Albuquerque The Magazine, December 2021-January 2022 by Albuquerque The Magazine

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FEATURE

AND THE

WINNERS ARE...

Who doesn’t love being honored for excellence? That’s the point of our once-a-year Best of the City awards, which are the result of your votes that determine which restaurants, stores, businesses, organizations, and people are at the top of the game in ABQ. This 17th annual endeavor features winners (and those among the Top 5) in more than 300 categories. To all the honorees, you’ve worked hard, and here are your just rewards. Congratulations!

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DEPARTMENTS 30 Editor’s Note 33 Tapas

P. 33 P. 236

A pair of historic ABQ theaters get rejuvenated; Rio Rancho pharmacy team named best in the U.S.; Old Town Holiday Stroll and tree lighting returns; Twinkle Light Parade glitters in Nob Hill; Rainbow Ryders offers sunset lifts; ABQ’s Incredible Kids.

42 Faces and Places 61 Datebook

235 People

236 Albuquerque the Interview Yuriria Morales Sanchez brings leaders to ABQ to work with local experts to learn the best practices in government, technology and more.

242 Personality

P. 246

Learning the family trade has paid off for Scott Goodman, who now has a direct hand in some of ABQ’s largest commercial development projects.

246 Behind the Scenes

Some of ABQ’s most popular events were curtailed during the pandemic, creating a sizeable chore for the city’s community event coordinator Bree Ortiz and her team.

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DEPARTMENTS P. 265

P. 250

P. 255

249 Culture 250 Creatives

Melisa Hart has extended her love of sewing to teaching and hosting classes that appeal to a wide range of people.

252 Shelflife

Author James McGrath Morris felt strongly that the late Tony Hillerman needed a biography. So, he embarked on a three-year mission resulting in a sweeping look at the famed author’s life and times.

254 Tiempo

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

P. 258 257 Dish

258 Eats Review

Debajo’s décor and focus on authentic, classic Spanish cuisine, will have guests feeling as if they are dining in the heart of Barcelona.

262 Eats, Etc.

Asian flavors blend with New Mexico cuisine at Kitsune ABQ; Southwest flair meets Asian fare at Kamikaze Kitchen; Vegos offers Land of Enchantment staples that are vegan and vegetarian friendly.

264 From the Vine

Introducing Good Vodka co-founder Tristan Willey, whose product helps the planet by reducing carbon footprint; Ex Novo Brewing Company has expanded outdoors with a new beer garden; break out in song with a pint at Beer Choir; Rumor Brewing offers great brews and views.

270 A Recipe For Success Civil rights and environmental activist Arturo Sandoval gets creative with chile rellenos.

272 Bites

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

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DECEMBER 2021/JANUARY 2022 Volume XVIII Number VIII EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Rozanna Martinez rozanna@abqthemag.com PHOTO DIRECTOR

Don James don@abqthemag.com ART DIRECTOR

Jared Lambert jared@abqthemag.com GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Candice Callado candice@abqthemag.com DATEBOOK EDITOR

Lori Wilding datebook@abqthemag.com CONTRIBUTORS

Tristen Critchfield Ashley M. Biggers Mel Minter Zane Beal Frank Gutierrez T. Cherry Zachery Lynch Antonio Ramon Joanna Darlington Mary Girsch-Bock

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.

DEPARTMENTS 295 Fun

296 ‘Til You Drop

& Stuff Retail Collective offers an affordable location for artists and craftspeople to sell their products.

302 Paws Button

For the love of cats. Catopia Cat Café Long Hair Records and ABQ’s Animal Welfare department offer help and hope to the feline kind.

304 ABQ’s Amazing Pets This month’s winners: Precious, Sokka, Pandi, Charlie.

307 Piece of the Past Our Lady of Mt. Carmel in the North Valley has an intricate history of why and when it was created—and what it represents today.

P. 300

P. 307 26

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DEPARTMENTS 308 Passenger Window A commissioned mural created with aerosol sprays by local artist Noé Barnett commemorates the civil rights movement and its leaders.

P. 308

311 Photo Contest

This month’s winner: “Rock of Ages” by Ryle Yazzie.

312 A Few Things

New UNM Head Baseball Coach Tod Brown tells us how he migrated to the Land of Enchantment, and how he chose a career in sports.

P. 312

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DECEMBER 2021/JANUARY 2022 Volume 18 Number 8 PUBLISHER

Larryl Lynch larryl@abqthemag.com

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER

Gena Salazar gena@abqthemag.com

PROJECT MANAGER

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

Philip Kjelland philip@abqthemag.com Megan Life megan@abqthemag.com SALES COORDINATOR

Lexxus Salazar lexxus@abqthemag.com BUSINESS MANAGER

Jill Morris business@abqthemag.com ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER EMERITUS

Scott Davis (1966–2004)

SUBSCRIBE!

Annual subscriptions to Albuquerque The Magazine are $19 for 11 issues. You may subscribe directly from our website. Send check or money order to:

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

EDITOR’S NOTE

t’s that time of year again and we could not be more excited to announce our 2021 Best of the City winners. This year, there were more than 300 categories to vote for. And boy did you vote! For the seventh year in a row, we received more than 250,000 votes. We appreciate everyone who took the time to cast ballots for their favorite people and places. It takes a huge team effort to get the votes counted and create the pages that you excitingly flip through to see if your favorites made the cut. Best of the City is our largest issue for a reason. Every year we look forward to showcasing everyone that makes this city great and sharing the love the voters have for every one of them. It is quite an honor to even make the Top 5 list in any category, and we want to congratulate everyone who received votes. This issue we added a few new categories: Best Coffee Truck, Best Casino Bingo, Best Weight Loss Clinic, Best Bank, Best Event Planner, and Best Retirement Service. We also added a new Spirits group with five categories to vote for. If you have not jumped to it already turn to page 120 to find out who you voted as Best Distillery, Best Distiller and more. We are a little bummed that we could not have our highly-anticipated Best of the City party this year. But, hopefully we will be able to have a celebration that makes up for lost time for our December 2022/January 2023 Best of the City issue. Fingers crossed! In addition to the Best of the City, we have some winning stories about people and places that are definitely worth a read. Yuriria Morales Sanchez is putting Albuquerque on the leadership map. As executive director of the nonprofit Global Ties ABQ, she brings figureheads from around the world to the Duke City to engage with local experts on ways to improve

their government practices and programs. Head over to page 237 for more information. Scott Goodman is part of a team behind Albuquerque’s largest commercial developments. He also has launched GOS Capital, which invests in local startups. Read more about his intriguing ventures on page 242. Planning events in the middle of a pandemic is not the ideal gig. But Bree Ortiz had plenty of practice before becoming the City of Albuquerque’s Community Events Division manager nearly a decade ago. Turn to page 246 to learn how Ortiz made some of ABQ’s most popular events happen during a pandemic—and how she is currently getting them back on track. On page 258, we showcase the splendid Spanish cuisine of Debajo, a new restaurant in a familiar Downtown location. Also, our round-up will introduce you to some eateries that went from food truck to storefront. If you are looking for somewhere to sip with a scenic view or something to imbibe on that helps the planet, flip to our From The Vine section that begins on page 264. And in February, we bring you ATM’s longest-running annual franchise, our much loved (and sometimes despised) “Hot Singles of ABQ” feature. Don’t miss it! Sincerely,

Rozanna Martinez Editor-In-Chief

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

The nearly 100-year-old KiMo Theatre has received a much needed facelift. Last year, the theatre closed due to the pandemic. This allowed the city’s Department of Arts & Culture to obtain an Albuquerque based contractor to replace its seven roofs as well as change out heating and cooling units. “We’ve been nonstop for the last year and a half with repairs and maintenance at the KiMo,” says Bree Ortiz, the city’s Community Events Division manager. “There hasn’t been any big maintenance projects or renovations since 2000. It really needed some love.” Broken windows have been replaced and security shutters have been installed. The former tattered white and green signature awnings have been changed. Repairs and maintenance were also done to the KiMo marquee and the venue’s interior including renovations to the theatre’s dressing rooms. “Inside we put down a new stage floor,” Ortiz says. “We updated all the technology in the theatre. We added a state of the art laser cinema projector. We put LED DEC. 2021 / JAN. 2022 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

lighting throughout the entire building.” The former box office space now serves another purpose. “The box office that was at the corner of 5th and Central, we moved it down to another space,” Ortiz says. “… We turned the old box office into a private event space. If people want to do meet and greets or book signings or VIP receptions there’s a little room at the corner with big windows.” The orchestra pit, which was used for storage, is now an operable space. The stage columns and arches that border the stage area have been refurbished. “The KiMo is four stories so it’s a lot of really old things just like packed in a corner so we’ve cleaned out all the spaces,” Ortiz says. “We’ve cleaned out the basements. We’ve vacuumed. We’ve taken gum off seats. We’ve done everything you can imagine to get the place back in working order. We’re really excited to open and invite the community in to see how clean and shiny and beautiful it is. It looks great.” —RM

PHOTO BY DON JAMES/ATM

UPDATING A PIECE OF HISTORY

START BR A GGING

ABQ

Nora Meyers Sackett

AMERICA’S #1 PHARMACY TEAM

io Rancho has the top pharmacy team in the country. Walgreens #4187, located at 1941 Southern SE, has been named “Best Pharmacy Team” in the country as part of SingleCare’s Best of the Best Pharmacy Awards. SingleCare is a free prescription service that helps consumers save money on their medications. This year’s awards drew thousands of nominations. A total of 25 winners were recognized in various categories including top pharmacists, pharmacy technicians and pharmacy teams in the country. A common factor among winners is dedication to customer service. “We’ve worked really hard for years to try to get this firm running as smooth as possible and really provide the best customer service we can,” says pharmacist Marisa Ochoa. “So, to have that recognition for those ideas

and thoughts and motivations to come to fruition like this, it’s really great, really exciting. And I’m so proud of our team and they’re so great.” The pandemic has created more challenges for the pharmacy. “We’ve been dealing with higher prescription volume,” Ochoa explains. “We’ve had a lot more customers coming in. Certainly, vaccinations are more increased than they’ve ever been. We’re doing COVID testing now. Of course, the COVID vaccine, a lot of services we’re providing on top of what we used to do. It’s been challenging. We’ve been strained at times, but we’ve done what we could to pull it together and stick together and really bring each other up because you just have those moments where you’ve got to be there for one another to pull each other through and I think we’re making it happen.” —RM

Press Secretary Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham “The North Valley acequias are a great spot to go for a walk in our beautiful city. You’re likely to see someone walking a dog or on horseback along the tree-lined paths, or ducks paddling along the waterways that flow to the nearby fields. It’s my favorite place to take a stroll and decompress.” 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.

Guess which holiday dessert is the most searched on Google by New Mexicans? Not biscochitos. According to Woman’s Day magazine, it’s cheesecake. Hmm...

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BACK IN BUSINESS The Lobo Theater, built in 1938, is once again an entertainment venue. Serving as a church since 2000, the theater has been revitalized into a lounge and event center. Its new lessee, J. Richard Rivas, has restored the theater back to his original glory as well as renovated it into a remarkable venue in Nob Hill. “The coolest part about the remodel, the bathrooms are cool and basically what used to be under the balcony steps, it used to be like Green Room, we basically knocked that whole area out and now that’s where the lounge and the really cool bar is,” says John Nichols, who is part of the theater project. “The bar is beautiful. It’s really nice and then the front lobby, all the decorations are 1940s classic.” The bar has a full liquor license and there are plans to offer lunch and dinner. Music performances and other events are scheduled.

ATM DEFINITION OF THE MONTH 36

“I think we took seven rows out in the middle of the theater downstairs,” Nichols says. “There’s seats on the sides and there’s rows that go down them and there’s seats in the middle… We drilled down into the concrete to where it was level to the front of the stage. We created this area that we’re calling ‘The Den.’ We have a railing around it and that’s like the standing room only, dance floor.” For sit down events the theater will bring in tables and chairs. The balcony offers seating for 214 people and there are 134 seats available downstairs. Seating is also available on the outdoor patio. The building offers unusual spaces from the past. “Upstairs where they used to shoot the movies from, the video room up there, it’s got old metal doors… It’s got cool things like that and then there’s like a hidden room on the way up to the upstairs. It’s a trip.” — RM

SOPA-CHITO (n.)

Starting off with a fresh, hot out of the oil sopaipilla - this aprs-enchilada treat gets the extra holiday jazz with a full dip in cinnamon sugar dust. For a level 10 experience, pour some honey on top.

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Genesis Hernandez AGE: 13 SCHOOL: Rio Rancho Middle School 3 THINGS SHE LIKES: Coffee, Hoodies and the Fall Season 3 THINGS SHE DOESN’T LIKE: Pickles, Math and Public Speaking FUTURE PLANS: She would like to be an esthetician as well as offer baking classes to share her baking skills in a fun way.

HER STORY: While the world was shut down due to the pandemic, Genesis, who missed going to school and being a cheerleader, decided to put her free time to good use by getting creative with different baking recipes. “She used baking as a destressing activity to create delicious baked treats that were also pretty,” says her mom Norma Hernandez. Her baked treats became so popular that Genesis was able to inspire her parents to start Sugar N Glitz, their family run dessert and coffee food truck. Not only is this young teen creative and inspirational, but she is described as a fighter and strong willed. “She was born premature with a cleft lip and palate and although she has been through several surgeries, she has always been brave in facing her fears,” says her mom. —DLM

Submit your Incredible Kids at incrediblekids@abqthemag.com

Check everyone off your gift shopping list during the Old Town Holiday Stroll. The event will be held from 5 to 9 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 3. The exciting and festive tree lighting will take place at 6 p.m. in Plaza Don Luis. Bring the family, discover newly opened stores and visit familiar Old Town retailers and restaurants. Attendees will be able to sip on hot chocolate and enjoy live entertainment sprinkled around Old Town as well as on the main plaza’s gazebo. Local musicians and dance groups will perform and add to the holiday cheer. View luminarias at the Blue Portal and enjoy cider and biscochitos as you shop. The store features work by the city’s creative seniors.

DEC. 2021 / JAN. 2022 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

Grab a bite to eat or make a reservation for a nice sit down dining experience at various eateries in Old Town. Make sure to ask about holiday specials. The Albuquerque Museum, located nearby, will offer free admission and will remain open until 9 p.m. The Simple Truth Jazz Band will perform from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Guests also will be able to participate in some holiday hands-on fun with an ornament activity from 5 to 9 p.m. Streets throughout Old Town will be closed to traffic starting at 3 p.m. Please plan accordingly and arrive early. Free parking will be available at the corner of 18th Street and Bellamah Ave. More information is available at cabq. gov/artsculture/historic-old-town. — RM

A SPARKLING GOOD TIME

Albuquerque’s most dazzling celebration returns to Nob Hill. The Twinkle Light Parade is a free, family holiday event that features a procession of decorated vehicles, school groups, local businesses, organizations and families. Participants get creative and compete for the Best in Show award. The fun starts at 5:15 p.m. Dec. 4 with the parade heading west on Central Ave. from Washington Street to Girard Blvd. Central Ave. will close to traffic at 2 p.m. to prepare for the parade. Free parking is available at the southeast corner of Lomas and University Blvd. Shuttle buses will run from the lot to UNM’s Johnson Field from 2:30 to 10 p.m. Following the parade, Central Ave. will remain closed until 9 p.m. to allow for pedestrian friendly shopping at Nob Hill retailers or for a bite to eat at several restaurants along the parade route. The event draws thousands of spectators so plan to arrive early to grab your spot to view the parade. Behaved and leashed pets are allowed. For more information, visit cabq.gov/artsculture and click on the “Special Events & Festivals” tab.—RM

Lyra VanNess AGE: 6 SCHOOL: Annunciation Catholic School 3 THINGS SHE LIKES: Performing, Cienna her dog, Anything sweet 3 THINGS SHE DOESN’T LIKE: She’s going through a phase where she doesn’t like to eat vegetables or wear jeans. FUTURE PLANS: She wants to become a teacher

HER STORY: Lyra is described as a typical little girl. She loves to sing and dance for her family, wear pretty dresses, and pose for the camera. However, unlike most little girls, bugs don’t seem to bother her. “Lyra is a self-taught singer with impressive acting skills that she uses regularly to obtain sugar-laden snacks,” says her father Rick VanNess. She has the biggest sweet tooth and loves Rebel Donuts. So much so that that’s where she goes every Sunday morning. Every week Lyra attends gymnastics and every day she practices her reading skills and plays with her puppy, Cienna. “Her dazzling smile and caring heart are two easily discernible traits,” says VanNess. —DLM

Submit your Incredible Kids at incrediblekids@abqthemag.com 38

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START BR A GGING

ABQ

Randy Trask

President New Mexico Trade Alliance “I love when runny egg yolk mixes with my carne adovada when I’m eating breakfast at Barelas Coffee House.”

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.

Unwanted holiday presents and gift cards can be turned into currency through OfferUp, eBay Valet or Cardpool.

PHOTO BY STEVEN FAULKNER MOYER

RIDING OFF INTO THE SUNSET

Treat yourself or give the gift of a voyage through the clouds in a Rainbow Ryders hot air balloon. The operator is offering sunset balloon rides daily (weather permitting) through March. The rides launch one hour before the sun goes down. Each experience offers panoramic views of the setting sun engulfing the Rio Grande in vibrant hues. The breathtaking Sandia Mountains serving as the majestic backdrop is a must-see. Riders will soar over enchanting vistas while enjoying the beautiful fall weather. A champagne toast after the flight completes the experience. Sunset hot air balloon rides start at $189 for a shared basket lift. To schedule a ride call (800) 725-2477, or visit rainbowryders.com. —RM

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START BR A GGING

ABQ

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

Thomas R. Briones

President and Senior Attorney Briones Business Law Consulting, P.C. “I love going to UNM Lobo basketball games. I went to UNM for undergraduate and law school, and so did my parents and most of my brothers and sisters—so it’s in my blood. When it’s a big game and the crowd gets going, it’s the best place in the world to be a fan!” 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.

Farolito means “little lantern” in Spanish, and luminaria means “festival light.” Luminaria was used in reference to a vigil bonfire. It’s primarily northern New Mexicans who have kept this distinction. DEC. 2021 / JAN. 2022 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

NOT LONG AGO

2019 Warriors for Warriors In November 2019, Kirtland Air Force Base brought together the warriors of our Air Force and the warriors fighting cancer for this marquee event. Attendees listened to speeches from survivors, enjoyed food and drink, and got a chance to mingle with the crew and view the aircrafts of the 58 Special Operations Wing. 1. Agastya Seward, Victoria Marasco 2. Michael Webb, Torie Clarke 3. Mitchel Waring, Elisabeth Waring 4. Kenny Johnson, Gabriela Gonzalez 5. Kevin Norman, Matt Finkelstein, Karen Finkelstein, Jerry Linenger 6. Lizbeth Barrios, Nancy Gonzalez 7. Elaine Lujan, Laurie Lujan

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NOT LONG AGO

Tocqueville Society Fundraiser In October 2019, Albuquerqueans turned out for the Tocqueville Society event to raise funds for United Way of Central New Mexico. 150 donors were in attendance at Vara Winery & Distillery to have some great wine and great conversation all to support a great cause. 1. Brian Blalock, Melody Wells, Rodney Prunty 2. Jeanette Brahl, Paul Cassidy 3. Evita Sinclair, Billy Gupton, Rachel Gupton 4. Craig Trojahn, Lynn Trojahn, Yashoda Naidoo, David Montgomery 5. Betty Harvie, Keith Harvie 6. Harris Hartz, Elisa Simon, Toby Simon 7. Chris Jenkins, La Tonya Walker

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NOT LONG AGO

Convoy of Hope Community Event Local businesses partnered with the City of Albuquerque in November 2019 and gave out $1 million in food, gifts, and services to Albuquerqueans in need. The event was part of a national campaign to build better communities through giving. 1. Nannette Serrano, Justin Serrano 2. Maria Sizemore, Linh Tran, Rebecca Gomez 3. Jessica Gomez, Ivy Lindberg, Abbie Lindberg 4. Jonathan Millar, Darrol Hanush, Andrew Sanchez 5. Kim Serna, Heather Ortiz, Tracy Marquez 6. Justin Vigil, Wayne Davis, Dylan Julian, Alex Hill 7. Allie Kibbe, Cali Archibeque, Becky Dickinson

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NOT LONG AGO

Tenderlove Community Center Grand Opening Tenderlove Community Center has been helping Albuquerque’s low income and undereducated women for more than six years by teaching them sewing and other marketable skills. And in October 2019, the community got to celebrate the Grand Opening of their new building. 1. Tammie Bedford, Gregg Hull, Dr. Bill Miller, Isaac Benton 2. Adeyemi Johnson, Debbie Johnson, Rodney Prunty, Erica Barreiro 3. Jo-Lynn Herbert, Nina Martinez, Renae King, Charles King 4. Janet Ortega, Mary Ade, Rebekah Najar, Anna Garcia 5. Valarie Maestas, Dennis Beard, Michelle Villegas 6. Diale Fomukong, Karen Navarro, Ellen Braden, Mike Parmelee 7. Celina Lopez, Lisa Chavez

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NOT LONG AGO

Urban Trash Charity Recyclable Materials Hair and Fashion Show Is it trash, or is it treasure? Albuquerqueans came together in October 2019 at TONI&GUY Hairdressing Academy to find out. What they found was one of the city’s most creative fashion shows featuring a one-of-a-kind, couture creation designed by the academy’s students and made from recycled materials. Even better, the event supported Make-A-Wish. 1. Dominique Ortega, Carla Venegas, Jailene Landeros, Adreanna Nunez 2. Jay Henry, Kasi Garcia 3. Tyler Carman, Emelia Heubeck, Alex Heubeck 4. Molly Salyer, Bill Weiland, Max Falk 5. Grace Jandt, Jaqueline Mendoza, Hailey Chacon, Erica Barela 6. Selah Carrasco, Jennie Lavorgna, Crystal West, Jamie Watts 7. Cassandra Gallegos, Magaly Contreras, Sarai Campos

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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION N

ABQ PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY

AUDREY MAE NAVARRO RAWSON, DDS - PEDIATRIC DENTIST 4620-C JEFFERSON LANE NE Albuquerque, NM (505)888-3520 ABQPEDIATRICDENTISTRY.com

As a board-certified pediatric dentist and mother to two girls, Dr. Audrey Rawson believes in the importance of starting children out with a solid and positive dental foundation. Some people do not have pleasant memories of the dentist, and she is determined to change this for future generations. At locally owned and family operated ABQ Pediatric Dentistry, Dr. Rawson and her team take a conservative approach to dental treatment, anchored in friendliness and compassion. “Our first priority is to establish a rapport to ensure that all children and families are comfortable and at ease when visiting our office,” says Dr. Rawson. “We believe in providing high quality dental care while making every visit entertaining and educational.” Dr. Rawson absolutely loves being a pediatric dentist, saying, “I love children and I get to spend all day with them!” She recommends children have their first dental visit no later than age 1. Many parents ask why kids need to be seen so early. She always responds with one word: prevention. By creating good habits, they can prevent decay from starting at an early age and create a future of no cavities and great dental visits. Dr. Rawson grounds much of her success in something close to home: her family. “My husband, Christian, and I share all aspects and decision-making for ABQ Pediatric Dentistry, as well as the raising of our children, “ she says. They are currently hard at work with their two daughters, ages four and one. “Chloe and Ellie keep us on our toes! They are our pride and joy – and also our motivation to keep smiling and going each day.” Every patient at ABQ Pediatric Dentistry is treated like a family member. “Our entire team delivers high quality dental care to all of our children and families,” she explains. “We all strive to exemplify our mission, which is to create positive, relaxed, and pleasant dental experiences with the goal of helping children prepare for a lifetime of healthy and happy smiles.”

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION N

BEAR CANYON ORAL & FACIAL SURGERY DR. travis rudd

10151 montgomery blvd ne, Suite 2d Albuquerque, NM 505-292-3400 • bearcanyonofs.com Oral surgery is not something one approaches lightly. Really, it’s the sort of thing you want to trust to a highly trained, professionally seasoned expert—someone with the credentials and experience to earn your confidence. Here in Albuquerque, Dr. Travis C. Rudd and his team at Bear Canyon Oral & Facial Surgery bring years of professional experience and intensive training to their work. A board certified Diplomate of the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, Dr. Rudd graduated with honors from the University of Iowa College of Dentistry in 2008. Shortly thereafter, he completed a year of training at Salt Lake City’s University of Utah

Hospital, before completing an additional four years of specialty training in oral and maxillofacial with a residency at the Denver Health Hospital. Dr. Rudd felt the pull of the Duke City after meeting Dr. Steven Roholt, a highly regarded, Albuquerque-based oral and maxillofacial surgeon. “We loved that Dr. Roholt had built something special that represented our values and wanted to work with him,” explains Dr. Rudd. “I was fortunate to work with Dr. Roholt for several years before he retired.” Of course, it didn’t hurt that Dr. Rudd and his wife, Laura, also saw Albuquerque as a spectacular place to raise their family. At Bear Canyon Oral & Facial Surgery,

Dr. Rudd and his team offer a full suite of services for treating issues dealing with the mouth, teeth, and face. This includes everything from wisdom tooth removal to dental implant and corrective jaw surgeries. Through it all, he trusts not only his own experience, expertise, and training, but also that of his highly trained staff. “I believe our practice has been blessed to have the best staff in our specialty in the state,” says. Dr. Rudd. “The reason that we’ve had so much success is our shared commitment to providing patients and their families with an exceptional experience. I am so proud of what they have accomplished.”

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

FRONT ROW (LEFT TO RIGHT): NATALIE MILLS, PA-C, MEGAN PRIBYL, PA-C., MONICA M. ROMERO, M.D., DANIEL DAVIS, M.D BACK ROW (LEFT TO RIGHT): MICHAEL B. CHANG, M.D., MATTHEW THOMPSON, M.D., DAVID DAVIS, M.D.

DERMATOLOGY & SKIN CANCER CENTER OF NEW MEXICO 6200 uptown blvd ne, Suite 410 Albuquerque, NM 505-243-skin(7546) • NMDERMCENTER.com Dermatology & Skin Cancer Center of New Mexico (DSCCNM) is a premier, state-of-the-art facility for dermatologic treatment, skin cancer detection and treatment, and cosmetic services. In addition to the ability to rapidly diagnose problems, the practice also has on-site surgical care for the convenience of its patients. DSCCNM has grown immensely since its first launching in 2007, but its vision today is the same as that laid out upon its founding: To provide a steady level of access to quality care to patients with skin problems, supported and facilitated by an experienced administrative and nursing staff. Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States, affecting

more than two million people every year. As one of the largest dermatology practices in the state, DSCCNM does its part to reduce that number while also treating a wide range of other skin disorders. The office maintains a leading-edge laboratory and skin cancer treatment facility, as well as a variety of exceptional dermatologic services. Specialties range from micrographic skin cancer surgery (Mohs surgery), skin cancer detection and treatment, general dermatology, acne treatment, psoriasis, and treatment of other dermatologic skin disorders. The DSCCNM team is especially proud of the great service they are able to provide their patients. They can definitively and rapidly treat non-melanoma skin cancers, such as basal cell and squamous cell

carcinoma, right at the clinic. Meanwhile, an in-practice Mohs surgeon makes use of a sophisticated tissue-preparation lab to rapidly determine clear margins, allowing patients to leave the office with peace of mind. Remaining committed to excellence in patient care and quality of service, Dermatology and Skin Cancer Center of New Mexico features independent, board-certified dermatologists including: David Davis, M.D., M.S., FACMS, FAAD; Matthew Thompson, M.D., FAAD; Monica M. Romero, M.D., FAAD; Daniel Davis, M.D., and Michael B. Chang, M.D., FAAD., Natalie Mills, PA-C, MSPAS and Margaret “Megan” Pribyl, PA-C, MSPAS.

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

ALICIA A. ABEYTA, DDS, FAGD ALICIA A. ABEYTA, DDS, LLC 4830 Juan Tabo Blvd NE, Suite K Albuquerque, NM (505) 293-7611 bestalbuquerquedentists.com Alicia A. Abeyta DDS LLC goes beyond comprehensive dental services. There, the mission is to provide patients with a different, more gentle approach to dentistry, inspired by Dr. Abeyta’s holistic philosophy. “I am a woman, wife, mother, and dentist,” she explains. “I believe in living a life of honesty, integrity, and balance. I believe in holistic living, which I define as taking accountability for my own health and actively choosing to make decisions that positively affect my mind, body, and soul. I truly believe that everything has a yin and yang. Balance is the key to total health.” Dr. Abeyta acquired her practice in 2009, dedicating herself to educating patients on whole body health and empowering them to pursue the best treatment options for their individual needs. Together with a staff of skilled professionals, Dr. Abeyta offers patients a full range of services, from cosmetic to family dentistry. With a licensed esthetician on staff, Alicia A. Abeyta DDS patients are afforded a full suite of spa services. “I have an eagerness and willingness to constantly advance my skills as both a clinician and business owner,” says Dr. Abeyta. “I am constantly attending conferences and certification courses that allow me to evolve and establish my practice as being unique from the typical dental office.” She recently earned the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) Fellowship Award. This places her in the distinguished ranks of AGD members whose dedication and tenacity have shaped them into more skilled and accomplished doctors. Alicia A. Abeyta DDS LLC services include crowns, implant crowns, veneers, bridges, tooth colored fillings, TMJ splinting and Botox therapy, whitening, dentures and partials, Invisalign, 3D Imaging, digital radiographs, conscious sedation, painless anesthesia using the Dental Wand and Dental Vibe, Juvederm, facials, microdermabrasion, essential oils for aromatherapy, and acupuncture. The practice has also expanded into the frontiers of laser dentistry, affording patients a non-invasive treatment option that reduces swelling and recovery times while minimizing risks.

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

DR. MONICA BOEHMER, DDS, PC ESTHETIC AND FAMILY DENTISTRY

3309 JUAN TABO NE, SUITE A | Albuquerque, NM (505) 271-8009 | BOEHMERDDS.COM Spearheaded by Dr. Monica Boehmer, Monica Boehmer, DDS, PC has provided excellent, personalized, comprehensive dental care to Albuquerque-area patients for more than 25 years. Here, we value our patients’ time and intelligence. Together, we find the best route to achieving their goals for oral health and appearance. The Monica Boehmer, DDS, PC team are still following CDC and ADA guidelines for COVID-19 mitigation and control. While we no longer limit the number of people in the practice, we still employ sneezeguards at the front desk, use HEPA filters throughout the office, and wear face masks and face shields when interacting with patients. As always, we also sterilize our instruments, equipment, and hard surfaces with medical grade disinfectant in between each patient. At Monica Boehmer, DDS, PC, we enhance our patients’ smiles with oral cancer screenings, soft tissue maintenance, fillings, crowns, implants, veneers, bridges, laser gum re-contouring, teeth whitening, full mouth reconstruction, and more. We adjust our techniques and approaches to meet the specific needs of patients. Furthermore, we take a holistic approach to the entire oral cavity, recognizing that health starts at the lips and the health of the oral cavity can impact the entire body. Give us a call to schedule an appointment and experience the difference.

SHALAKA MUKHOPADHAYAY, B.A., M.A. IN PERFORMING ARTS /BHARATNATYAM NRITYASUDHA, LLC

CLASSES AT NORTH DOMINGO BACA PARK CENTER, NMDA, RIO RANCHO & CORRALES Shalakamukho16@gmail.com | NRITYASUDHA.ORG What are Human beings looking for? Pleasantness both within and around ourselves. We can find this pleasantness at an early age through art - more specifically, through dance. You can achieve balance within the body through dance-bringing health, happiness, and peace. When our bodies and minds are in sync there is a harmless energy that brings you forward in dance without any inhibitions or fears. Indian Classical Dance Elements: Pure Dance is called Nritta, where a dancer creates many geometric forms. We practice “Abhinaya” as well, where our Inner world is expressed through Facial Expression and language of Hand Gesture. These are taught to students through compositions, which bring the mind and body together creating the pleasantness that we have been seeking. These compositions use many mythological stories, and this learning process of Dance unknowingly conditions their minds, modify beliefs, positive thinking and also imbibe the values in Society. Please give me a follow on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

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

TOP PICK Wednesday 1-Dec. 30 5–10 pm (last entry 9 pm) River of Lights. Enjoy the magic of millions of twinkling lights and nearly 600 dazzling holiday displays at New Mexico’s largest walk-through light show. Info: ABQ BioPark Botanic Garden, 2601 Central NW, riveroflights.org. Tickets: Monday-Thursday $14 adults, $7 ages 3-12; Friday-Sunday $17 adults, $9 ages 3-12, free for ages 2 and under. Closed Dec. 24 and 25, holdmyticket.com.

December wednesday 1– Sunday 2 6 pm

Winter Wonderland. Drive-thru/walking tour benefiting Carrie Tingley Hospital Foundation and Ronald McDonald House Charities. This experience combines the holiday spirit and NM culture in a family-friendly winter attraction with professional lighting installations, live actors, and larger than life decorations. Info: Expo New Mexico, 300 San Pedro NE, Tickets: $30-$60 per vehicle, holdmyticket.com.

December friday 3 6–11 pm

Festival of Trees Jingle and Mingle. Benefiting Carrie Tingley Hospital Foundation. Sit-down dinner, auction and raffle, then Entourage Jazz takes the stage for dancing. Info: Uptown ABQ Marriott, 2101 Louisiana NE., festivaloftrees.com, (505) 243-6626, $75 per person.

December saturday 4 5:30 and 7:30 pm

Robert Louis Stevenson’s Treasure Island. New Mexico Young Actors perform in a script by Joseph George Caruso that will have you laughing and cheering for who will be the first pirate to find the buried treasure and fool Captain Long John Silver. Info: NMYA theater, 2701 San Pedro Drive NE, Ste. 21, (505) 821-8055, holdmyticket.com, $6 presale.

December tuesday– monday 7–12 various times

Mean Girls. A hilarious hit Broadway musical where Cady Heron, a naive newbie, falls prey to a trio of lionized frenemies led by the charming but ruthless Regina George. Info: Popejoy Hall, 203 Cornell Drive NE, (505) 925-5858. Tickets $49-$112, popejoypresents. com.

December saturday 11 2 pm & 6:30 pm sunday 12–2pm

Christmas Joy. Magnify Dance Ensemble presents this award-winning holiday production. Over 65 classically trained dancers will perform inspirational classical ballet, jazz, and contemporary dance to traditional and contemporary Christmas music. Info: National Hispanic Cultural Center, 1701 4th St SW, (505) 246-2261. Tickets: $25-$33; group, student, and senior discounts available, nhccnm.org.

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Trust us, these are but a few ABQ events YOU CAN'T MISS. 6

December saturday 18 and sunday 19 10 am–5 pm

Festival of the Nativities. Since 2017, the Corrales Historical Society has displayed over 100 nativities. The nativities are shared by members of the community. Info: Old San Ysidro Church, 966 Old Church Road, Corrales. Info: Johanna Dralle, (505) 2285229, jdralle@msn.com, corraleshistory.org, free.

January sunday 9 3 pm

Canadian Brass. This quintet has a uniquely engaging stage presence and great rapport with audiences. Their concert showcases a full range of music from trademark Baroque and Dixieland tunes to ragtime, Latin, jazz, big band music and new compositions. Info: Popejoy Hall, 203 Cornell Drive NE, (505) 9255858. Tickets: $25-$65, popejoypresents.com.

DEC. 2021 / JAN. 2022 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

January thursday 13 7:30 pm

The Temptations. The history of The Temptations is the history of contemporary American pop. The group began their musical life in Detroit in the early 1960s with an avalanche of hits. No matter the song, The Temptations always perform with unmatched flair and class. Info: Popejoy Hall, 203 Cornell Drive NE, (505) 9255858, popejoypresents.com. Tickets: $25-$65.

January sunday 23 2–5 pm

Fashion Show. Dessert buffet with fashions from four fabulous up-and-coming designers. Silent auction. Proceeds benefit nonprofit Locker #505 students’ clothing bank that clothe students in need throughout Bernalillo County. Info: Sheraton Uptown, 2600 Louisiana Blvd. NE. locker505.org, (505) 2941647, $25 per person.

WWW.ABQTHEMAG.COM | DEC. 2021 / JAN. 2022

wednesdays 1, 8 & 15 | 6-8 pm

thursday 2 | 4–7 pm

wednesday 1 | 1–4 pm

saturday 4 | 12–5 pm and sunday 5 | 10 am–4 pm

Holiday Nature Crafts. Create free nature crafts with BioPark education staff before you visit River of Lights. All craft materials will be provided. Info: ABQ BioPark Botanic Garden Education Bldg., 2601 Central Ave. NW, abqbiopark.com, (505) 848-7180, free. Living with Alzheimer’s for CaregiversLate Stage. Alzheimer’s Association, NM Chapter. Webinar addressing questions that arise in various stages of the disease. Info: nmprograms@alz.org or (800) 2723900. Free.

thursday, friday, saturday 2–19 | 7:30 pm sunday | 2 pm thursday 16 | 7:30 pm

Greetings. A play by Tom Dudzick, directed by Nancy Sellin. A fun comedy for Christmas time. A traditional Christmas dinner turns into a fantastical event and the whole family’s belief systems are challenged as they are transformed for the better. A true miracle. Info: The Adobe Theater, 9813 4th Street NW, adobetheater.org, (505) 898-9222. Tickets: $17-$20.

Living with Alzheimer’s for CaregiversEarly Stage. Alzheimer’s Association, NM Chapter. Webinar addressing questions that arise in various stages of the disease. Info: nmprograms@alz.org or (800) 2723900. Free.

Festival of Trees. If you’d like to volunteer to design or decorate wreaths and/ or trees for this year’s event or are interested in sponsoring an event or tree, contact Vicki Dugger at vdugger@cthf.net or (505) 243-6626. To volunteer, contact Lisa Powell at lpowell@cthf.net or (505) 243-6626. Free and open admission.

saturday 4 | 9–11 am

Festival of Trees. Kids’ Reindeer Romp. Visits with Santa, craft activities, brunch, prize drawings and giveaways. Info: Marriott Albuquerque, 2101 Louisiana NE, festivaloftrees.com, (505) 243-6626, $25 per child with one free adult.

saturday 4 | 7–11 pm

Festival of Trees Over-21 Ugly Sweater Dance Party. Heavy hors d’oeuvres, ugly sweater contests, Schitt’s Creek fashion awards, then DCN Project takes the stage. Info: Marriott Albuquerque, 2101 Louisiana NE, festivaloftrees.com, $25 per person.

DEC. 2021 / JAN. 2022 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

saturday 4 | 9 am–4 pm

La Cueva High School Band Holiday Craft Show. Booth fees benefit the La Cueva band program. Featuring a variety of vendors, silent auction, and food for purchase. Info: La Cueva High School, 7801 Wilshire Blvd. NE, bigbadbearband. com, free parking and admission.

saturday 4 and sunday 5 | 2 –3:30 pm

Rio Rancho Youth Chorus Holiday Concerts. Celebrate the holidays with Rio Rancho’s only community youth chorus. This small but mighty chorus will charm you with this year’s Holiday Songs from the Movies. Info: Avix Art, 4311 Sara Rd SW, Rio Rancho, rr-cc.org, (505) 977-4160. Tickets: $15 adults, $12 seniors, ages 13 and under, military, and first responders.

sunday 5 10:30 am

Chatter Sunday. Pianists Judith Gordon and Luke Gullickson perform duet music for piano four hands by Bach, Debussy, and more. With poet Richard Wolfson. Info: Chatter, 912 3rd Street NW, chatterabq. org/boxoffice. Tickets: $16 adults, $9 students, under age 30, $5 under age 13.

sunday 5 | 3–4 pm

Albuquerque Concert Band. A fun and festive occasion not only for the audience but for the band as well. Feel free to sing along to holiday favorites. Various holiday hats to be worn by conductor John Sanks. Info: Eldorado High School Performing Arts Center 11300 Montgomery Blvd. NE, free.

tuesday 7–sunday Jan. 9 | Hours vary

Celebration of Color Fantasy. The Bead Society of New Mexico presents jewelry and mixed media pieces for display and sale. Meet the Artists Reception from 5-7 p.m. Dec. 17. Info: Placitas Community Library, 453 HWY 165, Placitas, placitaslibrary.com, (505) 867-3355.

wednesday 8 | 2–3 pm

Understanding Alzheimer’s and Dementia. Alzheimer’s Association, NM Chapter free webinar. Learn the basics of Alzheimer’s and how it affects the body and brain. Info: nmprograms@alz.org or (800) 272-3900.

thursday 9 | 4–5pm

COVID and Caregiving. Alzheimer’s Association, NM Chapter free webinar. Get helpful tips on dementia caregiving during the pandemic. Info: nmprograms@ alz.org or (800) 272-3900.

friday 10 | 7:30 pm

Albuquerque Science Fiction Society. Holiday Gathering with the 16th Annual Dessert Cook-Off (bring enough commercially pre-packaged snack items for 18-30 people to taste), and holidayoriented silly short films. Masks are strongly encouraged. Info: Activity Room, St. Andrew Presbyterian Church, 5301 Ponderosa Ave NE, (505) 266-8905 or visit bubonicon.com. Free to newcomers.

friday 10 | 6:30 pm and saturday 11 | 2 pm and 6:30 pm

The Voice of Christmas. A new and meaningful holiday tradition: a faith-based Nutcracker by the SiSu Dance Academy. Info: South Broadway Cultural Center, 1025 Broadway Blvd. SE, (505) 848-1320, sisudanceacademy.com. Tickets: $30.

sunday 12 |10:30 am

Chatter Sunday. Lee Hyla’s riotous Howl for string quartet, based on the poem by Allen Ginsberg. With poet John Barney. Info: Chatter, 912 3rd Street NW, chatterabq.org/boxoffice. Tickets: $16 adults, $9 students, ages under-30, $5 ages under 13.

monday 13 | 10 am–1 pm

Living with Alzheimer’s for CaregiversMiddle Stage. Alzheimer’s Association, NM Chapter. Free webinar addressing questions that arise in various stages of the disease. Info: nmprograms@alz.org or (800) 272-3900.

WWW.ABQTHEMAG.COM | DEC. 2021 / JAN. 2022

monday 13 | 1–2pm

Dementia Conversations. Alzheimer’s Association, NM Chapter. Free webinar. Learn more about how to approach important topics with a loved one who has dementia. Info: nmprograms@alz.org or (800) 272-3900.

monday 13 | 1–2 pm

sunday 19 | 10:30 am

Chatter Sunday. Flutist Molly Barth, violinist Inés Voglar, and pianist Judith Gordon perform. With poet Cat Reece. Info: Chatter, 912 3rd Street NW, chatterabq.org/boxoffice. Tickets: $16 adults, $9 students, ages under 30, $5 ages under 13.

sunday 19 | 3 pm

Mariachi Christmas. Enjoy the sights and sounds of Christmas in Mexico as folklorico dancing accompanies the clear peal of trumpets in Popejoy’s annual celebration that reflects the traditions of Mexico at Christmas. Info: Popejoy Hall, 203 Cornell Drive NE, (505) 925-5858 or popejoypresents.com. Tickets: $25-65.

Understanding Dementia Behaviors. Alzheimer’s Association, NM Chapter. Free webinar. Learn to decipher and manage behaviors common to people living with dementia. Info: nmprograms@alz.org or (800) 272-3900.

wednesday 15 | 11 am–12 pm

10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s. Alzheimer’s Association, NM Chapter. Free webinar. Learn the warning signs of the disease, what to watch for and what to do next. Info: nmprograms@alz.org or (800) 272-3900.

friday 17 | 7:30 pm

Christmas with the 5 Browns. Popejoy Presents. Five classically trained musicians perform in perfect harmony. All passionate pianists educated at Juilliard, the Brown siblings have arranged fresh renditions of holiday favorites. This dynamic quintet delivers a show filled with talent and cheer. Info: Popejoy Hall, 203 Cornell Drive NE, (505) 925-5858, popejoypresents.com. Tickets $25-$69.

ONE COMMUNITY... ONE FAMILY... THANK YOU ALBUQUERQUE!

saturday 18 | 8–11:30 am

Sixth Annual Children’s Messiah. Join Polyphony: Voices of New Mexico for this event featuring selections from Handel’s Messiah. Maxine Thévenot, conductor. Breakfast with Santa begins at 8 a.m., concert begins at 10:30 am. Both free and open to all ages. Info: Cathedral of St. John, 318 Silver Ave. SW, polyphonynm. com.

saturday 18

National Wreaths Across America Day. This is the 30th year that wreaths have been placed at Arlington National Cemetery. Join us by sponsoring a veterans’ wreath at a cemetery near you, volunteering, or donating to a local sponsorship group. Info: wreathsacrossamerica.org or facebook.com/WAAHQ, (207) 230-4599.

saturday 18 and sunday 19| 10 am–5 pm

Festival of the Nativities. Corrales Historical Society. Get in the holiday spirit and enjoy over 100 nativities from around the world, all festively displayed. Old San Ysidro Church, 966 Old Church Road, Corrales. Info: Johanna Dralle, (505) 2285229, jdralle@msn.com, corraleshistory. org, free.

wall to wall flatscreens bold burgers STONE BAKED pizzas ice cold beer at 33° 33° 4861 Pan American Freeway NE Albuquerque,, NM 87109 Albuquerque 505.. 344 505 344.. 7427 www.. bubbas33 www bubbas33.. com

DEC. 2021 / JAN. 2022 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

monday 20 | 10 am–1 pm

Living with Alzheimer’s for CaregiversLate Stage. Alzheimer’s Association, NM Chapter. Free webinar addressing questions that arise in various stages of the disease. Info: nmprograms@alz.org or (800) 272-3900.

monday 20 | 12 pm

Effective Communication Strategies. Alzheimer’s Association, NM Chapter. Free webinar teaches how to decode changes in behavior to better connect and communicate with individuals living with dementia. Info: nmprograms@alz.org or (800) 272-3900.

monday 20 | 5–6 pm

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

tuesday 28 | 10 am–1 pm

Living with Alzheimer’s for CaregiversEarly Stage. Alzheimer’s Association, NM Chapter. Free webinar addressing questions that arise in various stages of the disease. Info: nmprograms@alz.org or (800) 272-3900. Free.

tuesday 28 | 1–2 pm

Dementia Conversations. Alzheimer’s Association, NM Chapter. Free webinar. Learn more about how to approach important topics with a loved one with dementia. Info: nmprograms@alz.org or (800) 272-3900. Free.

thursday 29 | 1–2 pm

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

January 2022 sunday 2 | 10:30 am

Chatter Sunday. Darius Milhaud’s Creation of the World plus the Lotus Sound Bath of percussionist Douglas Cardwell. With poet Bill Nevins. Info: Chatter, 912 3rd Street NW, chatterabq.org/boxoffice. Tickets: $16 adults, $9 students, ages under 30, $5 ages under 13.

sunday 9 | 10:30 am

Chatter Sunday. Chicago-based Grammy nominees Spektral Quartet perform music by Debussy and Anna Thorvaldsdottir. With poet Nathan Brown. Info: Chatter, 912 3rd Street NW, chatterabq.org/ boxoffice. Tickets: $16 adults, $9 students, ages under 30, $5 ages under 13.

friday 14 | 7:30 pm

Albuquerque Science Fiction Society. A group discussion on what books members have read in the past year and would recommend. This long-running science fiction club has author readings, science talks, films and discussions. Info: Activity Room, St. Andrew Presbyterian Church, 5301 Ponderosa Ave NE, (505) 266-8905, bubonicon.com. Free to newcomers.

sunday 16 | 10:30 am

Chatter Sunday. Violinist and UCLA music professor Movses Pogossian performs with pianist Judith Gordon. With writer Carolyn Meyer. Info: Chatter, 912 3rd Street NW, chatterabq.org/boxoffice. Tickets: $16 adults, $9 students, ages under 30, $5 ages under 13.

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DEC. 2021 / JAN. 2022 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

sunday 16 |2 pm

Corrales Historical Society Speaker Series. Retired history professor Monika Ghattas, Ph.D., presents “The History of Los Arabes of New Mexico.” Old San Ysidro Church, 966 Old Church Road, Corrales. Info: Sues Winstead, (505) 506-9907, swinstead15@ gmail.com, corraleshistory.org. Free.

sunday 23 | 2–5 pm

Fashion Show. Dessert buffet with fashions from four fabulous up-andcoming designers. Silent auction. Proceeds benefit nonprofit Locker #505 student clothing bank that serves children in need in Bernalillo County. Info: Sheraton Uptown, 2600 Louisiana Blvd. NE, locker505.org, (505) 294-1647, $25 per person.

sunday 23 | 10:30 am

Chatter Sunday. Music by Maurice Ravel and two Canadian composers, Cassandra Miller and Leonard Cohen. Info: Chatter, 912 3rd Street NW, chatterabq.org/ boxoffice. Tickets: $16 adults, $9 students, ages under 30, $5 ages under 13.

sunday 23 | 5 pm

Chatter Cabaret. Violinist Emily Cole, clarinetist James Shields, and harpist Matthew Tutsky perform. Info: Albuquerque Museum, 2000 Mountain Rd NW, chatterabq.org/boxoffice. Tickets: $27 general admission.

tuesday 25–sunday, Feb. 13 | various times

Hamilton. The story of America then, told by America now. Featuring a score that blends hip-hop, jazz, R&B, and Broadway, Hamilton created a revolutionary moment in theater. The musical has had a profound impact on culture, politics, and education. Info: Popejoy Hall, 203 Cornell Drive NE, (505) 925-5858, popejoypresents.com. Tickets: $49-$299.

thursday, friday, saturday 28–Feb. 28 | 7:30 pm sunday | 2 pm thursday Feb. 17 | 7:30 pm

Honky Tonk Hissy Fit. A rollicking comedy. Come on down and watch as the tiny town of Doublewide, Texas takes on the Big City of Austin, Texas. The Adobe Theater, adobetheater.org, (505) 898-9222. Tickets: $17–$20.

sunday, 30 | 10:30 am

Chatter Sunday. Violinist Elizabeth Young and pianist Natasha Stojanovska present the dramatic Violin Sonata by César Franck. Info: Chatter, 912 3rd Street NW, chatterabq.org/boxoffice. Tickets: $16 adults, $9 students, ages under-30, $5 ages under 13.

ONGOING/DAILY: tuesdays and thursdays 8 am–3 pm

Free COVID-19 Testing. Info: Jewish Community Center Parking Lot, 5520 Wyoming Blvd. NE. Schedule an appointment at jccabq.org/covid-19.

daily | various activities

Jewish Community Center. We have many support programs available weekly through zoom, at no charge. We also offer 8-week classes on mental illness that are available at no charge to family members and people with a mental health condition or diagnosis. During trying times, stress, anxiety, depression and anger are prevalent. Info: naminewmexico. org, namialbuquerque.org, (505) 2600154. Free.

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daily | various times

NAMI NM and NAMI Albuquerque. We have many support programs available weekly through Zoom, at no charge. We also offer 8-week classes on mental illness that are available at no charge to family members and people with a mental health condition or diagnosis. During trying times, stress, anxiety, depression and anger are prevalent. Info: naminewmexico. org, namialbuquerque.org, (505) 2600154. Free.

first three mondays of each month | Noon

Kiwanis Club of Albuquerque Meeting. Lunch meeting with interesting speakers to learn how you can help the children of Albuquerque and surrounding community live better lives. Info: Embassy Suites Hotel, 1000 Woodward Place NE, kiwanisabq.org.

second Saturday of each month | 8 am

Los Ranchos Growers’ Winter Market. Fresh local produce and products, plants, music, and more. Handicapped accessible, family and pet friendly. 6718 Rio Grande Blvd. NW, Los Ranchos, Facebook: Los Ranchos Growers Market, (505) 610-9591. Free.

daily | various times

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

daily | various times

Lovelace Silver Elite. Lovelace Silver Elite offers informative videos that address health issues such as osteoarthritis, sleep apnea, Cardiovascular issues, Parkinson’s disease and treatment options for male lower UTI’s and BPH, radiology imaging as we age, and are presented by Lovelace doctors that are experts in the subject fields. Lovelace Silver Elite also offers free seminars and VIP benefits. Info: lovelacesilverelite.com, (505) 727-5502.

daily |

Albuquerque Apparel Center and AAC School of Fashion Design. Melissa Lea, president and founder of AAC and awardwinning fashion designer, offers a variety of industry-based fashion design classes, seminars, retreats, and more. Couture, costume, and custom clothing design services, alterations, and patternmaking services are also available. Info: abqapparelcenter.com, (505) 803-6966.

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 a part of a rewarding organization. Info: Agora Crisis Center, agoracares.org.

daily |

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

daily |

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

daily |

Epilepsy Support and Education Services—Meeting. For meeting time and place, please contact the office at (505) 243-9119 or check the website for more details. Info: epilepsysupportnm.org.

daily |

Rattlesnakes. See different species of live rattlesnakes displayed in recreated natural landscapes. We are dedicated to conservation and preservation through education. Info: American International Rattlesnake Museum, 202 San Felipe Road NW, rattlesnakes.com. Tickets: adults, $6; seniors, military, students, teachers $5; children, $4.

daily |

Roadrunner Food Bank. Volunteers are needed to help prep food for distribution, repack and sort items, and other activities while helping New Mexico’s hungry. The gift of your precious time helps solve hunger for so many people. Volunteers must register in advance. Shifts are available in two-hour increments, Mondays–Saturdays. Info: 5840 Office Blvd. NE, givetime@rrfb.org, (505) 3495358.

daily |

Ronald McDonald House Charities of New Mexico. We provide a “home-awayfrom-home” for families whose children are in medical treatment. Operating the 30-guest-room Yale House, 20-guestroom 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, rmhc-nm.org, (505) 8428960, volunteer@rmhc-nm.org.

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daily |

“We Are of This Place: The Pueblo Story” Art Exhibit. The Indian Pueblo Cultural Center celebrates its 40th anniversary with this permanent museum exhibit that represents all 19 Pueblos and builds upon the IPCC’s 40-year history of telling the story of Pueblo people in their own voices. Hear stories in Pueblo languages from artists and elders, interact with art and artifacts, learn about the Pueblo people’s history of resilience, and experience traditions that have been passed down for generations. Info: IPCC, 2401 12th Street NW, indianpueblo.org, (505) 843-7270. Free with museum admission.

daily |

CHS Festival of the Nativities - Loan. Corrales Historical Society will host the Festival of Nativities Dec. 18-19 in the Old Church, 966 Old Church Road, Corrales. Sept. 1–Dec. 15, if you would like to loan a favorite nativity of yours to be displayed, contact Johanna Dralle, jdralle@msn.com, corraleshistory.org, (505) 228-5229.

daily | 7 am–8 pm

Free Fishing. From sun-up to sun-down, practice your basic fly-tying methods, flyrod casting techniques, fishing etiquette, effective catch-and-release practices and enhancement of advanced skills. Bring your own equipment and refreshments as the store and cafes are currently closed. Info: Tingley Beach, 1800 Tingley Drive SW, call 311 or (505) 768-2000. Free.

daily | 10 am–5 pm

Corrales Bosque Gallery. December is “Small Treasures” month with special and unique gift items for holiday giving. Info: 4685 Corrales Road, Corrales, (505) 8987203. Covid Safe Practices.

daily | 8 am–5 pm

Albuquerque Art App-led Scavenger Hunt. Albuquerque boasts incredible sculptures. On this fun-filled walking scavenger hunt, journey around downtown’s historic buildings, green spaces and meet the locals who built the city. Info: Let’s Roam Scavenger Hunts, starting point - 391 3rd Street NW, letsroam.com, (505) 833-2027626. $13.

daily | 9 am–3 pm

Veterans Presentation. Listen to veterans talk about historical events or their personal experience in the service to our country. Speakers represent WWII, Korean, Vietnam, and War on Terror experiences. Also tour the museum, gardens and amphitheater. Info: New Mexico Veterans Memorial Park, 1100 Louisiana Blvd. SE, (505) 256-2042. Free admission, donations requested.

daily | 9 am–5 pm

“The Original Instructions: Pueblo Sovereignty and Governance” Exhibit. This Indian Pueblo Cultural Center exhibit reexamines the role and symbolism of the Lincoln canes in the history of Pueblo people, within a larger discussion about sovereignty, governance, and leadership from a Pueblo perspective. Info: Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, 2401 12th Street NW, indianpueblo.org, (505) 843-7270. Free with museum admission.

daily | 10 am–5 pm

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

daily | 10 am

Watermelon Mountain Ranch Animal Center. New Mexico’s largest no-kill animal shelter seeks loving homes for rescued dogs and cats. Adoptions are at select PetSmart locations and Watermelon Mountain Ranch on various days from 10 am–8 pm. Donations, fosters, and volunteers are always welcome. Info: wmranch.org, (505) 771-0140, wmranchnm@aol.com.

tuesdays | 12 noon

Kiwanis Club of Albuquerque Zoom Meeting. Come join us every Tuesday for a lunch meeting with interesting speakers to learn how you can help the children of Albuquerque and surrounding communities live better lives. Info: Currently on Zoom, when meeting in person: Embassy Suites Hotel, 1000 Woodward Pl. NE, facebook.com/KiwanisClubofAlbuquerque-1495809687323742/

mondays and sundays | mondays 12 noon–1 pm and sundays 1:30–2:30 pm

Japanese Garden Tours. Join docents on the Hanami Flower Tours through the Sasebo Japanese Garden. Learn about the garden’s many varieties of flowering cherries and other blossoms, and the history of Japan’s Hanami celebrations. Info: ABQ BioPark Botanic Garden, 2601 Central Ave. NW, abqbiopark.com, 311.

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

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

every third monday | 6–7:30 pm

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

mondays–fridays | various times

Ninja Park Obstacle Course Fitness Center. TAK Fit is Ninja Park’s fun and functional fitness style that utilizes calisthenics exercise, dynamic lifts, and obstacles to create a unique and balanced workout that you will not find anywhere else. Join and have fun getting fit. Ages 16 and older. Classes are 6:30 to 7 am, 12:30 am to 1 pm, and 6:30 to 7 pm. Info: ninjaparkabq.com, (505) 883-9203.

mondays–saturdays | 10 am–5 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 silver smithing. Info: The Turquoise Museum, 400 2nd Street SW, turquoisemuseum.com, (505) 4333684. Tickets: $16, discounts for AAA, over 55 and military.

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. Preregistration required, call (505) 348-4451. Free.

tuesdays | 6 pm

ABQ Scrabble Club. We have been playing weekly for over 30 years. Come join us. Info: Chili’s, 6909 Menaul Blvd. NE.

tuesdays | 6:30–9:30 pm

Open Drawing with the Model. Info: Harwood Art Studio, 1029 6th Street NW, harwoodartcenter.org. Admission: $10 per session; five sessions for $35.

tuesdays | 7:30–10 pm

Tango Club of Albuquerque’s Weekly Milonga. This is an Argentine Tango social dance party. Info: Lloyd Shaw Dance Center, 5506 Coal Ave. SE, abqtango.org. Guided Practica, 7:30 to 8 pm; Milonga 8 to 10:30 pm. Tickets: $3-$5.

tuesdays–saturdays | 9 am–5 pm

Art and History Exhibitions at Albuquerque Museum. See our website for the current listing of exhibitions. Info: Albuquerque Museum, 2000 Mountain Road NW, cabq. gov, (505) 243-7255. General Museum admission: $3-$6. $5 exhibition surcharge applies.

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

Casa San Ysidro Tours. Take a tour of this late 19th century building in Corrales 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.

tuesdays–sundays | 10 am–5 pm

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

tuesdays, thursdays, fridays, sundays | 11 am

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

tuesdays, thursdays, and saturdays | various times

Ninja Park Obstacle Course Fitness Center. First place winner of the 2015 Women’s Area Qualifier in the Ultimate Ninja Athlete Association (UNAA) competition, Personal Trainer and Group Fitness Instructor Jessica Lucero teaches fun and challenging back-to-back classes every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday: Body Blast, 6 to 7 pm; Obstacle Technique and Efficiency, 7 to 7:30 pm; and Foam Rolling and Stretching, 7 to 7:30. Try one, two, or all three classes for free (first-time participants only). Info: (505) 883-9203, ninjaparkabq.com.

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 Road SW, Suite C, (505) 363-8499 or (800) 272-3900.

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every first and fourth tuesday | 10 am–2 pm

Rug Hookers Demonstration. Join the Adobe Wool Arts Guild for a monthly demonstration of rug hooking in the Heritage Farmhouse. Info: ABQ BioPark Botanic Garden, 2601 Central Ave. NW, (505) 848-7180, abqbiopark.com. Tickets: Included with admission.

every second tuesday | 11 am–1 pm

Stitching Group. Knitting, crocheting, embroidering, tatting, spinning, crossstitching and more. Join in the fun, share ideas, patterns, and experiences. All ages and experience levels welcome. Info: Wyoming/Hillerman Library, 8205 Apache Ave. NE, (505) 291-6264.

every second tuesday | 6–7 pm

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

every third tuesday | 6–8 pm

Bead Society of New Mexico Monthly Membership Meeting. The BSNM’s purpose is to promote the members’ and the public’s education, appreciation, and involvement in the field of beads and bead-related subjects. No meeting in July or December. Info: Heights Cumberland Pres Church, 8600 Academy Road NE, beadsocietynm.org.

every fourth tuesday | 10 am

Science Story Time. Sing songs and read stories, some super silly, to learn about different science subjects. Explore the topic of the day with handson demonstrations and perform kid friendly experiments. Ages 0-12. Info: New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science, 1801 Mountain Road NW, nmnaturalhistory.org, (505) 841-2800.

every fourth tuesday | 7–9 pm

Duke City Story Slam. This monthly storytelling event is where people tell true-life stories, without notes, on that month’s theme. Attendees can reserve a 5-min Open Mic slot between the featured storytellers. A friendly panel of judges scores each story; the winner takes home a prize. Info: Canteen Brewhouse, 2381 Aztec Road NE, storytellersofnewmexico.com, facebook. com/newmexicostorytellers.

every last tuesday | 6–7 pm

Murderinos Book Club. This free true crime book club meets monthly and Book Club purchasers get 10% discount at Bookworks. Info: Bookworks, 4022 Rio Grande Blvd. NW, bkwrks.com, (505) 3448139. Free to attend.

wednesdays and saturdays | 11 am

Sculpture Garden Tours at Albuquerque Museum. Enjoy a pleasant stroll in our sculpture garden with a friendly docent who will share stories on the artists and their works. Info: Albuquerque Museum, 2000 Mountain Road NW, cabq.gov, (505) 243-7255. Tour included with paid general admission.

wednesdays | 12 noon–1 pm

Kiwanis Club of Sandia. Join in for lunch, listen to interesting speakers, and learn how you, too, can help the children of Albuquerque and surrounding communities live better lives. Info: Weck’s, 3913 Louisiana Blvd. NE, facebook.com/ sandiakiwanis.

wednesdays | noon

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

wednesdays | 9 pm 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 Road NW, nmnaturalhistory.org, (505) 841-2848. Tickets: see cost information online.

wednesdays–sundays | 11 am–5 pm

Cat adoptions. Come enjoy some drinks, snacks, and time with adorable adoptable cats at Catopia Cat Cafe. Your visit will support their foster home and keep them company until they find their permanent homes, maybe with you. Info: catopiacatcafe.com, (505) 508-4278, ages 8 and above.

every first wednesday | 9 am–5 pm

Free First Wednesday. Start your month off right with free admission to Albuquerque Museum and sculpture garden tour. $5 additional special exhibit surcharge may apply. Info: Albuquerque Museum, 2000 Mountain Road NE, cabq.gov, (505) 2437255. Free general admission.

DEC. 2021 / JAN. 2022 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

fridays | 12 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 pm

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

fridays | 1–4 pm

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

fridays | 5:30–8:30 pm

Bert Dalton Trio. Enjoy live jazz every Friday along with Cajun and Creole cuisine plus a full bar. Info: C3’s Bistro, 4940 Corrales Road, Corrales (next to the fire station). Reservations (505) 398-9449.

fridays | 7–10 pm

Dance Party. Learn a new dance and meet new people each week at ABQ’s newest studio, with three beautiful ballrooms and state-of-the-art floating dance floors. Enjoy refreshments and an introductory dance class from 7–8 pm. Info: Holiday Dance Studio, 5200 Eubank Blvd. NE, call to confirm schedule, (505) 508-4020, holidaydancestudio.com. $10.

every first friday

Free Admission Day at Anderson-Abruzzo Albuquerque International Balloon Museum. Check out this award-winning, world-class facility highlighting the art, culture, history, science and sport of ballooning and other lighter-than-air craft. 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. Program usually involves a slideshow. Not necessary to be a member to attend. Info: Albuquerque Garden Center, 10120 Lomas Blvd. NE, (505) 296-6020 new-mexico.cactussociety.org.

saturdays | 12 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 | 2:30–4:30 pm

Tango Club of Albuquerque’s Weekly Practice. At this Argentine Tango practice no partner is necessary. Info: Lloyd Shaw Dance Center, 5506 Coal Ave. SE, abqtango.org. Tickets: $2.

saturdays | 4–7 pm

Cooking Classes at Cinnamon Sugar and Spice Café. Try a fun and exciting handson cooking class. Enjoy a meal prepared by you in a commercial kitchen with the guidance of a chef, sip wine, and top it off with dessert. Info: 5809 Juan Tabo Blvd. NE, (505) 492-2119, cinnamoncafeabq. com.

every saturday and sunday | various times

various days | various times

Albuquerque Dolls. We have ongoing social events for women, including dinners, dancing, movies, volunteering, crafts, and trips, and we are having a blast. We encourage women to join together to support each other and learn more about New Mexico. Join: Meet Ups/Albuquerque. Also, on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Daily

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

Daily

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

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

Albuquerque Garden Center. Our events include the Cactus and Succulent Society Show and Sale, the African Violet Show and Sale, and the Annual Spring Plant Sale, and the Aril and Iris Show. The Shop features local artists all month. Info: Albuquerque Garden Center, 10120 Lomas Blvd. NE. Free.

every first saturday | 10– 11:30 am

People Living Through Cancer. Support Group for women with any GYN cancer plus concurrent group for families/ caregivers. The Gynecological Cancer Awareness Project holds these peerled groups at the People Living Through Cancer Office. Info: 3411 Candelaria Road NE, Suite M, theGCAP.org.

every second saturday | 10–11:30 am

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

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YOUR VOTES IN! ARE

ew things in life are more fun, gratifying and empowering than being asked your opinion. In that moment, you are the expert—and all ears await your words. Well, for the 17th year, we’ve asked for your informed take on everything ABQ, from haircuts to hefeweizens, from new restaurants to news reporters, from pets to politicians. Thanks to the results from our annual online process, we are proud to present the 2021 Best of the City winners in more than 300 categories. Also, we’re humbled to report that, despite the lingering effects of the pandemic, interest remains high for Best of the City. More than 260,000 votes were cast this year during the balloting period between May 1 and August 1 of 2021. So, thanks for lending us your opinions! All that’s left is to turn the page and enjoy the best our city has to offer.

Photos by Don James, Frank Gutierrez, Antonio Ramon, Zachery Lynch and T. Cherry

BEST OF THE CIT Y 2021

BES T NEW MEXICA N R E S TA U R A N T

El Patron

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

he aesthetic here is incredible: old world brick and wood, Spanish decor, high ceilings. Add in tasty and authentic dishes and an attentive staff, and your night is set. The New Mexican cuisine includes hardto-find comfort dishes like calabacitas, posole, natillas and chorizo tacos. And as a whole, the menu has something for everyone, including steaks, seafood, burgers, soups, salads and desserts. BEST OF THE REST:

El Bruno’s Restauranté Y Cantina, El Pinto Restaurant & Cantina, Los Cuates Restaurants, Sadie’s of New Mexico

BEST OF THE CIT Y 2021

B e s t B r e a k fa s t B u r r i t o

Stripes Burrito Co.

8050 Academy Rd. NE, Ste. 101 plus 5 other metro locations 505-835-5214 stripesco.com

ears ago, Stripes’ owner Gary Hines founded Twisters, the popular ABQ fast-food chain. With Stripes, he’s taken things to a whole ‘nother level. The breakfast burritos feature fluffy tortillas wrapped around traditional fillings (plus wildcards like chorizo and chicharron). Feeling spicy? Have it smothered in red or green.

BEST OF THE REST:

Blake’s Lotaburger, Frontier Restaurant, Golden Pride, Twisters Burgers & Burritos

Bes t Bake Shop

Best BBQ

ABQ Sweet Spot

Rudy’s “Country Store” and Bar-B-Q

9250 Golf Course Rd. NW, Ste. D 505-900-3814 abqsweetspot.net

he dessert case here is a feast for the eyes, with colorful and imaginative decor on cookies and other sweets. But there’s also an old-fashioned charm—everything is made daily from scratch. The custom cakes, cupcakes and other sweets here are loaded with real milk, eggs, butter, and sugar.

BEST OF THE REST:

ABC Cake Shop & Bakery, The Burque Bakehouse, Cake Fetish, A Heavenly Taste Cakery

10136 Coors Blvd. NW plus 1 other metro location 505-890-7113 rudysbbq.com

dmit it, you get excited when you see a slab of beef put on the counter to be sliced at Rudy’s. Yeah, us, too. Everything is slowcooked with the smoke of burning oak, a Texas technique loved by New Mexicans. The two ABQ locations offer by-the-pound brisket, chicken, sausage, ribs, and pork. Because of the high volume, everything is always hot and fresh.

BEST OF THE REST:

The County Line, Craft Q, S-A BBQ, Whole Hog Cafe

Bes t Beef Jerk y

Mike’s Jerky

4900 Jefferson St. NE plus 1 other metro location 505-573-8816 oldworldjerky.com

he texture of Mike’s product is unique: sliced almost paper-thin, and instead of a traditional greasy profile, the jerky is loaded with flavors and spices. In fact, there are more than two dozen creative varieties, such as Butter Mesquite, and Pineapple Habanero. Find the goodies at their two ABQ retail locations and online.

BEST OF THE REST:

Get Hooked Beef Jerky, Jerky by Art, New Mexico Beef Jerky, Vigil’s Beef Jerky

BEST OF THE CIT Y 2021

B E S T JA PA N E S E R E S TA U R A N T

B E S T B U RR I TO

Japanese Kitchen

Golden Pride

6521 Americas Pkwy. NE 505-884-8937 japanesekitchen.com

he skilled chefs here create eye-catching sushi, and their loaded boats are a hit with big groups. But the other cornerstone of Japanese cuisine—teppan—is also in good hands here. For fans of teppan, the grillmasters are equally adept at both cooking and comedy, keeping happy customers in stitches with physical humor while they prepare chicken, beef and seafood to order.

BEST OF THE REST: Azuma Sushi & Teppan, Ichiban Japanese Restaurant, Magokoro, Sakura Sushi and Grill

1830 Lomas Blvd. NE plus 3 other metro locations 505-242-2181 goldenprideabq.com

sk a true Burqueño to talk local burritos, and they’ll likely bring up the fluffy flour tortillas that make Golden Pride a contender during any who-is-best debate. Plus the chain has been around nearly 50 years, so the fillings are spectacular, too. No argument here.

BEST OF THE REST:

Frontier Restaurant, Sadie’s of New Mexico, Stripes Burrito Co., Twisters Burgers & Burritos

B E S T B R E A KFA S T S P O T

Weck’s

4500 Osuna Rd. NE, Ste. 100 plus 9 other metro locations 505-344-1472 wecksinc.com

ou know the loaded plates coming from the kitchen are good when a local restaurant expands to 10 locations. That’s absolutely the case here, as Weck’s has cultivated a following with generous portions (the French toast is called ‘Full Belly Toast’) and selection (four varieties of eggs Benedict—yes, FOUR).

BEST OF THE REST:

Central Grill and Coffee House, Frontier Restaurant, The Shop Breakfast & Lunch, Tia Betty Blue’s/Tia B’s La Waffleria

BES T MILKSHA KE

BES T BRUNCH

66 Diner

Farm & Table

1405 Central Ave. NE 505-247-1421 66diner.com

he best milkshakes are made by hand, using a tin shaker and a spindle mixer. Yup, that’s how they’re made here, using whole milk, ice cream, and a firm grip. Feel like adding fun? Upgrade with add-ins like chocolate, caramel, pineapple and butterscotch. Or, if you’re feeling like royalty, order the ‘Elvis,’ made with The King’s favorite combo: peanut butter and bananas.

BEST OF THE REST:

Flying Star Cafe, Holy Burger, The Owl Cafe, Q’s Cakes & Sweets Boutique

8917 4th St. NW 505-503-7124 farmandtablenm.com

nfortunately, Farm & Table put weekend brunches on hold during the pandemic, but when it returns, you can enjoy the fresh and imaginative dishes that put this North Valley restaurant in the top tier of ABQ eateries. Items like atolé (traditional New Mexico blue corn hot cereal) grace the menu, along with plenty of produce grown on-site in the adjacent fields.

BEST OF THE REST:

Cinnamon Sugar & Spice Cafe, Dave’s Valley Grill, Campo at Los Poblanos Historic Inn & Organic Farm, The Shop Breakfast & Lunch

B e s t Ch e f

Mike White

High Point Grill 9780 Coors Blvd. NW, Ste. A 505-312-8519 highpointgrill.com

ike White is built more like a pro football player than a chef. But White, who is 6 feet, 6 inches tall and 260 pounds, says his size is what drew him to excel in a kitchen. “I was a fast-growing kid, and food was a big deal to me,” admits White, who grew up in Rio Rancho. “I was an introvert, and food was my artistic expression.” He says he also became a big fan of shows on the Food Network, particularly “Good Eats,” and “Boy Meets Grill.” His interest led him to help form a culinary arts class when he was a junior at Rio Rancho High School. After working in restaurant kitchens for several years, he bought a food truck in 2014, and a year later opened Point Grill at Mariposa in Rio Rancho. In 2018, he moved his operation to the Westside and opened High Point Grill, where the menu reflects his love of comfort food. He recently added a second restaurant, High Point Rustic Kitchen, in the Northeast Heights, which also features comfort food, pizza and Italian dishes.

BEST OF THE REST:

Dominic Valenzuela, Tako Ten; Israel Rivera, The Shop; J. Martin Torrez, Ten3; Marc Quiñones, Mas Tapas y Vino

BEST OF THE CIT Y 2021

BES T CHILE RELLENO S

El Patron

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

here’s a reason the chile relleno isn’t on the menu of every New Mexican restaurant. Each one has to be handmade, and should absolutely be served fresh. Thankfully, El Patron knows the drill well, and dishes up the deep-fried, cheese-stuffed green chiles like there’s no tomorrow. As a bonus, theirs comes with an option of creamy, tangy, heavenly serrano cream sauce or house chile sauce. Live it up, there will be a tomorrow.

BEST OF THE REST:

Cocina Azul, La Salita Restaurant, Monroe’s New Mexican Food, Tomasita’s

B E S T C H I N E S E R E S TA U R A N T

BES T CHIPS A ND SA L SA

B E S T CHO COL A TE S HO P

Rose Garden

Sadie’s of New Mexico

ChocGlitz & Cream

10401 Golf Course Rd. NW plus 1 other metro location 505-897-8889 rosegardenabq.com

he two family-owned locations are both on the Westside, and offer the take-home convenience of ordering at the counter. The family meal packages offer a nice variety of items, and have plenty for everyone. For eat-in guests, the dining rooms are well-appointed, and the service is attentive.

BEST OF THE REST:

Budai Gourmet Chinese, Chopstix, Jade Chinese Restaurant, Rising Star Chinese Eatery

he servers at this family-run local restaurant empire bring the complimentary app to you pronto. Here’s how seriously they regard the dish: the tortilla chips are fried fresh every morning, and paired with delicious Sadie’s salsa—which is made with local peppers, and sold in grocery stores across the USA.

BEST OF THE REST:

Cocina Azul, El Patron, El Pinto Restaurant & Cantina, Los Cuates Restaurants

BES T CINNA MON ROLL

Frontier Restaurant

2400 Central Ave. SE 505-266-0550 frontierrestaurant.com

he big, fluffy rolls are so popular here that most people order them with their meal, and then eat them as an appetizer since they’re served first. It’s how Frontier serves hundreds of thousands of the rolls each year, each hot on a plate, covered with butter.

BEST OF THE REST:

6230 4th St. NW plus 2 other metro locations 505-345-5339 sadiesofnewmexico.com

Cinnabon (Flying J Travel Center), Cinnamon Sugar & Spice Cafe, Great Harvest Bread Co., Weck’s

10660 Unser Blvd. NW 505-898-4589 chocglitzandcream.com

ecadence is the name of the game at this Westside mecca of chocolate. Need proof? How about caramel apples rolled in chocolate goodies, or chocolate-dipped cheesecake, or sumptuous chocolatecovered bananas, all beautifully displayed in cases like fine jewelry. Yes, decadence is the right word.

BEST OF THE REST:

The Candy Lady, Chocolate Cartel, Chocolate Dude, Eldora Chocolate

B e s t Co o k i e

Bes t Diner

Rude Boy Cookies

Central Grill and Coffee House

1916 Central Ave. SE, Ste. E 505-200-2235 rudeboycookies.square.site

un is the name of the game at this Universityarea cookie purveyor, where the colorful decor of seasonal and New Mexico-centric cookies fill the cases. Imaginative flavors like Red Velvet and Oatmeal Toffee (and classics like Biscochitos) are also among the favorites.

BEST OF THE REST:

ABQ Sweet Spot, Celina’s Biscochitos, Insomnia Cookies, Los Ranchos Bakery

2056 Central Ave. SW 505-554-1424 centralgrillandcoffeehouse.com

here’s an old-school quality to this spot right along Route 66, from the fresh ingredients and generous portions, to the way proprietor George Griego patrols the dining room to make sure guests are happy with the meal and service. Plus the menu is fun and varied, from the chilaquiles to the banana French toast.

BEST OF THE REST:

66 Diner, Lindy’s Diner, Owl Cafe, Standard Diner (permanently closed)

Best Deli

Hello Deli

7600 Jefferson St. NE 505-797-3354 hellodeliabq.com

ello Deli is all about their amazing entrées. The healthy ‘power bowls’ (think quinoa, egg whites), or the blue corn pancakes, might make you think of leaving the office for breakfast instead of lunch. And don’t forget the two dozen-plus sandwiches on the menu, including the New Yorker, with hot pastrami and melted cheese.

BEST OF THE REST:

DG’s Deli, Jason’s Deli, Relish Gourmet Sandwiches, Tully’s Italian Deli & Meats

B e s t D e s s e r t M en u

Flying Star Cafe

3416 Central Ave. SE plus 5 other metro locations 505-255-6633 flyingstarcafe.com

rguably ABQ’s most successful local chain, Flying Star is so dedicated to sweets that they have a commissary to handcraft the hundreds of cookies, dessert bars, pies and cakes they sell daily— all made fresh with natural (and many times, locally-sourced) ingredients. And of course, their clever strategy of putting the dessert case near the entrance door means you won’t miss a thing.

BEST OF THE REST:

High Point Grill, La Quiche Parisienne Bistro, Range Café, The Sweet Cup Desserts, Boba, Coffee

B E S T TA C O

La Reforma

8900 San Mateo Blvd. NE, Ste. I 505-717-1361 lareformabrewery.com

f you saw “Taco Chronicles” on Netflix, you know that Mexico takes their tacos seriously. The offerings here draw inspiration from that passion, and includes al pastor tacos, which are plentiful in La Reforma (a section of downtown Mexico City and namesake of this restaurant). They’re made with marinated pork, cooked on a rotisserie, then sliced in thin pieces directly onto the soft tortilla. Those tortillas, by the way, are made daily here by hand. Talk about authenticity.

BEST OF THE REST:

Casa Taco, El Paisa Taqueria, Gobble This, Perico’s

BEST OF THE CIT Y 2021

BES T DONU TS

Glazed Grinders

7451 Pan American Fwy. 505-208-0150 glazedgrinders.com

he team here doesn’t strive for endless variety; rather, the focus is on quality. Of course, they do have some innovative flavors, like Blueberry Crumb and Orange Fritters. The bigger goal seems to be the pursuit of making donuts perfectly balanced in flavor and creation. Plus, they have a popular mobile truck that hits events and regular spots around town.

BEST OF THE REST:

Amy’s Donuts, Bristol Doughnut Co., Rebel Donut, Two Boys Donuts

BEST OF THE CIT Y 2021

B e s t Fr i t o P i e

Bob’s Burgers

5230 4th St. NW plus 10 other metro location 505-345-8727 bobsburgersnewmexico.com

oters have made this tasty Frito pie a winner in this category many times in the past, and it’s been on the menu at this local, 11-location chain for longer than anyone can remember. The popular dish, made with Bob’s signature ranchero sauce, goes on special every Friday for just a couple of bucks.

BEST OF THE REST:

Dog House, Duran’s Central Pharmacy, El Patio de Albuquerque, Laguna Burger

Bes t Ice Crea m

B e s t G l u t en Fr e e O p t i o n s

Cold Stone Creamery

4959 Pan American Fwy. NE, Ste. E plus 3 other metro locations 505-345-4178 coldstonecreamery.com

his national chain knows how to customize for each customer: you get to pick your base ice cream flavor and add-ons (like nuts or chocolate candy), which are mixed together atop a 16-degree slab of granite (a cold stone, get it?). Then you can even add a drizzle topping. Count us in.

BEST OF THE REST:

66 Diner, Baskin-Robbins, ChocGlitz & Cream, I Scream Ice Cream

Paisano’s Italian Restaurant

luten-free is almost a misnomer here, because the variety of items for the gluten-intolerant is vast and tasty. A special menu includes appetizers like calamari, gluten-free garlic bread, and entreés like spaghetti with meatballs, and fettuccine carbonara—both with gluten-free pasta. Mangia!

BEST OF THE REST:

Chello Grill, Grassburger, La Finca Bowls, Monroe’s New Mexican Food

B E S T FR E N C H R E S TA U R A N T

B E S T FO O D T R U C K

Le Troquet

Tikka Spice

228 Gold Ave. SW 505-508-1166 abqfrenchrestaurant.com

he seafood, game and produce here are perfectly crafted into exquisite entrées, which are ready-made for French and American wine pairing suggestions from the inhouse sommelier. Plus, the menu is loaded with ethnic favorites, like frog legs and French onion soup. Since 2015, Chef Jean Pierre Gozard has not only given ABQ diners an authentic French ambiance, but food to match.

BEST OF THE REST:

Chez Axel French Restaurant, frenchish, Madeleine, La Quiche Parisienne Bistro

1935 Eubank Blvd. NE 505-298-7541 paisanosabq.com

505-221-6901 tikkaspiceabq.com

ollowers of this truck love hitting it up after a few pints at Marble Brewery downtown, where Tikka Spice is often parked. The menu of authentic Indian street food has drawn a following, who swear by the curry bowls, naan, and lassi (a traditional Indian yogurt drink).

BEST OF THE REST:

Burnt Fideo, Cheesy Street, Tacos La Mordida, Urban Hotdog Company

Bes t G ourme t Burger

Grassburger

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

he beef is, of course, grassfed, and the buns are non-GMO potato bread, plus the packaging is recycled. But the star remains the burgers, which are made fresh-to-order, and include items like uncured bacon, New Mexico green chile, and chipotle mayonnaise.

BEST OF THE REST:

Five Star Burgers, Brixens, Holy Burger, Rosemary

BEST OF THE CIT Y 2021

BES T GO URME T PIZZA

BES T GREEN CHILE

BES T GREEN CHILE S TEW

Village Pizza

Frontier Restaurant

Garcia’s Kitchen

4266 Corrales Rd. Corrales plus 1 other metro location 505-898-0045 villagepizzanm.com

t’s all about the dough at this local chain. In fact, two middle school teachers founded Village in 1988 after perfecting a dough recipe, and now they offer five different types of dough, including whole wheat and gluten-free, and an array of exotic toppings, such as eggplant, oysters, and anchovies. And if you want to top your pie with something other than mozzarella cheese, they offer asiago, feta, and gorgonzola.

BEST OF THE REST:

Amore Neapolitan Pizzeria, Farina Pizzeria & Wine Bar Downtown/Farina Alto Pizzeria & Wine Bar, Restoration Pizza, Sauce Pizza & Wine

2400 Central Ave. SE 505-266-0550 frontierrestaurant.com

ou want the real deal? On certain days in the fall, you can see a tumbler fire-roasting fresh green chile in Frontier’s alley. For nearly 50 years, this famous Route 66 restaurant has been serving and selling New Mexico chile, either on numerous dishes, or in 56-ounce bulk bags to take home. Chile is taken so seriously here that warm kettles of selfserve green chile sauce are available for customers to scoop right onto their plates.

BEST OF THE REST:

1736 Central Ave. SW plus 5 other metro locations 505-842-0273 garciaskitchen.com

any moms have picked up a gallon to-go container of Garcia’s green chile stew to serve at family functions and holidays. Can’t blame them, since the tasty dish has been a traditional favorite of Garcia’s for almost as long as the local chain has been around (since 1975). Oh, and you can order with or without beans for your takeout or in-house order.

BEST OF THE REST:

Cheese and Coffee, Church Street Cafe, Cocina Azul, Golden Pride

Cocina Azul, El Pinto Restaurant & Cantina, La Salita Restaurant, Sadie’s of New Mexico

BES T GREEN CHILE CHEESEB URGER

Owl Cafe 800 Eubank Blvd. NE 505-291-4900 owlcafealbuquerque.com

he legacy of these burgers goes back more than 70 years when the Baca family began cooking green chile cheeseburgers at their bar/grill in San Antonio, N.M. The family opened Owl Cafe in the 1980s, and the same recipe continues to be on the menu. The classic burgers pair nicely with the diner theme, featuring handmade shakes and mini-jukeboxes at the booths.

BEST OF THE REST:

Blake’s Lotaburger, Laguna Burger, Monte Carlo Steakhouse & Liquor Store, Rex’s Hamburgers

B E S T G R E E K R E S TA U R A N T

BES T GRILLED CHEESE

Mykonos Café & Taverna

Café Lush

5900 Eubank Blvd. NE 505-291-1116 mykonosabq.com

ike its namesake island in Greece, Mykonos offers authentic Greek food and decor. The hues of blue and white are true to the island, and the cuisine of souvlaki, moussaka and dolmathes are made in the old-world tradition. Housemade baklava is taken up a notch when served as a sundae with vanilla ice cream.

BEST OF THE REST:

Gyros Mediterranean, Olympia Cafe, Yanni’s Modern Mediterranean, Zorba’s Fine Greek Cuisine

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

resh ingredients and imaginative dishes dot the menu at this Downtown breakfast-and-lunch spot. Their current variations of grilled cheese includes a version with local cheeses on grilled sourdough or multigrain bread, and an option made with cream cheese and artichoke hearts.

BEST OF THE REST:

Cheesy Street Food Truck, Flying Star Cafe, Frontier Restaurant, Range Café

B e s t G ua c a m o l e

B e s t I n d i a n R e s ta u r a n t

El Pinto Restaurant & Cantina

10500 Fourth St. NW 505-898-1771 elpinto.com

his iconic North Valley restaurant can seat up to 1,000 guests, which means a lot of guacamole orders come into the kitchen. The system is perfectly in place here: for starters, they only use ripe Hass avocados (a larger variety that maintains freshness). The pieces are hand-scooped from the skin in large pieces, then folded into onions, tomatoes and spices. Why folding, and not mixing? When the chunky, layered deliciousness arrives at your table, you’ll get the picture.

BEST OF THE REST:

El Bruno’s Restauranté Y Cantina, Garduño’s Restaurants, Monroe’s New Mexican Food, Sadie’s of New Mexico

Taj Mahal Cuisine of India

1430 Carlisle Blvd. NE 505-255-1994 tajmahalcuisineofindia.com

ith a wide-ranging menu that includes flavorful butter chicken, garlic naan, and vegetarian and non-vegetarian curried dishes, this restaurant fills the bill when you’re in the mood for a more complete experience of Middle Eastern fare. The varied flavors of authentic Indian cuisine have been perfected here for more than 20 years, a tenure that speaks volumes to its quality.

BEST OF THE REST:

Curry Leaf Restaurant, Namaste Cuisine of India and Nepal, Taaj Palace, Taste of India

B e s t H o t e l R e s ta u r a n t

Campo at Los Poblanos Historic Inn & Organic Farm

4803 Rio Grande Blvd. NW, Los Ranchos de Albuquerque 505-338-1615 lospoblanos.com

rench and New Mexican cuisine equally influence the menu, which is crafted by Chef Jonathan Perno, a Land of Enchantment native and multiple-time James Beard Award finalist. Offerings include plenty of elegant pasta and seafood dishes, creating a bespoke experience that parallels the Inn’s acclaimed, farm-inspired guest rooms. The keep-it-local concept melds seamlessly with fine dining here, as the dishes use ingredients primarily sourced from area farms (Campo translates to “field” in Spanish).

BEST OF THE REST:

Bien Shur - Sandia Resort & Casino, Level 5 - Hotel Chaco, Más Tapas Y Vino - Hotel Andaluz, The Ranchers Club of New Mexico - Crown Plaza Hotel

BEST OF THE CIT Y 2021

B E S T M I D D L E E A S T E R N R E S TA U R A N T

Chello Grill

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

raditional dishes are plentiful here, including hummus, saffron rice, eggplant dip and warm flatbread (naan). The menu also features a large variety of stews, salads, sandwiches and kabobs (including lamb, salmon, even veggie). You can also try doogh, a savory Persian yogurt smoothie made with mint.

BEST OF THE REST:

Alquds Mediterranean Grill & Grocery, Café Istanbul, Pars Cuisine, Sahara Middle Eastern Eatery

BES T A PPE TIZER MENU

Jinja Bar & Bistro

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

es, we’re landlocked, but you would never know it judging by Jinja’s tasty app menu that evokes the fresh seafood offerings of Asia and the South Pacific. Tempura battered shrimp, baby calamari, and flavorful spring rolls are but three of the dozen-plus shareable apps, along with slices of avocado fried in light tempura served with a sidecar of mint cilantro sauce. They’re real, and they’re spectacular.

BEST OF THE REST:

High Point Grill, Kamikaze Kitchen, Mario’s Pizzeria & Ristorante, Range Cafe

B E S T I TA L I A N R E S TA U R A N T

M’Tucci’s Restaurants BES T B URGER

Laguna Burger

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

he fresh beef is smashed on a sizzling flattop griddle once it’s ordered, which takes “fresh” to a new level at this hip (and always busy) North Valley lunch spot. And the variety of burger toppings are next-level, too, with eye-openers like pulled pork, roasted jalapeños, sauteéd mushrooms and grilled onions.

BEST OF THE REST:

Blake’s Lotaburger, Bob’s Burgers, Fuddrucker’s, Texas Roadhouse

6001 Winter Haven Rd. NW, Ste. M plus 2 other metro locations 505-503-7327 mtuccis.com

usband-and-wife owners Jeff Spiegel and Katie Gardner have been making the right moves for years. Their latest venture along I-25 brings their local chain to three locations, serving a wide range of artisanal pizzas, fresh pastas, seafood and other authentic Italian fare. Plus, the eatery has worked closely with California vintners to create its own line of respected M’Tucci’s labeled wines. Salute!

BEST OF THE REST:

Farina Pizzeria & Wine Bar Downtown/Farina Alto Pizzeria & Wine Bar, Joe’s Pasta House, Paisano’s Italian Restaurant, Trombino’s Bistro Italiano

B e s t Ne w R e s ta u r a n t

Sobremesa

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

his buzz-worthy Westside spot could be defined as the perfect gastropub— and then some. The menu is loaded with fresh, hearty favorites like fish-and-chips and burgers, but also features upscale fare like Brussels sprouts, and savory empanadas. The apps, sides and desserts also make the place kid-friendly. The in-house brewery provides a vast selection of suds, including to-go cans and growler fills. Plus, the decor is modern and chic, with plenty of raw wood and polished concrete—even a fireplace. Also, it speaks volumes to Sobremesa’s owners and management team that they launched in September of 2020—smack in the middle of the pandemic—yet were able to maintain quality while building a solid base of loyal customers.

BEST OF THE REST:

Happy Accidents, Oni, Rosemary, Rustico Italian Kitchen

BEST OF THE CIT Y 2021

BES T PIZZA

B E S T PL A CE TO O VER I ND UL G E

BES T POSOLE

Dions

ChocGlitz & Cream

Cocina Azul

10401 Montgomery Blvd. NE Plus 12 other metro locations 505-293-7183 dions.com

ver wonder why there’s Greek salad on the menu of a pizza restaurant? The original owners in the 1970s opened a Greek restaurant in an old pizzeria in Albuquerque, and customers kept ordering pizza. So Dion’s shifted its focus to pizza, and the rest is history (they kept the Greek salad on the menu). Today, the wildly popular chain has grown to three states and 25 locations (including 14 in ABQ), and serves pizza in thick or thin crusts, and with options to slightly under- or over-cook the pie, should you so choose. And the subs and salads are also a hit (as is the Dion’s Ranch dressing, which is also sold in take-home bottles).

BEST OF THE REST:

10660 Unser Blvd. NW, Ste. D 505-898-4589 chocglitzandcream.com

his Westside wonderland of sweets features a new daily assortment of handmade chocolates that pair with classic accompaniments like almonds, pecans, and coconut. The landscape of goodies here is vast and creative, from things dipped in chocolate (marshmallows, pretzels, cheesecake, apples, cannolis, Oreo cookies) to custom goodies, like personalized ice cream and cookie sandwiches, and molded chocolate treats. And did we mention the varieties of housemade fudge?

uge New Mexico-grown corn kernels make this dish stand out, along with generous chunks of slow-cooked pork. Plus there’s an added touch: a dollop on top of Cocina Azul’s signature red chile sauce (made from dried N.M. pods).

BEST OF THE REST:

El Modelo Mexican Foods, Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, Los Compadres Restaurant, Nick & Jimmy’s Restaurant & Bar

BEST QUESO

Tomasita’s

BEST OF THE REST:

The Cheesecake Factory, The Melting Pot, Sawmill Market, Tucanos Brazilian Grill

Pizza 9, Richie B’s Pizza, Saggio’s Scratch Italian Kitchen, Slice and Dice Pizzeria

BES T RED CHILE

Duran’s Central Pharmacy 1815 Central Ave. NW 505-247-4141 duransrx.com

ranklin D. Roosevelt was U.S. President when Duran’s launched in 1942. Over the years, a diner was added to the pharmacy and gift shop. Today, that diner is wellknown for fantastic New Mexican food, handmade tortillas—and red chile. In fact, you can even buy jars of red chile to take home in the adjacent gift shop.

4949 Pan American Fwy. NE 505-344-1204 tomasitas.com

n New Mexican food, queso is more than just a topping—it’s melted cheese that redefines the term ‘comfort food.’ At Tomasita’s, the spicy sauce can be enjoyed several ways: as a dip for your tortilla chips; drizzled over a basket of fries; or as a layer of goodness in your nachos. Take your pick, they’re all winners.

BEST OF THE REST:

Casa Taco, Papa Nacho’s, Rusty Taco, Sadie’s of New Mexico

BEST OF THE REST:

Cervantes Restaurant and Lounge, Monroe’s New Mexican Food, Range Café, Sadie’s of New Mexico

B E S T R E S TA U R A N T 3 0 M I N U T E S A WA Y

Prairie Star Restaurant & Wine Bar

288 Prairie Star Rd. Santa Ana Pueblo 505-867-3327 mynewmexicogolf.com

his gem on the Pueblo of Santa Ana has all the components that define fine dining: an upscale menu (steak, pasta), a deep wine list, and a romantic atmosphere. Plus it sits among the lush fairways and greens of the Santa Ana Golf Club. If it’s dinner and a nice drive you’re seeking, this is it.

BEST OF THE REST:

Pizza Barn, Range Café - Bernalillo, Ribs BBQ, Teofilo’s Restaurante

4243 Montgomery Blvd. NE plus 2 other metro locations 505-831-2600 cocinazul.com

Bes t Soup

The Sandwich Company

3100 Carlisle Blvd. NE 505-881-0956 sandwichcompany.net

his lunch spot has been serving locals since 1981, and soup isn’t just an afterthought that goes with sandwiches here. In fact, you can also order it in gallon-size to-go containers.

BEST OF THE REST:

Annie’s Soup Kitchen, Cheese and Coffee, Christy Mae’s Restaurant, Hannah & Nate’s

B e s t S e a fo o d M en u

Pelican’s Restaurant 10022 Coors Blvd. NW plus 1 other metro location 505-899-2000 pelicansabq.com

here are plenty of loyal fans of this ABQ chain, thanks to the classic seafood items on the huge menu. The entrées range from rainbow trout and Ahi tuna, to Chilean sea bass and coldwater lobster tail. Even the appetizer list is loaded with seafood choices (mussels, oysters, calamari). But they also remember the ‘turf’ portion of the equation, with plenty of steaks (including some aged in-house) on the menu.

BEST OF THE REST:

Crackin’ Crab Seafood Boil, Down N Dirty Seafood Boil, Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen

B E S T R O M A N T I C R E S TA U R A N T

Antiquity Restaurant 112 Romero St. NW 505-247-3545 antiquityrestaurant.com

he menu at this Old Town restaurant is perfect for special occasions, featuring exquisite steaks and seafood (if available, the incredibly large Alaskan King crab legs are a must-try). The seating inside the historical space is intimate, with most tables made for parties of two. Plus, the finalé options are what you might find in a Paris bistro: dessert crêpes, chocolate mousse, and créme brûlée.

BEST OF THE REST:

Campo at Los Poblanos Historic Inn & Organic Farm, Farm & Table, Indigo Crow, The Melting Pot

Bes t Sa ndwich

Uncle T’s Sangwiches

1520 Deborah Rd. SE, Ste. O 505-404-9345 allthesangwiches.com

es, that’s the correct spelling, as in, everything at this Rio Rancho eatery is old-fashioned and no-nonsense. There are only a handful of sandwiches on the menu, but they’re all crafted with love, like the slowroasted brisket, roasted turkey, and meatball sub.

BEST OF THE REST:

Slow Roasted Bocadillos, Cheba Hut, Cheese and Coffee, Relish Gourmet Sandwiches

B e s t S p e ci a l t y Ta c o

Tako Ten

1250 Candelaria Rd. NE, Ste. B 505-508-3518

he tacos here are somewhat magical, and so it’s only fair to call their creator a magician. Chef and owner Dominic Valenzuela certainly has skills that belong under the bright lights. He honed his taco talents at a previous ABQ eatery, Dia De Los Takos, as well as a food truck. Opening Tako Ten during the pandemic, he has quickly expanded his loyal audience with taco favorites like brisket, garlic shrimp, battered fish and battered avocado. Warning: take an appetite with you, because you’ll end up wanting to try the whole menu.

BEST OF THE REST:

B e s t U n d i s c o v e r e d R e s ta u r a n t

Casa Taco, La Reforma, Rusty Taco, Sobremesa

Seared Bistro

119 San Pasquale Ave. SW 505-999-8414 searedabq.com

his little gem near Old Town has a true date night vibe: exquisite steak and seafood, highlyrated wines, rich desserts, and plenty of two-seat tables. Plus, the linen-covered tables usually have tiny vases of fresh flowers, and there’s no noisy bar. Table for two, please.

BEST OF THE REST:

Ajiaco Columbian Bistro, Fat T’s BBQ, Pacific Paradise, Rosemary

BEST OF THE CIT Y 2021

BES T S TEA KHO USE

Texas Roadhouse

5900 Pan American Fwy. NE plus 1 other metro location 505-856-2226 texasroadhouse.com

kay, it’s not just the hot, complimentary bread rolls they serve to every table (although they are ridiculously good). The other parts of this chain are equally good, beginning with their hand-cut steaks and generously portioned appetizers. Plus there’s a full bar loaded with creative cocktails.

BEST OF THE REST:

High Noon Restaurant & Saloon, Monte Carlo Steakhouse & Liquor Store, The Ranchers Club of New Mexico at Crowne Plaza Hotel (temporarily closed), Ruth’s Chris

BES T SUSHI

BES T SWEE TS SHOP

Tamashi

ABQ Sweet Spot

6400 Holly Ave. NE, Ste. G 505-717-2457 tamashiabq.com

he team here uses premium tuna, scallops, shrimp, eel, crab and other ocean delicacies to set a high bar for fresh, creative sushi. And if you ever avoided sashimi (raw fish), it’s a good bet Tamashi will change your outlook. By expertly using sauces like chile, truffle, and traditional ponzu, the dishes here have a delicate harmony that makes new fans on a daily basis. Plus, all the rolls are made to order, with the option of substituting rice paper for nori (seaweed), or having your roll baked.

BEST OF THE REST:

Azuma Sushi and Teppan, Crazy Fish, Sakura Sushi and Grill, Sushi King

Bes t Cupcake

Smallcakes: A Cupcakery

8101 San Pedro Dr. NE 505-404-1800 smallcakesnm.com

he detail in their cupcakes is something to behold, but the real eye-opener is the variety of fun flavors, like Carrot Cake, Hot Fudge Sundae, and Caramel Crunch. And for pet owners, their Pupcakes are a safe and healthy treat for dogs.

BEST OF THE REST:

ABQ Sweet Spot, Cake Fetish, The Grove Cafe & Market, Q’s Cakes & Sweets Boutique

9250 Golf Course Rd. NW, Ste. D 505-900-3814 abqsweetspot.net

f you ever wondered if there’s a bakery in ABQ that can make those crazy, fun, imaginative cakes you see on TV baking shows, the answer is Yes. This small Westside bakery specializes in bringing your ideas to cake form, plus they do cool special-shape cookies, cake pops, cake rolls and loads of other fun sweets.

BEST OF THE REST:

Buffett’s, The Candy Lady, ChocGlitz & Cream, Le Chantilly

BEST OF THE CIT Y 2021

B e s t Ta k e- O u t

Ohana Hut 5740 Night Whisper Rd. NW 505-508-4439 ohanahut.com

hana features plenty of gourmet dishes, like the pork belly ramen bowl, the squid salad, and kimchi—all of which require time and skill to prepare. But this inhouse eatery for Marble Brewery’s taproom on the Westside also indulges in fun on a plate: they make a musubi with fried Spam; nachos, with the tortilla chips covered in crab, rice and spicy mayo; and a Tiger sushi roll dusted with spicy Cheetos. And most of their menu is available for takeout.

BEST OF THE REST:

Blended Acai, Chen’s Chinese Restaurant, Fan Tang, Viet Taste

B e s t Ca r n e A d o va d a

BES T NACHO S

Golden Pride

1830 Lomas Blvd. NE plus 3 other metro locations 505-242-2181 goldenprideabq.com

arne adovada (slow-cooked pork shoulder in red chile) is the centerpiece of New Mexican food. And few have done it longer or better than this popular local chain. The morning version has eggs or hash browns, while the lunch/dinner option has just the tender meat wrapped in Golden Pride’s signature fluffy tortillas.

BEST OF THE REST:

El Modelo Mexican Foods, El Patron, Monroe’s New Mexican Food, Sadies’s of New Meico

Sadie’s of New Mexico

6230 4th St. NW, Los Ranchos De Albuquerque plus 2 other metro locations 505-345-5339 sadiesofnewmexico.com

ayer and structure are everything when it comes to nachos, since the ingredients are somewhat universal. Sadie’s is well aware of this—the fresh chips are arranged to mingle evenly with the refried beans and beef or chicken, then topped with shredded cheese that gets melted down. Just before it hits your table, lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream and guacamole join the party.

BEST OF THE REST:

Casa Taco, El Patron, Kamikaze Kitchen, Steel Bender Brewyard

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B E S T WA I T S TA FF

La Salita Restaurant 1950 Juan Tabo Blvd. NE, Ste. H 505-299-9968 lasalita.com

everal of the staff members have been with La Salita for more than 10 years—including their sopaipilla roller, who began way back in the 1990s. “We spend so much time working together, so we always take good care of each other,” says co-owner and manager, Stephanie Eddings (above, in green shirt). “We always like to say we’re one big family.” That vibe extends to the restaurant’s customers, who regularly exchange updates with staff on family news, like grandkids and graduations. “I get a lot of feedback about how friendly, helpful and kind our team is,” says Eddings.

BEST OF THE REST:

Antiquity Restaurant, Chello Grill, Joe’s Pasta House, Mario’s Pizzeria & Ristorante

B e s t S o u l Fo o d

B E S T T H A I R E S TA U R A N T

Nexus Brewery & Restaurant

Thai Boran

4730 Pan American Fwy. NE plus 1 other metro location 505-242-4100 nexusbrewery.com

outhern fare is not overly common in ABQ, but lucky for us, we’ve got Nexus. The menu is filled with soulful classics like chicken & waffles, gumbo, red beans & rice, and black-eyed peas. The side dishes include dirty rice, collard greens, and some Southern-fried favorites (okra, zucchini, pickles). And since this is still New Mexico, you can also get breaded and deep-fried chicharrones. South by Southwest, indeed!

BEST OF THE REST:

Craft Q, Firebird Nashville Hot Chicken, K’Lynn’s Southern & Cajun Fusion, Frank’s Famous Chicken & Waffles

3236 La Orilla Rd NW, Suite A 505-492-2244 thaiborannm.com

wner Kathy Punya moved from Thailand to California when she was 25. A few years later, she settled in ABQ, and Thai Boran is her latest in a long line of great restaurants (she also owns the local Sushi King chain). The name Thai Boran translates to “old Thai,” which explains the traditional approach she takes to the dishes here. One example is pad Thai, a traditional noodle dish that Punya serves wrapped in a thin omelette, just as you would find in Bangkok or Phuket.

BEST OF THE REST:

Thai Kitchen, Thai Spice, Thai Tip Restaurant, Thai Vegan

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B e s t V i e t n a m e s e R e s ta u r a n t

Basil Leaf Vietnamese Restaurant 1225 Eubank Blvd. NE 505-323-2594

he Asian influence here starts with the drinks, from Thai iced tea and plum soda, to shakes made from durian and jackfruit. After you settle in with your beverage, there are eight types of spring rolls to choose from—and that’s just the chilled rolls. You can get the fried versions for even more options. The variety spills over to the rice dishes, where the proteins include exotic choices like ginger catfish, grilled pork chops, even seared filet mignon.

BEST OF THE REST:

Coda Bakery, Le Bistro, Lime Vietnamese Restaurant, Viet Taste

B E S T FR E N C H FR I E S

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

rassburger’s two ABQ locations (the flagship location is in Durango, Colo.) are all about health, both for diners and the environment. But taste is not an afterthought—the perfectly crispy French fries come in your choice of traditional or sweet. Oh, and the fry oil is recycled and used to power vehicles.

BEST OF THE REST:

5 Guys Burgers and Fries, Blake’s Lotaburger, Laguna Burger, Street Food Sensations

Bes t Business Lunch Spot

B e s t Ph o

Basil Leaf Vietnamese Restaurant 1225 Eubank Blvd. NE 505-323-2594

he classic Asian dish comes in three sizes here, and you can choose from among eight proteins (including rare options like tripe, tofu and brisket) to go with your noodles. If you’re feeling a bit more hungry, there’s also an option to add as much meat as you see fit. Jalapeños, onions, cilantro and bamboo shoots complete the course.

BEST OF THE REST:

Lime Vietnamese Restaurant, Mr. Pho, Pho Kup, Viet Taste

Vinaigrette

1828 Central Ave. SW 505-842-5507 vinaigretteonline.com

alad is king at this modern Downtown eatery— perfect for a lunchtime crowd looking for a meal that’s light, quick, and tasty. The vibe here is fresh, sunny, upbeat—and did we mention fresh? Plenty of power brokers come for the soups, sandwiches, and sides, plus the wide selection of local beers and wines.

BEST OF THE REST:

Flying Star Cafe, Nick & Jimmy’s Restaurant & Bar, M’Tucci’s Restaurants, Vic’s Daily Cafe

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B e s t Fr oz en T r e a t s

The Paleta Bar 2325 San Pedro Dr. NE, Ste. #2J plus 3 other metro locations 505-884-0049 thepaletabar.com

tradition in Mexico, paletas are ice cream bars on a stick, made in fruit or cream flavors. But at this local chain, that’s only the beginning of the fun. You can have your treat dipped in three kinds of warm chocolate, then rolled in toppings, either traditional (almonds, pecans), or exotic (Fruity Pebbles, M&Ms). And then, if you’re still feeling adventurous, you can toss on some fresh fruit, like strawberries or bananas. Diet? What diet?

Bes t Hot Dog

Dog House Drive In 1216 Central Ave. SW 505-243-1019

f you haven’t already, build up your street cred as a local by heading to this Downtown frankfurter factory asap. You’ll marvel as they split the footlong dogs and sear them on a flat griddle, right next to the buns. You’ll salivate as they slather on queso and their signature red chile sauce (warning: spicy!). And when you’re noshing outside, you’ll recognize the eatery as a set location for more than a few “Breaking Bad” and “Better Call Saul” episodes.

BEST OF THE REST:

Dairy Queen, Frost Gelato, Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt, Pop Fizz

Bob’s Burgers, Clowndog, Laguna Burger, Urban Hotdog Company

B E S T L A T E- N I G H T E A T S

Frontier Restaurant

2400 Central Ave. SE 505-266-0550 frontierrestaurant.com

f you want something more substantive than just a midnight fridge snack, this is the place to go. Open daily until 1 a.m., the Frontier menu is loaded with plenty of New Mexican comfort food, like hash browns, eggs, bacon and chile. Oh, and the fresh tortillas and hot, buttery cinnamon rolls go nicely here, too.

BEST OF THE REST:

Cesar’s Mexican & Greek, Lindy’s Diner, Taco Cabana, Waffle House

B e s t Ve g a n Op t i ons

B e s t Ch i c k en Wi n g s

Thai Vegan

5505 Osuna Rd. NE 505-884-4610 thaiveganosuna.com

f you’ve never eaten here, our bet is that you’ll be pleasantly surprised how much the plant-based ingredients have the taste and texture of our beloved animal proteins. The amazing recipes come from chef/owner Pat Phomnoi, who has created numerous dishes in the vein of Asian classics (like Pad Thai, dumplings and Tom Ka soup) using tofu instead of pork, chicken or beef. Part of that magic is also in the shape and color, which gives diners an experience that feels similar to real meat.

BEST OF THE REST:

An Hy Quan, Annapurna’s World Vegetarian Café, Green Gene Vegan Cafe, Wanderlust Vegan Eatery (out of business)

Hooters

4601 San Mateo Blvd. NE plus 1 other metro location 505-884-6600 hooters.com

t’s hard to pin down exactly how many chicken wings Americans eat each year (even the National Chicken Council is vague on numbers), but it’s safe to say it’s in the billions. It’s also a fair assumption that we gnaw our fair share of wings at Hooters’ always-bustling ABQ locations, especially during the all-the-wings-you-can-eat event each July.

BEST OF THE REST:

Brixens, Slate Street Billiards, Wings Gone Wild, Wing Stop

B e s t Ve g e ta r i a n R e s ta u r a n t

The Acre

4410 Wyoming Blvd. NE Plus 1 other metro location 505-299-6973 theacrerestaurant.com

hef/owner Shawn Weed has created a meatless menu that never leaves you unsatisfied. The offerings encompass a little bit of everything, from salad, pasta and fruit dishes, to sports bar-style comfort food, like nachos, sliders and hot dogs. And there’s a solid bet that the deft preparation will have no one missing their animal proteins. There’s also a nice selection of vegan options.

BEST OF THE REST:

Annapurna’s World Vegetarian Café, Chello Grill, Mata G, Thai Vegan

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B e s t Pa n c a k e s

Central Grill and Coffee House 2056 Central Ave. SW 505-554-1424 centralgrillandcoffeehouse.com

he breakfast menu is enormous here, with plenty of American and Southwest favorites. Yet, the pancakes stand out. For starters, these yummy cakes have wonderfully crispy edges and fluffy insides. Also, there’s a version known as “Crazy Good Pancakes,” which are served with blueberries or apples, plus creamy brie cheese. Oh, and on occasion, they also serve a rare-to-find New Mexican favorite: blue corn pancakes. Pass the syrup!

BEST OF THE REST:

The Grove Cafe & Market, Hello Deli, Range Café, The Shop Breakfast & Lunch

B e s t S o pa i p i l l a

B e s t Pa t i o D i n i n g

Tomasita’s

El Pinto Restaurant & Cantina

4949 Pan American Fwy. NE 505-344-1204 tomasitas.com

t took Santa Fe’s iconic Tomasita’s only 43 years before they expanded to ABQ in 2017, but we’re happy they finally made it here. And happier still that they brought the fluffy goodness of their sopaipillas, which they serve two ways: either hot with every entreé, or as a dessert sopa filled with vanilla ice cream, strawberry sauce and whipped cream. Turns out, it was worth the wait.

BEST OF THE REST:

El Modelo Mexican Foods, Garduño’s Restaurants, Little Anita’s New Mexican Foods, Padilla’s Mexican Kitchen

10500 4th St. NW 505-898-1771 elpinto.com

here are actually numerous separate patio areas at El Pinto—which makes sense given the restaurant’s location among the towering cottonwood trees in the lush North Valley. With many of the eatery’s seats being outdoors, diners remain cool beneath the boughs, while warding off breezes behind fences and vegetation. Combined with good New Mexican food and perfect margaritas, a seat here will have you in no hurry to leave.

BEST OF THE REST:

Casa de Benavidez, El Patio De Albuquerque, Farm & Table, Sawmill Market

B e s t L o c a l Co ffe e S h o p

Meraki Coffee + Market

5900 Eubank Blvd. NE 505-291-1116 drinkmerakiabq.com

his Northeast Heights newbie is more than a coffee shop—in fact, it’s an eatery and spirits bar, too. Opened only in 2020, the hip menu and minimalist charm has quickly made fans and followers. The coffee side features standards like lattes, cappuccinos and espresso, but also morning adult beverages like bellinis and bloody Marys. And the global influence (Meraki means ‘doing with love’ in Greek) is apparent in the Greek yogurt, donut holes, meatballs and fries. Opa!

BEST OF THE REST:

Cutbow Coffee, Humble Coffee Company, Little Bear Coffee Company, Zendo Coffee

P H OTO C O U R T E S Y O F D A S H I N G C R E AT I V E

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B E S T CO FFE E B E A N S

Michael Thomas Coffee Roasters

6110 Alameda Blvd. NE plus 2 other metro locations 505-208-0824 ext. 102 michaelthomascoffee.com

hrough the surge of what seems like hundreds of new ABQ coffee shops opening over the past decade, Michael Thomas has remained local roasting royalty. He opened his first location in 2004, and espouses coffee as artistic science, meaning his beans are meticulously roasted in-house, and his staff is well-versed in the nuances of pourover, Mizudashi, nitro and drip coffee.

BEST OF THE REST:

Cutbow Coffee, Little Bear Coffee Company, Trifecta Coffee Company, Whispering Bean Coffee Roasters

Best Lat te Art

B E S T CO FFE E S H O P A T M O S P H E R E

Zendo Coffee

Little Bear Coffee Company 2632 Pennsylvania St. NE 505-300-4685 littlebearcoffeeco.com

he coffee menu is uncomplicated, and the decor is clean, simple and modern. Plus the staff’s attitude is noticeably pleasant and welcoming, far from the coffee snobbery we’ve all encountered from baristas on occasion. And the shelves include bags of their roasted coffee beans, alongside coffee accessories, should you decide to open your own non-snobby coffee shop at home.

BEST OF THE REST:

Blackbird Coffee House, Café Bella Coffee, Epiphany Espresso, Rust Is Gold

BEST ESPRESSO

Slow Burn Coffee Roasters

821 Mountain Rd. NW 505-503-7790 slowburncoffee.com

his mobile coffee bar knows that location is everything, which is why it’s frequently parked near the tower offices in Uptown, where power brokers yearn for morning java shots to prep for the workday. Don’t be thrown off: yes, it’s a converted travel trailer, and no, you absolutely won’t be disappointed by the coffee, especially their dark espresso.

BEST OF THE REST:

Cutbow Coffee, Espresso Fino, Satellite Coffee, Zendo Coffee

413 2nd St. SW 505-926-1636 zendocoffee.com

he coffee art of the baristas here are hipper than most. The dine-in mugs and pint glasses get equally artistic foam treatment by their skilled hands. And hip is the name of the game at this Old Town café, located in a historic adobe building in the newly renovated El Vado marketplace.

BEST OF THE REST:

The Brew, Cutbow Coffee, The Grove Cafe & Market, Meraki Coffee + Market

B E S T B A R I S TA

Joshua Castleberry

Castle Coffee 727 Tijeras Ave. NW 505-508-5271 castlecoffeeco.com

f you think a good barista should only be concerned with making great coffee, you might be wrong. “A lot of people say it’s 100 percent about the coffee, and I don’t think that’s what it’s all about,” says Castleberry. “I would say 75 percent of it is getting to know your customers. You’re the first person they see in the morning, and we want them to get their day off to a good start.” Castleberry managed two coffee shops before opening his Downtown java shop in 2019, and is set to open a second location. “When we hire, we don’t look for someone with a coffee background. We can teach you coffee. We can’t teach you how to love people.”

BEST OF THE REST:

Alejando Garcia, Diego Esquivel, Grace Melloy, Tony Garcia

f James Bond needed a coffee truck, this would be it. A sprinter van in gun metal gray, outfitted precisely for the purpose of bringing java to parking lots everywhere, this mobile café means business. Every cup is handmade by owner Michael Breden, who launched Catalyst just as the pandemic started. For those who need some carbs to pair with coffee, Catalyst sources breakfast sweets from local bakeries.

BEST OF THE REST:

Castle Coffee, Glazed Grinders Donuts & Coffee, Gnomad Coffee, Stan’s Coffee & Scones

510-316-9909 catalystcoffeeco.com

Catalyst Coffee

B E S T CO FFE E T R U C K

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BES T LOCA L WINERY

Vara Winery & Distillery

315 Alameda Blvd. NE 505-898-6280 varawines.com

rawing on New Mexico’s history as the oldest wine-producing region in the U.S., Vara has continued to expand its footprint and legion of fans since launching in 2018. The grapes were originally sourced from Spain and California, but the winery also now includes locally grown grapes in their portfolio of wines. The selection even includes sparkling wines and vermouth.

BEST OF THE REST:

Casa Rondeña Winery, D.H. Lescombes Winery & Bistro, Gruet Winery, Sheehan Winery

BES T WINE A ND SPIRI TS SHOP

B e s t D e s s e r t Co c k ta i l

Jubilation Wine & Spirits

3512 Lomas Blvd. NE 505-255-4404 jubilationwines.com

nowledgeable wine drinkers know that grapes and processing differ vastly by region, which is why this shop smartly divides their products according to which part of the planet they came from. That includes plenty of rare wines not found in most ABQ stores, and a huge overall selection. Also, the spirits section always offers plenty of discount deals, and the beer coolers hold most of the local favorites alongside domestics and imports.

BEST OF THE REST:

Kelly’s Liquors, Quarters Discount Liquors, Stoneface Tavern Package Liquors, Total Wine & More

Desert Valley Brewing

3700 Ellison Rd. NW 505-899-8494 desertvalleybrewing.com

aving an in-house distillery and a creative flair for mixology can be a great combo. Consider both boxes checked at this Westside libation station, where the cocktail menu pairs Desert Valley’s vodka with ingredients like pressed lavender syrup, and coconut juice. And for a bit of “Breaking Bad” nostalgia, try the Heisenberg, made with soda water, Sprite and...you guessed it...blue raspberry syrup.

BEST OF THE REST:

The Library Bar & Grill, The Melting Pot, Ruth’s Chris, Slate Street Billiards

B e s t C r a f t Co c k ta i l s

Happy Accidents 3225 Central Ave. NE happyaccidents.info

his newish spot in Nob Hill is the perfect blend of art and science, with a sidecar of hip. The cocktails come from the brilliant and well-traveled mixology mind of Kate Gerwin, along with Blaze Montana and Adrienne Miller (who also runs the kitchen). The trio springboarded from ABQ years ago to spirit scenes around the world, and Happy Accidents marks their triumphant return. The lounge encourages patrons to chat with bartenders to see about finding a taste-specific cocktail. Or they can order from an imaginative list of cocktails that pairs flavors such as whiskey with salted caramel, and vodka with tart cherries. And when you’re ready for your mind to be blown, order the Living On A Pear cocktail. Two words: smoke and bubble.

BEST OF THE REST:

Apothecary Lounge in Hotel Parq Central, La Reforma, Savoy Bar & Grill, Scalo

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BES T BA R TENDER

Eric Banda

The Dirty Bourbon Dance Hall & Saloon 9800 Montgomery Blvd. NE 505-296-2726 thedirtybourbon.com

ric Banda came to learn his bartending craft the old-fashioned way: from the bottom up. He had spent two years working as a security guard at The Dirty Bourbon when one day two bartenders got fired. “They asked me if I wanted to help at the bar, and so I got a barback position,” says Banda, referring to the task of refilling beer cases and cleaning glassware. “Eventually I was able to get a full-time bartending spot.” That was eight years ago, and the ABQ native says the job is tailor-made for his skills, personality and energy. “We’re a speed bar, meaning we have a lot of people ordering at the bar, and we have to be fast to get the drinks out,” says Banda, 32. He’s also come to appreciate the art of handmade cocktails, and says the pandemic interrupted his plan to bring more craft drink options to the country dance venue. And what’s the best part of his job? “The relationships I’ve made through the years with customers and coworkers,” he answers without hesitation. “In some cases, my bar family is closer than my real family.”

BEST OF THE REST:

Elisa Tafoya, Jameson Marquez, Ray Chavez, Trey Godwin

Bes t Hotel Bar

Apothecary Lounge at Hotel Parq Central

806 Central Ave. SE 505-242-0040 hotelparqcentral.com

f there’s such a thing as a rooftop speakeasy, this is it. The cocktails are bespoke, the food is upscale pub fare (think fried green chile strips), and the crowd is a vibrant mix of locals and hotel guests. But the star of the show is the huge patio that offers incredible views of Downtown ABQ.

BEST OF THE REST:

Ibiza Urban Rooftop Lounge at Hotel Andaluz, Level 5 at Hotel Chaco, QBar Lounge at Hotel Albuquerque, The Ranchers Club of New Mexico at Crown Plaza Hotel (temporarily closed)

B E S T M OJ I TO

Happy Accidents 3225 Central Ave. NE happyaccidents.info

his Cuban classic has just a few basic ingredients, namely rum, lime juice, water and mint. But the proper balance of those ingredients can take an ordinary drink to something that Hemingway sipped in Havana between novels. That’s the kind of mojito you’ll find here, trust us.

BEST OF THE REST:

Botanic Bar, The Copper Lounge, Farina Alto Pizzeria & Wine Bar, Tucanos Brazilian Grill

B E S T M A R G A R I TA

El Bruno’s Restauranté Y Cantina

8806 Fourth St. NW, Los Ranchos de Albuquerque 505-897-0444 elbrunos.com

n authentic margarita is a labor of love. That’s because it’s made with fresh-squeezed lime juice, which is how they do it at this tequila-forward North Valley restaurant. The juice and simple syrup is shaken together with agaves ranging from clear blanco varieties, to oaky, barrel-aged anejos that provide a more smoky and nuanced profile.

BEST OF THE REST:

El Patron, El Pinto Restaurant & Cantina, Garduño’s Restaurants, Sadie’s of New Mexico

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BES T WINE LIS T

Vintage 423

8000 Paseo del Norte NE, Suite A1 505-821-1918 vintage-423.com

he upscale steak and seafood served here need not worry about proper wine pairings. The vino selection is enormous, and includes dozens of special-occasion bottles (or for nights when budget is no object). You can also enjoy bythe-glass offerings in finer labels like Caymus, Belle Glos and Silver Oak, or even several varieties of sparkling wine. Cheers!

BEST OF THE REST:

Artichoke Cafe, Más Tapas Y Vino, Savoy Bar & Grill, Scalo

B E S T R E TA I L B E E R S E L E C T I O N

BES T SPORTS BA R

Total Wine & More

The Salt Yard

6701 Uptown Blvd. NE plus 1 other metro location 505-830-2080 totalwine.com

es, they carry all the major brands of domestic and imported beer, but the aisles here are also stocked with pretty much every Albuquerque craft brew, plus hard-tofind regional beers from producers like Kona and Deschutes. And if you still can’t find the right six-pack, shop on their website and arrange for store pick-up.

BEST OF THE REST:

Jubilation Wine & Spirits, Kelly’s Liquors, Quarters Discount Liquors, Stoneface Tavern Package Liquors

3700 Ellison Rd. NW plus 1 other metro location 505-750-9273 thesaltyardnm.com

he place is so lively and bustling, the chances are pretty much 100 percent that you’ll run into acquaintances at The Salt Yard. Both of their locations have ample space to spread out and watch sports on the numerous TVs. Games like cornhole are in full play (including in the huge courtyard of their Westside spot), and the food and drink selections are vast.

BEST OF THE REST:

Bubba’s 33, Spectator’s Sports Pub & Grill, Twin Peaks, Uptown Sports Bar & Grill

B e s t B l o o d y Ma r y

BES T KA RAOKE BA R

Left Turn Distilling 2924 Girard Blvd. NE 505-508-0508 leftturndistilling.com

ne of the casualties of COVID across the city has been the beloved Bloody Mary bar on Sundays. But they’ll soon return, and patrons at ABQ’s oldest distillery will again rejoice in the fresh fixings (taquitos, shrimp, bacon) they get to add to their choice of La Luz red or green chile vodka.

Silva Lanes

BEST OF THE REST:

Hollow Spirits Distillery, M’Tucci’s Restaurants, Stone Face Tavern, Two Fools Tavern

B e s t Ha p p y H o u r

Savoy Bar & Grill

10601 Montgomery Blvd. NE 505-294-9463 savoyabq.com

B E S T TA P B E E R S E L EC T I ON

Sister Bar 407 Central Ave. NW 505-242-4900 sisterthebar.com

he crowd at this Northeast Heights favorite ranges from young to old, but they have one thing in common: they’re all grown-ups. The menu (oysters, fondue, antipasto) is refined, but not pretentious. The wine list is extensive, but not expensive. And the ambiance and service are top-notch. Plus, the enclosed patio features a fireplace for those sweater-and-scarf evenings.

BEST OF THE REST:

El Patron, Jinja Bar & Bistro, Nick & Jimmy’s Restaurant & Bar, Seasons Rotisserie & Grill

he taps are loaded with ABQ’s best local craft selections, plus craft brews from other hip cities (Austin, San Diego). And since beer tastes vary widely, they also carry a few imported products rarely seen on draft, such as Kirin Ichiban and Guinness.

Billy’s Long Bar, The Hopper, Sawmill Market - Paxton’s, Slate Street Billiards

3010 Eubank Blvd. NE 505-298-5583 silvalanes.us

owling alley bars are typically lively and fun, and this is no exception. Neighborhood regulars love to stop in for a beer, and then stay and croon their favorite hits until closing time.

BEST OF THE REST:

The Local Brewhouse, Sidewinders Bar & Grill, Slate Street Billiards, Spectator’s Sports Pub & Grill

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BES T BREW MA S TER

Josh Trujillo

Marble Brewery 9904 Montgomery Blvd. NE plus 2 other metro locations 505-323-4030 marblebrewery.com

ehind every great brewery is an amazing brewer. That is true when it comes to Marble Brewery’s brew master, Josh Trujillo. He is somewhat of a mad scientist at the Marble Heights location where he experiments with new styles and trends. Trujillo recently celebrated 13 years at the brewery. He has won many medals for Marble at the prestigious Great American Beer Festival and the World Beer Cup. “I have a deep passion for beer,” he says. “I truly love beer, just from crafting it to talking about it to drinking it, many different styles, complexity between styles really drives me to appreciate it a little bit more every day.”

BEST OF THE REST:

David Facey, Sobremesa Restaurant and Brewery; Jeff Erway, La Cumbre Brewing Company; John Bullard, Bosque Brewing Co.; Justin Hamilton, Boxing Bear Brewing Company

BES T LOCA L BREWERY

BES T LOCA L PIL SNER

B E S T L O C A L WH E A T

Marble Brewery

Ponderosa Brewing Italian Pilsner

Ex Novo Brewing Company

111 Marble Ave. NW plus 2 other metro locations 505-243-2739 marblebrewery.com

he path now followed by many local breweries was blazed in large part by Marble, which launched in downtown ABQ in 2008 (back when craft beer was hardly buzz-worthy). The business has grown through the popularity of its beers—and a business plan designed to keep the integrity of the brand. In addition to lively crowds at all three local taprooms, many of their canned products are sold in retail stores, even some seasonal brews.

BEST OF THE REST:

Bosque Brewing Co., Bow & Arrow Brewing Co., La Cumbre Brewing Company, Steel Bender Brewyard

1761 Bellamah Ave. NW 505-639-5941 ponderosabrewing.net

4895 Corrales Rd. 505-508-0547 exnovobrew.com

he wheat beers have been produced in several varieties at Ex Novo’s Corrales location since they opened in 2019. Some of the profiles include apricot and other stone fruits.

he hoppy pilsners have a few variations at this gastropub in the Sawmill District, including the noted Italian pilsner. Also previously on tap have been a Czech pilsner (where the variety originated), a (extra) hoppy pilsner, and a Cascadian pilsner.

BEST OF THE REST:

Enchanted Circle Brewing Company - Panty Tosser Peach Wheat, Kilt Check Brewing Company - Covfefe Hefe, Nexus Brewery - Honey Chamomile Wheat, Sierra Blanca Brewing Company - Cherry Wheat

Bosque Brewing Co. - Perpetual Sunset, Boxing Bear Brewing Company - Body Czech Pilsner, Ex Novo Brewing Company - Pearl Haggard, Toltec Brewing Co. - Mystic Rye

B E S T L O CA L S TO U T

BES T LOCA L RED

Tractor Brewing Co. Milk Mustachio Stout

Marble Brewery Red Ale

1800 4th St. NW plus 2 other metro locations 505-243-6752 getplowed.com

he Mustachio is a staple of this local brewing giant. Made by adding sweet milk sugar to the brewing process, the flavor profile is hearty, chewy, creamy, and oh-so-yummy.

BEST OF THE REST:

Casa Vieja Brewery - Ghost Stout, La Cumbre Brewing - Malpais Strout, Marble Brewery - Cholo Stout, Quarter Celtic Brewpub - MacLomas Stout

111 Marble Ave. NW plus 2 other metro locations 505-243-2739 marblebrewery.com

his ale is so popular that Marble’s taprooms keep it on tap year-round, and you can find cans at retail sites across the state. The brew is a little more on the hoppy side, with notes of tobacco, toffee, caramel and plum, evoking the style of a European red ale.

BEST OF THE REST:

Canteen Brewhouse - Dougie-Style Amber, Red Door Brewing Co. - Irish Red Ale, Rio Bravo Brewing Company - ESB Amber, Tractor Brewing Co. - Farmer’s Tan Red Ale

B E S T L O C A L I PA

La Cumbre Brewing Company Elevated IPA

3313 Girard Blvd. NE plus 1 other metro location 505-872-0225 lacumbrebrewing.com

his hoppy yet smooth brew was one of the first that drew regional attention to ABQ’s craft scene. In fact, it won a Gold Medal at the Great American Beer Festival way back in 2011. ‘Elevated’ refers to the 7.2 percent alcohol level, but also to a refined, malt-forward taste profile. And the artwork on the pint cans—unchanged since launching a decade ago—adds to the appeal.

BEST OF THE REST:

Bombs Away Brewing Company - Bombs Away IPA, Canteen Brewhouse - Flashback IPA, Rio Bravo Brewing Company - Freak Juice IPA, Starr Brothers Brewing Company - Starr Struck IPA

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BES T LOCA L SO UR

Bow & Arrow Brewing Co. Strawberry Amigo Fruited Sour 608 McKnight Ave. NW 505-247-9800 bowandarrowbrewing.com

ours are not typically produced by most craft breweries. But Bow & Arrow isn’t a typical brewery. At any given time, about half of their offerings are usually fruited sour beers. In fact, their Strawberry Amigo sour beer is so popular that you can find it in pint cans at retailers across the city.

BEST OF THE REST:

Bosque Brewing Company - Pickle Down Economics, Boxing Bear Brewing Company Black & Blue Tart, Steelbender Brewyard - Raspberry Dynamite, Tractor Brewing Co. Cucumber Goose

B E S T L O C A L H E FE W E I Z E N

La Cumbre Brewing Company A Slice of Hefen 3313 Girard Blvd. NE plus 1 other metro location 505-872-0225 lacumbrebrewing.com

ven non-beer drinkers have to admit: this brew is lush, tasty and easy to drink. The smoothness and slightly sweet profile makes this an excellent gateway beer for those new to the ABQ craft scene. In true (unfiltered) Bavarian style, this brew has a hazy profile, creamy texture, and surprisingly dry finish. There are hints of vanilla and banana in this popular hefeweizen, which is also sold by retailers in 16-ounce cans.

BEST OF THE REST:

Boxing Bear Brewing Company - Hairy Mit Hefe, Kilt Check Brewing Company - Covfefe Hefe, Rio Bravo Brewing Company - Strawberry Hefeweizen, Sobremesa Restaurant & Brewery - Tangy Thang

BES T LOCA L SEA SONA L

BES T LOCA L CIDER

Bow & Arrow Brewing Co.

The Craftroom Sandia Watermelon Cider

608 McKnight Ave. NW 505-247-9800 bowandarrowbrewing.com

his bespoke Wells Park brewery is big on seasonal offerings, such as their Desert Revival series of fruited sours (apricot, peach). Many of their creations are also sold in 375ml bottles.

BEST OF THE REST:

Harmon Lane Brewing - Princess Peach, High and Dry Brewing - Stacy Alert Strawberries & Cream Sour, Lizard Tail Brewing - Biscochito Brown, Nexus Brewery - Warp Bubble IPA

2809 Broadbent Pkwy. NE 505-717-1985 thecraftroomnm.com

f cider is your thing, this is your castle. The undisputed king of the local cider scene, The Craftroom typically has nearly a dozen taps devoted to a creative lineup of the flavorful beverages. Varieties include peach, pineapple, and black cherry, and some of them are sold at retailers under the Sandia Hard Cider label.

BEST OF THE REST:

Boxing Bear Brewing Company - Apple Bear Cider, The Craftroom - Lemon Mango Cider, Red Door Brewing Co. - Unhinged Cider, Tractor Brewing Co. Blood Orange

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B E S T B R E W E R Y S TA FF

Rio Bravo Brewing Company

1912 2nd St. NW 505-900-3909 riobravobrewing.com

business with outstanding customer service can usually credit the owners, and in this case, Denise and Randy Baker certainly deserve applause. After being inspired by family pubs they visited on a trip to Europe, they branched out from their other business as electrical contractors to open Rio Bravo in 2015. The friendly duo are often at the brewpub, making sure customers are happy and satisfied. The bartenders here are helpful with tap suggestions, and the food always comes out fresh and tasty. Also, the taproom and bathrooms are always spotless—a sure sign that employees are happy and prideful in their work.

BEST OF THE REST:

Bosque Brewing Co., Boxing Bear Brewing Company, Starr Brothers Brewing Company, Steel Bender Brewyard

BES T BREWERY ATMO SPHERE

Ex Novo Brewing Company

4895 Corrales Rd. 505-508-0547 exnovobrew.com

here’s no denying Ex Novo gave a jolt of activity to the otherwise sleepy Village of Corrales when it opened in 2019. The decor is hip and modern, with tables arranged neatly on the polished concrete floor of the taproom, which spills open to a patio filled with desert plants beneath a wood awning. And there’s a new beer garden, to boot. The vibe? Chill, just like Corrales.

BEST OF THE REST:

Bosque Brewing Company, Bow & Arrow Brewing Co. , Sierra Blanca Brewing Co., Steel Bender Brewyard

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B E S T L O C A L TA P R O O M

Tractor Brewing Co.

1800 4th St. NW plus 2 other metro locations 505-243-6752 getplowed.com

here’s always plenty in motion at Tractor, from karaoke to comedy to live music. Throw in hearty pub fare and spirited cocktails from Troubled Minds distilling, and you’ve got yourself a made-to-order night out.

BEST OF THE REST:

Harmon Lane Brewing, High and Dry Brewing, Marble Brewery Westside, Starr Brothers Brewing Company

BES T LOCA L CA NNED BEER

B E S T E N T E R TA I N M E N T A T A L O C A L B R E W E R Y

Ex Novo Brewing Company

Flix Brewhouse

4895 Corrales Rd. 505-508-0547 exnovobrew.com

he cans here garnered quite a bit of attention with the launch last year of their Mass Ascension IPA. The bright colors in geometric shapes (in the vein of a hot air balloon, thus the name) prompted sales, but the perfectly balanced beer kept people coming back for more. Retailers now carry several Ex Novo offerings.

BEST OF THE REST:

Canteen Brewhouse, La Cumbre Brewing Company, Rio Bravo Brewing Company, Santa Fe Brewing Co.

BES T NEW BREWERY

Turquoise Trail Brewing

11016 Central Ave. SE 505-717-1184 turquoisetrailbrewing.com

his mighty pub on East Central Avenue is small in size, but big on tasty suds. Though the microbrewery has just a handful of their beers on tap, they also have guest handles, and pour cider, as well. Plus, the intimate setting makes it an ideal place to watch televised soccer, which draws fans when N.M. United games are on the big screen.

BEST OF THE REST:

Gravity Bound Brewing Company, Harmon Lane Restaurant & Brewery, Resource Brewing, Sobremesa Restaurant & Brewery

B, 3236 La Orilla Rd. NW #1 505-445-8500 flixbrewhouse.com

kay, it’s fair to say that no other local brewery has fullscreen theaters to serve up as entertainment. But hey, no one’s complaining. Closed through most of the pandemic, the Westside beer-and-a-movie joint is back up and running. And as always, you can order your pint in their bar area, take it with you when it’s showtime, and even re-order from your theater seat. It’s the scenario we’ve all been dreaming about since “Pulp Fiction,” when Vincent Vega revealed that theaters in Amsterdam allow suds inside.

BEST OF THE REST:

Kaktus Brewing Co., Marble Brewery, Rio Bravo Brewing Company

B E S T B R E W E R Y FO O D O P T I O N S

Steel Bender Brewyard

8305 2nd St. NW 505-433-3537 steelbenderbrewyard.com

he food menu here draws plenty of families and large groups, making this North Valley brewpub sometimes feel more like a restaurant with an incredible brewery than the other way around. Offerings include spare ribs, fishand-chips, and brats, plus a hearty lineup of kids dishes. And did we mention the scrumptious housemade desserts?

BEST OF THE REST:

Nexus Brewing, Quarter Celtic Brewpub, Rio Bravo Brewing Company, Sobremesa Restaurant & Brewery

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BES T LOCA L DIS TILLER

Chris Leurig Safe House Distilling Co. 616 Gold Ave. SW 505-318-0150 safehousedistilling.com

eurig is constantly thinking ahead, having taken his distillery from three signature spirits, to small batch releases, to ready to drink canned cocktails featuring Safe House spirits. He also used the temporary pandemic closure to age and create new products—by next spring, Safe House will have 12 different items. Leurig has also earned a reputation for experimentation; he’s currently aging gin in mezcal barrels, to be released soon.

BEST OF THE REST:

Chris Medina - Left Turn Distilling, Frank Holloway - Hollow Spirits Distillery, Jennifer Vith - Nikle Co. Authentic Spirits, Scott Feulle - Taylor Garrett Spirits

BES T LOCA L GIN

Vara Winery & Distilling 315 Alameda Blvd. NE 505-898-6280 varawines.com

ight out of the gate, High Desert Gin won prestigious awards. In 2020, the gin won double gold and scored 99 out of 100 points at the prestigious PR%F Awards. The gin is largely influenced by Spanish varieties that incorporate botanicals and blossoms found in the Mediterranean (Vara emulated the style by incorporating high desert mountain aromatics). The small batch gin features 13 botanicals and is distilled from New Mexico grapes.

BEST OF THE REST:

Hollow Spirits Distillery, Nikle Co. Authentic Spirits, Still Spirits

B E S T L O CA L VOD K A

Teller Genuine Vodka

Safe House Distilling Co. 616 Gold Ave. SW 505-318-0150 safehousedistilling.com

hen Safe House opened in 2019, Teller was one of their few offerings. In just a couple of years, it’s become a best seller in the state. The original is 100 percent corn based, and is GMO and gluten free. It’s distilled ten times, and is clean and crisp on the palate, with a subtly sweet finish. A few fun infused varieties (chile, lavender, apple) have been added to the line.

BEST OF THE REST:

Hollow Spirits Distillery, Safe House Distilling Co. Teller Blueberry Lavender Vodka, Troubled Minds Distilling, QOD Vod

BES T LOCA L RUM

Hollow Spirits Distillery

1324 1st St. NW 505-433-2766 hollowspirits.com

he award-winning spirit is unfiltered, and draws raves for its sweet, rich notes of pineapple and papaya. It’s fermented in blackstrap molasses—a practice originating from the rum-crazed Caribbean Islands. A twist is added to the process to create a fruity and complex profile. It sips beautifully by itself, or you can order the “Make Me Something Good” off the cocktail menu, and let the mixologists create.

BEST OF THE REST:

Albuquerque Distilling, La Reforma Distillery, Left Turn Distilling, VARA Winery & Distilling

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BES T LOCA L DIS TILLERY

Hollow Spirits Distillery

1324 1st St. NW 505-433-2766 hollowspirits.com

hen the pandemic hit, owner Frank Holloway (seated) was forced into the distiller role. With the help of his mother, aunt and a family friend, the team learned the entire process—and patrons said they noticed an improvement in the spirits. New distiller Mick Hahn has big plans for the future product line, which continues to grow. Mixology and food are also part of the growth: handcrafted cocktails are created by an award-winning mixology team, and Executive Chef Tristin Rogers’ seasonal menus feature upscale pub fare.

BEST OF THE REST:

Desert Valley, La Reforma, Nikle Authentic Spirits, Still Spirits

Co.

B E S T L O C A L WH I S K E Y

Taylor Garrett 315 Alameda Blvd. NE 505-898-6280 taylorgarrettspirits.com

sing techniques pioneered by distiller Scott Feuille, this is one of the first craft spirits nationally to use ‘accelerated ageing.’ The process takes less than a month, and is designed to give whiskey the same nose, flavors, smoothness, and mouth feel as those spirits aged for years in oak barrels. Taylor Garrett’s strong notes of vanilla and caramel mingle smoothly on the palate—a result that connoisseurs typically expect from traditionally aged whiskeys.

BEST OF THE REST:

Albuquerque Distilling, Hollow Spirits Distillery

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BES T BA LLOON RIDES

Rainbow Ryders, Inc.

5601 Eagle Rock Ave. NE 505-823-1111 rainbowryders.com

o one doubts that ABQ is the global capital of hot air ballooning, so it makes sense that we have a flagship ballooning company like Rainbow Ryders. Founder/owner Scott Appelman is one of the city’s balloon statesmen (he helped create many of the International Balloon Fiesta’s popular events, like the Special Shapes Rodeo). With daily predawn flights on their fleet of 40+ balloons, the company has provided lofty experiences for half a million passengers since launching in 1983.

BEST OF THE REST:

Discover Balloon, Hot Air Balloonatics, World Balloon

B E S T B E D A N D B R E A KFA S T

Los Poblanos Historic Inn & Organic Farm 4803 Rio Grande Blvd. NW, Los Ranchos de Albuquerque 505-344-9297 lospoblanos.com

his popular North Valley property has turned into a destination equally adored by visitors and locals. Already known for its lavender farm and restaurant, Los Poblanos became a true bespoke property by expanding to 50 overnight guest rooms in 2017. Crafted in a neo-classical farmhouse style, the field cottages feature wooden floors, luxurious beds, and bath products from the on-site Farm Shop.

BEST OF THE REST:

Bottger Mansion, Casa De Suenos, Painted Lady Bed and Brew, Sarabande Bed and Breakfast

B E S T C I G A R S TOR E

Monte’s Cigars, Tobacco And Gifts

3636 San Mateo Blvd. NE 505-881-7999 montescigarshop.com

heir humidor is stocked with thousands of stogies, including premium imported labels and boxed sets. The accessories include everything for the cigar smoker (torches, cigar caddies, humidors), and the pipe lover (tobacco, cleaning supplies). Plus, their smoking lounge offers lockers, so aficionados can keep their bespoke tobacco at the proper temperature and humidity.

BEST OF THE REST:

BES T BOWLING A LLE Y

Skidmore’s Holiday Bowl

7515 Lomas Blvd. NE 505-268-3308 holidaybowlabq.com

owling took on a whole new aesthetic here following an extensive renovation a few years ago. The updated space is readily apparent by the hip, lounge-style seating at the lanes, which makes festivities feel more like a party than a bowling game. For kids, a large arcade was added. For adults, the new bar features local craft beer on tap, and plenty of sports on TV. The new kitchen has artisanal pizzas and a large patio. And of course, you can still rent some bowling shoes and join a league.

BEST OF THE REST:

Main Event, Santa Ana Casino-Starlight Bowling Center, Silva Lanes, Ten Pins & More at Rio Rancho

Birdland, Havana House Cigar Shop, Stag Tobacconist, Up In Smoke

BES T GU YS’ NIGH T O U T

Bourbon and Boots

325 Central Ave. NW 505-717-2056 bandbabq.com

his downtown country bar is loaded with manfriendly offerings: plenty of whiskey cocktails, a hearty food menu, lots of TVs (including Sunday football watch parties), and a dance floor that comes alive with partners who like to two-step.

BEST OF THE REST:

ABQ Ax, The Dirty Bourbon Dance Hall & Saloon, The Office, Main Event

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BES T DA NCE LESSONS

B E S T G OL F CO U R S E

Dimensions School of Dance

Sandia Golf Club

4901 Paseo Del Norte NE, Ste. B plus 1 other metro location 505-821-6164 dimensions.dance

his homegrown studio, launched in 2003, has expanded over the years to become the go-to place for youngsters looking to learn ballet, jazz, cheer or other forms of physical expression. The instructors are certified, and the space has been continually updated to match the growth. They even offer drop-in classes for adults who want to perk up their dance moves.

Keshet Dance and Center for the Arts, Fishback Studio of the Dance, Magnify Dance Center, Sisu Dance Academy

The Adobe Theater

30 Rainbow Rd. NE 505-798-3990 sandiagolf.com

he scenery alone insures your round here will be great. The fairways are beautifully carved out of the foothill desert, with the serenity of the Sandia Mountains as a backdrop. The course has wide and forgiving fairways, but the water features and natural landscape can make it challenging, too.

BEST OF THE REST:

B E S T TH E A TER TRO U PE

Arroyo Del Oso, Canyon Club, Isleta Eagle, Paako Ridge

9813 4th St. NW 505-898-9222 adobetheater.org

he Adobe has been making people laugh and cry since 1957. The all-volunteer organization is well-known for producing quality theater year-round at their cozy, 90-seat theater in the far North Valley. They even did a smart pivot during COVID to create video-on-demand plays.

BEST OF THE REST:

Duke City Repertory Theater, Heartstrings Theatre Company, Musical Theater Southwest, West End Productions

B E S T I N S T R U M E N TA L I S T

Kyle Martin kylemartinmusic.com

n case you haven’t heard him play live, fair warning: his mix of hard-charging guitar licks and original country lyrics will get you amped up. A New Mexico original, Martin is a prolific songwriter with a bucketful of music cred (he’s played live in Vegas, Nashville and NYC, and once opened for Dwight Yoakum). But he’s also an accessible star who loves to take the stage at ABQ brewpubs and music venues.

BEST OF THE REST:

Kendall Jones, Michael Anthony, Ryan Montano, Sage Cornelius

B E S T C I T Y PA R K

B E S T H I K I NG / R UNNI NG / B I K I NG TR A I L

A Park Above

La Luz Trail

2441 A Park Above Ct. SE, Rio Rancho 505-994-6338 rrnm.gov

io Rancho, with a booming kid population, is always keen on making sure there are plenty of activities and outlets for the younger generation. A Park Above fits the bill perfectly: a playground experience that’s elevated above the norm. Here you’ll find immaculately kept facilities, slides, swings, and jungle gyms, all arranged in a fully inclusive space.

BEST OF THE REST:

Hidden Park, Mariposa Basin Park, North Domingo Baca Park, Tiguex Park

his scenic, challenging hike is on quite a few bucket lists. Starting at the western base of the Sandia Mountains, the winding, eight-mile trail steadily rises 3,700 feet in elevation. Those who have tried the trail know two things: you better pack plenty of water, and, if you get to the top, the ride back down the Tram will feel like a million bucks.

BEST OF THE REST:

The Bosque Trail, Embudito Canyon Trail, Piedra Lisa Canyon, The Pino Trail

B E S T L O C A L FE S T I VA L

B E S T S TA YC A T I O N S P O T

Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

Hotel Parq Central

balloonfiesta.com

ount us among those who were beyond sad about the cancellation in 2020 due to the pandemic. But as expected, our city’s signature event came roaring back this year, proving once again that having 500 hot air balloons dot our morning skies every October is something we’d rather not live without. And knowing the Fiesta planning committee, they’ll surely draw up new and fun components for this event for years to come.

BEST OF THE REST:

Lavender in the Village, City of Albuquerque Summerfest Series, NM Italian Film & Culture Festival, SOMOS ABQ

he four-story East Downtown building has historic roots, and when it was renovated into a hotel in 2010, it immediately became a modern way to stay and play. The property offers an on-site massage and therapy room, and provides complimentary car service. The rooftop Apothecary Lounge affords breathtaking views of the city—and a lineup of bespoke cocktails made by trained mixologists.

BEST OF THE REST:

Hotel Andaluz, Hotel Chaco, Hyatt Regency Tamaya Resort and Spa, Sarabande Bed and Breakfast

BES T LI VE THEATER VENUE

B E S T L O CA L A R CH I TEC T U R A L TR E A S U R E

Popejoy Hall

KiMo Theatre

University of New Mexico 203 Cornell Dr. NE 505-277-8010 popejoypresents.com

he signature venue at UNM might just be this beautiful and timeless facility (with a nod of apology, of course, to The Pit). With nearly 2,000 seats (including an old-school balcony section), and world-class acts (Hamilton, anyone?), it’s not hard to enjoy a night at the theater here.

BEST OF THE REST:

The Adobe Theater, Albuquerque Little Theater, Musical Theatre Southwest, The Vortex Theatre

806 Central Ave. SE 505-242-0040 hotelparqcentral.com

423 Central Ave. NW 505-768-3522 kimotickets.com

n a few years, this Downtown venue will hit the century mark, yet it’s still a hip place to see live shows and special events. Built in a style known as Pueblo Deco, the KiMo has been renovated a few times over the years, and today still proudly displays renditions of the original Native American symbols, including the signature buffalo skulls with glowing eyes that adorn the stage arch.

BEST OF THE REST:

Hotel Andaluz, Los Pablanos, The Railyards, San Felipe de Neri Church

BES T GIRL S’ NIGHT O U T

BES T DA NCE VENUE

ABQ Ax

The Dirty Bourbon Dance Hall & Saloon

2809 Broadbent Pkwy. NE, Ste. C plus 1 other metro location 505-207-8990 abqax.com

hat’s not to love about throwing an ax? Some will get the hang of it right away, others will need practice, but one thing is for sure: everyone will have a blast. The expert team here will give you a few tips for skill and safety, and then turn you loose on the wooden targets. Add in tap beers, snacks and a lively crowd, and this night out can turn any lady into (warning: Game of Thrones reference in 3...2...1…) Arya Stark.

BEST OF THE REST:

Hotel Andaluz - Ibiza, Kelly Jo Designs by Wine, Painting With A Twist, Revel

9800 Montgomery Blvd. NE 505-296-2726 thedirtybourbon.com

ven for those who claim to have two left feet, two-stepping to country music can be fun. This Northeast Heights modern honky-tonk certainly understands the appeal, building their saloon around a 1,300-square-foot dance floor and booking a steady stream of live music to make sure it’s well used. Remember, it’s not as important to dance well and it is to, well, dance.

BEST OF THE REST:

Bourbon and Boots, CSP Dance Studios, Effex Nightclub, Santa Ana Star Casino

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BES T PUBLIC SWI MMING POOL

BES T MA R TIA L A R TS SCHOOL

West Mesa Aquatic Center

Mountain Eagle Karate Academy

6705 Fortuna Rd. NW 505-836-8718 cabq.gov

ecently renovated, the new indoor Olympic size pool is competition ready, and features seating for 800 spectators. There’s also an indoor water park and slide for tykes, plus a huge outdoor pool for families.

BEST OF THE REST:

Corrales Pool, Los Altos, Rio Rancho Aquatic Center, Sunport Pool

1704 Moon St. NE 505-980-7564 mountaineaglekarate.com

he goal here is much more than just teaching kids the 20th-century Japanese art form. Students are given lessons in ways designed to boost confidence and fitness, in addition to skill level. The formula has been a success for 20 years for owners Mark and Anna Gorman, both black belt instructors who are members of the United States Karate Alliance Hall of Fame.

BEST OF THE REST:

Albuquerque Shin-budo Kai Aikido, Binder Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Gracie Barra, United Kenpo Karate Academy

B E S T L O C A L T V CO M M E R C I A L

Rio Grande Credit Union

1201 San Pedro Dr. NE plus 4 other metro locations 505-262-1401 riograndecu.org

heir fun series of banking-for-everyone commercials feature Lynette, the ‘Burquena’ character who’s happy to find out she can indulge in Rio Grande’s many offerings—online banking, home and auto loans—without ever having to set foot in the bank.

BEST OF THE REST:

Bella Diamonds and Watches, Crown Jewels and Coin, Fiddler Roofing, TLC Plumbing

BES T MOVI E THEATER

B E S T PL A CE TO G E T M A RR I E D

Century Rio 24

Los Poblanos Historic Inn & Organic Farm

4901 Pan American Fwy NE 505-343-9000

ovie theaters were slow to come back following the pandemic, but Century Rio made it easier than most. Their assigned-seat system assured social distancing, and their nifty app allows you to order tickets and food before you arrive at the theater, so you just scan your phone, grab your food, and head to your seat. And if you’re really feeling like royalty, they’ll even bring your snacks to you as you lounge in your reclining seat.

BEST OF THE REST:

Flix Brewhouse, Guild Cinema, Icon Cinema VIP Seating, Regal Winrock

4803 Rio Grande Blvd. NW, Los Ranchos de Albuquerque 505-344-9297 lospoblanos.com

his serene North Valley compound has taken the romance game to a high level. The cottage-style rooms offer privacy, with rows of organic produce just outside your front door, and a cozy patio out back. With event space, catering, and amenities that brides crave (like having a bride-and-groom photo session in the middle of a field of colorful lavender plants), this spot will hardly disappoint.

BEST OF THE REST:

ABQ BioPark Botanic Garden, Nature Pointe, Old Town Farm, UNM Alumni Chapel

BES T VI EW OF THE CI T Y

Ten 3 Restaurant

30 Tramway Rd. NE 505-764-8363 ten3tram.com

dinner table in front of their enormous floor-to-ceiling glass panels will make you feel like you’re the star of the show as you gaze down upon Albuquerque from the edge of the mountain. Tip: time your dinner reservation so you catch both the sunset and the twinkling lights of our city at night.

BEST OF THE REST:

Hotel Chaco, Nine Mile Hill, Rainbow Ryders, Inc., Sandia Peak Tramway

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B E S T P L A C E T O TA K E A N O U T- O F- T O W N E R

B E S T P R I VA T E C O U N T R Y CL U B

Sandia Peak Tramway

The Canyon Club at Four Hills

30 Tramway Rd. NE 505-856-7325 sandiapeak.com

e’ve all been on the Tram, and we all know that it never gets old. The longest aerial tram in the U.S. is a must for visitors, who marvel in awe that such rugged peaks are in our backyard. The car climbs steadily to an elevation of 10,000 feet in just 15 minutes, offering incredible panoramic views—plus the new Ten3 restaurant—before coming back down to the Tram’s base.

BEST OF THE REST:

Jemez Springs, Los Poblanos Historic Inn & Organic Farm, Old Town, Tinkertown Museum

911 Four Hills Rd. SE 505-299-9555 canyonclubgolf.com

he feel here is that of an old-school, amenity-packed country club—but way more friendly and inviting. Local investors purchased the Club a few years ago, and have improved the amenities and offerings of what was already a first-rate golfing facility. The renovated bar and grille hosts fun theme nights, while the Olympic pool is a summer haven for kids and adults, alike.

BEST OF THE REST:

Albuquerque Country Club, Tanoan Country Club

BES T LOCA L BA ND

Revíva @revivaband

eviva is a band that melds together much like a family. The core of the group met while working together as special education assistants in ABQ, and the band they formed 12 years ago has seen members get married, buy homes, have kids, and live through ups and downs. “We’ve gone through life’s steps together, and it’s nice having friends you can count on,” says Chris Brennan, one of the founders. “We’re all genuinely buddies.” They even teach music to each other’s kids and meet every Thursday for rehearsal at Brennan’s mom’s house—where she provides homemade enchiladas. That closeness has resulted in four studio albums (their fifth is due in March), and a fan base that follows them to shows in Colorado, Texas, and Arizona.

BEST OF THE REST:

Archiactra, Baracutanga, Entourage Jazz, Red Light Cameras

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BES T MUSEUM

Rattlesnake Museum

202 San Felipe St. NW 505-242-6569 rattlesnakes.com

his Old Town destination is much more about science and nature than fear and loathing. Yes, they have several species of live rattlesnakes, but also tons of snake memorabilia, from carvings to pottery, even games. And here’s a treat: they have on display a fully reconstructed rattlesnake skeleton. Trust us, it’s cooler than you think.

BEST OF THE REST:

Albuquerque Museum, Explora, NM Museum of Natural History & Science, National Museum of Nuclear Science & History

B E S T PL A CE T O P E O P L E WA TC H

B E S T PL A CE TO S PEND A R A I N Y DA Y

ABQ Biopark Aquarium

Old Town albuquerqueoldtown.com

he mix of people to watch here is perfect. We don’t mean the gender or age mix; we’re talking about the ratio of locals to out-of-towners. You can relax in the plaza gazebo, and spend an entire day watching visitors hop from shop to shop, taking in the retail essence of New Mexico. The in-towners will be easier to spot—they’ll probably be checking out everyone else, just like you.

BEST OF THE REST:

Albuquerque International Sunport, Coronado Mall, Cottonwood Mall, Frontier Restaurant

B E S T PL A CE TO PO P THE QUES TION

At the Top of Sandia Peak

2601 Central Ave. NW 505-768-2000 cabq.gov

sandiapeak.com

ainy days are a rare and welcome sight in ABQ (actually they make regular appearances during the late summer monsoon season). So why not combine those gray clouds with a trip to the Aquarium? Here, you can observe and learn about a host of delightful aquatic critters, plus peer at jellyfish, scrutinize sharks, and touch stingrays.

BEST OF THE REST:

Catopia Cat Café, Empire Board Games, Explora, NM Museum of Natural History & Science

e’ve got no official numbers, but those in the know say it’s a common sight up on the mountaintop to see a young man on his knees with a velvet ring box in his hand. We only hope she always says “Yes!”

BEST OF THE REST:

On the Bosque Trail, On a Hot Air Balloon Ride, On the Tram, In Old Town

B E S T L O C A L CL U B D J

Jimmy J Music @jimmyjmusic

e’s been the house DJ at The Dirty Bourbon Saloon for about six years, but this ABQ native started playing in local bands before he was even a teenager. Then one day a friend invited him to record some beats. “He said, Let’s make some hip-hop stuff, and when he pulled out the turntables, I got hooked,” says Jimmy. He’s now putting the finished touches on a 3,500-square-foot recording studio, where he plans to create tracks for other artists.

BEST OF THE REST:

Brendangerous, DJ Dallabill, DJ Remainz, DJ Quico

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BES T A RT GA LLERY

Weems Gallery & Framing 5935 Wyoming Blvd. NE 505-293-6133 weemsgallery.com

or 40 years, Weems has been the city’s epicenter of local fine art. Sure, there are plenty of Southwest-influenced pieces here, but there’s also modern and international art, plus works done in virtually every genre of painting. The full-serve framing department takes a craftsman approach to presenting pieces, and offers every material and style imaginable. Plus, the gallery showcases attractively-priced sculptures, jewelry, pottery and glasswork.

BEST OF THE REST:

Amapola Gallery, Corrales Bosque Gallery, Ghostwolf Gallery, Sumner & Dene

B E S T P L A C E T O H E A R YO U R FA V O R I T E B A N D

B E S T P L A C E T O H E A R L I V E JA Z Z

Launchpad

Outpost Performance Space

618 Central Ave. SW 505-764-8887 launchpadrocks.com

OVID or not, live music is alive and well here. Streaming concerts have become (at least temporarily) a way of life for many music lovers to get their fix, including Launchpad. But things have returned to normal, which means this Downtown venue is back to hosting up to 300 live shows a year.

BEST OF THE REST:

The Dirty Bourbon Dance Hall & Saloon, Isleta Amphitheater, Route 66 Casino-Thunder Road Steakhouse and Cantina, Sunshine Theater

210 Yale Blvd. SE 505-268-0044 outpostspace.org

ince 1988, Outpost has made ABQ a better place through musical performances and hands-on lessons. Some of the jazz world’s superstars have done sets at their University-area space. The pandemic has caused music lessons to shift to the online variety, but the teaching and learning are as robust as ever here.

BEST OF THE REST:

Albuquerque Museum, D.H. Lescombs Winery & Bistro, Hotel Andaluz, Zinc Wine Bar & Bistro

B E S T CL O T H I N G B O U T I Q U E

Nob Hill Vintage Boutique

3411 Central Ave. SE 505-355-9484 @nobhillvintageboutique

t’s not just the items that are vintage here—you get an entire throwback vibe. “Our customers get a nostalgic experience because of all the items we carry,” says co-owner Marquis Martinez. “They see certain old items, and they end up telling us stories about what those items meant to them.” The shop sells sports jerseys and shoes (think Air Jordans), plus games, toys, records and much more.

BEST OF THE REST:

Articles (out of business), Brotique 505, Silk Road Connection, Strive

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B E S T A N T I Q U E S TOR E

BES T BA RGA IN D UD S

Past, Present and In Between

Assistance League of Albuquerque Thrift Shop

5017 Lomas Blvd. NE 505-450-7981 pastpresentandinbetween.com

he items here are carefully curated, so that antiques, furniture, vintage jewelry, and collectibles are sold in great shape. The immense selection offers plenty of eye-catching pieces, including lots of one-of-a-kind items.

BEST OF THE REST:

Anteeks, Antique Connection, Found on 4th, Sweet Sparrow Market & Boutique

5211 Lomas Blvd. NE 505-265-0443 assistanceleague.org/albuquerque

wo things stand out here: the quality of the items, and the stunningly low prices. They even occasionally run specials whereby you can get an entire outfit (shirt, pants) for just a couple of dollars. Their buying standards ensure that clothing and accessories are neat, clean and in good shape—plus all proceeds go to the Assistance League of Albuquerque.

BEST OF THE REST:

Buffalo Exchange, Goodwill, Savers, Thrift Town

BES T ACCESSORIES

Silk Road Connection

5200 Eubank Blvd. NE, Unit E-6 505-292-7088 mysilkroadconnection.com

f you like a style that isn’t mass-produced, this is the place for you. Filled with clothing, accessories and jewelry, the selection here has been hand-curated by the co-owners Patty Puhl and Berdel Boulanger since 2009. And if you see something you like, they’ve been known to negotiate with customers.

BEST OF THE REST:

Andy & Edie, The Cinchy Cowgirl, Strive, Two Stoned Betties

BES T BRIDA L BO U TIQUE

B E S T B O OKS TOR E

Bridal Elegance by Darlene

Bookworks

4100 Menaul Blvd. NE, Ste. #1B 505-830-2110 bridalelegancenm.com

wner Darlene Archibeque makes dress shopping fun—and free of stress. She’s been outfitting ABQ brides and bridesmaids through thousands of weddings, and has racks upon racks of unique dresses. The Uptown shop also offers gowns for every occasion, and trained tailors who can make the fabric fit customers in a way that makes for a memorable night out.

BEST OF THE REST:

Ann Matthews Bridal, David’s Bridal, Forever Bridal, Uptown Bridal

4022 Rio Grande Blvd. NW 505-344-8139 bkwrks.com

his book retailer, which opened for business in 1984, is known for donating a portion of profits to local youth organizations, libraries and other causes. And book enthusiasts are always excited when Bookworks welcomes the many best-selling authors who do readings and/or signings at this cozy North Valley shop.

BEST OF THE REST:

Barnes & Noble, Page 1 Books, Title Wave Books, Treehouse Books

BES T BIKE SHOP

B E S T E L EC TRONI C S S TOR E

Fat Tire Cycles

421 Montano Rd. NE 505-345-9005 fattirecycles.com

he crew here is well-equipped to trouble-shoot bikes of all kinds to keep them rolling smooth and carefree. In addition to stellar maintenance, they also sell mountain bikes, road racers, bikes for kids, even custombuilt, high-end competition bicycles.

BEST OF THE REST:

The Bike Coop, High Desert Bicycles Inc, Sandia Cycles, Sport Systems

Baillio’s

5301 Menaul Blvd. NE 505-395-5611 baillios.com

he Baillio’s family empire was built up from a single television repair shop, to one of the region’s most trusted appliance and electronics retailers. To help make buying decisions, the big-screen TVs are set up with furniture, so you can grab a seat and experience them as you would at home. And there’s also a selection of the latest Apple computers and electronic products.

BEST OF THE REST:

Apple ABQ Uptown, Best Buy, ListenUP

B E S T C A S UA L J E W E L R Y S T O R E

Ooh! Aah! Jewelry

110 Amherst Dr. SE 505-265-7170 oohaahjewelry.com

ne of the first things you’ll notice is how the engagement and wedding rings here are wonderfully unique. The ladies rings feature intricate settings, rare diamond cuts, and exotic stones. For men, there are bands inlaid with antler (yes, deer antler), meteorite and turquoise. Plus there’s a wide selection of dainty (and affordable) gemstone jewelry.

BEST OF THE REST:

The Cinchy Cowgirl, Kendra Scott, Lilly Barrack, Silk Road Connection

B E S T FA S H I O N CO N S I G N M E N T S T O R E

B E S T G A MI NG A ND CO MI C B O OKS S TO R E

What Goes Around: A Consignment Boutique

Astro-Zombies

6200 Coors Blvd. NW plus 1 other metro location 505-898-9897 whatgoesaroundabq.com

he consignment process is easy here: just call and make an appointment, and then consult with staff when you arrive to set fair prices for your gently used goodies. Plenty of name brand clothes can be had here for bargain prices. And there’s a wide selection of shoes, jewelry, handbags and accessories.

BEST OF THE REST:

2 Time Couture (out of business), La Casa Bella, My Best Friend’s Closet (out of business), Your Other Closet

3100 Central Ave. SE 505-232-7800 astrozombies.com

f comic books were a trading stock, it would be one that just ticks gently upward in value every year. In that scenario, the stock exchange trading floor in ABQ would be this hip retailer in the heart of Nob Hill. The bins are filled with comics, from vintage to brand-new—and they’ll even give you fair prices to buy yours. Plus, there’s also a wall of action figures (Christmas gifts for the kids, anyone?), and one of the biggest vinyl record collections in the city.

BEST OF THE REST:

Age of Comics, Gamers Anonymous, Red Planet Books & Comics, Twin Suns

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BES T GIF T SHOP

The Perfect Gift... Shoppe

901 Rio Grande Blvd. NW, Ste. D-126 505-243-6968 theperfectgiftshoppe.com

f there’s one thing about this North Valley shop, it’s that the items sold here are unlikely to be on shelves anywhere else in the city. The unique pieces have personalities to match those you will be gifting them to, like jewelry, men’s accessories, art and sculptures.

BEST OF THE REST:

Duran’s Central Pharmacy, Sarabande Home, Scojo’s, Spur Line Co.

B E S T H E A L T H FO O D S T O R E

BES T GUN SHOP

Vitamin Cottage Natural Grocers

Calibers

4420 Wyoming Blvd. NE plus 1 other metro location 505-292-7300 naturalgrocers.com

healthy lifestyle starts with produce, and here the selections are all fresh, organic and non-GMO. This national chain started as a door-to-door sales operation in 1955, and that personal attention is still part of their retail philosophy. In-store nutritional health coaches can help you find the right vitamins or dietary supplements, and occasional guest presenters come in to talk about their experiences in finding good health through food and vitamins.

BEST OF THE REST:

Keller’s Farm Stores, La Montanita Co-op, Sprouts Farmers Market, Whole Foods Market

B E S T HOB B Y S TOR E

Hip Stitch

2320 Wisconsin St. NE 505-821-2739 hipstitchabq.com

f you’ve ever been curious about learning how to sew, quilt or embroider, this is the spot for you. They offer classes for all levels of aspiring crafters. And for those with more experience, you can get all your fabrics, needles, patterns and other supplies here, and even have your sewing machine serviced or scissors sharpened by on-site experts.

BEST OF THE REST:

Artisan, Hobby Proz, Mama’s Minerals, Quilt Works

4340 Cutler Ave. NE plus 1 other metro location 505-800-5103 calibersusa.com

ven newcomers feel welcome here, with fun options like a virtual-target shooting range (live ammo, video targets) and bowling pin shoots (yes, fire at real bowling pins and keep score). For the serious shooter, there’s a wide selection of sporting and home-defense firearms, plus an on-site gunsmith for repairs or customizations. They also sell gun safes, ammo and accessories, and offer the city’s widest range of safety instruction (including private or ladies-only classes).

BEST OF THE REST:

Los Ranchos Gun Shop, Right to Bear Arms, Rio Rancho Armory, Ron Peterson Firearms LLC

B E S T GRO CER Y S TOR E

B E S T HO M E CONS I G NM EN T S TOR E

Sprouts Farmers Market

La Casa Bella at the Promenade

5600 Coors Blvd. NW plus 5 other metro locations 505-355-3850 sprouts.com

n short, this chain is something of a food wonderland. The butcher and seafood shops are teeming with fresh and appealing selections. The produce and fruit aisles carry perfectly ripe items, and even feature live herb plants yearround. The house brand items are inexpensive and mindfully sourced, and the wine and beer list is curated to include both popular and intriguing labels. Now if you’ll excuse us, we just got in the mood to head home and start dinner.

BEST OF THE REST:

5200 Eubank Blvd. NE, Ste. 11 505-292-5344 la-casa-bella-at-the-promenade.business.site

arning: entering this store means you’ll absolutely fall in love with several items. But don’t worry, even if your budget is a step behind, they offer a layaway plan for up to 30 days. The inventory tends to lean toward luxury and eclectic furniture, which are taken in on consignment daily, which means the floor is always filled with fresh items.

BEST OF THE REST:

A Few Old Things, ET Cetera, Furniture on Consignment, Your Other Closet

Albertsons, Smith’s, Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods Market

BES T HOME FURNISHING S

Ethan Allen

12521 Montgomery Blvd. NE 505-291-9494 ethanallen.com

he chain is a true American icon, having launched with a single Vermont factory in the 1930s. Today, the brand continues to use only American materials and labor. The craftsmanship comes through in the mahogany, walnut, birch and oak finishes, and in the stylish furniture for your bedroom, patio or home office.

BEST OF THE REST:

American Home Furniture, Ashley Furniture Homestore, La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries, TEMA Contemporary Furniture

BEST H O U S E WA R E S S T O R E

Now We’re Cooking

8100 Wyoming Blvd. NE, Ste. F1 505-857-9625 nowwerecookingabq.com

ho doesn’t love a good kitchen gadget? This shop is filled with everything to make your life easier (and more fun) in that happy triangle between the stove, fridge and sink.

BEST OF THE REST:

At Home, Home Goods, Sarabande Home, Williams Sonoma

BES T LOCA L E YEGL A SS SHOP

B E S T M A NLY S TOR E

Blink

Cabela’s

201 Slate Ave. NW 505-247-3463 blinknm.com

long time ago, in a strip mall far, far away, this is how eyecare was handled: personal attention, regular eye exams, frames fitted in-house, complete contact lens service. And why not? The staff at Blink is trained to treat each customer like there are no others, and that approach has helped Dr. Alissa Irons grow her Downtown practice.

BEST OF THE REST:

Albuquerque Vision Care, Casey Optical, Eye Associates, Perfect Care Optical Shop

5151 Lang Ave. NE 505-336-2700 cabelas.com

his sprawling outdoor store is so complete that the following scenario is entirely possible: they’ll sell you a gun and ammo, plus camping and camo gear, and then tools to process your harvested animal, then a giant cooler to age your meat, then a meat grinder and casing to make it into sausage, and finally, a grill and BBQ tools so you can stand over the flames and cook your game. It doesn’t get any man-lier than that.

BEST OF THE REST:

Charlie’s Sporting Goods, Harbor Freight, Man’s Hat Shop, Suits Unlimited

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BES T NEW CA R DEA LERSHIP

Power Ford 1101 Montaño Rd. NE 505-225-7288 powerfordnm.com

ou’ve seen the photos on social media: when someone in ABQ buys a vehicle at Power Ford, they get to pose on the dealership’s courtesy Red Carpet with their new ride. And the photo setting isn’t the only thing that’s VIP—each pre-owned vehicle gets a thorough inspection before joining the inventory. And the service, finance and sales departments have several employees who have been with the dealership for a decade or longer, and do their jobs with a customer-first philosophy and a smile.

BEST OF THE REST:

Fiesta Subaru, Perfection Honda, Rich Ford, Sandia BMW

B E S T NU TR I T I ON SHO P

Unleashed Sports Nutrition

2003 Southern Blvd. SE, Ste. 107, Rio Rancho plus 1 other metro location 505-892-4800 unleashedsportsnutrition.com

very body is different, and has different needs for diet and nutrition. The highly trained staff here understands that concept, and can help you achieve your goals, whether it’s weight loss or muscle building. They also carry products to help with joint relief and other ailments (and if those joints are just too stiff, they can even deliver to you).

BEST OF THE REST:

GNC, NutriShop, Peak Sports Nutrition, Vitamin Cottage Natural Grocers

BES T LOCA L GA RDEN CEN TER

B E S T P L A C E FO R A S H O P P I N G S P R E E

Jericho Nursery

ABQ Uptown

101 Alameda Blvd. NW 505-899-7555 jerichonursery.com

ver drive by houses with incredibly gorgeous yards, and wonder how you can do the same? You start by coming here. Jericho offers plants, trees and shrubs, sure, but you can extend the aesthetic beauty with their incredible selection of flagstone, pottery, metal ornaments, yard statues, you name it. And for those who are more utilitarian with their property, there’s plenty of seeds, fertilizer, yard tools—even starter kits for raising chickens.

BEST OF THE REST:

Alameda Greenhouse, Osuna Nursery, Plant World, Rehm’s Nursery

2200 Louisiana Blvd. NE 505-872-0263 simon.com

here’s something about the outdoor music piped through ABQ Uptown that makes you wanna shop and spend. And with a selection of ultra-modern retailers like WilliamsSonoma and the Apple Store, why not? There’s plenty of free parking (even an underground garage), plus lots of food options. Now, that’s something you won’t find at Amazon.com, right?

BEST OF THE REST:

Buffalo Exchange, Chile Traditions, Coronado Mall, Q Shoes

B E S T M O T O R C YCL E S H O P

Moto Authority

3702 Eubank Blvd. NE 505-503-7613 moto-authority.com

otorcycle shops are notorious for looking down on beginning riders. That’s not the case at Moto Authority, where owner Steve Caruso uses his vast biking knowledge to serve both veteran riders, and those with a fresh motorcycle endorsement on their driver’s licenses. The inventory consists of only pre-owned bikes, but they go through a rigorous inspection from the shop experts. Regular riders know that top performance from a motorcycle only comes from regular tune-ups—a specialty of the mechanics here. And if it’s accessories you need, there are plenty, from helmets and jackets, to gloves and riding apparel.

BEST OF THE REST:

Indian Motorcycles of Albuquerque, Lohman Inc., Sandia BMW, Thunderbird Harley-Davidson

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BES T USED CA R DEA LERSHIP

B E S T WE S TERN WE A R S TOR E

Houston Wholesale Cars

Dan’s Boots and Saddles

4718 Lomas Blvd. NE 505-255-5200 houstonwholesalecars.com

ll pre-owned cars are not created equally, which is why the team here sells only reliable models with low mileage. Also, any cars with slight dings or imperfections are fixed at the body shop before resale, so that each ride almost feels brand new by the time it hits their jam-packed lot. And after you’ve picked out your chariot, their crack finance team gets to work to find you the best loan options from among dozens of lenders.

BEST OF THE REST:

CarMax, Integrity Automotive, M & F Auto Sales, Valley Auto Sales

6903 4th St. NW, Los Ranchos de Albuquerque 505-345-2220 dansboots.com

his North Valley store indeed sells plenty of boots and saddles—but also so much more. The western lifestyle comes alive on the retail shelves here, from hats, belts and apparel, to ropes, gloves, tack and even feed for your horses. If you’re not a true cowboy or cowgirl, but just want to look the part, they’ve got you covered there, too, with snap-button shirts and fancy accessories. And for those who are no-nonsense about their boots, Dan’s carries quality brands like Justin, Tony Lama and Ariat.

BEST OF THE REST:

Big R, Boot Barn, Cavender’s, The Cinchy Cowgirl

B E S T T U X E D O R E N TA L S

B E S T S T O R E FO R M U S I C I A N S

Mr. Tux

Lesmen’s Pro Audio, Lighting, & Video

4900 Lomas Blvd. NE plus 1 other metro location 505-255-7463 mrtuxnm.com

or more than half a century, Mr. Tux has made girls crazy ‘bout ABQ’s sharp-dressed men. The shop has more than 50 coat styles and combinations ready to be tailored for a perfect fit—and they’ll even throw in the free use of accessory jewelry. When the big day arrives, you’ll look like you stepped straight out of a ZZ Top music video.

BEST OF THE REST:

Ann Matthews Bridal, Forever Bridal, Men’s Wearhouse, Suits Unlimited

5413 Lomas Blvd. NE 505-268-2111 lesmens.com

wner Mark Padilla is a cornerstone of the local live music scene. His audio producing skills have helped numerous local artists to greater fame. Better still, he truly enjoys his role in keeping ABQ’s music alive and well. The huge shop sells instruments and sound gear, but also offers recording studio rental, sound mixing, even help in selling locally-produced tunes online. They also deal in pro-level video, both in retail sales and rentals, so when movie crews need extra gear, they come here.

BEST OF THE REST:

Baum’s Music, Guitar Center, Music Go Round, Robertson’s

B E S T U N D I S CO V E R E D G I F T S T O R E

The Grey Heron

9132 Montgomery Blvd. NE, Ste. A 505-377-5678 thegreyheronabq.com

t’s fair to say one of the silver linings of the pandemic lockdown is our renewed sense of crafts and artistry around the house. That’s right up the alley of this retailer, which specializes in paints, tools and stencils to update practically anything in your home, from furniture and doors, to jewelry, pillows and more. And if you’re not sure where to start, they also offer classes to help you find your inner Martha Stewart.

BEST OF THE REST:

Blue Portal, No Longer Wander, Pennysmiths Paper, Sweet Sparrow Market & Boutique

B E S T D E S I G NER J E WE L R Y S TOR E

Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry

2201 Q St. NE, Ste. #9F 505-208-4500 lmfj.com

hen this upscale, family-run jeweler opened in ABQ Uptown in 2018, it was certainly a big deal. Originating from Louisiana, this was the first location outside the South for this 11-store chain—and locals took to it immediately. The bling of engagement rings and wedding bands alone would make a shopper swoon, but the cases here are also filled with fine earrings, bracelets and necklaces from renowned brands, like David Yurman, plus Lee Michaels’ own collection. At this store, husbands tend to have just as much fun shopping as their wives, with a regal selection of luxury watches, like Rolex, TAG Heuer, and Patek Philippe. Also, there’s a trained watchmaker on staff, so timepiece repairs are always made on-site.

BEST OF THE REST:

Butterfield Jewelers, Enchanted Jewelers, Harris Jewelers, Lilly Barrack

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BEST S P E C I A L T Y FO O D S T O R E

Eurozone Food Distributors

3700 Osuna Rd. NE, #515 505-980-2648 eurozonefoodsnm.com

hink of the Asian and Middle Eastern food selection at Talin Market. That’s similar to what this importer offers for European products and ethnic foods. You can find everyday items like pickled beets (to make Ukrainian borscht) or sour cabbage leaves (to make the Polish stuffed rolls known as golabki). Plus, the seafood market here carries fresh catch that’s hard to find in ABQ, like swordfish, yellowfin tuna, and caviar. Then there’s the unmatched, creamy goodness of European chocolates. No passport needed.

BEST OF THE REST:

La Montanita Co-Op, Southwest Grape and Grain, Talin Market, Whole Foods Market

B E S T P L A C E T O B U Y A WA TC H

BES T PROD UCT MADE LOCA LLY

Bella Diamonds and Watches

Paixão Essentials

7200 Menaul Blvd. NE 505-884-1024 belladiamondsandwatches.com

hey say sales of luxury personal items went up during the pandemic. You can shake off your FOMO at Bella, where the inventory includes plenty of pre-owned, high-end watches, with brands like Rolex, TAG Heuer, Breitling, Cartier, Panerai and Omega. You can also get fair prices if you’re looking to sell your timepiece—and good service if you’re looking for repairs.

BEST OF THE REST:

Dillards, Harris Jewelers, Mati, Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry

1100 San Mateo Blvd. NE, #28 505-266-6950 paixaobeautybar.com

he team at the elegant Paixáo Nail and Beauty Bar go to great effort to ensure their guests are pampered and satisfied. The same effort goes into their line of Essentials by Paixáo, which includes quality self-care products like body lotion, hand soap, scrubs and creams. And the prices are attractive, too.

BEST OF THE REST:

Buffett’s Candies/Popcorn Cannery Green Chile Popcorn, Enchanted Sugar Cookies, Los Poblanos Lavender Products, New Mexico Piñon Coffee Co.

B E S T S POR T I NG G O OD S S TOR E

REI

1550 Mercantile Ave. NE 505-247-1191 rei.com

o matter the season, temperature or weather, there’s a sport that’s in full swing—and this store is always at the ready. REI stocks everything from tents and camping gear, to winter apparel, to mountain bikes, to backpacks, to pre-packaged food that will accompany you on outdoor adventures. And speaking of outdoors, a few Saturdays each year they turn their parking lot into a showroom for deeply-discounted items, making the bargain hunters practically giddy with excitement.

BEST OF THE REST:

Cabela’s, Charlie’s Sporting Goods, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Sportsman’s Warehouse

B E S T S E CO N D - H A N D S T O R E

Assistance League of Albuquerque Thrift Shop

5211 Lomas Blvd. NE 505-265-0443 assistanceleague.org/albuquerque

his is bargain shopping done right. The sprawling shop has numerous specialty sections, including a high-end men’s wardrobe area, and retro/ vintage racks for men and women. Also, since seasonal items are so popular, there’s a separate Program Room for holiday stuff that rotates items throughout the year.

BEST OF THE REST:

Animal Humane Thrift Shop, Buffalo Exchange, Savers, Thrift Town

BES T SHOE SHOP

Dillards

2100 Louisiana Blvd. NE, #155 plus 1 other metro location 505-883-5900 dillards.com

he selection is enormous, from running and casual shoes, to heels and fashion boots. And if you’ve never been to their madhouse annual January 1 sale, we’ve got three words that will jump-start your new year in a big way: Fifty. Percent. Off.

BEST OF THE REST:

Designer Shoe Warehouse, Sketchers, Q Shoes, Terra Firma

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BES T LOCA L ATHLE TE

Sergio Rivas NM United

he Cibola High Grad was the state’s soccer player of the year in 2014 before heading off to play at Seattle University. He was signed by the hometown United last December, and the 2021 season marked his third as a pro. Teammates and fans recognize the midfielder as a leader on the field and in the community, participating in soccer clinics for kids across the state.

BEST OF THE REST:

Alex Bregman, Holly Holm, Jon Jones, Mariah Duran

BES T BLOGGER

New Mexico Foodie in Fashion @newmexicofoodie_in_fashion

elissa-Lou Ellis has done what many Millennials dream of: she turned her passion for social media into a successful career. While working on film and movie sets as an assistant, Ellis began posting Top 5 lists about New Mexico. Her posts gained traction, companies noticed, and soon she was managing social media accounts for national hotel chains. Now her followers on Instagram and Influenster both number above 10K—and continue to grow.

BEST OF THE REST:

Albuquerque Mom’s Blog, Ale Hickman, Dark Side Brew Crew, Style My Bonez

BES T B USINESS OWNER

Joe Maez The Joe Maez Group (505) 515-1719

hile working for Pulte Homes, Joe Maez learned that he loved selling houses. In fact, he was twice honored as the company’s top nationwide salesperson. But he always sought improvement. “I used to tell my boss about ideas, how to be more efficient,” says Maez. “He would just tell me, ‘Well, when you have your own company…’” After seven years at Pulte, Maez departed to indeed form his own real estate company. And in 2020, The Maez Group grew to become the city’s top volume producer, selling $144 million worth of homes. Not bad for a kid from Rio Arriba County, who once tended bar at his family’s saloon in Española, and used to sell his hand-carved wooden crosses to tourists in Old Town. That business sense was honed at UNM, where Maez earned a degree in entrepreneurial studies from the Anderson School of Management. It was after a deployment to Iraq (he was an Army reservist) that Maez became a real estate agent. Today, he employs 8 real estate brokers at his company, which also employs his wife, Rosie, and his parents. “Part of the secret sauce for me is my staff,” says Maez. “I try to make sure we take care of everybody.”

BEST OF THE REST:

Dr. Alissa Irons (Blink), Dorothy and Larry Rainosek (Frontier Restaurant), Denise and Randy Baker (Rio Bravo Brewing Co.), Dipo Alam (Paleta Bar)

B E S T CO L U M N I S T

Joline Gutierrez Krueger Albuquerque Journal

n old mantra says newspaper reporters are doing their job when they’re afflicting the comfortable, and comforting the afflicted. Gutierrez Krueger certainly doles out a bit of both through her front-page column in our city’s daily newspaper. The talented columnist has been honing her writing skills since an early age—she was on the yearbook staff at Albuquerque High School.

BEST OF THE REST:

D’Val Westphal (Albuquerque Journal), Geoff Grammer (Albuquerque Journal)

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BEST OF THE CIT Y 2021

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B E S T A L B U Q U E R Q E A N WH O M A D E I T B I G

Jeff Bezos

ot everyone knows the Amazon founder (sometimes known as “The Richest Man In The World”) was indeed born in ABQ, and his adoptive father graduated from UNM. But the part of the story we all know is Bezos’ genius plan of selling books over the internet, which led to Amazon then selling everything—and we mean everything—online. Even though Elon Musk has nudged ahead of Bezos in net worth, his fortune is still close to $200 billion.

BEST OF THE REST:

Alex Bregman, Holly Holm, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Neil Patrick Harris

B E S T L O CA L A C TOR

Neil Patrick Harris

here is no part of showbiz that hasn’t been conquered by the La Cueva High School alum. He headlined the feature film “Clara’s Heart” when he was only 13 (earning a Golden Globe nomination), then went on to TV stardom on shows like “Doogie Howser, M.D.,” and “How I Met Your Mother.” He then took his talents to Broadway, where his many credits include starring in (and later directing) the production of Rent. He’s also the smoothest host of his generation, having handled those duties at the Tony, Emmy and Academy awards shows. For good measure, Harris also won both an Emmy and a Tony award.

BEST OF THE REST:

Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Lauren Poole, Leah Clark, Phil Shortell

BES T LOCA L A U THOR

Alexandra Sanchez

rowing up in ABQ, Sanchez loved reading children’s books, like those from the Berenstain Bears and Goosebumps series. When her daughter, Okelani, was born with cerebral palsy, Sanchez realized there were no children’s books with disabled characters—so this past year, she wrote one. “I wanted to raise some disability awareness to kids, because a lot of kids aren’t taught about disabilities,” says Sanchez, 34. “That’s a good age to reach kids, to help them understand.” The book, titled “Okelani’s Enchanted Wheelchair Space Bound!,” is about a girl in a wheelchair who has a spell cast on her by a fairy, which transforms the wheelchair into a rocket ship that goes into space. Sanchez had never previously written a book, but says the endeavor paid off when she read it for Okelani’s classmates, who all wanted to take pictures with the book’s star. The book is sold online at Amazon, Target and Walmart, and Sanchez says a sequel is in the works.

BEST OF THE REST:

Darynda Jones, Hakim Bellamy, Joseph Badal, Lynn Blackwood

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BES T MORNING T V NEWS SHOW

KOAT, Ch. 7 Morning Show

he show fits seamlessly into our get-ready-for-work morning routine, giving us updates on overnight happenings, trends, and must-know news, plus updates on weather and traffic. Also, rather than just re-hashing last night’s news, this crew follows breaking events with live reports, and gives updates on school or road closures during the winter months.

BEST OF THE REST:

Morning Show (KRQE, Ch. 13), NM Style (KASA, Ch. 2), Morning Show (KOB, Ch. 4), Good Day New Mexico (KOB, Ch. 4)

BES T LOCA L IN VES TIGATI VE REPOR TER

B E S T L O CA L TO HA VE L UNCH W I TH

Larry Barker

Ron Bell

KRQE, Ch. 13

kay, here’s the honest truth: public officials quake in their cowboy boots when Barker shows up with a camera crew. That’s because he’s an old-school sleuth, and his presence means he’s probably uncovered all the dirt. He knows how to hunt down information, and his investigations have helped keep corruption and con artists in check in our state since the 1970s, earning him numerous awards and accolades along the way.

BEST OF THE REST:

Nancy Laflin (KOAT, Ch. 7), Colton Shone (KOB, Ch. 4), Chris Ramirez (KOB, Ch. 4)

Ron Bell Injury Lawyers

he legend of Bell took flight in ABQ in the 1970s when he moved here from his native Pennsylvania to put out his ‘personal injury attorney’ shingle. And he continues to make legions of new fans, thanks to his edgy TV commercials and his famous catchprase (“I’m Ron Bell, and I sue drunk drivers!”).

BEST OF THE REST:

Danielle Todesco (KOB, Ch. 4), Steve Stucker (KOB, Ch. 4), Tania Armenta (Visit ABQ), Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller

BES T T V PERSONA LI T Y

Tessa Mentus

KOB, Ch. 4

ore than just a newsreader, Mentus has a long track record of taking a deep dive into important stories—rare territory for an evening news anchor. You would expect nothing less from someone with broadcast journalism and political science degrees from Syracuse University, one of the country’s most renowned schools for producing journalists. Now you know why she always likes to ask those tough questions.

BEST OF THE REST:

Chad Brummet (KRQE, Ch. 13/KASA, Ch. 2), Mark Ronchetti (KRQE, Ch. 13), Royale Dá (KOAT Ch.7) Steve Stucker (KOB, Ch. 4)

BEST OF THE CIT Y 2021

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B E S T L O C A L T W I T T E R A C CO U N T

B E S T L O C A L I N S TA G R A M A C CO U N T

Albuquerque Business First

KOAT, Ch. 7

@ABQBizFirst

et’s face it, in this economy we all have an interest in the ups and downs of the business world. And no local outlet brings that news to the masses faster or better than tweets from Business First. Investors, developers, even corner-office dwellers all benefit from the site’s constant updating of biz news and trends.

BEST OF THE REST:

Albuquerque Police Department - @ABQPOLICE; Jackie, Tony and Donnie - @jtd1003; Orbit Isotopes Mascot - @Orbit_Isotopes; Mayor Tim Keller - @ MayorKeller

@koat7

heir 62,000+ followers are equally entertained by posts that are both silly (hippos) and serious (breaking news). And they might have cracked the secret to getting Boomers to follow their Insta feed: post about today’s weather, tomorrow’s weather, any weather.

BEST OF THE REST:

Instagrammers of ABQ @igersabq, Life Church Rio Rancho @lcriorancho, Rebel Donut @rebeldonut, Studio Canine @ studiocanineabq

BES T RADIO PERSONA LI T Y

BES T RADIO SHOW

Donnie Chase

JTD in the Morning

100.3 FM The Peak

t’s been suggested more than once that we rename this category the Donnie Chase Award, given that he’s won it almost every year since Best of the City launched in 2005. An ability to laugh, empathize and share personal stories has endeared Chase to listeners of the JTD in the Morning show. And here’s further proof that the Moriarity native always cares about the big picture: he recently announced that he’s leaving radio next year to become a teacher.

BEST OF THE REST:

Bob Clark (KKOB 96.3 FM), Chaz Malibu (Big 98.5 FM), Erica Viking (Coyote 102.5 FM), TJ Trout (KKOB 96.3 FM)

100.3 The Peak, @jtd1003

ere’s the thing: Jackie, Tony and Donnie really get along, and that chemistry is part of the reason their show is so popular. Even their disagreements are hilarious and heartfelt. This trio came together in 2003, and have lorded over this BOC category practically every year since. Jackie and Tony are married, and not shy about sharing both the flowers and thorns of their family life. Add in Donnie—who’s hilariously honest but also compassionate—and you become privy to a daily conversation that’s entertaining and enlightening.

BEST OF THE REST:

Chaz Malibu (Big 98.5 FM), Erica Viking & The Hoff (Coyote 102.5 FM), TJ Trout (KKOB 96.3 FM), Swami Rob (The 94 Rock Morning Show)

BES T NEWS A NCHOR

Shelly Ribando

KOAT, Ch. 7

oes anything rattle Ribando? Whether it’s breaking news, or technical mishaps during live reports, her delivery from the anchor desk is flawless and reassuring to viewers who have come to know and trust her since she began at KOAT in 2007. You can probably chalk that up to Ribando’s years of work as a reporter and producer in her native New York and Florida before moving to ABQ.

BEST OF THE REST:

Danielle Todesco (KOB, Ch. 4), Dean Staley (KRQE, Ch. 13), Doug Fernandez (KOAT, Ch. 7), Tessa Mentus (KOB, Ch. 4)

BES T ME TEOROLOGIS T

Steve Stucker KOB, Ch. 4

hether reporting on rain, snow or sleet, Stucker’s bright smile and sunny disposition always make it seem like everything’s gonna be just fine. He might be the state’s most recognizable person, partly because he’s been doing on-air weather for 30 years at the same TV station, and partly because he’s as friendly in person as he is on TV. Stucker is also well-known for his work with animal charities, and his annual presence at Balloon Fiesta (wearing his infamous balloon hat loaded with commemorative pins).

BEST OF THE REST:

Eddie Garcia (KOB, Ch. 4), Eric Green (KOAT, Ch. 7), Joe Diaz (KOAT Ch. 7), Mark Ronchetti (KRQE, Ch. 13)

BES T SPOR TS REPOR TER

Van Tate KRQE, Ch. 13

ate has the best job in the city, in our opinion. He’s a sports journalist, so he gets to attend all the games. He’s also a damn nice guy, so local waiters probably give him the best table at restaurants. Okay, envy aside, his TV stories shed a wonderful light on local athletes, and he gives his Friday night prep football round-up show as much energy and excitement as ESPN’s Sportscenter.

BEST OF THE REST:

Jared Chester (KRQE, Ch. 13), Lee Faria (KOB, Ch. 4)

B E S T L O C A L CO M I C

Lauren Poole

ou probably know her as ‘Lynette,’ the homegirl character from those hilarious “S**t Burqueños Say” videos that are all over the internet. But Poole is serious about her funny side. She graduated from UNM with a theater degree, and has been a founding member of local acting troupes. She’s also an accomplished bass player and vocalist, and has done voice-overs and appearances in TV commercials. Who’s laughing now?

BEST OF THE REST:

Benny Martinez, Nicolina Nicthe, Rusty Rutherford, Steven Michael Quezada

B E S T TA L K S H O W H O S T

Bob Clark

KKOB News Radio 96.3 FM

lark is a trained journalist with a hard-news background, so he always does his research and doesn’t fudge the facts. But the veteran broadcaster also understands that a room of 10 people will have 10 opinions, and he’s happy to provide a toughbut-fair forum for a wide variety of in-studio guests and callers. But on those occasions when he gets on a soap box, watch out.

BEST OF THE REST:

Jeff Siembieda (610 AM KNML), Jim Villanucci (KKOB 96.3 FM), J.J. Buck (610 AM KNML), TJ Trout (KKOB 96.3 FM)

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BEST OF THE CIT Y 2021

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BES T LOCA L POLI TICIA N

Brian Colón New Mexico State Auditor

t must be tough for constituents to truly see the real persona of a politician, but Colón makes it seem easy. The affable Valencia County native was seemingly born for a leadership role; he not only serves as our State Auditor, but has degrees in law and finance, and also devotes much of his personal time to charity and educational causes. And lest you think he’s all business, check out his fun use of social media that lets folks know what’s going on in our corner of the world.

BEST OF THE REST:

U.S. Secretary of the Interior Deborah Haaland, Rio Rancho Mayor Gregg Hull, New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham, Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller

B E S T V I S UA L A R T I S T

Nazario Sandoval @wemfer

is thank-you mural near Presbyterian Hospital (aimed at bringing attention to doctors, nurses and other medical personnel) was widely applauded as a galvanizing piece of art that helped give perspective to the pandemic. He also organized a downtown mural collage that brought together the work of dozens of artists in celebration of music icons.

BEST OF THE REST:

Dan Stouffer, Dale Ray Deforest, Paul Zepeda, Paulina Gwaltney

B E S T H U M A N I TA R I A N G R O U P

“A Light in the Night” Community Outreach 505-379-0013 alightinthenightnm.org

hough the problem of homelessness isn’t new, there seems to be a steadily growing wave of people whose efforts nonetheless make a difference. You can count Two Tone Grant among that wave. Having been homeless in Los Angeles, she has compassion for those experiencing the hardship, and decided to help. “I put out a box for supplies,” she says, “and the donations just started rolling in.” Sixteen years later, her nonprofit continues to grow in volunteers and donors, with the ongoing goal of providing essential daily supplies to those living on Albuquerque’s streets. Their website offers great insight on how to understand the issue of homelessness—and smart ways to get involved.

BES T REPOR TER

BEST OF THE REST:

ABQ Mutual Aid, Saranam, Senior Citizen Law Services, Transgender Resource Center

B E S T VO CA L IS T

Shane Wallin shanewallinmusic.com

his ABQ native has gone nationwide with his music. A gifted songwriter, Wallin combines thoughtful lyrics with a soulful voice (and his guitar) to bring his songs to life. Pre-COVID, he would typically do 250 to 300 live shows a year, including numerous dates at local restaurants and venues.

BEST OF THE REST:

Hillary Smith, Kyle Martin, Nathaniel Krantz, Rachel Ross

Chris Ramirez KOB, Ch. 4

s a kid, Ramirez remembers his father being an avid TV news watcher and reader of the daily newspaper, even as dad moved the family often to follow his Air Force career. “From an early age, I always remember Tom Brokaw and Peter Jennings,” says Ramirez, referring to two of America’s iconic network news anchors. As a college freshman, he says he knew he wanted to study broadcasting, which led to his degree from NMSU. For the past decade, KOB viewers have gotten used to Ramirez breaking important local news. He says the principles of journalism are what guide him each day. “The things I report on, the wrongs that I’m exposing, are so that hopefully we can find solutions,” he says. “I have a vested interest in making Albuquerque better. This is my home.”

BEST OF THE REST:

Chris McKee (KRQE Ch. 13), Justin Matthews (KOAT Ch. 7), Nancy Laflin (KOAT Ch. 7), Sasha Lenninger (KOAT Ch. 7)

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BEST OF THE CIT Y 2021

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BES T CA SINO CONCER T S ER I E S

Sandia Resort & Casino

30 Rainbow Rd. NE 505-796-7500 sandiacasino.com

picturesque and recently renovated outdoor amphitheater with a capacity of 4,000 attracts top-flight bands and performers from across the country. And during inclement weather, the acts are moved indoors to a 27,000-square-foot ballroom. Recent notable Sandia headliners included Foreigner, Pitbull, Boyz II Men, Little Big Town and the Steve Miller Band.

BEST OF THE REST: Isleta Resort & Casino, Route 66 Casino Hotel

B E S T C A S I N O E N T E R TA I N M E N T

B E S T C A S I N O E N T E R TA I N M E N T V E N U E

Sandia Resort & Casino

The Stage

30 Rainbow Rd. NE 505-796-7500 sandiacasino.com

here’s non-stop action at Sandia—even away from the gaming machines and tables. The enormous Tlur Pa Lounge sits prominently off the casino area, with seating for more than 200 people, a large dance floor, and a 25-foot hidefinition video board. Bien Shur offers a rooftop restaurant and bar, and there’s also poolside cocktail service in the warmer months.

BEST OF THE REST:

The Downs Racetrack & Casino, Isleta Resort & Casino, Route 66 Casino Hotel, Santa Ana Star Casino Hotel

( Santa Ana Star Casino Hotel)

54 Jemez Canyon Dam Rd., Santa Ana Pueblo 505-771-5680 thestageatthestar.com

he pandemic has kept this iconic venue closed, but re-opening plans are in the works. That’s good news, because this two-level, multi-million dollar venue is made for the bright lights. The Stage allows New Mexico guests to have an intimate view of well-known comedians such as Sinbad and Jim Breuer, and on weeks when the big names aren’t in town, The Stage holds what it calls “New Mexico’s Funniest Date Night” with live standup every Thursday. The venue is also versatile—it hosts EDM concerts, cabaret revues, musical tributes and dinner theater throughout the year.

BEST OF THE REST:

The Downs Racetrack & Casino, Isleta Resort & Casino, Route 66 Casino Hotel, Sandia Resort & Casino

Santa Ana Star Casino Hotel 54 Jemez Canyon Dam Rd., Santa Ana Pueblo 505-867-0000 santaanastar.com

BES T CA SINO BINGO

Isleta Resort & Casino 11000 Broadway Blvd. SE 505-724-3800 isleta.com

t pays—sometimes literally—to join the Star Rewards Club, a tiered rewards program that features cash discounts on dining, bowling and the gift shop. Membership also offers point multipliers redeemable for cash or free play, plus other specials, like holiday promotions and loyalty giveaways. Regulars here have figured out the secret: keep playing, because the rewards stack up quickly.

BEST OF THE REST:

hen the casino went through a renovation a few years ago, it added a new, 400-seat bingo hall, complete with extra comfy chairs, plenty of space, and access to food service.

Route 66 Casino Hotel, Sandia Resort & Casino, Santa Ana Star Casino Hotel

The Downs Reacetrack & Casino, Isleta Resort & Casino, Sandia Resort & Casino, Route 66 Casino Hotel

BES T CA SINO GIF T SHOP

B E S T C A S I N O VA L E T P R O G R A M

BES T CA SINO DEA LERS

Route 66 Casino Hotel

Isleta Resort & Casino

14500 Central Ave. SW 505-352-7866 rt66casino.com

here’s definitely a bit of nostalgia involved with the shopping experience here, as there are a multitude of gifts — T-shirts, trinkets, hats, signs, postcards and more — commemorating the famous Route 66 name. Even if you don’t make a purchase, there’s plenty of photo-ops to be had while surrounded by fun memorabilia.

BEST OF THE REST:

Isleta Resort & Casino, Sandia Resort & Casino, Santa Ana Star Casino Hotel

11000 Broadway Blvd. SE 505-724-3800 isleta.com

t’s easy to arrive like a king here, with a huge covered area with multiple valet lanes. Service is quick, and your cars are parked safely in a private lot by the attendants. The perk is complimentary (of course, we always like to give a tip). The best part? The gaming floor is just a few steps inside the door.

BEST OF THE REST:

The Downs Racetrack & Casino, Route 66 Casino Hotel, Sandia Resort & Casino, Santa Ana Star Casino Hotel

11000 Broadway Blvd. SE 505-724-3800 isleta.com

hen you’re winning on the roulette or blackjack table life seems great, no matter the surroundings. But when things aren’t going your way, Isleta’s dealers tend to make losing more bearable, thanks to the perfect blend of professionalism, service and—perhaps most importantly—a good sense of humor.

BEST OF THE REST:

The Downs Racetrack & Casino, Route 66 Casino Hotel, Sandia Resort & Casino, Santa Ana Star Casino Hotel

BES T CA SINO BA R

Center Bar

( Isleta Resort & Casino)

11000 Broadway Blvd. SE 505-724-3800 isleta.com

ituated in the middle of all the casino action, the Center Bar, known for its unique circular design, is a great place to enjoy a beer or cocktail while people-watching. The service is prompt and courteous, and there are even a few gaming machines to play while you imbibe. Pro tip: It’s also an ideal rendezvous point for large groups to meet up after gambling to their hearts’ content.

BEST OF THE REST:

First Turn Lounge (The Downs Racetrack & Casino), 360 Degree Lounge (Route 66 Casino Hotel), Tlur Pa Lounge (Sandia Resort & Casino, Lounge 54 (Santa Ana Star Casino Hotel)

BEST OF THE CIT Y 2021

B E S T C A S I N O R E WA R D S P R O G R A M

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B E S T C A S I N O R E S TA U R A N T

BES T SLOT MACHINES

Juniper Steakhouse

Santa Ana Star Casino Hotel

(Santa Ana Star Casino) 54 Jemez Canyon Dam Rd., Santa Ana Pueblo 505-867-0000 santaanastar.com

ust like in Vegas, this casino features an upscale, fine-dining restaurant. And even better, Juniper lives up to its claim of “affordable elegance.” The reasonably-priced menu features hand-cut, dry-aged steaks, fresh seafood, and other culinary delights. The curated wine list features finer bottles, and the cocktails are hand-crafted. The venue also offers a special daily lunch menu, featuring signatures like their Prime Rib Dip.

BEST OF THE REST:

The Crown Room (The Downs Racetrack & Casino), Embers Steakhouse (Isleta Resort & Casino), Thunder Road Steakhouse & Cantina (Route 66 Casino Hotel), Bien Shur (Sandia Resort & Casino)

54 Jemez Canyon Dam Rd., Santa Ana Pueblo 505-867-0000 santaanastar.com

his marks 11 years straight that Santa Ana Star Casino Hotel has won this category. And it’s easy to see why: they offer more than 1,600 slot machines, all certified by Strictly Slots Magazine. And the variety is truly astounding, which helps keep things interesting as you search for your big payouts. Those seeking a more private experience can visit the high-limit room, where the increased bets mean the possibility of bigger wins.

BEST OF THE REST:

The Downs Racetrack & Casino, Isleta Resort & Casino, Route 66 Casino Hotel, Sandia Resort & Casino

B E S T VA R I E T Y O F TA B L E G A M E S

Route 66 Casino Hotel

14500 Central Ave. SW 505-352-7866 rt66casino.com

here’s plenty of additional excitement added to some of their standard table games (blackjack, poker, Pai Gow) by the option to make side bets, so even if you lose the hand, you can still capture some winnings. Plus, the dealers are always professional and friendly.

BEST OF THE REST:

Sandia Resort & Casino, Isleta Resort & Casino, Santa Ana Star Casino Hotel

BES T L ATE NIGH T CA SINO SNACKS

B E S T C A S I N O N I G H TCL U B

Isleta Resort & Casino

Triple Sevens Saloon

(Isleta Resort & Casino)

11000 Broadway Blvd. SE 505-724-3800 isleta.com

he newly renovated Food Court features a California favorite—Fatburger. The chain specializes in huge burgers, fries and shakes, all sure to ease your hunger from all those hours playing the slot machines here. The slick, modern food area also features a Panda Express and a New Mexican restaurant called Chile Ristra.

BEST OF THE REST:

The Downs Racetrack & Casino, Route 66 Casino Hotel, Sandia Resort & Casino, Santa Ana Star Casino Hotel

11000 Broadway Blvd. SE 505-724-3800 isleta.com

ith DJs spinning dance tunes and live musical acts several times per month, Triple Sevens is an ideal spot to break away from the buzz of the casino. Keep an eye out for fun weekly events, such as Latin Night, Lip Sync Battle and Karaoke. Also, the venue offers full menus for food, beer and cocktails.

Tlur Pa Lounge (Sandia Resort & Casino), The Stage (Santa Ana Star Casino Hotel)

B E S T CB D S H O P

The CBD Boutique

12501 Candelaria Road NE, Ste. E plus 4 other metro locations 505-295-3925 thecbdboutique.com

his shop was one of the nation’s first CBD retailers (they opened in 2015). Their knowledgeable staff stays up on the latest trends, whether it’s the science aspect (they sell tinctures of pure CBD, plus edibles) or the boutique appeal (the shop stocks pain creams, rubs and salves that are applied topically). And they offer a wide range of CBD products for pets.

BEST OF THE REST:

Los Ranchos CBD, Rio Grande Hemp, Sacred Garden, Seven Clover

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B E S T W E I G H T L O S S CL I N I C

BEST OF THE CIT Y 2021

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Weight Watchers 2010 Wyoming Blvd. NE plus 2 other metro locations 800-651-6000 weightwatchers.com

he nationwide program launched in 1963, but this isn’t your grandma’s weight loss plan, anymore. Innovations like a revamped points system (veggies and fish now count for zero points) and a smartphone app have made for a new generation of fans looking for guidance in getting trim.

BEST OF THE REST:

Bosque Aesthetics, Fit Medical Weight Loss, Holland Clinic, Optum Bariatrics

B E S T YO G A S T U D I O

B E S T CH IRO P R A C TOR

B E S T D A Y S PA

Blissful Spirits Hot Yoga

Beau Hightower

Betty’s Bath & Day Spa

4300 Paseo Del Norte Rd. NE plus 1 other metro location 505-688-7772 blissfulspirits.com

wner Melanie St. Georges teaches some of the classes herself, and is a proponent of the Barkan method of hot yoga (which incorporates a wider range of postures, and avoids any poses that require locking the knee). But the classes here come in all varieties, including many virtual sessions that grew out of necessity, due to the pandemic.

BEST OF THE REST:

Mi Vida Yoga, Unwind, Vivify Hot Yoga, Yogazo

Elite OSM 5701 Carmel Ave. NE Plus 1 other metro location elite-osm.com

ightower built his ABQ chiropractic office by treating fighters at Jackson-Wink Academy. He’s now arguably the most renowned chiropractor in the world, with 1.6 million YouTube followers who love watching videos of him treating pro athletes, MMA fighters, rappers, actors and celebrities. Fun fact: a hammer and ‘chisel’ are part of his technique.

BEST OF THE REST:

Brad Walters, Bradley Maestas, Dr. Damian Cata, Nick Speegle

f you’re looking to pamper someone, this is the spot you send them. This North Valley spa has been refreshing weary bodies for two decades with specialty offerings, like scalp massages, sugar hand scrubs, and hot tub soaks in skin-rejuvenating salt water. You can even take a bit of the spa home with Betty’s brand of essential oils, lotions and scrubs.

BEST OF THE REST:

The Back Porch Day Spa, Green Reed Spa, Pure Radiance Advanced Skin Care, The Remedy Day Spa

B E S T FI T N E S S CL A S S

BES T ES THE TICIA N

Republiq

Amanda Medina

6300 San Mateo Blvd. NE, Q 505-341-4269 republiqnm.com

usband-and-wife owners Reece and Noelle Killebrew are wellknown fitness entrepreneurs, having owned other ABQ gyms before launching Republiq in 2019. This ultra-modern gym typically offers six classes a day, some as early as 5:15 a.m. or as late as 7:15 p.m. The sessions typically feature kettlebells, kickboxing, weights, treadmills, and more, but the focus of Reece and his team of trainers is always the same: to get you in shape.

BEST OF THE REST:

1835 Candelaria Rd. NW 505-341-3456 bettysbath.com

Athlete Ready, Blissful Spirits, Crossfit Petroglyph, Sports & Wellness

Halo Med Spa 203 Rio Grande Blvd. NW 505-433-4043 halomedspaabq.com

edina is the founder and lead esthetician at Halo Med Spa, which she launched in 2017 after working for more than a decade as a medical professional. Her team operates a diverse clinic that treats almost anything a human body needs tending to: chemical peels, Botox, hair removal (or restoration), vein therapy, even spray tans.

BEST OF THE REST:

Conrad Sanchez, Jordynn Lovato, Kasey Serrano, Kristin Near

BES T DISPENSA RY

B E S T H O T E L S PA

Verdes Foundation

Tamaya Mist

at Hyatt Regency Tamaya

7301 San Antonio Dr. NE plus 1 other metro location 505-589-3447 verdesfoundation.org

1300 Tuyuna Trail, Santa Ana Pueblo 505-867-1234 tamaya.regency.hyatt.com

o-owner Rachael Speegle is a trained nurse, which should tell you that the operation here is geared toward the health and wellness of its cannabis patients rather than just sales. In fact, there are several nurses on staff at Verdes, which is one of the largest cannabis operations in the state. The business began serving patients in 2010, and has expanded to a second dispensary in Rio Rancho. Both locations carry an expansive line of flowers, edibles, concentrates and accessories.

BEST OF THE REST:

Everest, R. Greenleaf, Sacred Garden, Urban Wellness

he clientele at Tamaya routinely includes actors and celebrities, in town to shoot movies or perform concerts. They tend to love the spa’s diverse offerings of facials and massages, such as the stress-relieving sessions via the Japanese Reiki technique. Locals also indulge here, utilizing the state-of-the-art exercise equipment, and the relaxation lounge, which offers goodies like fruit, and chile-infused chocolate.

Green Reed Spa (Sandia Resort & Casino), The Spa (Isleta Resort & Casino)

BES T MA SSAGE THERA PIS T

Tavia R. Schwartz, LMT

2921 Carlisle Blvd. NE, Ste. 200-I 505-203-4516 musclesurfing.com

chwartz is ABQ’s go-to massage pro for actors, singers and touring bands who pass through town, thanks to her years of networking that began when she started working in the local film industry in 2003. “Working as an extra and stand-in on movie sets for quite a few years, I got to know a lot of people,” says Schwartz. In addition to providing deep-tissue work on actors and crew members after a hard day on set, she also provides a mobile service of neck and body massages for local offices.

BEST OF THE REST:

Niki Feldman, Jessica Music, Veronica Castillo (athleteready.com), Shonna Caddell (Pure Radiance Advanced Skin Care)

B E S T H E A L T H CL U B

BES T A LTERNATI VE WELL NESS PRACTICE

Sports & Wellness

Saumya Ayurveda Wellness Expert

4100 Prospect Ave. NE plus 4 other metro locations 505-888-4811 wellbridge.com/sports-and-wellness/

ith five locations, this chain has the city covered. The workout areas feature plenty of free weights and machines, plus they offer racquetball and basketball courts at many of their locations. The focus is to treat customers more like VIPs by offering towel service, on-site massages, even child care. And there’s plenty of daily group sessions for yoga, pilates, cycling and other fitness endeavors.

BEST OF THE REST:

Chuze Fitness, Defined Fitness, Jewish Community Center, YMCA

4436 Corrales Rd. 612-743-4289 saumya-ayurveda.com

yurveda is an ancient healing approach with roots in India that date back centuries. The founder of Saumya, Veena Haasl-Blilie, is a trained practitioner with 30 years of experience. Her services include massage and meditation, plus consultation on diet and wellness.

BEST OF THE REST:

Beyond Health, Elite MD, Precision Chiropractic, Zentral Wellness

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BEST OF THE CIT Y 2021

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BES T HA IR SA LON

Casa Verde Salon Spa 5113 Comanche Rd. NE 505-881-0464 casaverdesalonspa.com

he family business recently marked their 50th year in operation, and co-owner Donna Rodrigue says change has been the key to their longevity. “In the beauty industry, you have to change and adapt,” says Rodrigue, whose parents, Don and Barbara Maestas, founded the salon. “We’ve always been flexible, resilient and up-to-date on trends.” Casa Verde designates stylists based on their skill/training level—then offers a quick survey for new guests to see which stylist is the best match. The salon also provides free consultations, so clients get an accurate feel for time, cost, and expectations.

BEST OF THE REST:

Femme Chic Beauty, Glow Up Hair Studio, Mark Pardo Salon and Spa, Tijeras Hair Co.

BES T MA KEUP A RTIS T

Leslie Baca

Tijeras Hair Co. 505-255-5544 @tijerashairsalon

aca started building her makeup credibility at a young age. “I was 14 when I did makeup for my first wedding,” says Baca, who applied makeup to the bride, who was a family member. “Doing makeup was a passion of mine my entire life.” She’s been at Tijeras Hair Co. for seven years, and says she’s constantly looking at YouTube and Instagram posts to get new ideas. “In these days of ‘influencers,’ it’s important to stay on top of what’s happening in social media,” says Baca.

BEST OF THE REST:

Ashlynne Padilla, Genica Lee, Jacqueline Chavez

BES T NA IL SA LON

B E S T TA N N I N G S A L O N

Paixão Nail & Beauty Bar

Suncare Spray Tan and Skin Care Salon

1100 San Mateo Blvd. NE, Ste. 28 505-266-6950 paixaobeautybar.com

he pandemic saw salons and beauty shops double down on health safety and cleanliness. But Paixáo was already dedicated to having the most sanitized and hygienic environment. Case in point: each client gets new files and buffers for manicures and pedicures, while all metal implements are sterilized after each use. Be sure to try the revolutionary steaming hot towel service for pedicures, which includes three soothing massages with high-quality hand made products.

BEST OF THE REST:

Clawed Up Nail Studio, Cute.icle Lounge, Glam Nail Bar, Pampered and Pretty

9370 Coors Blvd. NW #200 plus 2 other metro locations 505-897-7520 suncareabq.com

he options to fortify your skin’s glow are numerous at this salon, which launched in 1985. In addition to traditional tanning beds (they have more than 50), Suncare also offers spray tanning, skin treatments, a hydration steam pod, and the FIT Bodywrap, which helps with musclerelated injuries, calorie burning, and toxin release.

BEST OF THE REST:

MaddTan, Solarius, Sun And Tan, Sun in a Million

B E S T TA T T O O A R T I S T

Eddie Gutierrez

Archetype Tattoo 2019 Menaul Blvd. NE 505-265-0972 archetypetattoo.com

utierrez had always wanted to be a tattoo artist, even during his 14 years in the mortgage business. Then the 2008 housing bust came along. “I was like, ‘This is my chance. I’m going to follow my dream,’” said Gutierrez. So he quit his job at age 32, and shared his plan with tattoo artist Ben Shaw, who had done all of Gutierrez’ tattoos. Shaw gave him an apprenticeship and a spot on the Archetype team. “I like being creative and seeing people happy with the job I do,” says Gutierrez. “I believe this is something I’m going to keep doing until I can’t anymore.”

BEST OF THE REST:

Anna Bjugstad (Poisoned Apple Ink), Ben Shaw (Archetype Tattoo), Bale (John) Sisneros (Por Vida Tattoo), Tyson Gonzales (Cellar Door)

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BEST OF THE CIT Y 2021

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B E S T M E D I C A L S PA

Alluraderm

9501 Paseo Del Norte NE, Ste. B 505-821-9630 alluraderm.com

he spa utilizes state-of-the-art techniques to enhance beauty, health and appearance without invasive surgery. They are the state’s top volume provider of Botox, and also use other products to shape, fill, contour and sculpt those parts of our bodies that we feel could, well, use a little improvement. The highly-trained team here also uses both laser and non-laser treatment for hair and skin care.

BEST OF THE REST:

Bair Med Spa, Bosque Aesthetics, Elite MD, Halo Med Spa

B E S T YO G A I N S T R U C T O R

B E S T PER S ONA L TR A I NER

Donna Marlow

Kelly Carpenter

Blissful Spirits Hot Yoga plus 1 other metro location 4300 El Pueblo Rd. NE 505-688-7772 blissfulspirits.com

arpenter has been teaching pilates in ABQ for 20 years, and has taken the exercise to a new level with her Pilates Caliente classes, which are conducted in a heated room for maximum effect.

BEST OF THE REST:

Mark Morgenstern, Freddy Sandoval, Reece Killebrew, Roman Escandon

B E S T TA T T O O S H O P

Archetype Tattoo

2019 Menaul Blvd. NE 505-265-0972 archetypetattoo.com

attoos are serious stuff at this Midtown establishment. Owner Ben Shaw’s shop is host to several artists with years of individual experience in the industry—evident by the samples of intricate work hanging from each of their cubicles. Safety is also key here: Shaw is versed in blood-borne pathogens, CPR and first aid, and also co-founded the state’s Guild of Ethical Tattooists, an organization designed to raise awareness and safety standards for body art.

BEST OF THE REST:

Cellar Door, Por Vida, Star Tattoo, True Grit

Blissful Spirits Hot Yoga 4300 El Pueblo Rd. NE plus 1 other metro location 505-688-7772 blissfulspirits.com

arlow’s story tells you her level of dedication to her craft: she worked for years as a professional fundraiser, then in 2014 she quit her job to move to Las Vegas to undertake an intensive yoga teacher training program to become a RYT (Registered Yoga Trainer) through the Yoga Alliance.

BEST OF THE REST:

Ashley Ghattas, Denise Gonzales, Lisa Kehoe, Melora Lager

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B E S T H A I R S T YL I S T/ C O L O R I S T

Christi Montoya 6300 San Mateo Blvd. NE, Ste. Q 505-341-4269 @christihairabq

ontoya has turned her lifelong passion for beauty into a thriving business called Christi Hair. “I’ve always been into hair, makeup and nails, ever since I was a little girl,” she says. “My friends would come over and I would do makeovers on all of them.” That led to cosmetology school, and then many years working in salons. She opened her own studio in January of 2020, just as the pandemic arrived, which slowed everything to a crawl before business picked back up. This January, she’ll be moving her business to a new location on the Westside, with plans to name the new salon The Suite Life.

BEST OF THE REST:

Amanda Jones, Ashley Jinzo, Chris Valdez, Eric Rico

BES T BA RBERSHOP

The Barberologist Lounge

6600 Indian School Rd. NE 505-718-9697 barberologist.com

ith the continuing trend of men being more hirsute, this place is perfectly suited to keep the growth tamed. They offer beard trimming, face shaving, even old-school scissor haircuts. If you need even more refined services, they also offer facial treatments, face massages and hair coloring. And you can even book your appointment online.

BEST OF THE REST:

EDo’s Barbershop, Essentials Barber Boutique, Finesse Barber Studio, Top Tier Barber Shop

BES T KID S’ HA IRCU T

The Barberologist Lounge 6600 Indian School Rd. NE, Ste. A 505-718-9697 barberologist.com

wner Rachel Romero says she’s perfectly comfortable finding ways to keep antsy kids in the barber chair. “The younger ones, from 1 to 3, they start moving around after a few minutes, so I give them items to fiddle with, or videos to watch on an iPad,” says Romero, who opened her classicallyappointed Uptown shop three years ago. She says most of her young customers are kids of her adult clientele—they see the pampering (which includes a session with the electric back and neck massager) and want some, too.

BEST OF THE REST:

Alison The Barber, Kidz Place Haircuts & More, Shear Madness, Top Knots

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BEST OF THE CIT Y 2021

164

BES T PRESCHOOL

BES T SUMMER CA MP

Paradise Hills Community Preschool

¡Explora!

5976 Avenida La Barranca Cr. NW 505-898-3122 phcp.org

he Westside school operates as a co-op, with ownership and stewardship in the hands of parents whose children are currently enrolled. The doors have been open since 1966, and today’s curriculum is set up so that kids can draw from a variety of themes to promote cognitive, emotional and creative learning.

BEST OF THE REST:

Covenant School, Escuela Del Sol Montessori, Noah’s Ark Children’s Academy, Shining Stars

ids sometimes forget that they’re in camp here, because they’re having such a blast. This Old Town interactive science center has day programs for kids up to 5th grade, creating immense fun out of subjects like robotics, math, technology, art and more. They also have spring and winter camps, and even offer financial assistance so that everyone can enjoy and learn.

BEST OF THE REST:

Bosque School Summer Camp, Hold Applause Productions, Sports & Wellness-Blast Camp, Vogue Athletics

B E S T K I D S ’ B I R T H D A Y PA R T Y P L A C E

B E S T S TOR Y T I M E

Jungle Jam

Cherry Hills Library

9227 Coors Blvd. NW 505-200-2345 junglejamplay.com

wners JD and Rania Lopez know what it takes to entertain kids—their two young tykes were the inspiration for Jungle Jam, a local concept that combines obstacle courses, trampolines and other play areas with an arcade and cafe. Plus, there’s a padded area for toddlers, and socks for adult spectators.

BEST OF THE REST:

Cool Springz Trampoline Park, Explora, Hinkle Family Fun Center, Main Event

1701 Mountain Rd. NW 505-600-6072 explora.us

6901 Barstow St. NE 505-857-8321 abqlibrary.org

egular children story hours are popular at this city library branch. In fact, there’s quite a dedication to making the public library welcoming for kids: there’s a designated children’s area, plus a restroom just for kids.

BEST OF THE REST:

Anderson-Abruzzo Albuquerque International Balloon Museum, Bookworks, Playbox

BES T DAY CA RE

B E S T K I D S ’ CL A S S E S

Covenant Schools

Albuquerque Institute of Music

7120 Wyoming Blvd. NE, #19A plus 1 other metro location 505-856-5493 covenantschools.com

he school has been helping care for ABQ tots for more than 20 years, and even has programs for infants. Teachers are also certified in infant and pediatric first aid and CPR, plus many of them have degrees in early childhood education. Programs include reading, physical education and dance. Also, parents can check in on their kids’ day in real-time using the smartphone app Brightwheel (you might remember it from TV’s “Shark Tank,” where dads/investors Mark Cuban and Chris Sacca scooped it up).

BEST OF THE REST:

Escuela Del Sol Montessori, La Luz Early Childhood Development, La Petite Academy, La Puerta De Los Ninos

8804 Washington St. NE, Ste. G 505-657-1971 albuquerqueinstituteofmusic.com

he programs here are geared for kids as young as four years old, and can be done via Zoom or Skype. And for those tykes with shorter attention spans, they offer shorter, 30-minute lessons. Instruments include piano, guitar, violin, ukulele—even voice lessons. And during their summer camps, students can learn about blues, music composition, or music theory. (And here’s a little secret: they also offer lessons to adults.)

BEST OF THE REST:

Athlete Ready, Dimensions School of Dance, Magnify Dance Center, Vogue Athletics

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B E S T TO Y S TOR E

Grayskull Toys and Collectibles 10000 Coors Bypass NW 505-835-5350 eterniapower.com

he store is an extension of owner Antonio Duran’s passion: collecting vintage toys. “When I started the store (in 2019), about half of the items I put on the shelves were from my personal collection,” says Duran. The shop specializes in nostalgic toys from the 70s, 80s, and 90s, like GI Joe dolls, Nintendo play consoles, Ninja Turtle items, and Hot Wheels, and will also buy your vintage toys. “We’re letting people relive their childhood through toys,” says Duran.

BEST OF THE REST:

Astro Zombies, Bricks & Minifigs, Color Wheel Toys, What Goes Around Kids

B E S T FA M I L Y R E S TA U R A N T

Tomato Cafe

7900 San Pedro Dr. NE 505-821-9300 tomatocafe.com

he self-serve Italian food selections include pizza, pasta and desserts, so getting kids to enjoy their food is no problem here, plus there’s special lower pricing for those 4-and-under. And mom and pop won’t feel left out with the selection of wine and craft beer.

BEST OF THE REST:

Dion’s, Flying Star Cafe, Red Robin, Village Pizza

BEST OF THE CIT Y 2021

166

B E S T D O G G I E D A YC A R E

Canine Country Club 7327 4th St. NW Los Ranchos De Albuquerque plus 1 other metro location 505-814-5513 caninecountryclub.com

o need to be nervous about being away from your pooch here—they’ll feed your pet any specialty foods you request (or bring), give them medicine as scheduled, and even text you daily photos of your precious furry friend. For bigger dogs or groups of dogs, they also offer larger kennels.

BEST OF THE REST:

Beck N Call, Camp Bow Wow, Dogtopia, Pet Paradise

B E S T D O G TR A I NI NG

B E S T P E T B OA R D I N G

Pawsitive Training ABQ

Monte Vista Pet Lodge Boarding, Grooming and Daycare

505-553-5300 pawsitivetrainingabq.com

ur dogs are as individual as we are, which is why owner Georgette Lombardo only trains in individual, at-home sessions. Her approach to getting your pooch to sit, fetch and follow other commands is done by using audible ‘clicks,’ so that your dog hears affirmation of good deeds—with results often in just one week. This Cibola High School graduate also offers a Zoom option for training, and yes, she’ll even work with puppies.

BEST OF THE REST:

Acoma Training Center, Animal Humane, Arie’s Dogland, Sandia Dog Obedience Club

365 Unser Blvd. SE, Rio Rancho 505-998-1494 mvpetlodge.com

ogs and cats are equally welcome at this overnight pet haven in Rio Rancho. Play time is like clockwork here (dogs 5-7 times a day, and cats every hour). They even take extra precautions during flea and tick season by ensuring that guests are vaccinated.

BEST OF THE REST:

Academy Boarding, Canine Country Club, New Mexican Kennels, Pet Paradise

B E S T PE T S U PPLY S TOR E

Clark’s Pet Emporium

4914 Lomas Blvd. NE plus 1 other metro location 505-268-5977 clarkspets.com

o furry, feathery or scaly pet is ignored at this longtime shop, which provides supplies for cats, birds, fish, reptiles, spiders, rabbits, chinchillas, hamsters, hedgehogs, and other exotic critters. With a selection of more than 10,000 items in its inventory between two ABQ locations, you can get food, toys, first aid supplies, medication and just about anything else for your pets.

BEST OF THE REST:

Boofy’s Best for Pets, Jack and Rascal’s, Long Leash on Life, Village Mercantile

BES T VE TERINA RIA N

Blue Cross Animal Clinic

1921 Carlisle Blvd. NE 505-255-5250 bluecrossvetnm.com

nimal surgery and dentistry are routine for the staff here, but they also place a premium on preventative care, so that annual exams can catch harmful diseases or illnesses early. The clinic is owned by veterinarian Ashlee Andrews, an ABQ native who also runs Eubank Animal Clinic and a mobile vet operation. Blue Cross also provides pet food and medicine, including remedies to fight the same types of ailments that affect the rest of us (allergies, hip & joint relief, even chronic coughing).

BEST OF THE REST:

Aztec Animal Clinic, Juan Tabo Animal Clinic, Petroglyph Animal Hospital, TLC Pet Hospital

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BEST OF THE CIT Y 2021

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B E S T P E T FR I E N D L Y PA T I O

BES T PE T RESCUE

Flying Star Cafe

Watermelon Mountain Ranch

4026 Rio Grande Blvd. NW plus 5 other metro locations 505-344-6714 flyingstarcafe.com

hey don’t refer to their outdoor seating areas as “petios” for nothing—pets are welcomed with open arms here. Free treats are also available for your doggie, plus water bowls to keep him hydrated. Throw in plenty of shade—plus great menu items for humans—and you and Fido can relax here without a care in the world.

BEST OF THE REST:

Boxing Bear Brewing Company, Green Jeans Farmery, Marble Brewery, Steel Bender Brewyard

3251 Westphalia Blvd. NE, Rio Rancho 505-267-6227 wmranch.org

ince 1996, cats and dogs have been rescued here in large numbers—close to 200,000 total. New Mexico’s largest no-kill animal shelter features numerous programs that benefit both animals and humans, such as their foster program, which places up to 200 animals temporarily with families each month.

BEST OF THE REST:

Animal Humane New Mexico, Birds of a Feather Pet Rescue, Lap Dog Rescue, NM Dog

B E S T PL A CE TO A D O P T A PE T

BES T PE T GROOMING

Animal Humane New Mexico

Paw Chić - A Luxury Mobile Grooming S’Paw!

615 Virginia St. SE 505-255-5523 animalhumanenm.org

ince 1965, the organization has placed more than 10,000 homeless or at-risk ABQ dogs and cats into new homes (including 100 percent of healthy pets). They create online profiles with age, name and pics of the available pets, so that adopters can start seeing the animals they might want to take home. The animals are also spayed/neutered, microchipped, vaccinated, and given a complete health check prior to adoption.

his crew will bring the shampoo and glitz to your dog or cat. They offer washing and grooming, plus blow-drying, nail trimming, even ear cleaning. They also specialize in the giving dogs temporary tattoos, in colorful and festive designs.

BEST OF THE REST:

Doggie Den, Jack and Rascal’s, Poochini Pet Grooming, Studio Canine

BEST OF THE REST:

Catopia Cat Café, City of Albuquerque-Lucky Paws, Lap Dog Rescue, Watermelon Mountain Ranch

BES T PE T B O U TIQUE

Groomingdale’s

405 Montaño Rd. NE plus 1 other metro location 505-345-4455 groomingdalesnm.com

he specialty here is the full grooming treatment for dogs, from shampooing and brushing, to nail trimming, to precise clipping of your pooch’s coat to their (and your) liking. You can also request flea & tick treatment, and ear cleaning and clipping. And for the finale, this shop has plenty of outfits and accessories to give your pet that Hollywood glitz & glamour.

BEST OF THE REST:

Boofy’s Best for Pets, Jack and Rascal’s, Long Leash on Life, Paw Chic

505-365-1133 pawchicmobilegrooming.com

B E S T L O C A L P E T FO O D S T O R E

Boofy’s Best for Pets

8201 Golf Course Rd. NW Ste. C2 plus 1 other metro location 505-890-0757 boofysbest.com

he food selection is as varied as the breeds of pets they’re made for. Offerings come in raw, canned, frozen, dry, freeze-dried and grain-free varieties—and don’t even get us started on the number of treats they carry. For those seeking convenience, Boofy’s also offers curbside pickup, or free delivery within a 3-mile radius of their Westside store with a minimum order.

BEST OF THE REST:

Clark’s Pet Emporium, Jack and Rascal’s, Long Leash on Life, Simply Diego’s

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BEST OF THE CIT Y 2021

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B E S T A U T O R E PA I R S H O P

Quanz Auto Body

9111 Eagle Ranch Rd. NW plus 3 other metro locations 505-897-1949 quanzautocare.com

omputer chips play a large role in modern cars, which can make them more complex to fix. For this reason, the mechanics at Quanz are constantly sharpening their skills in the areas of diagnosis and calibration, says Adam Quanz, president of the familyrun business. “Cars are built better, with better parts, so a lot of the repairs involve making sure the cars respond the way they’re meant to,” he says. Plus, their trained mechanics still tackle all the nutsand-bolts repairs, too.

BEST OF THE REST:

Blue Castle Automotive, The Garage, Reincarnation, Worldwide Automotive

BES T A LTERATIONS

B E S T C A R WA S H

Final Stitch

The Rain Tunnel Car Spa

7200 Montgomery Blvd. NE, Ste. B3-4 505-883-3818 final-stitch.com

wner Masood Suliman began sewing and tailoring clothes in the family business when he was just 10 years old. After earning an economics degree from UNM, he opened his own shop, where he personally oversees much of the work. His alterations give suits and dress shirts a bespoke look, and many ABQ brides have had their gowns nipped and tucked here for that perfect fit.

BEST OF THE REST:

Alterations by Kathy, Cris Custom Sewing and Alterations, Kim’s Alterations, Threads Alterations

5101 Lomas Blvd. NE plus 3 other metro locations 505-266-7705 raintunnelcarspa.com

his family business continues to grow, both in locations and services (including oil & lube changes, and tire rotations). That concept of full service is evident in the washing process, which comes with exterior hand-drying (and a streakpreventing blast of compressed air into those pesky areas, like door handles). Rain Tunnel also offers monthly unlimited wash plans and auto detailing (including a courtesy shuttle).

BEST OF THE REST:

Champion, Crispy Clean Mobile Detail, Extreme Mobile Details, Mister Car Wash

B E S T A D U L T E D U C A T I O N CL A S S E S

Central New Mexico Community College

900 Univeristy Blvd. SE plus 4 other metro locations 505-224-3000 cnm.edu

ith an enrollment nearly the size of UNM, this community center for higher learning touches the lives of quite a few Albuquerqeans. The programs range from training for traditional jobs (accountant, nurse) to classes that prepare you for modern careers (spirits distiller, drone pilot). Many of their offerings are also conducted online.

BEST OF THE REST:

Oasis Education Center, Palo Duro Senior Center, Self Serve, UNM Continuing Education

Bank of Albuquerque

W NE

BES T BA NK

4700 Montgomery Blvd. NE, Ste. 100 plus 10 other metro locations 505-855-7200 bankofalbuquerque.com

ith a dozen branches in the metro area, you’re never far from a live person to handle your banking needs. They also handle a broad range of amenities in the area of business banking, from payroll services to investment management.

BEST OF THE REST:

Bank of America, NM Bank and Trust, US Bank, Wells Fargo

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B E S T CL A S S E S FO R G U N O W N E R S

B E S T CO L L I S I O N R E PA I R S H O P

B E S T C A T E R I N G CO M PA N Y

The Savvy Shooter

Car Crafters

Eatentions

505-286-6454 thesavvyshooter.com

wner Jodi Newton took up firearms instruction to help alleviate women from a fear of guns and self-defense. She offers basic pistol intro classes, concealed carry certification, private lessons—even gun safety for kids. For experienced shooters, she also offers refresher and renewal classes for concealed permit holders.

BEST OF THE REST:

Albuquerque Firearms Training, Calibers Shooters Sports Center, Practical Defense Training, Q Pro Defense

600 Montaño Rd. NE plus 4 other metro locations 505-881-8889 carcrafters.com

wner Michelle MichelottiMartinez took a long, fruitful route to Eatentions. She worked for two decades in the food world: teaching, restaurants, commercial kitchens, etc. The New Mexico native also offers her services as a personal chef for gatherings of up to 50 people.

he crews at their six metro locations take an expert touch to every part of your damaged vehicle, including glass repair, hail damage, and alignment issues. They even add final touches like pinstriping to return your chariot to its original glory.

BEST OF THE REST:

Caliber Collision, Lucky Stripes, Collision, Quanz Auto Body

505-577-2316 privatechefmichelle.com

BEST OF THE REST:

Quality

Atrios Catering, Central Grill, Mila’s Mesa, Special Touch Catering

B E S T CUS TO M ER S ER VI CE

Rio Grande Credit Union

Mister Car Wash

BES T CREDI T UNION

BEST OF THE CIT Y 2021

172

1201 San Pedro Dr. NE plus 5 other metro locations 505-262-1401 riograndecu.org

ome folks use an app for banking, while others prefer to deal in person. For those in-between, Rio Grande offers video banking, where you basically Zoom with your teller or loan officer, right in the comfort of your home. They’ll even set up your phone to sync with your credit or debit card, so you can make touchless payments with retailers. Yes, they’re high-tech, but they still provide oldschool counter service at their six metro branches.

BEST OF THE REST:

Nusenda Credit Union, Sandia Area Federal Credit Union, Sandia Laboratory Federal Credit Union, US Eagle Federal Credit Union

2300 4th St. NW plus 10 other metro locations 505-242-1553 mistercarwash.com

t’s more than just suds and suction for this car wash—it’s all about service and convenience here. They streamlined a few years back so your payment transaction is handled wirelessly as soon as you drive up. Your ride then gets a thorough vacuum treatment before going through the wash bay, followed by hand-drying, courtesy of a fast-moving, towel-wielding crew. Everyone works quickly but courteously.

BEST OF THE REST:

About Seniors Moving, Mike’s Quality Painting, Ron Bell Injury Lawyers, Verdes Foundation

B E S T D R Y CL E A N E R

B E S T FR A M E S H O P

The Cleanery

Frame City and Gallery

5200 Eubank Blvd. NE, Ste. E4 plus 1 other metro location 505-298-2629 thecleanery.com

f you’ve got some particularly expensive (or overly exotic) fine clothes, you’ve found the right cleaner. The Cleanery is the only certified couture level dry cleaner in the state, a designation that requires yearly screenings and re-certifications. Everyday fabrics are handled just as cautiously here, as are specialty services, like wedding dress preservation. They also offer pick-up and delivery.

BEST OF THE REST:

Bestway Cleaners, Davis Cleaners, Hangers Cleaners, Valet Cleaners

3810 Central Ave. SE 505-296-4648 framecityandgallery.com

et’s face it, a home is more welcoming with art on the walls. The folks here know this, and stock plenty of materials to show off your images, from wood and metal frames, to mats and mounting. And if your walls are bare, they even offer posters and Southwest prints.

BEST OF THE REST:

Achievement Gallery, El Mirador Fine Picture Framing, High Desert Art & Frame, Weem’s Gallery & Framing

Blackbow Events | White Tie Décor

1101 Montaño Rd. NE 505-933-7883 powerfordnm.com

e all want our cars in good hands, so it’s comforting to know that many of the service employees here have been on the team for two decades or more. And not just Ford dealerships, they’re versed in repairing and maintaining any brand of vehicle. They offer a wide selection of new tires, and can handle mounting and balancing, too. Plus, in keeping with their mantra of making it all about the customer, their mobile service unit can run and help you, should you lock your keys in your car, need a jumpstart or even, you know, run out of gas (hey, it happens).

100 Arno St. NE, Ste. A 505-328-0900 blackbowwhitetie.com

hey handle events of all kinds, but weddings are a specialty here. The planners can set up the affair with furniture and accessories to fit all budgets and tastes, from coffee bars to Bloody Mary bars, and help the hosts find vendors perfectly suited for the big event.

BEST OF THE REST:

Corazon Events, Dream Events, Hello Tiffany, Just Lovely Things

BEST OF THE REST:

Garcia Honda, Perfection Honda, Rich Ford, Sandia BMW

B E S T G R E E N- L I V I N G S E R V I C E S

Sandia Green Clean

4001 Ellison St. NE 505-404-3071 sandiagreenclean.com

he path to a safe, clean house involves products and people. At Sandia, the products are 100-percent non-toxic and eco-friendly, and the staff goes through a rigorous hiring process, with professional training on the safety and proper use of the cleaning ingredients.

BEST OF THE REST:

Get A Grip, Green Sweep, Little Green Bucket, Preferred Cleaning

B E S T FL O R I S T

B E S T G A R A G E D O O R C O M PA N Y

Albuquerque Florist

Garage Door Doctor

3121 San Mateo Blvd. NE 505-881-3336 albuquerqueflorist.com

he crew here knows how to send you off with the perfect bouquet, whether it’s a last-minute emergency or a special occasion that requires just the right message in a vase. Their experienced team crafts beautiful bouquets for birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, sympathy or any other occasion. And their enormous walk-in cooler of ready-made flowers in vases is the perfect way to rescue the day in case, you know, you forgot.

BEST OF THE REST:

Flowers by Zach-Low, People’s Flowers, Signature Sweets and Flowers, Sonrisa Blooms

5901 Wyoming Blvd. NE 505-977-8004 garagedoordoctornm.com

f you have troubles with your garage door or the remote control, these folks are ready to make a house call. They’ve been delivering swift, reliable installations and repairs in the Albuquerque area for nearly 40 years, and even sell and install modern- or classic-style new garage doors.

BEST OF THE REST:

Garage Doors by Nestor, Overhead Door, Sandia Door, Windsor Door

BEST OF THE CIT Y 2021

Power Ford

B E S T E VEN T PL A NNER

B E S T D E A L E R S H I P S E R V I C E D E PA R T M E N T

W !

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B E S T L I M O / C H A U FFE U R S E R V I C E

Merry Maids

Lucky Boyz

940 Menaul Blvd. NE 505-412-6464 merrymaids.com

es, they have regular maid service. But they also offer onetime cleaning, like if you need the house spotless for the holidays, or if you’re moving out of an apartment. Their reliable staff knows how to clean with attention to detail, including removing all dirt from lights and fixtures, or deep-cleaning your shower and bath. And if for some reason you’re not satisfied, let them know and they’ll re-clean free of charge.

BEST OF THE REST:

Cleaning Authority, Green Sweep, Molly Maids, Sandia Green Clean

303 Arvada Ave. NW 505-314-3628 luckyboyzlimos.com

hether it’s a fashionable night out, or transportation for a group of VIPs, these guys put a special touch on getting across town. The Lucky Boyz lineup includes town cars of all sizes, stretch Hummers, even a 25-passenger party bus (complete with sound system and built-in beverage coolers). Drivers are prompt and courteous, and work hard to ensure that guests have a safe and fun-filled night.

BEST OF THE REST:

American Limo, Carey Limousine, Star Limo, Uber

B E S T P L U M B I N G CO M PA N Y

Rocketman Plumbing

1715 57th St. NW 505-243-1227 rocketmanplumbing.com

ishaps like water leaks, busted water heaters and sewer backups always happen at the worst times, which is why these guys are on 24hour stand-by to help. They also specialize in heating and cooling equipment, and do both residential and commercial work.

BEST OF THE REST:

Albuquerque Plumbing Heating & Cooling; Bosque Heating, Cooling & Plumbing; Number One Plumbing; TLC Plumbing

B E S T L O C A L CO M P U T E R E X P E R T S

B E S T M O V I N G C O M PA N Y

Your Neighborhood Computer Man

About Seniors Moving

4938 Casa Del Oso NE 505-508-2124 yncm-abq.com

ee Geer has been working with computers since the 1980s, so he can troubleshoot any problems that might arise. He specializes in setup, service and repair—whether it’s for home or business, work or gaming—and he can also help with TVs, stereos and other electronics.

BEST OF THE REST:

Computer Corner, J-BIT Tech, PC Place, Sandia Computers

505-550-8790 aboutseniorsmoving.com

he team here is versed in helping seniors make that move, whether it’s just downsizing or transitioning into a new location. They make sure to coordinate carefully with loved ones, and are experienced in moving hospital beds, wheelchairs and scooters.

BEST OF THE REST:

Joe’s Discount Movers, Lobo Moving, Moving Solutions, Two Men and a Truck

BEST OF THE CIT Y 2021

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BES T L A ND SCA PING SER VICES

Red Shovel

9100 2nd St. NW 505-243-2277 redshovel.com

hen Kenny Grebe launched Red Shovel in 2007, he knew he wanted it to be atypical of other landscaping outfits. “We’re a customer service company, first and foremost,” says Grebe, the owner who has a background in marketing and sales. “We hire people based on heart, and a desire to help others.” The 37 employees also do work beyond just lawn mowing and hedge trimming—Red Shovel has separate divisions for yard design & construction, plant healthcare, pest control, etc. Also, they’ve carved a niche as the installation specialist for holiday lights, with local casinos and even the ABQ Sunport as customers, according to Grebe.

BEST OF THE REST:

2 Brothers Landscaping, Green Summit Landscaping, Lawn Rangers, Yellowstone Landscaping

BES T RE TIREMEN T SER VICES

Wealth Management Group, LLC 409 NM-528, Rio Rancho 505-892-3300 nmwmg.com

alf of all Americans either own or are employed by small businesses—a workforce that this Rio Rancho group specializes in helping. Whether it’s about benefits, 401(k) plans or strategic planning, it’s all about helping business owners take care of themselves and their employees. Founder Bill Stanage knows the process well: he worked with his father to build a welding supply company before creating Wealth Management Group more than 20 years ago.

BEST OF THE REST:

Edward Jones, Ethos Financial Planning, Premier Wealth Management, Renaud Investments

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Mike’s Quality Painting

3416 Vista Alameda NE, Ste. A 505-508-5342 mikesqualitypainting.com

wner Mike Freeman (right) runs a hands-on operation known for quality work and courteous service. Part of that success is rooted in his crew, who all undergo a rigorous background check that includes written and practical exams. The up-front estimates ensure that homeowners and businesses don’t encounter any unexpected or hidden costs. Plus, this outfit knows the difference between a good and bad paint job, so they insist on using only high-grade paints and equipment.

BEST OF THE REST:

Bob’s Painting, HD Painting, It’s Wirth Painting LLC, Paintsmith Painting

B E S T M VD S ER VI CE S

B E S T TR A VE L A G ENC Y

MVD Now

All World Travel

he time saved (and headaches avoided) here are legendary. We all know a trip to the state motor vehicle office can be frustrating. At MVD Now, you can quickly renew driver’s licenses, registrations, emission certifications, and more, at eight convenient locations. Plus, the handy online appointment system ensures that when you walk in, they’re ready for you.

ou can certainly book your own travel online these days, but expertise beats convenience any day—as customers find out quickly when they use All World (which launched 15 years before the Internet was even invented). The travel experts here know all the options, including any particular destination’s hotel amenities, attractions, restaurants and insider tips. Plus, they specialize in cruise planning, particularly river and yacht adventures, plus trips to exotic locations, like the Bora Bora and Thailand.

BEST OF THE REST:

5565 4th St. NW plus 7 other metro locations 505-341-2683 mvdnow.com

Busy Bee MVD, MVD Express, New Mexico MVD, Village of Tijeras Motor Vehicle Department

5200 Eubank Blvd. NE, Ste. C-1 505-294-5031 awtravel.com

AAA New Mexico, Pavlous Travel, Rio Grande Travel, Sun Tours

BEST OF THE CIT Y 2021

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BES T NEW B USINESS IDEA

Chatter Paint

12501 Candelaria Rd. NE, Ste. J 505-433-2735 chatterpaint.com

ou can unleash your inner Jackson Pollock at this unique studio, where you’re set up with paints, a blank canvas, and a few lessons on how to do splatter paint. (Turns out, you can paint with many objects besides a brush!) They also offer group Paint War sessions, which include water-based paint, protective ponchos and spray guns (you can figure out the rest). Kids are welcome, and there’s even a black light experience with glow-in-the-dark paint.

BEST OF THE REST:

505 Grocery Guy, Essentials Barber Boutique, Fundaxi, New Nuevo

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247-1421 • 1405 CENTRAL NE

www.66diner.com

BURGERS • BLUE PLATES & ALBUQUERQUE’S BEST MILK SHAKES Lunch and Dinner Daily!

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Go Green, Shop

Past Present & In-Between Reuse • Reduce • Repurpose

We Buy Entire Estates!

(505) 232-6732 pastpresentandinbetween.com 5017 Lomas Blvd. NE, Albuquerque, NM 87110

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Want to sell antiques & collectibles? Text (505)450-7981 now.

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BEST GIRLS’ NIGHT OUT

BEST PRODUCT MADE LOCALLY

10660 UNSER BLVD NW, STE D, ABQ NM 87114 505.898.GLTZ (4589) • CHOCGLITZANDCREAM.COM

DEC. 2021 / JAN. 2022 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

Thank you, Albuquerque!

6829 FOURTH STREET NW, LOS RANCHOS DE ALBUQUERQUE 505.341.1893 • KELLYJODESIGNSBYWINE.COM

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We cater all events and family gatherings! C A L L

N O W

T O

Albuquerque 8806 Fourth St. NW 505-897-0444 Mon.-Thurs. 11 a.m.–9 p.m. Fri. & Sat. 11 a.m.–10 p.m.

M A K E

Y O U R

R E S E R V A T I O N S

MARGARITA FLIGHTS! 12 DELICIOUS FLAVORS TO CHOOSE FROM!

Sunday 10 a.m.–9 p.m.

Cuba

Highway 550 Main St. 575-289-9429 Mon.-Thurs. 11 a.m.–9 p.m. Fri. & Sat. 11 a.m.–10 p.m. Sunday 10 a.m.–9 p.m.

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REPAINT SPECIALISTS BEST PAINTING COMPANY IN ALBUQUERQUE! Call us for all of your painting needs at 505.508.5342 MikesQualityPainting.com

Concrete Floor Coatings One Day Installation!

FEATURES

4X Stronger than Epoxy Chip or Peel Resistant 1 Day Application 15 Year Manufacture Warranty 100% Antimicrobial & Easy on the Feet

CONCRETE FLOOR COATING APPLICATIONS: Garage Floors Warehouses Laundry Rooms Retail Areas Locker Rooms Storage Facilities Patios

Kennels Laboratories Basements Restrooms Hospitals Showrooms

Call Us, Mike’s Quality Painting, At (505) 508-5342 TO GET A QUOTE ON YOUR NEW PENNTEK FLOORING! 212

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We’re ready when you ’re ready.

Best Family Restaurant! 7900 SAN PEDRO DR. NE. | 505.821.9300

W W W.TOM ATOCAF E .CO M

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WINNER

BEST CHICK E N W IN G S

YEARS IN A ROW!

2003 Southern Blv d . SE , Su i te 1 3 9 | Ri o Ra nch o

5 0 5. 99 4 . 0 3 63 | S LA T E S T R E E T B ILLIA R D S .C O M DEC. 2021 / JAN. 2022 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

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“Fresh Roasted Specialty Grade Coffee”

Thank You Albuquerque! 10701 Coors Rd. NW Suite #3 • (505) 697 - 9919

Whisperingbeancoffee@gmail.com • whisperingbean.com Mon-Fri: 6am - 4pm, Sat: 7am - 4pm, Sun: 8am - 3pm

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ABQ THE INTERVIEW P. 236 | PERSONALITY P. 242 | BEHIND THE SCENES P. 246

WOMAN OF THE WORLD As executive director of Global Ties ABQ, Yuriria Morales Sanchez brings leaders from around the world to Albuquerque to meet with local experts who can help improve their government’s practices (p. 236).

DEC. 2021 / JAN. 2022 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

PHOTO BY DON JAMES/ATM

STORIES BEHIND INDIVIDUALS WHO MAKE ALBUQUERQUE GREAT

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UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL WITH OUR LEADERS AND DIFFERENCE-MAKERS

Global Gatherer Yuriria Morales Sanchez’ international trade and commerce skills are helping her bring world leaders to ABQ to exchange wisdom and ideas.

B PHOTOS BY DON JAMES/ATM

orn and raised in Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico, Yuriria Morales Sanchez has felt first-hand the opportunities Albuquerque offers people from abroad. Morales Sanchez moved to Albuquerque in 2006. Since that time, she earned her master’s degree in public administration from the University of New Mexico and spent a decade as the International Markets and Tourism Director at the Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerce. Now, as the executive director of the nonprofit Global Ties ABQ, since January 2020, the 39-year-old helps bring international leaders to the city through the U.S. Department of State Diplomacy Program. In 2019, before the pandemic shackled the program, it brought 410 leaders to the Duke City for networking and education. The city certainly impacted Morales Sanchez’s life: After 15 years of holding various visas, she’s now applying to become a U.S. citizen. ATM: What Albuquerque?

brought

you

YURIRIA MORALES SANCHEZ: The

first time I went to Albuquerque was in 2005 for an English program at UNM’s Center for English Language & American Culture. I spent two weeks in the U.S. and fell in love with the city. Being back in my home, I kept thinking how amazing

it would be to be in international study. Studying under a master’s degree program in the U.S. is one of the best things that can happen to you. I wanted to do everything possible to come to Albuquerque. I was working toward a career in politics and a degree from another country would add to my resume. ATM: What made you stay?

DEC. 2021 / JAN. 2022 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

YMS: I found opportunities. People — I

call them my angels — guided my way. The city is so friendly to foreigners. It’s a very diverse community we have here. It’s also a small city compared to others. Here you can all of the sudden find yourself meeting with the mayor or the state secretary of tourism. You can develop close relationships that you’re not going to be able to in bigger cities.

ATM: What was your favorite part of your work with the Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerce? YMS: For a long time, I was responsible

for representing Albuquerque as a destination. I represented the city in Mexico, Brazil, and Argentina to name a few. I am very proud and love living here. It was easy to be talking about Albuquerque.

ATM: Why did you want to join Global Ties ABQ?

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YMS: The organization has a long history

here. It’s been in existence since 1963 as a volunteer organization. It formalized in 1984. I became familiar with it while I was at the Hispano Chamber of Commerce. We held a reception for Global Ties ABQ and one of the visiting dignitaries was the chief of staff of the prime minister of India. I told them, “Do you realize what gold you have in your office? Do you realize the caliber of people you’re bringing to Albuquerque?” The work they’ve done previously is fantastic, but I wanted to take the organization to a different level.

ATM: How does Global Ties ABQ work? YMS: We get our funds from the U.S.

State Department’s International Visitor Leadership Program. Our goal is to bring current and future leaders to the city to learn. People are picked by U.S. embassies around the world for the diplomacy program. Once they’re here, we use local experts to teach them about best practices in government, technology, and more. By visiting Albuquerque, they get to see beyond the stereotypes of America — of

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just knowing about Disneyland and New York City. Sometimes, when people are here, they have home stays with locals so they can live like a local, eat like a local, and go where the locals do. ATM: What are some examples of previous programs? YMS: We’ve done a two-week program

with representatives from Ukraine on cyber security. We paired leaders in New Mexico with them to help them develop a model for their country. We had a health department representative from Columbia here learning about Project ECHO at University of New Mexico Hospital, which seeks to disseminate information about treatable diseases around the world.

ATM: Why is the organization’s mission important to Albuquerque? YMS: It’s also an amazing networking

opportunity for the organizations and businesses here because they have the opportunity to be in front of future diplomats. Albuquerque is rich in resources, from the Air Force base to Sandia Nation-

al Labs, but we need to continue growing and collaborating with more businesses and organizations. When the visitors are here, there are typically eight to 10 people who stay four to five nights. That’s money they’re injecting to the economy right there. There are 84 different Global Ties in the U.S.; we compete with other cities, like Denver and Kansas City, to bring leaders here. ATM: How do you make sure the visitors have a good experience? YMS: It starts at the airport. I make sure

that we’ll have someone there to pick them up, just making them feel like they are at home. We continue to show them that friendly side throughout their visit. They’re not just coming to the city to have meetings with leaders; they are here to have a cultural experience.

ATM: How has the pandemic impacted your work? YMS: It has been a challenge. I came on

as executive director in January 2020 and wasn’t even working for two months be-

DEC. 2021 / JAN. 2022 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

fore the first lockdown began. We were growing our membership base, growing corporate sponsorships, and planning on hosting more than 410 diplomats in 2020. Then all of the sudden, we had to have everything go virtual. We shifted gears. We offered programs for our members and connected them with a global education. We also provided access to global culture at home for our volunteers, including people who had hosted home stays in the past. For example, we hosted an event where people picked up Italian food from a restaurant in town, then they were treated to a Zoom session with a board member from Italy talking about international cuisine. ATM: What surprises people most about your work? YMS: I think the diversity that we have in

our team. I was born and raised in Mexico. Our program manager, Sila Avcil, speaks four languages. Our marketing person, Hector Arce Solana, is from Spain.

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ATM: What’s the greatest challenge you’re facing in your work? YMS: The challenge is knowing that peo-

ple don’t know all the good this organization does for the city. I would like them to understand that and to see more companies and organizations being involved.

ATM: What programs do you have coming up? YMS: In 2022, we’re having members of

the Young Transatlantic Innovation Leaders Initiative, a flagship program for young

240

entrepreneurs from Europe, come in the spring and fall. In the summer, we’re planning on having young leaders from Latin America come. ATM: How else are you involved in the community? YMS: I sit on the Cottonwood Classical

Preparatory School Governing Council. If I’m considered a leader, the best way I can give back to my community is to mentor. The youth are the ones who are going to be running the world.

I’m also on the board of the Albuquerque Balloon Museum Foundation, which allows me to continue showcasing the city to the world. It’s a world-known event. When people talk about Albuquerque, they talk about the balloon fiesta. It’s an open door for the international community. I’m also a founding director and vice president for government affairs to the US-Mexico & Latin America Chamber of Commerce. I created this with four colleagues. It’s based on the idea that if you

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ABQ

have a company who is interested in investing in Albuquerque, they might want to speak with someone who speaks their own language or is from their own country. It’s just a matter of familiarity and comfort. We only started this a year ago, so it’s brand new. Our goal is to bring more investment to the city. ATM: What hobbies do you enjoy? YMS: I also sit on the eVolv

Strong Corporate Board to promoting health and wellness in the U.S. and Mexico. I used to do body building competitions. I would compete in categories with around 60 people, but it was really just a competition with myself. It teaches you incredible discipline, to have a goal and do whatever you have to do to reach it. It’s the perfect complement for people like me who are extremely busy because it’s such a stress relief.

—ASHLEY M. BIGGERS

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

The Son Also Rises His developer father has been an ABQ visionary for years, and now Scott Goodman looks to further the family legacy—and push things a step further with some ideas of his own.

F PHOTO BY DON JAMES/ATM

or most of human history, going into the family business was simply a matter of course. You learned your parents’ trade growing up and, when the time came, stepped into their shoes to run things for yourself. Today, there’s a lot more flexibility on the career front. But every so often, the stars align and pursuing the family business turns out to be the perfect professional fit.

“I’ve always liked business,” explains Scott Goodman, vice president at Goodman Realty Group and the founder and managing general partner of Albuquerque-based venture capital firm GOS Capital. “For real estate, I joke around by saying I didn’t have much of a choice. My grandfather, my father, my brother-in-law, and my uncle are all in commercial real estate. Every Thanksgiving dinner, every Christmas, every other family gathering, that’s what you would hear about—everyone’s talking about real estate, because that’s what the whole family did.” In Albuquerque, even those unfamiliar with the name Goodman Realty Group are likely familiar with their work. The company was founded by Scott’s father,

Gary Goodman, who is still the organization’s Chief Executive Officer. The elder Goodman’s name has long been synonymous with commercial growth and vision in ABQ. The company renovated and restored downtown’s historic Hotel Andaluz; is redeveloping Winrock Town Center; and is serving as master developer for Innovate ABQ, a new high-tech innovation district in East Downtown. The group has also developed over seven million square feet of industrial, hospitality, office, residential, and retail space across the U.S. Scott Goodman is still fairly new to Albuquerque, but he’s now positioned to be a key part of the company’s future— and the continuing family legacy that comes with it.

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“I’m from Chicago. I was born there, went to do my undergrad at University of Oregon and got my bachelor’s degree in economics, then came to Albuquerque about six years ago,” says Goodman, who at the time had been working in property management in Oregon before deciding to make a full commitment to the family business. “It made a lot of sense. I had worked at [Goodman Realty Group] for one summer, but I hadn’t really thought about it as much as I should have. When I graduated, it just made sense to come and join the family business.” Since then, Goodman has had a direct hand in many of the company’s most significant projects, including the ongoing development of Winrock. “It’s a mixed-use development that we’re trying to create here in Albuquerque,” he explains. “A lot of other urban centers have places where you can live, work, and play, where you don’t need a car because everything is walkable. We don’t necessarily have that here, and that’s

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what we’re trying to create—to provide this sense of community that everyone can enjoy.” It’s a huge undertaking, but well within the professional ambit of someone who dreams and thinks big by habit. Goodman says he draws ready inspiration from the outsized vision and fortitude of America’s early industrialists and financiers—men like Cornelius Vanderbilt, John D. Rockefeller, Andrew Carnegie, and J.P. Morgan, who significantly reshaped the face of American industry through a high-octane mix of ambition, gumption, and innovation. “[They] were all in like the same 80year span of history, they all crossed paths, and each of them transformed America,” says Goodman. “They made the United States what it became, from the Industrial Revolution onward. One created the railroad network, one created the entire oil supply, one transformed steel, and then one was the financier who made it all possible. None of them were angels, but the four of them together helped turn America into the economic superpower that it

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still is today.” It’s in that spirit—and in recognition of the potential for smart, hardworking entrepreneurs to refashion and reinvigorate industries and communities—that Goodman launched GOS Capital. “I call it micro venture capital, because [we’re] a very small group,” he explains. “Our mission is to provide capital investment for startups located in New Mexico. I think investing in our own local startups is one of the best forms of economic development we can do. Instead of spending millions of dollars to try to pull a call center or data server center to New Mexico, why don’t we just take that money and invest it in the great companies that are already here? Let’s provide them with investments so that they can grow, hire more people, create cool, good-paying jobs, and then grow and make an economic impact in New Mexico.” It’s still early days at GOS Capital, with the firm making its first investment in Champria, a local esports company, at the start of October 2021. Other investments are in the works, with Goodman seeking

to significantly expand his company’s portfolio by the end of the year. “They’re all New Mexico-based and they’re all early stage,” says Goodman, outlining the kinds of investment opportunities GOS Capital pursues. “They’re all pre-revenue, and they’re all still developing a prototype, a minimum viable product, something that they’re saying, ‘here’s the problem, here’s what my solution is, now let me keep tweaking it until I find the best solution.’” In this, Goodman envisions GOS Capital providing not just seed funding, but also business mentorship, connections, and expertise. It’s the sort of effort places like Silicon Valley or Chicago or Denver naturally attract. But for Goodman, New Mexico provides the ideal stage for his ambitions. “If I was in California or if I was in Denver, one (development like) Winrock wouldn’t really change much. One small micro venture capital firm wouldn’t really change much,” he says. “But here, I can make a much bigger impact.” —ZANE BEAL

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BEHIND SCENES THE

YOUR SNEAK PEEK AT JOBS THAT FLY BELOW THE RADAR

All-Event Pass Things are slowly returning to pre-pandemic normal for Bree Ortiz, the city’s events boss who’s had to adapt mightily to make sure ABQ’s fun gatherings stayed intact.

lanning events during a pandemic might sound nearly impossible. But where there is a will, there is a way, and for Bree Ortiz, the show must go on.

Ortiz is the city’s Community Events Division manager who’s responsible for many of ABQ’s signature events, including Summerfest, the Twinkle Light Parade, and the holiday stroll, plus a series of concerts in Old Town and the ABQ BioPark.

PHOTOS BY DON JAMES/ATM

Normally, Ortiz has plenty of lead time to put together logistics for these gatherings, but the pandemic turned her planning schedule on its head. She and her team had to scramble and find creative ways to make events happen that are near and dear to Albuquerque residents. “We usually start planning large scale special events of the summer in the fall of the previous year,” Ortiz explains. “We were the same as everybody else. We went to streaming and a little more outdoor in-person and busking type of things… When all the event restrictions were lifted in July we went to now it’s our turn to celebrate, bring the community back together and host these large scale events. It was like a three week turn around that we had

to pull everything together.” Summerfest is usually broken into three events held in June, July and August, in different parts of the city. This year the Summerfest events were shortened and held three consecutive weekends at the end of July into early August. “The labor shortages just affected us,” Ortiz says. “Because the tent company didn’t have enough people to put up all the tents. The staging companies and our

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techs for production, they didn’t have enough techs to do what we normally do. Our security guards, our janitorial, there wasn’t enough people to work and pick up trash and help us keep the event clean. I think that was something that we were not necessarily expecting going into this but it was something that we adjusted to and worked with the companies to make sure it happened.” Ortiz has been with the city for 9 ½ years handling community events as she moved up the ranks to her current position. Before joining the city, she worked with many local nonprofits in a fundraising capacity. She also was the co-owner of an event business. Her experience in event planning paid off when the world changed with the pandemic. “We learned a lot, but a lot of the things that are coming out on the other side we are going to continue with,” Ortiz says. “We learned the best practices and mov-

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THE

BEHIND SCENES

ing forward in a simpler way in some instances. Everyone’s really upped their game. We have a very small team, but I was very lucky that everybody was ready to jump in and help wherever they could this entire time. I didn’t do it by myself.” In light of the restrictions on public gatherings—and the division between those who felt the rules unneccesary and those who agreed with the safety measures—Ortiz and her team sometimes had to get creative. In 2020, for example, the annual holiday tree lighting in Old Town that attracts hundreds of people had to be done inconspicuously. “Last year, we still wanted to support Old Town merchants and be able to do the tree lighting,” Ortiz explains. “… What we did is we secretly lit it and recorded it a few days earlier late at night. We streamed it online and on TV so if people went to Old Town thinking they were going to see the actual tree lighting it was already up. But, all the shops were open and they could still shop.” Also, the

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popular Twinkle Light Parade in Nob Hill could not take place last year. Things have since turned around. The Old Town Holiday Stroll and tree lighting are scheduled to take place on Dec. 3 and the Twinkle Light Parade will be held on Dec. 4. However, some groups that have participated in the parade past years may not be able to do so this year due to the pandemic. “A lot of them are school groups and they aren’t sure that they can participate this year,” Ortiz explains. “Some of the larger floats that we have like the carpenters’ union, their union won’t let them participate. I think because there still is the pandemic there are still restrictions for companies and businesses. Our participation has been different so far that the applications are open. We typically have about 130 participants and participating organizations. It’s usually about 4,000 people in the parade. Right now, we are about 50 applications that have been submitted so I think we will be very close to a normal size parade but it’s just a lot of

different groups that are participating and some of the tried and true said that they’ll come back in 2022.” The mission for Ortiz and her team over the past 20 months has been figuring out how to support the local creative economy, which includes local artisans, bands, performers and local businesses. “We did a bunch of events around town during the Balloon Fiesta,” Ortiz says. “We had a two-day Harvest Festival at the Botanic Garden and we had bands and artisans and food and it was very successful. We had about 4,000 people each day. And then we did a new event at the Balloon Museum called Lift Your Spirits, which was a craft cocktail festival. We had 10 local distilleries, 15 local artisans, three local bands, six food trucks, so I think everyone is back in the swing of being able to operate at larger capacities. Our dream is that going into 2022 we can start again this fall planning for a more traditional season of events.” —RM

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CREATIVES P. 250 | SHELFLIFE P. 252 | TIEMPO P. 254

CULTURE

A NEW GENERATION OF STITCHING When Melisa Hart’s mom taught her how to use a sewing machine at age five, it kicked off a lifelong passion of fabric, fashion and teaching others to sew. (p. 250).

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PHOTO BY DON JAMES/ATM

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

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

HOOKED ON SEWING

“

Human Kind Be Both” proclaims a quilt pattern that Melisa Hart created for customers at Stitchology, a fabric boutique and sewing parlor. The original pattern reflects Hart’s modern approach to sewing — both in design and inclusiveness. Hart’s mother introduced her to sewing. Eager to join in, five-year-old Hart was always trying to touch her mother’s new, fancy sewing machine. To distract the kindergartener, her mother bought her a yard sale sewing machine, handed her fabric scraps, and told her to go have fun. She did. As she got older, she developed a passion for vintage fashion. She was and is particularly fond of dresses from the 1950s, with their swirling full skirts and nipped in waists. She began drafting pat-

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Melisa Hart founded Stitchology to share her love of the craft

terns and making her own vintage-inspired clothes in high school. At Indiana University, she double majored in fashion design and sociology. Her original post-college plan was to pursue a PhD; however, a week before she was slated to start graduate school, she realized a life of research wasn’t for her. Back in her native Duke City amid the economic recession of 2008, there were few jobs available. She began picking up alteration jobs. “People don’t value seamstresses. People want alterations but no one wants to pay a living wage,” she observes. Eventually, she started her own label doing custom designs, including original wedding dresses. She never took to custom work; however, she did enjoy teaching. In her class circuit at other fabric stores in the city, she noticed a wealth of quilt fabric but little garment fabric. Hart

says she’s always been a natural teacher and has loads of patience. “I love to see how satisfied they are or how excited they get when I show them a new technique,” she says. “Sewing is dying off a little bit. I get to do my part of keeping the craft alive.” Combining the need for clothing and fabric and her love of teaching, the idea for Stitchology was born. The store opened its doors in 2011. From the beginning, Hart herself was a novelty. A decade later and now 36, Hart is still younger than most of her clientele. Sewing lends itself to an older demographic, who learned the skill in their youth unlike fellow millennials of Hart’s generation. Hart’s identity, approach, and aesthetic reflects a more youthful, contemporary approach to the art and craft. She stocks garment fabrics, as well as

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PHOTOS BY DON JAMES/ATM

quilt fabrics for modern designs. Compared to traditional quilts, modern quilts tend to have more negative space, and incorporate more solids or geometric prints. Much of Hart’s business is teaching and hosting sewing classes, which appeal to a wide swath of people. She reports her kids’ classes are wildly popular. Adults of all ages, from high schoolers to middle-aged moms and retirees, take the classes. Although most are women, a few men are getting into the craft as well. Several factors are contributing to her classes’ growing popularity. “I think people are getting really tired of ready-to-wear fashion,” she says. “You can walk into Target and buy a T-shirt for $5, but that’s not sustainable. People want clothes that fit, are going to last, and not destroy the environment. People are also wanting to be more individual. Sewing allows them to have something that others don’t have.” Hart also believes the pandemic contributed to the sewing boom. “With COVID-19, a ton of people

picked up sewing to sew face masks. Now they want to know what they can do next,” she says. Hart has been picking a beginner-friendly project of the month, such as tote bags or pillowcases, and filming videos on how to create them. With these videos posted to the store’s social media, amateurs can follow along and create their own pieces at home. “I try to make it accessible,” she says. “A lot of people come into the store, and they are intimidated by it. I try to break it down and make it something they can be successful at.” The pandemic also inspired Hart to push into new directions at the store. In 2020, she encouraged her customers to sew facemasks, and they donated more than 5,000 masks to health clinics, the Navajo Nation, and homeless shelters. “People were sitting at home and feeling helpless. They wanted to help and didn’t know what to do,” she says. “When I was younger, I volunteered all the time. I love to give back, and now I can tie it in

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with the business.” In March 2021, the Kindness Project, as it was dubbed, grew into the “Human Kind” quilt project. Hart designed the quilt pattern and created a kit of fabrics customers could use to make it at home. She donated 100% of the profits from the pattern and $20 from the sale of each kit to Crossroads for Women. If customers don’t have their own machines to create the projects, they can join the boutique’s parlor hours when they can rent the store’s equipment. In fall 2021, in honor of Stitchology’s 10th anniversary, Hart organized the Hem in Hunger Food Drive and Hot Pad Challenge. She encouraged customers to bring in non-perishable food donations and to sew hot pads that were then sold. All proceeds benefited The Storehouse New Mexico. The goal was to donate 700 pounds of food and $2,000. Whether it’s a quilt or hot pads, Hart says she’s always inspired to create new designs. “I constantly have to be making stuff,” she says. —ASHLEY M. BIGGERS

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SHELFLIFE

TURN A PAGE WITH OUR LOCAL AUTHORS

LIFE OF A LEGEND TONY HILLERMAN

COURTESY IMAGES

By James McGrath Morris University of Oklahoma Press, 2021 360 pages $29.95

he author of 18 detective novels, T Tony Hillerman introduced the mysteries of the Navajo culture and its

scenic backdrop to millions of readers. Born in Sacred Heart, Oklahoma in 1925, he became a permanent New Mexico resident in 1952, accepting a job as the United Press International bureau chief in Santa Fe, later becoming the executive editor of the Santa Fe New Mexican. In 1963, Hillerman accepted a job in the journalism department at the University of New Mexico, simultaneously pursuing his master’s degree. He would go on to teach at UNM from 1966 to 1987, eventually becoming the department chair. Tony, his wife Marie, and their six children lived on Texas Street in Albuquerque until 1991, when they moved to a home in the Village of Los Ranchos. It was in Albuquerque that Hillerman began to explore his love of the Navajo culture that eventually found its way into his mystery novels. At the time of his death in 2008, more than 20 million copies of Hillerman’s books were in print, yet in many ways, his life has remained a mystery. Award-winning and New York Times best-selling author James McGrath Morris—a longtime Hillerman fan—felt that telling his story was long overdue. With the release of

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“Tony Hillerman: A Life,” Morris offers a nuanced look at the author’s life, from his childhood in rural Oklahoma, his college years, his near-death experience in World War II, and his path from student to professor, to novelist. With fresh insights, Morris’ book graces readers with a glimpse into the life, marriage, and legacy of a literary giant. ATM: What made you decide to write a Tony Hillerman biography? JAMES MCGRATH MORRIS: It was a

long gestation period. Seven years ago, I decided Hillerman needed a biography but I was in the middle of writing another biography at the time. When considering a subject as a biographer, I look at a lot of things, such as is the life of the person interesting enough to keep people reading. There are a lot of interesting people that deserve a biography, but you have to make sure people are interested enough to read it. Also important is that the book is an independent biography and was not commissioned. To gain access to private transcripts and other files I needed permission from Tony’s literary executor, which

is his daughter, Anne. Anne had two conditions; that she would be able to read the book and correct any factual mistakes, and that she would have final approval of the book. She found a few mistakes that were corrected and had no issues with the final version of the book at all. ATM: How long did you work on the book? JMM: A little more than three years.

I interviewed Anne several times and was able to interview his sister, Margaret Mary, before her death. I spent time in Oklahoma researching his childhood and going to the house he grew up in. I also spent a lot of time at UNM, talking to administrators and teaching colleagues about his years there.

ATM: After all of your research, what ended up surprising you the most about Tony Hillerman? JMM: A couple of things. First, the

Leaphorn novels were not planned. They were an accident. In his first novel, “The Blessing Way,” Joe Leaphorn was a secondary character, with the protagonist

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SHELFLIFE a white man. When Hillerman’s second novel, a non-mystery called “The Fly on the Wall” was released to a lukewarm response, Hillerman began to think that writing mysteries might be a better option for him. And with the success of his first novel and his continuing intrigue with the Navajo landscape and culture, he started to think that a mystery series set on and around Navajo land might be something he could build on. The other thing that surprised me was Hillerman’s traumatic war experience and his PTSD. At the time of his service, PTSD was not something commonly talked about or acknowledged. He found that his deep connection with the Navajo nation and their culture and spirituality calmed him and helped him cope with his PTSD.

the mystery shelf was primarily populated with books about white private eyes, who were predominantly male. The other option available at that time was the cozy mystery, which generally featured white females. To have a Navajo as the main character changed the publishing world, particularly at a time when people of color were mainly absent from the mystery genre. Unlike other mysteries, Hillerman’s books don’t rely on strong plots. Instead, he uses the Navajo culture more like a character, which readers strongly responded to. There have been numerous attempts to bring his books to the big screen, primarily by actor Robert Redford. Unfortunately, the books do not translate well to the big screen. It’s easy enough to transfer the storyline from a book to the big screen, but properly portraying the Navajo nation visually is a challenge. We’ve all seen close-up shots of Mt. Taylor, but those pictures don’t come close to portraying the Navajo nation onscreen as Tony Hillerman described it in his novels.

ATM: With cultural appropriation accusations a common occurrence today, what are your thoughts on Tony Hillerman’s books? Do you think he’s guilty of cultural appropriation?

JMM: It’s complicated. It’s doubtful that

the books would even be published today. But much of cultural appropriation begins with intention, and there was never any intention on Tony Hillerman’s part to profit from sharing the stories of the Navajo people. He was more interested in sharing the Navajo culture with his readers than in making money from his books. Yes, he made money from them, but that was not his primary goal. Throughout his career, Hillerman remained entirely respectful of the Navajo culture. However, not everyone was happy with his using the Navajo culture in his books. Young Navajos in particular have been vocal about their views, but older Navajos appreciated his books, and have used them in schools to get younger children interested in the Navajo culture. The other accusation is that somehow Tony Hillerman profited from telling the story of the Navajo people without giving back. Several Navajos have said to me that Tony didn’t give back although he made millions of dollars. But Tony and his wife Marie maintained a low profile when it came to philanthropy; gen-

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erous without wanting to take credit for their giving. The truth is he gave millions of dollars to groups or schools serving the Navajo, but he was a firm believer that the world didn’t need to know about it. ATM: Why is it important to tell Tony Hillerman’s story? JMM: I think that Tony Hillerman’s con-

tributions and achievements as a writer are underappreciated. Part of that is because he wrote in the mystery genre, a genre that as a whole is underappreciated. Though some people consider mystery novels literature, most don’t.

ATM ILLUSTRATION BY WARREN PEMBERTON

ATM: What do you think sets Tony Hillerman’s books apart from other mysteries? JMM: When he published his first book,

ATM: What is the one thing you would like people to know about Tony Hillerman? JMM: If there were one thing about Hillerman’s life I’d want people to know it was his decency. He climbed the rungs of literary success without ever stepping on anyone, he always offered a helping hand to other writers, and he abided by a strong moral code in everything he did. —MARY GIRSCH-BOCK

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by mel minter

ABQ’S THRIVING LOCAL MUSIC SCENE

HOLIDAY CELEBRATIONS GO LIVE AGAIN A CHILDREN’S MESSIAH, BREAKFAST WITH SANTA, AND MORE

A COOL AND JAZZY YULE Entourage Jazz, fronted by vocalist Emerson John Corley, and its fans had to forgo the annual Christmas concert last year,

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Costumes and holiday pajamas encouraged at Chidren’s Messiah.

and worse, the release of the band’s Cool Yule LP was delayed past the holidays. But this year, things are back on track, with a .big band concert at the Outpost at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 11. “It’s an Ejazz Christmas,” says Corley. “It’s getting us back to some sort of Christmas normalcy. It’ll be a superfun show. We’re excited to have Christmas again—and music.” The concert will include music from the Cool Yule album, along with a few additions, featuring the award-winning

charts of Roger Baker. Baker will be retiring from the band’s piano bench after this event, though he will continue to arrange music for the group. (Robert Muller will be taking over piano duties from Baker.) “That’s why I decided it needed to be a big band show,” Corley says. “These are Roger’s amazing big band Christmas charts, and I wasn’t going to go out on him with a smaller ensemble.” Go to holdmyticket.com or entourageabq.com for tickets. Visit outpostspace.

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COURTESY IMAGES

olyphony: Voices of New Mexico, a professional choral ensemble under the direction of Dr. Maxine Thévenot, will present the sixth annual Children’s Messiah, welcoming attendees back into The Cathedral of St. John. “We’re very excited that we are going to be gathering and that we are going to be inviting people to come back to the cathedral space,” says Thévenot. The popular participatory event for children of all ages features selections from the Christmas portion of Handel’s Messiah, paired with favorite carols of the season and storytelling. Costumes and holiday pajamas are encouraged. (A bewigged Mr. Handel typically attends.) A number of youth choruses from the metro area will also be participating in the performances. The free event (masks required) will be held from 10:30 to 11:20 a.m on Saturday, Dec. 18, and will be preceded by Breakfast with Santa at 8 a.m. Attendees are asked to bring nonperishable food items for the church pantry. Visit polyphonynm.com to learn more. Thévenot, who is also the cathedral’s director of music and its organist, notes that the cathedral (stjohnsabq.org ) will present a free New Mexico–flavored Christmas Lessons and Carols service on from 7 to 8 p.m. Dec. 23. This worship service includes nine short Bible readings, interspersed with the singing of Christmas carols, hymns, and choir anthems.

org for COVID requirements. Contact Corley at 505-400-4384 if you need more info.

LESSONS AND CAROLS, AND MORE St. John’s United Methodist Church supports an ambitious and popular musical ministry, which has been under the direction of Matt Greer since 2010. With the statewide shutdown last year, Greer transitioned both worship services and musical offerings to an online format, but this year, both are going live again while continuing online, as well. Performing live events while also livestreaming them presents some technical difficulties to doing both well, says Greer, but he and his team continue to fine-tune that process. On Dec. 19, from 3-5 p.m., the church will present its annual Lessons and Carols service, live (masks required) and live-streaming. The event will include a small orchestra and the church choirs, which are singing through masks. “We’ve found some masks that work

that don’t affect the sound terribly badly,” says Greer, who figures that singing through masks is better than not singing at all. In addition, the jazz vespers on Dec. 11 will be Christmas themed. There will also be some Nutcracker elements surfacing throughout the month as Rev. Dr. Randall Partin will be preaching throughout Advent on a theme drawn from that work. To learn more about the church’s musical offerings, go to music@stjohns.org.

RINGING IN THE SEASON The New Mexico Gay Men’s Chorus has been ringing in the holidays for 40 years, and after presenting an online extravaganza last year, the group is heading back into theaters for three live “Ring in the Season” concerts: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 10 at The Lensic in Santa Fe; and 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 11 and Sunday, Dec. 12 at the Hiland Theater in Albuquerque. The concerts, which celebrate multiple seasonal holidays, are intended to begin

Ring in the season with the New Mexico Gay Men’s Chorus.

the mending of broken and angry hearts after an especially challenging year. “I don’t really know if we’ll accomplish any task so monumental,” says Aaron Howe, artistic director of the chorus. “Part of what I really want to do is to get people back into what it’s like to sing together.” Inspired by the song “Ring in the Season” from the movie Olaf’s Frozen Adventure, Howe fixated on the significance of bells. They’re referenced in all the show’s songs, chosen “with kind of an eye toward bringing back that cozy feeling, reminding people what it’s like to be together,” says Howe. A small orchestra and 50 or so singers will deliver a full-throated seasonal celebration. Tickets can be found at nmgmc.org. Visit lensic.org for current COVID requirements. The Hiland will be following current CDC and state guidelines.

A BACH CHRISTMAS J. S. Bach was tasked with writing music for the Lutheran liturgical year, churning out compositions on a weekly basis and, in the process, producing some of the most beautiful music in the Western canon. His Christmas Oratorio is one such piece, including six cantatas, each designated for a particular day in the Christmas to Epiphany calendar. “Bach was very practical. He wasn’t trying to write music for posterity. It turns out that in many people’s opinion, he was the greatest composer who ever lived,” says Roger Melone, music director of the New Mexico Symphony Chorus, which will present the first and third Christmas Oratorio cantatas in English. “It’s very joyful music.” With an orchestra of 24 from the New Mexico Philharmonic and a chorus of some 40 singers—masked and fully vaccinated—the event promises to deliver a welcome uplift at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 5, at a new venue, the First Unitarian Church, which will be following state mandates on COVID requirements and currently requires masks and social distancing. Be sure to check out Musically Speaking, Mel’s online music journal, at www.melminter.com. If you’d like to share something with “¡tiempo!” readers, e-mail tiempo@abqthemag.com.

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EATS P. 258 | EATS, ETC. P. 262 | FROM THE VINE P. 264 | A RECIPE FOR SUCCESS P. 270 | BITES P. 272

DISH

SPANISH SPLENDOR Debajo strives to serve Spanish cuisine without outside culinary influences. It sticks to the traditional and authentic preparation that you would find in a quaint restaurant in Barcelona. (p. 258).

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PHOTOS BY DON JAMES/ATM

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

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Eats

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DISH

A TASTE OF SPAIN

Debajo offers a menu from the Iberian Peninsula—no trip required

hat was once known as The Cellar Tapas, Beer and Wine has been rejuvenated into De-

bajo. Its owner has not changed and neither has the concept or the location. However, it has a new chef that is part of its revitalization as well as a recently added outdoor patio that offers a refreshing ambiance. Gabriel Holguin left The Cellar prior to the pandemic in November 2019 to assume ownership of Frontier Market in the village of Corrales where he resides. He was persuaded to return to the restaurant by a former colleague from The Cellar and reopened it as Debajo in August.

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“It is classic Spanish cuisine, which we specialize in, tapas and paella and beer and wine,” says Holguin. “A majority of our wines are Spanish. You’re going to find this is the place to find Spanish wines. We have a few from Argentina and Chile.” The Manchego Frito and Pinchos are the most popular of the tapas. “The Manchego (Frito) is a pan fried Manchego cheese with Spanish sofrito and a seasoned fruit compote,” explains Holguin. “And we have pinchos, which is two chicken skewers wrapped in Spanish jamon serrano with a brandy sauce and sautéed seasoned calabacitas.” In addition to the popular tapas is De-

bajo’s seafood paella that serves four people. Chorizo or grilled chicken can be added to the dish. A new edition is the Tortilla Española and the return of churros to the menu. “The Tortilla Española is a very popular dish in Spain,” Holguin explains. “... If I can translate it would be almost like a quiche. It’s pretty simple, egg, potatoes, it’s literally like a quiche... We’re bringing the churros back for dessert.... It’s a type of fried dough and it comes from Spanish and Portuguese cuisine. A lot of people think it comes from Mexico, but it’s origin comes from the border of Spain and Portugal... They’re awesome to have with

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SEASONAL AND LOCAL Debajo sources its fresh ingredients from local vendors and farmers’ markets. Many of its vendors grow their own vegetables and purvey ingredients used in the restaurant’s food.

FLAMENCO FLAUNT Spanish dance performances are part of the restaurant’s signature. The dinner shows are held at least once a month. Announcements are posted to Debajo’s social media pages. Past events have featured several performers including Vicente Griego, Giovanna Hinojosa and Mario Febres.

SUBTLE BUT SAVORY Spices found in traditional Spanish cuisine can be overwhelming to American palates. The restaurant compensates by adding the spices with a lighter hand. The dish maintains the flavor without the spices being overpowering.

WINE AND DINE Spanish wines are the preferred vino at Debajo. The most popular requests are the Tempranillo and Grenache selections on the menu. Tempranillo is a black grape variety that is grown to create full bodied wines native to Spain. Grenache grapes ripen late and require hot and dry conditions to flourish.

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a cappuccino or hot chocolate. They’re covered in cinnamon and sugar, sprinkled on top.” Patrons will notice more additions created by the restaurant’s new chef, Timo Jimenez. “He has traveled all over the world like Spain, Greece and Italy,” Holguin says of Jimenez. “He also has opened several Spanish restaurants in San Francisco. He is very knowledgeable and we have been working on the menu nonstop now. We’re going to surprise everybody that thought The Cellar was great. This is going to blow people’s minds.” The flavor explosion of Debajo’s traditional Spanish food is not the only showstopper at the restaurant. Its interior rustic industrial décor is a feast for the eyes. “The old doors that we put in that building, they’re from the 1800s,” says

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

Holguin. “The main door, the red door is from Oaxaca, (Mexico). It’s from like 1840. And then the one that goes to the kitchen, it’s from Zacatecas. It’s from 1880. They took it out of a hacienda in Mexico... It’s so weird that you don’t expect from the outside of the building, to walk in and it looks completely like you’re in some part of Spain, some hole in the wall restaurant somewhere in Barcelona.” The patio space with an outdoor bar has not only created another experience for diners but it has also doubled Debajo’s seating capacity. The restaurant can now serve about 90 people. Holguin intends on keeping the patio covered and heated so guests can enjoy it year-round. “The Cellar did such a great thing, but I learned a lot from it,” Holguin said. “I want to make sure this restaurant creates its own identity just on the cuisine. We’re

going to improve so much. That’s why it was an urgency for me to get the right chef and create classic Spanish cuisine. When you go in (Debajo), you’re going to get the wine and you’re going to get the food just like you would in Spain and that’s what we’re trying to do.”—RM

FEATURED DISHES MANCHEGO FRITO, $14

Fried Manchego cheese, apricot compote, Spanish sofrito, drizzled with balsamic.

PAELLA DE MARISCOS, $38

Mussels, little neck clams, shrimp, haricot verts, tomatoes and saffron rice.

CORDERO, $29

Lamb chops, sweet potato puree, and rainbow carrots.

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Eats, Etc.

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

itsune was born from its owners’ desire to have fun in the kitchen, with no restrictions on what type of concoctions might emerge. “Honestly, we just cook what we enjoy eating,” says co-owner Tony Chiado. “[We] kind of go more of the street food route, but a little bit more refined. Basically, we just look through a bunch of cookbooks and find inspiration and tweak it to fit our style. We like to say it’s Asian inspired because we don’t stick to strict tradition. We try and pay homage to the original dish as close as we can but still add our flair to it.” In Japanese folklore, “Kitsune” is a fox that possesses the ability to shapeshift into human form as it grows older and wiser. It’s an appropriate namesake for the Old Town establishment, which boasts a repertoire that includes Korean, Thai, Japanese and Hawaiian flavors, to name a few.

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Kitsune recently transitioned from a food truck-only operation to a brick-andmortar establishment, partnering with Palmer Brewing and Cider House and Left Hand Distilling inside the Taproom at Old Town for a July grand opening. Crowd favorites at Kitsune include the Korean Fried Chicken ($10), a double-fried delight which comes with a gochujang glaze and sesame seeds, or the Thai Fries ($8), featuring red or green Thai curry over French fries with queso fresco and cilantro. For diners looking to venture off the beaten path, Chiado recommends the Loco Moco, a chuck and bacon patty served with curry gravy over rice with a slow egg (it just happens to be Hawaii’s state dish). The cold season brings a couple interesting additions to the menu, as well, with a green chile Tom Kha – a Thai coconut soup with sweet, spicy and sour tastes – and a pho-sole that takes its cue

from the popular New Mexican staple but uses pho as its base broth. Thus far, everything is going well for Kitsune in its new digs. “It’s pretty casual, honestly,” Chiado says. “Great cocktails, great beer and we just try and do bar food a little bit. We don’t try and make things too fussy or anything. We want everything to be approachable and people to just have fun and enjoy good food.”

—TRISTEN CRITCHFIELD

KITSUNE ABQ 524 Romero St. NW (505) 977-2313, facebook.com/kitsuneABQ

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PHOTO BY T.CHERRY

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

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Kamikaze Kitchen blends Asian and Southwestern flavors to create a fusion of experimental “kombos,” appetizers, fries and desserts.

Vegos makes New Mexican staples an option for vegans and vegetarians without skipping on flavor.

hen Vegos owners Elizabeth and Jonathan Bibiano switched to a plant-based diet approximately two years ago, they found it difficult to find vegan options for traditional New Mexican cuisine. That was the impetus for Vegos, which began as a food truck in March 2020 before shifting to a storefront location this past September. The venture has been well-received, with vegans, vegetarians and carnivores alike convening to enjoy the restaurant’s vegan offerings of tacos, burritos, enchiladas and more. “We were both raised on a traditional Western diet, so meat was the primary focus of most of our meals growing up,”

Elizabeth says. “So (it is) definitely a culture clash — especially here in Albuquerque. Food isn’t just sustenance, food is very much tradition-based. “People grow up with generations rolling tamales. It’s part of your culture, and so we wanted to kind of carry on those same traditions and just show folks you don’t have to sacrifice any of the fun fuzzy feelings that you get with the food. You’ll still have the same flavors and textures that you grew up on. It’s just entirely plant based.” According to Elizabeth, tamales were what put Vegos “on the map,” and they remain one of the establishment’s signature items. At $4 apiece, diners can get a

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when he and his sous-chef, Jamaul Pickens, get experimental. “We go in the kitchen and play around,” Riccardi says. “We’ll eat it ourselves and see if we like it. If we’re like, ‘That was really good,’ maybe we should throw it on as a special. That’s how our menu has kept growing.” —TRISTEN CRITCHFIELD

KAMIKAZE KITCHEN 3517 Wyoming Blvd NE Suite D (505) 900-8296, kamikazekatering.com red chile jackfruit tamale, which emulates carne adovada flavors, or the green chile tofu and chedah tamale, a vegan alternative to a green chile chicken and cheese option. Sweet tamales are also in the works as an upcoming menu item. Accompanying the move to a brickand-mortar establishment was the addition of the stuffed sopapilla ($10), which comes with pinto beans, papas and chile and is topped with queso, avocado crema, lettuce, tomato and onion. Burritos are also a crowd favorite, and the available options have expanded since the food truck days, with five different types available from $8 to $13. A loyal customer base is at the heart of Vegos’ success, and Elizabeth credits the restaurant’s expansion to generous crowdfunding donations. The end result is a diverse crowd with all types of different tastes. “The whole idea is that we don’t just tailor to vegans,” she says. “We make food for everybody and it just happens to be vegan.” —TRISTEN CRITCHFIELD

VEGOS 4003 Carlisle NE (505) 554-1041, vegosabq.com

PHOTO BY T. CHERRY

“There’s like almost 2 million views on it,” Riccardi says. “We were having people from Texas, people from Arizona showing up on our door asking for this item. That item, we went from doing five or six a day to 20 or 40 a day. That was one of the biggest items that kind of blew up.” That type of creativity is found throughout the menu, from popular offerings like the Wonton Nachos ($10) and The Mother Klucker ($13) to more under-the-radar items like the Bacon Jam Mac N’ Cheese Eggrolls ($7). According to Riccardi, a lot of entrees are developed

PHOTO BY DON JAMES/ATM

ven in his younger days, Nicholas Riccardi had a creative side when it came to the kitchen. That served him well when he moved to the Land of Enchantment and opened Kamikaze Kitchen, which blends Asian and Southwestern flavors into a delicious fusion. “So growing up, we did all kinds of fusion egg rolls as far as ham-and-cheese egg rolls or chocolate marshmallow egg rolls,” says Riccardi, who is the head chef and co-owner of the restaurant. “Then when I was 21 I moved here to New Mexico. I realized you need the green chile, the enchiladas, all that great New Mexican food. It’s a little bit of what I had growing up versus a little bit of what I now moved to.” Kamikaze Kitchen transitioned from a food-truck only operation to a storefront just prior to the COVID-19 pandemic in February 2020. The Kamikaze brand gained some valuable exposure when a Tik Tok video involving the Eggroll-arito — fortune cookie fried chicken tossed in house sauce, rolled with green chile fried rice and drizzled with wasabi mayo — went viral. Riccardi isn’t sure how it happened, but orders for the dish went up exponentially this past summer.

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

Abor animinci ducipit assimillore etur maxime ommodi re dissimus Ex Novo Brewing Company adds a beer garden.

EX NOVO EXPANDS WITH BEER GARDEN

It has been a big year for Ex Novo Brewing Company. The brewery took home the gold for one of its beers at the 2021 Great American Beer Festival and it recently unveiled a large outdoor beer garden. “We have almost three acres of land at our site down in Corrales,” says Ex Novo founder Joel Gregory. “While a lot of that is existing buildings and parking lot, we do have a spacious area to the east of our brewery building and it’s always kind of been the plan to utilize that in some way. We’ve had a bunch of different ideas, but through all the COVID restrictions last winter, sometime in December we started thinking of how to use that space in

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the near term rather than 3-5 years out from now. We wanted to do something simple but still really excellent and beautiful.” A portion of the beer garden was created using five different modular shipping containers. The structure provides shade and some protection from the elements. “It’s 100% kind of outside space,” Gregory says. “A lot of it is covered. Some of it is heated. We’ve got some gas fireplaces and overhead heaters and some portable heaters kind of throughout. I think we learned a lot last winter when people were kind of forced to sit outside with the code restrictions.” About 40 trees were planted for the project. “We have a little orchard, some perimeter trees and a bunch of trees near the beer garden,” says Gregory.

“They’ll take many years to get to what they really are going to be someday, but eventually it’s going to be awesome with all the shade that they will be able to provide… We can plant another 20 something trees and if we take good care of them and they’re producing fruit we would use them probably for some of our barrel aged beers. Some of our more limited release premium stuff.” The beer garden also allows the brewery to host more special events. “People driving by (have been) asking if they could have a wedding reception or big events like that,” Gregory says. “We’re kind of booking up now, which is fun. Getting to be able to offer that space is another big part of it. We would get requests like that for the taproom, but we never wanted to be entirely closed, especially being more of

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PHOTO BY DON JAMES/ATM

OUTDOOR SIPS AND SCENERY

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Discarded coffee fruit is the base ingredient in Good Vodka.

a destination, when (patrons) drive 20 minutes to get here and they find out you’re closed, it’s kind of a bummer. Now we can close one side or the other and keep one side open all the time, which is huge.”

RAISING A GLASS TO SUSTAINABILITY Sipping a martini might not change the world, but you can help save the planet by choosing the right vodka. Good Vodka is made with ripe discarded coffee fruit from Columbian growers. This adds up to reducing global water appropriation, lowering a coffee grower’s emissions and providing a new revenue stream to farmers. “Each of our bottles creates revenue for the farmer, where they’re actually paying someone to take their trash away,” says co-founder Tristan Willey. “It prevents the fruit from rotting. It actually mitigates about 33 pounds of carbon emissions from the air. It’s actu-

ally carbon negative. Each bottle does good for the planet. It actively fights climate change and global warming. Each bottle alone undoes the equivalent of a car driving 40 miles using gasoline. So, if you’re having a martini, it’s actually helping the world.” Willey, who was born and raised in Albuquerque, began the project almost seven years ago. As a bourbon distiller, he was working on a coffee program for one of his cocktail bars. His research led him to a coffee farm in Columbia where he learned the coffee fruit around the bean is discarded. The massive piles of tossed coffee fruit become trash. “I knew at that point that I could put that to work instead of it becoming trash,” Willey says. “I dove into it and started to research its possibility and took samples and did all the chemistry on it and lo and behold it did have a ton of sugar in this discarded fruit.” The discarded fruit is turned into a syrup. It is then shipped to the United States to ferment and distill. The distil-

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lation is done in upstate New York at Finger Lakes Distilling. It took five years to sort out how to source the discarded coffee fruit. Willey and his business partner, Mark Byrne, figured it out and Good Vodka hit store shelves and bars in early 2021. The spirit is available in New Mexico, New York, California and in small representation in New Jersey and Florida. Good Vodka is available at Jubilation Wine & Spirits and offered at Artichoke Cafe, Sawmill Market and Los Poblanos Historic Inn & Organic Farm. “It was important for me to launch at home (in New Mexico),” Willey says. “I wanted to see it on shelves there and have it in a place that was important to me and out in the world where family could get it. It’s really our roots and it’s where we wanted the product to start.”

CHANTS AND CHEERS Sing along with suds at Beer Choir. The event put on by Quintessence

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Beer Choir celebrates song and drink.

Choral Artists of the Southwest and held at local breweries has returned. Beer Choir had been placed on hold last year due to the pandemic. It returned this summer with the monthly event being held outdoors on brewery patios. The songs sung come from the Beer Choir Hymnal that can be downloaded at Abor beerchoirtwincities.com/hymnal. animinci Some hard copies also will be available ducipit at the events. etur assimillore maxime Beer Choirommodi is open to anyone who likesretodissimus sing and sip on local brews. Dates and locations for the monthly Beer Choir are posted at facebook. com/QuintessenceAbq. “We do drinking songs, we do show tunes, we do pop tunes and we just try to get the audience having a good time,” says Matthew Greer, Quintessence artistic director. The concept of Beer Choir began in Minnesota. “Beer Choir has been a thing,” says Greer. “It was started by a couple of choir directors in Minneapolis a few years ago I think. And the idea is that we just get people singing in a public space. Quintessence, which is the choir that’s doing this, which is the choir that I direct, we do concerts and everything but we also feel that it is part of our mission to get the public singing. And so, Beer Choir is one of the ways that we do that. “

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Beer Choir is keeping things outdoors for now. “What Quintessence did beginning in May is we started doing singing in parks all around town on Saturdays,” Greer explains. “… We would do like an hour of a capella singing and boy did people turn out for those… People (were) used to singing in a choir in their community or a choir in their church and most of those choirs had not been meeting for a year. And then we got Beer Choir going back in July and kind of the challenge for us going forward with Beer Choir is we needed to find venues that were outdoors just to keep people safe.”

THERE’S A RUMOR BREWING Tucked away in the East Mountains is a nirvana for beer enthusiasts and nature lovers. What began as Ale Republic has now reinvented itself into Rumor Brewing Co. Ale Republic opened in 2016. It was to be an extension of Beer Underground, which was a beer club gathering where members would taste and judge homebrewed beers. The concept was to move the club from meetings in Patrick Johnson’s basement to a larger space that would become a brewery. The plan was to allow patrons the

ability to brew on premise and have patrons vote for their favorites. But legally that was not possible and Ale Republic could only open only as a brewery. Johnson decided to rebrand the brewery after his business partner quit during the pandemic. Now known as Rumor Brewing, it has expanded its operation, which allows for more beers on tap. Before its small three-barrel system could not keep up with demand. The brewery has now stepped things up with a seven-barrel system that will allow for beers to be on tap regularly and consistently. “We’ve got West Coast IPAs for people who like IPAs,” Johnson says. “We have a red ale, Red Mountain, which is a little maltier than an IPA so it’s a little bit more rounded. That one is probably our most popular beer. We have classic American stout, which is a little creamier than some styles. It’s a little meatier, a little thicker, some people really like it.” Dean’s Pale Ale is a classic American pale ale named after the previous occupant of the building that houses the brewery. “Dean was a regular up in the mountains and he owned a tire and towing shop, which is now the brewery,” Johnson explains. “He passed away a number of years ago so we named it after him.”

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Miles Osborne now handles the brewing side of things. He will begin the brewing program at CNM in January. “I moved him up to kind of be of brewer,” Johnson says. “And he’s young and he’s excited. He wants to get into the industry so this is his first brewing job. I think he discovered craft beer and it sounded kind of fun and he wanted to learn about it. He was serving with us and started home brewing and was asking questions in the back and then I needed help in the brewhouse so he volunteered.” The brewery, located at 28 Arroyo Seco in Cedar Crest, is surrounded by nature. Outside the taproom is an expansive covered patio with plenty of seating. A couple natural gas heaters keep things cozy. “We have a pretty nice beer garden with tables and canopies and a giant ponderosa tree and that’s where our mountain stage is,” Johnson says. “We do music on the weekends and that sort of thing. We have a beautiful site. It’s immediately adjacent to the open space trail so you’ll sit in the beer garden, drinking a beer, and you’ll see people coming out of the trailhead and mountain biking. Occasionally, you’ll see horses and even donkeys. It truly feels like you’re in the middle of nature when you’re here. It’s pretty special.” — RM

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SPIRIT SPOTLIGHT herbaceous

tropical

zesty sour

aromatic

PHOTO BY DON JAMES/ATM

The original recipe of the 19th century cocktail, San Francisco Pisco Punch, was supposedly taken to the grave with inventor Duncan Nicol. However, that doesn’t stop bartenders from recreating the famous cocktail by adding in their own touch. Like Josh Rivera, the head bartender at Founders Speakeasy. “This cocktail is a house favorite and I always recommend it to people who don’t know what to order,” says Rivera. Just like the original cocktail, the main ingredients are Pisco, a brandy made from grapes, and cold pressed pineapple juice made in-house. He also adds fresh squeezed lemons and homemade cinnamon syrup. All of the liquids are shaken, strained, and poured into a tall glass over a single ice cube, which is carved in-house. The cocktail is then garnished with a lemon peel, a Luxardo maraschino cherry, and finally a cinnamon stick, which Rivera will light up with a torch to add some smokiness to the bright yellow drink. One can easily assume that the San Francisco Pisco Punch would only be enjoyable in the warmer seasons, but Rivera can confidently say that it is a year-round drink, probably because of the not so secret ingredient, cinnamon This San Francisco Pisco Punch may not have any secrets, however, Founders Speakeasy does. It just so happens to be the password required to go inside the joint. —DLM

San Francisco Pisco Punch, $13 Founders Speakeasy 622 Central Ave. NW (505) 582-2693, foundersabq.com

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PHOTO BY REECE MARTINEZ/ATM

SAN FRANCISCO PISCO PUNCH

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for Success

with

Arturo Sandoval

passion for advocating for minorities and protection of the environment became a way of life for Arturo Sandoval. As a teen in the mid-1960s, Sandoval found himself in the groundswell of civil rights movements and later an anti-war movement against the Vietnam War. Sandoval became deeply involved in various movements. In 1991, he founded the Center of Southwest Culture with a fellow activist that he met while attending UNM. “The center grew out of my ongoing commitment to civil rights, human rights, environmental issues, environmental justice issues, and I incorporated it finally in 1991 so I could spend my working hours doing good work and not just doing it after hours or as I could,” Sandoval says. The center employs about 12 full-time and part-time staff members that work with Indigenous, Latino, Mexican and Chicano communities to help them create healthier societies through economic development as well as cultural and educational programs. There are several concentrations that the center works in. One is small economic development that involves organic farming. “There is a high return on locally grown organic product and you can actually make a living out of it if you stay with it and really work at it,” Sandoval explains. “We’re trying to encourage our communities to get involved in organic production because it can give them a viable income.” The center is also launching a number of cultural tourism businesses, particular-

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ly in the Navajo Nation where there is not a water supply available for organic farming. Another program offered focuses on backyard organic gardening in urban areas. “We provide all the training and all the drip system and all the seeds and all the garden plants and we encourage our families to grow their own backyard local organic produce,” Sandoval explains. “This year, we had about 130 families, that’s about 600-700 people and that program is continuing to grow.” Story Riders is a program available to youths that trains them how to repair bicycles as well as break them down and build them back up. Participants also learn bike safety and can keep the bike when they complete the program. The center currently sponsors about 60 nonprofit projects for small groups that need the cover of a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. “Sometimes they’re very small projects way out on the reservation or up in rural villages,” Sandoval says. “Sometimes they are large organizations that find it more efficient to have us provide all of their financial management rather than creating that capacity internally.” Sandoval, who was born and raised in Albuquerque, is proud of his Mexican heritage. He enjoys traveling south of the

border with his wife, who is from northern Mexico. The couple enjoys trying the various cuisine in the different regions of Mexico. Their travels inspired Sandoval to get creative with one of his favorite dishes — chile rellenos. Sandoval’s version involves stuffing poblano chiles with lean meat, piñon nuts, and dried fruit. He lightly sautées the stuffed chiles and once they are warm he tops it with a tomato based sauce made with sautéed onions and other seasonings. “First of all, I have loved chile rellenos forever,” he says. “I’m fortunate that I traveled a lot throughout Mexico and I’ve seen over the last 50 years a lot of different recipes for it… The great thing about chile rellenos is it is a very creative dish because you stuff that dish with pretty much anything you want. There’s limits. You can’t just put anything, but within the realm of possibilities there’s a lot, so I experiment with that.”—RM

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PHOTOS BY DON JAMES/ATM

Founder and executive director, Center of Southwest Culture

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Chile Rellenos a la Casona Ingredients

Directions

4 large poblano chiles 1 pound extra lean ground beef 2 fresh plums 1/2 fresh apple 1/2 fresh pear ½ cup piñon nuts ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/8 teaspoon cumin A pinch of salt and pepper Flour ½ to ¾ cup of diced dried fruits, including apricots, prunes, raisins or dried fruits of your choice.

Soak dried fruits in warm water for 15 minutes prior to cooking. In a stove-top skillet, brown ground beef with fresh fruits, with seasonings, over low heat until it is half-cooked. Add dried fruits and finish cooking the mixture. Roast and peel the poblano chiles on a stove-top skillet. Gently slice each poblano lengthwise, being careful not to tear the chile. Stuff each poblano with the prepared filling, close it carefully and hold together with one or two toothpicks. Roll each stuffed poblano very lightly in a mixture of flour, salt and pepper. Sauté in hot oil over medium heat for three minutes on each side. Drain and dry after sautéing.

Salsa Ingredients 1 regular can of diced tomatoes 1 small onion 1 jalapeño pepper A pinch of oregano Cooking oil

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Salsa Directions For the salsa, blend diced tomatoes, jalapeño and oregano. In a stove top pan, sauté diced onions in hot oil. Add blended mixture and simmer for 3 minutes. Pour a generous amount of salsa over plated chile rellenos.

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BITES

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

POLICY:

ALQUDS MEDITERRANEAN GRILL & GROCERY

AL’S BIG DIPPER

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

“Bites” is a guide to Albuquerque-area 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

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.

accept reservations or major credit cards, so call before visiting.

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

ALDO’S NEW YORK STYLE PIZZERIA $ 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. Handformed patties or vegetarian options paired with wine from St. Clair Winery or beer from Marble Brewery are a match made in heaven.

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

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.

1009 Golf Course Rd. SE, Ste 103, (505) 8964555 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.

ABC CAKE SHOP

AMADEO’S PIZZA AND SUBS

66 DINER

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

THE ACRE

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

ABUELITA’S NEW MEXICAN KITCHEN $

6083 Isleta Blvd. SW, (505) 877-5700 Kathy Martinez’s brother, Chris Romero, opened Abuelita’s New Mexican Kitchen in Bernalillo 26 years ago. Since then, nothing has changed. The Huevos Rancheros are a best seller, as is the Kitchen’s signature dish, the Tacopilla.

AJIACO COLOMBIAN BISTRO

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

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585 Osuna Rd. NE plus 2 other metro locations (505) 344-5555, amadeospizza.com This family-run pizza place believes that there truly are a million different ways to make a pizza. Using fresh, high-quality ingredients, they specialize in pizzas, subs, pasta, and fresh salads.

AMERASIA-SUMO SUSHI

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

AMORE NEAPOLITAN PIZZERIA

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

ANATOLIA TURKISH MEDITERRANEAN GRILL

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

AN HY QUAN VEGETARIAN RESTAURANT

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

ANNAPURNA’S WORLD VEGETARIAN CAFÉ

ANNIE’S SOUP KITCHEN

5200 Eubank NE, Ste E7, plus 2 other metro locations (505) 275-2424, chaishoppe.com Annapurna offers some of the most enlightened, health-conscious vegetarian and vegan plates in the city, with plenty of options for people suffering from food allergies or Celiac disease. And the menu is world-class, with options from virtually every continent. 3107 Eubank Blvd. NE (505) 296-8601, anniessoupkitchen.com With four homemade soups made fresh every day, and home-style favorites such as avocado and bacon omelets and piles of potatoes topped with melted cheese, chile and eggs, Annie’s specializes in comfort.

ANTIQUITY RESTAURANT

$$$$

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

ARTICHOKE CAFE

$$$

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

ASIAN NOODLE BAR

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

ASIAN PEAR

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

WWW.ABQTHEMAG.COM | DEC. 2021 / JAN. 2022

BITES

UPGRADING A CLASSIC FROM ACROSS THE POND

Quarter Celtic Brewpub 1100 San Mateo Blvd. NE, plus 1 other metro location (505) 503-1387, quartercelticbrewpub.com

AZUMA SUSHI & TEPPAN

4701 San Mateo Blvd. NE plus 1 other metro location (505) 880-9800 azuma-sushi-teppan-abq. com From flame-flipped teppan grill items to a substantial sushi selection, the menus at Azuma Sushi & Teppan have something for everyone. The green chile-infused New Mexico Roll and Filet Mignon Steak please palates daily and are perfect when washed down with an imported Japanese sake, soda, or beer.

B2B BISTRONOMY

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

BARELAS COFFEE HOUSE

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 T.CHERRY

Some things just naturally go together, like a plate of fish and chips at Quarter Celtic brewpub or taproom. “When you have a traditional Irish pub or pub out of the U.K., fish and chips is one of the staple dishes that has to be there,” says assistant general manager Scott Cesarz. Listed on the menu as “Arguably the best fish and chips in town,” Quarter Celtic doesn’t try to reinvent the wheel with the pub staple. The Icelandic Haddock fillets are trimmed in house, and the batter is relatively standard with one key exception: the establishment’s own Crimson Lass Red Ale, not water or oil, serves as the entirety of the liquid base. “It gives a really nice, deep savory flavor to the batter,” Cesarz says. “The carbonation keeps it a little bit lighter.” Patrons can either select the one-piece half order or the two-piece full order. The fillets are served over crispy fries (substitute sweet potato fries for a slight upcharge) that are flavored with a house seasoning and an Irish slaw that utilizes a whole grain mustard base and the Pedro O’Flanagan’s Mexican Lager for dressing. The end result is an entree that Cesarz believes matches up favorably with any other comparable offering in the Duke City. “I know there’s other places that do a good job. We try to stand out,” he says. “It’s our No. 1 seller by far. We try to make sure we always deliver on the quality.” —TRISTEN CRITCHFIELD

Fish and Chips, $ $11.99 half order, $16.99 full order

BASIL LEAF VIETNAMESE RESTAURANT $$

BLACK BIRD SALOON

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!

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

BEN MICHAEL’S RESTAURANT

BLACK MESA COFFEE COMPANY

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

BENNY’S MEXICAN KITCHEN

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

DEC. 2021 / JAN. 2022 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

Albuquerque International Sunport 220 Sunport Blvd. SE, (505) 842-4305 With two Sunport locations, flight delays are easier when you’re close to Black Mesa. The house coffee and vanilla latte are sure to perk you up pre-flight. The made-to-order turkey sandwich will fill you up far more reliably than the bag of pretzels you’ll get on the plane. Baked goods, including the popular banana bread, are made in-house daily. Five menu items, including brownies and cookies, are glutenfree.

BLADES’ BISTRO

$$$

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

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BITES BLAKE’S LOTABURGER

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

BOCADILLOS $

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

BOSQUE BREWING CO.

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

BRICKYARD PIZZA

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

BRIXENS $$$

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

BUDAI GOURMET CHINESE

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

THE BURRITO LADY

BURRITOS ALINSTANTE

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. 938 Eubank Blvd. NE, (505) 271-2268 The Burrito Lady—otherwise known as Consuelo Flores—cooks every one of her huge burritos herself, made-to-order. That means you should be prepared to wait (the line here can often go out the door). It’s worth it—ask for your burrito smothered if you want to really heat things up. 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.

C3’S BISTRO

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

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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 CUBANO

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

CAFÉ LUSH

LA BAREN RESTAURANT

CAKE FETISH

700 Tijeras Ave. NW (505) 508-0164, cafelushabq.com Located on a quiet neighborhood corner, this café is perfect for a nice brunch or lunch and your wallet will not be hurt after your visit. The menu is glutenconscious, vegetarian-friendly and has some of the best gluten-free red chile in town. 230 Louisiana Blvd. SE, Ste A (505) 232-6764, labarenrestaurant.com The pho and spring rolls have a die-hard following of Kirtland Airforce Base employees. Located across the parking lot from Talin Market, experience an extensive menu of traditional Vietnamese cuisine inside this dine-in and takeout eatery. 2665 Louisiana Blvd. NE (505) 883-0670, cakefetish.com Cake Fetish specializes in baker’s cups filled with heaven, such as the Sleepless in Albuquerque (chocolate cake with mocha French buttercream frosting) and the Inside-Out German Chocolate Cake (coconut and pecans and crowned with chocolate French buttercream).

CAMPO AT LOS POBLANOS

$$$

4803 Rio Grande Blvd. NW (505) 344-9297, lospoblanos.com Beautifully situated in the heart of Los Ranchos, Campo is the newly renovated and reimagined fine dining establishment at Los Poblanos. A top-of-theline menu mixes with fresh ingredients from the Los Poblanos Farm and a quiet, rustic atmosphere to make for one of the city’s best dining experiences.

CANVAS ARTISTRY

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

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BITES

SEAFOOD THAT ROCKS ON A ROLL

PHOTO BY T.CHERRY

There was a bit of a getting-to-know-you period when Slapfish introduced its version of the Lobster Roll to the Southwest. “They were expecting a sushi roll,” says CEO and founder Andrew Gruel. In reality, the Lobster Roll is a New England staple consisting of lobster meat served on a hot dog-style bun with a filling that can include a number of other condiments or seasonings. At Slapfish, the goal is to combine the best of the region’s preferences. “There’s two styles of lobster roll traditionally on the East Coast,” Gruel says. “We have a Maine-style lobster roll, which is cold with mayo. Then you have a Connecticut-style, which is hot with butter. “We’re pacifists — we want to bring everybody together in harmony — so we combined both of those. We do this Connecticut-Maine combo. We do hot with a dash of mayo, lemon juice and butter on a split top toasted roll.” The bread itself, which comes from a signature recipe and is cooked to order, also gets more than its share of rave reviews. “They love the bite of the lobster, but most of our reviews focus on the bread,” Gruel says. “I guess when you’re indulgent and you’re looking for that lobster roll, you’re all about the bread, too.” —TRISTEN CRITCHFIELD Slapfish 6400 Holly Ave. NE (plus 1 other other location) (505) 503-1645, slapfishrestaurant.com Lobster Roll, market price

CASA DE BENAVIDEZ

CASA TACO

8032 4th St. NW, (505) 898-3311, casadebenavidez.com One of the original New Mexican eateries in the North Valley, this expansive property boasts a lush patio, fabled margaritas and authentic eats, including a trademark on the sopaipilla burger. 5801 Academy Rd. NE plus 1 other metro location (505) 821-8226, casa-taco.com Both Casa Taco locations offer a window into owner James Pecherski’s signature take on the U.S. Southwest—a strange place where you could picture a classic John Wayne character lingering over a plate of Jamaican jerk chicken and Yucatan pork tacos. Casa Taco defies expectations.

CECILIA’S CAFÉ

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

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CENTRAL GRILL & COFFEE HOUSE

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

CERVANTES NEW MEXICAN RESTAURANT $$

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

CESAR’S MEXICAN & GREEK

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

CHEBA HUT

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

CHEESE AND COFFEE

2679 Louisiana Blvd. NE plus 1 other metro location (505) 883-1226, cheeseandcoffee.com There’s more than just cheese and coffee here— think homemade soups, sandwiches, salads and specials. At lunch, the line often goes out the door, so it’s worth getting there early.

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.

WWW.ABQTHEMAG.COM | DEC. 2021 / JAN. 2022

CHOCGLITZ & CREAM

CHRISTY MAE’S RESTAURANT

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). 1400 San Pedro Dr. NE (505) 255-4740, christymaes.com “Hearty” and “homestyle” are the key words here, a hands-down favorite of early-dinner lovers. Oldfashioned staples are the standards, so look for chicken salad, potpies, country-fried steak with homemade mashed potatoes, and beef stew.

CHURCH STREET CAFÉ

2111 Church St. NW (505) 247-8522, churchstreetcafe.com Calling the oldest residence in Albuquerque its home, this café serves up favorites ranging from natillas to margaritas. They also sell their own bottled salsa and cookbooks with recipes from the restaurant.

CINNAMON SUGAR & SPICE CAFÉ

COCINA AZUL

CODA BAKERY

CONCHITA’S CAFÉ

5809 Juan Tabo Blvd. NE plus 1 other metro location (505) 492-2119, cinnamoncafeabq.com Featuring breakfast and lunch options, endless baked goodies, friendly staff and regular cooking classes, this place puts the “everything nice” in the well-worn phrase. 4243 Montgomery Blvd. NE plus 2 other metro locations (505) 831-2600, cocinaazul.com The newest location of the Old Town favorite serves up the same tried and true home-cooked recipes you’ve come to love. Don’t miss location specific specials and local brews amid New Mexican staples. 230 Louisiana Blvd. SE, Ste C, (505) 232-0085 Wrap your hands around one of Coda Bakery’s unique, Vietnamese-inspired sandwiches. Beyond its popular lineup of sammies, Coda Bakery also puts a distinctive twist on Vietnamese street food, using from-scratch recipes, including the bread, its deli meats, and its desserts. 400 Gold Ave. SW, Ste 119 (505) 339-6774, conchitascafe.com What began as the food truck, Conchita’s Creations became a downtown café with breakfast, sandwiches, and salads. New Mexican favorites shine here, just like abuela made them—including tacos, Frito pie, and burritos.

CORN MAIDEN

$$$

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.

CORRALES BISTRO BREWERY

4908 Corrales Rd. NW (505) 897-1036, cbbistro.com Brews from all over the region make this Corrales bistro a must-visit for the affordable fare, killer atmosphere, and music seven days a week.

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Cast your BALLOTS

BITES

MARK YOUR CALENDARS TO PARTICIPATE IN EACH OF OUR ONLINE POLLS.

Feb. 1 – March 1

HEALTHCARE HEROES & TOP-NOTCH NURSE AWARDS If we didn’t already know, 2020 has shown us the true heroism and value of our local nurses. HOW TO NOMINATE: Go to abqthemag.com

THE COUNTY LINE BBQ

CRACKIN’ CRAB

9600 Tramway Blvd. NE (505) 856-7477, countyline.com It doesn’t take long for the barbecue to arrive at your dinner table, whether it’s wood-burning oven cooked and slow-roasted brisket, ribs, or sausage. Throw in the Rib King Platter, green-chile stuffed pork loin, live music, and two stepping, and at The County Line, everybody wins. 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

TOP DENTISTS: VOTING BY DENTISTS ONLY

April 1 – may 1

There are few things more important than proper dental care, and so every year we ask local dentists to vote on those they trust most to care for a loved one. HOW TO VOTE: Go to abqthemag.com

BEST OF THE CITY

May 1 – AUGUST 1

It’s your city, so who better than you to tell us the best places to eat, shop, play and spend in ABQ? More than 6 million votes have been cast since Best of the City launched in 2005, and we feature the winners in our huge annual December/January Double Issue. HOW TO VOTE: Go to abqthemag.com

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ALBUQUERQUE’S HOT SINGLES Upload a photo and a brief description of the eligible single you think would make one of ABQ’s HOTTEST Singles. HOW TO NOMINATE: Go to abqthemag.com

TOP DOCS: VOTING BY DOCTORS ONLY

oct. 1 – nov. 1

How do you get to know a good healthcare provider? Every year we ask the city’s doctors to vote for their peers, and we publish the list of winners, just for you. HOW TO VOTE: Go to abqthemag.com

NOV. 1 – DEC. 1

ABOVE & BEYOND TEACHER AWARDS We shine some recognition on the amazing classroom mentors who make sure our students are learning. HOW TO NOMINATE: Go to abqthemag.com

10420 4th St. NW (505) 298-2597, cravincookiesandmore.com Serving up specialty cookies, muffins, breads, pies, and pretty much any dessert you can dream of, Cravin’ Cookies and More offers dine-in and to go orders to satisfy any sweet tooth, with coffee and hot tea to match.

CRAZY FISH SUSHI BAR AND RESTAURANT

3015 Central Ave. NE (505) 232-3474, crazyfishabq.com Tasty, fresh sushi and sashimi await you in this sleek Central Avenue restaurant, along with kitchenmade favorites such as tempura and crispy chicken.

THE CROWN ROOM

$$$$

145 Louisiana Blvd. NE (505) 767-7171, abqdowns.com/crown-room Perhaps Albuquerque’s best-kept fine dining secret, this gem is tucked away in the newly remodeled Downs Casino. With an incredible selection of liquors and wines, gourmet dishes, tableside Bananas Foster, and Dom Pérignon palate cleansers, this special occasion hideout is hard to beat, anywhere in the 505.

CURRY LEAF

THE DAILY GRIND

DELICIAS CAFÉ

DG’S DELI

6910-C Montgomery Blvd. NE (505) 881-3663, curryleafrestaurant.us Curry Leaf is the only restaurant in New Mexico to offer both North and South India cuisine. This means that, while you can get familiar favorites like tandoori chicken, you can also explore the world of chicken chettinad and dosas—a type of crepe made with fermented lentil and rice flour, filled with stuffing like potato, spiced vegetables, or ground lamb. 4360a Cutler Ave. NE (505) 883-8310, dailygrindabq.net This family-friendly restaurant serves breakfast and lunch, including huevos rancheros and a huge assortment of baked goods. On Friday and Saturday, look for spontaneous specials, such as stuffed French toast or steak and eggs. 6001 San Mateo Blvd. NE, (505) 830-6561 Named after the city in Chihuahua, Mexico, Delicias delivers traditional fare of the region, like caldo de res (beef stew), gorditas, carnitas, flautas, and horchata. 1418 Dr Martin Luther King Jr Ave. NE (505) 247-3354, dgsdeli.com With 31 cold sandwich options and a wide variety of grilled hot sandwiches—ranging in size from mini to jumbo—there’s something for everyone here. Try the Green Chile Philly or the Lobo Club.

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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

DONUT MART

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. 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.

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BITES EL BRUNO’S RESTAURANTE Y CANTINA

EMBERS STEAK & SEAFOOD

$$$

8806 4th St. NW (505) 897-0444, elbrunos.com El Bruno’s got its start in Cuba, NM, in 1975. At the Albuquerque location, the tried-and-true family recipes are still the focus of the menu. The Ceviche, Pollo Adovo, and the Deep Fried Spinach are a few items guests can look forward to.

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.

EL CAMINO DINING ROOM

FANO BREAD COMPANY

EL COTORRO

FAN TANG

6800 4th St. NW, (505) 344-0448 Those with a bottomless appetite might meet their match with any of El Camino’s breakfast burrito options. These plate-sized behemoths are filled with eggs, hashbrowns or home-fries, and your choice of meat, then smothered in red or green chile. 111 Carlisle Blvd. NE (505) 503-6202, elcotorroabq.com Made to order gourmet tacos are on full display among classic Mexican street food like elotes and ceviche. A full salsa bar lets you spice up your meat, fish, vegetarian, or vegan tacos. Taco Tuesdays feature $2 tacos and bottled Mexican beers.

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.

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 $

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.

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-to-elbow seating. Alto offers every pizza on the EDo menu, such as the Formaggio di Capra and the Carne, but includes unique dishes—Eggplant Parmesan Napoleon and Oven-Roasted Chicken Wings. Alto’s wine room is stocked with more than 300 bottles of wine.

FARINA PIZZERIA

510 Central Ave. SE (505) 243-0130, farinapizzeria.com Whether you like yours bianco or covered in carne, you’ll get a pie cooked to perfection at this relaxedbut-hip urban eatery.

FARM & TABLE

$$$

THE FARMACY

8917 4th St. NW (505) 503-7124, farmandtablenm.com This North Valley eatery’s ever-changing menu features seasonal produce, which often comes from the restaurant’s own farm. If the produce doesn’t come from the farm, it’s sourced from a slew of local vendors. Enjoy grass-and-alfalfa-fed steaks and produce-focused dishes that use local kale, chard, okra, chile, and tomatoes. 3718 Central Ave. SE, (505) 227-0330 The Farmacy takes the idea of organic and local ingredients, and presents them in a way that tastes like comfort. The Farmacy provides a tasty menu of eight breakfast items, as well as eight sandwiches for lunch.

FIESTA’S MEXICAN RESTAURANT & CANTINA

4400 Carlisle Blvd. NE, (505) 881-0478 Fiesta’s Restaurant & Cantina has been familyowned and operated since 1986, making it an Albuquerque go-to for quality New Mexican cuisine. With its family dining area, outdoor patio, lively bar and banquet room, Fiesta’s has something for everyone.

FLIX BREWHOUSE

FLYING STAR CAFE

FORQUE KITCHEN AND BAR

FORK & FIG

3258 La Orilla Rd. NW, B-1 (505) 445-8500, flixbrewhouse.com Flix is a one-of-a-kind concept; a movie theater that serves full meals and an in-house brewed beer menu in its stadium-seating “dining rooms.” The dream is real, Albuquerque–you can catch the latest blockbuster in theaters while knocking back a pint and having dinner brought to you. 8001 Menaul Blvd. NE plus 5 other metro locations (505) 293-6911, flyingstarcafe.com With menu options ranging from breakfast served all day to flavor-packed salads and sandwiches, handmade desserts to die for, and beautiful patio dining, Flying Star is the place to treat yourself to good vibes and great food. 330 Tijeras Ave. NW (505) 842-1234, albuquerque.hyatt.com Forque’s multi-level, tastefully decorated dining room features floor-to-ceiling windows and makes it easy to forget you’re dining at a Downtown hotel. The elegant presentation extends to the regional cuisine, which is prepared in the restaurant’s open kitchen by executive chef Eli White and his staff. 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?

FOURTH AND ROMA CAFÉ

FRANK’S FAMOUS CHICKEN AND WAFFLES

500 4th St. NW, #106, (505) 245-7662 Delicious chai, coffee, sandwiches, salads, and occasional East-Indian specials conveniently located in the old Bank of America building downtown.

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.

1508 Wyoming Blvd. NE, (505) 293-6018 Opening 47 years ago, Eloy’s New Mexican Restaurant’s claim to fame is its consistent food and service, offering the same recipes that made it famous all those years ago. Try the No. 1 Eloy’s Deluxe Dinner, with a little bit of everything.

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BITES

A PEARL OF A DEAL

Artichoke Cafe 424 Central Ave. SE (505) 243-0200, artichokecafe.com

Oysters, $4.50 a piece

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, hot-off-theiron tortillas, burgers, New Mexican favorites, hash browns, fresh-squeezed orange juice, and more, the Frontier is Albuquerque’s melting pot—it’s a guarantee you’ll see someone you know there.

GARCIA’S KITCHEN

PHOTO BY FRANK GUTIERREZ

In the Land of Enchantment, oysters are rare enough that their presence on a menu feels like a treat to local diners. That was at least part of the thinking behind Artichoke Cafe’s launch of Oyster Wednesdays, where the restaurant serves up a variety of oysters – usually one East Coast and one West Coast offering per week – to an appreciative customer base. “People get really excited about it. It’s somewhat exotic here,” says managing partner Jamie Gordon. All told, Artichoke Cafe will serve between five and seven different types of oysters on Hump Day, a selection that includes Blue Points, Kumiai, Misty Point and Minterbrook, to name a few. What’s sold on a given week depends on freshness and availability. One big selling point, in this instance, is that customers can order as many or as few as they’d like. Artichoke Cafe’s chefs shuck the oysters themselves, and then they’re served with a standout rosemary mignonette. “Ours is equal parts red wine vinegar, champagne vinegar and white wine vinegar — with a tiny amount of vodka in it just to sort of boost those flavors. It’s got fresh ground coriander and fresh pepper and obviously fresh rosemary as well,” Gordon says. And don’t worry, Oyster Wednesday isn’t going anywhere. “We’ll continue to plug the Oyster Wednesdays just because it’s a little fun, it’s a little different,” Gordon says. —TRISTEN CRITCHFIELD

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 $$

GIOVANNI’S PIZZERIA

Garduño’s consistently earns enthusiastic kudos for its mouthwatering enchiladas, burritos, salsa, and knockyour-socks-off margaritas. And, with three locations around town, you’re always near a fiesta.

921 San Pedro Dr. SE, (505) 255-1233 giovannispizzaalbuquerque.com Giovanni’s isn’t easy to spot at first, but once you’ve had a big slice of fold-in-half New York-style pie, you’ll never miss it again. Whether you like it covered in spinach, pesto and tomatoes, cheeseonly, no cheese at all, or plain pepperoni, you’re sure to find your pizza match.

GECKO’S BAR AND TAPAS

GOLDEN CROWN PANADERIA

10031 Coors Blvd. NW plus 1 other metro locations (505) 880-0055, gardunosrestaurants.com

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.

DEC. 2021 / JAN. 2022 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

1103 Mountain Rd. NW, (505) 243-2424, goldencrown.biz Golden Crown Panaderia is known for taking creativity in baking to the next level. Try the original biscochitos or cappuccino, chocolate and sugarfree versions. Don’t miss out on homemade green chile bread, pizza, and creative bread sculptures.

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.

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BITES GREENSIDE CAFÉ

$$$

12165 NM-14, Cedar Crest (505) 286-2684, greenside.cafe This Cedar Crest café offers a casual family atmosphere with large portions of gourmet-quality food: French toast made with orange and vanilla batter, Turquoise Trail Trout, rich homemade ice cream, and a Monte Cristo sandwich with green chile.

THE GRILL ON SAN MATEO

3300 San Mateo Blvd. NE, (505) 872-9772 A choice of mesquite-grilled chicken, rib eye, hot dogs, and burgers (beef and garden) accompany bottomless house-made chips and salsa, complete with sides like classic fries and fried zucchini, and fresh fixings are on a build-your-own basis offering a completely customizable burger.

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.

GYROS MEDITERRANEAN

106 Cornell Dr. SE, (505) 255-4401, egyros.com Tried-and-true Greek recipes, such as traditional Kota Reganato (oven-roasted chicken with oregano, garlic and lemon), fresh Greek salads, Patates, and, of course, sweet baklava, served in a friendly, laidback collegial atmosphere.

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

HIBACHI ONE

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. 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.

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HIGH NOON RESTAURANT AND SALOON

$$$

425 San Felipe St. NW (505) 765-1455, highnoonrestaurant.com Located in a 300-year-old house in the heart of Old Town, High Noon has a menu stocked with New Mexican fare such as burritos and enchiladas, but you can also find baked brie and buffalo burgers here. Reservations are recommended.

HOLY BURGER

700 Central Ave. SE (505) 242-2991, holyburgernm.com Originally a Route 66 diner with a carport, and later Bob’s Fish and Chips, Holy Burger now boasts some of the juiciest burgers in town, as well as one of the breeziest and most boppin’ patios in the city.

HORSE AND ANGEL TAVERN

5809 Juan Tabo Blvd. NE, (505) 299-0225 Whether you want a simple sandwich for lunch, appetizers and a beer in the afternoon, or steak and enchiladas at midnight, this Heights tavern is the place to be any time of the day.

HOT PINK THAI

2626 San Pedro Dr. NE, (505) 872-2296 For dine in or takeout at lunchtime, you’ll get $1.50 off dishes over $10 and a free vegetable egg roll. Favorites include pumpkin curry, pad thai, and drunken noodles. Most dishes are customized with your choice of protein and spice level, from no chili at all to Thai hot.

HOT TAMALES

1520 Rio Rancho Blvd. SE. Rio Rancho (505) 962-0123, hottamalesnmrestaurant.com This Rio Rancho restaurant serves bona fide New Mexican with hand-blended red chile and fireroasted green chile: Green Chile Stew Omelet, Hot Tamale Bowl, and Fajitas are just a few of the spicy dishes.

HURRICANE’S CAFE

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.

INDIGO CROW CAFÉ

$$$

4515 Corrales Rd. (505) 585-3061, indigocrowcafe.net This café is cozy, thanks to the fact that it’s housed in an old adobe building. When it’s cold, patrons warm up by the indoor fireplace; when it’s warm, they enjoy meals such as lobster ravioli, tarragon chicken salad, and New Mexico chicken fried steak under the stars on the outdoor patio. Reservations are recommended.

IRONWOOD KITCHEN

5740 Night Whisper Rd. NW, Ste 250 (505) 890-4488, ironwoodkitchen.com This family operation’s goal: to serve meals made with whole foods at affordable prices. Try the green chile cheeseburger, with freshly-ground chuck, topped with fresh vegetables and roasted green chile.

JAPANESE KITCHEN

$$$

6521 America’s Parkway (505) 884-8937, japanesekitchen.com Entertainment is the main course at this teppanyaki grill restaurant. The cooks, who are at your table, can be caught tossing shrimp into their pockets and creating to-die-for dishes from the classic teriyaki chicken, to seafood or steak, and everything in between.

JAVA JOE’S

906 Park Ave. SW (505) 765-1514, downtownjavajoes.com You’ll find all walks of life at this relaxing Downtown joint, enjoying freshly made sandwiches, breakfast burritos, green chile chicken melts, coffee drinks and more.

JC’S NEW YORK PIZZA DEPARTMENT $$

215 Central Ave. NW, Ste B (505) 766-6973, jcnypd.com New York-style pizza, pasta, salads, and fully-loaded pasta and calzone dishes, all in a laid-back lounge. During lunch hour, the line goes out the door.

JIMMY’S CAFÉ ON JEFFERSON

7007 Jefferson St. NE (505) 341-2546, jimmyscafeonjefferson.com The menu here lists more than 100 items, most of them mouthwatering comfort foods: sandwiches, burgers, New Mexican dishes, handmade pizza, and breakfast served all day long.

JINJA BAR AND BISTRO

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.

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.

IL VICINO

JOE’S PASTA HOUSE

I SCREAM ICE CREAM

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

$$$

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.

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.

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BITES 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.

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-too-good-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, hand-cut steaks and burgers, and the best-selling Southern Salad (with fried green beans, bacon, cheddar cheese, tomato, and fried or grilled chicken or steak).

KIMO’S HAWAIIAN BBQ

3239 Girard Blvd. NE (505) 582-2797, kimosabq.com Hawaii comes home. What began as a food truck is now a brick-and-mortar location also. Try freshfrom-the-isles Kalua Pork and Huli Huli Chicken plates served with sides like steamed cabbage, rice, and macaroni salad.

KOLACHE FACTORY

8001 Wyoming Blvd. NE, Ste B3 (505) 856-3430, locations.kolachefactory.com The Kolache Factory franchise out of Texas focuses on Czech style Kolaches that were traditionally a warm, semi-sweet pastry filled with sausage, cheese, or fruit and originated in Eastern Europe dating as far back as the 1700s.

LA QUICHE PARISIENNE BISTRO

5850 Eubank Blvd. NE, Ste 17 (505) 242-2808, laquicheparisiennebistro.com Long considered an authentic French staple of downtown ABQ, La Quiche has comfortably settled into the Heights and the baked goods will comfort your lazy weekend brunch cravings with true Parisian cuisine from the mainland.

LA REFORMA

8900 San Mateo Blvd. NE, Ste I (505) 717-1361, lareformabrewery.com On the taco front, La Reforma is virtually unimpeachable, offering options like braised pork shoulder carnitas, tempura-battered white fish pescado, and rotisserie-broiled al pastor for carnivores, along with tempura-battered avocado (aguacate) for those looking for something plantbased.

LA SALITA

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.

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

LAVA ROCK BREWING COMPANY $$ 2220 Unser Blvd. NE (505) 836-1022, lavarockbrewpub.com

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

LAZY LIZARD GRILL

12480 North Hwy. 14, Sandia Park (505) 281-9122, lazylizardgrill.com From the King Cobra Pizza and made-fromscratch Jalapeño Poppers to their impressive selection of microbrews, the Lazy Lizard Grill has customers always coming back for more— and has the food and atmosphere to back it up.

LE BISTRO VIETNAMESE RESTAURANT

1313 San Pedro Dr. NE, (505) 266-6118 Le Bistro Vietnamese Restaurant is just as much a bakery as it is a restaurant, specializing in traditional Vietnamese cuisine.

LE CHANTILLY FINE PASTRIES

8216 Menaul Blvd. NE (505) 293-7057, lechantillybakery.com This French-style bakery features breakfast pastries, muffins, strudel, cookies, and tarts—not to mention delicious quiche, croissants, sandwiches and cakes. Try homemade soups such as creamy chicken and artichoke, then satisfy your sweet tooth with a tower of chocolate decadence.

DEC. 2021 / JAN. 2022 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

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

$$$

THE LIBRARY BAR & GRILL

LIMONATA ITALIAN STREET CAFÉ

LINDY’S DINER

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. 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. 3222 Silver Ave. SE (505) 266-0607, limonatanobhill.com Channel your inner Italian at this street foodinspired café, where the breakfast and lunch menus feature perfect pastries, craveable cappuccino and trattoria-inspired lunches. The chef makes every dish from scratch and insists that everything about the restaurant, from the menu to the atmosphere, be done just as it would in Italy. 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

LOS COMPADRES RESTAURANT

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. 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

LOYOLA’S FAMILY RESTAURANT

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. 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.

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Mariscos La Playa 5210 San Mateo Blvd NE (505) 884-1147, facebook.com/mariscoslaplayaabq

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 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.

MAGOKORO $$ 5614 Menaul Blvd. NE (505) 830-2061, magokoroabq.com

Magakoro pushes well beyond the bounds of ramen and sushi, treating visitors to a thrilling selection of flavors. They’ve also cultivated a reputation for elevating the bento box—commonly available at Japanese-inspired restaurants throughout Albuquerque—into a sensorial cultural experience.

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Mariscos La Playa’s Vuelve a la Vida is known as “the come back to life soup” for good reason. The seafood combo soup, which is available in large or small portions, is known to be replenishing, rejuvenating and just plain good for improving one’s outlook on any given day. “I have a regular that comes in and eats the soup four times a week, like religiously,” says co-owner and manager Carla Ortega. “He tells me, ‘This soup is good for my soul. It’s good for me and my health.’” More commonly known as the Seven Seas Soup at other establishments, Mariscos’ version — which is a family recipe — comes with shrimp, fish, crab, scallops, clams, calamari, octopus and a host of veggies. The soup is made to order each time despite being a top seller in the restaurant, meaning there is no mass production involved. “The soup is as fresh as it can get when you’re ordering it,” Ortega says. “The spices that go in are all homemade as well.” The details of the recipe are not widely known, and that helps contribute to the quality of the final product. “We have a head chef at each of our locations, but they are the ones who know the recipe by heart and don’t have anybody else do it unless it’s absolutely necessary,” Ortega says. “It stays really consistent because there’s one person behind it the whole time.”—TRISTEN CRITCHFIELD

Vuelve a la Vida, $14.95 large, $12.95 small

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

MAY CAFÉ

MAZAYA 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. 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. 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, freshgrilled kebabs, a half-dozen wraps, shawarma, and three kinds of fried or steamed dumpling plates headline the restaurant’s entrée menu.

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BITES 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 eight-pound breakfast burrito), huevos rancheros, or the Frito pie, all with homemade red or green chile.

MILLY’S $

2100 Candelaria Rd. NE plus 1 other metro location (505) 884-0707, millysrestaurants.com If you’re not sure what to eat, have a little of everything with an American-New Mexican–Greek menu. This breakfast and lunch spot melds salads and sandwiches with traditional New Mexican and Greek entrees.

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 second-floor restaurant now offers traditional bar food, wings, and nightly specials. Choose from tasty chicken wings and burgers, or order from the restaurant downstairs— they’ll bring your steak to you.

MR. TOKYO

11200 Montgomery Blvd. NE, (505) 292-4728 Soak up the cool Zen-like atmosphere while enjoying six versions of fried rice, sushi, sashimi, tempura, hibachi, grilled udon, soups, and teriyaki spiced with fiery Thai chili peppers.

MUSTANG CAFÉ

8601 Lomas Blvd. NE, (505) 275-4477 Perfect for anyone shopping at the Rich Ford car dealership—or anyone at all—is this auto-themed restaurant, which serves up homemade breakfast burritos, papitas, enchiladas, rellenos, tamales, and the Dennis Snyder Favorite: a 16-oz. sirloin patty with cheese and chile.

NAGOMI RESTAURANT

NAMASTE

2400 Juan Tabo Blvd. NE, (505) 298-3081 nagomirestaurantabq.com The Nagomi menu is virtually overrun with Japanese culinary classics. Nagomi is also one of the few places in Albuquerque where you can go to indulge in shabu-shabu, a Japanese-style hot pot. 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.

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 YOGURT STUDIO IN NOB HILL

3339 Central Ave. NE, Ste C (505) 718-4656, oloyogurt.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

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.

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.

NEXUS BREWERY

O’NIELL’S PUB

NICK AND JIMMY’S RESTAURANT AND BAR

NARUTO $

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.

5021 Pan American Freeway NE (505) 344-9169, nickandjimmysrestaurant.com Nick and Jimmy’s vision was a comfortable atmosphere with comfortable food. They blend traditional foods with new twists and serve everything from enchiladas to green chile meatloaf.

NOB HILL BAR AND GRILL

$$$

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

ORCHID THAI CUISINE

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.

3128 Central Ave. SE (505) 266-4455, upscalejoint.com This restaurant manages to be simultaneously upscale and laid back, gourmet and down-home, visionary and traditional. Not to mention delicious: the Buffalo Calamari, Dirty “Kobe” Burger, Pineapple Chipotle BBQ Baby Back Ribs, and a slew of amazing cocktails make every visit exceptional.

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.

NOMAD’S BBQ FOOD TRUCK

THE OWL CAFÉ

(505) 206-7654

Authentic, smoky goodness, Nomad’s BBQ sammies— including pulled pork and hotlink varieties—are succulent and feature its homemade sauce. This roving BBQ hut definitely knows how to do a quality turkey leg and rib tips, too.

OAK TREE CAFÉ

4545 Alameda Blvd. NE (505) 830-2233, cafeoaktree.com

$$$

This hometown café has served a lot of locales over the past 30 years, and the current venue on Alameda is great at the basics, including burgers, sandwiches, and salads, made fresh, in-house every day.

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.

DEC. 2021 / JAN. 2022 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

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.

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BITES PAISANO’S ITALIAN RESTAURANT

1935 Eubank Blvd. NE (505) 298-7541, paisanosabq.com Family recipes have kept Paisano’s going for more than 35 years, but the hand-rolled pasta, handstuffed ravioli, homemade sausage and marinara haven’t hurt business, either. It’s also the only place in town to get wheat-free pizza and pasta.

THE PALETA BAR

2325 San Pedro Dr. NE plus 12 other metro locations (505) 884-0049, thepaletabar.com A hidden Albuquerque gem, The Paleta Bar has taken a tried-and-true, frozen Mexican dessert to new heights. Since 2017, this paleta wonderland has been slinging refreshing Mexican popsicles in endless combinations of flavors.

PAPA FELIPE’S MEXICAN RESTAURANT $$

9800 Menaul Blvd. NE (505) 292-8877, papafelipes.com Papa Felipe’s exceeds expectations by offering traditional New Mexican cuisine (enchiladas, stuffed sopaipillas, tacos) as well as simple twists on favorite dishes (green chile carne adovada, Tampico Tacos, Green Tamale Pie).

PAPA NACHOS

PARS CUISINE

7648 Louisiana Blvd. NE (505) 821-4900, papanachosfood.com Great homemade Mexican food based on tried-andtrue family recipes is the specialty here: burritos, fish tacos, and the namesake nachos will all make your panza happy. 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, home-cooked New Mexican food that’s consistently earned kudos from customers who can’t say “no” to the Frito pie, carne adovada, and green chile cheeseburgers.

PERICO’S $

10401 Golf Course Rd. NW plus 3 other metro locations (505) 792-5255 pericosmexicanrestaurant.com Serving delicious New Mexican food at affordable prices made Perico’s instantly popular, and the “home of the ½ lb burrito” is now an Albuquerque institution 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.

POP FIZZ

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. 6770 Fourth St. NW plus 1 other metro location (505) 433-5440, pop-fizz.net Made in-house from all natural ingredients, kids can’t miss the Mexican paletas (popsicles) and ice cream tacos. For adults, boozy pops, shakes, and beer complement the small but substantial menu of sandwiches, burritos, and the coveted carne asada fries. Located at the National Hispanic Cultural Center, the patio is dog-friendly, and you might see its ice cream truck around the city at summer events.

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PRAIRIE STAR RESTAURANT

288 Prairie Star Rd. (505) 867-3327, mynewmexicogolf.com Taking a drive past Bernalillo is a pleasure when you know the visit will include amazing made-fromscratch dishes such as herb-grilled ribeye with chipotle cheddar gratin and New Mexico bisonraised 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

QUARTERS BBQ

1100 San Mateo Blvd. NE, #50, plus 1 other metro location (505) 503-1387, 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. 801 Yale Blvd. SE (505) 843-6949 thequartersonyaleblvd.com Feeling hungry? How about 187,000 pounds of ribs and 15,000 pounds of Alaskan King Crab a year, an attached packaged liquor store, a secret sauce recipe, and customers hungry for more? Try the pork spare ribs or hot links.

RANCHERS CLUB OF NEW MEXICO $$$

1901 University Blvd. NE (505) 889-8071, theranchersclubofnm.com With more fine dining awards on their wall than years they’re been in business, the Ranchers Club of New Mexico inside the Crowne Plaza Albuquerque is a meat lovers’ paradise and wine connoisseurs’ promised land. Reservations are recommended.

THE RANGE CAFÉ

320 Central SE plus 5 other metro locations (505) 243-1440, rangecafe.com Locals flock to The Range Café when they’re in search of good, made-from-scratch comfort food, including meatloaf sandwiches, huevos rancheros, enchiladas, ice cream, and the gooey Life by Chocolate dessert.

REBEL DONUT

2435 Wyoming Blvd. NE plus 1 other metro location (505) 293-0553, rebeldonut.com Not only can you find their set flavors, including their raised glazed, chocolate cake glazed, rebel red velvet, birthday cake, and toasted coconut, but you can also order custom-made donuts or choose to experiment with their daily creations.

RELISH GOURMET SANDWICHES

8019 Menaul Blvd. NE (505) 299-0001, relishsandwichesabq.com It’s no wonder this sandwich shop has been voted “best” by publications throughout Albuquerque— it serves only the best Boar’s Head meats and all of their dishes are accompanied by homemade sides or soups. Try the Cubano. You won’t be disappointed.

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BITES 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.

ROSEMARY $$

4565 San Mateo Blvd. NE, Ste A plus 1 other metro location (505) 361-1842, rosemaryabq.com This plant-forward restaurant offers a soothing atmosphere, creative menu, and amazing food. Any menu item can be adaped to meet personal preferences and dietary restrictions.

RUDY’S COUNTRY STORE AND BAR-B-Q

2321 Carlisle NE plus 1 other metro location (505) 884-4000, rudys.com Texas-style slow cooking over oak is what makes Rudy’s brisket, ribs and sausage so mouthwatering—not to mention the “sause.” Every serving comes with paper towels, unlimited sliced onions and pickles, and bread to mop up the leftover BBQ.

RUSTIC BUBBLE TEA CAFE

RUSTIC ON THE GREEN

840 Juan Tabo Blvd. Ste B (505) 505-1813, rusticbubbleteacafe.com Rustic Bubble Tea Café has all of the fundamentals of a bubble tea shop down, of course–the hint is in the name, after all–but what sets the independent Albuquerque startup apart is the Vietnameseinspired menu that accompanies its decadent beverages. 3600 Cutler Ave. NE (505) 315-1148, rusticburger505.com Rustic simplicity is the key for this burger joint at Green Jeans Farmery, serving up five equallycraveable burger options and two different kinds of fries from its minimalist menu. Don’t let the simplicity fool you: this unique eatery does gourmet burgers that has fans coming back for more, including its Day of the Dead burger with a secret “Diablo” puree and the Divine Intervention, topped with bleu cheese and caramelized onions.

RUTILIO’S NEW MEXICAN FOODS

455 N. Main St., Belen (505) 864-0093 Belen Mayor Rudy Jaramillo’s carne adovada is what put Rutilio’s on the map. This hangout serves their perfect pork with rice and beans, stuffed inside burritos and sopaipillas, and layered inside enchiladas and quesadillas. Add Rutilio’s breakfast burritos and classic New Mexican combos, and guests are sure to find something worth campaigning for.

RUTILIO’S NEW MEXICAN FOODS

1605 Juan Tabo Blvd. NE (505) 503-8629 With a menu packed with 50-year-old traditional New Mexican recipes, it can be hard to know where to begin. It is recommended for first timers to order the carne adovada which is perfectly “lean, savory, and fiery”.

SADIE’S OF NEW MEXICO

15 Hotel Circle NE plus 2 other metro locations (505) 296-6940, sadiesofnewmexico.com A staple in New Mexican cuisine, Sadie’s features enchiladas, carne adovada ribs, tacos, burritos, and of course, world-famous chips and salsa. Reservations are recommended.

SAHARA MIDDLE EASTERN EATERY

2622 Central Ave. SE, (505) 255-5400 saharamiddleeasterneatery.com Delectable Middle Eastern plates served up Manhattan-deli style. The chicken shawarma plate, complete with greens, pita, hummus, and awardwinning tabbouleh, is always a good bet. Complete with beer and wine, and belly dancing on weekends, this is a fave of students, locals, and out-of-towners alike.

SAIGON RESTAURANT

6001 San Mateo Blvd. 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.

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SALATHAI $

3619 Copper Ave. NE, (505) 265-9330 Made-from-scratch, fresh, ingredients and keeping it simple are owner Pitak Pitakkan’s rules to cook by. Pitakkan cooks every menu item himself so don’t go to Salathai in a hurry. Pitakkan’s grandmother taught him to make curry and his curries are a longtime customer favorite.

SALT AND BOARD

THE SALT YARD

115 Harvard SE, Ste. 9 (505) 219-2001 saltandboard.com Salt and Board offers a tailored selection of wines to go along with different charcuterie boards, pressed sandwiches and salads. For those who aren’t wine drinkers, Salt and Board offers a variety of local New Mexico beers on tap. 6001 Osuna Rd. NE plus 1 other metro location (505) 750-9273, thesaltyardnm.com A multi-concept bar and restaurant, The Salt Yard is

equipped with games, dozens of televisions, great food, drinks, and plenty of space to stretch your legs. This unique location is a great place for parties, trying the newest beer and tequila (Blue Agave Republic is now a part of it), or just watching the game.

SAMURAI GRILL AND SUSHI BAR

$$$

9500 Montgomery Blvd. NE (505) 275-6601, abqsamurai.com What’s your pleasure, sushi or teppan? Here, you can have either expertly crafted right in front of you. It’s also where you can get fresh sushi favorites such as the California roll, the dragon roll, and a veggies-and-sushi “Viagra salad” special.

SANTA FE BITE-ABQ

3407 Central Ave. NE (505) 369-1621, santafebite-abq.com

At Santa Fe Bite-ABQ, the green chile cheeseburger is treated with the reverence it deserves, presenting a precision crafted recipe. The details, in fact, are so carefully crafted that even the grilling surface needs to meet certain criteria. Absent a turn on the surface of a custom cast iron grill, it’s just not a Santa Fe Bite burger.

SANTIAGO’S NEW MEXICAN GRILL

1911 Eubank Blvd. NE, (505) 292-8226 It’s in the sauce—Papa Jim’s Taco Sauce, at least— which comes with items such as burritos, tacos, and salsa. This Santiago Scramble—a pile of scrambled eggs, cheese, corn tortillas, chorizo, and hash browns—is great morning fuel. The tamale and enchilada take-and-bake casseroles will please any partygoer. And take a jar of that taco sauce home— after all, you can.

SAVOY BAR & GRILL

$$$

10601 Montgomery Blvd. NE (505) 294-9463, savoyabq.com Resembling a California wine-country bistro, Savoy Bar & Grill is one of Albuquerque’s premier finedining establishments. Specializing in food and wine pairing, Savoy’s menu is a toast to the art of balance of food and wine.

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.

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BITES

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BITES SEARED $$

119 San Pasquale Ave. SW (505) 999-8414, searedabq.com During the day, the space is Cheese & Coffee, but at night, it gets a makeover and becomes Seared, a fine dining establishment serving up steak, pork loin, and Atlantic Salmon among other things.

SEASONS ROTISSERIE AND GRILL $$$

2031 Mountain Rd. NW (505) 766-5100, seasonsabq.com As the name suggests, Seasons varies its menu in accordance with what’s going on throughout the year, using the finest, freshest ingredients. Depending on what time of year you venture in, you’ll find butternut squash ravioli, grilled Atlantic salmon, and bleu cheese-crusted beef filet. Reservations are recommended.

SERGIO’S LA DOLCE VITA

2740 Wyoming Blvd. NE, Ste 8, (505) 5542602 Fresh, made-from-scratch cookies, donuts, breads, pastries, cakes, and cannoli are on the mouthwatering menu at this Italian bakery.

SHARK REEF CAFÉ

2601 Central Ave. NW, (505) 848-7182 To conclude your tour of the Albuquerque Aquarium, grab a seat at this full-service restaurant, where the dining room features a view of the oceanic reef exhibit. Catering to visitors, families, and daytime dates, the menu offers simple, fun options. Call ahead for special events, like themed dinners and holiday celebrations.

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.

SHOGUN JAPANESE RESTAURANT

3310 Central Ave. SE, (505) 265-9166 When your order of sushi comes around the bend on its floating wooden boat, you couldn’t be happier, whether you’ve ordered the “Super Crunch” (shrimp tempura roll), or the “TNT Roll” (fish, zucchini and onion, baked with spicy mayo and smothered on a California roll).

THE SHOP BREAKFAST & LUNCH

2933 Monte Vista Blvd. NE, (505) 433-2795 Breakfast and lunch at The Shop guarantees a plethora of flavors and textures that are tough to find in the Duke City. Combining down-home Southern staples with Mexican and New Mexican traditions, you’re bound to discover a new appreciation for bacon and eggs.

SIAM CAFÉ

5500 San Mateo Blvd. NE, Ste 101 (505) 883-7334, siamcafeabq.com With its array of freshly-made curries—all made with coconut milk and a wide variety of luscious spices—this restaurant scores high marks with Albuquerqueans who love Thai food.

SIXTY-SIX ACRES

2400 12th St. NW (505) 243-2230, sixtysixacres.com If you had to boil Sixty-Six Acres down to two words, they would be “casual” and “classy.” Featuring craft cocktails and a wealth of locally sourced, globallyinspired dishes, Sixty-Six Acres is the ideal spot to grab a relaxed, refined meal.

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SLAPFISH $$

SQUEEZED JUICE BAR

SLATE STREET BILLIARDS

STEEL BENDER BREWYARD

6400 Holly Ave. NE plus 1 other metro location (505) 503-1645, slapfishrestaurant.com Have you ever had fish so fresh that it jumped up and tail slapped you in the face? Well, that’s the joke behind the very popular eatery, Slapfish, located in Holly Square. This fast casual gem has gained a great reputation for efficiency, service, flavor combos, and the freshness of their seafood.

2003 Southern Blvd., Ste 139 (505) 994-0363, slatestreetbilliards.com Come for the pool, stay for the nachos, and the burgers, and the wings. Rio Rancho’s favorite pool hall also offers has great Happy Hour pricing and plenty of special events.

SLATE STREET CAFÉ

7900 San Pedro NE, Ste A-12, plus 2 other metro locations (505) 821-1437, squeezedjuicebars.com Incredibly innovative, modern mixed juices, smoothies, and other healthy delights for people on the move and looking for exercise recovery. Three to five pounds of fruit are squeezed into every drink, and it’s all extract, no fillers, and sure to brighten your day.

8305 2nd St. NW (505) 433-3537, steelbenderbrewyard.com The 275-seat brewery has an industrial vibe with cozy undertones. But the Los Ranchos brewery stands apart from competitors based on its wide selection of house made beers and its gourmet menu.

515 Slate Ave. NW, (505) 243-2210 slatestreetcafe.com Slate Street Cafe is a sleek, contemporary eatery that combines big city ambience with inspired, modern cuisine. From the smoked salmon frittata to build-your-own bruschetta to mouthwatering Ahi tuna, their culinary flair will tantalize and delight from breakfast through dinner.

ST. JAMES TEAROOM

SLICE AND DICE PIZZERIA

5700 San Antonio Dr. NE, Ste B1 (505) 492-2752, starrbrothersbrewing.com With dishes ranging from American favorites to Southern fare, Starr Bros. Brewing is more than an award-winning brewery. It’s turned heads with Poutine Burqueño, a New Mexican take on the Canadian, greasy-spoon classic. The house burger, with high-quality beef and homemade green chile aioli, is a customer favorite.

SLICE PARLOR

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 wideeyed 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. 9904 Montgomery Blvd. NE, plus 1 other metro location (505) 232-2808, sliceparlor.com Made-from-scratch pizza dough that is hand stretched daily and cooked on a pizza stone. Have a slice of the old faithful pepperoni pizza; try the Pesto Pizza or the House Calzone. Don’t forget to enjoy the local artwork hanging on the walls.

SOO BAK

111 Hermosa Dr. SE (505) 268-0017, soobakfoods.com Serving up a style of food known as “koi fusion”, Soo Bak offers a wide variety of delicious entrees including eight different varieties of kimichi. Try the Soy Crunch Kimichi, which comes with pickled chayote squash, onions, some jalapenos, and fish sauce, apple juice, soy sauce, and vinegar.

SOBREMESA $$

3421 Coors Blvd. NW (505) 444-5555, sobremesanm.com A plethora of comforting foods can be found on the menu including tacos, fish and chips, and a guest favorite, green chile cheeseburgers. Wash down one of these delicious plates with a signature beer.

SPINN’S BURGER & BEER

4411 Montaño Rd. NW (505) 899-6180, spinnsrestaurant.com Every burger served at Spinn’s is made with never-frozen, fresh-ground Angus beef. Try the restaurant’s signature Armadillo Burger. Spinn’s fries are cut and fried when you order them.

$$$

320 Osuna Road NE, Ste D (505) 242-3752, stjamestearoom.com Albuquerque’s long-standing, go-to teahouse, this enveloping, intricately detailed, and authentically British tearoom provides old-fashioned conversation and honest service.

STARR BROS. BREWING

STEVE’S ICE CREAM AND JAVA

STICKY RICE

323 Romero St. NW # 16, (505) 242-8445 In addition to a dozen ice cream flavors and an array of sherbets, the ‘chill’ side of the menu boasts delightfully smooth malts and fountain drinks. For those looking for a good cup of Joe, Steve’s also delivers–offering a broad selection of coffees and a full set of espressos. 7600 Jefferson St. SE, Ste 5, (505) 797-1288 Likely the only authentic Laotian sticky rice to be found anywhere in ABQ, this simple menu offers moist, slow roasted chicken and a few frills at prices you can’t beat with a chopstick. The family meal is a steal.

STORMING CRAB

STRAIGHT UP PIZZA

5001 San Mateo Blvd. NE (505) 407-2032, albuquerque.stormingcrab.us Specializing in large, customizable seafood boils rich in Cajun and Atlantic coast flavor, Storming Crab’s selection of dinner combos are encouraged to build their own. Black and green mussels, shrimp, crawfish, white clams, and crab legs can be ordered by the pound. 2801 Eubank Blvd. NE, Ste G (505) 796-9343, straightuppizza.com Offering New York style pizza with a New Mexican edge, Straight Up Pizza serves the Northeast Heights with specialty pizzas, unique toppings, and a plethora of options for any pizza connoisseur.

WWW.ABQTHEMAG.COM | DEC. 2021 / JAN. 2022

BITES STRIPES BISCUITS & BURRITOS

8050 Academy Rd. NE (plus 4 other metro locations for burritos) (505) 835-5214, stripesco.com A place where two American breakfast staples come together. Stripes serves up a variety of delicious breakfast burritos which range from carne adovada or chicharron. If you aren’t in the mood for a burrito, enjoy a hearty plate of homestyle biscuits and sausage.

STUFYS $

1107 Candelaria Rd. NW, plus 2 other metro locations (505) 344-1207, stufys.com Tasty stuffed sopaipillas are on the menu of this customer favorite, which has been around since 1968. Each sopaipilla is made with a custom machine invented by the owners, then stuffed with savory fillings.

SUSHI & SAKE

4214 Central Ave. SE (505) 797-8000, abqsushiandsake.com With specialty sushi rolls, select Korean favorites, and a family-friendly atmosphere, Sushi & Sake specializes in Asian food with a Korean flair. Also look for non-sushi options, such as teriyaki chicken.

SUSHI KING

9421 Coors Blvd. NW, plus 2 other metro locations (505) 890-6200, sushikingnm.com With three locations around Albuquerque, Sushi King proves day-after-day that it is king of the sea, boasting a large variety of specialty sushi rolls, Japanese curry dishes, and monthly menu revisions to keep the options fresh and appealing. Reservations are recommended.

SUSHI XUAN

417 Tramway Blvd NE #3 (505) 200-2477, sushixuannm.com

You’ll find more than tasty sushi here. Diners dig into Chinese, Vietnamese, and Thai dishes, too. Sushi Xuan has multiple shipments of fresh fish during the week, and only uses Japanese Kokoro rice, and organic veggies whenever possible.

SUSHIYA $$

2906 Juan Tabo Blvd. NE, Ste D (505) 275-4777, nmsushiya.com This family-owned and operated restaurant strives to serve up sushi the way you’d find it on the southern California coast. A clean and comfortable atmosphere pairs well with friendly service and some of the thickest cuts of sashimi in the city.

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.

TACO SAL

THAI SPICE

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.

THAI TIP RESTAURANT

TAKO TEN

THAI VEGAN

9621 Menaul Blvd. NE, (505) 298-2210 This family-owned and operated restaurant offers tasty, traditional New Mexican (burritos, chile rellenos, enchiladas, tacos, huevos rancheros and more) with its very own chunky salsa, made with real green chile.

TAJ MAHAL CUISINE OF INDIA

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.

TALKING DRUMS

1606 Central Ave. SE (505) 792-3221, talkingdrumsabq.com Talking Drums restaurant is serving up some unique African and Caribbean fare inspired by a form of communication expressed through specific drumbeats. Though most of the items are traditional, keep an eye out for some New Mexican fare.

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

TEOFILOS $$

144 Main St. NW, Los Lunas (505) 865-5511, teofilos.com The restaurant’s generations-old made-fromscratch recipes will draw you to Los Lunas, along with the warm chips, chile rellenos, crème cake, enchiladas, and more, all handmade from scratch.

THAI BORAN

3236 La Orilla Rd. NW (505) 492-2244, thaiborannm.com Steeped in spicy tradition, Thai Boran has quickly gained traction as one of the top Thai restaurants Albuquerque has to offer. Thai Boran, which means “Old Thai”, features 53 items on its menu, including five soups, six curries, and five unique dishes off the “Chef’s Collection” section.

THAI CUISINE 2

4201 Central Ave. NE (505) 232-3200, thaicuisinenm.com thaicuisinenm.com/home2 Housed in perhaps the most curious A-frame along Route 66, this is the second-coming of a muchbeloved Westside Thai staple, and judging by the fandom, it’s simply better. Be wary of the heat in these dishes, and if you’re vegan/vegetarian, be very, very thankful.

THAI KITCHEN

10701 Corrales Rd. NW (505) 890-0059, thaikitchenabq.com Art Xaiyasiha is one of two siblings who crafted one of the Duke City’s first great Thai restaurants, Siam Café. Thai Kitchen is his very own venture, featuring his takes on authentic dishes that taste “just like they do back home.”

DEC. 2021 / JAN. 2022 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

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. 1512 Wyoming Blvd. NE, Ste E, (505) 323-7447 The folks at Thai Tip make grocery store runs three times a day to ensure they have enough fresh ingredients for their delicious rice, Thai-style noodle dishes, stir-fries, and salads. 5505 Osuna Rd. NE plus 1 other metro location (505) 884-4610, thaivegannm.com Utilizing local organic produce, you’ll get some of the healthiest food around, all without sacrificing taste. This non-vegan favorite has hearty offerings and a soy chicken that satisfies even the pickiest of meat eaters.

THEOBROMA CHOCOLATIER

12611 Montgomery Blvd. NE (505) 293-6545, theobromachocolatier.com More than 20 years of experience goes into every morsel of European–inspired chocolate and sweet treat at this 505 sweet-tooth savior. Streamlined and polished, Theobroma has the look of a franchise, but everything is hand-crafted and produced on-site.

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

TIA B’S LA WAFFLERIA

TIA JUANITA’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. 3710 Campus Blvd. NE (505) 492-2007, lawaffleriaabq.com You’ve never experienced waffles of this magnitude. A residential home-turned-restaurant, anticipate artisan flare (lavender whipped cream, goat cheese, and caramel apple toppings) and plenty of goods for vegans and celiacs. Albuquerque International Sunport 2200 Sunport Blvd. SE (505) 842-4280, fresquezcompanies.com Headed on a flight out of ABQ? Stop here for your New Mexican food fix: breakfast burritos, green chile chicken enchiladas, carne adovada. You can even take your green chile to go with the restaurant’s special “thermal bags” for travel.

291

BITES TINGLEY BEACH CAFÉ

TIO DAVID’S

1800 Tingley Dr. SW (505) 248-8524, cabq.gov For runners and bikers along the Bosque Trail, or for the fishermen that frequent Tingley Beach lakes, the Tingley Beach Café is a well-kept secret for snack seekers, offering fare such as hamburgers, hot dogs, French fries, pickles, and more. 3409 Central Ave NE (505) 433-4438, tiodavids.com The food offered at Tio David’s shares notes of similarity with other cuisines, but is an altogether fresh and distinctive entry to the Albuquerque food scene. On the more familiar side of things, they do a first rate Ceviche de Pescado—a dish popular across the globe that originated in Peru.

TOLTEC BREWING

10250 Cottonwood Park NW (505) 890-1455, toltecbrewing.com Culinary duties at Toltec fall to Executive Chef Emma Gibson, who brings her own sophisticated flare to the rich world of pub grub. Regardless of food cravings, be sure to pair your order with a brew. The Cactus Warrior is brewed with agave nectar for a smooth, easy to drink, endlessly approachable pint.

TOMASITA’S $$

TULLY’S ITALIAN DELI

1425 San Mateo Blvd. NE (505) 255-5370, tullysdeli.com This Italian deli serves two dozen subs for dine-in or pick-up lunch. A fully stocked market features Italian pantry goods from pasta to olive oil. Don’t forget a box of pastries, cookies, biscotti, cake, or a famous cannoli on your way out.

TURTLE MOUNTAIN BREWING COMPANY $$

905 36th Pl. SE, Rio Rancho (505) 994-9497, turtlemountainbrewing.com turtlemountainbrewing.com Known for its handcrafted ales and lagers, which are brewed on the premises, this is more than just a place to enjoy a few drinks. It’s also a great place to enjoy wood-fired pizzas and calzones in a relaxed, laid-back atmosphere.

TWO BOYS DONUTS

TOMATO CAFÉ

UNCLE T’S SANGWICHES

TORTA WAY

TROMBINO’S BISTRO ITALIANO

5415 Academy Rd. NE (505) 821-5974, bistroitaliano.com The former Trattoria Trombino cooks up Italiano autentico, with huge dishes of pasta with homemade sauces, grilled meats and fish, and veal marsala. The cool atmosphere lends relaxation, turning any meal into a vacation. Reservations are recommended.

TSAI’S CHINESE BISTRO

2325 San Pedro Dr. NE, Ste 1E (505) 508-2925, tsaischinese.com Tsai’s offerings range wide across the traditional (diners especially recommend favorites like the Shrimp Kung Pao or Orange Beef) but those looking for something new to try should make for the Chef’s Specials.

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VIET TASTE

5721 Menaul Blvd. NE, (505) 888-0101, pwbportal.us/viet-taste-abq With more than 100 menu options—noodle and rice dishes, eight varieties of Pho, coconut shakes, and many more—this restaurant is true to its name, offering a real taste of Vietnamese cuisine.

TWO FOOLS TAVERN

400 Dolores Dr. NW (505) 319-2844, torta-way.edan.io The name tells you most of what you need to know. In particular, that this ought to be your go-to spot for Mexican-style sandwiches loaded with options like al pastor, carne asada, or jamon. As if that weren’t enough, they also do house-made ice cream and paletas, with flavors like mango, piña colada, pistachio, and oreo.

8810 Central Ave. SE (505) 298-5143, vicksvittles.com Rustle up your posse and head to Vick’s for heaping helpings of Texas-New Mexico fusion and breakfast served all day. Country comfort meets southwestern flair in an environment that welcomes suits and cowboys alike. Prepare to be stuffed.

6400 Holly Ave. NE, Ste H (505) 302-0102, twoboysdonuts.com Regularly stocking more than 30 flavors of donut, Two Boys has particular favorites—like their blueberry cake donut with maple icing and cinnamon sugar—and also brews up Villa Myriam coffee, giving you everything you need for a fullcourse wake-up.

4949 Pan American Fwy. NE (505) 344-1204, tomasitas.com Serving family recipes and making traditional dishes with local ingredients, Tomasita’s has been one of the state’s most popular local spots since Georgia Maryol opened it in Santa Fe in 1974. 7900 San Pedro Dr. NE (505) 821-9300, tomatocafe.com A buffet-style, all-you-can-eat, sit-down restaurant where you create the menu: thin-crust pizzas, pastas, meatballs, steamed broccoli, and Italian green beans cooked over an open flame are just some of the treats.

VICK’S VITTLES COUNTRY KITCHEN

3211 Central Ave. NE (505) 265-7447, 2foolstavern.com A taste of the Emerald Isle: fish and chips, bangers and mash, bread pudding, Guinness on tap, and live Celtic music on Sunday afternoons. 1520 Deborah Rd. SE, Ste O, Rio Rancho (505) 404-9345, allthesangwiches.com Inspired by their grandmother, Uncle T’s has a menu filled with unbeatable sandwiches. Try out their Havana Press which is their version of the Cuban Sandwich. They also have an assortment of fresh pies to end your meal with.

UPTOWN SPORTS BAR

URBAN HOTDOG COMPANY

6601 Uptown Blvd. NE (505) 884-4714, uptown-sportsbar.com A huge sports venue with wall-to-wall televisions and all the extras—solid American fare alongside a wide selection of local and national beers. 10250 Cottonwood Park NW, Ste. 440 (505) 898-5671, urbanhotdogcompany.com With about 20 choices—and even a vegetarian option—this restaurant has become a dog-lover’s go-to. Look for Chicago and NYC classics, plus adventurous temptations like the Crafty Dog (topped with mac ‘n’ cheese and bacon).

VERNON’S HIDDEN VALLEY STEAKHOUSE $$$

6855 4th St. NW (505) 341-0831, thehiddensteakhouse.com This unmarked restaurant requires a secret password to gain entrance. Once inside, you’ll discover a world of perfect steaks and gourmet seafood, paired with an unbeatable loungey atmosphere. Reservations are recommended.

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.

WWW.ABQTHEMAG.COM | DEC. 2021 / JAN. 2022

“LOVING TO LEARN - LEARNING TO LOVE”

ABQ

CHILDCARE

I N FA N T | TO D D L E R | P R E S C H O O L

BEFORE & AFTER SCHOOL Over 35 Years Serving Albuquerque

Nationally Accredited • NECPA • 5 Star State Licensed Centers Low Child/Teacher Ratio Open Monday-Friday State Assistance Accepted 6:30am-6:00pm Bus Transport to Local Schools Professionally Planned Curriculum Call For A Tour Today!

We now have NM Free Pre-k & Early Pre-k at all locations!

4 FREE Meals Daily!

ALL SEASONS DAY SCHOOL 7700 Zuni, SE

266-3000

ALVARADO DAY SCHOOL 300 Alvarado, SE

266-5846

CHILDCO

LITTLE CORRAL

881-3611

299-0633

DAY SCHOOL 3901 San Mateo, NE

DAY SCHOOL 10111 Constitution, NE

W W W. A B Q C H I L D C A R E . C O M DEC. 2021 / JAN. 2022 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

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‘TIL YOU DROP P. 296 | THE PAWS BUTTON P.302 | PASSENGER WINDOW P. 308 | PHOTO CONTEST P. 311 | A FEW THINGS P. 312

A CULTURE OF CREATIVES Local artists and craftspeople have a place to call home at & Stuff Retail Collective. The storefront in Nob Hill offers an affordable space for ABQ area creatives to display and sell their wares (p. 300).

DEC. 2021 / JAN. 2022 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

PHOTO BY DON JAMES/ATM

OUT AND ABOUT: YOUR GUIDE TO SHOPPING IN THE DUKE CITY

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Look good Feel good

‘TIL YOU DROP

YOUR INSIDER’S GUIDE TO ABQ’S SHOPPING SCENE

Tips to be a better you...Martinez

RT PE

OU R

By Rozanna

“MANY HAVE RETURNED BACK TO THE OFFICE AFTER WORKING FROM HOME FOR MORE OR LESS THAN A YEAR. WHAT ARE SOME TIPS AND ADVICE YOU CAN OFFER TO EASE ANXIETY AND STRESS THAT SOMETIMES COMES ALONG WITH THE TRANSITION?” OUR E

Aubrey Boom Kopczynski, Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor Albuquerque Therapists

XP ER T

Demian Rubalcaba Executive Director and Licensed Clinical Social Worker Thrive Counseling Services

“Returning to the office after the luxury of working from home can induce a sense of anxiety and stress you might have not felt in a while. If you’re preparing to return to the office, consider this: Every new stress you’re going to feel is just a thought in your mind. So, what if you could face these new challenges and not let them ‘stick’ to you and affect you as much? Here’s the secret: when a stress presents itself, pause and observe. Don’t react right away; give yourself a moment. Breathe in for a slow count of five breaths and look inside your mind for this stress as a passing thought ‘bubble.’ Watch this stressful thought and observe the emotions attached to it. Keep watching the thought. Keep breathing naturally. Now, if you do this for just a few moments. Do you feel as much emotion attached to the situation? If you saw every new stress at the office as just another passing thought, would you give it so much of your energy? You are the observer of your thoughts and you get to choose how you respond (as opposed to react) when you give yourself a chance.”

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“Many of us will be forced to make an about-face with losses like extra time with kids, partners and pets. We may also face the loss of time that we had to ourselves. I can’t convey to you how powerful recognizing that there has been a loss is, because you cannot change what you do not acknowledge. Try taking some time to be honest with yourself about the changes you are experiencing. Try telling someone that you trust about what you are feeling. Now that we’ve recognized what we are feeling, we can take some action. Can you bring ‘home’ with you? A blanket or some plants? Maybe even your dog could occasionally come to the office. What other things can you transfer from your time at home to working in the office? Creating a new office routine could be impactful. If that alone time in the morning was important to you, you may need to communicate some of your new boundaries to your coworkers. Remember that you do not have to go back to how it was before. Try to look at this as an opportunity to reevaluate what’s important to you and try to create a new office routine that includes more of those things.” WWW.ABQTHEMAG.COM | DEC. 2021 / JAN. 2022

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Nicole Hartson Independently Licensed Professional Clinical Mental Health Counselor

[

Want to look good and feel good? Send us your questions, and we’ll ask the city’s experts, lookgoodfeelgood@abqthemag.com

“As we continue to wind our way through the COVID-19 pandemic, many of us who have been working from home are returning to office sites. It makes sense that we would feel some anxiety and stress over this change. Here’s a few tips for a smoother transition. Get the facts: Ask questions about the transition with your supervisor. Find out company policies, COVID safety practices, and discuss concerns. Ask about options, such as a hybrid schedule between work and home or a schedule that allows you to transition slowly back to the office. Make a plan: If possible, give yourself some time to adjust to your new schedule prior to beginning it. Get up early on the days you’ll have to commute to get used to it again. Make your lunch the night before. Get social support: Take a moment to chat and connect with positive work peers. Be supportive of one another. Be kind to yourself: Add in things that bring you joy such as making your favorite cup of tea or coffee each morning or listen to your favorite podcast or morning show on your drive to work. Use positive self-talk: Remind yourself transitions take a minute to get used to and you’ve got this!”

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We Find It FOR YOU QUESTION

ANSWER

I am tired of the usual host/ hostess gifts that I give every year when I attend holiday parties. This year I want something unique that is not too expensive and has a New Mexico theme. Is there anything out there that fits the bill?

Your host/hostess will be happy they sent you an invitation once they see their Pueblo Pottery Mug from the Indian Pueblo Store, ceramic Talavera tequila shot glasses with salt shaker from Masks Y Mas, and a sage smudge stick from Duran’s Central Pharmacy Specialty Shop.

PUEBLO PRIDE There are tons of mugs out there with every decoration you can possibly think of. But the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center’s Pueblo Pottery Mugs are extraordinary and collectable worthy. In 2015, five potters from San Ildefonso, Zia, Acoma and Isleta Pueblos were commissioned to create a clay mug that would commemorate the opening of the first Native American owned Starbucks. The mugs were exhibited in the store at Avanyu Plaza in ABQ. The mugs were a hit and ceramic versions with the original designs were produced. Their popularity prompted a second series created by Nambe, Santa Clara, Santa Domingo, Cochiti and Zuni Pueblo artists. A third series launched in 2018, with designs by another group of artists from Laguna, Jemez, San Felipe, and Ohkay Owingeh Pueblos. Proceeds from the mug sales benefit the IPCC and New Mexico’s 19 Pueblos. The goal is to have potters from each of the state’s Pueblos create a mug design.

Pueblo pottery mugs, $25

PHOTOS BY DON JAMES/ATM

Indian Pueblo Store at the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center 2401 12th Street NW (505) 724-3506, indianpueblostore.com

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‘TIL YOU DROP SHOTS, SALT AND SALUD The art and culture of Mexico is very much alive in the Land of Enchantment. That includes its national drink, tequila. The tiny Talavera-inspired ceramic tequila shot glasses come with a matching salt shaker and sit on a decorative tray. All you need is the tequila and the limes. Talavera is a Mexican and Spanish pottery tradition. The rich pottery heritage was introduced to Mexico by Spanish guild artisans of the Colonial Period. Much of this style of pottery is decorated in blue with a white base glaze. However, vibrant hues of yellow, black, green, and orange have also been used. This kit contains some of these colors that are as brilliant as the culture the pottery art stems from.

Tequila shot glass set, $19.99 Masks Y Mas 3106 Central Ave. SE (505) 256-4183, masksymas.net

ATTRACTING LOVE AND HEALING This white sage smudge stick carefully wrapped with rose petals is believed to have the ability to cleanse your home and rid the space of any unwanted energies when you burn it. This cleansing bundle also is known to attract humble love, loyalty and acceptance. Burning this smudge stick will help promote healing. With the stress of the holidays it is a nice way to invite in the positive and take out the negative. Let go of the energy that weighs you down by burning these cleansing botanicals to rid a space of unwanted energies, cleanse the air and call down abundance and blessings.

Sage smudge stick, $20 Duran’s Central Pharmacy Specialty Shop 1815 Central NW (505) 247-4141, duransrx.com

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& Stuff Retail Collective 3123 Central NE, Suite A andstuffretail@gmail.com andstuffretail.com

collection of creatives brought together to offer their wares in the real world rather than just the virtual one is at the center of & Stuff Retail Collective. The store, owned by brothers Isaac and Jacob Fox, showcases 15 local vendors. Each is unique in their own craft and art work. Plants, art, men’s goods, purses, jewelry, vintage items and more can be found inside the business in Nob Hill. A screen printing shop also is located inside. The idea behind the space is to provide an affordable location for artists and craftspeople to sell their products. “Pretty much the whole idea around it is trying to get a bunch of local businesses to kind of like join in together on a space to make it an affordable thing for small creators and small businesses because a lot

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Shop Talk

A gathering place for local artists and craftspeople to sell and unite.

of local makers end up just using online platforms as their sole source of income,” explains Isaac Fox. “… For someone to go to that level, to storefront level, is really tough and there’s just a high barrier of entry because of how expensive it is.” Now local vendors can have a storefront without having to come up with the collateral of staffing and building out a shop. Little Bear Coffee is also part of the collective. One of its locations sits adjacent to & Stuff. The coffee shop’s original location remains in Uptown. “Our motto is ‘Love People. Use Coffee,’” says Fox. “The idea behind that is if you’re a coffee shop you’re expected to have good coffee, but we want to be really nice to our customers and be a really warm, welcoming, fun environment for

anyone and everyone.” The coffee shop had small vendors in its cafes with the intent to support local. The concept led to the start of & Stuff, which opened two years ago. It temporarily had to close its doors during enforced shutdowns stemming from the pandemic, which hurt its vendors. “It was tough on our vendors because this became another source of income for them and we weren’t able to be open,” Fox explains. “… We tried to do something where (customers) could pick up stuff. We did that for a while, which was a nice way to try to get them some income. Luckily every one of our vendors has their own online shop too. We just tried to direct people to their website to order directly. I think a lot of our vendors got a lot of local support even when we were shut

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PHOTOS BY DON JAMES/ATM

‘TIL YOU DROP

down, which is cool.” The community continues to support the collective and coffee shop, which attracts a diverse customer base. “It’s not just college kids, not just adults, it is just like a big mix of families, older people and younger people, and everyone in between,” says Fox. “… That’s the other fun thing with having such a crazy diversity and variety of vendors is we get to see a lot of different faces come to the store because there’s a lot of different offerings for different types of people.” Customers have voiced their joy seeing the Nob Hill retail revival. It is also a welcome sight to & Stuff manager Lucy Gilster who owns Constellation Vintage featured at the store. “It’s been really lovely to see people moving in and people back on the streets, walking up and down Central and enjoying the neighborhood,” says & Stuff manager Lucy Gilster. “And for me personally, I am aware of the void that some of the other businesses have left behind when they’ve closed. I think we’ve gotten a lot of feedback from people as well saying thank goodness there’s another gifty place in Nob Hill, which obviously we’re so much more than that, but also as the manager it’s fun for me personally to get to like bring some of that back through the offerings that we at & Stuff bring to the shop.” Nob Hill holds a special place for Gilster who grew up in the neighborhood. She had always admired the space where & Stuff now resides and felt the space was being underutilized by its former tenants. “They just didn’t take full advantage of this beautiful window space so it was such a thrill to know that the retail collective was going to open up and reinvigorate this space in Nob Hill. It’s been a really lovely experience for me personally to come in and get to be around so many talented creative people in Albuquerque. It’s been really enriching to me personally to get to know these folks and create more and more of a community around here.” —RM

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THE

PAWS BUTTON

CATASTIC ACCOMMODATION

any happy tales come from Catopia Cat Café. Felines have the freedom to frolic with and friend visitors who come to enjoy their sweet companionship. Catopia serves as a big foster home and houses 20 adoptable cats at a time. The cats come from city and county shelters as well as rescues, including High Desert Cat Rescue, Homeless Animal Rescue Team of New Mexico (HART NM) and June’s Senior Cat Rescue. “We work with quite a few different groups,” says Catopia owner Sandy Dierks. “They just come and stay with us. Most people who come to visit just come for fun and that’s perfect because that’s what keeps us in business.” There are plenty of cat toys to interact with the café’s tenants. Cat themed games and puzzles as well as merchandise can also be found at the cat haven. “People just eventually make friends and just hang out there and play with the cats and some of the cats are really snuggly because a lot of the time they’re sleeping,” Dierks says. Catopia, located at 8001 Wyoming Blvd NE, is a kitty’s dream. “It’s a really a nice set up for them,” Dierks says. “We have a lot of places they can hide and there’s high up places for the cats that like to be up on shelves… They get a lot of attention, which is perfect for them. It really helps socialize them too when people come in and they just get really used to people and they also get really used to other cats.” The $8 admission fee helps cover the

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KEEPING TABS ON ABQ’S FURRY FRIENDS

foster home’s rent and a few extra veterinarian bills. “Rescue groups and shelters take care of all the spaying and neutering and vaccinating and all that, microchipping,” Dierks says. “But if they have a health issue then we pay for the vet bills.” Prior to being placed at Catopia, the adoptees are tested for Feline Immunodeficiency Virus and Feline Leukemia Virus as well as screened for parasites, fleas, ticks and anything contagious. Adoption paperwork is handled through Catopia. Fees are dependent on the shelters and rescues where they originated. For more information, visit catopiacatcafe.com. FOR THE LOVE OF FELINES

doration of cats is at the heart of Long Hair Records. When owner Ehren Salazar opened the store in 2019, his household included four cats: parents Wu and Siouxsie and their two sons, Iggy and Syd. Since opening the store in 2019, Salazar has had to say goodbye to his three male cats due to renal failure and old age. But has added two younger boys, Boris and Frazetta, to keep Siouxsie company. Salazar adopted Wu when he was 18 years old and credits him with helping him through early adulthood, suffering from

clinical depression. Wu passed in July at the ripe age of 17. The week he died, Salazar donated 17% of the record store’s profits to June’s Senior Cat Rescue. “We don’t have a regular donation that we make,” Salazar says. “But if we’ve made rent and we do over a grand a day, I’ll donate 20% or something to June’s Senior Cat Rescue because I really love what they do.” Salazar also donated renal supplies and about four shopping bags full of homegrown catnip. He grows the catnip on the graves of his deceased cats. Long Hair Records customers also received a CD of Wu’s music. Prior to Wu’s passing, Salazar recorded 80 hours of Wu’s new age space music. “I have video of him sitting on a (Roland) Juno-106 synthesizer from 1983 and he would seek it out and I would record him,” Salazar says. “And I could only do it if I left the audio on so I knew that he responded to it and sometimes I would record him meowing over it too, which he did on occasion. He’s very talented.” Wu’s silhouette is part of the record store’s logo. Cat themes also can be found throughout the business located at 1321 San Mateo Blvd NE. Customers will find a cat altar, feline statuary, kitty posters and more. “We wash and play test every single record, I devised a play grade system, so it’s PAWS, PURRS, MEWS,” explains Salazar. “PAWS stands for Pops Audible Within Silence, MEWS stands for Marks Evident Without Sound, PURRS stands for Perfect Unmarred Record with a Rainbow Shine. We put that on every single record that we play test.” PUTTING PAWS TO WORK

ome cats are not meant to be domesticated lap cats. But, that does not mean that they are not useful. The city’s Animal Welfare department is in the process of revamping its working cat program. Felines in the program are not meant to be pets. Most avoid people and come out in the evening to hunt for rodents. This is where they become helpful by offering a nontoxic and low cost method of pest control. “The assessments are done through behavior and environment evaluations

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to determine if a cat can be considered eligible for a working cat position,” says Selia Payne, Adoption Center Manager. “Working cats are not just for barns. Wineries, breweries, warehouses, floral shops, feed stores, book stores, businesses, all make good working cat environments.” Animal Welfare is currently working with a cat behavior consultant and working on new and improved processes to work with shelter cats. “Currently, we are looking for a rescue partner to help with the working cat program because more and more municipal shelters across the country are moving toward having services such as this handled by private rescue groups, rather than the city,” Payne explains. The program can add some extra strain on the shelter. “We have such limited resources at this time,” Payne says. “The program is stressful on the shelter. We do occasionally ask for donations from the public for things like the metal crates, litter boxes, bowls— things that we can give in a working cat kit.” All working cats are spayed or neutered, microchipped, treated for parasites and vaccinated. Adopters are required to provide the cats with food and water daily to help them maintain their health and the energy needed to be successful hunters. It is recommended that two working cats be adopted as part of the program. Adopting in pairs allows the cats to have companionship and keeps them motivated. Some of the cats may eventually become trustful enough to allow pets and interact with their adopters. Businesses looking to adopt or individuals looking to assist the working cat program can contact Payne at spayne@cabq. gov. —RM

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ABQ’s AMAZING PETS

By Dakota-Lynn McCaffrey

In the Nickelodeon cartoon, Avatar: The Last Airbender, there is a character Sokka, who uses a boomerang throughout the entire series, which is why Shelbie Corriz decided to name her tuxedo cat, Sokka. Like a boomerang, the cat kept on coming back into Corriz’s life until she finally decided to keep her. Sokka was a stray kitten and Corriz wasn’t too keen on the idea of keeping her because she had never raised a cat before. After a month of no one claiming the kitten at Corriz’s apartment complex, she and her partner decided to adopt Sokka. Almost two years later, Sokka makes herself at home by stealing chicken and tuna and licking butter off any popcorn bag that she can get her paws on. “She thinks she’s a dog and is really down for whatever. We walk her on a leash, she enjoys car rides and is super energetic,” says Corriz. She tends to scream, not meow, at her owners or the window. Despite the screaming and food stealing, she is one good cat.

Did you know a polydactyl cat is a cat that is born with more than the usual number of toes? Did you also know, novelist Ernest Hemingway had a polydactyl cat? It just so happens that here in Albuquerque, Stephen Wilding has his very own polydactyl cat, Pandi. She was originally fostered by Wilding’s daughter and after six weeks of fostering, Wilding and his wife decided to adopt Pandi. The adorable cat is described as a lot of fun but she prefers to be her own cat. “I have tried to teach her to play baseball, try the piano, take typing lessons, clap etc..” laughed Wilding. Unfortunately, Pandi was recently diagnosed with cancer and had to get one of her legs amputated. “She is now getting around just fine as a three-legged kitty,” says Wilding. Pandi is a lap lover and likes to sleep curled up in a ball with her mittens (paws) over her eyes.

What’s the perfect name for a Corgi-Border Collie-Doberman mix? Precious is the ideal name because that’s exactly how you would describe the 3 ½ year old puppy. At just a few weeks old, this sweet girl and her sister were found abandoned in a dumpster inside a cardboard box by a friend of Cathy Wilshusen. After taking the puppies home, Wilshusen ended up adopting Precious. Even though she had a rough start at life, Precious is happy, attentive, and loyal. She makes friends with just about anyone she encounters and happens to be friends with all the other dogs in the apartment complex that she and her owner reside in. Precious is also full of energy and will get excited when she sees someone she recognizes. If she doesn’t recognize someone, she will bark to let her owner know. “She is definitely a protective girl,” says Wilshusen.

Charlie, the 55-pound purebred English Bulldog, came into the Ramirez household just when they needed some light in their life. “My husband adopted Charlie just after I was grieving the loss of my mother. It also happened to be around February 14th,” says Melanie Ramirez. Charlie is coming up on his 8th birthday and has brought nothing but love and happiness to Juan and Melanie Ramirez. “He’s our big baby,” exclaims Ramirez. This adorable guy is so particular that he refuses to use his doggie door and will stare at his owners to open the door for him. He will also look back and forth, between them and the freezer, whenever he wants one of his homemade frozen peanut butter balls. Charlie loves attention and will even turn his body into a U-shape to let you know that he wants to be rubbed. The couple recently adopted another bulldog who Charlie just adores. So much so that he even took on the daddy role.

PR ECI O

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Is your pet ATM’s next Pet of the Month? Send a photo and short story about why you think your pet belongs in these pages to petofthemonth@abqthemag.com.

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PIECE OF T H E PAST

SACRED ARCHITECTURE A religious token of devotion built in the 1800s continues to serve the faithful.

directly from Gregoria’s father, Ygnacio, affording her a prime spot to manifest her architectural expression of religious piety. When first constructed, Our Lady of Mt. Carmel adhered to what later students of architecture would come to call the vernacular Pueblo Revival style—a flat roof, thick walls, limited windows, and a chunky, angular three-dimensional form. It was a simple, one room building, slightly tapering toward a sanctuary at the east end, and lit from above by an elevated window, or clerestory. After Gregoria passed away in 1894, the building continued to serve as both a religious and community center, with citizens of Los Ranchos and Alameda using it as a place

DEC. 2021 / JAN. 2022 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

of worship after their own church was destroyed by flooding in 1903. Eventually, Our Lady of Mt. Carmel fell into disuse, but was revised and renovated in 1940 with the addition of a pitched roof built from corrugated metal. The same renovation saw the addition of a bell tower, choir loft, some small transepts, and a sacristy. Over time, the building once again fell out of regular use. In 1973, Greek Catholics united with Rome performed a renovation and managed the property, before it was once again returned to the Roman Catholic Church. Today, it is part of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Santa Fe. —ZANE BEAL

PHOTO BY DON JAMES/ATM

he precise date of origin for Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, a small Catholic church located two miles east of the Rio Grande, off Edith Boulevard, is difficult to pin down. The best clue, in fact, comes from a brief line in the will of Maria Gregoria Candelaria de Garcia. There, she wrote, “my body shall be buried in the church of Our Lady of Carmel in the same place where my deceased husband Juan Antonio Garcia is buried.” Historical records tell us Juan Antonio Garcia passed away in 1870, and that strongly implies Our Lady of Mt. Carmel was already standing at the time. Still, it remains possible that the Church was built later, near Garcia’s grave, or that the grave itself was later moved to fulfill Gregoria’s wishes. In any event, the Church was standing when Gregoria passed in 1894, and that is where she was interred. Born to Maria Conception Chavez and Ygnacio Candelaria, Maria Gregoria Candelaria likely married Juan Antonio Garcia sometime around 1825. The Candelaria family had deep colonial roots in the Middle Rio Grande Valley, having owned land in Albuquerque’s North Valley since the 1700s. Meanwhile Garcia’s parents—Juan Jose Garcia de Noriega and Maria Ysadel Romero—were in the Los Ranchos area by at least 1790. Decades later, Garcia’s name appears in land transactions throughout the 1840s and 1850s. The 1860 census of Los Ranchos de Albuquerque lists him as a 56-year-old farmer in possession of $1,500 worth of real estate and a personal estate worth $2,000. That’s something like $49,000 and $65,000 in today’s currency, making him considerably wealthier than most of his contemporaries—thanks in no small part to the inherited wealth of his wife, Gregoria. Indeed, it was that wealth—Gregoria’s inheritance from the deeply entrenched Candelaria family—that likely built Our Lady of Mt. Carmel at 7813 Edith Blvd NE. In fact, it’s highly likely that the land on which the church stands was inherited

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PASSENGER WINDOW

ART AWARENESS “Mountain Top” recognizes civil rights icons

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“That was pulled from one of, if not the last speech that he ever gave, and in that speech he says he can feel that his time has come and he knows that death is on the horizon essentially,” Barnett explains. “He says, ‘I’ve been able to see the promised land.’ He’s been able to see the destination, but he probably won’t be able to get there with us and said he has been to the mountain top and he fears no one. I thought it was just a beautiful speech. It’s kind of chilling when you watch the speech and then you find out he was assassinated the next day.” Barnett used aerosol sprays to paint “Mountain Top.” “It’s a very large scale mural for him, so it was an opportunity to share his aerosol technique of almost hyper realism with aerosol,” says Brueggemann. “It is differ-

ent than a way that so many other murals are done with a brush.” Barnett’s technique is surreal. “It is really quite amazing the way he did the faces on the pillars and how parts of the faces line up on different pillars as you walk around them,” Brueggemann says. “It’s a little bit of an optical illusion with his hyper realism aerosol style.” The city is excited to have finally commissioned a piece by Barnett after seeing his art around town. “They’re kind of all over the place,” says Barnett. “I have a big wall at 12th and Mountain. I did the New Mexico United piece on 2nd and Coal. There’s a lot of work in the Wells Park area like 7th and Haines, 6th and Haines. I’ve worked up on Eubank. I’ve worked in Nob Hill. It’s just kind of sporadic.” —RM

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PHOTO BY DON JAMES/ATM

oncrete pillars that once stood bare now stand for the pillars of society. “Mountain Top” is a commissioned Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. mural located beneath the railroad tracks along the underpass at Tijeras Ave. and 1st St. in downtown Albuquerque. It commemorates the civil rights leader and several other Black civil rights movement activists including Booker T. Washington, Frederick Douglass and King’s wife Coretta Scott King. The mural, commissioned by the Albuquerque Arts Board and Keep Albuquerque Beautiful, spans about a quarter block on various surfaces. Out of 13 applicants, self-taught artist Noé Barnett was chosen by a public art selection committee to create the mural. “There were really great proposals, but his proposal in particular just utilized all of the surfaces in a way that just changed the entire flow of the space,” says Sherri Brueggemann, manager of the city’s public art urban enhancement division. It took Barnett about a week and a half to create “Mountain Top.” “My main objective was figuring out ways to make the space interactive while also highlighting Dr. King and some of the people I think laid the foundation for him to do what he did,” Barnett explains. “That included making dynamic portraits in the space like on different levels with the pillars. I thought it was an interesting interplay with the wording and pillars in his life. There are literal pillars in the space and pillars in his legacy. I thought that was an interesting kind of cool relationship.” Rainbows are featured throughout the piece. “I used those as a representation of light and the light spectrum,” Barnett says. “And the reasoning behind that is just the light that these individuals gave their lives for.” The title of the mural is derived from a speech given by Dr. King.

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ADVERTISING REGISTRY 100.3 The Peak..................................................................................................303 3 Advertising.......................................................................................................42 66 Diner............................................................................................................184 A Heavenly Taste Cakery...................................................................................197 About Seniors Complete Moving Services......................................................190 ABQ Ax..............................................................................................................192 ABQ Childcare................................................................................................. 293 ABQ Pediatric Dentistry.................................................................................... 56 Academy Dental Care........................................................................................2, 3 Albuquerque Florist...........................................................................................68 Albuquerque Institute of Music......................................................................202 All World Travel............................................................................................6, 7, 75 AlluraDerm Med Spa........................................................................................189 Animal Humane New Mexico..........................................................................197 Annapurna's World Vegetarian Cafe.................................................................186 Archetype Tattoo...............................................................................................208 Assistance League....................................................................................... 64, 188 Azuma Sushi & 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Grinders.............................................................................................14, 15 Glow Up Hair Studio........................................................................................217 Golden Pride BBQ & Ribs................................................................................186 Good Liquorworks Vodka................................................................................269 Grassburger......................................................................................................203 High & Dry Brewing.........................................................................................195 Hotel Parq Central............................................................................................205 Houston Wholesale Cars..................................................................................4, 5 Integrity Automotive........................................................................................207 Jericho Nursery..................................................................................................183 Joy Junction.......................................................................................................234 Jungle Jam..........................................................................................................192 Kelly Jo Designs................................................................................................ 201 KISS 97.3...........................................................................................................279 Kubota Tractor.....................................................................................................43 La Casa Bella......................................................................................................194 La Reforma Brewery..........................................................................................185 La Z Boy Furniture........................................................................................... 210 Laguna Burger.................................................................................................... 44 Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry....................................................................Back Cover Lilly Barrack.........................................................................................................51 Los Poblanos Historic Inn & Organic Farm......................................................45 Mario's Pizzeria & Ristorante...........................................................................220 Menaul School................................................................................................... 76 Merry Maids..................................................................................................... 8, 9 Mesa Tractor....................................................................................................... 65 Mike's Jerky.......................................................................................................209 Mike's Quality Painting.....................................................................................212 Montessori One Preschool...............................................................................234 Moto-Authority.................................................................................................213 National Museum of Nuclear Science and History.........................................218 National Roofing.............................................................................................. 305 New Mexico Bowl...............................................................................................39 New Mexico Orthopaedic Surgery Center......................................................... 31 New Mexico Sports & Wellness......................................................................306 Niki Feldman Massage & Wellness.................................................................222 Nrityasudha .......................................................................................................60 Old Town Hobbies And Games.......................................................................240 Optimum............................................................................................................29

Osuna Nursery.......................................................................................... 211, 297 Paixao Nail & Beauty Bar..................................................................................214 Paradise Hills Golf Course................................................................................219 Past, Present & In-Between..............................................................................188 Pawsitive Training............................................................................................. 191 PC Place............................................................................................................222 Power Ford...............................................................................................64, Insert QC Kinetix....................................................................................................52, 53 R. Greenleaf Organics.......................................................................................216 Radiology Associates of Albuquerque...............................................................49 Rainbow Ryders................................................................................................221 Rebel Donut...................................................................................................... 191 Rehm's Nursery..................................................................................................186 Rio Grande Credit Union........................................21, 23, 275, Inside Back Cover Rio Grande Hemp Company............................................................................ 191 Route 66 Casino Hotel............................................................Inside Front Cover Route 66 Cleaners............................................................................................ 275 Rudy's Country Store & BBQ..........................................................................267 Sadie's Restaurant & Cantina...........................................................................229 Sandia BMW..................................................................................................10, 11 Sandia Green Clean.......................................................................................... 223 Santa Ana Star Casino Hotel........................................................................ 18, 19 Sawmill Market..................................................................................................69 Screwball Peanut Butter Whiskey....................................................................294 Seared................................................................................................................188 Simply Diego's. ................................................................................................222 Ski Apache.........................................................................................................261 Slate Street Billiards.........................................................................................225 Sobremesa........................................................................................................206 Southwest Women's Oncology......................................................................16, 17 Southwestern HR Consulting...........................................................................70 Starr Brothers Brewing.....................................................................................206 Stripes Burrito Company.................................................................................224 Sweet Sparrow Vintage Market........................................................................220 Tamashi.............................................................................................................244 Tema Furniture.................................................................................................226 Thai Spice.........................................................................................................228 The Acre............................................................................................................227 The Antique Connection Mall.........................................................................224 The Downs Racetrack & Casino.........................................................................71 The Education Plan...........................................................................................241 The Grove Cafe & Market................................................................................ 201 The Remedy Day Spa........................................................................................218 Tomato Cafe.......................................................................................................218 Truth or Consequences.......................................................................................47 Tully's Italian Deli.............................................................................................229 UFC Gym Rio Rancho......................................................................................217 University of New Mexico Athletic Department.............................................286 Vara Wines...........................................................................................................54 Verdes Foundation............................................................................................231 Weems Galleries...............................................................................................204 Whispering Bean..............................................................................................229 WisePies...........................................................................................................309 Your Other Closet............................................................................................. 201 Zentral Wellness...............................................................................................230

WWW.ABQTHEMAG.COM | DEC. 2021 / JAN. 2022

PHOTO CONTEST

ROCK OF AGES By Ryle Yazzie

he right vehicle and coordinates could take one through long sandy roads that lead to the Bisti Badlands in northern New Mexico near Chaco Canyon. The unique wilderness area is known for unusual rocks, fossils and breathtaking landscapes. Ryle Yazzie just so happened to be working on a film production in that area. He decided to take his 4x4 truck and Hasselblad Film Camera from the 1950s back to the spot where he photographed the eroded rocks off the King of Wings Trail. “While I was in Farmington on production, I thought that it would be a good opportunity to drive out on the backroads and take the picture,” says Yazzie. After graduating from NMSU, Yazzie lived in Dubai where he purchased his second film camera and started to really appreciate photography. “Digital cameras have no limits,” he says. “As long as the battery and memory card are good, you can keep taking the shot, but with a film camera, you only have 12 shots. There are limits with a film camera, you have to be creative, slow down, and concentrate on what you’re shooting.” He continued to explain that he would “edit himself ” and had to plan carefully, which made his photos better when using a film camera. Thanks to working in the film industry, Yazzie has been able to travel to Thailand and Turkey and hopefully more destinations where he can take more carefully thought out photos. —DLM

Enter ATM’s photo contest and see your photo featured in our PHOTO OF THE MONTH! Submissions should include one high-resolution digital file sent by email. All photos sent to ATM will be property of the magazine and will not be mailed back to sender. All entries should include your name and phone number. Please include a bio and a brief description of how the photo was taken. Email entries to: photocontest@abqthemag.com

DEC. 2021 / JAN. 2022 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

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etic story to it where you almost feel sorry for Andy Dufresne, the main actor.

10. We have two kids. My son, Brooks is 21 and plays baseball at Valley City State University in North Dakota. And our daughter Blake is a freshman at North Dakota State.

With

TOD BROWN

UNM HEAD BASEBALL COACH Although he spent the last 14 years as head baseball coach at North Dakota State — guiding the Bison to their first ever NCAA Tournament victory in 2021 — Tod Brown is a Southwest guy at heart. He moved to Tucson in eighth grade, then became a standout southpaw pitcher for the University of Arizona from 1989 to 1994—and played against the UNM Lobos nearly every year. “I always thought that they had really good teams, played hard,” says Brown. After long-time Lobo coach Ray Birmingham announced his retirement this past April, Brown was hired to take over. He says the Land of Enchantment has plenty of appeal, both on and off the diamond. “The climate is absolutely ripe for baseball. It’s a big baseball town. The community really backs the Lobos,” Brown says. “I really like the Southwest feel. I like the architecture. I like the desert landscape.” —

11. I’ve played golf almost my entire life. My dad is a big golfer, so I got into it at a young age. I love to go out and play 18 holes.

I’m the youngest of three kids. My brother Steve lives in Sacramento, and my sister Kim lives in Washington, D.C.

3. My mom was a teacher, then once us kids started coming, she was a stay-at-home mom my whole life. 4. I played three sports in high school: Football, soccer and baseball. 5. When I was in elementary school (I remember) using right-handed scissors because you couldn’t find any left-handed scissors back then. In the sport of

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baseball, being left handed is certainly an advantage. That’s where a lot of my success came from, being left-handed. The ball moves differently. 6. The worst job I’ve ever had was changing tires at Price Club in Tucson. To get the tire off the rim is extremely dangerous. We had guys in the shop with missing fingers because of it.

My favorite food is probably steak and mashed potatoes. I learned how to make a whiskey filet mignon.

12. I’m lactose intolerant. So, I haven’t had a bite of ice cream in over 25 years. 13. I always wanted to be a professional baseball player. Once that dream came to an end, that’s one of the main reasons I got into coaching. It’s a lot of hard work, but it’s a lot of fun, too.

8. My favorite movie is “Shawshank Redemption.” I’m fascinated with prison life. There’s kind of a poWWW.ABQTHEMAG.COM | DEC. 2021 / JAN. 2022

PHOTO BY DON JAMES/ATM

TRISTEN CRITCHFIELD

1. I was an Air Force brat, so I moved all over. I was born in South Carolina, then I moved to (Los Angeles) and then Georgia, Florida, Northern California and then Tucson.

I married my high school sweetheart, Janet. We’ve been together now for 26 years.