Six Off-Beat P!ces in Alb"uer#e, New Mexico By Janie H Pace
W
hen you visit Albuquerque, New Mexico, for the first time, your “must-sees” include the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, Los Poblanos Farm, historic Old Town, the balloon festival in early October, Sandia Peak Tramway, and the local breweries and wineries. For your second trip to Albuquerque, however, there are six off-beat places to visit that will provide more adventure to feed both your body and soul.
Blades Bistro in Placitas Blades Bistro in Placitas is a casual, neighborhood restaurant in a country setting serving Sunday brunch and dinner. Created by executive chef-owner Kevin P. Baldergroe, the bistro serves up satisfying European and American foods that change with the seasons. For starters, I recommend the New England pan seared Crab Cakes, full of lump crab. The drizzle of Cajun Remoulade and sriracha aioli added the perfect touch of spice. The main course, Steak Au Poivre – a New York Strip Pepper Steak was panseared and encrusted with cracked black pepper, and then finished with a green peppercorn sauce. The steak was deliciously tender and full of peppery flavor. Other noted menu selections include Grilled Salmon and Chicken Francaise. The nightly specials alone here will keep you coming back.
Vic’s Daily Café Vic’s Daily Café, on the north side of Albuquerque, is a local favorite. Located about a half-mile west of I-25 in an industrial, commercial part of town, Vic’s is open for breakfast and lunch. The eatery is famous for its tender and delicious Breakfast Chicken Fried Steak and Eggs with chili and hash browns that fills the entire plate. I chose the Navajo Breakfast Special with eggs, a green and red chili sauce (called Christmas), pinto beans and melted cheese on Navajo bread. Food here is amazing, which is why this vegetarian-friendly, Americana Southwestern Café is a must-do. Blades Bistro; Blades Bistro Pepper Steak; Vic's Breakfast Chicken Fried Steak; Navajo Bread Special at Vic’s
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