Albuquerque The Magazine, August 2023

INK, INK, EVERYWHERE INK!

The tattoo taboo ended years ago, and the art continues to grow in popularity. We decided to check out the ink vibe in ABQ, beginning with this request: show us your Zia! PAGE 72

FEATURE

P. 96

P. 100

22 Tapas

Jacob Lowry preps for his second year running ABQ’s Turquoise United Gem Show; safety tips for late-summer hikes; literacy is paramount for the folks at Sandia Laboratory Federal Credit Union; ABQ is once again participating in the tummy-filling and tastebud-pleasing Vegan Chef Challenge.

30 Faces and Places

49 Datebook

95 People 96 Albuquerque the Interview

Owner of Archetype Tattoo Ben Shaw shares his passion for the art and history of tattooing with ATM—plus, hear what he has to say about his kids getting inked.

100 Personality

Being a sports fan isn’t a rarity, but sports reporter and official Isotopes scorer Gary Herron takes it to the next level. His impressive collection of baseball memorabilia is second only to his even more impressive career in Albuquerque.

104 Behind the Scenes

FUSION is ABQ’s oldest professional theater company. Executive Director Dennis Gromelski has no plans to taper down the campus—according to him, FUSION is just getting started.

P.104

116 Eats Review

The crown jewel of Two Cranes Bistro is their newly minted tequila bar, which offers diners a chance to try a diverse lineup of liquor.

120 Eats, Etc.

Grab a plate of Cafe Istanbul’s traditional Mediterranean fare; Thai House’s authentic dishes are thanks to chef Busaba Jewsawusde; comfort food abounds at Yummy Noodle House.

124 A Recipe for Success

KUNM found a star in “Children’s Hour” producer and director Katie Stone. She shares her hearty ABC soup that adults and kiddos will enjoy.

126 Bites

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

AUGUST 2023

Number 4

PHOTO DIRECTOR

Don James don@abqthemag.com

ART DIRECTOR

Lise Watkins lise@abqthemag.com

ASSISTANT EDITOR

Emma Trevino emma@abqthemag.com

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Emily Klumpenhower emily@abqthemag.com

FEATURES EDITOR

Stephanie Hainsfurther steph@abqthemag.com

DATEBOOK EDITOR

Lori Wilding datebook@abqthemag.com

CONTRIBUTORS

Tristen Critchfield

Mel Minter

Lisa Ocker John Scott

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.

161 Fun

162 ‘Til You Drop

The great outdoors will have nothing on you with one of the finds in our “Local Stuff We Love” column; Duke City Games serves as a hub for all things nerd (we mean that in the best way possible).

166 Paws Button

Whether it’s puppies or kittens, Bridges to Home founder Marie Privett will go above and beyond to care for our city’s most vulnerable furry friends.

168

Amazing Pets

This month’s winners: Buttercup, Piper, and Tucker.

171 Piece of the Past

The Newlander Apartment Building boasts a unique two-and-a-half story layout and a working-class history.

172

Passenger Window

The Barelas Railyard caboose is a reminder of things past, and serves as an interesting aesthetic compliment to the area’s softball complex.

175 Photo Contest

This month’s winner: “The Scales of Sunset” by Martin Gandara.

176 A Few Things

The ABQ Trolley Tour has been chugging along for 14 years and remains a fan-favorite ride for anyone looking for a different way to see the city.

AUGUST 2023

Number 4

PUBLISHER Larryl Lynch larryl@abqthemag.com

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Gena Goodson gena@abqthemag.com

SENIOR ADVERTISING EXECUTIVES

Philip Kjelland philip@abqthemag.com

Megan Life megan@abqthemag.com

PUBLISHING ASSISTANT Taryn Ozdoba taryn@abqthemag.com

BUSINESS OFFICE business@abqthemag.com

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER EMERITUS Scott Davis (1966–2004)

When I was a kid, I was always in awe when I saw someone with a tattoo. Partly because it was rare, and because having a tattoo meant you were a rebel who colored far outside the lines of reserved society. Well, apparently the lines are moving rapidly each year, because tattoos are increasingly more common.

In this issue, we chat with artists and ink-bearers about the motivation for body art in ABQ. As part of the story, we used social media to ask locals to send us pics if they have a Zia tattoo, and we included pics of the best ones in the series of stories that begins on page 72.

And be sure to read our profile of Ben Shaw, who not only owns one of the city’s premier tattoo shops, but also works passionately to ensure the safety and integrity of the industry as a leader in several tattoo organizations. Check him out on page 96.

In honor of ATM’s 20th year in publication, here’s another origin story about the magazine (and this one includes, yup, tattoos): as the first issues came out in 2004, my nephew Don James transferred to UNM and went to work for the magazine as a photographer. He was born when I was a high school senior, and we’ve always shared a special bond. But working tirelessly together to start a magazine made us even closer. One night we (along with another nephew) got matching tattoos, just a silhouette of us posing after a long day of work. I never imagined getting ink on my body, but in this case, it felt right—and still does (though both of our tattoos probably need a touch-up). By the way, Don is this publication’s Photo Director, and you can see his work here every month, including throughout this issue.

Here’s a special throwback: Stephanie Hainsfurther was ATM’s first Editor-in-Chief when we launched in April of 2004. Now, she returns to our masthead as Features Editor, beginning with this issue. Check out her work throughout the feature story.

Another throwback mention goes out to Jesse Herron, whom I met around 2005 when he was a fresh, young employee of the Albuquerque Convention and Visitors Bureau (now Visit ABQ). We occupied offices in the same downtown First Plaza Galleria building, and Jesse—full of life, energy and ideas— would come by often to chat and socialize with the magazine team. A few years later, he and his business partner, Mike Silva, launched the ABQ Trolley Co., which is one of our city’s coolest experiences, whether you’re a visitor or local. This month, we feature the Trolley (and Jesse and Mike) in our A Few Things column on page 176.

Coincidentally (and we did not plan this), we are also featuring Jesse’s dad, Gary Herron, in this month’s pages. In addition to raising a fantastic son, Gary has spent the past five decades as a baseball guru on an elevated level: reporter, author, scorekeeper, and now, inductee into the Albuquerque Pro Baseball Hall of Fame. Our congratulations to him! Slide over to page 100 to catch his story (get it, see what I did there?).

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

Sincerely,

CORRECTION

In the June issue of ATM, we misspelled the last name of Antonio Fernandez, the lead instructor for CNM’s beverage and brewing programs. Fernandez was an award-winning brewmaster with Ponderosa Brewing in the Sawmill District before taking over the CNM program last year. We regret the error. —ED

A GEM OF A SHOW

Since 1967, turquoise has been our state’s official gemstone—even longer than that, though, New Mexico has been known for our abundance of turquoise and the craftspeople that dedicate their lives to showcasing it. Jacob Lowry, the Executive Director of the Turquoise Museum, has a hard-to-come-by familiarity with turquoise. “I’m part of the fifth generation in my family who has run the Turquoise Museum,” he says. “It’s something that I grew up with and always had an appreciation for, so to be able to help get the Turquoise United Gem Show off the ground last year has been amazing.”

The 2nd annual show, which takes place Friday, August 11th and Saturday, August 12th from 10am to 4pm, is com-

pletely open to the public as the ultimate showcase of Southwestern culture. “Dealers will be there to sell, which is a big part of it, but there are also demonstrations and talks in the show where people can learn more about the history of turquoise and how it gets formed into all sorts of pieces,” he says.

So after five generations, the question is this: why start a gem show now? “Turquoise has been a world that is in small little areas across the globe,” says Lowry. “Up until the last 20 years, those areas have not intersected. Our goal here was to make a home for the intersection of each area of turquoise.” For more info, head to turquoiseunited.com. See you there!

THESE BOOTS WERE MADE FOR HIKIN’

HOW TO STAY SAFE ON THE TRAIL

LawnStarter has named ABQ the 15th best hiking city in the nation, and we’re quickly approaching the time of year coveted by seasoned hikers and novices alike. Over the next couple of months, the leaves will turn bright and fall to the ground, the mountain air will turn crisp, and we’ll all be out there enjoying the weather and the scenery. Below, we walk you through some of the most important things to remember when you decide to tackle a morning of high altitudes and tough climbs. —ET

TWO IS BETTER THAN ONE

Any seasoned hiker will tell you the number one thing you should do is travel with a buddy (or even a group). Not only does this drastically reduce your chances of getting into trouble, but you’ll also have someone to enjoy the amazing views with!

AUTUMN IS DECEPTIVE

Cool months are ahead, but August and September can still be blistering. Layer up so 1) you can adjust to differences in weather, and 2) you can cover up your skin from the harsh sunshine. Remember: the higher you go, the closer you are to the sun!

SNACKS ARE KEY

It may seem like a no-brainer, but it’s always good to have more food and water than not enough, so even if your load seems excessive, it’s definitely worth the extra weight.

START BRAGGING ABQ

John Algermissen Senior Advisor Sun Vista

In Albuquerque (and New Mexico), we get to experience all seasons. I love mountain biking the Oak Flats Trails in the morning and paddle boarding the Rio Grande in the afternoon. In winter, you can find me skiing the Taos and Santa Fe mountains by day and soaking in the springs of Ojo Caliente by night.

Start Bragging ABQ is a campaign to tell everyone what you love about our city. Got a brag about ABQ? Send it to us at editor@abqthemag.com

Otzi the Iceman—who lived between 3370 and 3100 BC—boasts some of the world’s earliest proven tattoos. It appears as though they were used as acupuncture of sorts.

buquerque locations to support early childhood literacy. The SLFCU partnered with Sandia National Labs on this project, which was organized by the Read to Me ABQ Network.

“These books will go to schools, learning centers, service organizations, banks. Places where families who maybe don’t have a full library can go,” says SLFCU Business Development Manager Julia Miera. SLFCU members didn’t hold back when dropping off new and used books, and Miera says their generosity is one of the reasons this project, which has been operating for years, is so successful year after year.

Everything from picture books to chapter books were donated, which

seeing the diversity,” says Miera. “I love seeing all the older books that I grew up with like Nancy Drew and all the Laura Ingalls Wilder books because a new generation will get to enjoy them like I did.”

Once all the books were collected (about 7,500 this year), they were taken to a warehouse (called “The Bookroom”) on Yale Blvd. From there, it was just a matter of sorting. “It’s a lot of work, absolutely, but the payoff is so great that we are thrilled to be a part of it,” says Miera. Have some great reads collecting dust? Check out readtomeabqnetwork.org for more info on how to give your books a new and loving home. —ET

Jazmine Gutierrez

AGE: 15 SCHOOL: HOPE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL TOTALLY INTO: DANCING, SERVING AT CHURCH, READING (LOTS OF BOOKS AND HER BIBLE), TRAVELING, AND HER DOGS. NOT A FAN OF: WAKING UP EARLY IN THE MORNING. FUTURE PLANS: PEDIATRICIAN

Shyness might not equate to stellar on the dancefloor for some, but that’s definitely not the case for this dancing high school sophomore. “Jazmine enjoys dancing because of her teammates and coaches, performing, and learning new skills,” says her mom Joy. When she’s not cutting a rug or spreading her infectious laughter, you can find Jazmine volunteering at church, always thinking of others before herself. “She has such a big servant’s heart,” says Joy. “Church is about community, and (she loves) the people she meets and the positive impact she can have on the children she teaches.” —ET

START BRAGGING ABQ

David Stroud Local Aficionado @NewNuevoNM

I love our small businesses that celebrate our diverse cultures and dynamic traditions. Love to explore our local shops, eats, hiking trails and breathtaking landscapes. Can’t forget our killer sunsets!

Start Bragging ABQ is a campaign to tell everyone what you love about our city. Got a brag about ABQ? Send it to us at editor@abqthemag.com

Contrary to popular belief, more women than men have tattoos in the US. However, women get more tattoos removed every year—think twice ladies!

ABQ’S VEGAN CHEF CHALLENGE RETURNS

Foodies, listen up: throughout the month of August, you’ll get a chance to try out some brand new vegan dishes across the city. Dubbed the “Vegan Chef Challenge” by NCbased founder Eleni Vlachosthis, this 31-day event features restaurants like M’tucci’s Bar Roma and Lucky Goose serving up innovative vegan dishes for everyone. “Inclusivity is something we really try to emphasize,” says Community Outreach Specialist Victor Flores. “It’s not just for vegans, you know? It’s for anyone looking to try new delicious foods and maybe eat a little cleaner as well.”

The Vegan Chef Challenge has been operating for close to a decade in some parts of the U.S., and 2023 will mark ABQ’s second-annual challenge. “I manage the Southwest, and I have to say the response here in Albuquerque was impressive last year,” says Flores. “We got maybe 10 or 12 restaurants at first, but soon enough they started calling us and wanting to be a part of it. We ended up with about 30 participants, which was a great turnout.” The premise is simple: check out veganchefchallenge.org to see which restaurants are participating, try their dish -

es, and vote! The challenge not only gives diners the chance to try new foods at some of their favorite restaurants, but it gives the chefs an opportunity to have fun with their craft. “Most of the restaurants that participate don’t have vegan options regularly, so it’s amazing to have people see that vegans don’t just eat salads—there are some super tasty vegan things out there,” says Flores. “The vegan options chefs here in Albuquerque can make are absolutely incredible and you can’t even tell that they’re vegan a lot of the time.”

START BRAGGING ABQ

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

Howie Kaibel Brand Manager M’tucci’s

ABQ: It’s still a secret. It’s Austin before everyone found out. Weird, unpretentious, cheap, tasty, brimming with artists and creativity. And diverse as all get out. Take that, Austin.

Start Bragging ABQ is a campaign to tell everyone what you love about our city. Got a brag about ABQ? Send it to us at editor@abqthemag.com

Climate warriors, this one’s for you. As it turns out, eating a vegan diet can reduce your carbon footprint by 73%. We’ll grab the tofu!

Feria de Burque

On Friday, May 5th, Flamenco Works hosted their 1st annual Feria de Burque celebration: an evening of dance, music, food and performances of some of ABQ’s most talented Flamenco dancers.

1. Stephen Miller, Benjamin Hansen, Emily Ess, Aditi Sarkar

2. Isaiah Clavijo, Sebastian Clavijo, Diego Flores

3. Gabby Gonzales, Bella Gonzales, Maddie Perea

4. Dason Culver, Captain Cosmic, Aurora Ananda

5. Alejandro Unale, Mariah Unale

6. Mickey Defalco, Gary Lamperez

7. Vanessa Haye, Lee Simoni

ABQ The Mag Launch Party

We celebrated the release of our “Insider Isotopes Tips” issue on June 8th—breezy weather and a great game complemented the party and made for a fantastic night.

1. Gerardo Casas, Clarissa Casas

2. Victoria Martinez, Vanessa Brandon

3. Natalie Aragon, Zak Aragon

4. Evening Star Barron, Gerome Olona

5. Mike Blomker, Dylan Blomker, Paige Blomker

6. Brent Euell, Gina Euell, Evan Euell

7. Phil Chavez, Johnny Chavez

IPCC Public Art Piece Celebration

Wednesday, May 24th saw the City celebrate the installation of the Pueblo Matriarch, a sculpture commissioned in honor of Albuquerque Community Foundation’s 40th Anniversary in 2021 and in partnership with the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center.

1. Ray Trujillo, Maurean Trujillo, Elizabeth Ethelbah, Virginia Trujillo

2. Sue Slankard, Carolyn Martinez, Ron Shutiva

3. George Rivera, Lucas Ethelbah, Lakisha Holley

4. Paul Mondragon, John Martinez, Melissa Armijo

5. Latasha Gonzales, Biannka Arriaga, John Panzlau

6. Scott Simmonds, Amy Johnson

7. Mike Beltran, Linda Beltran

Just Off Broadway Cocktail Mingle

At this June 22nd invite-only event, two scenes were expertly performed by some of Fusion Theater’s resident actors, which was preceded by a quiet gathering of artists and loved ones.

1. Stephanie Hainsfurther, Susan MacKenzie, John MacKenzie

2. Bob Steinberg, Julianna Kirwin, Charey Fox, Karen Jones Meadows

3. Teresa Deras, Carol Bernstein, Ivan MacKenzie

4. Michael Counts, Jacqueline Reid

5. Dennis Gromelski, Jen Grigg

6. Zane Barker, Kristine Maltrud, Charles Jaeger

7. Matt Heath, Bridget Kelly

Mark Pardo Fashion Show

Mark Pardo Salon and Spa partnered with the NM Dream Center on June 24th to raise awareness of human trafficking through fashion. The show, which was held at the Lobo Theater, told a story with fashion from the past five decades.

1. Isaiah Marez, Maxine Gonzales, Cynthia Martinez, Elsie Gonzales, Adrian Marez

2. Rosella McCaffrey, Chris McCaffrey, Owen McCaffrey, Mariah Madrid

3. Mark Probasco, Rachael Probasco, Eric Castillo

4. David Gardner, MiyChelle Andrews, Joanna Gardner

5. Angela Martinez Moya, Consuella Martinez Moya

6. Norma Addis, Raini Beall

7. Leanne Olona, Mariano Fernandez

CANNABIS SUPER SE C TION

hen Amnesia Dispensary partner Julieta Neas wants to describe the philosophy at the family-owned and operated shop, she points to a quote from noted civil rights activist and literary icon Maya Angelou.

“People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel,” it reads.

As it turns out, people are feeling pretty good about Amnesia Dispensary, which has grown considerably since its grand opening on April 20, 2022. Back then, partners Julieta Neas, Stefani Loe, William Loe, and Juliana Vega functioned as both owners and employees of their lone shop. In a little more than a year, Amnesia has grown to two locations — a South Valley store opened on Jan. 30 — and now boasts 22 employees in total. In short, business is booming.

“If people walk in here and you make them feel good about them being here and they feel welcome, guess what? They’re gonna come back,” Julieta says. “We’re really, really big on that.” Relationships are integral to Amnesia’s success, which leads to a comfortable feeling when anyone walks through the doors of either establishment.

“I feel like it’s our people,” Stefani says. “We create a welcoming environment. We try and greet every customer by name. So many of our employees have made relationships with our customers, and I really feel like that makes a difference.”

Amnesia’s New Mexico roots are also significant — especially during an era where larger companies are flocking across state lines to capitalize on the legalization of cannabis in the Land of Enchantment. At Amnesia, people walk through the doors and recognize their own.

“This is the culture that we have here,” Julieta says. “If you haven’t been around, it’s kind of hard to break through. I think that’s what makes us different. You walk in here and you feel like you know us.

“I’ve lived in Albuquerque for most of my life. People walk in here, and it turns out to be that I’ve known them since childhood.”

Of course, Amnesia wouldn’t be where it is without a proven product, which includes a large selection of high-quality flowers, edibles and concentrates. The shop is also inclusive to all types of buyers, from the budget conscious to the cannabis novice.

“Customers can come in and ask questions about different strains or products, and all of our budtenders are well versed and educated in cannabis,” William says. “We’ll go from A to B all the way to Z, and we’ll figure it out.”

Amnesia is proud to rank among the Top 10 out of the more than 1,000 dispensaries currently operating in New Mexico, and that momentum is just getting started. Opportunities for further expansion are currently being explored, and a smokeshop — entitled “Amnesia Too” — will open next door to the San Mateo location in the near future. Amnesia is also active in the community, spearheading food drives and helping other local dispensaries navigate the challenges that accompany opening a new business.

One way or another, it’s about helping to give people a feeling they won’t forget.

“We couldn’t ask for more,” Julieta says. “The people have shown love. Our dispensary is growing every day since we started.”

There, cannabis is produced, manufactured, and sold inhouse using a no-till, living soil organic growing method. This allows for patients and growers to have access to clean medicine and strains for themselves to grow at home. Brown’s personal investment shines through in the day-to-day operations of the business.

“I believe that what sets us apart from others in the industry is that my wife and I are cannabis medical patients as well as growers who own and work daily in our operation,” Brown says. “We work side by side with our cultivation team, trimmers, packagers, and retail staff, ensuring quality before quantity, that our message about clean and safe methods as well as our personal integrity stay at the forefront of our company.”

Carver Family Farm is focused on making improvements in its existing products while developing new ones to help its patients. Brown is especially proud of the company’s solvent-less rosin and his ongoing breeding projects. Most of all, he enjoys seeing the results all that work yields. “People are now finding that they can sleep...they are in less pain and their quality of life has improved,” says Brown, whose artistic work as a glass artist is the impetus behind the company logo.

It’s rewarding to watch an industry that was shunned during Brown’s youth grow into something that can benefit the masses. “Destigmatization of cannabis is imperative,” he says. “Open access to this plant has been non-existent until recently. I have been given the opportunity to come out of the shadows and work with this plant in the light.”

MAUI WOWIE

The ‘Ohana Spirit centers on family, with a focus on the spirit of sharing and caring. That philosophy abounds at Maui Wowie Dispensary, a family-owned business that opened in July 2022 and offers a variety of edibles, disposables, shake, weighable flower, and infused pre-rolls. When one walks through the doors, it’s almost like they’re part of the family. That’s because owners Richard Matthews, Deseree Matthews and Mike Trembley believe in forming strong bonds with their customer base.

“What sets us apart from others in the industry is that we love to educate, so if you have questions do not hesitate to come in, sit down with us and ask away. We enjoy it,” Richard says. “We take time

out to get to know our customers. We listen to their needs, and if we do not have a product you are looking for, we will find it for you and either bring it in or show you who does.”

The connection to the industry is uniquely personal at Maui Wowie. Deseree used cannabis while undergoing chemotherapy, which allowed her to eat normally and greatly reduced her pain. Today, she’s passionate about helping educate others through the products sold at the shop. Deseree thoroughly researches every strain, from its lineage to medicinal benefits, and tries every product before it’s sold to ensure its quality, taste and effects.

“We would attribute the time that we

have spent getting to know our products and how they are able to help our patients as part of our success,” Richard says. “We welcome requests and we go out of our way to bring in what is requested with enough demand.”

Maui Wowie has continued to grow since its inception, as it consistently brings in new products for the shop. A consumption license is also in the works, which will make the establishment a place to unwind with tables, chairs, snacks, beverages — and the occasional special event.

“We are excited for the new ideas that we have and that we are working on,” Richard says. “And we are always excited to hear ideas from our clientele, as well.”

TOP PICK

ANNUAL PIRATE VIKING

SUMMER FESTIVAL

SATURDAY 19 AND SUNDAY 20 | SATURDAY 10 AM–6 PM, SUNDAY 10 AM–5 PM

New Mexico’s 4th Annual Pirate Viking Summer Festival. Every year, mangy pirates and heathens come to the festival to eat, drink, and dance. It’s like a piece of the sea, right in Edgewood, New Mexico. Enjoy authentic beer on tap, wine and great food, outdoor live music, as well as Pirate and Viking music and dancers. Info: Wildlife West Nature Park, 87 N. Frontage Road in Edgewood, (505) 281-7655, nmrenceltfest.ticketspice.com/pirate-viking-summer-festival. Tickets $25–$100 plus fees; fees donated to the Park and Zoo.

ABQ ARTS

CULTURE

SATURDAY 12 | 5 PM

India Day Albuquerque. Celebrate 76 years of Indian independence with a parade, flag ceremony, music, dancing, and a variety of stalls with amazing food, beautiful clothes, fine jewelry, henna, etc. as well as traditional performances. Info: North Domingo Baca Park, 7521 Carmel Avenue NE. General inquiries: Mital Patel, (914) 888-4959. Free.

VINTAGE

TUESDAY 1 THROUGH SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 3 | 12–5 PM, CLOSED MONDAYS

FRIDAY 4 THROUGH SUNDAY 6 | SATURDAY 9 AM–5 PM; SUNDAY 10 AM–4 PM

Great Southwestern Antique & Vintage Show. Shop and visit with over 100 quality antique dealers from across the U.S. Learn about the art of collecting and investing in fine art and antiques, ethnographic tribal and Native American art, historic photos, rare books, jewelry, and more.

Info: Expo NM in the Lujan Center, 300 San Pedro NE, (505) 2554054, gswevents.com/ antique-show-info. Tickets $12–$100 plus fees. 100% of proceeds will go to fund NM PBS Arts & Educational programming.

12 New Mexican Artists to Know Now. 516 Arts and Southwest Contemporary team up to celebrate exceptional emerging and established talent and compelling contemporary artwork being made in New Mexico. Info: 516 Arts, 516 Central Avenue SW, (505) 242-1445, 516arts.org. Free.

THURSDAY 3 | 6 PM

Free Chatter Concerts at the Albuquerque Museum. This is the 14th year that Chatter and the Museum have collaborated on this series, and each year, the music selected for the concerts is tied to current Museum exhibits. This year, those exhibits are “Journey West: Danny Lyon,” and “Dictators and the Disappeared: Democracy Lost and Restored.” Info: Albuquerque Museum, 2000 Mountain Road NW. Program details at chatterabq.org/chatter-at/museum. Free. See also Thursday 10, 17, and 24.

SATURDAY 5 | 5–10 PM

Westside Summerfest. This family-friendly event features fun for everyone. The final installment of the concert series celebrates everything local and features small businesses with handcrafted products in The Shops, food trucks with freshly made cuisine in The Food Court, libations created by breweries, wineries and distilleries in The Cantina, and entertainment by local talent on two stages at Westside park all under the summer sky. Info: Ventana Ranch Community Park, 10000 Universe Blvd. NW, cabq.gov/artsculture/westsidesummerfest. Free.

CHEESY

FANDOM

FRIDAY 25–SUNDAY 27 | FRIDAY 4 PM–12PM; SATURDAY 10 AM–12PM; SUNDAY 10 AM–5 PM

Bubonicon 54 Convention: Across the Multiverse (Alternate Dimensions, Parallel Worlds). New Mexico’s original annual science fiction convention focuses on science fiction, fantasy, and horror literature, allowing fans and pros to come together to socialize, listen to panel discussions and readings, admire artwork, play games, dress in costume, and have fun. Info: Albuquerque Marriott Uptown, 2101 Louisiana Blvd. NE (at I-40). All weekend and one-day passes available and discounts for youth under the age of 18. Call (505) 266-8905, email bubonicon@gmail. com, and visit bubonicon.com.

SATURDAY 5 | 1–5 PM

The Mac & Cheese Fest 2023 - Enjoy Mac & Cheese bites from local chefs, restaurants, and eateries as they compete for “The Big Cheese.” Sample a variety of beverage bars with a souvenir glass and enjoy an afternoon full of fun. Live music by Animated Jukebox, DJ J Steele, and DJ Cut. This is a 21+ event. Info: Sid Cutter Pilot Pavilion, Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta Park, 4900 Balloon Fiesta Parkway NE, (505) 768-6062. Tickets $25 plus fees at Eventbrite.com.

tuesday 1 through sunday September 3 | 12–5 pm, closed mondays

12 New Mexican Artists to Know Now. 516 Arts and Southwest Contemporary team up to celebrate exceptional emerging and established talent and compelling contemporary artwork being made in New Mexico. Info: 516 Arts, 516 Central Avenue SW, (505) 242-1445, 516arts.org. Free.

thursday 3 | 6 pm

Free Chatter Concerts at the Albuquerque Museum. This is the 14th year that Chatter and the Museum have collaborated on this series, and each year, the music selected for the concerts is tied to current Museum exhibits. This year, those exhibits are “Journey West: Danny Lyon,” and “Dictators and the Disappeared: Democracy Lost and Restored.” Info: Albuquerque Museum, 2000 Mountain Road NW. Program details at chatterabq.org/chatter-at/ museum. Free. See also thursday 10, 17, and 24.

thursday 3–sunday 13

|thursday–saturday 7:30 pm; sunday 2 pm

Hurricane Diane. The Greek god Dionysus has returned to the modern world disguised as butch gardener Diane, here to gather mortal followers and restore the earth to its natural state. Her first stop is a cul-de-sac in Red Bank, New Jersey, where she’ll need all her supernatural abilities to seduce four friends, all of whom want something different from her. Info: Vortex Theatre, 2900 Carlisle NE, (505) 247-8600. Tickets at vortexabq.org $24 general and $19 for students; no service fees.

friday 4 through sunday 6 |

Charity Sneak Preview

friday 1–6 pm; saturday 9 am–5 pm; sunday 10 am–4 pm

Great Southwestern Antique & Vintage Show. Shop and visit with over 100 quality antique dealers from across the U.S. Learn about the art of collecting and investing in fine art and antiques, ethnographic tribal and Native American art, historic photos, rare books, jewelry, and more. Info: Expo NM in the Lujan Center, 300 San Pedro NE, (505) 255-4054, gswevents.com/antique-show-info. Tickets $12–$100 plus fees. 100% of

proceeds will go to fund NM PBS Arts & Educational programming.

friday 4 | 4–6 pm

Nature/Metal/Artistry. Amapola Gallery presents August’s featured artist exhibit of works by Mary Ellen Merrigan and Kurt Wuerkery where nature is reflected in metal. Info: Exhibits all month at Amapola Gallery on the Plaza in Old Town, 205 Romero Street NW, open 10 to 5 daily, (505) 242-4311, amapola-gallery.com.

friday 4| 5–7 pm

First Friday ARTScrawl. Look forward to attending this summer’s hottest art event at Weems Gallery & Framing Resale Art Show Reception. Browse and shop some of New Mexico’s most sought after artists with prices starting at $200. Info: 5935 Wyoming Blvd NE, weemsgallery.com. Contact weems@weemsgallery.com or (505) 293-6133. Free.

friday 4 | 7–10 pm (doors open at 6:30)

Salsa Under the Stars with Charanga del Valle. Enjoy the beautiful sound of the violins, horns, and flute! Featuring the vocals of Annette Aragon, the band will keep you dancing! Info: Albuquerque Museum Amphitheater, 2000 Mountain Road NW. Food and drinks available from Slate Street Cafe at the Amphitheater. All shows rain or shine, no refunds due to inclement weather. Tickets at holdmyticket.com or call (877) 466-3404.

friday 4 | 9 pm

Chatter Late Works. A late-night concert for the adventurous at Chatter’s downtown warehouse performance space. Music by John Luther Adams, Timo Andres, Gabriella Smith, and Cara Haxo. Cash bar provided by Rumor Brewing. Info: Chatter at 912 3rd Street NW, chatterabq.org/boxoffice. Tickets: $15, general admission.

saturday 5 | 9–10 am

The Xeric Garden Club. Docent Deborah Vogel will speak about “Native Plants and Their Fauna and Flora.” Additional information about how to create a wildlife habitat garden in your backyard will be provided. Backyard wildlife habitats help support both the environment and wildlife, providing the four basic elements needed for

wildlife to thrive: food, water, cover, and places to raise their young. Info: Albuquerque Garden Center, 10120 Lomas Blvd. NE, xericgardenclub.org. Free.

saturday 5 | 1–5 pm

The Mac & Cheese Fest 2023. Enjoy Mac & Cheese bites from local chefs, restaurants, and eateries as they compete for “The Big Cheese.” Sample a variety of beverage bars with a souvenir glass and enjoy an afternoon full of fun. Live music by Animated Jukebox, DJ J Steele, and DJ Cut. This is a 21+ event. Info: Sid Cutter Pilot Pavilion, Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta Park, 4900 Balloon Fiesta Parkway NE, (505) 768-6062. Tickets $25 plus fees at eventbrite. com.

saturday 5 | 5–10 pm

Westside Summerfest. This familyfriendly event features fun for everyone. The final installment of the concert series celebrates everything local and features small businesses with handcrafted products in The Shops, food trucks with freshly made cuisine in the Food Court, libations created by breweries, wineries and distilleries in The Cantina, and entertainment by local talent on two stages at a City park all under the summer sky. Info: Ventana Ranch Community Park, 10000 Universe Blvd. NW, cabq.gov/artsculture/ westside-summerfest. Free.

saturday 29 | 7–10 pm (doors open at 6:30)

Music Under the Stars with Hillary Smith & High City Horns. This will be an allstar selection of players putting on a night of high-hitting originals. Info: Albuquerque Museum Amphitheater, 2000 Mountain Road NW. Food and drinks available from Slate Street Cafe at the Amphitheater. All shows rain or shine, no refunds due to inclement weather. Tickets at holdmyticket.com or call (877) 466-3404.

sunday 6 | 10:30 am

Chatter Sunday. French and American works for piano, harp and winds, including “Mountain Winds” by New Mexico composer Michael Mauldin. Info: Chatter at 912 3rd Street NW, chatterabq.org/boxoffice. Tickets: $16.50 adults in advance; $20 at door. $9 students/under-30, $5 under-13.

wednesday 9 | 7–8 pm

Concert at the Albuquerque Balloon Museum. Join the Albuquerque Concert Band for an hour of fun and family-friendly music in this beautiful outdoor setting. Bring family, bring friends, bring a picnic. Info: Albuquerque International Balloon Museum, 9201 Balloon Museum Dr. NE. Free admission and open to the public. More information at abqband. org.

thursday 10 | 6 pm

Chatter at the Albuquerque Museum. Aaron Copland’s Clarinet Concerto performed by Chatter Associate Artistic Director and Oregon Symphony Principal Clarinetist James T. Shields, plus John Adams’ Shaker Loops for string orchestra. Info: Albuquerque Museum, 2000 Mountain Rd NW; free admission, no tickets or reservations necessary.

friday 11 and saturday 12 | 10 am–4 pm

Turquoise United Gem Show. There will be contests, classes, a collectors choice auction, a grading working session, Hall of Fame, and Industry Insiders Symposium. Info: Albuquerque Convention Center, 401 Second Street NW, (505) 433-3684. Tickets $95 at turquoiseunited.com. Accommodations noted on website and sponsorships are available.

friday 11 | 7–10 pm

(doors open at 6:30)

Salsa Under the Stars featuring Son Como Son. Enjoy a night of Salsa, Cuban Style, presented by the New Mexico Jazz Workshop. Founded in 1993, Son Como Son are unquestionably one of Albuquerque’s longest standing and most popular salsa ensembles. They play regularly to packed audiences and are highly animated and dedicated salseros. Info: Albuquerque Museum Amphitheater, 2000 Mountain Road NW. Food and drink available from Slate Street Cafe at the Amphitheater. All shows rain or shine, no refunds due to inclement weather. Tickets at holdmyticket.com or call (877) 466-3404.

friday 11 | 7–10 pm

Turquoise United Gem Show Collectors Circle Gala. Join collectors from around the world for a black tie gala featuring passed hors d’oeuvres and entertainment. Info: The Turquoise

Museum, 400 Second Street SW, (505) 433-3684. Tickets $95 at turquoiseunited.com.

friday 11 | 7:30 pm

Albuquerque Science Fiction Society. Preview of the Bubonicon 54 programming schedule and artwork, plus a presentation from a local fan on the history of science fiction. This long-running NM science fiction club has author readings, science talks, films and discussions. Info: Activity Room, St. Andrew Presbyterian Church, 5301 Ponderosa Ave NE (near Erna Fergusson Library). Call (505) 266-8905 or visit bubonicon. com. Free to newcomers.

saturday 12 | 10 am–12 pm

The Pastel Society of New Mexico. Please join us for a demonstration of noted artist Juanita Nelson from Aztec, New Mexico who will introduce the shadows and lights of rocks in canyon vistas. Info: Albuquerque Museum, 2000 Mountain Road NW in the Auditorium. Admission to the demonstration is free.

saturday 12 | 10 am–4 pm

Friends of the Public Library Used Book Sale. Thousands of books, CDs, and DVDs available at 80% to 90% off. Info: Main Library, 501 Copper Avenue NW. $2 admission non-members, members free.

saturday 12 | 1–4 pm

Artists’ Reception. Wild Hearts Gallery presents “Plein Air Landscape Painters: Chasing the Light on the Sandias.” Info: The exhibit runs August 1–September 3 at Wild Hearts Gallery, 221 Homestead Village, Hwy 165, Placitas. Virtual tour available at wildheartsgallery.com, (505) 3612710. Wild Hearts Gallery is an artist’s collective of 16 local artists.

saturday 12 | 5 pm

India Day Albuquerque. Celebrate 76 years of Indian independence with a parade, flag ceremony, music, dancing, and a variety of stalls with amazing food, beautiful clothes, fine jewelry, henna, etc. as well as traditional performances. Info: North Domingo Baca Park, 7521 Carmel

Avenue NE. General inquiries: Mital Patel, (914) 888-4959. Free.

sunday 13 | 10:30 am

Chatter Sunday. Aaron Copland’s Clarinet Concerto performed by Chatter Associate Artistic Director and Oregon Symphony Principal Clarinetist James T. Shields, plus John Adams’ Shaker Loops for string orchestra. Info: Chatter at 912 3rd Street NW, chatterabq.org/boxoffice. Tickets: $16.50 adults in advance; $20 at door. $9 students/under-30, $5 under-13.

sunday 13 | 5–8 pm

2023 New Mexico Humanitarian Awards. The New Mexico Humanitarian Awards Dinner and Dessert Dash proceeds support philanthropic activities at the Jewish Community Center and throughout the greater Albuquerque community. This year they will honor three outstanding humanitarians in our community: Diana Trujeque, Clara Apodaca and Dr. Sanjeev Arora. We will also recognize Margie & Perry Pintzow with the Harold B. Albert

Community Service Award. Info: The Event Center at Sandia Golf Club, 30 Rainbow Road NE. Learn more at nmhumanitarian.org, $150/person, tables of 10 $1,500.

tuesday 15 and 29 | 5–10 pm

Tamarind Summer Season at Los Poblanos. You are invited to visit La Quinta Gallery which features fine art lithography from the Tamarind collection and to learn more about Tamarind’s essential role in the world of lithography. You can also enjoy a beverage at the Library Bar during this exhibit. Info: La Quinta Gallery at Los Poblanos, 4803 Rio Grande Blvd. NW, lospoblanos.com/events.

wednesday 16 | 5:30–6:30 pm

Dr. Armin Rembe Lecture Series; Regenerative Agriculture & Community Building. Join us for an informative panel discussion with farmers from Los Poblanos, the Los Ranchos Agri-Nature Center, and the Rio Grande Community Farm. Info: La Quinta Cultural Center at Los Poblanos, 4803 Rio Grande NW, (855) 486-1380. Tickets are $20.

wednesday 16 | 5:30–7 pm

100 Women Albuquerque. All women are welcome as they socialize and each donate $100 to the same local nonprofit. Last quarter, just under $9,000 was raised. As a donor, you get to vote on the nonprofit for next quarter. Info: Patio at Rio Bravo Brewing, 1912 Second Street NW, 100womenabq.org. Free.

thursday 17 | 6 pm

Chatter at the Albuquerque Museum. Music by Raven Chacon, Peter Garland, and Lou Harrison, featuring the resonant metals of Harrison’s “American Gamelan.” Info: Albuquerque Museum, 2000 Mountain Rd NW; free admission, no tickets or reservations necessary.

saturday 19 and sunday 20 | saturday 10 am–6 pm (adult party 6 pm–8 pm) and sunday 10 am–5 pm

New Mexico’s 4th Annual Pirate Viking Summer Festival. Every year, mangy pirates and heathens come to the festival to eat, drink, and dance. It’s like a piece of the sea, right in Edgewood, New Mexico. Enjoy authentic beer on tap, wine and great

food, outdoor live music, as well as Pirate and Viking music and dancers. Info: Wildlife West Nature Park, 87 N. Frontage Road in Edgewood, (505) 281-7655, nmrenceltfest.ticketspice. com/pirate-viking-summer-festival. Tickets $25–$100 plus fees; fees donated to the Park and Zoo.

sunday 20 | 10:30 am

Chatter Sunday. Music for clarinet and strings by Mozart and Grieg. As always, your ticket includes a custom coffee drink from our espresso bar. Info: Chatter at 912 3rd Street NW, chatterabq.org/boxoffice. Tickets: $16.50 adults in advance; $20 at door. $9 students/under-30, $5 under-13.

wednesday 23 10:30 am–12:30 pm

Alzheimer’s and Dementia Discussion. Join Craig Coleman, Program Manager of the Alzheimer’s Association, who will describe typical age-related memory, thinking, or behavior changes; outline common warning signs of Alzheimer’s and dementia; discuss tips for approaching someone about memory concerns; identify possible tests and assessments for the diagnostic process; and offer resources available through the Alzheimer’s Association. Info: Placitas Community Library, 453 Hwy 165, Placitas, (505) 867-3355, placitaslibrary.com. Free.

thursday 24 | 4:30–6:30 pm

Artists’ Reception. Join Harwood for a reception of “miss me when im gone” by mk and “Ithacan Mythologies” by Harley Kirschner. By printing larger-than-life reproductions of archival photographs from their family’s photo albums with mixed media, mk confronts their identity as well as their upbringing in “miss me when i’m gone”. “Ithacan Mythologies” merges Art Nouveau renditions of Greek Mythologies and baroque Vanitas with trans and queer ecologies and the embrace of the continuous apocalypse. Info: Harwood Art Center, 1114 7th Street NW, harwoodartcenter.org.

thursday 24 | 5–7 pm

Keshet Dance and Center for the Arts. Join Keshet for an evening at Weems Gallery where 25% of all purchases will go to Keshet Dance and Center for the Arts. Support the transformative power of dance in our community and you can do some early Christmas

shopping while you’re at it. Info: keshetarts.org, Weems Gallery and Framing, 5935 Wyoming Blvd NE. Free.

thursday 24 | 6 pm

Artists’ Talks: Lightning Rounds. Meet the 12 New Mexico Artists to Know Now, presented by Southwest Contemporary and 516 Arts, also livestreamed. Info: 516 Arts, 516 Central Avenue SW, (505) 242-1445. Register at 516arts.org/events.

thursday 24 | 6 pm

Chatter at the Albuquerque Museum. Pianist Luke Gullickson performs Frederic Rzewski’s “The People United Will Never Be Defeated!” –a monumental, virtuosic set of 36 variations on the famous Chilean protest song. Info: Albuquerque Museum, 2000 Mountain Rd NW; free admission, no tickets or reservations necessary.

friday 25–sunday 27 | friday 4 pm–midnight; saturday 10 am–midnight; sunday 10 am–5 pm

Bubonicon 54 Convention: Across the Multiverse (Alternate Dimensions, Parallel Worlds). New Mexico’s original annual science fiction convention focuses on science fiction, fantasy, and horror literature, allowing fans and pros to come together to socialize, listen to panel discussions and readings, admire artwork, play games, dress in costume, and have fun. Info: Albuquerque Marriott Uptown, 2101 Louisiana Blvd. NE (at I-40). All weekend and one-day passes available and discounts for youth under the age of 18. Call (505) 2668905, email bubonicon@gmail.com, and visit bubonicon.com.

friday 25 | 6:30 – 10:30 pm

Adult Night at Explora: Science of Beer. Unique New Mexico breweries, beerthemed activities, tastings, andcash bars. Live music and food trucks. VIP exclusives and 6 pm special entry. Pre-sale only for this sell-out event. Info: Explora, 1701 Mountain Road NW, access via Bellamah Avenue and 18th Street. Tickets at esccma. explora.us, (505) 600-6072.

saturday 26 | 12:30–1:30 pm

Children’s Chorus of Rio Rancho. New members are being accepted (2nd-

5th grades) for the fall 2023 season. Rehearsals are Saturdays 12:30–1:45 pm, August 26–November 25 and performances will be December 1, 2, and 3. No auditions necessary and no previous experience required. Register early for 10% discount. Info: Star Heights Recreation Center, 800 Polaris Blvd., Rio Rancho, rr-cc.org, (505) 977-4160.

saturday 26 | 1 pm

Book Signing of “Elsie and Elsa” by Ronn Perea. Learn about the secret history of New Mexico, including A Harvey Girl’s Memories and the Demolition of the Alvarado Hotel in September, 1972, with the Albuquerque author during his lecture and book signing. Info: Wheels Museum, 1100 2nd Street SW, ronnperea.com, free. Book may be purchased at Treasure House Books & Gifts, 2012 S. Plaza Street NW, Suite A.

saturday 26 | 2–3:30 pm

Rio Rancho Youth Chorus. New members are being accepted (6th–12th grades) of all abilities, experience levels, identities, and backgrounds. No auditions and no previous experience required. All singers welcome. Come to our opening day rehearsal for the fall 2023 season. Rehearsals are Saturdays 2–4 pm August 26–November 25 and performances will be December 1, 2, and 3. Register early for 10% discount. Info: Star Heights Recreation Center, 800 Polaris Blvd., Rio Rancho, rr-cc.org, (505) 977-4160.

saturday 26 | 8-9:30 pm

Diamond Rio in Concert. Formed in 1989 in Nashville, the band recently released “I Made It,” their 10th studio album. The band’s 1991 release, “Meet in the Middle” had them become the first country music group in history to reach number one with a debut single. Info: Isleta Resort & Casino, The Showroom, 11000 Broadway SE. Tickets $40 to $50 plus fees at holdmyticket.com, 21+ show.

sunday 27 | 10:30 am

Chatter Sunday. Premiere of “Everything is named after something lost,” a reflection on Arizona’s Superstition Mountain from composer Alex Temple and artist Katie Doyle. Plus Charles Ives’ Piano Trio. Info: Chatter

at 912 3rd Street NW, chatterabq. org/boxoffice. Tickets: $16.50 adults in advance; $20 at door. $9 students/ under-30, $5 under-13.

sunday 27 | 8 pm

LL Cool J: The F.O.R.C.E. Live in Concert. LL Cool J is one of the earliest rappers to achieve commercial success. He is also an actor, having played NCIS Special Agent Sam Hanna in NCIS: Los Angeles. In 2021 he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with an award for Musical Excellence. Info: Sandia Resort & Casino Amphitheater, 30 Rainbow Road. Tickets: $159–$239 plus fees.

tuesday 29 | 5–10 pm

Tamarind Summer Season at Los Poblanos. You are invited to visit La Quinta Gallery which features fine art lithography from the Tamarind collection and to learn more about Tamarind’s essential role in the world of lithography. You can also enjoy a beverage at the Library Bar during this exhibition. Info: La Quinta Gallery at Los Poblanos, 4803 Rio Grande Blvd. NW, lospoblanos.com/events.

friday september 8

6 pm cocktails, 7 pm dinner

8th Annual Patriot Dinner. The Folds of Honor New Mexico and the Del Norte Rotary Club of Albuquerque invite you to their annual dinner benefiting children and families of our wounded injured and disabled heroes with educational support and opportunities. Info: Isleta Convention Center, 11000 Broadway SE. Tickets at newmexico.foldsofhonor.org/ events, (505) 350-3996 or (505) 2804118. Tickets $175/person, table of 10 $1,500, in uniform $100. Sponsorships available. For reservations at the hotel, call (877) 475-3827

DAILY/ONGOING

various days | various times

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

various days | various times

Cancer Support Now. Free services. Info: Call our helpline, (505) 2550405. Also, various days/times listed throughout for specific group and individual assistance.

various days | various times

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

Available tour dates online |

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 Road, 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 through 314 years of haunted history. Info: Approximately 1 hour, 50 minutes. Viator.com

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 NE, (505) 245-2137. Tickets $15 at nuclearmuseum.org.

daily | various times

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

daily | various activities and times

Jewish Community Center. The Ronald Gardenswartz Jewish Community Center of Greater Albuquerque (JCC) is part of your extended family, your home away from home—providing programs and services for all ages and stages in life. Within our walls or around the world, our members gather to meet, play, learn, celebrate, and be part of the community. Everyone, regardless of age or religious affiliation, is welcome. Info: 5520 Wyoming Blvd. NE, (505) 3320565, jccabq.org.

daily | various times and locations

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

daily | various times

Lovelace Silver Elite. Informative videos are offered that address health issues such as osteoarthritis, sleep apnea, cardiovascular issues, Parkinson’s disease, and treatment options for male lower UTIs and BPH, as well as radiology imaging as we age. Presented by Lovelace doctors that are experts in the subject fields. Lovelace Silver Elite also offers free seminars and VIP benefits. Info: lovelacesilverelite.com, (505) 7275502.

daily |

Agora Crisis Center Volunteers. Are you a compassionate, non-judgmental person who wants to help others? Learn new skills, make friends,

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

daily |

Animal Humane Free Behavioral Helpline. This service is available to all pet owners who are experiencing behavior problems with their dogs or cats. Animal Humane New Mexico’s trained behavior coaches

answer questions and provide tips on everything from housetraining to living with multiple animals. Info: (505) 938-7900.

daily |

Donate Blood. Because someone needs it every day. 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, closed monday

Rattlesnakes. See different species of live rattlesnakes displayed in recreated natural landscapes. They are dedicated to conservation and preservation through education. Info: American International Rattlesnake Museum, 202 San Felipe Road NW, Suite A, (505) 242-6569, rattlesnakes. com. Tickets: $8.95 adults; $7.95 seniors, military, students, teachers; $6.95 children (ages 3–12).

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

daily |9 am–4 pm

The Indian Pueblo Cultural Center. Please join them 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 Street NW, (505) 843-7270. See website for events and exhibitions, indianpueblo. org.

daily | 7 am–8 pm

Free Fishing. From sun-up to sun-down, practice your basic fly-tying 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 Drive SW, call 311 or (505) 768-2000.

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 Street SE, (505) 2555523 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 through 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–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 | monday–thursday

9 am–12 pm; saturday 10 am–2 pm; other times by appointment

Lego Exhibit at the Wheels Museum. The New Mexico Lego Users Group (NMLUG on Facebook) has partnered with Wheels to display a beautiful Lego Train layout for children of all ages to enjoy. The exhibit will vary each season. Info: 1100 Second Street

SW, wheelsmuseum.org, (505) 2436269. 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 at 205 Romero,

NW, (505) 242-4311, amapolagallery. com.

daily | 10 am–5 pm; open from 9–11 am mondays for Toddler

Time

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. Info: 1701 Mountain Road NW, explora@explora.us, (505) 6006072. Tickets: $6–$10 at explora@ explora.us/visitor-information.

daily | 12:30 pm

Duplicate Bridge. There are open games for newer and experienced players monday through 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) 271-2877, dukecitybridge. com. Entrance fee is $6.

various days | monday–

thursday 9 am–12 pm; saturday 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 Street, SW). Info: Please visit wheelsmuseum.org for information on all the interesting and informative exhibits, (505) 2436269. Tax deductible donations are gratefully accepted; contact Leba at leba4@aol.com.

various days | various times

ABQ Scavenger Hunt. Teams of 2 to 5 people solve clues, complete challenges, and work together to unravel secrets of the city. Info: (805) 603-5620, 1919 Old Town Rd. NW, urbanadventurequest.com, $49 per team; $10 off coupon at visitalbuquerque.org.

various days | various times

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

sundays | check website

Breaking Bad Tour. Breaking Bad fans won’t want to miss this entertaining and action-packed tour that features many show locations that only true fans will appreciate. Your Breaking Bad knowledge will be tested with trivia from the show, so come prepared to win prizes. Locations may change depending upon ongoing

filming schedules. Info: 1919 Old Town Road NW, viator.com 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 or by date in Datebook, previous pages. Info: Performances are held at 912 3rd Street NW. Doors open at 9:30; for best seats, come early and enjoy the coffee and camaraderie. Advance tickets: $16 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.

mondays | noon

Kiwanis Club of Albuquerque. Speaker luncheons are held the first three Mondays of each month except for July and September. Our speaker programs are highly regarded. Info: Embassy Suites Hotel, 1000 Woodward Place 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) 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.

every second monday 6:30–8 pm

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

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 and wednesdays |

9:30 pm

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

mondays–saturdays

noon–2 pm

Exquisite Turquoise in the Castle. This extraordinary German-style castle is the museum setting featuring rare turquoise specimens, lapidary demos, history and geology, a mine tunnel replica, hands-on activities for kids, and silversmithing. Info: The Turquoise Museum, 400 2nd St. SW, turquoisemuseum.com, (505) 433-3684. Tickets: $20 adults, $15 children.

every third monday

6–7:30 pm

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

tuesdays

2–3 pm

Caregiver Support Group. Caregiving for a loved one can be overwhelming and isolating. This group provides a compassionate space for caregivers to gain emotional support and information. Facilitated by Erin Tarica, LMSW. Info: Jewish Community Center, 5520 Wyoming Blvd. NE. Pre-registration required, (505) 3484451, free.

tuesdays

3:30–5 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-toone support.

tuesdays | 6–8 pm

Chess Club. All ages and skill levels are welcome. Info: Corrales Community Library, 84 West La Entrada, (505) 897-0733.

tuesdays | 6:30–8:30 pm

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

second tuesdays | 4–7 pm

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

tuesdays–saturdays

9 am–5 pm

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

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

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

every first tuesday 1–2:30 pm

Spanish Language Alzheimer’s Support Group. This meeting is for Spanishspeaking individuals caring for a family member with dementia. Info: Alamosa Community Center, 6900 Gonzales Rd. SW, Suite C, (505) 3638499 or (800) 272-3900.

first and third tuesdays | 12–1:30 pm

Cancer Support Now. Rio Rancho area breast cancer support group for patients and survivors of breast cancer. Info: Our Helpline is available 7 days a week at (505) 255-0405. Currently hosting web meetings only. Please call the helpline for an invitation to join a web support group or to connect with someone for oneto-one support.

second tuesdays

10:30 am–noon

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

second tuesdays | 12–2 pm

Cancer Support Now. How to be your Own Best Advocate for patients, survivors and/or caregivers, any cancer. Learn to identify and eliminate barriers in finding both medical and non-medical resources, information, and support during cancer diagnosis and treatment. Info: Our Helpline is available seven days a week at (505) 255-0405. 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.

second tuesdays | 6–7 pm

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

tuesdays–sundays

10 am–5 pm

National Hispanic Cultural Center Exhibits. See 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, 243-7255. 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 oneto-one support.

tuesday–sunday |10 am–5 pm

The Corrales Bosque Gallery. A threemonth “Heal the World” Humanitarian campaign to aid earthquake and disaster victims internationally as well as locally identified needs has begun. Artists have displayed a wall of art with 100% of the sales proceeds going to the appropriate relief organizations. Info: 4685 Corrales Road, (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 Sculpture Garden tour. An additional $5 special exhibit surcharge may apply. Info: Albuquerque Museum, 2000 Mountain Rd. NE, cabq.gov/ artsculture, (505) 243-7255.

wednesdays | 7 pm

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

wednesdays | 7–9 pm

Trivia Night. New, random categories and themes every week. Bring a team of up to six people. Info: Brew Lab 101, 3301 Southern Blvd. SE, Rio Rancho, (505) 962-1587. Free to play and prizes may be won.

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 oneto-one support.

second and fourth wednesdays | noon

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

wednesdays–sundays

10 am–4 pm

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

wednesdays–sundays

11 am–5 pm

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

Village, 8001 Wyoming NE, Suite C-5, (505) 508-4278.

thursdays | 11:30 am

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

thursdays | 4–5:30 pm

UNM and Cancer Support Now. Friends and family writing together. This is a journaling support group for grief and anticipatory grief for caregivers of a person with any type of cancer. Info: 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 oneto-one support.

thursdays | 6–8

pm

Outdoor Music Series at Los Poblanos. Join others this summer as local musicians are welcomed to Los Poblanos each Thursday evening. Paired with beautiful New Mexican weather and creative cocktails from the Rio Grande Valley Rescue Truck, you may want to visit each week. Seating is first-come, first-served, no reservations required. Info: Los Poblanos, 4803 Rio Grande NW, (855) 486-1380. Visit lospoblanos. com/events for the full line up.

first and third thursdays | 4:30–6:30 pm

Cancer Support Now. Pancreatic cancer caregiver support group for caregivers of patients and survivors of pancreatic cancer, all stages, men, and women. Info: 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-to-one support.

first and third thursdays |

6–8 pm

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

second and fourth thursdays | 3:30–5 pm

Cancer Support Now. Pancreatic cancer support group for patients and survivors, all stages of diagnosis, men, and women. Info: 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: 3, 10, 17, and 24 | 6 pm

Free Chatter Concerts at the Albuquerque Museum. This is the 14th year that Chatter and the Museum have collaborated on this series, and each year, the music selected for the concerts is tied to current Museum

exhibits. This year, those exhibits are “Journey West: Danny Lyon,” and “Dictators and the Disappeared: Democracy Lost and Restored.” Info: Albuquerque Museum, 2000 Mountain Road NW. Program details at chatterabq.org/chatter-at/ museum. Free.

thursdays | 9:30 pm

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

fridays | noon–1:30 pm

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

fridays | 1–4 pm

Tamarind Institute. See the workshop facility, learn about fine art lithography, the current programs, and the history of Tamarind (a division within the College of Fine Arts at UNM). 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) 277-3901. Free.

fridays | 7–10 pm

Dance Party. Learn a new dance and meet new people each week at ABQ’s newest studio, with three beautiful ballrooms and state-ofthe-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) 5084020, holidaydancestudio.com, $30.

every first friday |

Free Admission Day. AndersonAbruzzo Albuquerque International Balloon Museum. 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 Drive NE (north of Alameda), (505) 768-6020, cabq.gov/balloon.

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.cactussociety.org.

saturdays | 8–11 am

Los Ranchos Growers’ Market. Their 31st season. Fresh local produce and products, plants, music and more.

Handicapped accessible. Facebook: Los Ranchos Growers’ Mark et. For questions, call (505) 610-9591. Free.

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

saturdays |9 am–noon

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

saturdays | noon–1 pm

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

saturdays | 1–3 pm

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

most 2nd, 4th, and 5th

saturdays | 7–10 pm

ABQ Dance Club. Fun social dances with a variety of music for swing, country,

ballroom, and Latin. No partner needed and beginners are welcome. Info: ABQ Square Dance Center, 4915 Hawkins NE. For info and to confirm schedule, email glkello@nmia.com or call (505) 299-3737 (no text; leave message). $8 fee ($5 ADC).

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 NE, abqtango.org.

second saturday of each month | 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 NE, (505) 2921998, uscabq.org/coffeehouse for information about the month’s performers. (Not affiliated with the church.)

third saturday of each month

Blue Star Mothers. General membership meeting for mothers of sons or daughters who currently serve or have served in the U.S. military that 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) 203-8250 or Denise at (505) 8836240. Free.

monday thru 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.

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 Through Cancer Office, 3411 Candelaria Rd. NE, Suite M, theGCAP.org.

every second saturday |

10–11:30 am

Outcomes. Grandparents Raising Grandchildren. Join others for discussions and support groups. Info: St. Paul’s United Church of Christ, 2701 American Road, Rio Rancho, (505) 243-2551 to reserve a space. Free and free childcare provided.

second and fourth saturdays

10–11:30 am

Cancer Support Now. Create to heal using art, music, writing, and meditation to explore the journey of cancer, for survivors and caregivers, all diagnoses, men, and women. Info: 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.

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.

E VERYONE’S G OT I NK

Few trends are embraced by every generation and demographic quite like the ritual of getting a tattoo.

That’s especially true in ABQ, with our myriad crossroads of culture.

The common theme? Every tattoo has a great story on how and why it came to life.

STORIES BY STEPHANIE HAINSFURTHER AND EMMA TREVINO

BY DON JAMES

PHOTOGRAPHY

Paintings can be classified as impressionist, cubist, baroque, rococo—the list goes on. The same can be said for tattoos. While it’s true many artists veer towards a more personal style that reflects their personality and artistry, there’s also a huge demand for established styles that have been popular for hundreds (even thousands) of years. Here, we’ll take you through some common styles that you might come across on the streets of ABQ. -ET

AMERICAN TRADITIONAL Justin

Kamm

ACES TATTOO

Midtown

This style has been embraced for over a century and is defined by its striking bold outlines and bright colors. Most of the time, American Traditional is represented by images that reflect the style’s military origins. “You see things like Sailor Jerry and Ed Hardy and people are really inspired by that sort of aesthetic,” says Justin Kamm from Aces Tattoo. “The other great thing about it is it really is able to stand the test of time--this style is never out of fashion. I generally do a lot of eagles, anchors, and even roses because they’re good to fill up any extra space.”

TRIBAL

Robert Prieto

STYLISTIC INK TATTOO Eagle Ranch

Bold shapes and patterns are hallmarks of Tribal tattoos, and even though they may seem strictly cultural, Robert Prieto of Stylistic Ink Tattoo says that’s not necessarily the case in every instance. “I’ve been tattooing for 20 years and I do a lot of tribal tattoos. They’re established in almost every culture so there are many variations. It’s honestly just a coin toss to see whether people want them for the aesthetic or for cultural reasons.”

Treber Kaneshiro

TATTOO CADRE

Del Norte/ Midtown

Realism is a notorious challenge for tattoo artists (and artists across the board, come to think of it). Grafting a picture-perfect image onto someone’s body is no small task, and Treber Kaneshiro of Tattoo Cadre would know. “Over 75% percent of the tattoos I do are photorealistic, and they’re pretty variable,” he says. Subject-wise, his favorite things to do are animal portraits. “There’s less pressure with animals versus something like a person’s face. That being said, being asked to do human portraits is an honor because you are charged with keeping someone immortal through ink.”

WATERCOLOR

FINE LINE

Stuart St. Louis

CHEEKY MONKEY TATTOO

Lower Northeast Heights

One of the more technically difficult styles to master, Watercolor is meant to look like just that: a painting. It’s been said that these tattoos have less longevity due to the colorwork, but Stuart St. Louis of Cheeky Monkey Tattoo begs to differ. “That’s a really common misconception, but the reason it seems like that is because the colors need to be diluted in order for it to blend as it should,” he says. “If a watercolor tattoo is done right, it won’t fade more than any other tattoo and looks so artistic and elegant.”

SHADOW OF COMFORT

TATTOO

Lower Northeast Heights

This one is fairly self explanatory: unlike some other styles, Fine Line is all about subtlety and artists who specialize in this style are known for their precision.

“I think heavy-handed tattooers should probably stay away from this style because there’s so many things that can go wrong as far as lines blowing out,” says Shadow of Comfort Tattoo’s Gilbert Vasquez. He also emphasizes that the success of a Fine Line tattoo is largely dependent on the client’s willingness to be flexible.

“A lot of people will come in with this tiny design, but sometimes it’s not realistic because in a few years, it’ll look blurry and will need to be fixed.”

Gilbert Vasquez

Prior to being adopted for the New Mexico state flag almost a century ago, the Zia symbol was long a sacred part of Zia Pueblo’s history and culture. It has since also become a powerful and artistic mark that reflects one’s pride in our state. Do any of the other 49 states have a similar, singular, definitive image? Hardly. So it’s probably no surprise that countless ABQ residents and transplants have tattoos of various versions of the iconic symbol. “When I was looking for a tattoo, I saw the Zia and I knew it was what I needed in my life,” says Ginny Marquez, who shows off her thigh tattoo on the opposite page. “It represents me.” Marquez, who moved to ABQ from West Virginia when she was eight years old, says her eldest daughter and her husband also have Zia ink. “It makes me smile every time I see a Zia tattoo,” she says.

- Lonnie Valdez, 27

- Kyle Maestas, 40

“I may travel the world for work as a flight attendant, but I’ll never forget my roots, my family or where I came from.”

“The inspiration behind this tattoo was to express my Jicarilla Apache and Northern Hispanic heritage.”

“I moved to the South Valley as a kid. My best friends were kids from Isleta (Pueblo), and growing up with them made me very prideful. I’m not Hispanic, I’m Filipino and Jewish, but the Zia symbol still represents my roots and our new traditions.”

-

Ginny ‘Red’ Marquez, 48

“The future lies before you, like a field of fallen snow; Be careful how you tread on it, for every step will show.” - attributed to Doris A. Wright

My mother wrote that quote on the first page of a brand-new autograph book she bought for my 11th birthday. Maybe she meant to encourage me, but the statement just seemed scary. A field of snow?! I pictured myself frozen in the middle of that snowy expanse, unable

to move for fear that I’d make a mistake.

Of course I was going to take steps into that field that were going to show - messy, wandering, falling-down steps through a life that didn’t at all resemble a pure white field. And the marks show, on my face, on my soul.

Now I have a chosen mark that speaks to me of a whole life lived and a place I blossomed in. I have a tattoo.

The artist Doom Kitten drew a double Desert Four O’clock blossom for me as only he could (see our interview with him on page 80). The session took place at Cat & Cobra, his salon at the edge of Nob Hill, where every room is open and welcoming, furnished in restored

castoffs with vintage character. Art is everywhere, on the walls and on the customers. It is transcendently clean. He spoke to me about the tattoo, and we chose the size and orientation.

In the back of my mind lurked the upcoming pain.

He began gently, just a medium pressure on the top of my left arm, a body site my tattooed friends told me isn’t the most delicate. I tolerated everything well through the first application of pink ink. At times, I felt a small pinprick but the whole experience was much more pleasant and less painful than I expected. Then he applied more inks, yellow and purple and white, and the

“The tattoo is a reminder of all things sacred to my heart and a reminder of my home.”

- Julie Flores, 40

pain intensified. I’d call it a loud achemy body saying, “Wait - what?!”

During this part of the process, our photographer said the deepening colors made the flowers “bloom” into the appearance of three dimensions.

Just as I was going to ask for a short break, Doom Kitten finished his work. Isn’t it lovely?

I had an easy aftermath. My tattooed area didn’t ache after an hour or so. No swelling, so I didn’t need aspirin or ice. The clear bandage came off by itself after three days. I washed the tat and used the tiger balm in the after-care package. All is well.

Would I do it again? Heck, yeah. But only if I find another tattoo as meaningful as this one is to me. You see, I’ve blossomed in the desert. In Albuquerque, I helped raise my husband’s grandson and got to know his daughter and son-in-law. They moved here to be closer to us during that phase of their lives, enriching ours. Most of my writing and editing career took place here. I’ve had more opportunities to make friends among the artistic community here in every aspect - theater, literature, music, dance and the visual arts - than I ever did in the snowy fields of New England.

The Desert Four O’clock on my arm means a lot to me. The Latin name is Mirabilis multiflora. Multiflora because there are many blooms on the same plant; each lasts for just a day. Mirabilis as in “astonishing.” You’ve heard the term “Annus Mirabilis” to describe a miraculous year within a generation. As I take stock in my later years, I can see that I’ve had a miraculous life.

The blossoms on my arm mark it, and I remember. —Stephanie Hainsfurther

The whole thing took about an hour and a half.

Pain was low at first, then medium. But I come from a long line of stoics.

“New Mexico is home and where my heart is.”

- Matthew Torrez, 32

Very surprised that it was such a truly enjoyable experience.

CRAFTING A CREATIVE CAREER AND LIFE TO MATCH LED ABQ ARTIST TO A SPOT ON TV’S ‘INK MASTER’

What strikes you first about tattoo artist Doom Kitten is his single-minded focus on creating original art for his audience.

“It’s what I love to do,” he says. “I prefer to custom draw things. I have one drafting table in the studio, two at home - one wet and one dry - one in the kitchen and a TV tray. I have places all over. I draw wherever and whenever it feels like I want to draw.”

That love of his art is backed by strong ethics and a drive to do right by his customers. He does not produce graphically sexual images, nor will he do anything racist or gang related. He has turned down work of that nature in the past.

“I don’t want my name associated with something like that,” Doom Kitten says.

He will ink a piece that he didn’t draw only if it has meaning to the client and is viable as a piece of tattoo art. “I would prefer to custom draw things but if it’s workable and you want it for a special, personal reason, I won’t argue.”

What comes through when you talk

to him is his absolute adherence to a personal code of ethics. He feels that Pinterest and other social media raise false expectations of what a good tattoo really is.

“I had a hairdresser roommate who would have people bring photos of celebrities to him and they wanted the same thing as in the picture - but he would say, ‘That’s a wig.’ The same thing happens in tattooing. They come in with designs that are too complex or too small. I give them a compassionate explanation but also a full refusal,” he said.

He won’t ink content he considers tacky. “If it doesn’t align with my beliefs, I won’t do it. If it’s culturally not appropriate, I won’t do it. I want to love what I’m doing.”

He also now takes walk-ins at Cat & Cobra, his studio at 301 Washington SE, but only because he has taken on two newer artists who are eager to build a following. “Word of mouth is always the best advertising,” he said.

That might seem an odd remark coming from someone who ended up being the only contestant on the Netflix TV

show “Ink Master” to survive all the way through Season 9 (you can now stream it on other services like Amazon Prime, Paramount+ and Apple TV). It hadn’t been on his radar to do the show, but a former “Ink Master” contestant recommended him and his colleagues where they all worked at an upscale tattoo parlor in Virginia.

“All of our names got thrown into the pot,” he said. “I didn’t fill out an application; I just went through an interview process. It seemed exciting at the time.”

Exciting, but a lot of work, too. Doom Kitten spent more than 70 days living and breathing the TV show along with other contestants in a warehouse in New Jersey that housed them and served as the set. They were paid a negotiated rate and had to sign a new contract every day to keep up with changing conditions. “They kept adding conditions, because tattoo artists are hooligans. The producers didn’t think we were up to anything specifically, but people on the show in the past have found creative ways to get around the rules.”

29

25

“My sister and I wanted to get matching tattoos that carried a strong relevance to our heritage. Everyone has a Zia so we wanted to make it unique and use the word ‘Hecho,’ which means ‘made’ in Spanish!”

- Nick and Marissa Sanchez,

and

Days on the set were long. Cell phones and credit cards were collected and handed back at the end of the shoot. He didn’t get to see any of the surroundings and there was very little downtime. The producers took them out to a movie - once. “It was like going to the movies with our parents,” he quipped. “They gave us $15 for popcorn and a drink.”

He said that the realities of “TV magic” are very different from what the audience might imagine. “I think there’s a huge disconnect between what the viewer sees and what actually happens,” he said. And as a contestant? “It’s totally outside of your comfort zone. You’re only going to be able to do a B-grade version of your work. I was impressed by what the winning team produced under the circumstances and we’re now friends.”

The winners went on to advertise their success on the show, but Doom Kitten does not go for endless self promotion, even though he could. After all, he is the only Albuquerque resident ever to compete on “Ink Master.”

“TV celebrates how much you love hyping yourself,” he said. “I’m not that guy.”

Doom Kitten has worked all over the world and the U.S. He lived in Germany and in Norway for “As long as my visa allowed!” He has a few astute observations about the tattoo styles in both countries and how they differ from the U.S.

“They’re way different,” he said. “In Berlin, they wear fewer tattoos than we do and the art is smaller. I didn’t see as many sleeves or backs as I do in Albuquerque. And they have regional styles as well in Germany. A lot of it is blackwork and a lot of it is abstract, industrial, Bauhaus styles. There’s not a lot of color but they are decorated with beautiful shapes. It’s exciting work.”

In Norway, which doesn’t get nearly as much sun as we do in New Mexico, the lighter, cooler skin tones impressed him with their canvas-like aspects. “Norwegian skin lends itself very well to different styles,” he said. “Much of the content is

folkloric.”

Doom Kitten plans to stick around Albuquerque for the near future, so if you want to get inked by a master, you know exactly where to find him. —SH

“The Zia represents the harmony and balance I seek on our rivers while flyfishing.”

- Curtis Bayer

Doom

Kitten creates

his own artwork for the love of it, to the delight of his clients.

CRAFTING A CREATIVE COVER-UP

We all made some regrettable mistakes when we were younger, but more often than not, those are fixable. In fact, even a terrible tattoo can be amended. You just have to have the perfect combination of the right artist, the right concept, and a little bit of luck. We spoke to Gilbert Vasquez of Shadow of Comfort Tattoo for his take on cover-ups and how he’s able to turn a disaster into a brand new, innovative piece.

ATM: When something like this comes into Shadow of Comfort, what is your first reaction?

GILBERT VASQUEZ: I mean, I was instantly like, ‘Oh my God,’ because normally when you’re covering something up it has to be bigger than what you want to cover, so I wasn’t really sure how we were going to accomplish that on a giant piece like this.

ATM: Were you thinking about covering it with another flower?

GV: Well, she didn’t want a theme, she was more interested in getting a bunch of separate things that she liked. A theme would’ve been easier to design for sure and I think that would’ve looked nice here. We kind of

just started from the bottom and went from there, but nevertheless I’m really happy with how it turned out.

ATM: Absolutely.

GV: So it was kind of like figuring it out as I went. As I started moving up the tattoo, I was thinking about what would fit where and how it would all pan out.

ATM: Biggest challenge for this piece specifically?

GV: Because there was so much heavy black linework in the original, there were times that I would be tattooing and see some of the original piece come through, so I’d have to go over those parts several times which is its own separate monster.

“After living out of state, I realized how amazing and close to my heart Albuquerque was.”

- Sara Montoya,

ATM: When you are doing any cover-up, what’s the main goal you try to keep in mind as you’re designing and tattooing?

GV: That’s the thing: when you are doing a cover-up, your priority should be making sure it doesn’t look like it’s covering anything. It should look like it was meant to be there in the first place.

ATM: Timeline-wise, about how long did this cover-up take?

GV: Every item in this tattoo was its own session…I’d say this took about 7 sessions. At 4 hours each, it’s about a 28-hour piece.

“My Zia tattoo is paying homage to New Mexico. Being born and raised here, it just seemed right.”

- Amanda Sayer, 31

AN ELEGANT REMINDER THAT FAMILY IS FOREVER

We think of military veterans as getting tattoos that reflect their service - maybe the Fallen Soldier with a bayonet, helmet and combat boots - but Sheila Dailey wears hers to remember family.

“I only have one - a heart with a vine inside my left forearm. One of my sisters had just passed away. There were six of us kids; half of us are gone, and my parents died young, too. So my sister Peggy and I decided we should get a tattoo honoring our family. They were all awesome people and I miss

them.”

So in 2017 they met in Winslow, Arizona, where they all grew up, and got their heart-and-vine tattoos. It felt like home. “I can still go to Winslow and people say, ‘Oh, you’re a Robinson!’”

Dailey served in the Air Force and the Air National Guard from 1985 to 2005 from Maine to Georgia, eventually ending up in Fairbanks, Alaska, where she retired from service. She shared her feelings about the public’s fuzzy perceptions of female veterans.

“They do not think of women as veterans. A lot of people think of them as

nurses or being in administrative jobs. Women protect the perimeter, act as security forces and are members of a platoon that goes into war.”

Dailey does feel that perception is changing, slowly. For example, she said, the Veterans Administration is recently stepping up women’s health care.

Dailey has a service dog, a husky mix named Belle Louise, whom she relies on because of PTSD gained during her time in military service. “She keeps me on an even keel.”

“I grew up playing soccer as a goalkeeper in New Mexico, and now I coach that same position in NM. No other state has a symbol much like us here in New Mexico.”

- Anthony Guyker, 42

UNCLE SAM EASES TATTOO RULES

One year ago, the U.S. Army rewrote regulations regarding tattoos in order to allow more ink on more new recruits. Recruiters were finding that young people already wearing tattoos were being turned off or turned away by the strict regulations surrounding personal ink. Potential recruits with neck, face and hand tats, for instance, had to go through an extra months-long process to obtain clearance before they could enlist.

Turns out the Army isn’t the only branch of the service that considered their own tattoo regs to be barriers to enlistment. Each branch has its own rules regarding tats. In March of this year, the Air Force relaxed their rules as well, to stop them from turning away about 1,300 new recruits per year, according to Air & Space Forces Magazine.

How relaxed? To an outsider, not very. But most of the military regulations we read now allow tattoos between the fingers of no more than 1 inch square that cannot be seen when the fingers are closed and extended. They now allow neck tattoos of that small size, too, on the nape and even a small tattoo behind the ear. Popular ring tattoos are allowed in the military, just one per customer. Body tats were always allowed as long as clothing could cover them.

According to The Military Guide, if you want to join up, just suck it up when it comes to removing tats that show above or through your clothing (like dress whites).

Here is a brief list of allowed and disallowed tats in the branches of service.

ARMY: No wrist, face or hand tats; tats on the nape are okay if they are below the T-shirt line. Small behindthe-ear and between-the-fingers ink is fine if they are no more than one inch in all directions.

NAVY: One hand tattoo and one neck tattoo (again with the 1-inch caveat) are permissible.

MARINES: Basically, get over yourself. Nothing visible.

AIR FORCE: No neck, face, scalp or head tattoos. No more than 25% of the body showing tattoos.

COAST GUARD: See Air Force.

Full sleeves or full-leg tats are forbidden in all branches.

Here’s another interesting fact: cosmetic tattoos, like eyeliner and eyebrow ink, are allowed in all branches as long as they appear to be natural. If you go over the top or embellish too much, however, these things fall into the category of face tattoos and could keep you from promotion.

“As a born and raised New Mexican, I am proud to represent.”

- Tori Brigance, 34

Where to tattoo?

That question is at once philosophical and physical. You might locate the perfect area for your tattoo because it has personal meaning or is a beauty spot you want to emphasize. You may also want to base your decision on which body parts are known to bring the least or most amounts of pain.

LESS PAIN

UPPER AND LOWER BACK

UPPER OUTER THIGH

PAIN LEVEL: 4

PAIN LEVEL: 2 SHOULDER

PAIN LEVEL: 6

SOURCE: REMOVERY.COM

“I had wanted to move here from Chicago for 20 years, and I finally did this past May! I got this tattoo 10 years ago.”

- Lola Kirk, 62

MORE PAIN 10

ELBOW & KNEES

CHEST RIBCAGE

CALVES HANDS AND FEET ANKLES AND SHINS

Every other body part ranks in between those areas listed, but be aware that individuals vary greatly in their responses to pain no matter the location.

Are there steps you can take to min-

SOURCE: REMOVERY.COM

imize the pain before you get to the parlor? Here are a few suggestions from various sources.

Go early in the day. Hydrate before and after. Don’t go drunk or stoned. Do not take painkillers (they thin the blood, which could make things

messy). Bring a snack and water, especially if you have diabetes or hypoglycemia. Eat a meal two hours before your appointment - unless you’re getting your stomach tattooed, for obvious reasons. Ain’t nobody got time for that. —SH

“I love having a little piece of home on my wrist whenever I go out of state.”

- Ashley Reid, 43

$1.65 BILLION

What Americans spend yearly on tattoos

18% Annual increase in tattoo removal services

11% those age 50 to 64 with tattoos

40% Americans under 35 with at least one tattoo.

$150 Average cost of large tattoo work

6th

Only 5 other U.S. industries are growing faster than tattooing

“I got the Zia tattoo because I was moving out of state.”

- Nichole Vigil,

tattoo.”

50

INK ON BODIES (AND PAPER) HELP ABQ VETS COPE

Writer and podcaster Jim Tritten met a handful of other writers in a critique group formed by Southwest Writers and got an idea. They all had memory stories to tell surrounding their time in a branch of service, or in a war, or growing up in a military family. To him, it seemed time to gather all of their stories into an anthology.

“Holes in Our Hearts” is the germination of that idea, published this summer. And two of the local writers who have stories in the book sport tattoos that perfectly illustrate that concept.

“Mike [Hays] and I were work buddies in Seattle and instantly became platonic soulmates,” said Harper O’Connor, one of the story writers. “We met a friend named Heather and the three of us bonded. We had our matching tattoos done in 2015. Each of us was battling a major health issue at the time. We all agreed on the design and what it meant, the love and care we have for each other.”

Heather moved to Taos and Mike followed to take care of her. After Heather died of breast cancer, Harp-

er and Mike moved to Albuquerque. “We had a real connection of the heart,” O’Connor said.

Their story in “Holes in Our Hearts” is called “Roadside Temples.” In it, they recall an incident in South Korea when their father, who was in the Air Force, was stationed at Osan Air Base. The family was visiting a Buddhist temple and O’Connor was struck by its beauty and serenity.

“I remember the colors and the calm and the kindness of the monks,” they said. “I loved it so much. I wanted more of that calm, peaceful feeling.” O’Connor was seven years old at the time.

One of their tattoos is a peace sym bol with flowers inked on their right calf that states “Combat is not the an swer.”

Mike Hays (whose story appears under his pen name, M. Elder Hays) wrote “So Many Wars” for the anthol ogy.

“My dad was a Korean War vet and I wrote a scene where Dad is on his deathbed and my sister and I are in the corner, talking about her horrible marriage,” he said. “Trust me, it’s funny!”

a dragon, his sobriety day date, and pelvis dots from radiation treatment for cancer. Those dots are meaningful tattoos as well.

Mark Fleisher is a Vietnam vet but he didn’t get his tattoos there. Before

“As a proud native New Mexican who’s spent most of the last 30 years living elsewhere, my tattoo always reminds me of my home.”

- Paul Venable, 42

he went to ‘Nam from 1967-68, he had briefly dated a young woman named Merle. About 43 years later, they reconnected and are now married. The tattoo on his upper right arm is a blackbird - that’s what “merle” means in French. His thunderbird tattoo on the other arm hails New Mexico as his chosen home.

Fleisher’s story in the anthology is entitled “A Day To Be Remembered.” In it, he recounts the day (Feb. 18, 1968) when a 122mm rocket hit near the building in which he was working. The Viet Cong had just started using that warhead in the south.

“We heard a whistling sound.

The rocket hit the vacant building next door and the shrapnel came through our wall. I was not at my desk, which was obliterated. The concussion knocked me to the floor and I couldn’t hear for a couple of days.”

Another soldier, Rick Ramsey, was not so lucky. “As he turned, shrapnel hit his upper body and he was killed instantly. There was obviously nothing we could do for him. The saddest thing is, he had 18 days to go before heading for home,” said Fleisher. “‘War is hell,’ the man said, and he wasn’t kidding.”

“Holes in Our Hearts” is available through Amazon and at local bookstores. —SH

“When my son Andrew moved to Texas he took a piece of New Mexico with him. People recognize the symbol and share their love of the Land of Enchantment.”

- Lisa Torraco

Harper O’Conner

Mike Hays

Mark Fleisher

“This Zia is 40 years old, and is from artwork when the Grateful Dead played the Santa Fe Downs October 17, 1982.”

“I got my Zia while on vacation in ABQ, visiting with my nana. I was inspired to get the Zia, as I have fallen in love with the beauty of the state.”

“My Zia tattoo is inspired by the Summer Solstice and the North ridge and shield of the Sandia Crest.”

“New Mexico will always hold a special place in my heart. I was born and raised here and it’s something I am very proud of. I currently reside in Northern California and I get so many compliments on my Zia tattoo #NMTrue.”

“My birthday is January 6th, the same as the state, so this is special to me. My little connection to the land that I love.”

- George Woods, 38

- Mandi Conroy

- Jena Moseley, 29

- Norman Ruth, 62

- Lynn-Marie Pinnock, 42

“My Zia tattoo was inspired by my love of New Mexico when I would run wild through the Sandias taking in their fiery sunrises and sunsets.”

“I’m a traveling pro wrestler, so while competing around the country it feels super prideful to showcase art on my body that represents where I’m from.”

“I got the tattoo to represent. The roots represent where I’m from, the Land of Enchantment.”

“My dad and I got the red matching Zias about 10 years ago. My son and daughter got the turquoise as they turned 18.”

“I wanted a tattoo that represents what I love—New Mexico, its mountains, and hiking with my granddogs—to hold close to my heart.”

- Danny Gee, 34

- Nancy Gloman,70

- Micaela Trujillo

- Lolo Vigil, 36

- Rachel Weber, 31

INK EXTRAORDINAIRE

Ben Shaw is a tattoo industry vet with 20+ years of experience as one of the City’s most coveted artists. He’s also keen on letting our readers in on a secret: “Heavily-tattooed people are just like everyone else!” (p. 96).

PHOTO BY DON JAMES/ATM

BY DON JAMES/ATM

After The Ink Dries

Much like this old-school tattoo machine (left), Ben Shaw is a throwback, an ABQ artist who pays equal mind to clients and lawmakers to ensure the health and safety of his craft.

Owner of Archetype Tattoo Ben Shaw has seen his fair share of ink in the last 23 years. The accomplished artist is a staunch advocate for his craft and the community he values so deeply, and that respect carries into his work with the Alliance of Professional Tattooists, a group that works to make the industry safer and better for clients and artists alike. Raised all over the world as a military brat, Shaw’s fascination with body art started from an early age—now as someone with kids of his own, he’s no hypocrite. “I mean, my son is definitely interested in that,” says Shaw. “He wants to get tattoos; he’s already talking about his major works and such, and you know, those are things we’ll navigate.” Clearly Shaw prioritizes educating his kids about tattoos, but it goes further than that. Just last month, Shaw organized all the educational seminars for ABQ’s Tattoo Fiesta. Even in the hour we spoke for this interview, it felt like getting a crash course in all things ink on both sides of the tattoo gun.

ATM: When did you know that you wanted to be a tattoo artist?

BEN SHAW: Probably the first time I ever saw a tattoo when I was close to 12 years old, maybe a little bit younger. My dad was ex-military and he became a biker. He started riding with Hells Angels and so I saw a lot of tattoos at that point and growing up, loving art with being an artist, I was drawn to the fact that people put art

on their bodies. In fact, I had gotten my first – well, I wouldn’t say a REAL tattoo, but I got some hand-poked tattoos at a very early age and got my first professional tattoo at 16.

ATM: And what was your first professional tattoo?

BS: Oh, it’s my arm band. My mom, of course, found my homemade tattoos and was a little annoyed, but she was cool. She

knew that it was going to happen and that I was either going to do it safely or not, so she actually signed for me to get my first one.

ATM: As a military brat, you must have traveled around quite a bit. What has your experience been traveling for tattooing specifically?

BS: When I first got started, conventions certainly weren’t as popular as they are now. These days, there is a convention probably every weekend somewhere. But coming up in my career, my first tattoo convention was in Hollywood. 23 years later and I’m still traveling to conventions—I may have slowed down a little bit now because I’m older with kids and a family, but I mean, on average, I go5 to anywhere from three to five shows a year. So I’ve been all over the country.

ATM: Have you gone overseas to seek out artists for your own tattoos?

BS: Well, not yet. In the last decade or so there has been this explosion of very talented European artists. I mean, there are some amazing artists coming out of Russia, Italy, all over the place. And so I haven’t had a chance but it’s definitely on the bucket list.

ATM: Aside from your work at Archetype, you also serve on the board for the Alliance of Professional Tattooists. What kind of causes do you advocate for?

BS: When I first opened Archetype, the business model was a tattoo shop, you know, clean and safe tattooing—professional tattooing in a clean and safe en-

vironment. I was also a big community advocate, so we wanted to do charitable events to show that tattoo people are friendly and nice. Around 2013, I needed to step up and help with our state’s regulations because starting in 2008, the state stepped in and started regulating us under the Barbers and Cosmetology Board, which was not right—they didn’t know how to regulate tattooers, and through no fault of their own, it may seem like it’s the same, but it’s very different. I took a break from that advocacy in the last 2-3 years, focusing on tattooing and trying to get through the pandemic. When life started to come back together, I was reaching out to the Alliance and we had heard about

the Modernization of Cosmetic Regulation Act. Now, this is a federal bill which is going to require the FDA to regulate all cosmetics. If they can be sprinkled, sprayed, applied, rubbed-on, or inserted in the body for the purpose of beautification, it’s cosmetic.

ATM: Has cosmetics reform ever been an issue in the past?

BS: Not at all. Nothing’s happened to cosmetics since 1938. And tattooing has been placed as a cosmetic; it’s defined as a cosmetic.

ATM: So what would you say is your greatest concern when it comes to the upcoming FDA regulations?

BS: We want to make sure the products and ointment and things that we use are keeping us safe—keeping our clients safe. The problem is the FDA doesn’t know how. For the most part, the tattoo industry has been self-regulated.

ATM: You’re saying that it’s a correction to a nonexistent problem.

BS: Right. There is no concrete evidence or proof that tattoos have any sort of lasting adverse health effects. Since 1940, there have been maybe 50 cases, versus the millions if not billions of tattoos that have been done. There is not a big issue with tattooing, so we’ve been left alone.

ATM: It’s clear you have a real passion for this industry on the technical side of things. As far as artistry goes, how did you decide to focus on large black and gray style tattoos?

BS: If you look at my work, you can go back recently and there is a lot of black and gray realism. There is also a lot of Japanese-style work. It’s so simple in the sense of maybe just anywhere from three to five different shades of black, some different shaders, and some skin. I mean, it’s more about the finesse and the use of skin tone and contrast cues that you can see, something that where you take a flat surface and make it look 3-D, and it really looks good. And the simplicity of application and yet the striking results is really something that attracts me.

ATM: Are those styles something you have gravitated toward throughout your career?

BS: If you keep going back farther and farther into my portfolio, you’ll see a little bit of everything. When I started in 2000, tattoos weren’t as popular as they are now. You did what came in the door. If you wanted to eat, then you did that tattoo, right?

ATM: I know a few tattooists and they were telling me that a lot of their clients are doctors and people in really professional, sort of traditionally straight-laced positions. Why do you think it’s becoming less taboo for people in those kinds of fields to get tattooed?

BS: Oh, again, it doesn’t matter if you’re a doctor or lawyer or whatever. Everybody loves tattoos. Now, human beings love tattoos, and again, it’s a matter of where you come from that you’ll just love the art!

BY DON JAMES/ATM

A Polished Diamond

Longtime baseball aficionado Gary Herron’s love for the game includes writing books and keeping official score for the Isotopes. And now he’s in the Albuquerque Pro Baseball Hall of Fame.

If you had a job at the post office, and it led to a love of collecting stamps, you might know how Gary Herron feels. Many of the rooms in his home near Uptown are filled to the ceiling with baseball memorabilia. It’s bounty Herron,73, has been collecting for half a century while building a career as a sports reporter, Albuquerque Isotopes official scorer, author, and all-around sports sage. His multiple roles are the reason he jokingly refers to himself as “Mr. Media.”

PHOTOS

The Detroit suburbs served as the backdrop to Herron’s early life, and he still fondly recalls the feelings he had at his first Detroit Tigers game. “I remember going onto the upper deck and seeing the emerald green field and I was just blown away,” he says. “I went to many games after that, and so I had always had that interest in baseball.” It turns out it was much more than simple fascination. When Herron moved to the metro 50 years ago and the Tigers were 1,600 miles away, he found a new home base with the teams of the southwest (Rockies, Diamondbacks, Dukes—the list goes on).

His impressive career has been filled with thousands of games; there was a time Herron even had a 14+ hour day. “At one point I would do sports updates on KARS Radio in Belen at 6:30 in the morning, go to KOB and work eight hours at the assignment desk, and then cover a basketball game or football game for the Albuquerque Journal,” he says. “So I was doing radio, TV and print all in the same day.”

Despite his impressive record and reputation as a sports journalist, Herron actually studied marketing and had a brief stint in the cutthroat world of Belen real estate. “I wasn’t closing and I honestly

needed money,” he says, citing a mortgage and a newborn daughter. Herron arranged to write sports stories for the Belen Express—a weekly paper—in exchange for a real estate ad. The arrangement never really ended; instead, it fledged into a full-time career and a full-time hobby. Herron’s large collection of cards, jerseys, signed balls, bats, posters, and bobbleheads are only part of what makes his sports story so intriguing.

With extensive radio and journalism experience already under his belt by the time 2000 rolled around, Herron applied for a writer position at the Rio Rancho Observer, where he’s been ever since. “I do a lot of sports at the Observer but I also cover the school board, write features, and it’s been great,” he says. “It’s like they say: if you enjoy what you love then it’s like you’ll never work a day in your life, right?”

Herron held that same bright sentiment even through some darker times: during

the pandemic, there were no high school sports to cover. That also turned out to be the year he was diagnosed with colon cancer. “Luckily I had all of my stories written ahead of time because there was nothing timely to write about,” he says casually. A little less than four weeks after his surgery, Herron was back at his desk, hungry for assignments. “There were still no sports going on, of course, but I wanted to be there.” Herron informs us that he sees the oncologist less now and that there’s been no sign of recurrence (“The plumbing’s working,” he laughs).

A major highlight for Herron has been

his time working with the Albuquerque Dukes (and later, Isotopes). “I’d been going to games off and on ever since I moved to Albuquerque in ‘75, and actually in ‘78, a friend and I were doing the weekend home games on a UHF station,” he says. “I just really enjoyed having a credential and being able to be on the field and talk to the players, many of whom wound up in the major leagues.” In 1983 and ‘84, Herron dipped his toe into the waters of official scoring for the Dukes as a substitute. The year after, it became permanent. “From the middle of the 1985 season all the way till the end of the 1999 season, I

was the main scorer for the Albuquerque Dukes,” he says. 2003 saw Herron become one of the official scorers of the then-newly minted Isotopes. So what exactly does an official scorer do? “I basically rule on whether something is a hit or an error if the ball is thrown too late, is it a wild pitch when a ball eludes a catcher or is it a fastball, making those kinds of decisions,” says Herron. “I like to have them right and I think the best call is the correct call whether you’re playing a home game or an away game.”

While many of us may lament the changing times, Herron sees it as a help-

ful progression (at least in his work with the Isotopes). “What we didn’t have in our Dukes days was replay, so if I have a questionable call I can go back, watch the replay, and say ‘Ok, this was an error.’”

Just last month, Herron’s lifelong love of all things baseball was validated tenfold when he was officially inducted into the Albuquerque Pro Baseball Hall of Fame. He was inducted along with ‘Topes pitcher John Ely. “I’d have to call this the crowning achievement of my life,” he says. “I like to think that it’s not just for being a scorer for over 1,650 baseball games but also for being somewhat of an ambassador for baseball.”

Capping off a 50-year career with an induction into an HOF would be tempting for most, but Herron has no intention of stepping aside any time soon. “I see people retiring all the time who are younger than me!,” he says. “Here’s my philosophy: they pay me for what I do and I like what I do, so why stop now?”—ET

BY DON JAMES/ATM

The Expanse of Art

When Dennis Gromelski helped launch FUSION in 2001, he knew the ABQ arts community would propel it to success. All they’ve ever needed is space. And more space.

PHOTOS

Walking into FUSION’s 1st Street home base, there’s no way to tell what lies behind every door. Envisage FUSION like a Wonka-fied theater: each room is bigger than the last, with surprises at every turn. We met FUSION Executive Director Dennis Gromelski at the front steps and started our tour in a small, comparatively unassuming space used for private gatherings and performances. Soon, it was clear that FUSION was far more than anyone can tell from its façade.

Gromelski has been involved with FUSION since its inception in 2001, and since then, the company has made a name for itself as New Mexico’s premiere professional theater company. Running a space like this requires many things: time, money, patience. The most important thing? Passion. Thankfully for Albuquerque, passion is something Gromelski has in spades. “When we started FUSION, it was with a specific purpose, which was paying professional artists,” he says. “There was no outlet for professional actors or stage managers, so we did that, but nowhere in our mission statement is the word ‘theater,’ which is really kind of wild when you’re starting a professional

theater company.”

Taking a moment to reflect on the statement in reference to FUSION, Gromelski doesn’t see a reason to change it. “Our mission is to incite global empathy through storytelling, positively impacting the human race. We are dedicated to professional excellence, community-inspired creative space, and the inspiration of our children, the genesis of our future,” he says. “That’s our statement, and in the past 22 years, we’ve continued to get closer to just that.”

FUSION is made up of artists and community leaders dedicated to preserving the craft of art and performance, but with that comes an ever-growing need for

space. That’s one of the areas where Gromelski, who has a background in contracting and production design, really shines. FUSION started in one building back in ‘01, and as of now occupies multiple spaces including a coffee shop, a gallery, and performing space, and an outdoor event area. “Expansion was really out of necessity,” says Gromelski.

Impressive as FUSION’s campus may be already, Gromelski outlined some exciting and ambitious ideas for even further expansion. “I can’t get into all the details, but I’ve been a really strong proponent of the proposed Rail Trail Loop [a 7-mile rail which will connect key destinations in the greater downtown area]. The goal there for us is to give even more artists a space to create.”

This column is called ‘Behind the Scenes’ for a reason: we’re going behind the curtain to check out some of FUSION’s hidden visual treasures. One of our favorite stops on the tour was a space that serves as a backstage hangout of sorts

for FUSION performers. “Sometimes bands will travel to perform here, and the biggest complaint we get is that the musicians are having too good of a time down here that they go on stage late!” says Gromelski. Dressing rooms galore can be found in this cordoned-off area. Plus, there’s even a shower for when a performer (or Gromelski for that matter) just doesn’t have the time to head home. The history of FUSION is interesting in its own right, but this space’s former use in particular might have you scratching your head. “When we moved into this building, this room had over 500 hooks in the ceiling and people were creeped out. They

were like ‘Oh man, this is “Silence of the Lambs” type of stuff,’” Gromelski laughs. No, the hooks weren’t for bodies; in fact, the staircase at the exit was originally a steel conveyor. “There was a railspur and they’d offload fruits and vegetables. To prevent bruising, you’d hang the fruit,” he says. The unsettling hooks may be gone, but the eclectic vibes of this exclusive actors’ space have remained. Speaking of eclectic, the community that makes up FUSION is one of variety to say the least. Musicians, actors, dancers, painters, sculptors, and more have been welcomed over the years to share their work with Albuquerque. The arts in general is some-

thing Gromelski feels strongly about, so when the city recruited FUSION to serve as a partner organization for the Urban Enhancement Trust Fund Programs’ Resiliency Residency program, Gromelski jumped at the chance. “Last year we had the opportunity to serve as the fiscal sponsor for 18 incredibly talented artists, and it’s so rewarding to see new artists bring their work to this city,” he says. For now, FUSION’s ambitions are high, but so are their accomplishments, so it seems as though the sky really is the limit for ABQ’s most celebrated arts and culture center.—ET

A WORKING MAN’S STUDIO

Having his sculptures on display all along his street has gained Joe Forrest Sackett a legion of fans who are amazed at his imaginative and technically spectacular art (pg. 108).

PHOTO BY DON JAMES/ATM

SCULPTING THE STREET

The stranger who knocked on Joe Forrest Sackett’s door last spring said he wanted to talk about one of Sackett’s sculptures.

He said he regularly drove down Sackett’s street, Fruit Avenue Northwest, on his way home from work. His route through this historic Fourth Ward neighborhood took him past homes built in the early 1900s and earlier, as well as Sackett’s abstract sculptures of steel, wire, wood and miscellaneous junkyard parts.

As the man began to tell his story, Sackett realized he wasn’t looking to buy a sculpture, but that he did have something on his mind.

“I was thinking that, fortunately, I was wearing my work clothes, rather than my yoga pants, which seem to be the only

sartorial choices I make when I’m around the house,” Sackett recalls. “I think somehow that my working-class-hero uniform made it easier for him to tell me his story.”

The stranger’s interest was in the skeleton sculpture outside. Entitled “Enough,” the gleaming steel figure stands about 8 feet tall with raised arms and shackles around each wrist attached to broken chains.

“He liked the skeleton because he’d been in prison,” Sackett says. “He talked about those who died in prison, and whose bodies in many cases were never claimed by anybody. He’d been on burial detail, adding to the more than 100 graves in the prison cemetery. They could never escape, he told me. The skeleton speaks to him for that reason because he may be dead, but he has escaped. He’s had enough.”

Sackett’s many sculptures are in private

and municipal collections, public exhibits around the country and along his street. Some neighbors have purchased his works and others have agreed to display them in front of their homes.

Most pieces have a message, often a comment about society, religion, the environment or politics, like “Trump World,” a chaotic conglomeration of huge metal springs, ball bearings dangling from chains, and objects that look like spoons attached to wires swirling from the top. Many sculptures are whimsical, like a slanted table top entwined by ribbons of green called “Eat Yer Vegetables.” Some works are starkly elegant like the crimson trapezoid perched on end atop a black pole entitled “Form in Red.”

But the skeleton sculpture is Sackett’s most popular. People seem to find it –even on this quiet residential street. They take selfies with it and leave offerings:

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

PHOTOS BY DON JAMES/ATM

valentines, heart-like objects inside its chest cavity, even a boxing glove.

“Artistic types tend to scorn it – anybody can make a skeleton, after all – but it seems to resonate deeply with people who work for a living,” Sackett says.

Raised in Santa Fe, educated at the University of New Mexico and a Burqueño for many years, Sackett’s work previously was with wood, “struggling to learn how to be a furniture maker in that demanding medium,” he says. “I got the idea eventually, but I never fell in love. Fortunately, I discovered the wondrous flexibility and adaptability of steel as a medium of artistic expression. Infinitely forgiving, steel lends itself to improvisation. I like that.”

Working on small to medium-sized pieces in a work area behind his house,

and on big projects in a larger studio in Santa Fe, Sackett starts with an idea, then a rough sketch. If it’s to be a large piece, he’ll make a maquette or model before the final fabrication. He might improvise, producing something dramatically different from the original idea.

He says he’s been around tools and tool users for much of his life. “I learned a lot about creativity by watching craftsmen and tinkerers invent solutions to problems,” he says. “That’s a reasonable description of what making art means to me.”

On a recent summer day, Sackett suggests we take a walk around the neighborhood to look at his work.

“Hi Joe,” a woman says as she looks up from her gardening. Beyond her pur-

ple irises is one of Sackett’s sculptures entitled “Confessions.” It’s a tall, slender, multi-storied structure in a rusty patina with mesh panels and a pointy pitched roof.

The woman points out another of Sackett’s works, “The Poet,” a blackened steel figure who ponders life from behind a patch of prickly pear.

As we continue our stroll, Sackett laments the toll taken by ultraviolet rays that have faded some once-brilliant colors. But it’s that interplay between the elements—sun, steel and shadows— that makes these pieces come to life.

I look back at the skeleton as we walk past. Suddenly, its forehead reflects the sunlight. A cloud must’ve passed over unless, of course, it’s beaming its approval. —LISA

OCKER

BEHIND FRANKENSTEIN

“A STORM IN THE STARS”

By Don Zancanella Delphinium Books, 2022

277 pages

$28.50

For decades, English students have been toiling over the moral dilemma posed in “Frankenstein.” Now, Don Zancanella takes the reader through the exciting backdrop of the novel through a fictionalized account of Mary Shelley’s life, lover, and contemporaries in the Romantic period of literature. The insight into the characters’ minds are Zancanella’s own invention, but most of the events are based on known facts. Tweaking the history a little was imperative to his storytelling process: “One of the ways truth gets “bent” in historical fiction is that events have to be left out,” says Zancanella. “If I included everything that happened to Mary and Percy during their years together, the book would be a thousand pages long. By leaving things out, I was able to shape the story so that it’s dramatic and engaging.”

ATM: When were you first introduced to “Frankenstein,” and what was your initial impression?

DON ZANCANELLA: I think I read it for the first time in college. I remember being surprised that the monster was very different from the popular culture versions of him. He was complicated—a tragic character with an inner life. I was also surprised that it was less a horror story than a story about language and the nature of knowledge.

ATM: Mary Shelley had a notoriously fascinating personal life. How long were you contemplating putting together a (somewhat) fictional account?

DZ: The novel I wrote before this one, “Concord,” was about Henry David Thoreau, Margaret Fuller, Nathaniel Hawthorne, and others who were part of the group often referred to as “The Transcendentalists.” When I was writing that book, I found I liked focusing on a group of writers and artists who were interacting with one another. Then it occurred to me that Mary Shelley, Percy Shelley, Lord Byron, and their circle might be worth exploring in a similar way.

ATM: Why choose the Shelleys as subjects versus the Brownings or Coleridge?

DZ: I chose them mostly because of Mary. She’s such a dynamic, interesting person and she was so very young when the events in the novel happened. I also liked the fact that Mary, Percy, and their friends were, for lack of a better term, badly behaved.

ATM: The formatting for “A Storm in the Stars” is unusual—what went into the decision to switch between character perspectives so rapidly?

DZ: I’ve always had a difficult time staying inside one character’s consciousness. I’ll write a few pages from one perspective and then find myself thinking, “I wonder what this other person is thinking?” I find that including multiple perspectives helps with pacing and gives the story forward momentum.

ATM: Which books did you study in preparation for “A Storm in the Stars” and how long was the preliminary research process?

DZ: I read several biographies and books about the history of England during that time. But what I found most useful were the letters and journals written by Mary, Percy, Byron, and the rest. For a fiction writer, it’s very helpful to get a first-hand sense of how particular individuals viewed their daily life and the wider world, and, especially, to hear their voices.

ATM: Out of all of the characters in this book, who do you think is the most misunderstood in the context of history?

DZ: Mary used to be the one who was misunderstood—some people even tried to argue that Percy must have written “Frankenstein” because how could a young woman write such a thing—but now I think most scholars and readers recognize her brilliance. Conversely, Percy’s poetry isn’t read as often as it used to be. In a way the two of them are a good example of how literary and historical reputations can change over time.

AFTER DARK IN AMERICA

“WHAT WE DON’T TALK ABOUT”

By James Janko University of Wisconsin Press, 2022

Novelist James Janko explores the unsettling history of sundown towns—places where Black Americans are prohibited from entering or remaining after dark—through the format of his new book, “What We Don’t Talk About.” As a Vietnam soldier, Janko refused to carry a weapon and saw the true depth of how the world sees race. This also harkens back to his childhood growing up in northern Illinois. “The sheer devastation of what I witnessed was unequivocally wrong. I began to make connections,” says Janko. “From Southeast Asia, I saw—maybe for the first time—my hometown, its racial boundaries, its invisible gates that determined who was welcome and who wasn’t. I didn’t become a writer till many years later, but the seeds for ‘What We Don’t Talk About’ were sown in Vietnam.”

ATM: Why is it important for you to touch on this often overlooked piece of history?

JJ: Our best writing about race comes from people of color, but it would be difficult for Black authors to write about towns where they were never allowed to spend a single night. Research can fill a lot of gaps, but there is only one well-documented book on “sundown towns”––James W. Loewen’s groundbreaking “Sundown Towns: A Hidden Dimension of American Racism.”

262

pages $17.95

ATM: How did you end up in New Mexico after a childhood in the Midwest?

JJ: After I returned from Vietnam in April of 1971, I lived in my hometown for about a year and then took off wandering, hitchhiking all over the country and working odd jobs. Later, I lived for more than three decades in Berkeley, Oakland, and San Francisco, mainly the latter, and worked alone as a night watchman on Alcatraz Island for more than thirteen years. My wife and I moved to New Mexico in 2010 when she took a job as a dialysis nurse on the Zuni Reservation.

ATM: You’re also known for your short fiction—what advice would you give writers of that genre who are trying to break into long forms?

JJ: I’ve been a member of The Veteran Writers’ Group led by Maxine Hong Kingston for thirty years. I remember some advice Maxine gave to us early on: “Don’t worry about what form your writing will take. Just write and let the form take shape. Maybe you’ll write a poem, a story or a sketch, a scene from a novel, the first lines of a memoir. See if the act of writing will reveal the form.”

ATM: Was your aspiration always to be a novelist?

JJ: My first aspiration was to be a priest, but by age thirteen I faced a choice: Catholicism or puberty. I was a truant in high school, but I began writing a novel my junior year. I stuffed hand-written pages into an empty tinker-toy box until it was full. I have no idea what my novel was about, but I remember my older sister, who never missed school, read a few pages and said, “This is sick.”

ATM: There’s almost a Shakespearean love quadrangle in “What We Don’t Talk About.” Do you find that revisiting classic tropes is a good way to find inspiration (even if the similarities end with the format)?

JJ: I never thought of Shakespeare before or during the writing and various revisions of “What We Don’t Talk About.” I’m not a planner. For me, a novel takes shape one scene at a time. After I draft a scene, I wonder ‘What comes next?’ and take a few notes. Sometimes nothing comes next and I have a sketch, a story. To be honest, much of what I write probably isn’t much better than the pages I stuffed in a tinker-toy box in high school. I save maybe 10% of what I write.

FORGING AHEAD

OPERAS OLD AND NEW—PLUS .

As it heads into its 51st season, Opera Southwest finds itself well prepared for the challenges of the next 50, with an endowment campaign closing in on its $2.5 million goal and the able leadership of Tony Zancanella, executive director, and Anthony Barrese, artistic director and principal conductor. The new season, with four highly varied offerings covering more than 200 years of opera history—and a unique recital biográfico from opera’s rising-star soprano and Albuquerque resident Cecilia Violetta López—will get the next 50 years off to a rousing start.

The four operas touch on topics that modern audiences will find relevant, from identity theft and serial murder to a love triangle and gay rights, and each of them should satisfy the expectations of opera connoisseurs while also offering opera rookies a path into the operatic experience. Asked if this conjunction of modern topics was intended or just a happy accident, Zancanella announces in a mock lofty tone that it is the result of “a careful plan of the artistic team.” More seriously, he adds, “Sometimes projects just line up because of exterior reasons, but we try to present a whole package of a season that is constantly relevant to the community, and we’re pretty attentive to the box office. We think that every single one of these pieces should be, for its own reasons, something that a lot of people are going to turn up to and enjoy.”

•“L’occasione fai il ladro” (Rossini, 1812) tells the story of Beatrice, who is presented with two suitors claiming to be Alberto, her betrothed. “A delightful little Rossini comedy,” says Zancanella, to be presented outdoors on September 8, 9, and 10 at the Albuquerque Museum Amphitheater. “The weather’s going to be lovely. I promise,” he adds.

•“Bluebeard’s Castle” (Bartók, 1911), a chilling one-act, follows Bluebeard’s wife,

Judith, as she discovers the unhappy fate of her husband’s previous wives. “The most intense hour and 10 minutes of your life,” predicts Zancanella. “The design team is all from Meow Wolf, so it’s going to be maximalist and intense.” It will be presented on October 22, 27, and 29 at the National Hispanic Cultural Center (NHCC).

•“Before Night Falls” (Martín, 2017) is based on the autobiography of Reinaldo Arenas, a gay Cuban novelist, poet, playwright, and political dissident and prisoner. Produced in collaboration with the New Mexico Gay Men’s Chorus, it will be presented at the NHCC on February 25 and March 1 and 3.

•“Carmen” (Bizet, 1845) offers music well known to opera lovers and everyone else, notes Zancanella, who breaks into one of the opera’s best-known melodies. To be presented in Spanish, this tragic tale

of a fateful love triangle will be presented at the NHCC on May 4, 5, 8, 10, 11, and 12.

On September 23, at the NHCC, Cecilia Violetta López, who will be performing the role of Micaëla in Carmen, will present “Mariposa que vuela,” a recital that chronicles her inspiring journey from immigrant farmworker alongside her parents in the beet fields of Idaho to the roster of the Metropolitan Opera and an international operatic career. The recital interweaves mariachi and ranchera music with operatic selections and includes a slide show with visuals from her life story. “Even if you have never been to an opera before, you will not leave the theater unmoved by this experience,” says Zancanella.

Complete information on the season and the recital can be found at operasouthwest.org.

Cecilia Violetta López will perform a solo recital in tribute to her immigrant farmworker parents.

FROM FOLK TO FUNK

Wendy Beach used to be in the solar energy business, enabling people to light up their houses with the sun. Nowadays, the longtime vocalist and bassist lights people up directly with musical energy, and she’s been especially busy of late—from energizing the governor’s inaugural ball to stirring up the crowd at Kaktus Brewing jams. Recent gigs found her doing a jazz set at the Outpost, a New Orleans R&B set at a Canyon Blues and Jazz gig in Placitas, and a gig with Alex Murzyn’s Urban Funk Project at the Albuquerque Museum.

The Detroit area native started off playing guitar and singing folk music with friends for the fun of it in high school. Her musical abilities allowed her to busk her way around Europe in 1974, with a long stopover in Edinburgh, highlighted by a New Year’s Eve party, complete with bagpipes, at the flat she shared with a Brit and an Aussie.

Next stop was Missoula, Montana, where she hung with some high school friends and waited tables at local diners. “That was where they had brains and tongue and all that kind of stuff . . . Rocky Mountain oysters,” she says, scrunching up her face in distaste. “So I ended up

playing some bluegrass, a little bit of mandolin. There were some other people I did some original stuff with.”

Beach moved down to New Mexico in 1980, where she got started singing jazz in a band headed by guitarist Bruce Dunlap. “Because of growing up in Detroit—you know, all the R&B and the soul and the Motown and all that kind of stuff—I really leaned heavy on pentatonic scales,” she says. “And I remember Bruce saying something about ‘Can we kind of get away from the pentatonic scales,’ and I’m like, ‘I don’t know what to do now.’ ” That group included bassist Jon Gagan, whom Beach eventually married, and she continued to move away from the pentatonic scales and sing in the jazz vein with his band, which included guitarist Lewis Winn, whom she’d originally met in Montana.

“I feel like I’ve had such luck, so fortunate,” says Beach. “I know that my brain probably is a music kind of brain.” Despite not having significant musical training, she’s able to pick up what she hears, which allows her to absorb new material quickly.

She’s hoping to record some new material with the band she had at the Outpost, which included Alex Murzyn (sax), John Funkhouser (piano), Cyrus Campbell (bass), and Arnaldo Acosta (drums). She looked into booking studio time for the group before being derailed by New Mexico’s evil spring curse: allergies. She was also invited this spring to sing and play bass in a funk group, the Hiptones (thehiptonesband.com), with her friends Steve Hill (guitar), Randy Heddon (keyboards and vocals), and Waldo LaTowsky (drums and vocals), and there may well be some recording in that band’s future, as well.

So if you need a jazz or funk or blues or R&B crew for your next event, you can reach Beach at wendylbeach@yahoo. com.

Since moving to New Mexico in the 1980s, Wendy Beach has enjoyed musical success with a number of local bandmates.

DISH

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

DOWNSTREAM DELIGHTS

A chill atmosphere at Two Cranes Bistro + Brew is just the tip of their awesomeness iceberg. Uber-vibrant dishes like the Grilled Salmon pair perfectly with their expansive tequila and beer selection (p. 116).

PHOTO BY DON JAMES/ATM

Eats

TWO CRANES GETS A TIPSY UPGRADE

The comfort food staple in Old Town adds a tequila bar

The Two Cranes Bistro + Brew experience just got a little more interesting for tequila lovers.

Already well-known for providing a haven for delicious food, unique cocktails and good beer, the Old Town-based establishment launched a tequila bar earlier this summer. The idea was born from a desire to better utilize the restaurant’s back room, which already had a fully equipped bar.

“We wanted to create a space that would offer a tequila-driven atmosphere, filling a void we identified in our local area,” says Two Cranes marketing director Shelbie Corey. “In preparation for this endeavor, we dedicated countless hours to tasting and sampling a wide range of well-known tequila varietals, as well as mezcal and sotol. Our goal was to curate a diverse and extensive selection of tequilas, ensuring that our guests have a multitude of op-

tions to explore and expand their knowledge of this exceptional spirit.”

Among the featured options available at the bar is Casa Dragones Reposado Mizunara, which blends the minerality of agave with light notes of Japanese oak. The Casa Dragones brand is renowned for being some of the world’s best sipping tequila. No matter what your tequila of choice may be, visitors can enjoy sipping or shooting in an environment that provides “a rustic boho vibe with an agave twist and agave farm art.” Most importantly, it’s the type of atmosphere designed to attract veteran tequila aficionados and newcomers alike.

“Whether you visit for a weekend night out or a casual gathering, our tequila bar aims to capture the essence of a speakeasy, where you can indulge in delicious snacks, good energy, and expertly crafted beverages,” Corey says. “Our tequila bar at Two Cranes is a celebration of the vibrant

and diverse world of tequila, designed to provide an exceptional and memorable experience for all who visit.”

While the tequila bar is Two Cranes’ shiny new toy, there’s plenty more to enjoy within the bistro’s confines. The main bar features 25 taps of craft beer, a full liquor bar complete with a list of creative cocktails and a diverse menu that includes New Mexican specialties, pasta, sandwiches, steak, salmon — and more.

Creativity is evident in Two Cranes’ selection of house-blended beers, which includes the likes of the Tutti Frutti, which combines Elephants on Parade, Raspberry Dynamite, The Squeezer, Watermelon, and Pineapple Cider for what Corey describes as “a fun and fruity beer experience.” Others may go for the Adult Root Beer, which mixes Guinness, root beer and a scoop of ice cream on top for a grown-up version of a float.

PHOTOS BY DON JAMES/ATM

LUCKY NUMBERS

Every Monday night is Bingo Madness at Two Cranes. Customers can test their luck and win prizes — including discounts off their bill.

ORIGIN STORY

The bistro name is a tribute to the Rio Grande Valley, which has a diverse wildlife population that includes, you guessed it, cranes. Two Cranes also represents harmony and balance, which is what the restaurant strives to achieve through its food and atmosphere.

GRAB THE MIC

Tuesday nights are for karaoke at Two Cranes, as patrons can take the stage and serenade their fellow diners with their favorite tunes.

CELEBRATION CENTRAL

Two Cranes is an ideal venue for parties, whether it’s birthdays, anniversaries or other milestones. Even better, the bistro’s team will work with you to personalize your event.

COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS

Local artists are allowed to showcase their wares at Two Cranes on Saturdays and Sundays, so it’s possible to leave with both a full stomach and a piece of art.

Grilled Salmon is a must-try, Insta-worthy dish at Two Cranes.

The tequila-based Magic

Mango

is fruity, spicy and tropical.

The Chorizo Rellenos come with a creamy green chile sauce.

TWO CRANES BISTRO + BREW 901 Rio Grande Blvd NW (505) 295-3970

twocranesnm.com

FEATURED DISHES

“These house-blended beers at Two Cranes are the result of our commitment to innovation and creating memorable taste experiences,” Corey says. “We enjoy pushing boundaries, experimenting with flavors, and offering our guests unique and enjoyable beer blends that reflect our passion for craft beverages.” Meanwhile, the food menu at Two Cranes strives to strike a balance between “highend bar food and healthier options.” This includes popular items ranging from the Chorizo Rellenos to Green Chile Pasta to Prime Rib to Grilled Salmon. Everything on the menu focuses on the core concepts of quality ingredients, culinary craftsmanship, creative twists, attention to detail and elevated flavors. “Whether someone is looking for indulgent comfort food or a lighter, health-conscious option, they can find it at Two Cranes,” Corey says. “Aiming for uniqueness was another core principle in developing our menu. We wanted to stand out from the crowd by offering dishes that you won’t find anywhere else. By incorporating innovative and creative elements into our culinary creations, we believe our food speaks for itself. We wanted each dish to be a unique and memorable experience for our guests.

“In addition to the food, we also paid special attention to the pairing of our menu items with our amazing cocktails and local beer list. We wanted to ensure that the flavors and profiles of our food complemented and enhanced the overall dining experience.” The atmosphere at Two Cranes also serves to ideally complement the dining experience. The interior provides a relaxing ambiance that promotes conversation and camaraderie, while the outdoor patio is shaded and decorated with a variety of colorful flowers. Since its inception in December 2019, Two Cranes has built a strong bond with its customer base, not only for its ability to satisfy culinary and beverage cravings, but for its knack for fostering a sense of community with those who frequent the establishment.

“We strive to create an atmosphere that fosters connections, where friends and neighbors can come together, relax, and enjoy each other’s company,” Corey says. “Whether it’s gathering for a special occasion, meeting up for a casual dinner, or simply enjoying drinks on our shaded patio, Two Cranes provides a space where people can unwind, create memories, and feel a sense of belonging.” —TRISTEN

CRITCHFIELD

MAIN BAR MENU:

CHORIZO RELLENOS $13.00

Chorizo & cheddar cheese stuffed poblanos, deep fried in eggroll shell. Served with creamy green chile sauce.

GRILLED SALMON $25.00

Jasmine rice, sauteed spinach, blistered tomatoes, pesto cream sauce. Gluten Free.

COCO FOR CRANES $15.00

Coconut Rum, Muddled Mint, Fresh Lime Juice, Coconut Cream, Simple Syrup Topped With Club Soda

BURQUE & THE BEE’S $15.00

Hendricks Gin, Honey & Lavender Simple, & Fresh Lemon Juice

TEQUILA BAR MENU:

ALBONDIGAS $12.00

3 house made meatballs with choice of sauce: green chile, red chile, or chipotle.

TACOS $12.00

3 tacos with your choice of protein carnitas, al pastor or tacos a la Calle cotija cheese and salsa Verde.

MATCHA MILK $15

Casamigos Blanco, matcha, coconut milk, fresh mint.

CARAJILLO $14.00

Lalo Blanco liquor 43 and fresh espresso.

Eats, Etc.

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

PHOTOS BY DON JAMES/ATM

At a glance, the name can be slightly deceptive.

Cafe Istanbul isn’t an establishment with a focus solely on Turkish cuisine. Instead, the name is a nod to the most populous city in Europe, which serves as something of a bridge between continents. With millions of foreign visitors each year, Istanbul is a cultural hub, and the restaurant/grocery store located in a strip mall on Wyoming and Constitution looks to provide something similar — only on a smaller scale.

A family owned and operated establishment initially launched by Itedal and Nassir Aggad in 2000, Cafe Istanbul — which has moved across the street from its first location — started out as a grocery store only before the restaurant arrived in 2006. The combination serves to provide the Duke City with

options from a variety of cultures including Middle Eastern, European, Mediterranean, and more.

One of the perks of a trip to Cafe Istanbul is visitors can plan a shopping trip around their meal. The menu features plenty of traditional favorites such as freshly-made gyros, falafel, baklava, dolmas, chicken shawarma, baba ganoush and tabbouleh along with Mediterranean salads and soups. Options abound, but one of the most popular items at Cafe Istanbul is the hummus. This is the no-frills version: ground chickpeas flavored with tahini sauce, lemon juice, garlic and served with olive oil, sumac, and slices of pickle and olives. Pita bread for dipping completes the experience. It’s a departure from the varieties of flavored hummus that are prevalent today, but that’s the way it is typically consumed in Palestine,

where the owners are from. Don’t try asking for the exact ingredients for Cafe Istanbul’s hummus: those are a carefully-guarded secret. While the recipe itself isn’t for public consumption, the hummus, like many items on the menu, can be purchased in bulk. Patrons also can enjoy browsing the aisles of the store while their order is prepared, where they can discover any number of rarely-seen spices and ingredients that aren’t available anywhere else in Albuquerque. It’s all just part of the Cafe Istanbul charm.

TRISTEN CRITCHFIELD

CAFE ISTANBUL

410 Wyoming Blvd NE Ste F (505) 294-9900

FB: Cafe Istanbul

Sticky-sweet baklava is a house favorite at Cafe Istanbul.

Thai House might very well be the longest-tenured Thai restaurant in the Duke City.

Founded in 1985, the establishment spent its first 33 years on Buena Vista Dr. SE, just a short jaunt from the University of New Mexico. That was an ideal spot for hungry college students on a budget, but Thai House relocated in 2019 to a strip mall on Carlisle just south of Indian School. While the location may have changed, diners can still find all the fried rice, noodles, curries and soups they have grown to love over the years.

Chef Busaba Jewsawusde, who hails from coastal Thailand, learned her craft from the women in her family: Her late great grandmother was renowned within her village for her culinary skills, while her mother gained recognition for her dessert-making ability throughout the province.

When Jewsawusde came to the Land of Enchantment in 1975, she brought authentic Thai cuisine passed down through family recipes along with her. She also has some creations of her own. One of those is Goong Thai House, which is named for the restaurant. The dish features battered pan-fried shrimp in

Yummy Noodle House was born out of owner Linfeng Min’s love for working in the kitchen.

“I am a Chinese woman. I am 60 years old. Still don’t want to retire yet,” Min says. “Still young enough for cooking. I worked half my life with cooking. I enjoy cooking.”

One of Min’s goals is to bring more traditional Chinese food to Albuquerque. As one might expect, noodle dishes are at the forefront of what Yummy Noodle House does well.

sweet Thai House sauce with onions, bell peppers, snow peas, mushrooms and cashew nuts. That unique collection of ingredients and flavors — with just the right blend of sweet and savory — makes the dish one of the most popular on the menu. Others gravitate to the green curry — one of five curry options on the menu — which includes a choice of chicken, beef or tofu in sweet and spicy coconut milk with bamboo shoots, bell peppers and basil leaves. The menu is built to accommodate all types of palates, as dishes can be modified to different levels of spice, and most everything can be made vegetarian or vegan upon request.

In addition to being the owner, Jewsawusde serves as the waitress, cook and cashier of her business, and despite those demands, she consistently charms customers with her sweet demeanor. When it comes to sweet, those who save room after the main course will want to sample the dessert offerings. Jewsawusde was the first to introduce Thai desserts to Albuquerque, and those looking to stray from the beaten path will enjoy treats such as the sweet rice with mango or the tapioca pudding with coconut. —TRISTEN

CRITCHFIELD

“We try to put our best noodle dishes on our menu, like our ramen noodle soup [or] fried noodles,” Min says. “We are good at making noodle dishes. So, we want to show our customers what we are good at.”

All told, the menu features six ramen options and six fried noodle options: chicken, pork, beef, shrimp, tofu and vegetable. Other popular items, according to Min, include the Crab Rangoon, Pork Potstickers and Fried Rice.

“Our food is all made by my own rec-

THAI HOUSE

2000 Carlisle Blvd NE (505) 247-9205

thaihousealbuquerque.com

ipes from my hometown, Jiujiang City, China,” she says. “All food is made by my own hand and my own recipes.”

While Yummy Noodle House occupies a relatively small space, the friendly staff and fresh food make the experience memorable. Min enjoys an honest relationship with the restaurant’s customer base.

“I am trying to cook delicious food. Our customers will try it and tell me if it is good or not good. We are like friends,” she says.

More often than not, the clean plates tell the story. Min offers a friendly warning that such quality does require extra time.

“By our restaurant rules, we always cook fresh food,” she says. “We may take longer to cook, but we will make sure you get yummy and fresh food to eat. So please forgive us if sometimes it takes a while to finish cooking your food.”

CRITCHFIELD

YUMMY NOODLE HOUSE

6001 Winter Haven Rd NW Ste E (505) 595-3296

yummynoodlehouse.com

PHOTO BY DON JAMES/ATM

Sweet and savory Pad Thai is a must try at this NE Heights dive

Savory crab rangoons are one of the many enticing options at Yummy Noodle House

PINEAPPLE LEMONADE

This past June marked the release of a new menu at Nexus Blue Smokehouse, with additions like pulled chicken sandwiches, tostadas, beer floats, and this month’s featured Spirit Spotlight cocktail: the Pineapple Lemonade. The drink is made with Captain Morgan Spiced Rum and pineapple lemonade, then garnished with a cinnamon sugar rim and a piece of carefully smoked pineapple. “Our pitmaster actually smokes it every morning so that it’s still really fresh when we serve it with this cocktail,” says bartender Ayla Taylor. “The smoking gives the pineapple a really pretty char and a little extra flavor. One thing that everyone notices is that a little bit of extra effort goes a long way.” Tastewise, you’ll find the Pineapple Lemonade to be a refreshing and unique alternative to everyone else’s piña colada this summer. —ET

Pineapple Lemonade, $10 Nexus Blue Smokehouse

1511 Broadway Blvd SE (505) 445-1545 smokehouse.nexusbrewery.com

SPIRIT SPOTLIGHT

Tangy Oak Spicy

PHOTO BY DON JAMES/ATM

for Success with

Director

Katie Stone has been called the Mr. Rogers of public radio. The comparison with the late Fred Rogers, who pioneered children’s educational programming with “Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood,” “is a dream come true,” Stone says.

Stone has worked with and for a generation of children, starting out as a volunteer with KUNM some 22 years ago and, in the last five years, leading a nonprofit in producing “The Children’s Hour,” an internationally syndicated radio program airing on more than 150 stations and as a podcast.

Each show has a theme—everything from skunks, to vaccinations, forests and World War II. And all themes result from ideas from the show’s “Kids Crews,” comprised of young volunteers ages 5 to 18, who also conduct the interviews.

“We really want to help kids to have a voice in our media and in the public square on current events and topics that matter to them,” Stone says. “And we also want to help kids feel at home in public radio because there’s a place for them that’s for them, that’s about them and made by them, and that’s where we really stand out in the landscape of public broadcasting. You rarely hear children’s voices, even on children’s programing in radio and elsewhere, that are authentic, unscripted, kids being kids, kids asking the questions that are really at the top of their minds.”

“The Children’s Hour” interviews are with the world’s leading experts, including Dr. Anthony Fauci, who made time during the height of the pandemic to answer their questions about Covid.

Stone says kids often have questions that go deeper than what might seem—to many adults—to be familiar topics. “Like skin!” she says. “Or why is the sky a brilliant blue on some days and not so blue on other days. Or what’s the difference between a shrub and a tree.”

“I love how inquisitive kids are. I have loved creating something that speaks to children of all ages including the child inside of each one of us,” she says.

Stone’s work feeds her own curiosity. “My husband likes to say that everything I’ve learned I’ve learned on ‘The Children’s Hour,’ which is kind of true. We’ve covered a lot of topics in our years of programming. Every single show I’m always learning something new.”

Her curiosity spans many subjects— like why the Campbell’s alphabet soup she remembered from her childhood was so delicious. So, Stone set out to make it herself. She’s honed her recipe for Katie’s ABC Soup over the years, sharing it with her husband and their four grown

children, as well as acquaintances going through difficult times and illness.

In addition to the radio show and podcast, Stone has expanded her work to include programming to supplement school curricula that teachers can use in their classrooms, including a series about the history of the Southwest from 23,000 years ago to the present.

Stone also partners with teachers at Title 1 schools, which serve large populations of low-income students. The teachers co-produce a radio program with a topic decided by them and their students. A recent program with fifth-graders was on World War II. “They could’ve chosen anything, and they chose World War II,” Stone says. “And they did an amazing job!”

“I feel so lucky to be doing the work I’m doing,” she says. “Being with children and watching them thrive in front of my eyes, and seeing those who may have been shy who find their voice, is just an amazing thing to behold. I feel so privileged to have this magical part of these children’s lives.” —

Lisa Ocker

PHOTO BY DON JAMES/ATM

Katie Stone

Executive

and Executive Producer of KUNM radio’s “The Children’s Hour”

Ingredients

2-3 leeks, cleaned and chopped (discard dark green tops of leeks)

3 peeled and chopped carrots

3 stalks chopped celery

¼ to ½ Cup chopped fresh parsley or 3 Tablespoons dried

1 large parsnip peeled and diced

12 ounces frozen okra or 1 ½ Cup fresh cut into ½-inch pieces

12 ounces lima beans (frozen are better than canned)

½ to 1 Cup cut green beans

12 ounces canned unsalted navy beans, drained

(Optional additions ½ to 1 Cup: diced bell peppers, chopped dark leafy greens like chard, zucchini, chile, garlic scapes or garlic to taste)

24 ounces canned diced tomatoes or 3-4 Cups fresh (chopped and skinned)

2 to 4 heaping Tablespoons dried dill or 1/4 Cup chopped fresh

4 to 8 Cups broth

1 Cup corn

1 Cup peas

½ Cup dried Alphabet pasta

Directions

Sauté leeks, carrots, celery, parsley and parsnip in soup pot until leeks are softened. Add okra, three types of beans, optional veggies, tomatoes, broth and dill. Bring to rolling boil. Cook covered, keeping soup simmering while stirring occasionally. OR combine all these ingredients into a slow cooker and cook on high setting for eight to 12 hours. Add remaining ingredients (corn, peas, pasta) a half hour before serving. If needed, add more broth. Optional: add ½ to 1 Cup cubed potatoes one hour before serving.

Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Serves 8.

Note: Alphabet letter pasta can be found in the Hispanic foods section at grocery stores or at Mexican food markets.

Katie’s ABC soup

BITES

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

ABUELITA’S NEW MEXICAN KITCHEN $

6083 Isleta Blvd. SW, (505) 877-5700

Kathy Martinez’s brother, Chris Romero, opened Abuelita’s New Mexican Kitchen in Bernalillo 26 years ago. Since then, nothing has changed. The Huevos Rancheros are a best seller, as is the Kitchen’s signature dish, the Tacopilla.

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) 8882921

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

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

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

AMADEO’S PIZZA AND SUBS $

585 Osuna Rd. NE plus 2 other metro locations (505) 344-5555, amadeospizza.com

This family-run pizza place believes that there truly are a million different ways to make a pizza. Using fresh, high-quality ingredients, they specialize in pizzas, subs, pasta, and fresh salads.

AMERASIA-SUMO SUSHI $

800 3rd St. NW

(505) 246-1615, amerasia-sumosushi.net

Dim sum—which means “small piece of your heart” in Chinese—takes on a bigger meaning at AmerAsia, where everything is made from scratch daily. Try the fried beef and garlic dumplings, pork and ginger potstickers, or scallion pancakes.

AMORE NEAPOLITAN PIZZERIA $$

3600 Cutler Ave. NE, #3 plus 1 other metro location

(505) 554-1967, amoreabq.com

After relocating to Albuquerque from Naples, Italy, Gabriel and Kimberly Amador missed Neapolitan pizza. The husband and wife team, certified by the Association of Neapolitan Pizzaiuoli (APN), opened Amore, bringing a slice of Italy to Albuquerque. A Neapolitan

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

PB&J GETS A FRENCH UPGRADE

Crepes, which are often described as a thin version of a pancake, can come with a wide variety of sweet and savory fillings.

With its Peanut Butter and Jelly Crepe, Limonata Cafe offers a version not often seen when it comes to popular French pastry.

“PB & J is a staple,” says RickiiLynn York, who runs the restaurant along with her husband, Scott. “Except for those with peanut allergies, I think most adults consider peanut butter sandwiches to be a comfort food, and most kids love it. How could we NOT offer it in crepe form?”

The made-to-order crepe (Scott York is responsible for making the batter) comes with four flavors of jelly: strawberry, grape, orange marmalade and lingonberry. The first three are $8.25 apiece, while a lingonberry crepe is $9.25.

“Strawberry is by far the most popular,” RickiiLynn says.

The Peanut Butter and Jelly Crepe is one of 12 crepes — seven savory and five sweet — offered at Limonata Cafe. It’s also the one that tends to take people back to simpler times.

“The best response we’ve received on a first-time try was, ’It tastes like my childhood,’” RickiiLynn says. —Tristen Critchfield

Limonata

3222 Silver Ave SE (505) 266-0607

limonatacafe.com

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.

ANNAPURNA’S WORLD VEGETARIAN CAFÉ $

5200 Eubank NE, Ste E7, plus 2 other metro locations (505) 275-2424, chaishoppe.com

Annapurna offers some of the most enlightened, health-conscious vegetarian and vegan plates in the city, with plenty of options for people suffering from food allergies or Celiac disease. And the menu is world-class, with options from virtually every continent.

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 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.

AZUMA SUSHI & TEPPAN $$ 4701 San Mateo Blvd. NE plus 1 other metro location (505) 880-9800 azuma-sushi-teppanabq.com

From flame-flipped teppan grill items to a substantial sushi selection, the menus at Azuma Sushi & Teppan have something for everyone. The green chile-infused New Mexico Roll and Filet Mignon Steak please palates daily and are perfect when washed down with an imported Japanese sake, soda, or beer.

BARELAS COFFEE HOUSE $ 1502 4th St. SW, (505) 843-7577

This legendary neighborhood restaurant serves New Mexican dishes from the Gonzales family cookbook: menudo, posole, chicharrone burritos, and huevos rancheros -- all smothered with its famous red or green chile.

PHOTO BY DON JAMES/ATM

Peanut Butter and Jelly Crepe, $8.25

BITES

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!

BAWARCHI BIRYANI’S $

3305 Juan Tabo Blvd NE (505) 933-9889, bawarchinewmexico.com

Self-proclaimed foodie Irfan Khan started this traditional Indian dive as a tribute to his love for authentic Indian cuisine. Now, the spot boasts a long roster of happy customers who travel hours just for a taste of the aromatic dishes that grace Bawarchi Biryani’s menu (including the popular Chicken Dum Biryani).

BEN MICHAEL’S RESTAURANT $$

2404 Pueblo Bonito Ct. NW, (505) 267-6827

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 mouthwatering burgers and monster sandwiches.

BLACK MESA COFFEE COMPANY $

Albuquerque International Sunport 220 Sunport Blvd. SE, (505) 842-4305

With two Sunport locations, flight delays are easier when you’re close to Black Mesa. The house coffee and vanilla latte are sure to perk you up preflight. The made-to-order turkey sandwich will fill you up far more reliably than the bag of pretzels you’ll get on the plane. Baked goods, including the popular banana bread, are made in-house daily.

Five menu items, including brownies and cookies, are gluten-free.

BLADES’ BISTRO $$$

221 NM Hwy. 165, Ste L, Placitas (505) 771-0695, bladesbistro.com

Owner and chef Kevin Bladergroen’s restaurant offers a culinary journey from his 30-plus years of experience in restaurants across the country and Europe, serving up steak and seafood with a twist.

BLAKE’S LOTABURGER $

3806 Montgomery Blvd. NE plus 30 other metro locations (505) 883-7615, lotaburger.com

Blake’s became an Albuquerque establishment more than 70 years ago, and almost immediately garnered kudos for its out-of-this-world green chile cheeseburgers (the restaurant has since scored spots on National Geographic’s “top hamburgers in the nation” list and Albuquerque The Magazine’s Best of the City list). Everything is made from scratch as soon as it’s ordered—and not a second before.

BOSQUE BREWING CO. $

106 Girard Blvd. SE, 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.

BUDAI GOURMET CHINESE $$

6300 San Mateo Blvd. NE, Ste. H-1 (505) 797-7898, budaigourmet.com

The menu features specialties from different regions of China and Taiwan, all painstakingly prepared by chef Hsia Fang. The Crispy Flounder Filet is sure to please diners from both the East and the West. The Mini Steamed Pork Buns shouldn’t be missed.

BURGER BOY $

12023 New Mexico 14, (505) 281-3949, burgerboynm.com

Everything in this tried-and-true staple is made from scratch: enchiladas, breakfast burritos, tacos and burgers (of course!). Fans are especially enamored with the green chile cheeseburger.

THE BURRITO LADY $

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

BITES

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 (505) 306-6974, cafebellacoffee.com

With made-to-order panini and tasty salads filled with the freshest seasonal ingredients, this restaurant’s farm-to-table concept is a smart—and delicious—one.

CAFÉ LUSH $

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 gluten-conscious, 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 InsideOut German Chocolate Cake (coconut and pecans and crowned with chocolate French buttercream).

CAMPO AT LOS POBLANOS $$$

4803 Rio Grande Blvd. NW (505) 344-9297, lospoblanos.com

Beautifully situated in the heart of Los Ranchos, Campo is the newly renovated and reimagined fine dining establishment at Los Poblanos. A top-of-the-line menu mixes with fresh ingredients from the Los Poblanos Farm and a quiet, rustic atmosphere to make for one of the city’s best dining experiences.

CANVAS ARTISTRY $$

1 Central Ave. NW (505) 639-5214, canvas-artistry.com

Specializing in international street food with a local twist, expect seasonally rotating artsy fare made with local produce, daily and weekly specials, and art to boot. A great late-night spot with live spinning DJs featuring different genres each night.

CASA DE BENAVIDEZ $$

8032 4th St. NW, (505) 898-3311, casadebenavidez.com

One of the original New Mexican eateries in the North Valley, this expansive property boasts a lush patio, fabled margaritas and authentic eats, including a trademark on the sopaipilla burger.

CASA TACO $$

5801 Academy Rd. NE plus 1 other metro location (505) 821-8226, casa-taco.com

Both Casa Taco locations offer a window into owner James Pecherski’s signature take on the U.S. Southwest—a strange place where you could picture a classic John Wayne character lingering over a plate of Jamaican jerk chicken and Yucatan pork tacos. Casa Taco defies expectations.

CECILIA’S CAFÉ $

230 6th St. SW, (505) 243-7070

Recognized on the Food Network’s “Diners, 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

This European bistro features a marketplace with local products and great eats. Central Bodega spotlights good food, wine, and community with favorites like whipped feta with honey, black pepper, and Italian Eggs Benedict.

CENTRAL GRILL & COFFEE HOUSE $

2056 Central Ave. SW (505) 554-1424, centralgrillandcoffeehouse.com

This local favorite on Route 66, adjacent to Old Town, offers a bevy of breakfast and lunch options that will comfort your belly and your wallet. Here, you’ll find traditional New Mexican favorites, serious sammies, and solid caffeine with a staff famous for their classic Southwestern hospitality.

CERVANTES NEW MEXICAN RESTAURANT $$

5801 Gibson Blvd. SE (505) 262-2253, cervantesabq.com

Old-world style meets traditional New Mexican fare at this family-owned restaurant. Go for the made-from-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.

BITES

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.

BITES

LEAPING ALONG

While frog legs are a national delicacy in France, they are also served in countries throughout the world — including Thailand. Those who might express trepidation regarding the dish are often dismissed with a perfunctory, “It tastes like chicken.”

Whether that’s true is debatable, as taste buds and palates tend to vary from person to person.

At Krung Thai, a family-owned establishment located in the Northeast Heights that serves Vietnamese and Chinese food in addition to Thai, the Garlic Frog Legs ($13.95) have drawn rave reviews for their flavor. One order includes four frog legs that are deep fried in a slightly-sweet Thai chili garlic sauce. Diners praise the appetizer’s crisp texture, and each piece is meatier than one might expect. To top it all off, frog legs usually are a solid source of protein, Vitamin A and potassium, making it a worthwhile choice for adventurous diners.

—Tristen Critchfield

Krung Thai

7923 Menaul Blvd NE A (505) 292-9319

CHELLO GRILL $

5010 Cutler Ave NE Ste A (505) 881-2299, chellogrill.com

Known for the varieties of kabobs, Chello Grill aims to introduce authentic Persian cuisine to Albuquerque. This restaurant offers different salads, sandwiches, and combinations of plates packed with immense flavor.

CHEZ AXEL $$$

6209 Montgomery Blvd. NE (505) 881-8104, chezaxelrestaurant.com

At Chez Axel, classical music is played at dinner Tuesday through Saturday, and the food has a decidedly French twist: cassoulet, trout amandine, chocolate mousse, and authentic French onion soup. Reservations are recommended.

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. Owners Debbie and Wes are 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. Old-fashioned 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 homecooked recipes you’ve come to love. Don’t miss location specific specials and local brews amid New Mexican staples.

CODA BAKERY $

230 Louisiana Blvd. SE, Ste C, (505) 232-0085

Wrap your hands around one of Coda Bakery’s unique, Vietnamese-inspired sandwiches. Beyond its popular lineup of sammies, Coda Bakery also puts a distinctive twist on Vietnamese street food, using from-scratch recipes, including the bread, its deli meats, and its desserts.

PHOTO BY DON JAMES/ATM

Garlic Frog Legs, $13.95

BITES

CORN MAIDEN $$$

1300 Tuyuna Trail, (505) 771-6060, tamaya.hyatt.com

For a special dinner or celebration, look no further. Boasting a view of the Sandia Mountains, this restaurant will leave you breathless as you enjoy three-course meals with sweet potato Granny Smith apple soup, lavender salted shrimp or the classic crème brulee.

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, greenchile 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 dinein 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.

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.

DEBAJO TAPAS Y VINO $$

1025 Lomas Blvd NW (505) 503-8645, debajoabq.com

This Iberian-inspired restaurant serves modernday eats and classic drinks, perfect for a special occasion or a relaxed night out. The chefs are passionate about providing guests with locally sourced ingredients and a farm-to-table experience.

DELICIAS CAFÉ $

6001 San Mateo Blvd. NE, (505) 830-6561

Named after the city in Chihuahua, Mexico, Delicias delivers traditional fare of the region, like caldo de res (beef stew), gorditas, carnitas, flautas, and horchata.

DG’S DELI $

1418 Dr Martin Luther King Jr Ave. NE (505) 247-3354, dgsdeli.com

With 31 cold sandwich options and a wide variety of grilled hot sandwiches—ranging in size from mini to jumbo—there’s something for everyone here. Try the Green Chile Philly or the Lobo Club.

D.H. LESCOMBES WINERY & BISTRO $$$

901 Rio Grande Blvd. NW

(505) 243-9916, lescombeswinery.com

With generations of experience in winemaking coursing through this North Valley staple’s doors, D.H. Lescombes Winery & Bistro specializes in pairing wine with its expertly crafted and entirely house-made menu, with a local twist. Themed events and giving back to its community are big parts of this eatery’s success, not to mention popular dishes such as its Chicken Picado, Mac and Cheese Bites, and Ghirardelli Port Brownie.

DION’S $

6308 Fourth St. NW plus 14 other metro locations (505) 345-4900, dionspizza.com

Launched in 1978, Dion’s aims to keep your wallet and tummy full with build-your-own pizzas, gourmet pizzas, slices, salads, and subs. The ranch and Greek dressings are homemade from secret recipes, and everything on the menu is tried and true.

DOG HOUSE DRIVE IN $

1216 Central Ave. SW, (505) 243-1019

An ABQ landmark since the 1940s, the eat-inyour-car Dog House serves grilled footlongs and halflongs topped with red chile, cheese, onions, and more. Enjoy your dog with a side of chili-cheese fries and a thick shake.

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

BITES

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

Southern transplants who make their way to ABQ have a new spot for traditional seafood boil. From dry rub to a spicy, buttery fusion sauce, your tastebuds will dance with delight when you feast on this eatery’s collection of crawfish, rock shrimp, crab legs, and more.

DUGGAN’S $

227 Lead Ave. SE (505) 312-7257, dugganscoffeeshop.com

This breakfast and lunch spot serves up newsthemed entrees like the Journalist Salad and Fact Checker Green Chile Chicken Soup in an

intimate setting. Cups are filled with locally roasted Trifecta coffee.

DURAN’S CENTRAL PHARMACY $$

1815 Central Ave. NW

(505) 247-4141, duransrx.com

Where in the city can you get amazing huevos, kitschy printed dish towels, an emergency rubber chicken in a box, and a flu shot? There is only one answer, Duran’s Central Pharmacy.

EAST OCEAN CHINESE SEAFOOD RESTAURANT $$

3601 Carlisle Blvd. NE (505) 889-9315, eastoceanalbq.com

East Ocean Chinese Seafood Restaurant was the first of its kind in Albuquerque. Most dishes are served family style and are made fresh to order. Those looking for traditional Chinese dishes should try the Roast Duck. Seafood eaters will enjoy the Honey Crispy Walnut Shrimp.

EL BRUNO’S RESTAURANTE Y CANTINA $$

8806 4th St. NW

(505) 897-0444, elbrunos.com

El Bruno’s got its start in Cuba, NM, in 1975. At the Albuquerque location, the tried-andtrue 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 COTORRO $

111 Carlisle Blvd. NE (505) 503-6202, elcotorroabq.com

Made to order gourmet tacos are on full display among classic Mexican street food like elotes and ceviche. A full salsa bar lets you spice up your meat, fish, vegetarian, or vegan tacos. Taco Tuesdays feature $2 tacos and bottled Mexican beers.

EL PATIO DE

ALBUQUERQUE

142 Harvard Dr. SE plus 1 other metro location (505) 268-4245, elpatioabq.com

$

A UNM favorite since 1977, this family-owned restaurant uses local ingredients and makes everything fresh daily in small batches. The No. 10 Green Chicken Enchiladas have won rave reviews for years, as have the tasty salsa and pillow-soft sopaipillas.

EL PATRON $$

10551 Montgomery Blvd. NE plus 1 other metro location (505) 275-0223, elpatronabq.com

A customer favorite, El Patron’s menu includes dishes such as mouthwatering tacos, enchiladas, chile rellenos, and housemade chips. Wash them down with a tasty margarita.

EL PINTO $$$

10500 4th St. NW

(505) 898-1771, elpinto.com

Food and atmosphere go hand-in-hand at this Duke City staple, ensuring an unforgettable experience. Enjoy fresh salsa, enchiladas, burritos, carne adovada, and many more New Mexican dishes while sipping a margarita on one of the many beautiful patios. Reservations are recommended.

THE GARDEN OF WINGS

It’s safe to say Nico Van Stry developed a buffalo cauliflower recipe long before it was en vogue.

When his mother had surgery to remove her gall bladder in the early 1990s, doctors recommended that she remove fatty, rich foods from her diet. As a result, she became a vegetarian.

“That was kind of a thing that we did was figure out some way to make the same things we like to eat but vegetarian style,” Van Stry says. “Long story short, it’s something I’ve been making since I was really young. Break down some cauliflower, turn it into cauliflower florets and pretend that it’s buffalo wings.”

Today, the Buffalo Cauliflower ($13.50) is a signature dish on the appetizer menu at Sobremesa, where Van Stry is the executive chef. The recipe isn’t exactly the same as it was back then, but the foundation remains the same: cauliflower that’s seasoned with butter and garlic, then roasted and tossed in the restaurant’s house buffalo sauce, which Van Stry says is about a 6 or 7 on the spicy scale.

“A lot of people that are vegetarian, it’s a great option to them,” Van Stry says. “And they absolutely enjoy it. Obviously I’ve been doing it for a long time, but it hasn’t been on a whole lot of menus.” —Tristen Critchfield

Sobremesa

3421 Coors Blvd NW (505) 444-5555 sobremesanm.com

EL ROI CAFE $$

616 Lomas Blvd NW Ste A (505) 401-9313, elroicafe.com

El Roi Cafe offers a blend of Native American and New Mexican cuisine aimed to pay tribute to owners’ favorites growing up. Diners will find various options, including mutton stew, Indian tacos, and fry-bread green chile cheeseburgers.

EL SABOR DE JUAREZ $

3527 Gibson Blvd. SE, (505) 265-3338

Its name means “the flavor of Juarez,” and since 1980, this restaurant has served just that. Try the family recipes for menudo and carne desebrada (shredded roast beef sautéed with jalapeño, tomato, and onions).

EL SARAPE $$

3248 Isleta Blvd. SW, (505) 877-8871, elsarapeabq.com

Specializing in authentic food from all regions of Mexico, you can count on dishes such as nopalitos (cactus sautéed with onions, tomatoes, and garlic), fresh salsa, burritos, chile rellenos, and seafood specials with shrimp, oysters, calamari, and fish.

ELOY’S NEW MEXICAN RESTAURANT $

1508 Wyoming Blvd. NE, (505) 293-6018

Opening 52 years ago, Eloy’s New Mexican Restaurant’s claim to fame is its consistent food and service, offering the same recipes that made it famous all those years ago. Try the No. 1 Eloy’s Deluxe Dinner, with a little bit of everything.

EMBERS STEAK & SEAFOOD $$$

11000 Broadway Blvd. SE (505) 244-8288, isleta.com

Whether you are dining inside or al fresco on the rooftop patio, Ember’s boasts some of Albuquerque’s most beautiful 180-degree views of the Bosque, making for the perfect setting to catch the sunset next to the warmth of the glowing fire pits.

FANO BREAD COMPANY $

4605 McLeod Rd, NE (505) 884-5555, fanobread.com

For more than 16 years, Fano has made the freshest bread in the city. Whether it’s the rustic loaf, the green chile cheese bread or raisin cinnamon bread, you’ll think you’re touring the streets of Italy with each bite.

FAN TANG $$

3523 Central Ave. NE (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.

FAREAST FUZION SUSHI BAR & LOUNGE $$

5901 Central Ave. NE, (505) 255-2910

The sushi is served aplenty, but those who shy from raw fish can flirt with some Thai or Chinese cuisine. This might be one of the only places where a “Heart-Attack”—a sushi roll with deep-fried spicy tuna, jalapeños, mushrooms, and cream cheese—is a good thing.

FARINA ALTO PIZZERIA & WINE BAR $$

10721 Montgomery Blvd. NE (505) 298-0035, farinaalto.com

The Northeast Heights version of Farina offers the same urban atmosphere as the East Downtown (EDo) Farina, minus the elbow-toelbow 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-

PHOTO BY DON JAMES/ATM

Buffalo Cauliflower, $13.50

BITES

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 relaxed-but-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-alfalfafed steaks and produce-focused dishes that use local kale, chard, okra, chile, and tomatoes.

THE FARMACY $$

3718 Central Ave. SE, (505) 227-0330

The Farmacy takes the idea of organic and local ingredients, and presents them in a way that tastes like comfort. The Farmacy provides a tasty menu of eight breakfast items, as well as eight sandwiches for lunch.

FIESTA’S MEXICAN RESTAURANT & CANTINA $

4400 Carlisle Blvd. NE, (505) 881-0478

Fiesta’s Restaurant & Cantina has been familyowned and operated since 1986, making it an Albuquerque go-to for quality New Mexican cuisine. With its family dining area, outdoor patio, lively bar and banquet room, Fiesta’s has something for everyone.

FLIX BREWHOUSE $$

3258 La Orilla Rd. NW, B-1 (505) 445-8500, flixbrewhouse.com

Flix is a one-of-a-kind concept; a movie theater that serves full meals and an in-house brewed beer menu in its stadium-seating “dining rooms.” The dream is real, Albuquerque–you can catch the latest blockbuster in theaters while knocking back a pint and having dinner brought to you.

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.

FORK & FIG $$

6904 Menaul Blvd. NE, Ste C (505) 881-5293, forkfig.com

Upscale, but surprisingly down-home, Fork & Fig dishes offer up a streamlined menu of favorites, including burgers, sandwiches, and salads, with surprising artistry along the way. Sweet potato tots, anyone?

FRANK’S FAMOUS CHICKEN AND WAFFLES $

400 Washington St. SE, (505) 712-5109 franksfamouschickenandwaffles.com

Owner and former Lobo basketball player Frank Willis wanted to give Albuquerque the soul food he had while growing up in Los Angeles. He fiddled with flavors, making sure they were perfect, before opening his restaurant to dish out favorites like chicken and waffles, fried pickles, mac ‘n cheese, and collard greens.

FRENCHISH $$$

3509 Central Ave. NE (505) 433-5911, frenchish.com

Envisioned as a casual neighborhood restaurant, frenchish’s menu draws inspiration from an eclectic mix of French and Midwestern U.S. cuisines, with an active focus on clean, simple foods.

FRIENDS COFFEE & SANDWICH SHOP $

200 3rd St. NW (505) 243-4801, fcass.com

Every cup of coffee served at Friends Coffee & Sandwich Shop is from New Mexico Coffee Company, and a different flavor is showcased each day of the week. Local favorites such as the quesadilla and the Taco Burger are dependable lunch choices.

FRONTIER RESTAURANT $

2400 Central Ave. SE (505) 266-0550, frontierrestaurant.com

Famous for its legendary Frontier Rolls, hotoff-the-iron tortillas, burgers, New Mexican favorites, hash browns, fresh-squeezed orange juice, and more, the Frontier is Albuquerque’s melting pot—it’s a guarantee you’ll see someone you know there.

FUN NOODLE BAR $

5317 Menaul Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87110

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 NE plus 5 other metro locations (505) 888-3488, garciaskitchen.com

This Albuquerque institution serves up classic New Mexican dishes, from freshly made tortillas to an extensive burrito list. You’ll leave one of the multiple locations with a full belly and content heart.

GARDUÑO’S OF MEXICO RESTAURANT AND

CANTINA $$

10031 Coors Blvd. NW plus 1 other metro location (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 $$ 5801 Academy Rd. NE (505) 821-8291, geckosbar.com

Plenty of tasty tapas—including Southwestern Krab Taquitos and Red Molé Grilled Sirloin Tacos—and hearty salads and sandwiches, too.

GINO’S NEW YORK STYLE PIZZA $ 3908 San Mateo Blvd. NE (505) 883-6000, ginosnystylepizza.com

With handmade lasagna and pizza dough, among other items, Gino’s New York Style Pizza shares family recipes with its customers. From the buttermilk ranch dressing to the Eggplant and Chicken Parmigianas, homemade cooking is not too far away.

GIOVANNI’S PIZZERIA $ 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 Yorkstyle pie, you’ll never miss it again. Whether you like it covered in spinach, pesto and tomatoes, cheese-only, no cheese at all, or plain pepperoni, you’re sure to find your pizza match.

GOLDEN CROWN PANADERIA $ 1103 Mountain Rd. NW, (505) 243-2424, goldencrown.biz

Golden Crown Panaderia is known for taking creativity in baking to the next level. Try the original biscochitos or cappuccino, chocolate and sugar-free versions. Don’t miss out on homemade green chile bread, pizza, and creative bread sculptures.

BITES

GRASSBURGER $

5600 Coors Blvd. NW, Ste C3 plus 1 other metro location (505) 361-2368, eatgrassburger.com

There’s a lot that sets the burger joint apart— including its community involvement, its vegan and gluten-free burger options, and its commitment to a no-corn syrup menu.

GREENSIDE CAFÉ $$$

12165 NM-14, Cedar Crest (505) 286-2684, greenside.cafe

This Cedar Crest café offers a casual family atmosphere with large portions of gourmetquality food: French toast made with orange and vanilla batter, Turquoise Trail Trout, rich homemade ice cream, and a Monte Cristo sandwich with green chile.

THE GRILL ON SAN MATEO $

3300 San Mateo Blvd. NE, (505) 872-9772

A choice of mesquite-grilled chicken, rib eye, hot dogs, and burgers (beef and garden) accompany bottomless house-made chips and salsa, complete with sides like classic fries and fried zucchini, and fresh fixings are on a build-your-own basis offering a completely customizable burger.

THE GROVE CAFÉ AND MARKET $$

600 Central Ave. SE, Ste A (505) 248-9800, thegrovecafemarket.com

The brunch and lunch favorite is well-known for its exceptional dishes made from local and organic ingredients, and it now offers a newly expanded menu, with additions such as the French Ham & Cheese with d’affinois cheese, mostarda, and caper mustard sauce.

GOBBLE THIS $$

308 San Felipe St NW (505) 975-3969, gobblethis.biz

A fusion of ingredients from El Salvador, Los Angeles, and New Mexico make up the recipes at Gobble This. Owner and chef Nestor Lopez goes out of his way to make the food and atmosphere like being at a friend or family member’s house for dinner.

GYROS MEDITERRANEAN $

106 Cornell Dr. SE, (505) 255-4401, egyros.com

Tried-and-true Greek recipes, such as traditional Kota Reganato (oven-roasted chicken with oregano, garlic and lemon), fresh Greek salads, Patates, and, of course, sweet baklava, served in a friendly, laid-back collegial atmosphere.

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.

HOLY BURGER $

700 Central Ave. SE (505) 242-2991, holyburgernm.com

Originally a Route 66 diner with a carport, and later Bob’s Fish and Chips, Holy Burger now boasts some of the juiciest burgers in town, as well as one of the breeziest and most boppin’ patios in the city.

HORSE AND ANGEL TAVERN $$

5809 Juan Tabo Blvd. NE

(505) 299-0225

Whether you want a simple sandwich for lunch, appetizers and a beer in the afternoon, or steak and enchiladas at midnight, this Heights tavern is the place to be any time of the day.

HOT PINK THAI $$

2626 San Pedro Dr. NE, (505) 872-2296

For dine in or takeout at lunchtime, you’ll get $1.50 off dishes over $10 and a free vegetable egg roll. Favorites include pumpkin curry, pad thai, and drunken noodles. Most dishes are customized with your choice of protein and spice level, from no chili at all to Thai hot.

HOT TAMALES $

1520 Rio Rancho Blvd. SE. Rio Rancho (505) 962-0123, hottamalesnmrestaurant.com

This Rio Rancho restaurant serves bona fide New Mexican with hand-blended red chile and fire-roasted green chile: Green Chile Stew Omelet, Hot Tamale Bowl, and Fajitas are just a few of the spicy dishes.

HUMBLE COFFEE COMPANY $

4200 Lomas Blvd NE plus one other metro location (505) 289-9909, bakerad.com/humble

Humble prides itself on keeping it simple. Here you’ll find the most classic coffee drinks (ones that aren’t overly sweet) in an attempt to highlight the coffee bean itself. They use single-origin beans so customers can taste the difference between other beans. Both locations are perfect for sipping delicious coffee and gathering with friends.

HURRICANE’S CAFE $ 4330 Lomas Blvd. NE, (505) 255-4248

With Route 66 serving as the city’s heart, it’s always good to hop over to a good ol’ fashioned diner. Pick out a classic dish, such as pancakes or omelets from the lengthy breakfast menu, or chow down on a burger, enchilada, or chicken fried steak. Of course, you can take a stab at the hearty Disaster Burrito, but you’d better make plenty of room if that’s on your agenda.

IHATOV BREAD AND COFFEE $ 3400 Central Ave SE (505) 539-5445

Bread and coffee are the foundation of this diverse bakery. IHATOV is whipping up approximately 20 types of bread inspired by different locations. Must-try items include the buttermilk biscuit and the croissants.

HIGHWAY TO THE DIPPING CALZONE

There’s only one calzone listed on the Davido’s Pizza & More menu, but it turns out that offering is much more versatile than meets the eye.

On its own, the Three Cheese Calzone ($9.99) is a hearty option that’s filling for one person and shareable for two. If the original version doesn’t tempt the taste buds enough, customers can add up to three toppings for $1.99 apiece.

“We load it with lots of ricotta, mozzarella and parmesan, and you can add any toppings to it,” says owner David Wheelock. “So you can make it your own way.”

The decision-making process at that point could prove difficult, however, because Davido’s offers 25 different toppings ranging from anchovies to chicken to sun dried tomatoes. It should come as no surprise that one particular customization stands out as the crowd favorite.

“Probably the most popular one is pepperoni and green chile,” Wheelock says.

One thing is certain, it’s impossible to go wrong no matter which taste adventure one might choose.

“(People) love it. They’re surprised how big it is,” Wheelock says. “(They) just love the taste and how they can taste the ricotta in it.”

—Tristen Critchfield

Davido’s Pizza & More

2418 Southern Blvd SE (505) 234-6955

davidospizzaandmore.com

I SCREAM ICE CREAM $

2000 Carlisle Blvd. NE, (505) 268-0139

The cozy dessert shop is filled with toys, gadgets, board games, and—oh yeah—34 flavors of ice cream and 28 different toppings. Each scoop comes with a free mix-in, and there are fresh mini doughnuts available on weekends.

IL VICINO $$

3403 Central Ave. NE plus 2 other metro locations (505) 266-7855, ilvicino.com

Using wood ovens to bake its thin-crust pizzas, Il Vicino (which means “The Neighbor”) also offers hearty calzones and award-winning brews from its own brewery.

INDIAN PUEBLO KITCHEN $$$

2401 12th St. NW

(505) 724-3510, indianpueblo.org

The Indian Pueblo Cultural Center is the perfect backdrop for the Native American-inspired cuisine prepared in the café, serving traditional and innovative dishes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Reservations are recommended.

INDIGO CROW CAFÉ $$$

4515 Corrales Rd. (505) 585-3061, indigocrowcafe.net

This café is cozy, thanks to the fact that it’s housed in an old adobe building. When it’s cold, patrons warm up by the indoor fireplace; when it’s warm, they enjoy meals such as lobster ravioli, tarragon chicken salad, and New Mexico chicken fried steak under the stars on the outdoor patio. Reservations are recommended.

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 freshlyground chuck, topped with fresh vegetables and roasted green chile.

JAPANESE KITCHEN $$$

6521 America’s Parkway (505) 884-8937, japanesekitchen.com

Entertainment is the main course at this teppanyaki grill restaurant. The cooks, who are at your table, can be caught tossing shrimp into their pockets and creating to-die-for dishes from the classic teriyaki chicken, to seafood or steak, and everything in between.

JAVA JOE’S $$

906 Park Ave. SW (505) 765-1514, downtownjavajoes.com

You’ll find all walks of life at this relaxing Downtown joint, enjoying freshly made sandwiches, breakfast burritos, green chile chicken melts, coffee drinks and more.

JC’S NEW YORK PIZZA DEPARTMENT $$

215 Central Ave. NW, Ste B (505) 766-6973, jcnypd.com

New York-style pizza, pasta, salads, and fullyloaded pasta and calzone dishes, all in a laidback lounge. During lunch hour, the line goes out the door.

JINJA BAR AND BISTRO $$

8900 Holly Ave. NE, Ste. B plus 1 other metro location (505) 856-1413, jinjabistro.com

Evoking a vintage ambiance, Jinja serves inspired and mouthwatering pan-Asian cuisine, such as Kung Pow Chicken (a Thai version of the Chinese favorite) and Home-Style Chicken Udon Wok Bowl.

Three Cheese Calzone, $9.99

PHOTO BY DON JAMES/ATM

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 HOUSE: AUTHENTIC PERSIAN CUISINE $

8104 Wyoming Blvd. NE, Ste. A (505) 312-8949

Authentic, made-to-order Persian food is constantly sizzling on the grill here. The koobideh kabab is made with minced ground beef or ground chicken, onion, and house spices. Each dish is a healthy size and comes with soup, salad, and rice. Top everything off with a glass of delicious banana milk, or majoun, which is banana milk with almonds, walnuts, pistachios, and honey.

KAKTUS BREWING CO. $

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.

KAMIKAZE KITCHEN $$

3517 Wyoming Blvd NE Ste D (505) 900-8296, kamikazeabq.com

Kamikaze Kitchen blends Asian and Southwestern flavors to create a fusion of experimental “kombos,” appetizers, fries and desserts. Notoriously known for the Eggrollarito and other creative dishes like wonton nachos you’re sure to find something innovative.

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

This carry out has been a South Valley favorite for 38 years. Look for the chicharron burrito with egg, fresh hand-cut fries, and the daily special—you just might land on a seems-toogood-to-be-true deal, such as three tacos for $3.

KATRINAH’S EAST MOUNTAIN GRILL $$

150 State Rd. 344 A (505) 281-9111, eastmountaingrill.com

This contemporary diner specializes in homemade dishes, such as gyros, handcut steaks and burgers, and the best-selling Southern Salad (with fried green beans, bacon, cheddar cheese, tomato, and fried or grilled chicken or steak).

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 fresh-from-the-isles Kalua Pork and Huli Huli Chicken plates served with sides like steamed cabbage, rice, and macaroni salad.

KITSUNE $

524 Romero St NW (505) 977-2313

Kitsune transforms traditional Asian dishes into a fusion of flavors blended with New Mexico staples, American cuisine and more.

KOYAMA $$

Petroglyph Plaza, 8201 Golf Course Rd NW (505) 681-8869, koyamasushi.com

With over 40 different sushi rolls to choose from, including classics like the California Roll or the more ‘out there’ freshwater eel-forward Caterpillar Roll, the hearty servings over at

this local Japanese mainstay keep sushi-lovers coming back time and again. For something to warm the soul, the hotpot is always a solid choice.

LA FINCA BOWLS $$

300 Broadway Blvd NE G (505) 308-8392, lafincabowls.square.site

This 100% Gluten Free, Vegetarian/Vegan kitchen is also insanely focused on sustainably providing the best quality products. La Finca Bowls is the way to go if you want something fast but diet-friendly and tasty.

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 tempurabattered avocado (aguacate) for those looking for something plant-based.

LA SALITA $

1950 Juan Tabo Blvd. NE (505) 299-9968, lasalita.com

The name may mean “little room,” but this New Mexican restaurant always has a full house. The chile rellenos, chile con queso, sopaipillas, and shredded beef burrito (a Wednesday special) have earned loyal customers for 37 years.

LA GUELAGUETZA MEXICAN RESTAURANT $

816 Old Coors Dr SW (505) 916-0095, la-guelaguetzamexican-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.

BITES

LAGUNA BURGER $

2400 12th St. NW plus 2 other metro locations (505) 352-8282, thelagunaburger.com

Every half-pound burger is made fresh upon ordering, topped with Hatch green chile, and slipped on a butter-toasted bun made specifically for Laguna Burger by Sara Lee. Also on the menu: freshly-cut fries, foot-long chile cheese dogs, and zingy breakfast burritos.

THE LAST CALL $

6261 Riverside Plaza Ln. NW, Ste A1 (505) 717-1207, lastcallabq.com

This late-night eatery specializes in freshlymade Baja Mexican street cuisine (think: carne asada fries). If you’re lucky, you just might run into the “Taco Box” while out on the town: a mobile extension of the restaurant that brings the food to you.

LAVA ROCK BREWING COMPANY $$

2220 Unser Blvd. NE (505) 836-1022, lavarockbrewpub.com

The casual brewpub on Unser currently has 7 of their own beers available on tap, with several other local guest taps as well. Standard bar fare gets gussied up here, like the housemade hot sauces on the wings and the fries loaded with green chile and queso.

LAZY LIZARD GRILL $

12480 North Hwy. 14, Sandia Park (505) 281-9122, lazylizardgrill.com

From the King Cobra Pizza and made-fromscratch Jalapeño Poppers to their impressive selection of microbrews, the Lazy Lizard Grill has customers always coming back for more— and has the food and atmosphere to back it up.

LE BISTRO VIETNAMESE RESTAURANT $$

1313 San Pedro Dr. NE, (505) 266-6118

Le Bistro Vietnamese Restaurant is just as much a bakery as it is a restaurant, specializing in traditional Vietnamese cuisine.

LE CHANTILLY FINE PASTRIES $

8216 Menaul Blvd. NE (505) 293-7057, lechantillybakery.com

This French-style bakery features breakfast pastries, muffins, strudel, cookies, and tarts— not to mention delicious quiche, croissants, sandwiches and cakes. Try homemade soups such as creamy chicken and artichoke, then satisfy your sweet tooth with a tower of chocolate decadence.

LE TROQUET $$

228 Gold Ave. SW (505) 508-1166, abqfrenchrestaurant.com

The Parisian bistro, open for lunch or dinner, offers classically simple French dishes made by Chef Jean Pierre Gozard. From Boeuf Bourguignon to quiche and delectable desserts, expect a tres bien atmosphere with a comprehensive wine list.

LEVEL 5 AT HOTEL CHACO $$$

2000 Bellamah Ave. NW (505) 318-3998, hotelchaco.com

The food here needs be good, because first and foremost, it competes with the view. Like the name implies, Level 5 sits on the 5th floor of Hotel Chaco and offers a near-360 degree view of the city.

THE LIBRARY BAR & GRILL $$

312 Central Ave. SW (505) 242-2992, library-abq.com

Featuring more than a great party, the Library offers drink specials and half-priced appetizers during happy hour, as well as salads, hamburgers, sandwiches, wraps, and specialty items.

LIMONATA CAFÉ $$

3222 Silver Ave. SE (505) 266-0607, limonatacafe.com

Channel your inner Italian at this street foodinspired café, where the breakfast and lunch menus feature perfect pastries, craveable cappuccino and trattoria-inspired lunches. The chef makes every dish from scratch and insists that everything about the restaurant, from the menu to the atmosphere, be done just as it would in Italy.

LINDO

MEXICO $$

7209 Central Ave NE plus one 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 (505) 242-2582, lindysdinerabq.com

Lindy’s is a neighborhood joint, through and through. The sort of place where, even if they don’t know your name, you’ll feel like they do anyway. The owners recommend the Ultimate Burger for that classic American diner experience.

LITTLE BEAR COFFEE $

2632 Pennsylvania St. NE (505) 917-8902, littlebearcoffeeco.com

Located near Uptown, Little Bear is not just serving up quality brew, but also providing an outpost for the neighborhood and coffee community.

LOS COMPADRES RESTAURANT $ 2437 Central Ave. NW (505) 452-8091, compadresabq.com

Family recipes like the No. 16 Taco Plate, tacos with carne y papas (beef and potatoes) and the restaurant’s Menudo, have kept locals coming back for more than 15 years.

LOS CUATES $$ 8700 Menual Blvd. NE plus 2 other metro locations (505) 237-2800, loscuatesrestaurants. com

Popular since it opened over 25 years ago, Los Cuates serves its own ancho-chile salsa and tons of delicious New Mexican dishes in humongous portions.

LOYOLA’S FAMILY RESTAURANT $$

4500 Central Ave. SE, (505) 268-6478 loyolasfamilyrestaurant.com

You’ll find both American and New Mexican goodies here, from fried chicken, roast beef and sandwiches to tasty local favorites such as burritos and posole.

LUIGI’S RISTORANTE AND PIZZERIA $$

6225 4th St. NW (505) 343-0466, luigisitalianfood.com

Enjoy more than 250 made-from-scratch Italian dishes, including pizza, chicken Florentine, spaghetti and meatballs, and green chile chicken lasagna.

M’TUCCI’S ITALIAN $$

6001 Winter Haven Rd. NW plus 2 other metro locations (505) 503-7327, mtuccis.com

The menu at the Westside’s authentic Italian staple features refined comfort food classics, from meatball marinara to pot roast. Other menu items are crafted from choice Berkshire pigs that the eatery imports from northern Iowa and southern Minnesota farms. In fact, a unique pork dish is incorporated into a featured dinner special every night. Wash down your pasta, pizza, or salad with a carefully crafted cocktail from the bar.

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

BITES

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 GRILLE AT THE CANYON CLUB AT FOUR HILLS $$

911 Four Hills Rd. SE (505) 299-9555, canyonclubgolf.com

This newly remodeled property was rejuvenated thanks to its own club members,

and now boasts modern décor, floor-to-ceiling windows, and a relaxed and inviting atmosphere. Members can enjoy creative dishes like Pork Alexander, New Mexico Eggs Benedict with green chile Hollandaise sauce, or the Turkey Lurkey, including green chile and Pepper Jack cheese in the dining room or al fresco on its large, shaded patio overlooking the mountain vistas. Dining-only memberships available.

MARIO’S PIZZA $$

2401 San Pedro NE plus 3 other metro locations (505) 883-4414, mariospizzaabq.com

Gourmet pizzas, big bowls of pasta, custom calzones and New York-style sandwiches are the norm at this tasty Italian eatery.

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.

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.

MAY CAFÉ $

111 Louisiana Blvd. SE (505) 265-4448, maycafenm.com

Traditional Vietnamese cuisine is easily customizable, fresh and healthy. The café’s spring rolls, made fresh to order, are popular with diners new and old. Try the pho or the bún.

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 half-smoked 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 instore exclusively. Whether you’re looking for a classic cappuccino or smoked salmon toast with homemade tomato jam, you are sure to find that every dish is extremely high quality and delicious.

MICHAEL THOMAS COFFEE ROASTERS $

(505) 504-7078, michaelthomascoffee.com

Michael Thomas’ fresh-roasted coffees can be purchased in bulk or by the cup. Favorites include the Banda Bear Blend and the Duke’s Runners’ Blend. If you prefer to let them make your cup of Joe, try an espresso-based drink such as a Double Espresso, a Macchiato, or a Cubano.

MICK’S CHILE FIX $

3351 Candelaria Rd. NE, Ste A (505) 881-2233, mickschilefix.com

One of the city’s true spots for getting something hot: try The Shocker (an eightpound breakfast burrito), huevos rancheros, or the Frito pie, all with homemade red or green chile.

MILLY’S $

2100 Candelaria Rd. NE plus 1 other metro location (505) 884-0707, millysrestaurants.com

If you’re not sure what to eat, have a little of everything with an American-New Mexican–Greek menu. This breakfast and lunch spot melds salads and sandwiches with traditional New Mexican and Greek entrees.

MONICA’S EL PORTAL RESTAURANT $

321 Rio Grande Blvd. NW, (505) 247-9625

Traditional New Mexican favorites make up the menu at this Old Town staple that has been around for 34 years. Monica’s roasts its own green chile, makes biscochitos from scratch and offers red chile straight from the pod.

MONROE’S RESTAURANT $

6051 Osuna Rd. NE plus 1 other metro location (505) 881-4224, monroeschile.com

More than 50 years after opening its doors south of Old Town, Monroe’s continues to serve reliable New Mexican favorites to a local fan base, and service around here is a team effort, so no glass goes unfilled.

MONTE CARLO STEAKHOUSE $$$

3916 Central Ave. SW, (505) 836-9886

The iconic steakhouse meets liquor store has been featured on the Food Network and boasts some of the best steaks in the city. Since 1971, locals always come back for hand-cut steaks, house-made Greek salad dressing, freshly cut fries, and a mean green chile cheeseburger.

MONTE VISTA FIRE STATION $

3201 Central Ave. NE, (505) 255-2424

Once an actual working fire station, this secondfloor restaurant now offers traditional bar food, wings, and nightly specials. Choose from tasty chicken wings and burgers, or order from the restaurant downstairs—they’ll bring your steak to you.

MR. TOKYO $$

11200 Montgomery Blvd. NE, (505) 292-4728

Soak up the cool Zen-like atmosphere while enjoying six versions of fried rice, sushi, sashimi, tempura, hibachi, grilled udon, soups, and teriyaki spiced with fiery Thai chili peppers.

MUSTANG CAFÉ $

8601 Lomas Blvd. NE, (505) 275-4477

Perfect for anyone shopping at the Rich Ford car dealership—or anyone at all—is this autothemed restaurant, which serves up homemade breakfast burritos, papitas, enchiladas, rellenos, tamales, and the Dennis Snyder Favorite: a 16oz. sirloin patty with cheese and chile.

NAGOMI RESTAURANT $

2400 Juan Tabo Blvd. NE, (505) 2983081 nagomirestaurantabq.com

The Nagomi menu is virtually overrun with Japanese culinary classics. Nagomi is also one of the few places in Albuquerque where you can go to indulge in shabu-shabu, a Japanese-style hot pot.

NAMASTE $

1580 Deborah Rd. SE plus 1 other metro location (505) 896-3126, namastenm.net

Offering authentic Nepalese and Indian dishes— including chicken tikka masala and lamb curry— Namaste also serves traditional food with a New Mexico twist, such as the green chile chicken curry.

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.

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.

OAK TREE CAFÉ $$$

4545 Alameda Blvd. NE (505) 830-2233, cafeoaktree.com

This hometown café has served a lot of locals over the past 30 years, and the current venue on Alameda is great at the basics, including burgers, sandwiches, and salads, made fresh, inhouse every day.

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 # 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 $$

4310 Central Ave. SE plus 1 other metro location (505) 255-6782, oniells.com

O’Niell’s boasts the same neighborhood feeling, many of the same staffers, and virtually the same menu (including the “weird sandwich,” the “burger in paradise,” and homemade fish and chips). Added: an outdoor patio and more beer choices.

O RAMEN $

2114 Central Ave. SE, (505) 508-1897

Yes, the Duke City has the real thing. O Ramen’s Tonkotsu (pork bone broth) spends 18 hours on the stovetop before it blesses your bowl; expect plenty of options for vegetarians and Japanese curry lovers, to boot.

ORCHID THAI CUISINE $

4300 Central Ave. SE (505) 265-4047, orchidabq.com

Orchid Thai has been serving hungry Albuquerqueans traditional dishes like Pad Thai at its Nob Hill location for more than a decade. But this award-winning eatery goes beyond the traditional with unique dishes like deep-fried sesame duck, green tea curry, and Szechwan eggplant, all made from scratch.

THE OWL CAFÉ $$

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

World-famous green chile cheeseburgers, milkshakes, fajitas, quesadillas, meatloaf, burritos, fries… the list of great drool-worthy dishes goes on and on.

PACIFIC PARADISE TROPICAL GRILL AND SUSHI BAR $$

3000 San Pedro Dr. NE, (505) 881-0999 pacific-paradise-restaurant-abq.com

Faux palms and tiki huts frame a menu filled with more than 100 options: salads, soups, stir-fry, seafood, fried rice, noodles, sushi, and dessert menu. Try the Seafood Rice Pizza or Rock ‘n’ Roll Sushi.

PADILLA’S MEXICAN KITCHEN $

1510 Girard Blvd. NE, (505) 262-0115

It might not get any more New Mexican than it does at Padilla’s—from huevos rancheros and tamales to chile rellenos and egg-topped blue corn enchiladas. You may have to shake your head after a taste of the chile just to remind yourself you’re not in your grandmother’s kitchen. A sopaipilla dripping with honey will seal the deal for your traditional meal.

PAISANO’S ITALIAN RESTAURANT $$

1935 Eubank Blvd. NE (505) 298-7541, paisanosabq.com

Family recipes have kept Paisano’s going for more than 35 years, but the hand-rolled pasta, hand-stuffed ravioli, homemade sausage and marinara haven’t hurt business, either. It’s also

the only place in town to get wheat-free pizza and pasta.

THE PALETA BAR $

2325 San Pedro Dr. NE plus 12 other metro locations (505) 884-0049, thepaletabar.com

A hidden Albuquerque gem, The Paleta Bar has taken a tried-and-true, frozen Mexican dessert to new heights. Since 2017, this paleta wonderland has been slinging refreshing Mexican popsicles in endless combinations of flavors.

PAPA FELIPE’S MEXICAN RESTAURANT $$

9800 Menaul Blvd. NE (505) 292-8877, papafelipes.com

Papa Felipe’s exceeds expectations by offering traditional New Mexican cuisine (enchiladas, stuffed sopaipillas, tacos) as well as simple twists on favorite dishes (green chile carne adovada, Tampico Tacos, Green Tamale Pie).

PAPA NACHOS $$

7648 Louisiana Blvd. NE (505) 821-4900, papanachosfood.com

Great homemade Mexican food based on triedand-true 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 TIJUANA BAR $$

4590 Corrales Rd., (505) 898-2442

Open for lunch only, the family-owned and -operated business specializes in real, homecooked New Mexican food that’s consistently earned kudos from customers who can’t say “no” to the Frito pie, carne adovada, and green chile cheeseburgers.

BITES

PERICO’S

10401 Golf Course Rd. NW plus 3 other metro locations (505) 792-5255

pericosmexicanrestaurant.com

$

Serving delicious New Mexican food at affordable prices made Perico’s instantly popular, and the “home of the ½ lb burrito” is now an Albuquerque institution with three locations, catering services, and 22 different burritos.

PHO LINH $$

9100 Central Ave. SE (505) 266-3368, pholinhabq.com

Authentic Vietnamese cuisine is the name of the game at this restaurant. Look for pad thai, special noodles (with grilled barbecue shrimp), spring rolls, curry, and papaya salad.

PIATANZI $$

1403 Girard Blvd. NE (505) 792-1700, piatanzi.com

A neighborhood Italian eatery with artisan flair, Piatanzi serves up big bites on smallish plates that please families and adventurous foodies alike, in a venue that scores big points.

PIZZA 9 $$

4000 Louisiana Blvd. NE plus 12 other metro locations (505) 883-6463, pizzanine.com

Chicago-style pizza at 10 locations around the city, along with the option of gluten-free crust— that’s what Pizza 9 brings to the, er, table. Don’t forget the wings, salads, breadsticks and calzones to complement any meal.

PIZZERIA LUCA $$

8850 Holly Ave. NE (505) 797-8086, pizzerialuca.com

With imported Italian flour, cheese, and pepperoni, Pizzeria Luca offers authentic Italian cuisine. The restaurant has a subway-inspired interior and features delicious and affordable lunch specials.

PLANTY SWEET $$

2506 Washington St. NE (505) 433-7111, plantysweet.weebly.com

Planty Sweet is the city’s first 100% vegan and gluten-free bakery and dessert shop, and the quality of the products available is hard to deny. Not only do their artisanal baked goods taste fantastic, they are impeccably presented, each crafted to please the eye as much as the taste buds.

POKI POKI CEVICHERIA $$

3422 Central Ave. NE

plus 1 other metro location (505) 503-1077, pokipokinm.com

Think deconstructed sushi if you’ve never had the traditionally Hawaiian poké. Completely customizable bowls with Latin and Asian fusion are the specialty here. Seven types of fish, 12 sauces, and 22 toppings make for endless combinations atop rice, chips, or a salad.

POLLITO CON PAPAS $$

6105 Gibson Blvd. SE (505) 765-5486, pollitoconpapas.com

Get ready for a punch of Peruvian cuisine. The menu is dotted with combinations of chicken, potatoes, and cilantro rice. The chicken is brined in vinegar and cumin for about 10 hours, then fired on a spit. The traditional drink, chicha, makes the perfect complement to any dish. The southeast part of town just inched a bit closer to South America.

PONDEROSA BREWING CO. $

1761 Bellamah Ave. NW (505) 639-5941, ponderosabrewing.net

A sister brew pub to Pints Brewing in Portland, Oregon, Ponderosa features a wide selection of American and German standard beers, with a classic menu of burgers, salads, and innovative appetizers.

PRAIRIE STAR RESTAURANT $$

288 Prairie Star Rd. (505) 867-3327, mynewmexicogolf.com

Taking a drive past Bernalillo is a pleasure when you know the visit will include amazing madefrom-scratch dishes such as herb-grilled ribeye with chipotle cheddar gratin and New Mexico bison-raised tenderloin. Reservations are recommended.

PUPUSERIA Y RESTAURANTE SALVADOREÑO

1701 Bridge Blvd. SW, (505) 243-8194

$

In El Salvador, pupusas (stuffed corn tortillas) are found on every street corner. In Albuquerque, they can only be found in the South Valley, stuffed with shrimp, calabacitas, cheese, beans, or guacamole and served with a side of fresh salsa and curtidos (a spicy cabbage salad garnish).

QUARTER CELTIC BREWPUB $$

1100 San Mateo Blvd. NE, #50, plus 1 other metro location quartercelticbrewpub.com

Irish brews like the Crimson Lass and Rye’t Side of Dublin are paired nicely with Celtic pub fare with a New Mexico twist. Must-tries include the classic fish and chips, ruben, shepherd’s pie, and poutine with green chile.

BITES

THE RANGE CAFÉ $$

320 Central SE plus 5 other metro locations

(505) 243-1440, rangecafe.com

Locals flock to The Range Café when they’re in search of good, made-from-scratch comfort food, including meatloaf sandwiches, huevos rancheros, enchiladas, ice cream, and the gooey Life by Chocolate dessert.

RELISH GOURMET SANDWICHES $$

8019 Menaul Blvd. NE (505) 299-0001, relishsandwichesabq.com

It’s no wonder this sandwich shop has been voted “best” by publications throughout Albuquerque—it serves only the best Boar’s Head meats and all of their dishes are accompanied by homemade sides or soups. Try the Cubano. You won’t be disappointed.

RESTORATION PIZZA $

5161 Lang Ave. NE, Ste A (505) 582-2720, restorationpizza.com

Here, good food and positive works—delivered simultaneously—is in the very nature of the business. The idea is to provide patrons with

top-notch pies and first-rate beers while giving traditionally underemployed individuals work opportunities they would otherwise miss.

RICHARD’S MEXICAN RESTAURANT $$

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 (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.

ROCKIN’ TACO $

2904 Indian School Rd NE, LS (505) 401-1000, greenjeansfarmery.org

Rockin’ Taco is housed inside of Albuquerque’s premier indoor/outdoor gathering place, Green Jeans Farmery. With a food truck vibe and an East Coast flare, this hidden gem is elevating the street taco.

ROMA BAKERY & DELI $

501 Roma Ave. NW (505) 843-9418, romabakeryanddeli.com

You’ll find more than fresh-baked cookies and pastries at this bakery—feast your eyes (and taste buds) on grilled sandwiches and eight fresh deli salads and soups.

SADIE’S OF NEW MEXICO $$

15 Hotel Circle NE plus 2 other metro locations (505) 296-6940, sadiesofnewmexico. com

A staple in New Mexican cuisine, Sadie’s features enchiladas, carne adovada ribs, tacos, burritos, and of course, world-famous chips and salsa. Reservations are recommended.

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 award-winning tabbouleh, is always a good bet. Complete with beer and wine, and belly dancing on weekends, this is a fave of students, locals, and out-of-towners alike.

SAIGON RESTAURANT $

6001 San Mateo Blvd. D4, NE plus 1 other metro location (505) 884-0706, saigonrestaurantnm. com

Vicky Truong’s secret to 12 years of success has been consistency. Truong maintains an extensive menu that caters to every type of eater. From summer dishes such as noodle bowls to winter mainstays like beef noodle soup, Truong will make sure you find your favorites.

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.

SALT AND BOARD $$

115 Harvard SE, Ste. 9 (505) 219-2001 saltandboard.com

Salt and Board offers a tailored selection of wines to go along with different charcuterie boards, pressed sandwiches and salads. For those who aren’t wine drinkers, Salt and Board offers a variety of local New Mexico beers on tap.

BITES

THE SALT YARD $$

6001 Osuna Rd. NE plus 1 other metro location (505) 750-9273, thesaltyardnm.com

A multi-concept bar and restaurant, The Salt Yard is equipped with games, dozens of televisions, great food, drinks, and plenty of space to stretch your legs. This unique location is a great place for parties, trying the newest beer and tequila (Blue Agave Republic is now a part of it), or just watching the game.

SAMURAI GRILL AND SUSHI BAR $$$

9500 Montgomery Blvd. NE (505) 275-6601, abqsamurai.com

What’s your pleasure, sushi or teppan? Here, you can have either expertly crafted right in front of you. It’s also where you can get fresh sushi favorites such as the California roll, the dragon roll, and a veggies-and-sushi “Viagra salad” special.

SANTA FE BITE-ABQ $

3407 Central Ave. NE (505) 369-1621, santafebite-abq.com

At Santa Fe Bite-ABQ, the green chile cheeseburger is treated with the reverence it deserves, presenting a precision crafted recipe. The details, in fact, are so carefully crafted that even the grilling surface needs to meet certain criteria. Absent a turn on the surface of a custom cast iron grill, it’s just not a Santa Fe Bite burger.

SANTIAGO’S NEW MEXICAN GRILL $

1911 Eubank Blvd. NE, (505) 292-8226

It’s in the sauce—Papa Jim’s Taco Sauce, at least—which comes with items such as burritos, tacos, and salsa. This Santiago Scramble—a pile of scrambled eggs, cheese, corn tortillas, chorizo, and hash browns—is great morning fuel. The tamale and enchilada take-and-bake casseroles will please any partygoer. And take a jar of that taco sauce home—after all, you can.

SAVOY BAR & GRILL $$$

10601 Montgomery Blvd. NE (505) 294-9463, savoyabq.com

Resembling a California wine-country bistro, Savoy Bar & Grill is one of Albuquerque’s premier fine-dining establishments. Specializing in food and wine pairing, Savoy’s menu is a toast to the art of balance of food and wine.

SCARPAS 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.

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.

SHARKY’S FISH & SHRIMP $

5420 Central Ave. SW, (505) 831-8905

Slip on your flip-flops and enjoy some Baja–inspired seafood, tacos, and carefree beach house ambiance in this roadside outdoor eatery. Sharky’s won acclaim as the little food truck that could, and this brick-and-mortar locale delivers the goods.

SIXTY SIX ACRES $$

2400 12th St NW (505) 243-2230, sixtysixacres.com

A modern take on a classic bar and grill, SixtySix 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.

SLICE AND DICE PIZZERIA $

5720 McMahon Blvd. Ste B (505) 261-2058, sliceanddicepizzeria.com

With both a sweeping library of board games and full menu of hot pies and subs, Slice and Dice is a venue for everyone from seasoned players to 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.

SOMBREMESA $$

3421 Coors Blvd NW (505) 444-5555, sobremesanm.com

This Spanish-inspired restaurant brings people together with a cozy atmosphere, craft beer, and a vast selection of fresh and locally sourced foods.

STRAIGHT UP PIZZA $$

2801 Eubank Blvd NE (505) 796-9343, straightuppizza.com

Pizza, wings, calzones, and cannolis, Straight Up Pizza has it all. For over 20 years, they’ve been creating high-quality, made-to-order favorites. The veteran-owned and family-operated pizzeria will have you feeling right at home.

STRIPES BURRITO CO $

2204 Menaul Blvd NE plus 5 other metro locations (505) 881-5151, stripesco.com

Stripes is serving up classic burritos all day long. From bacon to carne adovada, the flavorpacked favorite will surely hit the spot. What’s the hardest choice you’ll have to make? Red or green!

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.

SWISS ALPS BAKERY $

3000 San Pedro Dr. NE (505) 881-3063, swissalpsbakery.com

Desserts rule, but the sandwiches hit it out of the park. Endless flavors of pastries, tiramisu, and over a dozen cookies line the bakery case. Everything is scratch made including the many varieties of bread and authentic Bavarian style pretzels available on Saturdays. Paninis, grilled,

and cold sandwiches round out the sweets with a full espresso bar.

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.

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.

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

TEN 3

30 Tramway Rd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87122

$$

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

BITES

level. TEN 3 is a treat for your eyes and taste buds as you sit at the top of Sandia Peak.

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 handcrafted 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: made-from-scratch salsas, fresh tortillas, Pastel de Tres Leches Cake, Yucatan Tacos, Smoked Baby Back Pork Ribs, and much more.

TIA BETTY BLUE’S $

1248 San Mateo Blvd. SE (505) 268-1955, tiabettyblues.com

1940s influence is sprinkled throughout this gem, from the décor to the food. The chile, red or green, is nice and spicy, just like your grandma made it. New Mexican breakfast and lunch items dot the menu (including many gluten-free and vegetarian options), but often have a unique twist, like ranchero blue corn waffles piled high with eggs, carne adovada, and chile. The coffee is fresh, and numerous specialty beverages are poured up daily.

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 9505) 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.

UPSCALE BURGERS AND SHAKES $$

10000 Coors Blvd Bypass NW Ste C-1 505) 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.

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/viettaste-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.

VILLAGE PIZZA $

3200 La Orilla Rd. NW, E-2 plus 1 other metro location (505) 219-3766, villagepizzanm.com

Family owned and operated, Village Pizza offers salads, nachos, calzones, pasta, and of course, signature pizzas, along with an all-you-can-eat buffet.

VINAIGRETTE $$

1828 Central Ave. SW (505) 842-5507, vinaigretteonline.com

Getting in touch with your “green” side has never been as hip as it is at Albuquerque’s newest 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.

VOODOO GIRL PIZZA $$

1401 2nd St NW (505) 243-6095, voodoogirlpizzapints.com

Handcrafted, authentic Italian brick oven pizzas aren’t the only thing Voodoo Girl Pizza serves up. This snazzy joint offers a full slate of appetizers too—nachos, potato skins, fried zucchini, the list goes on. And if you’re big on

BITES

brews, Voodoo Girl has more than 30 different beers on tap.

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.

WHIPTAIL $$

355 Pat D’Arco Hwy (505) 859-7410, whiptaileatery.com

While diners can enjoy a multitude of traditional shareable bites– like fries, salads, and

sandwiches, Whiptail has many comfort zonebreaking dishes such as charred broccolini and lizard eggs. In addition to various unique foods, Whiptail has over 20 hand-crafted cocktails and a rotating tap of local beers.

YANNI’S MODERN MEDITERRANEAN $$

3109 Central Ave. SE (505) 268-9250, yannisabq.com

Impeccable Mediterranean cuisine paired with a fresh atmosphere that whisks you away to Grecian shores, you can always count on Yanni’s for savory spanakopita, perfect pasta, and other delicious treats. Reservations are recommended.

YASMINE’S CAFÉ $

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.

THE YELLER SUB $

7200 Montgomery Blvd. NE (505) 888-9784, yellersub.com

Owner Mark Roerick has been perfecting his sandwiches since 1979 and the customer favorite, Steak & Grilled Onions Sub proves it. The potato chips, fries, and onion rings made from scratch the old-fashioned way sure won’t let you down.

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.

ZORBA’S FINE GREEK CUISINE $

11225 Montgomery Blvd. NE (505) 323-2695, zorbasabq.com

The family behind University area favorite, Olympia Café, have relocated their tasty homemade Greek food to the Northeast Heights. Try the Southwestern Gyros or the enduring customer favorite, the pork, chicken, or lamb kebob

SHUFFLING THE DECK

Duke City Games is known for their steadfast base and epic competitions. No matter where your interests lie (jocks and nerds can coexist here no problem), this metro spot is the place to be for nonstop fun (p. 164).

PHOTO BY DON JAMES/ATM

By Emma Trevino

SURVIVAL ON A STRING

Any scout knows the cardinal rule of the great outdoors is to be prepared, and with this kit, you can be! Compact and efficient, this all-in-one toolbox features a fire starter tool, 6-in-1 pen knife tool, tweezers, 210cm rope, 10 safety pins and a wire saw. Perfectly sized for travel, it’ll be a breeze finding a spot for this kit on your next wilderness adventure. Let’s go exploring!

Gentlemen’s Hardware Great Outdoors Kit, $29.95

The Perfect Gift Shoppe 901 Rio Grande Blvd NW, Ste D-126 (505) 243-6968

theperfectgiftshoppe.com

Your touchstone for ABQ’s cool, fun & eclectic retail goodies that will help you live life a bit happier and smarter.

CRAZY FOR COCOA

Chocolate is an international delicacy for a reason: even the simplest of chocolate bars can be a rich and delicious treat. Local maker Bate Bate knows this, and they’ve taken their practice a step further: their ‘Inclusion Bars’ are the perfect mix of that classic chocolate taste and some interesting additions (hibiscus and sea salt, coffee and rosebud, and strawberry and goat’s milk). We’ll take all three.

Inclusion Bars, $12/each

Bate Bate inside the ABQ Collective 1321 Eubank Blvd NE (505) 554-1853

theabqcollective.com

VINTAGE WIT

We all have that one friend whose quirky sense of humor is hard to beat. With these one-of-a-kind cards, you can at least give it your best shot! In fact, Sarah Nest, owner of Look Twice Studio, actually makes the cards herself on vintage typewriters (she’s an avid collector). “I come up with the concepts for the cards as well,” says Nest. “It’s a great way to exercise my creativity.”

Greeting Card, $3

Look Twice Studio inside the ABQ Collective

1321 Eubank Blvd NE

(505) 554-1853

theabqcollective.com

A FEATHER TO FLOCK TOGETHER

This ye olde quill pen has antique charm combined with the modern miracle that is ballpoint technology. A charming find in this eclectic shoppe of oddities, this quill pen luckily comes without the hassle of an inkwell. Level up your letter-writing time with this reminder that the art of penmanship isn’t fully lost just yet—as long as you keep it up!

Feather Pen, $14.95

The Perfect Gift Shoppe 901 Rio Grande Blvd NW, Ste D-126 (505) 243-6968

theperfectgiftshoppe.com

Sometimes you wanna go Where everybody knows your name And they’re always glad you came. You wanna be where you can see Our troubles are all the same. You wanna be where everybody knows your name.

If you can remember these lyrics from the 1980s sitcom, “Cheers,” you might wonder – as I did – if you’re too old for Duke City Games. But you would be wrong. Everyone is welcome here, whether you’re 5 or 105 – even if you don’t know Pokémon from Yu-Gi-Oh! from Magic: The Gathering.

Duke City Games is like the all-inclusive, alcohol-free version of “Cheers.”

“Younger kids, older people – it doesn’t matter,” says owner Rob Gonzales. “We probably have something here that they’ll

Shop Talk

enjoy.”

Come one, come all to this shop’s intense Magic: The Gathering tourneys and D&D showdowns. Don’t forget your cards!

He and manager Kitty Garcia, whose friendship stems from playing games together for many years, are passionate about introducing newcomers to this world. “It may seem like a lot to take in,” Gonzales says. “But we like explaining what it’s all about. Everybody here really loves their jobs.”

Gonzales opened the 5,500-squarefoot Duke City Games on Lomas Boulevard almost a year and a half ago and a smaller store in Rio Rancho last year.

On a recent Saturday afternoon at the Lomas store, about a dozen people are seated at one of several long tables, intensely focused on Magic: The Gathering. They’re vying for two spots to qualify them to compete in a regional championship in Atlanta.

Magic: The Gathering combines ele-

ments of chess and poker, Garcia says. “The game is always changing, and that’s why I like it,” she says. “One minute you can feel super secure, and the next minute be completely wrecked.”

When players reach certain tiers of competition, there are opportunities to compete at higher levels and prize money in the thousands of dollars, she says.

Yep, this is serious! But the competition at Duke City Games is friendly because Garcia and Gonzales wouldn’t have it any other way.

“I take pride in this being a safe place for everyone. I don’t tolerate any disrespect. I don’t tolerate any hate,” says Garcia, who’s wearing a Batman dress with her Duke City Games T shirt tied around her neck like a cape. “But most nerds are just awesome. They really want to just play with their friends.”

BY DON JAMES/ATM

PHOTOS

At other tables, small groups are casually playing games and just hanging out. At the back of the room, four people are hunkered down with X-Wing, a Star Wars battle game; they’ve brought their lunches and will be here a while.

Later this evening, people will come to play Dungeons & Dragons and others will be playing Chuchemon. “Lots of things are always going on so people don’t have to be locked into any one thing,” Gonzales says.

Duke City Games is a place where people tend to lose track of time and linger for hours — and they’re welcome to do that. There’s no charge to come in and use the tables to play card games or just visit with friends.

Of course, the store and its website offer just about everything a gamer, casual fan or card collector might want to purchase, including game starter sets, collectible cards and new ones for games and sports, accessories including protective sleeves to keep cards pristine, and toys and items like backpacks with images of popular game characters. Sodas and snacks also are for sale.

The focus here is not so much about products, Garcia says. “What we like is creating new experiences. It’s the friendship-building that matters.”

Garcia even conducts free “Ladies Learn Magic” classes for anyone who identifies as female. She’s not sure why games seem male-dominated, but she makes sure to take a very patient approach to her instruction.

As we’re chatting, a woman comes into the store who has attended “Ladies Learn Magic.” Xae (her moniker) says she’s been playing Magic for 20 or more years, since she was in high school. The game is how she and her husband met, in fact.

On this day, the couple is here to buy protective sleeves for some of the thousands of cards they’ve collected since about 2011. “We want to protect them because some are really valuable,” she says.

Although she’s played the game for years, Xae has enjoyed attending “Ladies Learn Magic” to hone her skills. “I do believe it’s better that females want to play. I don’t believe it should be just a boy thing,” she says. “I think it’s really cool to see how their faces light up when they start playing. They’re actually learning the mechanics, and they’re enjoying themselves.” —

LISA OCKER

BTH CHANGES FAMILIES FOREVER

When Marie Privett was a child, her first rescues were snakes that neighbor boys were putting in mailboxes and setting on fire. She knew from the age of 11 that even our scaly animal friends need to be protected and cared for.

12 years have passed since Privett formed Bridges to Home, an Albuquerque-based nonprofit that supports the local fauna in ways that shelters aren’t able to. “I started fostering in this area in 2008, and I recognized pretty quickly that there were some things that shelters just weren’t equipped for,” says Privett. “They didn’t

have resources for underage puppies and kittens or the resources to fix simple things like mange and ringworm.”

Privett immediately got to work, and by 2011, Bridges to Home opened its doors. The term “untreatable and unadoptable” is commonly used in shelters to describe those animals who are sick and aren’t able to be helped, but Privett has taken that term for BTH to describe exactly who she wants to help. “Saving animals is why we do what we do,” she says.

While the goal has remained the same since 2011, Privett says there has been a huge shift in the climate of shelters.

“When we first started, so many animals were getting euthanized because of a lack of resources. Now, there are a couple groups who treat things like mange and parvo,” she says. “They have trained foster homes that work closely with their medical teams, but since the pandemic, we have seen a leap backwards.”

How far back? “We’re experiencing an overpopulation problem like I haven’t seen in 20 years.” Privett says this stems from the large uptick of people who got pets during the pandemic for company. Now that people are going back to work and are actively engaging in their lives,

many pets are being returned because their owners simply don’t have the time or energy to care for them.

“Not only are pets being dropped back at shelters, but spays and neuters were halted for at least seven months, and that means a population boom,” says Privett. “Every single shelter is over capacity and every single rescue is working double time.”

As an all-volunteer team, BTH is feeling the effects of the last couple of years. “We’ve actually had to stop intakes for the time being, which is unfortunate but gives us a chance to focus on caring for the animals we have already,” says Privett. What keeps Privett going is the thought that BTH might be some animals’ only option.

“Sadly, if we don’t step up, these critters won’t have anywhere else to go,” she says. If you think the mission of BTH only helps animals, think again. “I absolutely love that we are able to complete families,” says Privett. “We have several repeat adopters—people might lose one of their pack members and come back to adopt another. It really means a lot to me that we are able to give both parties something they can cherish. I mean, that’s huge!”

Despite the challenges, Privett has an optimistic view of the future. “The thing is, everybody can do something,” she says. “Not everyone can foster, not everybody can transport, not everybody can donate, but we can all do something. It can even be as simple as creating a blanket or supply drive in your neighborhood.”—ET

By Emma Trevino

Buttercup

This senior Beagle mix has no shortage of life experience, and has found a truly happy home living with her grand-pawrents. Originally, Buttercup was living in Virginia with one of Wendy Sawyer’s children, but because of some separation anxiety issues, she came across the country to live with Sawyer full-time. The 14-year-old pup is easily excitable and isn’t afraid to show it. “One day we were talking to our neighbor and he said ‘I always know when you guys come home from work,’” says Sawyer. “I apologized for Buttercup letting her Beagle show through (she gets so happy that she will bay and cry like someone is attacking her – like all Beagles do when they’re happy). Thankfully our neighbor said it wasn’t a problem and thought it was quite amusing.”

Tucker

The Salas family had their sights set on a dog—only it wasn’t Tucker. “We had actually decided on another puppy, but we walked by Tucker’s cage and knew he was the one,” says Kym Salas. “He had been returned three times and he was only three months old!” When the family brought the now 11-month-old German Shepherd home, they couldn’t quite figure out why he had been returned the first three times. “He was the perfect little gentleman. A typical puppy, full of energy, but he was a good puppy.” says Salas. “Now fast forward a few months...I often joke that I should return him now,” he laughs. “Tucker is horribly mischievous and has torn up his bed, destroyed plants, torn up our yard (yes he has toys). That being said, he’s also part of our family now so I guess it’s truly for better or, as of lately, worse.”

Piper

You know you’re spoiled when you work in a dog-friendly office—Laura Garcia certainly did. Daily doses of doggie cuddles were the norm up until the pandemic forced the office to shut down. At that point, Garcia knew that she couldn’t deprive herself of puppies. Enter Piper, the 3-year-old Bichon Frise who makes the Garcia family complete. “Piper goes to work with me every day which includes treats, walks in the park by my office and lots of playtime with our team,” says Laura. “She loves to lay in front of the windows to watch for visitors and intruders.” Last year when the family went on vacation in Sonora, Mexico, they knew they had to bring Piper along. “She loved running in the sand, chasing birds and collecting lots of new sniffs.”

RAILYARD ROOTS

Newlander’s eclectic style remains after 122 years.

The year 1901 saw the assassination of President William McKinley and the execution of his murderer. His vice president, Theodore Roosevelt, became the 26th U.S. President. Louis Armstrong and Ed Sullivan were born. A popular song was “Who Threw the Overalls in Mrs. Murphy’s Chowder?” Thomas Edison invented the first motion picture camera and the first phonograph and produced a handful of films for the public.

So when you drive by the Historic Newlander Apartment House at 616 Coal Ave. SW in the Barelas neighborhood, picture its surroundings in 1890, when the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe railroad first came through (visit the former site of the AT&SF locomotive works at The Rail Yards, another historic site).

The Newlander wasn’t always a multi-family dwelling as it is today, nor was it named for the “New Land” embraced by immigrants. John Newlander, who worked for the Albuquerque Planing Mill Company, built it for his family. By 1916, his family had turned it into a fiveunit boarding house for workers attracted by the railroad and peripheral businesses. The building became part of the transformation of Barelas from a small agricultural village to a working-class neighborhood defined at first by the railroad and later by the automobile industry.

The Newlander catches your eye because of its stand-out style. It’s a two-anda-half-story building, still an anomaly in Albuquerque. It looks much like the one-family house it used to be, although there have been additions, mostly in the rear of the dwelling. The house originally was designed around a central hallway, an American classic. It has four gables, one on each side.

The roof is a hipped-roof style normally seen in Eastern dwellings and definitely different from the flat roofs of Albuquerque. Despite its capacity for quickly getting rid of snow and ice in the winter, the hipped-roof and its building deteriorated to the point where the city bought the

property for restoration in the 1990s. The Newlander is now on the New Mexico State Register of Historical Properties and the National Register of Historic Places.

It is located in a great neighborhood, too. There are five city parks within 2 miles of the building. Barelas is walkable,

bikeable and has lots of shopping opportunities. There is public transportation and Old Town, the Botanical Park and the Zoo are nearby. Dining out in Barelas is thriving with authentic, longstanding New Mexican restaurants and locally owned newcomers alike. —SH

PHOTO BY DON JAMES/ATM

END OF THE LINE

A RETIRED CABOOSE SERVES AS A REMINDER OF OUR HISTORY

An old caboose now stands silent and rusting at Barelas Railyard Softball Complex. It’s a relic from a time when cabooses, also called way cars, performed essential functions, providing lookout posts for trainmen who kept eyes peeled for safety hazards.

Although there are no markings visible in the peeling paint and no signage providing information, members of the New Mexico Steam Locomotive and Railroad Historical Society, who restored AT&SF 2926 steam locomotive, and Santa Fe Railway Historical and Modeling Society have helped piece together details about Caboose No. 1760R.

Built in 1929, the rail car was one of a batch of 125 of its type built for the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway. It was in service around the Santa Fe system until the early 1970s, ending up in California. In March 1973, No. 1760R and another caboose, No. 2018, were condemned and shipped to Albuquerque where they sat together on a rail siding.

At some point in time, vandals set fire to the interior of 2018 and released the cars’ brakes, causing them to derail. Both cabooses were significantly damaged.

It’s not the glorious ending we might want for a pair of cars that were once integral to a rail system that helped transform and fuel the growth of New Mexico.

Back in their heyday, No. 1760R and cabooses like it had cupolas above the main compartments where trainmen watched for malfunctions in the cars ahead, including “hotboxes” or overheated axle bearings that could cause fires.

These cabooses served as homes away from home for conductors, brakemen and flagmen making long-distance trips. The cars would’ve been outfitted with bunk beds, toilets, wash basins and small stoves. The conductor would’ve used a desk in the caboose for completing paperwork documenting the train’s cargo.

In early days before air brakes were widely used, a rear brakeman stationed in a caboose would listen for the engineer’s whistle to slow or stop the train,

then climb from the caboose and manually turn the brake wheels on top of each car, moving his way forward until he met a brakeman who was working his way back from the engine. Once the train had stopped, a flagman would jump down and walk back with lanterns and flags to signal any approaching trains.

Trainmen working aboard No. 1760R might’ve lived in the Barelas neighborhood, which had been a tiny agricultural village before the railroad arrived in Albuquerque in the late 1800s, prompting construction of the Santa Fe Railway Shops in Barelas, which created some 1,500 jobs. The community’s population swelled to 1,200 by 1900, according to census records.

Over the years, as technology improved to make freight trains safer, railroad companies deemed cabooses no longer necessary. By the 1980s, cabooses were being taken out of service. In a 1988 Los An-

geles Times story, a Virginia rail yard superintendent predicted: “Five years from now, I would not expect to see a caboose except in some unique or peculiar situations.”

Ultimately, No. 1760R was donated to the city and placed in the softball complex across Second Street from the historic railyards. No. 2018 went to Coronado Park and now is believed to be in a yard that’s privately owned.

On a Saturday afternoon in June at the softball complex, two teams were on the field while players from other teams waited their turn to play. Spectators watched the game and relaxed in lawn chairs next to their coolers.

One family had a prime spot under the trees next to the caboose. What do they think about the old rail car?

“It’s kind of random,” a teenager says.

“I don’t mind it,” a man says. “It gives us some nice shade.” —LISA

OCKER

PHOTO BY DON JAMES/ATM

THE SCALES OF SUNSET

By Martin Gandara

At Martin Gandara’s home on the NW side of town, he’ll often see all different kinds of wildlife: roadrunners, rabbits, coyotes. “It’s Albuquerque, so there’s really no shortage of animals around here,” Gandara laughs. Be that as it may, Gandara admits he doesn’t often come across lizards—much less ones staring right at him. “I was just waking up and pulling open the blinds and immediately I was like ‘What the heck?’” The unexpected and startling encounter only fazed Gandara for a few moments.

“I just snapped a picture on my iPhone 12+ and it turned out to be such a lovely scene,” he says.

Gandara’s affinity for photography actually didn’t even begin until he moved into his current home. “As soon as I moved in and started having people over, everyone kept telling me how incredible the unobstructed view I had was,” he says.

The 53-year-old, who works in social security, says Albuquerque is the perfect place for him. “It’s enough of a city that you don’t feel isolated, but there is so much natural beauty all around that it makes you feel like you’re in the country.”

ABQ Trolley Co.

Jesse Herron and Mike Silva have developed something of a golden touch when it comes to curating and packaging cool Albuquerque experiences. Thanks to the longtime friends—who met working for the city’s tourism arm—you can pedal a group bike around our streets, or indulge in gourmet local cookies, or send a box of ABQ goodies to a faraway friend. But their original hip venture to show off our city might still be the best: the ABQ Trolley Tour. “The idea was born in 2006, but it took us a few years of doing business plans and trying to get funding,” says Herron, who bonded with his co-worker Silva over their passion for Albuquerque, the UNM Lobos, and ska music. “We both wanted to break away and do our own thing.” Even though both were well-versed in tourism—Silva was the national sales manager for what is now Visit ABQ, and Herron had already earned a master’s degree in Travel and Tourism Management—banks were reluctant to give them a loan. So, the pair turned to family members, who helped purchase the trolley and get things rolling. “They believed in us,” says Herron, “and it paid off.” The first tour took place on May 5, 2009, and has grown into a must-try ride for visitors, some of whom have even showed up for tours straight from the Sunport, luggage in hand. “I guess they read that we were the ‘best first thing to do in ABQ’,” says Herron, referring to their company’s trademark phrase. “So, we just load their luggage onto the Trolley and go.” —

1. The tour is 1 hour and 40 minutes and is fully narrated.

Marilyn Dean

3. Instead of brass like San Francisco’s cable cars, the interior features wrought iron to mimic ABQ’s rustic history.

9.

4. It’s the only stucco-covered trolley car in the world.

5. Since launching in 2009, the tour has stayed with the same 18-mile route that begins in Old Town Plaza.

6.

The three TV screens onboard feature presentations that sync to the location of the car, such as the motorcycle crash in the movie “Wild Hogs” near Albuquerque Country Club.

7. There’s also an annual Trolley of Lights tour that runs for 10 days each December—and sells out quickly.

8. The narration also offers insight as the Trolley passes numerous sights, such as the home of famed local architect Bart Prince, and the historic Alvarado Hotel.

Though it looks like a trolley car from a century ago, the ABQ Trolley is powered by a modern Cummins Turbo Diesel engine.

10. The Trolley is staffed by two drivers, and four dedicated tour guides.

11. The car is open-air, allowing passengers a closer experience to the sights along the route.

12. Tours run twice a day, six days a week, April through October.

13. The Trolley’s origin was partly inspired by “The Breakup,” where Vince Vaughn’s character operates tours of Chicago with his brothers.

PHOTO BY DON JAMES/ATM