Albuquerque The Magazine, October 2021 by Albuquerque The Magazine

OCTOBER 2021 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

WWW.ABQTHEMAG.COM | OCTOBER 2021

OCTOBER 2021 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

WWW.ABQTHEMAG.COM | OCTOBER 2021

OCTOBER 2021 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

With the fall season finally here, it’s time for you to start living more and cleaning less! Leave the housekeeping chores to Merry Maids and spend more time enjoying what you love, with who you love.

Call now for your FREE ESTIMATE (505) 294-1411

WWW.ABQTHEMAG.COM | OCTOBER 2021

505-294-1411 • info4030@merrymaids.net merrymaids.com/albuquerque Follow us on Facebook

OCTOBER 2021 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

WWW.ABQTHEMAG.COM | OCTOBER 2021

OCTOBER 2021 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

WWW.ABQTHEMAG.COM | OCTOBER 2021

OCTOBER 2021 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

WWW.ABQTHEMAG.COM | OCTOBER 2021

OCTOBER 2021 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

WWW.ABQTHEMAG.COM | OCTOBER 2021

OCTOBER 2021 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

WWW.ABQTHEMAG.COM | OCTOBER 2021

. Less Fat.

More Muscle

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON ANY OF OUR SERVICES PLEASE CALL

505.349.0839

(505) 349-0839 | bosqueaesthetics.com 1400 Jackie Road SE. Suite 105 | Rio Rancho OCTOBER 2021 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

FEATURE 12

STAYCAYS New Mexico has staycation sites that only dreams are made of. Whether you need a getaway from civilization, want to surround yourself with artwork, or reside in a silo deep down in the earth, the state has enchanting stays that no other place can offer.

Page 79

WWW.ABQTHEMAG.COM | OCTOBER 2021

OCTOBER 2021 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

DEPARTMENTS 26 Editor’s Note 29 Tapas

P. 30 P. 130

Bugs Bunny and friends pay a visit to ABQ; Check out DVDs for free at new little library ; Four NM breweries medal as prestigious beer competition; ABQ ranks as pet friendly city; Take in an art show inspired by the Day of the Dead; Local school and art center go solar; ABQ’s Incredible Kids.

38 Faces and Places 55 Datebook

119 People

120 Albuquerque The Interview When finances are strained, Roberta Ricci finds the funding to make things happen as NHCC foundation director.

126 Personality

P. 126

Boxer Danny Romero gave the uppercut to negative influences growing up and now TKO’s the path to success for at-risk kids at Hideout Boxing Club.

130 Behind The Scenes Keeping the spirits of the deceased alive and grooming their final quarters at Historic Fairview Cemetery is priority for Gail Rubin.

WWW.ABQTHEMAG.COM | OCTOBER 2021

OCTOBER 2021 Volume XVIII Number VI EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Rozanna Martinez rozanna@abqthemag.com PHOTO DIRECTOR

Don James don@abqthemag.com LEAD DESIGNER

Sheridan Young sheridan@abqthemag.com GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Candice Callado candice@abqthemag.com FOOD EDITOR

Zane Beal zane@abqthemag.com DATEBOOK EDITOR

Denise Meyer datebook@abqthemag.com EDITORIAL INTERN

Elizabeth Groening elizabeth@abqthemag.com CONTRIBUTORS

Tristen Critchfield Ashley M. Biggers Mel Minter Davis McAlary Taylor Hood

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

P. 146 P. 134

133 Culture 134 Creatives

P. 154

Out of this world is an understatement when describing Richie Jiacoletti’s space inspired apparel, Celestial Outfitters.

136 Shelflife

Float away at Balloon Fiesta with a group of young friends in a colorful book by author and illustrator Ross Van Dusen; Cody Polston’s book on ABQ hauntings is not for the faint of heart.

138 Tiempo

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

P. 142

Bow & Arrow brewer Ted O’Hanlan speaks suds and expansion; Mix things up at Sawmill Market; Pop the top on one of ABQ’s favorite margaritas.

141 Dish

142 Eats Review

A dynamic duo of craft beer made onsite and comforting foods prepared with locally sourced ingredients make Sobremesa shine.

146 Eats, Etc.

Food that nourishes the soul is on the menu at Kap’s Coffee Shop and Diner; Uncle T’s Sangwiches slaps savory fillings into its tasty sandwiches; Breakfast’s best is served up at Stripes Biscuits & Burritos.

148 From The Vine

154 A Recipe For Success

Nap Time Baker Kelly Porter sweetens things up when kids at her daycare are sleeping.

160 Bites

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

WWW.ABQTHEMAG.COM | OCTOBER 2021

OCTOBER 2021 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

DEPARTMENTS 185 Fun

186 ‘Til You Drop

P. 188

Snazzy and jazzy wares can be found at Off Broadway to create Halloween costume contest winning outfits or a vintage look from the past.

190 Paws Button

Fossils, artifacts, taxidermied animals are all part of the archived collection at the Museum of Southwestern Biology.

192 ABQ’s Amazing Pets This month’s winners: Odie, Inigo, Taco, Porter.

195 Piece Of The Past Sunset Drive-In gets a breath of new life thanks to out-of-state investors who are developing it into a farm.

196 Passenger Window Rudolfo’s Anaya’s beloved book “Bless Me, Ultima” is brought to life through a large-scale mural created by ABQ artist Madeline MacKenzie.

P. 195

199 Photo Contest

This month’s winner: “A Sunrise Rise,” by Abel Espalin.

200 A Few Things

Get some pumpkin fun and a few scares at McCall’s Pumpkin Patch and Haunted Farm.

P. 190 24

WWW.ABQTHEMAG.COM | OCTOBER 2021

OCTOBER 2021 Volume 18 Number 6 PUBLISHER

Larryl Lynch larryl@abqthemag.com

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER

Gena Salazar gena@abqthemag.com

SENIOR ADVERTISING EXECUTIVES

Philip Kjelland philip@abqthemag.com Megan Life megan@abqthemag.com ADVERTISING EXECUTIVE

Jackie Apodaca jackie@abqthemag.com SALES COORDINATOR

Lexxus Salazar lexxus@abqthemag.com PROJECT MANAGER

Dakota-Lynn McCaffrey dakota@abqthemag.com BUSINESS MANAGER

Renee Martinez 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

he return of Balloon Fiesta is a nice indicator of hope in Albuquerque. With some restrictions lifted I can’t wait to get a taste of it again in most of its glory. Waking up before the crack of dawn is rewarded with some of the best breakfast burritos smothered in red or green chile or Christmas, which is the best of both worlds. The anticipation this October is not only for Balloon Fiesta but also for my first issue as Editor-in-Chief of this positive, snappy not sleepy magazine. It was a leap of faith for me to leave a local publication after many years of dedication. But the energy, positivity and forward thinking of this magazine is a welcome change to mainstream media. Not that I do not respect reporters in the trenches of breaking news, I was once in the thick of it myself. But, focusing on the good, the silver lining and why it is great to live here is a blessing every day. My staff and I want to remind our community of all the great things Albuquerque has to offer and showcase the movers and shakers that make it happen. For example, Roberta Ricci who is taking the National Hispanic Cultural Center upward and finds ways to financially sustain a center that preserves and promotes the history of 27 Spanish speaking countries. Turn to page 121 to learn more. Then there’s boxing legend Danny Romero who has used his skills and accolades to develop a center for at-risk children to discover their potential and flourish confidence within them. Read about his inspiring new role on page 126. Looking for a costume? We’ve got you covered. Off Broadway has fun fare for all themes and vintage wear for the fashonista in you. Find your next look on page 188.

Learn how the Museum of Southwest Biology is keeping tabs on the critters who call this region home. Whether it is in the remote desert, inside a manmade cave, up high in a domed oasis settled in the mountains, surrounded by the beauty of Native American or contemporary works of art or down deep below in an inactive missile silo, there is a rare nirvana that awaits anyone looking for memorable lodging in New Mexico. Turn to page 79 to begin your bucket list of must stays in the Land of Enchantment. Another stop worth a visit is Sobremesa Restaurant & Brewery on Albuquerque’s West Side. Their craft beers are brewed onsite and are the perfect pairing for the restaurant’s sweet and savory menu with plenty of guest favorites including empanadas, an array of tacos filled with traditional Mexican proteins such as carne adovada to seasoned calabacitas, and fish and chips battered in the house lager. Make your taste buds water by flipping to page 142. We love our October issue and we know you will too. We already have plenty of interesting and intriguing stories planned for November, particularly our feature that gets into the “spirit” of things. Sincerely,

Rozanna Martinez Editor-In-Chef

WWW.ABQTHEMAG.COM | OCTOBER 2021

PAID ADVERTISEMENT

Is pain keeping you from doing the things you love, like riding a bike? Or from simple tasks, like bending over to pick up your laundry?

If so, consult with your doctor to see if you’re eligible for Pain Intervention at New Mexico Surgery Center Orthopaedics. ning, the highly trained staff of doctors and nurses have the bandwidth to serve more people in Albuquerque, as well as those throughout NM and from other states. Their state-of-the-art Medication-use is not the only option to equipment and live x-ray imagery allow get rid of pain. Inflammation and pain for quick, precise procedures. can be reduced through non-surgical NM Surgery Center Orthopaedics actreatments, like steroid shots and ra- cepts multiple insurances and aims to offer their Pain Intervention services to diofrequency ablations. Meanwhile, spinal cord stimulation is a as many people as possible. “We were more permanent treatment that results born in Albuquerque, have grown up in lifelong pain relief for patients with here, and have a great history of serving the community for 20 years,” says certain ailments. Rebekah Kaehele. With 4 procedure rooms up and runPain Intervention offers wonderful alternatives as opposed to narcotics, including minimally invasive procedures and injections to control pain along the spine, hips, knees, and shoulders.

For more information please consult your physician and visit our website

nmscortho.com

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

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

OCTOBER 2021 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

WWW.ABQTHEMAG.COM | OCTOBER 2021

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

WHAT’S UP DOC? Years ago, Bugs Bunny knew he should have made a left turn at Albuquerque but he has come back around to the Duke City as part of an exhibition at the New Mexico Museum of Natural History & Science. “The Art of Warner Bros. Cartoons” showcases a roundup of Warner Bros. most beloved animated characters from Looney Tunes and Merrie Melodies. Featured iconic characters include Bugs Bunny, Tweety Pie, the Tasmanian Devil and Daffy Duck, according to the New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs. Closer to the hearts of New Mexicans are the desert dwelling rivals Wile E. Coyote and the Road Runner. The landscape of the American Southwest served as the backdrop to the frenemies’ constant game of cat and mouse. Exhibit attendees will learn about the complex and time consuming process of traditional hand drawn animation. Visitors will see how a character is conceptualized, sketched, drawn and hand-colored before filming begins. Visitors will get a rare peek at sketches, model sheets, OCTOBER 2021 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

paintings and animation cells that went into creating popular films in the 1930s, 1940s, and 1950s. Warner Bros. cartoons have appealed to multiple generations. And their humor conveyed through the lens of stereotypes that were common during the early days of film continues to fascinate viewers. As part of the exhibition, eventgoers will have the opportunity to see the actual cartoons in the galleries as well as at special times on the Verus DynaTheater’s five-story tall screen. “The Art of Warner Bros. Cartoons” opened in September and runs through Jan. 2, 2022 during museum hours. The museum is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday, except for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. The exhibit is included with general admission to the museum. Admission tickets can be purchased at nmnaturalhistory.org/visitors/visitor-information. —RM

TAKE A MOVIE, LEAVE A MOVIE Most are familiar with the take a book, leave a book concept of little libraries that are sprinkled around residential areas. But what if instead of reading a book, you could see the story played out on DVD? Albuquerque resident Martin Sharp was inspired to create his own little DVD library after watching a news story about freeblockbuster.org. The concept works the same as little libraries but instead with DVDs. People can take a DVD home, watch it, and return it or contribute their unwanted DVDs to the stand. Sharp placed his little DVD library in front of his home located at 10404 Woodland Ave NE, near the northeast corner of Menaul and Morris. “We just moved into that house in July and I thought it was a perfect area,” Sharp says. “It gets a lot of traffic from everybody in the neighborhood… At first it wasn’t moving very fast and then after about a week I could see people. My dogs are barking all day long at people stopping.” There is something for everyone in Sharp’s little DVD stand that contains 10 to 30 DVDs at a time. The collection includes action movies, science fiction, thrillers and children’s movies. Sharp is working on building another mini Blockbuster box. He is considering adding VHS tapes to the mix for “nostalgic” folks. —RM

START BR A GGING

ABQ

Kelly Roepke-Orth Chief Executive Officer AGC New Mexico

“I’ve often read that New Mexico offers some of the best biking trails—and I agree! We just exposed our 5-year-old son to bicycling this year, and we take him on a four-mile leisurely ride for fresh air twice a week. The Rio Grande Bosque Loop via the Nature Center is a family favorite. The trails are well-maintained, and the views are amazing.” 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.

October marks the beginning of the “regulated air” season in Albuquerque. The season lasts (roughly) through March. To see if tonight is a “burn” or “no-burn” night, call 768-BURN.

WWW.ABQTHEMAG.COM | OCTOBER 2021

OCTOBER 2021 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

New Mexico breweries continue to rack up the medals at one of the largest commercial beer competitions in the world — the Great American Beer Festival. This year, gold medals went to Albuquerque’s Ponderosa Brewing for its Italian Pilsner in the Hoppy Lager category and to Corrales’ Ex Novo Brewing Co. for its Threat Level: Turquoise in the American-Style Strong Pale Ale category. Silver medals were awarded to Albuquerque’s Marble Brewery for its Eastside Special Bitter in the Extra Special Bitter category and to Santa Fe’s Second Street Brewery-Rufina for its Oktoberfest in the German-Style Maerzen category. “We are so proud of all of our New Mexico breweries that continue to grow, thrive and share their delicious product with our state and beyond,” the New Mexico Brewers Guild posted to its social media pages. “Huge congrats to Ex Novo Brewing Company New Mexico, Marble Brewery, Ponderosa Brewing Company, and Second Street Brewery for bringin’ home Brewers Association Great American Beer Festival awards medals and makin’ us all shine!” The festival is held annually in Denver, except for 2020 when the event was held virtually due to the pandemic. This year, a total of 170 judges evaluated 9,680 entries from 2,192 breweries from 50 states plus Washington, D.C. and Puerto Rico, according to a GABF news release. A full list of winners is available at greatamericanbeerfestival.com.—RM

ATM DEFINITION OF THE MONTH 32

WHISKENSDAY (n.)

When any day of the week ends with a whiskey drink. Usage: “ I don’t care what night we play poker, as long as it’s on a Whiskensday.”

WWW.ABQTHEMAG.COM | OCTOBER 2021

Sophia Golding AGE: 15 going on 16 SCHOOL: Academy High School 3 THINGS SHE LIKES: Music, tennis, and hanging out with her friends. THINGS SHE DOESN’T LIKE: She doesn’t like to eat meat or play games with people. FUTURE PLANS: She would like to attend Berkley or Harvard School of Music.

HER STORY: Not only is Sophia Golding an A+ student, but she is a singer/songwriter and is currently in the process of professionally recording her own music. Maria Ehrenreich (a record producer from Santa Fe) heard Sophia’s demo and gave her her first break by giving the demo to Lucille Hunt who is the Sr. Vice President of Music Publishing and Licensing at the Mack Avenue Music Group. Hunt was able to introduce Sophia to Gannin Arnold (he has worked with Joe Walsh from The Eagles) and the two have been able to work together even through the pandemic. She has also had the opportunity to work on her vocals with producer Scott Jarrett. After being impressed with Sophia’s hard work, Hunt decided it was time to take Sophia’s music to the next level. Sophia’s first produced song, Fall Back Girl, placed as a semi-finalist at the International Songwriting competition. “With such a great team around her, Sophia is hoping that the music industry is interested in what she has to say!” her grandmother, Debra Benjamin said proudly. —DLM

Submit your Incredible Kids at incrediblekids@abqthemag.com

ABQ is Purrfect for Pets

Albuquerqueans love their pets and the rest of the country is taking notice with it being named to the Top 15 pet friendly cities by wallethub.com. Nearly 85 million households in the United States own pets. The study was done to provide a list of where pets could live long, healthy lives without breaking the bank. Albuquerque took No. 14 on the list of most friendly pet cities in America. WalletHub compared 100 of the most populated cities in the country and ranked them according to pet budget, pet health and wellness and outdoor pet friendliness. Pet budget includes veterinary care costs, minimum pet care provider rates per visit and dog insurance premiums. Criteria for pet health and wellness was based on availability and access, per capita, to veterinarians, pet caretakers, animal trainers, pet businesses, dog friendly restaurants, dog friendly

shops, pet meetup groups, as well as doggie daycare and boarding establishments. Other criteria revolved around living arrangements including pet friendliness of rental markets. It also reviewed animal shelters per capita and the strength of animal protection laws in each of the selected cities. Outdoor pet friendliness also weighed in. Criteria included weather, dog parks per capita, dog friendly trails, dog shows and more. Data used to create each ranking

OCTOBER 2021 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

was collected from the U.S. Census Bureau, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Yelp.com, BringFido, and other sites as well as WalletHub research. For the complete study and rankings, visit wallethub.com and search “Most Pet Friendly Cities.” —RM

REMEMBERING THE DEAD ia de los Muertos holds a special place in the hearts of many Albuquerque residents. It is a time to reflect and honor loved ones and ancestors who have preceded us in death. Many believe the spirits return to the living world to visit and once again en-

joy their favorite things left for them on altars or at their gravesites by family and friends. New Mexico painter Sandi J. Ludescher has created a show based on the people and events of the South Valley’s Marigold y Muertos parade. The parade has not been held since 2018, but Ludescher is grateful to have attended and collect images of the parade for seven years. The images served as inspiration for Ludescher’s solo show that runs from

Oct. 29 through Dec. 15 at the North Fourth Street Art Center, 4904 Fourth NW. The show features 29 paintings and 30 drawings. “This series highlights real people behind makeup and costuming who express what the holiday means to them; about the life they breathe into it, remembrance of their dead and how they mitigate their grief and loss,” says Ludescher. “Spectators become the spectacles; the viewers become the viewed. This is a time when makeup and costuming renders participants anonymous, blurs identities, allowing them to celebrate with community members as equals.” —RM

WWW.ABQTHEMAG.COM | OCTOBER 2021

START BR A GGING

ABQ

Jayce Mawson

Real Estate Broker Realty One of New Mexico “The views are fantastic at a lot of the city’s breweries, restaurants and entertainment spaces. My favorites are the panorama of the Sandia Mountains from the patio of Steel Bender Brewyard on Second Street, and the aerial city view you get from the rooftop of Hotel Chaco on the deck of Level 5 Rooftop Restaurant in the Sawmill District.” 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.

In October 2005, the Anderson-Abruzzo Albuquerque International Balloon Museum first opened its doors. With the 2020 Balloon Fiesta canceled, it may be a good time to go check out this fascinating museum. OCTOBER 2021 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

Powered By The Sun It’s out with the old and in with the new at Escuela del Sol Montessori and Harwood Art Center, which took the leap to become ecofriendly by switching over to solar power. The school along with the art center, in collaboration with local companies National Roofing and Affordable Solar, completed a roofing project that replaced the Harwood building’s almost century old roof and added a solar array. Replacing the roof allowed the school and art center one of their “most exciting” Master Plan projects, according to a school news release. The planning phase of the Master Plan was finished in 2016 with the purpose of enhancing the school and art center campus. The solar array allows for cleaner energy and helps the school and the art center to stick to one of their core

values of community and global stewardship. The 108 panel solar array has a yearly output of 70,000 kilowatt hours. It is enough energy to power more than nine homes. Moving to solar power will save the school and art center $306,000 for the next 25 years.

The former 1,700 square foot ballasted roof had been placed over an older roof covered in 140 tons of dirt. It was removed and replaced with 70 tons of river rock to add drainage and hold down the roofing assembly —RM

Bailey Franzoy AGE: 4 SCHOOL: She will start preschool next year. 3 THINGS SHE LIKES: The Nightmare Before Christmas, Strawberry Milk, and Karaoke 3 THINGS SHE DOESN’T LIKE: Bell Peppers, Spiders, and Beans FUTURE PLANS: She wants to be a princess when she grows up. HER STORY: For a four-year-old, Bailey is quite the versatile little girl. She likes to keep busy by attending dance class every week where she does ballet and tap dancing. When she isn’t dancing, she’s outside riding her toddler friendly BMX bike, and she recently started mutton busting, which can be pretty scary. For those of you who don’t know, mutton busting is similar to bull riding except it’s on a sheep and young children are riding instead of adults. Although she was scared the first time she rode a sheep, Bailey did it anyway and immediately wanted to do it again. This adventurous little girl loves to spend time with her great grandmother, wear pretty dresses, go hunting with her older brother, and knows the songs to just about every Disney movie. Everywhere she goes “she’s the life of the party” and will certainly continue to be the life of the party as she gets older. —DLM

Submit your Incredible Kids at incrediblekids@abqthemag.com 36

WWW.ABQTHEMAG.COM | OCTOBER 2021

START BR A GGING

ABQ

Ashley Winters

Pharmacy Student University of New Mexico

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

“The best funnel cake I have ever had is from a vendor at the ABQ International Balloon Fiesta that I see every year. I don’t even know the name of the company! The vendor booth is blue, and I always know it when I see it. It’s the main reason I go to the event every October!” 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.

On October 19, 1957 Corrales was hit by its only tornado on record. The record goes back to 1883. Nobody was harmed and the tornado registered an F0 (on a scale of 0-5, with 5 being the strongest.)

OCTOBER 2021 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

NOT LONG AGO

Pianist Adam Swanson Fundraising Event First Unitarian Church was hopping on February 9, 2020 as four-time world champion old-time piano player Adam Swanson performed an all-ages show to benefit The Wheels Museum Silver Iris Private Rail Car. The concert got Albuquerqueans boogying and woogying to some incredible ragtime and early jazz. 1. Michael Muldower, Judy Muldower, Adam Swanson 2. Andy Stone, Elliot Pierce 3. Kelli Murphy, Willow Battaglia, Shane Shane 4. Ann Hamann, Skip White, Karen White 5. Kathleen Stone, Maryellen Hennessy 6. Rachel Ransbarger, Leba Freed Pierce, Don Seelinger 7. Susan Carlow, Tom Carlow, Paul Turner, Annette Turner

WWW.ABQTHEMAG.COM | OCTOBER 2021

OCTOBER 2021 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

NOT LONG AGO

Jeff Highlander Hearts on Your Sleeve Benefit Fashion Show Albuquerqueans gathered at Hotel Albuquerque on February 13, 2020 to check out some great fashion, sip on some Tito’s Handmade Vodka Cocktails and wine from Noble Vines Collection, munch on savory local foods, jam to the music of Mira Goto and Christian Lopez, and mingle with Grey’s Anatomy star Skyler Shaye. Proceeds went to help in the fight against ALS. 1. Scott Hagen, Marsha Deaton, Todd Watkins, Jill Sivage 2. Katie Crouch, Michelle Stanford, Amelia Whitfill 3. Jordyn DiLorenzo, Jeannine DiLorenzo, Connie Levy 4. Shannon Miera, Danielle Estrada, Paige Romero, Mikayla Padilla 5. John Diomede, Joanne Douglas, Marco Baldonado, Adriana Long 6. Diana Trujeque, George Trujeque 7. Stacie Johnson-Davis, Marlene Baca, Tina Chavez, Melissa Cadena

WWW.ABQTHEMAG.COM | OCTOBER 2021

OCTOBER 2021 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

NOT LONG AGO

At Glam Nail Bar & Spa, we will pamper and keep your hands, feet and nails... HEALTHY, BEAUTIFUL & ATTRACTIVE !!!

Walk-ins and Appointments Welcome 8224 MENAUL BLVD NE, ALBUQUERQUE, NM 87110

(505) 835-5040

Funds for Love Fundraiser Local jewelry maker Kendra Scott hosted the Funds for Love Fundraiser at her shop on February 8, 2020. The event didn’t just feature Kendra Scott’s popular and unique jewelry items, it also included a pet adoption van, a doggie kissing booth, drinks and snacks. Proceeds went to benefit Funds for Love, which helps provide shelter for pets with special needs. 1. Tabatha King, Coco, Kelly Casaus 2. Hannah Jensen, Bella, Tram Le 3. Steven Blacksmith, Angelina Ortiz 4. Noel Davis, Ainsley Westlake 5. Matt Bromley, Mary Alice Balderrama, Ramie Kow, Rafael Alvarez 6. Kate Lamothe, Betty, Rufus, Courtnee Bennett 7. Stacey George, Carmela, Stephanie Espinosa

WWW.ABQTHEMAG.COM | OCTOBER 2021

OCTOBER 2021 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

NOT LONG AGO

2020 Annual Pancake Breakfast Mmmmmm… pancakes. Albuquerqueans turned up in droves for the 2020 Annual Pancake Breakfast at the Fraternal Order of Police (Lodge #1). Rita’s pancakes were the star of the show, but the proceeds went to support the Officer Street Survival Training program, which provides specialized training for police officers. The benefit helps cover the costs of the extra training. 1. Alice Miller, Ida Tinguely, Jim McGrane, Rita McGrane 2. Toby Gallegos, Ruth Lowe, Earl Lowe (back row), Joshua Armijo (front row) 3. Matt Morales, Ed Rodarte, Gina Torres, David Salazar 4. Troy Baldonado, Alicia Kassa, Joe Kassa, Jose Brionez 5. Ronnie Miera, Randy Armijo, Melinda Rodgers, Buddy Rodgers 6. Pam Highum, MaryHelen Kugler, Elizabeth Chavez, Stephanie Herrera 7. Pete Rodriguez, Michael Chavez

WWW.ABQTHEMAG.COM | OCTOBER 2021

OCTOBER 2021 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

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

NOT LONG AGO

Go Red Luncheon On February 19, 2020, Albuquerque women gathered for the annual Go Red Luncheon at Hotel Albuquerque. The event, a cornerstone of the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women program, featured a catered lunch, plenty of health facts, and a chance to raise awareness of heart disease in women. But it wasn’t all about heart disease awareness. The event also focuses on helping create opportunities for women in STEM and helping women find equal access to healthcare. 1. Sara Hardwood, Bryan Gibb, Sherri Wells 2. Shawn Wilbur, Rachelle Spencer 3. Janice Schmitt, Morgan Gaco, Rosella Chisolm 4. Davida Gallegos, Tony Watt 5. Melissa Sanchez, Joshua Martinez, Theresa Clay 6. Steve Chavez, Season Chavez 7. Danny Gonzales, Eddie Nunez

WWW.ABQTHEMAG.COM | OCTOBER 2021

OCTOBER 2021 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

WWW.ABQTHEMAG.COM | OCTOBER 2021

OCTOBER 2021 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

NON PROFIT GIVING GUIDE

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

WWW.ABQTHEMAG.COM | OCTOBER 2021

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

OCTOBER 2021 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

NON PROFIT GIVING GUIDE

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

The Nutcracker in the Land of Enchantment December 17-19, 2021 with full orchestra First performance in a theater since February 2020!

SACRED JOURNEYS III April 22-24, 2022

with Grammy Award Winner Robert Mirabal, playing live! For ticket information on both performances please visit festivalballetabq.org or call the box office at (505)724-4771 National Hispanic Cultural Center, 1701 4th St. SW, ABQ, NM 87102

Please visit our website festivalballetabq.org for more information on ways to donate & provide support!

WWW.ABQTHEMAG.COM | OCTOBER 2021

OCTOBER 2021 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

WWW.ABQTHEMAG.COM | OCTOBER 2021

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

TOP PICK saturday 2 | 12 noon–4 pm ABQ Corks & Brews. Join us for a tasting experience of local beers, fine wines and craft spirits. Discover what New Mexico has to offer, including award winning local breweries, wineries, distilleries, musical talents and food trucks. Info: 21 and over, ID required. The Railyards, 777 1st Street SW, abqcorksandbrews.com, (505) 280-2598.

OCTOBER 2021 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

friday 1 | 4–7 pm

Amapola Gallery Artists’ Reception. Our featured artists are potters Sandra Moench and K.D. Fullerton. Their show, “Expressions in Clay,” demonstrates the wide variation possible in this medium. Their works, ranging from functional items to sculptures, incorporate Native decorations, colors and designs. Info: Amapola Gallery, 205 Romero Street NW, Old Town, amapolagallery.com.

thursday 7 | 7:30 pm

Brad Paisley in Concert. Originally hailing from West Virginia, Brad Paisley is one of country music’s most talented and decorated solo artists. Over 20 years, his songwriting and showmanship have won him numerous awards for favorite hits such as “Waiting on a Woman,” “I’m Gonna Miss Her” and “Today”. Info: Isleta Amphitheater, 5601 University Blvd. SE, livenation.com.

saturday 9 | 9 am–12 noon

Walk to End Alzheimer’s. The Alzheimer’s Association is holding the Central NM Walk in-person this year, with online options available. Add your flower to the fight. Info: Mariposa Basin Park, 4900 Kachina Street NW. For registration and info: act.alz.org/walkabq or email alrivera@alz.org, (505)404-9851. Free.

saturday 16– sunday 17 | saturday 9 am–4 pm, sunday 9 am–2 pm

Model Boat Regatta. Model boat enthusiasts can join the Duke City Model Yacht Club at Tingley Beach for two days of racing for the 2021 Rio Grande Cup. Enter the Rio Grande Cup to compete. Info: ABQ BioPark Tingley Beach, 1800 Tingley Drive SW, abqbiopark. com, (505) 768-2000. Free to the viewing public, entry fee to compete.

sunday 10 | 7:30–9:30 pm

Asleep At The Wheel. This West Virginia band celebrates 50 years playing Western swing music. The band has 10 Grammy Awards, and an Americana Music Association Lifetime Achievement Award, with 31 albums and over 20 singles on country charts. All ages. Info: National Hispanic Cultural Center, Journal Theatre, 1701 4th Street SW, ampconcerts.org. Tickets: $28-$48.

WWW.ABQTHEMAG.COM | OCTOBER 2021

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

friday 15–sunday, november 7 | fridays and saturdays 7:30 pm, sundays 2 pm

Dinner With The Boys. See live on stage, a killer comedy by Dan Lauria (from “The Wonder Years”). Enjoy an evening filled with belly-laughs, killer plot twists and plenty of garlic. But will this dinner be their last meal? Info: The Adobe Theater, 9813 4th Street NW, adobetheater.org, (505) 8989222. Tickets: $17-$20, PWYW Thursday, November 4.

saturday 9 | 3–7 pm

Lift Your Spirits Festival. The New Mexico Distillers Guild presents Lift Your Spirits Week in locations around Albuquerque in conjunction with 20 distillers from throughout New Mexico, and the Balloon Fiesta in partnership with the City’s Department of Arts and Culture. The week’s events wrap up with the Lift Your Spirits Festival, featuring local distilleries, artisans, music and food trucks with a view of the balloon glow. Info: The Anderson Abruzzo Balloon Museum, cultureabq.com. Tickets: City of Albuquerque Special Events Page, cabq.gov.

OCTOBER 2021 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

saturday 23 | 7–9 pm

Friction Quartet. Music in Corrales presents Friction Quartet, the “exquisitely skilled, terribly beautiful” classical and contemporary string quartet. One of the group’s goals is to modernize the chamber music experience and expand the string quartet repertoire through curating imaginative programs, collaborating with artists. Info: La Entrada Park, 84 West La Entrada, Corrales, musicincorrales.org. Tickets: Online $25 (no additional fees).

saturday 23 | 8–10:30 pm

Colter Wall. This weathered artist with a deep, gruff baritone spins traditional songs known to most listeners, historic reverie, and poignant originals in country, folk and Western styles, raising both goosebumps and beers throughout the evening. Info: El Rey Theater, 620 Central Ave. NW, ampconcerts.org. Tickets: $27-$30.

friday 1 | 3:30–5 pm

Tamarind Tours. This tour helps visitors learn about lithography from the Institute that revived the medium during the 1960s. Tours include information about current programs and Tamarind’s history, a video on the collaborative process, a printing demonstration, and a facility walkthrough. Info: Tamarind, 2500 Central Ave. SE. Free but reservation required: email tamarind@unm.edu.

friday 1 | 7–9 pm

Jeff Dunham: Seriously? Jeff and his “proteges,” Peanut, Walter, José Jalapeño, Bubba J, and Achmed will seriously keep you laughing on this tour stop. Info: Rio Rancho Events Center, 3001 Civic Center Circle NE, Rio Rancho. Tickets: rioranchoeventscenter.com or jeffdunham.com.

friday 1 | 7:30 pm

Rio Rancho Players present Thornton Wilder’s Our Town. Enjoy this classic play that is still relevant today. Also showing October 2, 8, 9, 15 and 16 at 7:30pm, October 10 and 16 at 2pm. Not recommended for children under 12. Info: Avix Art, 4311 Sara Road SE, Rio Rancho, rr-cc.org, 977-4160. Tickets: $15; seniors/ children/military $12; group tickets $10 each.

saturday 2 | 10 am–12 noon

Using Scenes to Build Your Story. SouthWest Writers presents prolific author and longtime SWW member Rob Spiegel live via Zoom as he discusses “Using Scenes to Build Your Story.” Info: southwestwriters.com. Prior registration required for non-members: call the office Monday–Thursday 9 am–12 noon 8306034, or email info@swwriters.com. Free to all.

saturday 2 | 10 am–2 pm

Croctober. Learn about crocodiles and alligators at the Zoo. Info: ABQ BioPark Zoo, 903 10th Street SW, abqbiopark. com, 768-2000. Included with regular admission.

saturday 2 | 12:30–2:30 pm

Get the First Draft Finished. SouthWest Writers presents a live-via-Zoom workshop with Dr. Kathy Kitts (former SWW President) and Grant Faulkner (Executive Director of National Novel Writing Month) as they discuss “How to Get the First Draft Finished.” Info: southwestwriters.com. Prior registration required: southwestwriters.com or email info@swwriters.com. Free to members; $20 to non-members.

A UNIQUE

GIFT

1372158-01

SHOP

saturday 2 | tbd

University of New Mexico Lobo Football. Come watch the Lobos take on the Air Force Falcons. There is one other home game in October on the 16th at 5 pm versus the Colorado State Rams. Info: University Stadium, 1111 University Blvd. SE, golobos.com for details and tickets.

saturday 2–sunday 10 | various times

Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. For nine days the Balloon Fiesta features balloon-filled skies, special-shaped balloons, twilight balloon glows, and dawn patrols, events, food and shopping. Hundreds of balloons make this the most photographed event in the world. Info: 4401 Alameda Blvd. NE, balloonfiesta. com, 821-1000. Tickets: general admission $15. Park & Ride also available.

saturday 2-8 | various times

Lift Your Spirits Week. The New Mexico Distillers Guild presents events in locations around Albuquerque in conjunction with 20 distillers from throughout New Mexico, and the Balloon Fiesta in partnership with the City’s Department of Arts and Culture. The week’s events wrap up with the Lift Your Spirits Festival on October 9th. Info: facebook.com/pg/nmdistillers.

Blue Portal Shop in Old Town 2107 Church St NW • ABQ NM • 505.243.6005 https://blue-portal.myresaleweb.com/ Open Daily during Fiesta Oct 1 thru Oct 10

Wed-Sat: 11am-4:00pm, Sun: 1pm-4:00pm

WWW.ABQTHEMAG.COM | OCTOBER 2021

sunday 3 | 10:30 am

Chatter Sunday. The infamous Grant Wallace Band, famous for original bluegrass, returns to Chatter. Info: Las Puertas, 1512 1st Street NW, chatterabq. org. Tickets: $16 adults, $9 students and those under 30, $5 under 13.

sunday 3 | 1–5 pm

Artist’s Reception. Corrales Bosque Gallery invites you to a reception for Special Guest Artist, Leo Neufeld. Come join us for an afternoon of beautiful art. Also, CB Gallery is now accepting new member applications. Contact Judith Young, Chair of Jury Committee, 8987293. Info: Corrales Bosque Gallery, 4685 Corrales Road, 898-7203.

monday, 4–saturday, november 20 | various times

Keshet Community Dance Classes: Fall Session. In-person classes for ages 2 thru adult offered plus online class options in ballet, contemporary, hip hop, creative movement classes. All abilities welcome. Mixed Ability/Adaptive Dance classes available. Scholarships and sliding scale payment options. Registration ongoing. Info: keshetarts.org, 224-9808.

monday 4 | 5:30–8:30 pm

Senior Women’s Softball League End of Season Party. We will be honoring players who are Armed Services Veterans. Join us and see how well seniors can play. Info: Tingley Ball Fields, 10 Atlantic Ave. SW, 401-1867.

monday 4 | 7:30–9:30 pm

Marty Stuart and His Fabulous Superlatives. Marty Stuart celebrates the twentieth anniversary of his iconic album The Pilgrim. The Grammy Awardwinning singer, songwriter, and musician is living, breathing country music history, sharing his remarkable life through story and song. Info: National Hispanic Cultural Center, Albuquerque Journal Theatre, 1701 Fourth Street SW, ampconcerts.org. Tickets: $38-$48.

tuesday 5 or thursday 7– thursday, november 18 | 9:30–11 am

Fine Wine Dance Classes: Moving FWD. These weekly classes are specifically for ages 55 and over. No experience necessary. Unlimited scholarships and sliding scale pricing available. In person classes and online option on Wednesdays at 5:30–6:30 pm. Registration is ongoing. Info: keshetarts.org, 224-9808.

OCTOBER 2021 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

wednesday 6 | 7 pm

New Mexico United Soccer. United takes on the Hartford Athletics in their first of four home games in October. The others are on the 9th, 20th and 30th. Games on Wednesdays are at 7 pm, Saturdays at 5 pm. Info: Rio Grande Credit Union Field at Isotopes Park, 1601 Avenida Cesar Chavez SE, newmexicoutd.com for details and tickets.

thursday 7, 14 and 21 | 3–5 pm

Attractive Covers. SouthWest Writers presents its president, Rose Marie Kern, and Kathy Schuit, editor of The Sage, live via Zoom as they explain how to create attractive covers for self-published books. This is a three week course. Info: Pre-registration required: call 830-6034 or email info@swwriters.com. $30 SWW members over 70; $60 SWW members; $90 non-members.

thursday 7–thursday, november 18 | 4:15 pm

Weekly Free Online Dance Party. All ages and all abilities are invited to join us each week as we dance together online. Info: Click on this Zoom link each Thursday at 4:15 pm so you can visit with our community and then dance, dance, dance together. Info: us02web.zoom. us/j/85353518571.

thursday 7 | 4:30–7 pm

Saudade. Enjoy live music by Brazilian music band, Saudade. It’s a great reason to get a start on your Christmas shopping while you’re there in Old Town. Info: Plaza Don Luis, 303 Romero Street NW. Free.

friday 8 | 7:30 pm

Albuquerque Science Fiction Society Meeting. Local skeptic Benjamin Radford gives a talk on “The Psychic and the Serial Killer: Examining the Best Case for Psychic Detectives.” Social distancing and facial masks encouraged. This club has author readings, science discussions, and films. Info: Activity Room, St. Andrew Presbyterian Church, 5301 Ponderosa Ave. NE, bubonicon.com, 266-8905. Free to newcomers.

saturday 9 |

Register for Golf for Brain Injury Awareness at the Brain Injury Alliance of New Mexico Golf Tournament. See description on Saturday, October 23.

saturday 9 | 10 am–10 pm

Albuquerque Folk Festival. Participate in family-friendly music festival, with over 100 activities: national, regional, local musicians and performers, instrument petting zoo, workshops for children and adults, performances, dances, workshops, music jams, crafts, and local food trucks. Info: Bosque School, 4500 Bosque School Drive NW, abqfolkfest.org. Tickets: holdmyticket.com.

sunday 10 | 10:30 am

Chatter Sunday. World premiere of All Is Now, a new dectet by renowned Houstonbased composer Pierre Jalbert, with a reading by author Don Zancanella. Info: Las Puertas, 1512 1st Street NW, chatterabq. org. Tickets: $16 adults, $9 students and those under 30, $5 under 13.

sunday 10 | 8–10:30 pm

Jesse Royal in Concert. Jesse Royal is a key player in the ongoing “Reggae Revival” movement in Jamaica and the rest of the world, revitalizing the genre of roots reggae. His hits include “Modern Day Judas” and “Always Be Around.” Info: Launchpad, 618 Central Ave. SW, ampconcerts.org. Tickets: $22-$27.

WWW.ABQTHEMAG.COM | OCTOBER 2021

OCTOBER 2021 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

tuesday 12 | 6:30–8:30 pm

SouthWest Writers presents Sci-Fi Worlds Discussion Panel. Distinguished writers discuss--live via Zoom--the Sci-Fi genre. Info: Call 830-6034 Monday–Thursday, 9 am–12 noon or email info@swwriters. com for the link. Pre-registration required. Free to all.

tuesday 12 | 7:30–9:30 pm

The Quebe Sisters. Dallas-based fivepiece presents a unique Americana blend of Western swing, jazz, country, Texasstyle fiddling, and Western music. Info: @708, 708 1st Street NW, ampconcerts. org.Tickets: $22-$27.

tuesday 12 | 7:30–9:30 pm

Nelly with Blanco Brown and Harper Grace. This show features the on-stage fusion of country, hip hop, rap, and R&B with a distinctly “rock n’ roll” presentation. Multi-Grammy award winner Nelly will be traveling with a full live band as well as a multi-million-dollar production package. Info: Rio Rancho Events Center, 3001 Civic Center Circle NE, Rio Rancho. Tickets: rioranchoeventscenter.com.

thursday 14 | 5–7 pm

Menaul School Open House. Come tour Menaul School, a sixth through twelfth grade day and boarding school providing the most diverse, intellectual, individualized, college preparatory education experience within a rigorous academic environment, where each student can be unique. Info: Menaul School, 301 Menaul Blvd. NE, menaulschool.org, 341-7250.

saturday 16 | 10–11:30 am

Xeric Garden Presentation. The Xeric Garden Club of Albuquerque presents George Duda speaking on “Love, Wonder, Fear... How Can Trees Be Killing Our Forests?” along with a history of the Bosque. Info: Albuquerque Garden Center, 10120 Lomas Blvd. NE, xericgardenclub. org. Free.

saturday 16 | 7:30–10 pm

WWE SuperShow. Feel the excitement from the biggest professional wrestling organization that has produced wrestling legends like Hulk Hogan, ‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin, Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson, The Undertaker, John Cena, and others. Info: Rio Rancho Events Center, 3001 Civic Center Circle NE, Rio Rancho. Tickets: rioranchoeventscenter.com.

saturday 16 | 8 pm

The Daily Show Writers Comedy Tour. Comedy Central’s late-night talk and news satire show has won 24 Emmys. This show features the comics behind the jokes that make America laugh. The Daily Show writers find comedy everywhere and bring it all to the stage. Info: Popejoy Hall, 203 Cornell Drive NE, popejoypresents.com.

saturday 16 | 8–10:30 pm

Tennis. This is a distinctive pop duo with a dreamy, winsome sound and emotional, lyrical storytelling in hits like “I Miss That Feeling” and “Need Your Love.” Info: El Rey Theater, 620 Central Ave. NW, ampconcerts.org. Tickets: $22-$25.

sunday 17 | 6:45 am–2 pm

Duke City Marathon. This race is ranked as one of the top marathons in the world. A number of different races are available. If you were already registered for 2020, you are automatically entered into your October 2021 race. Info: pre-registration required, dukecitymarathon.com. All races begin at Civic Plaza, Third Street and Tijeras.

sunday 17 | 10:30 am

Chatter Sunday. Listen to Mozart’s Violin Duo in G major and String Quartet no. 3 by Latvian composer Peteris Vasks. Info: Las Puertas, 1512 1st Street NW, chatterabq. org. Tickets: $16 adults, $9 students and those under 30, $5 under 13.

tuesday 19 | 7–8 pm

Horror and Suspense. SouthWest Writers devotes part of its monthly Tuesday night Zoom meeting to a horror and suspense workshop, led by distinguished author David Corwell. Info: Call 830-6034 or email info@ swwriters.com for the link. Pre-registration required. Free to all.

wednesday 20 | 4–6 pm

Drive Your Story. SouthWest Writers presents prolific author and longtime SWW member Rob Spiegel live via Zoom, as he teaches a 6-week course (through 11/24) “Writing Scenes that Drive Your Story.” Info: Call 830-6034 Monday– Thursday 9 –12 noon or info@swwriters. com. $60 for SWW members over 70; $120 for SWW members; $180 all others. Pre-registration required.

friday 22 | 8 pm

Banda MS. Banda MS is a Mexican Banda from Mazatlan, Sinaloa. They debuted their regional Mexican music in 2004 with their album “No Podrás”. Their album “Qué Bendición” reached number one on the US Latin albums chart. Info: Rio Rancho Events Center, 3001 Civic Center Circle NE, Rio Rancho. Tickets: rioranchoeventscenter.com.

WWW.ABQTHEMAG.COM | OCTOBER 2021

friday 22–sunday 24 | various times

Latinx Film Festival ¡Cine Magnífico! This festival celebrates Spanish and Latin American culture through 30 feature short films in a weekend-long program, featuring work by first-time filmmakers and established masters alike through the dissemination of Spanish-language culture and audiovisual arts. Info: various locations, cinemagnifico.com for details.

saturday 23 | 10 am – 3 pm

Visionary Arts and Crafts Guild Fall Show. Looking for a unique handmade New Mexican gift for a party or the holidays? Shop local juried artists at the Fifth VACG Fall Holiday Arts and Crafts Show. Info: Pongal Event Center, 1101 Golf Course Road, Suite 102, Rio Rancho, vacgnm.com. Free admission.

saturday 23 | tba

Intimate Indigenous Experience. Guests will enjoy an Indigenous dinner prepared by Indian Pueblo Kitchen staff and a guest Native chef. Cultural significance will be explained, and cultural performances such as dances and art demonstrations will be included. This event series will fund scholarships for Pueblo members. Info: IPCC, 2401 12th Street NW, indianpueblokitchen.org, 724-3509.

saturday 23 | 8 am

Golf for Brain Injury Awareness at the Brain Injury Alliance of New Mexico Golf Tournament. Proceeds benefit people suffering from brain injury, their care givers, advocacy, support, training and awareness. Info: UNM Championship Golf Course South, 3601 University Blvd. SE, unmgolf.unm.edu, 277-4546, braininjurynm.org, Danette Lovato at 6159355. $125 per player, $500 per team, $250 sign sponsor, register by Oct 9.

saturday 23 | 9 am–3:30 pm

Diabetes Awareness Health Fair. This informational fair is presented by the New Mexico Lions Diabetes Awareness Program. Doctors will speak about diabetes, related disorders, and risk factors. Info: Mountain Valley Church, 5 Dinkle Road, Edgewood, Linda Cuenco, 385-4209 or Betty Miller, 321-4403. Free to the public.

saturday 23–sunday 24 | saturday 9 am–5 pm, sunday 9 am–4 pm

NewMexPex Stamp Show. This postage stamp show includes stamp dealers, informational displays, kids’ gifts, and door prizes. The USPO will offer a special show cancel plus a “What’s in Your Attic” table and lots of stamps. Info: Meadowlark Senior Center, 4330 Meadowlark Lane SE, Rio Rancho, sites.google.com/view/ newmexpex-annual-stamp-show, free admission and parking.

saturday 23 | 10 am–2 pm

Wolf Awareness Day. Learn about wolves at the Zoo. Info: ABQ BioPark Zoo, 903 10th Street SW, abqbiopark.com, 7682000. Included with regular admission.

saturday 23 | 7:30 am

Walk Like MADD. Join us at the 5th annual Walk Like MADD to raise awareness and funds to end impaired driving. Registration will be 7:30-8:30AM and the Walk will start 8:30. Info: UNM’s Johnson Field, 2401 Redondo Drive NE. Register: walklikemadd.org/nm. Call 255-2955 with questions.

OCTOBER 2021 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

saturday 23 | 7 pm

Bobcats Quartet. This is a great setting to listen to live music, plus they offer free coffee and delicious desserts. Don’t forget your dancing shoes. Info: Solid Grounds Coffee House, lower level of St. Stephens’s Church, 4601 Juan Tabo Blvd. NE. Free, donations welcome.

sunday 24 | 10:30 am

Chatter Sunday. Enjoy French chamber music including a string quartet by Henri Dutilleux and a nonet for winds and strings by Louise Farrenc. Info: Las Puertas, 1512 1st Street NW, chatterabq.org. Tickets: $16 adults, $9 students and those under 30, $5 under 13.

sunday 24 | 5 pm

Chatter Cabaret. Chatter presents music by Weber, Khachaturian, Brahms, and Lili Boulanger. Joseph Berger, associate principal horn of Oregon Symphony, performs with the Chatter musicians. Info: Albuquerque Museum, 2000 Mountain Road NW, chatterabq.org. Tickets: $27 general admission.

tuesday 26 | 6:30–8:30 pm

Fantasy. SouthWest Writers presents distinguished authors Joyce Hertzoff, Bruce Kingsolver, and Vicky Murata discussing, live via Zoom, the genres of fantasy. Info: Call 830-6034 Monday– Thursday, 9 am–12 noon or email info@swwriters.com for the link. Preregistration required. Free to all.

friday 29–saturday 31 I friday 4–8 pm, saturday 11 am–7 pm, sunday 10 am–5 pm

New Mexico Comic and Film Expo 2021. New Mexico’s largest and locally owned Comic Expo brings you top tier creators from the Comic book world along with some A-list celebrities. Info: Albuquerque Convention Center, 401 2nd Street NW, nmcomicexpo.com, 884-1776. Tickets: $5$250.

friday 29 | 7–9 pm

Zarzuela at The Plaza Ballroom. NMPAS presents an evening of beautiful Spanish folk and classical music theater. Sopranos Jennifer Perez and Christina Martos, tenor André García-Nuthmann and baritone Carlos Archuleta perform with Artistic Director Franz Vote at the piano. Info: The Plaza Hotel, 230 Plaza Street, Las Vegas, NM, nmpas.org. Tickets: $25 through NMHU Music Department, kathymontano@nmhu.edu.

saturday 30–tuesday, november 2 | 9 am–9 pm

Before I Die NM Festival. In-person and virtual death-positive conversations and experiences in Albuquerque and online, these entertaining and educational elements help people to plan ahead for end-of-life issues. Proceeds support the historic Fairview Cemetery. Info: Donations for registration and more information at beforeidienm.com.

sunday 31 | 10:30 am

Chatter Sunday. Baritone Michael Hix performs George Crumb’s spooky Songs, Refrains, and Drones of Death, with poetry by Federico García Lorca. Info: Las Puertas, 1512 1st Street NW, chatterabq. org. Tickets: $16 adults, $9 students and those under 30, $5 under 13.

WWW.ABQTHEMAG.COM | OCTOBER 2021

OCTOBER 2021 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

ONGOING: daily | any time

At-Home Movies. Enjoy a variety of streamed movies and documentaries presented by Guild Cinema. Keif Henley, the cinema owner, reminds folks that the streaming option offers a safe home viewing experience while a portion of the online streaming fee goes directly to the local independent cinema. Info: guildcinema.com.

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 diagnosis. During trying times, stress, anxiety, depression and anger are prevalent. Info: naminewmexico.org, namialbuquerque.org, 260-0154. Free.

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

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, 262-2177.

daily |

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, 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, 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, 2773013.

daily |

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 66

Animal Humane’s Free Behavioral Helpline. This free 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: 9387900.

daily |

Donate Blood. Because needs it every day. Info: unitedbloodservices.org.

someone 843-6227,

daily |

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

WWW.ABQTHEMAG.COM | OCTOBER 2021

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 | CHS Festival of the Nativities Loan. Corrales Historical Society will host the Festival of Nativities this December 18-19 in the Old Church, 966 Old Church Road, Corrales. September 1–December 15, if you would like to loan a favorite nativity of yours to be displayed, contact Johanna Dralle, jdralle@msn.com, corraleshistory. org, 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. All anglers must have a New Mexico fishing license. Info: Tingley Beach, 1800 Tingley Drive SW, call 311 or 768-2000. Free.

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, 349-5358.

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, 842-8960, volunteer@ rmhc-nm.org.

daily |

Explora. The museum brings out new activities in the “Working Together to Build a Village” exhibit area in its Rotary Pavilion, offering hands-on activities related to construction, architecture, and engineering, and Sketch Aquarium and Curious Bubbles in the Explora Theater. Info: Explora, 1701 Mountain Road NW, explora.us, 224-8300. Cost: Included in admission.

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: Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, 2401 12th Street NW, indianpueblo.org, 843-7270. Free with museum admission.

OCTOBER 2021 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

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, 833-202-7626. $13.

daily | various times

Explora’s STEAM Enrichment Programs. Explora has limited in-person and virtual STEAM enrichment programs happening throughout the year. Info: explora.us for details. Prices vary.

daily | 9 am–3 pm

Veterans Presentation. Listen to veterans tell 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, 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, 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, 10141 Coors Blvd. NW, animalhumanenm. org.

daily | 10 am–5 pm

Corrales Bosque Gallery. The gallery is now open daily. Come in to see local juried artists’ works on display. Info: Corrales Bosque Gallery. 4685 Corrales Road, Corrales, corralesbosquegallery.com, 898 7203.

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, 771-0140, wmranchnm@aol. com.

daily | various times

Explora’s Experiment Bar. Fruit and veggie batteries, thaumatropes, invisible writing, electromagnetics, DNA extraction or spin art? Visit Explora’s website to see which of our hands-on activities are happening. Activities change weekly. Mondays through Saturdays at 10 am and Sundays at noon. Info: Explora, 1701 Mountain Road NW, explora.us, 224-8300. Free with general admission.

WWW.ABQTHEMAG.COM | OCTOBER 2021

OCTOBER 2021 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

mondays | 12 noon

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

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

Japanese Garden Tours. Join docents on tours when available through the Japanese Garden. Learn about the garden’s many varieties of flowering trees and other blossoms. Info: ABQ BioPark Botanic Garden, 2601 Central Ave. NW, abqbiopark.com, 311.

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, 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, 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, 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, 433-3684. Tickets: $20, children $15, discounts for AAA, over 55 and military.

WWW.ABQTHEMAG.COM | OCTOBER 2021

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 348-4451. Free.

tuesdays–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, 508-4278.

tuesdays | 6:30–9:30 pm

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.

Beginning Square Dance Lessons. Lessons are available for singles, couples, and families. Dress is casual and no experience is required; offered by the Crazy Eights Square Dance Club. Info: Albuquerque Square Dance Center, 4915 Hawkins Street NE, 345-9797, hornytoad@q.com.

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, 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, 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.

OCTOBER 2021 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

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, 363-8499 or (800) 2723900.

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 (firsttime participants only). Info: 883-9203, ninjaparkabq.com.

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, 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, 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, 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.

WWW.ABQTHEMAG.COM | OCTOBER 2021

OCTOBER 2021 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

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, 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, 344-8139. 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, 2437255. Tour included with paid general admission.

wednesdays | 12:30 pm

Stories in the Sky: Weekly Story Time. Activities for toddlers and parents include stories about science, flight, geography, the seasons, the environment, astronomy and more. For toddlers through age 6. Info: Balloon Museum, 9201 Balloon Museum Drive NE, 768-6020. Admission is free for the children and an adult.

wednesdays | 6–9 pm

Albuquerque Dance Club. ADC offers social dancing every Wednesday to a variety of music mix including swing, country, Latin, ballroom, and tango. No partner needed, over 21 only, ID required. Info: The Dirty Bourbon, 9800 Montgomery Blvd. NE, 299-3737. $5 cover.

wednesdays–sundays | 10 am–4 pm

every other wednesday | 11:30 am

every first wednesday | 9 am–5 pm

every third wednesday | 6–8 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, 841-2848. Tickets: see cost information online.

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, 243-7255. Free general admission.

every second wednesday | 6–8 pm

Visionary Arts and Crafts Monthly Membership Meeting. VACG’s mission is to develop fellowship among craftspeople and facilitate a market for crafts through exhibitions and education, promoting the development and appreciation of craftspeople and their work. Meet monthly except October, November, December. Info: vacgnm@gmail.com, VACGNM.com.

every second wednesday | 6:30–7:30 pm

Bookworks Book Club. Bookworks Book Club meets monthly and Book Club purchasers receive a 10% discount at Bookworks. Info: Bookworks, 4022 Rio Grande Blvd. NW, bkwrks.com, 344-8139. Free and open to the public.

every second wednesday | 6:30 pm–8:30 pm

Rio Rancho Art Association (RRAA) Monthly Membership Meeting. RRAA’s mission is the cultural and educational enrichment of the community and surrounding areas by providing opportunities for artists and the public to collectively participate in fine art events and programs. Info: Don Chalmers Ford Community Room, 2500 Rio Rancho Blvd., 301-2009, rraausa.org.

every second and fourth wednesday | 10 am–2 pm

Quilters Demonstration. The New Mexico Quilters will be working on their Botanic Garden quilt and other projects in the Heritage Farmhouse. Info: ABQ BioPark Botanic Garden, 2601 Central Ave. NW, 848-7180, abqbiopark.com. Tickets: Included with admission.

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.

Polka Dot Powerhouse Albuquerque Monthly Business Connects. Polka Dot Powerhouse is a closely linked family of extraordinary women—a world of fun, business growth, and connection. Learn, network, and be inspired with other area professionals, business owners, entrepreneurs, and visionaries. Guests are invited to attend their first meeting for free. Info: Managing Director Barbra Portzline, bportzline@comcast.net. Register at polkadotpowerhouse.com.

thursdays | 10:30 am

Story Time at the Zoo. Info: ABQ BioPark Zoo, 903 10th Street SW, abqbiopark.com, 764-6200. Included in admission.

every thursday | 6 pm

Stand-up Comedy at The Stage. This is a fun date night. Enjoy great food and drinks, and the nation’s best comics. Seating is first come, first served. Doors open at 6 pm, comedy starts at 7:30 pm. 21 and over. Info: Santa Ana Star Casino Hotel, 54 Jemez Canyon Dam Road, Santa Ana Pueblo, 771-5680. Tickets: $10.

every thursday | 6–9 pm

Dance Club. Albuquerque Dance Club offers social dance classes in two-step, waltz, country western swing and a few other styles to country western music. No partner needed, space is limited. Info: Lloyd Shaw Dance Center, 5506 Coal Ave. SE. Pre-registration is required: glkello@ nmia.com or 299-3737.

every first thursday | 9:30 am–12 noon

Colcheras Demonstration. Learn to appreciate this Hispanic art form by watching El Arco Iris: Sociedad de Colcheras members at work in the Heritage Farmhouse. Info: ABQ BioPark Botanic Garden, 2601 Central Ave. NW, 848-7180, abqbiopark.com. Tickets: Included with admission.

fridays | 12 noon–1:00 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 Community Center, 5520 Wyoming Blvd. NE. Preregistration required by calling 348-4451. Free.

WWW.ABQTHEMAG.COM | OCTOBER 2021

OCTOBER 2021 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

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, such as Pablita Velarde, Helen Hardin, and Jose Rey Toledo. 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 212-7052. Info: Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, 2401 12th Street NW, 843-7270, indianpueblo. org. Free with museum admission.

fridays | 1–5 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, 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 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, 508-4020, call to confirm schedule, holidaydancestudio.com. $10.

every third friday | 7–9 pm

Cactus and Succulent Society of New Mexico. Discuss cacti and succulents; enjoy a program presented on a particular 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, 296-6020 new-mexico.cactussociety.org.

every saturday | 8–11

Los Ranchos Growers’ Market. Fresh local produce and products, plants, and more. Handicapped accessible, family and pet friendly. Info: 6718 Rio Grande Blvd. NW, 610-9591. Free admission.

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 | 12 noon–2 pm

Acting for Writers. Award-winning director and Meisner acting teacher Lois Hall teaches Acting for Writers in a supportive environment. The class is devoted to writers breathing life into their characters by learning the actors’ secrets. Info: 715-2801, actingforwritersloishall. com. RSVP required.

saturdays | 10 am

Downtown Walking Tours. The Albuquerque Historical Society offers free Downtown Walking Tours. Meet the guide at First and Central. Bring water and wear comfortable shoes for a two hour stroll. Learn about changes brought to ABQ by the ATSF Railroad in 1880. No pets. Paid parking available. Tours available through Nov 27th. Albuqhistsoc.org, 289-0586. No reservations required. Free.

saturdays | 1–2:30 pm

Family Art Workshops. Families create a work of art inspired by what they see at Albuquerque Museum. A different project every week. Try your hand working with a variety of art mediums. These may be virtual downloads. Info: Albuquerque Museum, 2000 Mountain Road NW, 243-7255, cabq.gov. Free with Museum admission.

saturdays | 2:30–4:30 pm

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

saturdays | 5–8 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, 492-2119, cinnamoncafeabq.com.

every saturday and sunday | 11 am and 2 pm

Traditional Native Dance Performances. The Indian Pueblo Cultural Center is the only place in North America to offer traditional Native American dances every week year-round. Performances outdoor or indoor depending on weather. Also on Fridays at 2 pm. Info: Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, 2401 12th Street NW, indianpueblo.org, 843-7270. Free with museum admission.

every saturday and sunday | various times

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

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 first saturday | 10 am–12 noon

Military History Lecture. Listen to an interesting presentation of military history events and activities that affected New Mexico. Lectures include the History of the NM National Guard, Bataan Death March, WWII Army Air Corp bases in New Mexico, and others. Info: New Mexico Veterans Memorial, 1100 Louisiana Blvd. SE, 256-2042. Admission: Free. Donations requested.

every first saturday | 12 noon–3 pm

First Saturday of the Month Shot Clinic For Your Dogs And Cats. No appointment needed. Info: 3251 Westphalia Road SE, wmranch.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, 243-2551 to reserve a space. Free childcare provided. Free.

every second saturday | 1 pm

Read to the Dogs. Registered therapy dogs sit calmly and quietly for a story so children can practice reading out loud without fear of judgment. It’s a great way for children to gain confidence in their reading. Several libraries. Please register in advance. Info: Southwest Canine Corps of Volunteers, 768-5136.

every last saturday | 5–10 pm

Saturday Night Swing. Good listening and dancing music of live tunes from the ’40s and ’50s. Remember to wear your dancing shoes. Info: New Mexico Veterans Memorial, 1100 Louisiana Blvd. SE, 256-2042. Free admission. Donations requested.

WWW.ABQTHEMAG.COM | OCTOBER 2021

every second and fourth saturday | 7–10 pm ABQ Dance Club. Note: October day and time changes to 4th Sunday, Oct. 24, and 5th Sunday, Oct 31, Halloween dance, 4-7pm. This non-profit dance club provides fun social dancing to a variety of music - swing, country, ballroom, Latin. Couples and singles welcome, no experience needed. Proof of vaccination required. Info: Albuquerque Square Dance Center, 4915 Hawkins Street NE, asdc.org, 299-3737. Fee $8.

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.

sundays | 10:30 am

Chatter Sunday. These Sunday morning concerts include readings and refreshments. Info: Las Puertas, 1512 First Street NW, chatterabq.com. Cost: regular, $15; 30 and under and students, $9; children under 13, $5.

sundays | 1–4 pm

Old San Ysidro Church Tours. See the beauty and learn the history of one of Corrales’ most significant historic buildings. Historical Society Docents are on hand to welcome guests, give tours, and answer questions. Watch the Old Church video, view historical artifacts, and take home souvenirs ranging from local flavor cookbooks to church retablos, jewelry, and more. Info: 966 Old Church Road, Corrales, 890-3846, corraleshistory.org. Free.

every first, third and fifth sunday | 6–9 pm

Ballroom, Latin and Swing Dancing. Join USA Ballroom Dance. Free beginner lessons start at 5:30 pm. Info: Albuquerque Square Dance Center, 4915 Hawkins Street NE, 345-9797. Cost: members, $5; non-member, $8.

every second and fourth sunday | 2–4 pm

Stitching Group. Knitting, crocheting, embroidering, tatting, spinning, crossstitching and more. Join in the fun, share ideas, patterns, experiences and more. All ages and experience levels welcome. Info: Erna Fergusson Library, 3700 San Mateo Blvd. NE, 888-8100.

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.

OCTOBER 2021 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

WWW.ABQTHEMAG.COM | OCTOBER 2021

STAYCAYS

Break out of the mundane and book a staycation at some of New Mexico’s most unusual, extraordinary and rare locations. Whether it is inside a cave, in a dome hidden deep in the forest, or underground in an old missile silo, ATM has done the research to find a dozen amazing places to call your temporary home.

Stories by Rozanna Martinez Photos by Don James

with additional photos courtesy of property owners

OCTOBER 2021 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

Stays begin at $150 per night.

A Piece of Heaven Up Near the Clouds

curious sight stands in an isolated crevice near the mountain town of High Rolls: a giant three-dome home, nestled among trees. The Domes Nature Retreat has provided people from around the planet an escape from the outside world. Maps of the United States and of the world are covered with pins left behind by guests from the northernmost part of Russia to the southernmost tip of Brazil, from Hawaii to Asia, New Zealand, Australia and everywhere in between. Guests also leave behind a note tacked onto a bulletin board that asks the question, “What did you find at the Domes?” Some will pin a flower, a butterfly or something they found in nature in addition to their personal experiences. “There’s all these bits of paper that say I found a new relationship with my friends,

I found my soul again, I found peace,” says co-owner Liliane Pilot. The property draws the masses and takes their breath away upon their arrival, particularly upon their first glance up at the entry dome’s nearly 30-foot ceiling. “Every single person comes through and they just stop in the doorway when I go to greet them and they go ‘whoa,’” says Pilot. “It’s really fun actually.” The Domes feature six bedrooms, 13 beds, three bathrooms, a dining room table that seats 12, a large kitchen area that can accommodate six people cooking at the same time, as well as a functioning art gallery and gift shop. Guests can take a step outside onto the wrap around deck to observe the rolling hills and trees as well as enjoy dozens of hummingbirds taking advantage of a feeder. Wildlife is also active in the area and

some might catch a glimpse of elk, javalinas, rabbits, squirrels and more. The Domes are partly the creation of Pilot’s husband Douglas Gibson who helped build the structures. It took 10 years to build the three different sized domes that are all joined by connectors. The property has been up and running for about 20 years now. “My husband has been living on the land for 30 years now,” Pilot says. “He helped build the domes for his mother who was a psychologist from El Paso and she and her partner built the domes as a retreat center for their clients and then when she passed he inherited it… So we have a lot of history in the land and a lot of life lived here.”

HIGH ROLLS

WWW.ABQTHEMAG.COM | OCTOBER 2021

The 10-mile drive through the mountain forest from High Rolls to the Domes offers roadside views of White Sands and the San Andreas mountains in the distance.

Airbnb Location Airbnb Location and Town/City Town/City

PHOTO CREDIT

The nearly 5,000 square foot indoor area features 27-foot ceilings and skylights.

The large kitchen is furnished with china, cutlery, pots, pans and more.

Well socialized dogs are welcome for a extra fee. Alamogordo The Domes

PHOTO CREDIT

Cell phone reception is decent and there is a hot spot for internet access.

To book a stay or for more information visit airbnb.com or glampinghub.com and search “The Domes New Mexico“ OCTOBER 2021 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

81 81

TRUTH OR CONSEQUENCES

A Wondrous Retreat Wrapped in Art

pace Castle is a ‘magical mystery tour’ where guests live and sleep in the midst of art. The concept of the converted 1950s gas station in Truth or Consequences has been coined “LivArt” by its owners Q and Twila. “We like to create environments for people to shift their awareness and shift their reality so they go into the Tube Room which is a dark room or light deprivation room and they can sit there in complete darkness or they go into the gallery space and we have the light panels,” says Twila. “And if you only like the light panels and nothing else it creates a very special atmosphere. Everything is glittering and glowing.” Q has been an artist since childhood and has been creating since then. Overwhelmed by the amount of art the couple had accumulated, Stays Q and Twila decided to store the art on the walls of Space Castle. They began cultivating start at the interior décor in 2007 and have continued $136 per to add art since then. Every inch of the property is dripping with visual excitement. It is night. the next level of art appreciation. Guests can continue the sensory overload outside enjoying the natural elements of earth, water and sky. Space Castle is a five minute walk from a riverbed and a dog park is located down the street for guests who bring their canine friends. “The idea of the magical mystery tour is that you go from environment to environment and every environment moves a different part of you,” says Twila. “And you can choose this environment to relax and another environment to go deep into dreaming, etcetera.” In addition to the art, the outdoor cowboy tub with hot and cold water plumbing is popular with guests. “We kind of made it into like a zen feeling with a little sort of pad and arrange things outside that would enhance your experience,” says Q. “We’ve never really liked the aesthetics of the hot tub because that brings you back to the known world so this is like a trough that is used normally for animals. I think that’s very New Mexico to use one of those.”

To book a stay or for more information, visit airbnb.com and search “Space Castle’’

WWW.ABQTHEMAG.COM | OCTOBER 2021

Many of the art pieces are based on the landscape where the Toltecs came from in Chaco Canyon, and their migration into the valley of Mexico.

The exterior was kept as a 1950s gas station and features a beautiful red canopy from the era.

A large lot provides parking for recreational vehicles. Dogs are welcome on the property, which includes a fenced in area for pets.

Airbnb Location Airbnb Location and Town/City Town/City

Guests are welcome to play the instruments in the Castle Gallery, including a sacred Native drum.

Space Castle

Truth or Consequences

OCTOBER 2021 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

SHIPROCK

A Home Disguised as a Native American Art Gallery—with Pieces Up For Sale

A longstanding family tradition of giving, sharing and hospitality is the foundation of Kokopelli Home @ Bítââhní Acres. It has housed travelers from around the world and most recently put up doctors and nurses sent to Northern Navajo Medical Center in Shiprock to help the Navajo people that had been severely affected by COVID-19. Owner Natasha Clark Gonzalez reopened the home during the thick of the pandemic, specifically to host health care providers. Her uncle is now creating a mural to honor those guests who helped the Navajo people; the art will also memorialize a family member who passed from COVID-19. Creativity runs in the family. Gonzalez uses the home to showcase and sell art work by her father and sister.

Her father’s sand paintings and her sister’s metal sculpture pieces are a hit with guests who want to take home an authentic piece of the area. “The only thing I don’t sell are the alabaster sculptures in the house,” Gonzalez said. “... A lot of the alabaster sculptures are from my late uncle. And then, my nieces and nephews when they first started, they kind of followed their dad and his footprints with being an alabaster sculptor. So I don’t sell those. I just have them so they can admire.” The property’s décor also includes pottery by Gonzalez’s mother who has retired as an artist. Her mother’s hand-built maidens are displayed in a case. Other art work by different family members are also heavily sprinkled around the house. Kokopelli Home @ Bítââhní Acres underwent a recent renovation including re-

doing the ceilings, repainting and putting in new rugs. “I am upping the ante a little bit with the B&B,” says Gonzalez. “I want it to be a little more upscale and it’s kind of nice to do a little bit of a change-up. I’m always striving to improve so people will come visit and you still make it homey but surrounded by a lot of the Southwest. They’re coming here for a reason.” Gonzalez hopes to stray from online lodging sites and directly connect with guests. “I would like to do my own website so that more of my people benefit from sharing our culture and giving back because that’s how our people are,” explains Gonzalez. “We’re sharing, we’re giving, we’re always welcoming, and we share our culture, we share our food. That’s how we grew up. “

Stays start at $128 per night

WWW.ABQTHEMAG.COM | OCTOBER 2021

Gonzalez’s mother uses grapes from a small vine on the farm to make organic jam and jelly to share with guests.

The farm has a walking track that goes around a field of organic corn and squash.

Gonzalez’s brother is a chef who once cooked traditional Native dishes for guests. He is currently working on a simple menu to add to the guest experience.

Airbnb Location Airbnb Location and Town/City Town/City

Kokopelli House @ Bítââhní Acres gets its name from Gonzalez’s Bítââhní clan lineage as well as her fondness for the deity Kokopelli, who symbolizes fertility and harmony.

Shiprock Kokopelli Home

Book your stay at airbnb.com, search “Kokopelli Home @ Bítââhní Acres“ OCTOBER 2021 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

OLD TOWN ABQ For The Love of Ghost Tales and Craft Beer

ou could say the Painted Lady Bed & Brew is never vacant — if you count the supernatural guests that continue to occupy the property even in the afterlife. A ghostly and colorful past is part of the charm of the revived property in Old Town. “It turns out it used to be a brothel and saloon dating back to the 1800s,” says owner Jesse Herron. “Supposedly Billy the Kid stayed here. Pat Garrett stayed here. There’s newspaper headlines dating back to the early 1900s talking about knife fights and stabbings and it kind of being considered a roadhouse in Albuquerque.” The building, made of 140-year-old adobe blocks, was the “eyesore of the neighborhood” when Herron purchased it in 2014. He felt the dilapidated property was a unique piece of history worth saving despite its cracked and crumbling walls and rotted floor boards. The restoration also seemed to have awakened ghostly inhabitants. “We were able to keep the (ghosts) that are good spirits who have an attachment to this place that for some reason don’t want to leave it, and they help make up the character and the uniqueness of this place,” Herron says. Painted Lady is not only for ghost chasers. It also attracts beer lovers and history buffs. Local craft beer served with snacks is provided as a courtesy to patrons staying at the property. Soon Painted Lady clientele will be able to imbibe on beers brewed by Herron. In 2020, he obtained a small brewers license and is now completing the brewing program at CNM. Future plans also include renovating the old saloon on the property to add another space for guests to stay. Currently guests can reserve the one bedroom Lizzie Suite or the two-bedroom Lottie Suite. Painted Lady embraces the past and offers the amenities of the present. “I wanted it to be authentically New Mexican more than anything else,” says Herron. A bunch of the artwork are original New Mexico artists. There’s kind of artifacts and things from antique stores from New Mexico that are kind of from that period and that era… It’s kind of what Albuquerque is which I think is a good mix of old and new. It has some modern amenities like a full-size kitchen with a refrigerator and an oven and dishwasher. There’s a flat panel TV on the walls that has Apple TV and Netflix and Prime video and Hulu. But it also has little touches that make people feel connected to how the building or how the room might have been 100-plus years ago.”

Stays start at $155 per night.

WWW.ABQTHEMAG.COM | OCTOBER 2021

The bed & brew was featured on the Travel Channel’s “Ghost Adventures“ and “Hotel Paranormal.“

‘Painted lady’ was a term for a prostitute.

It officially opened on International Beer Day on Aug. 3, 2018.

Airbnb Location Airbnb Location and Town/City Town/City

Guests can climb aboard a restored vintage ABQ trolley, which sit permanently in the courtyard.

Albuquerque Painted Lady Bed & Brew

Book your stay at breakfastisoverrated.com OCTOBER 2021 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

RODEO Stays start at $1,133 per night.

The Chance For You (and 20 Close Friends) to Live The Life of Luxury

his massive oasis in the desert is perfectly suited as a retreat for multiple families, large groups of friends, or special celebrations. The vast 750-acre estate known as Painted Pony just outside Rodeo in Hidalgo County is comprised of three buildings that house 10 bedrooms, 18 beds, 6.5 bathrooms, two fully supplied kitchens, a large courtyard with a cabana and outdoor fireplace, a heated swimming pool, a seven-seater hot tub, as well as an airplane hangar and five full-service RV pads. The mammoth property was built for John McAfee, the founder of McAfee anti-virus software. When the high-profile McAfee sold the Painted Pony and several other properties to move to Belize several years ago, the sale became a front-page story in the New York Times. Glen Surbey read the story and headed

88 88

to New Mexico to bid on Painted Pony. He and his wife, who reside in Virginia, had fallen in love with New Mexico after several visits. Surbey says the property needed only minor touch-ups—except for the removal of a privacy wall surrounding the pool that obstructed the view of a mountain range in the distance. The estate has been rented for a number of events, including weddings, family reunions, business gatherings, and more. Large wedding parties have rented the airplane hangar for ceremonies and receptions. The hangar had originally been built to accommodate McAfee’s budding business of Trike airplanes, which fizzled out following some fatal accidents involving the lightly-regulated planes. Surbey says his decision to offer Painted Pony for rent on Airbnb was made

knowing the slim chances of a financial windfall. “It’s not like I’m in this to make a ton of money,” Surbey says. “I’m just in it to rent it to make enough to cover expenses and make a little money, but primarily to keep it occupied, keep it clean, and by doing that have the locals getting business out of it and I have somebody watching over it.” When renters are not occupying the property, the Surbeys enjoy their stay at their estate. “The desert itself and the difference between that and Virginia, the quietness of it, the vistas, the low humidity,” Surbey says is the draw of Painted Pony’s location. “When you look at mountains, they’re clear.”

WWW.ABQTHEMAG.COM WWW.ABQTHEMAG.COM | OCTOBER | OCTOBER2021 2021

Airbnb Location Airbnb Location and Town/City Town/City

McAfee claimed on Twitter that he stashed millions of dollars’ worth of exotic and antique automobiles in the wilderness near Rodeo.

Arizona

Extra services available include airport pick-up, grocery shopping and and in-house chef.

The nearby Chiricahua Desert Museum has a live rattlesnake collection of more than 34 species.

New Mexico

The property is near the Desert Botanica Garden, a sanctuary for native plants, lizard and bird species, and tortoises, turtles, chuckwallas, and native insects.

Painted Pony Resort

Rodeo

To book, visit airbnb.com, search “Painted Pony“ OCTOBER 2021 OCTOBER 2021 | ALBUQUERQUE | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE THE MAGAZINE

89 89

Modern Touches Meet Vintage Flair

estoring a home built in the 1940s was a large undertaking for the owners of a quaint bungalow that sits near the heart of Las Cruces. Not a corner of the house was neglected and every inch of the home was returned back to its full vintage glory with replastered walls, coats of fresh paint and more. “A unique thing about this house is every single light fixture, door handle, and all that, are all the original,” says property owner Mark Johnson. “So everything that came with that house we took them out, repolished them, painted them and upgraded the electrical part of it.” The home, which was built out of limestone in 1943, has been restored from top to bottom with careful precision. “The floors are all the original floors,” says Johnson. “They actually took them out, numbered them, put them all back in. The layout is pretty much similar, the bathroom was opened up a little bit. We actually used part of the walk in closet.” The property boasts 12-foot high ceilings and features original transit windows that sit above its doors. Glass on the windows has been replaced. The windows are fully functional and can be opened and closed. Windows throughout the home are all 6-feet tall by 3-feet wide, which were popular in Stays the 1940s. “We basically redid it back to the style of the start 40s, of that era, but modernized it,” says Johnson. at $104 “The master bedroom does have a fireplace. We actually ordered fireplace inserts to go in there, per night but they were at one point wood burning fireplaces in the master bedroom and also in the living room.” One of the guest bedrooms has a handbuilt Murphy bed that pulls out of a wall to make for more living space. “That’s what I’m good at doing. I’m really good about giving people that experience, that wow factor,” Johnson said. “If you step into it, you’re just like ‘wow, okay this is going to be nice, this is going to be fun.’”

LAS CRUCES 90 WWW.ABQTHEMAG.COM | OCTOBER 2021

Guests receive a full breakfast spread that includes fresh eggs from a nearby farm.

The property is walking distance from New Mexico State University, its performing arts center, as well as restaurants, coffee shops, breweries and entertainment.

Airbnb Location Airbnb Location and Town/City Town/City

Las Cruces

Historic Bungalow

Dogs are allowed.

There is an EV charger onsite for electric cars.

New Mexico Mexico

The bathroom is stocked with toothpaste, razors, shampoo, conditioner, and other toiletries for guests.

Book at airbnb.com, search “Historic Bungalow near NMSU“ OCTOBER 2021 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

FARMINGTON Deep in the Recesses of Nature’s Tranquility

bout 70 feet below the top of a cliff sits a sandstone cave dwelling with views of Southwest sunsets and La Plata River Valley below. The cave is not a desolate creation of nature. Instead it was intentionally built for habitation. Kokopelli’s Cave near Farmington is a hand drilled and dynamite excavation. The initial concept for the 1,700-squarefoot space was for it to serve as an office. Not being easily accessible to clients later changed the direction of its purpose. The cave stayed vacant for some time until the owner’s son, Bruce Black, decided to set a sleeping bag down and do some work on it after getting out of the Air Force in 1991. The decision was later made to turn the cave into a bed and breakfast. Black took over running the cave in 2013 after retiring as an FBI agent in Las Vegas.

92 92

Word of Kokopelli’s Cave opening up for guest stays spread quickly. Rave reviews circulated on travel sites online. The interior of the cave is fully furnished and includes plush carpet. Large sandstone pillars separate the cave into various rooms that include a bedroom, living area, dining area, and full kitchen. Cozy comforts include a replica Native American kiva, a rock wall waterfall shower and a flagstone lined hot tub as well as two porches. Inside temperatures fluctuate between 65 and 68 degrees year round. Sliding glass doors at the cave’s two entrances seal it off and prevent wildlife from entering the property. “We’ve got squirrels and chipmunks that are very tame,” Black said. “They’ll actually come sit on your foot and eat out of your hand. We have some spotted skunks, some ringtail cats. We’ve seen a

couple foxes. I’ve got a bobcat on the video night cam. It’s pretty cool.” The cave is created out of Ojo Alamo sandstone that was laid down between 40 to 60 million years ago. The base of the sandstone is as old as the extinction of the dinosaurs. Two miners from Colorado were commissioned to handle the cave excavation. “They lowered their equipment over the side of the cliff and it was just a solid phase and they started drilling,” Black said. “They drilled in 10 feet and then put a blasting pattern in there and just blew it out. And then they had a small bobcat and they just bucked it out over the side. It took them about two weeks. You can still see the blast hole in the cave where they drilled and blasted it.”

Stays start at $340 for the first night

WWW.ABQTHEMAG.COM WWW.ABQTHEMAG.COM | OCTOBER | OCTOBER2021 2021

Oprah Winfrey, Conde Naste Traveler and National Geographic have all given away week-long stays at the cave.

Pets and smoking are prohibited.

Guests have access to WiFi, Amazon Prime video, HBO, Hulu and Netflix.

Guests are encouraged to pack lightly, as they will have to carry their own luggage up the stairs to the cave.

Airbnb Location Airbnb Location and Town/City Town/City

Kokopelli’s Cave is closed December, January and February.

Kokopelli’s Cave

Farmington

To book a stay, visit kokoscave.us OCTOBER 2021 OCTOBER 2021 | ALBUQUERQUE | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE THE MAGAZINE

93 93

Hammocks are available for guests to relax in the shade of the willows and cottonwoods. A gold pan and shovel in each casita are there for guests to pan for gold in Bear Creek.

Selected by Sunset Magazine as one of its Top 10 Romantic Cottages.

An Outdoor Nirvana

rade traffic noise and light pollution for endless hiking trails, starry nights, and 265 acres of solitude near Silver City. Casitas de Gila & Art Gallery features 67 miles of trails on its property and adjoins 6,000 acres of public land owned by the state of New Mexico that offers unlimited hiking. The trails range from easy to fairly steep. The view from the casitas is “absolutely spectacular” and focuses on the mountains of the Gila Wilderness located five miles to the north. “The casitas are situated on a cliff above Bear Creek, Horseback which runs a mile through our property and you look trail rides down to the creek and across the creek, maybe 1,000 feet across, the mountains rise up right in front of you, can be booked small mountains,” says co-owner Michael O’Connor. through “… And then if you turn a little bit to the north then Wolfhorse you will see the Gila Wilderness and the high mounOutfitters. tains there.” Michael and his wife Becky O’Connor created what they call the Bear Creek Nature Preserve when they constructed the casitas in the area. Wildlife ranges from small lizards and chameleons to elk and Rocky Mountain big horn sheep. The sheep were introduced to the area by the state of New Mexico in 1964. The property has a large bird population with species that vary throughout the year. It is a big draw for bird enthusiasts, many of which, document specific species and submit it to the Ornithological Laboratory at Cornell that runs the website, ebird.org. Casitas de Gila features five guest houses with a kitchen, living room, bedroom and bathroom Stays as well as an outside porch and WiFi. The propbegin erty has become a hot spot for astronomers and astrophotographers. The O’Connors set aside at $180 a special area for the star gazers with concrete per night pads that have electricity and WiFi access.

Guests can enjoy a hot tub perched on the edge of a cliff above the creek.

For availability and info, visit casitasdegila.com.

SILVER CITY 94 94

WWW.ABQTHEMAG.COM WWW.ABQTHEMAG.COM | OCTOBER | OCTOBER2021 2021

Cozy and Comforting Quarters

echarge in a desolate setting surrounded by natural beauty that provides constant peace and quiet in Ramah. The Mountain Harmony Retreat sits in the El Morro Valley surrounded by a variety of pine trees, alligator junipers, oak trees and Douglas fir. Beneath the trees reside deer, elk, foxes, bears, coyotes, mountain lions and rattlesnakes with hummingbirds hovering above. The remote location offers privacy with plenty to explore including beautiful lakes, an amazing countryside and stimulating hikes. Mountain Harmony Retreat owners Jeff Court and Beata Vetulani make home cooked meals for guests including specialty soups and dishes made with mostly organic products that meet guests’ dietary restrictions. Meals are available for a fee. Guests can also prepare their own food. Each unit is supplied with pots, pans, and more for cooking. The three different accommodation experiences offered are the Charming Suite with views & breakfast, Cowboy Cruiser Bed & Breakfast and the Nature Immersion Silverback in the Zuni Mountains. The cohesive décor of the properties melds Southwest influences with European flair. “Every unit has a deck where you can sit outside and stargaze,” says Vetulani. At the Charming Suite guests can relax on a queen size bed and two comfortable arm chairs or unwind in the large walk-in shower with a view of the mesa. The living room has a large window with a seat to take in the views of the enchanting landscape. The Cowboy Cruiser Bed & Breakfast is a cozy RV with a full kitchen, bathroom, living room and bedroom with a queen size bed. The Nature Immersion offers a king size bed, full kitchen and bathroom as well as a large deck. Mountain Harmony Retreat prides itself in its customer service. “Hospitality starts the moment they contact us and we keep in touch with them,” says Vetulani. “We are always taking care of their questions and needs when they arrive. And then when they are here, (they are) getting assistance whenever they need it. “

Nearby hiking trails at El Morro National Monument, the Ramah Pioneer Trail, the Ice Caves, and El Malpais National Monument. The retreat conference center has enough space to host parties and gatherings. The Charming Suite and Cowboy Cruiser are located at the base of the Zuni Mountains. Information at facebook.com/mthretreat.

WiFi availability.

Stays run from $98 to $135 per night

To book at airbnb.com, search “Cowboy Cruiser“

RAMAH OCTOBER 2021 OCTOBER 2021 | ALBUQUERQUE | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE THE MAGAZINE

95 95

“Farm Stay“ reservations must be made a week or more in advance.

South Valley Seed Company has been propagating seeds for 50 years and supplies Red Horse with seeds.

Egyptian irrigation is used in the gardens since it works best in a desert climate. Four rooms comfortably sleep 10 to 12 guests. A homemade breakfast is prepared for guests daily.

Stays begin at $260

Farm Fun at Old Vineyard

n in-depth agricultural experience that educates participants on what it takes to sustain an urban farm from cultivating the soil to harvesting seeds is a unique getaway offered at Red Horse Bed & Breakfast in Albuquerque’s South Valley. During the three to five day “Farm Stay” guests will learn the basics of canning food as well as wine making since Red Horse is located on a historical vineyard. Guests will have different experiences depending on the time of year that they book. Harvest season in August is a busy time of year when apples, pears, plums, peaches, grapes, cherries, zucchinis, and pumpkins are coming to fruition on the urban farm. Booking outside harvest season is also exciting. Guests learn how to aggregate the soil, what water system works best in this climate, how to harvest seeds from plants, what weeds work best as bug repellent and more. Red Horse will soon offer “Shock and Awe Wellness Therapy” stays. “We’re going to do some really edgy stuff as far as pushing people to their personal boundaries a little bit, get them really submerged in wellness,” says co-owner Kat Capshaw. “I feel there’s so much shock in today’s media with negativity and we want to shock them with the good that they have and kind of unburden themselves a little bit.” Yoga and other active exercise classes also will be part of the stay package. Guests will experience Tomte Farms, created by a farming couple that has been doing sustainable farming for about 15 years. The couple is leasing land from Red Horse and will teach guests how to grow their own phenomenal garden. “Our primary focus is mainly making the guests feel comfortable and like they aren’t in the city and aren’t a part of the daily struggle anymore,” says Capshaw. “They can just really come and get to relaxing.”

For availability, visit redhorsebnb.com.

SOUTH VALLEY ABQ 96

WWW.ABQTHEMAG.COM | OCTOBER 2021

ROSWELL Possibly The World’s Safest Stay

In 1962, 12 silo sites were in operation near Walker Air Force Base in Roswell.

Temperatures inside the underground silo naturally stay between 68 and 72 degrees. The water system uses collected rainwater.

n 1960, the United States government The silo was operational began construction on Atlas F silos that from 1962 to 1965. housed Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBMs). A group of 12 silos were located outside of the former Walker Air Force Base in Roswell. It is one of 72 sites in the country. Three of the Roswell sites exploded between Two adults are allowed The silo was 1963 and 1964 due to liquid oxygen coming per stay. However, constructed into contact with a hydrocarbon. When a parents can also bring at a cost of fourth missile blew up in Oklahoma the decitwo children to sleep on $22 million sion was made to shut the program down in air mattresses. 1965. The missiles were pulled and squadrons in 1960. were deactivated including the Roswell sites. Greg Baker “played” at all the sites while attending the New Mexico Military Institute in Entry Roswell. He became fascinated with the silos and began collecting as much information as he could regarding the sites. Later, he would own one of the Roswell silos and open it up to the public for overnight stays and an unbelievable experience like no other. “I give an absolute individualized tour that takes roughly two hours and I take them through the entire history of Stays everything first generation for the start ICBM program in America and then I take them on a physical tour of the enat $395 tire facility,” says Baker. per night Guests are taken down to a maximum of 40 feet where they are able to see the bottom of the missile base. The silo is about 186 feet deep. There are two levels to the silo with Baker and his wife residing in the lower level and guests staying in the upper level with a bedroom, bathroom and kitchen. The upper level consists of the control center and is 1,250 square feet. “You’re getting to spend the night in a former Intercontinental Ballistic Missile Base,” says Baker.” I mean not 10% of the country has ever spent the night in a missile base. So on top of that, to have the overall experience of it is what I think they’re really looking for.”

To book, visit airbnb.com, search “A True Cold War Relic“

OCTOBER 2021 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

Blast from the Past Retreat

ravel back in time with a stay in a recreational vehicle or casita from the past featuring the décor and ambiance of the era it was created in. The vintage RVs at Ardovino’s Desert Rates Crossing in Sunland Park are part of a collection that co-proprietor Robert Ardovistart no has accumulated since the late 1990s. at $122 Each has undergone full renovations. Visitors can choose to lodge in the Sweet per night ’57, Chaparral ’53 or the Pioneer Suite. Memorabilia from the original restaurant on the property as well as vintage menus from the area decorate the Sweet ’57. The Chaparral ’53, which has a hot tub on its rear deck, has an interesting tale. “I didn’t exactly win it in a poker game because I don’t know if that’s legal, but it ended up in my hands after a poker game,” Ardovino says. “So, it’s a game trailer. It’s got all sorts of fun board games. It’s got a lot of early ‘50s travel memorabilia in it.” The Pioneer Suite is an adobe casita that served as a garage in the ‘40s and ‘50s. The inThe organic and pesticide free produce timate suite has modern amenities and a cockis sold each Saturday at the onsite tail related culture theme. A claw foot tub with Farmers’ Market (which also offers a soothing water feature is available for a soak grass fed beef, baked breads, salsas, and more. on the suite’s patio. Ardovino’s RV collection is comprised of about seven trailers from past eras including one built by a man in the 1940s. Visitors canThe onsite restaurant, with modern not sleep there but can explore its interior. European and Italian cuisine, features “It’s a tiny little trailer but he homebuilt it, estate raised hens on the menu. the entire trailer,” Ardovino says. “And then he

SUNLAND

Vegetable gardens and orchards are located on the property. Desert mountain vistas span two states and two countries. The property is nestled at the base of Mount Cristo Rey.

98 98

and his family, for the remainder of their lives, drove it around the country to all the national parks and put a sticker from almost national park in the country up in the cabinetry area of it.” RV guests come from all over the country and use Ardovino’s Desert Crossing as homebase while they explore the Southwest, nearby El Paso, or the Big Bend area.

Book at ardovinos.com/roadside-inn

WWW.ABQTHEMAG.COM WWW.ABQTHEMAG.COM | OCTOBER | OCTOBER2021 2021

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

OCTOBER 2021 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

THE LOVE KEEPER

100

WWW.ABQTHEMAG.COM | OCTOBER 2021

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Tiffani

STANAGE DIRECTOR, SURGICAL SERVICES | LOVELACE WOMEN’S HOSPITAL 4705 MONTGOMERY BLVD NE, ALBUQUERQUE (505) 727-7800

Some people recognize their professional calling very early in life. For others, it is a later realization—a gradual accumulation of insight or a sudden realization in a moment of reflection. For Tiffani Stanage, one of the Directors of Surgical Services at Lovelace Women’s Hospital, a career in healthcare wasn’t obviously over the horizon growing up. But now, 26 years in, she wouldn’t change a thing. “I am so proud of the teams I direct and the work we do each day to improve patients’ health and lives,” says Stanage. Starting work as a staff nurse in a hospital setting in 1995, Stanage eventually shifted to providing ambulatory care in a private practice. After 13 years, she decided to pursue new opportunities and returned to hospital work, first managing the gastrointestinal (GI) specialty across three hospital locations before progressing to the position of nursing director for surgical services.

off by the name of Lovelace Women’s Hospital,” says Stanage. “We care for men and women. We have a full-service surgical department, which includes GI services.” At Lovelace Women’s Hospital, a team of medical professionals—physicians, surgeons, nurses, technicians, and support staff—provide a suite of cutting-edge medical services. “We were the first Center of Excellence for Robotics Surgery in New Mexico,” says Stanage. “We also offer a nationally accredited Breast Care Center with the option of intraoperative radiation therapy—or IORT—and a G.R.A.C.E. program for expecting mothers struggling with opioid use.”

It’s impressive stuff, but the recent professional accomplishment of which Stanage is most proud has been surviving the wild and unpredictable challenges of the last year or so of life on earth. “In my eyes, surviving the pandemic and continuing to In her work at Lovelace, the first thing offer safe patient care has been our biggest Stanage is eager to clear up is a misinter- achievement of the last year,” she explains. pretation of the name. “People are thrown “We are continuing to work through it.” OCTOBER 2021 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

When not actively engaging in the rewarding work of leading teams of medical professionals to deliver exceptional patient care, Stanage—together with her husband of 24 years—likes to get out and explore the world. “International travel has given me a great appreciation for other cultures and how different yet similar humans can be, no matter where we are from or how we are raised,” she says. “I’ve had the opportunity to travel to many countries—scuba diving for five days on the Great Barrier Reef, spending a week as a houseguest in rural Russia, and searching out family roots in England and Spain.” Yet even beyond succeeding in a career where she gets to help patients every day and getting a chance to explore the world, Stanage’s fondest achievements lay closer to home. In addition to her roles as medical professional, world traveller, and wife, she is also mother to a teenage daughter, saying, “I am proud of the life my husband and I have created for our daughter and the opportunities we are able to provide.”

101

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Angela

ROMERO

THE AX-ECUTIVE | ABQ AX, LLC

Diana

MONTOYA

THE AXPERT | ABQ AX, LLC 2809 BROADBENT PKWY NE SUITE C ALBUQUERQUE 5505 OSUNA RD NE SUITE J ALBUQUERQUE (505) 207-8990 | ABQAX.COM

Some of the funnest things come from the most unexpected places. Recreational ax throwing, for instance, came to Albuquerque by way of Poland. In 2017, Angela Romero and Diana Montoya took a family trip to the Central European country, and it was there they discovered the incomparable thrill of hurling a sharp axe into a solid chunk of wood. It’s an act so easily described that it’s almost misleading. After all, how could something so simple be so fun and satisfying? “At first, we thought we would just play for a few minutes,” says Romero, recalling her and Montoya’s first experience with the sport. “We took our axes and—after a little instruction—began hurling them at the targets about 15 feet in front of us. That was it—we were addicted. After an hour of playing, no one wanted to leave. It was at that moment we knew we had to bring an ax throwing range to our home state of New Mexico.” In November 2017, Romero and Montoya did precisely that, opening up Albuquerque’s first ax throwing range— and, as it happened, one of the first half dozen or so ax throwing ranges in the United States. “We are proud to say we, right here in Albuquerque, were amongst the very few first ax throwing ranges in the country, and that we’re the only locally owned and operated ax throwing venue in the city,” says Romero. Now in their fourth year of business, Romero and Montoya attribute their success to a combination of business acumen and experience mixed with raw determination. “We never give up trying, even when we run into roadblocks,” says Romero. “We have been so blessed to be supported by the citizens of our great state and we are very honored to be able to provide the exhilarating sport of ax throwing in the city of Albuquerque.”

KICK AX WOMEN

102

WWW.ABQTHEMAG.COM | OCTOBER 2021

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

THE WONDER WOMEN OF ALLURADERM AlluraDerm MD

There’s a reason AlluraDerm has become one of the most widely recognizable and well-respected medical spas serving the citizens of the Middle Rio Grande Valley, from Albuquerque north to Santa Fe. Sure, they 9501 PASEO DEL NORTE SUITE B, are the number one provider of Botox®, Juvéderm®, CoolSculpting® non-invasive fat ALBUQUERQUE reduction, Thermage® skin tightening, and Fraxel® skin resurfacing in New Mexico. (505) 821-9630 But the reason they got there has a lot to do ALLURADERM.COM with the women who work there—an expert team of estheticians, cosmetic coordinators, technicians, and support staff who, together, elevate a visit to AlluraDerm into something altogether extraordinary. By combining cutting-edge technology with unparalleled professionalism and knowledge, the AlluraDerm team—estheticians Kristy, Dori, and Kimberly; master laser technician Lori; and cosmetic coordinators Desiree, Leia, Corissa, Nicole, and Dominique—pulls off superhuman transformations, helping clients feel and look their absolute best. Under the guidance of AlluraDerm’s medical director, Dr. Nicholas Lam, they put years of carefully cultivated training and expertise to work in delivering the finest possible medical spa experience and outcomes. OCTOBER 2021 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

MED SPA

With CoolSculpting®, the AlluraDerm team helps clients sculpt and contour their bodies without recourse to invasive or risky surgical techniques. They’ve performed more CoolSculpting® than any other practice in New Mexico, achieving “Diamond Status,” CoolSculpting®’s highest level of achievement, for three years running. And, because a treatment like CoolSculpting® is 30% technology and 70% technique, the experience of the AlluraDerm team is indispensable. Here, the scientifically proven technology of cryolipolysis safely freezes fat cells. With FDA approval to target nine areas of the body—including the abdomen, neck, inner thighs, arms, back, and chest—the AlluraDerm team can devise a treatment plan specifically tailored to the individual needs of each client. This is where the superhuman skills of the AlluraDerm team really shine, because even state-of-art technologies can only go so far without the mix of skill and insight. Regardless of procedure, the AlluraDerm team can develop treatment programs that help each client meet their personal vision for looking and feeling their best. No wonder the team at AlluraDerm is number one in everything 103 they do!

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Alissa

IRONS

OPTOMETRIC PHYSICIAN | BLINK 201 SLATE AVE NW, ALBUQUERQUE (505) 247-3463 | BLINKNM.COM

There was a time when the doctor’s office was a onestop shop. Patients could receive a diagnosis and get whatever they needed for treatment in one spot. For optometric physician Alissa Irons, one of the best parts of her work is that, for her patients, that’s still the case. At BLINK, she and her staff provide a full complement of services under one roof—from diagnosing vision problems and identifying treatments to fitting patients with the glasses and lenses that will restore their vision. Slate Street vision care center BLINK is the modern evolution of Downtown Vision Source. “I was fortunate enough to buy a 40-year-old optometry practice 20 years ago,” explains Dr. Irons. “The doctor I bought it from only made me promise to take care of his patients. I believe I’ve achieved that goal and am proud to continue doing so.” Recently named one of the top 10 “best practices in the United States” by CooperVision, BLINK offers comprehensive eye exams and provides patients with the prescription they need to regain healthy eyesight— from eyeglasses and contact lenses (including specialty lenses) to safety glasses, sunglasses, and computer glasses. Dr. Irons and her team maintain an innovative environment, adding new tools and techniques to make treatment more comfortable, affordable, and effective. “One of the greatest and most rewarding advancements in my career has been the introduction of disposable multifocal astigmatism contact lenses,” says Dr. Irons. “These lenses have always been extremely expensive and difficult to get. Now, there are multiple powers available in our office on the same day. It is very rewarding to give patients with contact lenses that are difficult to fit another option to achieve freedom from glasses.” A proud mother of four, Dr. Irons still draws enormous satisfaction from her work helping people achieve better vision. “I’ve been practicing optometry for over 20 years and I love my profession,” she says. “Giving the gift of sight is very rewarding.”

SUPERWOMAN EYES

104

WWW.ABQTHEMAG.COM | OCTOBER 2021

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Darlene

ARCHIBEQUE

OWNER | BRIDAL ELEGANCE BY DARLENE 4100 MENAUL BLVD NE #1B, ALBUQUERQUE (505) 830-2110 | BRIDALELEGANCENM.COM

Weddings are momentous occasions, the culmination of months—and sometimes years—of wild dreaming and careful planning. It all boils down to a few minutes in front of the altar and a few hours of celebration thereafter, wherein the bride and groom are the full subject of attention for a gathering of beloved family and friends. Understandably, everyone involved wants to look their absolute best. That’s where Bridal Elegance comes in, helping the bride fulfill her fondest aspirations for the look and feel of her special day. “Bridal Elegance has been open close to twenty years,” says Darlene Archibeque, owner of the family-run shop. “We carry top selling designer gowns for brides, special occasion dresses for mothers, and dresses for bridesmaids, prom attendees, and flower girls.” With over 35-years of experience helping brides, wedding parties, and prom goers find the perfect dresses for their upcoming occasion, Darlene and her team are ready to help make that special day extraordinary. They carry a wide selection of tasteful, stylish dresses from top designers, ensuring each client has the best possible chance of finding something unforgettably radiant. “I’ve kept my ability to adapt to everchanging bridal trends,” explains Darlene. “I feel I have a good eye for dresses, but I’m also listening to our customers and what they want. I work with designers that excite our brides with beautiful styles, fabrics, and trims.” Regardless of the event, the team at Bridal Elegance has the experience and expertise to help you make your dreams a reality. Make your planning that much simpler—and the outcome that much more memorable— by placing your trust in Bridal Elegance.

THE FAIRY GOWN MOTHER 105 OCTOBER 2021 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

THE RAINMAKER Angela M.

Quality architecture demands a careful lenges and potential hiccups in order to balance between function and appear- execute each design as smoothly and efance. Part art, part science, designing a ficiently as possible. For Williamson, the structure that perfectly compliments a essence of turning this vision into a reality space, pleases the eye, and ticks off a list of is collaboration. “I have focused our expertise on client essential functions and safety criteria is no CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER | mean feat. It’s also precisely what the team collaboration in order to generate projects PRINCIPAL at Modulus Architects and Land Use Plan- that are driven by our number one goal of ning have been doing for nearly a decade translating client goals into strategic deciMODULUS ARCHITECTS & and a half, executing some of the finest ar- sions,” says Williamson. “What sets ModLAND USE PLANNING, INC. ulus apart is an added layer of emotional chitectural designs in New Mexico. In 2017, Angela Williamson assumed capital that creates a professionally and 100 SUN AVE NE SUITE 600, the mantle of CEO at Modulus. Since personally rewarding corporate culture. then, she has labored to maintain the Ours is an optimistic, idealistic, nourishALBUQUERQUE firm’s standards of excellence while leading, and affirmative culture, which is a (505) 338-1499 ing the team into exciting new territory. beacon attracting clients, associates, and MODULUSARCHITECTS .COM “My goal as the CEO is to be a visionary strategic partners who seek professional leader and builder of a new dawn, working excellence and personal development.” Recently named one of Albuquerque with imagination, insight, and boldness,” she explains. “I want to present challenges Business First’s 2021 Women of Influthat call for the best in people and bring ence, Williamson is proud of what she has them together around a shared sense of accomplished in her role as CEO, but also of the women she is being honored alongpurpose.” At Modulus, the governing principle is side, remarking that, “the greatest honor to leave nothing to chance. Their experts of being a recipient of this award is the diligently sort through the details of each caliber of the other women honored this project, striving to forecast future chal- year.” WWW.ABQTHEMAG.COM | OCTOBER 2021 106

WILLIAMSON

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Rosella Erin CHISOLM

OWNER | CHISOLM TRAIL RV 12020 CENTRAL SE, ALBUQUERQUE (619) 410-2440 CHISOLMTRAILRV.COM CTRVAZTEC.COM

For Erin Chisolm, running Chisolm Trail RV is a little like coming home. “I started working here at the age of 8, when my parents started the business,” she recalls. “I was the original detailer and weed puller. Now, I get to help the organization grow.” Of course, the road from detailer and weed puller to owner wasn’t necessarily a straight line. During her time at the University of New Mexico, she worked at Wells Fargo and achieved attention as one of the top 1 percent of performers for sales nationwide—all while raising a son and working at the family business. After graduating magna cum laude with a BS in finance and accounting, Chisolm moved to California, where she continued to grow and exercise her business acumen. In 2015, Chisolm returned to the family business, taking over management of both Chisolm Trail RV locations, along with the family-run gas station and storage facility in Truth or Consequences. “I knew this was the career for me when my daddy asked me to come back to Albuquerque to take over,” says Chisolm, who was back at Wells Fargo at the time, working in business acquisition and providing banking and financial services to clients. Chisolm Trail RV services all types of recreation vehicles, and stocks a wide inventory of options for purchase. Recent surges in demand have made it difficult to maintain inventory, but Chisolm and her team have adapted by adding a wider range of brands and manufacturers, ensuring they are always able to meet their customers’ needs. “I am looking forward to the next chapter in my life and the organization’s,” says Chisolm. “I know that with my drive, I will have the ability to grow this organization far past any expectation anyone has ever had for it. I love what I do and love what we do for our community.”

ROAD WARRIOR PRINCESS

OCTOBER 2021 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

107

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Kati

BUCKLAND

OWNER | CHEM DRY OF NEW MEXICO 9440 SAN MATEO BLVD NE STE J, ALBUQUERQUE (505) 883-1133 | CLEANERCARPET.NET

Three decades ago, Glenn Buckland founded ChemDry of New Mexico, an all-service home and office cleaning franchise. Over the years, Buckland and his wife Kati expanded business, serving customers throughout the greater Albuquerque metropolitan area, including Rio Rancho, Santa Fe, and Los Alamos. “Glenn started this company by doing it all himself,” recalls Kati. “He was the voice on the phone, the guy at the door to provide service, and the accounting professional at night. Together, we grew our company to the size it is today—one of the larger franchises in the United States.” In December 2019, Glenn received a terminal cancer diagnosis. He retired from the industry and Kati stepped forward to assume his responsibilities. “At that time, I insisted that, with the help of key staff members, I could do it,” says Kati. “Our daughter, Caleigh, returned home from Idaho to assist with scheduling of customers and help us transition to a new software system. It was quite the learning curve. Looking back, I am proud to say that we did it.” Helming the entire franchise, Kati maintains the standards—impeccable work and first-rate customer service—her husband set down. “At the beginning of the year, I held a challenge for our technicians to find ways to go above and beyond,” she explains. “We found ways to help folks. Bringing in deliveries, changing light bulbs, hauling trash cans to the curb—one technician even helped an elderly client put on a tricky piece of jewelry.” Sadly, Glenn passed away this year. Yet Kati still foresees a hopeful future for herself, her family, and her company. “My Chem-Dry family keeps me motivated each day to be better, for them. My worldwide Chem-Dry family helps me focus on the goodness that Chem-Dry brings,” says Kati. “My family friends across the U.S. remind me of what’s most important, and that is the love of those around us. They remind me not to take life too seriously, and that the connection with others is something to cherish. There are so many gifts in this world! Life is good—even when it’s not.”

THE CONQUERORS OF SERVICE 108

WWW.ABQTHEMAG.COM | OCTOBER 2021

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

CHAMPIONS OF JUSTICE Randi

Need a giant slain? If you or your family have been wronged by one of the country’s largest corporations—a trucking company using dangerously fatigued drivers, a foot-dragging insurance company, a medical device manufacturer paying doctors money to implant pacemakers in patients who don’t need them, a negligent employer instituting insufficient workplace safety measures, an organization covering up the abuse of women and children and protecting the culprits—then you need to seek out the law firm of McGinn Montoya Love & Curry. There, partners Randi McGinn, Elicia Montoya, Kathy Love and Katie CurPARTNERS | LAW FIRM OF ry are real life super-sheroes. They have been taking on corporate giants for over McGINN MONTOYA LOVE & CURRY 35 years, always following the cheerful motto, “The bigger they come, the hard201 BROADWAY BLVD SE, er they fall.” Their fearlessness, both in ALBUQUERQUE and out of the courtroom, has resulted in (505) 405-4441 some of the largest multi-million-dollar verdicts in the history of New Mexico. MCGINNLAW.COM Meanwhile, their exploits in the courtOCTOBER 2021 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

McGINN

Elicia

MONTOYA

Kathy LOVE

Katie

CURRY

room are legendary. From cross-examining a government informant until he threw up, to wheeling a hospital bed into court to demonstrate improper patient restraints, to creating a 3-D model of a mountainside to show how a tree fell on their client, the McGinn Montoya Love & Curry team use their skills to present the most powerful and effective case possible for their clients. But they don’t stop there. Randi McGinn, Elicia Montoya, Kathy Love, and Katie Curry pride themselves on going above and beyond the call of duty in seeking the best possible results for their clients. They pursue meaningful changes in policies, designs, warnings, and training to prevent the tragedies their clients have suffered from happening to others in the future. By fighting for policy improvements, statewide regulations, and changes in the law, they make our community a safer place. To find out more about MMLC, PA and these remarkable women, kindly visit mcginnlaw.com.

109

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Priscilla Smith

OWNER | PAIXAO NAIL & BEAUTY BAR 1100 SAN MATEO BLVD NE #28, ALBUQUERQUE (505) 266-6950 PAIXAOBEAUTYBAR.COM What’s your favorite thing about your job?

Seeing the growth of my team. I pride myself on sharing my knowledge as both a service provider and a business professional. Learning how to master our craft and hold ourselves to a high level of accountability is key. Being a mentor and coach can sometimes be challenging, but watching people grow is priceless. What is Paixao’s mission? Paixao’s mission is to transform the beauty industry by empowering professionals to succeed. Through our inhouse training programs, we give beauty professionals an opportunity to grow and implement their skills in an environment where they don’t have to worry about how to build and maintain a clientele. What’s in store for Paixao in the future? I read somewhere that, “If you can’t find your purpose, figure out your passion. Your passion will lead you right to your purpose.” This perfectly captures me and my company. My vision is to guide 10,000 beauty professionals to exponential growth in their lives and careers. We’re doing that by launching Passion’s Story, a non-profit organization that will help people in difficult situations post-COVID qualify for beauty school scholarships and give them a chance to join a comprehensive training program that teaches them how to succeed in this amazing industry. What question do clients ask you most frequently? “Are you opening more locations?” And the answer is a resounding yes! Paixao has developed a culture of mentorship and opportunity, and we are currently working on a big project to take that culture nationwide, opening locations throughout the US and sponsoring thousands of future beauty professionals through our non-profit organization. What or who inspires you? The success of others. I grew up very poor, often going to sleep hungry. I’m a living testament that you can do anything you set your mind to. I promised myself at a young age that I would not stand by and watch others convince themselves that they don’t have access to success. Those interested in this industry are often misunderstood creatives. They inspire me every day to get up, work hard, and create a space where they can excel and prosper.

THE BEAUT Y ENTHUSIAST 110

WWW.ABQTHEMAG.COM | OCTOBER 2021

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

HARTMAN

OWNER | PJ HARTMAN, LLC 2015 MOUNTAIN RD NW, ALBUQUERQUE (505) 247-3335 PJHARTMAN.COM

What are you most proud of right now? I am most proud of getting through my many life challenges and obstacles, mostly stemming from my own poor choices—first, by owning the mistakes, then facing the consequences and responding in good conscience with my own sense of responsibility and integrity, believing that if I could get through the situation, I would be stronger for it. What do you love most about your job? I love what I do, and I especially love seeing people come through a difficult situation by redirecting their energy and efforts (through personal growth) toward a happier and more rewarding existence. If you could have one super power, what would it be? My super power would be to carry a magic wand that could erase and remove the pain and fear that prevents people from being and living at their highest potential. What is the one question you get asked the most by clients? Are you good enough to decimate my soon-to-be ex? What or who inspires you? I am most inspired by the inner strength that comes from making difficult choices and living by the Golden Rule—by serving others and exhibiting positive energy, which inspires others to do likewise. I want to be that inspiration!

THE OPTIMIST

OCTOBER 2021 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

111

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

BADASS WOMAN TO WATCH Queneesha MEYERS

OWNER | Q’S CAKES 2720 CENTRAL AVE SE D, ALBUQUERQUE (505) 514-6775 QCAKES .COM

112

I’m the owner of Q’s Cakes and Sweets Boutique. Although our specialty is baked goods, I like to say we are more than just a bakery. We’ve been featured by the Food Network, Facebook and Instagram, and we’ve been in the Wall Street Journal. I look at what I do as a way to minister and be a blessing in so many ways. We’ve helped send kids to school on scholarships, helped homeless women, and contributed to other fundraisers around the city. We are always giving back. My success comes from simply getting back what I’ve put out there. I don’t look at anyone else as competition, because I believe there’s enough room for all of us to shine and be great. I have a lot of self-confidence, but I’m also always encouraging others and cheering them on. I think people see the heart of who I am, and that’s what sets me apart.

The coolest thing I’ve done so far was compete in the Great Food Truck Race in Alaska. It was cold, it was stressful, but so much fun, and I loved representing New Mexico. After that it would be being a stand-in for Queen Latifah in a movie she filmed here. My main goal right now is to continue to grow, be better, and be a great example to others. I no longer ask, “Why me?” Instead, I think, “Why not me?” I want little girls, especially little black and brown girls, to see me and see what is possible. I want mothers to see me and know they can have a life and have a great family. I want people who have considered living their dreams like I am doing now to say to themselves, “I can do it too.” I want to reach back and help those I can by continuing to mentor, inspire, and cheer others on.

WWW.ABQTHEMAG.COM | OCTOBER 2021

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

THE PROTECTOR Carri

ple in my circle. My family, my friends, my staff—I try to protect and or fix any issues Being a mom/stepmom. If I lost everything they have. I’m not quite sure which fits best, else in the world but I still had my family, I but that would be my superpower. would still be incredibly proud. This was one CO-OWNER | THE SALT YARD of the biggest lessons I learned during our What are your goals over the next couple years? 16-month closure. CO-OWNER | EFFEX NIGHTCLUB What do you love most about your job? Pre-pandemic, I would have said opening a few more concepts and locations. Now, my 3700 ELLISON DR NW, The people. I am so lucky to have the most goals consist of being a better mom, boss, amazing people working with me. During the ALBUQUERQUE and partner. Of course, growing my businessshutdown, I stayed in contact with most of (505) 750-9273 es would be wonderful, but that isn’t as imthem. They kept me going when I was strugportant to me as growing as a person. I wake THESALTYARDNM.COM gling with difficult circumstances, and espeup every day and pray for more patience, and cially when I had doubts about reopening. I to show more kindness than I did the day wouldn’t be the same—and my businesses before. Thankfully, I have daily reminders of wouldn’t be the same—without them. They how truly blessed I am. are the best in the business! I am so blessed After a long day, what keeps you goto have them all on my team and in my life. What are you most proud of right now?

Phillis

ing? If you could have one superpower, My family and our four dogs! No matter what would it be?

what has transpired during the day, I get to My 8-year-old has asked me this so many come home to an amazing, supportive family times! I am a protector and a fixer by nature, and some of the funniest, most loving dogs a whether it’s a broken heart that I wish I could girl could ask for! heal for someone else or a financial situation someone needs help getting through. Fixer? Protector? I am a fierce protector of the peoOCTOBER 2021 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE 113

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Lorena

JARAMILLO

OWNER | VANITY BEAUTY BAR 100 COORS NW, ALBUQUERQUE (505) 500-4959 VANITYBEAUTYBARLLC. AS .ME

For Lorena Jaramillo, the difference between a good and an extraordinary salon experience is clear. In fact, it’s what inspired her to get into the beauty business in the first place. “I realized this is what I wanted to do when I would go get a service and they would treat me like I was just another person,” says Jaramillo. “I wanted to give someone the best treatment and change a person’s mood. I wanted to help by making someone feel beautiful.” A master lash artist, Jaramillo has been practicing her trade for five years, attending cosmetology school in 2018 and 2019 to master new skills and techniques like hair, hyaluronic lip fillers, powder brows, and body sculpting. “In the beginning, we thought some of these services might be a fad,” she says. “But with time, we realized that the beauty industry is here to stay—especially with non-invasive procedures to help us feel even better about ourselves.” This month, Jaramillo will launch her own full service salon storefront. “What sets me apart from everyone else is my customer service—my willingness to make sure everyone leaves happy,” she says. “I like to go above and beyond wanting to make everyone feel special, almost like royalty. When you leave, I want you to feel not only like you’ve been given a service but had an experience. I try my best to fulfill my clients needs.” A happily married mother of four, Jaramillo is looking forward to offering clients a full suite of services. “I have always been an entrepreneur,” she says. “I love what I do and I will move mountains to accomplish my goals. I am proud that I am able to show my family that, no matter where you come from, you can make anything happen with heart and drive.”

THE BELIEVER (FAITH) 114

WWW.ABQTHEMAG.COM | OCTOBER 2021

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

YOUR SKINCARE SUPERHEROES Western

There is a direct line between health and beauty. After all, it’s hard to look your absolute best when you don’t also feel your absolute best. At Western Dermatology Consultants, an experienced team of board-certified dermatologists, physician assistants, registered nurses, aestheticians, and support staff deliver expert skincare 10151 MONTGOMERY BLVD NE, that sees to both health and beauty. BLDG. 1, STE. A, ALBUQUERQUE The dermatologists and physician assistants at Western Dermatology Con(505) 855-9267 sultants have been offering a wide array WESTERNDERMATOLOGY.COM of medical dermatological treatments specifically tailored to the challenges of a high desert environment for decades. Since 1997, Drs. Leslie Glass and Barbara Einhorn have helped Albuquerqueans achieve healthy, beautiful skin by thwarting skin cancer and other serious ailments while offering the newest and most effective skin care techniques and procedures. This summer, Western Dermatology Consultants expanded their capacity, bringing in a new physician to lend fresh expertise and insight to the practice. Catherine N. Tchangué-Fossuo, M.D., M.S., is a OCTOBER 2021 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

dermatology consultants

graduate of the University of Pierre et Marie Curie in Paris, France, with an interest in general and procedural dermatology, and is now hard at work helping patients achieve their goals for healthy skin. From acne treatments to Mohs surgery for skin cancer, the cutting-edge services at Western Dermatology Consultants are designed to address both the health and appearance of your skin. They are the only practice in New Mexico that offers Xtrac laser treatments, which help individuals who suffer from psoriasis, vitiligo, and other skin conditions, and one of a select few in the region to offer photo-dynamic therapy for treating actinic keratosis of the face or scalp. Meanwhile, their team of registered nurses and aestheticians specialize in treatments like Botox, laser hair removal, facials, fillers, peels, body sculpting, vein treatments, and more. Their skincare experts craft custom treatment plans for each client, helping them select best options for their skin type and personal body goals.

115

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Dr. Linda Ann SMITH, MD, FACS

BREAST SURGEON | XRANM BREAST SURGERY ASSOCIATES OF NM

Dr. Nicole

HILL, MD, FACS BREAST SURGEON | XRANM BREAST SURGERY ASSOCIATES OF NM 101 HOSPITAL LOOP NE, STE 106, ALBUQUERQUE (505) 828-0404 | XRANM.COM

At Breast Surgery Associates of New Mexico, physicians and staff provide patients with comprehensive, compassionate care. Working in collaboration with the physicians and imaging specialists at X-Ray Associates of New Mexico, they offer a broad range of services, including biopsy, in-office ultrasound, mastectomy, reconstruction, and genetic testing. Linda Ann Smith, MD, FACS, brings 43 years of experience to her role at Breast Surgery Associates of New Mexico. A fellowship-trained general surgeon, Dr. Smith worked in private practice for many years, subspecializing in breast care under the mentorship of famed Albuquerque mammographer, Dr. Michael Linver. In 2019, Dr. Smith joined the team at Breast Surgery Associates. “I knew from childhood I wanted to be a doctor,” says Dr. Smith. “I originally wanted to specialize in family practice, but in my training, I continued to find myself in the operating or delivery room. I redirected my applications to general surgery, a forbidden specialty for women at that time. I had wonderful mentors who trained me well.” Nicole Hill, MD, FACS, joined the Breast Surgery Associates team in 2020, following seven years practicing in California’s Central Valley. Dr. Hill completed a clinical fellowship in surgical oncology at the National Cancer Institute in Bethesda, Maryland, and a surgical residency at the University of California, Irvine. “For me, the seed for a career in medicine was planted when my mother was diagnosed with a brain tumor when I was a teenager,” says Dr. Hill. “I drove her to many doctor appointments, and saw firsthand that successful patient care requires not just expertise, but a warm and comforting demeanor.” At Breast Surgery Associates of New Mexico, Drs. Smith and Hill work with a team of physicians, nurses, imaging specialists, and technicians to quickly and accurately diagnose health issues and craft compassionate, individualized treatment programs. Together with their team, they are proud to offer comprehensive breast care to patients throughout New Mexico.

THE DYNAMIC BREAST DUO 116

WWW.ABQTHEMAG.COM | OCTOBER 2021

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Carey

PLANT

VICE PRESIDENT | AMREP SOUTHWEST & AMRESTON HOMES 409 NM HWY 528, RIO RANCHO (505) 896-9084 | (505) 239-1966 AMREPSW.COM | AMRESTON.COM

Though born in Oklahoma, AMREP Southwest and Amreston Homes Vice President Carey Ann Plant has lived in New Mexico for most of her life. In the 1970s, her family moved to Gallup, where a boom in natural gas and railroad development was putting a premium on the construction skills of people like her father. “Gallup was such a diverse place to grow up,” says Plant. “I’m sure this contributed to who I am today. It taught me that it takes people from all walks of life to keep the world turning.” From Gallup, Plant headed east to Rio Rancho, where she eventually found work at real estate development firm AMREP Southwest. “I began to learn about the company’s history and I thought it was fascinating,” says Plant. “Some East Coast folks came to New Mexico in the early 1960s and bought just under 100,000 acres of land. They platted out the entire area, then started building lots and homes, which grew Rio Rancho.” At the time, ascending to company vice president wasn’t on Plant’s career checklist. “I was 23 years old [and] had no college degree,” says Plant. “All I knew was that I was tired of retail management and wanted an office job, so I got one. Back then, I didn’t recognize that I had set a goal and successfully attained it.” Plant showed she had the determination, adaptability, and smarts to be an indispensable asset for the company. In 2018, she became Vice President of AMREP Southwest, helping the company navigate projects with corporate partners, develop and build master planned communities, and launch Amreston Homes, an award-winning residential home building company. “The enormous amount of guidance, encouragement, and support I’ve received from my bosses, peers, business colleagues and most importantly my team have been key to my success,” says Plant. “And having a family who understands and is supportive of the many hours that I spend away doesn’t hurt either.”

THE NATURAL OCTOBER 2021 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

117

118

WWW.ABQTHEMAG.COM | OCTOBER 2021

ABQ THE INTERVIEW P. 120 | PERSONALITY P. 126 | BEHIND THE SCENES P. 130

FIGHTING FOR THE NEW GENERATION Growing up in the barrio made boxing legend Danny Romero a fighter, not only in the ring, but in his pursuit of a better life away from drugs, gangs, and other negative influences. Now he is helping youth rise above their obstacles. (p. 126).

OCTOBER 2021 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

PHOTO BY DON JAMES/ATM

STORIES BEHIND INDIVIDUALS WHO MAKE ALBUQUERQUE GREAT

119

120

WWW.ABQTHEMAG.COM | OCTOBER 2021

UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL WITH OUR LEADERS AND DIFFERENCE-MAKERS

Funding The Future The pursuit of a higher education led Roberta Ricci on a path to maintaining places of learning for coming generations seeking a degree or comprehending their lineage.

A PHOTOS BY DON JAMES/ATM

s a young mother Roberta Ricci never thought she would graduate from college. Her focus was on her husband and two daughters. As she saw friends graduating from college she thought why not me. When her youngest daughter entered kindergarten and oldest started the third grade she made the decision to begin her college journey with the support of her husband. She exceeded her goals and received her bachelor’s in business administration and later earned her master’s in educational leadership from the University of New Mexico. She is the first in her family to receive a college education. It would lead her to becoming development director of the CNM Foundation and later run the alumni program at the Anderson School of Management at UNM. In 2018, she became the National Hispanic Cultural Center Foundation Director. ATM: What intrigued you to become the NHCC foundation director? ROBERTA RICCI: The job is just so near

and dear to my heart. I was born and raised in the South Valley of Albuquerque and I’m Hispanic and I think the part of me that loves education, because I came from an education background. I worked at UNM and CNM. I thought when I was

first looking into the job, I thought how in the world could I ever leave education because it’s such a part of my being and when I learned more about the job and just all the different things that they offer and all the educational aspects of how much they help the community it was a perfect blend of everything that I love. ATM: What did you want to bring to

OCTOBER 2021 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

the NHCC foundation early on? RR: I think for me, holistically, it’s just getting the foundation in a really sustainable place that way we can continuously offer additional funding for the programming over there at the center. I’m not sure if you’re aware, but the center is a state run facility so the state pays for a lot of things like obviously the building and the facilities, maintenance, salaries, that type of stuff, but they don’t pay for the programming. They pay probably less than 10% for the programming. And so, the foundation’s responsibility is to raise funds for that, those programming dollars. ATM: I know the Maravilla Gala is a big fundraiser for the NHCC. With the pandemic happening, how did you shift gears to bring Maravilla to fruition? RR: It was kind of a scary time for the foun-

121

ABQ

dation. But my board is just so incredible. We don’t take no for an answer. We just figure out ways to make things work and so one of the creative things that we did last year, which made Maravilla so hugely successful, is we decided to go ahead and go fully virtual, but in addition to that our whole thought was how do we ask people to support us, when they’re dealing with the pandemic as well and they may be hurting with their business. So how do we collaborate so that way not only do they help us but we’re helping them. So the whole premise last year was really how do we promote our local businesses. ATM: How did the pivot to virtual affect the gala? RR: It was really a fun way to incorporate Maravilla, showcasing how important the impact of the National Hispanic Cultural Center is in representing the 27 Spanish speaking countries across the globe. But we also did some fun behind the scenes videos for local businesses... We were able

Thank You! OPEN DAILY

Ask us about Catering!

7AM - 2PM

WINNER

2056 Central Ave SW (Across from Old Town) | 505.554.1424 | centralgrillandcoffeehouse.com

122

WWW.ABQTHEMAG.COM | OCTOBER 2021

ABQ

to have dinners, following all the public health orders. We had dinners for 10 at people’s homes throughout the city. Making sure they were safe. We had hand sanitizer, we had waivers, we made sure they were outdoors and for those that didn’t feel comfortable or couldn’t because of their policies, we gave them individual dinners that they could take home and watch the video or they could actually get a gift certificate to use at a different time. What makes Maravilla special is the connection people have with one another and so that’s kind of what we brought to the community through our video. We did a really nice interactive tour of the center. We really got to promote each of the program areas. It was really well done. This year we’re still going to offer a virtual component to our event, but we’re actually going to do it in person at Hotel Albuquerque, which is another big partner of ours. ATM: Tell me about your connection

to the area where the NHCC is located and what it means to you. RR: I was born and raised in that area probably less than two miles from the center. I graduated from Rio Grande High School. It’s home for me. I remember when I was younger the neighborhood that was there where the center is. I remember when the houses were torn down to build the center. So I’ve always been a part of it and throughout my career just being involved with the United Way Hispano Philanthropic Society and you know really getting more in touch with my Hispanic culture and my identity. This job really allows me to just embrace it in a way that I haven’t before. ATM: How has your job allowed you to get in touch with your Hispanic lineage? RR: I’m learning every day. I go to exhib-

its, and I go to our literary arts events or performances and it’s amazing how much I didn’t know about my own culture and

OCTOBER 2021 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

so I love the fact that through my job I can get more tied into who I am as a person. ATM: Did you begin your college journey at CNM formerly known as TVI? RR: I always say TVI because that’s where I’m from, but CNM it just changed my whole life. Both of them did, but I think going to TVI at the time, it just gave me the confidence that I could do this. I went back late in life. I was a young mom and started my family early and I didn’t even think college was in my future at all. And I started seeing different people around me that were getting their college degree and I thought why not? Why can’t I do this? I just took a chance and talked to my husband (Keith) and he’s like absolutely go for it. ATM: What was the experience like for you? RR: I remember showing up in the parking lot of TVI terrified. They just gave me all the tools I needed to succeed. And then

123

ABQ

by the time I transferred over to UNM I was able to successfully do that and go on for my Master’s degree.

needed to help during that time and I just buckled down and was able to finish. So that was a really fun trip for us.

ATM: How old were your children when you decided to go back to school?

ATM: Now that your children are older what do they think about your accomplishments?

RR: My oldest I believe was in third grade and my youngest was just starting kindergarten at the time. I thought that was the perfect time for when she was going to kindergarten for me to go ahead and start taking classes. I went through and it’s kind of funny because I somehow managed to finish my degree in four years. But the last semester, I had to take 18-plus hours in order to finish on time. So I needed a lot of help so I sat my kids down and my husband and we said okay you won’t see your mom for over a month but I promise if you guys don’t mind doing this and sacrificing we’ll take you to Disneyland. So my mother-in-law, my sister, and different family members helped us pull through to take care of the kids and do whatever was

RR: You know what’s so beautiful? I was able to change the cycle. I was the first of my family to graduate from college, let alone get a Master’s degree. And I think them seeing me go through all that and realizing the importance of an education and then just with my career starting in education they were surrounded by it so it was part of their everyday. And both of them have been very successful. I’m very proud to say they’re both nurses. My youngest daughter (Elena, 24) went through a program through high school, through the college enrichment center. She graduated high school and also was an LPN and started nursing at 17. And then my oldest (Marissa, 29) went to UNM and wasn’t sure exactly what she

124

wanted to do at first and then decided on nursing after seeing Elena go through her schooling and so she went back and got her nursing degree and now she’s teaching at CNM and she’s also going for her nurse practitionership so it’s just wonderful to see them thriving through education and then giving back to the community. ATM: What does your husband think of your accomplishments? RR: We’re celebrating our 25th wedding anniversary this year. And he was our rock. He worked tremendous hours and sacrificed so much for me to make it happen for me to go back to school. I’m so grateful to him. I’m very lucky. —RM

WWW.ABQTHEMAG.COM | OCTOBER 2021

ABQ

OCTOBER 2021 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

125

126

WWW.ABQTHEMAG.COM | OCTOBER 2021

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

Inspiring the Young Punching his way through life amounted to plenty of accolades for boxer Danny Romero. But his current role encouraing at-risk youth has brought him the most glory.

or Danny Romero, boxing was a path to championship glory, financial security and most importantly, physical and mental well-being. The latter is the foundation for Danny Romero’s Hideout Boxing Club, the facility run by the former world title holder that takes in at-risk Albuquerque youth and teaches them the value of both character and physical fitness. It’s something that remains invaluable to the community, even as COVID-19 has ravaged businesses throughout the state.

PHOTOS BY DON JAMES/ATM

“This pandemic has been pretty difficult on everybody — especially for what we are very interested in and our communities,” Romero says. “The children of our communities get left behind. We try to keep our gym and our program going. It’s a little tough. But we’re doing it. It’s going.” A native of the Duke City, the now 47-year-old Romero won nine amateur titles, captured championships in three different weight classes as a professional and was one-half of one of the biggest combat sports events in state history when he squared off against fellow Albuquerque boxing legend Johnny Tapia in July 1997. Romero was introduced to the Sweet Science by his father, Danny Sr., at a young age, and the sport helped him keep his head above water during his hardscrabble formative years. In an alternate universe, the younger Romero could have easily chosen a different, more sinister path. “I had loving parents,” Romero said

of his childhood in an interview with RingTV.com. “I know now my parents were struggling to keep the lights on. I remember we used to eat beans, rice and tortillas but I learned that was more than some people had. “You see situations that are worse than yours. I was around drugs, gangs; we grew up in the barrio, but I always knew I could fight my way out of it. That shaped and grounded me for what I am doing now.” Even today, Romero sees a kinship with many of the kids that walk through the doors of the gym. “The best thing for me is because I was one of those kids, I followed that little

OCTOBER 2021 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

dream and it got me in places I would have never thought of,” he says. “It got me to a spot of where I’m able to do these types of things. I’m able to have programs for free because I’ve made enough money for myself and my family and we’re OK. We can keep this stuff going.” The Hideout received some much-needed stability in late 2019 when it moved to a new location after Youth Development, Inc., asked Romero to exit the space at 1215 4th Street NW that it had previously occupied for five years. That was when local businessman, one-time mayoral candidate and former Golden Gloves boxing champion Ricardo Chaves provided some much-needed peace of mind by investing more than $2.5 million in a property on the corner of 4th and Mountain to give the Hideout a permanent home. Up until then, the Hideout had endured something of a nomadic existence, moving from one location to another over the years. Now, Romero is no longer at the mercy of a landlord or a private owner. “He’s a wonderful guy,” Romero says of the man he calls “Mr. Big Hearted”

127

Chaves. “That whole thing is gonna help for life, not only for my own self, but our community. Because it’s there. I own it outright. I don’t need to pay nothing on it because I own every part of it… So our kids will have something for them all the time.” The Hideout has existed in some shape or form dating back to the late 1970s, when Danny Sr. operated a Police Athletic League boxing gym, but its official founding year was 1986. Romero took over operations in 2003 when his father became ill. While the gym has produced its share of successful boxers — most notably Romero himself — that is not the primary objective. “We don’t want to train world championship boxers. If that happens, then wonderful,” Romero says. “We want to give them the tools to just go on and be good community members. If you can punch a punching bag and you feel good about it — exercise feels good, man … My old coach used to tell us, ‘If you look good, you feel good. If you feel good, you go out and perform good.’ In our life today,

128

if that’s happening for our youth, they’ll come out and do the right thing, you know? You’ve just got to give them a little bit of encouragement, that’s it.” Danny Sr. died in March 2019 after battling health issues for years, but the gym’s legacy continues to live on thanks to his son. The younger Romero has tried his hand at multiple ventures, including fight promoting and broadcasting. He is currently dabbling in real estate - buying and selling properties with a business partner — but the Hideout gym remains a passion and primary focus. “I’ve been to a lot of world championship stuff. It’s a lot of lights, a lot of cameras, that whole thing,” he says. “But when all that shuts down, you get thrown right back into reality. A lot of people don’t realize how difficult things are going to be for them. I’ve always had a good foot in our community and I try to keep that rolling.” As for the state of boxing itself, Romero balances the views of a grizzled veteran with that of a fan of sport. He enjoys following the stars of today like Saul “Canelo” Alvarez and Ryan Garcia, but hopes

that the new generation of boxers adopts a smart approach with an eye toward the future. “As long as these fighters get paid and they put it away for later on,” Romero says. “These guys are getting paid millions. I made a lot of money in my career, but it took me a long time to get that. These guys get that in one fight.” Romero even grudgingly accepts the latest trend, which is the rising popularity of circus boxing events featuring social media personalities like Jake Paul, past-their prime legends like Mike Tyson or even athletes from other professional leagues. It’s just another way of bringing the spotlight to a sport that has done so much for him. “Some of these YouTubers, if they’re giving everything they can... then more [power] to it,” he says. “Because it brings more to our boxing … If they can bring the right attention to boxing and show us in the right light, I’m all for it.” —TRISTEN CRITCHFIELD

WWW.ABQTHEMAG.COM | OCTOBER 2021

OCTOBER 2021 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

129

130

WWW.ABQTHEMAG.COM WWW.ABQTHEMAG.COM| |OCTOBER AUGUST 2021 2014

BEHIND SCENES THE

YOUR SNEAK PEEK AT JOBS THAT FLY BELOW THE RADAR

Preserving the Past Historic Fairview Cemetery remains polished thanks to Gail Rubin and the nonprofit she heads, which spruces up its gravesites and keeps a history of the notable people and tabs on the unnamed buried there.

one but not forgotten is the way Gail Rubin likes to keep things when it comes to 12,000 people who have made Albuquerque their final resting place. Some have prominent family lineages, others fought in wars and then there are the unnamed who rest in unmarked graves. But all have one thing in common—they are all buried at Historic Fairview Cemetery.

The 17.5 acre cemetery, which was established in 1881, has quite the history and it is Rubin’s job to preserve it. As president of the Historic Fairview nonprofit, she, members of the board and other volunteers hold regular cemetery cleanups, offer tours and host special events.

PHOTOS BY DON JAMES/ATM

“Our mission is to maintain and preserve the cemetery grounds and also to tell the story, the history that we have based on the people that are buried there,” says Rubin. “Even though the nonprofit was started in 2012, there wasn’t a lot done with the cemetery beside people who had family plots going and tending to their own family plots. So, it did fall into a lot of weeds and trash. There’s homeless people who go through… We are trying to improve it in a number of ways.” Rubin started her work with the nonprofit just as the pandemic was unraveling in March 2020. During a partial reopening of the state, Rubin and her team put together Memorial Day events in 2020 and 2021, which raised a few thousand dollars. The publicity brought attention to the group’s cause and donations trick-

led in from other sources including family foundations and the city of Albuquerque. The money raised went toward the repair and reset of more than 80 old granite and marble markers at the cemetery. Headstones with missing bases also received concrete foundations. “The markers that are there, especially

OCTOBER 2021 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

from the turn of the 20th century, have incredible artistry and craftwork in black granite and grey granite,” says Rubin. “Just incredible designs and the symbolism referencing like the Book of Life and draperies carved over monuments so that idea of laying down to sleep.” There are fewer than 6,000 markers at the cemetery. Rubin and nonprofit members have done their best to document the markers and take note of the unmarked graves. Background on the gravesite will be presented during a fundraising event scheduled for Veteran’s Day on Nov. 11 at the cemetery. A donation of $20 is requested and information is available at historicfairviewcemeteryabq.org. “We’re doing a Veteran’s Day event where we’re going to have speakers talk about some of the people who are buried in our cemetery,” says Rubin. “There are Rough Riders and people who fought in the Spanish American War; Buffalo Soldiers, African Americans who were in the Union troops, Civil War and Bataan

131

THE

BEHIND SCENES

Death March (prisoners of war).” The cemetery is home to many veterans and has two military sections. One was established in the 1920s and the other in the late 1930s-early 1940s. The last military burial took place in the 1980s. Visitors are welcome to take self-guided tours of the cemetery. Rubin is hoping to make navigation of the cemetery easier. She has tasked herself and the nonprofit with putting up road signs throughout the property. “We decided to name some of the roads after some of the famous people buried there and other roads are more generic names,” she explains. “We’re almost done with that. They look like actual road signs but they’re brown with white lettering.” Some of the areas are also being closed off to traffic. Rubin and her team discovered some unmarked burial areas had unintentionally been driven on. “We’re blocking some of the areas that had become roadways,” she says. “For the meantime, we’re just putting blocks and

132

sticks across those roadways to say don’t drive here but eventually we will make it a little more formal with ‘burial area, do not drive here’ signs.” Rubin is protective and respectful of the thousands that rest at Historic Fairview Cemetery. Some are well known and some are unknown. She can run off a list of prominent names in a split second. A few of those names include James Hubbell, the founder of the Hubbell Trading Post, the Galles automotive family who have a mausoleum on the site, and the Rodey family, who are known for their law practice and own two lots. She notes all the Rodey family markers contain snippets of poetry about death. Franz Huning, responsible for the Huning Highland District, which was the city’s first residential subdivision is buried at the cemetery. Rubin points out Huning’s final arrangements were rare at the time of his death in 1905. “Huning was very interesting,” says Rubin. “His body was actually sent to Den-

ver to be cremated and then his cremated remains were interred in the family plot (at Historical Fairview Cemetery). “(It is) one of the early examples of cremation.” Rubin is no stranger to death, which explains her dedication to the nonprofit. She has been a death educator since 2010 and has written three books on end of life issues including “A Good Goodbye: Family Planning for Those Who Don’t Plan to Die.” She is also responsible for the Before I Die New Mexico Festival. The fifth annual event will be held in person and online from Oct. 30 through Nov. 2. Events are accessible for a small donation and a portion of the proceeds benefit the Historic Fairview Cemetery. More on the event can be found at beforeidienm.com. “This is an opportunity for people to learn about what they need to know before somebody dies,” Rubin explains. “But it’s a fun upbeat event with panel discussions and presentations.”—RM

WWW.ABQTHEMAG.COM | OCTOBER 2021

CREATIVES P. 134 | SHELFLIFE P. 136 | TIEMPO P. 138

CULTURE

ARTISTIC SONGSTRESS Eli del Puerto has many talents as a singer, songwriter, painter and dancer. She recently was recognized for her musical talent and won Best Adult Contemporary Pop Song at the 2021 New Mexico Music Awards. (p. 138).

OCTOBER 2021 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

PHOTO BY DON JAMES/ATM

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

133

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

OUT OF THIS WORLD

illionaire Jeff Bezos recently blasted into space on his own rocket ship. Meanwhile, pop star Demi Lovato is hosting a new Peacock show, “Unidentified,” in which the former Disney star investigates eye-witness alien sightings and visits UFO hotspots. However, Bezos and Lovato aren’t the only Albuquerqueans exploring their extraterrestrial fascinations. Eager to rise above the rest, local artist, professional screen printer, and Albuquerque native Richie Jiacoletti launched his space-inspired apparel brand, Celestial Outfitters, in 2017. “I’ve always been a huge fan of learning and thinking about space,” says Jiacoletti. “While it’s something that’s vast, scary and makes us feel small, it’s also so awesome and beautiful that it makes us won-

134

der what other things could be out there.” During his time as an art major at UNM, Jiacoletti took all the art classes he could possibly fit into his schedule. Although he enjoyed photography, ceramics, painting, and drawing, he discovered his profound knack for printmaking and screen printing. While still in college, Jiacoletti got a job that allowed him to do live screen printing at music festivals all over the country. Inspired by his newfound printing passion and his ongoing curiosity about the unknown, Jiacoletti and his buddy — who has since left Celestial — landed on their business venture’s otherworldly name during a casual hangout over beers. “We simply sat down and asked ourselves what we wanted our business to be about,” recalls Jiacoletti. “We had both worked for companies that overcharged, were crappy to their customers, and didn’t

Richie Jiacoletti’s space-inspired apparel brand is in orbit. do a good job. We realized our main goal was to soar above them all and do better and so we went with a space theme. You can’t get much higher than that.” Jiacoletti remembers feeling fearful of having an entire business weighing on his shoulders, as he suddenly had to navigate bills and taxes. More than anything, however, he says that creating his own company from the ground up has turned out to be a total blast. A friend of his designed the astronaut dude that is now the official Celestial logo, which has been printed across the brand’s camp-style hats, t-shirts, and stickers. Albuquerque shoppers are continuously intrigued by the ethereal vibe, seeing as one of Celestial’s most popular designs was drawn up by Jiacoletti himself: a UFO abducting a cow. The oddball illustration is not only spread on Celestial apparel but is also tattooed behind his ear. “Celestial is more of a passion project

WWW.ABQTHEMAG.COM | OCTOBER 2021

PHOTOS BY DON JAMES/ATM

than a job at this point, so I want it to be fun, creative, weird, and quirky because that’s who I feel that I am,” says Jiacoletti. “I find my inspiration from songs, dreams, other amazing creatives, and my wife, Hannah, who’s so encouraging and believes in me more than I’ve ever believed in myself.” Jiacoletti has especially needed his wife’s motivation this past year. Celestial initially acted as both a screen-printing company and an apparel brand. Unfortunately, COVID-19 forced Jiacoletti to shut down the screen-printing side of the company. Nevertheless, Jiacoletti’s relentless passion for art and support for the community keeps him going. “I never would’ve thought I could make it as an artist in Albuquerque,” Jiacoletti says. “But lately, I’m starting to get more recognition from people who are buying and loving my shirts. It’s really exciting and I’m really proud to be a part of it.” Plus, Wind Worn — the southwest apparel company who bought his

screen-printing equipment — hired him to run their brand as well. In addition to running Celestial, Jiacoletti now screen prints for Wind Worn, NEO Thread, Little Bear Coffee Company, and more — all of which can be purchased at AndStuff Retail Collective in Nob Hill. Celestial merchandise can be found at AndStuff amongst various small local businesses, such as Constellation Vintage and Harvest Moon Books, and is also for sale at celestialscreenprints.com. While Jiacoletti draws his own designs for Celestial from his home, a coffee shop, or local breweries all over Albuquerque, he also uses the brand to support other local artists — including Max Machado and Justin Lauer — by displaying their illustrations on the apparel. He says, “We have so many awesome artists in Albuquerque — I know I’m not a very big brand, but if I ever become one someday, I would love to blow up all the artists here because they are so talented. Even if I don’t, it’s still exciting for them to see their designs on a

OCTOBER 2021 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

t-shirt because it motivates them to keep creating.” On top of connecting with local artists, Jiacoletti involves the ABQ community in his brand by having fun pop-ups every now and then. One of his favorites was an adult coloring night at Little Bear Coffee, where he printed coloring pages drawn by local artists for attendees. In August of 2021, he put together another Wind Worn/Celestial pop-up at Little Bear with 20 vendors, food trucks and, of course, live screen printing. For information on upcoming Celestial pop-ups, follow @celestial.outfitters on Instagram. —ELIZABETH GROENING

CELESTIAL (adj.) • Positioned in or relating to the sky, or outer space, as observed in astronomy • Belonging or relating to heaven • Supremely good

135

SHELFLIFE

TURN A PAGE WITH OUR LOCAL AUTHORS

LIFT UP AND AWAY AT BALLOON FIESTA T

ATM: What inspired you to write something regarding our Balloon Fiesta? ROSS VAN DUSEN: What inspired me is

they asked me to do it. Paul Rhetts, he’s the owner of Rio Grande Books, and he does the book for the Balloon Fiesta. And they thought they’d do a children’s book. Paul has produced six of my children’s books... (My wife and I have) lived here 25 years and we’ve probably been (to Balloon Fiesta) five or six times or more. I enjoyed walking around the balloons and everything. So I had the experience of getting there really early in the morning and then seeing the balloons being filled up in the dark and the color and all that. So that inspired those first few drawings... And then the rest of it is just trying to imagine how a kid might feel seeing it for the first time. ATM: Since you have not taken a hot air balloon ride, how were you able to capture that in the book? RVD: The liftoff, I’m imaging that it would be really fun to suddenly rise up off the ground. Kind of like going up in an elevator, I’m assuming. After they get up there, I thought it would be fun to have things for the kids to look for. On one of the pages in the book, it says there’s like five

136

THE BEST DAY EVER! By Ross Van Dusen Rio Grande Books 36 Pages $19.95

COURTESY IMAGE

he exhilaration of experiencing the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta as a child is vividly captured in illustrations and rhyme in the book “The Best Day Ever!” Author and illustrator Ross Van Dusen was approached by Rio Grande Books to create a story about Balloon Fiesta from a child’s perspective. Van Dusen came up with a tale of five young friends experiencing the event and all it has to offer including taking a hot air balloon ride. Through the adventure, readers learn about what makes a hot air balloon rise and how it does not stray off into space thanks to gravity. Van Dusen explains the physics behind it in a simple manner so all readers can understand the basics of what makes hot air balloons fascinating.

rabbits and two deer and three coyotes, and a lizard and can you find them all? So it gave the kids something more than just reading it or mom reading it to the kids. ATM: The detail in the illustrations of the balloon ride make you feel as if you are taking a ride yourself. RVD: I hadn’t had a landing and the balloon committee said you got it all right, blowing up the balloon, the hot air, getting up, seeing stuff, but they have to land, so I had to redo the back half of the book and put a little shadow as they came down to talk about the landing and the chase truck. So I was able to touch every element of the balloon event to actually landing on the ground. ATM: I noticed there are pages in the book where kids can color a number of balloons. RVD: It was Paul’s idea, the editor, to have a few pages for the kids to color. That was partly because I was able to tell the story in a non-eight (page) format... We had two extra spreads and there really wasn’t a way to extend the story. So Paul said ‘Why don’t we fill these extra pages with something for the kids to color?’ It added to the activity.

ATM: Why did you decide to make things rhyme when telling the story? RVD: When I started writing children’s

books I just wrote them as prose. And then I read them aloud and they were dull as dirt... I rewrote them in rhyme and they sounded much better, more fun for the mom to read or dad and more fun for the kid to hear. ATM: When it comes to the illustrations, what do you work in? RVD: I use Sharpie pens. I make ink draw-

ings. They’re permanent inks. And then I color them in with Prisma Color Pencils. Now it would be a lot easier to do watercolor but I stink at watercolor. I just don’t do it as well... Usually you think of color pencils as sketchy, but I really fill it in solid so it’s a really bright, strong color, rather than a sketchy pencil color... I grew up with Disney, so my style leans more toward traditional cartooning than the more advanced, more contemporary cartooning. I can draw the other way but I don’t do it.—RM

WWW.ABQTHEMAG.COM | OCTOBER 2021

SHELFLIFE

SPOOKY TALES OF ABQ HAUNTINGS T

ATM: How did you get intrigued by the paranormal? CODY POLSTON: I was 8 years old, I was

living in the panhandle of Texas, and my parents sent me and my brother to this day camp called Camp Christmas Tree... As part of (sleepover) thing, we would get to go to this haunted house... We hiked up to the house, on the way up there was a butchered cow or mutilated cow... We got to the house, went upstairs, and they started telling ghost stories. I remember a door opened and one of the counselors shut it and the next thing I knew all the kids were screaming and we’re running down the stairs out of the building... I’m looking at the door and as I’m looking at the door I see somebody peek out. I think of him as a Grizzly Adams kind of a guy with a big old bushy beard. ATM: Did you ever find out who the man was? CP: I asked my parents and the camp

counselors, what happened? Did they catch the guy who killed the cow? And they never answered me or gave me a lame answer. So it affected me in two ways, one I became very fascinated with old horror films... And then I also got an interest in solving mysteries. You put the two together and you make a ghost hunter. ATM: Your new book is specific to Al-

HAUNTED ALBUQUERQUE By Cody Polston Arcadia Publishing 128 Pages $21.99

buquerque. How did you find the locations featured in “Haunted Albuquerque?” CP: So I investigated all the places in the

book and did a lot of research to find the older stories that have kind of been forgotten, kind of covered over with the modern stories we’re being told now so that’s how it all started. The way that Southwest Ghost Hunters worked at that time, a lot of it you can find online just by searching or you can find it written in books, but a lot of times people would email us.... They tell us what they’re seeing and it’s really just word of mouth that kind of makes its way to us one way or another. ATM: What location would you consider being the most haunted? CP: I think the most fascinating thing that people will find in the book is about the (Hotel) Andaluz. What is interesting about it is what’s left of an old ghost story that was in the ‘70s. In the 1970s we had a local musician named Sandee Saunders who had her one hit, it was called “Morning Kind of Feeling” and she tragically died right after her first album was made... Apparently her ghost was haunting all the places she has played including what is now the Andaluz.

CP: In a way, Bobby Darnall at the KiMo Theatre, I once heard somebody say I wonder what the family thinks about it that they do the ghost story. I’m like well think about it, normally if you die, you’re going to be in a graveyard. You’re grandkids might visit you but that’s it. You’re forgotten unless you do something significant in your life. But if you have a ghost story, you’re remembered.

COURTESY IMAGE

he ghostly lore of Albuquerque changes as the years go by, but author and paranormal investigator Cody Polston sets the record straight in his book, “Haunted Albuquerque.” Polston, who ran the Southwest Ghost Hunters Association for 35 years, has deep roots in the local paranormal scene. As a skeptic, his mission is to investigate and get to the bottom of the original stories of hauntings at various locations throughout the city including the KiMo Theatre, the Albuquerque Press Club, the Old Bernalillo County Courthouse, Hotel Andaluz and more. In his book, Polston has gathered a plethora of evidence that supports the stories of Albuquerque’s haunted heritage.

ATM: Do you think being a skeptic helps to determine whether or not a place is haunted? CP: For me I want truth... Even if I can disprove the story I still can’t disprove it’s not haunted. I can say the story’s wrong... You kind of have to enter into anything with a grain of salt, especially now because there’s so many ghost shows. ATM: How do you feel about the shows? CP: I don’t know how many TV pilots I’ve been on. I’ve actually been on four different shows... As long as you look at them for entertainment, that’s cool. I think some of them are entertaining. If you’re looking for actual honest investigation into the paranormal it’s not on the TV shows. —RM

ATM: It is sad to think people haven’t crossed over and I wonder if they don’t realize their gone.

OCTOBER 2021 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

137

by mel minter

ABQ’S THRIVING LOCAL MUSIC SCENE

SWEET SONGBIRDS ifteen years ago, Eli del Puerto (aka Elizabeth Marie Berry) had a vision for her life: “I wanted to be paid for being myself,” she says. Vocalist, instrumentalist, songwriter, educator, dancer, painter, inveterate traveler, del Puerto has a lot of selves, and they are all receiving their due these days—especially her musical self. Just a few months ago, her single “Go Go Get It Girl” won Best Adult Contemporary Pop Song at the 2021 New Mexico Music Awards. Her delightful debut album, “Encounters,” beautifully recorded and produced at New Moon Studios by Shaun Hettinger, who also plays keyboards on the album, is scheduled to be released this month and appears to be a serious contender for more awards. A native of Brunswick, Georgia, del Puerto came to Albuquerque with her family when she was 13, attending Cibola High School and UNM, and became a licensed educator in Spanish and history. Her travels began with a trip to Italy and Greece with her art class at age 16. “That’s when I was like, ‘OK, there’s a big world out here,’” she says. An exchange program took her to Mexico when she was 20, and after graduating UNM, she returned to Mexico for four years, living in Veracruz, Veracruz, and Xalapa, Veracruz, a music center. Returning to the States, she taught Spanish fulltime, spending summers in Central and South America. “I am a chameleon and blend in wherever I go,” she says. “My landing ground is New Mexico, where I transform into the psychedelic cowgirl. Giddy up!” Fate seems determined to keep del Puerto focused on her art. A collision with a car while on her bike at age 19 put her in a wheelchair for months. Deprived of dancing, she wrote the song “Bailo,” which opens her album. At age 28, a torn Achilles tendon immobilized her for a time and refocused her on her graphic

138

Eli del Puerto turned to art while recovering from physical injuries.

art. Four years ago, on a trip to India for a yoga training, del Puerto broke her foot and spent the time instead studying with a painter named Sajith, whose family cared for her while she recovered. “Every time this has happened to me, I’ve gone back to my art,” she says. The painting of the coconut tree that adorns her CD package was done on a rooftop in Varkala, India. She started her musical path singing in church. “I was always singing in choirs, and I played the cornet and tuba in junior high in a marching band,” she says. She continued formal studies in Xalapa in a jazz program at the university. She currently plays guitar and ukulele. She offers private lessons on both instruments for beginning students, as well as lessons in Spanish and vocalizing, and she conducts guided meditation and yoga classes, too. Throughout the pandemic, del Puerto moved her private teaching to a virtual format, and she’s picked up students from

around the country, who pay her for being herself. “It’s coming together in my life, and it’s amazing what my life is showing me right now,” says del Puerto. “I’m like, ‘Oh, those visions I had 15 years ago, it’s real.’ Sometimes we get hit by the car, life knocks us down, but luckily I’ve stayed true to the vision.” The vision will be incarnate at the CD release parties—scheduled for 7 p.m. Oct. 22, at Tumbleroot Brewery and Distillery in Santa Fe, and Oct. 23 at Casa Vieja Brewery in Corrales—for both del Puerto’s “Encounters” and Felix Gato Peralta’s “40 Hours a Week.” On elidelpuerto.com, you can check out some of her music; videos for her singles “Colibrí” and the vivacious “Hey Mamí;” her performance schedule; and links to her Bandcamp, Instagram, Facebook, Spotify, and Soundcloud pages. You can reach out to her at elidelpuertomusic@gmail.com.

WWW.ABQTHEMAG.COM | OCTOBER 2021

PHOTO BY DON JAMES/ATM

BACK TO HER ART

You would think that the folks at American Idol would be more savvy, but when vocalist Rebecca Arscott, who has been gifted with an extraordinary vocal instrument, auditioned for the show at age 18. They rejected her. “I was devastated,” she says. Her mother gave her the push she needed, telling her, “You’re not going to let them stop you from doing what you want to do just because it doesn’t work out this one time.” “Ever since then,” says Arscott, “I’ve been doing music as my livelihood.” The Houston native moved to Aztec, NM, with her mom at age 16. After graduating early from high school and a stint at San Juan College, she arrived in Albuquerque in 2010 where she attended UNM. “I needed to be in a bigger place,” she says.

Music was a part-time job at first, but Arscott made a decision to go full-time several years ago. “It was really hard at first,” she says. “I had a job that I was miserable at, and I was like, I need to make some accommodations and figure out what I want to do. So I decided to downsize my life and pursue music full-time. When I left my job [in July], I had like one gig, and by the end of the year, I had 23.” Arscott leveraged social media to get the word out and started putting a band together behind her. “It was the first time I had ever worked with a band. I didn’t know how to instruct them. I was so green, and now here we are years later and it’s like second nature,” she says. She leads her own wedding and special events band and performs in a variety of other configurations, as well. One recent development has been particularly important in her growth as an

Vocalist Rebecca Arscott is working on a new album and making jewelry.

OCTOBER 2021 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

artist: an invitation from trumpeter Ryan Montaño to join his band, which she will be touring with on the East Coast this month. “That really launched me from where I was at,” she says. “He really pushed me to go all in.” She certainly goes all in onstage. “Live performance is where my heart is,” she says. But going all in also includes writing new material of her own. Arscott has been collaborating with a lot of different songwriters, musicians, and arrangers to find her sound, to create “music that I connect with.” She’s currently in the process of recording a new full-length album of her material, working with a producer out of San Diego. “I’m writing, and we’re recording. We’re trying to get this done by the end of the year,” she says. The single she released in June, “In Your Rain,” offers a taste of the delights to come. Like every musician, the pandemic brought Arscott’s live performances to a halt and cut into her income, but with two young children to raise, she had a fallback. “I started a jewelry business,” she says. Hunting for chandelier earrings and unable to find any she liked, she prayed for guidance and got the suggestion that she make her own. “I didn’t even hesitate, which is not like me because I overthink everything,” says Arscott, who started the business in September 2020. She makes every pair by hand and sells them online at theyellowbutterflyjewelry. com. “It’s taking off,” she says. “By the end of this year, it’s going to be a full-time business.” To stay in touch with the musical Arscott, search her name online, and you’ll find her website, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube links. You can reach out to her directly at contact@rebeccaarscottmusic@gmail.com.

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.

COURTESY IMAGE

A GEM OF A VOICE

139

HAVE

frost MAKE Sweet

LIFE

N.Valley

UNM

N.E. Heights

5939 4th St NW Albuquerque, NM (505) 254-2424

2201 Silver Ave SE Albuquerque, NM (505) 262-2424

5200 Eubank Blvd NE Albuquerque, NM (505) 275-2424

Vegan

L O C A L LY

O W N E D

A N D

O P E R AT E D

2201 Q St., Suite 9A, Albuquerque NM 87110 505-883-2522 • FrostGelato.com

We cater any special event!

140

Vegetarian Gluten Free Made From Scratch! WWW.ABQTHEMAG.COM | OCTOBER 2021

EATS P. 142 | EATS, ETC. P. 146 | FROM THE VINE P. 148 | A Recipe For Success P. 154 | BITES P. 160

DISH

BITES AND BREWS Comforting foods made from locally and regionally produced ingredients harmonize with a symphony of craft beer styles made onsite at Sobremesa Restaurant & Brewery. The culinary spot fills a void in ABQ’s underserved West Side (p. 142).

OCTOBER 2021 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

PHOTO BY DON JAMES/ATM

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

141

Eats

PHOTOS BY DON JAMES/ATM

DISH

SUDS, SAVORY EATS AND SWEET TREATS

Decompress with a comforting meal and refreshing beer

hrow a rock on the east side of the Rio Grande and you most likely will hit a locally owned brewery or restaurant. The same cannot be said for the west side of the river where homegrown breweries and restaurants are few and far between. A portion of that void has been filled by Sobremesa Restaurant & Brewery which provides food made from locally and regionally sourced ingredients and craft beers brewed onsite. The restaurant and brewery is the brainchild of owner-operators Ryan Strilich, Nicolas Giron and owner-head brewer David Facey. All have extensive backgrounds in the local food industry.

142

“We just wanted to make sure to give the West Side somewhere they’d be proud of and somewhere they thought was beautiful,” Giron says. Sobremesa opened its doors in the middle of the pandemic in September 2020 and recently celebrated its first birthday. The owners credit the support of the community for helping the business remain afloat when dining rooms were either closed or at a limited capacity and when take-out was the only option under the changing state health orders. “It was obviously a time that was certainly unprecedented and not a lot of people knew how to react to it,” says Strilich.

“But we did our best and we got a lot of support from the community so we knew that we were doing something right.” Sobremesa stayed the course and now patrons can satisfy their hunger and quench their thirst inside the dining area or outside on the wrap around patio that has a clear view of the Sandia mountains in the distance. The inside dining area is broken up into different components for its guests from different walks of life. One side is more communal with longer tables for families and groups. Directly across, is a space that peers into the brewery that is arranged for a more intimate dining experience. A cozy

WWW.ABQTHEMAG.COM | OCTOBER 2021

DISH

RELAX, ENGAGE Sobremesa is a Spanish phrase referring to time spent at a table after finishing a meal. In New Mexico, it is time spent with friends and family, sharing stories and enjoying local craft beer. RELISH THE REWARDS Join the member rewards program and earn one point with every dollar spent. Members receive a 25 point signup bonus and a 50 point birthday treat. Unlock $5 off after spending $50. DRINK UP Sobremesa’s signature and seasonal beers are brewed in-house. They are available on tap and for carry out in 32-ounce crowlers and 64-ounce growlers. Other local ciders , seltzers and wines also are offered. GLUTEN FREE, VEGANS WELCOME Many items on the menu can be made to be gluten free and/or vegan friendly. Adjustments can be made to the Black Bean Burger, Roasted Chicken, posole, salads, several sides and more.

OCTOBER 2021 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

143

DISH

fireplace with lounge seating you can sink into, separates the dining room. Soothing earth tones add to the ambiance that encourages guests to take a load off, enjoy good food and drink, and escape from the hustle and bustle of the outside world. “The idea all starts with Sobremesa, which the idea is it’s the time we spend together around the table after we eat,” says Giron. “That’s very big for us because that’s something we all lost during the pandemic. We’ve just been very happy to create an environment where everybody feels safe, comfortable, and happy to be at.” A plethora of comforting foods can be found on the menu including tacos filled with your choice of pollo asado (chicken), pescado (grilled haddock), carnitas (braised pork), carne adovada (marinated pork), carne asada (sliced sirloin) or calabacitas (seasoned squash). The sweet or savory empanadas, which are Spanish pastry turnovers, offer a choice of fillings including carnitas, carne adovada, sweet

144

Sobremesa 3421 Coors Blvd NW 444-5555 sobremesanm.com

potato and black bean or fruit such as peach, pumpkin or cherry, depending on the season. The fish and chips, battered with Sobremesa’s lager, is a popular request. The dish is served with housemade, house-cut fries. Some other items such as rotating soups, stews and dips also are made with house beers. Another guest favorite is the green chile bacon cheeseburger, which Strilich claims is the “best around.” There is plenty of off menu, featured items that Chef Nico Van Stry and sous chef Rafa Ruiz cook up on a weekly and seasonal basis including prime rib and specialty tacos such as lengua (beef tongue), birria (braised goat meat or brisket) and al pastor (grilled pork). “Al pastor and lengua and birria has done very well,” says Strilich. “Recently we just did some birria egg rolls. We did a little twist on those. They did very, very well... (Al pastor) we’ve done that on a smaller scale, but same concept.”

There are plans to expand the menu as well as add a full bar with local spirits. “Whatever our chef comes up with in the fall I’m sure will be delicious,” says Strilich. “We encourage our chefs to be creative. We like daily, weekly specials, stuff like that also helps increase lunch business, but it also gives people something fresh, something new that they’re not used to.”—RM

FEATURED DISHES GREEN CHILE BACON CHEESEBURGER, $14

1/3 pound Angus beef patty with green chile, bacon and cheddar on a brioche bun. Served wit house-fries or patatas fritas.

FISH ‘N CHIPS, $16

House lager battered North Atlantic haddock, served with housemade fries, homemade spicy coleslaw and house tartar sauce.

CALABACITAS TACOS, $3 EACH

Perfectly roasted and seasoned squash, zucchini, corn and green chile.

WWW.ABQTHEMAG.COM | OCTOBER 2021

OCTOBER 2021 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

145

DISH

Eats, Etc.

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

PHOTO BY DON JAMES/ATM

Kap’s serves up diner classics and New Mexican comfort foods along Route 66.

hen Lieutenant Edward Fitzgerald Beale laid in the groundwork for what would eventually become Route 66, surveying a route for a wagon road that would trace the 35th parallel westward across the United States, he likely didn’t envision the space that stretch of road would fill within the American imagination. That’s because the shape of that space hadn’t yet been fully carved. That came later (in some cases, much later), a result of the work done by the enterprising men and women who populated the edges of this essential travel corridor with unique diners and inns. Kap’s Coffee Shop and Diner, situated along Albuquerque’s Central Avenue stretch of Route 66, has been feeding hungry travelers and returning locals since

146

Duke City restaurateur Nick Kapnison first opened the place back in 1968. For eats, Kap’s serves up a delightful assemblage of homestyle diner classics and essential New Mexican comfort food. “The carne adovada is just amazing,” says Kap’s manager Neta Dominguez. “Our chef starts making it in the morning and it cooks all day.” Elsewhere on the menu, they’ve got hearty morning staples like chicken fried steak and, well, chicken fried chicken, both served with a pair of eggs cooked to taste, a pile of perfectly crisp hash browns, and toast. Also worth noting: Kap’s has an absolutely A-grade pancake game — only here, they’re referred to as hot cakes. These golden-brown, griddle-cooked flapjacks land on your plate with all the

warmth and good cheer of a Norman Rockwell painting. But more importantly, slathered in butter and syrup, these fluffy cakes are just plain good to eat. Kap’s, in short, is an excellent place to go if you just want a great meal. But for a great meal that carries with it all the fuzzy goodness of your fondest memories of the good ole days, it just can’t be beat. —ZB

KAP’S COFFEE SHOP & DINER 5801 Central Ave NE #1701 232-9658 kapscoffeeshopanddiner.com

WWW.ABQTHEMAG.COM | OCTOBER 2021

DISH

Uncle T’s offers sangwiches prepared with scratch-made ingredients and lots of love.

Stripes Biscuits & Burritos has a winning combo of American and New Mexican breakfast staples.

he line between biscuits and burritos isn’t as winding as one might think. Sure, they come from different culinary traditions, but both have managed to find a way onto a short list of American breakfast staples. At Stripes Biscuits & Burritos (on Academy, just east of Wyoming), the aim—be it biscuit or burrito—is always to serve up delicious food. Though the burrito operation has come to dominate the Albuquerque chain’s geographic footprint, things got started with biscuits. Gary Hines had just wrapped up his time at Twisters, which he helped found in 1998, and was looking to try something a little different—and give

back to the community in the process, donating 15 percent of earnings to the local Veterans Affairs Hospital. Partnering with Victor Sanchez, he launched Stripes Biscuit Co. on Gibson, just outside the borders of Kirtland Air Force Base. Burritos joined the company repertoire as a matter of morning appetite. Early risers Sanchez and Hines were out scouting for a second location when a burrito hankering struck. Inspired, they pondered the possibility of giving the burrito business a spin—albeit with the care and attention they’d lavished on their biscuits. Stripes Burrito Co. was born. For burritos, Stripes offers an 18-op-

OCTOBER 2021 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

on toasted sourdough. “We make an amazing Cuban,” says Ellison. “We call it the Havana Press.” Here, slow roasted mojo pork sits atop carved black forest ham with a carefully sliced complement of Swiss cheese, delivered on local bread from Sergio’s Bakery. —ZB

UNCLE T’S SANGWICHES 1520 Deborah Rd SE, Suite O, Rio Rancho 404-9345 allthesangwiches.com

PHOTO BY T.CHERRY/ATM

explaining how an emphasis on quality ingredients and scratch-made recipes helps push Uncle T’s approach to the classic—and otherwise familiar—handheld. Renovating an 1800-square-foot space off Deborah Rd, Ellison and Montoya set about assembling a menu filled with unbeatable sandw...excuse us...sangwiches. A Big Ole BLT sports strips of applewood smoked bacon with vine ripened tomatoes, romaine lettuce, and a dose of creamy mayonnaise on sourdough. On the Dirty Bird, house roasted and hand carved turkey pairs with Wisconsin cheddar, applewood smoked bacon, tomatoes, spring mix, green chile, and mayonnaise

tion lineup of hearty handheld eats, ticking off everything from carne adovada and chicharron with fresh scrambled eggs and papitas for breakfast, to corned beef and chipotle chicken with fresh cut papitas and cheese for lunch. For biscuits (available only at the Academy location) classic combos like the Alpha offer the savory, homestyle delights of sausage and biscuits, while the Charlie explores new territory with Stripes’ signature Biscuit French Toast under a housemade sausage patty and maple syrup. Not content to do two things very well, Stripes has also expanded into the chicken sandwich game. Here, 100 percent breast meat is buttermilk fried, carefully seasoned to the right New Mexico kick, and complemented with Stripes’ house green chile ranch. “It’s fresh,” says Sanchez. “You order it, we’re putting it in the fryer.” —ZB

STRIPES BISCUITS & BURRITOS 8050 Academy Rd NE (plus four other locations for burritos) 835-5214 stripesco.com

PHOTO BY DON JAMES/ATM

irst off, let’s make something clear. That’s not a misspelling or a typo. It’s just the name. Etymologically speaking, “sangwiches” and “sandwiches” are the same thing. Both are the product of a landed British gambling addict refusing to leave the gaming table and a centuries long, multiple continent spanning habit of mashing up consonants willy-nilly within the English language. But on the ground, things are a little different. Practically speaking, a sandwich is food served between bread. A sangwich, meanwhile, is the artful, elevated, uber-delicious food served between bread that you get at Rio Rancho’s Uncle T’s. “Our grandmother used to make us sandwiches when we were little, and that’s what she always called them,” says Clinton Ellison, who founded and runs Uncle T’s Sangwiches with chef Thomas Montoya. “When our grandma handed us a sandwich, you could tell it was made with love.” The basic business model is simple and straightforward: open a sandwich shop, but make sure the sandwiches are really, really good. “We take a really culinary approach to our sandwiches,” says Ellison,

147

THE

VINE

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

Ted O’Hanlan, head brewer at Bow & Arrow Brewing Company.

BREWS AND MIXES GET TO KNOW YOUR BREWER Dabbling in several career fields would lead Ted O’Hanlan on the path of becoming a head brewer. Working in information technology was lackluster and being part of the food industry to become a chef drove him to the realization that a job in the culinary field was not what he wanted to do after all. But the long hours on his feet in the kitchen and his hobby of homebrewing beer would determine

148

O’Hanlan’s fate. It was the foot in the door he needed to make his way into the brewing industry where he would meet two head brewers from different North Carolina breweries. The brewers took O’Hanlan under their wings and taught him the ropes. Between the two breweries, O’Hanlan learned a classical style of brewing beer and a free form, experimental brewing style that incorporated locally grown ingredients. “I was ready to take the next step in becoming a brewer,” says O’Hanlan. “I had been doing a job hunt for a while when I

came across (a post by Shyla Sheppard, Bow & Arrow Brewing Co. founder and CEO)… It sounded like what they were wanting to do (was) similar to what I wanted, somewhat classically styled beers, local ingredients when possible.” O’Hanlan was hired as Bow & Arrow’s head brewer in 2017. “We’re very much focused on trying to be a Southwestern brewery,” says O’Hanlan. “… I don’t think at the point (I started as brewer) that there was a strong contingent of people who were trying to do something unique in this market or not so

WWW.ABQTHEMAG.COM | OCTOBER 2021

PHOTO BY DON JAMES/ATM

FROM

THE

VINE

COURTESY IMAGE

FROM

Weekly mixology and wine classes are held in the Mill Room at Sawmill Market

much unique in this market, but trying to be something uniquely Southwestern.” O’Hanlan credits Sheppard and Missy Begay, co-founder and creative director, with creating their own niche in the brewery scene that is inspired by their indigenous backgrounds. Part of this means using locally grown and produced ingredients to create their beers including blue corn grown on Santa Ana Pueblo, sumac berries, and foraged items such as Navajo tea, Morman tea, and hops. “Shyla and Missy went and foraged wild neomexicanus hops,” says O’Hanlan. “So that’s really exciting. And that’s kind of a big emerging thing right now in the brewing industry is they’re using neomexicanus. There’s a few hop growers that are growing it. And it’s becoming a very big subject in hop breeding for major hop breeding programs because they’re finding it to be very drought resistant.” O’Hanlan’s current focus is to grow the production side of Bow & Arrow and expand the company. The brewery opened a taproom in Farmington in August. “It is a scaled down version of what we have here,” O’Hanlan explains. “It’s quite

a bit smaller but it looks really sleek and also has a classic Southwest and a little bit of modern design involved in it. (I am) really glad to have another avenue to sell beer in a different part of the state, sort of a fairly underserved part. There’s two very good breweries already in Farmington but there aren’t any other taprooms from Albuquerque up there… “We felt like that was a wide open market and it’s been doing well for us.” Plans to open the taproom sooner were diverted due to the pandemic. Things not only changed for the Farmington location, but also back at the mothership in Albuquerque. “We kind of had to roll with it and like a lot of breweries throughout the country we decided to invest in packaging,” says O’Hanlan. “That’s when we bought the canning line and it’s been quite transformative for our business. We sell a majority of our beer in cans now, in 16-ounce four packs, through the taproom as well as wholesale by the case. That’s been really a large part of our growth. We’ve had an opportunity for a while for trying to produce high quality product and we’ve always

OCTOBER 2021 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

had a strong brand and I think packaging has been great for us.”

SAWMILL MARKET MIXOLOGY CLASS Make your next dinner party one to remember not only for the food but for the drink with the help of a master mixologist and a certified sommelier who will teach you how to shake up the best cocktails and select the best wines to complement any dish. Sawmill Market is hosting weekly mixology classes every Wednesday in its large Mill Room. Participants will learn step by step how to create various cocktails under the direction of Michael Trujillo, director of mixology and spirits education at Southern Glazer’s Wine and Spirits. Bartending tools will be provided so participants can follow along in real time with Trujillo as he creates interesting and invigorating cocktails. Trujillo will switch off every other week with colleague and sommelier Tomas Acosta, who will provide insight on Old World and New World wines and what

149

FROM

THE

VINE

COURTESY IMAGES

Sadie’s Classic Margarita is now available in ready to drink cans.

foods pair well with each. The courses provide background and sometimes historical information on the featured wines and spirits that are the focus of the class. Some of the lessons have featured tapas and other bites prepared by Christian A. Monchâtre, corporate chef at Heritage Hotels & Resorts. There is plenty planned for October including “Wicked Halloween Mixology” on Oct. 6, “Chocolate and Vino — Featuring Eldora Chocolate” on Oct. 13, “Horror Movie Mixology” on Oct. 20 and “Dark, Deep and Bold Red Wine Tasting” on Oct. 27. The classes are $30 and take place from 6 to 8 p.m. every Wednesday and vary in theme each week. A schedule of classes can be found at sawmillmarket.com/happenings. Sawmill Market hopes to expand on the classes and utilize its demo kitchen for culinary classes, chef demonstrations,

150

and chef cooking classes with chefs from around the state. It also has plans to possibly bring in brewers, bartenders and growers and showcase the best that New Mexico has to offer.

SADIE’S CLASSIC MARGARITA Sadie’s of New Mexico has found a way to can one of its most popular items on the menu. Its Classic Margarita is now available in 12-ounce cans and is ready to drink as soon as you pop the top. However, Sadie’s owner Brian Stafford recommends making the best of the sweet and tart libation by pouring it over ice and getting a couple cocktails out of the can. The Classic Margarita is a blend of premium tequila imported from Mexico with fresh lime juice and a hint of orange flavor from triple sec liqueur. The idea to can its Classic Margarita has

been circulating for about five years and Stafford pushed to bring the concept to fruition when the COVID-19 pandemic hit. “We saw this opportunity to come out

WWW.ABQTHEMAG.COM | OCTOBER 2021

with a margarita and I pushed my team hard and they really worked their butts off to put this out and we launched it (in July)and, oh my God, we’ve been a little bit overwhelmed. The purchase orders that are coming in are more than we could produce right now but we’re catching up and it’s a good problem to have.” Stafford credits Michael Trujillo, Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits director of mixology and spirits education, for the idea to make Sadie’s Classic Margarita available as a ready to drink cocktail in a can. The idea took a while to come to fruition due to the lack of businesses, including local breweries, that had the ability to can the product. “They would say ‘you know what, we’re barely keeping up with our own production right now,’” says Stafford. “Most of them weren’t taking on any new projects. They were interested in it. They thought it was a good idea but it just with things that happen during the pandemic.” There are plans to can other styles of Sadie’s margaritas. One possibility is its popular Silver Coin Margarita. “We do have plans on probably coming out with something else here in the future,” Stafford says. “We’re always trying to stay fresh and come out with new products… Some products take off and some don’t. We feel this margarita had taken off and gotten some legs.” The recent change in New Mexico liquor laws will soon allow for delivery of the canned Classic Margarita with a food order. For now, the Sadie’s Classic Margarita cans are available at Smith’s, Costco, Albertsons, Total Wine, Kelly Liquors, Jubilation Wine & Spirits, Lowe’s Markets. Where to buy and other information can be found at sadiescocktails.com.—RM

OCTOBER 2021 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

151

FROM

THE

VINE

SPIRIT SPOTLIGHT

vibrant

vegetal

spice

tart

PHOTO BY DON JAMES/ATM

During the uncertainty of the pandemic when distilleries had to temporarily close their doors to the public, Safe House took the time to age and develop its products. In fact, it tripled its gin production. Its high desert gin, Lock Pick, which features local and internationally sourced botanicals is the heart of one of its most popular cocktails, Botanist’s Dilemma. Tasting room manager Nohelani Ader says she cannot take full credit for the cocktail but does accept kudos for refining the recipe. The base of the cocktail had been created by a previous lead bartender and Ader took it upon herself to shake things up a bit with a spin of her own. “And I was like you know what I don’t want to fully change it just because there’s a lot of people who love it, but something where it’s what can I do to make it better,” says Ader. “So, it was a great cocktail before and it’s a better cocktail now.” Ader took the normal house salad mix and added red cabbage to it to create a pink hue. “When you add acid to it, lime juice specifically, it turns a bright pink, like extremely vibrant,” she says. “It’s insane what it does. Science is really cool.” She also replaced the celery bitters with something that had more of kick. She added some black pepper and plenty of coriander to spice things up. “It’s really cool how much one idea of something and another person could kind of twist it a little bit just to make it pop even more,” says Ader. “It’s really awesome.”—RM

Botanist’s Dilemma, $11 Safe House Distilling Co. 616 Gold Ave SW 318-0150, safehousedistilling.com

152

WWW.ABQTHEMAG.COM | OCTOBER 2021

PHOTO BY REECE MARTINEZ/ATM

BOTANIST’S DILEMMA

DISH

for Success

with

Kelly Porter Nap Time Baker

154

I’ve gotten pretty efficient over the years so I can make pretty good use of my time.” Her love for baking came at an early age. Growing up, Porter’s family had an apple orchard. When the family was not working the orchard, her mother would be baking. Making confections would resonate in Porter and she would carry on the tradition as an adult. It would be her calling. “I’ve always wanted to find my artistic abilities because everyone in my family is really great at drawing and my dad’s an architect and all these really cool talents,” says Porter. “And I thought, gosh I’ve got to have something. And it wasn’t until my husband said “you know your baking is like artistry” and I realized that I could express myself through my baking.” Porter rarely picks up a cookbook. Instead she refers to recipes from her childhood and recipes she has accumulated from friends. She will research online whatever she does not have instructions for or needs to perfect including macaroons. “Macaroons are the princess of all cookies I think,” says Porter. “They’re pretty needy and so it’s taken me a really long time to get the hang of macaroons so that was definitely a lot of research and trial and error.” Iced sugar cookies are Porter’s go-to when it comes to gift giving, parties, or the holidays.

“I love it because it combines recipes from both mine and my husband’s families,” says Porter. “It’s my go to for gift giving for teachers, friends, holidays, etc. Plus, I can make them festive and different for any occasion. (It’s) truly a happy cookie.” Porter does not currently take orders for her baked goods but hopes to change that one day. “I joke that if I have a bakery it would be called ‘You Get What You Get’ and it would just not even be orders, but I would make what I wanted to make and if people wanted to buy it they would come and buy it,” she says. “Then you don’t get tired of making the same thing over and over again.”—RM

WWW.ABQTHEMAG.COM | OCTOBER 2021

PHOTOS BY DON JAMES/ATM

hen Kelly Porter became pregnant, her life changed. Little did she know she would become the caretaker of not only her child but several other children at the same time. Porter, who was a teacher for three years with Mountainair Public Schools, left her education career to become a fulltime caregiver to children ranging in age from three months to school age. “(My husband and I) were looking for childcare and realized I would be working to pay for childcare,” says Porter. “And so, we said maybe I’ll stay at home and we won’t have to pay for childcare. And then I had a couple of friends who had babies at that same time and they said if you’re staying home why don’t you watch our kids?” Porter’s son is now 12 years old. Within that time, Porter has cared for more than 30 children. “It is (a lot of work) but I’ve got a routine down and I’ve got a great support system with my husband and he helps out a lot,” says Porter. “And then our kids are older now so they help out and have fun with it as well. It’s definitely a good little network of helpers that I have.” Porter’s time may be spread thin but she makes the most out of naptime and turns into a stay at home pastry chef making everything from sugar cookies to macaroons. “As soon as naptime hits that’s when I’m baking and frosting,” says Porter. “If I’m making a whole bunch of cookies, that usually takes me a couple naptimes. But

DISH

Sugar Cookies Ingredients

Directions

4 cups flour 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 cup shortening 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon vanilla 1 cup sugar 2 eggs, beaten 1/3 cup milk

Combine dry ingredients and work in shortening with a pastry cutter (as you would for pie crust). In a separate bowl, mix together sugar, milk, eggs and vanilla. Add dry ingredients to the wet, and mix until just combined. Roll on a lightly floured surface to desired thickness and use shapes/cutters of choice. Bake on parchment lined sheets at 375 degrees. Check at 6 min, but may take longer depending on thickness and size of cookies. Cookies should be just turning brown at the edges when you remove them from the oven.

Icing Recipe 2 cups sifted powder sugar 1/4 teaspoon almond extract 2 Tablespoons of milk *add more milk to desired consistency

OCTOBER MONTH 20XX 2021| |ALBUQUERQUE ALBUQUERQUETHE THEMAGAZINE MAGAZINE

Cool completley and have some fun decorating!

155

156

WWW.ABQTHEMAG.COM | OCTOBER 2021

CODES HOW TO SCAN: Open, Aim + Tap WEBSITE

Open the camera on your phone

Aim it at the Flowcode

Tap the banner that appears

Cinnamon

Sugar & Spice Café

BREAKFAST, LUNCH & DESSERT

slatestreetbilliards.com

flyingstarcafe.com

cinnamoncafeabq.com

casa-taco.com

OCTOBER 2021 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

garciaskitchen.com

sadiesofnewmexico.com

selflane.com/bizs/ central-grill-and-coffeehouse_albuquerque_nm

chocglitzandcream.com

157

christymaes.com

frostgelato.com

churchstreetcafe.com

frontierrestaurant.com

goldenprideabq.com

glazedgrinders.com

highanddrybrewing.com

jimmyscafeonjefferson.com/

starrbrothersbrewing.com/

theshopabq.com

158

savoyabq.com

Local Love is about putting you in touch with the chefs, restaurateurs, bakers, coffee roasters, and brewers who make the Duke City undeniably delicious. Scan a code with the camera on your phone or mobile device and follow the prompts to learn more about individual establishments.

celinasbiscochitos.com

WWW.ABQTHEMAG.COM | OCTOBER 2021

mariospizzaabq.com

mynewmexicogolf.com

steelbenderbrewyard.com

thegrovecafemarket.com

2foolstavern.com

whisperingbean.com

quartercelticbrewpub.com

tomasitas.com

zincabq.com

tullysdeli.com/the-italian-bakery

tullysdeli.com

seasonsabq.com

To be included in

Local Love QR Codes

Contact: advertising@abqthemag.com or call us at: 505-842-1110 OCTOBER 2021 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

curryleafrestaurant.us

rudysbbq.com/location/

159

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, 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 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 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.

66 DINER

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

ABC CAKE SHOP

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

ALICEA’S NY BAGELS & SUBS

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

AMADEO’S PIZZA AND SUBS

1830 San Pedro Dr. NE 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.

585 Osuna Rd. NE plus 2 other metro locations 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.

THE ACRE

AMERASIA-SUMO SUSHI

4410 Wyoming Blvd. NE 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, 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 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.

160

800 3rd St. NW 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 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, 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, 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, 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 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 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 CAFÉ

$$$

424 Central Ave. SE 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 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 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 | OCTOBER 2021

BITES GRANDMA’S WARM TREAT

Trombino’s Tuscan chicken sausage and orzo soup is a family recipe that dates back well before the inception of the popular Northeast Heights restaurant. “Every weekend back when I was growing up, we would go down to visit grandma and grandpa, and they lived way out in the country outside of Chicago,” says owner Ray Trombino. “…Every Sunday my grandma would cook …Some of the Sundays she would make this soup.” The tradition has carried on to the present day, where the soup is available in a cup ($3.99) or a bowl ($5.99). It’s typically enjoyed as an appetizer, but some diners can make a meal out of the bowl.

In addition to the orzo, which is rice-shaped pasta, the soup comes with three different types of beans — cranberry, garbanzo and canellini, the latter of which are imported from Italy. Trombino says the soup comes with a little bit of kick as well, though that can depend on the palate of the consumer. “It is a little bit spicy,” he says. “People really enjoy it.” —TC Trombino’s Bistro Italiano 5415 Academy Rd NE 821-5974, bistroitaliano.com

AZUMA SUSHI & TEPPAN

Tuscan Chicken Sausage & Orzo Soup, $3.99 cup, $5.99 bowl

4701 San Mateo Blvd. NE plus 1 other metro location 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 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.

BACKSTREET GRILL

1919 Old Town Rd. NW 842-5434, backstreetgrillot.com/home Originally a test outlet for local palates in a tourist mecca (Old Town), word spread fast about the Baja-inspired tacos and creative New Mexicanpeppered dishes (check out the gumbo). This locale is expansive, great for families, and the patio hosts music and dancing on weekends.

BARELAS COFFEE HOUSE

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

BASIL LEAF VIETNAMESE RESTAURANT $$

1225 Eubank Blvd. NE 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!

BEN MICHAEL’S RESTAURANT

2404 Pueblo Bonito Ct. NW, 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. 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 doublemeat, double-cheese beauty—intimidate you. And, don’t forget to save room for that vanilla ice-cream shake.

BLACK BIRD SALOON

28 Main St., Cerillos, 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.

OCTOBER 2021 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

BLACK MESA COFFEE COMPANY

PHOTO BY T.CHERRY/ATM

“It’s basically a chicken broth with spices and herbs that go into the chicken sausage (to) flavor it,” Trombino says. “We grind our own chicken and make our own sausage meat to put in it.”

Albuquerque International Sunport 220 Sunport Blvd. SE, 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 771-0695, bladesbistro.com Owner and chef Kevin Bladergroen’s restaurant offers a culinary journey from his 30-plus years of experience in restaurants across the country and Europe, serving up steak and seafood with a twist.

BLAKE’S LOTABURGER

3806 Montgomery Blvd. NE plus 30 other metro locations 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.

161

BITES BOCADILLOS $

200 Lomas Blvd. NW, Suite 110 243-3995, 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 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 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 $$$

BURRITOS ALINSTANTE

BUDAI GOURMET CHINESE

CAFE 6855

400 Central Ave. SW 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.

6300 San Mateo Blvd. NE, Suite H-1 797-7898, 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.

6855 4th St. NW, 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.

BURGER BOY

CAFÉ BELLA COFFEE

THE BURRITO LADY

CAFÉ CUBANO

12023 New Mexico 14, 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, 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 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.

2115 Golf Course Rd. SE 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.

At Laru Ni Hati Salon 3413 Central Ave. NE 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?

B e skte n

C h i cn g s

Wi s 2 yaeraorw! in

WINNER

2003 Southern Blv d . SE , Su i te 1 3 9 | Ri o Ra nch o

505. 99 4 . 0 3 63 | S LA T E S T R E E T B ILLIA R D S .C O M 162

WWW.ABQTHEMAG.COM | OCTOBER 2021

CAFÉ LUSH

LA BAREN RESTAURANT

CAKE FETISH

700 Tijeras Ave. NW 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 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 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 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

3120 Central Ave. SE 639-5214, canvas-artistry.com Specializing in international street food with a local twist, expect seasonally rotating artsy fare made with local produce, daily and weekly specials, and art to boot. A great late-night spot with live spinning DJs featuring different genres each night.

CASA DE BENAVIDEZ

CASA TACO

8032 4th St. NW, 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 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

6601 4th St NW, Albuquerque, NM | davesvalleygrill.com | (505) 639-5807

t breakfas

’ n i n mor

tacos

7-10am

230 6th St. SW, 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.

s! 10136 coors blvd nw || 505-890-7113

2 location OCTOBER 2021 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

2321 carlisle blvd nE || 505-884-4000

visit

RUDYS.COM 163

BITES

CLASSIC MEETS MODERN

Grigliata Mista translates to “mixed grill” in Italian, and while the dish often includes a blend of meats and vegetables, the M’Tucci’s Italian version ($8) caters to the vegetarian audience. “You see a lot of people do antipasti where they’ve got the different vegetables and stuff like that. This one takes it to the next level by grilling it,” says M’Tucci’s chef/partner Cory Gray. “Being able to bring a classic dish and bring it to the table and it be appealing to everybody, I think that’s what makes it special.” Fresh, high-quality ingredients are integral to making the M’Tucci’s Grigliata Mista a success, including a specially-marinated and roasted Portobello mushroom — which can act as a meat substitute — along with red bell peppers, artichokes, asparagus and a pesto aioli. The finishing touch is a garlic polenta, which Gray says is made the “classic way.”

PHOTO BY T.CHERRY/ATM

“And then we turn around and take that and put it on a sheet pan and make cakes out of it. So then we bake it off, pull some of the moisture out and let it (tighten) up,” Gray says. “Then we take that and we grill it, so it gets that nice caramelization on the corn and gets a little char flavor too going on it.” The final product is inevitably a hit. “It’s definitely a crowd pleaser,” Gray says. “We sell a ton of them too.” —TC M’Tucci’s Italian (and two other locations) 6001 Winter Haven Rd NW 503-7327, mtuccis.com/italian

CENTRAL GRILL & COFFEE HOUSE

2056 Central Ave. SW 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 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

CHEBA HUT

5300 Lomas Blvd. NE 256-8017, cesarsmexicanandgreek.com Both the drive-thru and the dining room at Cesar’s are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. On the Mexican menu, try the No. 15, a chile rellenos plate. Popular Greek items include the No. 64 Gyros sandwich and the No. 78 Chicken pita sandwich. 115 Harvard Dr. SE plus 1 other metro location 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.

164

Grigliata Mista, $8

CHEESE AND COFFEE

2679 Louisiana Blvd. NE plus 1 other metro location 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 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.

CHOCGLITZ & CREAM

CHRISTY MAE’S RESTAURANT

10660 Unser Blvd. NW 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 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 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

5809 Juan Tabo Blvd. NE plus 1 other metro location 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 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, 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.

WWW.ABQTHEMAG.COM | OCTOBER 2021

CONCHITA’S CAFÉ

400 Gold Ave. SW, Ste 119 339-6774, 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, 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 897-1036 cbbistro.com Brews from all over the region make this Corrales bistro a must-visit for the affordable fare, killer atmosphere, and music seven days a week.

THE COUNTY LINE BBQ

CRACKIN’ CRAB

9600 Tramway Blvd. NE 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 433-4611, crackincrababq.com Their headline seafood boils are super customizable, allowing you to choose from a trio of house combinations or mix and match your own selection of crab, lobster, mussels, scallops, clams, or shrimp by the pound.

CRAVIN’ COOKIES AND MORE

10420 4th St. NW 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 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 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.

OCTOBER 2021 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

165

BITES CURRY LEAF

6910-C Montgomery Blvd. NE 881-3663, curryleafrestaurant.us Curry Leaf is the only restaurant in New Mexico to offer both North and South India cuisine. This means that, while you can get familiar favorites like tandoori chicken, you can also explore the world of chicken chettinad and dosas—a type of crepe made with fermented lentil and rice flour, filled with stuffing like potato, spiced vegetables, or ground lamb.

THE DAILY GRIND

4360a Cutler Ave. NE 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.

DELICIAS CAFÉ

6001 San Mateo Blvd. NE, 830-6561 Named after the city in Chihuahua, Mexico, Delicias delivers traditional fare of the region, like caldo de res (beef stew), gorditas, carnitas, flautas, and horchata.

DG’S DELI

1418 Dr Martin Luther King Jr Ave. NE 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.

166

D.H. LESCOMBES WINERY & BISTRO

$$$

901 Rio Grande Blvd. NW 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 345-4900, dionspizza.com Launched in 1978, Dion’s aims to keep your wallet and tummy full with build-your-own pizzas, gourmet pizzas, slices, salads, and subs. The ranch and Greek dressings are homemade from secret recipes, and everything on the menu is tried and true.

DOG HOUSE DRIVE IN

1216 Central Ave. SW, 243-1019 An ABQ landmark since the 1940s, the eat-inyour-car Dog House serves grilled footlongs and halflongs topped with red chile, cheese, onions, and more. Enjoy your dog with a side of chili-cheese fries and a thick shake.

DONUT MART

4501 Montgomery Blvd. NE plus 1 other metro location 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, 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 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 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.

WWW.ABQTHEMAG.COM | OCTOBER 2021

BITES EAST OCEAN CHINESE SEAFOOD RESTAURANT $$

3601 Carlisle Blvd. NE 889-9315, eastoceanalbq.com East Ocean Chinese Seafood Restaurant was the first of its kind in Albuquerque. Most dishes are served family style and are made fresh to order. Those looking for traditional Chinese dishes should try the Roast Duck. Seafood eaters will enjoy the Honey Crispy Walnut Shrimp.

EL BRUNO’S RESTAURANTE Y CANTINA

EL PATIO DE ALBUQUERQUE

142 Harvard Dr. SE plus 1 other metro location 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

8806 4th St. NW, 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.

10551 Montgomery Blvd. NE plus 1 other metro location 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 CAMINO DINING ROOM

EL PINTO

6800 4th St. NW, 344-0448 Those with a bottomless appetite might meet their match with any of El Camino’s breakfast burrito options. These plate-sized behemoths are filled with eggs, hashbrowns or home-fries, and your choice of meat, then smothered in red or green chile.

EL COTORRO

111 Carlisle Blvd. NE 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.

$$$

10500 4th St. NW, 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, 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, elsarapeabq.com Specializing in authentic food from all regions of Mexico, you can count on dishes such as nopalitos (cactus sautéed with onions, tomatoes, and garlic), fresh salsa, burritos, chile rellenos, and seafood specials with shrimp, oysters, calamari, and fish.

ELOY’S NEW MEXICAN RESTAURANT $

1508 Wyoming Blvd. NE, 293-6018 Opening 36 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.

EMBER’S STEAK & SEAFOOD

$$$

11000 Broadway Blvd. SE 244-8288, isleta.com Whether you are dining inside or al fresco on the rooftop patio, Ember’s boasts some of Albuquerque’s most beautiful 180-degree views of the Bosque, making for the perfect setting to catch the sunset next to the warmth of the glowing fire pits.

FANO BREAD COMPANY

4605 McLeod Rd, NE 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.

Albuquerque’s Only Authentic Irish Pub Enjoy the best Fish & Chips this side of the Pond, along with a perfectly poured Guinness or sample New Mexico’s most extensive Scotch Whisky.

3211 CENTRAL AVE. NE • 505.265.7447 • WWW.2FOOLSTAVERN.COM OCTOBER 2021 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

167

BITES FAN TANG

FARM & TABLE

$$$

FAREAST FUZION SUSHI BAR & LOUNGE

5901 Central Ave. NE, 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.

THE FARMACY

FARINA ALTO PIZZERIA & WINE BAR $$

FIESTA’S MEXICAN RESTAURANT & CANTINA

3523 Central Ave. NE 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.

10721 Montgomery Blvd. NE 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 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.

168

8917 4th St. NW 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, 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.

4400 Carlisle Blvd. NE, 881-0478 Fiesta’s Restaurant & Cantina has been familyowned and operated since 1986, making it an Albuquerque go-to for quality New Mexican cuisine. With its family dining area, outdoor patio, lively bar and banquet room, Fiesta’s has something for everyone.

FLIX BREWHOUSE

3258 La Orilla Rd. NW, B-1 445-8500, flixbrewhouse.com Flix is a one-of-a-kind concept; a movie theater that serves full meals and an in-house brewed beer menu in its stadium-seating “dining rooms.” The dream is real, Albuquerque–you can catch the latest blockbuster in theaters while knocking back a pint and having dinner brought to you.

FLYING STAR CAFÉ

FORQUE KITCHEN AND BAR

FORK & FIG

8001 Menaul Blvd. NE plus 5 other metro locations 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 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 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

500 4th St. NW, #106, 245-7662 Delicious chai, coffee, sandwiches, salads, and occasional East-Indian specials conveniently located in the old Bank of America building downtown.

WWW.ABQTHEMAG.COM | OCTOBER 2021

BITES

ROBUST AND MAGNIFICENT

In its usual form, fried calamari is already a staple of appetizer menus everywhere — including at Joe’s Pasta House. However, owners Joe and KC Guzzardi developed a tasty alternative based on their dining experience traveling through Europe. “Most of the time it’s fried and served with a side of marinara. We wanted to create something more robust,” Joe Guzzardi says. “We decided to make it stand out.” The end result is the Mediterranean Calamari ($14.95), which is a blend of Italian and Greek flavors. In this instance, the fried calamari is served with warm feta cheese, sauteed red onions, artichoke hearts, capers and Kalamata olives in a lemon butter-sauce. It also comes with a side of pesto aioli. “My wife and I have traveled to Europe, to Italy, and we’ve seen similar dishes. Not so much in calamari, but seafood dishes that had very similar ingredients that were just so magnificent to the taste, especially for appetizers to really open up your palate,” Joe Guzzardi says. PHOTO BY T.CHERRY/ATM

The customer base at Joe’s Pasta House has been appreciative of the different take on a familiar favorite. “It’s a ‘wow’ reaction, which is what we were looking for,” Joe Guzzardi says. “People that do try it usually come back for it ... It’s a fun appetizer.” —TC Joe’s Pasta House 3201 Southern Blvd SE, Rio Rancho 892-3333, joespastahouse.com

FRANK’S FAMOUS CHICKEN AND WAFFLES

Mediterranean Calamari, $14.95

400 Washington St. SE, 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 433-5911, frenchish.com Envisioned as a casual neighborhood restaurant, frenchish’s menu draws inspiration from an eclectic mix of French and Midwestern U.S. cuisines, with an active focus on clean, simple foods.

FRIENDS COFFEE & SANDWICH SHOP $

200 3rd St. NW 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 266-0550, frontierrestaurant.com Famous for its legendary Frontier Rolls, hot-offthe-iron tortillas, burgers, New Mexican favorites, hash browns, fresh-squeezed orange juice, and more, the Frontier is Albuquerque’s melting pot— it’s a guarantee you’ll see someone you know there.

GARCIA’S KITCHEN

2924 San Mateo NE plus 5 other metro locations 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

GOLDEN CROWN PANADERIA

921 San Pedro Dr. SE, 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.

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.

1103 Mountain Rd. NW, 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.

GECKO’S BAR AND TAPAS

GRASSBURGER $

10031 Coors Blvd. NW plus 1 other metro locations 880-0055, gardunosrestaurants.com

5801 Academy Rd. NE 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 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.

OCTOBER 2021 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

5600 Coors Blvd. NW, Ste C3 plus 1 other metro location 361-2368, eatgrassburger.com There’s a lot that sets the burger joint apart— including its community involvement, its vegan and gluten-free burger options, and its commitment to a no-corn syrup menu.

GREENSIDE CAFÉ

$$$

12165 NM-14, Cedar Crest 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.

169

BITES THE GRILL ON SAN MATEO

3300 San Mateo Blvd. NE, 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 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, 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 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.

170

HELLO DELI

HIBACHI ONE

7600 Jefferson St. NE 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 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 312-8519, highpointgrill.com Those perpetually on the hunt for the perfect burger will find plenty to love at High Point. With a foundation of 100-percent Akaushi, American Prime Wagyu beef, the burgers at High Point Grill are some of the city’s most popular. Its Southwest burger, for instance, features a red chile crusted patty, extra hot local green chile and cheddar cheese.

HIGH NOON RESTAURANT AND SALOON

$$$

425 San Felipe St. NW 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 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

HOT PINK THAI

HOT TAMALES

5809 Juan Tabo Blvd. NE, 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. 2626 San Pedro Dr. NE, 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. 1520 Rio Rancho Blvd. SE. Rio Rancho 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.

WWW.ABQTHEMAG.COM | OCTOBER 2021

HURRICANE’S CAFE

I SCREAM ICE CREAM

4330 Lomas Blvd. NE, 255-4248 With Route 66 serving as the city’s heart, it’s always good to hop over to a good ol’ fashioned diner. Pick out a classic dish, such as pancakes or omelets from the lengthy breakfast menu, or chow down on a burger, enchilada, or chicken fried steak. Of course, you can take a stab at the hearty Disaster Burrito, but you’d better make plenty of room if that’s on your agenda. 2000 Carlisle Blvd. NE, 268-0139 The cozy dessert shop is filled with toys, gadgets, board games, and—oh yeah—34 flavors of ice cream and 28 different toppings. Each scoop comes with a free mix-in, and there are fresh mini doughnuts available on weekends.

IL VICINO

3403 Central Ave. NE plus 2 other metro locations 266-7855, ilvicino.com Using wood ovens to bake its thin-crust pizzas, Il Vicino (which means “The Neighbor”) also offers hearty calzones and award-winning brews from its own brewery.

INDIAN PUEBLO KITCHEN

$$$

INDIGO CROW CAFÉ

$$$

2401 12th St. NW 724-3510, indianpueblo.org The Indian Pueblo Cultural Center is the perfect backdrop for the Native American-inspired cuisine prepared in the café, serving traditional and innovative dishes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Reservations are recommended. 4515 Corrales Rd. 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 250 890-4488, 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 plus 1 other metro location 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 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 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.

OCTOBER 2021 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

171

BITES

FUN PICK-UP

Arancini ($7) has been a staple of the Farina Alto menu since Day 1 — and for good reason. “We’ve had it on the menu since we opened. It’s always consistently good,” says co-owner Pat Keene. “It’s an easy pick up. You get it quickly. It’s a fun food to eat. It’s light, also. It sounds rich, but it doesn’t fill you up, so it’s a nice appetizer.” The dish begins with a classic risotto, an Italian rice cooked with chicken broth and sauteed onion, which is then cooled and made into a ball using fontina cheese. The risotto balls are then rolled in bread crumbs and deep fried while adding parmesan and pecorino romano to complete the threecheese effect. It’s then served with a chunky marinara sauce. It’s an appetizer that simply works well in a variety of dining situations, which is why it’s also offered at another Keene-family owned restaurant, Artichoke Cafe.

Farina Alto 10721 Montgomery Blvd NE 298-0035, farinaalto.com

JIMMY’S CAFÉ ON JEFFERSON

Arancini, $7

7007 Jefferson St. NE 341-2546 jimmyscafeonjefferson.com The menu here lists more than 100 items, most of them mouthwatering comfort foods: sandwiches, burgers, New Mexican dishes, handmade pizza, and breakfast served all day long.

JINJA BAR AND BISTRO

8900 Holly Ave. NE, B plus 1 other metro location 856-1413, jinjabistro.com Evoking a vintage ambiance, Jinja serves inspired and mouthwatering pan-Asian cuisine, such as Kung Pow Chicken (a Thai version of the Chinese favorite) and Home-Style Chicken Udon Wok Bowl.

JOE’S PASTA HOUSE

3201 Southern Blvd. SE 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.

KABAB HOUSE: AUTHENTIC PERSIAN CUISINE $

301 Cornell Dr. SE 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.

172

PHOTO BY T.CHERRY/ATM

“To start out a meal, it goes great with cocktails or a glass of wine,” she said. “It’s very shareable. You can eat it with a salad. We order it all the time when we go there and it’s just delicious, I think.” —TC

KAKTUS BREWING CO.

KATHY’S CARRY OUT

471 S Hill Rd, 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. 823 Isleta Blvd. SW, 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 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, 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 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 17 242-2808, 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 717-1361, lareformabrewery.com On the taco front, La Reforma is virtually unimpeachable, offering options like braised pork shoulder carnitas, tempura-battered white fish pescado, and rotisserie-broiled al pastor for carnivores, along with tempura-battered avocado (aguacate) for those looking for something plantbased.

LA SALITA

LAGUNA BURGER

1950 Juan Tabo Blvd. NE 299-9968, lasalita.com The name may mean “little room,” but this New Mexican restaurant always has a full house. The chile rellenos, chile con queso, sopaipillas, and shredded beef burrito (a Wednesday special) have earned loyal customers for 37 years. 2400 12th St. NW plus 2 other metro locations 352-8282, thelagunaburger.com Every half-pound burger is made fresh upon ordering, topped with Hatch green chile, and slipped on a butter-toasted bun made specifically for Laguna Burger by Sara Lee. Also on the menu: freshly-cut fries, foot-long chile cheese dogs, and zingy breakfast burritos.

WWW.ABQTHEMAG.COM | OCTOBER 2021

BITES THE LAST CALL

6261 Riverside Plaza Ln. NW, Ste A1 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 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 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, 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 293-7057, lechantillybakery.com This French-style bakery features breakfast pastries, muffins, strudel, cookies, and tarts—not to mention delicious quiche, croissants, sandwiches and cakes. Try homemade soups such as creamy chicken and artichoke, then satisfy your sweet tooth with a tower of chocolate decadence.

LE TROQUET

228 Gold Ave. SW 508-1166 www.abqfrenchrestaurant.com The Parisian bistro, open for lunch or dinner, offers classically simple French dishes made by Chef Jean Pierre Gozard. From Boeuf Bourguignon to quiche and delectable desserts, expect a tres bien atmosphere with a comprehensive wine list.

LEVEL 5 AT HOTEL CHACO

$$$

2000 Bellamah Ave. NW 318-3998, hotelchaco.com The food here needs be good, because first and foremost, it competes with the view. Like the name implies, Level 5 sits on the 5th floor of Hotel Chaco and offers a near-360 degree view of the city.

THE LIBRARY BAR & GRILL

LIMONATA ITALIAN STREET CAFÉ

312 Central Ave. SW 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 266-0607, limonatanobhill.com Channel your inner Italian at this street foodinspired café, where the breakfast and lunch menus feature perfect pastries, craveable cappuccino and trattoria-inspired lunches. The chef makes every dish from scratch and insists that everything about the restaurant, from the menu to the atmosphere, be done just as it would in Italy.

LINDY’S DINER

500 Central Ave. SW 242-2582, lindysdinerabq.com Lindy’s is a neighborhood joint, through and through. The sort of place where, even if they don’t know your name, you’ll feel like they do anyway. The owners recommend the Ultimate Burger for that classic American diner experience.

LITTLE BEAR COFFEE

2632 Pennsylvania St. NE 917-8902, littlebearcoffeeco.com Located near Uptown, Little Bear is not just serving up quality brew, but also providing an outpost for the neighborhood and coffee community.

LOS COMPADRES RESTAURANT

2437 Central Ave. NW 452-8091, compadresabq.com Family recipes like the No. 16 Taco Plate, tacos with carne y papas (beef and potatoes) and the restaurant’s Menudo, have kept locals coming back for more than 15 years.

LOS CUATES

8700 Menual Blvd. NE plus 2 other metro locations 237-2800, loscuatesrestaurants.com Popular since it opened over 25 years ago, Los Cuates serves its own ancho-chile salsa and tons of delicious New Mexican dishes in humongous portions.

LOYOLA’S FAMILY RESTAURANT

4500 Central Ave. SE, 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 343-0466, luigisitalianfood.com Enjoy more than 250 made-from-scratch Italian dishes, including pizza, chicken Florentine, spaghetti and meatballs, and green chile chicken lasagna.

M’TUCCI’S ITALIAN

6001 Winter Haven Rd. NW plus 2 other metro locations 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, 888-3611, macsnm.com Taquitas, 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 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.

OCTOBER 2021 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

MANZANO GRILLE AT THE CANYON CLUB AT FOUR HILLS $$ 911 Four Hills Rd. SE 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

MARISCOS ALTAMAR

MARY & TITO’S CAFÉ

MAY CAFÉ

MAZAYA CAFÉ

2401 San Pedro NE plus 3 other metro locations 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. 1517 Coors Blvd. NW plus 1 other metro location 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. 2711 4th St. NW 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 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 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.

MICHAEL THOMAS COFFEE ROASTERS $

202 Bryn Mawr Dr. SE plus 2 other metro locations 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 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.

173

Cast your BALLOTS

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

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

sept. 1 – oct. 1

ALBUQUERQUE’S HOT SINGLES

MONICA’S EL PORTAL RESTAURANT

MONROE’S RESTAURANT

321 Rio Grande Blvd. NW, 247-9625 Traditional New Mexican favorites make up the menu at this Old Town staple that has been around for 34 years. Monica’s roasts its own green chile, makes biscochitos from scratch and offers red chile straight from the pod. 6051 Osuna Rd. NE plus 1 other metro location 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, 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, 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

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

MUSTANG CAFÉ

NAGOMI RESTAURANT

NAMASTE

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

2100 Candelaria Rd. NE plus 1 other metro location 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.

11200 Montgomery Blvd. NE, 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.

TOP DOCS: VOTING BY DOCTORS ONLY

oct. 1 – nov. 1

MILLY’S $

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

T174 O NOMINATE AND VOTE, LOG ON TO ABQTHEMAG.COM

8601 Lomas Blvd. NE, 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. 2400 Juan Tabo Blvd. NE, 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 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.

BITES NARUTO $

2110 Central Ave. SE 369-1039, narutonoodle.com Who knew Ramen noodles could be so creative, so diverse, and so darn good. Naruto is reinventing the Ramen noodle with specialized dishes that can’t be found anywhere else in the city.

NEXUS BREWERY

4730 Pan American Fwy NE, Ste D plus 1 other metro location, 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.

NICK AND JIMMY’S RESTAURANT AND BAR

5021 Pan American Freeway NE 344-9169, nickandjimmysrestaurant.com Nick and Jimmy’s vision was a comfortable atmosphere with comfortable food. They blend traditional foods with new twists and serve everything from enchiladas to green chile meatloaf.

NOB HILL BAR AND GRILL

$$$

3128 Central Ave. SE 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.

NOMAD’S BBQ FOOD TRUCK 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 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 508-4439, ohanahut.com Family owned and operated Ohana Hut means “Family Hut.” It specializes in Hawaiian, Japanese, and Korean flavors to create an Asian fusion menu with a New Mexican twist.

OLD TOWN PIZZA PARLOR

108 Rio Grande Blvd. NW 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 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.

OCTOBER 2021 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

O’HARE’S GRILLE & PUB

O’NIELL’S PUB

4100 Southern Blvd. SE, Rio Rancho 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. 4310 Central Ave. SE plus 1 other metro location 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, 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. 4300 Central Ave. SE 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.

175

BITES THE OWL CAFÉ

800 Eubank Blvd. NE 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, 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

PEREA’S TIJUANA BAR

4590 Corrales Rd., 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 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.

1510 Girard Blvd. NE, 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.

PHO LINH

PAISANO’S ITALIAN RESTAURANT

1403 Girard Blvd. NE 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.

1935 Eubank Blvd. NE 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 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 292-8877, papafelipes.com Papa Felipe’s exceeds expectations by offering traditional New Mexican cuisine (enchiladas, stuffed sopaipillas, tacos) as well as simple twists on favorite dishes (green chile carne adovada, Tampico Tacos, Green Tamale Pie).

PAPA NACHOS

7648 Louisiana Blvd. NE 821-4900, papanachosfood.com Great homemade Mexican food based on tried-andtrue family recipes is the specialty here: burritos, fish tacos, and the namesake nachos will all make your panza happy.

PARS CUISINE

4320 The 25 Way NE, Ste 100 345-5156, 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, 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.

176

9100 Central Ave. SE 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 $$

PIZZA 9

4000 Louisiana Blvd. NE plus 12 other metro locations 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 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 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 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 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 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 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.

PRAIRIE STAR RESTAURANT

288 Prairie Star Rd. 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, 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, 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, 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 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.

WWW.ABQTHEMAG.COM | OCTOBER 2021

BITES

OCTOBER 2021 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

177

BITES THE RANGE CAFÉ

320 Central SE plus 5 other metro locations 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 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 299-0001, relishsandwichesabq.com It’s no wonder this sandwich shop has been voted “best” by publications throughout Albuquerque— it serves only the best Boar’s Head meats and all of their dishes are accompanied by homemade sides or soups. Try the Cubano. You won’t be disappointed.

RESTORATION PIZZA

ROMA BAKERY & DELI

501 Roma Ave. NW 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, 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 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

5161 Lang Ave. NE, Ste A 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.

840 Juan Tabo Blvd. Ste B 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.

RICHARD’S MEXICAN RESTAURANT $$

RUSTIC ON THE GREEN

3301 Menaul Blvd. NE, 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-2 312-8579, 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 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 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.

178

3600 Cutler Ave. NE 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 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 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 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

SAIGON RESTAURANT

2622 Central Ave. SE 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. 6001 San Mateo Blvd. D4, NE plus 1 other metro location 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 890-2838, abqsakurasushingrill.com Favorites at Sakura are the Stone Pot Bibimbap (which is cooked at the table in a stone pot), the Tiger Roll, the Short Rib, the Baked Lobster Roll, the Sushi Tacos, and the impressive list of sake imported from Japan.

SALATHAI $

3619 Copper Ave. NE, 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.

THE SALT YARD

6001 Osuna Rd. NE plus 1 other metro location 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 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 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, 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.

WWW.ABQTHEMAG.COM | OCTOBER 2021

BITES SAVOY BAR & GRILL

$$$

10601 Montgomery Blvd. NE 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 821-1885, scarpaspizza.com That brick oven is cornerstone to this neighborhood favorite, producing pizzas such as the shrimp pesto, the Greek, and the chipotle chicken. But Scarpas also knows pasta, including red chile cream pasta and pasta sorento with oak-roasted chicken.

SEARED $$

119 San Pasquale Ave. SW 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 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

SHARK REEF CAFÉ

2740 Wyoming Blvd. NE, Ste 8, 554-2602 Fresh, made-from-scratch cookies, donuts, breads, pastries, cakes, and cannoli are on the mouthwatering menu at this Italian bakery. 2601 Central Ave. NW, 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, 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, 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, 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

SPINN’S BURGER & BEER

SIXTY-SIX ACRES

SQUEEZED JUICE BAR

5500 San Mateo Blvd. NE, Ste 101 883-7334, 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. 2400 12th St. NW 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.

SLAPFISH $$

6400 Holly Ave. NE plus 1 other metro location 503-1645, slapfishrestaurant.com Have you ever had fish so fresh that it jumped up and tail slapped you in the face? Well, that’s the joke behind the very popular eatery, Slapfish, located in Holly Square. This fast casual gem has gained a great reputation for efficiency, service, flavor combos, and the freshness of their seafood.

SLATE STREET BILLIARDS

2003 Southern Blvd., Ste 139 994-0363, 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.

4411 Montaño Rd. NW 899-6180, spinnsrestaurant.com Every burger served at Spinn’s is made with never-frozen, fresh-ground Angus beef. Try the restaurant’s signature Armadillo Burger. Spinn’s fries are cut and fried when you order them. 7900 San Pedro NE, Ste A-12, plus 2 other metro locations, 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.

STEEL BENDER BREWYARD

8305 2nd St. NW 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.

ST. JAMES TEAROOM

$$$

320 Osuna Road NE, Ste D 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

5720 McMahon Blvd. Ste B 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.

STEVE’S ICE CREAM AND JAVA

SLICE PARLOR

STICKY RICE

7600 Jefferson St. SE, Ste 5, 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.

SLATE STREET CAFÉ

515 Slate Ave. NW, 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.

SLICE AND DICE PIZZERIA

9904 Montgomery Blvd. NE, plus 1 other metro location, 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 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.

OCTOBER 2021 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

5700 San Antonio Dr. NE, Ste B1 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. 323 Romero St. NW # 16, 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.

STORMING CRAB

STRAIGHT UP PIZZA

5001 San Mateo Blvd. NE 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 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.

179

BITES

180

WWW.ABQTHEMAG.COM | OCTOBER 2021

BITES STUFYS $

1107 Candelaria Rd. NW, plus 2 other metro locations 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 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

TAKO TEN

1250 Candelaria Rd. NE, Ste B 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 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.

9421 Coors Blvd. NW, plus 2 other metro locations 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.

TASTE OF INDIA

SUSHI XUAN

TEOFILOS $$

417 Tramway Blvd NE #3 200-2477, 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.

144 Main St. NW, Los Lunas 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.

SUSHIYA $$

2906 Juan Tabo Blvd. NE, Ste D 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

TAAJ PALACE

TACO SAL

1605 Juan Tabo Blvd. NE 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

THAI BORAN

3236 La Orilla Rd. NW 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

THAI KITCHEN

4201 Central Ave. NE 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. 10701 Corrales Rd. NW 890-0059, thaikitchenabq.com Art Xaiyasiha is one of two siblings who crafted one of the Duke City’s first great Thai restaurants, Siam Café. Thai Kitchen is his very own venture, featuring his takes on authentic dishes that taste “just like they do back home.”

THAI SPICE

7441 Paseo Del Norte NE 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.

3000 San Pedro Dr. NE 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. 1435 Eubank Blvd NE 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. 9621 Menaul Blvd. NE, 298-2210 This family-owned and operated restaurant offers tasty, traditional New Mexican (burritos, chile rellenos, enchiladas, tacos, huevos rancheros and more) with its very own chunky salsa, made with real green chile.

TAJ MAHAL CUISINE OF INDIA

1430 Carlisle Blvd. NE 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.

OCTOBER 2021 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

181

BITES THAI TIP RESTAURANT

1512 Wyoming Blvd. NE, Ste E, 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.

THAI VEGAN

5505 Osuna Rd. NE plus 1 other metro location 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 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

TIO DAVID’S

3409 Central Ave NE 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 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 $$

UPTOWN SPORTS BAR

TORTA WAY

URBAN HOTDOG COMPANY

400 Dolores Dr. NW 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.

3710 Campus Blvd. NE 492-2007, lawaffleriaabq.com You’ve never experienced waffles of this magnitude. A residential home-turned-restaurant, anticipate artisan flare (lavender whipped cream, goat cheese, and caramel apple toppings) and plenty of goods for vegans and celiacs.

TIA JUANITA’S

Albuquerque International Sunport 2200 Sunport Blvd. SE 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.

TINGLEY BEACH CAFÉ

1800 Tingley Dr. SW 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.

182

6400 Holly Ave. NE, Ste H 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.

TOMATO CAFÉ

TIA BETTY BLUE’S

TIA B’S LA WAFFLERIA

TWO BOYS DONUTS

TWO FOOLS TAVERN

7900 San Pedro Dr. NE 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.

905 36th Pl. SE, Rio Rancho 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.

4949 Pan American Fwy. NE 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.

14500 Central Ave. SW, Laguna Pueblo 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. 1248 San Mateo Blvd. SE 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.

TURTLE MOUNTAIN BREWING COMPANY $$

TROMBINO’S BISTRO ITALIANO

5415 Academy Rd. NE 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 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.

TULLY’S ITALIAN DELI

1425 San Mateo Blvd. NE 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.

3211 Central Ave. NE 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. 6601 Uptown Blvd. NE 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. 440 898-5671, 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 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

VICK’S VITTLES COUNTRY KITCHEN

VIET TASTE

3600 Osuna Rd. NE 341-9710, vicsdailycafe.com With a full range of breakfast items, New Mexican favorites, and comfort food, this is a one-stop shop for tasty options like breakfast burritos, meatloaf, and coconut cream pie. 8810 Central Ave. SE 298-5143, vicksvittles.com Rustle up your posse and head to Vick’s for heaping helpings of Texas-New Mexico fusion and breakfast served all day. Country comfort meets southwestern flair in an environment that welcomes suits and cowboys alike. Prepare to be stuffed. 5721 Menaul Blvd. NE, 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.

WWW.ABQTHEMAG.COM | OCTOBER 2021

BITES VIET PHO

4208 Menaul Blvd. NE, 717-2359 This Vietnamese-based cuisine restaurant offers a homey feel and Southeast Asian comfort food. Try the popular Beef Pho Soup or go for a lighter dish like the Shrimp Spring Rolls.

VILLAGE PIZZA

3200 La Orilla Rd. NW, E-2 plus 1 other metro location 219-3766, villagepizzanm.com Family owned and operated, Village Pizza offers salads, nachos, calzones, pasta, and of course, signature pizzas, along with an all-you-can-eat buffet.

VINAIGRETTE $$ 1828 Central Ave. SW 842-5507, vinaigretteonline.com

Getting in touch with your “green” side has never been as hip as it is at Albuquerque’s newest go-to salad bistro. Vinaigrette offers a menu full of unique salads made with fresh produce from owner Erin Wade’s farm in Nambè. Items like The Nutty Pear-Fessor and the Asian Chopped Salad don’t sacrifice deliciousness just because they’re healthy. Expect one of 17 vinaigrette dressings to be perfectly paired with your salad.

VINTAGE 423

8000 Paseo Del Norte Blvd. NE 821-1918, vintage-423.com

Decorated with plush booths, black and white photos of vintage cars, a glass wine cellar wall, and an outdoor patio with couches and fireplaces, Vintage 423 is a goto location for good eats and happy hour—all year long.

WECK’S $$

4500 Osuna Rd. NE, #100, plus 9 other metro locations, 344-1472, wecksinc.com For nearly 20 years, Weck’s has served up huge, tasty portions of breakfast and lunch. Examples: The Original comes with one pound of potatoes mixed with eggs, cheese, and chile; the “Scratch Made” Buttermilk Pancakes are more than seven inches wide.

YANNI’S MODERN MEDITERRANEAN $$

3109 Central Ave. SE 268-9250, yannisabq.com Impeccable Mediterranean cuisine paired with a fresh atmosphere that whisks you away to Grecian shores, you can always count on Yanni’s for savory spanakopita, perfect pasta, and other delicious treats. Reservations are recommended.

YASMINE’S CAFÉ

6411 Central Ave. NW, 836-2200 With a cozy diner feel and a long history, Western View is turning out plates of diner classics and New Mexican staples—finely seasoned with a sprinkling of Greek options—for diners hungry for both hearty home cooked meals and classic countertop service.

1600 Central Ave. SE, 242-1980 Yasmine’s is one of the few places in Albuquerque with shawarma—pitas filled with marinated chicken or beef that’s been pressed, stacked and cooked slowly on a rotisserie. Also try lamb and beef shish kababs, baba ghanoush, fatah, and four varieties of baklava.

WHICH WICH

THE YELLER SUB

WHOLE HOG CAFÉ

ZINC WINE BAR AND BISTRO

WESTERN VIEW

8110 Louisiana Blvd. NE plus 2 other metro locations 856-1617, whichwich.com A national brand with local twists, list your favorites on the bag and await a sammie that edges the competition. The UNM location is a student mainstay. 9880 Montgomery Blvd. plus 1 other metro location 323-1688, wholehogcafenm.com Get award-winning Memphis-style barbecue in a family-friendly atmosphere. Can’t-miss items include the pulled pork, potato salad, and the homemade banana pudding.

7200 Montgomery Blvd. NE 888-9784, yellersub.com Owner Mark Roerick has been perfecting his sandwiches since 1979 and the customer favorite, Steak & Grilled Onions Sub proves it. The potato chips, fries, and onion rings made from scratch the old-fashioned way sure won’t let you down.

$$$

3009 Central Ave. NE 254-9462, zincabq.com Imaginative, gourmet cuisine (think: duck confit eggrolls, chicken skewer salad, and pine nut spanakopita) and an out-of-this-world wine list meets a friendly, laid-back atmosphere at this Nob Hill favorite. Reservations are recommended.

ZORBA’S FINE GREEK CUISINE

11225 Montgomery Blvd. NE 323-2695, zorbasabq.com The family behind University area favorite, Olympia Café, have relocated their tasty homemade Greek food to the Northeast Heights. Try the Southwestern Gyros or the enduring customer favorite, the pork, chicken, or lamb kebob.

OCTOBER 2021 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

183

184

WWW.ABQTHEMAG.COM | OCTOBER 2021

‘TIL YOU DROP P. 186 | THE PAWS BUTTON P.190 | PASSENGER WINDOW P. 196 | PHOTO CONTEST P. 199 | A FEW THINGS P. 200

COSTUMER’S DREAM Off Broadway is a nirvana for people who love to transform into someone or something else. The shop has a plethora of costumes for Halloween and other occasions as well as vintage clothing from days gone by. (p. 188).

OCTOBER 2021 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

PHOTO BY DON JAMES/ATM

OUT AND ABOUT: YOUR GUIDE TO SHOPPING IN THE DUKE CITY

185

‘TIL YOU DROP

We Find It FOR YOU QUESTION

ANSWER

Over the years, I’ve given plenty of standard New Mexico gifts to out-oftown friends (chile, tamales, Breaking Bad swag). What are some fresh ideas for sending local gifts?

While traditional goodies that celebrate ABQ’s heritage are always amazing and plentiful, some of the newer twists on local offerings are awesome, too. Here are a few suggestions for handmade enchanted goodness.

TEQUILA’S NEW DANCE PARTNER Fact: prickly pear is the state cactus of Texas. That’s rather odd, because the delicious, edible fruit it produces says “New Mexico” like nothing else. Which is why the folks at Santa Fe Mixes go to painstaking lengths each year to harvest the plum-colored buds for their ultra-fresh Prickly Pear Margarita Mix. The cactus fruit is grown and harvested in valleys near Elephant Butte Reservoir, then pressed at the company’s FDA-inspected facility in ABQ. “We freeze enough nectar to last until next year’s harvest,” says Anna Herrera-Shawver, owner of Taste New Mexico, which produces the mix. “We use it to make our cocktail mixer, and cactus jelly.” By pressing their own nectar, Herrera-Shawver and her team have made the mix available year-round (already, a store in Taos pre-ordered 25 cases of the mix from this year’s harvest). Oh, and further proof that Texas deserves an eye poke for interloping on our precious prickly pear: the mix won a Golden Chile Award at the…wait for it…2021 Texas Fiery Food Challenge. Santa Fe Mixes Prickly Pear Margarita Mix, $8

186

PHOTOS BY DON JAMES/ATM

Available for online orders at TasteNewMexico.com Local retail sales at Jubilation Wine & Spirits (3512 Lomas Blve. NE)

WWW.ABQTHEMAG.COM | OCTOBER 2021

‘TIL YOU DROP

DESERT DECADENCE The to-die-for truffles from Chocolate Cartel ooze with the flavors of New Mexico. The rich morsels in their 12-piece box include those containing lavender harvested from Los Poblanos Farm in the North Valley, and bee pollen extracted from local hives. Other varieties include New Mexico red and green chile, and the Diablo, which adds in habanero and chipotle. “For any good, quality chocolate company, the truffles are a way to show off your baseline of quality,” says co-owner Tim Van Rixel. The company was moved from Taos to Albuquerque in 2009 by Tim and his brother, Scott, a Master Chocolatier. The elegant truffle box also includes several pieces adorned with colorful, printed designs. The patterns, which are made of cocoa butter, are transferred onto the truffles immediately after the chocolates are made. 12-Piece Truffle Box, $26

Chocolate Cartel 315 Juan Tabo Blvd. NE, Suite A 797-1193, chocolatecartel.com

FOR THE LOVE OF SPICES Yes, he’s become known as ABQ’s most recognizable culinary star—as comfortable in front of a TV camera as he is over a flattop griddle. But Chef Marc Quiñones of Mas Tapas Y Vino is also a passionate advocate for community and sharing. Thus, his idea to gift a free jar of spice rub to the restaurant patrons at Mas is fitting. “At the end of a nice meal, some restaurants give a piece of chocolate. We’ll give a jar of spices,” says Quiñones, who has appeared on several cooking shows, most recently Season 19 of “Hell’s Kitchen.” It’s his goal that guests will take the mixes home and use it in their dishes—and perhaps even customize them with additional flavors of their own. “I want the rub to inspire people to be creative, to put their own culture and experiences into their dishes,” he says. “Maybe they might add dried fennel, and then rub it on bass for dinner.” Quiñones hand-mixes each batch of seven dry ingredients. The half-ounce jars are then given out at Mas, which will also soon sell 3.5-ounce jars of the #ChefMQ Spice Rub. “This rub is about people using it, cooking with it, and putting smiles on their faces. That’s the idea,” says Quiñones. #ChefMQ Spice Rub, free to dining guests at Mas Tapas Y Vino (125 2nd St. NW; 242-9090)

Also soon to be sold through hotelandaluz.com OCTOBER 2021 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

187

Shop Talk

Off Broadway Vintage Clothing and Costumes 3110 Central Ave SE, Albuquerque 268-1489 offbroadwayvintage.com etsy.com/market/off_broadway_vintage

veryone — from the infamous to the famous — is celebrated in Off Broadway Vintage Clothing and Costumes. While the curated ‘vintage chic’ shop has seen movie stars like Helen Mirren and has sold to designer brands like Prada and Marc Jacobs, it’s simultaneously been dressing Albuquerqueans of all walks of life since 1984. Owner Susan Ricker says it’s not only her passion for vintage fashion that’s kept her in business for 38 years. For Ricker, the challenge of creating outfits for her diverse clientele is what continuously keeps her on her toes. “It’s shocking how much I still love working in my store — it’s my creative outlet,” says Ricker, who earned her master’s degree in painting from UNM in the 1970s. “I’m always so excited to come in and see our customers every day because they’re fun, unique and challenging. Albuquerque is an absolute jewel.”

188

@offbroadwayvintage was dubbed as one of Vogue’s best vintage dealers to follow on Instagram — but the eclectic in-person store is right here in Nob Hill, ready to bring your wildest Halloween fashion fantasies to life.

Off Broadway’s inclusive clientele mirrors its eclectic range of quality items, so you might stumble across a 1930s dressing gown, an early 2000s John Galliano suit — or anything in between. The most appealing aspect of the store is its unexpectedness. Ricker’s extensive and unpredictable vintage collection has garnered a worldwide audience on Off Broadway’s Etsy online shop. She started selling clothes on Etsy in 2013 and runs the time-consuming endeavor to this day with the help of her daughter, best friend and fellow vintage enthusiast, Grace Lerner. Ricker and her skilled staff selectively accumulate pieces from people who come in and sell to them at the Nob Hill store. Once a year, she’ll venture on a big thrifting trip to the Midwest. The most thrilling thing Ricker found this year? An incredible 1960s opera coat made of heavy black silk satin, which she describes as “Chris-

tian Dior New Look.” Ricker attributes the distinctive success of Off Broadway to “bringing different things together for different people,” as well as her commitment to “keeping up to date with current fashion trends and designers.” She explains: “I strongly believe in selling vintage clothing as contemporary fashion. So, when I sell a vintage dress, I’ll suggest pairing it with modern accessories because it makes it look very fresh and cool.” For instance, if you pick up a delicate 1960s mint green party dress from Off Broadway, contrasting it with a pair of chunky Doc Martens will transcend the look. Ricker believes her knack for crafty styling comes from having lived in Washington D.C. during such a definitive time in American culture, society and fashion: the fifties and sixties. “I got to see JFK in person several times, which greatly inspires what I do to

WWW.ABQTHEMAG.COM | OCTOBER 2021

PHOTOS BY DON JAMES/ATM

‘TIL YOU DROP

this day,” recalls Ricker. “I feel as though I was born at the luckiest time ever, getting to experience major change and progress in this country — and in fashion!” Nowadays, Ricker uses her voice and calls for change through her political window displays, which take days to create and are extremely well-known throughout Albuquerque. Although she doesn’t have time to paint anymore, the art form still informs everything she does, whether she’s putting together a vintage wedding day look or constructing a detailed window display. Through illustrating the Women’s March on Washington and Madam Butterfly, Ricker’s windows regularly spark important conversations. This spooky season, in addition to constructing more eye-catching windows, Ricker and her team of trusty employees will be assembling one-of-a-kind costumes. Jakey Onassis, a personal stylist and shopper who’s been at Off Broadway for three years, says, “Since we have everything from Edwardian era dresses to 1920s gangster outfits to chile pepper and superhero costumes, we can put anything together.” According to Ricker, the three most popular costume categories bought and/or rented for Halloween are the 1920s flapper, 1970s disco pride and early 1900s steampunk. “Costuming is a transformative experience,” says Ricker. “Once you’re in costume, you really change your behavior and that’s what’s so fun about it.” On top of vintage costumes, the store carries a wide array of wigs, gloves, boas, makeup, and masquerade masks. Both Onassis and the store’s longtime manager, Ken Ansloan, are highly knowledgeable about makeup and will warmly answer questions and give step-by-step demonstrations. Above all, Off Broadway’s top two priorities this October are festivity and safety. Even though business has been tough for the last year, Ricker remains hopeful for Halloween and says her “glass is half full.” “I hope people still decide to celebrate and have fun this Halloween in the safest way possible, and that they support local small businesses to do that because we are the backbone of Albuquerque,” says Ricker. “We need you to support us.” —ELIZABETH GROENING

OCTOBER 2021 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

189

THE

PAWS BUTTON

KEEPING TABS ON ABQ’S FURRY FRIENDS

ARCHIVE OF SCIENCE

190

ern Biology, we are focused completely on our collections and research mission. This is a role museums serve in science and society that is often not widely appreciated by the public.” In a given year, dozens of researchers and hundreds of students make use of the collections. “We track the publications that come out of our museum, and between about 150 and 200 scientific papers based on our collections come out every year,” says Witt, explaining that publications are often used as a proxy for measuring the productivity and contributions of researchers or institutions. Research projects at the Museum are varied. They include studies that directly impact the conservation and management of many species that live in New Mexico. For example, Museum of Southwestern Biology researchers are currently at work unravelling the genetic history and structure of Gila trout. These efforts will inform preservation efforts for the threatened species. Meanwhile, a Museum of Southwestern Biology team running a survey on insects at White Sands National Monument recently identified at least 27 new arthropod species. “We have a really wide variety of re-

search projects going on right now,” says Witt. “This includes three that are funded by the National Science Foundation [NSF].” These projects include examining frozen tissue collected from wild animals for coronaviruses, thereby contributing to a better scientific understanding of the origins and diversity of viruses like the one that has been plaguing the globe for nearly two years. “One of our curators, Dr. Mike Anderson, just got a million dollar NSF grant to compare genomes of birds distributed across South Pacific islands,” says Witt. “Another one of our curators, Dr. Lisa Barrow—who’s in charge of the amphib-

WWW.ABQTHEMAG.COM | OCTOBER 2021

COURTESY IMAGES

efore museums, there were cabinets of curiosity. Rather than lofty, civic-minded institutions, these were showcases for wealthy Europeans to display all the weird stuff they’d managed to collect over the years: taxidermied animals, religious relics, fossils, and artifacts from cultures both ancient and unfamiliar. Things have changed. Eventually, the cabinet became the museum, and the museum’s aims have grown and diversified. Here in Albuquerque, the Museum of Southwestern Biology serves as an archive of valuable scientific information. There, museum collections afford researchers a bounty of data, allowing them to probe questions about the natural world that might otherwise be inaccessible. Meanwhile, students gain skills and experience that will prove enormously useful as they pursue research careers of their own. “The mission of the museum is to collect samples of biodiversity from New Mexico and around the world, and then use those samples for research and education,” says Professor Christopher C. Witt, the Museum of Southwestern Biology’s director. “That includes providing samples to researchers all over the world who want to study animals or plants in order to understand how they work, how they evolved, what their life history and ecology are like, what the status of their populations are, and how they need to be managed or conserved.” In this respect, the Museum of Southwestern Biology is fairly unique. They don’t build or maintain public exhibits or use their collections to populate them. Instead, their exclusive business is scientific discovery—both facilitating it now and training students to carry it on into the future. “That we don’t have public exhibits is a shock to some. Many people don’t realize that there are museums that don’t have public exhibits,” says Witt. “The reason for that is, at the Museum of Southwest-

ians and reptiles collections—just got a million dollar grant from NSF to study the ways that genetic diversity is distributed across the landscape in various North American amphibians. She’s going to use some very sophisticated techniques to describe the geographic distribution of genetic diversity within species for a whole suite of widespread frog and salamander species.” From the outside, efforts like these can appear narrow and esoteric. But that, according to Witt, is just in the nature of scientific inquiry. It often involves combing through minutiae, teasing out new and often fragmentary insights. “There are a lot of scientific advances that come out of the search itself— describing patterns, describing observations,” Witt explains. “A lot of our understanding of ecology and evolution comes from these descriptive approaches to science.” The Museum of Southwestern Biology fills an important niche in our efforts to better understand the natural world— and humanity’s place within it. “We are less well known to the public, but we have an impact on science and conservation biology,” says Witt. “And those research activities, it turns out, are really a good education tool. We train undergraduates and graduate biology researchers in our collections, and we train them on techniques for using specimens to advance science. In fact, our museum—along with the other science museums here at UNM—was just awarded a $3 million grant from the National Science Foundation, specifically to train graduate students on how to use museum collections to advance science in creative and integrative ways.” These days, you can find a museum dedicated to just about anything and everything under the sun. Some of them still serve very much the same purpose as an old timey cabinet of curiosity, putting people in touch with something peculiar, by turns educating and entertaining the public. Others serve as repositories of indispensable—and, in many cases, irreplaceable—scientific and cultural information. The Museum of Southwestern Biology is just such a place. Though it’s work largely unfolds outside of the public spotlight, it nonetheless makes an important contribution to efforts to better understand and more effectively conserve the natural world.—ZB OCTOBER 2021 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

191

ABQ’s AMAZING PETS

By Dakota-Lynn McCaffrey

Odie the Shih Tzu is the ideal college boy. He came into Mikayla Silva’s life just before she left home to attend college at NMSU. One year Silva and her college roommates decided to take Christmas photos, which obviously included Odie the college boy. Four years later, he traveled to Boston with her for grad school. “He even lived with me in Dallas for nine months while I was training for my job.” So, not only is Odie a college boy, but he is well traveled. Although he looks like a baby, he is almost a middle-aged man (in dog years, that is). You will often find Odie just chilling with his tongue sticking out or sleeping. The dynamic duo is now living their post-college lives in Albuquerque where Odie just lounges around all day and is the “perfect child” compared to his pet siblings.

There are over 900 bearded dragons living in zoos throughout the world and one living in Abi Yoerger’s home right here in Albuquerque. Inigo Montoya just turned two years old and enjoys eating salads, worms and roaches which are shipped to Yoerger’s home (there’s a medium sized roach shortage in the city). “I named her after Inigo Montoya from the Princess Bride because I thought she was a boy and just found out she was female about a month ago,” Yoerger said laughing. If Inigo hadn’t laid any eggs, Yoerger probably wouldn’t have known that Mr. Montoya is actually Miss Montoya. Inigo spends her days sunbathing by the pool alongside Yoerger and watching television on the couch with the family dog. Inigo is Yoerger’s first reptile baby and it has been such a fun learning experience.

Taco, the “angel puppy” made his way from Ohio to Albuquerque in order to find his new home with Rocque Dominguez. “Taco is my angel puppy because he came into my life shortly after my yorkie, Nugget passed away,” says Dominguez. Dominguez and his girlfriend decided to go with the name Taco as a tribute to Nugget because they love to eat tacos as much as they like to eat chicken nuggets. After doing a DNA test, Dominguez discovered that Taco is a Yorkiepoo (part poodle, part yorkie) with some Bichon. Taco is a year and a half and loves to play outside and go to the dog park. Like most poodles, Taco is smart and independent, so much so that he doesn’t like being on a leash. He gets to enjoy the healthy parts of table scraps and is currently learning how to play dead.

Like the English beer, Porter, the full breed Rottweiler, is dark in color and hard not to like. But, unlike the beer, Porter is very heavy. This big boy weighs about 126 pounds but seems to forget that when he gives his owner, Lee Sanchez hugs. Porter is quite the muscular man, but acts like a toddler at times, which is totally okay because toddlers are Mrs. Sanchez’s favorite age group. He is ironically a very sweet boy and the complete opposite of a guard dog. Porter enjoys going on walks down the river every morning, which he prefers without a leash and sometimes he will go for a walk with the family cat, Mufasa. “I always see the two of them walking in the field headed towards the ditch like some kind of movie,” says Mrs. Sanchez. When Porter isn’t getting his daily walk in, he sits on the patio with his owners while they enjoy a Porter or two.

RT ER

TA CO

IGO

E I OD

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.

192

WWW.ABQTHEMAG.COM | OCTOBER 2021

OCTOBER 2021 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

193

EXPERIENCE THE BEST I N L I M O U S I N E T R A N S P O R TAT I O N

RESERVATIONS | 505.836.4035 www.luckyboyzlimos.com | info@luckyboyzlimos.com 303 Arvada Avenue NW | Albuquerque, NM

194

WWW.ABQTHEMAG.COM | OCTOBER 2021

PIECE OF T H E PAST

SUNSET DRIVE-IN The old South Valley Drive-in is getting new life as a farm.

PHOTO BY DON JAMES/ATM

unset Drive-In doesn’t show movies anymore. Couples don’t sit arm-in-arm in the front seat of the family station wagon staring up at the illuminated big screen. Kids don’t chase each other through the rows of cars screaming as they reenact scenes from their favorite Disney films. Engines don’t rev. Popcorn doesn’t pop. And the speakers don’t echo through the South Valley. Not at Sunset Drive-In. Not anymore. For decades, Sunset Drive-In was a weekend destination for Albuquerqueans, pulling residents from around the city into the heart of the South Valley. But the old theater, which opened its lot and began screenings in November 1959, went the way of nearly all drive-in theaters (and family-owned movie theaters for that matter). As the years went by, the computer age began, and technology grew too fast to keep up with, Sunset fenced off its lot and turned off the projectors. That was in 1985. 60 years ago, the relic of simpler times, sitting at a full capacity of over 400 cars, was showing Satan’s Satellites, an obscure film starring a young and strapping Leonard Nimoy. By the 1970’s, Sunset owner Caroline Armijo Butler and her family were showing mostly Spanish-speaking films, playing to their South Valley audience for whom Spanish was the primary language. At the time, nearly a dozen drive-in theaters spotted the Albuquerque landscape, and the focus on Spanish-speaking films helped set the Sunset apart. After it closed, the Sunset Theater sat vacant; a shuttered reminder of the past, a lone caretaker solemnly patrolling the rows of rusting speaker poles. But this story has a happy ending. Recently, a couple from Chicago purchased the land with plans to open a farm on the site. Sunset Seva Farm will produce fresh fruits and veggies for the South Valley. The cracked and faded wooden sign, which for so many years displayed the saddest of messages: “Sunset Drive-

In: Closed for the winter” will get a little TLC. The new owners say they want to keep the old drive-in’s road sign, along with the last remaining screen. Unfortunately, the speaker poles will have to go. But not to worry, corn will sprout in their place. —TAYLOR HOOD

OCTOBER 2021 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

195

THE

PASSENGER WINDOW

TURNING BLESSINGS INTO MURALS Inspired by Rudolfo Anaya’s ‘Bless Me, Ultima,’ muralist Madeline MacKenzie honors New Mexican literature whilst conveying the state’s sweetest elements.

196

one — and I just really like that and think it’s really beautiful.” On either side of Ultima, MacKenzie pairs rich yellows and turquoise with deep purples, pinks and muted browns to portray Márez ranchers and Luna farmers — two cultures that, she says, “have sustained New Mexican families for centuries.” Invigorating other notable themes from Anaya’s work, MacKenzie’s main mural also includes stars, cows, and a lively river. No matter what season it is, this large-scale artwork transports you to the warmth of New Mexico in the fall months and into the pages of a novel that means so much to so many people throughout the state. The coinciding mural, which is a detailed depiction of Ultima’s herb garden, perfectly matches the aesthetic of the other wall. The purpose of this wall, MacKenzie says, is to provide a comprehensive guide to medicinal herbs mentioned in ‘Bless Me, Ultima,’ such as osha, piñon and trementina, and yerba del manso. This intricate yet vibrant piece calls back

to Spanish and Mexican folk-art styles, passes on the importance of preserving New Mexican land, and honors the work Anaya did to preserve Hispanic culture. From the extensive time spent working on these murals, the part MacKenzie remembers most is the “mishmash” of people she connected with downtown. “I got to meet really nice and cool strangers while I was painting,” recalls MacKenzie. “People that I didn’t know would bring me food and get so excited about the murals. It was awesome.” MacKenzie has been painting her whole life, but she first became interested in large-scale mural work when she moved back to Albuquerque after earning a B.F.A. in Studio Art from the University of Arizona. Now, she’s living in Mexico and is eager for the opportunity to do more mural work in the future. “What makes mural work so special is that art can be inaccessible to the public and this provides a platform for everyone to see a certain kind of work,” says MacKenzie. —ELIZABETH GROENING

WWW.ABQTHEMAG.COM | OCTOBER 2021

PHOTO BY DON JAMES/ATM

ave you ever taken a picture of the Sandias at sunset and your phone’s camera can’t quite seem to do the mountains justice? Or tried to snap a video of a roadrunner whizzing across your backyard, but it was already gone before you even pressed record? We’ve all been there. It’s nearly impossible to capture the magnificence of New Mexico. Nonetheless, Albuquerque native Madeline MacKenzie rose to the challenge last fall for ABQ Public Art’s MuraLOVE. Wearing a straw hat and faded blue jean shorts, she grabbed dozens of paint brushes and buckets of bright paint and spent the following two months bringing the state’s beauty and history to life. Located at the Plaza Del Sol building on Roma and Second Street, she painted two cohesive large-scale murals — neither of which have formal titles — that both pay tribute to ‘Bless Me, Ultima,’ a coming-of-age novel by renowned lateNew Mexican author, Rudolfo Anaya. “When I was asked to submit a formal concept proposal, Rudolfo Anaya had just passed away,” says MacKenzie. “I was strangely also re-reading ‘Bless Me, Ultima,’ and immediately knew I wanted to pull the most beautiful, poignant concepts from the book and create a visual narrative of the story for this project.” Displaying vivid imagery from Anaya’s novel on the larger mural, MacKenzie simultaneously encapsulates the magic of New Mexico’s rich autumnal palette. In the center, she depicts Ultima with her herbs and her owl. MacKenzie explains that she chose to place Ultima in the middle because the character “represents an objective source of goodness and wisdom.” “In the story, Ultima acts as a role model to the main character Antonio and teaches him about the natural world and herbology,” says MacKenzie. “She also teaches him about human nature and how there’s a little bit of good and evil in every-

OCTOBER 2021 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

197

ADVERTISING REGISTRY 100.3 The Peak...................................................................................................70 3 Advertising........................................................................................................38 ABQ Ax............................................................................................................. 102 Academy Dental Care.........................................................................................2,3 Albuquerque Community Foundation...............................................................51 Albuquerque Florist...........................................................................................64 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta........................................................62 Albuquerque Plumbing Heating & Cooling.....................................................28 All World Travel................................................................................................... 31 AlluraDerm Med Spa........................................................................................103 Alzheimer's Association..................................................................................... 52 Amrep Southwest...............................................................................................117 Animal Humane Association...................................................................... 68, 171 Annapurna's World Vegetarian Cafe................................................................ 140 Assistance League............................................................................................... 58 Bacardi Superior................................................................................................ 153 Big 98.5.............................................................................................................189 Blink!................................................................................................................ 104 Bosque Aesthetics...............................................................................................17 Bridal Elegance by Darlene...............................................................................105 Bubba's 33............................................................................................................66 BumbleBee Fab & Powder Coating.............................................................35, 118 Cake Fetish........................................................................................................193 California Closets................................................................................................53 Cano Health........................................................................................................75 Central Grill and Coffee House........................................................................122 Chem Dry of New Mexico............................................................................... 108 Chisolm Trail RV...............................................................................................107 CPR Cell Phone Repair.......................................................................................151 Craft Q...............................................................................................................183 Crystal Springs..................................................................................................123 Cuidando Los Ninos (CLNKids)......................................................................151 Dave's Valley Grill..............................................................................................163 Debajo Tapas Y Vino..........................................................................................175 Downs At Albuquerque......................................................................................54 Duke City Software...........................................................................................165

Enlace Comunitario...........................................................................................50 Ethan Allen Furniture.........................................................................................21 Exhibit Solutions of New Mexico......................................................................23 Facility Pump Repair.........................................................................................125 Festival Ballet Albuquerque............................................................................... 52 Frost Gelato...................................................................................................... 140 Fuego 102.9.......................................................................................................189 Galloping Goat Pumpkin Patch........................................................................128 Garage Door Doctor..........................................................................................124 Glam Nail Bar & Spa..........................................................................................42 Greater Albuquerque Association of Realtors....................................................41 Hopeworks......................................................................................................... 52 Houston Wholesale Cars LLC...........................................................................4,5 Inn of the Mountain Gods..................................................................................39 Inspire Salon...................................................................................................... 72 John Lopez Real Estate....................................................................................... 48 Joy Junction.........................................................................................................51 Kubota Tractor Inc....................................................................Inside Back Cover Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry..............................................................................12, 13 Local Love QR Codes.........................................................................157, 158, 159 Los Poblanos Inn/ Campo..................................................................................43 Lucky Boyz Limo...............................................................................................194 McGinn, Montoya, Love & Curry....................................................................109 Menaul School....................................................................................................61 Merry Maids...................................................................................................... 6,7 Mesa Tractor....................................................................................................... 59 Mix 105.1............................................................................................................ 191 Modulus Architects..........................................................................................106 New Mexico Ballet Company............................................................................49 New Mexico Gas Company............................................................................... 65 New Mexico Orthopaedic Surgery Center.........................................................27 New Mexico Sports & Wellness.........................................................................45 Olo Dessert Studio...........................................................................................168 Optimum Human.............................................................................................. 25 Osuna Nursery....................................................................................................63 Paixao Nail & Beauty Bar............................................................................60, 110

PJ Hartman, LLC.................................................................................................111 Power Ford......................................................................................................14, 15 Q's Cakes........................................................................................................... 112 Radiology Associates of Albuquerque................................................................47 Rio Grande Books..............................................................................................62 Rio Grande Credit Union....................................................................................19 Roswell...............................................................................................................129 Route 66 Casino Hotel............................................................Inside Front Cover Route 66 Cleaners............................................................................................. 191 Rudy's Country Store & BBQ...........................................................................163 Santa Ana Star Casino Hotel............................................................................184 Santa Fe Brewing Company..............................................................................156 Santa Fe Wine & Chile Fiesta............................................................................ 78 Satellite Coffee................................................................................................... 181 Sawmill District...................................................................................................73 Seasons/Savoy.................................................................................................. 166 Slate Street Billiards..........................................................................................162 Southwest Women's Oncology......................................................................10, 11 Southwestern HR Consulting........................................................................... 67 Tamashi..............................................................................................................170 Taylor Garrett Whiskey......................................................................................69 The 66 Pit Stop - Home of the Laguna Burger.................................................. 44 The Grove Cafe & Market................................................................................ 140 The Juliette Eye Institute...................................................................................177 The Salt Yard.......................................................................................................113 Thrift Town....................................................................................................... 180 Tiffani Stanage..........................................................................................100, 101 Two Fools Tavern...............................................................................................167 University of New Mexico Athletic Department............................................. 8, 9 Vanity Beauty Bar...............................................................................................114 Western Dermatology Consultants, PC............................................................115 Whispering Bean.............................................................................................. 140 WisePies............................................................................................................197 XRANM Breast Surgery Associates of NM...................................................... 116

Tell us why you love it here, too. inbox@abqthemag.com

198

WWW.ABQTHEMAG.COM | OCTOBER 2021

PHOTO CONTEST

A SUNRISE RISE By Abel Espalin

very weekend, Abel Espalin likes to wake up well before the rest of Albuquerque to drive around and capture the beauty of the city just before the craziness happens. “I always have to get up early for work, so I am definitely an early morning type of person,” says Espalin. And really, any time before 6 a.m. is the perfect time to hit the road because it is much more peaceful. Espalin has been a technician for the National Guard for 26 years and has picked up photography as a hobby. He specializes in photographing the beautiful landscapes of Albuquerque and has even photographed some events for the Hispano Chamber of Commerce. On a recent early summer morning, just before sunrise (about 5:30 a.m.), Espalin was near St. Pius High School taking photos of the Sandia Mountains facing north towards Santa Fe. Thanks to Albuquerque’s balloon friendly weather, hot air balloons are in the sky year-round. As luck would have it, there just so happened to be a balloon floating over the mountains. Espalin used his handy Canon Mirrorless Camera to catch the incredible sight of the hot air balloon, mountains, and sunrise right before other Albuquerqueans woke up to start their busy days. —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

OCTOBER 2021 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

199

McCall’s Pumpkin Patch Kevin and Kirsten McCall’s passion for agriculture drove them to create a space where family and friends could spend quality time together and create memories. The is McCall’s Pumpkin Patch in Moriarty, which opened in 1998. The patch would later expand into the McCall’s Haunted Farm with a haunted hayride as well as a haunted maze. In 2003, the first maze was cut and the haunted maze opened in 2006.

1. The first attraction at McCall’s was a haunted hayride. About eight years later came the first haunted corn maze. 2. Nearly 100,000 visitors come each year.

Each year, the maze is designed in early summer, and the paths are sprayed out a few weeks later when the corn is only inches tall.

200

Kirsten is responsible for designing all the buildings and attractions for the farm with the help of her now retired architect father. She also designs each of the scenes for the haunts. Kevin spends much of his time managing the many construction projects. It helps that he grew up with a father who was a homebuilder. His father’s skills were passed onto him. His agricultural background comes for raising hogs with his grandfather in Estancia. He also part-

4. The corn maze alone covers 16 acres. 5. The huge roadside attractions take up about 20 acres, roughly equal in size to about 15 football fields. 6. The venue hires up to 350 seasonal employees each fall.

7. McCall’s utilize an adja-

cent 300 acres for alfalfa, corn, beans and, yes, pumpkins.

nered with his father in the registered cattle business. After the birth of their first child in 1999, Kirsten decided to quit her job as a high school English teacher in Moriarty and joined her husband Kevin in the business. Together, with the help of their children, Morgan and Caleb, they have built McCall’s Pumpkin Patch into what it is today. —R M

There are now more than 60 attractions, including an animal barn, duck races, and a country store.

9. The venue rents campfire sites, where up to 15 people can relax all evening on benches and a picnic table around a fire. 10. To prepare for each fall

season, the McCall family works year-round, along with three full-time employees.

11. The farm originally sold pumpkins wholesale to local grocers, but now only sells to guests. 12. Around 50 acres of pumpkins are planted each year, and sold to farm visitors who pick their own orbs from the field. 13. McCall’s meets and exchanges ideas with other ‘agritourism’ farms around the country a few times each year.

WWW.ABQTHEMAG.COM | OCTOBER 2021

Reliability comes in all sizes.

Rugged versatility is what makes Kubota tractors the perfect choice for getting Rugged versatility is what makes Kubota tractors the perfect choice for getting every job done right. Visit us today for a test drive. every job done right. Visit us today for a test drive.

BX Series BX Series

B Series B Series

L Series L Series

MX Series MX Series

Mesa Mesa Tractor, Tractor, Inc. Inc. 3826 4th St NW 3826 4th St NW Albuquerque, New Mexico 87107 Albuquerque, New Mexico 87107 505-344-1631 505-344-1631

KubotaUSA.com KubotaUSA.com

© Kubota Tractor Corporation, 2020. This material is for descriptive purposes only. Kubota disclaims all representations and warranties, express or implied, or any liability from © Corporation, 2020. This material is for descriptive purposes only. Kubota all representations warranties, express or KubotaUSA.com/disclaimers implied, or any liability from theKubota use of Tractor this material. For complete warranty, safety and product information, consult yourdisclaims local Kubota dealer. For the and complete disclaimer, go to the use material. For complete warranty, safety and product information, consult your local Kubota dealer. For the complete disclaimer, go to KubotaUSA.com/disclaimers and seeofthethis posted disclaimer. and see the posted disclaimer.