November 2025, Albuquerque The Magazine

Sammies OF ABQ AMA Z ING

Sandos, sammies, subs... no matter what you call it or how you slice it, there’s one thing that we can all perhaps agree on: there’s nothing like an amazing sandwich for lunch (or breakfast or dinner, seeing as ATM had plenty to cheese—er, choose—from).

But what differentiates a good sandwich from a great sandwich? Is it the bread? The sliced meat? Or perhaps the cheese? Maybe the condiments? Here’s guessing that you just know it when you taste it. On that note, here are a few standout sammies from throughtout the metro that we loved enough to share with you. Dig in!

The best places this season to get your tamales to-go; a kids’ national bike program wheels into ABQ; NM Gas hosts their yearly day of service and weatherization; a round-up of all the buzzy food halls in town; plus, an open field space to get some fresh air in Los Poblanos area.

162 Albuquerque the Interview

At the helm of the APS Education Foundation, the non-profit arm of Albuquerque Public Schools, is Shannon Barnhill, a compassionate leader—and a fierce educational advocate for teachers and students alike.

166 Personality

Mark Padilla is the man, the myth, and the legend behind Lesmen’s Pro Audio—and, by the way, the New Mexico Music Hall of Fame. Get a peek into this renaissance man’s mind—which seems to never stop moving.

170 Behind the Scenes

Centuries of artistry and craftsmanship merge into creating one violin-making class—the only of its kind—at UNM, in part thanks to master luthier, Klarissa Petti.

173 Culture

174 Creatives

Most artists perhaps just buy their supplies from a store—but Celine Gordon, native New Mexican and tarot deck creatrix, creates her own palettes from the source: mother Earth.

176 Storytellers

An interview with Susan Metallo, YA author of ‘Reasons to Hate Me,’ a coming-of-age tale about a neurodivergent theater nerd; VisitABQ (@visitalbuquerque) and its finger-on-the-pulse TikTok page; plus, how MyMarket, a new and local grocery store, is using social media to get the word—and its story—out.

178 Tiempo

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

DEPARTMENTS

181 Dish

182 Eats Review

Inspired by the vibrancy of the Mediterranean, Dorothea Fine Greek provides diners with timeless elegance and authentically elevated cuisine.

186 Eats, Etc.

Linda’s Dolci, Albuquerque’s bona fide Italian bakery, whips up beautiful goods every morning; plus, Snapdragon Tea offers a playful, unique, and inclusive cafe experience.

188 Spirit Spotlight

Outpost 1706 has the perfect cocktail for your upcoming girls’ night out, holiday-style.

190 Bites

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

NOVEMBER 2025

Volume 22 Number 7

PUBLISHING DIRECTOR

Lise Watkins lise@abqthemag.com

PHOTO DIRECTOR

Don James don@abqthemag.com

GRAPHIC DESIGNERS

Emily Klumpenhower emily@abqthemag.com

Suzanna Hoenicke-Martin suzanna@abqthemag.com

STAFF WRITER

Austin Seidel austin@abqthemag.com

EDITORIAL INTERN

Addie Siembieda addie@abqthemag.com

DATEBOOK EDITOR

Lori Wilding datebook@abqthemag.com

CONTRIBUTORS

Tristen Critchfield

Mel Minter

Nicholas House Lisa Ocker

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.

225 Fun

226 Can’t Live Without

A new section! We asked Melissa A. Sanchez, entrepreneur extraordinaire, about a few items she always keeps handy for those on-the-go days.

228 Local Stuff We Love

Some fun—and festive!—ways to celebrate the holidays this season, New Mexico style.

230 Shop Talk

More than just a toy shop, Color Wheel Toys is a community center that helps kiddos and adults alike connect with their inner creative—thanks to owner and founder, Keri Piehl.

232 Paws Button

Moooove over, cows—because goats are the grazers of the future. Local business owner, Max Wade, has devised a way to keep our Bosque and wild areas safe from fires using the help of these four-legged friends.

234 Amazing Pets

This month’s winners: Cleo the cat, Pippin the dog, and Rugie the cat.

236

Passenger Window

Larry Bob Phillips doesn’t paint your typical mural. In fact, they’re more of optical illusions.

239

Photo Contest

This month’s winner: ‘Watermelon Mountain’ by Pamela Troutman.

240

A Few Things

A brief but deep dive into the National Hispanic Cultural Center’s stunning fresco by acclaimed artist Frederico Vigil.

NOVEMBER 2025 Volume 22 Number 7

PUBLISHER

Larryl Lynch larryl@abqthemag.com

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER

Gena Goodson gena@abqthemag.com

ADVERTISING MANAGER

Philip Kjelland philip@abqthemag.com

SENIOR ADVERTISING EXECUTIVE

Megan Life megan@abqthemag.com

PARTNERSHIP DEVELOPMENT

Bill Stanage bill@abqthemag.com

ADVERTISING EXECUTIVE

Jake Handler jake@abqthemag.com

PROJECT SPECIALIST

Daniel Garcia daniel@abqthemag.com

PUBLISHING ASSISTANT

Ariana Lopez ariana@abqthemag.com

BUSINESS OFFICE business@abqthemag.com

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER EMERITUS Scott Davis (1966–2004)

My sister Norva used to always say that a sandwich tastes much better if someone else makes it. She’s one hundred percent correct because, somehow, it makes perfect sense to me. It also helps if the maker happens to make sammies for a living, like the two dozen shops that we checked out this month to bring you the amazing handhelds for our feature story.

We checked out everything from the big eateries to small sandwich shops (even a spot in Bosque Farms) to curate our list. Mind you, we found so many great candidates that we could’ve filled up all 240 pages of this month’s issue with just sandwich features— but since we need to include the printed advertisements to pay bills, we decided to go with just 24.

Also, big props to Gena Goodson, our Associate Publisher, who ventured out and personally sampled nearly every sandwich. Her texts to me while she was eating some of them were so complimentary and full of rave reviews that I got excited about trying each sammie myself. We hope our feature beginning on page 94 gives you a bit of the same reaction.

Our Personality profile this month is Mark Padilla, a longtime godfather of sorts for the Albuquerque and New Mexico music scenes. In addition to owning the state’s premier music and audio store (Lesmen’s Pro Audio), Mark is also a musician, producer, filmmaker—and President of the New Mexico Music Hall of Fame (which inducts this year’s class later this month). Flip to page 166 to get the scoop on Mark’s latest endeavors (psst, he’s becoming an AI whiz).

Here’s something random: did you know UNM is the only university in America that offers a class on making violins? And not just in theory, but an actual, hands-on curriculum taught by a professional luthier (I had to look it up—it means “string instrument craftsperson”). In fact, over the course of five semesters, each student builds their own violin. Take your rosin and bow over to page 170 to hear the melody.

This year marks the 25th anniversary of the opening of the National Hispanic Cultural Center, the gorgeous complex along the Bosque just south of Downtown that has turned into a world-class host for art, performance and culture. One of the shining jewels at the NHCC is the Torreón and its stunning ceiling fresco—a mustsee for any visitor to our city. Check out some cool facts about the one-of-a-kind painting in our A Few Things column on page 240.

Lastly, I hope that you take a moment to read our ABQ Innovates profile section that begins on page 46. Yes, it’s an advertising section, and I don’t normally mention ads in this space. But here’s why I’m making an exception: these are some of the leading companies doing great things in the tech, space, energy and research sectors in New Mexico— and they represent the biggest areas of future growth for our economy and jobs.

We’re also pleased to have introductions to the section from both Rob Black, the state’s Cabinet Secretary for the Department of Economic Development; and Mia Peterson, the Chief Executive Officer of the New Mexico Technology Council. Trust me, reading this section will give you a renewed sense of pride and hope for the future of technology in our state.

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

Sincerely,

Fields, Farms, and Fun

Albuquerque is unique in that it offers more than just parks to the public. Beginning in the 1960s, the city began developing ‘open spaces,’ which help preserve natural areas—from river to farmland. The Los Poblanos Fields Open Space in the North Valley is one such location that offers wildlife viewing, trails—and more.(p. 28)

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

PHOTO BY DON JAMES/ATM

TAPAS

Steam, Spice, and Everything Nice

As the weather cools and the days grow shorter, tamales simply hit differently. A six-pack makes for an easy, comforting dinner, while a dozen is juuust perfect for the next holiday potluck. Except, no pots needed. (Brilliant!) Just warm, homemade goodness that saves the day after a long workweek—or makes you the hero who arrives with the food everyone actually wants.

Keeping a stash in the freezer is a smart move, because when that first chill hits the air, nothing beats the smell of fresh tamales steaming and a night off from cooking. Dinner solved.

We’ve rounded up a few favorite local spots to make this delicious plan a reality.

Isabella Perez

LA MEXICANA TORTILLA CO.

304 Coal Ave. SW (505) 242-2558

ACAPULCO TACOS & BURRITOS

Multiple locations (505) 268-9865

GARCIA’S KITCHEN

Multiple locations (505) 842-0273

EL MODELO MEXICAN FOODS

1715 Second St. SW (505) 242-1843

VALENCIA MARKET

91 N. El Cerro Loop (Los Lunas) (505) 308-3406

EL PATRON

Multiple locations (505) 275-0223

RUBY’S TORTILLERIA

118 Calle Montoya (Bernallilo) (505) 771-0550

LITTLE ANITA’S NEW MEXICAN RESTAURANT

2105 Mountain Road NW (505) 242-3102

PERICO’S

Multiple locations (505) 839-4762

AGE: 9 SCHOOL: Hodgin Elementary School TOTALLY INTO: Arts & crafts, dancing folklorico, and LEGOs NOT A FAN OF: Waking up early and trying new food

Aspiring dancer and future folklorico superstar, Isabella Perez is a seriously talented and creative 4th grader who has an amazing heart. “She goes overboard for people she loves,” says her mom Aniley. That often means looking after her cousins, Jailyn and Sofia, who can’t help but look up to Isabella—and it’s easy to see why.

When she isn’t dancing or striving to be the best that she possibly can be, her mom says that she loves to travel, meet new people, and explore new places—all with a smile on her face and a hop in her step.

Getting Ready for Winter

AN ANNUAL, COMPANY-WIDE EVENT, NM GAS COMPANY’S DAY OF SERVICE BRINGS EMPLOYEES AND CUSTOMERS TOGETHER TO HELP SAVE MONEY AND STAY WARM FOR THE WINTER.

Every year when old man winter rears his head, many New Mexicans find it challenging to keep their homes warm—without breaking the bank. To help members of the community meet this need and improve upon their quality of life, NM Gas Company compassionately takes action every year with their Day of Service—a statewide volunteer effort that helps customers improve their homes’ energy efficiency, all while deepening community ties.

“Weatherization is basically things that you can do to a home to help save energy,” says Director of Energy Efficiency, Carey Salaz. “And so when we talk about ‘Weatherization Day’ and the weatherization activities that we do, it includes going to customer houses and installing faucet aerators so they use less hot water and reduce natural gas use.”

Other services offered to customers include window or weather stripping and the installation of door sweeps and furnace filters. Essentially, these steps ensure that hot air stays in while cold air stays out during the winter months—and perhaps equally important, it can make bills more affordable.

As a part of their community engagement program, NM Gas most notably partners with United Way, and for their Day of Service, Meals on Wheels New Mexico, which provides food services to low-income households and elderly clients with limited support networks. “We have employees who go out into the community and volunteer at various organizations,” says Clair Anderson, State and Community Relations Coordinator. “We have invested funding into Meals on Wheels for a very long time, and so our

idea with community investment is that we’re not just investing in organizations, but we’re really building true partnerships. We’re funding them, but we’re also figuring out other ways that we can help support their mission and get our employees engaged.”

Last year, NM Gas saw 120 of its employees volunteer, amassing 500 hours of company-wide community service. For 2025, Meals on Wheels provided Salaz and her team a list of interested customers who wanted to weatherize their residences in Albuquerque. Surveys and walkthroughs were then conducted by professional contractors inside homes to take stock of supplies. Prior to the Day of Service on September 23rd, employee volunteers were given hands-on training, and by the end, they could use a caulking gun and successfully install weather stripping and door sweeps.

“I think the experience was absolutely amazing for our employees,” says Salaz. “I think sometimes we forget how blessed we are, and so going out there and just being able to help people firsthand, it was wonderful.”

For those interested in weatherizing their home for the winter ahead, NM Gas Company offers a free energy and water savings kit for customers, which includes showerheads, faucet aerators, weather stripping, and instructions on installation. More info can be found on their website, nmgcgetrebates.com/free-kit.

AUSTIN SEIDEL

Some Thoughts On:

Thanksgiving Foods

“Red Chile Enchilada Casserole is my favorite Thanksgiving dish in my household. It’s one dish I can’t live without, and it feels like home every time. And you best believe the NFL Thanksgiving games are on every TV in the house ALL day!”

Ando THE GINA LEE FUENTEZ SHOW KISS 97.3 FM

It only took a few years for our metro area to open half a dozen amazing food halls, which offer everything from a quick bite at lunch, to a sitdown family dinner, and even live music and entertainment. These six spots are ready for their close-up, so here’s a bite-size guide to give you a taste of what they each offer:

SAWMILL MARKET

Housed in a piece of ABQ history, Sawmill Market was once a bustling lumber warehouse—but now is home to 20+ local vendors. Try Neko Neko’s Japanese-style fish-shaped ice cream cones or Dr. Field Goods’s classic burgers and dogs, all while sipping a craft cocktail from Botanic Bar on the Sawmill’s airy patio lounge.

OLD TOWN - 1909 BELLAMAH AVE NW

505 CENTRAL FOOD HALL

Nine eclectic eateries—from Himawari’s ramen to Thicc Pizza Co.’s Detroit-style pizza—and a buzzy vibe makes for an extremely convenient stop between meetings or events at the Convention Center—or as a destination unto itself.

DOWNTOWN — 505 CENTRAL AVE NW

Lights, Camera, Entrée!

PARK SQUARE MARKET

Brought to you by the makers of Sawmill Market, this new-ish hall brings a more upscale spirit eastward, all while keeping local favorites on the menu. Grab a refreshing Arnold Palmer at Lemon & Brine and then order handmade pasta at Tulipani for lunch or dinner—and then head to the terrace and enjoy the ambiance in style.

UPTOWN — 6511 AMERICAS PARKWAY NE

THE BLOCK

The hall concept has crossed the Rio Grande and quickly made a big splash, with 18,000-square feet of food court built with trendy shipping containers, plus food trucks, an upstairs bar, and community events, like Tuesday comedy nights. Highlights include El Chamo Arabe’s Venezuelan and Mediterranean food, Busy Bee Frozen Custard, and The Boba Lounge—ideal for a family day or weekend hangout.

RIO RANCHO — 7805 ENCHANTED HILLS BLVD.

TIN CAN ALLEY & GREEN JEANS

For container-park cool and charm, these sister halls offer a combination of indoor and outdoor dining alongside unique architectural digs. Local staples like Santa Fe Brewing Co. and Amore Neapolitan Pizzeria—along with Burque swag at the Brotique 505 Gift Shop— can be found at both locales. Keep your eyes peeled, too, for rotating vendors and live music.

GREEN JEANS FOOD HALL — 3600 CUTLER AVE NE

TIN CAN ALLEY — 6110 ALAMEDA BLVD NE

Some Thoughts On:

Thanksgiving Foods

Brandon Vogt RADIO

“My must-have for Thanksgiving dinner changes from year to year, but right now I have to have deviled eggs as a side dish. For this year’s feast, I plan to smoke the deviled eggs with a brisket.”

ark It HERE

LOS POBLANOS FIELDS OPEN SPACE

If you take a stroll through one of the last remaining agricultural properties in Albuquerque’s North Valley, don’t be surprised to encounter other walkers, joggers, bikers—or even horseback riders. Los Poblanos Fields Open Space sits on 138 acres of land, much of which is still actively used for good old-fashioned farming. Located just a mile away from the Rio Grande, Los Poblanos Fields Open Space allows visitors to connect with New Mexico’s unique Bosque ecosystem and vibrant agricultural heritage.

Of its 100 plus acres, the 50 acres of farmland has been managed by the notfor-profit group Rio Grande Community Farm for over 25 years. The group provides educational workshops, ser-

vice-learning projects, and demonstration gardens—right on site. Aligning with their mission of land stewardship, they also manage a regenerative farming hay bale program, a micro-farming program, and a community garden program, all in the open space.

Rio Grande Community Farm ultimately prioritizes sustainable agricultural methods to preserve the habitat of the migratory birds that call the North Valley home. As you take a walk through the fields on one of the three loops, ranging from 1 to 2 miles, you may encounter a Sandhill Crane or a Canadian Goose. And whether visitors come to admire the wildlife, learn about sustainable farming, or simply to enjoy a peaceful walk, Los

PARK AMENITIES

• WILDLIFE HABITAT

• ACTIVE FARMING

• SEASONAL EVENTS

• WALKING AND BIKING TRAILS

• COMMUNITY ART

• EDUCATION PROGRAMS

• GROUP TOURS OF THE FARMS

Poblanos Fields Open Space truly offers educational and recreational opportunities for all. —ADDIE SIEMBIEDA

FACES&PLACES

5. 3. 6.

7. Harvest Wine & Music Festival Balloon Fiesta Park

The annual Harvest Wine & Music Festival, held on Aug 30, was the ultimate end-of-summer escape. Guests savored exceptional wines from award-winning vineyards all while soaking in the rhythms of New Mexico’s best bands. Guests also enjoyed shopping handcrafted goods while indulging in gourmet eats.

1. Kristen Baker, Miles Turner, Elijah Edwards

2. David Vigil, Abrianna Dominguez

3. Chrissy Kirk, Jack Nelson

4. Vanessa Urrea, Francisco Ortega

5. Kaden Stewart, Gustavo Saenz

6. Jennifer Walkouski, Jessica Jaramillo

7. Marcos Portillo, Sergio Marquez

FACES&PLACES

A Night for Sight Sandia Resort and Casino

A Night for Sight, held on Aug 23, raised funds for a great cause—vision! The Juliette RP Vision Foundation held this royal event to benefit visually impaired college students and for research grants for those studying retina research. Attendees enjoyed dressing in their favorite royal attire, dinner, games, and multiple auctions.

1. Casey Link, Tiffany Link

2. Thao Nguyen, Natasha Dark

3. Janel Ollason, Kive Kinney

4. Josh Baca, Angela Baca

5. Sharla Ortega, Adam Trujillo

6. David Atkins, Chanda Atkins

7. Brittany Fleming, Brian Garcia

FACES&PLACES

Splash of the Tropics

Splash of the Tropics presented by Art Gone Wild was held on Aug 22. This one-of-akind experience featured artwork created by the animals at the ABQ BioPark. Proceeds from the purchased animal artwork supported the animal artists and their care. Guests met animal care teams, enjoyed gourmet bites, and listened to live music as they explored the vibrant gallery of paintings by penguins, elephants, otters, and more.

1. Taylor Marsing, Donna Marsing

2. Christine Kasperski, Jake Kasperski

3. Megan Agena, Cristina Burns

4. Alejandra May, Amber Alink

5. Kirby Collins, Susan Jones

6. Scott Robertson, Kelli Robertson

7. Vincent Rosa, Julia Rosa

FACES&PLACES

Maravilla Gala The Clyde Hotel

The Maravilla

held on Sep 13, celebrated the 25th anniversary of the National Hispanic Cultural Center. Guests enjoyed silent auctions, drinks, and company. This gala brought out culture, community, and celebration, while honoring the past, the present, and the future of the National Hispanic Cultural Center.

5.

Gala,

1. U.S. Rep. Melanie Stansbury, Susie Smigh

2. Jen Schroeder, Erin Gandira

3. David Naranjo, Maria Otero

4. Chris Brennen, Jennifer Sandoval

Drake Ward, Megan Tran

6. Abe Nahmias, Sarah Scherrer

7. Brittany Silvas, Karen Flores, Elizabeth Keller

5. 3. 6. 4. 7.

FACES&PLACES

Inaugural NMTA Golf Classic

Twin Warriors Golf Club

The Inaugural NMTA Golf Classic, held on Sep 19, was an exciting scramblestyle tournament. NMTA is a network of technology companies, business leaders, and entrepreneurs that work together to advance innovation and economic development across the state. Players enjoyed breakfast, lunch, on-course games, raffle prizes, and an awards reception.

1. Mitch Trevisol, Seneca Savage, Danielle Leininger, Marissa Knowlton

2. Jacob Madrid, Michael Madrid

3. Mike Lubinsky, David Vigil

4. Aaron Thompson, Anthony Carrillo

5. Tim Warner, Robby CdeBaca

6. Tyler Ortega, Eduardo Vidales

7. Juan Aguerrevere, Michael Chaput

Rising as a TECHNOLOGY LEADER

By all accounts, Rob Black’s return to New Mexico has been a shot in the arm for the state’s efforts to maximize resources, attract corporate expansion, and increase jobs.

The Lovington native spent two decades building a sterling resume in the energy and policy sectors in California and overseas before taking over the New Mexico Chamber of Commerce in 2018. And late last year, he was appointed Cabinet Secretary of the Economic Development Department by Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham.

He says his focus is firmly set on two areas: helping to craft a more welcoming climate to attract big companies; and putting effort into improving—and retaining—the state’s emerging workforce.

“It’s very important that we make the regulatory environment more predictable, because companies need to assess what they’re in for. It helps set the table,” says Black.

“And to provide a backbone for those ventures, we need to align our workforce, especially around skilled trades.”

To introduce Albuquerque The Magazine’s inaugural “ABQ Innovates: Science and Technology” profile section, we sat down with Secretary Black and asked him to touch on a few other key points our state has in sight—and how we can collective-

ly build a stronger economy for the Land of Enchantment. —ATM

ON MOVING BACK HOME

“I wanted to be closer to family and friends. That’s something that’s core to New Mexico, right? When you’re from here, there is always a draw back home. And whether that’s red chile in the fall, or Balloon Fiesta, or it’s that we have a sense of family that

ROB BLACK

goes beyond our blood. And there’s so much opportunity for the state, and I wanted to be part of helping us move in that direction. So, that’s why I came home.”

ON THE STATE’S INVESTMENTS

“When I moved back to New Mexico in 2018, there was $24 billion under management by the State Investment Council. Today that number is at $66 billion. They’ve restruc-

tured venture funds to focus on things where the state has a unique competitive advantage, and that’s advanced energy, advanced computing, space, and defense, partly because we’ve always had strong

national lab support. So, we’re now tied into some of the largest, most successful venture capital funds in the world.”

ON THE INVESTMENT RETURNS

THE STATE HAS $66 BILLION IN SOME OF THE MOST SUCCESSFUL VENTURE FUNDS IN THE WORLD.

“We have made it clear that we want jobs created in New Mexico, and if the funds we invest in don’t do that, they won’t be eligible for the next round of funding. A great example of companies that are

NEW MEXICO IS READY TO JOIN THE FOREFRONT OF THE GLOBAL TECH STAGE

MIA PETERSON CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER NEW MEXICO TECHNOLOGY COUNCIL

New Mexico is famous for hot air balloons, chile, and high desert sunsets—but a new identity is emerging as a technology powerhouse. Albuquerque is quickly becoming a hub for innovation, and at the heart of this growth is the New Mexico Technology Council (NMTC). We are the state’s leading association connecting public, private, and educational partners in technology to drive innovation.

Our goal is simple and powerful:

to grow the impact of technology in New Mexico. Through events like the Tech Summit and the NM Women in Tech Awards—and our yearround programming—we convene startups, Fortune 500 companies, universities, and government agencies to collaborate and strengthen the ecosystem. We provide thoughtful leadership, hands-on education, and advocacy to ensure New Mexico’s tech community has a seat at the table. When innovation thrives, economic growth follows—and the benefits reach every corner of our state.

validating our process is XGS Geothermal, which is making a $1.2 billion investment to build a 150 megawatt geothermal energy plant to support the Meta data center. They chose New Mexico because the SIC invested in the fund that funds them.”

ON JOB CREATION

WE WANT COMPANIES TO SAY, ‘WOW, WE HAD NO IDEA ABOUT NEW MEXICO.

ON SUSTAINING THE BOOM

“Growing up in Lovington, there wasn’t a lot of job options after high school. And a lot of our small towns still feel that way. We want to make

New Mexico’s tech economy is one of the fastest growing in the nation, anchored by four strategic verticals: Quantum Computing, AI, Clean Energy, and Aerospace. What sets us apart is alignment. Public, private, and educational sectors are collaborating like never before, creating fertile ground for innovation. Record-breaking state investments in emerging technologies, companies relocating to New Mexico, and an expanding venture capital presence all signal a unique synergy.

We also boast world-class educational and research programs, one of

sure we’re creating good jobs that are exciting. I mean, how cool would it have been when you’re graduating from high school to think you could go work at a rocket company? Or somebody who’s building the next generation of computers and AI? We’re going to have that now.”

“A lot of companies are interested in New Mexico now because their investment funds are saying, ‘You should take a look.’ But once they look, they say, ‘Oh, my goodness, three national laboratories, three research universities, all with unique attributes and areas of excellence.’ So, when you start to lay these things out for companies, whether it’s in the space or defense areas, and they say, ‘Wow, we had no idea about New Mexico.’

the highest concentrations of PhDs in the world, two national labs, and a vibrant creative industry. This ecosystem ensures that groundbreaking ideas aren’t just conceived—they’re launched, scaled, and applied. From high-tech labs to entrepreneurial startups, New Mexico is transforming potential into tangible impact. Technology in New Mexico is no longer a potential—it’s progress in motion. Quantum computing, AI, clean tech, and aerospace aren’t just sectors we explore—they’re areas where New Mexico is emerging as a leader. The opportunities are im-

mense, and the state is uniquely positioned to shape the future of innovation while fostering economic prosperity for all residents. The future is bright, and the time is now. New Mexico is ready to take its place at the forefront of the global tech stage. Together, we can seize this rare opportunity to transform our state, attract talent, and cultivate a thriving ecosystem that benefits everyone.

To get involved, access resources, or explore opportunities with NMTC, visit: https://nmtechcouncil.org or contact Mia Petersen, CEO, at mia@nmtechcouncil.org

ABQ INNOVATES PROFILES

GRIDWORKS

In an industry where electricity demand is outpacing supply and driving up costs for consumers, solar and battery storage are advantageous because they are quicker to deploy and cheaper to operate than conventional power generation. Gridworks, an Albuquerque-based design-build firm focusing on grid scale solar and battery storage power plants across the United States, is uniquely positioned to capitalize on this opportunity while enabling cost effective, clean energy installations for New Mexicans. While in school at New Mexico Tech, I worked at Sandia National Laboratories. In late 2022, I made the hard decision to leave the Labs and pursue a career in renewable energy. As a young professional, I am glad I found Gridworks, as the company has allowed me to fast track my growth by allowing me the freedom to make guiding decisions and embracing our innovation-driven “what if” culture.

In 2025, Gridworks surpassed two Gigawatts of installed energy generation capacity, providing clean energy to hundreds of thousands of homes. Deployment speed and efficiency are going to be key to our success in the future. We must continue to innovate and find solutions to quickly deploy renewable generation and energy storage on the grid to keep up with demand in the information era.

Vestibulum ante ipsum primis in faucibus orci luctus

Ut et tortor nec ipsum bibendum fringilla id et dui.

karl lukes | project engineer

The Intel

• Directed Energy Test and Evaluation: Assessing directed energy effects and emerging demonstrators to ensure electromagnetic spectrum superiority.

• System Engineering and Development: Building comprehensive system capabilities, tailored to custom needs, so delivered technologies meet requirements and accelerate employment.

• Applied Nuclear Research: Producing cutting-edge simulations and advanced technologies so systems survive in the harshest of radiation environments.

• Applied Electronics: Designing, developing and delivering specialized electronic systems to ensure emerging technologies and their mission concepts are safe and effective.

• Electronic Warfare: Combining technologies and blending the domains of electronic warfare, cyber warfare and directed energy to enhance warfighter abilities and defeat unconventional threats in contested operational spectrums.

• Space and Autonomy: Deploying state-of-the-art machine learning and artificial intelligence techniques to advance land, sea, air and space operational supremacy.

• Software Development and Applications: Creating, applying and displaying the latest electromagnetic modeling and simulation capabilities to optimize mission success for hardware solutions.

VERUS RESEARCH

6100 Uptown Blvd NE, Ste 260 505-244-8500 verusresearch.net

ABQ INNOVATES

Albuquerque-based research and development company Verus Research advances technologies across multiple domains by providing analysis, design, development, integration, and testing for the aerospace and defense community. Our team is composed of elite scientists and engineers skilled in advanced electromagnetic simulation and analysis, microwave system modeling, design and implementation, nuclear systems analysis and radiation effects, multidisciplinary systems integration and more.

For over 11 years, Verus Research’s focused strengths and academic connections have enhanced our ability to create solutions that matter. Verus Research delivers the ideal combination of critical thinking, unrivaled expertise, and state-of-the-art technologies to provide our customers with tailored answers for their specific needs — on time, on budget and on point. Behind the core values of integrity, creativity, empowerment and responsibility, our vision is to forge a scientific research and development environment built around creatively solving our customers’ most difficult technical problems.

Verus Research has earned a number of accolades for our work. For eight consecutive years, we have been labeled as one of New Mexico’s Fastest Growing Private Companies, and for the past five years we have been recognized as a “Top NM Private Company” by Albuquerque Business First. On a national level, Verus Research checked in at No. 3,947 on the annual Inc. 5000 list, which represents the fastest-growing private companies in America — we have been on this list for five years running. Verus Research is proud to support initiatives that make meaningful impacts to the Albuquerque community. We believe that investing in the community strengthens connections, fosters growth, and helps to build a better future. We promote a culture that creates opportunities for the individual, benefits for the community, and strength and stability for the enterprise. We seek to maximize the mutual joy in developing technical solutions that meet tomorrow’s needs.

Verus Research was recently acquired by Radiance Technologies, an Alabama-based defense contractor. As a wholly owned subsidiary, Verus Research leverages the combined organizations’ enhanced capabilities and national presence.

Daniel Cheshire, Adam Church, Quinn Wingerd

The Intel

Skills & Expertise:

• Accelerator Design & Engineering

• Nuclear Non-Proliferation

• Nuclear and Physical Sciences

• Plutonium Programs and Operation

• Systems & Procurement Engineering

• Logistics & Supply Chain Surety

• Weapons Knowledge Preservation and Transfer

• Hypersonics

• Threat and Vulnerability Awards and Milestones:

• 2024 Department of Energy Small Business of the Year

• 2025 New Mexico Small Business Persons of the Year

• 2025 Small Business Administration Businesspersons of the Year (Runner-Up)

• Named One of Inc 5000’s Fastest Growing Companies 11 times

• Named One of ABQ Journal Top Workplaces from 2020 - 2025 Core Principles:

• Focus on technical and scientific projects of national significance.

• Provide high-level, highly qualified experts with practical experience as well as academic credentials.

• Committed to providing the best solution for the client while maintaining a lean management approach.

• Recognize the dynamic environment in which our clients must operate and adjust scope and resources to meet client’s needs.

• Demonstrate daily that we value and respect our employees, consultants, and our clients by always providing honest, professional, and ethical solutions and services.

• Growth is multi-dimensional and goes beyond revenue.

TECHSOURCE

For the past 25 years, TechSource, A NEW MEXICO company, has been an industry leader in science, engineering and technology.

ABQ INNOVATES

Over the years, TechSource has grown into a premier provider of expertise, with a team of 500+ senior-level engineers, scientists, and leaders from national laboratories, federal technology programs and the nuclear industry. Specializing in end-to-end nuclear energy and weapons lifecycle management, advanced scientific research & development and innovative solutions across federal and commercial sectors, TechSource supports critical national security programs, nuclear nonproliferation efforts and weapons modernization initiatives. Our senior subject matter experts boast an average of 35-plus years of experience in their fields, and we have a nationwide footprint that spans 38 states.

In 2021, the Albuquerque Project Management Office (PMO) opened with a focus on servicing Department of Defense (DoD) customers at Kirtland Air Force Base, Sandia National Laboratories and Linear Accelerator facilities across the country. The ABQ PMO is also responsible for all of TechSource’s support to the production mission at the Pantex Plant in Amarillo, Texas.

The ABQ PMO has spearheaded 5 capabilities:

-Test & Evaluation

-Hypersonics

-Linear Accelerators

-Threat & Vulnerability

-Weapons Knowledge Preservation and Transfer (WKPT)

In 2025, TechSource’s CEO Brian D’Andrea and COO Jeff Giangiuli were recognized as New Mexico’s Small Businesspersons of the Year and were also selected as runner-up for National Small Businesspersons of the year. This past year marked another significant milestone, as TechSource transitioned to an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) — a reflection of both a commitment to our employees as well as the long-term future of the company. “Employee ownership reflects TechSource’s collaborative spirit, empowering every individual to shape the company’s success while securing their financial future,” said Quinn Wingerd, Senior Vice President and CFO. “This transition strengthens our culture of trust and expertise, ensuring we stay firmly focused on our mission-driven work and long-term impact”

Success at TechSource is a collaborative effort, with every team member unified toward achieving the same goal. Our unwavering focus on our clients’ needs has resulted in a 98% customer retention rate. TechSource’s relationship with our clients is mutually beneficial, which has served as a catalyst for advancements in weapons modernization, hypersonics and particle accelerator design. We consistently exceed expectations by delivering innovative, science-driven solutions crafted by nationally recognized leaders in their fields. Grounded in trust and experience, our approach ensures mission delivery remains at the forefront, providing tools, services, and solutions that redefine excellence in nuclear security.

CURIA

4401 Alexander Blvd. NE

curiaglobal.com

Manufacturing Life-Saving Medicine In Albuquerque

Curia’s Albuquerque Plant Nears Completion Of $200 Million Expansion

ABQ INNOVATES

The pharmaceutical manufacturing facility on Balloon Park Road and Alexander Boulevard was built in 1980. In the 45 years since, much has changed. For example, some manually operated equipment has been replaced by advanced, automated robotics. And the Albuquerque facility changed ownership several times, most recently when it was purchased by Curia Global, Inc. (Curia), then known as Albany Molecular Research, Inc. (AMRI), in 2014.

One thing has remained a constant in the last four decades: The mission to ensure the patients receiving the treatments manufactured there are delivered on time and made with the highest quality standards.

The Albuquerque campus is one of 20 global research and manufacturing sites owned by Curia, ranging from California to India. Curia’s largest expansion project has been right here in New Mexico.

A $200 million investment in an ongoing, multi-year project at Curia’s Albuquerque facility is nearing completion. It includes two isolated filling lines that add over 70,000 square feet to the existing 200,000-square-foot manufacturing space. A new VarioSysTM Flex Line, suitable for small-scale biologics and non-potent small molecules, can accommodate syringes, cartridges, and vials. A new high-speed vial line will be ready in early 2026, capable of filling up to 400 vials per minute.

“Increased demand for GLP-1 agonists, new biologic drugs, coupled with on-going supply chain reviews by our customers make this an ideal time for this capacity in Albuquerque to come on-line,” said Phil Macnabb, Curia’s CEO.

NEWSPACE NEXUS

From her earliest days watching rockets light up the desert sky, Casey Anglada DeRaad was captivated by space. Today, as Founder and CEO of NewSpace Nexus, she’s turned that lifelong passion into a mission: to unite and ignite the commercial space industry—right here in New Mexico.

Established as a nonprofit, NewSpace Nexus serves as a launchpad for innovation, connecting government, academia, and private enterprise to accelerate the pace of space commercialization. Under Casey’s leadership, the organization has become a national model for collaborative growth, providing entrepreneurs with the resources, mentorship, and partnerships they need to thrive.

A visionary with deep roots in aerospace and defense, DeRaad brings more than two decades of experience at the intersection of technology and policy. Before founding NewSpace Nexus, she held senior leadership roles at the Air Force Research Laboratory at Kirtland Air Force Base and NASA, where she witnessed firsthand the incredible talent and potential of New Mexico’s scientific community. Through initiatives like the NewSpace Ignitor, a firstof-its-kind incubator/accelerator program, and the NewSpace Launchpad, a state-of-the-art facility in Albuquerque, Casey has built an ecosystem that transforms bold ideas into viable businesses. Her ultimate goal: to make New Mexico synonymous with space innovation, generating high-paying jobs, attracting global investment, and cementing the state’s reputation as a hub for the next frontier of exploration.

DeRaad’s drive is fueled by a simple belief—that the future of space isn’t somewhere else; it’s being built right here. “We’re not just helping rockets launch,” she says. “We’re helping dreams take flight.”

casey Anglada DeRaad | ceo & founder

NEW MEXICO TECH ALLIANCE

4900 Jefferson St. NE, Ste E 505-317-6952 nmtechalliance.com

Founded in 2025, the New Mexico Tech Alliance (NMTA) was created by five leading local firms — Kosh Solutions, FTT, Loial Nube, and TEC34 — to unite New Mexico’s technology ecosystem under one collaborative banner. Together, the Alliance provides a wide range of IT expertise, including cybersecurity, managed services, records management, cloud and data center solutions and professional consulting.

Established a Unified Approach –Responded to industry challenges where IT companies overextend or direct resources outside New Mexico, creating a collaborative Alliance of local experts. As a result, local organizations often had to look elsewhere for technology support. By combining the specialized strengths of five firms, NMTA delivers enterprisegrade solutions right here at home — keeping jobs, investment and innovation in New Mexico.

This year, NMTA proudly hosted the inaugural Golf Classic, with proceeds benefiting a local grassroots charity dedicated to improving New Mexico communities through educational development and quality of life assistance.

The Intel

• Cloud & Data-Center Solutions: Delivering scalable, modern infrastructure designed with New Mexico organizations in mind.

• Cybersecurity Expertise: Protecting businesses and public agencies from evolving digital threats.

• Managed IT Services: 24/7 monitoring, maintenance, and helpdesk support to keep operations running smoothly.

• Professional IT Consulting: Tailored guidance to solve complex challenges without the “one size-fits-all” approach many firms take.

• Records & Information Management: Ensuring compliance, efficiency, and security for government and business operations.

• Collaborative Expertise: Combining the strengths of five New Mexico firms: Kosh, FTT, Loial, Nube, and TEC34: Providing enterprise-grade cybersecurity, cloud, managed IT, and records management locally.

• Community Engagement: Hosting the NMTA Golf Classic to support grassroots charities that invest in education and quality of life.

• New Mexico First Focus: Delivering enterprise-grade technology locally while keeping jobs, investment, and innovation in-state.

• Established a Unified Approach: Responded to industry challenges where IT companies overextend or direct resources outside New Mexico, creating a collaborative Alliance of local experts.

• Hosted the Inaugural NMTA Golf Classic (2025): Proceeds benefited a grassroots New Mexico charity supporting education and quality of life initiatives.

• Driving Local Growth: Strengthening statewide partnerships, keeping technology talent in New Mexico, and ensuring investments stay within the community.

James Martinez | Vice President Kelly Martinez | CEO

The Intel

• Rooted in New Mexico: Founded locally with over 20 years of service to state agencies, healthcare systems, and schools across the region.

• Woman-Owned & Certified: A Women-Owned Disadvantaged Small Business and SBA 8(a) participant, committed to excellence and community impact.

• Industry Expertise: Deep experience in records management, ECM software, and office equipment solutions.

• Technology Leader: Authorized Sharp dealer with “Double Platinum” service recognition, placing us in the top 30% of Sharp providers nationwide.

• Innovators in Records: Early adopters of automation, OCR, and AI to enhance document digitization and information management.

• Customer-Centered Service: Known for white-glove support, local responsiveness, and a trusted chain-ofcustody process in scanning projects.

• Growth-Oriented: Expanded across New Mexico with plans to build scanning hubs and broaden technology offerings statewide.

NUBE

Nube Group is a husband-and-wife–led, woman-owned business rooted in Albuquerque and committed to serving New Mexico with excellence. Nube is the Spanish word for cloud, and many of our services—records management, enterprise content management (ECM) software, and office equipment—connect seamlessly to the cloud to help organizations work smarter. For 14 years, we have focused on pairing innovative technology with local, whiteglove service. Our core values—Collaboration, Grit, and Drive—shape how our employees approach every project, fueling our tenacity to grow, adapt, and help customers achieve their goals.

As a founding member of the New Mexico Tech Alliance, we believe in being complementary, not competitive. This allows us to focus on what we do best while connecting customers with trusted partners for services outside our core. Beyond business, we are committed to our faith and community, serving organizations like Steel Bridge Ministries and youth programs across the state.

Nube Group’s future is focused on expanding our footprint across New Mexico and the greater Southwest. We are building records management operations closer to the communities we serve—including Clovis, Taos, Gallup, Angel Fire, and the surrounding cities near the Albuquerque Metro—so customers can access local, responsive support. Our vision is to partner with New Mexico’s largest and most respected companies, delivering technology and service that strengthen their operations while keeping investment in the state.

TEC34

4900 Jefferson St NE, ste e 505-317-6952 tec34.com

Founded in December 2022, TEC34 may be young—but we’re already making a big impact in New Mexico. In just three years, we’ve built trusted partnerships with businesses and public agencies, delivering cybersecurity, cloud and data center solutions, professional services, and managed IT support.

But TEC34 is about more than technology. We launched the New Mexico Tech Alliance (NMTA) to unite firms and strengthen our state’s tech community. This year, we hosted the inaugural NMTA Golf Classic—not just a tournament, but a fundraiser with purpose. Proceeds supported a local grassroots charity dedicated to improving New Mexico communities through education and quality-of-life initiatives.

What sets us apart? We deliver solutions that last while giving back to the state we proudly call home. Looking ahead, TEC34 is expanding services, creating jobs, and leading the charge to make New Mexico a hub for innovation and community impact.

josh fristoe | cto

The Intel

• Cloud & Data-Center Solutions: Delivering scalable, secure, and efficient infrastructure for modern business needs.

• Cybersecurity Expertise: Protecting organizations from evolving digital threats with advanced security solutions.

• Professional IT Services: Providing consulting, integration, and project support tailored to client goals.

• Managed IT Support: Offering 24/7 monitoring, maintenance, and helpdesk services for reliable operations.

• Technology Procurement: Leveraging partnerships with leading vendors to deliver best-in-class products and services.

• Collaboration & Partnerships: Founding the New Mexico Tech Alliance to strengthen the state’s technology ecosystem.

• Community Impact: Supporting grassroots initiatives through events like the NMTA Golf Classic to fund education and quality of life programs.

• Local Job Creation: Building career opportunities and keeping technology talent in New Mexico.

• Launched the New Mexico Tech Alliance: Creating a coalition of technology firms to strengthen the state’s technology ecosystem.

• Hosted the Inaugural NMTA Golf Classic (2025): Proceeds benefited a local grassroots charity supporting education and quality of life for New Mexico communities.

• Recognized with the Flying 40 Award (2024): Named one of New Mexico’s fastest-growing technology companies.

• Expanded Statewide Partnerships: Building strong vendor and community relationships to deliver cutting-edge technology while creating local jobs.

aaron jaramillo | president

The Intel

• Launched January 1, 2025

• 15 Albuquerque Employees

• Works with the top commercial and government entities in the state

Skills and Expertise:

• Penetration Testing

• Cloud Security Review

• DMARC

• Security Compliance and vCISO services

• Security Architecture Audit, Design and Consulting

• Network Design and Deployment

LOIAL, INC

Loial simplifies security by getting to know your business, your risks, and your goals. Rooted in New Mexico, we’re neighbors who invest the time to understand your unique environment and goals, delivering cybersecurity protection that truly fits your business.

As a 100% New Mexico-focused company, we understand the unique challenges and opportunities facing organizations in our state. Our local presence means we’re not just service providers—we’re community members invested in New Mexico’s continued growth and security. This cultural understanding and genuine commitment to our neighbors sets us apart from national firms who lack our deep local roots.

Our mission is to have a measurable impact on keeping New Mexico organizations safe by reducing the financial impact of cyber threats through trusted partnerships and expert cybersecurity solutions. This mission isn’t just what we do—it’s how we operate. Everything we do is guided by five fundamental principles that define who we are and how we serve our community:

1. Protection First: We exist to secure what matters—data, infrastructure, and the communities that depend on them.

2. Honesty Always: We communicate clearly, act transparently, and deliver exactly what we say we will.

3. Accountability at Every Step: From accurate quotes to responsive support, we show up and follow through.

4. Loyalty by Design: We build long-term relationships—not transactions—by putting people first.

5. Community Commitment: As a New Mexicobased company, we give back to the people and systems that shape our state.

KOSH SOLUTIONS, LLC

In 2005, two college friends set up shop in a small Las Cruces office with a bold goal: bring dependable IT support to businesses that had long been underserved. Koert Council and Joshua Fristoe called their new venture Kosh Solutions, and within six months they had grown from a two-man startup into a trusted local team.

Twenty years later, Kosh is New Mexico’s leading managed IT and cybersecurity provider, serving clients across the Southwest and beyond with offices in New Mexico, Southern Colorado, and Southern California. What hasn’t changed is the original mission: make technology reliable, accessible, and human.

At the center of Kosh’s growth is CEO Travis Alsup. A New Mexico native and longtime friend of the founders, Travis joined to build the sales team after earning his MBA in finance from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln and working with JPMorgan Chase during its acquisition of Washington Mutual. In 2012, he stepped into the CEO role, guiding Kosh through regional expansion, new proactive service models, and a deepened focus on cybersecurity resilience.

“Technology is never just about machines or networks,” Travis says. “It’s about people — the healthcare worker who needs their system up during an emergency, or the nonprofit stretching every dollar. When we do our job right, people can do theirs.”

That people-first vision has earned Kosh recognition as the #1 Managed Service Provider in New Mexico (Channel Futures MSP 501), Fastest Growing Company (Albuquerque Business First), and Best Places to Work. Yet Travis insists the company’s culture is its greatest achievement: humility, teamwork, reliability, and customer experience.

Beyond Kosh, Travis volunteers as an enterprise advisor at the Arrowhead Center in Las Cruces, mentoring entrepreneurs each week.

As Kosh celebrates 20 years in business, he’s focused on what’s ahead. ‘We’ve come a long way from that first office,’ Travis reflects, ‘but the goal now is the same as it was then — to keep earning the trust of the people who rely on us every day.’

travis alsup | Chief Executive Officer

SATURDAY 07 | 6PM

Starting at approximately 6,500 feet, the everchanging terrain of the Sandia Mountain Foothills trails takes you through the Elena Gallegos Open Space and Cibola National Forest, ensuring an exhilarating journey with each mile. Our race features best-in-class long-sleeve technical race shirts and a large heated area at the staging point

to keep you toasty warm on this crisp November morning. Prize money will be awarded to the top five finishers in the male and female categories. Info: Elena Gallegos Picnic Area, Albert G. Simms Park. To obtain more information and to register visit foothills10milerun.com. Presented by the City of Albuquerque and Parnall Law. FOOTHILLS 10-MILE RUN AND 5K

NOVEMBER 2025

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

SATURDAY 1 | 1–3 PM ALL MEMBER ART SHOW RECEPTION

PASTELS

Pastel Society of New Mexico. Enjoy the views and purchase fantastic artwork by members of the Pastel Society of NM. Over 90 pieces judged by distinguished artist Barbara Coleman. Meet the artists, enjoy refreshments, and admire beautiful artwork. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Pastel Society of NM. Info: Weems Gallery and Framing, 5935 Wyoming Blvd NE, (505) 2936133, weemsgallery.com. Open Monday through Saturday 10 am–5 pm. Free admission.

SATURDAY 15 | 10:30 AM

Successful Family History Writing. Local professional history researcher David Menicucci will discuss how to successfully research, write, publish, and market a family history book. He authored “Two Centuries to Freedom: The True Story of One Family’s TwoCentury Migration from Lucca, Italy to New Mexico” Info: Albuquerque Public Library, Main Branch, 501 Copper NW, (505) 768-5141. No fee for entrance and the parking structure is also free.

SATURDAY 15 | 3 PM

Music in Corrales: Maxwell Quartet. No jet lag on this musical trip. Experience the string quartet’s Scottish folk and classical music right here in New Mexico. Info: Old San Ysidro Church, 933 Old Church Road, Corrales. Purchase tickets at musicincorrales.org/tickets for $30 in advance with no fees and $35 onsite, if available.

SATURDAY 6 AND SUNDAY 7 | 10 AM–5 PM

From Plate to Petal: A Copper Etching & Flower-Making Workshop. Create your own paper flower from a copper etching during this two-day workshop with the fabulous visiting artist Stephanie Berrie from Spit Bite Studios in Ludlow, Kentucky. Learn how to cut a petal shape from a copper plate, then line etch and aquatint that plate with a design of your choosing. You will then be able to print that plate using “a la poupee,” a process to add multiple colors to create unique and vibrant petal prints. Info: Remarque Print Workshop, 901 Edith Blvd. SE, (505) 268-8952, director@remarqueprintshop. com. Cost: $260 plus tax, includes materials. Register at remarqueprintshop.com / products.

SATURDAY

15 | 7:30 PM

Bébé La La 15-Year Anniversary Concert Celebration. Outpost, in partnership with AMP Concerts, presents Albuquerque’s multi-awardwinning Indie Folk Français duo in a special concert. Featuring singersongwriter, guitarist, and violist Alicia Ultan and singer-songwriter and accordionist Maryse Lapierre, Bébé La La’s music highlights their signature stunning harmonies and richly textured songs and has been called “Wild—Alternative—Magic.” They will be joined by Micky Patten, bass and guitar; Joe Chellman, drums; Jacqueline Ultan, cello; and other special guests. Info: Outpost Performance Space, 210 Yale SE, outpostspace.org. Tickets: $33/$22 Outpost Members (includes all service charges) at ampconcerts. org.

THEATER

FRIDAY 7–SUNDAY 23 | VARIOUS TIMES

Translations. This play by renowned Irish playwright Brian Friel explores the cultural and linguistic tensions in 19th century Ireland as a group of Irish villagers grapple with the arrival of British soldiers and the imposition of English names and language on their landscape. Info: West End Productions at North Fourth Theater, 4904 4th St NW. Tickets are $20 to $26 and can be purchased through westendproductions.org or call (505) 460-4833.

SATURDAY 1 | 4 PM RECEPTION

Body and Soul. Admire artwork celebrating the human form and spirit expressed through diverse interpretations of portrait and figure. All works created by New Mexico artists. Info: New Mexico Art League, 3409 Juan Tabo Blvd NE, (505) 293-5034, newmexicoartleague. org. Free to the public. Gallery hours Tuesday–Saturday, 10 am–4 pm.

QUARTET

SUNDAY 9 | 3 PM

Telegraph Quartet. Presented by Placitas Artists Series and now in its 11th season, the award-winning Telegraph Quartet brings passion and brilliance to classic, contemporary, and non-standard works alike. They have been praised for elegance, depth, and adventurous programming across concert stages worldwide. Also, fine artists on exhibit include Plein Air Landscape Painters. Info: Las Placitas Presbyterian Church, (505) 867-8080 or placitasarts.org, tickets $30.

BY

FRIDAY 21 | 7:30 PM

GUITAR

Luca Stricagnoli. Outpost, in partnership with AMP Concerts, presents guitarist Luca Stricagnoli, who is hailed as a phenomenon and a prodigy. His creative fingerstyle technique led him to invent instruments like the Reversed Triple Neck Guitar and the Reversed Slide Neck, and he has vastly contributed to the modern evolution of the acoustic guitar. His debut album went viral with over 14 million views, along with his music videos boasting Internet views exceeding 200 million. Info: Outpost Performance Space, 210 Yale SE, outpostspace.org. Tickets: $33/$22 Outpost Members (includes all service charges) at Ampconcerts.

LISA MARIE MAZZUCCO

DATEBOOK

all month

Turkey Scavenger Hunt. Gobble, gobble, gobble. Put your scavenging skills to the test throughout the month of November. Some pesky turkeys have hidden themselves in the library and we need your help to find them. Info: Ernie Pyle Library, 900 Girard Blvd SE, (505) 256-2065.

all month

Thanksgiving Card Making. It is the season for giving thanks. Create a card to express your gratitude for someone special. Supplies will be out all month. For families with children aged 0–18. Info: Main Library, 501 Copper Ave NW, (505) 768-5141.

saturday 1 | 8–11 am

Los Ranchos Growers’ Market. Shop for fresh local produce and products, plants, arts & crafts and more. Handicapped accessible, family and pet friendly. Info: 6718 Rio Grande Blvd NW. Facebook: Los Ranchos Growers’ Market. For more information, call Colene (505) 610-9591. Free.

saturday 1 | 9 am–3 pm

Asbury Christmas Bazaar. The United Women in Faith of Asbury United Methodist Church hosts its 42nd bazaar with over 65 crafters, a wide variety of handcrafted items, their famous homemade pies, and other goodies. Breakfast burritos and donuts are available in the morning. Chicken croissant sandwiches, green chile stew and Frito pies are available for lunch. Info: Asbury United Methodist Church, 10000 Candelaria Rd NE. Free admission and free parking lot shuttle. Call (505) 299-0643 for more information.

saturday 1 | 10 am–4 pm

Scandinavian Festival. Enjoy food, Scandinavian arts and crafts, live entertainment, and more. Info: St. John’s United Methodist Church, 2626 Arizona St NE, facebook.com/NMRosemalers or facebook.com/scandiabq.com. Admission and parking are free.

saturday 1 | 11 am–5 pm

Rock 101 Fall Showcase. Rock 101 Music Academy, which collaborates with Outpost’s seasonal Roust/Rock 101 Teen Performance Nights, presents a showcase of talented student bands performing three to four 90-minute sets. It’s a day of music, community, and celebration—with a spooky vibe. Costumes are encouraged. Bring a snack to share and enjoy the show. Info: Outpost Performance Space, 210 Yale Blvd SE. Tickets $5 at outpostspace. org.

saturday 1 | 1–3 pm

Pastel Society of New Mexico All Member Art Show Reception. Enjoy the views and purchase fantastic artwork by members of the Pastel Society of NM. Over 90 pieces judged by distinguished artist Barbara Coleman. Meet the artists, enjoy refreshments, and admire beautiful artwork. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Pastel Society of NM. Info: Weems Gallery and Framing, 5935 Wyoming Blvd NE, (505) 293-6133, weemsgallery.com. Open Monday–Saturday, 10 am–5 pm. Free admission.

saturday 1 | 4 pm

Body and Soul Reception. Admire artwork celebrating the human form and spirit expressed through diverse interpretations of portrait and figure. All works created by New Mexico artists. Info: New Mexico Art League, 3409 Juan Tabo Blvd NE, (505) 293-5034, newmexicoartleague.org, free to the public. Gallery hours Tuesday–Saturday, 10 am–4 pm.

saturday 1 | dusk

Le Miroir | An Immersive Fashion Experience. An enchanting spectacle from CLAY + CODA, Le Miroir merges vintage elegance and creative expression in an intimate immersive runway. Explore a narrative environment where over a dozen local designers fuse with vintage pieces, staging a theatrical fashion experience under the desert dusk sky in the Patio Econdido courtyard. Storytelling through wardrobe weaves local talent and heritage threads into a richly visual performance. Info: Patio Escondido, 404 San Felipe St NW, Old Town. Tickets and more information available at claycoda.com.

saturday 1 and sunday 2 |

7 pm

Opera from the Crypt: The Other Side of the Veil. This will be a Gonzo Opera with wild and crazy characters one would never expect in traditional opera. The opera is an homage to those old Tales of Crypt comic books – creepy and funny at the same time. Music by Daniel Steven Crafts; Libretto by Jonathan David Dixon. Info: FUSION/Cell Theater, 700 First St NW, (505) 766-9412. $20 / $10 students.

saturday 1–sunday 9 | friday and saturdays 7:30 pm, sundays 2 pm

Spider’s Web. This is Agatha Christie’s second most popular and humorous play. Clarissa, wife of a diplomat, is adept at spinning tales of adventure but when a murder takes place in her drawing

room, she finds live drama much more cumbersome to deal with. Info: The Adobe Theater, 9813 4th St NW. Tickets are $17$26, available at adobetheater.org or call (505) 898-9222. Thursday, November 6 at 7:30 pm has tickets for $10.

sunday 2 | 7 am

Albuquerque Running Fiesta. Join other runners for a race weekend in Albuquerque where runners of all levels take on a scenic and fast course with views of the Sandia Mountains, Route 66, and the Rio Grande. Whether you’re aiming for a PR or running for fun, this event is for you. ARF is a new organization that is based locally and donates locally. We want you to be part of this movement and the celebrations. Info: Civic Plaza, Downtown Albuquerque. Sign up and obtain more information at abqrunningfiesta.com.

sunday 2 | 10:30 am

Chatter Sunday. Listen to Shostakovich’s String Quartet No. 3 and Michael Colgrass’ Variations for Four Drums and Viola. As always, your ticket includes a custom coffee drink from our espresso bar. Info: Chatter, 912 3rd St NW. Tickets: $17 adults in advance; $20 at-door, $9 students/ under-30, $5 under-13 at chatterabq.org.

sunday 2 | 3 pm

Faculty Spotlight Concert. The Spotlight Series features performances by UNM Music faculty, guests and alumni. This concert will include Poulenc’s Le Bal Masqué, conducted by Dr. Kristin Ditlow with Dr. Michael Hix (baritone), music by Shostakovich performed by Dr. Christoph Wagner (cello), and an original piano composition by Christian Newman. Info: Keller Hall, 203 Cornell Dr NE. Tickets available at the box office or unmtickets. com.

sunday 2 | 3–4 pm

Albuquerque Concert Band. Meet and enjoy one of our new conductors, Col. Jim Keene (US Army, Ret.) as he directs us during a one-hour fun and rousing concert. Info: Eldorado HS Performing Arts Center, 11300 Montgomery Blvd NE. Free admission and open to the public.

sunday 2 | 6:30 pm

Avatar: The Last Airbender in Concert –The 20th Anniversary Tour. Celebrate the 20th anniversary of Nickelodeon’s beloved series as a live orchestra performs Jeremy Zuckerman’s Emmy-winning score, synchronized with stunning scenes from all three seasons on a giant screen. Info: Popejoy Hall, 203 Cornell Dr NE, (505)

277-4569. Tickets are $29.50-$99.50 with fees at popejoypresents.com.

tuesday 4 | 10:30 am–12 pm

Completing an Advance Healthcare Directive Workshop. Participate in a hands-on workshop with discussion of topics relevant to completing an Advanced Healthcare Directive and designed to motivate participants to finish their own documents and express their individual wishes. Registration is required. Info: Rudolfo Anaya North Valley Library, 7704B Second St NW, (505) 897-8823.

tuesday 4 | 7 pm

Moana: Live-to-Film Concert. Celebrate the spirit of Disney’s Moana as a live ensemble of Polynesian musicians brings its awardwinning score to life, synchronized with a full-length screening of the animated classic. Info: Popejoy Hall, 203 Cornell Dr NE, (505) 277-4569. Tickets are $29.50$89.50 with fees at popejoypresents.com.

tuesday 4 | 7:30 pm

Christoph Wagner in Concert. Enjoy UNM cello faculty Dr. Christoph Wagner with Dr. Joanne Kong on piano. Info: Keller Hall,

203 Cornell Dr NE. Tickets available at the box office or unmtickets.com.

thursday 6 | 7:30 pm

Claudio Tolousse: The Story of, Part 2. Guitarist, singer, sculptor, husband, father, Claudio Tolousse, notes, “A lot of life, love and music has happened since the release of my first album - The Story of, Part 1– back in 2016” ... and my long-awaited sophomore release, The Story of, Part 2, which mixes blues, jazz, rock, pop, Latin, R&B and soul, is another expression of my story.” With Artha Meadors, bass; Dee Brown, keyboards; and Paul Palmer III, drums. Info: Outpost Performance Space, 210 Yale Blvd SE. Tickets $30/$20 and $15 for students with valid ID at outpostspace. org.

thursday 6 | 7:30 pm

UNM Symphony Orchestra. “Music for their Countries” conducted by Dr. Karin Hendrickson. Repertoire includes Sibelius’s Finlandia, Copland’s Lincoln Portrait, and Dvořák’s Symphony No. 7. Info: Popejoy Hall, 203 Cornell Dr NE. Tickets available at the box office or unmtickets.com.

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friday 7 | 3–4 pm

Doodle Bots. Build your own dancing, doodling robot. Participants will create a unique vibrating robot to make spiral graphic art they can take home. Design, build, and iterate utilizing technology, engineering and art with Albuquerque Public Library STEAM programs. Info: Rudolfo Anaya North Valley Library, 7704B Second St NW, (505) 897-8823.

friday 7 | 3:30–4:30 pm

Clay, Clay, Clay Sculpture. Examine different types of clay, from air-dry to polymer to porcelain in a hands-on exploration of one of humankind’s oldest art mediums. Air-dry vases will be created as well as miniature “kiln gods” to take home. All materials will be provided. For ages 13+, limited to 15 participants. Info: East Mountain Library, 487 NM 333, Tijeras, (505) 281-8508.

friday 7 | 4–6 pm

Lines and Layers Reception. Join Amapola Gallery celebrating the works of gourd artist Barbara Lewis and cut-paper artist Sara Carley in their Featured Artists show. The original art styles will be on display the entire month of November. Info:

Amapola Gallery, on Old Town Plaza in the historic Romero House, upstairs at 205 Romero St NW, (505) 242-4311, Amapolagallery.com.

friday 7 | 5–8 pm Reception

Mariposa Gallery. Downstairs, Marcia Sednek has a show of her metal dresses and sculptures titled “Frockaholic.” Upstairs, Melvix exhibits pieces of two- and three-dimensional works titled “Natural History: Paintings on Papier Maché.” The shows run November 7 through December 31. Gallery open Monday–Saturday 11 am–6 pm; Sunday 12 pm–5 pm. Further details can be addressed to Liz Dineen via email at info@mariposa-gallery.com or by phone (505) 268-6828.

friday 7 | 5–8 pm

The Gallery ABQ Reception. “Distinct Directions II” by the Milagro Artist Group, which consists of Mark Sherson and about 12 artists, are a diverse group who work in pastel, acrylic and mixed media, creating landscape and abstract paintings and recycled art. The featured artists will be Patricia Cream and Gwenda McLamb. Info: The Gallery ABQ, 8210 Menaul Blvd NE, (505) 292-9333. Gallery hours are Tuesday–Saturday, 11 am–4 pm.

friday 7 | 5:30–8:30 pm

Encantada Reception. The annual exhibition of fine art by the Rio Grande Art Association opens at the Hispanic Arts Building at Expo New Mexico and runs through Sunday, November 30. Open Thursday–Sunday, 11–6 pm. Info: 300 San Pedro Dr NE.

friday 7 | 5:30–8:30 pm

Opening Reception

In the Groove. Enjoy this showcase of creativity from within The Groove Artspace community featuring artwork by Groove students, teachers, and affiliated artists. The exhibition will highlight the talent, experimentation, and artistic growth happening here in downtown Albuquerque. Info: The Groove Artspace, 309 Gold Ave SW. For full details, visit thegrooveartspace.com. Free.

friday 7 and saturday 8 | 7 pm

Movement for Mercy 2025 (New Mexico Preview). Be entertained by this collaborative performance that will bring together incarcerated and nonincarcerated artists to explore themes of justice and systemic reform through dance and storytelling. Movement for Mercy 2025 premieres in Los Angeles this month. Info: Keshet Center for the

Arts, 4121 Cutler Ave NE (505) 224-9808. Tickets available at keshetarts.org on a sliding scale of $0 to $40.

friday 7–sunday 23 | fridays and saturdays 7:30 pm, sundays 2 pm

Translations. This play by renowned Irish playwright Brian Friel explores the cultural and linguistic tensions in 19th century Ireland as a group of Irish villagers grapple with the arrival of British soldiers and the imposition of English names and language on their landscape. Info: West End Productions at North Fourth Theater, 4904 4th St NW. Tickets are $20-$26 and can be purchased through westendproductions.org or call (505) 460-4833.

friday 7 | 9 pm

Chatter Late Works. Night sounds for adventurous listeners, including Matthew Aucoin’s Violin Sonata with the composer at the piano, plus solo works for flute, violin and electronics by George Lewis and Scott Wollschleger. Cash bar provided by Rumor Brewing. 8 pm doors open. Info: Chatter, 912 3rd St NW. Tickets: $10 general admission at chatterabq.org.

saturday 8 | 8–11 am

Los Ranchos Growers’ Market. Enjoy fresh local produce and products, plants, arts & crafts, music, and more. Handicapped accessible, family and pet friendly. Info: 6718 Rio Grande Blvd NW. Facebook: Los Ranchos Growers’ Market. For more information, call Colene (505) 610-9591. Free.

saturdays 8 and 15; sundays 9 and 16 | 9 am–4 pm

Intro to Glass Casting. Join glass casting master Willi Haye in this 4-day course (November 8, 9, 15 and 16) to learn how to transform glass into a luminous sculpture. Explore techniques, experiment with textures and create a one-of-a kind work of art. No experience necessary. Info: The Groove Artspace, 309 Gold Ave SW. For full details and to reserve your spot, go to thegrooveartspace.com. $750 Includes all materials.

saturday 8 | 11 am–12 pm

Kinetic Copters. Explore the power of Potential vs. Kinetic energy by launching helicopters into the air. Build your own using fun everyday materials. Challenge your friends to see who can build a copter that can fly the highest or farthest. For children aged 6+ and their families. Info:

Juan Tabo Library, 3407 Juan Tabo Blvd NE, (505) 291-6260.

saturday 8 | 11 am–1 pm

Second Saturday Arts Workshop: To Be Read jar. Does your To Be Read list get lost as the new year progresses? Decorate your own unique jar to fill with miniature books of your choosing. When you’re searching for your next read, just pull one from the jar before you head to the library for checkout. Registration is required. For ages 18+, but teens are welcome to attend. Info: Juan Tabo Library, 3407 Juan Tabo Blvd NE, (505) 291-6260.

saturday 8 and sunday 9 | 11 am–3 pm

Slip Dipping Clay. Adult Art School Workshop with Nancy Dewherst. Make your own ceramic artworks and functional wares utilizing the slip-dip technique. Register and learn more at harwoodartcenter.org/workshops. $130 for two days.

saturday 8 | 1–3 pm

Glass Inspirations Reception. Wild Hearts Gallery in Placitas presents a glass show featuring Fused Glass artist Lisa Chernoff and Stained Glass artists Jon and Nancy Couch. The exhibit runs October 28–November 30. Info: The gallery is located at 221-B Homestead Village, Hwy 165, Placitas. Wildheartsgallery.com, (505) 361-2710. Wild Hearts Gallery is an artist’s collective of 14 local artists.

saturday 8 | 1–4 pm

Old San Ysidro Church Tours. Become enchanted by the beauty and learn about the 157 year-old, iconic Old Church in the Historic Heart of Corrales. Corrales Historical Society Docent-led tours begin at 1 pm. Info: 966 Old Church Road, Corrales. Contact Nan Kimball, njkimball30@gmail.com, (505) 730-6839 or corraleshistory.org for information. Free, no registration required.

saturday 8 | 6 pm

The 23rd Annual Fur Ball. Glam it up. The Fur Ball, supporting the animals of Watermelon Mountain Ranch, promises to be the grandest of them all. The area’s favorite gala is in Black & White this year and you’re invited. Enjoy Steve Stucker’s Parade of Pets, a silent auction, a prize pond and much more. Info: Marriott Pyramid North, 5151 San Francisco Rd NE, (505) 821-3333. Tickets are $135 and can be purchased at wmranch.org.

saturday 8 | 6–8 pm

516 Arts Opening Reception. Explore two powerful exhibitions at 516 ARTS. “The Armor We Wear” examines dress and adornment as acts of protest, identity, and resilience. “SPIRIT HOUSE” showcases Chaz John’s multidisciplinary work linking Cahokian history with dirt track racing culture. Info: 516 ARTS, 516 Central Ave SW, 516arts.org. Free.

saturday 8 | 7:30 pm

Kurbasy. Outpost, in partnership with AMP Concerts, presents the progressive Les Kurbas Theatre group, Kurbasy, from Lviv, Ukraine, who return to New Mexico with their project, “Songs of the Ukrainian Forest.” Drawing on the repertoires of the Eastern, Central and Western Regions of Ukraine, their ambient approach gives life to the indigenous polyphonic sounds of Ukraine’s rich traditional music heritage. Their theatrical background is a core component of their aesthetic. Info: Outpost Performance Space, 210 Yale Blvd SE, outpostspace.org. Tickets at ampconcerts.org.

sunday 9 | 8 am

Foothills 10-mile Run and 5K Run/Hike. Starting at approximately 6,500 feet, the terrain of the Sandia Mountain Foothills trails takes you through the Elena Gallegos Open Space and Cibola National Forest. Our race features best-in-class long-sleeve technical race shirts and a large, heated area at the staging point to keep you toasty warm on this crisp November morning. Prize money will be awarded to the top five finishers in the male and female categories. Info: Elena Gallegos Picnic Area, Albert G. Simms Park. More information and register at foothills10milerun.com. Presented by the City of Albuquerque and Parnall Law.

sunday 9 | 10:30 am

Chatter Sunday. Bass-baritone William Socolof and pianist/composer Matthew Aucoin perform music by Aucoin and Franz Schubert. As always, your ticket includes a custom coffee drink from our espresso bar. Info: Chatter, 912 3rd St NW. Tickets: $17 adults in advance; $20 atdoor, $9 students/under-30, $5 under-13 at chatterabq.org.

sunday 9 | 2 pm

El Camino Real De Tierra Adentro. Learn about the history of the El Camino Real De Tierra Adentro and how we can establish the trail in our country as a UNESCO World Heritage site in unison with the Mexican portion designated in 2010. Martha Vera of El Paso, TX, Honorary Consul of Spain presents, and will discuss

the Vatican’s desire to establish this trail as a Holy Route bringing Christianity to our country, and adding markers for those wanting to make the religious pilgrimage. Info: Sandoval County Historical Society, 160 Edmund Rd, Bernalillo. For more details, visit sc-hsm.org.

sunday 9 | 3 pm

Telegraph Quartet. Presented by Placitas Artists Series. Now in its 11th season, the award-winning Telegraph Quartet brings passion and brilliance to classic, contemporary, and non-standard works. They have been praised for elegance, depth, and adventurous programming across concert stages worldwide. Also, fine artists on exhibit: Plein Air Landscape Painters. Info: Las Placitas Presbyterian Church, (505) 867-8080 or placitasarts. org, tickets $30.

wednesday 12–thursday 20

Bid Online for the Felines. June’s Senior Cat rescue provides a safe sanctuary home and medical care to help cats thrive in their golden years, as well as financial assistance to owners to help keep senior cats comfortable in their own homes. The bidding is in support of June’s Senior Cat Rescue, and there will be gift certificates, travel getaways, local art and more available. Please bid by visiting jscr.org/ auction.

thursday 13 | 4–5 pm

The Geological Story of the Albuquerque Area. Jayne Aubele, geologist and educator at the Natural History Museum, offers a presentation of Albuquerque’s past, written in stone. Have you wondered why the Sandia Mountains look so unusual? Why are the mountains, river, and volcanoes here? Learn why the Albuquerque area is so unique. For ages 18+. Info: Los Griegos Library, 1000 Griegos Rd NW, (505) 761-4020.

thursday 13–sunday 16 | various times

CHICAGO. The longest-running American musical in Broadway history, Chicago delivers all the razzle-dazzle of the Jazz Age with sizzling choreography and showstopping songs. A tale of fame, fortune, and scandal, it’s a night of pure Broadway magic. Info: Popejoy Hall, 203 Cornell Dr NE, (505) 277-4569. Tickets for the 6 performances are $62-$159 with fees at popejoypresents.com.

thursday 13, saturday 15 and tuesday 18 | 5–8:30 pm

3-D Garden Mosaics. In this three-day class, participants will learn techniques to make 3-D mosaic sculptures utilizing

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a variety of substrates and adhesives. No art experience is required to have fun and create a beautiful, exterior mosaic art piece. Info: The Groove Artspace, 309 Gold Ave SW. Full details available and reserve your spot at thegrooveartspace. com. $200 includes all materials.

thursday 13 | 7 pm

Risas y Raíces: Rooted in Laughter. Join us for an evening of comedy and dance. This event is being held as part of the annual La Cosecha Dual Language Conference to help raise money for Dual Language Education of New Mexico’s teacher scholarship fund. Son Como Son will host the afterparty. Info: The Clyde Hotel, 330 Tijeras Ave NW, (505) 302-6930. Tickets cost $25 (including service charges). Tickets cost $15 (including service charges) for La Cosecha Conference attendees. They are available by phone through Hold My Ticket at (505) 886-1251.

friday 14 | 3–4:30 pm

Adult Crafternoon: 3D Christmas Cards. Learn to make your very own standing Christmas cards. Add some of your own creativity and make special cards for the important people in your life. Info: Lomas

Tramway Library, 908 Eastridge Dr, (505) 291-6295.

friday 14 | 7:30 pm

Lorca Hart Quartet. Drummer Lorca Hart, a Taos native and the son of legendary jazz drummer and 2022 NEA Jazz Master Billy Hart, returns to New Mexico with his quartet featuring pianist Josh Nelson, bassist Edwin Livingston, and tenor saxophonist Lyle Link. Hart has worked with many of the West Coast’s (and beyond) finest artists, including Freddie Hubbard, Stanley Jordan, Hugh Masekela, the Clayton Brothers, and more. Info: Outpost Performance Space, 210 Yale Blvd SE. Tickets $30/$20 and $15 for students with valid ID at outpostspace.org.

friday 14 and saturday 15 | 7:30 pm

UNM Opera Scenes. From Venice to Algeria, the UNM Opera Theatre presents “Postcards from Around the World.” Prof. Jaime Flora directs scenes from classical and modern opera, operetta, and musical theatre, like Bizet’s Carmen, Sondheim’s Sunday in the Park with George, and Broadway’s beloved Chicago. Info: Keller Hall, 203 Cornell Dr NE. Tickets available at the box office unmtickets.com.

saturday 15 and sunday 16 | 10 am–4pm

Expressive Portrait Drawing in Charcoal. Join the Adult Art School Workshop with Natalie Voelker. Learn fresh ways of seeing and skills for drawing a human face with confidence. Register and learn more at harwoodartcenter.org/workshops. $165 for both days.

saturday 15 | 10 am–5 pm

High Desert Studio Tour. Just in time for holiday shopping with especially unique gifts from your favorite local artisans, choose from a variety of original paintings, jewelry, sculpture, pottery, fiber arts, textiles, and photography. Meet the artists, explore their creative spaces, and collect one-of-a-kind art. Info: For map and artist information, see highdesertstudiotour. com.

saturday 15 and sunday 16 | 10 am–5 pm

Hybrid Printmaking: Exploring Screen Print and Monotype. Remarque Print Workshop presents this exciting workshop. Day One will dive into graphic screen print imagery, experimenting with repetition, color, and placement. Day Two will explore a range

of monotype techniques and participants will learn how to layer them with the screen prints created on Day One. Info: Remarque Print Workshop, 901 Edith Blvd SE, (505) 268-8952. Register and obtain more information at remarqueprintshop. com. The cost is $260 for both days.

saturday 15 | 10:30 am

Successful Family History Writing. Local professional history researcher David Menicucci will discuss how to successfully research, write, publish, and market a family history book. He authored “Two Centuries to Freedom: The True Story of One Family’s Two-Century Migration from Lucca, Italy, to New Mexico”. Info: Albuquerque Public Library, Main Branch, 501 Copper Ave NW, (505) 768-5141. No fee, parking structure also free.

saturday 15 | 1–2 pm

Portable Planetarium. Visitors can search the night sky and explore the solar system in the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science’s portable planetarium system, provided by the Albuquerque Astronomical Society. Audience responses guide the content of the live show, with choices ranging from flying to planets or gazing at constellations. For ages 3+ and

limited to 35 participants. Info: Juan Tabo Library, 3407 Juan Tabo Blvd NE, (505) 291-6260.

saturday 15 | 3 pm

Music in Corrales: Maxwell Quartet. No jet lag on this musical trip. Experience the string quartet’s Scottish folk and classical music right here in New Mexico. Info: Old San Ysidro Church, 933 Old Church Rd, Corrales. Purchase tickets at musicincorrales.org/tickets for $30 in advance with no fees and $35 onsite, if available.

saturday 15 | 7:30 pm

Bébé La La 15-Year Anniversary Concert Celebration. Outpost, in partnership with AMP Concerts, presents Albuquerque’s multi-award-winning Indie Folk Français duo. Featuring singer-songwriter, guitarist, violist Alicia Ultan and singer-songwriter, accordionist Maryse Lapierre, Bébé La La’s music highlights their signature harmonies and richly textured songs and has been called “Wild—Alternative—Magic. They will be joined by Micky Patten, bass and guitar; Joe Chellman, drums; Jacqueline Ultan, cello; and other special guests. Info: Outpost Performance Space, 210 Yale Blvd SE, outpostspace.org. Tickets: $33/$22

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Outpost Members (includes all service charges) at ampconcerts.org.

sunday 16 | 10:30 am

Chatter Sunday. Music for marimbas and percussion, including a new arrangement of Bach’s Brandenburg Concerto no. 6 for six marimbas. Info: Chatter, 912 3rd St NW. Tickets: $17 adults in advance; $20 atdoor, $9 students/under-30, $5 under-13 at chatterabq.org.

sunday 16 | 1–4 pm

Diamond Dash Wedding Show. Dash for diamond jewelry, connect with one-of-akind New Mexico vendors, and learn tips and tricks from the best elite assortment of the most preferred wedding professionals all under one roof, ready to meet with both men and women. Info: Embassy Suites by Hilton, 1000 Woodward Pl NE, (505) 245-7100. Tickets $5.38 plus fees at weddingcollectivenm.com/weddingshows.

sunday 16 | 2 pm

Corrales Historical Society Speaker Series. William Carlton presents the “Los Ranchos Agri-Nature Center,” highlighting programs that positively impact farmers

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and the community as a whole. Info: Old San Ysidro Church, 966 Old Church Rd, Corrales. For more information, contact chsspeakerseries@corraleshistory.org or corraleshistory.org. Free.

sunday 16 | 7:30 pm

George Cables Trio. Legendary pianist, George Cables, helped to define the modern mainstream jazz piano of the 1980s and ‘90s. He returns to Outpost to perform music from his latest album, “I Hear Echoes,” released on his 80th birthday in December 2024. Cables has performed and recorded with everyone from Roy Haynes, Max Roach, and Art Pepper, to Sarah Vaughn, Dizzy Gillespie, and many others. His trio features Alexander Claffy, bass and Jerome Jennings, drums. Info: Outpost Performance Space, 210 Yale Blvd SE. Tickets: $35/$25 and $15 for students with valid ID at outpostspace. org.

tuesday 18 | 5:30–6:30

516 Book Club. A new monthly event presented in partnership with Bookworks, this new gathering deepens dialogue around art, culture, and social issues through books that challenge, provoke, and inspire. Info: RSVP as space is limited. 516 ARTS, 516 Central Ave SW. $5 or free to members. 516arts.org.

wednesday 19 | 7:30 pm

UNM Wind Symphony. Enjoy “Homage to Bach,” conducted by Dr. Emily Moss. Repertoire includes Toccata and Fugue in D Minor, (Bach/Hunsberger), Enigma ( Biedenbender), Kom, Süsser Tod (Bach/ Leizen), and Passacaglia (Homage on B-A-C-H) (Nelson). Info: Popejoy Hall, 203 Cornell Dr SE. Tickets available at the box office or unmtickets.com.

thursday 20 | 6–8 pm

Wine for Whiskers Tasting & Auction. Support June’s Senior Cat Rescue to help senior cats thrive in their golden years. We will be “drinkin’ wine and feline fine.” The evening will include a guided tasting experience of four Sheehan wines (2-ounce pours) as well as light bites including charcuterie, cheese, fruit, vegetables, and desserts. Info: Sheehan Winery in Old Town Plaza, 303 Romero St NW, Ste. 110, (505) 508-1221. Tickets $50 at jscr.org/wine or if you can’t attend, bid online for the felines starting November 12 at jscr.org/auction for gift certificates, travel, art and more.

thursday 20 | 7:30 pm

UNM Jazz Bands. Directed by Dr. Christopher Buckholz and Robby Beasley. Info: Keller Hall, 203 Cornell Dr NE. Tickets

available at the box office or unmtickets. com.

friday 21 | 7–9 pm

Square Dance Open House. Ready to laugh, connect, and get moving? Discover the joy of modern square dancing with the Duke City Square Dance Club. Forget gym classes – today’s square dancing is a vibrant, global activity enjoyed by all ages. Learn basic calls, meet new friends and experience a blend of exercise and camaraderie. Singles and couples are welcome. Bring your enthusiasm and comfortable shoes and we’ll take care of the rest. Info: Albuquerque Square Dance Center, 4915 Hawkins St NE, dukecitysd0@ gmail.com, (505) 433-7117, sites.google. com/view/dukecitysquaredanceclub/ home.

friday 21 | 7:30 pm

Luca Stricagnoli. Outpost, in partnership with AMP Concerts, presents guitarist Luca Stricagnoli, who is hailed as a phenomenon and a prodigy. His creative fingerstyle technique led him to invent instruments like the Reversed Triple Neck Guitar and the Reversed Slide Neck, and he has vastly contributed to the modern evolution of the acoustic guitar. His debut album went viral with over 14 million views, and his music videos boast internet views exceeding 200 million. Info: Outpost Performance Space, 210 Yale Blvd SE, outpostspace.org. Tickets: $33/$22 Outpost Members (includes all service charges) at ampconcerts.com.

saturday 22 | 10 am

Hip Stitch Harvest Festival + Craft Fair. Enjoy an autumnal artisan market featuring local vendors with handmade goods. Info: Hip Stitch, 2320 Wisconsin St NE, hipstitchabq.com, free entry.

saturday 22 | 10 am–2 pm

UNM Health Sciences Injury Prevention Day at Explora. Connect with us to learn how to protect your child and receive helpful tips and safety products. Info: Explora Science Center and Children’s Museum, 1701 Mountain Rd NW, explora. us/programs.

saturday 22 and sunday 23 | 10 am–5 pm

Wanna Rock? Intro to Mezzotint. In this unique intaglio technique, which is also called the black method, the plate is worked in reverse – from dark tones to light. In this class you will start by rocking a small plate – the key to the mezzotint process – and then learn to coax your image from your darks. Info: Remarque Print Workshop, 901 Edith Blvd SE, (505)

268-8952. Register and more information at remarqueprintshop.com. The cost is $260 for both days.

saturday 22 | 11 am–1 pm

Book Blooms: Japanese Flower Ornaments. Learn how to transform old book pages into beautiful Japanese flower ornaments. All materials will be provided. For ages 8+ Info: South Valley Library, 3904 Isleta Blvd SW, (505) 877-5170.

saturday 22 | 12–6 pm

Great New Mexico Food Truck & Craft Beverage Festival. Food Truck Festivals of America is bringing the ultimate food truck and craft beverage experience right here to the desert. You’ll be able to sip on dozens of brews—local, regional, and national—as well as other refreshing adult beverages, and enjoy savories and sweets from the many offerings of the food trucks. Info: Balloon Fiesta Park, 5500 Balloon Fiesta Pkwy NE. Tickets available for $7.45 pre-sale general admission at foodtruckfestivalsofamerica.com/abq2, or $10 at the door.

saturday 22 and sunday 23 | 2 pm

Enchanted Sleeping Beauty: The Legend of Briar Rose. Long ago in the land of NeverNod, Princess Briar-Rose was born. Will one uninvited guest with a grudge take away her happily-ever-after? Presented by New Mexico Young Actors. Info: KiMo Theatre, 423 Central Ave NW. Tickets available at nmyoungactors.org, adults $14 and young people 12 and under $12.

saturday 22 | 3–5 pm

DIY Miniature Winter Scene Decoration. The earliest known miniatures were created over five thousand years ago. Join in the tradition by creating your own miniature winter scene to decorate your home or office. Registration is required. Info: San Pedro Library, 5600 Trumbull Ave SE, (505) 256-2067.

saturday 22 | 7 pm

Roust/Rock 101 Music Academy. It’s another exciting night featuring local teen bands and soloists, from high-energy punk rock to classical piano, singer-songwriters and more. Established in 2004, Outpost’s Roust the House Teen Performance Nights continue to provide a platform for Albuquerque’s young musical talent. Info: Outpost Performance Space, 210 Yale Blvd SE. Tickets $3 at outpostspace.org. For more information, visit rock101nm. com.

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sunday 23 | 10:30 am

Chatter Sunday. Music for violin and piano by Franz Schubert and Arvo Pärt. As always, your ticket includes a custom coffee drink from our espresso bar. Info: Chatter, 912 3rd St NW. Tickets: $17 adults in advance; $20 at-door, $9 students/ under-30, $5 under-13 at chatterabq.org.

sunday 23 | 2 pm

Opera Southwest. The New Mexico Symphonic Chorus presents Mozart –Mass in C Minor, K.427 Symphony No. 40 in G Minor, K.550. There will be two Pillars of Mozart’s Mature Style: One Sacred, One Symphonic, featuring soloists Lindsay Ohse, Amanda Crider, Bernard Holcomb, and Javier Ortiz, presented by Opera Southwest, conducted by Maestro Anthony Barrese, with the Opera Southwest Orchestra. Info: National Hispanic Cultural Center Journal Theater, 1701 4th St SW, (505) 246-2261. Purchase tickets at operasouthwest.org.

sunday 23 | 2–3:30 pm

ChamberCHOPS. A free concert of chamber music, including a cello quartet by Shirl Jae Atwell, a trio for woodwind and piano by Brahms, a woodwind quintet

by Peter Schickele, and a piece for 10 brass instruments by Chris Hazell, will be presented. Info: Church of the Good Shepherd, 7834 Tennyson St NE.

sunday 23 | 7:30–10 pm

Lara Manzanares Album Release. Lara is an award-winning bilingual singersongwriter of Northern New Mexican heritage. In addition to singing the Mexican boleros, rancheras, and corridos of her sheep-ranching childhood, Lara composes her own style of music in both English and Spanish. Her album “Yo Soy de Ti” contains 11 tracks of original lyrics and storytelling. Info: Historic Old San Ysidro Church, 966 Old Church Rd. Tickets are $22 in advance and $44 premium seating with signed CD, including service charges at Hold My Ticket, (505) 886-1251.

thursday 27 | various times

Don’t Trot – Trek. Join in the TCR Productions 24th Annual Turkey Trek on Thanksgiving Day. This is New Mexico’s fastest USAT&F 5K Race Course, so you are sure to set your personal best. It is also the only Albuquerque Thanksgiving Day Race that gives back to the community by supporting Locker #505 Students Clothing Bank, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Info:

Registration and much more information at tcr@tcrproductions.com.

friday 28–sunday 30 | friday and saturday 10 am–5 pm; sunday 10 am–4 pm

25h Annual Rio Grande Holiday Festival. The festival will feature 175 juried artists and craftsmen from across the country, live music, artists’ demonstrations, a Culinary Arts area, a Kid’s Creation Station and much more. Info: EXPO New Mexico’s Manuel Lujan Building, 300 San Pedro Dr NE. $10 admission, kids free. More information at iograndefestivals.com.

saturday 29–friday, december 19 | all day

Letters to Santa. There will be a post box set up so that your children can write to Santa. Drop off your letter and get a letter back from the big man himself. No postage needed, but please be sure to include your child’s name and an address so they may receive a letter from Father Christmas. Info: Central and Unser Library, 8081 Central Ave NW, (505) 768-4320.

saturday 29 | 3 pm

The Music of Messiah. Handel fans and holiday merrymakers are invited to join their voices in singing the glorious music of Messiah with a professional orchestra. Our vision to unite in song includes 200 people annually on the Saturday following Thanksgiving as a holiday tradition. Info: St. John’s United Methodist Church, 2626 Arizona St NE, quintessence-abq.com. Pay what you will; suggested donation $20.

sunday 30 | 10:30 am

Chatter Sunday. Listen to Mozart’s Sinfonia Concertante in a version for string sextet. As always, your ticket includes a custom coffee drink from our espresso bar! Info: Chatter, 912 3rd St NW. Tickets: $17 adults in advance; $20 at-door, $9 students/ under-30, $5 under-13 at chatterabq.org.

sunday 30 | 6 pm

Nitro Circus “Off The Rails” World Tour. Thrill Sports, P1 Live and RNC Entertainment present Nitro Circus, featuring jaw-dropping stunts, top-tier athletes, and unstoppable energy that will wow fans of all ages. Info: Rio Rancho Events Center, 3001 Civic Center Cir NE, (505) 891-7300. Tickets $40 and up plus service fees at nitrocircus.com/schedule.

ONGOING/DAILY EVENTS

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various events and times

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

various days | various times

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

various days | various times

Cancer Support Now. Free services. Info: Call the helpline, (505) 255-0405. Also, various days/times listed throughout

Datebook for specific group and individual assistance.

various days | various times

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

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various days | various times

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

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various days | various times

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

various days | various times

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

various days | 8–10 pm

Haunted Tour of Old Town. Take a tour of Old Town Albuquerque and learn about the many ghosts who have made the Old Town square their home. Legends, folklore, ghost stories, and history come to life as you depart on an intriguing excursion – 314 years of haunted history. Info: Approximately 1 hour, 50 minutes. abqtours.fun.

daily |

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

daily | 9 am–5 pm

At Play in the Atomic Age. The toys of the atomic age reflect the times and culture of their day. The Atomic Age was born with the Manhattan Project and blasted into the public’s consciousness in 1945. This exhibit features over 100 artifacts from the permanent collection of the

Nuclear Museum and artifacts on loan specifically for this exhibition. Info: The National Museum of Nuclear Science and History, 601 Eubank Blvd NE, (505) 2452137. Tickets $15 at nuclearmuseum.org.

daily | various times

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

daily | various activities and times

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

Wyoming Blvd NE, (505) 332-0565, jccabq.org.

daily | various times

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

daily |

Agora Crisis Center Volunteers. Are you a compassionate, non-judgmental person who wants to help others? Learn new skills, make friends, earn class credit, and be part of a rewarding organization. Info: Agora Crisis Center, agoracares.org (505) 277-3013.

daily | 10 am–5 pm; closed sunday

Weems Gallery & Framing. The website enables people to purchase fine art online, as well as kaleidoscopes, jewelry, glass,

sculptures, photography, and wood. Go to weemsgallery.com, (505) 293-6133.

daily |

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

daily |

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

daily |

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

daily | 11:30 am–5:30 pm

Rattlesnake Museum. See different species of live rattlesnakes displayed in recreated natural landscapes. The owners are dedicated to conservation and preservation education. Info: American

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International Rattlesnake Museum, 202 San Felipe Rd NW, Ste A, (505) 242-6569, rattlesnakes.com. Closed Mondays.

daily |

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

daily |

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

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daily |

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

daily | 7 am–8 pm

Free Fishing at Tingley Beach. From sunup to sun-down, practice your basic flytying methods, fly-rod casting techniques, fishing etiquette, effective catch-andrelease practices, and enhancement of advanced skills. Bring your own equipment and refreshments as the store and cafes are currently closed. Great place for a picnic with trails. Make sure you have a fishing license. Info: Tingley Beach, 1800 Tingley Dr SW, call 311 or (505) 768-2000.

daily | 9 am–4 pm

The Indian Pueblo Cultural Center. Please join others for virtual and in-person events which offer a unique way to experience Pueblo culture including cultural dances, daily artists, lecture series, pick-up meals, book club, collections tours, Indigenous agriculture workshops, and many other special events. While here, enjoy the restaurant and shop at the store. Info:

IPCC, 2401 12th St NW, (505) 843-7270. See website for events and exhibitions, indianpueblo.org.

daily

| 10 am–1 pm; 2–6 pm

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

daily | various times

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

daily | 10 am–5 pm

Amapola Gallery. This is a group of 39 local artists and artisans who have joined

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

daily | 10 am–5 pm

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

daily | 10 am–8 pm

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

daily | 12:30 pm

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

various days | monday–thursday 9 am–12 pm; saturday–sunday | 10 am–2 pm

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

various days |

various times

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

various days |

various times

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

various days | various times

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

saturdays and sundays

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

sundays | check website

Breaking Bad Tour. Breaking Bad fans won’t want to miss this entertaining and

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action-packed tour that features many show locations that only true fans will appreciate. Your Breaking Bad knowledge will be tested with trivia from the show, so come prepared to win prizes. Locations may change depending upon ongoing filming schedules. Info: 1919 Old Town Rd NW, abqtours.fun for more information and $80 tickets.

sundays | 10:30 am

Chatter Sunday offers weekly Sunday morning concerts which also include readings and refreshments. A calendar

can be found at chatterabq.org and in Datebook above. Info: Chatter, 912 Third St NW. Doors open at 9:30; for best seats, come early and enjoy the coffee and camaraderie. Advance tickets: $17 adults, $9 under-30 and students, and $5 children, at chatterabq.org/boxoffice and if still available, at the door: $20 adults, $9 students, $5 children.

sundays | 1–3 pm

Brain Gang Trivia with host, Matt Hoffberg. Bring your brain, bring the gang, and show us your wits. It’s free, it’s fun, and there are prizes to be won. Info: Craft Republic, 4301 The Lane 25 NE, braingangtrivia. com. 18+ welcome.

sundays | 5–7 pm

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

mondays–saturdays | 10:30 am–2 pm

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

mondays | 9–11 am

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

mondays | 12 pm

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

mondays | 2:30–4 pm

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

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

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

mondays | 6–8 pm

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

mondays | 6:30–8 pm

NAMI Connection Support Group. This is a free peer-led support group for any adult who has experienced symptoms of a mental health condition. Info: Education Building, 5400 Gibson Blvd SE, Classroom #2. Sign up once online at namialbuquerque.org/ support-and-education/support-groups/ nami-connection.

mondays and wednesdays | 9:30 pm

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

monday–friday | 9:30 am–2:30 pm

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

mondays–saturdays | 12–2 pm

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

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

Telephone Museum. The museum’s purpose is to educate young and old alike

to the history of the telephone in New Mexico and to preserve the legacy of the telephone people who built that industry in New Mexico. There are four floors of exhibits, telephone switchboards and telephones, as well as four audio exhibits in the original telephone building from 1906. There are telephone directories from 1916-current from almost every town in New Mexico. Info: 110 Fourth St NW, (505) 842-2937. Scheduled tours can be made after normal museum hours.

mondays–fridays |

8:30 am–4 pm

Presbyterian Health Plan Place. Start enjoying your health and wellness journey. We will educate and guide you no matter where you are in your health journey to build a strong foundation. Our resources, services, and classes are open to all, free of charge and regardless of insurance. Join us for activities around nutrition, fitness, and self-management and wellness. Any Medicare eligible individual with any type of health insurance is welcome at Health Plan Place. Info: 2100 Louisiana Blvd NE, Ste 408. View a number of upcoming events at phs.org/health-plan-place. Free.

first tuesdays|

6:00–7:30 pm

NAMI Family Support Group. This is a free peer-led support group for any adult with a loved one who has experienced symptoms of a mental health condition. Info: Education Building, 5400 Gibson Blvd SE, Classroom #2. Sign up once online at namialbuquerque.org/supportand-education/support-groups/namiconnection.

every other tuesday | 6–7:30 pm

NAMI Family Support Group. This is a free peer-led support group for any adult with a loved one who has experienced symptoms of a mental health condition. Info: By ZOOM: Sign up once online at namialbuquerque.org/supportand-education/support-groups/namiconnection.

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:

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Jewish Community Center, 5520 Wyoming Blvd NE. Pre-registration required, (505) 348-4451, free.

tuesdays | 6–8 pm

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

tuesdays | 6:30–8:30 pm

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

tuesdays | 7–9 pm

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

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Bee Brewhouse, 11500 Menaul Blvd NE, (505) 554-2513, braingangtrivia.com. 18+ welcome.

second tuesdays | 4–7 pm

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

second tuesdays | 5:30–7 pm

Turquoise Trail Harley Owners Group, Chapter #2015. Socialize with other Harley Owners Group members to learn about upcoming events and rides and get to know our fellow Harley-Davidson enthusiasts. Green chile cheeseburgers are available for purchase from the Moose Lodge. First meeting is free; National HOG membership is required in order to join the Chapter. We love to RIDE. Info: Loyal Order of Moose Lodge, 2121 Edith Blvd NE, turquoisetrailhog.org.

tuesdays, wednesdays, and thursdays | 6 pm

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

tuesdays–saturdays | 9 am–5 pm

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

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

Casa San Ysidro Tours. Take a tour of this late 19th century building filled with an excellent collection of New Mexico vernacular art. Info: Casa San Ysidro, 973 Old Church Rd, Corrales, cabq.gov/ casasanysidro, (505) 898-3915, $4–$6 general admission.

tuesdays | 3:30–5 pm

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

tuesdays | 7 pm

Music Bingo Night. Enjoy yourself and invite friends to join you with food, drinks, and friendly competition presented by World’s Best Trivia. Food truck on site from 5–10 pm. Prizes awarded. Info: Flock of Moons Brewing Company, 111 Harvard Dr SE.

second tuesdays | 10:30–12 pm

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

tuesdays–sundays | 10 am–5 pm

National Hispanic Cultural Center Exhibits. See the website for the current listing of exhibitions. Info: National Hispanic

Cultural Center, 1701 Fourth St SW, (505) 246-2261, nhccnm.org.

tuesdays, thursdays, fridays, sundays | 11 am

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

second and fourth tuesdays | 4–5:30 pm

Cancer Support Now. Santa Fe Women’s Group, Surviving Sisters. All cancers, all diagnoses, all stages, all women. Info: The Helpline is available seven days a week at (505) 255-0405. Currently hosting web meetings only. Please call the helpline for an invitation to join a web support group or to connect with someone for one-toone support.

tuesday–sunday | 10 am–5 pm

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

first wednesdays | 9 am–5 pm

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

wednesdays | 6–8 pm

Brain Gang Trivia with Host, Matt Hoffberg. Bring your brain, bring the gang, and show us your wits. It’s free, it’s fun, and there are prizes to be won. Info: Canteen Brewhouse, 2381 Aztec Rd NE, (505) 8812737, braingangtrivia.com. 18+ welcome.

second wednesdays | 12–1 pm

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

an invitation to join a web support group or to connect with someone for one-toone support.

second and fourth wednesdays | 10—11:30 am

NAMI Family Support Group. This is a free peer-led support group for any adult with a loved one who has experienced symptoms of a mental health condition. Info: By ZOOM. Sign up once online at namialbuquerque.org/support-

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and-education/support-groups/namiconnection.

second and fourth wednesdays | 11:30 am

Rotary Club of Albuquerque Del Norte. The Club welcomes visitors and community partners interested in networking, fellowship, and uplifting presentations to luncheon attendees. New members are welcomed into committees which suit their interests and skills. Info and

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schedule: rotarydelnorte.org, email rotarydelnorteabq@gmail.com.

wednesdays–sundays | 10 am–4 pm

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

wednesdays–sundays | 11 am–3:30 pm

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

wednesdays | 11 am–8 pm; fridays–sundays | 11 am–5 pm

Help Socialize Cats and Have Fun. Spend time with adorable, adoptable cats at Catopia Cat Cafe. Your visit and purchase of drinks and snacks will support the foster home of shelter and rescue kitties. Please visit catopiacatcafe.com for more information and details on special events. Info: Paseo Village, 8001 Wyoming Blvd NE, Ste C–5, (505) 508-4278.

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

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

thursdays | 10:30 am

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

thursdays | 11:30 am

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

thursdays | 4–5:30 pm

UNM/Cancer Support Now. Friends and Family Writing Together. This is a journaling support group for survivors of metastatic cancer, men and women, all diagnoses. Info: Our Helpline is available seven days a week at (505) 255-0405. Currently hosting web meetings only.

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

thursdays | 5:30—7:30 pm

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

thursdays | 6–8 pm

Live Music at Town & Ranch. Featuring our favorite local artists, paired with our selection of local spirits and craft cocktails. Info: Town & Ranch, 1318 4th Street NW. For details, visit los poblanos. com/events.

thursdays | 6–9 pm

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

thursdays | 6:30 pm

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

thursdays | 7–9 pm

Brain Gang Trivia with Host, Matt Hoffberg. Bring your brain, bring the gang, and show us your wits. It’s free, it’s fun, and there are prizes to be won. No Trivia Thanksgiving evening (November 27). Info: The BLOCK, 7805 Enchanted Hills Blvd NE, Rio Rancho. 18+ welcome.

second and fourth thursdays | 3:30–5 pm

Cancer Support Now. Pancreatic cancer caregiver support group for caregivers of patients and survivors of pancreatic

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

first and third thursdays | 5–6:30 pm

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

thursdays | 4–6 pm

Tutoring Thursdays at Explora. Tutoring in the Tech Lab. Want help with tricky homework or a study partner for that upcoming quiz? Drop in for an effective tutoring session. Ages 13–19 welcome. Info: Explora, 1701 Mountain Rd NW, (505) 600-6072, explora.us.

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thursdays | 6–8 pm

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

thursdays | 9:30 pm

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

first friday | 9 pm

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

fridays | 12–1:30 pm

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

fridays | 1–4 pm

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

fridays | 4–6 pm

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

fridays | 6:30–8 pm

NAMI Connection Support Group. This is a free peer-led support group for any adult who has experienced symptoms of a mental health condition. Info: By ZOOM–Sign up once online at namialbuquerque. org/support-and-education/supportgroups/nami-connection.

fridays | 7–10 pm

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

every first friday

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

fridays | 7–9 pm

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

fridays

| 7–9 pm

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

second

fridays | 6–7 pm

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

every third friday | 7–9 pm

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

fridays, saturdays, and sundays

Tablao Flamenco Albuquerque. The passion and energy of flamenco comes alive as you experience flamenco in its most intimate, powerful setting in the heart of historic Old Town Albuquerque. Featuring a world-class lineup of artists, the Tablao Flamenco presents a dynamic schedule of performances. Info: Friday and Saturday dinner shows feature electrifying performances accompanied by an exclusive four-course meal created by Hotel Albuquerque’s Chef, Gilbert Aragon. Visiting on Sunday? Enjoy a light tapas menu and regionally inspired fine wines and spirits. Reservations and more information, dates, and times are found at tablaoflamenco.org.

saturdays | 8 - 11 am

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

saturdays | 8 am–12 pm

Downtown Growers’ Market. Shop the largest selection of local farmers and ranchers in Albuquerque. Each bring their own knowledge, flavor, and personal touch

to the plants they grow, animals they raise, and bees they tend. Info: Robinson Park, 8th St and Central Ave.

saturdays | 9 am–12 pm

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

saturdays | 10 am–2 pm

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

saturdays | 12–1 pm

Watermelon Mountain Ranch Volunteer Orientation. Come to the main facility in northern Rio Rancho to find out all about the volunteer program and the

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opportunities to work with the animals in our care. Info: Watermelon Mountain Ranch, 3251 Westphalia Blvd SE, Rio Rancho, wmranch.org. Reservations required: volunteerwmr@gmail.com.

saturdays | 12:30 pm

Children’s Chorus of Rio Rancho. Rehearsals have begun for the Spring 2025 season and continue through our concerts in December. CCRR is a cooperative community chorus located in Rio Rancho. We are accepting new members (2nd-5th grades) from Rio Rancho and all surrounding areas through September 15th. No auditions and no experience required. Just come and join the fun. Registration $150 at rr-cc.org. Questions? info@rr-cc.org.

saturdays | 1–3 pm

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

DATEBOOK

saturdays | 2 pm

Rio Rancho Youth Chorus. Rehearsals have begun for the Spring 2025 season and continue through our concerts in December. RRYC is a cooperative community chorus located in Rio Rancho. We are accepting new members (6th12th grades) from Rio Rancho and all surrounding areas through September 15. No auditions and no experience required. Just come and join the fun. Registration $150 at rr-cc.org. Questions? info@rr-cc. org.

most 2nd and 4th

saturdays | 7–10 pm

ABQ Dance Club. Fun social dances held every 2nd and 4th Saturday of the month (Toys For Tots Dance, Nov. 8). 120+ dancers of all ages and skill levels attend. Singles and couples welcome. Variety of music for swing, country, ballroom, and Latin. ASDC, 4915 Hawkins NE, refreshments/lesson 6:45 pm (optional TBD). Fee: $8 ($5 ADC); Info: email glkello@nmia.com or call (505) 299-3737.

saturdays | 2:30–4:30 pm

Tango Club of Albuquerque’s Weekly Practice. At this Argentine Tango practice,

no partner is necessary. Info: ABQ Square Dance Center, 4909 Hawkins St NE, abqtango.org.

second saturdays | 6–8:30 pm

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

third saturdays |

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

every first saturday | 10–11:30 am

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

every second saturday | 10 – 11 am

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

saturdays | 10–2 pm

Meet the Author, Ronn Perea. As the son of a WWII Bataan Death March survivor, Perea’s books cover Albuquerque veterans’ lives after World War II, including their homes, experiences, and memories. He is intimately familiar with Albuquerque’s rich history. Learn about Route 66 and the

many stories it has offered its travelers. Purchase a signed copy of his acclaimed novel. Info: WHEELS Museum, 1100 Second St SW, (505) 243-6269.

EARLY DECEMBER EVENTS

friday 5, saturday 6 and sunday 7 | 10 am–4 pm

37th Annual Juried Winter Craft Show. Corrales’ holiday day shopping at its best. The show takes place in both Old San Ysidro Church and in a large, heated tent, featuring approximately 40 of New Mexico’s finest artists displaying a wide variety of traditional and contemporary gift items. Info: 966 Old Church Rd, Corrales, corraleshistory.org or contact carol@rigmark.com. Free.

friday 5 and friday, january 2 | 10 am–5 pm

All-Member Show. During December and January, enjoy Amapola Gallery’s annual All-Member show, with displays by all forty of our local artists. You’ll see an array of holiday must-haves to please you and your giftees, especially our enormous selection of holiday cards, many of which are individually handmade and Made in New Mexico. Info: Amapola Gallery on The Plaza in Old Town, 205 Romero St NW, (505) 242-4311, amapola-gallery.com. Open daily from 10 am to 5 pm, except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Eve.

friday 5 | 5–8 pm Artist Reception

Holiday Market. The Gallery ABQ presents ten artists who will show lots of holiday art including jewelry, pottery, glass, fiber art, leather goods, and original paintings. The featured artist will be Laura McIndoo

(ceramics). Info: The Gallery ABQ, 8210 Menaul Blvd NE, (505) 292-9333, thegalleryabq.com. Gallery hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 11 am–4 pm.

friday 5 | 6–8 pm

Gingerbread Southwest Contest & Auction. Enter the contest or just come and enjoy the creativity, frosting of cookies, and auction during our Holiday Evening with Santa. Entries wanted for the Gingerbread Contest with a deadline of December 1. The website has contest rules, registration, event schedule and tickets. Info: Sid Cutter Pavilion, 4900 Balloon Fiesta Pkwy NE, gingerbreadsw. com.

fridays 5, 12, and 19, saturdays 6, 13, and 20 and sundays 7, 14, and 21 | fridays and saturdays 7 pm, sundays 4 pm

The Ugly Sweater Revue. Join Duke City Repertory Theatre for Albuquerque’s favorite alternative holiday cabaret. Info: AirDent NM, 3300 Princeton Dr NE, Ste. N-1. Tickets at dukecityrep.com, pay what it’s worth. Suggested donation $15.

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saturday 6 and sunday 7 | 10 am–5 pm

From Plate to Petal: A Copper Etching & Flower-Making Workshop. Create your own paper flower from a copper etching during this two-day workshop (with lunch breaks) with visiting artist Stephanie Berrie from Spit Bite Studios in Ludlow, Kentucky. Cut a petal shape from a copper plate, then line etch and aquatint that plate with a design of your choosing. Then print that plate using a la poupee, a process to add multiple colors, to create unique and vibrant petal prints. Info: Remarque Print Workshop, 901 Edith Blvd SE, (505) 2688952, director@remarqueprintshop.com. Cost: $260 plus tax, includes materials.

sunday 7 | 1:30 and 4 pm

Legend of Sleepy Hollow. Presented by New Mexico Young Actors. Info: South Broadway Cultural Center, 1025 Broadway Blvd SE, (505) 764-1015. Tickets are $14 for adults and $12 for young people under 12 at nmyoungactors.org.

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

Sammies OF ABQ AMA Z ING

Who doesn’t love an amazing sandwich?

(Seriously—that’s a rhetorical question.)

Whether it’s toasted, stacked or packed (with green chile), our metro is serving up some seriously satisfying sammies. From Italian deli favorites to cheesy handhelds that perhaps push the boundaries of what a sandwich can be, eateries are proving that there’s truly no limit to what can fit between two slices of bread.

ATM has rounded up 14 sub-stantial sensations—plus 10 fan favorites—that deserve a spot in your lunchtime lineup.

So go ahead: take a bite!

By ATM Staff

Photos by Don James and Gena Goodson

The Vene tia n

AT TULLY’S ITALIAN DELI

Tully’s perfectly curates the Italian culinary vibe, from the vast selections of cheeses and meats in the deli, and the shelves of authentic imported food products, to the decadent sit-down counter for lunch (Chianti with your sammie, anyone?). So it makes sense that shop owner, Johnny Camuglia, would import one specific deli meat all the way from Italy, just for one special sandwich. Crafted with thinly sliced Prosciutto Cotto, thick slices of fresh mozzarella, garlic aioli, lettuce, and tomato, this thing almost speaks Italian. Buon appetito!

WHAT THE INTERNET IS SAYING:

“This sandwich tastes like it just flew in from Italy—first class. The imported meat is buttery, thin, and crazy good. Then that garlic aioli hits and… wow. It’s creamy, bold, and totally addictive. I’ve tried every sandwich spot in town, and nothing even comes close to this one..”

“The Venetian is the kind of sandwich you think about later and wish you had another one waiting in your fridge. Total addiction.”

FACT: The cousin to Prosciutto Crudo (the most common type), Prosciutto Cotto (cooked prosciutto) is cured with fresh rosemary before being steam cooked and cooled.

BREAD: Available only as a 12-inch sized sammie, served on a white sub roll, baked in-house daily.

FAMIGLIA: Tully’s has been an ABQ family-owned staple for 55 years, and there’s no doubt you’ll feel just like family once you’re greeted at the door.

“You can tell this sandwich was made with serious love. The imported meat is salty and rich, and the mozz ties it all together like it was meant to be. It’s not fancy—it’s just really, really good.”

Cubano Especial

AT RELISH

With more than 15 specialty sandwiches on the board, Relish has been on the A-list of sammie shops in the metro for years. As with many local eateries, chile can be found on plenty of menu items here, including the Cubano Especial, which features chipotle roasted pork and chipotle mayo, to go with honey ham, swiss cheese, and dill pickles, all pressed in a baguette. The twist gives a nice Southwest flair to a sandwich that is thought to have originated in Florida by Cuban immigrants in the early 1900s.

WHAT THE INTERNET IS SAYING:

“The sandwich was excellently constructed. Everything tasted fresh and complemented each other so well. No one ingredient stood out - instead everything worked together in such a wonderful way. This is probably the best sandwich I have ever had.”

“Second time here and said I would change up my sandwich but couldn't resist, got the Cubano again. Damn good sandwich. You won't be disappointed. Service was great as well.”

ORIGIN: The eatery began in ABQ 20 years ago with a large following among college students, who helped push the popularity of the Cubano Especial.

SECRET: The bread and cheese are toasted separately first before the rest of the items are added to the party.

THAT SNAP: Ingredients arrive daily, so that each sammie is loaded with freshness before it goes in the hot press to melt.

SOUTHWEST TWIST: In some traditions, the Cubano has mustard as the sole condiment, but this version also slathers on chipotle mayo.

“On my whirlwind food tour of Albuquerque food, we stopped at Relish for an early lunch. I have to say their Cubano is awesome. The bread is great and it is grilled.”perfectly

Superstar BLT

AT FLYING STAR CAFE

Yes, Flying Star is an ABQ institution—how many restaurants do you know that have a Wikipedia page?—and this simple, tasty sandwich is a great example of why. The ingredients are top-notch, beginning with all-natural, thick-cut hickory smoked bacon, plus fresh greens and sliced tomatoes. Unlike many diners that use sliced loaf bread for their BLTs, this version is made with a chewy baguette, and also comes with a honey mustard aioli for a bit of sweetness. But here’s a bonus: you can also opt for any of the dozen or so varieties of bread found on Flying Star’s other menu items, including rustic slices, brioche buns, English muffins—even a tortilla!

WHAT THE INTERNET IS SAYING:

“The Superstar BLT came on a hoagie roll, it was good! The mustard aioli was really nice.”

STANDARD TIP: You can add an egg or avocado to this sammie (but please, pretty please, don’t order it as a “BLET” or “BLAT”)

ADVENTUROUS TIP: For your bread choice, the staff here will even create it using flapjacks.

ALSO STARRING: The wide range of side choices includes fries, coleslaw, fresh fruit or greens salad.

FARM TO MENU: Ingredients here are carefully sourced, from the 39 fruits and vegetables, to the many New Mexico-produced food items.

“My husband likes the Superstar BLT, which is amazing, not dry and has a great flavor. Their sandwiches in general are great, choose your bread and side, and all their sides are excellent.”

“I had the BLT with avocado. I thought the sandwich looked really small at first, but it was very filling and delicious.”

Bahn Mi #9 Chao Tôm

Shrimp Sausage

AT CODA BAKERY

This popular spot has been doing fresh and quick banh mi sandwiches and other authentic Vietnamese fare since 2006. The concept has led to growth, including a new location last year that more than doubled the seating capacity. New diners here quickly learn what the regulars already know: the chao tom shrimp sausage banh mi is a taste sensation. Taking inspiration from traditional chao tom (shrimp paste wrapped around sugarcane, then fried), Coda has added pork to the mixture, and the grilled patty is topped with pickled carrots, daikon, cucumber, cilantro, sliced jalapeno, and Vietnamese mayo inside a housemade baguette.

WHAT THE INTERNET IS SAYING:

“My friend is not wild about seafood but she loved the Shrimp Sausage. The veggie toppings were all fresh cut and crispy. The spicy mayo on the shrimp had nice heat but was not overpowering. And the baguette was very fresh.”

“We had the lemongrass meatloaf, Vietnamese meatball, and shrimp sausage banh mi. Nothing like I've ever had in my life. I can't wait to go again and try everything they have to offer.”

BREAD TALK: All of the 12-inch baguettes are baked fresh in-house, giving the eatery that bakery smell.

REAL DEAL: The owners wanted to create a shrimp sammie authentic to Vietnamese food, which led to the creation of a shrimp/pork sausage pattie, which is grilled.

INSPIRATION: Chao Tom is a traditional Vietnamese delicacy of shrimp paste wrapped around sugar cane, and fried to a golden crisp.

THE KICK: The spicy mayo on the sammie was inspired by the spice found in sushi rolls.

“The shrimp sausage sandwich is a must try for all spicy lovers out there. It comes with a little kick cuz of jalapeño & probably the way they added ingredients on the shrimp sausage. It was delicious!”

Cheese MyCherry Pie

AT THE MOUSE HOLE CHEESE SHOP

It’s all about the incredibly sourced ingredients at this petite Downtown shop, from the dozens of imported cheeses—a half-dozen varieties of blue cheese alone—to the eclectic charcuterie items. The sandwiches on the menu are seasonal, but they have one thing in common: they’re anything but ordinary. The “Cheese My Cherry Pie,” which will be available through November, features St. Angel Original, a triple cream brie renowned for its smooth versatility and buttery flavor, and humanely-raised rosemary ham from Fra’ Mani Farms in California.

WHAT THE INTERNET IS SAYING:

“They had several sandwich options, which we weren't expecting. It was delicious with the perfect amount of everything! I normally pick off any excess bread, but I ate everything as it was prepared.”

“We were given samples while we waited to place our order. We ordered the charcuterie board and a sandwich. Both were fantastic.”

PLAYFUL: The sandwich names are all inspired by pop culture, as in this sammie being named after the classic rock song “Cherry Pie,” by Warrant.

HOMAGE: The bread is a toasted banh mi style baguette from Coda Bakery.

SMOOTH: The brie used in this sandwich is so smooth it can be whipped.

CONTRAST: The zinger in this sammie is the sour cherry spread, which contrasts perfectly with the tasty ham and creamy cheese.

“The presentation of the sandwich was gorgeous and it was served on a beautiful ceramic plate. Service was excellent, but be advised, this is not a fast food joint! Take your time, enjoy feeling like you're in Europe.”

The New Yorker

The menu board here has about triple the content as most eateries, which makes sense for a breakfast and lunch spot that’s part NYC deli, and part New Mexico deli—with plenty of regions in between added to the mix, too. The New Yorker (a popular choice on the menu) stands out for its combination of warm pastrami and melted Swiss cheese that pairs nicely with the sweet crunch of coleslaw.

WHAT THE INTERNET IS SAYING:

“This sandwich is warm and creamy with the melted Swiss cheese and coleslaw and sauce. I had it on buttered sourdough bread and it had the perfect crunch.”

AT HELLO DELI

BY THE DOZEN: Believe it or not, you have a choice of TWELVE sides to go with this sammie, including pasta salad, onion rings or jalapeño mac-n-cheese.

OG: The New Yorker has been on the menu since Hello Deli’s inception several decades ago.

LEGACY: Owner Angela Weist recently took over the restaurant from her father, and used to work at the deli for her dad as a teen.

TIP: Some customers like to swap the Kaiser roll for a sourdough slice.

“I had the new Yorker. Being from nYC I was skeptical. The sandwich of pastrami, swiss, cole slaw and house sauce was good. The pastrami…quality was tasty. I'll come back.”

“We went for lunch, hubby had breakfast and I had the New Yorker. Both were great, served really fast. Service was great, very friendly and helpful with the menu.”

The AT CHEESE AND COFFEE

Chelsea

Simple and fresh—that seems to be the standard that keeps Cheese & Coffee fans flocking to this Uptown lunch spot. And the execution of the Chelsea sandwich is a perfect example: a blend of turkey, avocado and our state’s famous green chile, plus provolone cheese, toasted on slices of sourdough bread. “We felt the combination was super New Mexican, and people fell in love with it,” says co-owner Anne Dosch. There is also a Downtown location, as well as a brand-new location inside the renovated Sunport food court.

WHAT THE INTERNET IS SAYING:

“The Chelsea was good…a good turkey sandwich. 3.5 stars.”

“I love this Chelsea sandwich! Man, I don't know how they get that bread toasted so perfectly.”

“The top item i assume is the turkey green chile (Chelsea) sandwich. Seems like everyone that joins me for a bite orders that sandwich.”

HEAT: Fresh chile, cheese and protein are all fine as cold ingredients, but grilling them turns this sammie into a warm meal.

CELEB CULTURE: The owners say the Chelsea is also known as the Holly Sandwich, because MMA fighter Holly Holm helped create it.

HEART FOOD: With only about 25 calories in the green chile, it fits perfectly with the lean turkey and good-fat avocado for a healthy sammie.

CRISPY: The sourdough slices are grilled to a golden crunch, giving a nice contrast to the warm filling.

Italian Beef

AT RED ROCK DELI

This Uptown-area deli was opened in 2014 by Mark Toczek , who spent many years living in Chicago before settling in ABQ. He says including the Italian Beef sandwich on the menu helps remind him of the Windy City, which is credited as the sandwich’s origin point. In fact, Red Rock uses authentic Vienna Beef for their sammie, which Toczek believes makes his eatery the only one in New Mexico to use the genuine ingredient.

WHAT THE INTERNET IS SAYING:

“I went with an Italian Beef sandwich and an order of potatocheese pierogies. The sandwich was lovely, especially when dipped in the ‘Italian gravy’ (tasted like au justome).”

“Came here for the Italian Beef sandwich, and it didn't disappoint. Meat was tender and juicy with a lot of flavor. Bread was good. Au jus did its job. It's also a deli located inside a nice little authentic Polish store which had a lot of interesting items.”

REAL DEAL: Sticks to the Chicago-style origins by using real Vienna Beef from the Windy City company founded in 1893.

CHOICES: You can either keep it tame or amp up the game with your choice of hot or sweet peppers (you can also do a combo), plus you can pick from a trio of cheese options.

FAME: The Food Network show “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives” featured Red Rock Deli in 2022.

SIMILAR DNA: Though closely related to the popular French Dip Sandwich, this sammie has melted cheese and peppers.

“There are at least four Duke City eateries now serving Italian Beef sandwiches and the Red Rock Deli is second to none.”

Persian Potato

This sandwich stands out on a menu that otherwise closely resembles a New York-style deli, with offerings of ham, salami, pastrami and other meats and cheeses (all from the premium Boar’s Head brand of deli goodies). But the Persian Potato Chicken Salad sammie has both ethnic food flair and creativity, having been basically invented by the deli’s owners. The filling of potato, eggs, shredded chicken, pickles and special sauce can also be ordered as a side dish, or on a keto-friendly leaf of lettuce instead of bread (an option for any of the sandwiches on the menu).

WHAT THE INTERNET IS SAYING:

“My companions and I were amazed at the unique and delicious offerings! I had the Persian Potato Chicken Salad Sandwich. It was a delicious combo, served on yummy French bread.”

AT METRO SUBS

ADAPT: The filling has origins in an Iranian salad dish, which was adapted by the shop’s co-owner to go perfectly inside this sammie.

SECRECY: As with many dishes, the key is the secret sauce, according to the Metro Subs team.

RENEWAL: One of the co-owners worked in a sub shop as a college student 20 years ago in Boston, and opened Metro Sub Shop as a way to revive his love for making subs.

OUR DAILY BREAD: The white French rolls in the sammie are made fresh daily in-house.

“I scanned the menu online and we decided to give it a shot. Everything was delicious!! I got the Persian potato chicken salad sandwich and it was AMAZING.”

“The

Rueben, Persian potato chicken salad, and Philly cheese steak sandwiches are all very tasty. The bread used is surprisingly good. Keep up the good work!”

Green ChilePhilly

For one-third of a century, DG’s Deli has been a go-to sandwich spot for locals. And what keeps a restaurant in business that long? Doing things the right way. Every sammie is carefully handmade to order by a team working in plain sight within a horseshoe-shaped counter (in fact, the mantra here is, “Quality takes time! It will be a miracle if you get your sandwich in less than five minutes.”) Tucked neatly between UNM and the Downtown medical corridors, the place gets hopping with a lunch crowd daily (luckily, parking is aplenty). Breakfast burritos are also a hit here (doors open at 9 a.m.), along with the heavy metal music posters that adorn the walls.

“We drove through Hatch and decided to stop by on our way through Albuquerque for a Hatch Green Chile Philly Cheesesteak. It was amazing, just enough fire to clear out the sinuses but not too hot you couldn't enjoy the sandwich.”

AT DG’S DELI

UPGRADED: There are plenty of thinly sliced beef cuts commonly used for cheesesteak, but the owners here decided to go with higher quality ribeye for this signature sammie

UNDISPUTED: The crew here says their version is ABQ’s original green chile-added Philly cheesesteak—and so far no one says otherwise.

ORIGIN: In the early 1990s, a student from UNM asked the staff why they didn’t have the Philly with green chile. Turned out to be a great idea.

JUST SAY BUCKET: If you’re looking to buy these sammies for the crew, you can get DG’s Bucket of Phillys— five sammies, saving you about $1 each.

“I am super picky about Philly Cheesesteaks and the ones from DG's are just delicious! I got the Green Chile Philly for the first time today. It was spicy and flavorful. The bread and cheese go perfectly with the meat and veggies.”

“Damn, I wasn’t expecting that sandwich to hit like that. I ordered the Jumbo Green Chile Philly and it was probably the best I’ve ever had. The steak was good as hell, the peppers and onions hit just right, but the green chile was the star of the show.”

If you’ve normalized the sub shop experience to be like every national chain, you’ll be blown out of the water by Yeller Sub. Locally owned and operated since 1979, this Northeast Heights eatery creates its own rules, beginning with a menu that include subs and salads, but also ice cream shakes and cones, plus breakfast subs (think bacon & eggs). You can also go crazy with unique toppings, in addition to their standard “Torpedo-style” accoutrements of lettuce, tomato, onion, Italian dressing, salt and pepper (which accompanies the ham, bologna, Cotto salami and American cheese on the Super Yeller). They’re pretty adept at catering, too.

AT THE YELLER SUB Super

“I got the Super Yeller with green chile added on and it was absolutely delicious! I left feeling very full and happy with my purchase.”

Yeller

SIZE MATTERS: Whole subs here are a whopping 14 inches— biggest in the city.

AND THEN SOME: Your choice of toppings goes well beyond the ordinary, including items like pickle spears, grilled onions, and green chile.

TIP: For an extra $1, try the cheese sauce on your sub.

VIBE: To get a sense of the love and passion that goes into their efforts, check out the hilarious posts on Yeller Sub’s social media channels. FB: The Yeller Sub Restaurant

“I've been eating Super Yeller Subs since 1979. The bread is fresh-made daily and nice and chewy, the meats are distinctive and tasty, and the vegetables are crisp and fresh. Yeah, I'd say they are pretty good.”

“I have been eating at Yeller Sub since high school (a long time ago) and have always had a great experience. Great Food and Great Service! I have tried most of their subs and have to say…their signature sub, the Super Yeller is the perfect cold cut sandwich! Try it and you may never go back to Quizno’s or Subway.”

The Extreme

AT OAK TREE CAFE

With ingredients that perfectly capture ABQ’s culinary vibe, this sammie might be the flagship of Oak Tree Cafe’s vast lineup of tasty comfort food. The top round roast beef is cooked medium rare in-house daily, and is seasoned using the same techniques that owner Rob Carson’s parents and grandparents used in their family deli in New York. Along with melted provolone, New Mexico green chile, lettuce and tomato, everything is loaded into a French baguette and served with au jus for dipping.

“I had the Extreme and it was wonderful. Green chile was fresh, the roast beef was thinly sliced, but still had some pink in it. I only ate half and was able to save the other half for today. I highly recommend this restaurant!!”

“We had the Al Capone and the Extreme. A good amount of meat on a great baguette with fresh veggies and a very good sauce. The Extreme had very tasty green chile. Great sandwiches, great people behind the counter.”

atmosphere,“Seriouslycomfortable welllaidout decorwithfriendlystaff. Theownerisamazing withhisstaffandis withopenlyappreciative Extremethem.Iorderedthe andmywifethe SwissGobbler.Bothwere freshandseriously tasty!”

RISING UP: The bread comes from Sergio’s Bakery, an iconic local bakery/cafe in the Northeast Heights that’s been in business for 25 years.

NAMING RIGHTS: The sandwich name was inspired in the 1990s by Carson’s license plate, which said “EXTREME,” and a customer who saw the plate suggested the title applied perfectly to the sammie.

LEGACY: The eatery, founded in 1985 by Rob and his father, Michael, first opened in the Uptown area before the business settled in the North Valley in 2013.

LEGACY LIVES: Rob remembers the camaraderie his grandfather had with customers at the NYC deli, which manifests at Oak Tree Cafe. “They’re not customers anymore, they’re friends and family,” he says.

Meatball &Provolone Sub

By now you know the origins of this iconic local brand: the original owners bought a restaurant space in ABQ in the late 1970s, hoping to open a Greek restaurant, but in the meantime ended up utilizing the existing pizza oven to sell pies to stay afloat. Next thing you know, Dion’s is a wildly popular pizza joint. Menu diversity is still intact, as the chain is known almost as much for its sub sammies and salads (and certainly for its line of ranch dressings).

WHAT THE INTERNET IS SAYING:

“I ordered the meatball & provolone cheese sub sandwich, and had no idea they were so good! The meat is so tender and seasoned

AT DION’S

SIDECAR: Comes with a small cup of marinara, for those feeling extra saucy.

ROLL PLAY: You can substitute a wheat baguette instead of white.

WORKFORCE: It’s said 1 in 8 Americans once worked at McDonald’s. A similar percentage might apply to New Mexicans who once worked at Dion’s, which now has a dozen locations in 3 states.

SPEAKING OF: And since this IS New Mexico, Di -

“Pizza is great, sammies are a good choice as well. The meatball sandwich is the best. Service is quick and always.”friendly,

“The food here is always hot and delicious. I usually order their meatball sub when I’m here and It’s so good.”

Mac DaddyMelt

This new-ish sammie spot in Bosque Farms once had a particularly gooey and creamy special on the menu—a big, yummy creation that combines the eatery’s namesake (in this case, wonderfully melty Havarti) with mac-n-cheese, bacon, and green chile, all tucked inside sourdough slices. We say ‘had’ because it’s no longer just a special; it was so popular that it became a regular item on the menu (which features plenty of cheese-filled handhelds on toasted sourdough or brioche bread).

WHAT THE INTERNET IS SAYING:

“The concept can't miss, melted cheese and lots of it! My business associate got the Mac Daddy and tomato soup. I got the cheese trinity with Mac n cheese. It hit the spot, we ate like piggies until there was nothing left on our plates.”

“Mac Daddy melt is loaded with my two favorites, mac and cheese and BACON! It was a trip to go check it out, but worth the drive.”

AT SAY CHEESE

ORIGIN: A family ordered mac and cheese for their young daughter, who was envious of the sandwiches her parents were eating, so the team made her dish into a sandwich. Viola!

BLOWING UP: The year-old concept is already looking at expansion—word is they’ll be opening an ABQ location in the coming weeks.

CLOSE ENOUGH: From the Big I interchange, you can get to Bosque Farms just as quickly as you can get to Bernalillo.

TRADE SECRET: The creamy sauce in the mac-ncheese is carefully prepared, and takes more than two hours to create.

“A cool concept, nice decor. We decided to share the mac daddy melt, which was enough to feed the two of us. Loved it.”

These local sandwiches aren’t just lunch—they’re personality on a plate. Every bite has a story (and usually some green chile hiding in there). We hunted down the standouts—handheld masterpieces that comfort, surprise, and occasionally demand a nap afterward. These sammies are worth getting messy for.

THE DUBLINER TURTLE

MOUNTAIN BREWING

turtlemountainbrewing.com

WHERE PUB MEETS PANINI

Irish comfort with a New Mexico twist. Prime rib and provolone on a toasted Milano roll, served with creamy horseradish and au jus. (Add green chile if you know what’s good for you.) Rich, hearty, and the ultimate rainy-day dipper.

PERNIL

GUAVA TREE CAFÉ

guavatreecafe.com

A CUBAN HUG IN YOUR HAND

Tender, slow-roasted Caribbean-rubbed pork, hot-pressed with caramelized onions, Swiss cheese, and signature garlic mayo on Cuban bread. Smoky, melty, and gloriously messy—the kind of sandwich that demands a napkin and earns a following.

romabakeryanddeli.com

Southwestern spice meets a French croissant. Jalapeños, tomato, onion, and cilantro liven up tender tuna salad, all hugged by flaky butter layers. Every bite hums with heat and sunshine.

lostoasties.com

PASTA, MEET YOUR SANDWICH SOULMATE

A golden chicken cutlet lounges in creamy vodka-tomato sauce with melted mozzarella and garlic aioli. The hoagie bun is toasted until crisp. It’s like your favorite Italian dish packed itself a lunch.

a HOUSE DIVIDED

TURQUOISE DESERT TAPROOM

turquoisetap.com

THE WING’S COOLER, CLEANER COUSIN

Crispy, hand-breaded chicken drenched in hot sauce, topped with crisp lettuce and a drizzle of homemade blue cheese or ranch. It’s got the heat, the crunch, and none of the finger chaos.

BUFFALO CHICKEN SANDWICH CHUNKY

CHICKEN THE SANDWICH COMPANY sandwichcompany.net

CROISSANT GOALS, ACHIEVED

Big chunks of chicken mingle with giant grapes and crunchy celery. Simple? Sure. But somehow genius. Tucked into a buttery croissant like it was born there—sweet, savory, and totally classic.

Wanna start a fight? It’s easy: just ask someone to define a sandwich. Is it the bread? The toppings? The condiments? This question sparked heated debate between our own Publication Director, Lise Watkins, and her husband Adam. Read their real, actual conversation here, and you decide who’s right!

Hey Adam, How would you define a sandwich?

A sandwich must be on a yeasted bread that is either two separate halves or nearly cut in half (as is the case with a hoagie, which isn’t cut all the way through due to its high content volume) which includes sliced meat (must be sliced!), cheese, veggies, and basic condiments. A hotdog is not a sandwich because: The roll is the wrong kind of bread; the hotdog is not sliced meat; the toppings tend to be finely chopped/relished vs. whole.

I cannot abide by your assertion that a roll cannot be used to make a sandwich.

I would argue that this is the way a roll is most commonly used. “On a roll” is like half of all sandwiches.

By your definition, a slider is not a sandwich.

I don’t think a slider is a sandwich, because then a burger would be a sandwich.

A BURGER IS MOST DEFINITELY A SANDWICH! They are under the “sandwich” heading on menus.

No, a burger is its own category. A burger always has a solid piece of protein as the core: ground beef, ground turkey, a black bean patty, etc. And I would argue that what is often called a chicken sandwich is not a sandwich, but is more akin to a burger

So a chicken sandwich that uses a breaded chicken patty is just a chicken burger?

I guess that maybe we can say that a burger IS a special category of sandwich, but it is always on a roll. If you put a ground beef patty on bread you call it something else – what is it, a melt? At that point?

It’s a sandwich! My hot take is this: It’s ALL sandwich. Gyro? Sandwich. Hotdog? Sandwich. Burrito? SANDWICH!

Well, we had a good run but I’d like a divorce now.

CARNE ASADA TORTA RITA’S TORTILLERIA

(505) 771-0550

THE REBEL TORTA

Rita’s takes a fearless detour from tradition—piling marinated carne asada, creamy avocado, and mayo on a soft hoagie instead of telera bread. The asada is so good, it doesn’t even care what bread holds it together. This is the kind of rule-breaking that we love best.

THE HARVEST

CHRISTY MAE’S

christymaes.com

VIRTUE BETWEEN TWO SLICES

Half an avocado, jack cheese, cucumbers, lettuce, sunflower seeds, and tomatoes stacked high on 12-grain bread. Wholesome, crunchy, and a little self-righteous in the best way—like the friend who runs marathons but still meets you for pie.

LOTA BREAKFAST SANDWICH BLAKE’S

lotaburger.com

LOTABURGER

BURRITO, WHO?

Two fresh eggs, melty cheese, and your pick of bacon or sausage, topped with green chile and tucked into a gourmet bun. Proof that breakfast doesn’t have to roll itself up to be legendary.

SAMMY HINEY

SWINE HINEY FOOD TRUCK

FB: Swine Hiney Food Truck & Catering

THE SAUCE IS BOSS

Slow-smoked, tender pulled pork stacked high and dripping with tangy BBQ sauce—topped with creamy coleslaw for the crunch, the contrast, and the perfect messy bite. It’s the kind of sandwich that makes napkins optional and self-control impossible.

THE 2025 FACES OF ABQ PROFILES

PARTNER CONTENT

POWER FORD

In the fast-moving world of automotive, success rarely comes down to one individual. At Power Ford, Albuquerque’s awardwinning dealership, it’s the strength of a leadership team that sets the standard for excellence across New Mexico. Together, five leaders drive innovation, accountability, and community impact, making Power Ford not just a dealership, but a destination.

Rob Sneed, General Manager and Managing Partner, sets the tone for leadership at Power Ford. With a deep commitment to people, culture, and results, Rob balances operational excellence with a personal approach that ensures employees and customers alike feel valued. His influence is seen across every department, reinforcing Power Ford’s reputation as a trusted, community-centered dealership.

Matt Sneed, Director of Operations, drives the long-term vision and strategy. By focusing on growth, efficiency, and customer experience, Matt ensures Power Ford operates at the highest level, while building a culture of accountability and innovation that positions the dealership as an industry leader.

Corrine Zajac-Clarkson, Controller, anchors the business with financial stewardship. Her leadership ensures that Power Ford remains not only a market leader in sales but also a model of fiscal responsibility and sustainable growth. Corrine’s oversight provides the stability and discipline that allow the dealership to expand with confidence.

Brian Austin, General Sales Manager, leads the charge on the front line with customers. Under his guidance, Power Ford has achieved record sales volume while maintaining a relentless focus on satisfaction. Brian’s leadership ensures that every customer interaction reflects the dealership’s values of trust, respect, and excellence.

Brandon Washburn, Parts Director, oversees one of the most vital elements of the dealership: parts operations. His dedication to accuracy, speed, and customer service ensures vehicles stay on the road and customers stay loyal. Brandon’s department keeps the heart of the dealership beating.

Individually, these leaders excel in their respective roles. Together, they embody the Power Ford philosophy: Better Deal. Better Experience. Power Ford.®

That philosophy extends beyond business metrics. The leadership team has made community involvement a central part of their identity, supporting local initiatives and giving back to the Albuquerque area. From sponsoring youth programs to participating in city events, Power Ford has established itself as more than just a dealership, it’s a trusted neighbor.

In the past year, Power Ford has continued to expand its impact, investing in technology, training, and customer-focused processes that reflect the changing needs of the automotive industry. The dealership’s commitment to innovation has allowed it to stay ahead of national trends while keeping its focus firmly on New Mexico families.

Looking ahead, the leadership team sees even greater potential. Their shared goal is simple but ambitious: to remain the most trusted, forward-thinking dealership in the state while continuing to raise the bar for service, sales, and community impact.

At Power Ford, there’s not just one face of automotive in Albuquerque. There are five, each representing a critical part of what it takes to succeed. Together, they are proof that collective leadership isn’t just powerful. It’s the future.

NATALIE ARAGON | OPERATIONS DIRECTOR

ABQ Childcare is a Duke City institution, a daycare service renowned for a deep dedication to nurturing children, a talented and passionate team and a legacy of excellence built over decades.

ABQ Childcare recently celebrated its 50th year in business. It has been overseen by the same family since its inception and now boasts four locations throughout the city. A loyal staff is at the heart of this long-running success, as many team members have been with ABQ Childcare for 10, 20 and even 30 years.

“Our staff works so hard, and we couldn’t have survived this long without their dedication and loyalty to ABQ Childcare,” says operations director Natalie Aragon. “Consistency is key when working with children!”

In addition to its legacy of more than 50 years of service, ABQ Childcare is characterized by its unwavering commitment to nurturing, safety and education. This is accomplished through offering comprehensive daycare services focusing on early childhood development. ABQ Childcare’s mission is to provide children between the ages of six weeks and 12 years with a stable and caring learning environment, and its centers serve as a vital extension of today’s families. Through the guidance of their play-based learning, the primary goal is to meet the educational, physical, cognitive and social-emotional needs of students and families. That results in the building of long-term relationships, with many who have been through the centers ultimately becoming part of the ABQ Childcare family.

“I’m most proud of contributing to ABQ Childcare’s continued legacy while helping families find a safe, supportive environment for their children to thrive,” Aragon says. “It’s great to see that we have kids who have graduated from our program in the past applying for jobs, or bringing us their kids!

We love that they still trust and think of us!”

Over the years, ABQ Childcare has embraced new educational approaches, modern safety standards and innovative technology to meet the evolving needs of families. As a five-star, nationally accredited business, ABQ Childcare ensures that developmentally appropriate curriculum is used in all classrooms — for infants, toddlers, pre-K and school age alike. Additionally, ABQ Childcare’s centers host parentteacher conferences twice annually to offer support and feedback regarding each child's development and learning, as well as several family engagement activities throughout the year.

This past year, ABQ Childcare commemorated its 50th anniversary through a variety of special events, family appreciation days and team recognition for their ongoing dedication. ABQ Childcare has earned multiple accolades for its excellence, including being voted “Best Daycare” in Albuquerque The Magazine's Best of the City for the third consecutive year. Additionally, one of ABQ Childcare’s centers won “Best Preschool,” while the others were also recognized among the city’s best. Giving back to the community is another cornerstone of the ABQ Childcare mission, as it actively engages in family events, charity drives and educational workshops.

After having built its reputation by providing trusted daycare service for more than a half century, ABQ Childcare only expects to continue to advance and improve in the years to come.

“We’re excited to continue expanding our reach, enhancing our programs and investing in the latest educational practices to ensure another 50 years of excellence,” Aragon says.

THE FACE OF SOUTHWEST COMFORT

LARRY CHAVEZ

CEO AND FOUNDER SOUTHWEST STYLE INC.

1460 NORTH RENAISSANCE BLVD (505) 881-1719 | SOUTHWESTSTYLEINC.COM

At Jacuzzi, Cal Spas, and Blaze King of New Mexico, we believe that your home should be your sanctuary — a place of comfort, relaxation, and togetherness. With more than 25 years of experience in the fire and water industry, we have proudly helped families across New Mexico design and create indoor and outdoor living spaces that bring people together.

Larry Chavez and Joyce Hitchner are the founders and president of Jacuzzi, Cal Spas, and Blaze King of New Mexico. As partners, they founded Dreamstyle Remodeling in 1989. Over 15-plus years, they grew Dreamstyle into one of the largest remodeling companies in the country, with more than 125,000 customers throughout the Western United States. Jacuzzi, Cal Spas, and Blaze King of New Mexico is the entity that has been chosen to expand our hot tub, swim spa, stove and hearth divisions. Throughout his life, Larry has maintained a steadfast commitment to public service and civic engagement. Over the years, his involvement has extended to numerous other business, charitable, and civic organizations, where he has contributed time, expertise, and resources — and he is also an avid supporter of the University of New Mexico athletic programs.

At the heart of what we do is a simple promise: to provide exceptional products with outstanding service. From initial consultation to delivery, installation, maintenance, and service — every aspect is handled in-house by our experienced team. This commitment ensures a seamless experience and gives you peace of mind at every step. Our product lineup includes premium hot tubs, swim spas, fireplaces, saunas, outdoor kitchens, and massage chairs from industry leading brands like Jacuzzi®, Cal Spas®, Blaze King® Stoves, Kozy Heat®, and Finnleo® Saunas. We are proud to offer flexible, affordable financing options, making it easier for you to choose the perfect product without compromise. Whether you’re seeking warmth, wellness, or entertainment, we have a solution designed to fit your space and budget. At Jacuzzi, Cal Spas, and Blaze King of New Mexico, we don’t just sell products — we create spaces where memories are made.

DAVIS KELIN LAW FIRM, LLC

BEN DAVIS AND ZACKEREE KELIN | FOUNDERS &

127 BRYN MAWR DR SE | (505) 242-7200 DAVISKELIN.COM | WRONGFULDEATHNM.COM

In recent years, the landscape of personal injury law has been shaped increasingly by aggressive billboard and media marketing, often placing the spotlight more on the lawyers than the clients they serve. While visibility has its place, the attorneys at Davis Kelin believe that true advocacy is built on substance, not slogans. A client-centered approach fosters trust, encourages accountability, and leads to outcomes that not only serve individuals but often contribute to broader community improvements.

Davis Kelin is a leader in trial advocacy across multiple practice areas. The firm is respected statewide for its experience in wrongful death, insurance bad faith, sex abuse, catastrophic injury, medical malpractice, legal malpractice and other highstakes and complex civil litigation. At Davis Kelin, we prioritize quality over volume. The limited number of cases we accept receives focused attention and substantial resources because our clients deserve nothing less. This intentional approach means we take on only a small percentage of the cases we review. Every case

TRIAL LAWYERS

we pursue is one we are fully prepared to take to trial, following a thorough and careful evaluation process.

This past year, we were selected by Chambers and Partners as the only Mainly Plaintiffs Law Firm in New Mexico. Chambers is considered the most prestigious and difficult listing a law firm can get and is awarded based on interviews with other lawyers and judges. It is not an acknowledgment that can be purchased, unlike so many we see today.

We attribute our success to an unwavering focus on our clients and the broader impact each case can have on the community. Every matter is approached not only as an opportunity to seek compensation for wronged individuals, but also as a chance to promote meaningful change, whether by holding powerful institutions accountable or helping to prevent future harm. We pride ourselves on our diligence, depth of preparation, and willingness to take cases to trial. It’s this commitment to both the client and the cause that continues to shape the firm’s reputation and results.

THE FACE OF CUSTOM HOME BUILDING

MIKE MARTINEZ

PRESIDENT

QUALITY BUILDERS INC.

445 BOSQUE FARMS BLVD STE C BOSQUE FARMS, NM (505) 869-9075 | QUALITYBUILDERSNM.COM

For nearly 30 years, I’ve been building high-end luxury homes that combine exceptional craftsmanship with personalized design. As an award-winning custom home builder, my passion has always been turning each client’s vision into a home that reflects their lifestyle and stands the test of time.

That passion started early. As a kid, I was always “borrowing” my dad’s tools to build bike ramps and forts for myself and all the neighborhood kids. I loved creating things with my hands, and that drive naturally grew into a lifelong career in construction and homebuilding.

I began my career in the trades as a concrete laborer with Jaynes Corporation, where I learned the fundamentals of form setting and concrete finishing. Later, I worked with a framing contractor, gaining a deep respect for the structural backbone of a home. More than 30 years ago, I launched my own framing company— Quality Builders of New Mexico LLC—which still operates today, serving builders and homeowners throughout Albuquerque and the surrounding areas. That foundation, combined with my team’s 75+ years of collective experience, gives us the expertise to deliver homes of uncompromising quality.

Today, my team and I provide comprehensive support throughout the homebuilding process, partnering with architects on design and guiding clients through every detail. Few things are more rewarding than driving away from a job site after a day’s work, looking in the rearview mirror at what we’ve accomplished that day, or passing by a home we built decades ago still standing strong. But the greatest reward comes when our clients walk into their finished home for the first time—the smiles on their faces make every step worthwhile.

As our company grows, we remain committed to continuing education, staying ahead of building trends, and delivering homes that exceed expectations.

Looking back, what I value most are the relationships I’ve built— with clients, with my team, and with my family. Seeing my sons grow—one working alongside me and the other about to make me a grandfather—is just as fulfilling as any home I’ve ever built. For me, success is measured not only in the houses we’ve created but also in the legacy of family, craftsmanship, and community that continues to grow.

THE FACE OF ILLUMINATED IMPRESSIONS

ZEON SIGNS

JAMES RODGERS, CAED RODGERS, STEVE TAFOYA | OWNERS

2024 5TH ST NW | (505) 243-3771 | ZEONSIGNSNM.COM

At Zeon Signs, we believe that if the customer can dream it, we can build it. Founded in the 1930s, we are the largest and oldest full-service sign company in New Mexico.

We specialize in a variety of signage products and services, including custom signs, building signs, specialty signs, sign and lighting service, L.E.D. displays and retro-fit and custom neon. No matter what the job may be, we strive for and take pride in delivering what you want, when you want it. From the initial design, through manufacturing and installation, to subsequent service of your sign, we are a complete “one stop” sign company. Zeon Signs takes pride in making your company look its best. After all, your sign is your image and it says a lot about you and your business.

Zeon Signs has recently undergone some exciting changes. James and Caed Rodgers purchased majority shares of the company in January, and Steve Tafoya stayed on as a partial shareholder. As a new ownership group, we are committed to ensuring that

Zeon Signs provides the best service for the community and is a workplace where our staff feels like part of a larger family.

The sign industry is one that doesn’t offer formal training, and with that you have to be ready for new trends that other companies bring to the market. We stay involved in the WSA (World Sign Association) and are working with them to bring formal training to the industry. Moreover, the knowledge and skill of our staff has been tested, and they always find a way to exceed and rise above the challenges that come with producing custom signage.

In the coming months, we are working on some really exciting projects with the City of Albuquerque along Route 66 and are excited to unveil these soon. We are looking to become a company recognized on a national level, while staying true to the culture and community of Albuquerque. We love coming to work every day and learning something new. No project is ever the same, which keeps it fun and exciting.

THE FACE OF POSITIVE CHANGE

ARGOS, A SHELTER DOG RESCUE

KIM DOMINA | PRESIDENT/FOUNDER/DIRECTOR

P.O. BOX 92014, ALBUQUERQUE NM 87199

EMAIL : ARGOSRESCUEDOGS@GMAIL.COM

In Homer’s “Odyssey,” Argos is Odysseus’ faithful dog. The story of Argos is one of unwavering loyalty and love.

At Argos, A Shelter Dog Rescue, our mission is to rescue, provide veterinary care and successfully rehome dogs at risk of being euthanized in New Mexico shelters. We work closely with other rescues, veterinary professionals, and shelters to provide much-needed care to the rescued dogs and education to the public.

Argos Rescue is grateful to have a well-trained and educated allvolunteer group of compassionate individuals dedicated to rescue, transport, veterinary care, enrichment, grooming and the wellbeing of every dog we rescue. Not only do we provide a variety of specialized care, but our volunteers work diligently to find the “right” home for our dogs. This includes an application process, a dog meet, an interview and a home visit — all to ensure that the right home is found for every dog we place.

Another successful program through Argos Rescue is “Loved at Last,” hospice program which provides care for senior or medically

|

ARGOSDOGRESCUE.ORG

fragile dogs so they can live out the remainder of their days in a home with love and comfort. In this program, Argos Rescue pays for the dog and its every need — including veterinary care — for the rest of the dog’s life. Additionally, Argos Rescue offers a community outreach program where it provides spay/neuter and vaccine services to animals that would not have otherwise had them available.

Argos Rescue does not receive state or federal funding of any kind. We rely on the generosity of donations from the community to continue rescuing and providing spay and neutering services to so many of New Mexico’s needy dogs. We are grateful to our many community partners that donate or discount veterinary services and food for our rescued dogs. We appreciate the community for their continued generosity and support. Donations can be mailed to Argos Dog Rescue at P.O. Box 92014, Albuquerque NM 87199, or you can visit argosdogrescue.org to make a tax deductible donation through Paypal or Venmo or donate items through our Amazon wish list.

THE FACE OF COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP

RANDY ROYSTER

PRESIDENT & CEO ALBUQUERQUE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION

624 TIJERAS AVE NW (505) 883-6240 | ABQCF.ORG

With a vision rooted in collaboration, innovation, and integrity, I have had the privilege of serving as the leader of the Albuquerque Community Foundation since 2005. I realized this was the right path for attaining my goal to make a significant impact in the community I love when I saw the transformative power of philanthropy in uniting individuals, businesses and government to tackle complex challenges. The opportunity to shape both community outcomes and organizational growth confirmed my commitment to this career.

Over the past two decades, I’ve worked toward building the Foundation’s assets from $34 million to over $170 million, while increasing our annual grantmaking to over $12 million. Through strategic leadership, community partnerships, and a deep commitment to philanthropy, I’ve focused on ensuring the Foundation is a driving force for positive change in New Mexico. By engaging diverse stakeholders like donors, corporate leaders and community partners, we’ve strengthened both the governance and the reach of the Foundation.

Albuquerque Community Foundation provides a wide range of services, including administering a permanent community endowment, connecting donors to the causes they care about, making strategic grants, managing scholarships and offering nonprofit capacity-building, impact investing, and community convening. I would also like to highlight the creation of our companion community foundation, the New Mexico Community Trust, which provides statewide capacity and support for the social sector. It is a lasting testament to the vision and leadership that will continue serving New Mexico for years to come.

One of the most exciting things we’ve done this past year is launching Rooted Together, a two-year community-centered initiative that brings neighbors, nonprofits, donors, and corporate partners together to create long-term impact. After 10 years of grantmaking through the Foundation’s annual business meeting, known as Great Grant Giveaway, this new program shifts away from one-time grants and instead provides multi-year, place-based funding to strengthen neighborhood capacity and stability.

As I prepare for retirement, the Foundation is poised to continue expanding its impact through innovative investments, stronger community collaborations, and deepened civic engagement. The groundwork has been laid for sustained growth and influence across New Mexico and beyond.

THE FACE OF DENTISTRY

DR. TRAVIS RUDD

Dr. Travis Rudd is a remarkable oral and maxillofacial surgeon who has established himself as the epitome of excellence in his field.

Set apart by his unparalleled training and experience, Dr. Rudd dedicated five years to a hospital-based residency program after finishing dental school. Since finishing his residency in 2013, he has successfully performed over 3,200 dental implants and extracted more than 9,500 wisdom teeth. Additionally, he has sedated over 4,900 patients, showcasing expertise in providing care that is not only effective but also safe. Staying on top of the latest trends is important to Dr. Rudd. His team has recently integrated digital impressions, which means messy alginates are no longer necessary to take molds of people’s teeth. Additionally, computer-guided surgery is utilized for dental implants.

Dr. Rudd personally follows up with patients in the evening after their surgeries, showcasing his commitment to their well-being. However, he acknowledges that his success is not solely attributed to his individual abilities. He emphasizes the importance of his exceptional team, recognizing that their collective efforts are essential to the outstanding patient experience.

Furthermore, Dr. Rudd and his team actively give back to the community. The practice dedicates one day each month to providing donated care to individuals with limited resources in Albuquerque. Since initiating “Bear Canyon Cares Day” in 2023, Dr. Rudd and his staff have donated more than $150,000 worth of surgery to patients in need. By supporting Dr. Rudd’s practice, patients receive exceptional dental care and contribute to the betterment of underserved communities.

Dr. Rudd demonstrates the importance of self-care and a wellrounded lifestyle by maintaining a balanced and fulfilling personal life. Having five children, he finds joy in sharing laughter and creating memories with them. He and his wife actively serve in their church and enjoy outdoor activities like hiking and skiing. This past year, Dr. Rudd discovered a passion for distance running, competing in a number of events — including his first marathon this past October.

With a commitment to excellence, Dr. Rudd rightfully stands as the face of dentistry in Albuquerque. His expertise and genuine care for all patients, whether from his own practice or from communities worldwide, continue to set the highest standards for the dental profession.

JASON FITAK AND JANET ASHLEY MCDAVID-FITAK

REALTORS | FULL HOUSE REAL ESTATE

P.O. BOX 66266 | (505) 244-1918 |

505SOLD.COM

In today’s digital age, we believe real, human connection matters more than ever. At Full House Real Estate, we’re committed to a hands-on approach. We answer our phones, return calls promptly, and prioritize person-to-person communication. When you hire us, you work directly with us—we guide our clients through every step of the process with care and commitment.

Full House Real Estate was established in 2005 and has been proudly locally owned and operated ever since. We are a fullservice brokerage offering comprehensive real estate services throughout Albuquerque and the surrounding areas. We specialize in home buying, selling, and investment properties. In addition, we offer property management services for clients who purchase through us. While real estate is always evolving, we remain focused on personalized service. Most of our business has come through word-of-mouth referrals, but we’ve also embraced technology and social media to make sure our services are visible and accessible to

today’s buyers and sellers.

One of the highlights of this past year was helping a longtime client purchase a four-plex. We immediately saw the potential in the property—both in rental income and in the updates it needed. After closing, the client jumped right in to customize the renovations to their vision. It was incredibly rewarding to watch the transformation and to share that journey with someone who has become not just a loyal client, but a true friend.

Looking ahead, we’re focused on continuing to share the message that owning a home is not only attainable but also a cornerstone of the American Dream. We want to make the process fun, accessible, and successful for our clients—and with the right realtor by your side, it absolutely can be. We’re more than a married couple—we’re true partners in business and in life. Our past clients can attest that when you work with us, you get a dedicated, hands-on team that is fully invested in your success.

THE FACE OF ANIMANTE ARCHITECT OF ANIMA

JOHN CALVIN

FOUNDER AND WINEMAKER

CASA RONDEÑA WINERY

733 CHAVEZ RD NW, LOS RANCHOS (505) 344-5911 | CASARONDENA.COM

Animante de Rondeña is the newest manifestation of the ever-growing efforts by John Calvin, a native New Mexican who seeks to create a center of gravity for the rich and varied culture of Albuquerque based on his background in architecture, Raga of Indian Classical Music, flamenco guitar, winemaking, and decades of sailing the world’s seas in search of truth and inspiration.

Long known as one of the highest quality and most serious winemaking operations in our region, coupled with an unparalleled aesthetic, Casa Rondeña has added a cultural center which houses the region’s top venue for chamber music: Animante de Rondeña.

The architecture of Animante reflects Mr. Calvin’s passion for the old-world influences of the Romans and Arabs in Andalucian architecture design. As a flamenco guitarist during his youth in Spain, Mr. Calvin brings us a vision of beguiling and mystical beauty that is the amalgamation of the most important influences of the Mediterranean, the cradle of western civilization. The building is fitted with the architectural elements of the best of Andalucia of Southern Spain, from where came the first Europeans in New Mexico, beginning in 1540.

In addition to the music venue, perfect for 150 guests, there is a fine restaurant for members. The Courtyard of the Philosophers, replete with bronze sculptures of the most important philosophers of the ancient western world, as well as a very well-developed library, expresses Mr. Calvin’s love for learning, teaching and exchanging ideas, and what brings human beings together. There are continuous classes and symposia on literature, philosophy, history, and policy; including discussions about artificial intelligence and quantum computing. Given the ever quickening rate of technological change and its impacts on our society and culture, it is more urgent than ever that we base policy decisions on the ever true foundation of ethics and philosophy.

Mr. Calvin's words touch on the etymology of the name: "Our name Animante derives from anima, the Latin word for soul. The ancient Greeks and Romans wrote much about the soul as a driving spirit of reality. We transcend political and social barriers in an effort to celebrate the diversity of the human spirit. People from all walks of life, no matter creed, political or social views, religious ideals, nor economic position, all possess something profound and beautiful in the human spirit. It’s my passion, just as I have done over 30 years of winemaking at Casa Rondeña, to bring us all together to celebrate our animating spirits, knowledge, and diversity, so as to make our community a better place to live; a place where future generations learn and teach, discuss and be together, celebrating beauty for its own sake. Naturally, our wines are a large part of our efforts to come together in this Enchanted Land.”

While Casa Rondeña is always open to the public, Animante is open to members.

THE FACE OF EYE CARE

ROBERT F. MELENDEZ, MD

CEO & FOUNDER JULIETTE EYE INSTITUTE

8801 HORIZON BLVD, STE 130 ALBUQUERQUE, NM 87113

(505) 355-2020 | JULIETTEEYE.COM

Dr. Robert F. Melendez, CEO and Founder of Juliette Eye Institute, is recognized as one of Albuquerque’s leading voices in eye care. With over 20 years of experience as a laser eye surgeon, Dr. Melendez is dedicated to helping patients achieve optimal vision without relying on glasses or contact lenses.

His passion is delivering cutting-edge solutions tailored to each patient. Dr. Melendez performs a full range of advanced procedures—from LASIK and SMILE laser surgery to Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) and premium cataract surgery for those seeking independence from readers and distance glasses. He proudly offers the latest lens implants, including the Light Adjustable Lens and the PanOptix Pro lenses, giving patients more ability to customize their vision and live without visual limitations.

In an ever-evolving field, Dr. Melendez embraces new technologies and innovations to enhance outcomes and patient experience. As he notes, “The term ‘refractive surgery’ has expanded beyond LASIK. We now have a range of procedures tailored to different age groups, providing personalized solutions for each individual’s vision needs.” What sets Juliette Eye Institute apart is a comprehensive approach: Dr. Melendez and his team offer six customized surgical pathways, making JEI the only practice in Albuquerque (and one of the few in New Mexico) to provide such a wide spectrum of options. Their commitment to excellence and superior outcomes has made JEI the go-to destination for premium eye care.

Outside the clinic, Dr. Melendez is active in community outreach. He offers professional discounts for veterans, active military personnel, first responders, teachers, and medical professionals. He also supports visually impaired individuals and young scientists through research grants and community programs.

Reflecting on his work, Dr. Melendez attributes his success to an unwavering commitment to exceptional care and continual advancement. “I am proud to transform lives and empower individuals through improved vision,” he says. With his innovative approach, patient focus, and community engagement, Dr. Robert Melendez exemplifies excellence in eye care in Albuquerque and continues to raise the standard for the field.

THE FACE OF HOPE

NM DONOR SERVICES

Organ donation not only changes lives — it saves them. It’s that simple.

New Mexico Donor Services is the local non-profit that makes organ donation happen in the Land of Enchantment, whether it’s walking a family through the process of becoming an Organ Donor Hero, organizing transplant teams, coordinating organ transfers or providing a variety of aftercare services such as grief counseling. In other words, it’s about connecting lifesaving gifts to the patients who need them most.

Crystal Griego’s story epitomizes what NM Donor Services achieves. Crystal was born with multiple heart defects and underwent her first surgery at just 4 days old. Life was relatively normal for her after that until she went into heart failure during what was supposed to be a routine corrective surgery in 2022. After seven surgeries in 10 days, Crystal was airlifted to Denver Children’s Hospital, where she spent 400 days in the ICU — often hanging on to life by a thread.

Through it all, Crystal was a shining light. She was known to walk the hallways, encouraging other patients and putting smiles on the faces of everyone she encountered. Thanks to a heart transplant from an Organ Donor Hero, Crystal has a new lease on life.

“Ever since, she's just been home living a normal childhood life,” says her mother, Debra. “She’s happy and healthy now.

“I'm just so grateful that our donor family chose life that day, that they chose to donate their child's organs on their hardest day because my child wouldn't be alive today. She wouldn't be able to live and laugh, and I wouldn't be able to continue making memories with her.”

New Mexicans are saving lives like never before. In 2024, a record 90 Donor Heroes offered hope to 241 people through organ donation—and this year, even more lives will be saved because New Mexicans choose to be heroes.

“Crystal is a powerful example of the miracle that is organ donation and the true impact saying ‘yes’ has in our community,” says NM Donor Services External Affairs Director Celina Espinoza. “That simple heart on your license isn’t just a symbol – it’s a lifesaving decision and one of the greatest gifts you can give.”

JIM GUTHRIE

OWNER | GUTHRIE'S

GARAGE

For Jim Guthrie, the roar of an engine has always been more than sound—it’s the heartbeat of a lifelong passion. Long before he became the owner of Guthrie’s Garage, Jim was making headlines on the track. His racing career reached its pinnacle in 1997 when he captured an unforgettable IndyCar victory at Phoenix International Raceway, a triumph that cemented his reputation as a driver with grit, perseverance, and fearless determination. Even today, Jim still straps in to race, piloting a vintage Mazda Miata and Pro TA2 car to keep that competitive spirit alive.

This year marks 43 years in business, but Guthrie’s story began in his parents’ garage, where he turned wrenches as a teenager. Originally on track to become a dental surgeon, Jim left college to pursue cars full-time—a leap of faith that led to a career defined by craftsmanship and passion.

At Guthrie’s Garage, Jim and his team specialize in restorations,

resto-mods, and racecar fabrication. What sets them apart is not only technical expertise, but also a racer’s mindset: precision, performance, and a relentless pursuit of perfection. Every project reflects the lessons Jim carried from the track—adapt quickly, trust your team, and never stop learning.

Beyond the garage, Jim invests in community and family. He serves as treasurer on the Albuquerque Christian School board and helped launch the ACS Car Show at Journal Center, an event he hopes will grow into a local tradition. His greatest pride, however, isn’t found in victory lane or a showroom floor, but in his family and grandchildren.

Now operating from a purpose-built shop two years in the making, Guthrie’s Garage continues to honor the past while embracing new challenges. For Jim Guthrie, cars—and racing— will always be a way of life.

LUNA DEL VALLE HEALTHCARE SERVICES

Luna Del Valle Healthcare Services is a physician and registered nurse-owned company founded in 2022 on the revolutionary principle that healthcare is a fundamental human right. We’ve created New Mexico’s most comprehensive home-based healthcare network, serving the state’s most vulnerable populations including rural communities, veterans, Native Americans, and the homeless.

Our services include ACHC-accredited hospice care, non-skilled senior care through Sol Amor. We’re also developing industrydisrupting services including New Moon MedSpa and concierge medical services which operate in the “med spa” arena, but heavily focus on the actual “medical side.”

Our integrated service portfolio includes:

• Luna del Valle Hospice: ACHC-accredited end-of-life care

• Sol Amor Senior Care: Licensed in-home support services

• The Willow Foundation: 501(c)(3) providing financial assistance and community outreach

• Twilight Physician Group: Mobile primary care for homebound patients

• Indigo Sun Palliative Care: Comprehensive symptom management

Our most important milestone has been the success of our approach. We’ve been able to show that putting patients first and

returning to individualized patient-centered care plans makes a difference. From a starting point of 30 patients, we’ve been able to grow to serve 106 patients — all while maintaining ACHC accreditation and never compromising our commitment to charity care. We’ve also successfully integrated multiple healthcare entities under one mission-driven umbrella while planning expansion into mobile clinic development for rural communities.

Looking ahead, we’re embarking on a dedicated five-year service outreach plan to rural New Mexico, to further our reach to those who don’t currently have the healthcare options they would have if living in a metro area. Other key initiatives include development of New Moon MedSpa and concierge services, Medicare-certified home health services and potential expansion into Arizona and Colorado. We’re also purchasing a primary office building that will generate rental income while serving as our headquarters for comprehensive service delivery.

We want people to understand that Luna del Valle Healthcare Services represents a new paradigm in healthcare delivery. We’re proving that you can be operationally sustainable while maintaining unwavering commitment to serving everyone, regardless of ability to pay.

MVD NOW

JOSH AND DESIREE BAIRD OWNERS

• 1100 SAN MATEO BLVD NE, STE 6, ALBUQUERQUE, NM 87110

• 901 EUBANK BLVD NE, ALBUQUERQUE, NM 87112

• 10660 UNSER BLVD NW, STE I, ALBUQUERQUE, NM 87114

• 110 98TH ST NW, STE A, ALBUQUERQUE, NM 87121

• 5309 4TH ST NW, ALBUQUERQUE, NM 87107

• 118 US-550, BERNALILLO, NM 87004 (505) 341-2683 |

At MVD Now, we’ve been proudly serving New Mexicans for 25 years through a long-standing partnership with the New Mexico State Motor Vehicle Division. Our focus is on delivering efficient, secure, and professional MVD transactions, whether for individuals or large government and corporate clients. Our team has extensive experience and is dedicated to ensuring every customer receives fast, accurate, and reliable service.

MVD Now is co-owned by Josh and Desiree Baird, a dynamic husband-and-wife team driven by faith, family and a shared commitment to serving their community. Josh, who serves as CEO, brings vision and leadership to the business, while Desiree handles the financial side, keeping everything running smoothly behind the scenes. Together, their complementary strengths have helped grow their company into a respected name among locals looking for reliable motor vehicle services.

We’ve got all your Motor Vehicles Department needs covered. Our services include vehicle registration, titling, driver’s licenses, license renewals, and REAL ID processing. We also offer comprehensive fleet vehicle management, VIN inspections, translation services, and notary services.

We at MVD Now understand and fully appreciate the importance and gravity of the responsibilities of being the liaison between the New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division and the public. Therefore, we approach every customer's transaction with total professionalism. Our customers regularly acknowledge that their MVD transaction was serviced by MVD Now with dignity and fairness, as shown in the continued loyalty of the repeat business that we enjoy.

Looking ahead, we’re focused on expanding both our services and reach, with plans to scale our operations in key markets. We’re also looking into innovative ways to enhance our offerings and improve customer experiences through technology. As we continue to grow, we’re committed to fostering a supportive, collaborative environment for our team, ensuring we remain adaptable and responsive to changing industry needs. Our goal is not just to expand in size, but to make a meaningful impact on the communities we serve, all while maintaining the values that have gotten us to this point. It’s all about smart growth, staying true to our mission, and being proactive about new opportunities.

THE FACE OF TOTAL PROTECTION

NATHAN BISHOP

OWNER

DEFCON SECURITY TECHNOLOGIES

1208 US ROUTE 66, STE A MORIARTY, NM (505) 363-9127 | DEFCONSECURITYTECHNOLOGIES.COM

DefCon Security Technologies is a low voltage integration company which specializes in advanced home, commercial, and industrial alarm, video, and access systems. With 35 years experience in the security industry, we are an advanced provider of the latest security technologies.

Early on, I found that I understood the technology and had a great ability to implement it effectively. I could see what a difference our jobs made for people, so it was an easy career decision for me. I started this business seven and a half years ago after working for a few different places in industry. Through those experiences, I was able to see the dos and don’ts of the field. As a result, I was able to start my business with all the dos — while throwing out the don’ts — and implement them in an effective way.

As you can imagine, technology changes absolutely every day in this business. We are able to stay on top by thorough research and development, and we do beta testing for many products so we can get our hands on them first. DefCon Security Technologies is fully certified, licensed, bonded and insured, and we are constantly educating ourselves in new technologies.

Additionally, we often aid in the capture of burglars, which gives the police and DA the ability to prosecute those people with evidence. This happens on a regular basis and is just one example of us doing our part to benefit society.

Moving forward, our knowledge, implementation of new technologies and the need to do the job right for our customers will continue to set us apart from the competition. For example, we will be implementing the use of virtual reality for our video operators to patrol buildings — a significant improvement from simply looking at camera footage on a screen.

DefCon Security Technologies is backed by massive amounts of hard work and an unwavering dedication to customer service. Knowing that each and every day our systems and services are effective and help people makes it all worthwhile.

KELLEY AND RIC TREDWIN

When you plan for retirement, navigate the death of a spouse or complex family finances, the financial industry presents spreadsheets, templates and jargon. Money is emotional and your life is unique. We founded Altalune Wealth Advisors to invest in you, in your unique and meaningful life.

Whether it's buying that classic car you’ve dreamed about for decades (a 1964 Land Rover) or taking a bucket-list vacation for your anniversary, we listen, celebrate and problem solve with you. We love to share a belly laugh, a clever joke or even shed a few tears with you because building trust means not having to go it alone. We manage your portfolio to your dreams and challenges. That is our commitment to superior care and service.

As a husband-wife team, we know that our people, passions and awe-filled experiences make life meaningful. We’ve been married for 20 years, we’re small business owners, and like many Gen

Xers, we understand the meaning of the "sandwich generation." We juggle caring for elderly parents, enjoying our adulting son, maintaining our careers and trying to keep our own dreams alive. We admire our clients and their approaches to life’s crazy and beautiful times. It deepens our commitment to build healthy wealth with them.

We’ve lived in New Mexico for 30 years. We enjoy the mountains with our “New Mexico Brown Dog” as we’ve called her for 14 years. We love Southwest art, pastries, our national parks, sharing books and learning from the exceptional people we have the privilege to work with.

Life can be hard, but your money shouldn’t be. You don’t have to go it alone.

Let’s grab a coffee and talk about your life, not just your portfolio. We’d love to have you join us.

JIJ DE JESUS

HEAD OF SCHOOL | MANZANO DAY SCHOOL

He’s a new face in Albuquerque, but he’s already a very familiar face at Manzano Day School.

Jij (pronounced “jay”) de Jesus is the new Head of School at the independent school in West Downtown. From his first day on campus six months ago, Mr. Jij (as the kids call him) has brought a renewed energy and a deep commitment to the school’s mission of Joy in Learning®. His mornings begin with connecting with families at drop-off and greeting each student with a fist bump.

Before joining Manzano Day School, de Jesus spent over a decade at Rowland Hall in Salt Lake City. For de Jesus, leadership is about connection. “I believe that if students feel known and cared for, families feel a sense of trust and partnership, and teachers feel supported and empowered, then great things can happen in school.”

De Jesus says he is grateful to be in Albuquerque and to be a

part of Manzano’s story. “The head of school position at Manzano Day School is exactly the opportunity I was seeking. Given its 87year history as the only independent pre-k through 5 school in Albuquerque, it is unique. To me, that means our school has an opportunity and responsibility to be part of and contribute to the greater Albuquerque community.”

When he’s not at school, de Jesus is busy taking in all of the city’s natural beauty, hiking the foothills and the Bosque, and enjoying the food! His go-to New Mexican food order? A combo plate or a green chile cheeseburger, or both!

As he settles into his role, de Jesus is eager to listen, learn, and dream alongside the Manzano Day community. “This community has already made me feel so welcome. I look forward to many conversations, celebrations, and the shared joy of learning ahead.”

HALFLIFE*

DAVID GARCIA | EXECUTIVE PRODUCER/DGA DIRECTOR

NIKELLE GARCIA | PRODUCER

Halflife* is a full-service film production and post company focused on high-end creative commercial work and branded content. We are proud to have an ethos of overdelivering and exceeding expectations in all aspects of our work.

We feature a roster of national directors, editors and producers who excel at crafting compelling stories that communicate our clients' messages at an emotional level. Be it an agency looking to bring a concept to life or a business looking to attract a certain kind of customer, we take our clients’ raw elements and bring them to life. Our directors routinely take a paragraph on a piece of paper and turn it into epic cinematic storytelling that can bring a viewer to tears or uncontrollable laughter.

Creative, narrative production is our first love. From 30-second commercials and 15-second Youtube prerolls all the way to feature-length films, we love to tell a good story. In addition to commercial production, we have had the privilege of moving into marketing agency space and have a roster of clients for which we provide full service strategy, branding,

media buying and social media management.

We are also the only commercial production company in Albuquerque that is a member of the Association of Independent Commercial Producers and signatory to all the major film union agreements, allowing us to bring top DGA talent to our projects while making sure that every crew member is making top industry rates and contributing to their pensions and healthcare plans.

Halflife* continues to grow and expand with an eye on the future. We recently moved into a 5,000 square foot facility in the heart of Nob Hill, where we offer a turnkey virtual production studio with a state-of-the-art 16’x9’ LED virtual production wall as well as a flexible event and performance space.

Halflife* is moving into 2026 with an eye on independent film and television production. We have a number of films in our pipeline that will be released to market next year. We intend to lead New Mexico’s emergence as a hub for above-the-line film talent as we transform from a film service economy to an exporter of creative content to the world.

THE FACE OF WEALTH MANAGEMENT

BRENTON L. FEWOX

OWNER

ANTHEM FINANCIAL SERVICES

333 RIO RANCHO BLVD NE, STE 102 RIO RANCHO, NM (505) 338-0206 | ANTHEMFINANCIAL.US

As a financial advisor with more than 34 years of experience in the industry, I help people build bridges that will allow them to more easily move through the many stages of their life, whether they’re single, married, starting a family, approaching the end of their career or retired.

I realized this was the career for me near the end of my first year in the business when a client came to my office to cancel his life insurance. I convinced him to think about it over the weekend. I didn’t hear from him on Monday. On Tuesday, I called his home to make sure he was OK to leave his life insurance in place. I was stunned to hear from his wife that he had a brain aneurysm and passed away. Ten days later, I met with his wife and gave her a check that continues to keep her and her family in a good financial place today. It is my goal to help my clients establish and navigate a financial roadmap that is customized to meet their life goals.

Anthem Financial Services is an independent consulting and advisory firm focusing in estate preservation and distribution, risk management and supplemental insurance services. We have committed ourselves to always making decisions that are in the best interests of our clients.

We are dedicated to providing investment management and strategic wealth planning services to small and large businesses as well as individuals. We specialize in helping veterans, first responders, their families and the general public through the ever-changing financial challenges that life presents. My staff works harder and provides service better than anyone I know. We also take a leadership approach with our clients. At the end of the day, we believe our clients just want to cut through all the noise and have their financial lives protected.

Knowing that what we do here changes people’s lives is a constant source of motivation. Planning for the unexpected is crucial. What we do here to educate clients about financial planning for them and their families is imperative because you just never know what life is going to bring.

JT ARMENTA

CEO | AZTEC FORCE ROOFING

9445 COORS BLVD NW #125 | (505) 917-2421

Founded in 2020, Aztec Force Roofing brings a wealth of valuable experience working with residential and commercial customers while offering our roofing services all around the Albuquerque, Rio Rancho and Los Lunas areas.

JT Armenta, Aztec Force Roofing CEO, is a veteran with five and a half years of current experience in construction and roofing. His partner and president of Aztec Force, Rodrigo Vasquez, has 13 years of roofing experience.

“I am very good at what I do,” Armenta says. “I am a veteran who brings honor and integrity to any project I work on. What I bring to the table is Roofing, Restoration, HVAC, Plumbing, Electrical, Landscaping, Asphalt, Block Walls, Concrete, Gutters and Stucco. Except for roofing, our subcontractors are tried and true with their own business license and insurance.”

Aztec Force has done work for the Department of Labor,

THE FACE OF BUILT TO LAST

Bradbury Stamm, CES, two different custom home builders, seven insurance companies, nine real estate agents, five property management companies and two solar companies. The company is also part of Apartment Association and Sam.gov.

It’s up to you what solution you choose. The job at Aztec Force is simple: accept your choice, communicate the process with you and provide the perfection you expect. Aztec Force strives to save you both time and money by combining roofing knowledge, the highest quality parts and equipment and dedication to delivering exceptional service. We will not leave the job until it is finished and you are satisfied with the results.

“If you are interested in how myself and Aztec Force, LLC can benefit you, please reach out,” Armenta says. “I would be absolutely thrilled to take the time to meet and discuss the possibilities.”

CHRIS KERSHNER

CEO | ALWAYS AVAILABLE IT

5725 GUADALUPE TRAIL NW | (505) 888-8464

ALWAYSAVAILABLEIT.COM

EMAIL: KERSHNER@KERSHNER.COM

Chris Kershner began his IT journey in the 1970s at Los Alamos High School, where he learned to program in assembly language and BASIC.

Though he may not have known it at the time, that laid the foundation for a long and prosperous career in the IT field. After a stint in the Army, Kershner earned a degree in Electronics Engineering. Over time, he became the leading expert in the state on networking (Novell, Turbodos, Lantastic and MPM) and installed the first network at the University of New Mexico and at Albuquerque Federal Savings and Loan.

Today, Kershner is the CEO of Always Available IT, which provides a network support program designed to dramatically reduce or eliminate computer problems in your business while maximizing your network’s speed, performance and stability — without the expense of a full-time IT staff. While other computer consultants might profit from the failures in your IT environment, Always Available’s purpose is to prevent computer problems from escalating into unexpected downtime, data loss, interruptions in business, and financial loss. Always Available IT can monitor and secure your workstations, including home systems and notebook computers.

To give peace of mind to customers, Kershner provides a Managed Service Agreement (MSA), a contract between a Managed Service Provider (MSP) and a client that outlines the services the MSP will deliver, the service levels, and the responsibilities of both parties. These agreements are essential in the IT industry for setting clear expectations and defining the scope of services provided. Kershner also helps businesses create workflows and optimizes their usage of technology and programs to help better manage employees and increase productivity.

“We are very responsive, very honest and discreet and find solutions when others can’t,” Kershner says. “We merge manual processes and automation in just the right amounts.”

Always Available is staying on top of the trends by merging in AI for the company and its customers to increase efficiency. No matter the issue, the primary objective at Always Available is to handle your IT so you don’t have to. Mr. Kershner's personal resume may be seen at www.kershner.com.

KAREN R. TIMM

880-2000

Albuquerque native Karen R. Timm brings deep community roots and strong leadership to her role as Partner at New York Life. A former athlete, she credits her success to the mentors and coaches who taught her teamwork, resilience, and focus. Since joining New York Life in 2020, earning her FINRA Series 6 and 63 licenses in 2021, and becoming a Partner in 2022, Karen has remained passionate about guiding others toward growth and financial security.

New York Life is more than an insurance company. As a Partner, Karen focuses on recruiting, developing, and mentoring financial professionals to help them build successful and rewarding careers with New York Life. Her passion lies in leadership and empowering others to grow, serve their communities, and achieve their professional goals.

What truly sets New York Life apart, Karen says, is the people. Her colleagues embody high character, integrity, strong listening skills, and a genuine drive for both personal and community growth. Together, they bring the company’s long history and national resources to life here in New Mexico.

Karen is equally committed to giving back through the New York Life Foundation. Among her favorite efforts are supporting the New Mexico Grief Center and the Make-AWish Foundation, two recent nonprofit recipients of New York Life’s Community Impact Grants. She is also deeply passionate about the separate Childhood Grief Sensitive Initiative, which equips communities to better support children and families coping with loss.

At the heart of Karen’s work is her “why”: to make a bigger impact by helping people see in themselves what they cannot always see in the moment. “Helping people build a positive future isn’t just my job—it’s my passion,” she says. “When you take care of others, you create a career that is as rewarding as it is impactful.”

THE FACES OF EDUCATIONAL INNOVATION

ALBUQUERQUE PUBLIC SCHOOLS

(505) 880-3700 | APS.EDU

At Albuquerque Public Schools, job No. 1 is improving outcomes for all students. That’s evident at Bellehaven Elementary, a neighborhood school that increased its English Language Arts proficiency by 21 percentage points.

Leading that effort is Sara Carrillo, in her third year as Bellehaven’s principal.

“It comes down to having great teachers who truly care about the students and each other,” Carrillo says. “We get to know every student, and teachers and assistants spend a lot of time with students in small groups to help them get the instruction they need.”

An added bonus: APS elementaries now have Behavior Redirectors who help students learn to manage their behaviors, allowing teachers to focus on teaching.

Wilson Middle School Principal Matthew Burrows knows traditional education doesn’t work for everyone, which is why he’s embraced efforts to retool the middle school experience.

It’s part of The Next Education Workforce Initiative focused on creating a student-centered learning environment where teachers collaborate more and where students are grouped based on individual needs and interests. At its heart is project-based learning and inclusive practices.

Wilson, located in the International District, is one of six APS middle schools pioneering the program.

“A lot of kids don’t see the value in school, and it’s heartbreaking,” Burrows says. He’s optimistic initiatives like this will engage students and ultimately boost attendance, improve academic performance and decrease behavioral issues.

“I’m super excited about it,” he added.

At the high school level, APS is launching the Academies of Albuquerque, a model that connects students with career pathways designed with community and industry partners. Manzano High Principal Rachel Vigil is one of three APS principals who launched the model this year.

“At Manzano, we’re developing a Freshman Academy that supports a strong transition into high school,” Vigil says. “We’re also laying the foundation for two career-themed academies.”

Within these academies, students choose career-themed pathways aligned with New Mexico’s workforce needs – from engineering to health services – and engage in core subjects through the lens of their chosen academy.

“These academies aim to connect students’ interests with meaningful pathways that prepare them for college, careers and life beyond graduation,” Vigil added.

SARA CARRILLO PRINCIPAL | BELLEHAVEN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

MATTHEW BURROWS

PRINCIPAL | WILSON MIDDLE SCHOOL

RACHEL VIGIL

PRINCIPAL | MANZANO HIGH SCHOOL

YASMANY FUENTES

OWNER | THE SCUBA COMPANY

For Yasmany Fuentes, owner of The Scuba Company, adventure doesn’t begin at the ocean—it begins with a vision to bring the wonders of the underwater world to New Mexico. Originally from Cuba, Yasmany has built his career around a lifelong passion for diving, education, and community. Through The Scuba Company, he has created a hub where beginners, advanced divers, and professionals alike can discover new horizons beneath the surface. Under Yasmany’s leadership, The Scuba Company has become the region’s most trusted full-service dive shop, offering certifications, equipment sales, guided excursions, and ongoing training programs. His mission is simple but powerful: to make diving accessible, safe, and unforgettable for everyone who walks through the door.

Beyond business, Yasmany is deeply committed to building connections—whether through youth diving programs, group travel expeditions, or partnerships that highlight New Mexico’s adventurous spirit. His enthusiasm is contagious; students and customers alike often remark on his ability to inspire confidence and instill respect for the ocean.

When he’s not leading a dive or working with customers, Yasmany invests time in expanding opportunities for his community, reminding young professionals that passion paired with persistence can open doors in unexpected places. His story reflects the very best of entrepreneurship: turning personal passion into a thriving business that invites others to experience a world many only dream of.

BLAKE'S LOTABURGER

(LEFT TO RIGHT IN PHOTO) | TIFFANY BORNMANN MARKETING MANAGER

NGHIA NGO DIRECTOR OF INTERNAL OPERATIONS

CALEB TORRES MARKETING SUPERVISOR | BRIAN RULE PRESIDENT

3205 RICHMOND DR NE | (505) 884-2160 | LOTABURGER.COM

Since 1952, we’ve been proud to serve up the iconic LOTA Burger, a beloved part of New Mexico’s culinary tradition. Over the past 70 years, Blake’s LOTABURGER® has grown into a true cultural icon here in the Land of Enchantment.

Today, we happily welcome customers at more than 70 locations throughout New Mexico and the Southwest. We’re celebrated both locally and nationally for our delicious green chile cheeseburgers. And we love sharing our accomplishments with you: named “Best Green Chile Cheeseburgers in New Mexico” by USA Today Reader’s Choice, crowned “The World’s Best Green Chile Cheeseburger” by National Geographic, and recognized as “Best Green Chile Burger” by Albuquerque Journal Reader’s Choice. Our signature “New Mexico Style” LOTA Burger features two hearty, fresh beef patties, melted

cheese, and our private cultivar, flame-roasted Hatch Green Chile.

At Blake’s, giving back is truly close to our hearts. We partner with Just Serve to support many wonderful organizations across the state, encouraging everyone to volunteer and lend a helping hand. We’re grateful to be a part of strengthening the communities where we live and work. Looking ahead, we’re excited to keep sharing our beloved “New Mexico Style” cuisine with more friends and visitors throughout the region.

There’s so much to love about Blake’s. We use only the freshest, highest-quality ingredients, making us a favorite for locals and a must-visit destination for travelers exploring the Southwest. And the best part? We’re a proud, local, family-owned business. Stay tuned— there’s a whole lot more to see from Blake’s.

SANDIA PREPARATORY SCHOOL

532 OSUNA RD NE

(505) 338-3000

| SANDIAPREP.ORG

THE FACE OF PRIVATE EDUCATION

At Sandia Prep, students learn how to think, not what to think. They take meaningful risks in a supportive community while learning who they are and who they want to become.

In other words, we don’t expect our students to fit a specific mold. “It’s not about making sure you know X, Y and Z; it’s about grappling with information, thinking creatively, and learning authentically,” says Head of School Heather B. Mock. “We want our students to lead rich, balanced lives while discovering who they are.”

From engineering to experiential outdoor adventures, and from Senior Capstone Experiences to independent study deep dives, students discover options for academic challenge, leadership, and collaboration throughout all grade levels and disciplines. Prep is where students discover bold futures without losing themselves along the way.

With a graduation rate of 100 percent and an average class size of 15 students, Sandia Prep was named an A+ rated top private school in New Mexico. Alongside these achievements, 42% of our students receive financial aid, highlighting our dedication to both excellence and accessibility.

Applications for the 2026–2027 school year are now open. Discover more, schedule a campus tour, learn about financial aid, and apply at www.sandiaprep.org/

admission.

MIKE D. JACKSON

OWNER A-1 GUARANTEED GARAGE DOORS

(505) 872-3800

Established in 1998, A-1 Guaranteed Garage Doors is a veteran-owned and operated garage door company that serves Albuquerque, Rio Rancho, Placitas, Santa Fe, East Mountain, Bernalillo, Los Lunas and Bosque Farms.

We believe in operating our business with the principles of honesty and integrity. We service all makes and models of garage doors and openers for residential applications. Our services include garage openers, rollers, sectionals, springs and remotes. We truly value your business and will work hard to keep you 100% satisfied with our workmanship.

Our pledge to our customers goes beyond providing excellent customer service on garage doors. Over the years, we have visited our customers in hospitals and nursing homes; helped them clean out their gutters; and mowed their lawn after surgery. Whether it’s through our services or otherwise, being able to help someone in need is a driving force behind everything we do.

After I left the military, I knew I wanted to serve people with a spirit of excellence — that’s why I work in the garage door industry. We are thankful that our customers put their trust in us and allow us the privilege of serving them.

THE FACE OF GARAGE DOORS

HUITT-ZOLLARS

6501 AMERICAS PKWY #830 (505) 883-8114

HUITT-ZOLLARS.COM

JOY FOREHAND

THE FACE OF WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

VICE PRESIDENT OF WORKFORCE AND COMMUNITY SUCCESS

CENTRAL NEW MEXICO COMMUNITY COLLEGE

525 BUENA VISTA DR SE | (505) 224-3035 | CNM.EDU

Joy Forehand, Vice President of Workforce and Community Success (WCS) at CNM is helping shape the future of education and career development across the state. CNM, New Mexico’s largest undergraduate institution, served nearly 32,000 learners last year and offers more than 200 programs of study. More than 80 percent of graduates leave debt-free and under Forehand’s leadership, CNM has connected with 800 employers, making the college a vital bridge between education and opportunity through hiring, paid internships, and apprenticeships.

Forehand brings two decades of experience in workforce development, including senior leadership roles at the New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions and Workforce Connection of Central New Mexico. She credits her parents’ resourcefulness and dedication to serving others as the foundation of her success, and she is proud to model the same values for her daughters by embracing career moves and lifelong learning.

Going forward, Forehand says WCS will continue to expand partnerships with employers, industry, and community organizations to prepare learners for a wide variety of meaningful careers in high-demand fields. Recent initiatives, including the NM GRO funding, provided nearly 2,600 learners from CNM Ingenuity with training scholarships and placed more than 250 interns with local companies. For Forehand, the mission is clear: connect people, passion, and purpose to strengthen both lives and communities.

At Huitt-Zollars, our best work begins by helping clients define and shape their vision. Every project starts with affirming and aligning each client’s unique needs with our integrated design team to transform those ideas into fully realized buildings.

Since our founding in 1975, we’ve grown into a national leader in architecture and engineering. With offices in Albuquerque and Rio Rancho, we offer a full spectrum of architecture and engineering services. The Albuquerque office leads our architectural efforts, while Rio Rancho specializes in engineering. Together we deliver seamless, multidisciplinary solutions to municipalities, public agencies, school districts, indigenous communities and private clients across New Mexico.

We take pride in delivering design excellence on every project, no matter the size, scope, or budget. Each client interaction is an opportunity to provide meaningful, impactful services to the communities we serve. While we are part of a national firm, our local presence sets us apart. Our New Mexico teams offer personalized, hands-on support backed by the resources and expertise of a 24-office network.

As an employee-owned company, we bring a unique sense of ownership to our work. Every team member is deeply invested and has a stake in our success. This fuels a culture of accountability, collaboration, and long-term commitment to our clients and communities.

THE FACE OF ARCHITECTS

PICTURED: JESSICA SOLIS | BROOKE GONZALES | ALYSSA HAMILTON | LARRY MCDONALD | ANITA SPACAGNA | JOSEPH BLOWERS | DANIEL DURAN | JOSEPH GALLEGOS | DIEGO

SANTISTEVAN | ELDER SANCHEZ | SAMANTHA JOHN | JOSE ZELAYA | LOUIE SISNEROS | NAOMI NAGURSKI | NATHAN WERO

NOT PICTURED: ALEX ABREU | BRIDGETT BACKER | FRANCELIA CHAVEZ | CARLOS DEANDA | JOHN JARRARD | KIM KEMPER | MICHAEL RENNARD | NICOLE SHADOAN

EPHESUS OFFICE TECHNOLOGIES

2430 MIDTOWN PLACE NE, STE A (505) 341-9730 | EPHESUSNM.COM

Ephesus is a locally operated, woman-owned business established in 2007. We are entirely focused on providing excellent customer service. Our 23 employees are at the heart of our success thanks to their passion, dedication and integrity.

We have the honor of serving 800-plus customers in the Albuquerque, Santa Fe, and northern New Mexico areas. We sell and service commercial multi-function copiers, printers and scanners. We also provide managed IT services and network security. Our service team has consistently received the highest manufacturer service awards and more importantly, the gratitude of our customer base.

We know how much people rely on technology in their office environment. Due to a shift in our industry since COVID,w people are working from home and companies are needing to ensure that their team can work seamlessly in the office or remotely. We ensure they have the correct device, image management or IT necessary to continue being productive.

In our market, we see technology companies moving key areas of support and product outside of New Mexico. This is why we created our company! We keep things local and provide an exemplary level of customer service to our market. At the end of the day the goal is simple: “Our business is improving yours.”

KIM KERSCHEN

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

#505

Locker #505 Student Clothing Bank is a non-profit organization that has established a student-focused facility where children can try on and choose outfits that they feel good about wearing. Having appropriate school clothing allows children to attend classes in comfort and with dignity.

When Locker #505 started 12 years ago, we served 421 students in an approximately 800 square foot location. This past year, we served more than 4,800 students while working out of a location that is nearly 10,000 square feet. We have moved to a larger space to enable us to see more students in a more efficient way as well as adding additional staff.

We are different from other agencies that distribute clothing in large part because each student is given a personal shopper to assist them while they are at Locker #505. The parents stay in the lobby, and the students are able to shop and make decisions on their own. The personal shopper’s job is twofold: to ensure the clothing fits appropriately and that the students have an adult to chat about school and their interests.

Locker #505 is grateful for Albuquerque’s compassion and ongoing support, which allows us to continue clothing kids with confidence.

THE FACE OF OFFICE TECHNOLOGY & SUPPLIES

THE FACE OF PHOTOGRAPHY

KATE BUCKLES

OWNER

KATE BUCKLES PHOTOGRAPHY

(505) 225-8806

KATEBUCKLESPHOTOGRAPHY.COM

Hi, I’m Kate Buckles—the heart (and camera) behind Kate Buckles Photography! I’m passionate about capturing those real, joy-filled moments for families, kids, and couples. My style is all about storytelling, creating light-filled images that feel natural, warm, and full of meaning.

To me, photography is so much more than just “smile and say cheese.” It’s about creating a space where you can relax, be yourselves, and feel celebrated. Whether it’s a fully customized session or one of my favorite seasonal minis, my goal is to make the experience fun, easy, and all about you.

In the past few years, I’ve been lucky enough to grow a small but mighty team of photographers who share my heart and vision. Together, we get to serve even more families—without losing that personal, heartfelt touch that our clients love.

One thing I always tell my clients: when you look back at your photos, you’ll remember how you felt in that moment. I want your session to feel like the best kind of quality time with the people you love—not a stiff checklist of poses. That connection is at the core of everything I do, and it’s why I truly love this work.

BALANCED PHYSICAL THERAPY + WELLNESS

9 ABQ METRO LOCATIONS

(505) 821-3831

BALANCEDREHABABQ.COM/ABQTHEMAG

For over a decade, Balanced Physical Therapy + Wellness has set the standard for personalized, patient-centered care in New Mexico. With nine clinics across the Albuquerque metro area (and one in Las Cruces) their highly-skilled team of physical, occupational, and speech therapists provides an unparalleled range of specialty services. From orthopedics to aquatics, or from neurological to pelvic health, Balanced PT+W are New Mexico's favorite therapy clinics. What truly sets Balanced apart is their mission: to treat every patient as a whole person, not just an injury. Their collaborative and caring approach empowers patients to restore movement, build confidence, and reclaim their quality of life. Whether you’re recovering from surgery, managing chronic pain, or looking to enhance performance, Balanced PT+W delivers the care you deserve and the recovery you need. More than just therapists, they’re trusted partners in your lifelong journey toward better health, balance, and wellness.

THE FACE OF PHYSICAL THERAPY

Armor Heating & Cooling is a Native Americanowned company that strives to give individuals the best service and prices, while providing peace of mind.

The company, which was launched five years ago, focuses primarily on heating and cooling and is available for both residential and commercial work. They are one of only three companies in the state of New Mexico that can offer customers both a 10-year parts and a 10-year labor warranty on all Coleman products. Armor Heating & Cooling is built upon the philosophy of fair pricing, quality work and great customer service.

Owner Jason Zuni credits his great team and loyal customers for helping the company to sustain through any difficulty that may arise. Much of the Armor Heating & Cooling business comes from word of mouth — a testament to the service it provides as well as a host of loyal customers.

Spotlight Spotlight Small Business

Special Advertising Section

SMALL BUSINESS spotlight

SMALL BUSINESS spotlight

SMALL BUSINESS spotlight

SMALL BUSINESS spotlight

Treble Makers

Take a peek inside one of the most magical classrooms on UNM campus—and perhaps the country: Violin Making, or the New Mexico Musical Heritage Project, where students craft (from scratch!) their very own musical instruments under the tutelage of Klarissa Petti, whose expertise with stringed instruments makes her a certified luthier. (p. 170)

STORIES BEHIND INDIVIDUALS WHO MAKE ALBUQUERQUE GREAT

PHOTO BY DON JAMES/ATM

ABQTHEINTERVIEW

UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL WITH OUR LEADERS AND DIFFERENCE MAKERS

Shannon Barnhill

Finding partnerships and investments to create a stronger learning experience for Albuquerque Public Schools—and it’s 75,000+ students— is a welcome challenge for the head of the APS Education Foundation.

Celebrating thirty years of impact, the APS Education Foundation stands as the non-profit powerhouse behind the metro area’s public school system—which is the largest school district in the state and one of Albuquerque’s biggest employers. With more than 12,000 employees and over 65,000 currently enrolled students, APS today faces no shortage of challenges—but under the guidance of men and women like Executive Director Shannon Barnhill, the school district continues to rise to the occasion, head-on and with heart.

In the past year alone, donor and community support provided funding for more than 100 unique grant programs at the Foundation, marking the most in its history. With 79 cents of every dollar invested directly back into schools, proceeds totaled to over $600,000 in the 2023-2024 school year, marking an exciting chapter when it comes to the future of public education in Albuquerque.

Born and raised in Burque, Barnhill’s roots with the Duke City run deep, allowing her invaluable insight into the needs of the community that raised her and made her who she is today: a leader who simply just wants to celebrate what makes Albuquerque a great place to live, learn, and thrive—all while reshaping the perception of APS for parents, teachers, and students alike.

ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE: For readers who might not be familiar, how would you describe the mission of the APS Education Foundation and the role it plays in supporting Albuquerque Public Schools?

SHANNON BARNHILL: That is a great question. Our mission is to basically partner with the community and help the community find ways to invest in Albuquerque Public Schools and to enhance learning opportunities for our stu-

dents. So, the Foundation serves as the non-profit arm for Albuquerque Public Schools. We only serve APS and their employees and students. So for those innovative opportunities that either involve students or just make curriculum more exciting, those are the types of things the Foundation does to support our schools and students where a traditional budget would not.

ATM: Speaking more on innovation, what does that look like in the context of a public school system like APS?

SB: Innovation is that way of thinking outside of the box instead of just opening a textbook or having a quiz or a test. It’s getting kids engaged and helping them realize that they’re learning something fun. It’s like capturing a spark in a kid where they may not have known that they were really interested in, say, chemistry. They didn’t realize that, when this teacher brought in a forensic kit and they started working with DNA and trying to solve a

ABQ THE INTERVIEW

mystery, that, at the end of the day, they just got their chemistry lesson, and they didn’t even know it.

ATM: You’ve been with the Foundation now for several years. What first drew you to this work— and what keeps you going back every day?

SB: I feel like I have the best job in the world, where I get to provide students experiences that they wouldn’t normally get if the Foundation wasn’t there to provide it. My mother is actually a retired teacher, and my husband also works for APS. My background comes from nonprofits, and when I realized that this opportunity was here, I truly wanted to get involved as soon as I possibly could to help make a difference.

And that’s kind of what drove me is that, you know, I realized the magnitude of Albuquerque Public Schools. I just don’t think people realize that, when there’re 12,000 employees on top of all those students, and then there are families of those students, that really is a big portion of Albuquerque’s community.

ATM: The Foundation funds a wide variety of grants and programs to help meet the needs of its students and employees. Can you share one recent success story that really captures the impact you’re aiming for?

SB: Where to start? There is one program that I am really excited about. Starting in 2019, the Foundation funded a startup program at one middle school called ‘Where Everybody Belongs’ (WEB). They came to us asking for this grant to implement the program because they noticed that their attendance from their 6th graders was dropping after the first month of school. And, they found that their 8th graders were not meeting test scores.

ATM: What, at the time, were the causes behind poor student attendance and testing?

SB: Well, the students felt like they didn’t have a connection at school. They felt like they didn’t have a place where they belonged. WEB is a program where 6th graders are paired with 8th graders, and the 6th graders work with their 8th grade WEB Leaders. The WEB Leaders kind of

serve as that person the 6th grader can go to if they’re struggling with a class or teacher. They talk about all the options and activities that the 6th graders can get involved in, and lo and behold, what we found was that it changed the attendance for the 6th graders. And we also found that the 8th graders also started improving in their academics because they had a place. They had expectations.

ATM: Since WEB’s inception, what has been the city-wide impact of this one program of many from the Foundation?

SB: We started with a little $5,000 grant, back in 2019. And this year in the school district, WEB is now a middle schoolwide program. That means a lot when you see a program that is really working and having great measurables and results. As we all know, no one says middle school was the greatest time. It tends to get left out, right? It’s really like going to college for the first time. You don’t know what you’re walking into and studying. WEB really has changed the trajectory for the success of our middle school students.

ATM: What would you say are some misconceptions that people might have about the needs of APS students and educators?

SB: I think that everybody seems to focus mostly on the negatives of APS. They hear about the problems with HVAC, with air conditioning and heating, and I feel like we spend a lot of time focusing and talking on that 20%, and we forget to talk about the 80%, which is really all the good that is happening in Albuquerque Public Schools—the mariachi programs and the folklórico programs and the robotics programs and the opportunities in DECA and athletics and student leadership.

ATM: How would you say that this negative misconception affects students?

SB: I feel like our students get robbed of hearing about the good that’s going on, because, as adults, people might be talking bad about Albuquerque Public Schools, instead of talking about all the really great things that are happening. So, students sometimes come into our schools with a preconceived idea of ‘I’m going to Albuquerque public school,’ where it really

I just don’t think people realize that, when there’re 12,000 employees on top of all those students, and then there are families of those students, that really is a big portion of Albuquerque’s community.

should be ‘Oh my gosh, I get to go to West Mesa High School, and they have this incredible STEM lab where I get to use laser cutters and 3D printers, and I get to create underwater robotics.’

We have a lot of amazing students, and we don’t always share how great they are, along with the greatness of the educators that we have. I think we sometimes forget to tell that story.

ATM: In your view, how would you like to see APS grow over the next couple of years?

SB: I would like to see a growth in the perception of APS, that we are a place of excellence and that we are providing some really incredible opportunities to our students. I would also like for families to see APS as a special place for their kids and really to embrace education and cherish what Albuquerque Public Schools can provide to their students. And then as an employee of APS, I would like for my fel-

low employees to feel pride in working in Albuquerque Public Schools and feel like they work in one of the best city locations. I feel that, if we could change the community’s perception of Albuquerque Public Schools, then that’s the growth I would like to see.

ATM: On a more personal note, what do you like most about living and working in Albuquerque?

SB: I love Albuquerque. It’s a hidden gem, and I love the opportunity to showcase Albuquerque. We have so much to offer in the sense of the many cultures that we have, the outdoors, the unique events that are just for Albuquerque. We have great food and great people and so much talent here. I could just go on and on. But you just can’t beat the people in Albuquerque. They’re going to say hello to you. They’re going to smile at you. We embrace everybody who comes to move here. I feel like we’re embracing of all, and it’s nice.

—AUSTIN SEIDEL

I feel that if we could change the community’s perception of Albuquerque Public Schools, then that’s the growth I would like to see.

Gears and Grit

Within a few weeks back in 1984, Mark Padilla got married and bought an ABQ music store. Both ventures are still producing nothing but smiles for the audio guru, filmmaker, and President of the New Mexico Music Hall of Fame.

Inside Lesmen’s Pro Audio, there’s no clear line between project and performance. Cables snake across the floor like veins. Lenses, guitars and light rigs blur under the hum of amps. In the middle of it all, Mark Padilla moves, switching from one console to another, editing on one screen while checking a mix on another. In an hour, he can be producer, lighting tech, cameraman, musician and foreman of an upstairs set.

“I’ve owned Lesmen’s for forty years,” says Padilla, pausing just long enough to let that number breathe. “But it’s still a new job every day.” The ABQ native bought the local music institution in 1984 with a stubborn plan to merge creativity and business, and that same restlessness keeps the lights on. Lesmen’s now supplies audio, video and lighting for festivals, courtrooms, schools and film production sets. The store still sells guitars and amps, but its core product is versatility. “If I hadn’t been diverse, I’d be out of business,” he says. “You have to move with the sound.”

That mindset came long before buzzwords like “pivot.” Padilla built his first recording studio the same year he bought the shop, taught himself printing when sign work got too expensive, and learned video production by trial and error. During the pandemic, while most venues went dark, he was wiring live streams for

churches across the state. “Every call that came in, I just went,” he recalls. “Mask on, gear loaded. You figure it out.”

That same spirit of preservation carries through Padilla’s role as president of the New Mexico Music Hall of Fame—which is set to induct its 2025 class at the annual dinner on Nov. 29 (nmmhof.org). The

nonprofit honors the artists, producers, and technicians who shaped the state’s sound. Padilla runs it like everything else he touches: with grit and volunteerism. “Nobody makes a penny,” he says. “It’s all to help the community.” Inductee banquets, tribute concerts, archival projects—Lesmen’s equipment and Padilla’s own hands are usually involved somewhere. “He just loves showcasing people,” says his wife, Polly. “He wants everyone’s best work to be heard.”

Padilla’s tenure with the Hall has been marked by structure and reach. He’s formalized the cadence from open nominations to committee review to an annual celebration that doubles as a memory project. Each cycle isn’t just a list of names; it’s an index of scenes—garage rock and corridos, jazz educators and gospel choirs, sound engineers and sidemen who shaped what the state actually

He’s not even done with one project before he’s on to the next. That’s what gives him energy.

sounds like.

The result is that the NMMHOF isn’t just an institution on a letterhead. It’s a working organism plugged into the state’s stages and stories. Under Padilla, the Hall honors the past by making new work possible in the present: pairing artists who haven’t met yet, threading elders’ stories into recordings that will outlast them, and raising the technical floor so the music gets heard the way it was meant to. That’s the collaboration record that matters most—the one where the credits list a lot of names, and the mix is clear.

At home, the hum never stopped. “He’s always creating,” says Polly. “He’ll be layering sounds, different instruments, percussion—it always turns out beautiful. He’s not even done with one project before he’s on to the next. That’s what gives him energy.”

Married 41 years last month, the two have spent nearly all that time running the store together. Polly laughs at the idea of “days off.” Their getaways still in-

volve phone calls, invoices, or sketches for a new setup. “He can’t not do it,” she says. “But he’s got so much integrity in the work. He gives everything one hundred percent.” That drive has made Lesmen’s more than a store—it’s a cultural utility. “We’re a mom-and-pop shop,” Polly says. “But we’ve learned how to move with the times. That’s why it still works.”

Their grandson, Damian, grew up in the thick of it. “I’d wake up at four in the morning, and he’d already be in the office,” he says. “He doesn’t sleep. He’s always working or researching something.” Now 20, Damian remembers being hauled along to gigs as a kid—learning business deals at flea markets and audio setups at festivals. He says his grandpa is one of the most tech-savvy people he knows, “He’ll teach me something new on my own phone. That’s just who he is.”

Back at the store, that truth plays out in real time. On a recent afternoon, Padilla was helping a young artist film a music video. But before the first take, he’d al-

ready built a four-minute AI mock-up of what the finished video would look like— lighting, angles, cuts, everything. Minutes later, he was showing another clip: his AI vision of Lesmen’s in the year 2050, a scifi rendering of the shop reimagined for a digital future.

He grins at the mention of it. “I like seeing what could be next,” he says. “I’ve never gone to school for this. I just learn. Push buttons, mess up, figure it out.” That instinct for self-education has kept him decades ahead of obsolescence. And while he’s the visible center of the business, he doesn’t see it as a solo act. He frames it as a band: everyone contributes, the team and the family, and any lead role he takes only works because of them.

Lesmen’s even launched a house line of loudspeakers, named MCP, short for “More Creative Power” (the acronym also happens to match Padilla’s initials). He hand-selected these audio speakers with the local music scene in mind—so bands and venues in New Mexico can

literally get “more creative power” from a name they trust. The monikers even have a local feel: one large subwoofer is dubbed “El Jefe” (Spanish for “big boss”), and a smaller one is “El Patroncito” (“little boss”).

These days, Padilla is shifting back toward the creative side. He’s shooting a film for a client, and working on another TV project with ABQ actor and comedian Steven Michael Quezada (with whom he co-created “The After After Party,” a critically acclaimed late-night TV talk show that ran from 2010 to 2012).

Padilla is also recording new music whenever he can steal an hour from the schedule. He talks about someday letting someone else run the retail side, but he says it with a shrug that betrays disbelief.

“You know, I feel like I could still be doing this for another thirty years,” he says, already eyeing the next cue. “I don’t know if I’ll live that long, but I know I could do it… as long as I live.”

— Nicholas House

I’ve never gone to school for this. I just learn. Push buttons, mess up, figure it out.

BEHINDTHESCENES String Glee

PEEK

Professional luthier Klarissa Petti teaches Violin Making at UNM, the only university setting in America where students learn to make their very own stringed instruments over the course of 400 hours in the classroom.

Over the course of five semesters, UNM students in Klarissa Petti’s FA 384—that’s Violin Making, aka the New Mexico Musical Heritage Project—construct their very own instruments, which is remarkable in the fact that this program is the only of its kind.

“UNM is literally the only place in the country where students can make a violin in a university setting just for the experience of it,” says instructor Petti. “It is entirely unique.”

A classically trained cellist, Petti became acquainted with the violin family at an early age, and it is a lifelong passion-turned-career of hers.

“I think the idea of instrument-making first occurred to me when I was about 18,” she says. “A friend of mine sent me a panoramic photograph of the violin-making school in Salt Lake City, and that was the first time that I realized someone had to make these things.”

Soon, she found herself at UNM for its cello professor, David Schepps. “We had a couple of lessons, and we really hit it off,” Petti says. “He was exactly what I needed at the time. And as we got to know each other, he mentioned that UNM had a vi-

olin-making program, which I had started applying to. It was quite serendipitous.”

Schepps soon connected her with Professor Peter White, the founder and director of the New Mexico Musical Heritage Project. He ultimately became Petti’s first violin-making teacher.

“He asked me if I would like to make a cello, which I hadn’t even thought of,” she says. “A violin would have been wonderful enough. But of course, I said yes, so I made a cello for my first year-and-a-half at UNM.”

Building upon her skillset, she later studied under a master violin maker in Taos: David Carón. “For nine and a half years, I drove to Taos twice a month, until he passed away in December,” she says. His mentorship was extremely, and perhaps profoundly, influential to Petti.

Soon, Professor White retired from teaching FA 384, which posed a risk for the class. “The program was just going to disappear, so it needed someone to take over,” she says. “The way it ended up working out, the only way to save it was if I took it over.”

Today, in part thanks to Petti, FA 384 boasts a competitive waitlist—and spaces in the class book up fast.

“We meet two evenings a week,” she says, “[which is] six hours of class time, and then an additional four hours of optional, open studio time. It typically takes students five semesters [to complete a violin,] which equates to about 400 hours.”

BEHINDTHESCENES

In other words, over roughly 2-anda-half years, students can finish a violin from scratch. As such, the process is intricate—and it’s an art that is well over 300 years old (and one that has remained essentially unchanged across centuries).

First, students begin by crafting the rib structure by gluing spruce blocks to a temporary mold. Tools such as gouges are employed to shape the blocks according to a template.

Next, also with the help of templates, students carve the spruce top and maple back with gouges, finger planes, and scrapers. A decorative inlay, or purfling, can be carved around the edges if space allows.

Afterwards, the plates are hollowed, and the f-holes are carved into the top with a coping saw and knife. The f-holes aren’t merely for show: they help create the violin’s distinct and enduring sound.

Once the supportive spruce bass bar

has been placed inside, the internal mold can be removed. Students now insert the linings, trim the blocks, and glue the plates to the rib structure.

The final steps involve carving the neck and scroll from maple and then setting the neck into the body. This step is highly precise, making it perhaps the most difficult part of the process.

Lastly, varnish is applied, and the violin is ‘set up,’ which is to say the pegs are fitted, along with the saddle, end button, and soundpost—plus the bridge, tailpiece, and strings are also installed.

Now the violin is ready to be played and enjoyed—again, after 400 hours of hard work (and obtuse oversimplification).

“For this class, it’s more about the experience,” Petti explains. Most students come to the workshop with little to no experience with woodworking—something Petti says can be challenging.

“95% of the work we do here is with

hand tools that you would use in any other woodworking, like furniture,” she says.

“For certain things, we have very specialized tools just for violins.”

Either way, no matter the day, Petti is likely to be found surrounded by violins.

“I make professional-level instruments where I try to work to the highest possible standard,” she says of her life in and outside the classroom. “A violin takes me maybe 250 hours. I could make one in half the time, but then it wouldn’t be quite as good… I love making violins, and it’s fun to just relive the triumphs of every moment with my students. There’s a lot of frustration but seeing someone conquer purfling or carve a lovely f-hole is a lot of fun. And because this class takes so long, I try to get to know my students. They’re all interesting people, and it’s fun to get to know them over the course of a couple of years.”

—AUSTIN SEIDEL

PHOTOS BY DON JAMES/ATM

The Painted Desert

A New Mexico native who boomeranged her way back to the desert after a stint in New York City, Celine Gordon employs a rather unique procoess when compared to the typical 21st century painter. Foraging for her materials in the wilds, Gordon ultimately crafts her very own ‘earth pigments’ or palettes, which produce beautiful works of art, borne from the lands that raised her. (p. 174)

PHOTO BY DON JAMES/ATM

CREATIVES

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

A PIGMENT OF IMAGINATION

INSPIRED BY RITUAL, CELINE GORDON CRAFTS HER VERY OWN PIGMENTS FROM THE EARTH TO TEACH AND USE ACROSS HER ARTISTIC PRACTICE.

As a 17th generation New Mexican whose roots reach deep beneath their tierra madre, Celine Gordon has always had, she feels, a connection to the natural world.

“New Mexico influences my work a lot,” she says. “I think I have a really strong sense of place here—and I like to put that into my work.”

Primarily utilizing earth pigments or paints, which Gordon handmakes herself, this Burque born-and-raised artist manages to craft unique, one-of-a-kind color palettes that can only be found in the Land of Enchantment.

“My work has always been very nature-themed, so I like how actually using natural material enhances it,” she says.

Inspired by architecture firms like Ant Farm from the 1960s, Hilma af Klint, and Fluxus, an avant-garde, international art movement during the 1960s and 70s that included the likes of Yoko Ono and Nam June Paik, Gordon emphasizes that, for her, art is about the journey—and not necessarily about the completed piece or product.

“It’s all about the process, in a way,” she says. “I am very inspired by the idea that

ritual and process are just as important as the final piece.”

After graduating from Barnard College with a degree in architecture and art history, she worked at various design firms during her twenties, until the COVID-19 pandemic catalyzed a shift in her perspective. “I think COVID affected a lot of people,” Gordon says, “but for me, it was [about] realizing a lot could change very quickly.”

Bolstered by this sentiment, she decided to pursue art outside of a corporate setting, and since then, she has managed

to combine teaching with art practice, with an emphasis on earth pigments— something she initially honed thanks to a workshop hosted by Taos artist Scott Sutton (aka the ‘Pigment Hunter’).

Inherently meditative, earth pigments require its materials to be foraged from the land. Gordon primarily gathers rocks and sometimes dirt or volcanic ash, with the ideal type being something that can be crushed in one’s hands, like sandstone or mudstone. “[That’s] because you don’t have to spend hours pounding it into powder,” she says. “Then, you crush it with a mortar and pestle and sift until it’s this very fine dust. You can then mix it with different paint mediums.”

For watercolor, which is Gordon’s go-to paint medium, she mixes the raw pigment specifically with gum arabic, adding clove oil as a preservative. Ultimately, earth pigments can produce a wide variety of com-

PHOTOS BY DON JAMES/ATM

mon paints, from tempera to oil—and any rock or natural material can be turned into paint if one is willing to work hard enough.

“I like that the color palette might dictate what subject matter you paint,” she says. “With earth pigments, you get these beautiful earth tones that automatically just go together.”

In fact, modern minds may forget that, once upon a time, artists were expected to produce their own paint; it wasn’t until the mid-19th century when paints became available for-purchase in tubes, thus allowing the plein air Impressionist painters like Claude Monet to flourish.

All in all, Gordon says that it can take a few weeks to produce a few solid colors—always with an ample amount of experimentation. “I think you have to like tinkering around a lot,” she says. “There’s a lot of seeing what works. So even when I teach [earth pigments], people think there is going to be exact measurements, but there isn’t. You have to be more of a

chef in a way where you can adjust.”

Initially, information on earth pigments was scarce, at least during the early days of the Internet—almost as if this ancient art was lost to time. Today, however, there are quite a few creators who have freely shared their processes—although Gordon still notes that, to make one’s own paint palettes, an openness to experimentation (and perhaps also patience) is a must.

Among her artistic achievements, Gordon lists ‘Earthbound Tarot,’ made entirely with earth pigments, as a crowning piece—or pieces, considering she created 78 unique images for her very own deck.

Completed over a span of 18 months, ‘Earthbound Tarot’ came together through short bursts or sprints, which Gordon humbly describes as “actually kind of efficient.”

“I don’t think of tarot necessarily as fortune telling or reading the future,” she says. “I like how it asks you to look at images really closely and interpret how they

apply to you. There was a lot of that in art history, so I think tarot brought that same spark back for me.”

Replete with Jungian archetypes— such as ‘the wise old man’ and ‘the mother’—tarot is something that Gordon has incorporated into her practice, even when she isn’t working on an entire 78 card deck. “I often think about the archetypes when I am developing the subject matter of my paintings,” she says.

In addition to paintings, Gordon has created a series of linocut prints as an homage to her grandfather, who was a northern New Mexico santero, or devotional artist of Catholic saints and other sacred and religious imagery. She has also completed numerous public art projects across Albuquerque, from a stunning jaguar mosaic at Jackson Middle School, to fantastical, nature-themed murals at UNM Hospital’s Pediatric Care Center. She is, through and through, a New Mexican artist, much like her many ancestors before her. —AUSTIN SEIDEL

BY

PHOTO

STORYTELLERS

REASONS TO LOVE HER

By day, Susan Metallo is an Albuquerque youth services librarian—and by night? She writes whip-smart young adult novels for the next generation of readers. Weaving her own personal experiences as an autistic woman into the narrative, ‘Reasons to Hate Me’ is Metallo’s debut novel about an autistic theater nerd who navigates perhaps one of the most difficult aspects of high school: social relationships. Arguably a triumph, ‘Reasons to Hate Me’ powerfully represents autistic youth—all while telling an engaging story about the trials and tribulations of growing up in the 21st century.

ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE: Jess Lanza, a neurodivergent seventeen-year-old, is our intrepid main character. Did anyone inspire Jess?

SUSAN METALLO: The character started out as someone I aspired to be. I think that’s why her voice came out so wild: I was pushing her to the limits of what you’d believe a person would say out loud (or in this case, in writing on a blog). Certainly, her love of theatre comes from my own heart, though I was never so bold as to pursue a career on Broadway!

ATM: Without spoiling the story, what sort of challenges can we expect Jess to face?

SM: The main question that Jess wrestles with is how to be true to herself and kind to herself while also being a good friend to others. Jess and other characters also have to grapple with what does and does not constitute consent in situations that aren’t as stark as the scenarios we get fed

REASONS TO HATE ME

By: Susan Metallo

400 pages

$18.99 (Hardcover)

in health class (or HR meetings). I consider this a secondary challenge in the story, but an important one—especially given how much more likely autistic girls are to experience sexual violence than their allistic peers, in part because of these muddied social cues and communication styles.

ATM: How would you say Jess’s high school experience is different from 20th century young adulthood?

SM: I think the biggest difference between Jess’s story and my high school experience is that in her world, people talk about these things. Being able to discuss her sexuality, having the opportunity to go to therapy—even having words that could describe her, like “autistic” and “asexual”—these were not part of my high school reality because these topics were misunderstood and taboo. When children’s and young adult authors talk about writing “the books we wish we had,” we’re talking about laying a framework to help kids today figure themselves out in a more supportive environment.

ATM: Why is it important for readers to engage with autistic characters?

SM: Unfortunately, autistic people are woefully underrepresented in fiction

for all ages. There are very few reference points for autistic people in popular culture, and this not only narrows other people’s view of the autistic community but also restricts our imagination of ourselves. We feel pressured to mask and hide our identities, especially when politicians are talking about “curing” us or casting us as destroyers of families. But our neurotype is not an illness. There is great breadth and diversity in the autistic community, but so often we only see a one-dimensional, negative representation of our experience.

ATM: What advice would you give to Jess Lanza—and girls like her?

SM: Trust your instincts. Most of us who were socialized as girls have been taught to stuff down our comfort to make others more comfortable. This is one piece of the puzzle when understanding why autistic girls are often undiagnosed or misdiagnosed—we’re conditioned to mask in a way that boys aren’t. I think this undermines our confidence in ways that can be dangerous when it comes to social pressures, including those surrounding bullying and sex. So to all of those girls out there: what you feel matters. What you think matters. You are worthy of being listened to—even by yourself. —AS

VISITABQ

WHAT: Viral TikTok account (@visitalbuquerque) has amassed over 60K followers.

WHO: Lara Brockway, VisitABQ’s Social Media Manager and content guru, brings over 6 years of experience.

NOTABLE: From date ideas to dinner destinations, one of their top posts is about Teddy Roe’s, the ‘secret’ speakeasy bar in Nob Hill.

What does it take nowadays for a post to go viral? According to Lara Brockway, it depends on the platform, and sometimes, the minute. “Every week, I make a plan,” she says. “There are some overarching themes that we do in advance for Balloon Fiesta and other signature events, but generally, I plan for the week because social media is so dynamic, and it changes minute to minute.”

As a private not-for-profit, VisitABQ’s mission is to help funnel tourism to Albuquerque, although locals certainly take advantage of its TikTok page to know what’s hot around town, thanks to a team of talented content creators.

“Every person who helps contribute to our social media has their own passion,” says Brockway. “I’m passionate about food, so I like posting about restaurants, but we have another person on our team who studied film in college.”

In fact, Brockway foresees that the next big trend might just be what’s right before our eyes. “People are becoming a lot more

interested in what’s going on locally,” she says. “I think it’s beautiful because so many people are passionate about things that I didn’t know people could be passionate about.” —AS

MYMARKET (@KIKISALCIDO5)

BWHAT: Thanks to TikTok (@GroceryGuy), MyMarket, a grocery store in Mesa Del Sol, is getting the word out and products off the shelves.

WHO: GroceryGuy, aka Kiki Salcido, is a homegrown real estate agent making waves in the retail space.

NOTABLE: GroceryGuy’s top post has over 40K views and 1K comments— and still draws in visitors today.

reaking into the retail/grocery space is perhaps reserved for the brave at heart—but that certainly hasn’t stopped Kiki Salcido from taking a leap of faith.

“I got invited to breakfast with a stranger—who ended up being Steve Chavez,” remembers Salcido. As the managing partner of Mesa Del Sol, an exciting new community development, Chavez inspired Salcido to bring a local grocery store to the neighborhood.

Opened in 2023, MyMarket has been a “steep” learning curve, requiring quite a bit of nuance to serve a community’s needs. “We definitely had to learn what the community wanted, not necessarily what we wanted,” Salcido says.

While Netflix Studios next door has helped boost visibility, Salcido says TikTok has produced the most incredible results after struggling to get the word out.

“I got onto TikTok as a last-ditch effort,” he admits. Using viewer feedback, Salcido has since implemented movie

nights, book clubs, and other community events to attract new customers—all while continuing to tell the ongoing story of MyMarket, a local, Albuquerque-driven grocery.

“I got super motivated, because then from that TikTok, we started getting people from Alaska, Arizona, California, and from the Balloon Fiesta, which is pretty amazing.” —AS

ABQ’S THRIVING LOCAL MUSIC SCENE

PERSISTENTLY MUSICAL TIEMPO

A MUSICIAN FOR ALL SEASONS

Award-winning flautist, arranger, composer Rodolfo Gonzales attended the national conservatory in his native Guatemala. He studied solfeggio for the first two years, but to move on to the final two years, when he could study an instrument, he had to be assessed by a trio of professors, who declined to pass him. “They decided that my hands were not musician’s hands,” Gonzales says, “so I couldn’t continue in the conservatory.” As it turns out, however, his ears, heart, brain, and regardless of their appearance, his hands are all eminently musical, allowing him to make a living purely from music over the next 50plus years—in New Mexico since 1991— touring nationally and internationally.

Gonzales’s musical education was completed piecemeal in Guatemala—playing clarinet in his school’s marching band, studying classical guitar, and working with an arranging mentor and a harmony and composition mentor. Oddly enough, he never had a flute teacher. “I had a lot of friends who studied flute, and they would pass on what was to practice and all that,” he says. He also learned recording techniques “by watching.” This less formal educational pathway earned him a musical scholarship in Brazil, but the political situation there at the time was unsettled, so in 1978, he and his wife at the time, an American woman, moved instead to New York.

There, Gonzales auditioned for a salsa band and got the job, which led to others. During his six years in New York, he

Rodolfo Gonzales

traveled routinely to Guatemala and New Orleans until finally settling in Miami in 1987. “I was there for four years, until 1991, playing with a very famous Cuban singer, Roberto Torres,” he says.

When a friend, a salsa instructor, moved to Santa Fe, “I decided to come here for a gig, and then I decided to stay,” says Gonzales. Why not? He got work immediately playing at La Fonda in Santa Fe five nights a week. “I right away made friendships with some of the best musicians here,” he says. Among them were

drummer Mark Clark and bassist Maud Beenhower and several folks in the salsa community, with whom Gonzales put together the salsa band Casa Blanca. He’s been in high demand ever since. He’s the music director for and member of Terra Plena and Charanga del Valle, and the award-winning Casa Blanca and Transit Latin Jazz Ensemble. He’s also a member of Kari Simmons & the Groove Line, Tapestry, Tropicalia, Terra Trio, and Prisma. When not performing, he can be found at his home studio, where he has pro-

duced albums for several local bands, such as Wagogo, Lasotras, Malamaña, Nuage, Transit , and Casa Blanca. His work with Ivon Ulibarri & Café Mocha earned him a nomination for best engineer at the New Mexico Music Awards, and he’s won several New Mexico Music Awards for performance, composition, and arranging.

In recent years, fibromyalgia has slowed him down a bit. Nonetheless, he is still hard at work, as demonstrated by the Transit Latin Jazz Ensemble’s excellent concert at the Outpost in August. “We have a bunch of bands, and one year it’s salsa, or two years. Another year, it’s weddings. Another year, it’s rock and blues. This year, it has been mostly jazz,” says Gonzales. In short, his expertise in teaching, performing, composing, arranging, and recording and his simpático personality find multiple outlets and keep him in demand.

You can get in touch with Gonzales at 505-459-3448 or casablancamusic@comcast.net. You can also check out several of the bands he’s working with at abacusentertainment.com.

FEELING THE LOVE

Guitarist, singer/songwriter, sculptor Claudio Tolousse will release a new album of his original songs, “The Story of . . . Part Two,” the follow-up to 2015’s “Part One,” this month. While we here at the magazine are not experts in the legal ins and outs of songwriting credits, we think that his wife, Hannah, might have a case as cowriter.

Tolousse took bassist Artha Meadors and drummer Logan Nix to Bogalusa, LA, back in January 2019 to lay down tracks for an album. “The thing was, the title track, or the theme of the song, was kind of vengeful,” says Tolousse. “Then, at the end of February, here in New Mexico, I was playing a jam session at Ben Michael’s, and in walked my [future] wife, and that was where my whole life changed.” Falling in love, Tolousse discovered that the sentiment of the album he had just recorded “just didn’t make sense in my life anymore.”

With a new marriage, the pandemic, a growing business as a sculptor, and one toddler in the house and another baby on the way, it wasn’t until September 2024 that Tolousse got back in the studio— Empty House Studio—with Dee Brown

(keyboard), Meadors (bass), Paul Palmer III (drums), engineer Matt Tobias, and additional contributions from Robert Mueller (piano), Logan Nix (drums), and Steve Landis (trumpet).

The new album, which blends genres from jazz to rock to singer/songwriter, reflects Tolousse’s growth over the last 10 years and a maturity that comes with time—and family responsibilities. The youthful energy and aggressiveness of “Part One” has given way to a softer, more compassionate sentiment. He’s reworked material recorded in 2019 to reflect the change in attitude and added several new compositions.

When asked about the album’s overarching theme, he says, “I feel like, even with art, everything in my life comes back to love.” “Gratitude,” for example, expresses his response to his sister walking away from a horrific car crash, and “That Love” celebrates loving gratification.

While the theme centers on love, the approach is driven by intentional truth-

fulness and “connecting to what lies deeper.” Tolousse reworked one song, “Go,” in the studio to get at the core of a very personal family dynamic regarding Catalina, his half-sister, who came into his family’s life around 2017 and took her own life in 2021. “That song is about her wanting love and not getting that love,” says Tolousse. “Toward the end of the song, I talk about if you want love, you can find it. It’s inside you.”

You can check out the love at the release party at the Outpost on November 6 (tickets at outpostspace.org), and you can stay up-to-date on Tolousse’s sculpting, podcasting, and musical endeavors at claudiotolousse.com and reach out directly at claudiotolousse@gmail.com.

If you’d like to share something with “¡tiempo!” readers, e-mail editor@abqthemag. Be sure to check out Musically Speaking, Mel’s online music journal, at www.melminter.com.

BY DON JAMES/ATM

Claudio Tolousse

PHOTO

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

Livin’ La Dolci Vita

Freshly baked Italian desserts and goodies don’t have to be a plane ticket away, thanks to Linda’s Dolci, an authentic Italian bakery (or pasticceria) located on the corner of Montgomery and Wyoming. Featuring custom cakes, plus a daily assortment of biscotti, tiramisu, cannoli, and crostata (classic Italian pie)—plus much more—Linda’s Dolci always has something sweet in store. (p. 186)

PHOTO BY DON JAMES/ATM

EATS P. 182 // EATS, ETC. P. 186 // BITES P. 190

DOROTHEA

This Greek restaurant in the NE Heights offers fine-dining fare with elegance.

Nicole Kapnison grew up in the restaurant industry. So when it came time to pay tribute to her family’s legacy with Dorothea, a Greek fine-dining concept in the Northeast Heights, it should come as no surprise that she was quite particular when putting a menu together.

“I didn’t have a chef for this concept,” Kapnison says. “I did the entire menu myself, and I taught my entire kitchen how I wanted things done. Obviously, growing up around food and kitchens is the reason I was able to do that, but I’m also very particular with ingredients and what I put into my food. And I wanted that to translate into my business, as well.”

The motto at Dorothea is “where culinary tradition meets modern elegance,” and Kapnison wanted to strictly adhere to

that in all aspects of the restaurant. That starts with the ingredients, which include fresh herbs, vibrant citrus, extra virgin Greek olive oil and the finest organic produce available. Nothing here—with the exception of the hand-cut french fries—is fried.

“We do not have any additives in our food. So my food is the cleanest and my spirits are the cleanest that you can possibly get,” Kapnison says. “We don’t have any seed oils in-house. I always make sure the meat I purchase is coming from a farm where their cows are not vaccinated. Most of my beef is grass-fed from New Zealand, including my lamb.

“My fish is coming from a really amazing distributor that doesn’t have any frozen fish. They will fly it in, and they will bring it directly to me. For example, our

Whole Fish Bronzino comes directly from the Mediterranean in Greece. My whole philosophy is I want you to eat food that makes you feel good, and this is what Dorothea is all about.”

Though Kapnison had the restaurant idea in mind since before COVID, Dorothea didn’t open until August 2024 in the location formerly occupied by Mykonos, one of the many restaurants owned by her father, Nick. Dorothea itself is named after Nick’s mother.

“I never actually knew my grandmother, but I heard a number of stories from him,” Kapnison says. “His mother was a Greek woman that loved to entertain. She took pride in what she wore. She took pride in how she presented dishes. She had the old-school beautiful china—her tablescapes were gorgeous.

PHOTOS BY DON JAMES/ATM

“I don’t know necessarily if I got it from her, but it’s in my DNA. I’m very similar to her in how I do things and how I set up the restaurant.”

Make no mistake, Dorothea is quite different from its predecessor. The only two menu carry-overs from Mykonos are the Lamb Shank, a family recipe, and the Saganaki, a flaming kasseri cheese served with grilled pita. Everything else, from the Crab Stack to the Jicama Duck Tacos to the aforementioned Whole Fish Bronzino—are originals. Whether it’s shareables, salads, Street Greek, pastas or dishes fresh from the grill, Dorothea offers diners a well-balanced Mediterranean diet. Fair warning: There might be an adjustment period for those who have a preconceived notion about what Greek food is supposed to be.

“There’s a difference between American-Greek and Greek-Greek, and people will come in and say, ‘Oh you don’t have moussaka or you don’t have the Greek

A DIFFERENT VIBE

The Taverna gives patrons the bar experience, with house-made cocktails, a carefully curated wine list and a small menu that includes the caviar fries, a 2025 Hot Plate winner.

SPECIAL BOOKING AVAILABLE

Whether it’s a birthday, anniversary or other occasion, Dorothea offers a private room for all your celebratory needs.

CONTINUITY

Those who have visited both spaces will notice some cohesion with Meraki Coffee + Market, Dorothea’s sister establishment, which is located on the same property.

SIGNATURE SPIRIT

Some of the cocktails at Dorothea are made with Nikle Vodka, Kapnison’s very own spirit line.

JUST DESSERTS

To make any birthday special, Dorothea can craft custom vintage cakes upon request, complete with natural colors and no seed oils.

chicken,’ and I’m like, ‘No, I don’t.’ I have modern Greek, and my Greek is made in a very traditional way … We’re taking the old school way of cooking, and we’re making it a more modern dish.”

Reservations are required for the dining area, and the space is known to fill up quickly—especially on the weekends. The overall atmosphere matches the rest of the theme that Kapnison has created.

“I wanted it to feel light, fresh—kind of how the restaurants feel in Greece,”

she says.

With a full year behind it, Dorothea is proving to be a worthy successor to the Kapnison family lineage of restaurants, while simultaneously carving out its own unique identity. That’s exactly what its owner had in mind.

“It’s been amazing,” Kapnison says. “We’ve had really great feedback. I haven’t heard anyone say they missed anything from the old menu (from Mykonos). And it’s been really well received so far.”

FEATURED DISHES

12-hour

GRILLED LONG STEM ARTICHOKES, $16

Meyer lemon aioli, arugula, Greek bread crumbs

JICAMA DUCK TACO, $16

duck confit, plum, radish, feta, Fresno peppers, mint

LAMB SHANK, $32

braised lamb in red wine, garlic and tomatoes, served over orzo pasta with grated parmesan

Eats, Etc.

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

In Linda Manias’ hometown of Pordenone, Italy, it’s tradition to head to the local bakery each morning to see what variety of goodies might be available.

“Everything smells fresh and warm— coffee, different pastries every day,” she says. “So I kind of wanted to create my little home overseas.”

When Manias came to the United States, she noticed a void when it came to the type of baked goods she had grown to love in Italy. There was only one logical solution: Manias became a self-taught baker.

By the time Linda’s Dolci opened in the Northeast Heights in 2023, Manias had done plenty of reading, learning and experimenting—about 11 years to be exact—to be able to provide her own special taste of Italy to Duke City patrons.

Manias’ pasticceria includes a wide variety of baked goods—all made from

scratch with concessions made for those with dietary restrictions. It’s wise to check the Linda’s Dolci social media pages frequently, because Manias changes out many of her baked delights on a daily basis.

“So that comes with the season,” Manias says. “Because I like to use, for example, fresh fruit in the summer. I want to take advantage of that. That’s why I change daily.

“Plus Italy has so many recipes. I don’t have enough time in the life to make all the recipes. So that’s why it’s also exciting for me and my team to make new flavors.”

There are certain things one can always find, such as the crostata (Italian pie), croissants, biscotti (cookies) and graffe (Italian doughnuts), to name a few. Manias says customers love the shop’s chantilly cakes, which are customizable and come with fresh whipping cream and a

multitude of flavors.

“They taste totally different because they don’t have butter. It’s not dense,” Manias explains. “It’s a totally different product than an American cake.”

As a self-taught baker, Manias admits the learning never stops. She travels to Italy several times a year to import authentic ingredients, and these days, she often finds herself missing her adopted home.

“I really miss the regulars that come daily, or meeting new people, and their faces when they try something new,” she says. “It’s very exciting for me.” —TRISTEN CRITCHFIELD

LINDA’S DOLCI

8520 Montgomery Blvd NE, Ste B4 (505) 355-5945

lindasdolci.com

BY

PHOTOS

DON JAMES/ATM

Pesche in Fiore (meaning “peaches in bloom”), is a tart-like pie with peaches, almond cookies, and dark chocolate.

Eats, Etc.

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

The ideal “tea experience” can vary depending on one’s perspective. At Snapdragon Tea, the goal is to provide something more accessible. For owner Vanessa Vesperman, that includes welcoming, among others, people of all sexual orientations, families with young children and those with dietary restrictions.

“It’s going to be something that’s a little bit different than what’s already out there in Albuquerque, and (we) make it a casual and fun, playful, inclusive kind of space,” Vesperman says.

There’s also the mission of making tea appealing to someone who might be on the fence about the concept as a whole.

“We really strive to be able to keep our prices fairly low and make it so people who really aren’t so sure about tea parties just want to check it out,” she says. “This can be a good entry point for them to be

able to try something and see, ‘Hey, maybe this is something that I do really like and I want to check out the other teahouses’ or whatever they want to do.”

The themed, three-course afternoon tea menus are served on Friday-Sundays, and reservations are required. The themes rotate—the cat theme is a recurring favorite—and the menus are tailored to fit each event. (There’s also a daily a la carte tea party option that doesn’t require a reservation.)

“That’s where we just get a chance to be able to be fun, be creative, be quirky,” Vesperman says.

There’s also the cafe side, which features a menu with plenty of house-made quick bites for breakfast and lunch as well as a variety of drinks. The kolaches (a soft yeast dough with a sweet or savory filling) are quite popular, as are the shop’s American-style scones. The focus for tea is the

classic black, green and herbal flavors, and customers also gravitate toward the variety of seasonal tea lattes the shop offers, such as the gingerbread chai.

Snapdragon Tea is still building a following since opening in the Bricklight District in 2023, and Vesperman says people are appreciative of a different approach.

“That is why we’re here. We give you an ear to listen and the caffeine to keep you going,” she says. —TRISTEN CRITCHFIELD

SNAPDRAGON TEA

115 Harvard Dr SE, Ste 7 (505) 750-2040

snapdragontea.com

Snapdragon Tea’s cozy digs offer plenty of space to sip in style, at home or in store.

PHOTOS BY DON JAMES/ATM

TART AND TANGY HERBACEOUS

B*****S LOVE BUBBLES

The saying goes that diamonds are a girl’s best friend—but bubbles might just be a close second. Outpost 1706’s latest craft cocktail, devised by guest mixologist Nohelani Ader—co-founder of mobile bartending service, Aloha Bellissima, is a delightfully festive ode to all that glitters and shimmers like gold (or in this case, like rubies).

B*****s Love Bubbles is, as its name suggests, a girls’ night delight: equal parts classy and sassy—and undeniably effervescent. Think of it as the liquid equivalent of your favorite jewelry piece: something that turns heads as soon as it catches the light—and something that you could easily sip upon all night.

Shaken to perfection, the cocktail combines locally distilled, woman-owned Nikle Spirits vodka with cranberries for a touch of tartness and familiar holiday flavor. Topped with a splash of sparkling apple cider, the final touch artfully comes from a simple sprig of lightly singed rosemary hovering on the rim of the glass with cranberries as garnish, ultimately adding a surprise aromatic element of elegance. Approachable yet unexpected, B*****s Love Bubbles packs plenty of holiday cheer—certainly enough to last well until after the sleigh bells stop ringing.

B*****s Love Bubbles, $15 Outpost 1706 301 Romero St NW, Suite 205 (505) 361-2367 op1706.com

BITES

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

POLICY:

“Bites” is a guide to Albuquerque-area eating establishments compiled by Albuquerque The Magazine’s editorial staff. These restaurants have been featured previously in the “Eats” department of the magazine. Restaurants may or may not accept reservations or major credit cards, so call before visiting.

CORRECTIONS:

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

3128 SOCIAL HOUSE

3128 Central Ave SE (505) 461-3128

IG: @3128socialhouse

$$

This European-inspired gastropub features tried and true favorites—like a house burger made with ground New Mexico beef and a rotating selection of fish—that all come with a bit of an upscale twist. Choose from a diverse array of innovative cocktails— and mocktails, too!—at this trendy Nob Hill spot.

THE

377

BREWERY

$$ 2027 Yale Blvd SE (505) 916-0331 the377brewery.com

Check out the funky metal and wood sign of The 377 Brewery. This warehouse-style structure is a little off-the-beaten path but they’ve got multiple creative drinks and meaty entrees just an order away. Along with burgers, nachos, and burritos, the Fish and Chips have been labeled as the best in the city.

66 DINER

1405 Central Ave NE (505) 247-1421

66diner.com

$$

This blast from the past specializes in burgers, chicken fried steak, liver and onions, and blue-plate specials, including the Pile Up: a mound of pan-fried potatoes, chopped bacon, green chile, two eggs, cheddar cheese, and red or green chile sauce on top.

ABC CAKE SHOP $$

1830 San Pedro Dr NE (505) 255-5080

abccakeshop.com

Specializing in custom cakes and baked goods for all occasions, this bakery focuses on freshness and flavor. Everything is made from scratch, including the cupcakes, cookies, pies, danishes, pastries, and other desserts.

ABQ SWEET SPOT

$

9250 Golf Course Rd NW, Ste. D (505) 900-3814

abqsweetspot.net

Cleverly-decorated cakes and cookies are as easy as your everyday chocolate chip cookie for these bakers who think out of the box for a sight that’s almost too good to eat every time. Almost. Cookies, cakes, cupcakes, macarons–this is basically heaven, even if you’ve only got a tiny sweet tooth.

ABUELITA’S NEW MEXICAN KITCHEN

6083 Isleta Blvd SW (505) 877-5700

abuelitasnewmexicankitchen.com

$

Kathy Martinez’s brother, Chris Romero, opened Abuelita’s New Mexican Kitchen in Bernalillo 26 years ago. Since then, nothing has changed. The Huevos Rancheros are a best seller, as is the Kitchen’s signature dish, the Tacopilla.

ALBUQUERQUE CITY LIMITS $$

3211 Coors Blvd SW, Ste. F4 (505) 873-8959

abqcitylimits.com

This dive aims to provide food that makes you feel at home. Dishes like made-from-scratch meatloaf with creamy mashed potatoes and savory brown gravy, homemade salsa, or a fan favorite—natillas—bear uncanny resemblances to the dishes mom used to make.

AJIACO COLOMBIAN BISTRO $$

3216 Silver Ave SE (505) 266-2305

ajiacobistro.com

Inside the intimate space, you’ll find combination plates, arroz con pollo, arepas, plantains, and of course, a great cup of Colombian coffee. The dishes at Ajiaco combine indigenous Colombian, Spanish, African, and Arab flavors for a truly thrilling experience.

ALQUDS MEDITERRANEAN

GRILL & GROCERY $

5555 Montgomery Blvd NE (505) 888-2921

alqudsnm.com

Owner Mohamad Abdel Jalil and his sons run this allin-one operation—a small grocery store and Middle East restaurant—seven days a week. This family team makes fresh pita bread every day and serves platefuls of their delicious hummus. It’s a great spot for lunch on-the-go.

AL’S BIG DIPPER $

501 Copper Ave NW (505) 314-1118

alsbigdipper.com

From the beginning, Al’s Big Dipper has been a family affair. Every sandwich is named after a family member, and the owners test every soup they make. Try the 505 Lunch Deal—a cup of soup, a grilled

cheese sandwich and a homemade cookie for only $5.05.

ALDO’S NEW YORK

STYLE

PIZZERIA $ 1690 Pat D’Arco Hwy, Unit E plus 1 other metro location (505) 892-2026

aldosalbuquerque.com

With handmade lasagna and pizza dough, among other items, Aldo’s New York Style Pizzeria shares family recipes with its customers. From the buttermilk ranch dressing to the Eggplant and Chicken Parmigianas, homemade cooking is not too far away.

ALICEA’S NY BAGELS & SUBS $

1009 Golf Course Rd. SE, Ste 103 (505) 896-4555

aliceasnybagelssubsabq.com

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

AMADEO’S PIZZA AND SUBS $ 585 Osuna Rd NE plus 2 other metro locations (505) 344-5555 amadeospizza.com

This family-run pizza place believes that there truly are a million different ways to make a pizza. Using fresh, high-quality ingredients, they specialize in pizzas, subs, pasta, and fresh salads.

AMORE NEAPOLITAN PIZZERIA $$ 3600 Cutler Ave NE, #3 plus 1 other metro location (505) 554-1967 amoreabq.com

After relocating to Albuquerque from Naples, Italy, Gabriel and Kimberly Amador missed Neapolitan pizza. The husband and wife team, certified by the Association of Neapolitan Pizzaiuoli (APN), opened Amore, bringing a slice of Italy to Albuquerque. A Neapolitan brick oven fires delicious pizzas, such as the Margherita and the Zia, for 60 to 90 seconds at 905 degrees Fahrenheit. Local beer and wine compliment the pies perfectly.

ANA’S KITCHEN $

6004 Edith Blvd NE (505) 341-0055

Off the beaten path, but absolutely worth the deviation. Ana’s Kitchen is rooted in family recipes and hearty homestyle meals. This good old-fashioned combination of American classics and New Mexican comfort food ensures that no one leaves hungry and everyone enjoys themselves in the process.

ANNAPURNA’S WORLD VEGETARIAN CAFÉ

5200 Eubank Blvd NE, Ste. E7 plus 2 other metro locations (505) 275-2424

chaishoppe.com

$

Annapurna offers some of the most enlightened, health-conscious vegetarian and vegan plates in the city, with plenty of options for people suffering from food allergies or Celiac disease. And the menu is world-class, with options from virtually every continent.

ANNIE’S SOUP KITCHEN $

3107 Eubank Blvd NE (505) 296-8601

anniessoupkitchen.com

With four homemade soups made fresh every day, and home-style favorites such as avocado and bacon omelets and piles of potatoes topped with melted cheese, chile, and eggs, Annie’s specializes in comfort.

ANTIQUITY RESTAURANT $$$$

112 Romero St NW (505) 247-3545

antiquityrestaurant.com

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

ARTICHOKE CAFE $$$

424 Central Ave SE (505) 243-0200

artichokecafe.com

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

ASIAN NOODLE BAR $$

318 Central Ave SW (505) 224-9119

asiannoodlebar.com

Every kind of noodle awaits at this Downtown eatery, from spicy sesame udon noodles to chicken pho with cilantro, jalapeños, and lime. Slurping has never been so tasty.

ASIAN PEAR $

8101 San Pedro Dr NE, Ste. D (505) 766-9405

asianpearabq.com

Specializing in healthy, authentic, Korean-style eats, this shop pleases the palate with delicious takes on BBQ chicken, kimchi pancakes, and flavorful bowls.

A TASTE OF THE CARIBBEAN $$

2720 Central Ave SE (505) 503-8428

atasteofthecaribbeannm.com

A Taste of the Caribbean brings flavors from Jamaica, Puerto Rico, Cuba, Trinidad, and other islands of the vast region right to the Duke City. Friendly staff is available to offer advice to help those unfamiliar with Caribbean cuisine navigate the menu and find something they’ll love.

AZUMA SUSHI & TEPPAN $$

4701 San Mateo NE

Plus 1 other metro location (505) 880-9800

azuma-sushi-teppan-abq.com

Pioneering the sushi game in Albuquerque for the past 20 years, Azuma is guaranteed to have your favorite roll, plus a house-made creation you won’t be able to resist. If you’re in the mood for dinner and a show, step on over to the teppan side and be dazzled and delighted.

BACA BOYS CAFÉ $$

102 4th St NW (505) 200-0065

FB: @bacaboyscafe

Family is at the heart of this downtown spot, and you’ll know it walking through the doors. You’ll find good, simple New Mexican comfort foods and service that only comes from a local mom-and-pop place.

BITES

THE BAKEHOUSE OFF THE WHEATEN PATH $

515 Wyoming Blvd NE (505) 312-8252

IG: @thebakehouseoffthewheatenpath

Opened strictly as a gluten-free bakery, The Bakehouse Off The Wheaten Path offers delectable baked goods–like oatmeal cream pie or cinnamon rolls–for those with dietary restrictions. But really, anyone is welcome to enjoy–gluten-free or not. Vegan options are also available.

BANDIDO HIDEOUT $

2128 Central Ave SE (505) 489-9865

bandidohideout.com

The masked luchador on the median might catch your attention, but venture inside Bandido Hideout, and you’ll be delighted by authentic south-of-theborder specials and a fun, festive, colorful interior.

BARELAS COFFEE HOUSE $ 1502 4th St SW (505) 843-7577

FB: @thebarelascoffeehouse

This legendary neighborhood restaurant serves New Mexican dishes from the Gonzales family cookbook: menudo, posole, chicharrone burritos, and huevos rancheros–all smothered with its famous red or green chile.

BASIL LEAF

VIETNAMESE RESTAURANT $$

1225 Eubank Blvd NE (505) 323-2594

basilleaf.us

Sure, Albuquerque offers a variety of Vietnamese eateries, but Basil Leaf elevates the everyday with healthy and fragrant versions of traditional noodle and soup selections. They’ll even modify for any dietary desire. Celiacs and vegans, rejoice!

BELLE’S URBAN DELI $$

3650 Corrales Rd, Ste. G (505) 548-2009

Bellesurbandeli.square.site

Is there anything better than a good sandwich? How about a sandwich made on in-house made Japanese milk bread with truly unique flavors, like lox and goat cheese. Add to that a pickle bar where you can try everything from the classic dill to fermented green chile - how could you resist?

BEN MICHAEL’S RESTAURANT $$ 2404 Pueblo Bonito Ct NW (505) 267-6827

FB: @BenMichaelsRestaurant

The food at Ben Michael’s is fresh, preservativefree and takes its roots from the owner’s family’s New Mexican recipes. Try the salmon or the steak served with a side of calabacitas, papas, and sautéed mushrooms.

BENNY’S MEXICAN KITCHEN $ 1675 Bosque Farms Blvd (505) 869-2210

Since 1972, Benny’s has obliged countless stomachs with delicious New Mexican treats, which include 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.

BEST LEE’S $

2003 Southern Blvd SE, #127 (505) 892-7887

Specializing in American-Chinese and Cantonese Chinese cuisine, Best Lee’s has over 100 items on the menu. From fried rice to chicken dishes and everything in between. You can select your level of heat ranging from a little hot, all the way to extra hot, or for those not a fan of the heat, no spice. Popular items include General Tso’s Chicken, sweet and sour shrimp, and Mongolian Beef. Best Lee’s is a reliable choice for delicious simple Chinese food accompanied by friendly service.

BIG MIKE’S BURGERS AND MORE $$

19388 NM-314 (505) 864-7918

bigmikesburgersandmore.com

The hand-pressed and specially seasoned burgers are the star of the show at this Belen staple. Big Mike’s uses locally sourced ingredients to bring you the best mouth-watering burgers and monster sandwiches.

BLACK MESA COFFEE COMPANY $

Albuquerque International Sunport 220 Sunport Blvd SE (505) 842-4305

fresquezcompanies.com

With two Sunport locations, flight delays are easier when you’re close to Black Mesa. The house coffee and vanilla latte are sure to perk you up pre-flight. The made-to-order turkey sandwich will fill you up far more reliably than the bag of pretzels you’ll get on the plane. Baked goods, including the popular banana bread, are made in-house daily. Five menu items, including brownies and cookies, are 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 70 years ago, and almost immediately garnered kudos for its out-of-this-world green chile cheeseburgers (the restaurant has since scored spots on National Geographic’s “top hamburgers in the nation” list and Albuquerque The Magazine’s Best of the City list). Everything is made from scratch as soon as it’s ordered—and not a second before.

BOSQUE BREWING CO

106 Girard Blvd SE, Ste. B plus 2 other locations (505) 508-5967

bosquebrewing.com

$

Another favorite on the ever-growing ABQ brewery scene, Bosque Brewing Co is the product of three NMSU grads’ love for brew. With 10-12 of Bosque’s own sudsy creations on tap every day, the brewery is teeming with options to pair with seasoned fries, daily specials, or an array of other appetizers, soups, salads, and sandwiches.

BREKKI BREKKI $-$$

8338 Comanche Rd NE, St. H, Plus 1 other metro location (505) 308-8871

brekkibrekki.com

Brekki Brekki does right by brunch (and your stomach) by offering a wide range of hearty, craveable dishes—from their chilaquiles to strawberry cheesecake pancakes. Not to mention the fact that they’re currently open til’ 4pm every day—with a full drink menu, to boot.

BURGER BOY

12023 New Mexico 14, Cedar Crest (505) 281-3949 burgerboynm.com

$

Everything in this tried-and-true staple is made from scratch: enchiladas, breakfast burritos, tacos and burgers (of course!). Fans are especially enamored with the green chile cheeseburger.

BURRITO EXPRESS

$ 141 Osuna Rd NW, Ste. A plus 3 other metro locations (505) 503-8964

burritoexpressinc.com

This Roswell-original brings southern New Mexican flavor to the Duke City. With made-fresh-daily tortillas and a myriad of breakfast and lunch options, Burrito Express is a satisfying spot for southern New Mexican transplants and multi-generational Burqueños alike.

THE BURRITO LADY $ 938 Eubank Blvd NE (505) 271-2268

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

BURRITOS ALINSTANTE

$ 2101 Broadway Blvd SE plus 5 other metro locations (505) 242-0966

burritosalinstante.com

A paradise for anyone who loves wrapping tasty things (chicharrones, carne adovada, bacon, cheese, potatoes—you get the picture) up inside of locally made tortillas, this operation maintains a half dozen storefronts between Belen and Albuquerque.

CAFE 6855 $$

6855 4th St NW (505) 890-9150

cafe6855.com

A sister restaurant to Vernon’s Speakeasy, Café 6855 has gourmet dishes, expertly prepared and served in an elegant atmosphere. The menu is populated with gourmet sandwiches, salads, and cafe specialties that redeploy Vernon’s ingredients to thrilling effect.

CAFÉ BELLA COFFEE

2115 Golf Course Rd SE #102 (505) 994-9436

cafebellacoffee.com

$

With made-to-order panini and tasty salads filled with the freshest seasonal ingredients, this restaurant’s farm-to-table concept is a smart—and delicious—one.

PIZZA MY HEART

When it comes to ordering pizza for a group, it can sometimes be difficult for all parties to agree on the choice of toppings. Enter the Goodfellas Special Pizza, which aims to please with two slices of the following: pepperoni, Hawaiian, sausage and buffalo chicken.

“You can’t buy seven different pizzas (in those situations),” says owner James Hawks. “So you get one pizza with four options.”

Hawks took over Goodfellas from its original owner, who had New York roots. He learned the recipes and has done his best to maintain tradition when it comes to pizza quality. Each day, the dough is made fresh, the cheese is grated and the sauce is made from scratch.

Perhaps most importantly, for those East Coast transplants, it feels like home.

“‘Better than New York; I can only get this in New York; we’ve been looking for a place, and we finally found it.’ That’s more or less what I get,” Hawks says. —TRISTEN CRITCHFIELD

Goodfellas Pizza

5844 Osuna Rd NE (505) 508-5113

goodfellaspizzaalbuquerque.com

CAFE CHICA $

1700 Central Ave SW, Ste. A (505) 499-5111

wearecafechica.com

As a specialty dessert and coffee shop that focuses on Italian pastries, Cafe Chica is known for its signature sweet treats, from bombolonis (Italian doughnuts filled with various pastry creams) to tiramisus. Everything is made from scratch as much as possible—even the bread for its sandwiches.

CAFE ISTANBUL $$

1410 Wyoming Blvd NE, Ste. F (505) 294-9900

Mediterranean delights abound at Cafe Istanbul— don’t be fooled by the name, as this restaurant is known for its wide array of European eats (including the fan-favorite baklava topped with crushed pistachios).

CAFÉ LUSH $

700 Tijeras Ave NW (505) 508-0164

cafelushabq.com

Located on a quiet neighborhood corner, this café is perfect for a nice brunch or lunch and your wallet will not be hurt after your visit. The menu is glutenconscious, vegetarian-friendly and has some of the best gluten-free red chile in town.

CAKE FETISH

2665 Louisiana Blvd NE (505) 883-0670

cakefetish.com

$

Cake Fetish specializes in baker’s cups filled with heaven, such as the Sleepless in Albuquerque (chocolate cake with mocha French buttercream frosting) and the Inside-Out German Chocolate Cake (coconut and pecans and crowned with chocolate French buttercream).

CAFÉ LUSH

700 Tijeras Ave NW (505) 508-0164

cafelushabq.com

$

Cozy and full of fan favorite breakfast and brunch items like sandwiches, enchiladas, and loaded salads, Café Lush is something of an institution (and it’s even had its 15 minutes of fame in “Better Call Saul”). Ingredients are fresh and locally sourced—and the service? Top notch.

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.

CARRIE’S RESTAURANT

330 Tijeras Ave NW (505) 302-6929

clydehotel.com/eat-drink/carries-restaurant

$

From the cozy digs of The Clyde Hotel, Carrie’s Restaurant will take care of you and your appetite, thanks to their unique New Mexican comfort food. Whether you’re there for the chicken pot pie or the blue corn-encrusted ruby red trout, Carrie’s oldfashioned hospitality will encourage you to savor every bite—and save room for dessert.

CANVAS ARTISTRY $$ 1 Central Ave NW (505) 639-5214

canvas-artistry.com

Specializing in international street food with a local twist, expect seasonally rotating artsy fare made with local produce, daily and weekly specials, and art to boot. A great late-night spot with live spinning DJs featuring different genres each night.

CASA DE BENAVIDEZ

$$ 8032 4th St NW (505) 898-3311

casadebenavidez.com

One of the original New Mexican eateries in the North Valley, this expansive property boasts a lush patio, fabled margaritas and authentic eats, including a trademark on the sopaipilla burger.

GOODFELLAS SPECIAL PIZZA, $27.59

BITES

CASA TACO $$

5801 Academy Rd NE (505) 821-8226

casa-taco.com

Both Casa Taco locations offer a window into owner James Pecherski’s signature take on the U.S. Southwest—a strange place where you could picture a classic John Wayne character lingering over a plate of Jamaican jerk chicken and Yucatan pork tacos. Casa Taco defies expectations.

CECILIA’S CAFÉ $

230 6th St SW (505) 243-7070

Recognized on the Food Network’s “Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives,” and ranked No. 45 on the Travel Channel’s “101 Tastiest Places to Chow Down,” Cecilia’s Café offers tasty New Mexican treats, such as their Fireman’s Burrito or homemade chicharrones in a cozy atmosphere.

CENTRAL BODEGA $

3418 Central Ave SE (505) 433-5600

centralbodeganm.com

This European bistro features a marketplace with local products and great eats. Central Bodega spotlights good food, wine, and community with favorites like whipped feta with honey, black pepper, and Italian Eggs Benedict.

CENTRAL GRILL & COFFEE HOUSE $

2056 Central Ave SW (505) 554-1424

centralgrillandcoffeehouse.com

This local favorite on Route 66, adjacent to Old Town, offers a bevy of breakfast and lunch options that will comfort your belly and your wallet. Here, you’ll find traditional New Mexican favorites, serious sammies, and solid caffeine with a staff famous for their classic Southwestern hospitality.

CERVANTES NEW MEXICAN RESTAURANT

5801 Gibson Blvd SE (505) 262-2253

cervantesabq.com

$$

Old-world style meets traditional New Mexican fare at this family-owned restaurant. Go for the madefrom-scratch chile rellenos, tamales, and carne adovada.

CESAR’S MEXICAN & GREEK $

5300 Lomas Blvd NE (505) 256-8017

cesarsmexicanandgreek.com

Both the drive-thru and the dining room at Cesar’s are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. On the Mexican menu, try the No. 15, a chile rellenos plate. Popular Greek items include the No. 64 Gyros sandwich and the No. 78 Chicken pita sandwich.

CHEBA HUT $

115 Harvard Dr SE plus 1 other metro location (505) 232-2432

chebahut.com

Located next to UNM, Cheba Hut serves up toasted subs made from quality ingredients. Try sandwiches loaded with everything from guacamole, olives, mushrooms, cheeses, meats and much more.

CHEESE AND COFFEE $$

2679 Louisiana Blvd NE plus 1 other metro location (505) 883-1226

cheeseandcoffee.com

There’s more than just cheese and coffee here— think homemade soups, sandwiches, salads and specials. At lunch, the line often goes out the door, so it’s worth getting there early.

CHELLO GRILL $

5010 Cutler Ave NE Ste. A (505) 881-2299

chellogrill.com

Known for the varieties of kabobs, Chello Grill aims to introduce authentic Persian cuisine to Albuquerque. This restaurant offers different salads, sandwiches, and combinations of plates packed with immense flavor.

CHEZ AXEL $$$

6209 Montgomery Blvd NE (505) 881-8104

chezaxelrestaurant.com

At Chez Axel, classical music is played at dinner Tuesday through Saturday, and the food has a

BITES

ONE BIG, BAD BURGER

Before Walter and Lucy Posada opened a restaurant, they ran a food truck. In those days, they offered three different types of burgers: a regular beef patty, chicken breast and chorizo.

As legend has it, a hungry patron approached the truck one day and requested all three patties on one burger—along with hot dog wieners.

“The lady right behind him was like, ‘Wakala,’” says Indra Posada, the daughter of the owners. “When you translate it to Spanish, it means like ‘ew, yucky.’”

While the name stuck, the woman’s sentiment did not. The Super Wakala Burger is a massive hit these days at the Posada’s establishment. In addition to the aforementioned protein, the burger comes complete with all the condiments, two types of cheese, ham, grilled pineapple and bacon—all held together by a massive bun. It’s so big that occasionally Walter will offer the burger for free to the brave soul that can finish the entire thing.

“All together, it’s close to three pounds,” Indra says. “And now it’s a pretty famous burger at the restaurant.” —TRISTEN CRITCHFIELD

Caveman Burgers and Tacos

6205 Central Ave. NW

(505) 999-6615

caveman-burgers.menu-world.com

decidedly French twist: cassoulet, trout amandine, chocolate mousse, and authentic French onion soup. Reservations are recommended.

CHILE CHICKEN

NASHVILLE HOT CHICKEN $

3005 Eubank Blvd NE (505) 293-1700

chilechicken.com

As the legend of Nashville chicken goes, revenge is a dish best served fiery hot. This Southern staple comes to the Duke City in red hot fashion. Frying up proteins like chicken and catfish, diners can choose sauces ranging from mild to really cluckin’ hot for a customizable, unforgettable meal.

CHILI HILLS $

5 NM-344, Edgewood, NM (505) 286-9202

chilihillsedgewood.com

Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, Chili Hills is a comfort food haven. The team here is all about providing quality food and service at a fair price. From Huevos Rancheros to Chicken Fried steak they are serving up classic American and New Mexican eats.

CHOCGLITZ & CREAM $ 10660 Unser Blvd NW (505) 898-4589

chocglitzandcream.com

Certified fair-trade chocolate and a chocolatier with 45 years of experience means you’ll find some of the best sweet-tooth satisfying offerings (including

ice cream flavors such as raspberry red chile and Mexican coffee).

CHRISTY MAE’S RESTAURANT

1400 San Pedro Dr NE (505) 255-4740

christymaes.com

$

“Hearty” and “homestyle” are the key words here, a hands-down favorite of early-dinner lovers. Oldfashioned staples are the standards, so look for chicken salad, potpies, country-fried steak with homemade mashed potatoes, and beef stew.

CHURCH STREET CAFÉ $$

2111 Church St NW (505) 247-8522

churchstreetcafe.com

Calling the oldest residence in Albuquerque its home, this café serves up favorites ranging from natillas to margaritas. They also sell their own bottled salsa and cookbooks with recipes from the restaurant.

CINNAMON SUGAR & SPICE CAFÉ $

5809 Juan Tabo Blvd NE (505) 492-2119 cinnamoncafeabq.com

Featuring breakfast and lunch options, endless baked goodies, friendly staff and regular cooking classes, this place puts the “everything nice” in the well-worn phrase.

COCINA AZUL $ 4243 Montgomery Blvd NE plus 2 other metro locations (505) 831-2600 cocinaazul.com

The newest location of the Old Town favorite serves up the same tried and true home-cooked recipes you’ve come to love. Don’t miss location specific specials and local brews amid New Mexican staples.

CODA BAKERY $

201 San Pedro Dr SE, Ste. B-1 (505) 232-0085 codabakery.com

Wrap your hands around one of Coda Bakery’s unique, Vietnamese-inspired sandwiches. Beyond its popular lineup of sammies, Coda Bakery also puts a distinctive twist on Vietnamese street food, using from-scratch recipes, including the bread, its deli meats, and its desserts.

CORN MAIDEN

1300 Tuyuna Trail, Bernalillo (505) 867-1234

$$$

Located at the Hyatt Regency Tamaya Resort and Spa on the Santa Ana Pueblo, Corn Maiden is a destination in and of itself and provides fine-dining, Southwestern style–all while centering a garden-totable menu that celebrates indigenous New Mexican cuisine and flavors.

SUPER WAKALA BURGER, $25.25

COPPER CANYON CAFE

5455 Gibson Blvd SE (505) 266-6318

coppercanyoncafeabq.com

$$

All-day breakfast and a killer chicken fried steak topped with your choice of traditional white gravy or homemade green chile sauce (naturally) grace this menu, and a steady lineup of loyal customers means the food’s always hot and fresh.

THE COUNTY LINE BBQ $$

9600 Tramway Blvd NE (505) 856-7477

countyline.com

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

CRACKIN’ CRAB

2100 Louisiana Blvd NE plus 2 other metro locations (505) 433-4611

crackincrababq.com

$$

Their headline seafood boils are super customizable, allowing you to choose from a trio of house combinations or mix and match your own selection of crab, lobster, mussels, scallops, clams, or shrimp by the pound.

CRAVIN’ COOKIES AND MORE $

10420 4th St NW (505) 298-2597

cravincookiesandmore.com

Serving up specialty cookies, muffins, breads, pies, and pretty much any dessert you can dream of, Cravin’ Cookies and More offers dine-in and to go orders to satisfy any sweet tooth, with coffee and hot tea to match.

CRAZY FISH SUSHI

BAR AND RESTAURANT $$

3015 Central Ave NE (505) 232-3474

crazyfishabq.com

Tasty, fresh sushi and sashimi await you in this sleek Central Avenue restaurant, along with kitchen-made favorites such as tempura and crispy chicken.

THE CROWN ROOM

145 Louisiana Blvd NE (505) 767-7171

abqdowns.com/crown-room

$$$$

Perhaps Albuquerque’s best-kept fine dining secret, this gem is tucked away in the newly remodeled Downs Casino. With an incredible selection of liquors and wines, gourmet dishes, tableside Bananas Foster, and Dom Pérignon palate cleansers, this special occasion hideout is hard to beat, anywhere in the 505.

CURRY LEAF $

6910-C Montgomery Blvd NE (505) 881-3663

curryleafrestaurant.us

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

THE DAILY GRIND

4360a Cutler Ave NE (505) 883-8310

dailygrindabq.net

$

This family-friendly restaurant serves breakfast and lunch, including huevos rancheros and a huge assortment of baked goods. On Friday and Saturday, look for spontaneous specials, such as stuffed French toast or steak and eggs.

DAGMAR’S SPECIALTIES

2704 Southern Blvd SE, Rio Rancho (505) 615-5651

FB: DagmarsSpecialties

$

Rooted in tradition, Dagmar’s is an ode to German foods—from bratwurst to their ever-popular breakfast schnitzel. Their kitchen also whips up delectable baked goods like strudels and classic German breads (or brot)—so make sure to bring a big appetite and plenty of room when you visit.

DAMACIOS

BAR & TAPAS $$

722 Central Ave SW (505) 595-7383

damacios.com

Nestled downtown in a non-traditional eating space, Damacios uses its fun atmosphere and talented chefs to put a twist on classic Spanish tapas.

DAVE’S HIGH DESERT GRILL $$

5200 Eubank Blvd NE, Ste. B5 (505) 433-2380

davesrestaurants.com

Restaurant veteran Dave Hanisch is back with this Northeast Heights eatery serving up Midwestern

comfort food with a little New Mexican flair. Come for the hearty entrees like the Braised Beef Short Ribs on Bubble & Squeak, stay for the Biscochito Peach Cobbler; the restaurant’s flagship dessert.

DAVE’S VALLEY GRILL $$

6601 4th St NW (505) 639-5807

davesvalleygrill.com

Dave’s Valley Grill offers a delightful range of traditional favorites, each infused with a modern twist and a deep respect for ingredients.

DEBAJO TAPAS Y VINO $$

1025 Lomas Blvd NW (505) 503-8645

debajoabq.com

This Iberian-inspired restaurant serves modern-day eats and classic drinks, perfect for a special occasion or a relaxed night out. The chefs are passionate about providing guests with locally sourced ingredients and a farm-to-table experience.

DELICIAS CAFÉ $

6001 San Mateo Blvd NE (505) 830-6561

Named after the city in Chihuahua, Mexico, Delicias delivers traditional fare of the region, like caldo de res (beef stew), gorditas, carnitas, flautas, and horchata.

BITES

DG’S DELI $

1418 Dr Martin Luther King Jr Ave NE (505) 247-3354

dgsdeli.com

With 31 cold sandwich options and a wide variety of grilled hot sandwiches—ranging in size from mini to jumbo—there’s something for everyone here. Try the Green Chile Philly or the Lobo Club.

D.H. LESCOMBES WINERY & BISTRO $$$

901 Rio Grande Blvd NW

Plus 1 other metro location (505) 243-9916

lescombeswinery.com

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

DR. FIELD GOODS

1909 Bellahmah Ave NW (Sawmill Market) drfieldgoods.com

$$

Located inside of Sawmill Market, Dr. Field Goods is a farm-to-table fusion concept that takes New Mexican flavors in stride with classic American dishes like burgers, sandwiches, hot dogs, and fries. Burger patties and dogs are made in-house, and customers also have the option to take home and fix their choice cut of steak or pork chop (but you can also allow a professional to handle the cooking).

DION’S

6308 4th St NW

plus 14 other metro locations (505) 345-4900

dionspizza.com

Launched in 1978, Dion’s aims to keep your wallet and tummy full with build-your-own pizzas, gourmet pizzas, slices, salads, and subs. The ranch and Greek dressings are homemade from secret recipes, and everything on the menu is tried and true.

DOG HOUSE DRIVE IN $

1216 Central Ave SW (505) 243-1019

An ABQ landmark since the 1940s, the eat-in-yourcar Dog House serves grilled footlongs and halflongs topped with red chile, cheese, onions, and more. Enjoy your dog with a side of chili-cheese fries and a thick shake.

DON CHOCHE TACOS Y CERVEZA

7319 4th St NW, Unit 1 (505) 433-2242

donchochetacosycerveza.com

$

Starting as a food truck, Don Choche Tacos y Cerveza established residency in the Los Ranchos area in 2009. Tacos are the signature here and can be ordered with various fillings such as asada, barbacoa, fried shrimp, and green chile brisket, just to name a few. A trip to this classic Mexican eatery wouldn’t be complete without stopping at the salsa bar packed with interesting and delicious choices. Dine inside or on the renovated and shaded patio.

DONUT MART $

4501 Montgomery Blvd NE plus 2 other metro location (505) 292-6278

donutmartusa.com

Multiple locations sprinkled around town means a donut lover can always get a sweet fix. Find apple strudels, piñon coffee, green chile bialys, croissants, muffins, and even a Peanut Butter and Jelly donut.

DOWN N DIRTY SEAFOOD BOIL

6100 4th St NW (505) 345-0595

FB: @downndirtyseafoodboil

$$

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

DUGGAN’S

227 Lead Ave SE (505) 312-7257

dugganscoffeeshop.com

$

This breakfast and lunch spot serves up 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.

DURAN’S STATION

4201 Menaul Blvd NE (505) 830-0007

IG: @duransstation

$$

Traditional New Mexican food served up with a side of homestyle cooking. An off-shoot of Duran’s Pharmacy, Duran’s station has built a reputation for amazing red chile, house-made tortillas, and plenty of blue corn.

EAST OCEAN CHINESE

SEAFOOD RESTAURANT $$

3601 Carlisle Blvd NE (505) 889-9315 eastoceanalbq.com

East Ocean Chinese Seafood Restaurant was the first of its kind in Albuquerque. Most dishes are served family style and are made fresh to order. Those looking for traditional Chinese dishes should try the Roast Duck. Seafood eaters will enjoy the Honey Crispy Walnut Shrimp.

EL BRUNO’S

RESTAURANTE Y CANTINA $$ 8806 4th St NW (505) 897-0444 elbrunos.com

El Bruno’s got its start in Cuba, NM, in 1975. At the Albuquerque location, the tried-and-true family recipes are still the focus of the menu. The Ceviche, Pollo Adovo, and the Deep Fried Spinach are a few items guests can look forward to.

EL CAMINO DINING ROOM $

6800 4th St NW (505) 344-0448

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

EL CHARRITOS $

4703 Central Ave NW (505) 836-2464

Whether you like the standard New Mexican fare of enchiladas, rellenos, and tacos or if you’re looking for something off the beaten path like steak picado, green chile chicken fried steak, or even a deepfried Monte Cristo sandwich, you’re sure to leave El Charritos satisfied with a full belly.

EL MOLCAJETON $$

4921 Jefferson St NE (505) 881-5332

Enjoy a variety of poultry, seafood, and beef (Cielo, Mar, y Tierra) with vegetables, cheese, and salsas all served piping hot on a traditional molcajeton. El Molcajete has everything from steak to octopus and anything else you could desire - or some simply delicious tacos if that’s more to your taste.

EL PAPATURRO $

6601 4th St NW, Ste. H (505) 503-15750

elpapaturrorestaurantnm.com

El Papaturro serves traditional El Salvadoran food. In fact, you’ll even find a dish called Tipico Salvadoreno!

The menu is rooted in family recipes and includes everything from your classic pupusa and other Central American favorites as well as carne asada, frito pie, and chicken wings.

EL PATIO DE ALBUQUERQUE $

3851 Rio Grande Blvd NW, Plus 1 other metro location (505) 433-4499

elpatioabq.com

El Patio is an Albuquerque institution, and for nearly 50 years, they’ve been serving up classic New Mexican fare like from-scratch sopaipillas, alongside their popular Green Chile Chicken Enchiladas and Carne Adovada Huevos Rancheros. Needless to say, this local favorite is a must-try for Burqueños and visitors alike.

EL PATRON

10551 Montgomery Blvd NE plus 1 other metro location (505) 275-0223

elpatronabq.com

$$

A customer favorite, El Patron’s menu includes dishes such as mouthwatering tacos, enchiladas, chile rellenos, and housemade chips. Wash them down with a tasty margarita.

EL PINTO

10500 4th St NW (505) 898-1771

elpinto.com

$$$

Food and atmosphere go hand-in-hand at this Duke City staple, ensuring an unforgettable experience. Enjoy fresh salsa, enchiladas, burritos, carne adovada, and many more New Mexican dishes while

sipping a margarita on one of the many beautiful patios. Reservations are recommended.

EL ROI CAFE

616 Lomas Blvd NW Ste. A (505) 401-9313

elroicafe.com

$$

El Roi Cafe offers a blend of Native American and New Mexican cuisine aimed to pay tribute to owners’ favorites growing up. Diners will find various options, including mutton stew, Indian tacos, and fry-bread green chile cheeseburgers.

EL SABOR DE JUAREZ $ 3527 Gibson Blvd SE (505) 265-3338

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

EL SARAPE

3248 Isleta Blvd SW (505) 877-8871

elsarapeabq.com

$$

Specializing in authentic food from all regions of Mexico, you can count on dishes such as nopalitos (cactus sautéed with onions, tomatoes, and garlic), fresh salsa, burritos, chile rellenos, and seafood specials with shrimp, oysters, calamari, and fish.

BITES

ELOY’S NEW MEXICAN RESTAURANT

1508 Wyoming Blvd NE (505) 293-6018

$

Opening 52 years ago, Eloy’s New Mexican Restaurant’s claim to fame is its consistent food and service, offering the same recipes that made it famous all those years ago. Try the No. 1 Eloy’s Deluxe Dinner, with a little bit of everything.

EMBERS STEAK & SEAFOOD

11000 Broadway Blvd SE (505) 244-8288 isleta.com

$$$

Whether you are dining inside or al fresco on the rooftop patio, Ember’s boasts some of Albuquerque’s most beautiful 180-degree views of the Bosque, making for the perfect setting to catch the sunset next to the warmth of the glowing fire pits.

FANO BREAD COMPANY

4605 McLeod Rd NE (505) 884-5555 fanobread.com

$

For more than 16 years, Fano has made the freshest bread in the city. Whether it’s the rustic loaf, the green chile cheese bread or raisin cinnamon bread, you’ll think you’re touring the streets of Italy with each bite.

FAN TANG

3523 Central Ave NE plus 1 other metro location (505) 266-3566 fan-tang.com

$$

With authentic family recipes that include coffee chicken (rubbed in Satellite coffee, then stir-fried with flavorful sauce) and creative additions like soul dumplings (made with tofu, kimchi, and cashew pesto), this spot is sure to satisfy.

FARINA ALTO PIZZERIA & WINE BAR $$ 10721 Montgomery Blvd NE (505) 298-0035 farinaalto.com

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

FARINA PIZZERIA $$

510 Central Ave SE (505) 243-0130 farinapizzeria.com

Whether you like yours bianco or covered in carne, you’ll get a pie cooked to perfection at this relaxedbut-hip urban eatery.

FARM & TABLE $$$

8917 4th St NW (505) 503-7124 farmandtablenm.com

This North Valley eatery’s ever-changing menu features seasonal produce, which often comes from the restaurant’s own farm. If the produce doesn’t come from the farm, it’s sourced from a slew of local vendors. Enjoy grass-and-alfalfa-fed steaks and produce-focused dishes that use local kale, chard, okra, chile, and tomatoes.

THE FARMACY

3718 Central Ave SE (505) 227-0330

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

FRANK’S FAMOUS CHICKEN AND WAFFLES

400 Washington St SE (505) 712-5109

franksfamouschickenandwaffles.com

$

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

FIVE STAR BURGERS $

5901 Wyoming Blvd NE (505) 821-1909

5starburgers.com

From bison, salmon, turkey and crab to lamb, chicken and Black Angus beef, burger addicts will love Five Star’s 100 percent natural meat. Hand-formed patties or vegetarian options paired with wine from St. Clair Winery or beer from Marble Brewery are a match made in heaven.

FLATIRON BITES AND BREWS $

6001 San Mateo NE, Ste F3 (505) 585-0023

eatflatiron.com

A welcome addition to the ABQ brewpub scene, Flatiron bites and brews knows how to build a flavorful burger, which they achieve by using a mix of brisket-chuck beef, resulting in the perfectly juicy patty. Also available on the menu are chicken sandwiches, wings, and plenty of shareable plates.

FLIX BREWHOUSE $$

3258 La Orilla Rd NW, B-1 plus 1 other metro location (505) 445-8500 flixbrewhouse.com

Flix is a one-of-a-kind concept; a movie theater that serves full meals and an in-house brewed beer menu in its stadium-seating “dining rooms.” The dream is real, Albuquerque–you can catch the latest blockbuster in theaters while knocking back a pint and having dinner brought to you.

FLYING STAR CAFE $$

8001 Menaul Blvd NE plus 5 other metro locations (505) 293-6911 flyingstarcafe.com

With menu options ranging from breakfast served all day to flavor-packed salads and sandwiches, handmade desserts to die for, and beautiful patio dining, Flying Star is the place to treat yourself to good vibes and great food.

FOODTOPIA

4959 Pan American Fwy NE (505) 554-3698

foodtopiarestaurant.com

If you have never had a deep-fried quesadilla, let Foodtopia be the place to introduce you to the dish. Additional tasty treats include a poblano chile relleno, and a whole variety of Mexican-style tacos, burritos, tortas, and enchiladas brought you from the Zacatecas heritage of owner and chef Leticia Gonzalez.

$$

The Farmacy takes the idea of organic and local ingredients, and presents them in a way that tastes

$

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

FRENCHISH $$$

3509 Central Ave NE (505) 433-5911

frenchish.com

Envisioned as a casual neighborhood restaurant, frenchish’s menu draws inspiration from an eclectic mix of French and Midwestern U.S. cuisines, with an active focus on clean, simple foods.

FRONTIER RESTAURANT

2400 Central Ave SE (505) 266-0550 frontierrestaurant.com

$

Famous for its legendary Frontier Rolls, hot-off-theiron tortillas, burgers, New Mexican favorites, hash browns, fresh-squeezed orange juice, and more, the Frontier is Albuquerque’s melting pot—it’s a guarantee you’ll see someone you know there.

FUEGO 505 $$

5750 McMahon Blvd NW (505) 705-8439 fuego505.com

Traditional meets trendy at this Westside rotisserie grill and bar. Gourmet tacos, bowls, and hot-fired skewers (including exotic meats like rabbit, elk and rattlesnake) pair nicely with whiskeys from their extensive list. Salads, hand-shaken cocktails, local craft beers and a large patio round out the scene.

FUN NOODLE BAR $

5317 Menaul Blvd NE (505) 801-6888 funnoodleabq.com

The perfect place to go with family and friends to enjoy fresh Asian cuisine. Fun noodle bar provides you with an authentic and, well, fun experience. Fresh dumplings and hand-pulled noodles are a homerun.

GARCIA’S KITCHEN $

2924 San Mateo Blvd NE plus 5 other metro locations (505) 888-3488 garciaskitchen.com

This Albuquerque institution serves up classic New Mexican dishes, from freshly made tortillas to an extensive burrito list. You’ll leave one of the multiple locations with a full belly and content heart.

GARDUÑO’S OF MEXICO RESTAURANT AND CANTINA

10031 Coors Blvd NW plus 2 other metro locations (505) 880-0055 gardunosrestaurants.com

$$

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

GECKO’S BAR AND TAPAS $$

3500 Central Ave SE (505) 262-1848

geckosbar.com

Plenty of tasty tapas—including Southwestern Krab Taquitos and Red Molé Grilled Sirloin Tacos—and hearty salads and sandwiches, too.

GINO’S NEW YORK STYLE PIZZA $

3908 San Mateo Blvd NE (505) 883-6000

ginosnystylepizza.com

With handmade lasagna and pizza dough, among other items, Gino’s New York Style Pizza shares family recipes with its customers. From the buttermilk ranch dressing to the Eggplant and Chicken Parmigianas, homemade cooking is not too far away.

GIOVANNI’S PIZZERIA $

921 San Pedro Dr SE (505) 255-1233

giovannispizzaalbuquerque.com

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

GOLDEN CROWN PANADERIA

1103 Mountain Rd NW, (505) 243-2424

goldencrown.biz

$

Golden Crown Panaderia is known for taking creativity in baking to the next level. Try the original biscochitos or cappuccino, chocolate and sugar-free versions. Don’t miss out on homemade green chile bread, pizza, and creative bread sculptures.

GRASSBURGER

5600 Coors Blvd NW, Ste. C3 plus 1 other metro location (505) 361-2368

eatgrassburger.com

$

There’s a lot that sets the burger joint apart— including its community involvement, its vegan and gluten-free burger options, and its commitment to a no-corn syrup menu.

THE GRILL ON SAN MATEO

$ 3300 San Mateo Blvd NE (505) 872-9772

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

GRANDMA’S K & I DINER $

2500 Broadway Blvd SE (505) 243-1881

grandmaskandidiner.com

This South Valley dive is known for its heaping plates of classic American comfort food—they’ve even been featured on “Man vs. Food” for their massive “Travis on a Silver Platter” dish.

THE GROVE CAFÉ AND MARKET $$

600 Central Ave SE, Ste. A (505) 248-9800

thegrovecafemarket.com

The brunch and lunch favorite is well-known for its exceptional dishes made from local and organic ingredients, and it now offers a newly expanded menu, with additions such as the French Ham &

Cheese with d’affinois cheese, mostarda, and caper mustard sauce.

GOBBLE THIS

308 San Felipe St NW (505) 975-3969

gobblethis.biz

$$

A fusion of ingredients from El Salvador, Los Angeles, and New Mexico make up the recipes at Gobble This. Owner and chef Nestor Lopez goes out of his way to make the food and atmosphere like being at a friend or family member’s house for dinner.

GYROS MEDITERRANEAN

106 Cornell Dr SE (505) 255-4401

egyros.com

$

Tried-and-true Greek recipes, such as traditional Kota Reganato (oven-roasted chicken with oregano, garlic and lemon), fresh Greek salads, Patates, and, of course, sweet baklava, served in a friendly, laidback collegial atmosphere.

BITES

GYRO SHACK $

4201 San Mateo NE plus 1 other metro location (505) 433-3863

gyroshack.com

Serving up their signature gyro and pita sandwiches, Gyro Shack is a no-fuss, made-from-scratch Mediterranean establishment, boasting two locations across the metro area. Friendly service is built into the experience—in addition to the perfect combination of “fast food” and quality. The secret ingredient, however, lies in a proprietary Tzatziki sauce, which like everything else, is made fresh daily.

HANNAH & NATE’S MARKET CAFÉ $

4512 Corrales Rd plus 1 other metro location (505) 898-2370

Offering breakfast and lunch, Hannah & Nate’s is all about flavor—whether it’s the flavor of traditional New Mexican cuisine, cuisines from throughout the world or the family recipes served.

HELLO DELI $$

7600 Jefferson St NE (505) 797-3354 hellodeliabq.com

Home to one of the most delicious breakfast burritos around, Hello Deli serves sandwiches and even Frontier’s sweet rolls.

HIBACHI ONE $$

3230 Coors Blvd NE (505) 839-0808

hibachioneabq.com

In addition to their tableside teppanyaki service, Hibachi One visitors can take advantage of private rooms. Hibachi options like shrimp, scallops, and filet mignon are available wherever you’re sitting in the house, as is a full menu of sushi, sashimi, and rolls.

HIGH POINT GRILL $$

9780 Coors Blvd NW (505) 312-8519

highpointgrill.com

Those perpetually on the hunt for the perfect burger will find plenty to love at High Point. With a foundation of 100-percent Akaushi, American Prime Wagyu beef, the burgers at High Point Grill are some of the city’s most popular. Its Southwest burger, for instance, features a red chile crusted patty, extra hot local green chile and cheddar cheese.

HIGH NOON

RESTAURANT AND SALOON $$$

425 San Felipe St NW (505) 765-1455

highnoonrestaurant.com

Located in a 300-year-old house in the heart of Old Town, High Noon has a menu stocked with New Mexican fare such as burritos and enchiladas, but you can also find baked brie and buffalo burgers here. Reservations are recommended.

HORIZON BAGELS AND CAFE $

4000 Louisiana Blvd NE (505) 221-0668

New York is a long way from here, but it’s a little closer with Horizon’s delicious bagels. Of course there has to be the NM touch - like a red chile bagel with green chile cream cheese. You can also fill your belly with corned beef hash, matzo ball soup, and fresh cinnamon rolls.

HORSE AND ANGEL TAVERN

5809 Juan Tabo Blvd. NE (505) 299-0225

$$

Whether you want a simple sandwich for lunch, appetizers and a beer in the afternoon, or steak and enchiladas at midnight, this Heights tavern is the place to be any time of the day.

HOT PINK THAI

2626 San Pedro Dr NE (505) 872-2296

$$

For dine in or takeout at lunchtime, you’ll get $1.50 off dishes over $10 and a free vegetable egg roll. Favorites include pumpkin curry, pad thai, and drunken noodles. Most dishes are customized with your choice of protein and spice level, from no chili at all to Thai hot.

HOT TAMALES $

1520 Rio Rancho Blvd SE, Rio Rancho (505) 962-0123

hottamalesnmrestaurant.com

This Rio Rancho restaurant serves bona fide New Mexican with hand-blended red chile and fireroasted green chile: Green Chile Stew Omelet, Hot

Tamale Bowl, and Fajitas are just a few of the spicy dishes.

HUMBLE COFFEE COMPANY

4200 Lomas Blvd NE

plus 1 other metro location (505) 289-9909

bakerad.com/humble

$

Humble prides itself on keeping it simple. Here you’ll find the most classic coffee drinks (ones that aren’t overly sweet) in an attempt to highlight the coffee bean itself. They use single-origin beans so customers can taste the difference between other beans. Both locations are perfect for sipping delicious coffee and gathering with friends.

HURRICANE’S CAFE

4330 Lomas Blvd NE (505) 255-4248

$

With Route 66 serving as the city’s heart, it’s always good to hop over to a good ol’ fashioned diner. Pick out a classic dish, such as pancakes or omelets from the lengthy breakfast menu, or chow down on a burger, enchilada, or chicken fried steak. Of course, you can take a stab at the hearty Disaster Burrito, but you’d better make plenty of room if that’s on your agenda.

IHATOV BREAD AND COFFEE

3400 Central Ave SE (505) 539-5445

$

Bread and coffee are the foundation of this diverse bakery. IHATOV is whipping up approximately 20 types of bread inspired by different locations. Musttry items include the buttermilk biscuit and the croissants.

ISLETA GRILL $

4047 NM State Highway 47 (505) 869-2046

FB: Isleta Grill

A popular breakfast-and-lunch counter on the Isleta Pueblo serving up tortilla burgers, Indian tacos and Frito pies, along with an assortment of made-toorder sandwiches (BLT, Club, etc.). The grab-andgo morning menu includes breakfast burritos and quesadillas in two sizes.

I SCREAM ICE CREAM

2000 Carlisle Blvd NE (505) 268-0139

$

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

IL LOCALETTO ROSSI

106 Buena Vista Dr SE (505) 355-5953

IG: @LocalettoRossi

$$

Loosely translated as ‘little red house,’ Il Localetto Rossi is a bit of a hidden gem, located just across from UNM in what used to be Thai House. Standout items on the menu include lasagna, finished with homemade alfredo sauce and roasted marinara, along with gnocchi cacio e pepe—that’s from-scratch potato dumplings with black pepper, fresh cheese, and truffle oil for non-Italian speakers. Mamma mia!

hearty calzones and award-winning brews from its own brewery.

INDIAN PUEBLO KITCHEN

2401 12th St NW (505) 724-3510 indianpueblo.org

$$$

The Indian Pueblo Cultural Center is the perfect backdrop for the Native American-inspired cuisine prepared in the café, serving traditional and innovative dishes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Reservations are recommended.

INDIGO CROW CAFÉ

4515 Corrales Rd (505) 585-3061

indigocrowcafe.net

$$$

This café is cozy, thanks to the fact that it’s housed in an old adobe building. When it’s cold, patrons warm up by the indoor fireplace; when it’s warm, they enjoy meals such as lobster ravioli, tarragon chicken salad, and New Mexico chicken fried steak under the stars on the outdoor patio. Reservations are recommended.

IRONWOOD KITCHEN

5740 Night Whisper Rd NW, Ste. 250 (505) 890-4488

ironwoodkitchen.com

$$

This family operation’s goal: to serve meals made with whole foods at affordable prices. Try the green chile cheeseburger, with freshly-ground chuck, topped with fresh vegetables and roasted green chile.

THE IVY TEAROOM

8830 4th St NW (505) 388-8691

theivytearoom.com

$$

Offering 20 varieties of tea and a monthly menu that highlights the season, the Ivy Tearoom has something for everyone. With ten suites, three cottages and a large parlor, there is an opportunity for an immersive tea experience. Bookings are recommended for large groups and special occasions.

JAPANESE KITCHEN $$$

6521 America’s Parkway (505) 884-8937

japanesekitchen.com

Entertainment is the main course at this teppanyaki grill restaurant. The cooks, who are at your table, can be caught tossing shrimp into their pockets and creating to-die-for dishes from the classic teriyaki chicken, to seafood or steak, and everything in between.

JAVA

JOE’S $$

906 Park Ave SW (505) 765-1514 downtownjavajoes.com

You’ll find all walks of life at this relaxing Downtown joint, enjoying freshly made sandwiches, breakfast burritos, green chile chicken melts, coffee drinks and more.

JC’S NEW YORK

PIZZA DEPARTMENT $$

JIMMY’S CAFÉ ON JEFFERSON $ 8900 Holly Ave NE, Ste. B (505) 856-1413

jinjabistro.com

Evoking a vintage ambiance, Jinja serves inspired and mouthwatering pan-Asian cuisine, such as Kung Pow Chicken (a Thai version of the Chinese favorite) and Home-Style Chicken Udon Wok Bowl.

JINJA BAR AND BISTRO $$

7007 Jefferson St NE (505) 341-2546

jimmyscafeonjefferson.com

The menu here lists more than 100 items, most of them mouthwatering comfort foods: sandwiches, burgers, New Mexican dishes, handmade pizzas, and breakfast served all day long.

JINJA BAR & BISTRO WESTSIDE $$ 5400 Sevilla Ave NW (505) 792-8776

Whether you’re looking for a good place to gather some friends for tasty drinks and appetizers or a laid-back place to bring the family, Jinja has the atmosphere for you. You won’t find one specific menu theme at Jinja, with its blend of Chinese and Vietnamese which makes it easy for anyone to find something they like. Staples like potstickers, Kung Pao chicken, and wings with different sauces are all served up

JOE’S PASTA HOUSE $$

3201 Southern Blvd SE (505) 892-3333

joespastahouse.com

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

JUNIPER STEAKHOUSE

54 Jemez Canyon Dam Rd (505) 771-7145 santaanastar.com

$$$

Inside the Santa Ana Star Casino Hotel, Juniper Steakhouse offers a fine dining experience in an entertaining atmosphere. With popular options like the prime rib and filet mignon, diners can also opt for a seafood entree. The food is enticing; they also have a full bar with an extensive wine list and handcrafted seasonal cocktails.

KABAB & CURRY $

3617 Wyoming Blvd NE (505) 292-2059 kababcurryalbuquerque.com

If you’ve never had green chile naan, better believe that you’re missing out. With its owners carrying over 40 years of experience, Kabab & Curry brings mouth-watering, authentic Indian dishes to ABQ. Here you’ll find authentic favorites like goat curry, lamb vindaloo, chicken tikka masala, and more—all baked by the warm glow of the tandoor oven.

KABAB HOUSE:

AUTHENTIC PERSIAN CUISINE

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

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.

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,

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which is banana milk with almonds, walnuts, pistachios, and honey.

KAKTUS BREWING CO. $

471 S Hill Rd, Bernalillo (505) 818-7285

kaktusbrewery.com

Tucked away from it all, Kaktus specializes in European-style pints, and a menu featuring pizzas and apps uniquely topped with game meats like elk, boar, bison, and duck. Special events on weekends abound.

KAP’S COFFEE SHOP & DINER $

5801 Central Ave NE (505) 232-9658

kapscoffeeshopanddiner.com

Serving the Duke City and hungry travelers since 1968, Kap’s is the place to go for a great meal. Enjoy a hearty plate of chicken fried steak or chicken fried chicken with an egg on top or some golden brown, griddle-cooked flapjacks.

KATHY’S CARRY OUT $

823 Isleta Blvd SW (505) 873-3472

FB: Kathy’s Carry Out

A half-century of success in the heart of the city’s South Valley that’s renowned for $2 tacos on Wednesdays (yes, Wednesdays), stuffed sopaipillas, smothered burritos and burgers. Take-home pints also available for beans, rice, carne adovada, etc. Indoor and outdoor seating, plus a drive-thru.

KATRINAH’S EAST MOUNTAIN GRILL $$

150 State Rd, 344 A (505) 508-0601

kawaiibobacafeabq.com

This contemporary diner specializes in homemade dishes, such as gyros, hand-cut steaks and burgers, and the best-selling Southern Salad (with fried green beans, bacon, cheddar cheese, tomato, and fried or grilled chicken or steak).

KAWAII BOBA-CAFÉ $

3200 La Orilla Rd NW, Ste. E (505) 281-9111

eastmountaingrill.com

Boba tea is just the beginning of the menu at this westside cafe. While the expansive tea menu allows for plenty of customizations, what really sets this cafe apart is their food menu featuring ramen, kimchi, and other Asian staples. Located conveniently next to Flix Brewhouse, this spot is a magnet for Albuquerque’s anime fans and cosplayers.

KIMO’S HAWAIIAN BBQ $

3239 Girard Blvd NE (505) 582-2797

kimosabq.com

Hawaii comes home. What began as a food truck is now a brick-and-mortar location also. Try freshfrom-the-isles Kalua Pork and Huli Huli Chicken plates served with sides like steamed cabbage, rice, and macaroni salad.

KŪKRI $

505 Central Ave NW (Located inside 505 Central Food Hall), Plus 3 other metro locations (505) 582-8891

kukriabq.com

Hot and spicy halal chicken tenders inspired by global flavors are Kūkri’s specialty, but their menu boasts a diverse array of poultry picks, from sliders to salads. With multiple spice levels to choose from, just don’t forget to try their specialty lemonades (you’ll be glad you did; it cools down the kick!).

K’LYNN’S SOUTHERN & CAJUN FUSION $$

4300 Ridgecrest Dr SE, Ste. O, Rio Rancho (505) 453-3068

Kathrine Johnson-Bey brings Cajun cuisine from the bayou to the desert in this Rio Rancho fusion restaurant. From fried oysters to hand-breaded crawfish tails, alligator po boys to collard greens, this unique eatery is a can’t-miss.

KOSMOS RESTAURANT $$

1715 5th St NW (505) 369-1772

kosmosabq.com

Part art gallery, part restaurant, Kosmos is a feast for the senses. The inventive staff brings together highgrade dinner style burgers with dishes sparked by the flavors of the Near East.

LA MEXICANA TORTILLA COMPANY $$

304 Coal Ave SW (505) 242-2558

Family owned and operated since 1932–that’s nearly a century, believe it or not–La Mexicana Tortilla Company makes fresh, hand-made corn and flour tortillas daily for both the restaurant itself and distributes their tortillas to nearly sixty other restaurants across the state. Of course, La Mexicana also offers New Mexican classics, ranging from green chile cheeseburgers to stuffed sopaipillas, available dine-in or carry-out.

LA QUICHE PARISIENNE BISTRO $

5850 Eubank Blvd NE, Ste. 17 (505) 242-2808

laquicheparisiennebistro.com

Long considered an authentic French staple of downtown ABQ, La Quiche has comfortably settled into the Heights and the baked goods will comfort your lazy weekend brunch cravings with true Parisian cuisine from the mainland.

LA REFORMA $$

8900 San Mateo Blvd NE, Ste. I (505) 717-1361

lareformabrewery.com

On the taco front, La Reforma is virtually unimpeachable, offering options like braised pork shoulder carnitas, tempura-battered white fish pescado, and rotisserie-broiled al pastor for carnivores, along with tempura-battered avocado (aguacate) for those looking for something plantbased.

LA SALITA $

1950 Juan Tabo Blvd NE (505) 299-9968

lasalita.com

The name may mean “little room,” but this New Mexican restaurant always has a full house. The chile rellenos, chile con queso, sopaipillas, and shredded beef burrito (a Wednesday special) have earned loyal customers for 37 years.

LA GUELAGUETZA

MEXICAN RESTAURANT $ 816 Old Coors Dr SW (505) 916-0095

la-guelaguetza-mexican-restaurantllc. business.site

If you’re looking for something especially authentic, La Guelaguetza is the place for you. This restaurant will provide you with no frills and traditional Mexican food. Options range from Birria, to mole, to cocktail shrimp and everything in between. Located on Old Coors La Guelaguetza gives a homestyle feel to all the favorites.

LAGUNA BURGER

2400 12th St NW plus 3 other metro locations (505) 352-8282 thelagunaburger.com

$

Every half-pound burger is made fresh upon ordering, topped with Hatch green chile, and slipped on a butter-toasted bun made specifically for Laguna Burger by Sara Lee. Also on the menu: freshlycut fries, foot-long chile cheese dogs, and zingy breakfast burritos.

LAVENDER COCINITA

6847 4th St NW, Los Ranchos de Albuquerque (505) 717-9814

$

lavendercocinita.com

Lavender Cocinita is the answer to old school New Mexican cuisine in Los Ranchos, serving up classic

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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.

LANTERN RIDGE FARM $$$

12540 N Highway 14, Sandia Park (505) 395-7774

lanternridgemarket.com

Lantern Ridge Farm has it all - a tasty breakfast menu, amazing lunches, gourmet dinners, beautiful scenery, and a market. Whether you’re looking for classic huevos rancheros, filet mignon, or dried pasta, you’ll find it here.

LIMONATA CAFÉ $$

3222 Silver Ave SE (505) 266-0607

limonatacafe.com

Channel your inner Italian at this street food-inspired café, where the breakfast and lunch menus feature perfect pastries, craveable cappuccino and trattoriainspired lunches. The chef makes every dish from scratch and insists that everything about the restaurant, from the menu to the atmosphere, be done just as it would in Italy.

LINDO MEXICO $$

7209 Central Ave NE plus 1 other metro location (505) 266-2999

lindomexicogrillandseafood.com

This once smaller operation has since been in business for 20 years. With extreme passion to express the heritage of certain dishes through authentic tastes, owners are proud to have an atmosphere that values family and traditions. Some popular items include mole, tacos, guacamole and their chile rojo. All made fresh in house.

LINDY’S DINER $$

500 Central Ave SW, #3114 (505) 242-2582

lindysdinerabq.com

Lindy’s is a neighborhood joint, through and through. The sort of place where, even if they don’t know your name, you’ll feel like they do anyway. The owners recommend the Ultimate Burger for that classic American diner experience.

LILY AND LIAM BISTRO $$

1751 Rio Rancho Blvd SE, Ste. 101, Rio Rancho (505) 340-3309

lilyandliambistro.com

The NM Dutch Baby (loaded with green chile, of course) is a Lily and Liam staple that has regulars coming back time and again. As a family-run business, it makes perfect sense that your whole family will love this homegrown spot.

LITTLE BEAR COFFEE $

2632 Pennsylvania St NE

Plus 1 other metro location (505) 917-8902

littlebearcoffeeco.com

Located near Uptown, Little Bear is not just serving up quality brew, but also providing an outpost for the neighborhood and coffee community.

THE LOCAL BREWHOUSE $$

300 Unser Blvd SE, Rio Rancho (505) 994-2007

Even situated in the large metro area, The Local Brewhouse still has that small town, neighborhood charm. Their menu features brewpub classics and 32 local, regional, domestic, and international beers and ciders on tap, more than a dozen of which are brewed in house.

LOS COMPADRES RESTAURANT

2437 Central Ave NW (505) 452-8091

compadresabq.com

$

Family recipes like the No. 16 Taco Plate, tacos with carne y papas (beef and potatoes) and the restaurant’s Menudo, have kept locals coming back for more than 15 years.

LOS CUATES

8700 Menual Blvd NE

plus 2 other metro locations (505) 237-2800

loscuatesrestaurants.com

$$

Popular since it opened over 25 years ago, Los Cuates serves its own ancho-chile salsa and tons of delicious New Mexican dishes in humongous portions.

LOS OLIVOS MEXICAN RESTAURANT

7900 Zuni Rd SE (505) 503-7879

$

Virtually everything on the menu at Los Olivos is Hernandez family recipe. Focused on traditional Mexican flavors, diners can enjoy authentic tacos, tortas, burritos, and soups, as well as different salsa for every dish.

LOS POOKIES MEXICAN RESTAURANT $

5626 Menaul Blvd NE (505) 588-2911

Los Pookies serves up both authentic and inventive Mexican family recipes from the heart. Known primarily for their birria, Los Pookies has ultimately generated plenty of buzz from their popular birria ramen and birria pizza (there’s even birria egg rolls on the menu). Also available on the menu are Mexican classics like molcajete, enchiladas, and tacos.

LOYOLA’S FAMILY RESTAURANT $$

4500 Central Ave SE (505) 268-6478

loyolasfamilyrestaurant.com

You’ll find both American and New Mexican goodies here, from fried chicken, roast beef and sandwiches to tasty local favorites such as burritos and posole.

LOS RANCHOS BAKERY $

6920 4th St NW (505) 859-4727

FB: @LosRanchosBakery

Specializing in sourdough loaves, Los Ranchos Bakery starts everything from scratch, also providing custom cakes, cinnamon rolls, pies, and scones, a cult favorite. Coffee is also a part of the menu, and all syrups are made in-house. Everything is ultimately small batch, so it’s best to get while the getting (or rather, baking) is good.

LUIGI’S RISTORANTE AND PIZZERIA $$

6225 4th St NW (505) 343-0466

luigisitalianfood.com

Enjoy more than 250 made-from-scratch Italian dishes, including pizza, chicken Florentine, spaghetti and meatballs, and green chile chicken lasagna.

M’TUCCI’S $$

6001 Winter Haven Rd NW plus 3 other metro locations (505) 503-7327

mtuccis.com

The menu at the Westside’s authentic Italian staple features refined comfort food classics, from meatball marinara to pot roast. Other menu items are crafted from choice Berkshire pigs that the eatery imports from northern Iowa and southern Minnesota farms. In fact, a unique pork dish is incorporated into a featured dinner special every night. Wash down your pasta, pizza, or salad with a carefully crafted cocktail from the bar.

MAC’S STEAK IN THE ROUGH $

4515 Menaul Blvd NE plus 1 other metro location (505) 888-3611

macsnm.com

Taquitos, onion rings, guacamole salad, and an original “steak in the rough”—slivers of beef served with French fries, coleslaw, a roll, catsup, and a fresh green scallion… these are just a few of the reasons Mac’s has been in business for so many years.

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

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

MARIO’S PIZZA $$

2401 San Pedro Dr NE plus 3 other metro locations (505) 883-4414

mariospizzaabq.com

Gourmet pizzas, big bowls of pasta, custom calzones and New York-style sandwiches are the norm at this tasty Italian eatery.

MARISCOS ALTAMAR $$

1517 Coors Blvd NW plus 1 other metro location (505) 831-1496

mariscosaltamarabq.com

With live music on the weekends, colorful murals, and authentic Mexican seafood dishes such as tostada de ceviche with shrimp, fish, and snow crab, dining at Mariscos Altamar is well worth the trip.

MARY & TITO’S CAFÉ $

2711 4th St NW (505) 344-6266

maryandtitos.com

From their famous carne adovada to their authentic New Mexican chips and salsa, Mary & Tito’s Café makes sure guests leave full and happy. This homey café also became the only Albuquerque restaurant

to win a James Beard Foundation America’s Classics Award in 2010.

MATA G VEGETARIAN KITCHEN $$

116 Amherst Dr SE (505) 266-6374

mata-g.com

An authentic vegetarian restaurant with a wide variety of vegetarian breakfasts, soups, salads, sandwiches, and hot specials.

MATI PERUVIAN CUISINE $$

303 San Pedro Dr NE (505) 516-9618

Facebook: Mati Peruvian Cuisine

Mati Peruvian Cuisine is arguably ABQ’s touchstone for Peruvian food—thanks to a diverse menu that aims to introduce restaurant goers to this complex South American cuisine. Popular dishes include four types of Peruvian ceviche and the Aji de Gallina, a mildly spiced chicken with yellow chile pepper and potatoes—along with the Loma Saltado, or marinated strips of sirloin served with red onions and tomatoes.

MARIGOLD CAFE $

161 Lang Ave NE, Ste. C (505) 433-4427

marigoldabq.com

This cozy cafe is serving up a much-loved fusion of Indian and American cuisine. The marigold cafe is a local family-owned business that uses only the highest quality ingredients and spices.

MAZAYA CAFÉ $

120 Harvard Dr SE (505) 582-2447

mazayacafe.com

Mazaya Café is dedicated to adding an authentic Mediterranean dining experience to the medley of options in the Nob Hill area–without breaking the bank for its diners. If you are looking to fill up, fresh-grilled kebabs, a half-dozen wraps, shawarma, and three kinds of fried or steamed dumpling plates headline the restaurant’s entrée menu.

MESA PROVISIONS $$

3120 Central Ave SE (505) 494-5264

mesaprovisions.com

With an emphasis on seasonally and locally influenced ingredients, you can always expect to find something fresh on the menu at Mesa Provisions. And although they have a wide variety of culinary offerings, year-round staples such as the halfsmoked chicken or the green chile cheddar biscuit will have you coming back for more.

MERAKI COFFEE + MARKET $$

5900 Eubank Blvd NE (505) 291-1116

drinkmerakiabq.com

Meraki in Greek is the word that describes the attention and love put into something you are preparing for others. With all real ingredients (no fake butter, sugar substitutes, etc.) it is clear the passion runs through each item that is made at Meraki. Everything is made early in the morning and most ingredients are sold in-store exclusively.

Whether you’re looking for a classic cappuccino or smoked salmon toast with homemade tomato jam, you are sure to find that every dish is extremely high quality and delicious.

MICHAEL THOMAS

COFFEE ROASTERS

$ (505) 504-7078

202 Bryn Mawr Dr SE michaelthomascoffee.com

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

MICHES

3925 Las Estancias Way (505) 407-2058

michesabq.com

$

Ceviche nachos are the standout item here at Miches, but really, seafood lovers can’t go wrong with their extensive menu that also features tostadas and fish tacos. Come for the seafood and stay for the micheladas, or Mexican beer cocktails—which are just about as fresh and authentic as it gets.

MISSION WINE & DINE

3423 Central Ave NE (505) 263-0731

missionwinerynm.com

$$

This Nob Hill restaurant concept pairs its own sustainable wines with unique, locally-inspired dishes—ranging from popular classics like the

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Green Chile Smash Burger to higher-end creations like Lobster Roll Sliders. Everything can be expertly paired with a glass of vino (or two), although diners are encouraged to experiment and delve deeper into New Mexico’s rich culinary history through an eclectic menu.

MICK’S CHILE FIX

3351 Candelaria Rd NE, Ste. A (505) 881-2233

mickschilefix.com

$

One of the city’s true spots for getting something hot: try The Shocker (an eight-pound breakfast burrito), huevos rancheros, or the Frito pie, all with homemade red or green chile.

MILLY’S $

2100 Candelaria Rd NE

plus 1 other metro location (505) 884-0707

millysrestaurants.com

If you’re not sure what to eat, have a little of everything with an American-New Mexican–Greek menu. This breakfast and lunch spot melds salads and sandwiches with traditional New Mexican and Greek entrees.

MONROE’S RESTAURANT $ 6051 Osuna Rd NE plus 1 other metro location (505) 881-4224

monroeschile.com

More than 50 years after opening its doors south of Old Town, Monroe’s continues to serve reliable New Mexican favorites to a local fan base, and service around here is a team effort, so no glass goes unfilled.

MONTE CARLO STEAKHOUSE $$$

3916 Central Ave SW (505) 836-9886

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

MR. TOKYO $$ 11200 Montgomery Blvd NE (505) 292-4728

Soak up the cool Zen-like atmosphere while enjoying six versions of fried rice, sushi, sashimi, tempura, hibachi, grilled udon, soups, and teriyaki spiced with fiery Thai chili peppers.

MUSTANG

CAFÉ

8601 Lomas Blvd NE (505) 275-4477

$

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

MULAS

4908 Corrales Rd, Corrales (505) 548-8084 mulasnm.com

$$

This authentic tapas eatery blends New Mexican culture with Spanish dining to create an environment —and menu—like no other. With fusion-forward dishes, like green chile shrimp empanadas and pork belly glazed in green chile jam, Mulas will remind you that the only thing better than good food is good company.

NAAN & DOSA

6501 Wyoming Blvd NE (505) 797-4243 naananddosa.com

$$

Many Indian restaurants only serve either Northern or Southern Indian food. Not Naan and Dosa. Named for the traditional breads from both regions of the country, take your pick of the leavened flatbreads (naan) or eight different types of rolled dosas. Also try their lunch buffet Tuesdays through Saturdays, featuring a sampling of their menu.

NAGOMI RESTAURANT $

2400 Juan Tabo Blvd NE (505) 298-3081

nagomirestaurantabq.com

The Nagomi menu is virtually overrun with Japanese culinary classics. Nagomi is also one of the few places in Albuquerque where you can go to indulge in shabu-shabu, a Japanese-style hot pot.

NAKA SUSHI

1035 Juan Tabo Blvd NE (505) 200-9152 nakasushiabq.com

$$

A little bit of Thai, a little bit of Korean, and a little bit of Japanese, but entirely delicious. Naka Sushi fuses

multiple Asian flavors to make fresh sushi, bento boxes, and other Asian dishes, all in a location with a vibrant, appealing ambiance.

NAMASTE $

1580 Deborah Rd SE, Rio Rancho plus 1 other metro location (505) 896-3126

namastenm.net

Offering authentic Nepalese and Indian dishes— including chicken tikka masala and lamb curry— Namaste also serves traditional food with a New Mexico twist, such as the green chile chicken curry.

NAPOLI COFFEE

3035 Menaul Blvd NE (505) 884-5454

napolicoffee.com

$

A diversified menu of caffeinated companions means something for everyone at Napoli Coffee. Currently located on Menaul, Napoli aims to please and cater to guest requests, so the possibilities and drink combinations are seemingly endless. In addition to coffee, they also offer a variety of freshly made sandwiches, wraps, and breakfast burritos.

NARUTO $

2110 Central Ave SE (505) 369-1039

narutonoodle.com

Who knew Ramen noodles could be so creative, so diverse, and so darn good. Naruto is reinventing the Ramen noodle with specialized dishes that can’t be found anywhere else in the city.

NEW MEXICO BEEF JERKY COMPANY $

1425 4th St NW (505) 242-6121

newmexicobeefjerkycompany.com

Beef jerky? Check. Chicharrones? You better believe it. Tacos, burgers, and burritos - who knew that the New Mexico Beef Jerky Company had so much awesome food to offer? You don’t stay in business for 45 years without good reason, so be sure to swing by this classic joint to get your New Mexican food fix.

NEXUS BREWERY $$

4730 Pan American Fwy NE, Ste. D plus 1 other metro location (505) 242-4100

nexusbrewery.com

If the made-to-order fried chicken and waffles and mac and cheese has you drooling, reach for one of Nexus’ brewed in-house beers.

NEXUS BLUE SMOKEHOUSE $$

1511 Broadway Blvd SE (505) 445-1545

smokehouse.nexusbrewery.com

Tender and mouthwatering meat, Nexus uses the blue smoke method. With favorites like burnt ends and pulled pork sandwiches, tangy sides, and perfectly paired brews, Nexus Blue Smokehouse achieves top of the line status.

NM SANGWICHES $

4400 Masthead St NE, Ste. 160 (505) 835-5138

nmsoulfoodco.co

The former Rio Rancho favorite has moved to North ABQ with their menu of classic sandwiches, served both hot (grilled cheese, pulled pork, meatball) and cold (chicken salad, BLT), plus salads. The breakfast menu includes bowls, biscuits & gravy, muffins and bagels.

NOODLE WORKS $$

5901 Wyoming Blvd NE, Ste. S (505) 990-0055

noodleworksnm.com

Every noodle at Noodle Works hand stretched, hand spun, and hand sliced in house fresh for every meal. With unique dishes and signature takes on popular favorites, almost everything on the menu can be modified or elaborated with noodles.

OAK TREE CAFE $

4545 Alameda Blvd NE (505) 830-2233

cafeoaktree.com

Owner Robert Carson is a constant presence at this homestyle joint that consistently serves up delicious burgers, sandwiches, and craft salads. With local beer on tap, this isn’t your typical cafe—and as a family-owned establishment for generations, it’s perhaps best kept that way.

BITES

OHANA HUT $

5740 Night Whisper Rd NW (505) 508-4439

ohanahut.com

Family owned and operated Ohana Hut means “Family Hut.” It specializes in Hawaiian, Japanese, and Korean flavors to create an Asian fusion menu with a New Mexican twist.

OLD TOWN PIZZA PARLOR $$

108 Rio Grande Blvd NW (505) 999-1949

oldtownpizzaabq.com

This comfy, funky, family-owned restaurant serves tasty pies, huge calzones, and portions of pasta that won’t ever leave you hungry.

OLO DESSERT STUDIO $

3339 Central Ave NE, Ste. C-3 (505) 750-4656

olodessertstudio.com

Nothing is as sweet as a guilt-free treat. In the same building as Staples in Nob Hill, Olo features a Candyland-esque interior, complete with 10 flavor choices and a salad-bar-sized toppings bar.

O’HARE’S GRILLE & PUB $$

4100 Southern Blvd SE, Rio Rancho (505) 896-0123

oharesgrillepub.com

With a menu that is centered around the idea that variety is the key to success, O’Hare’s offers pub fare in a family-friendly atmosphere. Try the Corned Beef and Cabbage special, O’Hare’s Double Decker

Reuben, or the staple Fish and Chips, for a truly Irish experience.

ONI

600 Central Ave SW, Ste. #100 (505) 503-6722

oniabq.com

Warm, umami scents fill the air at Oni, which has an abundance of ramen and other Japanese options. A house favorite is the Shoyu Ramen, which features cherry wood smoked pork belly, seasonal vegetables, and a pork bone broth that’s cooked in-house.

O’NIELL’S

PUB

3301 Juan Tabo Blvd NE (505) 293-1122

oniells.com

$$

O’Niell’s boasts the same neighborhood feeling, many of the same staffers, and virtually the same menu (including the “weird sandwich,” the “burger in paradise,” and homemade fish and chips). Added: an outdoor patio and more beer choices.

O RAMEN $

2114 Central Ave SE (505) 508-1897

Yes, the Duke City has the real thing. O Ramen’s Tonkotsu (pork bone broth) spends 18 hours on the stovetop before it blesses your bowl; expect plenty of options for vegetarians and Japanese curry lovers, to boot.

ORCHID THAI CUISINE $

4300 Central Ave SE (505) 265-4047 orchidabq.com

Orchid Thai has been serving hungry Albuquerqueans traditional dishes like Pad Thai at its Nob Hill location for more than a decade. But this award-winning eatery goes beyond the traditional with unique dishes like deep-fried sesame duck, green tea curry, and Szechwan eggplant, all made from scratch.

THE OWL CAFÉ

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

$$

World-famous green chile cheeseburgers, milkshakes, fajitas, quesadillas, meatloaf, burritos, fries… the list of great drool-worthy dishes goes on and on.

PACIFIC PARADISE TROPICAL GRILL AND SUSHI BAR

$$

3000 San Pedro Dr NE (505) 881-0999

pacific-paradise-restaurant-abq.com

Faux palms and tiki huts frame a menu filled with more than 100 options: salads, soups, stir-fry, seafood, fried rice, noodles, sushi, and dessert menu. Try the Seafood Rice Pizza or Rock ‘n’ Roll Sushi.

PADILLA’S MEXICAN KITCHEN $

1510 Girard Blvd NE (505) 262-0115

It might not get any more New Mexican than it does at Padilla’s—from huevos rancheros and tamales to

chile rellenos and egg-topped blue corn enchiladas. You may have to shake your head after a taste of the chile just to remind yourself you’re not in your grandmother’s kitchen. A sopaipilla dripping with honey will seal the deal for your traditional meal.

PAISANO’S ITALIAN RESTAURANT $$

1935 Eubank Blvd NE (505) 298-7541

paisanosabq.com

Family recipes have kept Paisano’s going for more than 35 years, but the hand-rolled pasta, 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.

THE PALETA BAR $

2325 San Pedro Dr NE plus 12 other metro locations (505) 884-0049

thepaletabar.com

A hidden Albuquerque gem, The Paleta Bar has taken a tried-and-true, frozen Mexican dessert to new heights. Since 2017, this paleta wonderland has been slinging refreshing Mexican popsicles in endless combinations of flavors.

PAPA FELIPE’S MEXICAN

RESTAURANT $$

9800 Menaul Blvd NE (505) 292-8877

papafelipes.com

Papa Felipe’s exceeds expectations by offering traditional New Mexican cuisine (enchiladas, stuffed sopaipillas, tacos) as well as simple twists on favorite dishes (green chile carne adovada, Tampico Tacos, Green Tamale Pie).

PAPA NACHOS $$

7648 Louisiana Blvd NE (505) 821-4900

papanachosfood.com

Great homemade Mexican food based on tried-andtrue family recipes is the specialty here: burritos, fish tacos, and the namesake nachos will all make your panza happy.

PARS CUISINE $$

4320 The 25 Way NE, Ste. 100 (505) 345-5156 parscuisine.us

For more than 20 years, Pars has served Persian and Mediterranean menu items in a unique atmosphere. Choose to sit on the floor under a large tent, and enjoy the talents of belly dancers, and enjoy tasty kebabs, gyros and more.

PELICAN’S RESTAURANT $$$

9800 Montgomery Blvd NE plus 1 other metro location (505) 298-7678

pelicansabq.com

For 30 years, customers have fallen for Pelican’s— hook, line and sinker. Favorite entrées include Alaskan king crab, Australian lobster tail, and their delicious prime rib.

PEREA’S NEW

MEXICAN RESTAURANT

$ 1140 Juan Tabo Blvd NE (505) 293-0157

Even after multiple relocations over the course of it’s 40-plus year history in Albuquerque, Perea’s keeps their loyal customers and newcomings coming back with their hearty New Mexican comfort foods.

the specialty here. Seven types of fish, 12 sauces, and 22 toppings make for endless combinations atop 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

A sister brew pub to Pints Brewing in Portland, Oregon, Ponderosa features a wide selection of American and German standard beers, with a classic

Taking a drive past Bernalillo is a pleasure when you know the visit will include amazing made-fromscratch dishes such as herb-grilled ribeye with

Irish brews like the Crimson Lass and Rye’t Side of Dublin are paired nicely with Celtic pub fare with a New Mexico twist. Must-tries include the classic fish and chips, ruben, shepherd’s pie, and poutine with

For home-cooked food regional with local roots, look no further than Ramona’s Mexican Cafe. A hybrid of Mexican and New Mexican cuisine with the likes of tacos, enchiladas, burritos and quesadillas on the menu. The restaurant’s menu primarily features recipes from the owner’s mother, including Chile

Locals flock to the Range Café when they’re in search of good, made-from-scratch comfort food, including meatloaf sandwiches, huevos rancheros, enchiladas,

So authentic that the menu is derived from a family cookbook written entirely in Polish, Red Rock Deli boasts Polish and Chicago-style deli delights, especially their handmade pierogies with ingredients

BITES

RELISH GOURMET SANDWICHES $$

8019 Menaul Blvd NE (505) 299-0001

relishsandwichesabq.com

It’s no wonder this sandwich shop has been voted “best” by publications throughout Albuquerque—it serves only the best Boar’s Head meats and all of their dishes are accompanied by homemade sides or soups. Try the Cubano. You won’t be disappointed.

RESTORATION PIZZA $

5161 Lang Ave NE, Ste. A (505) 582-2720

restorationpizza.com

Here, good food and positive works—delivered simultaneously—is in the very nature of the business. The idea is to provide patrons with top-notch pies and first-rate beers while giving traditionally underemployed individuals work opportunities they would otherwise miss.

RESTAURANT FORTY NINE FORTY $$$

4940 Corrales Rd, Corrales (505) 554-3866

fanciecorrales.com

What began as a taco stand eventually evolved into a more high-end, fine dining experience, now known as Restaurant Forty Nine Forty. With a dry-aged meats program, plus Sunday Brunch and plenty of special dinners on the calendar, Restaurant Forty Nine Forty offers a plethora of plates, such as roasted sea bass, on a rotating, seasonal menu.

REVEL BURGER $$

4720 Alexander Blvd. NE (505) 303-4700

revelburger.com

Located inside Revel Entertainment, Revel burger’s delicious menu of Angus burgers and chicken sandwiches are cut, trimmed, and prepared in house. Try one of their American classics or challenge yourself to the Jawbreaker: a five-patty, pound and a half burger.

RICHARD’S MEXICAN RESTAURANT $$

3301 Menaul Blvd NE (505) 881-1039

Mexican favorites—such as carne adovada, relleño, tacos, and green chile enchiladas—cooked in the healthiest, most nutritious, yummiest way possible. Open for breakfast and lunch.

RICHIE B’S PIZZA $$

7200 Montgomery Blvd NE, Ste. A-2

Plus 1 other metro location (505) 312-8579

richiebsabq.com

New York-style pizza has come home to roost in Albuquerque’s Northeast Heights. Whether by the slice or by the pie—some of which measure 25 inches in diameter—you’ll need every bit of your appetite when you visit Richie B’s. Not in the mood for pizza? Wrap your hands around a turkey, cheesesteak, or Italian sandwich, topped with its signature Viper sauce, or tempt your sweet tooth with traditional cannoli or New York-style cheesecake.

RIO BRAVO BREWING COMPANY $ 1912 2nd St NW (505) 900-3909

riobravobrewing.com

The pub and grill is bright and airy with high ceilings and a modern industrial style, mixed with the cozy rustic feel of a neighborhood bar, with 32 taps, including their award winning La Luz Lager.

ROMA BAKERY & DELI

501 Roma Ave NW (505) 843-9418

romabakeryanddeli.com

$

You’ll find more than fresh-baked cookies and pastries at this bakery—feast your eyes (and taste buds) on grilled sandwiches and eight fresh deli salads and soups.

ROSE GARDEN

6541 Paradise Blvd NW, Ste. E plus 1 other metro location (505) 897-8880

rosegardenabq.com

$

Over 100 menu items and great customer service ensures locals always return. Rose Garden never disappoints with a wide range of appetizers, soups and entrees. Owner, Mieng Lu, says the Kung Pao chicken, orange chicken and beef lo mein are just a few of his favorites.

RUMOR PIZZA $$

724 Mountain Rd NW (505) 808-9877

rumorpizza.com

It’s not just a rumor: the pies at Rumor Pizza are seriously top-notch—arguably better than your average American chain. Made with organic ingredients and featuring unique pairings, Rumor’s menu offers ten core pizzas to choose from, ranging from classics like pepperoni to a funghi pie, made with two types of mushrooms and topped with whipped mascarpone and chives.

RUSTIC BUBBLE TEA CAFE $

840 Juan Tabo Blvd NE, Ste. B (505) 508-1813

Rustic Bubble Tea Cafe has all of the fundamentals of a bubble shop down, of course - the hint is in the name - but what sets the independent Albuquerque startup apart is the Vietnamese-inspired menu that accompanies its decadent beverages.

RUTILIO’S FAMILY RESTAURANT $

455 N Main St, Belen (505) 864-0093

Belen Mayor Rudy Jaramillo’s carne adovada is what put Rutilos on the map. This hangout serves their perfect pork with rice and beans, stuffed inside burritos and sopaipillas, and layered inside enchiladas and quesadillas. Add Rutilios breakfast burritos and classic New Mexican combos, and guests are sure to find something worth campaigning for.

SADIE’S OF NEW

MEXICO

$$ 6230 4th St. NW (505) 296-6940 sadiesofnewmexico.com

A staple in New Mexican cuisine, Sadie’s features enchiladas, carne adovada ribs, tacos, burritos, and of course, world-famous chips and salsa. Reservations are recommended.

SAGGIO’S $$

107 Cornell Dr SE plus one other metro location (505) 255-5454 unmsaggios.com

This university joint is known for its pizza, particularly the pepperoni and green chile-topped pie, but the pasta, sandwiches, and salads shouldn’t be slept on!

SAHARA MIDDLE

EASTERN EATERY

2622 Central Ave SE (505) 255-5400

saharamiddleeasterneatery.com

$

Delectable Middle Eastern plates served up Manhattan-deli style. The chicken shawarma plate, complete with greens, pita, hummus, and awardwinning tabbouleh, is always a good bet. Complete with beer and wine, and belly dancing on weekends, this is a fave of students, locals, and out-of-towners alike.

SAIGON RESTAURANT $

6001 San Mateo Blvd NE, Ste.D4 plus 1 other metro location (505) 884-0706

saigonrestaurantnm.com

Vicky Truong’s secret to 12 years of success has been consistency. Truong maintains an extensive menu that caters to every type of eater. From summer dishes such as noodle bowls to winter mainstays like beef noodle soup, Truong will make sure you find your favorites.

SAKURA SUSHI & GRILL

6241 Riverside Plaza NW (505) 890-2838

abqsakurasushingrill.com

$$

Favorites at Sakura are the Stone Pot Bibimbap (which is cooked at the table in a stone pot), the Tiger Roll, the Short Rib, the Baked Lobster Roll, the Sushi Tacos, and the impressive list of sake imported from Japan.

SALATHAI $ 3619 Copper Ave NE (505) 265-9330

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

BITES

SAMURAI GRILL AND SUSHI BAR $$$

9500 Montgomery Blvd NE (505) 275-6601

abqsamurai.com

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

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.

SATELLITE COFFEE

2300 Central Ave, Plus 4 other metro locations (505) 254-3800

satellitecoffee.com

$

Satellite Coffee perhaps harkens back to the classic cafes of yesteryear, as the coffee here is roasted fresh in small batches daily, available alongside refreshing smoothies and plen-tea of tea options for enthusiasts. But make no mistake: Satellite is 100% local and serves all-day breakfast and lunch bites like carne adovada burritos and sandwiches such as the turkey pepper jack. At the end of the day, it’s coffee done well and done right.

SCARPA’S BRICK OVEN PIZZA

5500 Academy Rd NE (505) 821-1885

scarpaspizza.com

$$

That brick oven is cornerstone to this neighborhood favorite, producing pizzas such as the shrimp pesto, the Greek, and the chipotle chicken. But Scarpas also knows pasta, including red chile cream pasta and pasta sorento with oak-roasted chicken.

SEARED

119 San Pasquale Ave SW (505) 999-8414

searedabq.com

$$

During the day, the space is Cheese & Coffee, but at night, it gets a makeover and becomes Seared, a fine dining establishment serving up steak, pork loin, and Atlantic Salmon among other things.

SEASONS ROTISSERIE AND GRILL

2031 Mountain Rd NW (505) 766-5100

seasonsabq.com

$$$

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

SERGIO’S BAKERY & CAFE $

2740 Wyoming Blvd NE (505) 554-2602

Fresh, made-from-scratch cookies, donuts, breads, pastries, cakes, and cannolis are on the mouthwatering menu at this Italian bakery.

SHARK REEF CAFÉ

2601 Central Ave NW (505) 848-7182

$$

To conclude your tour of the Albuquerque Aquarium, grab a seat at this full-service restaurant, where the dining room features a view of the oceanic reef exhibit. Catering to visitors, families, and daytime dates, the menu offers simple, fun options. Call ahead for special events, like themed dinners and holiday celebrations.

SHOGUN JAPANESE RESTAURANT $$

3310 Central Ave SE (505) 265-9166

shogunabq.com

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

THE SHOP BREAKFAST AND LUNCH $$

2933 Monte Vista Blvd NE (505) 433-2795

theshopabq.com

The Shop Breakfast and Lunch serves up breakfast and lunch (as the name implies) but with a focus on local sourcing and seasonal favorites. The dishes at The Shop deftly combine Creole and Latin American influences with a dose of New Mexican comfort. The flavors really pop.

SLAPFISH $$

2100 Lousiana Blvd NE plus 1 other metro location (505) 916-0320

slapfishrestaurant.com

Have you ever had a fish so fresh that it jumped up and tail slapped you in the face? Well, that’s the joke behind the very popular eater, Slapfish. This fast casual gem has gained a great reputation for efficiency, service, flavor combos, and the freshness of their seafood.

SIXTY SIX ACRES $$

2400 12th St NW (505) 243-2230

sixtysixacres.com

A modern take on a classic bar and grill, Sixty-Six Acres has something for everyone. With unique appetizers, salads, and bowls, plus craft cocktails, you’re sure to find something to satisfy. Located in the Avanyu Plaza, you can enjoy your meal with a beautiful view of the Sandias.

SLATE STREET BILLIARDS BAR & GRILLE

$

2003 Southern Blvd SE, #139, Rio Rancho (505) 994-0363

slatestreetbilliards.com

Come for the pool, stay for the nachos. And the burgers. And the wings. Rio Rancho’s favorite pool hall also has great Happy Hour pricing and plenty of special events.

SLATE STREET CAFE $$

515 Slate Ave NW (505) 243-2210

slatestreetcafe.com

Slate Street Cafe is a sleek, contemporary eatery that combines big city ambiance with inspired, modern cuisine. From the smoked salmon frittata to build-your-own bruschetta to mouthwatering Ahi tuna, their culinary flair will tantalize and delight from breakfast through dinner.

SLICE AND DICE PIZZERIA

5720 McMahon Blvd NE. Ste. B plus 1 other metro locations (505) 261-2058

sliceanddicepizzeria.com

$

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

SOO BAK SEOUL BOWL

11 Hermosa Dr SE (505) 268-0017

soobakfoods.com

$

Serving up a style of food known as “koi fusion”, Soo Bak offers a wide variety of delicious entrees including eight different varieties of kimchi. Try the Soy Crunch Kimchi, which comes with pickled chayote squash, onions, some jalapenos, and fish sauce, apple juice, soy sauce, and vinegar.

SQUEEZED JUICE BAR

7900 San Pedro Dr NE, Ste. A-12 plus 2 other metro locations (505) 821-1437

squeezedjuicebars.com

$

Incredibly innovative, modern mixed juices, smoothies, and other healthy delights for people on the move and looking for exercise recovery. Three to five pounds of fruit are squeezed into every drink, and it’s all extract, no fillers, and sure to brighten your day.

BITES

ST. JAMES TEA ROOM

320 Osuna Rd NE, Ste. D (505) 242-3752

stjamestearoom.com

$$$

Albuquerque’s long-standing, go-to teahouse, this enveloping, intricately detailed, and authentically British tearoom provides old-fashioned conversation and honest service.

STARR BROS. BREWING

5700 San Antonio Dr NE, Ste. B1 (505) 492-2752

starrbrothersbrewing.com

$

With dishes ranging from American favorites to Southern fare, Starr Bros. Brewing is more than an

award-winning brewery. It has turned heads with Poutine Burqueno: a New Mexican take on the Canadian greasy-spoon classic. The house burger, with high-quality beef and homemade green chile aioli, is a customer favorite.

STEEL BENDER BREWYARD $$

8305 2nd St NW (505) 433-3537

steelbenderbrewyard.com

The 275-seat brewery has an industrial vibe with cozy undertones. But the Los Ranchos brewery stands apart from competitors based on its wide selection of house-made beers and its gourmet menu.

STICKY

RICE

7600 Jefferson St NE, #5 (505) 797-1288

$

Likely the only authentic Laotian sticky rice to be found anywhere in ABQ, this menu offers moist, slow roasted chicken and a few frills at prices you can’t beat with a chopstick. The family meal is a steal.

STONE FACE TAVERN

8201 San Pedro Dr NE (505) 822-8855

$$

Whether as a sports bar, live music venue, upscale grill, or just as a place that offers a little fun in the sand, Stone Face Tavern has something for everyone. Inside these doors, guarded by stone gargoyles, you’ll find large, shareable appetizers and entrees, plenty of beets on tap, and both outdoor and indoor volleyball courts.

STORMING CRAB

5001 San Mateo Blvd NE plus 1 other metro location (505) 407-2032 albuquerque.stormingcrab.us

$$

Specializing in large, customizable seafood boils, rich in Cajun and Atlantic coast flavor, Storming Crab’s selection of dinner combos encourages diners to build their own. Black and green mussels, shrimp, crawfish, white clams, and crab legs can be ordered by the pound.

STRIPES BURRITO CO

2204 Menaul Blvd NE plus 6 other metro locations (505) 881-5151 stripesco.com

$

Stripes is serving up classic burritos all day long. From bacon to carne adovada, the flavor-packed favorite will surely hit the spot. What’s the hardest choice you’ll have to make? Red or green!

SUNNYSIDE UP

BREAKFAST & LUNCH CAFE

6909 Menaul Blvd NE, Ste. A (505) 888-3447

sunnysideupabq.com

$$

Located right by Uptown, patrons can find everything from eggs (prepared in various ways) to waffles to cocktails and more served up from breakfast through lunch. Specific menu items include Strawberry Banana Waffle, Bacon Avocado Scramble and Arizona Turkey.

SUSHIBUCKS

2106 Central Ave SE, Ste. A (505) 243-8089

$$

This Asian-inspired restaurant with New Mexican flair provides customers with fast service and quality food. Sushibucks offers over 30 sushi rolls, including baked and no-rice offerings. Diners can also order udon, bulgogi, and bibimbap for those not feeling sushi.

SUSHI KING

9421 Coors Blvd NW (505) 890-6200 sushikingabq.com

$$

As one of the originators of sushi in Albuquerque, it’s no wonder Sushi King is beloved by so many. By merging tastes of Japan and America with rolls like the New Mexico Roll and the Lady in Red, you really can’t go wrong.

BITES

SUSHI XUAN $$

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

sushixuanasiangrill.com

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

SUSHIYA

2906 Juan Tabo Blvd NE (505) 275-4777

sushiyanm.com

$$

This family-owned and operated restaurant strives to serve up sushi the way you’d find it on the southern California coast. A clean and comfortable atmosphere pairs well with friendly service and some of the thickest cuts of salmon in the city.

TAAJ PALACE

1435 Eubank Blvd NE (505) 296-0109

taajpalacenm.com

$

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

TACOS EL MUCHACHO ALEGRE $

3107 Eubank Blvd NE, Ste 16 (505) 221-2112

IG: @tacoselmuchachoalegre505

Family recipes are the source of many of the authentic Mexican dishes at Tacos El Muchacho Alegre—like, for example, the popular Carne Asada taco, which comes loaded with all the classic fixings. Everything here is homemade, from the corn tortillas to all the salsas and sauces, although owners will claim that the secret ingredient is really simple: love.

TACO SAL $

9621 Menaul Blvd NE (505) 298-2210

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

TACO SHEL

7001 San Antonio Dr NE, Ste. G (505) 828-0260

tacoshel.com

$

Be sure to bring cash when you come to this New Mexican staple. You’ll be glad you did, because whether you prefer tamales, enchiladas, sopapillas, or any other New Mexican classic, you can be sure that it will have been made fresh, in-house with affordable prices at Taco Shel.

TAJ MAHAL CUISINE OF INDIA $

1430 Carlisle Blvd NE (505) 255-1994

tajmahalabq.com

Taj Mahal is filled with all of your Indian favorites, from fresh naan (try the garlic version) to tasty saag paneer. The line goes out the door for the popular lunch buffet.

TAKO TEN

1250 Candelaria Rd NE, Ste. B (505) 508-3518

$

Chef and owner Dominic Valenzuela takes a creative spin on tacos, or takos if you will, by curating a unique menu, which includes a Vegan Sweet Potato Tako. Try the salsa bar!

TAMASHI

6400 Holly Ave NE, Ste. G

Plus 1 other metro location (505) 717-2457

tamashiabq.com

$$

Award winning sushi at reasonable prices, unique appetizers, and hand picked alcohol are just some of the reasons to eat at Tamashi. Did we mention they also have killer ramen? With so much variety, you’re sure to become a regular.

TAP N TACO

1120 Pat D’Arco Hwy (505) 800-5966

tapntaco.com

$

This spot specializes in Mexican street tacos, quesadillas, papa asada, nachos, and fries, with protein options for everyone ranging from asada to vegetarian. If you’re a fan of salsa bars, Tap N

Taco has one with just about everything you need to elevate your food. Not only are the taco options pleasing to the palate but there’s an aesthetic appeal too.

TASTE OF INDIA $$

1605 Juan Tabo Blvd NE (505) 294-6342

tasteofindiaabq.com

Family recipes modified for American tastes; Taste of India typically dials back the spice a bit. But it’s no misnomer to think of Taste of India as just what the name advertises: a taste of regional flavors, conveyed by people who grew up with them

TASTY NOODLES AND DUMPLINGS $$

2325 San Pedro Dr NE, Ste. 1E (505) 219-3988

tastynoodlesanddumplings.com

This Uptown spot known for their hand-pulled noodles and made-to-order dumplings and Bao (soup dumplings) also features more “traditional” Chinese fare and an adventurous Chef’s Special menu on request.

TASTY POT $

8050 Academy Rd NE, #101 (505) 717-2190

The popular chain Tasty Pot offers ten signature hot pot options, in addition to twelve flavors of soup bases–such as beef, lamb, and tomato–allowing seemingly endless customization and flavor combinations. Various proteins from lobster to beef are also available to put into your hot pot to make it your way. Of course, it wouldn’t be New Mexico without a little (or a lot) of chile–and the Tasty Pot

in Albuquerque keeps it local by offering a special green chile hot pot.

TEN 3 $$

30 Tramway Rd NE (505) 764-8363

ten3tram.com

Whether you’re looking for fine or casual dining, TEN 3 is an experience. With a take on modern American and Mediterranean cuisine, choose from a menu of delicious appetizers, salads, and entrees while dining 10,300 feet above sea level. TEN 3 is a treat for your eyes and taste buds as you sit at the top of Sandia Peak.

TEOFILO’S RESTAURANTE $$

144 Main St NW, Los Lunas (505) 865-5511

teofilos.com

This restaurant’s generations-old made-fromscratch recipes will draw you to Los Lunas, along with the warm chips, chile rellenos, crème cake enchiladas, and more, all handmade from scratch.

TERIYAKI MADNESS $$

11032 Montgomery Blvd NE (505) 508-0430

teriyakimadness.com

For those looking for a break from the old guard of fast casual Asian cuisine, Teriyaki Madness offers fresh, simple teriyaki bowls. The secret is in their house made sauce, officially known as MAD sauce.

THAI BORAN $$

3236 La Orilla Rd NW, Ste. A (505) 492-2244

thaiborannm.com

Steeped in spicy tradition, Thai Boran has quickly gained traction as one of the top Thai restaurants Albuquerque has to offer. Thai Boran, which means “Old Thai”, features 53 items on its menu, including five soups, six curries, and five unique dishes off the “Chef’s Collection” section.

THAI CUISINE II

4201 Central Ave NE (505) 232-3200

thaicuisinenm.com

$

House in perhaps the most curious A-frame along Route 66, this is the second-coming of a muchbeloved Westside Thai staple, and judging by the fandom, it’s simply better. Be wary of the heat in these dishes, and if you’re vegan/vegetarian, be very, very thankful.

THAI KITCHEN

10707 Corrales Rd (505) 890-0059

thaikitchenabq.com

$

Art Xaiyasiha is one of two siblings who crafted one of the Duke City’s first great Thai restaurants, Siam Cafe. Thai Kitchen is his very own venture, featuring his takes on authentic dishes that taste “just like they do back home”.

BITES

THAI HOUSE $$

2000 Carlisle Blvd NE (505) 247-9205

thaihouserestaurantabq.com

With an impressive stay in ABQ (Thai House is approaching its 40-year anniversary), this South Asian restaurant has a secret weapon in its native Thai chef who brings her vast knowledge of Thai cuisine to the metro.

THAI SPICE $$

7441 Paseo Del Norte NE (505) 503-1521

thaispiceabq.com

An extensive menu features authentic Thai favorites like Pad Thai or Thai fried rice. Lunch special includes an egg roll, entrée, and coconut milk tapioca pudding punctuated with an origami rose–topped straw.

THAI VEGAN $$

5505 Osuna Rd. NE plus 1 other metro location (505) 884-4610

thaivegannm.com

Utilizing local organic produce, you’ll get some of the healthiest food around, all without sacrificing taste. This non-vegan favorite has hearty offerings and a soy chicken that satisfies even the pickiest of meat eaters.

THEOBROMA CHOCOLATIER $

12611 Montgomery Blvd NE (505) 293-6545

theobromachocolatier.com

More than 20 years of experience goes into every morsel of European–inspired chocolate and sweet

treat at this 505 sweet-tooth savior. Streamlined and polished, Theobroma has the look of a franchise, but everything is hand-crafted and produced on-site.

THE WHOLE ENCHILADA

10701 Corrales Rd, #25 (505) 897-5933

$$

The Whole Enchilada is dishing up authentic Mexican food and great customer service. By incorporating different cheeses like queso fresco, and guajillo chiles instead of the red or green used here in New Mexico, the flavors shine to give a true Mexican Influence to each dish. The Whole Enchiladas fare extends beyond the restaurant moniker with options such as bone marrow tacos, steaks, and seared fish filets.

THUNDER ROAD STEAKHOUSE AND CANTINA AT ROUTE 66 CASINO HOTEL

14500 Central Ave SW, Laguna Pueblo (505) 352-7888 rt66casino.com

$$

Nestled inside this busy casino, you’ll find dishes that are a confluence of cultures at Thunder Road: madefrom-scratch salsas, fresh tortillas, Pastel de Tres Leches Cake, Yucatan Tacos, Smoked Baby Back Pork Ribs, and much more.

TIA B’S LA WAFFLERIA $

3710 Campus Blvd NE (505) 492-2007 lawaffleriaabq.com

You’ve never experienced waffles of this magnitude. A residential home-turned-restaurant, anticipate

artisan flare (lavender whipped cream, goat cheese, and caramel apple toppings) and plenty of goods for vegans and celiacs.

TIA JUANITA’S PRONTO! $

2200 Sunport Loop SE (505) 842-4280 fresquezcompanies.com

You’ve never experienced waffles of this magnitude. A residential home-turned-restaurant, anticipate artisan flare (lavender whipped cream, goat cheese, and caramel apple toppings) and plenty of goods for vegans and celiacs.

TOMASITA’S $$

4949 Pan American Fwy NE (505) 344-1204 tomasitas.com

Known widely for its Northern New Mexican food and margaritas, Tomasita’s prides itself on authenticity and locally sourced ingredients. The food and friendly service will not disappoint.

TURTLE MOUNTAIN NORTH

7835 Enchanted Hills Blvd NE, Rio Rancho plus 1 other metro location (505) 404-0414

$$

The newest location of a beloved original, Turtle Mountain North features double the beer taps and double the kitchen size. Keeping classic brewery finds on the menu, they have expanded to include harder-to-execute menu items such as glazed salmon steaks, and Jagerschnitzel. New menu items paired with a longer wine and beer list takes Turtle Mountain to an elevated level.

TURQUOISE DESERT TAPROOM $

4405 Jager Way NE E, Rio Rancho (505) 835-4701

turqouisetap.com

Turquoise Desert Taproom is a serious step-up from your typical sports bar food. They’re a fromscratch kitchen, and their pretzels and hamburger buns are made in-house, making it both an upscale restaurant and a more casual sports bar. With all of the fan favorites, like wings, nachos, and fish and chips, Sunday football games are also sure to be screened on one of their nine flatscreen TVs during the season. It’s seriously the best of both worlds.

TRAIL RIDER PIZZA $$

12165 NM-14, Ste. B2, Cedar Crest (505) 281-6068

trailriderpizza.com

The fact that this spot is a 98% from scratch kitchen should be reason enough to stop by, and with 14 types of specialty pizza, there’s bound to be something for everyone.

TRIANA $$

111 Carlisle Blvd NE (505) 503-6202

triananobhill.com

Named after the historic district in Seville, Spain, Trianas brings traditional tapas to Nob Hill. Their seasonal menus ensure only the freshest ingredients go into their beautiful, eye-catching small plates, making every bite a flavorful experience.

TULA’S KITCHEN $-$$

8100 Wyoming Blvd NE

Plus one other metro location (505) 418 4488

tulaskitchen.com

Brought to you by the same folks behind the Dion’s dynasty, Tula’s Kitchen is a fresh dining concept that pairs laid-back New Mexican eats (think green chile cheeseburgers) with craveable, global flavors. Sharing is encouraged—although certainly not required.

TULLY’S ITALIAN DELI AND MEATS $$

1425 San Mateo Blvd NE, Ste. A (505) 255-5370

tullysdeli.com

A family-owned and operated spot through and through, this Duke City staple has been the one-stop shop for all things authentically Italian for over half a century. Come in for lunch for their mouthwatering signature subs, stock up on imported Italian cheeses and pasta at the market, and try fresh, scratch-made cannolis and other pastries at the bakery.

TWO CRANES BISTRO + BREW $$

901 Rio Grande Blvd NW, Ste. A (505) 295-3970 twocranesnm.com

Comfort food with a high-end twist is all the rage at this spot, where you’ll find enticing dishes like Chorizo Rellenos wrapped like egg rolls and grilled salmon with a Michelin Star-level presentation.

TWO FOOLS TAVERN $$

3211 Central Ave NE (505) 265-7447

2foolstavern.com

Dubliner or not, there’s soul-warming Irish fare to be found at this authentic Irish eatery. Two Fools Tavern is known to have good food, drink and conversation. Its atmosphere earns an A plus for feeling just like a traditional Irish pub, and its food most definitely does not fall short. If Irish classics like Scottish Eggs and Guinness Beef Boxty don’t do it for you, the 300 brands of whiskey will certainly make you feel like you’re right in Dublin.

URBAN 360 PIZZA $$

2119 Menaul Blvd NE (505) 717-2384

urban360pizza.com

Urban 360 Pizza is a one-stop-shop for traditional pizzas like your classic Margherita or pepperoni, unconventional options like orange chicken or gyros pizza, burgers, Asian food and more. This place has something for everyone no matter what you’re craving. With new menu items added all the time, there’s plenty of reason to come back again and again.

URBAN HOTDOG COMPANY $

10250 Cottonwood Park NW, Ste. 400 H plus 1 other metro location (505) 898-5671

urbanhotdogcompany.com

With about 20 choices–and even a vegetarian option–this restaurant has become a dog-lover’s go-to. Look for Chicago and NYC classics, plus adventurous temptations like the Crafty Dog (topped with mac ‘n’ cheese and bacon).

BITES

UPSCALE RIO $$

1520 Deborah Rd SE, Rio Rancho (505) 835-5902

upscaleburgers.com

Made-from-scratch burgers and sides with only the highest quality ingredients. Burgers here are divided into two categories: “upscale” and “classic.” Unique offerings include the chipotle tortilla burger and the smokehouse BBQ burger, while more traditional favorites range from green chile cheeseburgers to bacon mushroom Swiss burgers. To go with the name, Upscale Burgers and Shakes has seven shake options ranging from vanilla to berry to brownie.

UPTOWN SPORTS BAR $

6601 Uptown Blvd NE (505) 884-4714

uptown-sportsbar.com

A huge sports venue with wall-to-wall televisions and all the extras—solid American fare alongside a wide selection of local and national beers.

VEGOS $$

4003 Carlisle Blvd NE (505) 554-1041

vegosabq.com

New Mexican staples made for vegans and vegetarians without skipping out on any of the flavor. Vegos aims to bring traditional flavors and textures found in New Mexican food while keeping it entirely

plant based. However, don’t get discouraged if youre all about meat, Vegos makes it a priority to try and tailor food to everyone’s liking no matter the diet.

VERNON’S SPEAKEASY $$$

6855 4th St NW (505) 341-0831

vernonsspeakeasymenu.com

This unmarked restaurant requires a secret password to gain entrance. Once inside, you’ll discover a world of perfect steaks and gourmet seafood, paired with an unbeatable loungey atmosphere. Reservations are recommended.

VIC’S DAILY CAFÉ $

3600 Osuna Rd NE (505) 341-9710

vicsdailycafe.com

With a full range of breakfast items, New Mexican favorites, and comfort food, this is a one-stop shop for tasty options like breakfast burritos, meatloaf, and coconut cream pie.

VICK’S VITTLES COUNTRY KITCHEN $ 8810 Central Ave SE (505) 298-5143 vicksvittles.com

Rustle up your posse and head to Vick’s for heaping helpings of Texas-New Mexico fusion and breakfast served all day—except Wednesdays, when Vick’s is closed. Country comfort meets southwestern flair in an environment that welcomes suits and cowboys alike. Prepare to be stuffed.

VIET TASTE

5721 Menaul Blvd NE (505) 888-0101

pwbportal.us/viet-taste-abq

$

With more than 100 menu options—noodle and rice dishes, eight varieties of Pho, coconut shakes, and many more—this restaurant is true to its name, offering a real taste of Vietnamese cuisine.

VIET PHO $$

4208 Menaul Blvd NE (505) 717-2359

This Vietnamese-based cuisine restaurant offers a homey feel and Southeast Asian comfort food. Try the popular Beef Pho Soup or go for a lighter dish like the Shrimp Spring Rolls.

VIET RICE

1340 Rio Rancho Blvd SE, Rio Rancho (505) 892-7423

ordervietrice.com

$

This family owned and operated restaurant brings storied Vietnamese cuisine to the City of Vision. Their most popular dish is rice noodles with meatballs or brisket, but the dish is heavily customizable, from the kind of noodle to the proteins, including vegetarian options.

VILLAGE PIZZA

3200 La Orilla Rd NW, E-2 plus 1 other metro location (505) 219-3766

villagepizzanm.com

$

Family owned and operated, Village Pizza offers salads, nachos, calzones, pasta, and of course, signature pizzas, along with an all-you-can-eat buffet.

VINAIGRETTE $$

1720 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 goto salad bistro. Vinaigrette offers a menu full of

unique salads made with fresh produce from owner Erin Wade’s farm in Nambè. Items like The Nutty Pear-Fessor and the Asian Chopped Salad don’t sacrifice deliciousness just because they’re healthy. Expect one of 17 vinaigrette dressings to be perfectly paired with your salad.

VINTAGE 423 $$

8000 Paseo Del Norte Blvd NE (505) 821-1918

vintage-423.com

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

WECK’S $$

4500 Osuna Rd NE, #100 plus 9 other metro locations (505) 344-1472

wecksinc.com

For nearly 20 years, Weck’s has served up huge, tasty portions of breakfast and lunch. Examples: The Original comes with one pound of potatoes mixed with eggs, cheese, and chile; the “Scratch Made” Buttermilk Pancakes are more than seven inches wide.

WESTERN VIEW $$

6411 Central Ave NW (505) 836-2200

With a cozy diner feel and a long history, Western View is turning out plates of diner classics and New Mexican staples—finely seasoned with a sprinkling

of Greek options—for diners hungry for both hearty home cooked meals and classic countertop service.

WHOLE HOG CAFE $

9880 Montgomery Blvd NE (505) 323-1688

wholehogcafenm.com

Get award-winning Memphis-style barbecue in a family-friendly atmosphere. Can’t-miss items include the pulled pork, potato salad, and the homemade banana pudding.

YASMINE’S CAFÉ $

1600 Central Ave SE (505) 242-1980

Yasmine’s is one of the few places in Albuquerque with shawarma—pitas filled with marinated chicken or beef that’s been pressed, stacked and cooked slowly on a rotisserie. Also try lamb and beef shish kababs, baba ghanoush, fatah, and four varieties of baklava.

YUMMY NOODLE HOUSE $$

6001 Winter Haven Rd NW, Ste. E (505) 595-3296

yummynoodlehouse.com

This dive is exactly what it sounds like: a yummy noodle house. With 12 noodle dishes to choose from, the question isn’t “Which one should I get?” but instead it’s “What order should I get these in?”

THE YELLER SUB

7200 Montgomery Blvd NE (505) 888-9784

yellersub.com

$

Cheyanne Bywater, new business operator, leads a happy team of sandwich professionals who genuinely love what they do. This 45-year-old sandwich institution has spent the last four decades perfecting everything on the menu. If you need proof - start with the customer favorite - the Steak & Grilled Onions Sub. The bread is baked fresh daily, and the potato chips, waffle fries, and onion rings are all made from scratch the old-fashioned way. The perfection shows.

ZENDO COFFEE

413 2nd St SW (505) 926-1636

zendocoffee.com

$

Opening its doors in 2013 on 2nd Street, Zendo Coffee’s creativity plays a huge part in the beloved menu. The variety of different items on the menu caters to just about anyone and provides a sense of comfort.

Goat get it!

Despite their small stature, goats are increasingly being used by companies around the country as a natural, non-invasive—and eco-friendly—way of managing forestry and other wild areas. Galloping Goats Grazing, locally-owned by Max Wade, is one such ABQ company using the power of hooves (and an empty stomach). (p. 232)

BY

PHOTO

DON JAMES/ATM

CAN’TLIVEWITHOUT

MUST-HAVE ITEMS

BUSINESS ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT | SOCIAL MEDIA INFLUENCER

BY: MELISSA SANCHEZ MARKETING EXECUTIVE | ALBUQUERQUE WESTSIDE

NEW PINONMEXICO COFFEE

The aroma puts me in a good mood at the start of my day!

EXTRA SPEARMINTGUM:FLAVOR

I go to a lot of luncheons and meet with people regularly, so I gotta stay minty fresh.

E.L.F. THIRST BURST DROPS

I am OBSESSED with e.l.f. products, and I love the way this makes my face look dewy and bright.

A positive powerhouse, Melissa Sanchez knows how to stand out, both online and in real life. In fact, it’s amazing what she can do in just a day alone: from marketing maven to the President of ABQ’s Westside Business Assocation, Sanchez

DIETCOKE

Ienjoyalow-cal carbonated soda. The bubblesmakemefeellike an“itgirl!”

IPHONE CHARGER

I spend so much of my day on my phone that I am ALWAYS prepared when my phone hits the dreaded 20% battery warning.

LOCALSTUFF WELOVE

Your touchstone for ABQ’s cool, fun & eclectic

as true Burqueños know them) bring the festivities and cheer. This card sparkles and shimmers just like the luminarias themselves. Send your loved ones this card so they can join in on the holidays, New Mexico style!

Merry & Bright Luminaria Card, $6.00 Odd Daughter Paper Co. odddaughterpaper.com

TAMALE EVER AFTER

Craving that comforting, handmade taste of tamales but short on time (or a stove)? Sagrado Chile has got you and your stomach covered, thanks to their Freeze-Dried Tamales. These traditional and authentic tamales are easy, convenient, and delicious; just add boiling water—and that’s it! Sold in packages of 6, these are the perfect gift for spreading the New Mexico cheer to all your family and friends.

Freeze Dried Tamales (6 pack), $48.00

LOCALSTUFFWELOVE

LOST IN THE SAUCE

What are the holidays without cranberry sauce? Add a little Southwest flare to your meal with this unique and tantalizing blend of cranberries, oranges, red chile, red bell peppers and port wine. This tangy and sweet sauce brings the bold spirit of New Mexico right to your table and will have you reaching for seconds (and maybe even thirds)!

Santa Fe Seasons Red Chile Cranberry Sauce (9.5 oz), $8.99 Chile Addict 325 Eubank Blvd NE (505) 237-9070 chileaddict.com

DRINK THE HALLS

Bring a little New Mexico spirit to your morning ritual! Whether it’s coffee, tea (or something a little stronger), this mug delivers big style in every sip. Featuring designs from local tattoo artist, Big Ed Tafoya, this bold cup will add a touch of spice to your mug collection.

New Mexico Muerto Mug, $17.00 Masks Y Mas 3106 Central Ave SE (505) 256-4183 masksymas.com

SHOP TALK

COLOR WHEEL TOYS

6855 4th St NW, Building D (505) 999-7489 colorwheeltoys.com

Color Wheel Toys is both a delightful and at times nostalgic romp through time for all ages—including adults. From lava lamps to crystal growing kits—and plenty more to discover—play is encouraged at this Los Ranchos haven for creative exploration and expression.

“Educational but not academic is how I describe Color Wheel,” says owner and founder Keri Piehl. “So, it’s not flash cards, but at the same time, just by playing with a marble run, you’re going to learn stuff about physics.”

Initially founded in 2017, Piehl was a veteran teacher before Color Wheel began as a seasonal pop-up in the Nob Hill

A LOS RANCHOS TOY SHOP OFFERS A PLETHORA OF HANDS-ON CREATIVE FUN FOR ALL AGES IN A COMMUNITY-CENTERED SPACE.

area. “I had always wanted to open a toy store,” she says. “For five years, we operated on a seasonal basis… and I would do short-term leases, and we would take three weeks to set up and one week to take it apart. We kind of built a following that way.”

Piehl says that the move to Los Ranchos was primarily motivated by a desire to be closer to home and to lessen her commute time. “We had an excellent experience [in Nob Hill] and had great relationships with the other retailers and business owners,” she says.

Color Wheel ultimately came to fruition in part because Piehl saw an undersaturated market in Albuquerque—that, and it’s also something that has long been

a part of her world.

“Growing up, we were encouraged to build things out of cardboard or take apart broken speakers—those kinds of things,” she remembers. “So in general, my family really likes to learn and is pretty curious, so I feel like [the store] is fairly in-line with the kind of thing I’ve been doing all my life.”

Hailing from a family of teachers—her mother was a teacher and her sister, too— Piehl previously taught 3rd grade at Monte Vista Elementary, along with elementary art and preschool elsewhere.

“I came here for college in 1998 [from Arizona] and then kind of stayed here,” she says. “My degree is in forensic anthropology from UNM. I’ve never used it. It

PHOTOS BY DON JAMES/ATM

was fascinating to study, and I really enjoyed it. Then, I got my teaching license through a different program at UNM.”

In fact, her time as a teacher has greatly influenced the shop’s set-up and overall ethos, which features quite the collection of sensory stations, where visitors are welcome to pick up toys—or even build their own kit at the ever-popular craft bar.

“We generally trend towards things that are more tried-and-true,” she says. “We do have some things that are purposefully retro. We sell a lot of jacks, but only to grandmas. Kids don’t ever ask for jacks.”

Color Wheel Toys uniquely offers a trade program for store credit, where those interested in participating can bring their gently used toys for possible exchange. More information can be found at colorwheeltoys.com, under the ‘Trade

Your Toys’ tab, which lists what sorts of items are and are not accepted.

“Sometimes, we get things that aren’t manufactured anymore and that are total family favorites,” says Piehl on the program. “You could do some nostalgic time travel through some of these toys—so that’s also an added bonus.”

Besides a trade program, the store also offers a plethora of free public events for every age under the sun. “So far, just since January 2025, we’ve hosted, I believe, 36 free community events,” she says. “We don’t charge for any of them, and if there is a charge, it’s very clear.”

From literacy events to free make-andtakes—like a googly eye collage or a DIY felt puppet—programs draw a diverse crowd.

“A lot of times, adults want to come

in and [craft] too, because it’s all set out. They can just grab the stuff and get to work, which we super encourage, because I feel like the amount of joy there is in being an adult right now might be limited—so I feel like anything you can [do] to squeeze out that dopamine here, let’s do it.”

Ultimately, Piehl says that she garners great joy from the community aspect of the shop.

“My passion isn’t the cash register,” she says. “It’s either connecting people to memories or introducing kids to things they’ve never seen before. It’s not saving the world, but it makes your day better, and if I can make someone’s life just a teeny bit nicer, then that’s a win.” —AUSTIN SEIDEL

PAWS BUTTON

KEEPING TABS ON ABQ’S FURRY FRIENDS

THE GRAZING GUARDIANS

WHOW A PANDEMIC SETBACK SPARKED A GREEN REVOLUTION—POWERED BY HOOVES.

hat began as a potential pandemic tragedy has turned into a revolutionary environmental solution—all thanks to the ingenuity of one family, and the unexpected greatness of goats.

Max Wade is well-known as the owner and founder of Galloping Goats Pumpkin Patch, a popular Rio Rancho event now in its 19th year, but he faced a difficult decision back in 2020 when COVID upended the daily flow of everyday life.

“In 2020, we weren’t an essential business, and we were a mass gathering, so we weren’t allowed to have the pumpkin patch,” says Wade. Although a major roadblock at the time, it would later serve as the foundation for Galloping Goats Grazing.

A longtime rancher and New Mexico native, Wade had around 85 goats reserved for the pumpkin patch’s petting zoo. “With so much uncertainty in the world, I told my kids that we needed to start selling off the animals,” he remembers. “We got down to about 35 goats, and my daughter and now son-in-law came to me and said, ‘What do you think about renting them out for weed control?’ I had seen that before on social media, but I had never really considered it.”

Soon, Wade, his daughter, and son-inlaw formed their own grazing herd, and word spread. Before long, the Galloping

Goats were being hired by local homeowners for weed removal—and were later asked by the Bernalillo County Forest Manager to help manage invasive vegetation and reduce fire risk in the Bosque. According to Wade, “the rest is history.”

Today, Galloping Goats Grazing has grown into a thriving operation with a herd of 350 goats that primarily live in Rio Rancho. “They’re only home at night to rest,” Wade says. “They get up in the morning, and they go work their 9 to 5 like everybody else.”

To transport the herd, Wade and his team—among them being Wade’s son-

in-law, who serves as herd manager—use two trucks and two trailers that collectively hold about 250 goats. A border collie named Cue also helps corral the goats, while a livestock guardian dog named Gus keeps them safe during what Wade calls “extended stay projects,” like a recent, 10-day solar farm assignment.

As the goats go to show, their purpose extends beyond petting zoos. “Goats are a really valuable tool in vegetation management,” Wade explains. “They’re nimble, and they have a wide menu that they will eat. They are very resilient and versatile, because they can eat a lot of weeds and plants that are toxic to other animals.”

This is in part due to specialized enzymes in their saliva, which allow them to neutralize a wide range of plant toxins. Goats are ultimately able to draw nutrients from pesky plants that might pose a future fire hazard, such as tumbleweeds and goat heads. Although Wade and his team supplement the goats’ diets with hay and minerals as necessary, they can still largely survive on vegetation that few, if

any, ruminants can digest.

“I think it’s becoming more apparent that it’s a very natural, green, and holistic way of managing our wild lands, whether that’s the Bosque or anywhere else,” he says. The approach is an attractive alternative to spraying chemicals—which “comes with a whole host of dangers and possibilities,” Wade notes.

“We also cannot safely do a lot of burning to manage old, dead, and dying vegetation because of the proximity to our urban world,” he explains. “The next best thing—or the best thing, I think—is goats, because they are a part of the natural environment.”

Through targeted grazing—made possible with portable, electric fencing—the goats can efficiently graze on what isn’t desirable while preserving what is, like New Mexico olive and cottonwood.

“The majority of the work that we do is post-fire,” Wade says. “Anytime the soil gets disturbed, it’s weeds that come back, choking out natural vegetation. So we’re going in and trying to restore and rehabilitate soils.”

Over the course of a year, the goats can graze “in excess of 200 acres,”—a staggering amount for such small but mighty workers.

“So much of the work that we do is in reaction to some type of catastrophe or disaster,” he says. “But if we could be more proactive and reduce unwanted vegetation and reduce fire fuel loads, then if we do have a fire, it’s nowhere near as devastating. And in a lot of cases, we’re going to prevent fires.”

What began as an uncertain chapter for a beloved pumpkin patch has evolved into an innovative and inspiring model of sustainable land stewardship. From the Bosque to backyard projects, Wade’s goats are proving that nature often has solutions—just in the form of four hooves and a healthy appetite.—AUSTIN SEIDEL

ABQ’SAMAZINGPETS

Pippin

Cleo

According to her guardian Tori, Cleo isn’t just a cat—she’s a legacy. And it’s easy to see why: with a velvety coat, striking green eyes, and a bigtime personality that walks the purr-fect line between queen bee and best friend, Cleo has been at the forefront of Tori’s heart since she adopted her as a kitten from NM Animal Humane.

Cleo certainly supplies no shortage of opinions—on food, sunbeam placement, and what qualifies as “adequate human behavior.” But behind that elegant sass is loyalty and humor— and, quite frankly, more emotional intelligence than most people you’ll ever meet.

For 12 years, she’s been the purring constant amidst Tori’s chaos, the soft weight on her lap, and the sweet greeting each day when she returns home. In a world that moves too fast, Cleo is a reminder that, sometimes, the best therapy has four paws and whiskers.

As her name suggests, Pippin might be small in size, but this one-year-old Yorkshire Terrier mix is full of personality—and boasts a big heart. Adopted by Jasper from Moriarty in September of 2024, this spunky little pup is the life of their household and enjoys playing with her toys and her brother dog, German, and her sister cat, Midnight. In fact, Jasper says that she pretty much likes playing with everything (much to her siblings’ chagrin).

She’s always up for an adventure around town, especially at parks—or a treat (chicken and cheese are her absolute favorites). “She is the sweetest dog to ever exist,” says Jasper. “She loves to meet people and gets excited when new people are around.” And for Pippin, there’s no such thing as a stranger, because her tail wags for anyone she happens to meet.

Rugie

Rugie might just be shy of a year old, but this alley-cat-turned-queen-of-her-castle has quickly claimed owner James’s heart—and lap.

Since a kitten, she’s been a loyal companion to her feline guardian, despite a stubborn tendency to chew on wires, which Rugie can’t help but consider as her own special toys. But her gentle side is always apparent, as she refuses to sleep on anyone else’s lap except for James’s.

Whether she’s enjoying a healthy helping of kitty gravy or simply soaking up one of the many days a year of Albuquerque sun, Rugie is undoubtedly the cat’s meow—and a sweetheart through and through.

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

PASSENGERWINDOW

MORE THAN MEETS THE EYE

If you want to see lines vibrate or dots wiggle, take a good look at Larry Bob Phillips’ murals.

Question: What’s black and white all over, but not at all black and white?

Answer: Larry Bob Phillips’ murals. Although his two-toned palette might seem uncomplicated, the images, illusions, three-dimensionality, humor (and/or a little horror?) that Phillips creates are anything but straightforward.

Consider “Trance Dance,” a mural near First Street and Mountain Road Northwest in the Wells Park rail corridor. Two humanoid figures appear to be dancing inside a window-filled room on a clear, starry night. But there’s a lot more going on here.

Look closely toward the ceiling where wavy lines come into focus as an upside-down face. On the other side of the ceiling, there appears to be a woman’s face. Or is it a blimp?

Other images include a monkey, skeletons and skulls, jack o’ lantern, goblins, faces erupting into flames, a woman with a frowning baby on her lap, a pair of horses’ heads. Once you think you’ve identified an

image amid the lines and dots, you have to wonder if there’s even more you might not be seeing.

“I think my pieces are open to interpretation,” Phillips says.

Now serving as director of the Roswell Artist in Residence program, Phillips grew up in Amarillo, Texas, where he says he “came from a long line of weekend painters. From an early age, I had a work ethic around my drawing. I heard when I was young that if I kept it up, I’d get good at it.”

Phillips studied at the Kansas City Art Institute and received his master’s of fine arts degree from the University of New Mexico. He has taught at the college level and kept a busy schedule with murals and paintings. He recently finished a painting commissioned by Sandia Area Federal Credit Union and was slated to show other work at 516 ARTS.

“The study of black and white – the graphic interplay, line quality, techniques and strategy for representation in black and white — has been my focus. And I felt

that going deeper into that study, to the exclusion of color, has been a powerful place for me,” he says.

“Creating strategies in black and white like textures, vibrations and line widths could be analogous to color. So, I was creating sort of different colors through line vibration, dots sort of wiggling or different kinds of energies.”

To try to understand what Phillips is describing, you have to spend a little time with his work. You’ll notice his distinctive murals around town – outside Artisans Fine Art Supply, 516 ARTS and Humble Coffee on Lomas Boulevard, among other places.

“To be a muralist in the Southwest, and to have these living artworks out in the community, is an honor,” Phillips says. “We have a really good local mural culture and it’s not as flashy like it is in other places, but I think it’s very solid, and I really appreciate what’s going on here so I’m really proud to be part of that conversation.”

—LISA OCKER

PHOTO BY DON JAMES/ATM

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YOURBESTSHOT

WATERMELON MOUNTAIN

by Pam Troutman

Captured in her backyard on a Samsung Galaxy 23—that’s a smart phone, for all the Apple users out there—Pam Troutman’s winning shot paints the Sandia Mountains in their eponymous pinkish hues. The iconic range, she says, is an enduring source of artistic inspiration. “The mountain is one of my favorite subjects because it’s always changing.”

A jewelry maker by trade, Troutman says that she enjoys approaching photography with the same artistic eye that she

brings to her beadwork. “My husband gets irritated because I stop constantly on walks to take a picture,” she jokes.

Originally from Virginia, Troutman and her husband, a retired pastor, have been living in Rio Rancho for eight years. “I’m very happy here,” she says. “This is our forever home.” And after years of East Coast humidity, they can certainly appreciate the arid desert air.

Currently an artist at Amapola Gallery in Old Town, Troutman specializes in bead embroidery and bead weav-

Enter ATM’s photo contest and see your photo featured in YOUR BEST SHOT!

ing—”the finer, tiny little stuff”—and it’s an art that she’s been studying since the 1990s.

When it comes to photography, she believes that great images aren’t just for the professionals, especially during this technological day and age. “I’m lucky that I’m an artist and have a sense of composition,” she says. “I can frame it and get the shot I want. And luckily, now that we don’t have film, I can take a whole bunch of pictures and get rid of the ones that didn’t work out.” —AS

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: editor@abqthemag.com

AFew THINGS

/// The Torreón Fresco at the NHCC

YOU MAY NOT KNOW ABOUT

Visitors who step inside the Torreón at the National Hispanic Cultural Center will find themselves surrounded—literally—by history, mythology, and the rich story of the Americas. Curving along the walls at more than 4,000 square feet, ‘Mundos de Mestizaje’ (or loosely translated to ‘Worlds of Mixed Race’) is the life’s work of Albuquerque artist Frederico Vigil, who spent over a decade meticulously painting the fresco by hand. The result? A stunning—and groundbreaking—work that panoramically depicts and celebrates the cultures and identities that have blended to shape Hispanic heritage.

With over 3,000 individual images woven into its frescoed tapestry, ‘Mundos de Mestizaje’ puts forth a single visual narrative—from ancient Indigenous civilizations to European contact, along with the artists, poets, and leaders who defined their generations. Considered the largest fresco in North America, Vigil’s masterpiece attracts visitors to the NHCC from around the world—just so they can stand beneath its hallowed ceiling.

1. The word “torreón” means “big tower” or “watchtower” in Spanish, and the structure evokes traditional defensive towers in colonial Spanish settlements.

2. The Torreón at NHCC was specifically built as part of the campus master plan to serve as a symbolic “gateway” and exhibition space.

3. The iconography in ‘Mundos de Mestizaje’ was developed with input from seven historians and a two-year public hearing process.

4. The fresco’s themes weave together thousands of years of Hispanic, Indigenous, African, and global influences— showing migrations, cultural exchange, conflict and synthesis.

5. The fresco was first unveiled publicly on October 10, 2010, in a community open-house celebrating the NHCC’s 10th anniversary.

6. The Torreón structure was originally built before the fresco was added; it initially stood as a sculptural tower (un-stuccoed) near the north entrance of the campus.

7. Born and raised in Santa Fe, Frederico Vigil was trained in the fresco tradition—and some of his teachers were even apprentices of Mexican muralist Diego Rivera.

8. The painting technique used is called “buon fresco,” in which pigment is applied to wet plaster so the image becomes part of the wall itself, thus enhancing its permanence.

9. The NHCC offers guided public tours of the fresco (Torreón tours), for a nominal fee. Tour capacity is limited, so advance tickets are advised.

10. Some notable iconography in the fresco include Our Lady of Guadalupe and Ibn Rushd, a highly influential Islamic philosopher who lived in Spain during the 12th century.

11. The cost of constructing the Torreón and installing the fresco (including supporting infrastructure) approached one million dollars.

12. Architecturally, the Torreón is integrated into the NHCC’s broader design by Antoine Predock and Pedro Márquez, who blended modern forms with regional, Hispanic, and Indigenous architectural traditions— mirroring the fresco itself.

13.

The design of NHCC originally envisioned two torreóns—one for exhibition and one for a lookout function. The one with the fresco is the main iconic tower.

14. Benito Juárez, renowned Mexican civil rights leader, also makes an appearance in the fresco, along with more modern leaders like Dennis Chávez, the first Hispanic American elected to the US Senate.

15. The fresco is digitized so that its details can be shared and studied remotely or in classrooms beyond the physical space.

PHOTO BY DON JAMES/ATM