Albuquerque The Magazine, June 2022

• $4.95 • June 2022 • ABQTHEMAG.COM

JUNE 2022 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

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F E AT U R E

We fired off more than 100 serious emails to notable folks in our city, asking for honest answers to fun questions. The compilation resulted in our first-ever List Issue. To make it more fun, we paired the respondents with the questions, like asking local attorneys their thoughts on TV lawyer Saul Goodman, or local flight attendants their experiences with onboard celebrities. The responses are at once honest and entertaining.

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DEPARTMENTS 20 Publisher’s Note 24 Tapas

P. 132

The mysteries of chocolate uncovered; seven summer spots to get wet-&-splashy; a handy guide to ABQ museums.

36 Faces and Places 55 Datebook

131 People

132 Albuquerque the Interview

A lifelong passion for science and stargazing set the stage for Dr. Imelda Atencio, who was bestowed with a national STEM award.

P. 138

138 Personality

Bianca Encinias has transitioned her non-profit work into a community-based art space revolving around inclusivity.

142 Behind the Scenes

Michael Ramos has spent decades helping locals find a way to negotiate with creditors and restore their financial standing.

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DEPARTMENTS P. 160

P. 146

P. 154 P. 168 145 Culture 146 Creatives

From silk screening shirts to shaping steel, North Valley artist Darryl Willison creates a multitude of modern art.

148 Shelflife

Margaret Randall draws from a life of travel and learning for her latest book, a collection of poems accompanied by photos from Barbara Byers.

150 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.

160 From the Vine

Lounges are back in vogue, and several ABQ spots have upped their game with beautiful decor and a renewed sense of style.

153 Dish

154 Eats Review

With a view of the Sandia Mountains, M’Tucci’s Moderno offers traditional Italian fare, craft cocktails and exceptional service.

134 Eats, Etc.

A simple approach is the key at Baca Boys Cafe, a thriving Downtown eatery; Nexus Blue Smokehouse extends the passion of ABQ restaurateur Ken Carson; decades of culinary experience translates into satisfied diners at Budai Gourmet Chinese.

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166 A Recipe for Success

Longtime ABQ non-profit leader Tim Sheahan talks about his work, and his fun dip recipe.

168 Bites

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

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JUNE 2022 Volume 19 Number 2 PHOTO DIRECTOR

Don James don@abqthemag.com ART DIRECTOR

Jared Lambert jared@abqthemag.com GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Candice Callado candice@abqthemag.com DATEBOOK EDITOR

Lori Wilding datebook@abqthemag.com CONTRIBUTORS

Ryan Flanagan Tristen Critchfield Ashley M. Biggers Mel Minter

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.

JUNE 2022 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

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DEPARTMENTS 191 Fun

192 ‘Til You Drop

How to take part in blonde girl summer; a list of Father’s Day gifts for dad’s adventurous side; the fun and whimsy of Astro Zombies continues to draw locals and celebs.

198 Paws Button

Mobile pet care and grooming can be a great solution to reduce anxiety when caring for your furry friends.

200 Amazing Pets This month’s winners: Bruno, Annie, Daisy and Emily.

203 Piece of the Past

The nearly century-old building of Hotel Parq Central is rich and colorful in ABQ history.

204 Passenger Window

P. 196

Peering through a window can give one a whole new sense of place and space.

207 Photo Contest

This month’s winner: “The Best Is Yet To Come,” by Haley Descoteaux.

208 A Few Things

Celebrate our 20th summer of enjoying the Albuquerque Isotopes.

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JUNE 2022 Volume 19 Number 2 PUBLISHER

Larryl Lynch larryl@abqthemag.com ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER

Gena Salazar gena@abqthemag.com

PUBLISHING DIRECTOR

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

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

Ashlee Olsen ashlee@abqthemag.com BUSINESS MANAGER

Jill Morris business@abqthemag.com ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER EMERITUS

Scott Davis (1966–2004)

SUBSCRIBE!

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

Send check or money order to:

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

©2017 Albuquerque The Magazine All Rights Reserved

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PUBLISHER’S NOTE

B

elieve it or not, this issue of ATM was created just for you. Well, wait a second—every issue is made for readers, of course. But this, our first-ever List Issue, aims to trigger dozens of excited responses from you, each with your own answer to fun questions we’ve posed this month to notable ABQ personalities. And why not? We’re all curious about the things we loved back in the day, and comparing favorites can make for a good bit of entertainment. Who doesn’t have a fun story when asked, “What was your first car?”

(Mine was a 1974 Plymouth Duster a buddy sold me for $150 back in 1986. A few weeks later, an elderly gentleman offered me $900 for it—an offer I couldn’t refuse.) Or who doesn’t conjure hundreds of childhood memories in response to the question, “What was your favorite breakfast cereal as a kid?”

(Lame answer from me: Grape Nuts. And I’m really not sure why, maybe because they were so hearty. Do they even still make that cereal?) Admittedly, coming up with the questions was half the fun for our editorial team, which then found appropriately fun respondents for each question (i.e. - asking local pet shop owners about their favorite pet). The responses are honest and enlightening, and begin on page 76.

In keeping with our List theme, we asked our beloved Albuquerque Isotopes to give us the team’s list of 20 most memorable nights at Isotopes Park. We figured it was especially timely, since the organization just launched its 20th season. The memories run the gamut, from the global attention ABQ received when L.A. Dodger Manny Ramirez did a rehab assignment for the ‘Topes in 2009, to the night slugger Joc Pederson donated his beloved 1994 Buick as a fan-night giveaway. To catch the entire lineup, check out “A Few Things” on page 208.

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One other list to check out is our round-up of the newly renovated lounges and bars in the city, featured in our monthly “From The Vine” column. If you haven’t checked out the swanky decor of Dave’s Los Ranchos Lounge, or the vast, modern re-boot of The Office Bar & Grill, you’re missing out.

The digs are also amazing at Los Conejos; the newly-relocated Embers Steakhouse & Bar; and the brand-new M’Tucci’s Bar Roma. It’s the kind of visual story ATM prides itself on doing, which is to show readers that our city might be a bit more amazing than we think. Like I said, these pages were created just for you.

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

Sincerely,

Larryl Lynch Publisher

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8300 Constitution Avenue NE | Albuquerque, New Mexico, 87110 Phone: (505) 291-2300 | Fax: (505) 291-2299 | nmscortho.com

Thank You to our patients for helping us celebrate a successful 2nd year!

“Our mission is to care for every patient and their family as if they were our own. Each patient, each family, each and every time.”

New Mexico Surgery Center Orthopaedics complies with applicable Federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex. New Mexico Surgery Center Orthopaedics is a facility in which physicians have an ownership or investment interest. The list of physician owners or investors is available to you upon request.

JUNE 2022 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

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Fixed insurance products and services offered through CES Insurance Agency.

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

THE STORY OF CHOCOLATE

JUNE 2022 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

Chocolatiers will make appearances throughout the span of the exhibit and will offer hands-on experiences to allow visitors to see the chemistry involved in chocolate production.

Stand beneath a life-size cacao tree to learn about the process of harvesting cacao seeds from the rainforest. Pass by an Aztec marketplace to learn about seed trading history and explore different apparatuses that were used by Mayan communities to hold their cacao seed creations.

The exhibit will include a number of demonstrations, family days, and workshops. —ASHLEE OLSEN

COURTESY IMAGE

What better way to dive into history than with chocolate in hand. The New Mexico Museum of Natural History will be featuring an exhibit that focuses on the biology of the cacao seed, the origin of chocolate creation and how it has evolved over time, as well as following its history up to modern day.

Chocolate: The Exhibition will be opening to the public on June 17, 2022 and will remain as a temporary exhibit for nine months. The exhibit will explore a variety of different uses for the cacao seed, how it has influenced different cultures, and the widespread use of the seed in our current society.

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Isleta Lakes and RV Park

11000 Broadway SE., (505) 724-3800 isleta.com/lakes-rv-park

No reservations allowed means a ‘no-planning required’ trip.

This a popular choice for those with a camping inclination for a quick and easy “staycation.” Fishing is the top attraction at the park. Fans of catfish, in particular, can hope for some good eating after their visit for the day.

Cliff’s Amusement Park

Hours Fishing from 6 a.m.-7:30 p.m. through Sept. 30; 7 a.m.-5:30 p.m. October to March

Cliff’s is an Albuquerque institution for summer fun. Passes can be purchased for just the water park, or for all rides (good news for fans of wooden roller coasters!) An unsurprising but helpful reminder — weekday visits often mean shorter lines.

Admission Fishing rates $9-$18

4800 Osuna Road NE, (505) 881-9373 cliffsamusementpark.com

Hours May: 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays June through Aug 7: 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesday-Friday and Sundays; 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturdays Remainder of August: 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturdays, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sundays Sept 3-5: 11 a.m.-5 p.m Admission From $15.99 (for water park only, individual rides can be purchased separately) to $33.99

Tingley Beach

1800 Tingley Drive SW, (505) 768-2000 cabq.gov/artsculture/biopark/tingley

A figurative, if not literal, oasis for nearly a century remains an ideal spot for leisurely water activities. Fishing is the signature pastime, but chilling out by simply gazing at waterfowl is always popular, as is sailing model boats. Pedal boating has moved a bit down the road, and is now at the BioPark Zoo. Hours Open daily within 15 minutes of sunrise, closes at sunset Admission Free — fishing licenses for anglers 12 and older must be purchased in advance

West Mesa Aquatic Center

6705 Fortuna Road NW, (505) 836-8718 cabq.gov/parksandrecreation, click on “Aquatics” and then “Indoor pools.”

A Park Above

2441 A Park Above Ct SE, Rio Rancho, (505) 724-3800 rrnm.gov/2710/A-Park-Above

A splash pad is the main water attraction at this youth park with a goal of inclusivity and accessibility. It’s a good way to cool off after exploring equipment that goes well beyond traditional playground hardware, including jumbo musical instruments and wheelchair-accessible swings.

Hours Splash pad open 10 a.m.-6 p.m. daily from Memorial Day to Labor Day Admission Free

Rio Rancho Aquatic Center

745 Loma Colorado Blvd., (505) 891-5230 rrnm.gov/967/Aquatic-Center

If Aqua Zumba sounds like a workout, well, it is — but keep in mind it’s also called the “Zumba Pool Party.” That combination of exercise and fun is a theme here — you’ll also find other Aqua Fitness classes in addition to multiple slides (including a smaller “frog slide”), a water dump and a spraying wheel.

Hours Monday-Thursday, 6 a.m.-11 a.m., 2 p.m.-8 p.m. Saturday, Noon-6 p.m Admission Daily passes $3-4; multiple visit and family passes available

Swimming lessons — multiple city pools

12 City of Albuquerque pools, see link for phone numbers, cabq.gov/parksandrecreation, click on “Aquatics” and then “Lessons and swim team.”

Combining a traditional lap-swim pool with recreational swimming, diving, swim lessons and elements of a water park including indoor and outdoor slides means you’ll find a variety of people with one thing in common — one way or another, they are ready to hit the water.

Classes are arranged by age and skill level. They start with creating a comfort level in the pool and gradually move up to ability to handle butterfly, breaststroke, freestyle and backstroke. Four 11-day sessions run from June to August.

Hours Varied for lap and recreational activities

Hours Varied

Admission $1 to $3.25, free for children under 12 months

Admission $40 per child, per session

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START BR A GGING

ABQ

Alison Turner Founder Metrics Together

“I love Albuquerque’s sense of community. I grew up near the State Fairgrounds, and neighbors were always bringing over food and telling stories about their day. It’s still the same across the city, people are walking their dogs in the foothills, watering their gardens in Nob Hill, or grabbing food from food trucks at Central and Unser.”

Start Bragging ABQ is a campaign to tell everyone what you love about our city.

Got a brag about ABQ? Send it to us at editor@abqthemag.com.

SHINRIN-Yoku Back in 1982, the Japanese Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries created the term shinrin-yoku. Today, we can translate that to “forest bathing” or “absorbing the forest atmosphere.”

Albuquerque offers a number of hiking trails around the area for individuals of all different skill levels for just this type of naturetuning. Hike (or just walk) these trails and truly find yourself among Albuquerque’s nature.

La Luz Trail #137 A 13.3-mile trail with a gradual elevation gain of 3,572 feet.

After hiking to the top, you can ride the Tram back down (weather permitting).

Starting at the base of the Sandia Mountains, the top offers views of the entire city!

La Luz #137 is a difficult trail. With little to no maintenance, the trail can become overgrown and it is best suited for experienced hikers.

Eye of the Sandias Loop Trail The trail is 3.9-miles long and is located in the Sandia Foothills Open Space.

At the top of the trail, a rock cluster has an eye painted on it, hence how the trail got its name.

The trail has an elevation increase of 1,295 feet and can become steep, it is moderately difficult and recommended for hikers with some previous experience.

Once you reach the top and spot the Eye of the Sandias, a trail down will take you a different route to complete the loop.

Travertine Falls June was most likely named for the Roman goddess Juno, patroness of marriage and the well-being of women.

Another interpretation says that the name came from the Latin juvenis, “young people,” who were celebrated at this time.

This is a 1.1-mile out and back trail, meaning hikers will begin and end in the same location.

With an elevation gain of 249 feet, this trail is great for hikers of all skill levels - including children.

Half a mile into the trail, hikers will stumble upon the Travertine Falls Waterfall! The waterfall is tucked between boulders and makes the perfect place for a mid-hike break.

Pro Tip! If you’re brave enough to get to the top of the waterfall and venture into the cave above, you’ll see fossils of many different New Mexican species.

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Hollee Kaiser

AGE: 11 SCHOOL: Central Elementary TOTALLY INTO: She loves to play with slime, furry animals and birds NOT A FAN OF: Reptiles, bugs or roosters FUTURE PLANS: She wants to be a dog groomer like her grandma! HER STORY: Wherever she goes, laughter follows. Hollee has become a ray of sunshine in the lives of everyone around her. “Hollee is silly, goofy, social and loved by anyone who gets to know her,” says her mom, Krystal Kaiser. When she isn’t in school, Hollee loves to spend time with her family and friends. She also enjoys riding her bike and riding her horse. “She’s very tough and super brave,” shared Kaiser. Her grandmother has been a dog groomer for many years, and Hollee hopes to follow in her footsteps. They both have always had a soft spot for animals. She is admired by those around her for her continued perseverance and drive through these difficult times. She has always been 100% genuine and true to herself. Hollee never fails to amaze those around her. —ASHLEE OLSEN

Submit your Incredible Kids at incrediblekids@abqthemag.com

A NEW WAY TO TOUR OLD TOWN Explore the outdoors a bit throughout Historic Old Town with the ABQ Urban Art Bike Tour.

Gear up and head out for the guided tour that takes riders to all of the popular spots spots in the district. The 10 to 12 mile tour takes riders along the streets to see some of the grandest murals and street art in the state. Snap pictures of the vibrant art through the Old Town neighborhood and even get to stop to sample a few local craft beers along the ride. Hosted by Routes Rentals, the tour is $95 per person (including bike rental) and averages about 3.5 hours long. Designed to be a leisurely tour, this outing is great for families. Beer tasting, and all on-site fees are included in each rider’s registration fee. Tours run throughout the week, but it is recommended that reservations be made in advance.

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ATIANA TENORIO

AGE: 11 SCHOOL: Joe Harris Elementary 3 THINGS SHE LIKES: CrosssFit, fashion, and playing Sims NOT A FAN OF: Coming in 2nd place, plastic pollution in the ocean and her peanut allergy FUTURE PLANS: She wants to be the next Tia Toomey (CrossFit athlete) and be a real estate agent HER STORY: Atiana dove headfirst into CrossFit just over a year ago. It has quickly become a passion of hers and something she intends to pursue in the future. She is aiming to be the next big CrossFit athlete, just like Tia Toomey. Recently, Atiana competed in her first national CrossFit competition. She proudly placed in the top 10 of her entire age group and is already preparing for her next competition. She trains and mentors other kids at Thunderhawk Crossfit Gym. “She has developed so much strength and confidence through this sport,” says her mom, Analisa Campos. Her mom shared that she is silly, funny and incredibly strong willed. Atiana is wildly ambitious and will do anything it takes to accomplish her goals, per mom. —ASHLEE OLSEN

Submit your Incredible Kids at incrediblekids@abqthemag.com

WE MISSED YOU, ZOO MUSIC! For anyone who loves music, of any genre, this is the event for you. Throughout June and July, the ABQ BioPark will be hosting several concerts with a variety of bands. Guests can bring blankets and chairs to enjoy a picnic while taking in the sounds. Adult beverages are also on tap with a valid ID. Families are invited to come enjoy the music and explore the park exhibits at dusk. While exploring the zoo, you’re bound to see some excitement. Dusk tends to be one of the best times to see animals out and about within their exhibits.

This year’s lineup includes music from several different genres, performed by a carefully selected group of touring musicians.

June 3rd June 17th June 24th July 15th July 29th

Flor de Toloache, Mariachi Feminino The Original Wailers , Reggae Love & Theft, country The Ghost of Paul Revere, Folk-Bluegrass Lost Bayou Ramblers, Cajun

It is recommended that tickets are bought in advance. Visit holdmyticket.com or cabq.gov for more information.

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START BR A GGING

ABQ

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

Lauren Rodriguez

Communications Director Bernalillio County District Attorney’s Office “I love the loyalty that develops for ABQ by the people who visit, move here, and live here.

One of my best friends is a transplant who moved here to study at UNM, and the love she has for this community runs deep. It’s that loyalty, love and good words we have to continue spreading to those who know little about our city.”

Start Bragging ABQ is a campaign to tell everyone what you love about our city.

Got a brag about ABQ? Send it to us at editor@abqthemag.com.

June 21 is the summer solstice, which heralds the start of summer in the Northern Hemisphere. It’s the day with the most hours of daylight, so enjoy! In the Southern Hemisphere, winter begins at this time.

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ABQ’s Handy Museum Guide

The Turquoise Museum

American International Rattlesnake Museum

Experience a collection of turquoise from more than one hundred mines across the state housed in the Gertrude Zachary castle in downtown Albuquerque. Visitors can interact with the stone that brings life to New Mexico.

See jewelry, art and mining paraphernalia along the walls. Snap a picture under the turquoise chandelier that casts a blue hue over the entryway.

Housing the largest live rattlesnake collection in the world, there is no better place to explore the history and impact of rattlesnakes. Reveal myths and mysteries about species from all over North, South and Central America. See how snakes and other animals alike have influenced our lives through historic artifacts.

400 2nd St. SW, (505) 433-3684 turquoisemuseum.com

Hours Monday-Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, Noon-2 p.m.

Admission $15-$20

Indian Pueblo Cultural Center 2401 12th St. NW, (505) 843-7270 indianpueblo.org

Dive into the rich culture that surrounds New Mexico with exhibits spanning from ancient times to present day. Visitors can become familiar with the 19 Pueblos across the state through murals, food, and several exhibitions. Artwork from local artists cover the walls and tells personal stories.

Taste a number of Indigenous dishes at the teaching kitchen inside.

Hours Tuesday-Sunday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

Admission $7-$10, free for children 5 and under

202 San Felipe St. NW, Suite A, (505) 242-6569 rattlesnakes.com

Hours June-August: Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sunday, 1 p.m.-5 p.m.

September-May: Monday-Friday, 11:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sunday, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Admission $4-$6

New Mexico Holocaust Museum 616 Central Ave. SW, (505) 247-0606 nmholocaustmuseum.org

Through exhibits, the museum strives to educate visitors and eliminate intolerance.

Nearly 60% of the space here is dedicated to the Holocaust; educating through documents, artifacts, memorabilia and pictures. The remaining space in the museum looks at a multitude of different human rights and social justice issues. Exhibits are continually updated to keep visitors informed on new findings.

Hours Wednesday-Saturday, Noon-3:30 p.m.

Admission $1-$5, free for children 5 and under

New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science 1801 Mountain Road NW, (505) 841-2800 nmnaturalhistory.org

The subjects covered here aren’t unique to this museum, but the perspective is.

Where else would a geology exhibit examine the time, epochs ago, when what is now New Mexico was underwater? And, of course, these aren’t just anyone’s fossils — a good deal of what’s on display came from sites that are practically next door.

Hours Wednesday-Monday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Admission $5 to $15, free for children 2 and under

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Unser Racing Museum

National Hispanic Cultural Center

Born into a racing family, Al Unser was bound for success. Follow the history of the entire Unser racing family through exhibits of trophies and memorabilia. Started as a museum to share their experience with racing, the museum now pays tribute to many members of the Unser family. Pictures and awards highlight some of their greatest wins of their racing careers.

The center has cultivated a collection of artifacts to teach the community about Hispanic culture across the state. Through continuous lectures, book readings, and preforming arts, visitors are immersed into the lively history that is rooted in New Mexico. Giving the opportunity for Hispanic, Chicano, and Latinx community members to share their story through different works of art.

1776 Montaño Road NW, (505) 341-1776 unserracingmuseum.com

Hours Daily, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Admission $6-$10, free for children 16 and under when accompanied by an adult, and for active-duty military personnel and their families May 16-Sept. 7.

¡Explora!

1701 Mountain Road NW, (505) 600-6072 explora.us

1701 4th St. SW, (505) 246-2261 nhccnm.org

Hours Tuesday-Sunday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Admission $2-$6, free for children 16 and under. Also free for foster parents and children in the custody of foster parents, state residents 60 and over on Wednesdays, all state residents on the first Sunday of each month and all active duty U.S. military personnel between Memorial Day and Labor Day.

For good reason, this is a go-to spot for getting kids more involved in STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics). With a bicycle on a high-wire 20 feet in the air and activities investigating energy, water and electricity, kids can get hands-on with science. Parents can enjoy dabbling to the STEAM excitement right alongside their kids while blowing bubbles or building water dams.

Hours Tuesday-Sunday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Admission $6-10, free for children under 12 months and for ¡Explora! members

National Museum of Nuclear Science & History 601 Eubank Blvd. SE, (505) 245-2137 nuclearmuseum.org

New Mexico is undeniably part of the nation’s nuclear history. Visitors can explore the history of nuclear science in New Mexico through ever-changing exhibits. Telling the story of the Atomic Age through memorabilia, planes, missiles, cannons, and nuclear submarines. Explore the potential future of nuclear science through newly developed exhibits.

Hours Daily, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Admission $7-$15, free for children 5 and under

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Go Red for Women Luncheon at Hotel Albuquerque at Old Town On April 19, 2022 The American Heart Association NM chapter hosted its annual Go Red for Women Luncheon at Hotel Albuquerque at Old Town. Attendees showed up in red to promote awareness and work towards the prevention of heart disease and strokes in women.

1. Jennifer Bell, Michelle Stoddard 2. Lisa Mercer, Sherri Wells, Martha Carpenter 3. Suzanne Mirabal, Lorin Saavedara 4. Claire Kowalski, Donna L Lopez 5. Susan Lewis, Lannette Ortiz 6. Carly Newlands, and Dr. Cristina Beato 7. Shayai Lucero, Kayla Kowemy

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Rio Grande Credit Union Event Rio Grande Credit Union celebrated the opening of their seventh branch location at Montgomery and San Mateo on May 12, 2022. Raffle tickets were sold to attendees to benefit the Emergency Action Fund. The fund helps with immediate aid to victims and evacuees of the recent fires in Northern New Mexico.

1. Olga Melancon, Carina Small 2. Ona Porter, Mike Athens, Ann Lyn Hall 3. Lily Currin, April Bradshaw 4. Lucy Sedillo, Dan Mayfield 5. Dianne Brown, Cynthia Borrego 6. Austin Yearwood, Clint Gray

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7. Lennie Dixon, Lewis Omary

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Best Buddies Walk On April 30 2022, people gathered at Albuquerque Academy for the annual Best Buddies Friendship Walk. The walk supports inclusion for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. After the walk, a dance party was held for all participants.

1. Elizabeth Nelson, Elaine Rizek 2. Andrew Cavalier, Luis Laws, Jose Diaz 3. Emma Smith, Kayla Haynes, Kalily Garcia 4. Leah Stovall, Erin Tourek 5. Elise Eberhart, Markus Huerta, Julie Huerta 6. Emily Elizondo, Kate Elizondo 7. Emily Schwartz, Beatrice Nisoli

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

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Heart on Your Sleeve Jeff Highlander Memorial Fashion Show It was posh, it was fancy, and it was all to support the New Mexico chapter of the ALS association. On February 7, 2019, at Hotel Albuquerque, the city turned out for an evening of fine dining, cool drinks, and plenty of beautiful fashion.

1. Katie Couch, Jill Sivage, Rebecca Dumas 2. Mikayla Padilla, Jeannine DiLorenzo, Loretta Garrett, Frannie Holmes 3. Jessica Rule, Susan Atchley, Sonia Torres, Berdel Boulanger 4. Gilbert Valladares, Brittany Trujillo, Trish Esquibel, Anthony Reyna 5. Audrey Blea, Donna Carter, Sherman Carter, Jordin Marr 6. Joe Cordova, Dawn Goodrum, Kenton Van Harten, Ben Walton 7. Rob Burpo, Greg Templeton, JJ Griego, Mark Wiggins, Tom Cress

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Governor’s Special Hunt Auction & Banquet On February 16, 2019, Albuquerqueans put on their banquet suits and headed out to Expo NM for this outdoorsman’s dream event. The program: eat some food, have some drinks, and bid on some of the State’s top hunting and fishing packages. Hosted by New Mexico Game & Fish, this event benefited the Game Protection Fund of New Mexico.

1. Craig Sanchez, Tristanna Bickford, Mike Sloan, Stuart Liley 2. Ted Schnack, Connie Almacin, Amanda Garcia, Joe Garcia 3. Kami Elsisie, Mahting Putelis, Kelly Babincsak, Jarrett Babincsak 4. Jeremy Romero, Jesse Deubel, Brian Kurzel, Andrew Black 5. Ray Trejo, Ben Neary, Thomas Gomez, Jeremy Vesbach 6. John Pearce, Teri Pearce, Chanda Tatum, Greg Romero 7. Storm Usrey, Robert Griego, Tim Cimbal, Jeremy Smith

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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

PARTNER CONTENT

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PARTNER CONTENT

Gerald Mendez Associate Broker/Realtor

Having spent 26 years in the fire service and the last 12 as a Captain in the City of Santa Fe Fire Department, Gerald Mendez has chosen to become a realtor for many of the same reasons.

“I enjoy helping people. When people saw me, they were experiencing something big in their life—and I was able to help them through it. The same is true for real estate. Buying or selling a home is a life changing experience and I want to help my clients through this process,” Gerald says.

But as retirement from the fire service nears, transitioning to real estate is a natural fit. He wants to help you understand each step and provide an education as well as an exceptional home buying or selling experience. Gerald’s niche is in west Albuquerque and Rio Rancho, though he can help you find your perfect home wherever that is.

Gerald Mendez Realty One Group Concierge 100 Sun Avenue NE, Suite 150, 87109 505.660.6342 geraldmendez.myrealtyonegroup.com

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PARTNER CONTENT

Catherine Buck

Licensed Real Estate Associate Broker

Buying and selling a home is an emotional experience, so Catherine Buck developed a roadmap to make it less overwhelming.

“Over the last decade, I have worked with clients looking at the enormity of buying or selling a home and they didn’t know where to begin. Many people will do this once or twice in their lifetimes so I created a plan that breaks the process down into manageable tasks. But real estate is more than just completing transactions –it’s about being an ally, a problem solver and truly listening to my clients.”

Though she helps clients in all stages of life, Catherine specializes in downsizing and estates. “Real estate requires a huge emotional and financial investment. I am a great cheerleader during life’s transitions.

People need something to hold on to when they are going through this and that’s why I am here,” she says.

Catherine Buck NM 24K Real Estate Group 5809 Juan Tabo Blvd. NE, 87111 505.400.3532 (mobile) 505.292.2424 (office) nm24krealestategroup.com/staff/catherine-buck

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PARTNER CONTENT

Sidney Bran

Licensed Real Estate Associate Broker

Imagine knowing you wanted to become a realtor when you were eight years old. And imagine your family helped you achieve this goal. Say hello to Sidney Bran, a budding and bilingual (Spanish) real estate agent who wants to help you find your dream home.

Looking at homes and meeting incredibly interesting people are the two reasons Sidney was drawn like a magnet into the real estate business. She was so determined, she started real estate school the same day she graduated from high school.

Having spent 10 years of Sundays viewing open houses in Albuquerque, she can help you choose the part of town you want to live in and find a dream home within your budget. When Sidney is not traversing Duke City streets with a client, she is with her three dogs, working out at the gym or spending time with her loved ones.

Si, habla Espanol.

Sidney Bran Coldwell Banker Legacy 6767 Academy Road, 87109 505.235.5188

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PARTNER CONTENT

Erica Gallegos Licensed Realtor

Lukas Gallegos General Contractor

With deep experience in the real estate and construction business, husband and wife team Lukas and Erica Gallegos are a dynamic duo.

Erica Gallegos, a third-generation New Mexico realtor, combines her real estate knowledge with Lukas’s construction know-how—he’s a general contractor specializing in new construction and remodeling. Together, they will help you find and/or fix up your ideal home.

From large to small projects, Erica and Lukas bring your real estate vision to life.

Lukas Gallegos Realty One of New Mexico 505.453.8194

H&W Construction 505.340.7544 handwconstruction.com

Amy Garcia Licensed Realtor

Real estate is a career path for many on her paternal side. Amy Garcia learned this after she bought a few investment homes in 2006 and obtained her license in 2007.

Raised in the North Valley, Amy benefits from being a native New Mexican and is a top 10% performer. She says, “I am honorable, ethical and a woman of my word” which has helped her expand into the Santa Fe market and secure a Florida real estate license.

Amy Garcia Garcia Realty Group with Keller Williams Realty 6703 Academy Road NE, 87109 505.610.8516 realestatehomegurus.com JUNE 2022 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

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

TOP PICK Harwood Summer Art Camp. For students entering grades 1-9, they will be immersed in the arts with a small group of inspired peers and accomplished instructors. Info: New sessions start every two weeks at Harwood Art Center, 1114 7th Street SW in Downtown ABQ. Full and half-day camps are available, and rates range from $260–$485 per two-week session. Harwoodartcenter.org (505) 242-6367, artcamp@harwoodartcenter.org.

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Monday 6–Friday July 29 Two-week sessions

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saturday 4 and sunday 5 12:30–6 pm

Resource Brewing Beer and Petting Zoo. Created for ABQ Beer Week 2022, this unique event will include a guided tour of the brewing system followed by a “beer petting zoo” tasting. Info: ReSource Brewing Company, 3107 Eubank Blvd. NE, Suite 12, (505) 312-8107.

Tickets are $35 and available for time slots on June 4th and 5th through Eventbrite.com.

The event is for those who are 21 and older.

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sunday 5 1–5 pm

A Midsummer Night’s Dream. The Corrales Bosque Gallery celebrates June with the artists displaying art that interprets this theme in their various mediums and styles for the entire month of June. Info: The event will open with a meet the artists reception at 4685 Corrales Rd, Corrales, NM. Open to all ages. (505) 898-7203.

Free.

tuesday 14 6:30–8:30 pm

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Twilight Tour at the Zoo. Experience the sights and sounds of the Zoo at twilight.

Observe interesting animal behavior while taking a tour of the Zoo in a small group led by your personal guide. Info: Rain or shine and space is limited. ABQ BioPark Zoo, 903 Tenth Street SW. Meet at the front of the zoo. biopark@ cabq.gov for tickets, $15 adults and $10 youth and seniors.

saturday 18 9 am–3 pm

Father’s Day Sagebrush Auto Show. The Sagebrush Auto Show attracts more than 200 classic cars, hot rods, trucks, customs, and all kinds of motorcycles each year. $20 raffle tickets available for a 2008 Ford Mustang GT California Special. Info: Sagebrush Community Church, 6440 Coors Blvd NW. Cost to enter a car in the show is $50 with registration at sagebrush. church/autoshow. All food, events, and drinks are free.holdmyticket. com, $3-$6.

saturday 18 10 am–4 pm

The Science Fiesta Expo.

Join us for the final event of the 2022 NM Science Fiesta. See more than 70 STEAM professionals and enjoy hands-on activities for the whole family. Info: Expo New Mexico, 300 San Pedro Dr. NE, Explora.us/ programs/science-fiesta.

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

friday 24 7 pm

The Pedrito Martinez Group.

A New Mexico Jazz Festival Event, presented in partnership with the New Mexico Jazz Workshop. Founded in 2005, The Group earned a Grammy nomination for their self-titled debut release. Their 2016 Habana Dreams release is a testament to “...the thrill of real Cuban rumba transformed into something as hip and irresistible as great pop” (Wall Street Journal). Info: Outpost Performance Space, 210 Yale SE, (505) 268-0044. Tickets: $18 Outpost and NMJW members, $15 students; online at outpostspace.org.

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Old School Cartoons. New Mexico Entertainment brings old school cartoons to the big screen. Grab your pajamas, kick back with some breakfast, and enjoy the toons! Ticket includes admission and breakfast. Info: $10, Guild Cinema, 3405 Central Avenue NE, nmentertains.com/ movie-screenings.

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wednesdays 9–10 am

Toddler Time at Explora.

We open an hour early for caregivers and toddlers to enjoy early childhood exhibit areas, story time, and music.

Info: Visit our website to reserve tickets, explora.us.

Questions? Call us at (505) 600-6072. Included with admission/free for members, adults $10, children 1-11 $6, and seniors, military, and students $7.

daily thru October 10 am–6 pm

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

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wednesday 1 thru saturday july 2 | 9 am–3 pm Across the Board. Intersecting Nature. This utilizes the game board motif to explore our interconnectedness with all things and the possible impact that our human involvement has on our environment and all levels of nature. Info: ABQ Open Space Visitor Center, 6500 Coors Blvd. NW, open Tuesday through Saturday. cabq. gov/openspace, (505) 768-4950. Free.

thursday 2 | 1–2 pm Money Matters. Alzheimer’s Association, NM Chapter. This webinar explores a family caregiver’s guide to finances, how to put plans in place, and how to access resources near you. Info: nmprograms @ alz.org or (800) 272-3900. Free.

friday 3 | 4–7 pm Wood and Water Reception. Amapola Gallery's Featured Artists for June are Ray Upson, carver, and Carol Sparks, painter.

The show will run through June. Info: Amapola Gallery, in Old Town on the plaza, 205 Romero, NW. Open 10 to 5 daily, 505242-4311, amapolagallery.com.

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friday 3 | 5:30–8:30 pm saturday 4 | 12:30–5:20 pm sunday 5 | 12:30–5:30 pm Festival Sefardi. Albuquerque’s semiannual celebration of the history, language, and culture of the Hidden Jews of New Mexico will be hosted both on Zoom and in person, featuring renowned authors Myriam Moscona and Ruth Behar. Info: Congregation Nahalat Shalom, 3606 Rio Grande Blvd. NW, (505) 246-8910, hershel@hershelweiss.com or nahalatshalom.org/festival_sefardi_ june2022.

friday 3 | 9 pm Chatter Late Works. A late-night concert for the adventurous at Chatter's new downtown warehouse performance space with a cash bar. Info: Chatter, 912 3rd St NW, chatterabq.org/boxoffice. Tickets: $16 general admission.

saturday 4 | 6–10 pm ABQ Wine Classic 2022. Enjoy stunning curated wines and celebrate the optimism of creativity, the promise of Albuquerque’s youth, and the spirit of generosity while supporting Keshet Dance Company.

Info: Hotel Andaluz, 6–7 pm reception and silent auction; 7–10 pm dinner, live auction and libations. Tickets: keshetarts. org/abq-wine-classic or (505) 224-9808. $175/person.

saturday 4 | 9 am–6pm sunday 5| 9 am–5 pm Celtic Fest Returns. The Rio Grande Valley Celtic Association is putting together their biggest celebration ever of the vibrant culture of the seven Celtic nations featuring live music, exciting athletic competitions, animal exhibits, traditional Celtic food and beer, beverages, and interactive children’s activities. Info: Balloon Fiesta Park, 9201 Balloon Museum Drive NE. Contact Libby at libbyrgvcf@ gmail.com, call (505) 453-0053, or visit celtfestabq.com. Adults $15/day or $25/ both days with free parking. Children under 12 are free.

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saturday 4 | 1–4 pm

thursday 9 | 7:30 pm

friday 10 | 3–4 pm

“Zen and the Art of Woodworking.” Wild Hearts Gallery, an artist’s collective of 15 local artists, presents the opening reception for David Johnson. The exhibit will run through June 26. Info: 221 Homestead Village Hwy 165, Placitas.

Wildheartsgallery.com, (505) 361-2710.

Keyon Harrold Quintet. A New Mexico Jazz Festival Event. A young virtuoso trumpeter and songwriter from Ferguson, Missouri, Keyon Harrold’s influences include everything from jazz and classical to funk, Afrobeat, R&B, and hip hop. His latest album, The Mugician, examines our troubled times and has been called “sweeping and cinematic ... uniquely modern, and unmistakably American.”

Info: Outpost Performance Space, 210 Yale SE, (505) 268-0044, outpostspace. org. Tickets: $25 Outpost and NMJW members; $20 students.

Free Drawing Class. Create, learn, and explore ancient Egypt with Sailer Fine Art and Instruction at Albuquerque’s premier escape room venue and ice cream parlor.

Free ice cream for participants. Info: Escape In Time, 1100 San Mateo NE, (505) 350-5413 (SFAI) or (505) 836-1386 (EIT), escapeintimeabq.com. Intergenerational, ages 6+ and under age 10 with an adult.

Free.

saturday 4 | 10–11 am Bringing Nature Home. A tour of the Xeric Garden Club of Albuquerque’s Certified Wildlife Habitat Garden with Docent Kathy Burnett who will speak and will also provide information about how to create a wildlife habitat garden in your own back yard. Info: Albuquerque Garden Center, 10120 Lomas Blvd. NE. Free.

sunday 5 | 10:30 am Chatter Sunday. Franz Schubert’s String Quintet in C major, plus a reading by poet John Tritica. Info: Chatter at 912 3rd St NW, chatterabq.org/boxoffice. Tickets: $16 adults, $9 students/under-30, $5 under-13.

monday 6–thursday 30 | 9 am– noon Jazz Camp 2022. Four-week music camp for ages 12 to 18. Previous experience playing jazz is not a requirement; however, eligibility is based upon a minimum of oneyear experience playing an instrument, proficiency with scales, or keeping rhythm if a percussionist. Taught by professional musicians; the program also includes guest clinicians. Info: nmjazz.org, gina@ nmjazz.org, or (505) 255-9798 ext. 1. $425 with payment plan available.

tuesday 7 | 5–6 pm Healthy Living for Your Brain and Body. Tips from the Latest Research.

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

wednesday 8 | 11 am–12 pm Understanding Alzheimer's and Dementia.

Alzheimer’s Association, NM Chapter. In this webinar, you will learn the basics of Alzheimer’s and how it affects the body and brain. Info: nmprograms@alz.org or (800) 272-3900. Free.

thursday 9 | 1–3:30 pm Living with Alzheimer’s for Caregivers.

Late Stage. Alzheimer’s Association, NM Chapter. This webinar addresses questions that arise during various stages of the disease. Info: nmprograms@alz.org or (800) 272-3900. Free.

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friday 10 | 7:30 pm

saturday 11 | 1–3 pm

saturday 11 | 5–10 pm

Albuquerque Science Fiction Society. Film/ art reporter Devin O'Leary of "The Paper" talks about upcoming genre movies and shows trailers, plus discusses how the pandemic has affected the entertainment business. This long-running NM science fiction club has author readings, science talks, films and discussions. Info: Located in the Activity Room of St. Andrew Presbyterian Church, 5301 Ponderosa Ave NE (near Erna Fergusson Library). Call 266-8905 or visit bubonicon.com. Free to newcomers.

Robert Martinez. “The History of Hispano Music.” State Historian Rob Martinez takes a journey through New Mexico’s rich historical past and tapestry with music, presenting song forms that date back centuries. Info: Casa San Ysidro, 973 Old Church Road, Corrales, (505) 898-3915, cabq.gov/casasanysidro. Timed entry tickets available through holdmyticket. com for museum admission.

Heights Summerfest. Summer fun at one of the city’s largest parks. Celebrate warm weather at a community gathering featuring an artisan market with handcrafted products, food trucks, libations, entertainment by local talent, and a production by a national headliner.

Info: North Domingo Baca Park, 7521 Carmel NE, cabq/events/summerfest.

Pets are welcome on leashes. Rain or shine event. Free.

friday 10 | 10:30 pm Judy Garland Birthday Celebration. In honor of Judy Garland's 101st Birthday, New Mexico Entertainment presents a birthday celebration including performances, prizes and a screening of “A Star is Born,” just in time for Pride Month. Info: $10, Guild Cinema, 3405 Central Avenue NE, nmentertains.com/ movie-screenings.

ONE COMMUNITY...

ONE FAMILY...

THANK YOU ALBUQUERQUE!

friday 10 thru sunday july 3 | friday and saturday 7:30 pm; sunday 2 pm “Unnecessary Farce.” This perfectly ridiculous farce by Paul Slade Smith features two bumbling cops, a romantic tryst, the Scottish mafia, and eight doors.

Info: The Adobe Theater, 9813 4th Street NW, (505) 898-9222, adobetheater.org.

Tickets $17-$20.

saturday 11| 8 am–noon NAMIWalks New Mexico. This is an annual walk for mental health, supporting NAMI (the National Alliance on Mental Illness)’s mission to improve the lives of people affected by mental illness.

Tethered balloon rides will be available for donations, as well as fun activities, engaging speakers, refreshments, and information about NAMI programs and other community resources. Info: Balloon Fiesta Park, 9201 Balloon museum Drive NE. Registration is free at namiwalks.org/ newmexico. All are welcome.

saturday 11 |10 am–noon SouthWest Writers. Presented (live and via Zoom) is prolific, award-winning western writer Melody Groves as she discusses "Westerns: the Good, the Bad, the Beautiful." Info: Contact office for link: info@swwriters.com. In-person at UNM Continuing Ed, 1634 University Blvd, NE. Three free meetings for non-members; no charge for members.

wall to wall flatscreens bold burgers STONE BAKED pizzas ice cold beer at 33° 4861 Pan American Freeway NE Albuquerque, NM 87109 505.344.7427 www.bubbas33.com

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saturday 11 | 5–10 pm

saturday 11 | 7:30 pm

saturday 11 | 8 pm

Havana Nights. Alzheimer’s Association Purple Carpet Gala. A night of tropical fun and dancing to benefit Alzheimer's care, support, and research. On-line auction.

Info: Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, 2401 12th St NW. Registration and tickets: PCG2022.givesmart.com.

Additional info at (505) 266-4473. Various donor/ sponsor levels; $130/person.

Backstreet Boys. DNA World Tour. The Backstreet Boys embrace being the soundtrack to people’s lives after nearly 30 years, and feel that their music has stood the test of time. Info: Isleta Amphitheater.

Tickets at livenation.com, $39–$299 plus parking.

The Daily Show Writers Comedy Tour.

The writers behind Comedy Central’s hysterically funny late-night talk show showcase their own comedic talents in a stand-up performance. Info: Popejoy Hall, 203 Cornell Drive NE, popejoypresents. com, (505) 277-4569. Tickets: $69, $55, $39, $25.

saturday 11 | 7–9 pm Flambeaux. Four-piece horns play their hot New Orleans traditional jazz. Room to dance and free coffee and desserts.

Info: Solid Grounds Coffee House at St. Stephen’s United Methodist Church, 4601 Juan Tabo NE. ststephensqbq. org/solid-grounds-coffeehouse or bobgusch.wordpress.com. Free; donations welcomed.

saturday 11–18 | various times Festival Flamenco. A presentation of the National Institute of Flamenco, over 75 top flamenco artists are gathered from Spain and the U.S. performing and teaching, immersing participants in an unforgettable week of flamenco. Over 40 workshops and classes will be available.

Info: ffab.org. Ticket prices and passes vary.

saturday 11–september 3 | tuesday-saturday 12 pm–5 pm Art Meets History. Technologies of the Spirit. In the 21st century, we think of technology as machines, software, and algorithms, but on its most fundamental level, technology is the application of human knowledge. Each of the artists in this exhibition are using their knowledge and understanding of the world to create artwork that speaks to one’s place in it.

Info: 516 ARTS, 516 Central Ave SW, (505) 242-1445, 516arts.org. Free.

sunday 12 | 10:30 am Chatter Sunday. Music by two Canadian composers, Cassandra Miller and Leonard Cohen, plus the Emperor Waltz by Johann Strauss. Info: Chatter at 912 3rd St NW, chatterabq.org/boxoffice. Tickets: $16 adults, $9 students/under-30, $5 under-13.

sunday 12 | 8–11 pm The Fixx. Every Five Seconds Tour.

Rescheduled from November 19, 2021.

Info: Sunshine Theater, a 21+ event. holdmyticket.com, $25 general admission.

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monday 13–friday 24 |10 am–4 pm Young Actors Summer Studio Workshop.

This two-week workshop is for 13 to 18 year-olds and will cover acting techniques to include improvisation, scene study, and auditions. Info: The Adobe Theater, 9813 4th Street NW, (505) 898-9222, adobetheater.org. Registration $325.

wednesday 22 | 6:30–8:30 pm

friday 24 | 7:30–8:30 pm

SouthWest Writers. Prolific local shortstory writer and former Navy Pilot Jim Tritten explains “Why Short Stories Are Fun” via Zoom. Info: Pre-register for a link at info@swwriters.com. Three free meetings for non-members. No charge for members. Pre-register for a link at: info@ swwriters.com.

Byron Herrington, Conductor.

The Albuquerque Philharmonic Orchestra will be conducted in selections of music by Copland, Arnaud, Gabrieli and Grieg, along with Haydn’s “Surprise” Symphony #94 in G Major. Info: University of New Mexico Keller Hall, 203 Cornell NE, (505)4337445, abqphil.org.

Free; donations appreciated. Children are welcome.

wednesday 15 | 5–6 pm Ten Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s.

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

friday 17 | 10:30 pm Big Gay Movie Night. It’s Pride Month and PRIDE & Equality Magazine and New Mexico Entertainment Magazine present “Paris is Burning” complete with drag performances and prize giveaways throughout the evening. Info: $10, Guild Cinema, 3405 Central Avenue NE, nmentertains.com/movie-screenings.

saturday 18 | 8, 9, 10, and 11 am Project Heart Start. Learn four lifesaving skills including CPR, how to use an automated external defibrillator, how to perform the Heimlich Maneuver, and signs of a heart attack. Info: North Domingo Baca Multigenerational Center, 7521 Carmel Ave. NE in Albuquerque and at Cabezon Community Center, 2307 Cabezon Blvd.

SE in Rio Rancho. 45-minute sessions at times noted above. Sponsored by the New Mexico Heart Institute Foundation. Free.

saturday 18 | 9 am–12:30 pm Troop packing. Blue Star Mothers of America, Rio Grande Valley Chapter 2 will be collecting snack-size items for packing, including jerky, tuna, Vienna sausages, fruit cups, and small cans of green chili.

Info: Troop Support Center, 2919 2nd St. NW, rgvnmbsm.org.

sunday 19 | 10:30 am Chatter Sunday. In honor of Juneteenth, a program of music by Black American composers from Joplin and Ellington to Trevor Weston and George Walker will be performed. Info: Chatter at 912 3rd St NW, chatterabq.org/boxoffice. Tickets: $16 adults, $9 students/under-30, $5 under-13.

tuesday 21 | 1–2 pm Understanding Dementia Behaviors.

Alzheimer’s Association, NM Chapter. This webinar helps caregivers learn about the common triggers for behaviors associated with dementia, how to assess the person’s needs, and how to intervene effectively.

Info: nmprograms@alz.org or (800) 2723900. Free.

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friday 24 | 9 pm Chatter Late Works. A late-night concert for the adventurous at Chatter's new downtown warehouse performance space with a cash bar. Info: Chatter at 912 3rd St NW, chatterabq.org/boxoffice. Tickets: $16 general admission.

saturday 25 | 9:30 am–1:30 pm Heritage Spinning and Weaving. Dyeing Purposes and Uses: Learn to dye wool with natural colors. Info: Casa San Ysidro, 973 Old Church Road, Corrales, (505) 8983915, cabq.gov/casasanysidro. Museum admission.

saturday 25 | 8–11 pm Saudade. This group will get you moving with their Brazilian/World Beat mix, including samba, bossa nova, choro, batucata, and jazz. Info: Juno Brewery, 1501 First Street NW, junopub.com or bobgusch.wordpress.com. Cover charge.

sunday 26 |5:30–7 pm New Mexico Performing Arts Society.

The Season Finale Opera concert at St. Michael & All Angels Episcopal Church, 601 Montano Rd NW, in Albuquerque will be presented. The 2022 opera program includes scenes from operas by Beethoven, Bizet, Donizetti, Offenbach, Puccini, Verdi, Wagner, and Spanish Zarzuela. Metropolitan Opera conductor Franz Vote leads the ensemble. Info: Tickets: $20-$60 at nmpas.org/tickets/ or call Hold My Ticket at (877) 466-3404.

sunday 26 | 10:30 am Chatter Sunday. Dvorak’s Serenade for Winds, plus music by Jonathan Dove and Alfred Schnittke, as well as a reading by poet Pamela Uschuk. Info: Chatter at 912 3rd St NW, chatterabq.org/boxoffice.

Tickets: $16 adults, $9 students/under-30, $5 under-13.

sunday 26 | 3–4 pm Byron Herrington, conductor.

The Albuquerque Philharmonic Orchestra will be conducted in selections of music by Copland, Arnaud, Gabrieli and Grieg, along with Haydn’s “Surprise” Symphony #94 in G Major. Info: St. Therese Church, 3424 4th Street SW, (505) 433-7445, abqphil. org. Free; donations appreciated. Children are welcome.

wednesday 29 | 11 am–12 pm Healthy Living for Your Brain and Body. Tips from the Latest Research.

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

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DAILY/ONGOING 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.

daily | various activities and times Jewish Community Center. The Ronald Gardenswartz Jewish Community Center of Greater Albuquerque (JCC) is part of your extended family, your home away from home—providing programs and services for all ages and stages in life.

Within our walls or around the world, our members gather together to meet, play, learn, celebrate, and be part of the community. Everyone, regardless of age or religious affiliation, is welcome. Info: 5520 Wyoming Blvd. NE, (505) 332-0565, jccabq.org.

daily |

daily |

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

Roadrunner Food Bank. Volunteers needed to prepare 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 | Epilepsy Support and Education Services.

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

daily |11:30 am–5:30 pm Rattlesnakes. See different species of live rattlesnakes displayed in recreated natural landscapes. We are dedicated to conservation and preservation through education. Info: American International Rattlesnake Museum, 202 San Felipe Road NW, Suite A, (505) 242-6569, rattlesnakes.com. Tickets: $6 adults; $5 seniors, military, students, teachers; $4 children.

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

daily | 10 am–5 pm A Midsummer Night’s Dream. The Corrales Bosque Gallery celebrates June with the artists displaying art that interprets this theme in their various mediums and styles for the entire month of June. Info: 4685 Corrales Rd, Corrales, NM. Open to all ages. (505) 898-7203. Free.

daily | Ronald McDonald House Charities of New Mexico. We provide a “home-awayfrom-home” for families whose children are in medical treatment. Operating the 30-guest room Yale House, 20-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,(505) 842-8960.

daily | various times Lovelace Silver Elite. Informative videos are offered that address health issues such as osteoarthritis, sleep apnea, cardiovascular issues, Parkinson’s disease and treatment options for male lower UTI’s and BPH, as well as radiology imaging as we age.

Presented by Lovelace doctors that are experts in the subject fields. Lovelace Silver Elite also offers free seminars and VIP benefits. Info: lovelacesilverelite.com, (505) 727-5502.

daily | 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 | 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.

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daily |10 am–4 pm

daily | 10 am–5 pm

various days | various times

The Indian Pueblo Cultural Center.

Celebrating our 40th anniversary with “We Are of This Place: The Pueblo Story” Art Exhibit, a permanent museum exhibit that represents all 19 Pueblos and builds upon the IPCC’s 40-year history of telling the story of Pueblo people in their own voices.

Hear stories in Pueblo languages from artists and elders, interact with art and artifacts, learn about the Pueblo people’s history of resilience, and experience traditions that have been passed down for generations. Info: IPCC, 2401 12th Street NW, indianpueblo.org, (505) 843-7270.

Free with museum admission.

Amapola Gallery. We are a group of 39 local artists and artisans who have joined together to keep quality and variety up, prices down. We are little, local, creative, and our wondrous works are always priced right. The featured artists for June are Ray Upson, carver, and Carol Sparks, painter. The show will run through June.

Info: Amapola Gallery in Old Town on the Plaza at 205 Romero, NW. Open 10 to 5 daily, 505-242-4311, amapolagallery.com.

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

daily | 7 am–8 pm Free Fishing. From sun-up to sun-down, practice your basic fly-tying methods, flyrod casting techniques, fishing etiquette, effective catch-and-release practices and enhancement of advanced skills. Bring your own equipment and refreshments as the store and cafes are currently closed.

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

daily | 10 am–5 pm Adopt a Pet. Find your best pet ever.

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

various days | various times Albuquerque Dolls. We have ongoing social events for women, including dinners, dancing, movies, volunteering, crafts, and trips, and we are having a blast.

We encourage women to join together to support each other and learn more about New Mexico. meetup.com/AlbuquerqueDolls/.

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

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

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

mondays | 2:30–4 pm UNM and Cancer Support Now. Survivors Writing Together, a journaling support group for survivors, men and women, all cancer diagnoses. Info: Our Helpline is available seven days a week at (505) 255-0405. Hosting web meetings only at this time. Please call our helpline for an invitation to join a web support group or to connect with someone for one-to-one support.

daily | various times NAMI NM and NAMI Albuquerque (National Alliance for the Mentally Ill). We have many support programs available weekly through Zoom at no charge. We also offer 8-week classes on mental illness that are available at no charge to family members and people with a mental health condition or diagnosis. During trying times, stress, anxiety, depression and anger are prevalent. Info: naminewmexico. org, namialbuquerque.org, information line (505) 260-0154. Free.

daily | 10 am–8 pm Watermelon Mountain Ranch Animal Center. New Mexico’s largest no-kill animal shelter seeks loving homes for rescued dogs and cats. Adoptions are at select PetSmart locations and Watermelon Mountain Ranch. Donations, fosters, and volunteers are always welcome.

Info: wmranch.org, (505) 771-0140, wmranchnm@aol.com.

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

tuesdays–saturdays | 9 am–5 pm

Outcomes.

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

Free childcare and admission.

Art and History Exhibitions. Albuquerque Museum. See our website for the current listing of exhibitions. Info: Albuquerque Museum, 2000 Mountain Road NW, cabq. gov/artsculture/abqmuseum, (505) 2437255. General admission: $3-$6; a $5 exhibition surcharge may apply.

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

tuesdays–saturdays | 9:30 am, 1:30 pm tuesday–fridays; 10:30 am, noon, 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 Road, Corrales, cabq.gov/ casasanysidro, (505) 898-3915, $4-$6 general admission.

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.

Hosting web meetings only at this time.

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

mondays and wednesdays | 9:30 pm Online Tango Classes. Live lessons with Eva Garlez and Pablo Rodriguez. Info: Bien Milonguero Tango School, 1512 First Street NW. evaypablotango@gmail.com or (505) 313-5316 text or Whatsapp.

mondays–saturdays | noon–2 pm Exquisite Turquoise in the Castle. This extraordinary German-style castle is the museum setting featuring rare turquoise specimens, lapidary demos, history and geology, a mine tunnel replica, hands-on activities for kids, and silversmithing. Info: The Turquoise Museum, 400 2nd St. SW, turquoisemuseum.com, (505) 433-3684.

Tickets: $20 adults, $15 children.

every third monday | 6–7:30 pm Outcomes.

Grandparents Raising Grandchildren.

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

tuesdays | 2–3 pm Caregiver Support Group. Caregiving for a loved one can be overwhelming and isolating. This group provides a compassionate space for caregivers to gain emotional support and information.

Facilitated by Erin Tarica, LMSW. Info: Jewish Community Center, 5520 Wyoming Blvd. NE. Pre-registration required, (505) 348-4451, free.

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

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

second tuesdays | 12–2 pm Cancer Support Now. How to be your Own Best Advocate for patients, survivors and/or caregivers, all cancers. Learn to identify and eliminate barriers in finding both medical and non-medical resources, information, and support during cancer diagnosis and treatment. Info: Our Helpline is available seven days a week at (505) 255-0405. Hosting web meetings only at this time. Please call our helpline for an invitation to join a web support group or to connect with someone for one-to-one support.

second tuesdays | 6–7 pm Outcomes.

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

tuesdays–sundays | 10 am–5 pm National Hispanic Cultural Center Exhibits.

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

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tuesdays, thursdays, fridays, sundays | 11 am Historic Old Town Tours. Explore historic Old Town on foot with our informative docents who will provide insight into the people and places that shaped our early community. Info: Albuquerque Museum, 2000 Mountain 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 diagnoses, all stages, all women. Info: Our Helpline is available seven days a week at (505) 255-0405. Hosting web meetings only at this time. Please call our helpline for an invitation to join a web support group or to connect with someone for one-to-one support.

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

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

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

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

wednesdays–sundays am–4 pm

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

wednesdays–sundays | 11 am–5 pm, ages 8+, wednesdays– thursdays | 5–8 pm, all ages Cat adoptions. Come enjoy drinks, snacks, and spend time with adorable adoptable cats at Catopia Cat Cafe. Your visit will support their foster home and keep them company until they find their permanent homes, maybe with you. Info: catopiacatcafe.com, Paseo Village, 8001 Wyoming NE, Suite C-5, (505) 508-4278.

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

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

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

second and fourth thursdays | 3:30–5 pm Cancer Support Now. Pancreatic cancer support group for patients and survivors, all stages of diagnosis, men and women.

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

first and third thursdays | 6–8 pm Cancer Support Now. Women’s North Valley cancer support group for all cancers, all women, survivors and/or caregivers. Info: Our Helpline is available seven days a week at (505) 255-0405.

Hosting web meetings only at this time.

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

thursdays | 9:30 pm Online Tango Classes.

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

fridays | noon–1:30 pm Grief and Loss Support Group. Grief is a natural process that can often be eased through sharing with others who have experienced the loss of a loved one or any other significant loss. Info: Jewish Care Program, (505) 821-3214, free.

fridays | 1–4 pm Tamarind Institute. See the workshop facility, learn about fine art lithography, the current programs and the history of Tamarind (a division within the College of Fine Arts at UNM), a collaborative process video, and a printing demonstration. The public is welcome, no reservation required; reservation for other times: tamarind. unm.edu. Info: Tamarind Institute, 2500 Central Ave. SE, (505) 277-3901. Free.

fridays | 7–10 pm Dance Party. Learn a new dance and meet new people each week at ABQ’s newest studio, with three beautiful ballrooms and state-of-the-art floating dance floors.

Enjoy refreshments and an introductory dance class from 7–8 pm. Info: Holiday Dance Studio, 5200 Eubank Blvd. NE. Call to confirm schedule, (505) 508-4020, holidaydancestudio.com, $30.

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

fridays | 1 pm Mural Discovery Tour. The IPCC houses 19 murals by Pueblo artists. Our guided tour introduces the art, traditions, core values of Pueblo culture, and a who’s who of Pueblo artists. Reflect upon the murals and uncover layers of meaning in each, with representations of traditional Pueblo life, including dance, the seasons, and our connection to animals, as well as the contemporary vision of emerging artists. Tours can be scheduled for groups in advance by calling (505) 212-7052. Info: Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, 2401 12th Street NW, (505) 843-7270, indianpueblo. org. Free with museum admission.

WWW.ABQTHEMAG.COM | JUNE 2022

Is there anything more fun to read than a list? Nope, we didn’t think so, either.

Which is why we reached out to several dozen notable Albuquerqueans to ask them to list their memories for us to enjoy. The compilation resulted in our firstever List Issue. To amp up the fun, we paired the respondents with interesting questions, like asking news reporters what they aspired to become as kids, or local flight attendants their experiences with onboard celebrities. The responses are at once honest and entertaining.

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MY MOST MEMORABLE CONCERT Mark Padilla

Owner, Lesmen’s Pro Audio, Lighting & Video

“The music equipment company Yamaha invited us to a special concert in 1998 with Tower of Power and lots of other great bands. They said they would also have a special guest artist for the industry party, which only had about 150 to 200 people. The special guest came out and it was Tony Bennett. The way he sang and controlled the dynamics of the room was amazing. We left after he performed because I was so excited that I didn’t want to hear any more music—I just wanted to reminisce in my head. I didn’t even wait for Tower of Power, and they’re amazing! I was just satisfied and didn’t want anything else.”

Dan Mourning

Hilary Smith

General Manager, Expo New Mexico

Award-winning Singer & Songwriter

“It was January, 1977 at McNichols Arena in Denver. My best friend and I were about five rows from the stage. Through the darkness you heard Gene Simmons’ unmistakable bass line on “Detroit Rock City,” and a minute later, the arena exploded with lights, pyrotechnics, guitars, drums, kabuki makeup, platform shoes, and four of the most amazing showman I’d ever seen. Blood was coming out of Gene Simmons’ mouth and by the middle of the show I was yelling for him to spit blood on me!”

“It was just days before the pandemic shut-down, March 8, 2020, and I had a third-row seat to see Jill Scott in Houston. I had traveled solo to see one of my top musical influences—I’m a crazy fan! There were murmurings of the oncoming pandemic, it was scary and surreal, yet the energy in the hall seemed to be one of, ‘Let’s do this while we can.’ We were all grooving and dancing full on, singing at the top of our lungs, strangers harmonizing. There was a tangible, symbiotic energy between every human there, as if we didn’t know where things were headed, but we just wanted to live life like it was golden-golden.”

JUNE 2022 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

David Felberg

Artistic Director, Chatter

“I saw soprano Cecilia Bartoli when I visited Lucerne, Switzerland. It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience—a blend of perfection, soul and virtuosity like I’d never seen before. The venue was the International Lucerne Music Festival and some of the world’s top classical musicians — Vienna Philharmonic, Chicago Symphony — performed. It was stunning in every way. My second-favorite concert was Judas Priest at Tingley Coliseum, circa 1983.”

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michael dunn coldwell banker

“suicide fountain drink! as a kid, i remember being at the bowling alley on kirtland afb combining a splash of every soda flavor down the entire row in one cup! for many years after that, i would do that in every fountain drink station i’d ever come across! im not sure when i stopped doing it, but now that i think of it - i’ll be stopping by a maverick gas station tomorrow!”

tracy denton t and t real estate

"shirley temples – as a kid i remember getting shirley temples when we would go out to eat. i loved when the drink was garnished with oranges and cherries, i always asked for extras! it made me feel grown up to see this red colored drink served in a special glass."

john lopez coldwell banker "barq's root beer at palace youth center with tino griego. i grew up in santa fe and finding enough change to buy a silver can of barq's root beer, at the palace youth center, during the summers was a treat that could not be accurately described with words. only way to attempt to describe how you felt is by trying to remember the feelings you would get as a kid on christmas morning."

nicholas r. peña associate broker, blunier team, keller williams “dr. pepper and peanuts. i used to love to go with my dad to the pool hall near our home in santa fe, where he would hang out with his friends. one day my pops bought me a bag of peanuts and a dr. pepper, which was my favorite drink back then. his buddy told me to try adding half the bag of peanuts to my bottle of dr. pepper—he said it was the coolest snack ever. being at an impressionable age, i had to be cool and try it. i became hooked on dr. pepper and peanuts. the funny thing is, today i can't stand dr. pepper.”

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Kori Bristow

Venturi Realty Group

"Nothing gets between me and my Dr. Pepper" WWW.ABQTHEMAG.COM | JUNE 2022

Andres Trujillo

Owner/President & CEO, New Mexico Runners

“My favorite cartoon superhero was Batman, even though he didn’t have any superpowers. But what I loved was that he used his traumatic life experiences as a catalyst to become the hero that everyday people needed. With his resources, he was able to utilize technology and his wits to defeat foes. I remember one Christmas when I was about 6, I got a neon green Batmobile from Santa Claus.

Ever since then I’ve always collected Batmobile Hot Wheels!”

Warren Schaeffer Manager, Albuquerque Isotopes

Head Coach, New Mexico Ice Wolves

Phil Fox

Sherman Carter

“My favorite cartoon superhero as a kid was Leonardo from the Ninja Turtles. I had all the Ninja Turtles action figures, pizza throwers, flying cars, bad guys, April O’Neil, Shredder, foot soldiers. You name it, I had it—even the Turtle Van. But Leonardo was the leader. He was humble and quiet. There was something different about him that even hard-headed Raphael had reverence for. And he yielded the swords. They all had cool weapons, but nothing said ‘don’t mess with me’ like two swords crossing behind your turtle shell, especially on a quiet, humble, controlled leader. He was the best.”

“When I was younger, I idolized Mighty Mouse. He proved to me from a young age that no matter the size there is always a way to prevail. He was honest, intelligent, powerful, and most of all, mighty.

This is still a message I preach to my players; it doesn’t matter if the guy on the other side of the ice is bigger or taller, you too can be mighty.”

“Growing up, my favorite superhero was Leonardo of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Leonardo was always the calm, cool, collected turtle but was still physically strong, which made me relate to him because in my youth (and even to this day) I was frequently referred to as a ‘gentle giant.’ Leonardo once said ‘We Turtles don’t know the meaning of the word defeat,’ which is a phrase I have taken within me into my adult life and have tried to remember whenever adversity comes my way.”

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Head Football Coach, Duke City Gladiators

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Matthew Schnooberger Executive Chef, Range Cafe

"I used to go visit my grandparent's blueberry farm every summer. My parents would take me to Kansas, and I would ride with my great-aunts and grandma to Michigan. My favorite part was traveling with grandma and my aunts because they would stop at every McDonald’s on the way for me to collect the hot wheels. Still to this day I only eat McDonald’s on road trips—and always order a happy meal to remind me of them."

Chef David Ruiz

Owner, Curious Toast Café

“My two ultimate road trip snacks are beef jerky and the greatest candy bar ever, Twix. Beef jerky is better if you’re on a solo road trip because, without a doubt, it will make the car smell. But it’s tasty and hearty—and will keep you going on those long hours on the road. As for the Twix bar, that’s when you’re on that last stretch of a trip and you’re starting to crash, so you need a sugary boost of energy. You can never go wrong with either.”

Adrienne Miller

Chef, Happy Accidents

"My favorite road trip snack isn’t a snack! I have to stop at a fast casual restaurant or some kind of diner when I travel. If there’s a Macaroni Grill, Olive Garden or Waffle House on my way to said destination you better believe I’m pulling over and eating there. Or, I do a Google search for a mom and pop specialty place, like Bates House of Turkey in Greenville, Alabama or Harts Chicken in my home town of Mobile, Alabama."

Jason Greene

Executive Chef/Owner, The Grove Cafe & Market

“I’m typically not a big fan of sugary snacks on a road trip. I like to go for the straight sodium overload. I put my tastebuds through salt-ridden havoc, craving gallons of water for the rest of the night. I typically ask myself later why I did it, and skipping dinner due to an unhappy stomach. I can hear my wife telling me now, ‘Don’t do it Jason, you won’t be happy later!"

Joe Guzzardi

Chef/Owner, Joe's Pasta House

"Pretzels, popcorn, and kettle chips. All salty snacks. Then, I gotta wash them back with some water."

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Renee Grout

Albuquerque City Councilor, District 9 “I come from a long line of car people. My grandparents owned The Auto Clinic on San Pedro, and my dad raced cars. So, when I turned 16 in the spring of 1977 and didn’t have a car of my own yet, I thought I was being treated very unfairly! One afternoon that summer, my dad asked me what I thought about the Chevy Camaro. I told him I didn’t much like the look of the Camaro or the Ford Mustang – they were too boxy in front. My dream car, I said, was something sleeker, like the Corvette or the Pontiac Firebird. So, my dad says, ‘Come outside, I have something for you.’ We went out, and parked in the driveway was a gold 1970 Camaro with a 5.0 liter engine and a threespeed manual transmission, plus bucket seats and an AM radio. Of course, I loved it instantly.”

Klarissa J. Pena

Albuquerque City Councilor, District 3

“I was born in a 1959 Cadillac on the way to the hospital here in Albuquerque (if you ask my parents, they say I may have been conceived there as well). Years later, my father had always hoped to find a ‘59 that we could buy to restore. Well, one day while he was driving in Corrales, he located one buried in a foot of mud. My husband and I bought the car, but unfortunately my dad passed before seeing it restored. But I know he would be proud of how it turned out.”

Brook Bassan

Albuquerque City Councilor, District 4

"My first car was a 1990 gray, 2-door, Toyota 4x4 pickup truck. It had windows you had to roll down yourself, locks you had to push down or pull up to engage, and a real key to unlock and start the truck. It was a stick shift and I am still proud to know how to drive a manual transmission. I saved up to have a “fancy” aftermarket CD player and alarm installed. I loved all of it."

Tammy Fiebelkorn

Albuquerque City Councilor, District 7

“My first electric vehicle was a used Chevy Spark and I loved it. The car was inexpensive, and insurance was affordable. I spent an average of $6 per month to charge it at home and $20 per year on maintenance (windshield wipers and fluid). Most importantly, I haven’t had to go to a gas station since 2017. I now drive a used Nissan Leaf and it’s incredible, too. The future is electric! “

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Mayor Tim Keller Albuquerque

“My favorite series lately has been “Winning Time, Rise of the Lakers Dynasty” on HBO. I love sports and TV, and this is a well done combo of the two that tells a cool story with a pretty wild cast of characters. Of all of them, I do have to say Claire Rothman, who is the manager of The Forum, where the Lakers play, is my favorite.

She’s totally the one getting stuff done, and her eccentric character is such an entertaining part of the show.”

Donald T. Lopez

Los Ranchos, Colonel, U.S. Air Force, Retired

“JAG (acronym for Judge Advocate General) ran on TV for over nine years, and I loved it because it was an action-adventure series with war stories. The final season featured personal dilemmas, as “Harm” Rabb (David James Elliott) resigned his post and flew missions for the CIA, while beautiful “Mac” Mackenzie (Catherine Bell) ends up dating a familiar face only to have to face off against a terrorist. Finally, the other star of the show, Admiral Chegwidden (John M. Jackson), continues to drop bombshells, personal revelations that affect all of their lives. Many episodes reminded me of my 30-year U.S. Air Force career which took me all over the world.”

Mayor Gregg Hull Rio Rancho

"My favorite guilty pleasure TV show would have to be The Big Bang Theory. Carrie and I have spent many times together binging this show. It never seems to grow old. As a matter of fact our two rescue fur babies are named after the main character, Sheldon and Cooper. When ever we need a little escape and lots of laughs, we do a little Big Bang Theory binge."

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Mark Morgenstern Able Strength Fitness

Reece Killebrew Co-Owner, Republiq

"I am a sucker for seltzers.

I will make a special trip to my local supermarket just for these guiltless beverages. I have somehow convinced myself that drinking during the week is ok if it's a "Topo Chico.” I mean, c'mon, 90 calories— that’s an easy choice. At first I was embarrassed to tell other men I enjoy drinking seltzers, but now I'm proud to say I identify as a seltzer drinker."

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"I never buy things from the grocery store that will throw me off track with my nutrition. However, my ultimate vice is Big Macs from McDonald’s! When I let things go, I stop and get three of them, plus large fries and two cherry pies."

Noelle Killebrew

Co-Owner, Republiq

“Chocolate. Not just any chocolate, but Cadbury Mini Eggs. They are only available during Easter and every year I try to just buy a small snack bag. Truth be told, I eat at least 2 full-sized bags. I have sucked my daughter and son into this Cadbury obsession. Tip: they’re best when kept in the freezer.”

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Cyndy McCrossen

City of ABQ Film Laison

"I have to say Franco Zeffirelli’s 1968 Romeo and Juliette! It’s the classic love story of all love stories. He cast two unknown teenagers in the title roles - Olivia Hussey and Leonard Whiting -who give amazing energy and sensuality to the play. I’ve seen it several times but first saw it alone in a theater a decade after its initial release. I was away somewhere for summer school. My own situation certainly added to my sentimental feelings for Shakespeare’s star-crossed lovers."

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Paul Anthony Chavez

Flight Attendant, Southwest Airlines

“I have met many great people while flying, including celebrities, professional athletes, and political officials, including First Lady Laura Bush, Archbishop of Santa Fe Michael Sheehan, Mayor Tim Keller and Senator Ted Cruz.

I had motivational speaker Anthony Robbins on my flight from San Juan, Puerto Rico to Chicago. The one celebrity I remember the most was Josh Altman. He is a realtor from the TV show “Million Dollar Listing.” I met him in the Phoenix airport. He was nice and took a photo with me.”

Alexandra Speidel

Flight Attendant, Southwest Airlines

"On a recent flight, Mike Tyson was sitting in the front row aisle seat directly in front of me. The funniest part was that I didn’t recognize him at all. I had Mike Tyson sleeping in front of me and I didn’t even notice. We all know that he has this infamous tattoo across the side of his face—and I still didn’t know it was him! In my defense we were all still wearing masks at the time. Once I noticed it was him, I was surprised, but also didn’t feel the need to bother him. He was very polite and when we landed he was more than happy to take pictures with a few members of our crew."

Waneta Carolyn Petree

American Airlines Flight Attendant, Retired

“Garth Brooks and his first wife were flying with us in first class. He had on his signature black hat and was travelling under the name “Trent Travis.” A teen girl in the back of the plane kept pushing the attendant button, so I went to see what was going on. She asked if that was Garth Brooks. I said ‘Let me check,’ and went back to let Garth know there was an adoring fan on board.

He invited her up, and soon there was a swarm of passengers getting photos and autographs. He was so kind and full of grace.”

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Steve Stucker

Weather Forecaster, KOB-TV, Ch. 4 “Major League baseball player. I actually made my little league baseball team. I just never got to play. I spent the entire season on the bench—not one at-bat or even a single play in the outfield. I was so bad, the coach who was supposed to pick me up on his way to practice would sometimes drive right by, pretending not to see me! I’d be running down the street chasing his car, yelling “Mr. Morford, wait for me!” But when we played ball in a vacant lot, I always pretended to be the ‘announcer’ (“Rusty hits a towering home run over the left-field fence!”

— even if it was only 30 feet away). I stumbled across broadcasting in college and immediately knew that’s what I was meant to do. The weather forecast is sort of like doing day-by-day play-by-play!”

Gabrielle Burkhart

Bob Clark

Shelly Ribando

Investigative Reporter, KRQE Ch. 13

Host, 96.3 Newsradio KKOB

News Anchor, KOAT Ch. 7

"An artist and a musician. Fast forward to college at the University of North Texas where I was surrounded by world-class musicians and an excellent journalism school, and I ended up studying both. Now I get to write stories for a living, and enjoy being an audience member at my husband's live music shows.

Raffi songs are in our repertoire and I'm pretty sure our toddler prefers daddy's drums over mom's singing."

“When I was a kid in Hershey, Pennsylvania, I dreamed of becoming a firefighter or a sanitation worker. Why? Because I loved big trucks. But a comment from my 6th grade teacher ultimately put me on the path for my broadcasting career: “Bob, you should work in radio because you certainly love to talk.” Touché. Today, I’m incredibly blessed to still enjoy a broadcasting career that has spanned more than 40 years, including the last 30 years here in Albuquerque.”

Believe it or not, I always wanted to be a TV news reporter! I remember watching local New York City newscasts on a small kitchen TV while helping my mom get ready for dinner. I also loved interviewing everyone in my family on a regular basis—which I’m sure they never got tired of. And I would ask the hard-hitting questions, too, and always followed up with ‘Why?’ To this day, my parents joke about that (‘What’s your favorite color? Why.’) Apparently, that one was asked a lot! But in my defense, I was only about six years old. I think…. There’s also video of me somewhere that my mom threatens to post, where I’m pretending to be a reporter while on vacation in 11th grade with my family in California at the beach, giving details of the people from Beverly Hills 90210 out on their surfboards.

Clearly, I was well on my way to journalism excellence!”

Doug Fernandez

News Anchor, KOAT Ch. 7

“I grew up in a time when boys wanted to be police officers or astronauts, but I wanted to be a pro athlete.

However, at 14 my arm went out, so baseball was out of the question. As for basketball, I wasn't fast enough, nor could I shoot well enough. But it was after a hoops game that a radio/tv executive saw me being interviewed and thought I might want to consider a communications career. I did, but not until 13 years later! So, after starting in TV and 7 jobs later, here I am at KOAT (August will mark 20 years here).”

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Joy Wang

Scott Galetti

News Reporter, KOB Ch. 4

Longtime UNM Lobo play-by-play sportscaster

“As a child, I distinctly remember enjoying a delicious bowl of noodles and thinking to myself, ‘I want to be a noodle maker.’ But then when I started listening to music, I thought about becoming a CD sorter. (Was there even such a job?) Then in 5th grade, as I navigated life between Taiwan and the U.S., people would constantly ask me questions about living in another country.

Something clicked: what if I could inform others, and tell stories for a living? Today, I'm thankful to live my childhood dream every day as a reporter for KOB. Oh, and I still cook noodles from time to time, but I no longer own any CDs.”

“Just before my fourth birthday, my father did a reelto-reel audio recording of me, and asked what I wanted to be when I grew up. My answer was ‘play-by-play announcer’ (even though, as I got older, I had the disadvantage of being shy and introverted). I lived in L.A., and even back then I already had favorite announcers in Vin Scully and Chick Hearn. Not only did I grow up to work in the field I dreamed of, I actually got to be mentored to an extent by Vin and Chick (both Hall of Fame announcers).”

Myrna Herrera

5th Grade Teacher at Dolores Gonzales Elementary School "When I was younger, I wanted to be a pediatrician, but then I realized that I would be dealing with sick kids, which made me sad. So I decided to become a teacher because I love working with kids and I want to make a difference in this world, the best way I can do that is by teaching them to be kind no matter if people aren't kind to them."

Iker O., Soccer Player for Madrid Iker C., Soccer Player for Madrid Abdiel, Soccer Player Jasmin, Artist Sophie, A Marine Biologist since she was four Rafael, Archaeologist Aaron, Youtuber Cesar, Soccer Player Eliseo, Chemist Ange, Undecided Luciana, Zoologist Micah, Wants to make beauty videos on YouTube Tahipab, Scientist that studies space Andy, Architect Omar, Robotics Engineer From the bottom left: Eliseo Anglada Baca, Cesar Zarate, Ms. Herrera, Brandon Ibarra-Rodriguez, and Angel Ponce Porras.

Middle: Isabela Arreola-Vazquez, Andy Loya Garcia Top row from left to right: Josiah Ortiz, Aaron Candelaria Jr, Rafael Fiorello, Luciana Silva, Sophie Cadena-Belletto, Tahipab Garcia-Domingo, Isai Avila Casavantes,Abdiel Hernandez, Iker Casillas, Iker Ojeda-Meza, and Omar Terrazas

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Isabella, Drummer or guitar player for a band Isai, Soccer Player for Madrid Josiah, Archaeologist Brandon, Soccer Player for Madrid

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Kathy Love

Attorney, McGinn Montoya Love & Curry

“Saul is at his best when he fights for the little guy, like when he exposed a greedy retirement home’s fraud of elderly people or when he represented the man a powerful bank was trying to force out of his home where he had lived for 30 years. He is conflicted between a desire to do the right thing and his constant impulse toward the next scam. It’s all good in television, but not so much in the real practice of law!”

PJ Hartman

Attorney At Law

“I am so embarrassed to admit that I have never watched “Better Call Saul!”

The fact that I was asked the question has caused me some self-shaming, so I will certainly be doing some binge Saul-watching in the near future. However, I’m an adrenaline junkie for investigative-crime TV shows. I always loved playing the game of Clue, and love the “who-doneit” aspect of crime shows.

Currently, a fleeting guilty pleasure of mine has been following the Johnny Depp defamation trial. I am definitely entertained by the courtroom drama, and enjoy critiquing the attorneys!”

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Bertrand Parnall

Ben Davis

Attorney and Owner of Parnall Law

Attorney, Davis Kelin Law Firm

“Better Call Saul is almost (but not quite) as good a catch phrase as Hurt? Call Bert, and Bob Odenkirk is so funny and talented in his portrayal of Saul Goodman.

Keep in mind, however, this is a TV show—not real life.

Most lawyers work very hard to be honest and put their clients’ interests first and would never behave like the incorrigible Mr. Goodman.

In fact, some of the most ethical and responsible attorneys I have ever met serve our community right here in Albuquerque.”

“I love the backstory and transformation of Saul Goodman's character. As a fellow personal injury and trial lawyer, I don’t necessarily condone the character’s legal practice, but I appreciate that Saul is honest to who he is and can just ‘be him-Saul-f!’”

Simon A. Kubiak Attorney at Law, P.C.

“I’m in big trouble here—I have no idea what Better Call Saul is. I tried watching the first episode of Season 1, and I couldn’t. It’s that bad for me.”

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MY WORST SPEEDING TICKET EXPERIENCE Robert Sneed General Manager, Power Ford

“I was carpooling with a friend of mine to the office where we worked. I must've been lost in conversation, because I failed to recognize the quick and kind ‘warning flash’ by an officer giving me the opportunity to lower my speed.

That probably made him angry, because seconds later, he pulled me over. After collecting my driver’s license and insurance, he returned and politely asked me to step out of the car. I did so, and moments later I was handcuffed in the back of his cruiser! After I was booked into jail, it turns out my dad, who shares the same name as me, had a few unpaid traffic tickets from years past when he lived in the state. Lesson learned!”

Matt Sneed Director of Operations, Power Ford

“On a Sunday morning, I was driving to meet my family and went through a city where the police officers are known to be very strict.

Driving down a side road, I sped up and passed a black SUV. I looked in the mirror and saw the police lights. When the officer asked where I was going, I pointed to a church. I got pulled over in the church parking lot (and still got the ticket)!”

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Diego Sanchez

‘The Ultimate Fighter 1’ Winner and UFC Title Challenger

"I'm more of a toast, eggs and oatmeal guy. But when I lived in California and was introduced to the cannabis culture, cereal was a stoner snack. The munchie of choice was Cinnamon Toast Crunch with coconut milk."

Michelle Waterson

Jalin Fuller

John Dodson

"Cookie Crisp and Cinnamon Toast Crunch. Eating cookies for breakfast was a big treat. With the Cinnamon Toast Crunch, I liked the combination of milk and cinnamon.

I liked to let the cereal sit in the milk a little bit and let it get a little soggy, but not too soggy."

"A tie between Cocoa Puffs, Captain Crunch and Cinnamon Toast Crunch. They tasted good even without milk, and I loved the characters—especially Captain Crunch.

Plus, the cereal commercials were on point back in the day."

"To this day, my favorite go-to is still Lucky Charms. It gave me the chance to be organized because I would eat all of the cereal first, and then the marshmallows, starting with the rainbows first. I’d be mad and upset if my mom decided to eat my marshmallows while I was still eating them."

UFC veteran and former Invicta FC champ

Legacy Fighting Alliance competitor

Former UFC title challenger

Jodie Esquibel

Lando Vannata

"I don’t remember always having cereal growing up, so it was a really big treat. I went through a journey of Apple Jacks, Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Fruity Pebbles and Cocoa Pebbles. But I think I landed on Cinnamon Toast Crunch. The milk was delicious after, as well. I love all cereal, especially now."

“Cookie Crisp, because I liked cookies and Cookie Monster as a child.

One of my memories I associate with Cookie Crisp is riding in the shopping cart down the aisles at Walmart.”

UFC Veteran

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UFC Veteran

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Mike Silva

UNM Alumni Association President Co-Owner, Rudeboy Cookies Co-Owner, Tour ABQ

"With a group of friends we went to The Firehouse. The Firehouse, later became Sandiago's, and is now closed, but it was located at the base of the Tram. There were four couples and we sat on the patio that faced west. We timed the dinner reservation so we would have a front row seat to watch the city light up, followed by one of our gorgeous Albuquerque sunsets. What we were fortunate enough to see was the most beautiful sunset any of us had ever seen. It was a fantastic evening!"

Victoria Lujan

UNM Alumni Relations Office

"A place I remember dining for prom was The Yacht Club -it's no longer around. Funny story: my date’s parents happen to be dining there that same evening. After I orderedhe politely excused himself, went and found his parents, and asked for some more money for the upcoming tab! He wasn’t expecting for me to order the lobster and steak!"

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Frank Neborsky

General Manager, The Downs Racetrack & Casino

"My first visit to Las Vegas was in 1990 to attend the World Gaming Congress, a trade show for casino professionals. I was 32 years old at the time and my only experience with casinos and gambling up to that point was working in Atlantic City. Being a kid from Jersey, I was amazed that Vegas could exist in the middle the desert. The sheer number of casinos, $2.99 prime rib buffets, wedding chapels on every corner, Fremont Street and so many night clubs. I guess that’s why they say, ‘What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas."

Travis Blanchard

Director of Guests Experiences, The Downs Racetrack & Casino

“My first visit to Las Vegas was in 1990. I was 9 years old, and, it was a time for family and sunshine. My first impression of Vegas was cemented at a breakfast buffet. While we were eating, I noticed the flashing Keno boards. My brother, sister and I wanted to know what these glowing boards were, so my father had us all pick numbers, he submitted them, then explained the concept to us. After about 10 minutes, the waiter came and said that we had won $250—exciting stuff for a 9-year-old! My parents took us to the gift shop and let us pick any toy we wanted. I chose a slot machine piggy bank.”

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Lisa McKitrick

Co-Owner, Boofy's Best for Pets

“Lucifer Boofy-Lump Bedbug – THE BOOF! – showed up on my apartment balcony when I was in college and was my best friend and soulmate for the next 11 years. He was a black and white cow-kitty with an impeccable paint job and more emotional intelligence than anyone I’ve ever known. He gave excellent back massages and inexplicably spent a year attempting to stand on tennis balls with all four feet. He battled kidney failure in his final years because I didn’t know then what I know now about feline nutrition. We named our pet food stores in his memory to help other pet parents do better.”

Norm Shrout

Co-Owner, Long Leash On Life

"Our rescue dog, Pica, was a gifted teacher. She taught us patience, how to love a misunderstood street dog that never had socialization, and so much about dog behavior.

Years of desensitization therapy finally minimized her reactivity to dogs and humans, and we ended up sharing an unrivaled soul-mate bond. Despite her degenerative spinal disease, her insuppressible zest for life showed us how to face adversity with fortitude.

Our canine coach, Pica, did cross over the Rainbow Bridge, but her lessons and love will always remain in our hearts."

Roberto Holness

Owner, Simply Diego’s

“Lexi was a yellow lab/lioness, and the first dog in my family. As a puppy, she was an escape artist. We would chase her for hours, and she would come back covered in mud after the adventure of a lifetime! Lexi absolutely LOVED the snow, and would bury her face in it on every walk. There isn’t just one story to pick that could summarize 14 years of friendship and loyalty. I miss her so much and think of my pretty girl every day.”

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Chad Brummett

Host & Producer, "Legendary New Mexico" & "New Mexico Living"

“As a life-long fan of horror movies, I one hundred percent thank (and blame) Tales from the Crypt for my love of the genre. The stories were always scary, funny, and just enough for a kid to watch and get spooked without going overboard. To this day, the episode featuring Morton Downey Jr. ‘coming to you live’ from a haunted house is my absolute favorite. The adaptations for the big screen were garbage, but those halfhour episodes on HBO were just enough to spook you for a week, until the next tale from the crypt-keeper dropped.”

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Vince McDaniel

Actor, Writer & Producer

“The Cosby Show was the most important series for me growing up as a youth. There has never been a show with a more profound influence on the way black America views itself, and how White America views us.

Seeing people who looked like me on TV, in a positive setting, meant the world to me as a 15-year-old kid living in the Mountain View projects on the southeast part of Albuquerque. The Cosby Show set standards of parenting that will resonate in society forever. Shows like Good Times focused on the struggles of an inner-city family living in the ghetto with very few solutions to everyday problems—it only promoted us living in the ghetto. On the other hand, The Cosby Show inspired us to want more out of life and ultimately it made me want to be an outstanding father and husband one day!"

Lauren Poole

Actress, Comedian

“I watched so much television growing up but the most impactful things I saw were probably Sesame Street, Saturday Night Live, and music videos on MTV (back when they used to actually, you know, show music videos). Re-watching shows from my childhood, though, I have to say Nickelodeon's The Adventures of Pete and Pete was so different from any other show I had ever seen for kids. It was about 2 brothers, the little one had a big tattoo of a mermaid on his arm and their mom had a big metal plate in her head. I guess I really liked that it took risks and had a bunch of really strange characters. Come to think of it, some of them were pretty demented, hahahaha…”

Jackamoe Buzzell Actor

“Three’s Company, a TV show about the misadventures of two women and one man living in one apartment in Santa Monica Beach, California.

First seeing this show growing up in Sanford, Maine at around 12 years old, I wanted to be like the character Jack Tripper, played by John Ritter.

Being a fun-loving man living with two beautiful women really appealed to me. It also introduced me to the gay population, so when I met my first gay friend Rick, I welcomed him with open arms, even though it was still difficult for him to come out to everyone at the time. To this day, Santa Monica Beach is one of my favorite places to hang out, smoke some weed and chill.”

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ABQ THE INTERVIEW P. 132 | PERSONALITY P. 138 | BEHIND THE SCENES P. 142

HOUSE COMPRISED OF CULTURE Bianca Encinias grew up expanding her boundaries in the South Valley by listening to New Wave music. Her inclusive nature continues in her Downtown community art space. (p. 132)

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PHOTO BY DON JAMES/ATM

STORIES BEHIND INDIVIDUALS WHO MAKE ALBUQUERQUE GREAT

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UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL WITH OUR LEADERS AND DIFFERENCE-MAKERS

Star From a Small Town The lack of light pollution in Imelda Atencio's hometown at the base of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains led to her interest in stargazing—and a career as one the state's leading scientists.

PHOTOS BY DON JAMES/ATM

G

rowing up in Dixon, New Mexico, Dr. Imelda Atencio didn’t have many people to look up to in the sciences. She did, however, have the stars. Stargazing ignited her passion for science. She joined the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) in 1987 as a civil servant. Over her 35-year career — during which time she earned her Ph.D. from the University of Arizona in optical science — she’s risen to the helm of the Directed Energy Directorate’s Laser Division. As section chief, she oversees 200 scientists, engineers, and staff, conducting research in advanced laser technologies, laser effects, atmospheric turbulence mitigation, and laser system experiments. Their work in fiber lasers has been particularly important. Her work doesn’t stop at Kirtland’s gates. She’s been actively involved in community outreach for two decades and recently won a lifetime achievement award for it. She was the winner of Department of the Air Force 2021 Outstanding Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Outreach Champion Award.

ATM: Who were your early mentors in the field?

ATM: How did growing up in Dixon, between Española and Taos, influence your career choice?

IA: At college at New Mexico State, I started off in physics. But I realized I’m really an engineer, not a theoretician. I like to tinker. I switched to electrical engineering. I thought I’d try computers, but I got bored with 1s and 0s. I had a professor tell me I was really good at optical design, and that helped me set my path. That’s why teaching is so important, from preschool all the way up. Teachers can really influ-

DR. IMELDA ATENCIO: Dixon carved the path to my career. Growing up there fostered a love of the heavens above. It was very dark there. There was one little streetlight down the road. I was fascinated with the stars. I used a set of binoculars that I still have to this day. We lived on 10

acres of land. It was scary out there at 2 or 3 in the morning, when I’d go out to look at comets. I’d wake my mom up at whatever hour of the morning to go with me.

She was a nurse, but she was very devoted to her kids and their crazy ideas of things to do. I wanted to be an astronaut, but I’m near sighted. Astronauts have to have perfect vision. I was so disappointed!

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IA: In elementary school, I didn’t have any.

That was the 1960s and ’70s. It was still the time when girls were not supposed to be interested in math and science. I didn’t have any champions until high school. I went to high school in Albuquerque, at Albuquerque High. I had an astronomy class where my instructor was one of my early champions.

ATM: After you couldn’t become an astronaut, how did you decide on a career in the optical sciences?

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ABQ

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ABQ

ence their students for good and bad.

ATM: What helped you keep going in a field where there weren’t a lot of women?

IA: I’m stubborn. It caused a lot of heart-

ache with my mother. But my stubbornness has helped me be where I am. It’s always been hard. I was the only female in my program at New Mexico State, and one of only five women at the University of Arizona. I’ve had struggles and received comments, but I’m going to do what I want to do. When I started at the Air Force Research Lab, Dr. Janet Fender took me under her wing. I try to pay it forward. When I go into classrooms, I always use my Ph.D. title. I tell them, “If you want to know what a geek looks like grown up, ta-da!” I try to get young girls interested early on, but I’ll mentor anyone and everyone.

ATM: Why join the Air Force Research Lab? IA: The Air Force wants people who are

highly educated, and they will pay for it.

I wanted to go to graduate school and

not be in debt up to my eyeballs. I knew companies would send their employees off to school for a certain thing, but the Air Force Research Lab wasn’t restrictive.

I know I probably checked the boxes for woman and Hispanic, but I didn’t care. I found a way to get my foot in the door.

I’m proud to work for the Air Force and Space Force. It’s been cool working with so many people here who are so dedicated to the mission.

ATM: How did you begin doing community outreach around STEM? IA: In 1994 or so, the Albuquerque As-

tronomical Society was celebrating Astronomy Day at the mall. They had a cool model of the telescope at the Starfire Optical Range [at Kirtland], and I talked to people about adaptive optics.

ATM: What outreach projects have you been involved in over the years?

IA: With the Optical Society of America,

now Optica [a professional society], we created kits with hands-on activities to teach kids. We had to go into the schools and teach them how to use the kits. It was

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so exhilarating to see kids grasp onto ideas when they get hands-on with a concept.

I would see lightbulbs turn on. As time went on, I started on my own lessons. I turned space day for my son’s class (he’s now 26) into a learning experience for the whole school. As part of the Air Force Research Lab STEM Academy, I also helped develop presentations. I’ve developed 10 plus presentations over the years. Parents would hear about them and ask me to come to their schools. I’ve always volunteered at science fairs; my name is on the list to be called to judge them.

ATM: What are some of the key events you’ve been involved in?

IA: In the early 2000s, Gil Moore created

Project Starshine, which used satellites designed by the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory to involve students in atmospheric research. Students polished mirrors for the satellites, which looked like disco balls when they were constructed. They popped the satellites into low Earth orbit with the idea that the kids could track them, see which constellations were nearby, etc. The idea was to launch one a year

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ABQ

for 11 years, which didn’t happen, but the project had an impact across the globe.

I’ve also been involved in New Mexico MESA (Mathematics, Engineering, and Science Achievement) [a pre-college program preparing students for advanced study and careers in those fields], and now serve as treasurer on the board.

ATM: What impacts have you seen from these efforts?

IA: It’s hard to say because of going into so

many schools, and I don’t see the students from year to year. But one of my favorite experiences was at the ABQ BioPark Zoo. I heard someone say “Professor?”

A young lady walked up to me with her mom and introduced me as the person who taught her how to bend light. I’ve also seen the results through my job’s recruiting duties. I try to find the best and the brightest for the AFRL. I’ve found a dozen or so locally. I try to get them for us, but there are other parts of the AFRL across the country. If they’re interested in things we don’t do, I get their resumes to other places. This is the next generation of

scientists and engineers.

ATM: What did becoming the 2021 Outstanding Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Outreach Champion Award winner mean to you?

IA: I was kind of in shock. I mean, I’ve

won some other STEM awards. I never in my wildest dreams thought I’d win this. I’m humbled. I’ve been around here a long time, 35 years at the lab. To see that extension of my work as a scientist and mentor is neat. I’m honored that blood, sweat, and tears has made a difference.

ATM: What keeps you passionate about your work after 35 years in the field?

HW: I love doing the first of something.

Working in technology, there’s always the next generation of a technology that hasn’t been done before. Seeing the results of what we’ve done and how that’s transferred into academia and into the world, that’s what excited me. Theoreticians dream things up and see things in a different way. We put those theoreti-

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cians’ designs into practice and prove or disprove them. We make something concrete.

ATM: What do you enjoy doing outside of work?

HW: I love photography. Ansel Adams is my hero. I’m a bit of an artist; I paint and draw. That’s where the photography came from. I like light and how it affects how you can view the world. I love to see how framing a scene with the right light affects it. I’m also an avid gardener. Growing up in Dixon, an agricultural area, it’s in my blood. My love of science goes into gardening, too. I do organic gardening.

That’s my stress relief. I put up preserves, jams, and jellies from my mini orchard in the South Valley. A lot of my coworkers are the recipients of my jams and jellies.

I joke that they have to return the jars for refills. I’m involved in church. My friend and I are Popejoy buddies. I love the arts, theater, and music. I can’t be bored. I can’t sit still. I always have to be doing something. —ASHLEY M. BIGGERS

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

Arte Para Todos Art is indeed for everyone at the community space created by Bianca Encinias, whose naturally inclusive nature extends to music, race and social standing.

B PHOTOS BY DON JAMES/ATM

ianca Encinias’s journey to originate a woman- and Chicana-owned art space in West Downtown Albuquerque began with New Wave music.

Inspired by her older brother who listened to the genre, Encinias was drawn to music whose sound and style were unusual in the predominantly Hispanic and industrial South Valley community where she grew up. “I was into The Jesus and Mary Chain, New Order, and The Smiths.

That was pretty unique to be a Chicana, listening to New Wave and dressing like I saw on the album covers,” she says.

Encinias wasn’t the only Duke City teen in the early 1990s who loved a subculture. She attended an underage club called Maxwell that attracted New Wavers, punk rockers, and skateboarders from all over the city. “The space was cross ethnic. It had Chicanas and Native peoples. There were white folks, African Americans, Asian Pacific Islanders. There were people across all income levels. All together for the love of music. I was drawn to that,” she says.

Decades later, Encinias has created a similarly boundary crossing space that brings people together for the love of art and local culture. While established to be

a place for Hispanic/Chicano/Latino and indigenous artists, everyone is welcome at El Chante: Casa de Cultura.

Before founding El Chante, Encinias was a community organizer in the non-profit sector. She worked at the Southwest Network for Environmental and Economic Justice for a decade. She led communities across the U.S. to address racial inequities in public health, land use and loss, and zoning. When the non-profit ceased operations, she decided to turn the building that housed its offices into a community-based art space. Since 2010, El Chante has exhibited Nuevomexicano art within its visual arts gallery

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and gift shop, and supported local culture through workshops. Upstairs, a Spanish/ English library provides books for children.

“Our mission is to highlight people of color, but Anglo folks are always part of the scene,” she says. “Thinking back to 2010, most of the galleries downtown were pretty mainstream and run by people over the age of 50. El Chante was innovative in that it was rooted in our culture, it welcomed different races and ethnicities, and it was intergenerational in a way that other galleries weren’t at the time.”

Encinias hopes people of all income levels feel welcome, too. “Art shouldn’t just be something for people of the upper class. A painting may come in that’s $2,000, but I always try to make the art affordable, so we’ll make a print and sell it for $5 in the gift shop.”

She fosters emerging artists who may have the talent, but who don’t yet have the polish they may need to establish themselves in other galleries. She helps

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them develop their portfolios, publicize their shows, and develop materials like biographies that artists need to help sell their work.

Social justice is woven into El Chante’s mission. Encinias sees art as a popular education technique that can teach in subtle ways. Previous community center exhibitions have touched on the history of zoot suits, and how the people who wore them faced discrimination and mistreatment by the police. Another recent show dedicated to matriarchs explored different perspectives on feminism.

The show’s message hit close to home for Encinias. “As a Chicana, I didn’t get the message from society that women who

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looked like me were leaders in the economy. But I saw it at home,” she says. “A businesswoman doesn’t have to be someone who’s in a suit. It could be a rancher selling a cow, that’s a businesswoman.”

Encinias has sought to create a nurturing space for women and an economically beneficial one, too. She started organizing monthly Homegirl Mercados in 2019. After a pandemic pause, the monthly events resumed in May. They feature 25 to 30 arts-and-crafts vendors. The events are as much about selling as they are about solidarity.

During the pandemic, El Chante provided that for many community members even as their programming went on-

line. Former Albuquerque poet laureate Manuel Gonzalez leads the Low Writing group, which encourages participants to explore their emotions. “It was an important space for folks in the height of the pandemic,” Encinias says. “It gave them an opportunity to come together virtually to share what they were experiencing and be with other people.”

She welcomes the public into El Chante’s programming. “We need to find some common ground as human beings,” she says. “I hope people approach El Chante with an open heart and open mind. They don’t have to agree with the political statements or art that we have up.”

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Encinias is a role-up-her-sleeves person. As she spoke about her work, her gestures showed paint splotches on her hands. They were reminders of a day helping a South Valley senior citizen beautify their yard — one of the initiatives from her day job as executive director of Historic Bridge Mainstreet South Valley.

Although Encinias is careful to keep her day job separate from her role at El Chante, her vision and work there bear similarities to the ones for her community space. “Mainstreet provides an opportunity for community members of different affiliations to come together to focus on economic redevelopment and community development,” she says.

Encinias — and El Chante — have often escaped notice and recognition in the past. “I think there’s a vision of what a successful person looks like, talks like, or dresses like. Many of the people at El Chante don’t look that that,” she says.

“Myself, and all of us who were involved in alternative scenes, like New Wave, don’t think success requires fitting into the mainstream. How we measure success is different.” —ASHLEY M. BIGGERS

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BEHIND SCENES THE

YOUR SNEAK PEEK AT JOBS THAT FLY BELOW THE RADAR

Give The Man Credit Armed with a lifetime of financial knowledge and a kind heart, Michael Ramos has been rescuing ABQ folks of all ages from creditors for more than 30 years.

M PHOTOS BY DON JAMES/ATM

ichael Ramos admittedly gets a little bit emotional when discussing the work he does for his clients.

As the CEO and president of the Albuquerque-based Credit Rescue, Inc., Ramos has been helping people get out of sticky financial situations for the better part of 32 years now. Ramos’ company educates people about credit, helps them settle their debts, and ultimately qualify for the home or loan they might need. In other words, Ramos and his team are adept at providing relief in some of life’s most stressful areas.

“I’ve sat at my desk, and I’ve had a client start crying about their situation and it’s a real heartfelt situation. All of a sudden I start breaking down with them. We’re holding each other’s hands (saying), ‘It’s okay, we’re gonna get through this together,’” Ramos says.

“There’s a lot of things that people out there in the world don’t know about that can really benefit their lives. If I didn’t stick my nose where it didn’t belong, they would not have known this and these folks would have gone on suffering. I’m always looking for different ways to help them,” he adds. “I’m always looking for different

ways to solve problems that afflict them.

Because I truly care about the people I help. I care about them, I love them, and I want them to have a better life.”

Ramos saw a need for his services while working in the legal department for multiple financial institutions and banks years ago. In that position, he witnessed consumers being victimized when they were taken to debt recovery by collection services.

“I’ve seen a lot of collectors breaking the law so badly to try and collect the money. We’ve even had people that died of heart attacks or strokes because they

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(collections) had them so scared on the phone,” Ramos says.”It just got to the point where I couldn’t handle it any more.

I knew there was nobody to protect these people. The credit repair chop shops on the internet were cheating people, taking their money and doing nothing to help them.”

Ramos initially launched his business under the name Protect Your Rights, but that proved to be a confusing moniker, as he’d take customer calls for disputes involving landlords and speeding tickets, among other things. The change to Credit Rescue, Inc., narrowed that focus considerably.

The initial vision of the company was, as Ramos puts it, “to put together the greatest self-help program on the planet.”

That packet included a book, CD, and a variety of other documents that would conceivably allow customers to fix their own credit reports.

And it was initially a hit with banks and other lending institutions, who handed

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THE

BEHIND SCENES

them out to clients until they realized the program was doing little more than collecting dust. That was when Ramos realized he was going to have to apply a more hands-on approach.

“Especially here in New Mexico, most of these people are not self-help people,” Ramos says. “They want somebody to do it for them. The whole dynamics of my deal changed, and then I had to put a program together to do it for them.”

With Ramos’ program, clients are charged a one-time fee of $350 that covers all the work necessary until it’s completed.

“There’s no monthly fee, we don’t charge them over if they get something new along the way,” he says. “Someone could come to my office with 300 collection accounts and we only charge them $350.”

According to Ramos, the three most common types of cases that require some form of rescue or repair are collection accounts with credit card companies, medical charges and cell phone bills. Each instance comes with multiple ins and outs with which the layperson might not be familiar. Medical bills, for example, can often rise due to coding errors. For example, a medical coder might enter a code for a

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broken hand instead of a broken wrist, which ultimately leads to the claim not being paid, Ramos says.

“They don’t pay it because it’s the wrong code and nobody gets told about it and next thing the client knows is it’s on the credit report as a collection,” Ramos says. “I had one client with 93 medical collections totaling $300,000 on their credit report … I looked through them, a lot were misfiled and I filed a dispute.

Within eight months there were only 20 left. I went back in for another dispute, I never heard back from them again. Once you pull something out of the system, it can’t be put back in.”

Ramos offers assurances that customers won’t be subject to drawn-out settlements with collectors that involve additional fees that aren’t mentioned initially.

With other credit card settlement companies, that isn’t necessarily the case.

“If someone comes to us with their credit card debts in collections, we help them settle them. Our settlement negotiator is included in our fee,” Ramos says. If you go to a credit repair chop shop, if they do settlements, you have to hire another company to do it for you because they don’t do that.

“We have a great settlement negotiator,

my wife,” he adds with a laugh. “She’s always negotiating settlements out of me.

She’s been in the credit industry for 34 years.”

Ramos still offers people the resources to help themselves, as well. Credit Rescue, Inc. launched New Mexico’s first-ever credit classes in 2008. Parents were encouraged to bring their teenagers, and all attendees received a free credit manual.

The courses have been put on pause since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, as Ramos himself endured a difficult struggle with the virus, but he hopes to resume the monthly sessions soon — even if it means holding them outside the classroom setting.

In lieu of the classes, Ramos has been hosting a 15-30 minute radio show on Saturday mornings at 10 a.m. on 1600 AM that covers various credit-related topics. A recent show, for example, covered ID theft during tax season. The abbreviated length is by design.

“A lot of people are in their cars, so if I did a big long show, they’re gonna miss a lot of the stuff,” he says.

Improving credit throughout the Land of Enchantment benefits more than just the individual getting out of debt. If said person is able to purchase a home, Ramos says, it will improve the state’s overall economy.

“All the mortgage companies and banks rely on us to make this dream come true for these people and for their company to operate. What happens when we do this? There’s a house sold in New Mexico and taxes paid,” Ramos says. “There are the title companies, they make money so they can flourish. The lenders and realtors make money so they can flourish. They’re getting paid and they take that money and spend it in the economy. It’s a huge chain of events that happen from putting one person into a house. Making that difference, it pleases me greatly.”

Ramos says he’s turned down multiple lucrative offers to sell Credit Rescue, Inc. The main reason is concern for his clients.

And he plans to continue to operate his company for six days a week as long as he possibly can.

“You’ll never be a rich man being a consumer advocate,” he says. “However, there are other types of wealth that most people don’t understand: the wealth of your fellow man and to be able to make their lives better. —TRISTEN CRITCHFIELD WWW.ABQTHEMAG.COM | JUNE 2022

CREATIVES P. 146 | SHELFLIFE P. 148 | TIEMPO P. 150

CULTURE

TAMING RAW STEEL A friend taught Darryl Willison how to use a plasma cutter, which Willison says is like drawing with a Sharpie, but with fire. The craft has led to a career as a metal artist for the North Valley resident. (p. 146)

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PHOTO BYDON JAMES/ATM

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

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PHOTOS BY DON JAMES/ATM

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

A PALETTE OF RUST

D

Metal comes naturally for multi-media artist Darryl Willison arryl Willison’s North Valley home studio has a ramshackle collection of metal castoffs. The yard is covered in filing cabinets, real estate signs, and even a corrugated metal roof from a Las Cruces hardware store from the 1880s. To some it looks like a scrapyard. But Willison has the rare talent to see what each object can become.

He took apart a ’47 Chevy pickup and blended each piece into his patio’s front wall. Its door is now his front gate. Out back, another’47 Chevy truck’s hood is becoming a house number sign for his Taos home. The other objects in his collection are destined to be hand cut into the shapes of New Mexico for ornaments, signs proclaiming “Home” with the shape of New Mexico standing in for the “o,” or

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totems. “I love rust, bullet holes, and nail holes. It adds character,” he says. “These pieces are one of kind. They’re the only ones like them on the earth. There’s value to that.”

Once known by the moniker “America’s Painting Cowboy,” longtime Albuquerquean Willison has traded in his boots for t-shirts — both for his personal style and his mediums. The painter now spends most of his days shaping metal into gift art pieces, drawing, or screening t-shirts in his backyard workshop.

Willison’s dad served in the Army, so Willison hails from everywhere and nowhere. As the family traipsed across the country during his childhood, Willison’s mother would screen print and use ironon transfers to make items for local crafts markets. He credits her with his creative streak. “I was always going to be an artist.

I was always looking out the window day-

dreaming,” he says. He thanks both parents for his entrepreneurial leanings.

Willison has been self-employed since earning a degree from Austin Community College. His first forays into art as a career were owning a screen-printing business and painting. For decades, he was known for his over-the-top, colorful cowboy paintings. Although he was never a cowboy himself, he loved the life and style.

“They were part of American history that’s being forgotten,” Willison says.

Their message, he says, was simple. “It was about being a good person. They stood for justice and what was correct. I’m willing to buy into that.”

He felt drawn to Hollywood cowboys like Gene Autry and Roy Rogers, and often matched their clothing styles by wearing intricately embroidered shirts, ten-gallon hats, and custom boots. In that light, his painting subjects aren’t as exagWWW.ABQTHEMAG.COM | JUNE 2022

gerated as they first seem.

His art career gave him the flexibility to be present for his two daughters, whom he and his then-wife raised in Albuquerque after the couple relocated from Austin in 1996. Willison was a stay-at-home dad, served as PTA president, and attended every one of their basketball and volleyball games. “They’re my whole world,” he says.

With his daughters grown, he’s hung up his white Stetson. Although he still paints, he also spends time with his other mediums of choice: metalwork and screen printing. “At this point in my life, I just want to do what I want to do,” he says. But there’s no escaping his creativity. “Art never sleeps. My brain is always on,” he says.

Willison picked up metal work from his friend OK Harris, who taught him how to use a plasma cutter. He likens using a plasma cutter to drawing with a Sharpie — only the pen is fire. The result is truly hand-cut works. Sometimes, he refines found objects into defined shapes, such

as his New Mexico ornaments and signs.

Other times, the end results are much more freeform. The works are purposefully kitschy, which to him means retro and cool. “The aesthetic helps me keep my sanity. It’s organized chaos,” he says. “It’s all found objects and castaways. There’s no way for an ordinary person to walk into this chaos and make something. It’s definitely the artists’ approach. Intuition plays such a huge role.”

He sees incorporating found metals as preserving bits of history. For example, he finds old hand saws and uses the plasma cutter to shape trout, roadrunners, and other Southwest symbols out of the blade. “I wonder, ‘Whose hand held this saw. What was their life like? What did they endure?’”

Southwest iconography, such as the zia symbol, figures prominently in his screen-printed t-shirt designs. “There’s no computers involved,” he says. He handcuts film, preps and burns the film, and

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transfers it to his own hand-operated press. He hand-pulls the ink across each shirt. “It’s a lost art. This is truly wearable art. They appeal to people who like the real McCoy.” Museum gift shops across the state commission and stock his t-shirts, including the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science and Albuquerque Museum. His creations are also available in his shops. He opened The Merc in Tularosa six years ago, and opened that shop’s little sister, Merc 66, at the rebooted El Vado Motel in 2018. The latter features his work and that of 15 other artists.

“I love having the opportunity to create art that’s affordable,” he says. “For me there’s pride in printing my own artwork.

People from around the world are wearing my designs. I’m honored people pay attention to what I’ve done.” —ASHLEY M. BIGGERS

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SHELFLIFE

TURN A PAGE WITH OUR LOCAL AUTHORS

LIFE'S FRUIT IN POETIC DEVICES STORMCLOUDS LIKE UNKEPT PROMISES

PHOTO BY MAGDALENA LILY MCCARSON

By Margaret Randall, and photos by Barbara Byers Casa Urraca, Ltd. 146 Pages $21 Softcover

Margaret Randall (L) and Barbara Byers (R)

omewhere, there’s a curriculum vitae S for local author Margaret Randall.

But for anyone wanting to read it, they

best set aside a couple of hours—the accolades and accomplishments have been vast for Randall during the 85-yearold poet’s nearly lifelong residency and love affair with Albuquerque.

And there’s much more to come; her latest book, “Stormclouds Like Unkept Promises,” features her poems accompanied by photographs from visual artist Barbara Byers, Randall’s longtime collaborator. The two are married and have been together for nearly 36 years.

And while the ink is still drying on the new publication, last month Randall flew to her hometown of New York City to begin promoting “Artists In My Life,” which becomes available later this month.

And early next year, Randall is publishing a book of poems that puts into perspective life’s modern digital distractions, like social media and smartphones.

Hers is a perspective we can all use in large doses. She’s lived in cities across the globe; taught at several U.S. universities; witnessed uprisings and revolutions in Mexico, Cuba and Nicaragua; visited North Vietnam during the final days of

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U.S. occupation in 1974; and was once deported from America for opinions expressed in some of her books (she won a five-year battle to regain U.S. citizenship).

Not bad for someone who doesn’t even have a college degree. “Ah, but I have one now,” says Randall with a laugh, referring to the Honorary Doctorate in Letters awarded to her by the University of New Mexico in 2019.

It was at UNM that Randall was teaching classes when she met Byers, then one of her students. “After the semester, I invited her to dinner,” says Randall, “and she never left.” The couple invited ATM into their Nob Hill home recently to discuss their latest collaborative work.

ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE: Margaret, this collection of poems is one of many books you’ve had published. What is it like to still write in a deep and meaningful way after having been so accomplished?

MARGARET RANDALL: At this point I have about 200 published books, so it’s a fair question. My answer is, as long as you keep living, you have new things to say.

The world is changing around us—the pandemic, wars, climate change, migra-

tion—and those things provoke me, keep me interested in life. I guess I keep finding new things to say, and I’m very happy when they’re new for other people.

ATM: Some of your poems talk about the pandemic. How did it affect the process of your writing?

MR: It affected it a lot. I was on a book tour for another book, and the pandemic cut the tour short. I came home and we sort of isolated ourselves. Barbara and I are creative people, so we found ourselves with a lot more time to be creative. I started writing poems about the pandemic and posting them on Facebook, which got an enormous response. It led to a book called “Starfish on a Beach,” which was published (in Texas) and in Columbia and Argentina, and they even did a bilingual edition.”

ATM: Please excuse the framing of this question, but a lot of your poems seem to be about poetry. Does that make sense?

MR: You are making sense, and I think it’s a wonderful observation. A lot of my work is about language and memory, which is also a form of language. And I write about

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SHELFLIFE what I feel, and what’s important to me, and make it palpable to people. As a poet, it’s my duty to make it new, and I work on that challenge.

ATM: When did you first realize you were a poet?

MR: In 1957, I was at a party up in the can-

yon here in Albuquerque, and someone read (Alan) Ginsberg’s poem “Howl” from beginning to end. This was out loud, at a party! I heard his rant against social hypocrisy, and against the kind of pretense that enveloped our society in the 1950s. It moved me tremendously, to the point that I wrote a letter to Ginsberg, and said ‘I’ll meet you on such-and-such night on such-and-such street corner in San Francisco.’ I was this romantic young woman, and I drove out there. Of course, he didn’t show, but years later we became friends and I told him the story.

ATM: Albuquerque appears in your poetry quite often, either as a subject or setting. How much does our surrounding affect what you end up writing?

MR: Very much. I wrote a book called “My

Town,” and all the poems reflect growing up here, going to the community center on Friday nights for dances in junior high school . . . the landscape of the desert, the canyons, the mountains, the big sky. Where I am is important to my work.

ATM: For better or worse, a big part of the global perception of Albuquerque is based on the TV show “Breaking Bad,” and the portrayals of crime, meth, etc.

Your thoughts?

MR: I’m a big “Breaking Bad” fan. I think I’ve seen the entire series three times. And of course, the show is not what Albuquerque is . . . I mean, it’s a part of it, but we’re so much more than that. We have an interesting culture with a lot of diversity here.

BARBARA BYERS: What really drew me here in the beginning was the Native (American) influence. And I appreciate that we don’t get excluded from celebrations, and we feel invited to the Pueblos.

Our cultural life is so much richer because it’s not just the Spanish and Anglo cultures that came in from the north and east, but it’s also people who have been here for a really long time and understand this place and the heart of it.

MR: In Albuquerque, the indigenous presence isn’t commodified, like it is in Santa Fe. That gives the city a particular ambiance that’s more authentic and makes me feel more at home.

ATM: Barbara, your photos appear in the book, and serve as a wonderful complement to Margaret’s poems. You two have collaborated on books and shows in the past. What makes your dynamic work so well?

BB: I think we have a deep dialogue because of our politics and our values, and our family and the place we live, and the life we live.

So, there’s a style between us. And with my visual art, I’ve always been inspired by writers.

The world is changing around us — the pandemic, wars, climate change, migration — and those things provoke me, keep me interested in life.

MR: There’s a book of mine coming out (in June of 2022), and it’s about visual artists who have been extremely important to me.

The last chapter is about Barbara’s work.

ATM: The photos really make you stop and think, much like the poems. The contrasts are striking and somewhat mesmerizing, a bit like an abstract painting.

BB: It’s meant to be abstract. A lot of them I call ‘gutter shots’ because I will walk down the street and just look down and see cracks in the sidewalk, with the sun hitting a certain way. I’m not sure a lot of people take the time to look at things the same way, but I always notice details.

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ATM: You took all the photos for this book with your iPhone. Tell us about this choice.

BB: As a visual artist, I’m a painter, I draw, I make prints, I’m all over the place. (Laughs) But I had some problems with my eyes and with my health, so I made changes in the possibilities of what I could do. When the iPhone 12 came out, I wanted it for the camera and the ease of use in taking photos. I find that I also really look at things that a lot of people don’t see in terms of light or textures, the small things.

MR: I wonder if the kinds of photographs for this book also have something to do with COVID and how our worlds were made smaller and more confined.

BB: Yes, I think that’s true, because we locked down and just stayed at home. I could sit in this chair and just really look at things, and the pace slowed down.

ATM: The simplicity of your images is what evokes a response and emotion, which is a perfect storm for an artist.

Can you speak to that?

BB: I’ve often said my paintings and work are almost like a cartoon. It’s about taking something’s essence and capturing it quickly.

MR: There is a relationship between each of these photos and where I placed them in the book, but I don’t think of our work as illustrating each other. Each work is powerful within itself.

ATM: Margaret, your poem “Between Rehearsal and Memory” talks about the possibilities of doing parts of our lives over. Are there any parts of your life you would do over?

MR: There are parts of my life that people would call ‘errors.’ Like me taking Mexican citizenship in my younger years, and then having to fight to regain my U.S. citizenship.

Or some of my relationships. But those relationships gave me four extraordinary children, 10 grandchildren, plus great-grandchildren.

BB: And her relationships gave me those things, too.

MR: Also, my immigration case enabled me to wage a battle that helped change our immigration rights. So, what I can say at this point in my life at age 85 is, I don’t regret it, because it some way, it made me who I am today. And I think that was what I was trying to say in that poem. —CB

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by mel minter

ABQ’S THRIVING LOCAL MUSIC SCENE

BETTER THAN BEFORE SUMMER FUN AT FUSION

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he pandemic shut down Fusion, Albuquerque’s only professional regional theater company and “one of the ten most promising emerging theater companies in the U.S.,” according to the American Theatre Wing. Though closed for 27 months, Fusion not only survived, but expanded its capabilities and offerings, which this summer will include, in collaboration with AMP Concerts, an ambitious series of free outdoor musical events for kids and adults.

“We have committed hard-core to something that I don’t know if anyone else in the city’s ever done, and that is free children and family programming, every Sunday in June, July, and August,” says Dennis Gromelski, Fusion’s executive director.

Among the participants will be the New Mexico Academy of Rock and Blues, which offers a bilingual educational program for kids 7 to 17, and Jesús Muños Flamenco, which has a long-standing commitment to youth education. The children and family programming will run from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. and will include different musical education and entertainment from week to week. Following the afternoon programming, AMP Concerts will present free concerts from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. Much like AMP’s free concert series in Santa Fe, the featured artists will include local and touring bands, including world music from South America, contemporary bluegrass, and a New Mexico favorite, the Gluey Brothers, among others. On top of all that, the final Friday of every month from April to October will bring the popular El Vado Market to Fusion’s open space, with 60 vendors and live music.

Just four months ago, Fusion completed the construction of an elevated patio whose decorative metal railings can easily be lowered to become the frontispiece of what has now been transformed from a patio to a stage. “That’s a 7,000-pound I-beam that goes across the front that en-

ables us to have all that clear space,” says Gromelski, who happens to also be a general contractor. “There is no tour that can come in here that we can’t rig whatever they bring, because we overbuilt it to such a degree. Be it lighting, be it sound, be it LED screens.” The purpose of that, he adds, is to capture the flyover talent—acts that are on their way from, say, Dallas to Phoenix. “We want to be as flawlessly easy as possible for any audio people, LED people, band technicians to want to come back, and say, ‘Damn, that was easy. That was fun. Let’s do it again.’ ” There will be a pro sound system in place all summer, with its own contingent of audio engineers available, so bands and audience alike can count on consistent, high-quality audio. In addition, Fusion is working on getting a 22-foot-high tent to provide shade to attendees, who can number up to 400 for seated events and up to 1,200 standing. What’s more, the first 30 feet off the stage will be covered in artificial turf. “So people can be barefoot, or people can put out a picnic blanket, or whatever they want to do,” Gromelski says.

You can check fusionnm.org and ampconcerts.org for additional details. Be sure to poke around the Fusion website to

learn about the organization’s wide range of arts projects, indoors and out. The organization identifies itself this way: “In all ways artistically, culturally, and economically FUSION is a civic meeting place, a forum that incites new work, a safe place for discussion and creative exchange and New Mexico’s own professional theatre.”

Gromelski puts it more succinctly: “I’ve been calling it Albuquerque’s cultural collider, because it’s the number of collisions that you have in the course of a day, with other artists, patrons, funders, where stuff happens.” Much is happening at Fusion.

GETTING “OFF” ON A NEW START In 2020, Casa Flamenca was primed for its most ambitious year since its startup in 2010, with “not one, two, or three, but five artists-in-residence,” says Valeria Montes, dancer, instructor, and executive and artistic director. But the pandemic prevented those Spanish artists from coming, and Casa Flamenca was forced to shut down its operations. Now, two years later, after near extinction, Casa Flamenca has launched an exciting summer season, featuring ABQ OFF ( June 10 to 19) WWW.ABQTHEMAG.COM | JUNE 2022

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and more. Designed to complement the National Institute of Flamenco’s annual Festival Flamenco Alburquerque ( June 11 to 18), ABQ OFF embraces the total flamenco experience, from music and dance to style and food. (The inspiration for ABQ OFF comes from the Jerez OFF Festival, a series of performances in small venues that complement the large Festival de Jerez in Spain.)

With no classes or performances to bring in revenue and uncertainty about when they could resume programming, Montes and Juani de la Isla, guitarist and instructor, faced difficult prospects in 2020. They used the downtime to construct an outdoor performance space, which was completed in July. Then, Montes had the ground pulled out from under her feet when she lost both of her parents within a month in the fall.

Determined to continue, Montes and Juani de la Isla planned programming for 2021, only to have it all fall through again, with visas unavailable for their artists-in-residence and the shutdown continuing. “We lost big big big, not only financially, but our spirit got broken,” says Montes. “We didn’t know if we were going to make it spiritually.”

Then, in the summer of 2021, with the shutdown easing, Casa Flamenca collaborated with Neal Copperman at AMP Concerts to present a series of concerts utilizing the outdoor space. Its construction had drained Casa Flamenca’s financial resources, but with the summer program, it helped revive the organization.

Now, with ABQ OFF, Casa Flamenca is presenting a series of tablaos (flamenco performances), workshops, and experiences with two artists-in-residence, in collaboration with Vara Wines. From Spain, world-renowned cantaor (singer) Miguel Rosendo and award-winning dancer Jesús Elmo Cortés, will join Juani de la Isla, himself a native of Cadiz, Spain, for a series of intense six-day workshops in flamenco singing, dance, and guitar.

Two tablaos al aire (outdoor tablaos), on June 10 and 19, will feature all three, along with dancer Montes. (The outdoor performances actually kick off on June 3 and continue beyond ABQ OFF.) In addition, ABQ OFF will dive deeper into the flamenco life with three unique events. On June 11, the free Moda Flamenca Fashion Show presents Lunares, the Brazilian brand known for blending

flamenco and fashion—both for performance and “por la calle” (for the street).

On June 18, the Flamenco Experience, an intimate food and wine event, invites you to participate in the flamenco lifestyle.

“Flamenco is a way of life,” says Montes.

“For them, flamenco is in every moment of their day.” The artists-in-residence will prepare authentic Spanish tapas and paella, and there will no doubt be impromptu dance, guitar, and singing. In addition, Casa Flamenca will mount an exhibit of photographs from famed photographer Ignacio Escuin, whose work captures the

JUNE 2022 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

essence of flamenco’s passion.

With Rosendo and Cortés in residence through the summer, Casa Flamenca will present an ongoing series of performances in their outdoor space. You can make contact and get all the details on performances, educational offerings, clothing, and Juani de la Isla’s upcoming releases and his quartet at casaflamenca.org.

Be sure to check out Musically Speaking, Mel’s online music journal, at www.melminter.com.

If you’d like to share something with “¡tiempo!” readers, e-mail tiempo@abqthemag.com.

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WHEN THE MOON HITS YOUR EYE The pizza pies from the new location of M'Tuccis, known as Bar Roma, will be tossed and served amid decor inspired from old Italy, as the restaurant's team traveled to Rome to get inspiration for the ABQ chain's fourth location. (p. 160)

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PHOTO BY DON JAMES/ATM

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

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MODERN TAKES ON ITALIAN COMFORT FOOD M’Tucci’s Moderno offers the diverse flavors found from Milan to Naples.

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ne of the key aspects that has made the M’Tucci’s brand a staple throughout the greater Albuquerque area is its ability to adapt to its environment.

“A big thing about us is each restaurant we open is unique,” says M’Tucci’s president John Haas. “It’s built uniquely for that community to serve what we think really fits it well. Just like with every other location, it’s really fun because people will fall in love with one of our four locations and it will just speak to them more than the other locations do.”

It’s no different for M’Tucci’s Moderno. Haas himself has a special connec-

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tion to the restaurant (1908 Wellspring Rd SE), which opened in Rio Rancho in early 2017. Once he became aware the property was available, Haas immediately knew it was an ideal landing spot for another M’Tucci’s.

“I drove by it every day. It’s about a mile from my house,” he says. “I knew the location really well, and I knew that it had a lot of potential because of this area that was really struggling for restaurants.

There weren't a lot of opportunities to go out for places in this area. I thought the location was fantastic. I also felt like there weren’t many evolved bar programs out here.

“Right away it checked all the boxes of what we looked for in a location. Pretty quickly, we decided it would be a good choice.”

M’Tucci’s Moderno adheres to the core values of the company, but as the name suggests, it offers a more modern take on the brand, whether it’s through the “contemporary building with black steel elements, high ceilings, and a big garage door that opens to the Sandia Mountains” (as touted on the website) or some of the varying menu fare that one might not find at the other spots.

“There were actually a lot of dishes that I had wanted to incorporate into our first WWW.ABQTHEMAG.COM | JUNE 2022

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CONSTANT GROWTH Within a year of opening, Moderno added a private room with its own bar capable of hosting as many as 70 people for special events.

Additional patio seating has also been added over the years. “We’ve always been kind of building and expanding on it,” Haas says.

PRIZED PAIRINGS Once a month, M’Tucci’s Moderno hosts a special cocktail pairing dinner at the restaurant, which matches drinks with specially prepared entrees.

FOR THE KIDS Now that it’s a more established commodity, M’Tucci’s Moderno is gradually becoming involved with schools in the area, hosting fundraisers and special events for kids in its private room. Of course, nothing brings people out like good food.

RETAIL VALUE In addition to standard restaurant fare, patrons can purchase items for the Italian Charcuterie Retail menu, which includes sliced meats and cheeses by the quarter pound and spreads in eight-ounce containers.

ALWAYS SPECIAL M’Tucci’s Moderno offers some type of special virtually every day, including All-Night Happy Hour on Monday, $4 Shrubs on Tuesday, Half-Price Wine on Wednesday and Famous Sunday Lasagna.

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location (M’Tucci’s Italian) … but they didn’t really fit…,” Haas said. “I thought the riffs were just a little bit off for our style there. As I started to think of it, it really was about creating a concept that was a little modernization of our food program at our original location. That’s how the whole Moderno and the feel and vibe started to (come together).”

Some things are uniform across the board. The bolognese, for example, won’t change in the way it’s prepared from restaurant to restaurant — though at Moderno’s inception, it was initially a revised version.

“As time has gone on, we decided as a company, if we’re gonna offer a bolognese, it should be the same one everywhere,” Haas says. “And then to do more original dishes at each location but kind of keep that core together.”

There are a few Moderno-exclusive items that have been on the menu since Day 1, such as the Shrimp Campanelle, Cream of Wild Mushroom Soup, Italian Buffalo Shrimp, Spinach Salad, Affumicato Pizza and Truffle and Goat Cheese Pizza. Haas also points to the Italian Fried Chicken as something out-of-the-box that he would encourage diners to try.

“I think that is a really good dish that people tend to love but probably because

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M'tucci's Moderno 1908 Wellspring Ave SE (505) 891-2432, mtuccis.com/moderno

they go there and they see fried chicken, they don’t order it because they don’t think of it at an Italian restaurant,” he says. “That is definitely a dish that everyone can love. And it goes under the radar.”

Those who don’t want the full sit-down restaurant experience can hang out at the bar, which includes a menu of approximately 10 appetizer-sized items — Haas highly recommends the Italian Sausage Queso — ranging from $5 to $7. The bar itself includes M’Tucci’s signatures but is also shaped by the influence of that restaurant’s bar manager.

“I would probably say it offers 50 to 75 percent of the drink menu that is unique to that location,” Haas says. “You’re gonna go there and find drinks that the other restaurants might not have. About maybe one-third of it is some of our staple cocktails that people know really well. I think it’s important to note that we want each location to reflect the personalities of the people that are in it and the style of the bar manager in that location. So we give them quite a bit of creativity and flexibility to bring in the stuff they want so it represents that.”

Since opening, M’Tucci’s Moderno has been a hit in the area, almost exactly how Haas envisioned it five years ago.

“I think we all feel like it’s been really

impactful to the neighborhood, to Rio Rancho, offering more options to an area that needed it,” he says. —TRISTEN CRITCHFIELD

FEATURED SPECIALS FAMILY BOARD $23

Italian Prosciutto, Calabrese Salami, Italian Style Ham, Tucumcari Smoked Gouda, Italian Baby Parmesan, House Colonatta Butter, House Fresh Mozzarella, Herb & Garlic Roasted Italian Olives, Smoked Shrub Jam, Basil Marinated Tomatoes, Bread (Serves 4 to 6)

CALABRIAN BRAISED VOLCANO PORK SHANK $25

Sackett Farms Pork Shank, Preserved Vegetable Tomato Ragu, Roasted Garlic Mascarpone Polenta, Braised Escarlole

ITALIAN FRIED CHICKEN $18

Crispy Chicken Confit (Dark Meat), Lemon+Sheeps Milk+Herb Crusted, Truffle French Fries, House Pecorino Dipping Sauce

CRAB AND SPINACH FONDUTA $12

Dungeness and Lump Crab, Creamy Spinach, Roasted Garlic, Fourt Italian Cheeses, House Garlic Ciabatta

SHRIMP CAMPANELLE $19

Grilled Wild Marinated Pink Shrimp, Heritage Pork Chorizo, Grape Tomato, Lobster Cream Sauce, Basil, Campanelle Pasta

WWW.ABQTHEMAG.COM | JUNE 2022

JUNE 2022 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

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Eats, Etc.

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

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here’s a certain vibe one gets when walking through the doors of Baca Boys Cafe — from the people to the atmosphere — and that is entirely by design.

“I read reviews on Yelp and things like that. They describe us as a hole-in-thewall, which is fine for me,” says co-owner Suzie Baca. “People say they know it’s a mom-and-pop place when they walk in the door. This is family that runs this place, and you’ll get treated that way."

Suzie and her husband, Daniel, got their start at La Fonda del Bosque restaurant at the Hispanic Cultural Center, but when that closed, they decided to open a place of their own in 2012. The initial spot was called ZS&T’s Great Grub — named for sons Zach, Sean and Trevor. That name proved to be confusing to many patrons, so the family settled on Baca Boys when they moved to the current downtown lo-

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cation nearly six years ago.

What hasn’t changed is the quality of the homemade New Mexican food, sandwiches and salads that are served at the restaurant. That includes traditional favorites like carne adovada, beef tacos, fajitas and huevos rancheros, to name a few. The beauty is in the simplicity and, of course, the chile, which Suzie describes as flavorful yet not overly spicy.

“Daniel makes some of the best chile I’ve ever tasted. He makes it like his mother taught him to make it. Very, very simple,” Suzie says. “He’s a very simple cook.

He tries not to make things too elaborate."

The fare offered also includes a variety of specials like steak enchiladas or steak tacos (they’re always available for those savvy enough to order off the menu) as well as items named for the family member most associated with that dish. For example, there is “Suzie’s Favorite,” a salad

with fresh spring greens, grilled salmon or chicken breast, raspberries and pinon nuts drizzled with raspberry vinaigrette and served with homemade banana bread.

“It’s a staple that I make at home all the time, so we make it at the restaurant as well,” Suzie says.

Having survived through a global pandemic as well as a name and location change, the Baca family appreciates regular visitors that frequent the establishment.

“We have a lot of people downtown who are there every day,” Suzie says.

“We’re very grateful those people stuck with us.” —TRISTEN CRITCHFIELD

BACA BOYS CAFE 102 4th St NW (505) 200-0065 facebook.com/bacaboyscafe/

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PHOTO BY DON JAMES/ATM

The traditional huevos rancheros smothered in Daniel's homemade red chile is the perfect comfort dish.

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A fan favorite from Nexus Blue Smokehouse is the burnt end brisket sandwich.

fore it’s cooked.

“I feel that it’s important to have a piece of meat that you don’t have to put barbecue sauce on,” Carson says. “When it comes out of the pit, it’s ready to eat.”

In addition to the restaurant’s top sellers, Carson points to the hot links, which are homemade with red and green chile and infused with Nexus’ own Scottish ale, as a must-try for diners. For those looking to go off the beaten path, fried ribs — Cajun seasoned and crispy outside, moist and tender inside — provide an intriguing option.

In the spring, Nexus Blue finished construction on the other half of its space and now features another section that includes a full bar, a stage for musical guests and ad-

Budai offers a variety of traditional Chinese vegetables that can be enjoyed with every dish.

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he foundation for Budai Gourmet Chinese was laid more than four decades ago, when head chef Hsia Fang began working as a low-level apprentice in a kitchen in Taipei, Taiwan, at 16 years old.

Over the years, Hsia worked in restaurants in Washington D.C., New York City and eventually, Albuquerque. The experience in the nation’s capital proved to be especially beneficial.

ditional seating for overflow dining. It’s all part of a passion project for Carson, a former banker who was able to combine two of his favorites into one location.

“There were two things that I always enjoyed the most when I used to go to banking conventions, was to go find the local barbecue place and to find a brewery.

That’s kind of how this thing came about,” he says. —TRISTEN CRITCHFIELD

NEXUS BLUE SMOKEHOUSE 1511 Broadway Blvd SE (505) 445-1545, nexusbrewery.com

PHOTO BY DON JAMES/ATM

PHOTO BY DON JAMES/ATM

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en Carson’s family already had ties to the South Broadway area of Albuquerque, so in a sense, the opening of the Nexus Blue Smokehouse at 1511 Broadway Blvd SE in March 2019 was an example of life coming full circle.

Carson had fond memories of visiting his grandparents on Edith Blvd. and heading next door, where the smell of the smoke emanating from his neighbor’s barbecue pit proved difficult to resist. Carson recalls being especially intrigued by the sauce the neighbor, whom he calls “Mr. Cooper,” would create. Carson later learned that recipe, which utilized a thin, vinegar-based sauce, originated in North Carolina.

At Nexus Blue, Carson combines that East Coast flavor with a New Mexican twist to produce a red chile barbecue sauce unlike any other in the state.

“Basically (it’s) almost 100 percent red chile. We grind it from the pods and then we basically add sugar, vinegar, garlic and other ingredients to make the barbecue sauce, which I think is very unique and different from most barbecue sauces,” Carson says. Carson believes you won’t need any sauce when you taste his restaurant’s collection of smoked meats, which includes fan favorites like brisket, burnt ends and pork ribs. All of the meat is seasoned be-

The Fangs opened their own restaurant in 2009, which allowed Hsia to fully showcase his culinary talents. The name Budai has two-fold significance: Its literal translation is “clothes sag,” which in Chinese philosophy, means “don’t judge a book by its cover,” according to Elsa. Additionally, Budai is an area in Taiwan renowned for its fishery.

“Hsia's family heritage lies within the traditional fishery industry,” Elsa says.

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“The Albuquerque desert is a tough place to showcase fish and seafood at times, but we've developed a great relationship with our suppliers to be able to work with suitable and sustainable products that really suit Taiwanese cuisine well.”

A more under-the-radar item is called Lion’s Head, which consists of housemade pork meatballs over steamed napa cabbage. The meal comes complete with an interesting origin story.

“The name ‘lion's head,’ derives from the shape of the meatball which is supposed to resemble the head of a Guardian lion,” Elsa says. “This dish dates back to the late Qing dynasty, so there's something regal about eating this, too.”

“We serve all of our dishes with pride and confidence that our guests will get to savour the best of what Taiwan has to offer here,” Elsa says. —TRISTEN CRITCHFIELD

BUDAI GOURMET CHINESE 6300 San Mateo Blvd NE (505) 797-7898, budaigourmet.com

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

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REIMAGINING OUR SPIRITS M'TUCCI'S BAR ROMA The ever-expanding M’Tucci’s restaurant empire is bringing a taste of Rome into Albuquerque. After opening M’Tucci’s Twenty-Five just one month into the 2020 pandemic, owner Jeff Spiegel and president John Haas got wind of the old Kelly’s Brew Pub property in Nob Hill going up for sale. “It is such an iconic location, and it is in an area John and I felt we were not yet serving,” says Spiegel.

The Nob Hill spot, named M’Tucci’s Bar Roma, has a menu and décor

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heavily influenced by Italy’s capital city. Haas and other business partners actually traveled to Rome to find inspiration from Roman architecture, which is evident in the arch passages, mirrors and ornate light fixtures throughout the restaurant. The menu is similar to M'Tucci's other three ABQ locations, but has a greater focus on Italian and Roman tapas.

“We have two charcuterie bars, one out on the patio and one inside,” says Speigel. “Really designed for that quick service, grabbing a quick bite rather than a full meal.” In addition to

charcuterie, the menu here has classic Roman entrées, such as Cacio E Pepe Ravioli (cheese-filled pasta in cream sauce). “We really wanted that strong influence from Rome, which makes it different from the other M’Tucci’s locations,” says Spiegel.

EMBERS STEAKHOUSE & BAR Recently relocated from upstairs, Embers Steakhouse & Bar is now on the casino level at Isleta Resort and Casino. Taking over the space formerly WWW.ABQTHEMAG.COM | JUNE 2022

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The Office Bar and Grill at Paradise Hills Golf Course

Embers Steakhouse & Bar

occupied by Tiwa Restaurant, Embers maintains its fine-dining dinner ambiance, with dimmed lights and large artwork displays throughout. The newer floor plan allows more seating, though the menu remains consistent—including the extensive cocktail, spirit and wine selections.

The casino has also elevated other bars throughout the property. The appropriately named Center Bar has been updated to follow the theme of the newly renovated casino floor, complete with sleek black bar tops, and a show-stopper chandelier. Those who

PHOTO BY DON JAMES/ATM

PHOTO BY BRIAN RAMIREZ

The Center Bar at Isleta Resort and Casino

are seeking more vibrance will find exactly what they are looking for at the Triple Sevens Bar, which features live music, a dance floor, and signature cocktails.

In late 2019, the property officially opened the Sports Book Bar, a wagering venue located on the casino floor, with a full bar, dozens of TVs, and a lounge.

THE OFFICE BAR AND GRILL @ PARADISE HILLS GOLF COURSE

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With the desire to make some changes, the interior of The Office Bar and Grill was completely gutted. The flooring, bar tops, and furniture was outdated, the kitchen needed updated appliances and more space, and the team was hoping to change the entire feeling of the bar.

“When thinking of the direction we wanted to go with the renovations, the old-style neighborhood bar was the concept we stuck with,” says general manager Rudy Perez.

Not only did the interior of the bar get a whole new look, but the kitchen

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was redone to update all appliances.

With the kitchen refresh came a whole new menu with a bigger selection of bar food and entree options. A new tap was built and upped the number of draft beers offered to 30, including domestic and local options.

The old carpet was ripped out and replaced with new wood flooring throughout the bar to give it more of a modern and up-to-date feel. Custom-ordered granite was used to replace the bar top.

Specially made specifically for The Office from a local granite supplier.

“We wanted to make it a place where everyone knew each other,” explained Perez. With the addition of wall-to-wall TVs, patrons can come watch their fa-

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vorite sporting events with friends and family.

DAVE’S LOS RANCHOS LOUNGE Dave’s Valley Grill owner Dave Hanisch wanted to add a new twist to his popular North Valley eatery. The result was an adjacent lounge, which connects the two spaces. “It really brings a warm, relaxing, and elegant atmosphere for neighbors in Los Ranchos to come and visit with one another,” says Hanisch.

The new spot has quickly drawn raves for its plush décor that warms the senses. Black, gold and turquoise pops of

colors mingle with textured walls and modern light fixtures. “The ceiling is gold, which really plays on the elegance of the space,” says Hanisch. The sleek look is completed by a black granite bar top, black high-top tables, leather seats, tasteful patterns, and images of tigers.

The drink menu features a wide selection of wine, spirits and tap beers—including 16 local brews, and a curated lineup of bourbons. The lounge offers the same menu and service as the Grill.

“I was aiming to bring something new to Los Ranchos, and there really is nothing like the lounge around here,” says Hanisch.

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Los Conejos at the Copper Lounge

LOS CONEJOS Floral patterns, pops of pink, and neon signs greet you as you walk into Los Conejos, a tequila bar that’s anything but a typical tequila bar.

“When crafting the concept, we really wanted to bring something vibrant and fun into the (local) bar scene,” says general manager Giovanni Martinez. “(It’s) the type of place we were wanting to go to, but Albuquerque didn’t offer yet.” The goal resulted in this: bright colors, exciting patterns, a modern vibe, and an extensive list of tequilas.

In short, you’ll feel like you’re walking into a modern-day bar in Mexico.

Other agave-based spirits are served here besides tequila, including mezcal, raicilla, bacanora, sotol and homil, plus a large selection of craft cocktails. The bar also serves their version of micheladas, made with fruit and other juices instead of tomato juice. “We don’t use tomato products so it’s not what people expect when they order a michelada,” says Martinez, “but everyone loves it nonetheless.”

Similar to many cantinas in Mexico, Los Conejos is set to open a patio this summer. —ASHLEE OLSEN JUNE 2022 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

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sweet heat

fresh

spicy

Green Chile Margarita, $10 The Range Cafe 320 Central Ave. SE plus 5 other metro locations rangecafe.com

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PHOTO BY DON JAMES/ATM

The Range Cafe has a decades-long reputation for delivering imaginative comfort food. But the iconic local chain also has a stellar bar program offering creative drinks, such as the Green Chile Margarita.

And like the kitchen, the bar relies largely on housemade ingredients. An infusion of chopped fresh green chile gives the tequila a distinct profile to mingle with fresh lime juice and golden agave syrup.

An added dimension comes from muddled fresh cucumbers, according to The Range Cafe bartender Christy Lopez. The drink is then strained into a glass rimmed with lime juice and a house blend of red chile and salt. The creation is a spicy and refreshing cocktail with a nod to both tequila and our beloved green chile. —DLM

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GREEN CHILE MARGARITA

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with Tim Sheahan

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im Sheahan knows firsthand how difficult it can be when a loved one struggles with the effects of Alzheimer’s disease.

Sheahan’s mother, Teddy, dealt with the disease for some 15 years — nearly half of which left her bedridden. Alzheimer’s is the most common form of dementia, and it can affect memory, thinking and behavior. There is currently no known cure.

“The last five years she didn’t know who I was,” Sheahan says.

Sheahan’s family was in a better position to handle his mother’s condition than most, as his brother was a family practice doctor and one of his sisters worked in hospice care. At the time, he had no knowledge of the Alzheimer’s Association.

“I was very lucky … We had some builtin support to begin with,” he says. “I wish I would’ve (known about the organization) because I would’ve had a lot of questions answered early on.”

In July, Sheahan will reach his threeyear anniversary as executive director of the New Mexico Alzheimer's Association.

He oversees five offices throughout the state for a non-profit organization which provides “support, fundraising and advocacy” for New Mexicans with the disease as well as the unpaid family caregivers. A big part of that involves providing support groups for all types of demographics and education about the disease through classes, which were conducted via Zoom during the height of the pandemic but are returning to in-person sessions.

Sheahan is no stranger to the nonprofit world, and his work has always revolved around helping people. Prior to taking on his current role, Sheahan spent approx-

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imately 30 years with the Boys & Girls Clubs of America in a nomadic existence that took him from Seattle to Fort Lauderdale, Fla., to Champaign, Ill., to Washington, D.C., to Denver and finally, to Albuquerque, where he’s lived for the past 11 years with his wife, Cheryl.

Sheahan was initially drawn to the Boys & Girls Clubs after growing up in the organization as a child in Seattle. He was recognized for his work with the prestigious Masters and Mentors Award, which honors those who have dedicated their lives to the Club and have been key to its success while showing a commitment to professional excellence.

It was a change of pace to switch organizations, but in both cases, the job is something for which Sheahan possesses a great deal of passion, thanks in large part to past experience.

“The vision of the Alzheimer's Association is a world without Alzheimer’s.

But that’s gonna be a long way down the pipe. I really felt that I wanted to make a difference in the lives of our population,” he says. “We have 43,000 people in New Mexico that have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. It’s probably twice as many because the other people aren’t even diagnosed. A lot of people don’t understand Alzheimer’s and dementia in general.

“It’s interesting, people ask me what the difference is between (my) current job and (my) former job. I say, ‘Well I used to deal with parents and kids. Now I deal with scientists and doctors.’”

Given his penchant for people, it’s only fitting that Sheahan’s favorite recipe is the type that typically draws a crowd at parties and other social gatherings. It’s a dip with the moniker “Slur-Up” — named by

Sheahan’s wife — that features a combination of cottage cheese, mayonnaise, green onions and Tabasco.

“It’s my wife’s family recipe. I met my wife 36 years ago and I’ve been eating it ever since,” Sheahan says.

The dip is a hit with friends and family and Sheahan says he’s often asked to pass along the recipe or prepare it for various occasions. That hasn’t changed, no matter the state or region.

“We were just (recently) down in Florida on vacation with some friends we used to live with in Maryland,” Sheahan recalls.

“First thing (they said), ‘You guys have got to make Slur-up while you’re here. You make it the best.’ It’s followed us around the country.” —TRISTEN CRITCHFIELD WWW.ABQTHEMAG.COM | JUNE 2022

PHOTOS BY DON JAMES/ATM

Executive Director of the Alzheimer's Association

DISH

Slur-Up Ingredients MONTH 20XX | ALBUQUERQUE THE Directions MAGAZINE 1 24 oz. container of cottage cheese

Mix all ingredients together. Serve with chips, veggies, or any other dip-able. Enjoy!

4 bunches of green onions (chopped) 21 drops of Tabasco sauce 3 Tbs. mayonnaise Salt to taste

JUNE 2022 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

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BITES

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

POLICY: eating establishments compiled by Albuquerque The Magazine’s editorial staff.

These restaurants have been featured previously in the “Eats” department of the magazine. Restaurants may or may not accept reservations or major credit cards,

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

$

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

$$

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

ABC CAKE SHOP

$$

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

THE ACRE

$$

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

ABUELITA’S NEW MEXICAN KITCHEN $

6083 Isleta Blvd. SW, (505) 877-5700 Kathy Martinez’s brother, Chris Romero, opened Abuelita’s New Mexican Kitchen in Bernalillo 26 years ago. Since then, nothing has changed.

The Huevos Rancheros are a best seller, as is the Kitchen’s signature dish, the Tacopilla.

AJIACO COLOMBIAN BISTRO

$$

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

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AL’S BIG DIPPER

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

so call before visiting.

66 DINER

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

“Bites” is a guide to Albuquerque-area

FIVE STAR BURGERS

ALQUDS MEDITERRANEAN GRILL & GROCERY

ALDO’S NEW YORK STYLE PIZZERIA

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ALICEA’S NY BAGELS & SUBS

$

1690 Pat D’Arco Hwy., Unit E plus 1 other metro location (505) 892-2026, aldosalbuquerque.com With handmade lasagna and pizza dough, among other items, Aldo’s New York Style Pizzeria shares family recipes with its customers. From the buttermilk ranch dressing to the Eggplant and Chicken Parmigianas, homemade cooking is not too far away.

1009 Golf Course Rd. SE, Ste 103 (505) 896-4555 This East Coast–style deli on ABQ’s Westside is serving up 20 different sandwiches to Rio Rancho’s hungriest diners, using fresh-baked New York–style bagels and meats prepared in house for the likes of its Philly Steak and Cheese or the Cuban. Come hungry, because Alicea’s portions are not for the faint of heart. Can’t get out? Delivery options in Rio Rancho and parts of ABQ are also available when that hunger pang strikes.

AMADEO’S PIZZA AND SUBS

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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

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

AMORE NEAPOLITAN PIZZERIA

$$

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

ANATOLIA TURKISH MEDITERRANEAN GRILL

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

AN HY QUAN VEGETARIAN RESTAURANT

$$

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

ANNAPURNA’S WORLD VEGETARIAN CAFÉ

$

ANNIE’S SOUP KITCHEN

$

5200 Eubank NE, Ste E7 plus 2 other metro locations (505) 275-2424, chaishoppe.com Annapurna offers some of the most enlightened, health-conscious vegetarian and vegan plates in the city, with plenty of options for people suffering from food allergies or Celiac disease. And the menu is world-class, with options from virtually every continent.

3107 Eubank Blvd. NE (505) 296-8601, anniessoupkitchen.com With four homemade soups made fresh every day, and home-style favorites such as avocado and bacon omelets and piles of potatoes topped with melted cheese, chile and eggs, Annie’s specializes in comfort.

ANTIQUITY RESTAURANT

$$$$

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

ARTICHOKE CAFE

$$$

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

ASIAN NOODLE BAR

$$

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

ASIAN PEAR

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

WWW.ABQTHEMAG.COM | JUNE 2022

BITES

SO MANY FLAVORS, ONE TASTY DISH

Geckos 3500 Central Ave. SE (505) 262-1848, geckosbar.com

AZUMA SUSHI & TEPPAN

Southwestern Krab Taquitos, $7

$$

4701 San Mateo Blvd. NE plus 1 other metro location (505) 880-9800 azuma-sushi-teppan-abq. com From flame-flipped teppan grill items to a substantial sushi selection, the menus at Azuma Sushi & Teppan have something for everyone.

The green chile-infused New Mexico Roll and Filet Mignon Steak please palates daily and are perfect when washed down with an imported Japanese sake, soda, or beer.

B2B BISTRONOMY

$

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

BARELAS COFFEE HOUSE

PHOTO BY DON JAMES/ATM

As far as appetizers go, the Southwestern Krab Taquitos ($7) are one of the most popular staples at Gecko’s Nob Hill. Each serving comes with four, two-ounce taquitos, stuffed with crab, cheese and a variety of spices — perfect to whet one’s appetite for the meal to come. “We buy a big 45-pound block of fresh cheddar and then we just grind it down,” says kitchen manager Steve Hempstead. “(Then) what we do is fine dice all the ingredients and we mix it with the cheese, and we roll it into the taquito shape. We make it here, straight from scratch.” The dish has evolved over the years into something of a fusion. No Southwestern option would be complete without green chile, but where the taquitos once featured chipotle as well, they now come with sambal — an Asian chile-based paste. An avocado and cilantro sour cream dipping sauce are an ideal final touch.

"The only thing that would be considered kind of odd is the sambal,” Hempstead says. “But the sambal goes really well with the rest of the flavors, and that’s why it was changed. It’s very much a New Mexican dish.” —TRISTEN CRITCHFIELD

$

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

BASIL LEAF VIETNAMESE RESTAURANT

$$

BEN MICHAEL’S RESTAURANT

$$

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

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

BENNY’S MEXICAN KITCHEN

$

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

BLACK BIRD SALOON

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28 Main St., Cerillos, (505) 438-1821, blackbirdsaloon.com Black Bird Saloon is not just a popular Northern New Mexico eatery (located in Cerillos, NM), it’s also a time warp back through the building’s long and varied history. Items like the Miner’s Hand Warmer Breakfast Burrito or the Tumbleweed Salad stick out like a turquoise on a tourist.

JUNE 2022 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

BLACK MESA COFFEE COMPANY

$

Albuquerque International Sunport 220 Sunport Blvd. SE, (505) 842-4305 With two Sunport locations, flight delays are easier when you’re close to Black Mesa. The house coffee and vanilla latte are sure to perk you up pre-flight.

The made-to-order turkey sandwich will fill you up far more reliably than the bag of pretzels you’ll get on the plane. Baked goods, including the popular banana bread, are made in-house daily. Five menu items, including brownies and cookies, are glutenfree.

BLADES’ BISTRO

$$$

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

BLAKE’S LOTABURGER

$

3806 Montgomery Blvd. NE plus 30 other metro locations (505) 883-7615, lotaburger.com Blake’s became an Albuquerque establishment more than 30 years ago, and almost immediately garnered kudos for its out-of-this-world green chile cheeseburgers (the restaurant has since scored spots on National Geographic’s “top hamburgers in the nation” list and Albuquerque The Magazine’s Best of the City list). Everything is made from scratch as soon as it’s ordered—and not a second before.

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BITES BOCADILLOS

$

BOSQUE BREWING CO.

$

200 Lomas Blvd. NW, Suite 110 (505) 243-3995, bocadillos505.com Slow-roasted meats are the highlight of the Food Network “Chopped” winner, Marie Yniguez. Open for breakfast, lunch, or dinner on Wednesdays– Saturdays, pop in for a burrito or sandwich filled to the brim with pork, chicken, turkey or corned beef.

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

BRICKYARD PIZZA

$$

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

BRIXENS

$$$

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

BUDAI GOURMET CHINESE

$$

C3’S BISTRO

CAFE 6855

CAFÉ BELLA COFFEE

CAFÉ CUBANO

LA BAREN RESTAURANT

$

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.

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$$

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

BURGER BOY

THE BURRITO LADY

$

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

CAFÉ LUSH

$

$$

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.

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

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

$$

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

$

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

$

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

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

$$

CASA DE BENAVIDEZ

$$

CASA TACO

$$

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

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

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

CECILIA’S CAFÉ

$

CENTRAL GRILL & COFFEE HOUSE

$

230 6th St. SW, (505) 243-7070 Recognized on the Food Network’s “Diners, DriveIns & Dives,” and ranked No. 45 on the Travel Channel’s “101 Tastiest Places to Chow Down,” Cecilia’s Café offers tasty New Mexican treats, such as their Fireman’s Burrito or homemade chicharrones in a cozy atmosphere.

2056 Central Ave. SW (505) 554-1424, centralgrillandcoffeehouse.com This local favorite on Route 66, adjacent to Old Town, offers a bevy of breakfast and lunch options that will comfort your belly and your wallet. Here, you’ll find traditional New Mexican favorites, serious sammies, and solid caffeine with a staff famous for their classic Southwestern hospitality.

CERVANTES NEW MEXICAN RESTAURANT

$$

CESAR’S MEXICAN & GREEK

$

CHEBA HUT

$

5801 Gibson Blvd. SE (505) 262-2253, cervantesabq.com Old-world style meets traditional New Mexican fare at this family-owned restaurant. Go for the madefrom-scratch chile rellenos, tamales, and carne adovada.

5300 Lomas Blvd. NE (505) 256-8017 cesarsmexicanandgreek.com Both the drive-thru and the dining room at Cesar’s are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. On the Mexican menu, try the No. 15, a chile rellenos plate. Popular Greek items include the No. 64 Gyros sandwich and the No. 78 Chicken pita sandwich.

115 Harvard Dr. SE plus 1 other metro location (505) 232-2432, chebahut.com Located next to UNM, Cheba Hut serves up toasted subs made from quality ingredients. Try sandwiches loaded with everything from guacamole, olives, mushrooms, cheeses, meats and much more.

CHEESE AND COFFEE

$$

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

WWW.ABQTHEMAG.COM | JUNE 2022

Let us cater your next yourevent! next event!

CHELLO GRILL

$$

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

CHEZ AXEL

$$$

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

CHILI HILLS RESTAURANT

$

CHOCGLITZ & CREAM

$

Let us cater your next event!

BREAKFAST SERVED ALL DAY! OPEN DAILY

7AM - 2PM

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

10660 Unser Blvd. NW (505) 898-4589, chocglitzandcream.com Certified fair-trade chocolate and a chocolatier with 45 years of experience means you’ll find some of the best sweet-tooth satisfying offerings (including ice cream flavors such as raspberry red chile and Mexican coffee).

CHRISTY MAE’S RESTAURANT

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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.

WINNER

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

Thank You!

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

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COCINA AZUL

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CODA BAKERY

$

5809 Juan Tabo Blvd. NE plus 1 other metro location (505) 492-2119, cinnamoncafeabq.com Featuring breakfast and lunch options, endless baked goodies, friendly staff and regular cooking classes, this place puts the “everything nice” in the well-worn phrase.

4243 Montgomery Blvd. NE plus 2 other metro locations (505) 831-2600, cocinaazul.com The newest location of the Old Town favorite serves up the same tried and true home-cooked recipes you’ve come to love. Don’t miss location specific specials and local brews amid New Mexican staples.

230 Louisiana Blvd. SE, Ste C (505) 232-0085 Wrap your hands around one of Coda Bakery’s unique, Vietnamese-inspired sandwiches. Beyond its popular lineup of sammies, Coda Bakery also puts a distinctive twist on Vietnamese street food, using from-scratch recipes, including the bread, its deli meats, and its desserts.

JUNE 2022 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

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BITES

IL VICINO'S SIGNATURE SPICY OIL

PHOTO BY DON JAMES/ATM

Whether it’s with pizza, salad or bread, there’s really no wrong way to use Il Vicino’s Olio Piccante — better known as hot oil at the popular New Mexico establishment. “I think what makes this one a little better than the others that I’ve tasted is it has a lot more body to it and is a lot fuller in flavor and roundness than in some oils,” says Il Vicino owner/chef Tom White. “A lot of oils just taste greasy and they’re hot. This one is balanced out because we used a lot of different herbs and several different types of peppers.” While the hot oil is a complimentary condiment, it’s also been a retail hit that is sold for $21.50 in the same 500-milliliter bottles that are found on the tables at the restaurant. Those who bring the bottle back can get it refilled at a reduced rate, growler style. Just don’t ask for the recipe. “We used to do it all in-house, but it got so busy we had to have somebody make the spice packets for us,” White says. “And that’s helped us keep the recipe close to home. You’d have to know what was in it and what the ratios were, to forensically work backwards.”

—TRISTEN CRITCHFIELD Il Vicino 3403 Central Ave. NE (505) 266-7855, ilvicino.com

CONCHITA’S CAFÉ

Olio Piccante, $21.50 bottle

$

400 Gold Ave. SW, Ste 119 (505) 339-6774, conchitascafe.com What began as the food truck, Conchita’s Creations became a downtown café with breakfast, sandwiches, and salads. New Mexican favorites shine here, just like abuela made them—including tacos, Frito pie, and burritos.

CORN MAIDEN

$$$

CRACKIN’ CRAB

1300 Tuyuna Trail, (505) 771-6060, tamaya.hyatt.com For a special dinner or celebration, look no further.

Boasting a view of the Sandia Mountains, this restaurant will leave you breathless as you enjoy three-course meals with sweet potato Granny Smith apple soup, lavender salted shrimp or the classic crème brulee.

CRAVIN’ COOKIES AND MORE

CORRALES BISTRO BREWERY

CRAZY FISH SUSHI BAR AND RESTAURANT

$

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

THE COUNTY LINE BBQ

$$

9600 Tramway Blvd. NE (505) 856-7477, countyline.com It doesn’t take long for the barbecue to arrive at your dinner table, whether it’s wood-burning oven cooked and slow-roasted brisket, ribs, or sausage.

Throw in the Rib King Platter, green-chile stuffed pork loin, live music, and two stepping, and at The County Line, everybody wins.

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$$

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.

$

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.

$$

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

THE CROWN ROOM

$$$$

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

CURRY LEAF

$

THE DAILY GRIND

$

DELICIAS CAFÉ

$

DG’S DELI

$

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

4360a Cutler Ave. NE (505) 883-8310, dailygrindabq.net This family-friendly restaurant serves breakfast and lunch, including huevos rancheros and a huge assortment of baked goods. On Friday and Saturday, look for spontaneous specials, such as stuffed French toast or steak and eggs.

6001 San Mateo Blvd. NE, (505) 830-6561 Named after the city in Chihuahua, Mexico, Delicias delivers traditional fare of the region, like caldo de res (beef stew), gorditas, carnitas, flautas, and horchata.

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

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BITES

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BITES D.H. LESCOMBES WINERY & BISTRO

$$$

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

DION’S

$

6308 Fourth St. NW plus 14 other metro locations (505) 345-4900, dionspizza.com Launched in 1978, Dion’s aims to keep your wallet and tummy full with build-your-own pizzas, gourmet pizzas, slices, salads, and subs. The ranch and Greek dressings are homemade from secret recipes, and everything on the menu is tried and true.

DOG HOUSE DRIVE IN

$

1216 Central Ave. SW, (505) 243-1019 An ABQ landmark since the 1940s, the eat-inyour-car Dog House serves grilled footlongs and halflongs topped with red chile, cheese, onions, and more. Enjoy your dog with a side of chili-cheese fries and a thick shake.

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.

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DOWN N DIRTY SEAFOOD BOIL

$$

6100 4th St. NW, (505) 345-0595 Southern transplants who make their way to ABQ have a new spot for traditional seafood boil.

From dry rub to a spicy, buttery fusion sauce, your tastebuds will dance with delight when you feast on this eatery’s collection of crawfish, rock shrimp, crab legs, and more.

DUGGAN’S

$

227 Lead Ave. SE (505) 312-7257, dugganscoffeeshop.com This breakfast and lunch spot serves up newsthemed entrees like the Journalist Salad and Fact Checker Green Chile Chicken Soup in an intimate setting. Cups are filled with locally roasted Trifecta coffee.

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.

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

$

EL COTORRO

$

EL PATIO DE ALBUQUERQUE

$

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.

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

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

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EL PATRON

$$

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

EL PINTO

$$$

10500 4th St. NW (505) 898-1771, elpinto.com Food and atmosphere go hand-in-hand at this Duke City staple, ensuring an unforgettable experience.

Enjoy fresh salsa, enchiladas, burritos, carne adovada, and many more New Mexican dishes while sipping a margarita on one of the many beautiful patios. Reservations are recommended.

EL SABOR DE JUAREZ

$

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

EL SARAPE

$$

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

ELOY’S NEW MEXICAN RESTAURANT $

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

EMBERS STEAK & SEAFOOD

$$$

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

FANO BREAD COMPANY

$

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

FAN TANG

$$

FAREAST FUZION SUSHI BAR & LOUNGE

$$

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

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

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FARINA ALTO PIZZERIA & WINE BAR $$

10721 Montgomery Blvd. NE (505) 298-0035, farinaalto.com The Northeast Heights version of Farina offers the same urban atmosphere as the East Downtown (EDo) Farina, minus the elbow-to-elbow seating.

Alto offers every pizza on the EDo menu, such as the Formaggio di Capra and the Carne, but includes unique dishes—Eggplant Parmesan Napoleon and Oven-Roasted Chicken Wings. Alto’s wine room is stocked with more than 300 bottles of wine.

FARINA PIZZERIA

$$

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

FARM & TABLE

$$$

THE FARMACY

$$

8917 4th St. NW (505) 503-7124, farmandtablenm.com This North Valley eatery’s ever-changing menu features seasonal produce, which often comes from the restaurant’s own farm. If the produce doesn’t come from the farm, it’s sourced from a slew of local vendors. Enjoy grass-and-alfalfa-fed steaks and produce-focused dishes that use local kale, chard, okra, chile, and tomatoes.

3718 Central Ave. SE, (505) 227-0330 The Farmacy takes the idea of organic and local ingredients, and presents them in a way that tastes like comfort. The Farmacy provides a tasty menu of eight breakfast items, as well as eight sandwiches for lunch.

FIESTA’S MEXICAN RESTAURANT & CANTINA

$

4400 Carlisle Blvd. NE, (505) 881-0478 Fiesta’s Restaurant & Cantina has been familyowned and operated since 1986, making it an Albuquerque go-to for quality New Mexican cuisine.

With its family dining area, outdoor patio, lively bar and banquet room, Fiesta’s has something for everyone.

FLIX BREWHOUSE

$$

FLYING STAR CAFE

$$

3258 La Orilla Rd. NW, B-1 (505) 445-8500, flixbrewhouse.com Flix is a one-of-a-kind concept; a movie theater that serves full meals and an in-house brewed beer menu in its stadium-seating “dining rooms.” The dream is real, Albuquerque–you can catch the latest blockbuster in theaters while knocking back a pint and having dinner brought to you.

8001 Menaul Blvd. NE plus 5 other metro locations (505) 293-6911, flyingstarcafe.com With menu options ranging from breakfast served all day to flavor-packed salads and sandwiches, handmade desserts to die for, and beautiful patio dining, Flying Star is the place to treat yourself to good vibes and great food.

FRENCHISH

$$$

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

FRIENDS COFFEE & SANDWICH SHOP $

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

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BITES FRONTIER RESTAURANT

$

GRASSBURGER

GARCIA’S KITCHEN

$

GREENSIDE CAFÉ

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

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

GARDUÑO’S OF MEXICO RESTAURANT AND CANTINA $$

$

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.

$$$

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

THE GRILL ON SAN MATEO

$

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

THE GROVE CAFÉ AND MARKET

$$

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

10031 Coors Blvd. NW plus 1 other metro locations (505) 880-0055, gardunosrestaurants.com

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

GECKO’S BAR AND TAPAS

$$

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

GINO’S NEW YORK STYLE PIZZA

$

GIOVANNI’S PIZZERIA

$

GOLDEN CROWN PANADERIA

$

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.

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

1103 Mountain Rd. NW, (505) 243-2424, goldencrown.biz Golden Crown Panaderia is known for taking creativity in baking to the next level. Try the original biscochitos or cappuccino, chocolate and sugarfree versions. Don’t miss out on homemade green chile bread, pizza, and creative bread sculptures.

GOBBLE THIS

$$

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

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

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BITES GYROS MEDITERRANEAN

$

HANNAH & NATE’S MARKET CAFÉ

$

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

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

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.

HOLY BURGER

$

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

HORSE AND ANGEL TAVERN

$$

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 fireroasted green chile: Green Chile Stew Omelet, Hot Tamale Bowl, and Fajitas are just a few of the spicy dishes.

HURRICANE’S CAFE

$

I SCREAM ICE CREAM

$

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.

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

IL VICINO

$$

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

INDIAN PUEBLO KITCHEN

$$$

INDIGO CROW CAFÉ

$$$

2401 12th St. NW (505) 724-3510, indianpueblo.org The Indian Pueblo Cultural Center is the perfect backdrop for the Native American-inspired cuisine prepared in the café, serving traditional and innovative dishes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Reservations are recommended.

4515 Corrales Rd. (505) 585-3061, indigocrowcafe.net This café is cozy, thanks to the fact that it’s housed in an old adobe building. When it’s cold, patrons warm up by the indoor fireplace; when it’s warm, they enjoy meals such as lobster ravioli, tarragon chicken salad, and New Mexico chicken fried steak under the stars on the outdoor patio. Reservations are recommended.

IRONWOOD KITCHEN

$$

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

JAPANESE KITCHEN

$$$

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

JAVA JOE’S

$$

JC’S NEW YORK PIZZA DEPARTMENT

$$

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

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

During lunch hour, the line goes out the door.

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FLYING STAR'S BUSTLING OPERATION

Flying Star Cafe 3416 Central Ave NE (505) 255-6633, flyingstarcafe.com

JIMMY’S CAFÉ ON JEFFERSON

Cherry Pie, $7.25 slice, $20 whole pie

$

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

JINJA BAR AND BISTRO

$$

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

JOE’S PASTA HOUSE

$$

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

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PHOTO BY DON JAMES/ATM

Flying Star Cafe is an Albuquerque staple, with locations throughout the Duke City offering a variety of breakfasts, sandwiches, salads, burgers, seasonal dishes, drinks and of course, desserts. While the food is undeniably tasty, it’s no small feat to keep the local chain well stocked with menu favorites. Each restaurant does some prep and cooking on site, but the majority of the work takes place at a production kitchen, bakery and coffee roastery located on Broadway. “It’s a huge facility,” says owner and CEO Jean Bernstein. “We start at midnight and go home about 2 p.m. We have about 16 or 17 people. They do all the baking. They do the soups. They do the sauces. They make the pancake mixes so that all the Flying Stars have to do is add eggs and milk. If we have the dressings, they do all of our salad dressings.” And on it goes. Once the preparation is done, two trucks deliver the goods to Flying Stars — and to its sister establishment, Satellite Coffee — throughout the city. The raw numbers can be astounding. For example: Bernstein says 12,000 fruit pies are produced by hand per year, and all told, 700,000 meals per year are served at Flying Star — and that’s not including cakes and pies. To enter the big kitchen on any given day is to witness a bustling operation. “It is quite something,” Bernstein says.

“Come in at 6 a.m. It’s wild.” —TRISTEN CRITCHFIELD

KABAB HOUSE: AUTHENTIC PERSIAN CUISINE $

8104 Wyoming Blvd. NE, Ste. A (505) 312-8949 Authentic, made-to-order Persian food is constantly sizzling on the grill here. The koobideh kabab is made with minced ground beef or ground chicken, onion, and house spices. Each dish is a healthy size and comes with soup, salad, and rice.

Top everything off with a glass of delicious banana milk, or majoun, which is banana milk with almonds, walnuts, pistachios, and honey.

KOLACHE FACTORY

$

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

LA QUICHE PARISIENNE BISTRO

$

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

LA REFORMA

$$

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

LA SALITA

$

LAGUNA BURGER

$

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.

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

WWW.ABQTHEMAG.COM | JUNE 2022

BITES THE LAST CALL

$

6261 Riverside Plaza Ln. NW, Ste A1 (505) 717-1207, lastcallabq.com This late-night eatery specializes in freshly-made Baja Mexican street cuisine (think: carne asada fries).

If you’re lucky, you just might run into the “Taco Box” while out on the town: a mobile extension of the restaurant that brings the food to you.

LAVA ROCK BREWING COMPANY

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

$$

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

LAZY LIZARD GRILL

$

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

LE BISTRO VIETNAMESE RESTAURANT

$$

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

LE CHANTILLY FINE PASTRIES

$

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

LE TROQUET

$$

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

LEVEL 5 AT HOTEL CHACO

$$$

2000 Bellamah Ave. NW (505) 318-3998, hotelchaco.com The food here needs be good, because first and foremost, it competes with the view. Like the name implies, Level 5 sits on the 5th floor of Hotel Chaco and offers a near-360 degree view of the city.

THE LIBRARY BAR & GRILL

$$

312 Central Ave. SW (505) 242-2992, library-abq.com Featuring more than a great party, the Library offers drink specials and half-priced appetizers during happy hour, as well as salads, hamburgers, sandwiches, wraps, and specialty items.

LIMONATA ITALIAN STREET CAFÉ

$$

3222 Silver Ave. SE (505) 266-0607, limonatanobhill.com Channel your inner Italian at this street foodinspired café, where the breakfast and lunch menus feature perfect pastries, craveable cappuccino and trattoria-inspired lunches. The chef makes every dish from scratch and insists that everything about the restaurant, from the menu to the atmosphere, be done just as it would in Italy.

LINDY’S DINER

$$

500 Central Ave. SW (505) 242-2582, lindysdinerabq.com Lindy’s is a neighborhood joint, through and through. The sort of place where, even if they don’t know your name, you’ll feel like they do anyway. The owners recommend the Ultimate Burger for that classic American diner experience.

LITTLE BEAR COFFEE

$

2632 Pennsylvania St. NE (505) 917-8902, littlebearcoffeeco.com Located near Uptown, Little Bear is not just serving up quality brew, but also providing an outpost for the neighborhood and coffee community.

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.

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.

LUIGI’S RISTORANTE AND PIZZERIA $$

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

M’TUCCI’S ITALIAN

$$

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

MS. GENNIE’S HOUSE OF CHICKEN

$$

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

MAC’S STEAK IN THE ROUGH

$

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

JUNE 2022 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

MICHAEL THOMAS COFFEE ROASTERS

$

MICK’S CHILE FIX

$

MILLY’S

$

MONICA’S EL PORTAL RESTAURANT

$

MONROE’S RESTAURANT

$

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

3351 Candelaria Rd. NE, Ste A (505) 881-2233, mickschilefix.com One of the city’s true spots for getting something hot: try The Shocker (an eight-pound breakfast burrito), huevos rancheros, or the Frito pie, all with homemade red or green chile.

2100 Candelaria Rd. NE plus 1 other metro location (505) 884-0707, millysrestaurants.com If you’re not sure what to eat, have a little of everything with an American-New Mexican–Greek menu. This breakfast and lunch spot melds salads and sandwiches with traditional New Mexican and Greek entrees.

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

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

MONTE CARLO STEAKHOUSE

$$$

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

MONTE VISTA FIRE STATION

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

$

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

MR. TOKYO

$$

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

MUSTANG CAFÉ

$

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

181

BITES 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 in Albuquerque where you can go to indulge in shabu-shabu, a Japanese-style hot pot.

NAMASTE

$

1580 Deborah Rd. SE plus 1 other metro location (505) 896-3126, namastenm.net Offering authentic Nepalese and Indian dishes— including chicken tikka masala and lamb curry— Namaste also serves traditional food with a New Mexico twist, such as the green chile chicken curry.

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.

NEXUS BREWERY

$$

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

182

NICK AND JIMMY’S RESTAURANT AND BAR

$$

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

NOB HILL BAR AND GRILL

$$$

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

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

$

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

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.

O’HARE’S GRILLE & PUB

PAISANO’S ITALIAN RESTAURANT

NOMAD’S BBQ FOOD TRUCK (505) 206-7654

$

$$

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.

$$

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

WWW.ABQTHEMAG.COM | JUNE 2022

BITES 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).

PELICAN’S RESTAURANT

$$$

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

PEREA’S TIJUANA BAR

$$

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

PERICO’S

$

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

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

PARS CUISINE

PHO LINH

PAPA NACHOS

$$

$$

4320 The 25 Way NE, Ste 100 (505) 345-5156, parscuisine.us For more than 20 years, Pars has served Persian and Mediterranean menu items in a unique atmosphere.

Choose to sit on the floor under a large tent, and enjoy the talents of belly dancers, and enjoy tasty kebabs, gyros and more.

$$

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.

JUNE 2022 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

PIATANZI

$$

PIZZA 9

$$

PIZZERIA LUCA

$$

PLANTY SWEET

$$

1403 Girard Blvd. NE (505) 792-1700, piatanzi.com A neighborhood Italian eatery with artisan flair, Piatanzi serves up big bites on smallish plates that please families and adventurous foodies alike, in a venue that scores big points.

4000 Louisiana Blvd. NE plus 12 other metro locations (505) 883-6463, pizzanine.com Chicago-style pizza at 10 locations around the city, along with the option of gluten-free crust—that’s what Pizza 9 brings to the, er, table. Don’t forget the wings, salads, breadsticks and calzones to complement any meal.

8850 Holly Ave. NE (505) 797-8086, pizzerialuca.com With imported Italian flour, cheese, and pepperoni, Pizzeria Luca offers authentic Italian cuisine. The restaurant has a subway-inspired interior and features delicious and affordable lunch specials.

2506 Washington St. NE (505) 433-7111, plantysweet.weebly.com Planty Sweet is the city’s first 100% vegan and gluten-free bakery and dessert shop, and the quality of the products available is hard to deny. Not only do their artisanal baked goods taste fantastic, they are impeccably presented, each crafted to please the eye as much as the taste buds.

183

BITES 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.

RANCHERS CLUB OF NEW MEXICO $$$

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

THE RANGE CAFÉ

$$

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

REBEL DONUT

$

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

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.

RICHIE B’S PIZZA

$$

7200 Montgomery Blvd. NE, Ste A-2 (505) 312-8579, richiebsabq.com New York-style pizza has come home to roost in Albuquerque’s Northeast Heights. Whether by the slice or by the pie—some of which measure 25 inches in diameter—you’ll need every bit of your appetite when you visit Richie B’s. Not in the mood for pizza? Wrap your hands around a turkey, cheesesteak, or Italian sandwich, topped with its signature Viper sauce, or tempt your sweet tooth with traditional cannoli or New York-style cheesecake.

184

RIO BRAVO BREWING COMPANY

$

ROCKIN’ TACO

$

1912 2nd St. NW (505) 900-3909, riobravobrewing.com The pub and grill is bright and airy with high ceilings and a modern industrial style, mixed with the cozy rustic feel of a neighborhood bar, with 32 taps, including their award winning La Luz Lager.

2904 Indian School Rd NE, LS (505) 401-1000, greenjeansfarmery.org Rockin’ Taco is housed inside of Albuquerque’s premier indoor/outdoor gathering place, Green Jeans Farmery. With a food truck vibe and an East Coast flare, this hidden gem is elevating the street taco.

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

$

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

RUDY’S COUNTRY STORE AND BAR-B-Q

$$

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

RUSTIC ON THE GREEN

$

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

RUTILIO’S NEW MEXICAN FOODS

$

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

RUTILIO’S NEW MEXICAN FOODS

$$

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

SADIE’S OF NEW MEXICO

$$

15 Hotel Circle NE plus 2 other metro locations (505) 296-6940, sadiesofnewmexico.com A staple in New Mexican cuisine, Sadie’s features enchiladas, carne adovada ribs, tacos, burritos, and of course, world-famous chips and salsa.

Reservations are recommended.

SALATHAI

$

3619 Copper Ave. NE, (505) 265-9330 Made-from-scratch, fresh, ingredients and keeping it simple are owner Pitak Pitakkan’s rules to cook by.

Pitakkan cooks every menu item himself so don’t go to Salathai in a hurry. Pitakkan’s grandmother taught him to make curry and his curries are a longtime customer favorite.

SALT AND BOARD

$$

THE SALT YARD

$$

115 Harvard SE, Ste. 9 (505) 219-2001 saltandboard.com Salt and Board offers a tailored selection of wines to go along with different charcuterie boards, pressed sandwiches and salads. For those who aren’t wine drinkers, Salt and Board offers a variety of local New Mexico beers on tap.

6001 Osuna Rd. NE plus 1 other metro location (505) 750-9273, thesaltyardnm.com A multi-concept bar and restaurant, The Salt Yard is

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

SAMURAI GRILL AND SUSHI BAR

$$$

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

SANTA FE BITE-ABQ

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

$

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

SANTIAGO’S NEW MEXICAN GRILL

$

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

SAVOY BAR & GRILL

$$$

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

WWW.ABQTHEMAG.COM | JUNE 2022

BITES

CHICKEN NACHOS WITH A SPICY TWIST

PHOTO BY DON JAMES/ATM

One silver lining that resulted from the COVID-19 pandemicrelated shutdowns was that it allowed the staff at Bosque Brewing to get creative in the kitchen. “We actually did a really fun thing with our team, where we gave the kitchen managers a budget to shop for whatever they wanted and really just open it up to see what ideas people had for either entree or appetizers,” says director of taproom operations Rachel Bernal. Through that process, the Chicken Elote Nachos ($13) were born. It’s a fun take on traditional bar food, as the nachos include red chile marinated shredded chicken, beer queso made with Pistol Pete’s 1988 Blonde Ale, sauteed elote, red bell peppers and onions on top of blue corn tortilla chips that are fried in-house. Pico de gallo, lime crema and a dusting of Flamin’ Hot Cheetos complete the experience. “It’s really fun to have something that people don’t necessarily expect,” Bernal says. “People tend to enjoy the unexpected pop of Hot Cheetos on top of nachos.”

—TRISTEN CRITCHFIELD Bosque Brewing Co. 106 Girard Blvd SE B (505) 508-5967, bosquebrewing.com

Chicken Elote Nachos, $13

SCARPAS BRICK OVEN PIZZA

$$

SEARED

$$

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

SHARKY’S FISH & SHRIMP

$

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

SIXTY-SIX ACRES

$$

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.

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

SEASONS ROTISSERIE AND GRILL

SLAPFISH

$$$

2031 Mountain Rd. NW (505) 766-5100, seasonsabq.com As the name suggests, Seasons varies its menu in accordance with what’s going on throughout the year, using the finest, freshest ingredients.

Depending on what time of year you venture in, you’ll find butternut squash ravioli, grilled Atlantic salmon, and bleu cheese-crusted beef filet.

Reservations are recommended.

SERGIO’S LA DOLCE VITA

$

2740 Wyoming Blvd. NE, Ste 8 (505) 554-2602 Fresh, made-from-scratch cookies, donuts, breads, pastries, cakes, and cannoli are on the mouthwatering menu at this Italian bakery.

$$

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

SLATE STREET BILLIARDS

$

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

JUNE 2022 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

SLATE STREET CAFÉ

$$

SOBREMESA

$$

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

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

SPINN’S BURGER & BEER

$

SQUEEZED JUICE BAR

$

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

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

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

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

STORMING CRAB

$$

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

STRAIGHT UP PIZZA

$$

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

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STRIPES BISCUITS & BURRITOS

$

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

STUFYS

$

1107 Candelaria Rd. NW plus 2 other metro locations (505) 344-1207, stufys.com Tasty stuffed sopaipillas are on the menu of this customer favorite, which has been around since 1968. Each sopaipilla is made with a custom machine invented by the owners, then stuffed with savory fillings.

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 very own chunky salsa, made with real green chile.

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

$

THAI KITCHEN

$

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.

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

THAI SPICE

$$

THAI VEGAN

$$

7441 Paseo Del Norte NE (505) 503-1521, thaispiceabq.com An extensive menu features authentic Thai favorites like Pad Thai or Thai fried rice. Lunch special includes an egg roll, entrée, and coconut milk tapioca pudding punctuated with an origami rose–topped straw.

5505 Osuna Rd. NE plus 1 other metro location (505) 884-4610, thaivegannm.com Utilizing local organic produce, you’ll get some of the healthiest food around, all without sacrificing taste. This non-vegan favorite has hearty offerings and a soy chicken that satisfies even the pickiest of meat eaters.

WWW.ABQTHEMAG.COM | JUNE 2022

BITES THUNDER ROAD STEAKHOUSE AND CANTINA AT ROUTE 66 CASINO HOTEL

UNCLE T’S SANGWICHES $$

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: made-from-scratch salsas, fresh tortillas, Pastel de Tres Leches Cake, Yucatan Tacos, Smoked Baby Back Pork Ribs, and much more.

TOMASITA’S

$$

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

TULLY’S ITALIAN DELI

$$

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

TURTLE MOUNTAIN BREWING COMPANY

$$

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

$$

VIC’S DAILY CAFÉ

$

VICK’S VITTLES COUNTRY KITCHEN

$

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

VIET TASTE

$

VERNON’S HIDDEN VALLEY STEAKHOUSE

VIET PHO

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

UPTOWN SPORTS BAR

$

URBAN HOTDOG COMPANY

$

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.

$$$

6855 4th St. NW (505) 341-0831, thehiddensteakhouse.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.

JUNE 2022 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

3600 Osuna Rd. NE (505) 341-9710, vicsdailycafe.com With a full range of breakfast items, New Mexican favorites, and comfort food, this is a one-stop shop for tasty options like breakfast burritos, meatloaf, and coconut cream pie.

8810 Central Ave. SE (505) 298-5143, vicksvittles.com Rustle up your posse and head to Vick’s for heaping helpings of Texas-New Mexico fusion and breakfast served all day. Country comfort meets southwestern flair in an environment that welcomes suits and cowboys alike. Prepare to be stuffed.

5721 Menaul Blvd. NE (505) 888-0101, pwbportal.us/viet-taste-abq With more than 100 menu options—noodle and rice dishes, eight varieties of Pho, coconut shakes, and many more—this restaurant is true to its name, offering a real taste of Vietnamese cuisine.

$$

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

VILLAGE PIZZA

$

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

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BITES VINAIGRETTE

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

$$

Getting in touch with your “green” side has never been as hip as it is at Albuquerque’s newest go-to salad bistro.

Vinaigrette offers a menu full of unique salads made with fresh produce from owner Erin Wade’s farm in Nambè.

Items like The Nutty Pear-Fessor and the Asian Chopped Salad don’t sacrifice deliciousness just because they’re healthy. Expect one of 17 vinaigrette dressings to be perfectly paired with your salad.

VINTAGE 423

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

$$

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

WECK’S

$$

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

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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.

WHICH WICH

$

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

WHOLE HOG CAFÉ

$

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

YANNI’S MODERN MEDITERRANEAN $$

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

YASMINE’S CAFÉ

$

THE YELLER SUB

$

1600 Central Ave. SE, (505) 242-1980 Yasmine’s is one of the few places in Albuquerque with shawarma—pitas filled with marinated chicken or beef that’s been pressed, stacked and cooked slowly on a rotisserie. Also try lamb and beef shish kababs, baba ghanoush, fatah, and four varieties of baklava.

7200 Montgomery Blvd. NE (505) 888-9784, yellersub.com Owner Mark Roerick has been perfecting his sandwiches since 1979 and the customer favorite, Steak & Grilled Onions Sub proves it. The potato chips, fries, and onion rings made from scratch the old-fashioned way sure won’t let you down.

ZINC WINE BAR AND BISTRO

$$$

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

ZORBA’S FINE GREEK CUISINE

$

11225 Montgomery Blvd. NE (505) 323-2695, zorbasabq.com The family behind University area favorite, Olympia Café, have relocated their tasty homemade Greek food to the Northeast Heights. Try the Southwestern Gyros or the enduring customer favorite, the pork, chicken, or lamb kebob.

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JUNE 2022 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

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‘TIL YOU DROP P. 192 | THE PAWS BUTTON P. 198 | PASSENGER WINDOW P. 204 | PHOTO CONTEST P. 207 | A FEW THINGS P. 208

ZOMBIE NATION 24 years ago, Astro Zombies became your one stop shop for action figures, graphic novels and all things pop culture. Staff members will gladly educate you on whatever it is you are looking for, making the experience that much more special. (p. 196)

JUNE 2022 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

PHOTO BY DON JAMES/ATM

OUT AND ABOUT: A LOOK AT THE POSITIVE

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Look good Feel good

‘TIL YOU DROP

YOUR INSIDER’S GUIDE TO ABQ’S SHOPPING SCENE

Tips to be a better you...

By Ashlee Olsen

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"I HAVE MEDIUM BROWN HAIR THAT HAS BEEN COLOR TREATED IN THE PAST. I WANT TO GO LIGHT BLONDE FOR THE SUMMER. WHAT PROCESSES WILL I NEED AND HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE FOR ME TO GO SEVERAL SHADES LIGHTER?"

A:

Jacqueline Offidani Stylist Craft Hair Studio (505) 903-5070

"Depending on how light you would like to be, this process can take a few appointments to achieve. Desired results may not be immediately feasible. I usually suggest about 6 weeks in between each service as we gradually and safely change the hair.

Previously color-treated hair can not be lightened without using a traditional lightener (bleach). I recommend that hair be in a healthy condition, well maintained, and suggest that professional products are being used. These things make the process much easier in terms of maintaining the integrity of the hair.

Oftentimes, multiple bowls of differently formulated lighteners are needed in order to evenly lift the hair. In addition, a color gloss will be applied to make sure the desired tone is achieved.

This is important for a client to know because most stylists charge based on time and product usage. Some things to keep in mind are cost, time, and overall maintenance.

I encourage anyone making a significant change to first schedule a consultation. Pictures are always helpful and welcomed.

Personally, I like to know that my client and I are on the same page and that I set realistic expectations.”

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Ashley Jinzo Master Colorist Femme Chic Beauty (505) 639-5233

A:

“If you have previously color-treated hair, going blonde will be a bit of a journey. Whether your last color was an at-home box color, or professionally done, you will need to pack your patience and your wallet if you want to lighten those locks.

The process of going lighter will require a specially formulated lightening product and should not be done at home.

For my clients, I often choose a combination of methods including traditional highlights, babylights, and balayage. I often incorporate their natural color for the most low maintenance, seamless results. It's important to me as a colorist for my client's hair to remain healthy and strong. So, I often encourage my clients to be flexible with their expectations as they may not be able to achieve the lightness or tone that they desire in one salon visit.

You should ideally plan for at least two sessions with your colorist. In summary, be flexible, patient, and communicate with your colorist. We want you to LOVE your hair!”

WWW.ABQTHEMAG.COM | JUNE 2022

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Sergio Gallarzo Owner Sergio’s Hair Studio (505) 312-8881

Elizabeth Asher Owner Tijeras Hair Co. (505) 255-5544 Tijerashairco.com

“My recommendation with any first-time clients is starting off with a consultation in which we conduct a strand test. This allows me to get an idea of the previous color history. This is an important step since different colors will lighten differently. This gives us a better understanding of what blonde options are realistic and achievable.

Wanting to go several shades lighter with color treated hair can take several sessions depending on the desired end goal. Understanding the current condition of your hair can let us know about how many sessions we will need to achieve the desired blonde.

Stand tests and consultations will also tell me what kind of takehome products and care I should recommend to maintain healthy, beautiful, lightened hair.

Maintenance is something to keep in mind when wanting to go several shades lighter. Touch-up appointments can keep the color looking its best.”

A:

“When he or she calls in, we first would direct them to go on our website which has a great section under the tab 'Book Now' called “Inspirational Looks”. This allows them to send us up to three inspirational pictures and a current picture of their hair. This gives us a road-map to create their desired look.

After we have reviewed their request, we then have a plan and a destination that will give a close estimate of price and the time it will potentially take to achieve their new color and style. Considering that the hair has been color treated in the past and the texture and condition of the hair, this service may be a double process that may take several hours the first appointment.

Multiple appointments may be necessary depending on how many levels of lift is required as well as taking into consideration the tonality (shade of color) that is requested. We always suggest investing in the right hair care system that would be personalized for maintaining the beauty and integrity of their new summer look.”

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Want to look good and feel good? Send us your questions, and we’ll ask the city’s experts, lookgoodfeelgood@abqthemag.com

JUNE 2022 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

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‘TIL YOU DROP

We Find It FOR YOU QUESTION

ANSWER

I’m looking to spruce up my Father’s Day gift this year. What are some local retailers or gift options in the Albuquerque area?

Albuquerque offers a number of unique experiences and retail options to show some love this Father’s Day. We have found a variety of options we think fit the bill.

HUNTERS CAN BE STYLISH, TOO Kurt Swearingen has honed knife craftsmanship to a science at his Cedar Crest workshop. With specialty blades designed for a number of uses, these handcrafted pieces promise to give dad an edge for Father’s Day. The Lawndale-Styled Gut Hook Skinner features a 3⅞-inch blade made of CPM 154 stainless steel with a gut-hook, designed for safe and efficient processing of big game animals. With the standard handle and sheath, the Lawndale Skinner is $725. If a more versatile hunting knife is a better fit, Swearingen offers three other hunting knives ranging from $425$525 that can also be used for fishing and camping. —AO PHOTOS BY DON JAMES/ATM

Lawndale-Style Gut Hook Skinner knife, $725 Swearingen Knife 22 Calvary Rd, Cedar Crest (575) 613-0500 swearingenknife.com

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‘TIL YOU DROP NO POWER, NO NOISE—JUST THRILLS Soaring above New Mexico’s scenery with Sundance Aviation’s Glider Rides will make for an unforgettable Father’s Day. The non-powered flights come with varying options, but the all have one thing in common: adrenaline. The High Performance Flight package is a popular choice, giving 30 minutes of flight time and the opportunity to be in control of the Grob 103 Glider (if one so wishes) for $155. If you are looking for an extreme thrill ride then the Aerobatic Flight is the option for you! For $190, the Aerobatic Flight will give you 25 minutes of loops and other exhilarating maneuvers, which should put our beautiful Southwest scenery into a whole different light. —AO 30-Minute Flight, $155 Sundance Aviation Inc 50 George Applebay Way # Cl, Moriarty (505) 832-2222 soarsundance.com

POP GOES THE RAZOR

JUST BEER ME OUT ON THIS

Let’s face it, your dad is striving to be hip these days. Whether it’s posting Tik Tok videos or keeping things “woke,” all of our fathers are trying to stay relevant. And before you know it, in comes the beard, and every guy trying to surf the cultural waters is sporting one. But you can help Pops stand out from the other Eddie Rabbit lookalikes by treating him to some beard neccesities from Steel Blade Men’s Salon. Their kit from Reuzel features the REFRESH rinseless shampoo, a beard balm for moisturizing and fluffing, and a beard comb (plus a mousse, not shown below). —AO

For all the beer connoisseurs out there, a beer brewing kit would show them just how important they are this Father’s Day. Southwest Grape and Grain offers a wide variety of Extract Brewing Kits. Perfect for beginners, every ingredient is included with stepby-step instructions. Kits range in price from $35-$70 based on the type of beer the kit is intended for. Equipment is not included, but can be purchased separately. Equipment set-ups range from $100 - $200 based on how fancy. Classes are also offered on-sight for Beginner Brewing, Basics of Distilling and Entry Level Wine/ Mead/Cider Making. —AO

Father's Beard Kit, $60

Home Brewing Kit, $40

Steel Blade Men's Salon 5901 Wyoming Blvd NE, Ste. P6 (505) 294-1814 steelblademenssalon.com

Southwest Grape & Grain 3401 Candelaria Rd NE Ste. E/G (505) 391-1196 swggbrew.com

JUNE 2022 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

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Astro Zombies 3100 Central Ave. SE astrozombies.com

F

rom Day 1, Astro Zombies has been a subject of intrigue, a conversation starter both for the massive comic-themed mural on the exterior and the myriad of pop culture goodness inside.

“I’m working by myself one day and I hear a voice outside,” recalls owner Mike D’Elia. “I hear, “‘Astro Zombies, what the f—k is this place? I’m going in here.’ And in walks Nikki SixX of Mötley Crüe. Behind him is Donna D’Errico, at the time she was on Baywatch. He came in, was super cool, gave me tickets to the show that night.”

That was nearly 23 years ago, shortly after the store had opened its first location.

The Astro Zombies name that so piqued Sixx’s interest comes from two primary origins: a 1968 science fiction horror film and a Misfits song, both of the same

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The far reaches of pop culture rules center stage at the iconic Nob Hill shop, along with visiting rock stars, actors and celebs. name. (D’Elia also says he’s related to Misfits singer Glenn Danzig).

“When you’re thinking of the name for a business, you need to come up with something that sticks with people. I didn’t want to be like Mike’s Comics or Comics and More,” D’Elia says.

“This is long before Walking Dead, before zombies became a household interest where families watch shows about them and everything else. We were a little ahead of the curve on that one.”

D’Elia, who owned a record store in New Jersey before moving to Albuquerque, initially wanted to open a business that doubled as a vintage 80s video game arcade. After a little research, he realized that concept wouldn’t be profitable on its own, so he went a slightly different direction.

“[I thought] we could make it this cool one-stop hodge podge of pop culture and kitschy-cool goodness,” D’Elia says.

“When I opened, it was video rentals, toys, a little bit of comics and I had two video games in the store. That’s how we came to be.”

Out of necessity, Astro Zombies has evolved. In addition to moving twice, the shop has updated its inventory (video rentals were obviously not a sustainable source of income), matching the needs and interests of its customer base.

Today, the main product line consists of comics, records and action figures. According to D’Elia, Legos, Star Wars, and vinyl of any kind are among the hottest items Astro Zombies currently carries.

To keep its supply unique, D’Elia works with a number of small distributors to WWW.ABQTHEMAG.COM | JUNE 2022

PHOTOS BY DON JAMES/ATM

‘TIL YOU DROP

avoid overlap with big-box retail chains.

Of course, the Astro Zombies experience is as much about interaction as anything else.

“The only thing that differentiates us from Amazon, Target or Walmart will be customer service, the knowledge of my staff,” D’Elia says. “The only thing that makes Spiderman issue No. 789 different no matter where you buy it is the experience you have when you go in to buy it.”

Over time, Astro Zombies customers become more like friends and family to D’Elia and his team.

“We’ve gone to people’s weddings, we’ve gone to people’s funerals, we’ve been there for the birth of their children, for their kid’s graduations, for major events in their lives, we’ve become a part of it,” he says. “We go to the movies together with a group of our regulars.

Sometimes 30 or 40 of us will rent out a theater and watch movies together. It becomes way more of a social thing and not so much of a business transaction.”

Ever since Sixx stepped into the shop, celebrities from all corners of the entertainment industry have found their way inside. Josh Brolin, for example, came by to research his role as Thanos in the Marvel Universe. The Walking Dead creator Robert Kirkman ended up ringing up customers during a visit while he was in town working on a movie. If they’re agreeable, D’Elia has the notables sign a “Ceiling of Fame,” a display that has signatures from the likes of David Arquette, Samuel L. Jackson, KRS-One and many, many more.

“Some quickly sign their name. Some will draw a picture. Some of the comic artists have really done it up,” D’Elia says.

“Samuel L. Jackson drew a picture of himself as Nick Fury from the Marvel movies next to his signature, and he even drew the eye patch on the wrong eye. But it was brilliant because he’s Sam Jackson.”

Throughout the year, Astro Zombies does its share of special events, giveaways and exclusives, but D’Elia takes special pride in its annual sleeping bag drive for the city’s homeless. Local businesses come together to donate prizes for a raffle and tickets are handed out for sleeping bag donations — just in time for the holidays.

“And then when we close Christmas Eve, I load up my car and we drive all over the city and pass out new sleeping bags to everybody,” D’Elia says. “That’s our real big event for the year.” —TRISTEN CRITCHFIELD

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PAWS BUTTON

KEEPING TABS ON ABQ’S FURRY FRIENDS

As pet owners, it is important for us to understand our animals' needs. Just like the rest of us, our animals can face stress and anxiety when in unfamiliar environments. Trips to the groomers or car rides to the vet office can add an extra stress to animals. Because of interactions with unfamiliar people and other animals, the vet and groomers can become your pets’ least favorite place.

Stress in animals can cause many changes to their behavior, but more often than not, it will be unnoticeable. According to VCA Animal Hospitals, “The signs of anxiety in dogs is often subtle. In fact, some stress-related behaviors mimic normal behaviors.” As pet owners, it is important to know your animal’s normal behavior in order to be able to tell when there is a shift.

Mobile dog grooming and mobile veterinary clinics are becoming the new norm for families all across Albuquerque.

Bringing the services you need right to your door eliminates many anxiety-causing factors. Grooming appointments and veterinary care are easier than ever thanks to Wagon Wash mobile grooming and Gonzales Mobile Vet.

GROOMING ON THE GO With a van that is equipped with everything needed for a full grooming service, Wagon Wash will come right to your front door. Wagon Wash focuses on not only the physical well-being of our pets, but also the emotional well-being. With the use of holistic grooming techniques, the Wagon Wash team is able to create a stress-free environment. Coming right to your driveway, our pets no longer have to wait in kennels before or after their service. There are no longer interactions with unfamiliar animals or long car rides.

Wagon Wash uses all cruelty-free and hypoallergenic products to keep pets’ skin and coats as healthy as possible. Many pet products have chemicals that are harmful to their skin and coat, so Wagon Wash has taken the initiative to understand the ingredients and their impact.

All of their vans run on CNG (compressed natural gas) in an effort to reduce

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PET CARE RIGHT AT YOUR FRONT DOOR

their carbon footprint. Grooming is not the only service that is offered. They offer a Flea and Tick Therapy service, washing with flea and tick shampoo followed by a topical repellent. Also offered are deep tissue massages. The massages can help with decreasing pain, reducing stress and anxiety, and increasing circulation. Wagon Wash has one main goal: to keep our pets as comfortable and calm as possible.

VETERINARY CARE AT HOME Certified Vet Tech Ashley Richards explained that the biggest factor in choosing a mobile vet over going to a clinic is the stress that animals endure. “You can cut out the car ride, cut out the waiting room and cut out the stress that is caused by interaction with other dogs in the clinic,” shared Richards.

Gonzales Mobile Vet strives to make animals and their owners as comfortable as possible. Being able to provide topnotch service in the comfort of the client’s home is a unique experience, becoming increasingly more important to pet owners. Dr. Thomas Gonzales, DVM and CVT Ashley Richards are able to provide all veterinary services similar to a clinic.

Services that are available to dogs and cats include wellness exams, vaccinations, flea and tick prevention, dental care, surgical care when needed, emergency illness/injury care, microchipping, and medication when needed. Blood work, testing and x-rays can also be done right from your driveway.

Being separated from their owners during the visit can make both the owners and the animals uneasy. Gonzales Mobile Vet is able to eliminate that factor. Our pets can now be taken care of in a familiar environment. Visits can also accommodate more than one pet at a time, instead of having to take several trips to a clinic.

With family and pet comfort at the forefront of Dr. Gonzales and CVT Richards’ practice, one of the most important services they provide is at-home euthanasia. “When it comes time, it is never pleasant. We try to make it as comfortable as possible, allowing pets to be home with their family rather than at a clinic,” Richards explained.

Mobile veterinary clinics have become increasingly more popular over the past few years because of the comfort level that they can offer. Easing the stress our pets face can make care more efficient and more successful. —ASHLEE OLSEN WWW.ABQTHEMAG.COM | JUNE 2022

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T H E MONTH ABQ’s PET OFAMAZING PETS

By Dakota-Lynn McCaffrey

Bruno

Annie

High atop a worn and tattered cat condo rests a sleeping cat named Bruno. He was once a carefree outdoor cat until one day his world was turned upside down when his owners decided it was time to pack up and move back to Albuquereque. No longer able to go outside for fear of all the coyotes, he now enjoys cool breezes and watching birds from his back screen door. Bruno became a part of the Lambert family after their neighbor rescued him from a hoarder. These days his routine revolves around eating Temptations and waiting out the time between breakfast and dinner. And he is not afraid to let you know when it's time to eat. One of Bruno’s favorite things to do is jump into an empty grocery bag, or any empty box. Bruno is a “totally chill guy” and makes the Lambert family whole.

When Patrick Paxton’s daughter, Ava, was younger, she loved to watch the movie Annie which was around the same time that their Australian labradoodle came into their life and how she got her name, Annie. Paxton explained that they didn't want allergies to stop them from having a pet and that Australian labradoodles are hypoallergenic, so it just happened to be a perfect match. Having Annie is like having a second daughter and she always finds a way to play with Ava and her friends when there is a playdate. “She also will alert us if she feels they aren’t playing safely,” says Paxton. Every day, Annie is the last to go to bed after making sure the home is safe and the first to wake up for her morning run. “She is a very active dog who is pretty much perfect in every way with the exception of being overly excited when seeing another dog and her utter disdain for delivery truck drivers,” says Paxton. He also explains that Annie quickly became the nucleus of the family unit.

Daisy

Emily

It was love at first sight when Daisy, the Irish Cream Golden Retriever, walked up to her owner, Maribeth Redner, and kissed her right on the face when the two had their first encounter. This loving girl is three years old and was born the day after Valentine’s Day, so it makes sense that she is so affectionate. Daisy enjoys snacking on carrots, cheese, heads of romaine lettuce and pizza crusts. “She’s definitely a love bug,” says Redner. Redner has her own massage therapy practice in her home and says that Daisy has “become quite the little healer”.

“I call her the soul gazer as she will sometimes be very serious and it feels like she’s healing something you didn’t know you needed to heal,” says Redner. Daisy got her name because Redner’s boyfriend gave it to her in comparison to Dazed and Confused and because Redner was once told that she was like a daisy flower you’d want to sit next to on a picnic. So, her name has two meanings. Daisy definitely brings happiness to everyone with whom she comes in contact.

Emily, the four year old domestic short-haired cat is quite unique and nearly human-like. But, why? Because she will hop in the shower with her owner, Shaunte McCuaig. “She stays at the back of the tub so she doesn’t get too wet,” explains McCuaig. Before getting in the tub, Emily would sit outside the bathtub meowing at the top of her lungs. So, she is definitely attached to McCuaig’s hip. Emily and her three siblings are strictly indoor cats, however, they do play outside. She loves to sit on her cat tree where she has a view of all the birds just outside the window.

Instead of playing with toys, Emily would much rather play with ice cubes or string and she will play fetch with her owner. McCuaig explains that she hit the jackpot with Emily and that she is her shadow. “I’ve had several cats in my life, but none like Emily!”

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

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KubotaUSA.com © Kubota Tractor Corporation, 2020. This material is for descriptive purposes only. Kubota disclaims all representations and warranties, express or implied, or any liability from the use of this material. For complete warranty, safety and product information, consult your local Kubota dealer. For the complete disclaimer, go to KubotaUSA.com/disclaimers and see the posted disclaimer.

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PIECE OF T H E PAST

FROM HOSPITAL TO HOSPITALITY

H

otel Parq Central has been serving the community since its construction in 1926. It was originally built as the Santa Fe Railway Hospital to accommodate the employees of the Santa Fe Railway Company and Atchison, Topeka employees who worked on the railway that went through the city.

The building was built with an Italianate architecture style. The Italianate architecture gained popularity for public buildings in between the years of 18901930, to pay tribute to the Italian Renaissance, according to the Historical ABQ website. The architecture style was very upscale and had an elegant design, often used in the construction of mansions.

The hospital featured arched windows, exterior baluster staircases and a flat roof, all inspired by buildings in the Italian Renaissance time period.

In the 1940s, the hospital was renamed ATSF Hospital, but remained serving the railway employees. The ATSF Hospital was a staple for railroad works for several years. Since Albuquerque was the Western hub for the railroad, the

PHOTO BY DON JAMES/ATM

Before becoming Hotel Parq Central, the building served as one of the most prominent hospitals along the Santa Fe Railway.

ATSF Hospital treated far more injuries compared to other hospitals between Albuquerque and Topeka. According to the City of Albuquerque website, ATSF was the largest hospital in the state when it was built. The hospital kept its doors open to railroad employees until 1982.

Later in the 1980s, the hospital was purchased by a group of psychiatrists.

The new owners changed the name to Memorial Hospital and shifted the focus to children and teenagers. Memorial Hospital functioned as a psychiatric hospital until the late 1990s. The building was then vacated and sat empty for years.

In 2007, the abandoned hospital began its transformation into the hotel we now know as Hotel Parq Central, located off of Central Avenue and Interstate-25 in the heart of downtown Albuquerque.

Renovations to the building made it feel more modern and up-to-date while still striving to keep the original architectural influence. In 2011, the City of Albuquerque named the building a historical city landmark because of its importance in the history of the railroad.

JUNE 2022 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

The inside of the building was completely renovated, but followed the original layout of the hospital. All of the interior design was done by Heather Van Luchene (HVL Interiors in Santa Fe) with specific focus to include elements that were found in the original architecture of the building. On the interior columns of the building, custom tiles have been added. These match the original tiles that were on the exterior of the hospital.

Throughout the hotel, pieces of railroad maps and medical paraphernalia keep its history alive. Hallways are decorated with hat boxes and tables lined with maps commemorating when Central Avenue was previously called RailRoad Avenue. The fourth floor houses the Apothecary Lounge - completed after its name was approved by the New Mexico Board of Pharmacy. Enhanced by medical decorations and its selection of cocktails similar to those served during Prohibition, patrons feel like they are standing in the ATSF Hospital in 1926. —ASHLEE OLSEN

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THE

PASSENGER WINDOW

CHANGE, ADAPT & SLOW DOWN An art professor and her students help us see a fresh dimension.

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PHOTO BY DON JAMES/ATM

F

ive steel window frames mounted upon benches gives the opportunity for Albuquerque citizens to peer through and see the Duke City from a new perspective. Rachel Stevens was commissioned by Albuquerque Public Art to create “You Are Here” in Ventana Ranch Park, 10000 Universe Blvd. NW. The Public Art Enhancement Program called for proposals for sculptures in the nine City Council Districts. In the proposal, Stevens held the focus of her concept in connecting community members with the world around them. “To examine life through a frame will allow viewers/ participants to slow down and recognize their place in the world, hence the sculpture’s title, ‘You are Here’,” Stevens shared in her proposal.

The sculpture is made of five steel window frames, placed atop cast concrete bancos (benches). Arranged in an arch, each window highlights a different part of the city. From one you can see the pink and orange hues cast upon the Sandia Mountains at sunset. From another you can see the landscape to the west; through the third the surrounding businesses and community. The benches offer viewers the chance to sit and enjoy the serenity and tranquility within the world. Stevens' concept aimed to connect the nature and scenery of Albuquerque with its citizens.

“I was so taken aback by the expansive view of the mountains and New Mexico landscape,” exclaimed Stevens. She spent a lot of time on the site to fully understand what it was she was wanting to create.

Each window is a different shade of blue or green. Stevens made the color decision based upon the spectrum of colors used in historic New Mexican buildings. She saw a connection between the sight and the traditional New Mexican style home she was renovating at the time. “Usually in New Mexico, everyone automatically thinks of this super bright turquoise, but I saw more of a connection with those more subtle blues and greens,” Steven says.

As an art professor at New Mexico State University, Stevens was able to incorporate her students into the project.

Students from the Department of Engineering Technology and Department of

Art at NMSU, as well as students from the Welding Technology Program and Building Construction Program at Doña Ana Community College, lent a hand in the fabrication process.

Stevens not only does work in New Mexico, but has also played a part in Jewish commemoration in Lviv, Ukraine.

Most notable was her work “Keys to the City,” where she created 75 glass synagogue keys in September, 2018. The keys were glass replicas of an old synagogue key that Stevens had found in a market in

Livi. The keys were then gifted to 75 Lviv citizens who are working to preserve Jewish history.

No matter where her art takes her, Stevens’ work represents the same thing: resilience. “With each project, the materials will vary or even the actual theme, but one thing that can be noticed throughout my work is the idea of resiliency; accepting change and adapting,” says Stevens. — ASHLEE OLSEN

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ADVERTISING REGISTRY 3 Advertising .......................................................................................................36 About Seniors Complete Moving Services, LLC .............................................110 ABQ Ax ..............................................................................................................113 ABQ Childcare................................................................................................... 59 Academy Dental Care .......................................................................................2, 3 Albuquerque Acupuncture & Integrative Medicine ..........................................73 Albuquerque Florist ...........................................................................................63 Albuquerque Isotopes Baseball........................................................................6, 7 All World Travel ..................................................................................................39 Amy Garcia - Keller Williams.............................................................................53 Animal Humane New Mexico .........................................................................177 Archetype Tattoo..............................................................................................106 Assistance League.............................................................................................. 58 Bill Stanage Wealth Management Group LLC..........................................26, 119 Blink! ................................................................................................................107 Boofy's Best For Pets ........................................................................................122 Bosque Aesthetics .........................................................................................12, 13 Brew Lab 101.....................................................................................................175 Bridal Elegance by Darlene .............................................................................109 Bubba's 33............................................................................................................61 California Closets ...............................................................................................41 Casa Taco ..........................................................................................................134 Catalyst Coffee...................................................................................................114 Catherine Buck Realty .......................................................................................49 Catopia Cat Cafe.............................................................................................. 108 Celina's Biscochitos ...........................................................................................117 Central Grill and Coffee House ........................................................................171 Cheba Hut ........................................................................................................107 ChocGlitz & Cream..........................................................................................123 Cholla Fizz Juice Up Seltzer.............................................................................152 Cinder ................................................................................................................65 CNM ................................................................................................................. 121 Computer Corner ..............................................................................................111 Conrad Sanchez Advanced Skin Care............................................................. 120 Coyote 102.5 .....................................................................................................69 Crystal Springs .................................................................................................182 Dave's Los Ranchos Lounge..............................................................................64 Duke City Software ..........................................................................................176 El Bruno's ......................................................................................................... 108 Enchanted Roofing............................................................................................46 Erica Gallegos - Realty One ...............................................................................53 Ethan Allen Furniture ........................................................................................21 Exhibit Solutions of New Mexico ..................................................................... 31 Facility Pump Repair ........................................................................................ 137 Frame City & Gallery.......................................................................................106 Frontier Restaurant ......................................................................................... 108 Fuego 102.9 .......................................................................................................141 Garage Door Doctor.........................................................................................107 Gerald Mendez - Realty One Group.................................................................48 Get A Grip ........................................................................................................ 112 Glam Nail Bar & Spa..........................................................................................38 Glow Up Hair Studio .......................................................................................123 Golden Pride BBQ Chicken & Ribs................................................................ 108 Grassburger ......................................................................................................125 Greater Albuquerque Association of Realtors .................................................. 52 High & Dry Brewing .........................................................................................117 Houston Wholesale Cars LLC .........................................................................4, 5 Inn of the Mountain Gods................................................................................68 Inspire Salon ....................................................................................................163 Jericho Nursery .................................................................................................105

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John Lopez Real Estate.......................................................................................51 Jungle Jam..........................................................................................................114 Kelly Jo Designs................................................................................................110 KISS 97.3............................................................................................................67 Kubota Tractor ................................................................................................ 201 La Casa Bella.....................................................................................................116 Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry ...................................................................Back Cover Los Poblanos Inn................................................................................................43 Mark Pardo Salon & Spa ....................................................................................45 Menaul School...................................................................................................66 Merry Maids .................................................................................................... 8, 9 Mesa Tractor .......................................................................................................23 Mike's Jerky ........................................................................................................115 Mike's Quality Painting ....................................................................................124 Moto-Authority ................................................................................................110 National Alliance for Public Charter Schools ...................................................70 National Museum of Nuclear Science and History .........................................113 New Mexico Orthopaedic Surgery Center ....................................................... 25 New Mexico Sports & Wellness .....................................................................189 New Mexico United ........................................................................................ 199 Niki Feldman Massage & Wellness ................................................................. 118 NMX Standard .................................................................................................157 Olo Dessert Studio............................................................................................ 72 Optimum.................................................................................................14, 15, 54 Osuna Nursery .................................................................................................188 Passion’s Story Inc .............................................................................................62 Pawsitive Training .............................................................................................113 PC Place ............................................................................................................ 121 QC Kinetix ....................................................................................................10, 11 Questa...............................................................................................................136 Radiology Associates of Albuquerque ...............................................................37 Rainbow Ryders................................................................................................126 Rio Grande Credit Union............................................... 17, 19, Inside Back Cover Route 66 Cleaners .............................................................................................171 Rudy's Country Store & BBQ ...........................................................................64 Sandia Green Clean..........................................................................................127 Santa Rosa ........................................................................................................183 Skrewball Peanut Butter Whiskey ...................................................................174 Sidney Bran - Coldwell Banker .........................................................................50 Simply Diego's ...................................................................................................114 Slate Street Billiards .........................................................................................186 Smiles by Design.......................................................................................173, 179 Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits ...................................................................165 Southwestern HR Consulting ...........................................................................71 Starr Brothers Brewing..................................................................................... 121 Sweet Sparrow Vintage Market........................................................................ 112 Talia Freedman Realty ........................................................................................47 Tema Furniture ...................................................................................................75 The Acre .............................................................................................................117 The Education Plan .......................................................................................... 135 The Remedy Day Spa ....................................................................................... 118 The Verdes Foundation ....................................................................................128 Tomato Cafe...................................................................................................... 118 Truth or Consequences ...................................................................................190 University of New Mexico Athletic Department............................................202 Weems Galleries ...............................................................................................123 West Cocktail & Wine Bar ................................................................................60 WisePies ..........................................................................................................205 Zentral Wellness ...............................................................................................129

WWW.ABQTHEMAG.COM | JUNE 2022

PHOTO CONTEST

THE BEST IS YET TO COME

By Haley Descoteaux

N

ew Mexico sunsets are spectacular on their own, but Haley Descoteaux is able to add a bit of New Mexico to her sunset pics. Living in Albuquerque her whole life, she has come to love capturing the one -ofa-kind landscape our state has to offer.

This past January, she caught the sun shining through the Rio Puerco Bridge off of Route 66.

During her senior year of high school, the photographer taking her senior portraits sparked an interest in photography for Descoteaux. She loved the excitement and passion that her photographer embodied and wanted to learn more about the art, she says. So, she shadowed them—and has not been able to put the camera down since. Soon after, Descoteaux purchased a Sony Alpha 5000, which she used to capture this month's award-winning image.

Descoteaux is currently a full-time student studying Radio Technology, and shoots photos as a hobby. It gives her the chance to break away from reality to explore the Southwest and make lifelong memories. “I love that you can pause a moment and tell every detail about it," she says. "It really makes the memory hold that stillness of time in every single picture you capture.”

She has found a passion for landscape photography. With the occasional portrait shoot, Descoteaux shared that landscape is what she enjoys the most. The way a picture can capture a moment and hold that memory for a lifetime is what has made her fall more in love with the art. —ASHLEE OLSEN

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

Email entries to: photocontest@abqthemag.com

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17. March 25, 2019 Facing their Major League affiliate Colorado Rockies for the first time, ‘Topes win 7-3.

Albuquerque Isotopes It’s no stretch to say a night at Isotopes Park never disappoints. Between the merch and promotions surrounding the clever alter-ego teams (Green Chile Cheeseburgers, and Mariachis de Nuevo México), and the ever-changing and fun ballpark menu (like this year’s debut of “I-Chee-Wa-Wa,” the chile relleno-topped BBQ sandwich), fans always leave satisfied. For ABQ, this marks the 20th season since the ‘Topes were reborn from the remains of the former Albuquerque Dukes. In honor of the occasion (and the fact that this is our We Love Lists issue), we asked the team to supply us with a Top 20 lineup of the most memorable Isotopes happenings from Rio Grande Credit Union Field at Isotopes Park.

2. April 4, 2004

14,177 fans trudge through rain and snow to see us defeat the reigning world champion Florida Marlins, 9-1.

3. July 11, 2007

The Triple-A All-Star Game.

On ESPN2, ‘Topes slugger Val Pascucci hits a two-run homer, but the International League team prevails, 7-5.

4.

April 30, 2008 Las Vegas scores 16 runs, but we crank out 18 in the highestscoring game ever at Isotopes Park.

5. June, 2009

L.A. Dodger star Manny Ramirez does a rehab stint.

43,480 fans and national media attend over three games. Manny goes 0-for-3.

6. August 30, 2009

The 8-4 defeat of Memphis clinches a PCL division crown.

Champagne-soaked players catch the post-game fireworks show.

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7.

May 8, 2011 and May 19, 2012 Bryan Cranston talks his “Breaking Bad” co-stars into a pair of charity softball games, raising money for local charities.

12. 2016

‘Topes lose 13 straight in the first half, then win 37 of 56 games to come within inches of a playoff berth. A for effort.

13. June 16, 2017 The alter-ego Green Chile Cheeseburgers debut against the Fresno Tacos (Grizzlies).

8. September 8, 2012

14. July 4,

9. August 29, 2014 On Fan Appreciation Weekend, Joc Pederson pads the legacy of his 33-homer ‘Topes season by giving away his 166,000-mile 1994 Buick.

15. May 5, 2018

Down 10-3 to Omaha in a series elimination game, ‘Topes score nine quick runs to win.

Storm Chasers win the series, but the comeback remains epic.

10. July 31, 2015

Trevor Story hits a grand slam over the scoreboard. Even more remarkable? His identical 2015 stats between Double-A New Britain and the ‘Topes: 256 atbats, 20 doubles, 10 home runs, 40 RBIs.

11. Season of Celebs, 2016 Holly Holm’s souvenir bobblehead features her signature head kick, while Saul Goodman’s mug shows up on game jerseys worn by players.

19. 4th of July

In 19 games on either July 3 or 4, a total of 282,204 fans have attended, an average of 14,884 per game.

20. Never Die in 2021

‘Topes score epic home wins after being down 10-1 on May 23, and 8-0 on July 29. And with two outs in the bottom of the 9th inning, ABQ plates five runs to win 7-5.

2017 A pitching duel featuring 20 combined strikeouts ended the game so quickly, the fireworks show had to wait 20 minutes for darkness.

The debut of alter-ego Mariachis De Nuevo México, who still average 10,000+ fans each time they suit up.

16.

October 2017 and 2018 The Colorado Rockies playoff teams feature rosters almost completely filled with former Isotopes.

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PHOTO BY DON JAMES/ATM

1. April 11, 2003 Inaugural Isotopes game. Flyover by F-16 fighter jets. New $25 million stadium. Nobody notices that we lose 5-3 to the Oklahoma Redhawks.

18. May 6, 2021 Tribute night for Nick LoBue, ‘Topes’ VP of Corporate Development and the first employee hired by the team in 2002, who tragically lost his life due to COVID-19 in 2020.

His 11-year-old granddaughter, Avery, sang the national anthem, and his grandson, Bryse, caught a foul ball. It marked the first home game for the Topes in 617 days.