gang, and show us your wits. It’s free, it’s fun, and there are prizes to be won. Info: The BLOCK, 7805 Enchanted Hills Blvd NE, Rio Rancho, braingangtrivia.com. 18+ welcome.

mondays–saturdays | 10:30 am–2 pm

Albuquerque City Library Bookshop. Funds raised by the Bookshop go directly to the Library to fund important literacy programs, staff development, and community outreach efforts. Info: Main Library, Lower Level, 501 Copper Ave NW. Two-hour free parking available; bring parking ticket to the library to get validated.

mondays | 9–11 am

Toddler Time at Explora. Enjoy Explora with your wee ones in an exclusive extra hour, including story time and special songs by the resident musician, Tom. Info: Explora, 1701 Mountain Rd NW, (505) 600-6072, explora.us.

mondays | 12 pm

Kiwanis Club of Albuquerque. Speaker luncheons are held the first three Mondays of each month. The speaker programs are highly regarded. Info: Embassy Suites Hotel, 1000 Woodward Pl NE. Reserve your seat for the buffet lunch at dorner66@gmail.com.

mondays | 2:30–4 pm

UNM and Cancer Support Now. Survivors Writing Together is a journaling support group for survivors, men and women, all cancer diagnoses. Info: Our Helpline is available seven days a week at (505) 2550405. Currently hosting web meetings only. Please call our helpline for an invitation to join a web support group or to connect with someone for one-to-one support.

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

UNM and Cancer Support Now. Survivors and/or caregivers, all diagnoses, men, and women. Info: Our Helpline is available seven days a week at (505) 255-0405. Currently hosting web meetings only. 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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mondays | 6–8 pm

Brain Gang Trivia. Bring your brain, bring the gang, and show us your wits. It’s free, it’s fun, and there are prizes to be won. Info: Canteen Taproom, 417 Tramway Blvd NE, (505) 200-2344, braingangtrivia.com. 18+ welcome.

mondays and wednesdays | 9:30 pm

Online Tango Classes. Live lessons with Eva Garle˙ and Pablo Rodriguez. Info: Bien Milonguero Tango School, 1512 First St NW, evaypablotango@gmail.com or (505) 313-5316 text or Whatsapp.

monday–friday | 9:30 am–2:30 pm

Albuquerque Garden Center. Our events include the Cactus and Succulent Society Show and Sale, the African Violet Show and Sale, the Annual Spring Plant Sale, and the Aril and Iris Show. Info: Albuquerque Garden Center, 10120 Lomas Blvd NE. albuquerquegardencenter.org. Free.

mondays–saturdays | 12–2 pm

Exquisite Turquoise in the Castle. This extraordinary German-style castle is the museum setting featuring rare turquoise specimens, lapidary demos, history and

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geology, a mine tunnel replica, hands-on activities for kids, and silversmithing. Info: The Turquoise Museum, 400 2nd St SW. Tickets at turquoisemuseum.com, (505) 433-3684.

mondays, wednesdays, and fridays | 10 am–1:30 pm

Telephone Museum. The museum’s purpose is to educate young and old alike to the history of the telephone in New Mexico and to preserve the legacy of the telephone people who built that industry in New Mexico. There are four floors of exhibits, telephone switchboards and

telephones, as well as four audio exhibits in the original telephone building from 1906. There are telephone directories from 1916-current from almost every town in New Mexico. Info: 110 Fourth St NW, (505) 842-2937. Scheduled tours can be made after normal museum hours.

mondays–fridays |

8:30 am–4 pm

Presbyterian Health Plan Place. Start enjoying your health and wellness journey. We will educate and guide you no matter where you are in your health journey to build a strong foundation. Our resources,

services, and classes are open to all, free of charge and regardless of insurance. Join us for activities around nutrition, fitness, and self-management and wellness. Any Medicare eligible individual with any type of health insurance is welcome at Health Plan Place. Info: 2100 Louisiana Blvd NE, Ste. 408. View a number of upcoming events at phs.org/health-plan-place. Free.

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.

tuesdays | 6–8 pm

Chess Club. All ages and skill levels are welcome. Info: Corrales Community Library, 84 West La Entrada, (505) 8970733.

tuesdays | 6:30–8:30 pm

The New MexiChords Barbershop Chorus. Love to sing? The New MexiChords Barbershop Chorus is looking for men and women to join them. It is not necessary to read music to join. Sheet music and learning tracks are available to learn songs. Two concerts are performed annually and they also sing at Albuquerque’s Citizenship Naturalization Ceremonies as well as other civic events, such as the Balloon Fiesta and others as they arise. Info: St. John’s United Methodist Church, 2626 Arizona Ave NE. For more information, contact Walt Parsons at (505) 410-9635.

tuesdays | 7–9 pm

Brain Gang Trivia with host, Matt Hoffberg. Bring your brain, bring the gang, and show us your wits. It’s free, it’s fun, and there are prizes to be won. Info: The Tatted Bee Brewhouse, 11500 Menaul Blvd NE, (505) 554-2513, braingangtrivia.com. 18+ welcome.

second tuesdays | 4–7 pm

Tasting Tuesdays at Town and Ranch. On the second Tuesday of every month, New Mexico spirits are sampled with guests from distilleries around the state. Stop by to try something new, meet local distillers, and relax. Info: Town and Ranch, 1318 Fourth St NW, lospoblanos.com/events/ town-ranch-events, (505) 808-1715.

second tuesdays | 5:30–7 pm

Turquoise Trail Harley Owners Group, Chapter #2015. Socialize with other Harley Owners Group members to learn about upcoming events and rides and get to know our fellow Harley-Davidson enthusiasts. Green chile cheeseburgers are available for purchase from the Moose Lodge. First meeting is free; National HOG

membership is required in order to join the Chapter. We love to RIDE. Info: Loyal Order of Moose Lodge, 2121 Edith Blvd NE, turquoisetrailhog.org.

tuesdays, wednesdays, and thursdays | 6 pm

Argentine Tango Classes. Practicums and events with Puerta al Tango (Graham P. Stanford). Info: Las Puertas, 1500 First St NW, Puerta-al-tango.com. Contact graham@puertotango.com.

tuesdays–saturdays | 9 am–5 pm

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

tuesdays–saturdays | 9:30 am, 1:30 pm tuesdays–fridays; 10:30 am, 12 pm, 1:30 pm saturdays

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 Rd, Corrales, cabq.gov/

casasanysidro, (505) 898-3915, $4–$6 general admission.

tuesdays | 3:30–5 pm

UNM/Cancer Support Now. Advanced cancer survivors writing together. This is a journaling support group for survivors of cancer; men and women, all diagnoses. Info: Our Helpline is available seven days a week at (505) 255-0405. Currently hosting web meetings only. Please call our helpline for an invitation to join a web support group or to connect with someone for one-to-one support.

tuesdays | 5–10 pm

Tamarind Summer Season Exhibit Open Hours. A member of Tamarind’s gallery staff will be on-site from 5–6:30 pm to answer questions about the artwork and lithography printmaking process. Drinks available for purchase from the Library Bar. Info: La Quinta Cultural Center, 4803 Rio Grande Blvd NW. For details visit lospoblanos.com/events. Free.

tuesdays | 7 pm

Music Bingo Night. Enjoy yourself and invite friends to join you with food, drinks, and friendly competition presented by World’s Best Trivia. Food truck on site from 5–10 pm. Prizes awarded. Info: Flock

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of Moons Brewing Company, 111 Harvard Dr SE.

second tuesdays | 10:30–12 pm

Pueblo of Isleta Cancer Community Support. Info: Isleta Pueblo Health Clinic, 1 Sagebrush St.

tuesdays–sundays | 10 am–5 pm

National Hispanic Cultural Center Exhibits. See the website for the current listing of exhibitions. Info: National Hispanic Cultural Center, 1701 Fourth St SW, (505) 246-2261, nhccnm.org.

tuesdays, thursdays, fridays, sundays | 11 am

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

second and fourth tuesdays | 4–5:30 pm

Cancer Support Now. Santa Fe Women’s Group, Surviving Sisters. All cancers, all

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diagnoses, all stages, all women. Info: The Helpline is available seven days a week at (505) 255-0405. Currently hosting web meetings only. Please call the helpline for an invitation to join a web support group or to connect with someone for one-toone support.

tuesday–sunday | 10 am–5 pm

The Corrales Bosque Gallery. Artistowned and operated, the Corrales Bosque Gallery is delighted to display the work of its 18 member-artists. You will find a wide variety of media and styles, including painting, photography, sculpture, jewelry, ceramics, drawing, folk art, beadwork, and mosaic. Info: 4685 Corrales Rd, (505) 898-7203, corralesbosquegallery.com.

first wednesdays | 9 am–5 pm

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

wednesdays | 6–8 pm

Brain Gang Trivia with Host, Matt Hoffberg. Bring your brain, bring the gang, and show us your wits. It’s free, it’s fun, and

there are prizes to be won. Info: Canteen Brewhouse, 2381 Aztec Rd NE, (505) 8812737, braingangtrivia.com. 18+ welcome.

second wednesdays | 12–1 pm

Cancer Support Now. Sandia Base cancer support group for survivors of all cancers, all stages, men and women. Info: The Helpline is available seven days a week at (505) 255-0405. Currently hosting web meetings only. Please call the helpline for an invitation to join a web support group or to connect with someone for one-toone support.

second and fourth

wednesdays | 11:30 am

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

wednesdays–sundays | 10 am–4 pm

Natural History Museum. Explore the most dynamic dinosaurs that roamed New Mexico. Learn to balance like

Seismosaurus, hunt like Coelophysis, and stomp like Tyrannosaurus. Info: New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science, 1801Mountain Rd NW, nmnaturalhistory.org, (505) 841-2848.

wednesdays–sundays | 11 am–3:30 pm

New Mexico Holocaust & Intolerance Museum. The museum is dedicated to providing knowledge about genocides and intolerance throughout history, continuing to the present day. Approximately 50 percent of the museum focuses on the Holocaust; the remaining space is devoted to other genocides, human rights, and social justice issues. Info: 616 Central Ave SW, (505) 247-0606, nmholocaustmuseum.org. Reservations required for parties of five or more.

wednesdays–sundays | 11 am–5 pm

Help Socialize Cats and Have Fun. Please visit and enjoy drinks, snacks, and spend time with adorable, adoptable cats at Catopia Cat Cafe. Your visit will support their foster home and they will love the snuggles and playtime until they find permanent homes. Regular hours are ages 8+ and an all ages night is offered from 5-8 pm Wednesdays. Also offered are Yoga with Cats, Painting with Cats, and

Henna Cat-toos. Info: catopiacatcafe.com, Paseo Village, 8001 Wyoming Blvd NE, Ste. C-5, (505) 508-4278. Closed Monday and Tuesday.

first thursdays bimonthly (every other) | 6:30 pm

Lymphedema + Lipedema Support Group. Patients, caregivers, and advocates are invited to share experiences and strategies in a supportive space. Learn about wellness resources, compression options, and self-care techniques. Info: Hosted by Balanced Physical Therapy + Wellness, 7849 Tramway Blvd NE, Ste. A (Paseo Del Norte and Tramway Blvd). balancedrehababq.com/lymph, (505) 8213831.

thursdays | 10:30 am

Story Time at the Zoo. With storybooks and props, volunteers will take you on imaginative tours of the world. Aimed at our youngest zoo-goers, Story Time includes fun tales and educational facts about animals at the zoo. Each week features a different animal. Info: Story Time meets in the Africa amphitheater February–November depending on volunteer schedules. Story Time lasts about an hour. Info: Albuquerque BioPark, 903 10th St SW, (505) 764-6214 for more information.

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 St NE. Contact Terry at (505) 377-6074, triddle@rmmsonline.com or roadrunnersabq.com.

thursdays | 4–5:30 pm

UNM/Cancer Support Now. Friends and Family Writing Together. This is a journaling support group for survivors of metastatic cancer; men and women, all diagnoses. Info: Our Helpline is available seven days a week at (505) 255-0405. Currently hosting web meetings only. Please call our helpline for an invitation to join a web support group or to connect with someone for one-to-one support.

thursdays | 5:30—7:30 pm

Study Hours with Childcare. CNM student families are invited to take advantage of study hours at Explora. Childcare will be provided by Brillante for kids between the ages of three and 12. X Studio programming is available for children older than 12. Info: This is a free service available at Explora, 1701 Mountain Road NW, (505) 600-6072 or email brillante@ explora.us for more information. Space is limited.

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thursdays | 6–9 pm

Karaoke. Join DJ Danielsan for an evening of fun. Take the stage and sing your favorite songs or relax with friends while enjoying great drinks and food. Sip on cocktails, local NM craft beers, and wines. Feast on dishes from Ursa Minor, Suffocakes, La Cocina de Maria, Vegan Vato, and Latin Flavor ABQ. Info: Imperial Inn, 701 Central Ave NE. Free.

thursdays | 6:30 pm

Nerd Nite. Nerd Nite is a monthly lecture event that strives for an inebriated, salacious, yet deeply academic vibe. It’s often about science or technology, but by no means is it limited to such topics. And it’s definitely entertaining. Our unofficial tag line is “It’s like the Discovery Channel–with beer!” There are Nerd Nites around the world; ABQ is just one of them. Info: Santa Fe Brewing Company Taproom at Green Jeans Food Hall, 3600 Cutler Ave NE, #1. Take a gander at nerdnite.com for more info or contact Nat at (650) 3195001.

thursdays | 7–9 pm

Brain Gang Trivia with Host, Matt Hoffberg. Bring your brain, bring the gang, and show us your wits. It’s free, it’s fun, and there are prizes to be won. Info: The BLOCK, 7805

DATEBOOK

Enchanted Hills Blvd NE, Rio Rancho. 18+ welcome.

second and fourth

thursdays | 3:30–5 pm

Cancer Support Now. Pancreatic cancer caregiver support group for caregivers of patients and survivors of pancreatic cancer, all stages, men, and women. Info: The Helpline is available seven days a week at (505) 255-0405. Hosting web meetings only currently. Please call the helpline for an invitation to join a web support group or to connect with someone for one-toone support.

first and third thursdays | 5–6:30 pm

Cancer Support Now. Women’s North Valley cancer support group for all cancers, all women, survivors and/or caregivers. Info: The Helpline is available seven days a week at (505) 255-0405. Currently hosting web meetings only. Please call the helpline for an invitation to join a web support group or to connect with someone for one-to-one support.

thursdays | 4–6 pm

Tutoring Thursdays at Explora. Tutoring in the Tech Lab. Want help with tricky

homework or a study partner for that upcoming quiz? Drop in for an effective tutoring session. Ages 13–19 welcome. Info: Explora, 1701 Mountain Rd NW, (505) 600-6072, explora.us.

thursdays | 6–8 pm

Live Music at Town & Ranch. We are featuring our favorite local artists to pair with our selection of local spirits and craft cocktails. Info: Town & Ranch, 1318 4th St NW. For details visit lospoblanos.com/ events. Free.

thursdays | 9:30 pm

Online Tango Classes. Follower’s technique with Eva. All levels. Info: Bien Milonguero Tango School, 1512 First St NW, evaypablotango@gmail.com or (505) 313-5316 text or Whatsapp.

first friday | 9 pm

Chatter Late Works. Info: Chatter, 912 3rd St NW. Doors open at 8:15; concert starts at 9 pm. General admission is $15 with tickets at chatterabq.org/boxoffice and, if still available, at the door. Cash bar provided by Rumor Brewing.

fridays | 12–1:30 pm

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

fridays | 1–4 pm

Tamarind Institute. See the workshop facility, learn about fine art lithography, current programs, and the history of Tamarind (a division within the College of Fine Arts at UNM). See a collaborative process video and a printing demonstration. The public is welcome, no reservation required; reservation for other times: tamarind.unm.edu. Info: Tamarind Institute, 2500 Central Ave SE, (505) 2773901. Free.

fridays | 4–6 pm

Fix-it Fridays and Crafternoons at Explora. Join others for a variety of projects –repair your broken electronics, use sewing skills to bring old clothes back to life, and craft with friends over Boba Tea drinks. Info: Explora, 1701 Mountain Rd NW, (505) 600-6072, explora.us.

fridays | 7–10 pm

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

every first friday |

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

fridays | 7–9 pm

Square Dance. Come dance with the Duke City Square Dance Club every Friday night. We dance SSD, Mainstream and Plus levels. Info: Albuquerque Square Dance Center, 4915 Hawkins St. Dukecitysquaredanceclub. The cost is $8. For more information, contact dukecitysd0@gmail.com.

fridays | 7–9

Solid Grounds Music Café. Solid Grounds is a unique venue offering musical inspiration and community in a coffeehouse atmosphere, every Friday evening. Doors open at 6:30 pm. Live music from 7 til 9 pm. No cover charge. Info: Hosted by Rio Grande Center for Spiritual Living. 4374 Alexander Blvd NE, (505) 224-9405, rgcsl. org. Everyone is welcome and donations are gratefully accepted.

second fridays | 6–7 pm

Free Country Dance Lessons. Friday night just got waaaay better. Info: Dirty Bourbon, 9800 Montgomery Blvd NE, (505) 8839521. Sponsored by and information available at cspdancestudios.com.

every third friday | 7–9 pm

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

fridays, saturdays, and sundays

Tablao Flamenco Albuquerque. The passion and energy of flamenco comes alive as you experience flamenco in its most intimate, powerful setting in the heart of historic Old Town Albuquerque.

Featuring a world-class lineup of artists, the Tablao Flamenco presents a dynamic schedule of performances. Info: Friday and Saturday dinner shows feature electrifying performances accompanied by an exclusive four-course meal created by Hotel Albuquerque’s Chef, Gilbert Aragon. Visiting on Sunday? Enjoy a light tapas menu and regionally inspired fine wines and spirits. Reservations and more information, dates, and times are found at tablaoflamenco.org.

saturdays | 8 am–12 pm

Downtown Growers’ Market. Shop the largest selection of local farmers and ranchers in Albuquerque. Each bring their own knowledge, flavor, and personal touch to the plants they grow, animals they raise, and bees they tend. Info: Robinson Park, 8th St and Central Ave.

saturdays

| 9 am–12 pm

Duplicate Bridge Lessons. Whether you are new to bridge or a former or rusty player, enjoy the free supervised play lessons – no partner needed. Info: Duke City Bridge Club, 8616 Northeastern Blvd NE, (505) 271-2877, dukecitybridge.com. Free.

saturdays | 10 am–2 pm

Study Hours with Childcare. CNM student families are invited to take advantage of study hours at Explora. Childcare will be provided by Brillante for kids between the ages of three and 12. X Studio programming is available for children older than 12. Info: This is a free service available at Explora, 1701 Mountain Rd NW, (505) 600-6072 or email brillante@ explora.us for more information. Space is limited.

saturdays | 12–1 pm

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

saturdays | 1–3 pm

Duke City Model Yacht Club. Join us every Saturday at Tingley Beach where we race remote-controlled sailboats. All are welcome to visit us at the pond. We will be happy to help you sail one of our boats before or after the races. Info: 1800 Tingley Dr SW, dcmyc.org.

most 2nd and 4th saturdays | 7–10 pm

ABQ Dance Club. Fun social dances with a variety of music for swing, country, ballroom, and Latin. All levels. No partner needed and beginners are welcome

(introductory dance lesson at 6:45 pm on 4th Saturday). Info: ABQ Square Dance Center, 4915 Hawkins St NE. For more info and to confirm schedule, email glkello@ nmia.com or call (505) 299-3737 (no text; leave message). $8 fee ($5 ADC) includes light refreshments, lesson or mixer dance (TBD).

saturdays

| 2:30–4:30 pm

Tango Club of Albuquerque’s Weekly Practice. At this Argentine Tango practice, no partner is necessary. Info: ABQ Square Dance Center, 4909 Hawkins St NE, abqtango.org.

second

saturdays | 6–8:30 pm

Community Coffee House. Warm up with a cup and the opening musical performer. This is a great way to spend a Saturday evening listening to music and enjoying friends, old and new. Info: Unity Spiritual Center, relocated from the East Mountains to 9800 Candelaria Rd NE, (505) 292-1998, uscabq.org/ coffeehouse for information about the month’s performers. (Not affiliated with the church.)

third saturdays |

Blue Star Mothers. General membership meeting for mothers of sons or daughters who currently serve or have served in the U.S. military. They pack care packages four times a year for those serving in the military. They also volunteer and participate in several military events throughout the year. Info: 2919 2nd St NW, rgvnmbsm.org. Contact Ruby at rubyjeangarcia@gmail.com or (505) 2038250 or Denise at (505) 883-6240. Free.

every first saturday | 10–11:30 am

People Living Through Cancer. Support Group for women with any gynecological cancer plus concurrent group for families/ caregivers. Info: The Gynecological Cancer Awareness Project holds these peer-led groups at the People Living – Cancer Office, 3411 Candelaria Rd NE, Ste. M, theGCAP.org.

every second saturday | 10 – 11 am

Visionary Arts Crafts Guild (VACG) Monthly Membership Meeting. VACG’s mission is to develop a fellowship among craftspeople and facilitate a market for crafts. Info: Meet at the RRRCC, 4201 Crestview Dr, Rio Rancho (except Nov and Dec) (505) 340-5846.

EARLY SEPTEMBER EVENTS

saturday 6 and sunday 7 | 10 am–5 pm

Sandia Heights Artists Studio Tour. Art enthusiasts are invited to visit 14 homes in the foothills by the Tramway and meet 43 artists in various fine art media including jewelry, pottery, glass woodcrafting, textiles, painting, algorithm art, and mixed media. The tour is free and self-guided. Info: Information and interactive map available at sandiaheightsartists.com.

sunday 7 | 9 am–4 pm

9th Annual Placitas Garden Tour. The guide booklet is the guide for the Placitas Garden Tour as well as the ticket to tour the gardens. In addition to the garden descriptions, the guide booklet will contain tour information and a center fold map which will help you navigate Placitas. Info: You may purchase the guide booklet at placitasgardentour.com beginning August 5th.

monday 8 | 7:30 am–3 pm

The UnFOREgettable Golf Classic. Join the Alzheimer’s Association, New Mexico Chapter, for a meaningful day of golf at Santa Ana Golf Club – raising funds and awareness for Alzheimer’s care, support and research. To register, to sponsor or for more information, please contact Don Smithburg at (505) 404-9834 or dsmithburg@alz.org.

tuesday 9 | 7:30 pm

Concert: Goo Goo Dolls with Dashboard Confessional – Summer Anthem Tour 2025. Info: Isleta Amphitheater, 5601 Isleta Blvd SE, isletaamp.com, (505) 4525100. Tickets at livenation.com.

INCLUDE YOUR EVENTS IN THE 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.

CANNABIS

CANNABIS: 3 YEARS LATER

We asked cannabis experts around Albuquerque: How has the industry evolved since legalization in 2022?

The cannabis industry has grown considerably since its legalization in the Land of Enchantment in April 2022.

While there’s plenty of competition, whether through manufacturing, cultivation or retail, the sense of community is strong at all levels. Those involved in the cannabis business have been deeply invested in its success long before licensed sales began more than three years ago.

Take Verdes Cannabis, for example. Verdes has been serving the New Mexico community for over a

decade, making it one of the longestoperating dispensaries in the state. Started in 2010 by Eric Speegle and his father, Doug Speegle, the dispensary and grow operation quickly expanded to become one of New Mexico’s largest and most highly-regarded dispensaries. As successful as it has become, those at Verdes recognize that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.

“Albuquerque’s cannabis community is deeply connected and always has been,” says Verdes chief revenue officer Steven Brown. “From the early days of medical to the expansion into adult use, those ties have remained strong. We hire from the same talent pool, serve many of the same customers, and often wholesale each other’s products. There’s a natural overlap across people, products, and purpose. Most of us have worked together in one form or another, and that creates a sense of mutual respect and shared responsibility that keeps the industry grounded.”

The Green House, a dispensary with the motto, “We grow weed for the people,” is renowned for growing highquality cannabis and providing it to clients in the most friendly and knowledgeable manner possible. After initially launching in

“Albuquerque’s cannabis community is deeply connected and always has been.”

Pagosa Springs, Colorado, The Green House has expanded to open multiple locations in New Mexico.

Green House president Jeremy Bonin points out that many of those who are successful in cannabis were on the ground floor of the industry long before it became trendy. That, in turn, leads to a measure of respect throughout the community as it grows and thrives.

“Many of us come from similar backgrounds as legalization advocates with personal experiences with the use of the plant,” Bonin says. “It’s best to respect one another and work together for bureaucratic changes.”

Thanks to those bonds that have already been forged, the various

(continued on page 86)

VERDES CANNABIS

Rooted in New Mexico. Driven by Purpose.

At Verdes Cannabis, we’re passionate about offering products that reflect New Mexico through flavor, function and intention. Whether it’s a unique strain, a thoughtful edible or transformative educational experience, we want to provide care, consistency and community connection.

That ethos is reflected through a group of talented leaders across our supply chain, including Vice President of Operations Ben Barnett, Head Grower Tori Gibson, and Head of Education and Culture Kelly Butterman. From seed to kitchen to classroom, our integration means we’re in constant collaboration. We trust each other’s expertise and stay aligned across departments. Ben’s operational leadership, Tori’s cultivation practices, and Kelly’s educational insight all inform and elevate each phase of what we do.

In the cannabis industry, it’s impossible to predict everything with 100% accuracy — that’s why adaptability is essential. On one hand, we depend on a lengthy cultivation and harvest cycle to secure raw materials for production; on the other, consumer demand and market dynamics are evolving rapidly. At Verdes, Ben has the advantage of managing both the procurement of finished goods and the oversight of our internal manufacturing processes.

“From seed to sale, every step of the process is interdependent,

and my leadership approach is built around ensuring that these connections are not only understood but actively strengthened across the organization,” Ben says. “The values that guide me in leading such a diverse operation begin with transparency and shared accountability. I believe that every department — whether it’s cultivation, kitchen, packaging, fulfillment, compliance, marketing, or retail — should have a clear understanding of how their work impacts the entire value chain.”

Cultivation is both a science and an art, but it’s also work that requires patience: The Verdes team typically spends 116 days with each plant before harvest, caring for them through every life stage. The payoff is well worth it on a number of levels.

“In the cultivation department, we often talk about the structure of a vertically integrated cannabis company as a pyramid, with cultivation being the foundation,” Tori says. “Being that foundation is a responsibility we wear like a badge of honor. It’s easy to get lost in the metaphorical (and actual) weeds of our day-to-day, but knowing other departments—and ultimately our customers—are relying on the flower we produce gives our work deep meaning.”

Community is everything at Verdes. We aren’t just here to sell products—we’re here to offer

knowledge, healing, and support. We stay connected through local partnerships, outreach events, feedback loops and being approachable and transparent in everything we do. Accessibility is essential.

“I keep things simple, sciencebased, and fun,” Kelly says. “There’s a lot of noise out there, so making things digestible helps people feel confident and capable. Whether someone is brand new or experienced, I bring patience, curiosity and humor to every interaction.”

There’s a special synergy throughout the different departments at Verdes. That doesn’t happen by accident, because a successful collaboration needs multiple elements to succeed — namely respect, passion and trust. Together, we tell a story that’s bigger than the sum of its parts.

At Verdes, we hope to leave behind a blueprint for what responsible, community-first cannabis can look like. A company that cares—about quality, about education, and about the people we serve. One that stays rooted in New Mexico’s culture, builds sustainable jobs and offers healing and connection through every product.

entities in the cannabis community are able to continue working together — which helps them face the growing number of challenges the industry presents.

“Cannabis is exciting, but it is not easy,” Brown says. “Doing it the right way means following strict regulations, dealing with federal tax challenges like 280E, paying fair wages and delivering safe, high quality products to our customers. Collaboration helps us stay strong through those challenges. Whether it is sharing best practices, supporting policy work or building supply chain partnerships, working together helps us grow responsible businesses while staying true to the mission behind cannabis: access, healing, and care.”

There’s also a sense of pride in supporting local. That’s true at Elevated RX, which has earned a

“Working together helps us grow responsible businesses while stying true to the mission of cannabis: access, healing, and care.”

reputation for being a trusted, highperforming partner to dispensaries across New Mexico. Elevated provides full support, from sell-through strategies and campaign assets to customer education and product training. The company’s partners know that when they carry Elevated products, they’re getting award-winning products that drive door swings and build customer trust.

“Albuquerque’s cannabis community thrives on relationships—real ones,” says Elevated CEO Orlando Watts. “As a manufacturer, we work closely with cultivators, retailers and other producers who share a vision for quality and consistency. There’s a genuine sense of pride in keeping things local and supporting one another. Whether it’s collaborating on product drops, helping dispensaries with education and sell-through, or joining forces at events, the connection here is about building something sustainable together. It’s more than business— it’s community-driven progress.”

That sense of community is also integral at the legal level. As New Mexico’s OG cannabis business lawyer, Patricia M. Monaghan has unparalleled experience guiding cannabis businesses through the complexities of New Mexico cannabis business law. By maintaining a close watch on emerging policies, legal changes and agency decisions, she is able to ensure that her clients stay ahead of the curve. Monaghan’s expertise benefits everyone in the cannabis community.

“New Mexico sits at the crossroads of innovation, heritage, and progressive change. Nowhere is this more evident than in its burgeoning cannabis community—a sector marked by dynamic growth, complex regulation and profound societal impact,” Monaghan says. “As a cannabis business lawyer engaged in both legal counsel and advocacy, my role is not only pivotal but transformative, helping to shape the trajectory of the industry and the community at large.

“The cannabis community in New Mexico is evolving rapidly, propelled by changing laws, expanding business opportunities and shifting public attitudes,” she adds. “In this landscape,

(continued on page 88)

THE MONAGHAN LAW FIRM

Known as New Mexico’s OG cannabis business lawyer, Patricia “Tricia” Monaghan is a seasoned business attorney with unparalleled experience guiding cannabis businesses through the complexities of New Mexico cannabis business law.

Since 2009, she has been a trusted advisor to licensed cannabis producers, manufacturers, retailers, couriers and consumption lounges across the state. Tricia understands the intricacies of compliance in this highly regulated market. She maintains a close watch on emerging policies, legal changes and agency decisions to ensure her clients stay ahead of the curve. This proactive approach empowers them to capitalize on new opportunities and mitigate potential risks as the cannabis industry continues to blossom.

Tricia is a recognized thought leader in New Mexico cannabis law. For years, she advocated for passage of New Mexico’s medical cannabis law, the Lynn and Erin Compassionate Use Act. She also petitioned for and won approval of additional qualifying medical conditions.

Tricia’s passion for the cannabis industry extends to public service, as well. She is the founder and leader of the non-profit Medical Cannabis Compassion Foundation of New Mexico, advocating for patient access and affordability. Additionally, she actively participates in NORML’s National Legal Committee, furthering cannabis legalization efforts across the country.

my dual role as a legal expert and advocate is indispensable. I don’t just interpret statutes and draft contracts; I help to cultivate the conditions necessary for long-term prosperity, resilience and justice.”

In many ways, the cannabis industry is still in its infancy in New Mexico, which means there’s room for growth in a number of aspects — from policies to public perception, to quality of products.

“We see cannabis growing in so many ways including policy reform, stigma will fade, small grower movement, curated craft products, extended research, expanded culture and more diversity in cannabis industries as it deserves to be,” says The Green House’s Bonin.

Brown, meanwhile, expects that Verdes, which was one of New Mexico’s original license holders, will continue to remain community focused going forward.

“We are locally owned and operated without outside investors, and we have stayed committed to the people who built this market,” Brown says. “We support policy through advocacy, participate in the Cannabis Chamber of Commerce, offer patient education through one-on-one consultations and community classes and work to

destigmatize cannabis at every opportunity. That consistency builds trust, not just with our customers, but with our peers, regulators and neighbors. Being an active and reliable part of the community strengthens Verdes in return. It gives our brand staying power in an industry that is still defining itself.”

Working with other leaders in the cannabis community will also help strengthen the mission of growth for businesses across the board. That includes Elevated RX, which is already a trusted name delivering premium, consistent products backed by science, data, and decades of handson experience.

increasingly educated consumers. We see more co-branded efforts, more product segmentation, and more focus on creating memorable customer experiences—from flavor profiles to functional effects.

“The future of New Mexico’s cannabis industry is in strategic collaboration and specialization,” Watts says. “As the market matures, retailers will need trusted product lines that consistently perform and reflect the needs of

“Growth will come not just from expansion but from maturing through better operations, stronger partnerships, and deeper customer relationships.”

“Manufacturers who stay rooted in quality and flexible with innovation will be the backbone of that growth, helping retailers differentiate and compete as the market expands.”

The ultimate goal is to continue working toward providing the best product and experience possible for consumers in New Mexico. The cannabis community is united in that regard.

“We see the community becoming more intentional and more professional. Consumers are getting smarter, and the novelty is wearing off,” Brown says. “The brands that thrive will be the ones that are transparent, mission driven and grounded in quality. Growth will come not just from expansion, but from maturing through better operations, stronger partnerships and deeper customer relationships.”

TEACHING 47 YEARS

Coach Pino

TEACHING 51 YEARS

TEACHING 60 YEARS

Ms. Russey

Mr. Polansky

Lifelong

EDUCAT 0 RS OF

ALBUQUERQUE

Educators—from teachers to athletic coaches to school guidance counselors—play a vitally integral role in the community, but they don’t always get the recognition that they deserve. Every day throughout the school year, they’re there, in the classroom and ready to impart their knowledge and wisdom onto the next generation, one lesson at a time, rain or shine. These long-tenured educators have been showing up for perhaps most of their lives, and they seem to possess a certain quality that drives them forward to keep coming back to schools, year after year—until those years turn to decades. But at the end of the day, they do it for the kids and the community—and not for themselves.

BY AUSTIN SEIDEL, TRISTEN CRITCHFIELD & ADDIE SIEMBIEDA

PHOTOS BY DON JAMES

Angela Reynolds

quick facts

Hometown: Milwaukee, Wisconsin (but graduated high school in ABQ—go Del Norte Knights!)

Years as Educator: 36

Current Role: Educational Diagnostician

Other Notable Roles: Special Ed Teacher at Hogares, a nonprofit organization that assists kiddos with emotional and mental health needs

Most Challenging Part of Job: Working within the systems to get what we need at the schools

Most Memorable Teaching Moment: When a student recognizes me out in the wild—and tells me what I did for them

Angela Reynolds is the kind of person who sticks to her guns: for well over 30 years, she’s served in the special education sphere as teacher and now as diagnostician—a tremendous role that involves testing students for educational disabilities. For 25 of those years, she taught special ed at Truman Middle School, where she was department chair for 16 years and where both of her children attended. Needless to say, Reynolds is a pillar of her community—and a fierce advocate for everyone involved.

“My central core has just always been about advocacy,” she says. “There’re so many people that support our kids. We don’t think of these other groups. And then we tend to not support them and not give them the things that they need. But they’re just as important for our kiddos.”

Teachers are certainly the cornerstone of education, but there are many other roles that make up the school system— from sign language interpreters to counselors.

In fact, Reynolds’ passionate dedication runs so deep that she often finds herself working on the weekends—mainly due to the fact that her job just can’t be done in six and a half hours.

“Being an educator is something that’s inside of you that you find,” she says. “To really teach and to love it, that’s something that’s inside of you. And you have to find it yourself.”

When she does get the time to unwind, Reynolds says that she enjoys a good Dateline episode—or catching up with one of her two kiddos. The teaching gene seems to run in the family, as her son is now entering his second year as a special ed instructor and soccer coach.

“(It’s) one of my biggest thrills,” she says. “I hear him say things that I know that I said to him as an educator. And it just feels really good.”

Cheryl Russey quick facts

By her estimates, Cheryl Russey has taught over 750 kids—and even then, in her nearly 50 years of teaching, that total number might be well over 1,000. And although she initially planned to be a nurse, Russey quickly turned her sights on teaching, much like many members of her family.

“When I looked back at my family history, I have several cousins that were teachers and administrators, and my great grandmother was a teacher,” she says. “I’ve stayed just because I’ve enjoyed it.”

To her success, Russey credits a seasoned group of women teachers for helping her build a foundation early in her career—one that has stood the test of half a century. “(They) took me under their wing,” she says, “I think that made me the person I am.”

Over the years, Russey has experienced a few changes in her career (and then some), most notably in herself and in parents. “As I continued to teach, parents became my age. We had children that were the same age. And then, the parents became a little bit younger than me and were the same age as my oldest. And now parents are so young that I feel like I’m their mother,” she jokes.

Having taught kindergarten through fifth grade, every year is like a brand-new job for Russey—which helps keep her engaged and ready to educate the next group of kiddos. “Every year I come back, I have a whole new dynamic,” she says. “I still have my boundaries set. You have to set the boundaries, and you know, it’s like we work in the classroom together. We’re like a family.”

To this day, Russey still has students of students coming into the classroom—and she has become not only the queen of her classroom but a beloved fixture of her community.

“I have darling sweethearts that come and say, Miss Russey, please don’t retire until you teach this little one of mine,” she says. “I’m just part of that community. And it’s a nice, sweet place to be.”

Hometown: Albuquerque, New Mexico Years as Educator: 47

Current Role: 2nd Grade Teacher at MacArthur Elementary

Previous Schools: Zia Elementary and Montgomery Elementary

Favorite Grades to Teach: 1st and 5th

Most Memorable Career Moment: A previous student and his girlfriend had a baby—and he got her straight from the hospital and brought her to see me. I said, you know, sweetheart, I really appreciate this. But you get this girl home—and you get her in the bed!

Ernest Polansky

A lot of things have changed in the 60 years that Ernest Polansky has been in the classroom. Through every cultural and generational shift, Polanksy has embraced the challenge of adapting to a new cohort with open arms. “It keeps me on my toes because I have to stay up on current trends,” he says. “I can’t just lay back and not do anything.”

Polansky began his teaching journey at Sandia High School in 1966, before moving to Cibola High School in 1979, and ultimately landing at Sandia Prep in 1980, where he’s been ever since. Though he earned his degree in chemistry, years of inspiring his students in the biology classroom has grown his own love for genetics and microbiology.

This love can no doubt be credited to Polansky’s emphasis on lab work and experiments. “That’s where the students get really excited,” he says, “because they see ‘Wow, this really does work,’ or ‘Oh, it doesn’t always work the way the paper and the books say it does.’” In Polansky’s classes, students might see cells under the microscope, breed several generations of fruit flies, or grow and observe genetically modified corn, just to name a few. “We can talk about the concepts,” he says, “but when you actually see it, that hands-on experience really makes all the difference.”

These hands-on experiences spark students’ curiosity, especially with kids who are afraid to take risks. “There’s an unwillingness to take chances, to be wrong,” he’s noticed of students, especially since the 2020 pandemic. Helping students find those small breakthroughs keeps him coming back year after year. “I just enjoy working with young people. You have some of them that seem to struggle, and all of a sudden, (they) get that ‘Oh, I get it’ expression on their face. It’s fun to see.”

quick facts

Hometown: Albuquerque, New Mexico

Years as Educator: 60

Current Role: High School Science Teacher at Sandia Prep

Most Challenging Part of Job: Keeping students motivated to enjoy the process of learning in the age of Google and instant answers

Most Rewarding Part of the Job: Seeing students succeed and keeping in contact with them

Frances Garcia

Frances Garcia has worked at pretty much every rung on the proverbial ladder—from Educational Assistant to Principal. “Working for APS has a lot of opportunities, and I feel fortunate that I’ve had people take chances on me,” she says. “That has given me the inspiration to continue to learn and grow in my career. When you think you know it all, you learn something different.”

Today, Garcia serves at the district level as the Exceptional Student District Specialist for Preschool & New Principals, a protracted way of saying that she provides support for schools, particularly for special education programs and newly minted leaders. At the end of the day, however, this APS administrator still considers herself a special ed teacher, which comes with its own sets of challenges.

“As a special educator, I have to remind myself that, when a child is out of control or being physical, it’s not about us,” she says. “It’s about them.”

To combat these challenges and sustain herself, Garcia gravitates towards camping and spending time with the grandkids, which helps her disconnect and recharge. “It gives me time to get away from phone calls and the rat race that we deal with on a daily basis,” she says.

Once she returns to the metro, however, she’s ready to get back to school— and she’s passionate about working with the next generation of educators to ensure mutual success. “We definitely need teachers—and we definitely need a lot of special education teachers,” she says. “We’re getting more and more students with special needs. They need to know how to navigate this world. And we need adults to help kids navigate through this.”

quick facts

Hometown: Questa, New Mexico

Years as Educator: 33

Current Role: Exceptional Student District Specialist for Preschool & New Principals

Previous Notable Roles: Principal at Mission Avenue STEM Elementary School

Most Challenging Part of Job: It’s drastically changed since I started. I think behaviors are hard, and the lack of respect is difficult. Most Rewarding Part of Job: Kids are so forgiving. They love you no matter what.

Gaillour

Cindy

quick facts

Current Role: Principal at Georgia O’Keeffe Elementary Years as Educator: 34

Previous Notable Roles:Taught Kindergarten, 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th Grades, Instructional Coach, Title I Reading Intervention Teacher, and Assistant Principal Previous Schools: S.R. Marmon, Governor Bent, Osuna, and North Star Elementary

While there wasn’t necessarily any one particular epiphany that steered Cindy Gaillour toward a career in education, you can probably trace her initial source of inspiration all the way back to her earliest academic years.

“My first grade teacher was probably my very favorite teacher,” she says. “…I remember her reading the book ‘Where the Wild Things Are.’

“And when she read that book to me, something kind of changed in me … I don’t have a ton of very vivid memories from school, but that is just one that stood out.”

An Albuquerque native who earned a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and a Master’s degree in Curriculum from the University of New Mexico, Gaillour just completed her 34th year as an educator. That journey has taken her to several different schools throughout the Duke City and eventually, out of the classroom, to her current position as principal at Georgia O’Keeffe Elementary—where she has served for the last three-and-a-half years.

While Gaillour has always worked at the elementary level in some capacity, she has moved around to different roles and grades throughout her tenure. Accepting a position as principal at Georgia O’Keeffe was an ideal transition for someone who enjoys taking on new challenges in her profession.

No matter whether the viewpoint is from within the classroom or from the office, the rewards of the job are plentiful.

“Just getting to watch students starting in kindergarten and then moving through the years and seeing that growth that occurs in (them)—I think that’s why I love what I do so much,” Gaillour says. “You don’t see it day to day, but you do see growth over time.”

Gaillour also cherishes the lifelong relationships she has forged, some of which date back to her earliest days.

“I do feel like educators truly are in a class by themselves,” she says. “I have honestly worked with the most incredible people throughout all of my years.”

Current Role: Special Education/Basketball Coach st Sandia High School Years as Educator: 20+

For Danny Brown, it was only natural that teaching and coaching basketball would go hand-in-hand. It was, after all, kind of the family business.

Fun Facts: Faced brother Greg in NMAA State Basketball Championship in 2023 and 2025. Was the NMPreps New Mexico High School Basketball Coach of the Year in 2023. Son Isaiah and daughter Chloe both play basketball for Sandia.

“I grew up in a family of educators and a family of basketball,” he says. “The schedules are really conducive to each other, so it was just a perfect situation to be in.”

Danny Brown

While Danny is often in the spotlight for his hardwood exploits—the Sandia Matadors boys basketball team has flourished under his guidance— his work as a special education teacher is just as significant.

He got his start at Madison Middle School with the Side-By-Side Program, where he helped kids with severe disabilities learn daily life, social and job skills in the community. Danny later transitioned to Highland High School, where he had a role teaching “functional academics,” which guided

James Penn

quick facts

Hometown: Denison, Iowa

Years as Educator: 35

Current Role: Advanced High School Math Teacher and Academic Decathlon Coach at St. Pius X High School

Previous Notable Roles: Penn has taught at Pius for the entirety of his teaching career!

Most Challenging Part of Job: The growing use of AI among students

students with essential tasks like managing money and filling out job applications. Today, he oversees grades 9-12 at Sandia, still in special education, but with a slightly different description.

“It’s a study skills classroom teaching high school kids management, accountability, organization, communication, advocation—while being able to get their work done for other classes,” he says. “It’s kind of evolved over the last 20-some years.”

Balancing two gigs, each with their own challenges, for nearly three decades is no small feat. But it’s also a labor of love.

“I really do enjoy my colleagues, but most importantly, I enjoy the kids and I enjoy building those relationships,” Danny says. “That’s what teaching and coaching is really all about… building those relationships and hopefully, having success with those relationships.

“There’re so many innovative ways to teach kids, but I think the base of education is building relationships with kids, students, players—whatever it is—so they’re going to want to learn, and they’re going to want to be there. That’s the part that I really enjoy.”

Most Memorable Career Moment: Being able to coach an academic team to the national finals and then winning at the national finals in 1999

From a small town in Iowa to the high-elevated metro area of Albuquerque, New Mexico, James Penn found himself diverged between two paths: pursue computer engineering and make beaucoup bucks—or follow his principles and teach.

“My values kind of caught up with me,” he says. “Some people, I suppose, never get around to asking themselves questions like this, but my sophomore year of college, I was like, ‘All right, James, assuming God lets you live to be 75, 80 years old, at that point in your life, what would you be proud of? What do you want to be able to look back at your life and say?’”

Inspired by his own teachers, Penn says that, despite growing up in a town that was supported by a meat-packing plant, his school district often beat out college prep schools in academic competitions. His love for scholarly matchups persists today, and he often tries to incorporate Jeopardy-style games into the classroom to keep things fresh and interesting for students—not to mention the fact that he’s also Pius’s longtime Academic Decathlon coach (and an avid card player—particularly when it comes to games that involve ample amounts of strategy).

Even though Penn has helped take Pius students to the national stage in Academic Decathlon competitions, he still finds that the day-to-day is the most rewarding part of his work. “Sometimes, it’s seeing that light go on,” he says. “(Or) you find out that you’ve been a really strong influence on someone, and you’ve changed their life for the better, and that you mean more to them than you really thought.”

“Corky”

Robert Frausto quick facts

Tamara Wesol

Hometown: Albuquerque, New Mexico

Years as Educator: 26

Current Role: 2nd Grade Teacher at Mission Avenue STEM Magnet Elementary

Previous Notable Roles: Teacher-inTraining at Sierra Vista Elementary

Most Rewarding Part of Job: When the kids come back after years and still remember you

Most Memorable Career

Moment: Every day can bring you something that you’re not expecting, like a little gem.

Current Role: Chicano Studies Teacher at Highland High School Years as Educator: 27

Fun Facts: He received his nickname at birth; older brother is “Skip” and younger brother is “Butch.” He also hosts an arts, crafts and music festival entitled “Corkfest” at home each October.

Previous Notable Roles: Ph.D student in Chicano Studies at UNM

Thanks to a previous career as a social worker, Robert “Corky” Frausto was equipped with the particular set of skills necessary for his first gig at Highland High School.

“I call it the ‘gangbanger program,’” says Frausto, a native of South Texas. “They had a program for kids that had gotten in trouble. And since I had worked with that population, a friend of mine called me and said, ‘Hey, you want to be a teacher?’ And I said, ‘Sure, I’ll do that.’ And so here I am.”

That was February 1998. Some 27 years later, Frausto is still going strong after celebrating his 70th birthday earlier this summer. The job description has changed somewhat over the years: Today, he specializes in English and social studies, or more specifically, Mexican-American Studies, Mexican-American Literature and AP Psychology.

Frausto was the catalyst behind adding the Chicano Studies Program to the Highland curriculum. After a chat with the vice principal at the time regarding the alarming dropout rate of

The daughter of two seasoned APS educators, Tamara Wesol didn’t necessarily start off wanting to go down the same path as her parents.

“My mother was a teacher, and my father was an administrator,” she says. “I saw the work it took, so I didn’t go for a degree in education when I first went to school. Then, after working for a while, I just felt like I wanted to do more, give more, and give back more. And then I was interested.”

For over 20 years now, Wesol has taught at Mission Avenue STEM Magnet Elementary School—and she has certainly found her stride and, subsequently, her career path. “I love working with kids,” she says. “I love seeing the growth, the enthusiasm. I love being an advocate for children and a positive influence for them.”

And although teaching is far from an easy endeavor, staying flexible is ultimately part of the secret to success. “Every day, something can come that you’ve got to deal with,” she says. “(I) try to be the example and show positivity and kindness.”

An avid reader, Wesol enjoys biking, being outside, and traveling with her husband and son when she isn’t in the classroom. “You got to love (teaching),” she says. “You have to know that coming in and know that there are

Hispanic students, he suggested the implementation of those classes to improve retention. Frausto says he’s now been teaching at least one section of that course for the past 12 or 13 years. It’s a move that paid dividends.

“At-risk kids or underserved populations, kids from that group are graduating at least equal to the statewide graduation rate,” he says.

As one might expect from someone with his background, Frausto has seen some things. He recalls one difficult student who would come into class and “flip desks over and you know, ‘f—k you’ kind of stuff.” After mentoring from Frausto and some other colleagues, that kid became the first person in his family to graduate.

Not every positive story begins like a scene from “Dangerous Minds,” however. There’s plenty of bonding without tough love.

“I laugh with the kids every day,” Frausto says. “Either we’re joking with each other or just making fun of each other or sharing music or literature and talking.

“The kids are fun. When people are getting ready to retire, they say it’s just not fun anymore. And for me, I’m still laughing.”

a lot of expectations and pressures—but just love the kids. If you’re doing it for them, it’s all worth it.”

Keith Jeneski

There just might be a teaching gene in the Jeneski family: three out of four siblings—including dad— turned out to be educators, despite dad’s insistence on pursuing alternative career paths.

“He tongue-in-cheek discouraged us from becoming teachers because of the pay,” says Keith Jeneski. “But he definitely molded us in how we should teach school.” Specifically, his father believed that school is more than just the core subjects: it’s really about setting students up to succeed beyond the desk.

“We have a lot of opportunities for kids at Cleveland,” says Jeneski on over 20 years with CMS. “When kids take advantage of those things, that is my favorite thing to see: kids involved in their school (who) believe in their school.”

Among the many opportunities available to students at Cleveland, the 8th grade portfolio is perhaps the most significant. “They’re justifying skills that they’ve mastered, and they make a presentation. The kids are up there, and they’re explaining why they’re ready for high school and beyond,” he says.

For Jeneski, these relationships that form along the way among students, teachers, and families are ultimately why he keeps coming back—which is why he recommends for rookie educators to place their positive letters, emails, and cards that they receive into what he has dubbed a ‘Good Stuff Folder.’

“Maybe once or twice a year, I pull it out and flip through some things. It’s like my own yearbook,” he says. “There are so many positive interactions with kids and families. And I just want to be able to remember those.”

After over thirty years, Jeneski has amassed plenty to put in his Good Stuff Folder—and he doesn’t plan on stopping any time soon. “I don’t feel like I’m close to retiring, even though I’m at that age,” he says. “But there’s nothing else I would rather do.”

quick facts

Hometown: Bensenville, Illinois

Years as Educator: 34

Current Role(s): 8th Grade Math and Science Teacher at Cleveland Middle School, Athletic Director, Student Advisor for Student Council, and IB Project Coordinator

Most Challenging Part of Job: How distracted the students are Most Memorable Career Moment: Seeing former students out in the wild at the grocery store or working at a business—things like that

Lynn Clark

quick facts

Hometown: Fort Defiance, Arizona

Years as Educator: 32

Current Role: 1st Grade Teacher at Ernest Stapleton Elementary

Other Notable Subjects Taught: Middle school math, science, and social studies

Most Challenging Part of Job: Behavior. It’s changed a lot over the last 10 or 15 years.

Most Memorable Career

Moment: Putting on a huge election unit where we had the kids come up with their own political parties, platforms, flyers, and bumper stickers

Lynn Clark is one among the few who can say that they’ve been with the Rio Rancho Public School System since its inception—and looking back, she wouldn’t have it any other way.

“I started (teaching) at Lincoln Middle School, which is now considered Rio Rancho. But when I started, it was still APS,” remembers Clark. This was back in 1993, when Clark was a fledgling educator. “The best thing I ever did was stay with Rio Rancho,” she says.

Today—after helping open Mountain View Middle School—she’s still with RRPS, albeit with a slightly different grade level. “I loved the curriculum in middle school,” she says. “I don’t know if you know anything about that age group, (but) they’re really emotional. We did amazing things with our kiddos, but I just needed a change from all the emotional stuff.”

As a 1st grade teacher at Ernest Stapleton, Clark remarks at how much joy it brings her to be in the classroom with the little ones. “It’s amazing the growth that they make in 1st grade,” she says. “They just come from not knowing anything to reading chapter books.”

To keep young minds reading, Clark is constantly evolving in her yearly approach. “I’m always trying to find something innovative and different,” she says. “It just comes from the heart. It’s all about them and what you can do to inspire them.”

In fact, Clark is all heart—and it’s arguably what has kept her coming back. “It’s just watching their little light bulb go off and their little faces smile—or they’ll tell you they did something fun one day, and it was the best day of their whole life. First graders are really dramatic that way,” she says. “It just makes your heart grow every year. It never gets old.”

ChuckBuxbaum Ruthie Lewis

quick facts

Hometown: Helena, Arkansas

Years as Educator: 40+

Current Role: 6th Grade Language Arts at Wilson Middle School

Other Notable Subjects Taught: Social Studies

Most Challenging Part of Job: Keeping kiddos focused and getting them to come to school on a daily basis

Most Memorable Career Moment: Putting together a scrapbook with a student—and coming back years later to read it together (in tears, no less)

Minus one year in Ogden, Utah, Ruthie Lewis has taught at Wilson Middle School for her entire educational career—now for over 40 years.

“I think I’ve been extremely lucky over the years to work with some of the greatest people on Earth,” she says. “And that’s kept me interested and wanting to be at school. And the kids have been great.”

Although technology has certainly changed how things are done in the classroom, Lewis notes that an educator’s work is never finished—and the process is ongoing and never-ending. “No matter which year it is, there’s always something that you have to adjust yourself to,” she says. “Not just with the kids, but with new teaching methods, new strategies. So I’m improving every day, and of course, the kids help me. I learn from them as (much) as they’re hopefully learning from me.”

In fact, Lewis recognizes just how crucial it is for teachers to be flexible when it comes to teaching materials—because what’s provided one year might change depending on what the district says.

Either way, she’s found her sweet spot at Wilson, and she especially enjoys working with 6th graders. “I’ve taught 6th, 7th, and 8th graders, and I love the 6th graders because you can see the progress, the maturity,” she says.

When she isn’t in the classroom, Lewis loves to read (a lot) and do crossword puzzles—with the occasional window-shopping spree and gardening (although she’s still waiting for her green thumb to sprout).

quick facts

Hometown: New York City, New York

Years as Educator: 28

Current Role: College Guidance Counselor at Sandia Prep

Other Notable Roles: Middle and High School Science Teacher, Chair of Sustainability Committee. Developed and tends to the Sandia Prep Garden.

Most Challenging Part of Job: Helping students understand that there are no bad questions Memorable Moment: Taking his 2007 class to testify at a public hearing about the Clean Cars Act, including research, debate, and preparing their opinions. He later received a letter from the chair of the Air Quality Board acknowledging the power of their participation.

Chuck Buxbaum might have had the world’s shortest retirement. Soon after he announced his retirement from Sandia Prep, a position in the college guidance office opened up, and the high school science teacher jumped at the opportunity. “I love the idea of helping students with that exploration of what’s next,” he says.

This passion for guiding students through the transition from high school to college was sparked during his year teaching in Vietnam. He and his wife, who is also a teacher, served as college guidance counselors to the 18 American juniors and seniors studying abroad. When he returned, he knew he wanted to make the same impact on his Sandia Prep community. “As a college counselor, I feel like I’m helping package the final product of our process,” he says.

Buxbaum held a different part of that process for 28 years. Passionate about environmental issues, he wasn’t afraid to change his lesson plan and adapt to current events. Over the years, his students have testified in public hearings and conducted countless experiments in the Sandia Prep Garden, which Buxbaum oversees.

Whether students are early in their high school career or are about to walk the stage at graduation, Buxbaum aims to leave them with a sense of wonder about the world around them. “I want to show my students that science must play a role in how our society functions, if we are to make wise and sustainable decisions.”

Joseph Free man

In 1990, on his way from Tennessee to California, Joseph Freeman made a pit stop in Albuquerque. Although he would never quite make it to the Golden State, like many, the Land of Enchantment had cast a spell on him—and now for over 30 years, he’s worked for APS in a variety of teaching roles.

“I just finished my third year with a special ed program called IGSS, which is Intensive Global Support Services,” he says. “So it’s students that need intensive support from medical to cognitive.”

As a college history major in Nashville and an ardent member of various youth groups as a kid, Freeman knew early on that teaching was the ultimate goal. Year after year, he keeps going back to the classroom—mainly just to find out what will happen next. “I flippantly say I have a high tolerance for deviance,” he says. “(Middle schoolers) are a fun group to work with. You never

Sal Treppiedi

Sal Treppiedi is a bit of a 21st century renaissance man: at school, he teaches AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination), rock & roll history, and ‘reel’ history, which explores the connection between U.S. history and pop culture through film—not to mention the fact that he’s also the voice of the AHA Jaguars.

“Every time there was an all-school message that needed to go out, I was the one to record them,” he says. “So the funny thing is, meeting parents for the first time, they’re like, ‘I know your voice! You’re the guy that calls us all the time!’”

Outside of the classroom, Treppiedi hosts his own radio show, Sounds from

quick facts

Hometown: Bedford, Indiana

Years as Educator: 32

Current Role: Special Education Classroom Teacher at Kennedy Middle School

Other Notable Roles: 1st grade teacher, plus 6th, 7th, and 8th grade levels

Most Challenging Part of Job: Dealing with the adults

Most Memorable Career Moment: None in particular—every day is different.

know what you’re going to get from day to day.”

It’s no secret that teaching is difficult work, but the reward comes from seeing his students blossom—often unbeknownst to themselves. “(It’s) watching these kids do things that they didn’t think they could do,” he says. “And then, because I’ve been with Kennedy for a while, you run into a lot of ex-students, and you hear their success stories of how their life is going.” In particular, one previous student recently reached out via email, just to say that she was studying marine biology in San Diego “That was kind of cool to hear,” he says.

When not at Kennedy, he enjoys hanging out with a close group of friends and reading on the front porch with his 90-pound Basset Hound, Ernie, who is great with kids.

“I’m definitely blessed to have found not necessarily a job but a career,” he says. “If you can get through the first five years and still have fun, 30 years fly by.”

the Superhighway—and by the way: he’s also a poet with a few self-published books and a serious hockey fan (Go Rangers!). And that’s only the tip of the iceberg.

A self-described audiophile, Treppiedi’s classroom reflects his lifelong love for music, as he keeps a collection of acoustic and electric guitars for student use. “I’ve always had music in my life,” he says. “I like to sarcastically tell people that I am an accomplished air musician.” His classroom is also a sort of safe haven for students. “Sometimes kids just come to eat (during lunch) so they can chat with each other or with me.”

Treppiedi has been with Atrisco Heritage since day one—back in 2008 when the academy first opened its doors— and it’s because of the kids that he keeps coming back. “They’re the reason I get up every morning,” he says. “There’s no way for you to be a teacher if you don’t enjoy being around kids. And, you know, if you work with them and you treat them with respect, and they treat you with respect, it’s amazing what you can accomplish.”

quick facts

Hometown: Brooklyn, New York

Years as Educator: 33

Current Role: AVID Teacher at Atrisco Heritage Academy High School

Previous Notable Roles: Atrisco Heritage Activities Director

(‘Better Call Sal!’) and language arts teacher at Harrison Middle School

Most Challenging Part of Job: Balancing life and work

Most Memorable Career Moment: Just watching a kid ‘get it’

Shaw Dan

quick facts

Hometown: The Banks of the Schuylkill River, Pennslyvania

Years as Educator: 45

Current Role: Science Teacher at Bosque School

Other Notable Roles: Co-founder and former Co-Director of the Bosque Ecosystem Monitoring Program (BEMP), Founding Teacher of Bosque School

Most Challenging Part of Job: Maintaining stamina and patience all day and year long Most Rewarding Part of the Job: Becoming a colleague with former students and teaching together

Dan Shaw’s love for the environment is central to his teaching, making Bosque School’s campus on the Rio Grande the perfect setting for his experiential teaching. “There’s accountability to their learning by doing the hands-on work,” he says. “There is a visceral connection to becoming a steward of one’s own home watershed and being able to care for the land and the water that supports the wildlife that we are neighbors to”.

As one of the founding teachers of Bosque School in 1995, Shaw faced the daunting task of working out every detail, but also the opportunity to build creative curricula. Shaw’s students conduct their own original research, learning how to both present their findings to professional audiences and teach it to younger students.

Having worked across grade levels, Shaw sees teaching as inherently relationship based, and the Bosque Schools community that he has helped

foster keeps him coming back. “One of the greatest honors I get is to write college recommendations for kids and to be able to tell the story of their journey of learning from sixth through 12th grade,” he says.

Through his tenure at Bosque School, Shaw has blended his two passions: people and the planet. “I get to see this whole network of former students and their children all working together to learn and to care for the land”.

Ed Baklini

Hometown: Albuquerque, New Mexico

Years as Educator: 50

Current Role: Middle School History

Teacher at Albuquerque Academy

Other Notable Roles: Baseball, Softball, and Basketball Coach.

Most Rewarding Part of the Job: Hearing from students years after they’ve graduated who reach out to chat, ask advice, or conduct interviews

Ed Baklini’s US history class is kind of like a time machine, showing students not just important events, but the music, movies, and trends that shaped each decade. “I try to look at the commonalities, not differences,” he says, “because that’s how you unite people.”

Baklini, known as Mr. Bak to his middle schoolers, calls himself “the accidental teacher”. He was working at a Catholic school and was a finalist for a job with the state when the position at Albuquerque Academy opened up. Unsure of what to do, he called his dad for guidance, and was told “it’s okay to think about the things you want to do, until it’s time to do the things you were meant to do”. Baklini gives that same advice to graduating seniors, seven years after they sat in his history class.

“I think kids today need optimism,” Baklini says. He admits that it can be hard to stay completely positive while teaching history, but as he tells his students, “the pendulum moves from one side to the other all the time. There’s good and evil in the world, and hopefully good takes over.”

Baklini’s teaching is guided by four philosophies: building trust, setting high standards, creating a safe environment, and believing students can believe in themselves. These philosophies have guided Baklini as he’s adapted, guided, and connected with generations of students. “Teaching is a calling,” he says, “and I hope I have answered that call.”

Mariaelena

Rodriguez

quick facts

Hometown: Albuquerque, New Mexico

Years as Educator: 38

Current Role: 1st Grade Educational

Assistant at McCollum Elementary

Previous Notable Roles:

Special Education at Manzano High School

Most Challenging Part of Job: When COVID hit. Because I didn’t have the interactions with the kids.

Most Memorable Career

Moment: Publishing a book with 1st graders on what school is like for them

Year after year (and that’s for nearly forty years), Mariaelena Rodriguez has been recognized by principals and fellow staff members as being a pillar of the community and a beacon for positivity at McCollum Elementary. “I’m always happy when I go to work,” she says. “And I do take my job very seriously. But I enjoy every moment of the school, every aspect of what the kids are learning.”

Living just six blocks away, she’s worked at nearly every facet (and then some) of McCollum, from secretary to reading interventionist. Her variety of roles has certainly made her an invaluable member of the school, but even still, Rodriguez’s favorite place ultimately lies in the classroom with the kids. “Little ones are like sponges,” she says. “They learn, and they love to learn. They’re eager, and they always want to know something new.”

Rodriguez’s successful career, however, didn’t just sprout up overnight; it constitutes hundreds of thousands of days of dedication—and it’s something that she’s grown into, thanks to the guidance of an elder family member.

“My aunt, Carolina Gonzalez, taught third grade, and (after) I went to college, I just couldn’t find my niche. And one day, she said, ‘Why don’t you come to the school and tell me what you think?’ So I went several days, and I kept saying, ‘Yeah, I think I found it.’”

And now that she’s found it, there’s no going back. “I’ve already gone through so many generations,” says Rodriguez. “I’ve had all their great-grandchildren in the classroom and everything. I just enjoy every morning going to work knowing it’s a different day.”

Ginger Looney

quick facts

Hometown: Albuquerque, New Mexico

Years as Educator: 31

Current Role: Participant in the Alliance for Leading and Learning (ALL) Principal Preparation Program

Other Notable Roles: Kindergarten through 8th grade Teacher and Support Specialist

Most Challenging Part of Job: The dynamic nature of changing policies and curriculum improvement

Most Memorable Teaching Moment: I always love to run into my former students and hear what exciting things they’re doing in their lives.

“When I was a new teacher, I was mentored by somebody who was a teacher at the district level,” remembers Ginger Looney. “She always encouraged me to think about being dynamic in my career and not getting stuck in one spot in one grade.” Which is precisely why, starting this year, Looney will embark on a brand-new administrator journey through the A.L.L. (Alliance for Leading and Learning) program.

“It’s an administrative residency (that’s) a year long, where I’ll be shadowing the principal at Cibola High School, and when I’m done, I’ll have my administrative licensure,” she explains. This will only add to Looney’s impressive array of credentials: a Master’s and a PhD Doctorate—in Math, Science, and Technology Education and Language Literacy and Social Cultural Studies, respectively.

Inspired early on by her 5th grade teacher, John Ballou, Looney has long known that she would become an educator. “He was one of the first people outside of my family that I perceived to be teaching about the love of learning,” she says.

Throughout the three decades of her career, Looney has seen the pendulum swing back and forth on initiatives—and she has learned that perhaps the only true constant is change. “I think something that’s helped me in my career is to understand that change is inevitable,” she says. And for Looney, the key lies in leveraging those constantly shifting changes to ensure student success.

At the end of the day, Looney sees herself as a servant leader, with the joy of learning being her ultimate priority. “It’s always been insurmountably important for me that the students or the adults that I’m working with are also able to experience joy in what they’re learning or doing,” she says. “Sometimes in education, we get so focused on the mandates and the deadlines, that the joy loses out. And I think that when there is joy, that’s when success is so much easier to achieve.”

Pete Pino

quick facts

Hometown: Albuquerque, New Mexico

Years as Educator: 55

Current Role: Athletic Director of Rio Grande High School

Other Notable Roles: Announcer for Milne Stadium, Assistant Boys Basketball Coach at Albuquerque High

Most Challenging Part of Job: Getting kids dressed out for P.E.

Most Memorable Career

Moment: Basketball coach at Rio Grande High School

Favorite Sport: Whatever I’m coaching

Odds are, if it involves a ball and a field, Pete Pino has coached it. In his 54 (going on 55) years of tenure, Pino has taught physical education and has coached football, track, soccer, and volleyball teams—just to name a few. He got his start back in 1970/1971 (the exact year is a bit fuzzy) at West Mesa High School, where he worked with the football, track, and basketball staff under Bob Evans as principal. Later, he went on to teach at Highland and Albuquerque High (again—just to name a few).

To his decades of success, he credits his late parents: “I sure am grateful to the support and guidance I got from (them), for being role models of etiquette and wisdom,” he says. “I owe a lot to them.” He also recognizes his health as being another reason as to why he’s been able to have over five decades of tenure. “There’re a lot of teachers who would have liked to have gone further, but sometimes, they have health problems that, you know, create roadblocks.”

An athlete in high school, Pino says that he “just loved to play, loved the coaching.” Since then, however, Pino has noticed a few changes in his career with APS.

“Starting from the beginning, coaching went without saying,” he explains. “A coach said something— and that was it. Now, there’s more leeway. There are a lot more options, a lot more say on the athletes’ and parents’ parts. It’s not in stone anymore.”

With no children of his own, Pino garners great reward from watching his students get after it on the field and in the gym and have a good experience. In other words, it’s not just about winning (although that’s certainly important).

At the end of the day, Pino remains humble, preferring not to spotlight his achievements. “I am not a special person or anything,” he says. “I just got an opportunity to do something that I wanted to do.” And he shows no sign of letting up anytime soon.

Neko Neko

1909 Bellamah Ave NW 6565 Americas Parkway NE 505-397-9426 - nekonekoabq.com

Neko Neko isn’t just about ice cream, it’s about the full experience. From our product design to the atmosphere in-store, everything is crafted to spark joy. We’re heavily inspired by Japanese culture, and our customer service and presentation reflect that attention to detail.

We specialize in soft serve, taiyaki (fish-shaped waffle cones) and other Japanese-inspired treats. We aim to bring a fun, aesthetic and high-quality dessert experience that feels unique in Albuquerque. Our offerings also include seasonal specials and merchandise.

This past year, we opened our second location, revamped our menu, and created a few viral worthy seasonal treats that brought in a lot of new faces. We’re working on expanding our merchandise line, exploring pop-up events and finishing our third location soon to come! The goal is to continue innovating while staying rooted in what makes Neko Neko special and expand our company all over.

“I’m thankful for every person who’s supported Neko Neko — whether you’ve stopped by once or you’re a regular,” says owner Congo Truong. “This business is built on love, culture, creativity and community. We’re excited for what’s ahead!”

Christina Kent Early Childhood Center

423 3rd Street SW

505-242-0557 - christinakent.org

As the first licensed childcare center in New Mexico, our mission at Christina Kent has remained the same for more than 100 years: To serve the children of economically diverse working families with quality childcare, early education and nutritional services in a safe and nurturing environment.

Sandra Parra (pictured), an amazing teacher with 22 years’ experience at the school, epitomizes our mission. Sandra is special: She exemplifies what quality connections and relationships look like with both children and families. She provides a calm and nurturing learning environment, no matter what is happening in the classroom. She mentors new educators and is respected by everyone.

At our nationally-accredited center, we believe that success begins with a strong foundation of security, joy and meaningful relationships. With low staff-to-child ratios and highly qualified educators, we create a nurturing, developmentallyappropriate environment where children feel valued, heard and inspired to learn.

Currently, our school provides enriching early childhood education for children ages 2 through Pre-K in three classrooms. We are thrilled to continue evolving and making a lasting impact on the families we serve.

The Grief Center

The Center for Hope and Healing 4125 Carlisle Blvd NE 505-323-0478 - griefnm.org

Since 2001, The Grief Center has been the only nonprofit organization in central New Mexico to provide free grief support groups, education, and a grief resource library for bereaved children, teens, and adults. During the summer, Camp Corazón is offered to grieving children and teens. Our vision is that all grieving people will receive the compassionate support needed to foster hope for the future.

In 2025, New Mexico ranked first in the nation for childhood bereavement, with one in seven children experiencing the death of a parent or sibling by the time they are 18. According to research, children who experience unresolved grief are more likely to experience developmental difficulties such as anxiety, sadness and decreased academic performance.

The Grief Center provides a safe space for all who grieve to heal and build resilience for a healthier future.

Call 505-323-0478 to learn more about our services or to get involved.

Kate Buckles Photography

505-225-8806 katebucklesphotography.com

I’m Kate Buckles, (pictured left) the heart behind Kate Buckles Photography. My team and I are award-winning family, newborn, maternity & senior photographers who specialize in capturing authentic, joy-filled moments. My work is rooted in storytelling—through honest, light-filled images that feel real, warm, and meaningful.

I believe photography is about so much more than just taking pretty pictures—it’s about creating a space where people feel seen, celebrated and at ease. From custom sessions to beloved seasonal minis, I focus on creating a photography experience that’s accessible, fun, and truly reflects the people I’m capturing.

In recent years, I’ve grown a small but mighty team of photographers who share my heart, vision, and commitment to serving our clients with excellence. This expansion has allowed us to say “yes” to more families while still maintaining the personalized, heartfelt experience we’re known for.

One thing I always tell my clients is this: when you look at your photos, you’ll remember how you felt when you were taking them. I want your session to feel like time well spent with the people you love—not like a checklist of poses. The connection I build with the people I photograph is what sets my work apart, and it’s the reason I absolutely love what I do.

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE ALBUQUERQUE JOURNAL

Rio Rancho Hardware

North Location: 3575 NM Hwy 528 NE, Ste H-104 505-908-3003

rioranchohardware.com

South Location: 2108 Southern Blvd SE 505-891-2300

For 36 years, Rio Rancho True Value Hardware has been a valued member of the Rio Rancho community. Owner George Meyerson Jr. grew up in the store (previously owned by his parents George Sr. and Peggy) so it was only a natural transition when he and his wife, Kerian, purchased the South location from them three years ago.

While that store is an institution in the City of Vision, the Meyersons were excited to begin a new chapter when they opened a store in Northern Rio Rancho last year. The new location has already begun to establish a footprint with the same quality service and strong community connection customers have grown to expect.

There’s also something exciting in the works: With a new supplier on board, the stores will be stocking some well-known brands such as Clark+Kensington paint and Craftsman tools while maintaining a fair price point for their valued customers. In addition to new products, the outdoor living area will also undergo some significant expansion. With that refreshed look comes a rebrand as Rio Rancho Hardware, a transition that’s already underway at the South store.

Whether you’re a home improvement pro or taking on a do-it-yourself project for the first time, make sure you visit one of the Rio Rancho Hardware locations for all of the tools, expert advice and products you need to get the job done.

Bugzby’s ToyShop

2043 South Plaza St NW 505-868-6159 - bugzbys.com

Bugzby’s is a special type of store; one that allows for its visitors to indulge in a little bit of whimsy and nostalgic magic.

The majority of our toys are crafted in the Waldorf tradition of simplicity — made from wood, cloth or felt. We do not have anything electronic and very few items made from plastic.

In addition to selling quality toys, Bugzby’s allows interactive activities for children. This includes a magical teapot that pours old-fashioned keys, which are spilled all over the shop. If a child can find a key, they get to turn it in and pick something from the store’s treasure box. There’s also an activity table with open-ended art and sensory boxes as well as a free lending library with a selection of gently-used books.

At the end of the day, we want to help families create memories and have a place to get together without feeling pressure to purchase something. Every child leaves with a treasure from our treasure box, a free book or something from the activity table.

Turquoise Desert Taproom

4405 Jager Way NE, Rio Rancho, NM 87144

505-835-4701 - turquoisetap.com

Armando Martinez had a dream to bring a scratch kitchen to the City of Vision. In July 2022, that dream became a reality with the launch of Turquoise Desert Taproom, which combines a sports bar atmosphere with delicious, house-made food — including many entrees that one might not typically expect in such a setting.

Right next door to Turquoise Desert, Martinez opened Dulce River Bakery, which in addition to fresh baked goods, provides the taproom with hamburger buns, hoagies and its soft-baked pretzel.

“I think a lot of the success that we have had is because of the quality of food that we are selling,” Martinez says. “When you make everything in house you can taste the difference. We have put a lot of our heart and soul into everything that we sell. Most restaurants nowadays are cooking out of a freezer.”

Martinez’s vision doesn’t end with just the taproom and bakery.

“Our goal is to continue to build a strong foundation in our community here and maybe when the right opportunity presents itself, expand to the southern end of Rio Rancho,” Martinez says.

Salon Black

4022 Rio Grande Blvd NW, Ste E 505-295-3541 - salon.black

Salon Black was founded in October 2020 by Albuquerque native Bridget Drake. As a mixed-race woman, growing up meant going to salons and not always being able to have services performed on her natural curly hair due to lack of experience, training and knowledge. Bridget knew right away she wanted to change that. Her dream was to open a welcoming salon space and train a community to be able to take care of every strand, curl and coil that walked through the door.

Almost five years later, that dream is more alive than ever! Although curls have become what we are known for in our cozy location right outside of Los Ranchos de Albuquerque, we specialize in cut, coloring and styling of all hair types!

Our focus has always been led by the belief in human connection. That mission in action can be found daily by our team’s careful listening, intentional decisions and personalized results for every guest. Our promise is to always learn and be educated in all things hair, because at the end of the day, that’s what it’s all about: every client loving their hair and experience. From all of us at Salon Black, we can’t wait to meet you!

Duke City Recovery Toolbox

James Widner

-

CEO

9121 St NW - 505-224-9777 - dukecityrecovery.com

Duke City Recovery Toolbox is an addiction recovery center for the body, mind and spirit.

We provide support for those struggling with substance use and mental health issues along with addressing any physical health concerns that are presented. We have learned over time that the whole person needs to be treated — not just the substance use or mental health concerns.

“My mind never stops always thinking of ways to support our participants’ needs,” says CEO James Widner.

AT DCRT, our hours are set up to benefit our participants in the best way possible. While it is common practice for most businesses to operate from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. — this is not that type of industry. Even though people are struggling, many are employed, go to school or have legal obligations. That is the reason we are open from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m.

DCRT continues to seek ways to improve the participant experience. We recently brought in a modular building to create a peer support living room to meet with participants in a calm and relaxing environment. This includes six peer offices and a group room with technology to facilitate hybrid meetings for those who cannot come in person.

Evolution Piercing

Central Location: 4517 Central Ave NE

Carlisle Location: 2925 Carlisle Blvd NE 505-255-4567 - evolutionpiercing.com

Founded in 1999, Evolution Body Piercing is still proud to be Albuquerque’s only piercing-only studio, and the first in New Mexico to meet the Association of Professional Piercers’ standard.

We’ve come a long way since our humble beginnings. From our early days with just three of us working the counter and performing piercings, we’ve grown into a two-location studio with 25 team members, all dedicated to one thing: setting a higher standard.

We offer professional body piercing, styling, troubleshooting and high-end body jewelry, but our commitment to our clients and team goes well beyond the procedure itself. We invest heavily in staff development—including jewelry professionals and managers—helping our team grow into true career roles within the studio. Many of our jewelry staff are GIA-certified, and their expertise is key to helping clients make informed, confident decisions.

We take the responsibility of being a safe space seriously. Whether it’s someone marking a life transition, exploring their gender identity or just finding a piece of jewelry that feels right, we meet every client with respect, expertise and kindness. That’s the heart of what we do.

ABQ Childcare

Zakery Aragon - Administrative Director

Natalie Aragon - Operations Director

10111 Constitution Ave NE

505-299-0633 - abqchildcare.com

As parents ourselves, it brings us great joy to see that the children at our centers are being taken care of with the same love and quality care that we would want for our own children. Our desire is to provide quality care to every family that needs it.

We recently passed our 50th year in business. There was a lot of hard work from many generations of employees and families trusting us with their children to get this far. We both have been in management for over 10 years and have learned a lot over this time. We are constantly learning to adapt to the ever changing workforce, including state regulations, technology and so much more.

Teamwork is the No. 1 quality that we attribute to our success. We recognize the strengths and weaknesses of ourselves and our employees and try to give everyone the position that fits them best. Community connection is also important to us. This year, we partnered with a dance school near us to offer the kids a new fun activity. We also are having our management do a leadership conference so that we can all further our knowledge on how to be better leaders.

With more than 100 employees and over 300 students served, we see how much these nonprofits are needed in our community, and that is very motivating to us.

New Mexico’s Painting Specialists

Eddie Gaxiola & Mandi Loudenback - Owners

505-717-6401 - newmexicospaintingspecialists.com

New Mexico’s Painting Specialists is defined by our team’s “And One” attitude. That means doing what’s right, and then doing at least one more thing to make the customer’s experience even better. Whether it’s a thoughtful cleanup detail, changing a lightbulb, dusting a hard-to reach area or taking time to clearly explain next steps, our team is empowered to always ask, “What more can we do?”

From small residential refreshes to large-scale commercial transformations, we consistently deliver quality, care and results. But beyond the brushwork, our greatest achievement is the growing impact we’ve made in our community: reaching further and touching lives in ways we never imagined when we first started out.

Over the next few years, we plan to expand our offerings by leaning into innovative services and solutions that blend functionality with style to meet the evolving needs of our clients. Internally, we’re constantly focused on strengthening our systems, training and excellence as we scale. Our future is rooted in everything that’s gotten us here: care, creativity and commitment.

We are the best painting crew in town. When you paint your home or office and you want the best, call New Mexico’s Painting Specialists!

Sandia View Family Dental

Dr. Chris Christensen - Dentist/Owner

701 Broadmoor Blvd NE, Rio Rancho 505-891-1100 - sandiaviewdental.com

After starting my career in a fast-paced franchise setting, I realized I wanted something more personal, where I could take time with patients, build relationships and focus on quality over quotas.

In 2024, I became the owner of what is now Sandia View Family Dental. I inherited an incredible staff and added to it to build a team that shares my passion for excellence and personalized care, and together, we’ve created an environment where patients feel truly at home. This past May, we hosted our official ribbon-cutting celebration, marking one year of new ownership and rebranding to Sandia View Family Dental.

We’re a full-service general and family dental practice, offering everything from preventive care and same-day crowns to restorative dentistry and dental implants. My main focus is dental implants. With the 3D imaging we have at our office and the use of guided implant placement, we’re able to provide highly accurate, predictable results and help people suffering with dentures or missing teeth live a fuller life.

Dentistry combines everything I love: hands-on work and artistry, problem-solving and the ability to make a real difference in someone’s life. It was never just about teeth, it’s about helping people feel whole again.

B & Y Pest Control

Jesse Stanich - Owner/General Manager 505-291-9924 - bnypestcontrol.com

A family-owned and operated business that was founded more than 40 years ago, B&Y Pest Control is extremely proud of the deep roots that it has established in New Mexican culture.

Current owner/general manager Jesse Stanich graduated from the University of New Mexico’s Anderson School of Management in 2002 and took over at B&Y shortly thereafter. He immediately fell in love with the business and has been integral in continuing B&Y’s ongoing commitment to quality and customer satisfaction.

“Our technicians have had customers for many, many years,” Jesse says. “We are trusted to do the job correctly the first time.”

B&Y services everything from residential homes across New Mexico to large commercial buildings for everything from general pest control to interrogate netting exclusion jobs. This includes large pigeon exclusions, solar panel exclusions, skunk/wildlife trapping, bed bugs, termite inspections/treatments and pre-slab treatments.

B&Y uses products that are safe for your family, pets, and the environment—without compromising on results. Moreover, every treatment plan is tailored to the customer’s specific needs, property and budget.

“No job is too big or too small,” Jesse says. “We thrive on customer service and being as competitive as we can.”

A Celebration of Culture

In the fall of 2000, with dignitaries like the Prince of Spain and U.S. Vice President Al Gore on hand, the National Hispanic Cultural Center hosted its grand opening—and today remains the only center of its kind in the nation. With a big 25-year celebration approaching in October, we caught up for a chat with NHCC Executive Director Zack Quintero. (p. 124)

STORIES BEHIND INDIVIDUALS WHO MAKE ALBUQUERQUE GREAT

PHOTO BY DON JAMES/ATM

ABQTHEINTERVIEW

CLOSE AND PERSONAL WITH OUR LEADERS AND DIFFERENCE MAKERS

A New Quarter

A chat about the iconic National Hispanic Cultural Center (which turns 25 this year) with Executive Director Zack Quintero—who also dishes on growing up a fan of ballet folklórico and Flock of Seagulls.

There’s a running joke that Zack Quintero, the newly appointed Director of the National Hispanic Cultural Center, likes to play on unsuspecting visitors (all in good humor, of course). When folks ask for the Director, he keeps it tongue-in-cheek, saying that he’s the intern—and then ten seconds later, he tells them the truth.

At 34 years old, Quintero might look young, but he comes from a wealth of experience. A Las Cruces native with deep roots to the Mesilla Valley area, he is a proud New Mexican through and through. His new role at the Center, however, is a personal one—and it’s forged from a commitment to the community that raised him and that continues to sustain him, even through his toughest moments, career or otherwise.

As the Center celebrated its 25th anniversary this year, Quintero celebrated a full circle moment: as a child who used to participate in events at the NHCC, he’s now at the helm—and he’s looking ahead, far flung into the future.

ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE: When did your interest in the Center start?

ZACK QUINTERO: I was about 10 years old, and my older sister did ballet folklórico. And as all New Mexicans know, the

oldest calls the shots in the family. She had us all do ballet folklórico, and we got invited to come to the Center for its grand opening. It was something I still hold close to my heart to this day, as part of the reason why I’m here.

ATM: What was your experience prior to signing on as director?

ZQ: Before I was at the Center, I served as the federal ombudsman for New Mexico during the pandemic. My job was to investigate abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation of seniors, adults with disabilities, veterans, and long-term care centers in different medical settings. So I conducted investigations and made referrals to the federal and state governments, making sure that people had dignity and access to justice.

ATM: Did anyone in particular inspire you to pursue a career in law?

ZQ: It’s a little bit of a sad story, but it was my grandfather (on my mother’s side). He was a World War II veteran, and he came back with some battle scars. And that ul-

ABQ THE INTERVIEW

timately ended with him needing to have around-the-clock care that financially our family couldn’t provide. But thankfully, he had his GI benefits. But unfortunately, those veteran benefits were exploited by a third-party company. And he didn’t have the right person advocating for him.

ATM: How did that treatment affect you and your grandfather?

ZQ: It was not only abusive, but it pushed him into even further serious critical care. I was that same age that I just shared with you about going up to the Center but seeing him in that kind of state really stuck with me and motivated me later on in life to pursue law. You know, when people are subject to the mercy of other people’s kindness, you learn a lot.

ATM: What does your current role mean to you as a native New Mexican?

ZQ: I think the part that connects me really closely is the Latino component, the Indigenous component, and the Hispanic component of the work we do here for the preservation and the advancement of the diverse communities of the South-

west and the Americas. For me, seeing that in action and being able to have that prioritized as a people is a huge source of pride. And being the only one in the United States is, you know, disappointing for sure, but it’s also an immense point of responsibility. We want to make sure the work that we’re doing here is protected, not for decades, but for hundreds of years from now—300 years from now, whatever’s going on. We want to be able to share that the artistry of our cuisine, our poetry, our music, our dance, our history, and our language is preserved throughout time.

ATM: What sustains you through the difficult moments of your job?

ZQ: The main part that sticks in my head is my family and my connection to the culture in a large way. I’ve seen different variations of how things are preserved and how things are prioritized. And I feel really grateful and lucky that one, as a New Mexican, I’m able to do this work, and two, as someone with the Latino and Hispanic communities, I’m able to do this work.

ATM: What has your experience been like so far working at the Center?

Being able to do that helps us connect to different parts of our identities.

ATM: Besides participating in ballet folklórico as a kid, do you have any other artistic interests?

ZQ: I grew up playing music. And I still play music to this day.

ATM: What instrument did you play? Or what instruments can you play?

ZQ: So I was an orchestra kid. It was a fun time for me all the way from fifth grade into eleventh grade playing violin. But I picked up the guitar about seventh grade time. And I’ve been with the guitar since then.

ATM: Do you have any musical influences or favorite composers?

ZQ: It is a little bit difficult (to choose). Definitely on the classical music side, it’s difficult. I really still love classical music, like Vivaldi, Sarasate, Tchaikovsky, and Manuel de Sumaya, but I’ve just been so enveloped with guitar-specific music on my end.

ATM: What have you been listening to lately?

We want to make sure the work that we’re doing here is protected, not for decades, but for hundreds of years from now.

ZQ: It’s such an exciting thing to be able to do in partnership with the incredible staff here. We have such an amazing group of people that are all experts in education and history and literature and anthropology—all different settings. So being able to be inspired by them daily is a source of energy for me, while also knowing how the path is going to be forged over time.

ATM: Tell us about a few initiatives that you’re currently working on at the Center. Which ones are you most excited about?

ZQ: One that I’m really excited about is our Heritage Speaker series, part of the Legacy Project that we have here. We’re bringing in different Southwest and Latin American speakers to talk about the development of Spanish over time in the South, Central, and North American areas and how that language developed and how it came to exist as we know it now.

ZQ: I’m a fan of The Smiths, Deftones, Rodrigo y Gabriella, Los Tigres Del Norte, Depeche Mode, Blink-182, and Gary Newman—that reverb guitar sound that came out of the 80s that was originally coming out of a specific area in Austria. It’s a sound that you’re very familiar with. If I turned on The Strokes right now, you would immediately recognize it.

ATM: So this sound—this new wave sound—derives from Austrian churches?

ZQ: That’s my understanding. This sound traveled from one point to another—because other cultures and communities share music, as you know, over time. But in the 80s, this sound really came together from original church music that got distorted. It became a wavy sound, this kind of loopiness. And that got patched together with this echo sound—like what

you would hear on the stereo of a sports commentator. And that builds together with the guitar once it’s patched in with the electronics. That’s when you get Flock of Seagulls. That’s when you get Duran Duran.

ATM: Do you have a favorite musical artist?

ZQ: My favorite artist is likely Jimi Hendrix. Just on the musician standpoint, on the composer standpoint. Trent Reznor also is up there for me. Gabriela Quintero is also definitely in my top two musicians of all time. She’s a flamenco guitarist— and it’s not because of the last name, I promise you.

ATM: Why are art and music so important to you—and to the culture as a whole?

ZQ: Being able to protect those arts and advance the arts is really critical because it’s not just the expression of our soul: it’s the bedrock of where we look to when we’re wanting to feel something. Whether it’s our cuisine—because cuisine is art and you can ask anybody here in this state— there’s style, precision, flavor, color, all of it built in. I mean, it’s the full expression of the soul. So supporting the arts right now is really critical—and being able to be proud about that as New Mexicans is equally critical. I know a lot of people have very strong feelings and pride in this state of us being multicultural, inclusive, focused on humanity, and these different elements of expression of art and self and identity. And I want us to continue that.

When people are subject to the mercy of other people’s kindness, you learn a lot.

BEHINDTHESCENES Hand To Hand

One of two main distribution hubs for co-ops in the country, the La Montañita Distribution Center fills a big gap in the farm-to-kitchen journey for organic foods.

In the modern age, it’s a no-brainer where to get groceries, but how do those groceries— especially when it comes to local and organic—get to the shelves and into consumers’ hands?

It all starts with places like the La Montañita Co-Op Distribution Center— and with people like Luis Nunez, its director. “Every day is a challenge here,” says Nunez. “But really, it’s just making sure that our trucks are going out on time, customers are getting timely deliveries (and) are happy.”

La Montañita heavily relies on their food shed—which, similar to a water shed, denotes the food-producing radius for a particular region. “Our food shed is where we’re standing right now,” explains Lea Quale, the Co-Op’s Marketing Director, “(It’s) a 300mile radius, so that will include all of New Mexico and then some exterior touch points.” These exterior touch points include parts of southern Colorado—which is still considered regional. “And so when you come into any of our retail stores, what we’re selling is going to be organic certified if it is not from our food shed.”

Quale notes that, today, organic certifications are exorbitantly expensive— particularly for small farmers. A yearly fee of anywhere from $7,000 to $8,000 is required in order for companies to put an organic label on their products.

“Because we’re working with smaller producers, that farmer may be following

all of the practices to be organic certified, (but) they can’t afford the certificate itself,” says Quale. “That’s why we’re doing that vetting for our customers so they can feel confident that this has been produced in a healthy way.”

From their suppliers, La Montañita looks at farming practices and the use of

pesticides; being a co-op, they try to procure the cleanest and healthiest produce and food products possible.

The co-op also considers regenerative practices—a buzz word that involves rotating crops year-to-year to allow nitrogen and other nutrients to go back into the soil. Quale describes their suppliers as “renaissance farmers,” as these businesses— like, for example, the Sweetgrass Cooperative—will oftentimes raise cattle and chickens on the same plot of land as, say, wildflowers and asparagus. “These are family farmers that are using old-school methods,” she says. “They’re out on horseback, pushing cattle like what you would imagine in a movie.”

However, there are certain challenges when it comes to the food shed— but Nunez says that they make it work. “Sometimes,” he explains, “it’s the lack of local food, especially during this time of year. So most of the food is still in the

BEHINDTHESCENES

ground. It hasn’t quite been harvested yet.”

To combat this, the Distribution Center utilizes national and West Coast programs, such as Veritable Vegetable, an organic produce wholesaler, along with main suppliers out of Denver. Ultimately, the Co-Op buys as local as possible, sourcing from upwards of 40 producers.

“There are some farmers that maybe can’t supply all of our locations,” Nunez explains. “But there are some that we work with that are able to supply all of our stores.”

In other words, it’s not a one-size-fitsall situation: La Montañita doesn’t require quotas from their producers; instead, the Co-Op works collaboratively (or rather, cooperatively) with the farmers based on their crop yields.

“We do as much as we can with our local farmers, especially those that don’t have a means for transportation,” says Nunez. “So we will go and pick up (items)

from them.” In addition to picking up from farmers, Nunez and his dedicated team of 14 also deliver to the Co-Op’s retail stores, to various regional foodbanks, and to upwards of 200 local restaurants throughout the state—with the most notable ABQ eateries being Los Poblanos and Farm and Table.

“We’re in their back doors every week,” says Nunez. “When people think of the co-op, they often think of our retail chain—and they don’t necessarily think about us. But what we do is we support our retail stores, and we support restaurants.”

What is perhaps most remarkable about the La Montañita Distribution Center lies in the fact that they are only one of two co-op grocery stores in the country that possess a distribution center at all—an indicator of just how big box retailers dominate the grocery space.

“I would say, if you’re shopping at our co-op, the items that come out of here

(have) probably only been touched two or three times,” says Nunez. “So it’s minimal touch points.” Meanwhile, big chains will pass products through many hands before it even reaches the shelves. And a bigger supply chain doesn’t always bode better. Take, for example, the recent (and seemingly inescapable) egg shortage.

“We work with some Amish farmers in Southern Colorado that are within that 300 mile radius,” explains Nunez, “And we were able to keep eggs on our shelves at a time when nobody had eggs. So while everybody else was jacking up their egg prices, we still offered a $5.99 dozen of eggs that was organic, which is hard to come by.”

“And if you walked into our stores, (people) were like, ‘Oh, wow, the co-op still has groceries on the shelf. What’s going on?’ And it’s because we don’t put all of our eggs in one basket.” —AS

BY DON

PHOTO

JAMES/ATM

Art This Way

By many standards, Jesse Littlebird has ‘made it’ as an artist: his expressive paintings have been featured in dozens of galleries across New Mexico. And now, his art is paying the bills—instead of the other way around—and he and a team of local artists art set to open a new gallery space Downtown. (p. 132)

PHOTO BY DON JAMES/ATM

CREATIVES

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

SHIFTING FOCUS

With the recent opening of Kukani Gallery, painter Jesse Littlebird embarks on the next chapter of his burgeoning art career.

Around the ABQ art scene, you might have heard of a Littlebird named Jesse. For the past year, news outlets have dutifully covered ‘Petroglyph,’ a restored 1973 Dodge Dart hand-painted in the style of Pueblo pottery. It was a collaborative effort with friend and fellow artist, Max Baptiste—and for months, it’s been the talk of the town. Meanwhile, Littlebird is fresh off the heels of opening Kukani (koo-KAH-nee), a downtown art gallery and community space that is years in the making. From filmmaker to first-time gallery owner, he’s started a new chapter as curator—and 2025 might prove to be his most pivotal year yet.

“This will be my sixth year painting professionally, and in those six years, I started out just painting as a way of expression. Getting out a lot of thoughts and ideas I’ve had in the world. A lot of frustration,” he says. “And I think my art practice still has a lot of that, but now, I use it to feed not just myself but my family and community as well.”

Although recognized for his paintings, Littlebird initially came onto the scene as a photographer, and later, a filmmaker. In 2017, thanks to a successful Kickstarter campaign, he wrote, directed, and produced a short film, ‘Jackrabbit,’ which followed a young Indigenous boy as he

grappled with the reality of complex family ties. Over the years, however, Littlebird has opted away from motion pictures in lieu of a more object-based form of storytelling.

“In my work, I’m always conscious of what I’ve already made,” he says. “So

keeping control of my own narrative is what really attracted me to painting as a medium. I still think that filmmaking is the perfect medium for storytelling, but it’s also the most frustrating to make and the most, I think, misinterpreted. With a painting, you can mold and shape the viewer in a more nuanced way than you can with a movie.”

Littlebird’s professional painting career really started to take off in the late 2010s, when he was named Featured Artist in Santa Fe’s 2019 Contemporary Native American Art Show. Then, in 2022, The Washington Post covered ‘A Fragmented Exodus,’ a solo show that marked the completion of his residency at Eaton House, located in the D.C. area. A 2021 graduate of IAIA, Littlebird has amassed dozens of gallery showings, each denoting

BY

PHOTOS

DON JAMES/ATM

an important point in the constellation of his artistic evolution, as his success didn’t just spring up overnight; rather, it’s the culmination of the people and the community members before him—most notably his father and his mother.

As the son of Larry Littlebird, a highly influential, multidisciplinary filmmaker, and Deborah Littlebird, an illustrator and graphic designer, art and the penchant for creativity is a family affair. “As a child,” he says, “I was drawing a lot—and I was really, really obsessed with drawing. I also played a lot of sports as a kid, and so I was very competitive—and I think a lot of that translated into my art creation as well.”

This competitive perseverance has certainly been a factor behind his success. As is often the case with emerging artists, Littlebird had to stick through a variety of odd jobs, from call center to hotel server, in order to pay the bills—but fast forward to 2025, and now, his art is paying the bills.

Littlebird’s visual style can best be described as expressive and graphic, with a tendency towards a Basquiat-esque flair. His subject matters are political in nature, and he is deeply influenced by his Pueblo (Laguna/Kewa) heritage. “I’m very rooted to this place,” he explains. “My ancestors are from here, rooted from here. Our emerging stories are here… History is what happened yesterday, or what’s happening right now. So history is at the forefront of all my work.”

His voracious reading tendencies— ranging from “heady” stuff like Jean Baudrillard, Guy Debord, and Deleuze to Franz Fanon and Carlos Castaneda—also inform his artistic practice, but more than anything, his father’s teachings are at the forefront of his work.

“His whole message in life was learning to listen,” Littlebird says. “We all speak a common tongue here in America, but my language isn’t written down. There’s a tonality in it that tells a whole abstract narrative in our songs and in the language itself. Learning to listen is an ongoing process—it’s not something that you fully achieve, ever. You have to listen to these paintings—you can’t just view them.”

After facing some rejection in the industry, Littlebird and a collective of artists decided to build their own table, complete with different seats. In March, they unveiled Kukani, a self-described

‘flex space’ and hub for boundary-pushing art—and the community response has been overwhelmingly positive.

Kukani aims to break the mold by asking visitors to listen—and perhaps to follow in Larry Littlebird’s footsteps. Ultimately, Littlebird likens his curatorial approach to steering a ship—and he’s chartering new and exciting waters. “I think it came out of a want from myself to have this curatorial power and from a little bit of a chip on my shoulder,” he explains. “Yes, I’m a successful artist in ways, but I believe I’m successful by my own measurements.”—AS

KUKANI GALLERY

117 7TH ST NW (505) 738-1908

KUKANIGALLERY.COM

THURSDAY THROUGH SUNDAY, 2-7 PM

SATURDAY DOWNTOWN GROWERS

MARKET HOURS, 11-5 PM

MONDAY THROUGH WEDNESDAY, BY APPOINTMENT ONLY

STORYTELLERS

WARNING SIGNS IGNORED

The 1980 New Mexico State Penitentiary Riot was the culmination of years of turmoil. In ‘High Desert Blood,’ Andrew Brininstool expertly weaves together the events of the riot, the systemic issues that caused it, and the tragic tale of inmates Gary and Jeff Williams, giving true crime fans a detailed look at what happened that February night.

Born in Santa Fe, Andrew Brininstool is a recipient of a National Endowment for the Arts fellowship. His work has appeared in numerous publications, including The Southern Review and VICE.

ATM:What did the research process for this book look like?

AB: Before writing a word of the book, I spent seven years researching the prison, its history, and the riot and its aftermath. This included digging at the State Archives, interviews with former inmates and prison staff, legal records, media coverage, and declassified government documents. Some of the most valuable sources weren’t the official reports, but the people who had been there. The prison itself— the physical space of it—was also crucial. Walking through what remains of the facility, you can still see traces of what happened.

ATM: You include quotes and anecdotes from your parents. Do you have a personal connection to this story?

AB: My grandmother was a Municipal Judge in Carlsbad. My aunt was a Chief Classification Officer at the men’s facility in Las Cruces. My mother has always been an avid reader. As macabre as it may sound, I spent countless days listening to them discuss true crime, the criminal justice system—and the riot in particular: who they knew, what had happened, theories about why. As a child born in Santa Fe, the story of the riot always felt like familial lore—or, at the very least, a captivating part of the landscape.

HIGH DESERT BLOOD: THE 1980 NEW MEXICO PRISON RIOT AND THE TRAGEDY OF THE WILLIAMS BROTHERS

By Andrew Brininstool

194 pages $20 (paperback)

ATM: How did growing up in Santa Fe shape your writing?

AB: I was fairly young when we left, but certainly the culture had an impact. We moved to a place that is lovely, but certainly isn’t driven by the arts like Santa Fe. If there is something you find a lot of in Northern New Mexican art, it is the great detail and attention to the natural world and the environment in which people inhabit. I think that might be true in my writing.

ATM: How did you go about accurately and fairly representing both the inmates and the correctional officers in this story?

AB: This question was central to my everyday concerns about the manuscript. A fiction writer can create people, use allegory, and bend the narrative to their desire. I was adamant I would not let that happen. Of prime importance was to capture both inmates and correctional officers as humans. Flawed, yes, sometimes violently flawed. But with friends and families and complex backstories. I hoped to capture the multifaceted aspect of what it means to be human.

ATM: You end the book with the burning of Zozobra and the idea of catharsis. What was the significance of

including this?

AB: I went there to write a freelance piece for a magazine, but the story got derailed. I went anyway, and only later, going through notebooks, did I remember how I felt at the burning. It felt appropriate for the book’s themes: the persistence of trauma, the desire for cleansing, and the flawed but very human yearning for closure. In many ways, the riot was a manifestation of unprocessed grief. The Zozobra ritual offered a stark contrast—ritualized release rather than explosive destruction.

ATM: What do you hope readers will take away from this story?

AB: The riot was a warning that went unheeded. It exposed everything that was broken about the American prison system: overcrowding, inhumane conditions, unchecked violence. Instead of fixing those issues, the system became even more punitive, more profit-driven, and more expansive. The same problems that fueled the riot still exist—just on a larger scale. If there’s one lesson to take from this book, it’s that systems don’t collapse overnight. They decay, slowly, under the weight of negligence, corruption, and disregard for human life. And if history tells us anything, it’s that when we ignore the warning signs, we will see history repeat itself.

LEADERS OF ENCHANTMENT

DWHAT: An interview-based podcast where local leaders, investors, and other influential community members sit down to share their stories

WHO: Doug Campbell—start-up guru, professional mountain biker, and native New Mexican— turns towards philanthropy to put NM on the map.

NOTABLE: Gregg Hull, Mayor of Rio Rancho, and Dr. Jessie Barrie, Head of School at Bosque School, are just a few illustrious guests featured so far.

oug Campbell spent 20 wildly successful years in the Denver-Boulder area as a venture capitalist and tech startup founder. He launched Solid Power and Roccor—and raised nearly 1 billion dollars in capital in the process. Now, he’s back in Burque, home of his alma mater, UNM—and he’s leveraging his skillset through philanthropy—and podcasting—to help boost New Mexico’s startup ecosystem.

“My mission is really to help grow our state’s economy primarily through the private sector and more specifically through high-growth, venture-backed startups, which is the world that I come out of,” says Campbell. “And so there was that combined with the fact that I’m getting really sick and tired of all the negative stories about New Mexico. There’re a lot of good things happening in our state, and I really wanted to highlight that.”

Leaders of Enchantment reflects Campbell’s unrelenting, entrepreneurial spirit—and he goes deep with guests, touching on where they grew up to how they forged their successes. In the future,

GARY’S ART LINK LETTER

WHAT: A weekly email newsletter highlighting all things art in ABQ

WHO: Gary Cohen, local artist and Cofounder of Drawing Society of New Mexico.

NOTABLE: Friday Night Faces: a free artist event where anyone can volunteer to model, where the only cost is giving the volunteer model the portrait at the end of the evening.

With so much going on in Albuquerque’s vibrant art scene, it can be difficult to know where to start looking. Gary Cohen certainly felt the struggle. The local art scene was a big part of what drew him here from Mobile, Alabama. “When I moved here,” he says, “I didn’t know what was going on art-wise around town or where to find it”.

Since 2017, Cohen has curated and sent out a weekly newsletter detailing local art shows, events, classes, and calls for submissions. The name itself is a play on famous 1950s television entertainer Art Linkletter, a pun that goes over younger artist’s heads. The project started as a way for Cohen to book figure models and to increase attendance for North Fourth Art Center’s figure drawing classes. Today, Gary’s Art Linkletter is received by 1,125 Albuquerque metro-area artists, galleries, and art lovers.

Campbell aims to extend Leaders of Enchantment statewide—and to reach a younger audience.

“It’s 100% New Mexico,” says Campbell. “You’re not going to see this morph into something national. This is about New Mexicans for New Mexicans.”

—AS

These 1,125 (and counting!) readers are what keep Cohen motivated. “When I wake up Sunday morning and I don’t feel like doing all this work, I go back to emails people have sent me saying ‘I look forward to (the linkletter) every Sunday’” he says. “It’s ballooned like crazy.”

To join Gary’s Art Linkletter or to promote an event, email Gary at heatgain@ hotmail.com —ADDIE SIEMBIEDA

ABQ’S THRIVING LOCAL MUSIC SCENE

SOUNDS OF THEIR OWN TIEMPO

A ROCKIN’ OLD TIME

With contemporary song structures and lyrics and Old Timey acoustic instruments, The Kipsies have created a sound that straddles a century’s worth of American music. Four of the original members—Cassie Rogers (lead vocal, guitar, harmonium, piano), Randy Martin (banjo, mandolin, accordion), Shawn Berkompas (bass), and Isaac Sanderville (drums, percussion)—first came together in the award-winning band Breaking Blue, which had a successful run for several years, starting in 2007. When that band lost its flute player, the four remaining members added a fiddle—originally Tim Engelman and today Ezra Montoya. The change in instrumentation “darkens it up, and makes it a little more folky—a different vein of folk,” says Martin.

The Kipsies put Rogers, Martin, and Montoya out in front, a string band setup, with a rock-oriented rhythm section of Rogers’ guitar, Berkompas’s bass, and the drums, with Jared Williams now holding down that spot. Add to that combination the widely varied backgrounds of the band’s members—metal, hard rock, jazz, folk, religious, classical, marching band—which have a way of seeping into the sound, and you have an original, ear-catching mix that has carried The Kipsies through three albums and an EP since 2016.

The band’s longevity is easily explained. “You get to this point in life, and you either stick with it, or you get too busy,” says Rogers, who, as a mother of three young

children, knows all about busy. “But even though we are too busy, we can’t put it down. Randy says, we just punish ourselves because we’re musical masochists.”

Of course, the quality of the band’s performances and their original material factor into that longevity. The songs often begin with a musical idea that Martin brings to rehearsal on his banjo. (He started out in his musical life on electric guitar, but moved to the banjo in part because of his fascination, as a history teacher, with the Civil War and the music of that time. Plus, the acoustic banjo can go places the electric guitar cannot. “The banjo pays better,” he says.) Rogers typically matches lyrics to the melody, and the other members of the band add their contributions. Songwriting credits are shared by all the

band’s members.

They are particularly and justifiably most proud of their most recent album, “Breathe in Deep,” recorded in Martin’s attic during the pandemic and released in 2022. It’s the first that they produced themselves and perhaps their most personal, with Rogers freely and openly exploring her anxieties, self-doubts, disappointments, and psychological challenges. “That’s like my mission with music—to be real and raw but always have this glimmer of hope,” she says. “I think it’s because music is like therapy for Randy and I, so I’m going to write about the hard things, but also how I got through it.” The lyrics certainly communicate that, but they are authenticated by the compassionate ache in Rogers’ voice and by the

The Kipsies

remarkable alignment between music and lyrics.

The band is working on the follow-up to “Breathe in Deep.” They’ve got five new songs written, and they plan to add some of their old favorites with the new lineup. The first single should drop this fall, with the full album to be released on vinyl.

You can find their music on all the usual streaming services. Keep up with their goings-on at thekipsies.com and on their Instagram and Facebook pages, and reach out to them directly at thekipsies@gmail. com.

FROM DEAD ON

Tom “TC” Constanten has the enviable habit of being in the right place at the right time and snagging the available opportunity. That facility has led to his employment as the keyboardist for the Grateful Dead, studies with the serialists of the Darmstadt School, a seven-decade career that stretches across centuries and genres of music, and reconnection with a long-lost love, the two of them arriving in Sandia Park, appropriately enough, on the astronomical convergence of December 23, 2020.

Born in Long Branch, New Jersey, and growing up in Las Vegas, Nevada, Constanten developed early on into a precocious musician and composer. At 17, he appeared with the Las Vegas Pops Orchestra, conducted by Antonio Morelli. “Played a composition of mine for orchestra and piano,” he says.

A budding astronomer, Constanten attended UC Berkeley on a science scholarship, with music in his rear pocket, until he met Phil Lesh, the future bassist of the Grateful Dead, with whom he shared a fondness for serialism, a new and thorny classical music. The two of them dropped out of school and audited a class of serialist Luciano Berio at Mills College. On the basis of some of Constanten’s compositions, Berio arranged scholarships for him to study at Darmstadt with the likes of Karlheinz Stockhausen, Pierre Boulez, and Henri Pousseur.

Constanten’s draft notice motivated his enlistment in the Air Force, as a computer programmer in Las Vegas. He spent his free time composing music on military mainframes and experimenting with hallucinogens. Having reunited with Lesh, who had introduced him to Jerry Garcia, he used several three-day passes from the

base to play and record with the Dead. He joined the band full-time in 1968, the day after his Air Force discharge, and worked with them for about 14 months, appearing on the studio albums “Anthem of the Sun” and “Aoxomoxoa,” to which he brought techniques unavailable to most other rock bands, as well as reappearing on the later live album “Ladies and Gentlemen . . . the Grateful Dead.”

Constanten’s intelligence and humor, his omnivorous appetite for music, and his insistence on playing it the way he heard it, not the “way you’re supposed to do it,” earned him residencies and professorships at universities, invitations to score a theatrical event and compose music for the Kronos Quartet (“typical late 20th-century rock and roll for quartet,” he says, with a glint in his eye), membership in an instrumental rock band, a long-standing radio gig on “West Coast Weekend,” and tours both solo and with a variety of groups.

“I played in London several times with different bands, and I would do a solo set,” he says. “I did one opening medley, with ‘Earl of Essex’s Galliard,’ or “Can She Excuse My Wrongs,’ by John Dowland from 1595. I segued that into ‘For No One’ by Paul McCartney—same theme—and that into ‘A Song for You Alone,’ opus 3,

number 1, by Anton Webern. I daresay there are not many others who play Webern on a rock and roll show.”

Most recently, Constanten and keyboardist Bob Bralove, another Dead alumnus, have been touring as Dose Hermanos, with a 100% improvised show. “I would ask the audience for a title—something generic, something ideal, and something exotic. ‘Island of the Rumba King,’ ” he says, by way of example. They’d compose music on the spot for that title. You can find their albums on Bandcamp.

He’s just recorded a new album. “ ‘Safety in Another Century,’ ” he says. “All sonatas from the 1700s, from Scarlatti to Mozart.” You’ll be able to find that on the usual streaming services, or you can order a hard copy of it or previous albums via the contact page on his website: tomconstanten.com. You might want to check out his lively book, “Between Rock and Hard Places: A Musical Autobiodyssey,” which you can find online.

Tom “TC” Constanten

Finger Lickin’ Chicken

Beware, Burqueños: the spice factor of this hot chicken spot might challenge even the chile-est of palates. With six heat levels to choose from—plus a rub that features imported spices—Kūkri’s hot chicken tikka tenders are likely to quicken one’s pulse a bit. (p. 144)

PHOTO BY DON JAMES/ATM

CAFÉ LUSH

This small Downtown cafe packs big flavor with unique ingredients and standout

dishes

It all started with a conversation around the pool.

Chef Tom Docherty and his wife, Sandy Gregory, had just taken over a small cafe on the corner of 7th and Tijeras in Downtown Albuquerque’s Fourth Ward. The spot had always been a restaurant of some sort, and the industry lifers were looking for a name they could call their own. It was, after all, a celebration after decades of working for someone else.

Watermelon martinis were consumed, ideas were bandied about, and eventually, one friend affectionately known as “Mo”—who would eventually have a sandwich named in her honor—suggested Cafe Lucious. The accompanying tag-

line was catchy: “Food for the senses.”

The shortened version of the name stuck, and it’s been quite fitting—with the exception of an occasional misunderstanding.

“Problem is, everybody thinks of that name to serve alcohol,” Tom quips. “They go, ‘I’ll have a Bloody Mary.’ No, we can’t do that.”

While booze isn’t available, there’s a little something for everyone on the menu, which includes breakfast from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. and lunch from 11:30 to 1:30 p.m. on Monday through Friday. (Brunch is served on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.).

A note on the menu—“many of our items have unique ingredients”—foreshadows

both intriguing tastes and versatility.

Case in point: When it was suggested that Tom create a breakfast pizza, he immediately thought of how he could create a pie without a traditional crust.

“I take hash browns and mix it with sour cream and season salt and scallions, make a nice little round crust—and top it with chili and cheese and serve an egg on it,” he says. “That’s our breakfast pizza.”

The other pizzas aren’t exactly typical, either.

“I’ve always wanted to do regular pizzas, but on the grill,” he adds. “So I was finally able to do that.”

The entire Café Lush menu utilizes fresh, local and natural ingredients, and for

PHOTOS BY DON JAMES/ATM

the most part, the lineup hasn’t changed in 14 years since the establishment’s inception. Coffee is from Red Rock Roasters, and the bread is from Fano Bakery. Virtually everything, whether it’s breakfast, lunch or brunch, can be modified to fit various dietary restrictions.

“We didn’t want to be just a vegan restaurant. We didn’t want to just be a gluten-free restaurant because that takes a special certification. So we wanted to do a little bit for everyone,” Sandy says.

At first, the cafe menu was built around what the owners liked to eat at home, and there is still plenty of that influence to be found. However, numerous requests prompted revisions to accommodate a variety of diets. Now, even the red chile and

PAYING TRIBUTE

A photo of the building’s original owners, who ran a spot called Griffith’s Corner, hangs in the cafe near a picture of Tom and Sandy.

BETTER CALL…LUSH?

Café Lush is renowned for a brief cameo in “Better Call Saul,” but it’s not just the building that’s a star: Sandy also makes an appearance in an early scene on the popular show.

HARD TIMES

The cafe remains as constructed more than 80 years ago, from something called Santa Fe prison brick. The original yellow paint job is a thing of the past, however.

SWIFT COMMUTE Tom and Sandy live in the neighborhood, so if you’re around early enough, you might catch them walking over to open up shop.

IMMACULATE TIMING

The current owners officially purchased the Café Lush edifice in March 2020, exactly one day before the COVID shutdown hit the Duke City.

Café Lush

700 Tijeras Ave NW (505) 508-0164 cafelushabq.com

green chile is gluten free and vegan.

“Forty percent of our clientele now is gluten-free. We were shocked,” Sandy says. “We started with a little bit and now it’s expanded. So we decided to modify the whole menu so that anyone that came in could have any dish gluten-free.

“Chef Tom decided to modify his baking to be gluten-free also. So, we have coffee cake and brownies, and people are so grateful.”

Those with breakfast cravings can enjoy an array of choices, including the aforementioned Breakfast Pizza, the French Toast (a former Hot Plate winner) or a Breakfast Burrito with a variety of ingredients, just to name a few. Meanwhile, lunch options range from sandwiches to salads to burgers—or Tom can throw a pizza on the grill. The aforementioned “Mo,” as an example of the creativity one might find, is a sandwich with grilled eggplant,

caramelized onions, mushrooms, vegan cheese, roasted red pepper and organic greens—all served open faced on focaccia with avocado smear.

“I think it’s a pretty eclectic menu,” Tom says.

As a neighborhood spot, Café Lush enjoys plenty of repeat customers. At this point, those bonds are so strong that when the staff sees a regular on the way in, their favorite order is already in progress. After a meal, it isn’t uncommon to see hugs exchanged. The loyalty isn’t just on one side of the counter. Both Tom and Sandy lavish praise upon their employees, many of whom have enjoyed lengthy tenures.

“We know everybody,” Sandy says. “That’s part of what I wanted the restaurant to be. You know, where everybody knows your name.”

—TRISTEN CRITCHFIELD

FEATURED DISHES

VEGETABLE BREAKFAST HASH $15.25

Yukon gold potatoes, grilled yams, red onions, apples, grilled corn and grilled artichoke hearts on organic mixed greens. Topped with poached eggs. Served with choice of toast or tortilla. Topped with red chile cream sauce.

LUSHALADAS $14.95

Stacked enchiladas served with chile and cheeses, breakfast potatoes and topped with two eggs. Served with tortilla, lettuce and tomato.

HALF SANDWICH/HALF SALAD $15.25

(OWNER’S CHOICE COMBO)

THE DAVIS, $14.95

Thin sliced roast beef, cheese, lettuce and tomatoes with red chile bacon aioli on grilled focaccia.

SPINACH SALAD, $14.95

Roasted beets on a bed of spinach with grilled yams, artichoke hearts and feta cheese finished with balsamic reduction.

Eats, Etc.

The meaning behind the term KūKri is twofold: It’s a Pakistani slang term meaning “chicken,” but it’s also a term of endearment for a child who is known as a finicky eater.

Since the first location arrived on the scene at the 505 Central Food Hall in 2021, KūKri has captured the hearts of diners with its special brand of spicy chicken.

“Our chicken is marinated for 24 hours using imported, house-roasted spices and breaded fresh,” says vice president of operations and brand growth Basit Gauba. “The recipes are developed in-house with influence from Southern hot chicken and South Asian spices. Everything’s extensively tested in our R&D Kitchen and perfected before going on the menu.”

The menu is streamlined to focus on what the establishment does well. At the top of the list are the chicken tenders,

which are available in six different levels of spice. They’re also quite versatile, appearing in orders such as Chicken and Waffles, Loaded Fries, the California Burrito, Garden Salad and Sliders. Even Land of Enchantment natives well versed in chile are advised to choose their heat level with caution.

“Our chicken is unapologetically spicy,” Gauba says. “When we say it’s hot, we mean it.” The sliders, which include a Korean Barbecue option, are quickly gaining in popularity, and the KūKri Famous Banana Pudding is an ideal option to cool down the taste buds after a meal. Gauba’s personal favorite are the aforementioned Loaded Fries, which are topped with two-hand breaded chicken tenders, green chile queso blanco, KūKri sauce, Sriracha, pico de gallo and cilantro. “It is a huge portion, easily shared and super delicious,” Gauba says.

KūKri is part of the Tikka Brands family, which also includes the Tikka Spice Food Truck and Stackers Burger Co. It has caught on quickly since its inception, expanding to three other locations: Green Jeans, Tin Can Alley and most recently, The Block in Rio Rancho. According to Gauba, a KūKri spin-off focusing on wing and chicken sandwiches is also in the works. “Our favorite part of the day is when a group of friends come by and challenge each other to a hot chicken eating competition,” Gauba says. “It brings people together.” —TRISTEN

CRITCHFIELD

KŪKRI

505 Central Ave NW (Located in 505 Central Food Hall), Plus 3 other metro locations (505) 582-8891 kukriabq.com

PHOTO BY DON JAMES/ATM

The Chicken Tenders with a side of crispy fries and sumptuous sauce

Eats, Etc.

Afew years back, Miches was just a small extension of Mariscos Altamar, a fun pop-up bar that served micheladas at special events and parties. There was always the notion of turning it into something more, but it didn’t become a reality until about a year ago.

At first, it was just longtime Mariscos employee Miguel Chavez, Mariscos co-owner Hector Hernandez Jr. and a dishwasher working diligently to make an unassuming space in the South Valley turn into something special. Shortly thereafter, Hector’s sister, Emily, came on board as well. Thanks to a combination of an outpouring of support from friends and family and the requisite social media buzz, business has been booming since Miches’ grand opening.

“The only complaint that we still get is, ‘Why didn’t you make it bigger?’” says

Chavez, who runs the establishment with Hector and Emily.

Using the recipes from Mariscos Altamar as a foundation, Miches built a condensed menu focused on quick bites and countertop service. According to Chavez, about 75% of the offerings originated from the parent restaurant, with minor tweaks here and there as the staff sees fit.

“And then the other 25% is just us doing new and creative stuff,” Chavez says. “So people don’t get bored.”

The menu includes fan favorites like Ceviche Nachos (with either Flaming Hot or Salsa Verde Tostitos), Aguachiles (shrimp in a house made red sauce with mango, cucumber and red onion) and Tacos (served with your meat of choice). And of course, Micheladas are a fixture, with four different flavors available: Traditional, Mango, Tamarindo and Watermelon.

In addition to its collection of staples, Miches offers a variety of specials and off-the-menu items that vary depending on the occasion and time of year. Chavez says it’s best to follow the restaurant’s social media to stay up to date in that regard.

“In the beginning, we thought it would just be Hector, a dishwasher, and myself running the place,” Chavez says. “We were fortunate enough to bring together a team we’re incredibly grateful for. Their consistency, dedication to the product and commitment to customer service have made all the difference.”

—TRISTEN CRITCHFIELD

MICHES

3925 Las Estancias Way (505) 407-2058 michesabq.com

The ever-popular Ceviche Nachos, drizzled with housemade sauces

PHOTO BY DON JAMES/ATM

O’NIELL’S IRISH COFFEE

Sometimes, a classic need not be touched but instead perfected—which is exactly why, for nearly 20 years, O’Niell’s Pub has kept their Irish coffee on the menu, essentially unchanged since it first became a crowd-pleasing favorite in 2006.

This version of Irish coffee—which bar manager Tasha Parker says was initially inspired by the owner’s trip to Ireland—keeps it simple and seriously authentic with a mere four ingredients: coffee, heavy cream, Jameson, and sugar cubes. No fuss, no mess—and just how locals like it.

To create this beloved, boozy beverage, O’Neill’s bartenders start with freshly brewed coffee and then a handwhipped heavy cream, shaken to perfection. Next, two sugar cubes are placed into a Gregorian glass and then the coffee and whiskey are mixed and poured on top, gently stirred until the sugar melts. Arguably the showstopper, the foamy heavy cream creates a cool, contrasting layer on top of the hot coffee (don’t forget the whiskey), resulting in a fun-todrink classic.

Bar goers can also ask to have their Irish coffee iced—a no-brainer during the so-hot-you’re-melting days of summertime, although there’s still nothing quite like the OG version, no matter the weather. —AS

O’Niell’s Pub 3301 Juan Tabo Blvd NE (505) 293-1122 www.oneills.com

A RECIPE FOR SUCCESS

Executive Director | Presbyterian Ear Institute presbyterianearinstitute.org

While it’s easy to take our auditory abilities for granted, Seema LaGree has witnessed firsthand what a gift the sense of hearing is, and how cochlear implants can change lives.

LaGree’s enthusiasm for bridging the gap between the deaf and hearing began in her high school sign language class. Over the years, she formed close friendships with her deaf classmates, and even interpreted at events like prom. “I really developed a love for the deaf students and just being able to communicate with them,” she says.

This high school experience would be a touchstone for LaGree as she decided what she wanted to study at Louisiana State University. “I changed my major a few times,” she says, “but I thought ‘what is it that really made the biggest impact on my life?’ And I thought back to working with the deaf students. So I decided to go into speech pathology to help deaf children learn to talk.” LaGree’s studies ultimately took her into audiology, where she fell in love with diagnosing and treating hearing disorders.

Coming to Presbyterian Ear Institute 13 years ago was a full circle moment for

LaGree. It allowed her to engage with both the speaking and hearing sides of communication and brought her back to working with children after years in cochlear implant manufacturing. At PEI, she oversees newborn screening, speech pathology, the school for oral deaf education, and the audiology program. She also works closely with the development team to plan the fundraising events that make giving this care possible, including the upcoming Wine, Women and Shoes: Heels for Hearing event in November.

The majority of fundraising supports the school, an area where LaGree sees the power of communication on a daily basis. “There are no limits when you give that early foundation of hearing and speaking to a child,” she says. “The possibilities are endless.”

The process of diagnosing and treating hearing loss isn’t always straightforward, but it’s always rewarding. When she first started at PEI, LaGree worked with a two year old girl with a unique type of hearing loss. The team worked on both sign language and speaking with her, but it wasn’t until the girl received her second cochlear implant that the magic happened. “She received her second implant, and three or four months later, there was this explosion of language,” LaGree says. “She’s now

in high school and she comes back and just says ‘I can’t imagine my life without being able to hear.’”

Students and patients that LaGree have helped extend beyond just Albuqueruque. She recalls another student with two cochlear implants who went on to live and open a business in a foreign country, communicating in both English and Farsi.

“I know the word miracle is often taboo, but really we make miracles happen,” she says. “That honestly is the only word I can use to describe it. To be even just a little part of that process has changed my life.”

Just like her passion for hearing and speaking, LaGree’s Nan Khatai recipe is close to her heart. “It reminds me of my parents and what my mom would make,” she says. “It was my dad’s favorite cookie.”

Nan Khatai, a type of shortbread cookie, is unique to the north central region of India, where LaGree’s parents immigrated from in the late 1960s. “I don’t even know of an Indian restaurant here that serves this,” she says.

“It’s something Indian that Americans like too. It’s not too spicy. A lot of times Indian sweets are very, very sweet, and it isn’t that way. It’s the perfect balance of sweet and savory.” —Addie Siembieda

Ingredients:

2 CUPS ALL PURPOSE FLOUR

½ CUP MELTED GHEE

1 CUP POWDERED SUGAR

¼ TSP BAKING SODA

½ TSP CARDAMOM POWDER

1 TBSP PISTACHIO (COARSELY GROUND)

ARECIPEFORSUCCESS

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°F.

Mix sugar, ghee and baking soda in a large bowl. Add in cardamom powder. Slowly add the flour. Mix well. Make into small balls and gently pat them down. Use your thumb to make a small well in the middle of each one. Sprinkle a little bit of the ground pistachio into the middle of each one. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spaced a few inches apart. Bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes, or until the cookies are lightly browned.

Nan Khatai

BITES

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

POLICY:

“Bites” is a guide to Albuquerque-area 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, so call before visiting.

CORRECTIONS:

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

3128 SOCIAL HOUSE $$

3128 Central Ave SE (505) 461-3128

IG: @3128socialhouse

This European-inspired gastropub features tried and true favorites—like a house burger made with ground New Mexico beef and a rotating selection of fish—that all come with a bit of an upscale twist. Choose from a diverse array of innovative cocktails—and mocktails, too!—at this trendy Nob Hill spot.

THE 377 BREWERY

2027 Yale Blvd SE (505) 916-0331

the377brewery.com

$$

Check out the funky metal and wood sign of The 377 Brewery. This warehouse-style structure is a little off-the-beaten path but they’ve got multiple creative drinks and meaty entrees just an order away. Along with burgers, nachos, and burritos, the Fish and Chips have been labeled as the best in the city.

66 DINER $$

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.

ABQ SWEET SPOT $

9250 Golf Course Rd NW, Ste. D (505) 900-3814

abqsweetspot.net

Cleverly-decorated cakes and cookies are as easy as your everyday chocolate chip cookie for these bakers who think out of the box for a sight that’s almost too good to eat every time. Almost. Cookies, cakes, cupcakes, macarons–this is basically heaven, even if you’ve only got a tiny sweet tooth.

ABUELITA’S NEW MEXICAN KITCHEN $

6083 Isleta Blvd SW (505) 877-5700

abuelitasnewmexicankitchen.com

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.

ALBUQUERQUE CITY LIMITS $$

3211 Coors Blvd SW, Ste. F4 (505) 873-8959

abqcitylimits.com

This dive aims to provide food that makes you feel at home. Dishes like made-from-scratch meatloaf with creamy mashed potatoes and savory brown gravy, homemade salsa, or a fan favorite—natillas—bear uncanny resemblances to the dishes mom used to make.

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.

ALQUDS MEDITERRANEAN

GRILL & GROCERY $

5555 Montgomery Blvd NE (505) 888-2921

alqudsnm.com

Owner Mohamad Abdel Jalil and his sons run this allin-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.

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.

ALDO’S NEW YORK

STYLE PIZZERIA

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.

ALICEA’S NY BAGELS & SUBS $

1009 Golf Course Rd. SE, Ste 103 (505) 896-4555

aliceasnybagelssubsabq.com

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.

ANA’S KITCHEN

6004 Edith Blvd NE (505) 341-0055

$

Off the beaten path, but absolutely worth the deviation. Ana’s Kitchen is rooted in family recipes

CHICKEN FRIED GOODNESS

When it comes to food, sometimes an ideal combination emerges almost by accident. Such was the case for Hello Deli’s Chicken Fried Steak Burrito, a concoction from longtime owner Marcus Cassimus.

“He loves chicken fried steak and loves burritos,” says daughter Angela Wiest, who has taken over the establishment. “And one morning he just wanted to eat something different, so he decided it would be a good mashup of ingredients to put it all together and roll it into a burrito.”

The chicken fried steak, which is a stand alone star on the menu, adds an extra layer of heartiness to the meal, which includes all the typical breakfast burrito offerings: scrambled eggs, hashbrowns, cheese and diced green chile. For a sitdown meal, it can be smothered in gravy. For those who need a handheld option, the gravy goes inside with the rest of the goodness.

It’s large enough to easily feed two people—or provide leftovers for a solo diner.

“It is massive, and we’re just really proud of it,” Wiest says. —Tristen Critchfield

Hello Deli

7600 Jefferson St. NE (505) 797-3354

hellodeliabq.com

and hearty homestyle meals. This good old-fashioned combination of American classics and New Mexican comfort food ensures that no one leaves hungry and everyone enjoys themselves in the process.

ANNAPURNA’S WORLD

VEGETARIAN CAFÉ $

5200 Eubank Blvd 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 worldclass, with options from virtually every continent.

ANNIE’S SOUP KITCHEN $

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 lunch or 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.

A TASTE OF THE CARIBBEAN $$

2720 Central Ave SE (505) 503-8428

atasteofthecaribbeannm.com

A Taste of the Caribbean brings flavors from Jamaica, Puerto Rico, Cuba, Trinidad, and other islands of the vast region right to the Duke City. Friendly staff

is available to offer advice to help those unfamiliar with Caribbean cuisine navigate the menu and find something they’ll love.

AZUMA SUSHI & TEPPAN $$

4701 San Mateo NE

Plus 1 other metro location (505) 880-9800

azuma-sushi-teppan-abq.com

Pioneering the sushi game in Albuquerque for the past 20 years, Azuma is guaranteed to have your favorite roll, plus a house-made creation you won’t be able to resist. If you’re in the mood for dinner and a show, step on over to the teppan side and be dazzled and delighted.

BACA BOYS CAFÉ

102 4th St NW (505) 200-0065

FB: @bacaboyscafe

$$

Family is at the heart of this downtown spot, and you’ll know it walking through the doors. You’ll find good, simple New Mexican comfort foods and service that only comes from a local mom-and-pop place.

THE

BAKEHOUSE OFF THE WHEATEN PATH $ 515 Wyoming Blvd NE (505) 312-8252

IG: @thebakehouseoffthewheatenpath

Opened strictly as a gluten-free bakery, The Bakehouse Off The Wheaten Path offers delectable baked goods–like oatmeal cream pie or cinnamon rolls–for those with dietary restrictions. But really, anyone is welcome to enjoy–gluten-free or not. Vegan options are also available.

Chicken Fried Steak Burrito, $12.85

BITES

BANDIDO HIDEOUT

2128 Central Ave SE (505) 489-9865

bandidohideout.com

$

The masked luchador on the median might catch your attention, but venture inside Bandido Hideout, and you’ll be delighted by authentic south-of-the-border specials and a fun, festive, colorful interior.

BARELAS COFFEE HOUSE $

1502 4th St SW (505) 843-7577

FB: @thebarelascoffeehouse

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 $$

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!

BELLE’S URBAN DELI

3650 Corrales Rd, Ste. G (505) 548-2009

Bellesurbandeli.square.site

$$

Is there anything better than a good sandwich? How about a sandwich made on in-house made Japanese

milk bread with truly unique flavors, like lox and goat cheese. Add to that a pickle bar where you can try everything from the classic dill to fermented green chile - how could you resist?

BEN MICHAEL’S RESTAURANT $$

2404 Pueblo Bonito Ct NW (505) 267-6827

FB: @BenMichaelsRestaurant

The food at Ben Michael’s is fresh, preservativefree and takes its roots from the owner’s family’s New Mexican recipes. Try the salmon or the steak served with a side of calabacitas, papas, and sautéed mushrooms.

BENNY’S MEXICAN KITCHEN $

1675 Bosque Farms Blvd (505) 869-2210

Since 1972, Benny’s has obliged countless stomachs with delicious New Mexican treats, which include redchile smothered enchiladas and deep-fried burritos. Don’t let the Benny Burger—a double-meat, doublecheese beauty—intimidate you. And, don’t forget to save room for that vanilla ice-cream shake.

BEST LEE’S $

2003 Southern Blvd SE, #127 (505) 892-7887

Specializing in American-Chinese and Cantonese Chinese cuisine, Best Lee’s has over 100 items on the menu. From fried rice to chicken dishes and everything in between. You can select your level of heat ranging from a little hot, all the way to extra hot, or for those not a fan of the heat, no spice. Popular items include General Tso’s Chicken, sweet and sour shrimp, and Mongolian Beef. Best Lee’s is a reliable choice for

delicious simple Chinese food accompanied by friendly service.

BIG MIKE’S BURGERS AND MORE $$

19388 NM-314 (505) 864-7918

bigmikesburgersandmore.com

The hand-pressed and specially seasoned burgers are the star of the show at this Belen staple. Big Mike’s uses locally sourced ingredients to bring you the best mouth-watering burgers and monster sandwiches.

BLACK MESA COFFEE COMPANY $

Albuquerque International Sunport 220 Sunport Blvd SE (505) 842-4305

fresquezcompanies.com

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 gluten-free.

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 70 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.

BOSQUE BREWING CO

106 Girard Blvd SE, Ste. B plus 2 other locations (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.

BURGER BOY

12023 New Mexico 14, Cedar Crest (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.

BURRITO EXPRESS $

141 Osuna Rd NW, Ste. A plus 3 other metro locations (505) 503-8964

burritoexpressinc.com

This Roswell-original brings southern New Mexican flavor to the Duke City. With made-fresh-daily tortillas and a myriad of breakfast and lunch options, Burrito Express is a satisfying spot for southern New Mexican transplants and multi-generational Burqueños alike.

THE BURRITO LADY $

938 Eubank Blvd NE (505) 271-2268

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

BURRITOS ALINSTANTE

2101 Broadway Blvd SE plus 5 other metro locations (505) 242-0966

burritosalinstante.com

$

A paradise for anyone who loves wrapping tasty things (chicharrones, carne adovada, bacon, cheese, potatoes—you get the picture) up inside of locally made tortillas, this operation maintains a half dozen storefronts between Belen and Albuquerque.

CAFE 6855

$$ 6855 4th St NW (505) 890-9150 cafe6855.com

A sister restaurant to Vernon’s Speakeasy, Café 6855 has gourmet dishes, expertly prepared and served in an elegant atmosphere. The menu is populated with gourmet sandwiches, salads, and cafe specialties that redeploy Vernon’s ingredients to thrilling effect.

CAFÉ BELLA COFFEE

2115 Golf Course Rd SE #102 (505) 994-9436

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.

CAFE CHICA

1700 Central Ave SW, Ste. A (505) 499-5111

wearecafechica.com

$

As a specialty dessert and coffee shop that focuses on Italian pastries, Cafe Chica is known for its signature sweet treats, from bombolonis (Italian doughnuts filled with various pastry creams) to tiramisus. Everything is made from scratch as much as possible—even the bread for its sandwiches.

CAFE ISTANBUL

1410 Wyoming Blvd NE, Ste. F (505) 294-9900

$$

Mediterranean delights abound at Cafe Istanbul—don’t be fooled by the name, as this restaurant is known for its wide array of European eats (including the fanfavorite baklava topped with crushed pistachios).

BITES

CAFÉ LUSH $

700 Tijeras Ave NW (505) 508-0164

cafelushabq.com

Located on a quiet neighborhood corner, this café is perfect for a nice brunch or lunch and your wallet will not be hurt after your visit. The menu is glutenconscious, vegetarian-friendly and has some of the best gluten-free red chile in town.

CAKE FETISH $

2665 Louisiana Blvd NE (505) 883-0670

cakefetish.com

Cake Fetish specializes in baker’s cups filled with heaven, such as the Sleepless in Albuquerque

(chocolate cake with mocha French buttercream frosting) and the Inside-Out German Chocolate Cake (coconut and pecans and crowned with chocolate French buttercream).

CAMPO AT LOS POBLANOS $$$

4803 Rio Grande Blvd NW (505) 344-9297

lospoblanos.com

Beautifully situated in the heart of Los Ranchos, Campo is the newly renovated and reimagined fine dining establishment at Los Poblanos. A top-of-theline menu mixes with fresh ingredients from the Los Poblanos Farm and a quiet, rustic atmosphere to make for one of the city’s best dining experiences.

CANVAS ARTISTRY $$

1 Central Ave NW (505) 639-5214

canvas-artistry.com

Specializing in international street food with a local twist, expect seasonally rotating artsy fare made with local produce, daily and weekly specials, and art to boot. A great late-night spot with live spinning DJs featuring different genres each night.

CASA DE BENAVIDEZ $$

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.

CASA

TACO $$

5801 Academy Rd NE (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, Drive-Ins & Dives,” and ranked No. 45 on the Travel Channel’s “101 Tastiest Places to Chow Down,” Cecilia’s Café offers tasty New Mexican treats, such as their Fireman’s Burrito or homemade chicharrones in a cozy atmosphere.

CENTRAL BODEGA $ 3418 Central Ave SE (505) 433-5600 centralbodeganm.com

This European bistro features a marketplace with local products and great eats. Central Bodega spotlights good food, wine, and community with favorites like whipped feta with honey, black pepper, and Italian Eggs Benedict.

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 made-fromscratch 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.

BITES

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.

CHEESE AND COFFEE

2679 Louisiana Blvd NE plus 1 other metro location (505) 883-1226

cheeseandcoffee.com

$$

There’s more than just cheese and coffee here—think homemade soups, sandwiches, salads and specials. At lunch, the line often goes out the door, so it’s worth getting there early.

CHELLO GRILL

5010 Cutler Ave NE Ste. A (505) 881-2299

chellogrill.com

$

Known for the varieties of kabobs, Chello Grill aims to introduce authentic Persian cuisine to Albuquerque. This restaurant offers different salads, sandwiches, and combinations of plates packed with immense flavor.

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.

CHILE CHICKEN

NASHVILLE

HOT CHICKEN $

3005 Eubank Blvd NE (505) 293-1700

chilechicken.com

As the legend of Nashville chicken goes, revenge is a dish best served fiery hot. This Southern staple comes to the Duke City in red hot fashion. Frying up proteins like chicken and catfish, diners can choose sauces ranging from mild to really cluckin’ hot for a customizable, unforgettable meal.

CHILI HILLS $

5 NM-344, Edgewood, NM (505) 286-9202

chilihillsedgewood.com

Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, Chili Hills is a comfort food haven. The team here is all about providing quality food and service at a fair price. From Huevos Rancheros to Chicken Fried steak they are serving up classic American and New Mexican eats.

CHOCGLITZ & CREAM $

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).

CHRISTY MAE’S RESTAURANT $

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 (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.

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 $

201 San Pedro Dr SE, Ste. B-1 (505) 232-0085

codabakery.com

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.

CORN MAIDEN

1300 Tuyuna Trail, Bernalillo (505) 867-1234

$$$

Located at the Hyatt Regency Tamaya Resort and Spa on the Santa Ana Pueblo, Corn Maiden is a destination in and of itself and provides fine-dining, Southwestern style–all while centering a garden-to-table menu that celebrates indigenous New Mexican cuisine and flavors.

COPPER CANYON CAFE $$

5455 Gibson Blvd SE (505) 266-6318

coppercanyoncafeabq.com

All-day breakfast and a killer chicken fried steak topped with your choice of traditional white gravy or homemade green chile sauce (naturally) grace this menu, and a steady lineup of loyal customers means the food’s always hot and fresh.

THE COUNTY LINE BBQ $$

9600 Tramway Blvd NE (505) 856-7477

countyline.com

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

CRACKIN’ CRAB $$

2100 Louisiana Blvd NE plus 2 other metro locations (505) 433-4611

crackincrababq.com

Their headline seafood boils are super customizable, allowing you to choose from a trio of house combinations or mix and match your own selection of crab, lobster, mussels, scallops, clams, or shrimp by the pound.

CRAVIN’ COOKIES AND MORE $

10420 4th St NW (505) 298-2597

cravincookiesandmore.com

Serving up specialty cookies, muffins, breads, pies, and pretty much any dessert you can dream of, Cravin’ Cookies and More offers dine-in and to go orders to satisfy any sweet tooth, with coffee and hot tea to match.

CRAZY FISH SUSHI

BAR AND RESTAURANT $$

3015 Central Ave NE (505) 232-3474

crazyfishabq.com

Tasty, fresh sushi and sashimi await you in this sleek Central Avenue restaurant, along with kitchen-made favorites such as tempura and crispy chicken.

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

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.

THE DAILY GRIND $ 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.

DAGMAR’S SPECIALTIES $

2704 Southern Blvd SE, Rio Rancho (505) 615-5651

FB: DagmarsSpecialties

Rooted in tradition, Dagmar’s is an ode to German foods—from bratwurst to their ever-popular breakfast schnitzel. Their kitchen also whips up delectable baked goods like strudels and classic German breads (or brot)—so make sure to bring a big appetite and plenty of room when you visit.

DAMACIOS BAR & TAPAS $$

722 Central Ave SW (505) 595-7383 damacios.com

Nestled downtown in a non-traditional eating space, Damacios uses its fun atmosphere and talented chefs to put a twist on classic Spanish tapas.

DAVE’S HIGH DESERT GRILL $$

5200 Eubank Blvd NE, Ste. B5 (505) 433-2380

davesrestaurants.com

Restaurant veteran Dave Hanisch is back with this Northeast Heights eatery serving up Midwestern comfort food with a little New Mexican flair. Come for the hearty entrees like the Braised Beef Short Ribs on Bubble & Squeak, stay for the Biscochito Peach Cobbler; the restaurant’s flagship dessert.

DAVE’S VALLEY GRILL $$

6601 4th St NW (505) 639-5807

davesvalleygrill.com

Dave’s Valley Grill offers a delightful range of traditional favorites, each infused with a modern twist and a deep respect for ingredients.

DEBAJO TAPAS Y VINO $$

1025 Lomas Blvd NW (505) 503-8645

debajoabq.com

This Iberian-inspired restaurant serves modern-day eats and classic drinks, perfect for a special occasion or a relaxed night out. The chefs are passionate about providing guests with locally sourced ingredients and a farm-to-table experience.

DELICIAS CAFÉ $

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.

DG’S DELI $

1418 Dr Martin Luther King Jr Ave NE (505) 247-3354

dgsdeli.com

With 31 cold sandwich options and a wide variety of grilled hot sandwiches—ranging in size from mini to jumbo—there’s something for everyone here. Try the Green Chile Philly or the Lobo Club.

D.H. LESCOMBES WINERY & BISTRO $$$

901 Rio Grande Blvd NW Plus 1 other metro location (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.

DR. FIELD GOODS $$

1909 Bellahmah Ave NW (Sawmill Market) drfieldgoods.com

Located inside of Sawmill Market, Dr. Field Goods is a farm-to-table fusion concept that takes New Mexican flavors in stride with classic American dishes like burgers, sandwiches, hot dogs, and fries. Burger patties and dogs are made in-house, and customers also have the option to take home and fix their choice cut of steak or pork chop (but you can also allow a professional to handle the cooking).

DION’S $ 6308 4th 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.

DOG HOUSE DRIVE IN $ 1216 Central Ave SW (505) 243-1019

An ABQ landmark since the 1940s, the eat-in-yourcar Dog House serves grilled footlongs and halflongs topped with red chile, cheese, onions, and more. Enjoy your dog with a side of chili-cheese fries and a thick shake.

DON CHOCHE TACOS Y CERVEZA $

7319 4th St NW, Unit 1 (505) 433-2242

donchochetacosycerveza.com

Starting as a food truck, Don Choche Tacos y Cerveza established residency in the Los Ranchos area in 2009. Tacos are the signature here and can be ordered with various fillings such as asada, barbacoa, fried shrimp, and green chile brisket, just to name a few. A trip to this classic Mexican eatery wouldn’t be complete without stopping at the salsa bar packed with interesting and delicious choices. Dine inside or on the renovated and shaded patio.

DONUT MART $

4501 Montgomery Blvd NE plus 2 other metro location (505) 292-6278

donutmartusa.com

Multiple locations sprinkled around town means a donut lover can always get a sweet fix. Find apple strudels, piñon coffee, green chile bialys, croissants, muffins, and even a Peanut Butter and Jelly donut.

DOWN N DIRTY SEAFOOD BOIL $$

6100 4th St NW (505) 345-0595

FB: @downndirtyseafoodboil

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 news-themed entrees like the Journalist Salad and Fact Checker Green Chile Chicken Soup in an intimate setting. Cups are filled with locally roasted Trifecta coffee.

DURAN’S CENTRAL PHARMACY $$ 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.

DURAN’S STATION $$

4201 Menaul Blvd NE (505) 830-0007

IG: @duransstation

Traditional New Mexican food served up with a side of homestyle cooking. An off-shoot of Duran’s Pharmacy, Duran’s station has built a reputation for amazing red chile, house-made tortillas, and plenty of blue corn.

EAST OCEAN CHINESE

SEAFOOD RESTAURANT $$ 3601 Carlisle Blvd NE (505) 889-9315

eastoceanalbq.com

East Ocean Chinese Seafood Restaurant was the first of its kind in Albuquerque. Most dishes are served family style and are made fresh to order. Those looking for traditional Chinese dishes should try the Roast Duck. Seafood eaters will enjoy the Honey Crispy Walnut Shrimp.

EL BRUNO’S

RESTAURANTE Y CANTINA $$

8806 4th St NW (505) 897-0444

elbrunos.com

El Bruno’s got its start in Cuba, NM, in 1975. At the Albuquerque location, the tried-and-true family

recipes are still the focus of the menu. The Ceviche, Pollo Adovo, and the Deep Fried Spinach are a few items guests can look forward to.

EL CAMINO DINING ROOM

6800 4th St NW (505) 344-0448

$

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

EL CHARRITOS

4703 Central Ave NW (505) 836-2464

$

Whether you like the standard New Mexican fare of enchiladas, rellenos, and tacos or if you’re looking for something off the beaten path like steak picado, green chile chicken fried steak, or even a deep-fried Monte Cristo sandwich, you’re sure to leave El Charritos satisfied with a full belly.

EL MOLCAJETON $$

4921 Jefferson St NE (505) 881-5332

Enjoy a variety of poultry, seafood, and beef (Cielo, Mar, y Tierra) with vegetables, cheese, and salsas all served piping hot on a traditional molcajeton. El Molcajete has everything from steak to octopus and anything else you could desire - or some simply delicious tacos if that’s more to your taste.

EL PAPATURRO

6601 4th St NW, Ste. H (505) 503-15750

elpapaturrorestaurantnm.com

$

El Papaturro serves traditional El Salvadoran food. In fact, you’ll even find a dish called Tipico Salvadoreno! The menu is rooted in family recipes and includes everything from your classic pupusa and other Central American favorites as well as carne asada, frito pie, and chicken wings.

EL PATIO DE ALBUQUERQUE

3851 Rio Grande Blvd NW, Plus 1 other metro location (505) 433-4499

$

elpatioabq.com

El Patio is an Albuquerque institution, and for nearly 50 years, they’ve been serving up classic New Mexican fare like from-scratch sopaipillas, alongside their popular Green Chile Chicken Enchiladas and Carne Adovada Huevos Rancheros. Needless to say, this local favorite is a must-try for Burqueños and visitors alike.

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 ROI CAFE $$

616 Lomas Blvd NW Ste. A (505) 401-9313

elroicafe.com

El Roi Cafe offers a blend of Native American and New Mexican cuisine aimed to pay tribute to owners’ favorites growing up. Diners will find various options, including mutton stew, Indian tacos, and fry-bread green chile cheeseburgers.

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 52 years ago, Eloy’s New Mexican Restaurant’s claim to fame is its consistent food and service, offering the same recipes that made it famous all those years ago. Try the No. 1 Eloy’s Deluxe Dinner, with a little bit of everything.

EMBERS STEAK & SEAFOOD

$$$ 11000 Broadway Blvd SE (505) 244-8288 isleta.com

Whether you are dining inside or al fresco on the rooftop patio, Ember’s boasts some of Albuquerque’s most beautiful 180-degree views of the Bosque, making for the perfect setting to catch the sunset next to the warmth of the glowing fire pits.

FANO BREAD COMPANY

$ 4605 McLeod Rd NE (505) 884-5555 fanobread.com

For more than 16 years, Fano has made the freshest bread in the city. Whether it’s the rustic loaf, the green chile cheese bread or raisin cinnamon bread, you’ll think you’re touring the streets of Italy with each bite.

FAN TANG $$

3523 Central Ave NE plus 1 other metro location (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.

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.

BITES

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 $$$

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.

THE FARMACY $$

3718 Central Ave SE (505) 227-0330

The Farmacy takes the idea of organic and local ingredients, and presents them in a way that tastes like comfort. The Farmacy provides a tasty menu of eight breakfast items, as well as eight sandwiches for lunch.

FIESTA’S MEXICAN RESTAURANT & CANTINA $

4400 Carlisle Blvd NE (505) 881-0478

Fiesta’s Restaurant & Cantina has been family-owned and operated since 1986, making it an Albuquerque go-to for quality New Mexican cuisine. With its family

dining area, outdoor patio, lively bar and banquet room, Fiesta’s has something for everyone.

FIVE STAR BURGERS $

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. Hand-formed patties or vegetarian options paired with wine from St. Clair Winery or beer from Marble Brewery are a match made in heaven.

FLATIRON BITES AND BREWS $

6001 San Mateo NE, Ste F3 (505) 585-0023

eatflatiron.com

A welcome addition to the ABQ brewpub scene, Flatiron bites and brews knows how to build a flavorful burger, which they achieve by using a mix of brisketchuck beef, resulting in the perfectly juicy patty. Also available on the menu are chicken sandwiches, wings, and plenty of shareable plates.

FLIX BREWHOUSE $$

3258 La Orilla Rd NW, B-1 plus 1 other metro location (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.

FLYING STAR CAFE

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.

FOODTOPIA

4959 Pan American Fwy NE (505) 554-3698

foodtopiarestaurant.com

If you have never had a deep-fried quesadilla, let Foodtopia be the place to introduce you to the dish. Additional tasty treats include a poblano chile relleno, and a whole variety of Mexican-style tacos, burritos, tortas, and enchiladas brought you from the Zacatecas heritage of owner and chef Leticia Gonzalez.

FRANK’S FAMOUS CHICKEN AND WAFFLES

400 Washington St SE (505) 712-5109

franksfamouschickenandwaffles.com

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

FRENCHISH $$$

3509 Central Ave NE (505) 433-5911

frenchish.com

Envisioned as a casual neighborhood restaurant, frenchish’s menu draws inspiration from an eclectic mix of French and Midwestern U.S. cuisines, with an active focus on clean, simple foods.

FRONTIER RESTAURANT

2400 Central Ave SE (505) 266-0550

frontierrestaurant.com

$

Famous for its legendary Frontier Rolls, hot-off-theiron tortillas, burgers, New Mexican favorites, hash browns, fresh-squeezed orange juice, and more, the Frontier is Albuquerque’s melting pot—it’s a guarantee you’ll see someone you know there.

FUEGO 505 $$

5750 McMahon Blvd NW (505) 705-8439

fuego505.com

Traditional meets trendy at this Westside rotisserie grill and bar. Gourmet tacos, bowls, and hot-fired skewers (including exotic meats like rabbit, elk and rattlesnake) pair nicely with whiskeys from their extensive list. Salads, hand-shaken cocktails, local craft beers and a large patio round out the scene.

FUN NOODLE BAR $

5317 Menaul Blvd NE (505) 801-6888

funnoodleabq.com

The perfect place to go with family and friends to enjoy fresh Asian cuisine. Fun noodle bar provides

you with an authentic and, well, fun experience. Fresh dumplings and hand-pulled noodles are a homerun.

GARCIA’S KITCHEN $

2924 San Mateo Blvd 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 2 other metro locations (505) 880-0055

gardunosrestaurants.com

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

GECKO’S BAR AND TAPAS $$

3500 Central Ave SE (505) 262-1848

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 $ 921 San Pedro Dr SE (505) 255-1233

giovannispizzaalbuquerque.com

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

GOLDEN CROWN PANADERIA $ 1103 Mountain Rd NW, (505) 243-2424

goldencrown.biz

Golden Crown Panaderia is known for taking creativity in baking to the next level. Try the original biscochitos or cappuccino, chocolate and sugar-free versions. Don’t miss out on homemade green chile bread, pizza, and creative bread sculptures.

BITES

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.

GRANDMA’S K & I DINER

2500 Broadway Blvd SE (505) 243-1881

grandmaskandidiner.com

$

This South Valley dive is known for its heaping plates of classic American comfort food—they’ve even been featured on “Man vs. Food” for their massive “Travis on a Silver Platter” dish.

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.

GOBBLE THIS $$

308 San Felipe St NW (505) 975-3969

gobblethis.biz

A fusion of ingredients from El Salvador, Los Angeles, and New Mexico make up the recipes at Gobble This. Owner and chef Nestor Lopez goes out of his way to make the food and atmosphere like being at a friend or family member’s house for dinner.

GYROS MEDITERRANEAN $

106 Cornell Dr SE (505) 255-4401

egyros.com

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

GYRO

SHACK

4201 San Mateo NE plus 1 other metro location (505) 433-3863 gyroshack.com

$

Serving up their signature gyro and pita sandwiches, Gyro Shack is a no-fuss, made-from-scratch Mediterranean establishment, boasting two locations

across the metro area. Friendly service is built into the experience—in addition to the perfect combination of “fast food” and quality. The secret ingredient, however, lies in a proprietary Tzatziki sauce, which like everything else, is made fresh daily.

HANNAH & NATE’S MARKET CAFÉ $ 4512 Corrales Rd plus 1 other metro location (505) 898-2370

Offering breakfast and lunch, Hannah & Nate’s is all about flavor—whether it’s the flavor of traditional New Mexican cuisine, cuisines from throughout the world or the family recipes served.

HELLO DELI $$

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 $$

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.

BITES

HIGH POINT GRILL $$

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.

HORIZON BAGELS AND CAFE $

4000 Louisiana Blvd NE (505) 221-0668

New York is a long way from here, but it’s a little closer with Horizon’s delicious bagels. Of course there has to be the NM touch - like a red chile bagel with green chile cream cheese. You can also fill your belly with corned beef hash, matzo ball soup, and fresh cinnamon rolls.

HORSE AND ANGEL TAVERN $$

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.

HOT PINK THAI $$

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 fire-roasted 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 plus 1 other metro location (505) 289-9909

bakerad.com/humble

Humble prides itself on keeping it simple. Here you’ll find the most classic coffee drinks (ones that aren’t overly sweet) in an attempt to highlight the coffee bean itself. They use single-origin beans so customers can taste the difference between other beans. Both

locations are perfect for sipping delicious coffee and gathering with friends.

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.

IHATOV BREAD AND COFFEE

$ 3400 Central Ave SE (505) 539-5445

Bread and coffee are the foundation of this diverse bakery. IHATOV is whipping up approximately 20 types of bread inspired by different locations. Must-try items include the buttermilk biscuit and the croissants.

ISLETA GRILL

4047 NM State Highway 47 (505) 869-2046

FB: Isleta Grill

$

A popular breakfast-and-lunch counter on the Isleta Pueblo serving up tortilla burgers, Indian tacos and Frito pies, along with an assortment of made-to-order sandwiches (BLT, Club, etc.). The grab-and-go morning menu includes breakfast burritos and quesadillas in two sizes.

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 LOCALETTO ROSSI $$

106 Buena Vista Dr SE (505) 355-5953

IG: @LocalettoRossi

Loosely translated as ‘little red house,’ Il Localetto Rossi is a bit of a hidden gem, located just across from UNM in what used to be Thai House. Standout items on the menu include lasagna, finished with homemade alfredo sauce and roasted marinara, along with gnocchi cacio e pepe—that’s from-scratch potato dumplings with black pepper, fresh cheese, and truffle oil for non-Italian speakers. Mamma mia!

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.

IRONWOOD KITCHEN $$

5740 Night Whisper Rd NW, Ste. 250 (505) 890-4488

ironwoodkitchen.com

This family operation’s goal: to serve meals made with whole foods at affordable prices. Try the green chile cheeseburger, with freshly-ground chuck, topped with fresh vegetables and roasted green chile.

THE IVY TEAROOM $$

8830 4th St NW (505) 388-8691

theivytearoom.com

Offering 20 varieties of tea and a monthly menu that highlights the season, the Ivy Tearoom has something for everyone. With ten suites, three cottages and a

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large parlor, there is an opportunity for an immersive tea experience. Bookings are recommended for large groups and special occasions.

JAPANESE KITCHEN $$$

6521 America’s Parkway (505) 884-8937

japanesekitchen.com

Entertainment is the main course at this teppanyaki grill restaurant. The cooks, who are at your table, can be caught tossing shrimp into their pockets and creating to-die-for dishes from the classic teriyaki chicken, to seafood or steak, and everything in between.

JAVA JOE’S $$

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.

JC’S NEW YORK PIZZA DEPARTMENT $$

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.

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JIMMY’S CAFÉ ON JEFFERSON $

8900 Holly Ave NE, Ste. B (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.

JINJA BAR AND BISTRO $$

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 pizzas, and breakfast served all day long.

JINJA BAR & BISTRO WESTSIDE $$

5400 Sevilla Ave NW (505) 792-8776

Whether you’re looking for a good place to gather some friends for tasty drinks and appetizers or a laidback place to bring the family, Jinja has the atmosphere for you. You won’t find one specific menu theme at Jinja, with its blend of Chinese and Vietnamese which makes it easy for anyone to find something they like. Staples like potstickers, Kung Pao chicken, and wings with different sauces are all served up

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.

JUNIPER STEAKHOUSE $$$

54 Jemez Canyon Dam Rd (505) 771-7145

santaanastar.com

Inside the Santa Ana Star Casino Hotel, Juniper Steakhouse offers a fine dining experience in an entertaining atmosphere. With popular options like the prime rib and filet mignon, diners can also opt for a seafood entree. The food is enticing; they also have a full bar with an extensive wine list and handcrafted seasonal cocktails.

KABAB HOUSE:

AUTHENTIC PERSIAN CUISINE

8104 Wyoming Blvd NE, Ste. A (505) 312-8949

KAP’S COFFEE SHOP & DINER $

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, griddlecooked flapjacks.

KATHY’S

CARRY OUT

823 Isleta Blvd SW (505) 873-3472

FB: Kathy’s Carry Out

$

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

KAKTUS BREWING CO.

471 S Hill Rd, Bernalillo (505) 818-7285

kaktusbrewery.com

$

A half-century of success in the heart of the city’s South Valley that’s renowned for $2 tacos on Wednesdays (yes, Wednesdays), stuffed sopaipillas, smothered burritos and burgers. Take-home pints also available for beans, rice, carne adovada, etc. Indoor and outdoor seating, plus a drive-thru.

KATRINAH’S EAST MOUNTAIN GRILL

150 State Rd, 344 A (505) 508-0601

kawaiibobacafeabq.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.

$$

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).

KAWAII BOBA-CAFÉ

3200 La Orilla Rd NW, Ste. E (505) 281-9111

eastmountaingrill.com

$

Boba tea is just the beginning of the menu at this westside cafe. While the expansive tea menu allows for plenty of customizations, what really sets this cafe

apart is their food menu featuring ramen, kimchi, and other Asian staples. Located conveniently next to Flix Brewhouse, this spot is a magnet for Albuquerque’s anime fans and cosplayers.

KIMO’S HAWAIIAN BBQ $

3239 Girard Blvd NE (505) 582-2797

kimosabq.com

Hawaii comes home. What began as a food truck is now a brick-and-mortar location also. Try freshfrom-the-isles Kalua Pork and Huli Huli Chicken plates served with sides like steamed cabbage, rice, and macaroni salad.

K’LYNN’S SOUTHERN & CAJUN FUSION $$

4300 Ridgecrest Dr SE, Ste. O, Rio Rancho (505) 453-3068

Kathrine Johnson-Bey brings Cajun cuisine from the bayou to the desert in this Rio Rancho fusion restaurant. From fried oysters to hand-breaded crawfish tails, alligator po boys to collard greens, this unique eatery is a can’t-miss.

KOSMOS RESTAURANT $$ 1715 5th St NW (505) 369-1772

kosmosabq.com

Part art gallery, part restaurant, Kosmos is a feast for the senses. The inventive staff brings together highgrade dinner style burgers with dishes sparked by the flavors of the Near East.

LA MEXICANA TORTILLA COMPANY

304 Coal Ave SW (505) 242-2558

$$

Family owned and operated since 1932–that’s nearly a century, believe it or not–La Mexicana Tortilla Company makes fresh, hand-made corn and flour tortillas daily for both the restaurant itself and distributes their tortillas to nearly sixty other restaurants across the state. Of course, La Mexicana also offers New Mexican classics, ranging from green chile cheeseburgers to stuffed sopaipillas, available dine-in or carry-out.

LA QUICHE PARISIENNE BISTRO $

5850 Eubank Blvd NE, Ste. 17 (505) 242-2808

laquicheparisiennebistro.com

Long considered an authentic French staple of downtown ABQ, La Quiche has comfortably settled into the Heights and the baked goods will comfort your lazy weekend brunch cravings with true Parisian cuisine from the mainland.

LA REFORMA

8900 San Mateo Blvd NE, Ste. I (505) 717-1361

lareformabrewery.com

$$

On the taco front, La Reforma is virtually unimpeachable, offering options like braised pork shoulder carnitas, tempura-battered white fish pescado, and rotisserie-broiled al pastor for carnivores, along with tempura-battered avocado (aguacate) for those looking for something plant-based.

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.

LA GUELAGUETZA

MEXICAN RESTAURANT $

816 Old Coors Dr SW (505) 916-0095

la-guelaguetza-mexican-restaurantllc. business.site

If you’re looking for something especially authentic, La Guelaguetza is the place for you. This restaurant will provide you with no frills and traditional Mexican food. Options range from Birria, to mole, to cocktail shrimp and everything in between. Located on Old Coors La Guelaguetza gives a homestyle feel to all the favorites.

LAGUNA BURGER

2400 12th St NW

plus 3 other metro locations (505) 352-8282

thelagunaburger.com

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.

LANTERN RIDGE FARM

12540 N Highway 14, Sandia Park (505) 395-7774

lanternridgemarket.com

$

Every half-pound burger is made fresh upon ordering, topped with Hatch green chile, and slipped on a buttertoasted 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.

LAVENDER COCINITA $

6847 4th St NW, Los Ranchos de Albuquerque (505) 717-9814

lavendercocinita.com

Lavender Cocinita is the answer to old school New Mexican cuisine in Los Ranchos, serving up classic favorites like green chile cheeseburgers and even more innovative items like gyros in a small but comfortable space. Ingredients are also sourced locally as much as possible on a menu that is fittingly as diverse as New Mexico itself.

LAZY LIZARD GRILL

12480 North Hwy 14, Sandia Park (505) 281-9122

lazylizardgrill.com

$$$

Lantern Ridge Farm has it all - a tasty breakfast menu, amazing lunches, gourmet dinners, beautiful scenery, and a market. Whether you’re looking for classic huevos rancheros, filet mignon, or dried pasta, you’ll find it here.

LIMONATA CAFÉ

3222 Silver Ave SE (505) 266-0607

limonatacafe.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.

LINDO MEXICO

7209 Central Ave NE plus 1 other metro location (505) 266-2999

lindomexicogrillandseafood.com

$

From the King Cobra Pizza and made-from-scratch Jalapeño Poppers to their impressive selection of microbrews, the Lazy Lizard Grill has customers always coming back for more—and has the food and atmosphere to back it up.

LE CHANTILLY FINE PASTRIES

8216 Menaul Blvd. NE (505) 293-7057

lechantillybakery.com

$$

This once smaller operation has since been in business for 20 years. With extreme passion to express the heritage of certain dishes through authentic tastes, owners are proud to have an atmosphere that values family and traditions. Some popular items include mole, tacos, guacamole and their chile rojo. All made fresh in house.

LINDY’S DINER

$

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.

500 Central Ave SW, #3114 (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.

LILY AND LIAM BISTRO

$$

1751 Rio Rancho Blvd SE, Ste. 101, Rio Rancho (505) 340-3309

lilyandliambistro.com

The NM Dutch Baby (loaded with green chile, of course) is a Lily and Liam staple that has regulars coming back time and again. As a family-run business, it makes perfect sense that your whole family will love this homegrown spot.

LITTLE BEAR COFFEE

2632 Pennsylvania St NE

Plus 1 other metro location (505) 917-8902

littlebearcoffeeco.com

Located near Uptown, Little Bear is not just serving up quality brew, but also providing an outpost for the neighborhood and coffee community.

THE LOCAL

BREWHOUSE

300 Unser Blvd SE, Rio Rancho (505) 994-2007

$

$$

Even situated in the large metro area, The Local Brewhouse still has that small town, neighborhood charm. Their menu features brewpub classics and 32 local, regional, domestic, and international beers and ciders on tap, more than a dozen of which are brewed in house.

LOS COMPADRES RESTAURANT $

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.

LOS CUATES

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.

LOS OLIVOS MEXICAN RESTAURANT $ 7900 Zuni Rd SE (505) 503-7879

Virtually everything on the menu at Los Olivos is Hernandez family recipe. Focused on traditional Mexican flavors, diners can enjoy authentic tacos, tortas, burritos, and soups, as well as different salsa for every dish.

LOS POOKIES MEXICAN RESTAURANT $ 5626 Menaul Blvd NE (505) 588-2911

Los Pookies serves up both authentic and inventive Mexican family recipes from the heart. Known primarily for their birria, Los Pookies has ultimately generated plenty of buzz from their popular birria ramen and birria pizza (there’s even birria egg rolls on the menu). Also available on the menu are Mexican classics like molcajete, enchiladas, and tacos.

LOYOLA’S FAMILY RESTAURANT $$ 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.

LOS RANCHOS BAKERY $

6920 4th St NW (505) 859-4727

FB: @LosRanchosBakery

Specializing in sourdough loaves, Los Ranchos Bakery starts everything from scratch, also providing custom cakes, cinnamon rolls, pies, and scones, a cult favorite. Coffee is also a part of the menu, and all syrups are made in-house. Everything is ultimately small batch, so it’s best to get while the getting (or rather, baking) is good.

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 $$

6001 Winter Haven Rd NW plus 3 other metro locations (505) 503-7327

mtuccis.com

The menu at the Westside’s authentic Italian staple features refined comfort food classics, from meatball marinara to pot roast. Other menu items are crafted from choice Berkshire pigs that the eatery imports from northern Iowa and southern Minnesota farms. In fact, a unique pork dish is incorporated into a featured dinner special every night. Wash down your pasta, pizza, or salad with a carefully crafted cocktail from the bar.

MAC’S STEAK IN THE ROUGH $

4515 Menaul Blvd NE plus 1 other metro location (505) 888-3611

macsnm.com

Taquitos, onion rings, guacamole salad, and an original “steak in the rough”—slivers of beef served with French fries, coleslaw, a roll, catsup, and a fresh green scallion… these are just a few of the reasons Mac’s has been in business for so many years.

MANZANO GRILLETHE CANYON CLUB AT FOUR HILLS $$

911 Four Hills Rd SE (505) 299-9555

canyonclubgolf.com

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

MARIO’S PIZZA $$

2401 San Pedro Dr 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.

MARISCOS ALTAMAR $$

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.

MATA G VEGETARIAN KITCHEN $$

116 Amherst Dr SE (505) 266-6374

mata-g.com

An authentic vegetarian restaurant with a wide variety of vegetarian breakfasts, soups, salads, sandwiches, and hot specials.

MATI PERUVIAN CUISINE $$

303 San Pedro Dr NE (505) 516-9618

Facebook: Mati Peruvian Cuisine

Mati Peruvian Cuisine is arguably ABQ’s touchstone for Peruvian food—thanks to a diverse menu that aims to introduce restaurant goers to this complex South American cuisine. Popular dishes include four types of Peruvian ceviche and the Aji de Gallina, a mildly spiced chicken with yellow chile pepper and potatoes—along

with the Loma Saltado, or marinated strips of sirloin served with red onions and tomatoes.

MARIGOLD CAFE $ 161 Lang Ave NE, Ste. C (505) 433-4427

marigoldabq.com

This cozy cafe is serving up a much-loved fusion of Indian and American cuisine. The marigold cafe is a local family-owned business that uses only the highest quality ingredients and spices.

MAZAYA CAFÉ

120 Harvard Dr SE (505) 582-2447

mazayacafe.com

$

Mazaya Café is dedicated to adding an authentic Mediterranean dining experience to the medley of options in the Nob Hill area–without breaking the bank for its diners. If you are looking to fill up, fresh-grilled kebabs, a half-dozen wraps, shawarma, and three kinds of fried or steamed dumpling plates headline the restaurant’s entrée menu.

MESA PROVISIONS

3120 Central Ave SE (505) 494-5264

mesaprovisions.com

$$

With an emphasis on seasonally and locally influenced ingredients, you can always expect to find something fresh on the menu at Mesa Provisions. And although they have a wide variety of culinary offerings, yearround staples such as the half-smoked chicken or the green chile cheddar biscuit will have you coming back for more.

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MERAKI COFFEE + MARKET

5900 Eubank Blvd NE (505) 291-1116 drinkmerakiabq.com

$$

Meraki in Greek is the word that describes the attention and love put into something you are preparing for others. With all real ingredients (no fake butter, sugar substitutes, etc.) it is clear the passion runs through each item that is made at Meraki. Everything is made early in the morning and most ingredients are sold instore exclusively. Whether you’re looking for a classic cappuccino or smoked salmon toast with homemade tomato jam, you are sure to find that every dish is extremely high quality and delicious.

MICHAEL THOMAS COFFEE ROASTERS

(505) 504-7078

202 Bryn Mawr Dr SE 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.

MISSION WINE & DINE $$

3423 Central Ave NE (505) 263-0731

missionwinerynm.com

This Nob Hill restaurant concept pairs its own sustainable wines with unique, locally-inspired dishes— ranging from popular classics like the Green Chile Smash Burger to higher-end creations like Lobster Roll Sliders. Everything can be expertly paired with a glass of vino (or two), although diners are encouraged

to experiment and delve deeper into New Mexico’s rich culinary history through an eclectic menu.

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.

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.

MR. TOKYO $$

11200 Montgomery Blvd NE (505) 292-4728

Soak up the cool Zen-like atmosphere while enjoying six versions of fried rice, sushi, sashimi, tempura, hibachi, grilled udon, soups, and teriyaki spiced with fiery Thai chili peppers.

MUSTANG CAFÉ

8601 Lomas Blvd NE (505) 275-4477

$

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

NAAN & DOSA

6501 Wyoming Blvd NE (505) 797-4243 naananddosa.com

$$

Many Indian restaurants only serve either Northern or Southern Indian food. Not Naan and Dosa. Named for the traditional breads from both regions of the country, take your pick of the leavened flatbreads (naan) or eight different types of rolled dosas. Also try their lunch buffet Tuesdays through Saturdays, featuring a sampling of their menu.

NAGOMI RESTAURANT

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

GET IN THE CALZONE

With live music playing on a weekly basis and multiple televisions showing sports, Voodoo Girl Pies and Pints has carved out a place as a popular Duke City hangout since opening in August 2021.

It wouldn’t be a gathering spot without the right food. The establishment’s wood burning brick pizza oven produces the tasty pies for hungry patrons, who can wash their meal down with a variety of local brews on tap. However, there are other worthy options for those who might not be in the mood for pizza.

This includes four different calzones, including a NM True option that’s a must-have on any menu in the Land of Enchantment thanks to the well-established combination of green chile and pepperoni along with a pesto base and mozzarella cheese. All the sauce and dough at Voodoo Girl is made in-house daily and the calzone portions are quite generous — making them ideal for a full meal or for sharing. –Tristen Critchfield

Voodoo Girl Pies and Pints

1401 2nd St NW (505) 548-7008

Instagram: voodoogirlpizzaofficial

in Albuquerque where you can go to indulge in shabushabu, a Japanese-style hot pot.

NAKA SUSHI

1035 Juan Tabo Blvd NE (505) 200-9152

nakasushiabq.com

$$

A little bit of Thai, a little bit of Korean, and a little bit of Japanese, but entirely delicious. Naka Sushi fuses multiple Asian flavors to make fresh sushi, bento boxes, and other Asian dishes, all in a location with a vibrant, appealing ambiance.

NAMASTE

1580 Deborah Rd SE, Rio Rancho 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.

NAPOLI COFFEE $

3035 Menaul Blvd NE (505) 884-5454

napolicoffee.com

A diversified menu of caffeinated companions means something for everyone at Napoli Coffee. Currently located on Menaul, Napoli aims to please and cater to guest requests, so the possibilities and drink combinations are seemingly endless. In addition to coffee, they also offer a variety of freshly made sandwiches, wraps, and breakfast burritos.

NARUTO $

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.

NEW

MEXICO BEEF JERKY COMPANY

$ 1425 4th St NW (505) 242-6121

newmexicobeefjerkycompany.com

Beef jerky? Check. Chicharrones? You better believe it. Tacos, burgers, and burritos - who knew that the New Mexico Beef Jerky Company had so much awesome food to offer? You don’t stay in business for 45 years without good reason, so be sure to swing by this classic joint to get your New Mexican food fix.

NEXUS BREWERY

4730 Pan American Fwy NE, Ste. D plus 1 other metro location (505) 242-4100

nexusbrewery.com

paired brews, Nexus Blue Smokehouse achieves top of the line status.

NM SANGWICHES

4400 Masthead St NE, Ste. 160 (505) 835-5138

nmsoulfoodco.co

$

The former Rio Rancho favorite has moved to North ABQ with their menu of classic sandwiches, served both hot (grilled cheese, pulled pork, meatball) and cold (chicken salad, BLT), plus salads. The breakfast menu includes bowls, biscuits & gravy, muffins and bagels.

NOODLE WORKS

5901 Wyoming Blvd NE, Ste. S (505) 990-0055

noodleworksnm.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.

NEXUS BLUE SMOKEHOUSE

1511 Broadway Blvd SE (505) 445-1545

smokehouse.nexusbrewery.com

$$

Every noodle at Noodle Works hand stretched, hand spun, and hand sliced in house fresh for every meal. With unique dishes and signature takes on popular favorites, almost everything on the menu can be modified or elaborated with noodles.

OAK TREE CAFE

4545 Alameda Blvd NE (505) 830-2233

cafeoaktree.com

$$

Tender and mouthwatering meat, Nexus uses the blue smoke method. With favorites like burnt ends and pulled pork sandwiches, tangy sides, and perfectly

$

Owner Robert Carson is a constant presence at this homestyle joint that consistently serves up delicious burgers, sandwiches, and craft salads. With local beer on tap, this isn’t your typical cafe—and as a familyowned establishment for generations, it’s perhaps best kept that way.

NM True Calzone, $14.25

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OHANA HUT $

5740 Night Whisper Rd NW (505) 508-4439

ohanahut.com

Family owned and operated Ohana Hut means “Family Hut.” It specializes in Hawaiian, Japanese, and Korean flavors to create an Asian fusion menu with a New Mexican twist.

OLD TOWN PIZZA PARLOR $$

108 Rio Grande Blvd NW (505) 999-1949

oldtownpizzaabq.com

This comfy, funky, family-owned restaurant serves tasty pies, huge calzones, and portions of pasta that won’t ever leave you hungry.

OLO DESSERT STUDIO $

3339 Central Ave NE, Ste. C-3 (505) 750-4656

olodessertstudio.com

Nothing is as sweet as a guilt-free treat. In the same building as Staples in Nob Hill, Olo features a Candyland-esque interior, complete with 10 flavor choices and a salad-bar-sized toppings bar.

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.

ONI

600 Central Ave SW, Ste. #100 (505) 503-6722 oniabq.com

$$

Warm, umami scents fill the air at Oni, which has an abundance of ramen and other Japanese options. A house favorite is the Shoyu Ramen, which features cherry wood smoked pork belly, seasonal vegetables, and a pork bone broth that’s cooked in-house.

O’NIELL’S PUB

3301 Juan Tabo Blvd NE (505) 293-1122 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 $ 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.

ORCHID THAI CUISINE $

4300 Central Ave SE (505) 265-4047 orchidabq.com

Orchid Thai has been serving hungry Albuquerqueans traditional dishes like Pad Thai at its Nob Hill location for more than a decade. But this award-winning eatery goes beyond the traditional with unique dishes like deep-fried sesame duck, green tea curry, and Szechwan eggplant, all made from scratch.

THE OWL CAFÉ $$

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

World-famous green chile cheeseburgers, milkshakes, fajitas, quesadillas, meatloaf, burritos, fries… the list of great drool-worthy dishes goes on and on.

PACIFIC PARADISE TROPICAL GRILL AND SUSHI BAR $$

3000 San Pedro Dr NE (505) 881-0999

pacific-paradise-restaurant-abq.com

Faux palms and tiki huts frame a menu filled with more than 100 options: salads, soups, stir-fry, seafood, fried rice, noodles, sushi, and dessert menu. Try the Seafood Rice Pizza or Rock ‘n’ Roll Sushi.

PADILLA’S

MEXICAN KITCHEN $ 1510 Girard Blvd NE (505) 262-0115

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

PAISANO’S ITALIAN RESTAURANT $$

1935 Eubank Blvd NE (505) 298-7541

paisanosabq.com

Family recipes have kept Paisano’s going for more than 35 years, but the hand-rolled pasta, hand-stuffed 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.

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).

PAPA NACHOS $$

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.

PARS

CUISINE $$

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 $$$

9800 Montgomery Blvd NE plus 1 other metro location (505) 298-7678

pelicansabq.com

For 30 years, customers have fallen for Pelican’s— hook, line and sinker. Favorite entrées include Alaskan king crab, Australian lobster tail, and their delicious prime rib.

PEREA’S

NEW MEXICAN RESTAURANT $

1140 Juan Tabo Blvd NE (505) 293-0157

Even after multiple relocations over the course of it’s 40-plus year history in Albuquerque, Perea’s keeps their loyal customers and newcomings coming back with their hearty New Mexican comfort foods.

PEREA’S TIJUANA BAR $$

4590 Corrales Rd (505) 898-2442

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

PERICO’S $

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

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with three locations, catering services, and 22 different burritos.

PHO LINH $$

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.

PIZZA 9

5241 Ouray Ave. NW, Ste. A plus 3 other metro locations (505) 831-6463

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.

PIZZERIA LUCA $$

8850 Holly Ave NE (505) 797-8086

pizzerialuca.com

With imported Italian flour, cheese, and pepperoni, Pizzeria Luca offers authentic Italian cuisine. The

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restaurant has a subway-inspired interior and features delicious and affordable lunch specials.

PLANTY SWEET $$

2506 Washington St NE (505) 433-7111

plantysweet.weebly.com

Planty Sweet is the city’s first 100% vegan and glutenfree 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.

POKI POKI CEVICHERIA $$

3422 Central Ave NE plus 1 other metro location (505) 503-1077

pokipokinm.com

Think deconstructed sushi if you’ve never had the traditionally Hawaiian poké. Completely customizable bowls with Latin and Asian fusion are the specialty here. Seven types of fish, 12 sauces, and 22 toppings make for endless combinations atop rice, chips, or a salad.

POLLITO CON PAPAS $$

6105 Gibson Blvd SE (505) 765-5486

pollitoconpapas.com

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

PONDEROSA BREWING CO. $

1761 Bellamah Ave NW (505) 639-5941

ponderosabrewing.net

A sister brew pub to Pints Brewing in Portland, Oregon, Ponderosa features a wide selection of American and German standard beers, with a classic menu of burgers, salads, and innovative appetizers.

PRAIRIE STAR RESTAURANT $$

288 Prairie Star Rd (505) 867-3327

mynewmexicogolf.com

Taking a drive past Bernalillo is a pleasure when you know the visit will include amazing made-fromscratch dishes such as herb-grilled ribeye with chipotle cheddar gratin and New Mexico bison-raised tenderloin. Reservations are recommended.

QUARTER CELTIC BREWPUB $$

1100 San Mateo Blvd NE, #50 plus 1 other metro location 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.

RAMONA’S MEXICAN CAFE $$

7600 Jefferson St NE, Ste. 29 (505) 295-3945

For home-cooked food regional with local roots, look no further than Ramona’s Mexican Cafe. A hybrid of Mexican and New Mexican cuisine with the likes of tacos, enchiladas, burritos and quesadillas on the menu. The restaurant’s menu primarily features

recipes from the owner’s mother, including Chile Colorado and the Norteño Plate.

RANGE CAFÉ

4400 Wyoming Blvd NE plus 5 other metro locations (505) 293-2633

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.

RED ROCK DELI

2414 San Mateo Pl NE (505) 332-9656

$

So authentic that the menu is derived from a family cookbook written entirely in Polish, Red Rock Deli boasts Polish and Chicago-style deli delights, especially their handmade pierogies with ingredients sourced from Chicago.

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.

RESTAURANT FORTY NINE FORTY $$$

4940 Corrales Rd, Corrales (505) 554-3866

fanciecorrales.com

What began as a taco stand eventually evolved into a more high-end, fine dining experience, now known as Restaurant Forty Nine Forty. With a dry-aged meats program, plus Sunday Brunch and plenty of special dinners on the calendar, Restaurant Forty Nine Forty offers a plethora of plates, such as roasted sea bass, on a rotating, seasonal menu.

REVEL BURGER $$

4720 Alexander Blvd. NE (505) 303-4700

revelburger.com

Located inside Revel Entertainment, Revel burger’s delicious menu of Angus burgers and chicken sandwiches are cut, trimmed, and prepared in house. Try one of their American classics or challenge yourself to the Jawbreaker: a five-patty, pound and a half burger.

RICHARD’S MEXICAN RESTAURANT $$

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.

RICHIE B’S PIZZA $$

7200 Montgomery Blvd NE, Ste. A-2

Plus 1 other metro location (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 $ 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.

ROMA BAKERY & DELI $

501 Roma Ave NW (505) 843-9418

romabakeryanddeli.com

You’ll find more than fresh-baked cookies and pastries at this bakery—feast your eyes (and taste buds) on grilled sandwiches and eight fresh deli salads and soups.

ROSE GARDEN $

6541 Paradise Blvd NW, Ste. E plus 1 other metro location (505) 897-8880

rosegardenabq.com

Over 100 menu items and 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.

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FEELING SOYFUL

Sometimes, the concept behind the creation of a dish is as simple as keeping the customers happy.

“We as a restaurant have many, many, many diet substitutions,” says La Fonda del Bosque chef/owner Stefani Mangrum. “We needed something that just shouted out ‘vegan special diet.’”

In this case, the tofu serves as something of a “flavor sponge” for the rest of the ingredients, particularly the special rub that accompanies it.

“The chile of this state stands on its own, and then, the coffee grounds will kind of sweeten it up and give it just a very slight texture,” Mangrum says.

The tofu steak is served on a bed of cilantro, lime, and quinoa with seasonal mixed vegetables and is topped with a red chile tahini sauce. Tahini, a paste made from ground sesame seeds, is the perfect complement to give it, as Mangrum says, “that over the top creaminess.”

It’s also not just for vegans or those with diet restrictions.

“We have a lot of meat eaters that come in for it regularly,” Mangrum says. —TRISTEN CRITCHFIELD

La Fonda del Bosque

1701 4th St NW (located in National Hispanic Cultural Center) (505) 238-5316 lafondadelbosqueabq.com

RUSTIC BUBBLE TEA CAFE $

840 Juan Tabo Blvd NE, Ste. B (505) 508-1813

Rustic Bubble Tea Cafe has all of the fundamentals of a bubble shop down, of course - the hint is in the name - but what sets the independent Albuquerque startup apart is the Vietnamese-inspired menu that accompanies its decadent beverages.

RUTILIO’S FAMILY RESTAURANT $

455 N Main St, Belen (505) 864-0093

Belen Mayor Rudy Jaramillo’s carne adovada is what put Rutilos 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 Rutilios breakfast burritos and classic New Mexican combos, and guests are sure to find something worth campaigning for.

SADIE’S OF NEW MEXICO $$ 6230 4th St. NW (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.

SAGGIO’S $$

107 Cornell Dr SE plus one other metro location (505) 255-5454

unmsaggios.com

This university joint is known for its pizza, particularly the pepperoni and green chile-topped pie, but the pasta, sandwiches, and salads shouldn’t be slept on!

SAHARA MIDDLE EASTERN EATERY $

2622 Central Ave SE (505) 255-5400

saharamiddleeasterneatery.com

Delectable Middle Eastern plates served up Manhattandeli style. The chicken shawarma plate, complete with greens, pita, hummus, and award-winning 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.

SAIGON

RESTAURANT $

6001 San Mateo Blvd NE, Ste.D4 plus 1 other metro location (505) 884-0706

saigonrestaurantnm.com

Vicky Truong’s secret to 12 years of success has been consistency. Truong maintains an extensive menu that caters to every type of eater. From summer dishes such as noodle bowls to winter mainstays like beef noodle soup, Truong will make sure you find your favorites.

SAKURA SUSHI & GRILL $$

6241 Riverside Plaza NW (505) 890-2838

abqsakurasushingrill.com

Favorites at Sakura are the Stone Pot Bibimbap (which is cooked at the table in a stone pot), the Tiger Roll, the Short Rib, the Baked Lobster Roll, the Sushi Tacos, and the impressive list of sake imported from Japan.

SALATHAI $

3619 Copper Ave NE (505) 265-9330

Made-from-scratch, fresh, ingredients and keeping it simple are owner Pitak Pitakkan’s rules to cook by. Pitakkan cooks every menu item himself so don’t go to

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.

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 takeand-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 fine-dining establishments. Specializing in food and wine pairing, Savoy’s menu is a toast to the art of balance of food and wine.

PHOTO BY DON JAMES/ATM

Coffee Tofu Steak, $16 (lunch) or $18 (dinner)

Salathai in a hurry. Pitakkan’s grandmother taught him to make curry and his curries are a longtime customer favorite.

SATELLITE COFFEE $

2300 Central Ave, Plus 4 other metro locations (505) 254-3800

satellitecoffee.com

Satellite Coffee perhaps harkens back to the classic cafes of yesteryear, as the coffee here is roasted fresh in small batches daily, available alongside refreshing smoothies and plen-tea of tea options for enthusiasts. But make no mistake: Satellite is 100% local and serves all-day breakfast and lunch bites like carne adovada burritos and sandwiches such as the turkey pepper jack. At the end of the day, it’s coffee done well and done right.

SCARPA’S BRICK OVEN PIZZA $$

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.

SEARED $$

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 $$$

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 cheesecrusted beef filet. Reservations are recommended.

SERGIO’S BAKERY & CAFE $

2740 Wyoming Blvd NE (505) 554-2602

Fresh, made-from-scratch cookies, donuts, breads, pastries, cakes, and cannolis are on the mouthwatering menu at this Italian bakery.

SHARK REEF CAFÉ $$

2601 Central Ave NW (505) 848-7182

To conclude your tour of the Albuquerque Aquarium, grab a seat at this full-service restaurant, where the dining room features a view of the oceanic reef exhibit. Catering to visitors, families, and daytime dates, the menu offers simple, fun options. Call ahead for special events, like themed dinners and holiday celebrations.

SHOGUN JAPANESE RESTAURANT $$

3310 Central Ave SE (505) 265-9166

shogunabq.com

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).

THE SHOP BREAKFAST AND LUNCH $$

2933 Monte Vista Blvd NE (505) 433-2795

theshopabq.com

The Shop Breakfast and Lunch serves up breakfast and lunch (as the name implies) but with a focus on local sourcing and seasonal favorites. The dishes at The Shop deftly combine Creole and Latin American influences with a dose of New Mexican comfort. The flavors really pop.

SLAPFISH $$

2100 Lousiana Blvd NE plus 1 other metro location (505) 916-0320

slapfishrestaurant.com

Have you ever had a fish so fresh that it jumped up and tail slapped you in the face? Well, that’s the joke behind the very popular eater, Slapfish. This fast casual gem has gained a great reputation for efficiency, service, flavor combos, and the freshness of their seafood.

SIXTY SIX ACRES $$

2400 12th St NW (505) 243-2230

sixtysixacres.com

A modern take on a classic bar and grill, Sixty-Six Acres has something for everyone. With unique appetizers, salads, and bowls, plus craft cocktails, you’re sure to find something to satisfy. Located in the Avanyu Plaza, you can enjoy your meal with a beautiful view of the Sandias.

SLATE STREET BILLIARDS BAR & GRILLE $

2003 Southern Blvd SE, #139, Rio Rancho (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

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also has great Happy Hour pricing and plenty of special events.

SLATE STREET CAFE

515 Slate Ave NW (505) 243-2210

slatestreetcafe.com

$$

Slate Street Cafe is a sleek, contemporary eatery that combines big city ambiance with inspired, modern cuisine. From the smoked salmon frittata to buildyour-own bruschetta to mouthwatering Ahi tuna, their culinary flair will tantalize and delight from breakfast through dinner.

SLICE AND DICE PIZZERIA $

5720 McMahon Blvd NE. Ste. B plus 1 other metro locations (505) 261-2058

sliceanddicepizzeria.com

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

SOBREMESA $$

3421 Coors Blvd NW (505) 444-5555

sobremesanm.com

This Spanish-inspired restaurant brings people together with a cozy atmosphere, craft beer, and a vast selection of fresh and locally sourced foods.

SOO BAK SEOUL BOWL

11 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 kimchi. Try the Soy Crunch Kimchi, which comes with pickled chayote squash, onions, some jalapenos, and fish sauce, apple juice, soy sauce, and vinegar.

SQUEEZED JUICE BAR

7900 San Pedro Dr 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.

ST. JAMES TEA ROOM $$$

320 Osuna Rd 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.

STARR BROS. BREWING

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 has turned heads with Poutine Burqueno: 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.

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.

STICKY RICE $

7600 Jefferson St NE, #5 (505) 797-1288

Likely the only authentic Laotian sticky rice to be found anywhere in ABQ, this 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.

STONE FACE TAVERN $$

8201 San Pedro Dr NE (505) 822-8855

Whether as a sports bar, live music venue, upscale grill, or just as a place that offers a little fun in the sand, Stone Face Tavern has something for everyone. Inside these doors, guarded by stone gargoyles, you’ll find large, shareable appetizers and entrees, plenty of beets on tap, and both outdoor and indoor volleyball courts.

STORMING CRAB $$

5001 San Mateo Blvd NE plus 1 other metro location (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 encourages diners to build their own. Black and green mussels, shrimp, crawfish, white clams, and crab legs can be ordered by the pound.

STRIPES BURRITO CO $

2204 Menaul Blvd NE plus 6 other metro locations (505) 881-5151

stripesco.com

Stripes is serving up classic burritos all day long. From bacon to carne adovada, the flavor-packed favorite will surely hit the spot. What’s the hardest choice you’ll have to make? Red or green!

SUNNYSIDE UP

BREAKFAST & LUNCH CAFE

6909 Menaul Blvd NE, Ste. A (505) 888-3447

sunnysideupabq.com

Located right by Uptown, patrons can find everything from eggs (prepared in various ways) to waffles to cocktails and more served up from breakfast through lunch. Specific menu items include Strawberry Banana Waffle, Bacon Avocado Scramble and Arizona Turkey.

SUSHIBUCKS $$

2106 Central Ave SE, Ste. A (505) 243-8089

This Asian-inspired restaurant with New Mexican flair provides customers with fast service and quality food.

Sushibucks offers over 30 sushi rolls, including baked and no-rice offerings. Diners can also order udon, bulgogi, and bibimbap for those not feeling sushi.

SUSHI KING $$

9421 Coors Blvd NW (505) 890-6200

sushikingabq.com

As one of the originators of sushi in Albuquerque, it’s no wonder Sushi King is beloved by so many. By merging tastes of Japan and America with rolls like the New Mexico Roll and the Lady in Red, you really can’t go wrong.

SUSHI XUAN $$

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

sushixuanasiangrill.com

You’ll find more than just 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 (505) 275-4777

sushiyanm.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 salmon in the city.

BITES

TAAJ PALACE $

1435 Eubank Blvd NE (505) 296-0109

taajpalacenm.com

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

TACOS EL MUCHACHO ALEGRE $

3107 Eubank Blvd NE, Ste 16 (505) 221-2112

IG: @tacoselmuchachoalegre505

Family recipes are the source of many of the authentic Mexican dishes at Tacos El Muchacho Alegre—like, for example, the popular Carne Asada taco, which comes loaded with all the classic fixings. Everything here is homemade, from the corn tortillas to all the salsas and sauces, although owners will claim that the secret ingredient is really simple: love.

TACO SAL $

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 own chunky salsa, made with real green chile.

TACO SHEL $

7001 San Antonio Dr NE, Ste. G (505) 828-0260

tacoshel.com

Be sure to bring cash when you come to this New Mexican staple. You’ll be glad you did, because whether you prefer tamales, enchiladas, sopapillas, or

BITES

any other New Mexican classic, you can be sure that it will have been made fresh, in-house with affordable prices at Taco Shel.

TAJ MAHAL CUISINE OF INDIA $

1430 Carlisle Blvd NE (505) 255-1994

tajmahalabq.com

Taj Mahal is filled with all of your Indian favorites, from fresh naan (try the garlic version) to tasty saag paneer. The line goes out the door for the popular lunch buffet.

TAKO TEN $

1250 Candelaria Rd NE, Ste. B (505) 508-3518

Chef and owner Dominic Valenzuela takes a creative spin on tacos, or takos if you will, by curating a unique menu, which includes a Vegan Sweet Potato Tako. Try the salsa bar!

TAMASHI $$

6400 Holly Ave NE, Ste. G

Plus 1 other metro location (505) 717-2457

tamashiabq.com

Award winning sushi at reasonable prices, unique appetizers, and hand picked alcohol are just some of the reasons to eat at Tamashi. Did we mention they also have killer ramen? With so much variety, you’re sure to become a regular.

TAP N TACO $

1120 Pat D’Arco Hwy (505) 800-5966

tapntaco.com

This spot specializes in Mexican street tacos, quesadillas, papa asada, nachos, and fries, with protein options for everyone ranging from asada to vegetarian.

If you’re a fan of salsa bars, Tap N Taco has one with just about everything you need to elevate your food. Not only are the taco options pleasing to the palate but there’s an aesthetic appeal too.

TASTE OF INDIA $$

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

TASTY NOODLES AND DUMPLINGS $$

2325 San Pedro Dr NE, Ste. 1E (505) 219-3988

tastynoodlesanddumplings.com

This Uptown spot known for their hand-pulled noodles and made-to-order dumplings and Bao (soup dumplings) also features more “traditional” Chinese fare and an adventurous Chef’s Special menu on request.

TASTY POT $

8050 Academy Rd NE, #101 (505) 717-2190

The popular chain Tasty Pot offers ten signature hot pot options, in addition to twelve flavors of soup bases–such as beef, lamb, and tomato–allowing seemingly endless customization and flavor combinations. Various proteins from lobster to beef are also available to put into your hot pot to make it your way. Of course, it wouldn’t be New Mexico without a little (or a lot) of chile–and the Tasty Pot in Albuquerque keeps it local by offering a special green chile hot pot.

TEN 3

30 Tramway Rd NE (505) 764-8363 ten3tram.com

Whether you’re looking for fine or casual dining, TEN 3 is an experience. With a take on modern American and Mediterranean cuisine, choose from a menu of delicious appetizers, salads, and entrees while dining 10,300 feet above sea level. TEN 3 is a treat for your eyes and taste buds as you sit at the top of Sandia Peak.

TEOFILO’S RESTAURANTE

144 Main St NW, Los Lunas (505) 865-5511

teofilos.com

$$

This 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.

TERIYAKI MADNESS

11032 Montgomery Blvd NE (505) 508-0430

teriyakimadness.com

$$

For those looking for a break from the old guard of fast casual Asian cuisine, Teriyaki Madness offers fresh, simple teriyaki bowls. The secret is in their house made sauce, officially known as MAD sauce.

THAI BORAN

3236 La Orilla Rd NW, Ste. A (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 II $

4201 Central Ave NE (505) 232-3200

thaicuisinenm.com

House in perhaps the most curious A-frame along Route 66, this is the second-coming of a much-beloved 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.

THAI KITCHEN $

10707 Corrales Rd (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 Cafe. Thai Kitchen is his very own venture, featuring his takes on authentic dishes that taste “just like they do back home”.

THAI HOUSE $$

2000 Carlisle Blvd NE (505) 247-9205

thaihouserestaurantabq.com

With an impressive stay in ABQ (Thai House is approaching its 40-year anniversary), this South Asian restaurant has a secret weapon in its native Thai chef who brings her vast knowledge of Thai cuisine to the metro.

THAI SPICE $$

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.

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.

THEOBROMA CHOCOLATIER

12611 Montgomery Blvd NE (505) 293-6545

theobromachocolatier.com

$

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

THE WHOLE ENCHILADA $$

10701 Corrales Rd, #25 (505) 897-5933

The Whole Enchilada is dishing up authentic Mexican food and great customer service. By incorporating different cheeses like queso fresco, and guajillo chiles instead of the red or green used here in New Mexico, the flavors shine to give a true Mexican Influence to each dish. The Whole Enchiladas fare extends beyond the restaurant moniker with options such as bone marrow tacos, steaks, and seared fish filets.

THUNDER ROAD STEAKHOUSE AND CANTINA AT

ROUTE 66 CASINO HOTEL $$

14500 Central Ave SW, Laguna Pueblo (505) 352-7888

rt66casino.com

Nestled inside this busy casino, you’ll find dishes that are a confluence of cultures at Thunder Road: madefrom-scratch salsas, fresh tortillas, Pastel de Tres Leches Cake, Yucatan Tacos, Smoked Baby Back Pork Ribs, and much more.

TIA B’S LA WAFFLERIA $

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.

TIA JUANITA’S PRONTO! $

2200 Sunport Loop SE (505) 842-4280

fresquezcompanies.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.

TOMASITA’S $$

4949 Pan American Fwy NE (505) 344-1204

tomasitas.com

Known widely for its Northern New Mexican food and margaritas, Tomasita’s prides itself on authenticity and locally sourced ingredients. The food and friendly service will not disappoint.

TURTLE MOUNTAIN NORTH $$

7835 Enchanted Hills Blvd NE, Rio Rancho plus 1 other metro location (505) 404-0414

The newest location of a beloved original, Turtle Mountain North features double the beer taps and double the kitchen size. Keeping classic brewery finds on the menu, they have expanded to include harder-toexecute menu items such as glazed salmon steaks, and Jagerschnitzel. New menu items paired with a longer wine and beer list takes Turtle Mountain to an elevated level.

TURQUOISE DESERT TAPROOM $

4405 Jager Way NE E, Rio Rancho (505) 835-4701

turqouisetap.com

Turquoise Desert Taproom is a serious step-up from your typical sports bar food. They’re a from-scratch kitchen, and their pretzels and hamburger buns are made in-house, making it both an upscale restaurant and a more casual sports bar. With all of the fan favorites, like wings, nachos, and fish and chips, Sunday football games are also sure to be screened on one of their nine flatscreen TVs during the season. It’s seriously the best of both worlds.

TRAIL RIDER PIZZA $$

12165 NM-14, Ste. B2, Cedar Crest (505) 281-6068

trailriderpizza.com

The fact that this spot is a 98% from scratch kitchen should be reason enough to stop by, and with 14 types of specialty pizza, there’s bound to be something for everyone.

BITES

IT’S A STEAK OUT

Legend has it that steak fingers—or “finger steaks” as they are sometimes called—originated at Milo’s Torch Lounge in Boise, Idaho, in the 1950s as a tasty way to make use of leftover pieces of tenderloin.

Thankfully, Land of Enchantment residents don’t need to travel nearly that far to get their own version. One of three establishments owned by James and Megan Garrigan (along with Liam and Lily Bistro and Belle’s Urban Deli), Upscale Rio prides itself on “good, clean, rich food.”

That philosophy is evident in the steak fingers, which utilized hand-breaded, choice Angus steak that is fried to perfection and served with the ideal New Mexican condiment: green chile gravy. Hand-cut french fries are the usual tag team partner in this arrangement, but diners can upgrade to their side of choice if desired. Everything, as usual, is made from scratch, and as an added bonus, the dish is now available as a gluten free option. —Tristen Critchfield

Upscale Rio

1523 Deborah Rd SE, Ste O, Rio Rancho (505) 273-2574

upscaleburgers.com

TRIANA $$

111 Carlisle Blvd NE (505) 503-6202

triananobhill.com

Named after the historic district in Seville, Spain, Trianas brings traditional tapas to Nob Hill. Their seasonal menus ensure only the freshest ingredients go into their beautiful, eye-catching small plates, making every bite a flavorful experience.

TULA’S KITCHEN $-$$

8100 Wyoming Blvd NE

Plus one other metro location (505) 418 4488 tulaskitchen.com

Brought to you by the same folks behind the Dion’s dynasty, Tula’s Kitchen is a fresh dining concept that pairs laid-back New Mexican eats (think green chile cheeseburgers) with craveable, global flavors. Sharing is encouraged—although certainly not required.

TULLY’S ITALIAN

DELI AND MEATS $$

1425 San Mateo Blvd NE, Ste. A (505) 255-5370 tullysdeli.com

A family-owned and operated spot through and through, this Duke City staple has been the one-stop shop for all things authentically Italian for over half a century. Come in for lunch for their mouthwatering signature subs, stock up on imported Italian cheeses and pasta at the market, and try fresh, scratch-made cannolis and other pastries at the bakery.

TWO CRANES BISTRO + BREW $$

901 Rio Grande Blvd NW, Ste. A (505) 295-3970 twocranesnm.com

Comfort food with a high-end twist is all the rage at this spot, where you’ll find enticing dishes like Chorizo Rellenos wrapped like egg rolls and grilled salmon with a Michelin Star-level presentation.

TWO FOOLS TAVERN $$

3211 Central Ave NE (505) 265-7447

2foolstavern.com

Dubliner or not, there’s soul-warming Irish fare to be found at this authentic Irish eatery. Two Fools Tavern is known to have good food, drink and conversation. Its atmosphere earns an A plus for feeling just like a traditional Irish pub, and its food most definitely does not fall short. If Irish classics like Scottish Eggs and Guinness Beef Boxty don’t do it for you, the 300 brands of whiskey will certainly make you feel like you’re right in Dublin.

URBAN 360 PIZZA $$

2119 Menaul Blvd NE (505) 717-2384 urban360pizza.com

Urban 360 Pizza is a one-stop-shop for traditional pizzas like your classic Margherita or pepperoni, unconventional options like orange chicken or gyros pizza, burgers, Asian food and more. This place has something for everyone no matter what you’re craving. With new menu items added all the time, there’s plenty of reason to come back again and again.

URBAN HOTDOG COMPANY

10250 Cottonwood Park NW, Ste. 400 H plus 1 other metro location (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).

UPSCALE RIO

1520 Deborah Rd SE, Rio Rancho (505) 835-5902 upscaleburgers.com

$$

Made-from-scratch burgers and sides with only the highest quality ingredients. Burgers here are divided into two categories: “upscale” and “classic.” Unique offerings include the chipotle tortilla burger and the smokehouse BBQ burger, while more traditional favorites range from green chile cheeseburgers to bacon mushroom Swiss burgers. To go with the name, Upscale Burgers and Shakes has seven shake options ranging from vanilla to berry to brownie.

UPTOWN SPORTS BAR $ 6601 Uptown Blvd NE (505) 884-4714 uptown-sportsbar.com

A huge sports venue with wall-to-wall televisions and all the extras—solid American fare alongside a wide selection of local and national beers.

Steak Fingers, $17

PHOTO BY DON JAMES/ATM

VEGOS

4003 Carlisle Blvd NE (505) 554-1041

vegosabq.com

New Mexican staples made for vegans and vegetarians without skipping out on any of the flavor. Vegos aims to bring traditional flavors and textures found in New Mexican food while keeping it entirely plant based. However, don’t get discouraged if youre all about meat, Vegos makes it a priority to try and tailor food to everyone’s liking no matter the diet.

VERNON’S SPEAKEASY

6855 4th St NW (505) 341-0831

vernonsspeakeasymenu.com

This unmarked restaurant requires a secret password to gain entrance. Once inside, you’ll discover a world of perfect steaks and gourmet seafood, paired with an unbeatable loungey atmosphere. Reservations are recommended.

VIC’S DAILY CAFÉ

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—except Wednesdays, when Vick’s is closed. 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.

VIET PHO

4208 Menaul Blvd NE (505) 717-2359

$$

This Vietnamese-based cuisine restaurant offers a homey feel and Southeast Asian comfort food. Try the popular Beef Pho Soup or go for a lighter dish like the Shrimp Spring Rolls.

VIET RICE

1340 Rio Rancho Blvd SE, Rio Rancho (505) 892-7423

ordervietrice.com

$

This family owned and operated restaurant brings storied Vietnamese cuisine to the City of Vision. Their most popular dish is rice noodles with meatballs or brisket, but the dish is heavily customizable, from the kind of noodle to the proteins, including vegetarian options.

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.

BITES

Original comes with one pound of potatoes mixed with eggs, cheese, and chile; the “Scratch Made” Buttermilk Pancakes are more than seven inches wide.

WESTERN VIEW $$

6411 Central Ave NW (505) 836-2200

With a cozy diner feel and a long history, Western View is turning out plates of diner classics and New Mexican staples—finely seasoned with a sprinkling of Greek options—for diners hungry for both hearty home cooked meals and classic countertop service.

WHIPTAIL

355 Pat D’Arco Hwy, Rio Rancho (505) 859-7410

whiptaileatery.com

$$

While diners can enjoy a multitude of traditional shareable bites– like fries, salads, and sandwiches, Whiptail has many comfort zone-breaking dishes such as charred broccolini and lizard eggs. In addition to various unique foods, Whiptail has over 20 handcrafted cocktails and a rotating tap of local beers.

WHOLE HOG CAFE

9880 Montgomery Blvd NE (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.

YASMINE’S

CAFÉ

$ 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.

YUMMY NOODLE HOUSE $$

6001 Winter Haven Rd NW, Ste. E (505) 595-3296

yummynoodlehouse.com

This dive is exactly what it sounds like: a yummy noodle house. With 12 noodle dishes to choose from, the question isn’t “Which one should I get?” but instead it’s “What order should I get these in?”

THE YELLER SUB $ 7200 Montgomery Blvd NE (505) 888-9784 yellersub.com

Cheyanne Bywater, new business operator, leads a happy team of sandwich professionals who genuinely love what they do. This 45-year-old sandwich institution has spent the last four decades perfecting everything on the menu. If you need proof - start with the customer favorite - the Steak & Grilled Onions Sub. The bread is baked fresh daily, and the potato chips, waffle fries, and onion rings are all made from scratch the old-fashioned way. The perfection shows.

ZENDO COFFEE $ 413 2nd St SW (505) 926-1636 zendocoffee.com

Opening its doors in 2013 on 2nd Street, Zendo Coffee’s creativity plays a huge part in the beloved menu. The variety of different items on the menu caters to just about anyone and provides a sense of comfort.

A Better You

Special Advertising Section

Piece of Mind

Partly in an effort to get folks off of their phones, the owners of Puzzled—Old Town Albuquerque’s singular destination for old-fashioned games and other wooden delights—are bringing a fresh way to play, one puzzle piece at a time. (p. 198)

BY

PHOTO

DON JAMES/ATM

LOOKGOOD FEELGOOD

TIPS TO BE A BETTER YOU

Q:

What can someone do to get their body ready for pickleball—like stretching, strength training, and cardio?

AARON BUBBICO

Owner , CrossFit Albuquerque

505-264-7341 www.crossfitalbuquerque.com

A: The best way to get ready for pickleball? CrossFit… but hey, I might be biased. That said, quick lateral movements, endurance, and coordination all benefit from functional training. Think explosive strength (box jumps, squats), dynamic mobility work, and cardio bursts to mimic gameplay intensity. Don’t skip rotational core work either—your obliques will thank you. Treat your training like a warm-up for life, and the court’s just another place to move well and feel great.

REECE KILLEBREW

Owner, Republiq Gym

505-720-1189 www.republiqnm.com

A: Strength training is not only a great way to get your body ready for pickleball, but it’s also the fountain of youth. As we age, it becomes less and less about the aesthetics and more about the joint health, flexibility, weight management, and balance. So, the next time you’re on the pickleball court, thank your personal trainer for all the agility training that has improved your balance and coordination—and thank your personal trainer for the unilateral leg training that has given you the ability to chase the ball up and down the court without injury. Train hard—and train often.

LOCALSTUFF WELOVE

Your touchstone for ABQ’s cool, fun & eclectic retail goodies that will help you live life a bit happier and smarter.

BISCO FEVER

Few goodies are as iconic to our state as the biscochito, our adored holiday cookie. With this spice shake, you can now add the lovedby-all flavor to virtually any dish (we tried it on pizza, and it was absolutely delish). With ingredients like New Mexico pecans, anise seed, cinnamon and orange zest, the taste is wonderfully reminiscent of the Land of Enchantment’s official State Cookie.

BISCO SHAKE SPICE BLEND, $10 Tiny Grocer ABQ 1919 Old Town Rd. NE (505) 705-1601 tinygrocerabq.com

ICE ICE BABY

The perfect solution for parents looking to create healthier—and cheaper—frozen summer treats for the kiddos. Just fill these food-grade silicone molds with your favorite juice or beverage, snap on the lid and freeze. (No word at press time how these might work when filled with, ahem, adult beverages—but there’s plenty of summer left for research, so stay tuned.)

FLAVOR BLAST ICE POP MAKERS (PACK OF 4), $15.99 Now We’re Cooking 8100 Wyoming Blvd. NE, Ste. F1 (505) 857-9625 nowwerecookingabq.com

WELOVE

TURQUOISE BANDIT

Those new-age, cooling-gel neck wraps are still no match for an old school bandana when it comes to warding off New Mexico’s scorching August sun. Use it to protect your neck or dome from the rays, or to cover your nose and mouth on dusty days. And the bright Zia symbols will reinforce your

ZIA BANDANA, $10

Guerrilla Graphix Pop Culture Emporium 206½ San Felipe St. NW guerrillagraphix.com

SPHERES FOR FEARS

Is anything more fun than soaking someone with a water balloon on a hot summer day? Now you can get the same thrill without the hassle of stretching a balloon over a hose nozzle. Just submerge these nifty inventions in a bucket of water, and the built-in magnets will seal them into orbs of H2O. Now all you have to do is chase down your little brother—whether he’s

REUSABLE WATER BALLOONS (PACK OF 6), $11

Various ABQ department and specialty stores (Walmart, Target, Big 5 Sporting Goods, etc.)

SHOP TALK

PUZZLED

326-D San Felipe St. NW (505) 226-3126 puzzledabq.com

Partners in puzzles—and partners in real-life—Dan Janelle and Melanie Kintigh officially opened the doors of their ABQ brick-and-mortar in 2021, although their passion for fun and games began years before, in a much different (and more swamp-laden) landscape—in part thanks to Dan’s cousin, Dave.

“He’s a retired aerospace engineer, and in 2003, he started making (wooden brain teasers) in his garage,” Dan explains. “It kind of blossomed into more than a hobby.” Eventually, his cousin’s hobby sprouted into a company, growing to the point where they needed a manufacturing location—in Spring Hill, Florida, of all places.

“Somewhere around 2016, Dan got involved with that,” says Melanie. “He was

A COUPLE OF PUZZLERS PROVIDE HAND-CRAFTED, FAMILY-MADE GAMES —WITH NO PHONE REQUIRED.

actually living out in California, and they would do pop-up markets, and he was just loving it.”

At the time, Dan and Melanie were still ‘just friends’—until Dan had a proposition for Melanie: move to Florida and join the family business. “I actually moved from Albuquerque to Florida with the intention that I was going to bring Dan back here because I did not want to live in Florida,” Melanie explains. “So I went, and then I actually worked a little bit at the shop there with him. But mostly we would do markets, different festivals, things like that.”

Eventually, their relationship developed into something a bit more, and Melanie was able to convince Dan to leave behind the Gulf Coast in favor of a more enchant-

ing landscape—until COVID happened.

“All the markets shut down everywhere, and we’re just like, what do you do at that point?” Melanie remembers. “I was like, you know what, since the markets aren’t open, let’s go look and see if we can find an actual location. And Old Town was the first place we came. We were like, oh, heck yeah, this is the perfect place. It felt so, I don’t know, just real—authentic. We did not want to be in a mall.”

Tucked away in the Poco a Poco Patio off of San Felipe Street, Puzzled is located in one of the quieter (and cozier) sections of Old Town, away from the hustle and bustle of the Plaza. It certainly offers visitors a respite, but really, it was born out of the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We just got tired of sitting on the couch

PHOTOS BY DON JAMES/ATM

and being disconnected from people,” says Dan. “So we opened this to reforge that connection.” Since then, their Old Town shop has been gaining traction as a go-to destination in ABQ for handcrafted brainteasers, ciphers, toys, and games, encouraging tourists and Burqueños alike to get off the Internet (for a bit) and gather around the game table.

“I like the aspect of play, watching people play—just watching the expressions on people’s faces when they walk in, and they’ve never seen anything like this before,” Dan says.

Again, many puzzles are made in the Floridian family factory—and many are the Janelles’ original designs. “It’s about 50-50 between historical puzzles that we’ve resurrected and then our own creations,” Dan says. “And (Dave is) always coming up with something new.”

Historical recreations of puzzles—such as Stomachion, a 14-piece set of polygonal shapes that must be arranged to form a square—is one ancient example whose creation is widely attributed to Archimedes, the Greek mathematician and inventor, born 287 BCE. Other popular options include expertly crafted puzzle boxes, along with classic strategy games such as chess, mancala, Chinese checkers, and Backgammon.

All puzzles at the shop are organized by levels—ranging from one to six—that denote difficulty and estimated solve time. A level one puzzle can, for example, be solved in a few hours, whereas a level six—well, you’d be lucky to solve that puzzle in your lifetime (although customers have certainly solved them before!).

In the future, Dan and Melanie hope to add more pieces to their puzzle by including jigsaws in their production list— all while continuing to provide a place for play away from the Internet age. “We are the land before Nintendo,” Dan says, invoking a time before the onslaught of screens and social media feeds.

“I love what the puzzles do for people,” says Melanie. “I love that they bring people together—and I love the a-ha moments when they solve a puzzle. Maybe it’s hard to get a conversation started, but when people are sitting around a puzzle, conversations naturally happen.” —AS

PAWS BUTTON

KEEPING TABS ON ABQ’S FURRY FRIENDS

HEALING ON WHEELS

AThis on-the-go and up-and-coming vet helps pets in pain by using ancient and unlikely techniques.

cupuncture might be a centuries-old Chinese practice, but today in the 21st century, it’s found new applications outside of human medicine. Believe it or not, acupuncture has entered the veterinary realm—and it’s slowly gaining traction with vets and pet owners alike.

“It’s definitely gotten a lot more popular recently,” says Sidney Jones, Edgewood native and owner/founder of Strong Paws Rehab, a mobile pet acupuncture and rehabilitation clinic here in ABQ. “There are a number of vets around town that do acupuncture. And I’m definitely starting to see more and more pop up, which is awesome.”

According to Jones, acupuncture can be used to treat a variety of health-related issues in pets, from autoimmune to chronic conditions. “The goal with acupuncture is to help support homeostasis of the whole body,” she explains. “Which means it has a lot of applications because, whenever we’re sick or going through something, things get off balance. So it can be used for a lot of different cases.”

Using data from human medicine, vets have applied similar principles to the animal body. Acupuncture itself operates on meridians, which are located throughout the body and contain various energy points or pathways of qi. Inserting thin

needles into these designated areas can stimulate the meridians and allow energy to flow more properly—thereby activating the central nervous system. This can ultimately lessen illness and dis-ease by promoting a greater sense of well-being.

In fact, acupuncture has a wide reach when it comes to different kinds of species—with some taking to it better than others. “Horses respond really well to acupuncture,” says Jones. “And rabbits as well. So there’re a lot of vets that are doing acupuncture on horses and rabbits. And then there’re people that do acupuncture on reptiles, too.”

That being said, not every pet patient is a great fit—but most of the time, despite the obvious (i.e. needles), it isn’t too much of an issue. “I will say that most of my patients do pretty well with the treatment,” says Jones. “There are still some that don’t particularly like, you know, having the small needles placed—and that’s totally fine. We’ve got other treatments and other things we can do.”

Jones started Strong Paws Rehab from the ground up just shy of a year ago—and

despite the success of her newfound business, she still considers herself a ‘young vet.’

“I graduated vet school three years ago, so I’m still kind of figuring it out,” she admits. “I always felt like I wanted to do something a little bit more specialized, a little bit more focused. And while I was in general practice, I got into rehab and physical therapy for dogs and cats. And so I decided to get certified and become a rehab specialist as well as an acupuncturist.”

After working for a general vet practice here in ABQ for a few years, Jones ultimately started to feel like there had to be something better out there for her—and so she took a risk and forged her own space.

“I’m the owner, the receptionist, everything,” she says on Strong Paws. “Once I start to build up a pretty decent clientele, I may decide to add to the team. But for right now, it’s just me.” Jones currently sees mainly canine clients, with a focus on pain management through a holistic lens. “There are very little options for rehab and physical therapy for cats and dogs,” she says. “And so I decided it was maybe a place of need.”

The other side to the mobile business is rehabilitation, which is particularly important for pets later on in life. “I would say the majority right now of my patients are older, arthritic patients that are dealing with some neurologic symptoms,” she says. “(I’m) really trying to support them, provide them as much comfort in their older years.” Jones also works with pet patients post-surgery—or even in cases when pets aren’t able to pursue surgery in the first place. For each case, she designs an individualized treatment plan, catered to every pet’s needs, all while employing a wide variety of science-backed techniques that range from electrical stimulation to hands-on exercises.

“One of my big goals (is) to provide intentional care,” says Jones. “You know, I’m going into (patients’) homes, and it’s very personal, where they can tell me what they need, what their goals are. And we try our best to figure out how we can support their animal and make them live the best quality of life as possible. So that’s really my vision for this practice. It’s been so fun watching it grow. And it hasn’t even been a year yet.” —AS

ABQ’SAMAZINGPETS

Trixie the Cat

Practically still just a baby, Trixie is a 4 year-old American shorthair bestowed with undeniably captivating green eyes that are sure to melt your heart. Stacy Camacho adopted Trixie from PetSmart back in October 2020—a product perhaps of the pandemic that ultimately resulted in Trixie’s fur-ever home (and they’ve been practically inseparable since). Playful and a certified tail chaser, Trixie will, in typical feline fashion, attempt to squeeze into soft drink boxes every now and then. But her absolute favorite toys are plastic springs, and she has a surprising love for the taste of butter.

Luna the Dog

Sassy with a heart of gold, Luna is Sean Martinez’s 10-year-old Miniature Schnauzer—who also just happens to have a penchant for her grandma’s homemade tacos. Adopted nearly ten years ago in Farmington, Luna has been Martinez’s beloved and energetic companion ever since. She especially loves to play with her little sister, Lola, often pinning her down and playfully stealing her chile (which is just about as New Mexican as a pup can get). But her favorite activity of all time is when she gets to go on walks in Mariposa Park with Mama, or her grandma.

Though she recently went blind due to SARDs, a common condition for her breed, Luna hasn’t lost her spark. She’s adjusting gracefully and still enjoys all her favorite activities, just at a slightly more leisurely pace.

Sheldon the Tortoise

It’s tough being a tortoise (a Russian Box breed to be exact), but luckily, Sheldon has Zoe Wray to look after him long into his old age. The origins of his adoption, however, remain a mystery, as Zoe and her brother find it difficult to recall just where they procured Sheldon—most likely at Clark’s. That being said, at 7 years old, Sheldon enjoys living life in the slow lane, by occasional trips to the backyard or by snacking on strawberries (his favorite). His owners say that, despite appearances, he is “deceptively and annoyingly fast, but again, (he) doesn’t do much.”

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.

PASSENGERWINDOW

SERENITY AT SUNRISE

A reflection of peace and tranquility still holds strong 30 years later.

Piedra Lisa Park’s visitors often venture into the far-east foothills for breathtaking views of the city or an up-close encounter with the towering Sandia Mountains. Following Menaul east of Tramway will lead you to more than just the scenic viewpoint. Overlooking the playground in the Northeast Albuquerque park, under the shadow of the Sandias, ‘Morning Allegory’ is a calm reflection of the mountains and desert that surround it.

Designed by Nancy Young and painted on the Piedra Lisa Dam in 1995, ‘Morning Allegory’ was one of the first murals funded by The City of Albuquerque’s Public Art Program. The mural was commissioned through a public call for artists in 1994, decades after the dam was built in the early 1950s. Young responded to the call’s themes of peace, serenity, and harmony with the natural landscapes.

The neighborhood worked closely with the city to bring the mural to life. “There was a neighborhood involvement in reviewing the designs and voting on their favorites,” says Mandolen Sanchez, Public Art Outreach Program Coordinator with the City of Albuquerque. The neighbors also had a hand in the theme and the selection criteria, wanting the mural to not only complement the surrounding environment, but also the sculpture ‘Mountain Waves’, which sits at the park’s western entrance. Young’s design was selected out of 14 semifinalists.

Young, who passed away in 2023, crafted the painting with eight muted earth tones to depict a stream moving through a mountain pass in the morning. It draws on the high desert landscape. The colors, from the rose-tinted brown to the golden yellow, reflect the hues that can be seen in the Sandia Mountains at various points in the day and year.

The mural’s setting on the dam gives

the public a unique way to interact with it. Covering 7,200 square feet on the dam’s sloped surface, it isn’t unusual to see people scaling the wall, trying to get a different view of the colors and shapes, or finding a higher vantage point to take in the surrounding sights from.

Today, 30 years later, the dam and the mural have become a staple for the Northeast Heights community. ‘Morning Allegory’ has weathered the intense desert sun and mountain snowfall, never losing its touch as a fixture of tranquility and beauty. The sounds of Tramway

Boulevard fade into the background the closer you get to the base of the mountain. As you drive into the open space or walk the perimeter of the park, you may see kids playing at the dam’s base, teenagers climbing to the top, or a couple sitting along the sloped edge, watching the sun set over the city and the mesa. “What I felt in creating it will be different from the viewer’s perspective,” Young said of the mural, “but shared responses will link the viewer and the artist through the piece.”

—ADDIE SIEMBIEDA

PHOTO BY DON JAMES/ATM

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YOURBESTSHOT

EVEN NOW, I BLOOM

By Mark Orgeron

After misguided discouragement by his high school teacher, Mark Orgeron eventually found his way back to photography. “It was something I was really interested in, and the person who ran the photography club was my geometry teacher, and he and I did not get along,” he says. “Being a high school student, I went and did something else.”

That something else ended up being scuba diving—and later a career in cyber security. “Right now, I work with UNM, and so I’m part of our information security and privacy office.” To get away from the glow of the screen, Orgeron relies on his hobbies, whether that’s firearm instruction or photography. “Because of this bad experience, it’s like, oh, I’m going to show him,” he says.

Shot on an iPhone 15, this particularly prickly photo came about during an emotional time, perhaps revealing itself as a sign. “The day I went out on that hike, I had just gotten out of a relationship,” he says. “And so it was one of those days where I just decided to grab my backpack and put on my hiking boots and hit the Albuquerque Foothills to decompress from everything. And that’s when I came across that flower.”

Originally from Oakland, California, Orgeron recently celebrated fifteen years in the Land of Enchantment. “Anytime I try to leave,” he says, “a new and better opportunity keeps me here. I have my instate chosen friends and family. It’s just a fun town to live in.” —AS

AFew THINGS with Don Schrader

He’s undoubtedly an Albuquerque icon, having carved out a status of renown that spans generations of Burqueños young, old, and somewhere in-between. On the surface, Schrader is regarded as the city’s most recognizable nudist, but behind his barely-there style lies a genuine-hearted set of beliefs—many of which harken back to his journey through the groundbreaking civil rights movements of the 1960s and 70s during his youth.

In more ways than one, Schrader is a citywide treasure—and he much prefers turning the other cheek on what the monolith of society has deemed as ‘acceptable’ living. Every one of his unorthodox practices—from drinking urine to sunbathing in the nude—has a rhyme and a reason behind it, and he’s admirably stuck to his principles, no matter what anyone else has had to say. And he’s done it all for decades of his life—all the while with open arms and a smile on his face. —AS

1. During the Vietnam War, he was a conscientious objector. “I did two years of non-military community service, first in Arizona, and then I transferred here—and that’s how I came to Albuquerque, 55 years ago,” he says.

2. For 46 years, Shrader says he has purposely kept his income below the minimum level that requires paying U.S. federal tax dollars, because he opposes taxpayer funding of wars.

3. He lives in a barely-100square-foot room, rented to him by a friend—it’s just big enough to fit a single bed, a writing desk, and a small bookshelf. “I

7. He says his mother, who died of kidney disease, is his all-time closest friend.

8. As an openly gay and polyamorous man, he has participated in numerous gay liberation marches. “I can be openly and deeply in love with two or more men at the same time,” he says. “And I have no interest in getting married to any man on Earth.”

9. He’s seen Cesar Chavez, American civil rights activist and leader of the United Farm Workers, speak on multiple occasions.

have no right to much more than I need while hundreds of millions of people around the world suffer hunger, sickness, winter’s cold, and have no home,” he says.

4. Albuquerque’s most outspoken nudist grew up in rural Illinois, on a farm 100 miles west of Chicago.

5. A self-described ‘very religious 18-year-old,’ Schrader studied Bible in college—and served as a preacher in Virginia and Illinois over 50 years ago.

6. Schrader is a raw vegan—meaning he does not cook his food, ever. “I eat no meat, no dairy, no sugar (expletive),” he says. His diet largely consists of apples and greens, grown in his backyard.

12. He sunbathes nude (for its health benefits, Schrader says) and has a dedicated sunbathing corner in his backyard. “I wouldn’t trade it for a free trip anywhere on Earth,” he says.

13. And yes, for health benefits, he also drinks his urine. “This is not something I dreamed up,” he says, citing his morning routine of drinking a pint for its nutrients, vitamins, minerals, and hormones.

10. He hasn’t owned a car in 46 years—and he wouldn’t deign to keep one (even if it was given to him for free). “There’s a climate crisis, even though most people don’t want to hear about it. What good is it for somebody who’s a millionaire to leave millions to their children if the earth ain’t fit to live in?”

11. Despite Schrader’s choice to live a low-tech lifestyle, he hosts a YouTube channel, which is filmed for free at a local Public Access TV studio. He has released nearly 200 episodes thus far.

14. He has one older brother—who couldn’t be any more different than Schrader, he says. “Sadly, (my brother) is anti-gay. And I’m the most well-known, openly gay man in the city. He’s anti-dancing—and I love to dance.” Despite their differences, Schrader and his older brother often exchange letters.

15.

As a ‘no booze activist,’ Schrader fervently lives a sober lifestyle. “There’s no one in this city who hates booze more than I do,” he says. “I know what it has done to dear friends of mine, made them die earlier or messed up their relationships.”

16. He frequently writes to prisoners (and to just about anyone). He has multiple shelves and suitcases full of letters in his home, which he says Zimmerman Library at UNM hopes to eventually procure

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