Albuquerque The Magazine, March 2022 by Albuquerque The Magazine

MARCH 2022 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

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MARCH 2022 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

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MARCH 2022 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

With spring 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 6

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

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MARCH 2022 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

Each year, we survey ABQ area doctors to find which ones are trusted the most among their colleagues. The results are in, with physicians from 45 medical specialties garnering recognition from their peers. And to give you a more in-depth introduction to these medical professionals, we asked the winners answer some questions to provide personal insight, both as young adults and now as seasoned doctors. The answers are fun and quite revealing— and hopefully give you a keen sense of how these individuals navigated a lifelong road to becoming a Top Doc of Albuquerque.

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MARCH 2022 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

DEPARTMENTS 20 Publisher’s Note 23 Tapas

P. 23 P. 132

Ways to celebrate St. Paddy’s Day; haiku meets photography at Open Space Visitor Center; places to find a chuckle; artists get a financial boost with Fulcrum Fund; homeless find hope at new development.

34 Faces and Places 59 Datebook

131 People

132 Albuquerque the Interview Zach Prince hits the ground running as new head coach of New Mexico United.

138 Personality

Meals on Wheels Albuquerque continues to roll on with hot food and friendly faces with the help of volunteers and Executive Director Shauna Frost.

142 Behind the Scenes Belinda Garland enforces laws that protect the agricultural industry, ranchers and their animals, as part of her duties as New Mexico Livestock Board Executive Director.

P. 138 14

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DEPARTMENTS

P. 166 P. 146

145 Culture 146 Creatives

P. 160

Dara Sophia Romero’s passion for fashion took her from the corporate world to founding her own fashion line — Hopeless + Cause Atelier.

160 From the Vine

148 Shelflife

Escape to New Mexico landscapes with the help of Christina M. Selby’s guide book, New Mexico Family Outdoor Adventure; the fascinating history of a New Mexico pioneer is detailed in James Silous Calhoun: First Governor of New Mexico Territory and First Indian Agent by author Sherry Robinson.

150 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.

153 Dish

P. 154

154 Eats Review

Savoy Bar & Grill’s Executive Chef Dylan de Jonckheere keeps things interesting by tracking down unique ingredients to use in his sauces and savory dishes.

158 Eats, Etc.

Namaste Cuisine of India and Nepal offers South Asian home cooking; generous portions at Chili Hills Restaurant; Rose Garden features extensive Chinese cuisine.

Santa Fe Brewing Co. adds cocktail lounge; catch March Madness and more at Sandia Resort & Casino’s Sports Bar; Turtle Mountain Brewing Company expands; Bow & Arrow Brewing Co. promotes Native American empowerment.

166 A Recipe for Success

Rio Grande Valley Celtic Association Director Libby Casarez, makes a delightful cheesecake from an old family recipe.

168 Bites

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

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MARCH 2022 Volume 18 Number 10 EDITOR IN CHIEF

Rozanna Martinez rozanna@abqthemag.com PHOTO DIRECTOR

Don James don@abqthemag.com ART DIRECTOR

Jared Lambert jared@abqthemag.com GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Candice Callado candice@abqthemag.com DATEBOOK EDITOR

Lori Wilding datebook@abqthemag.com CONTRIBUTORS

Tristen Critchfield Ashley M. Biggers Mel Minter

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.

MARCH 2022 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

DEPARTMENTS 193 Fun

194 ‘Til You Drop

Lessen your carbon footprint with sustainable and upcycled clothing and accessories; Squidly Designs offers colorful ocean-inspired creations and a plethora of wares by local artisans.

198 Paws Button

Long Leash on Life helps pets live healthier lives while benefitting local retailers; locally owned and operated Animal Park NM offers an interactive reptile exhibit with an indoor petting zoo.

200 Amazing Pets This month’s winners: Gato, Bentley, Mufasa, and Kona.

203 Piece of the Past The Skinner Building in downtown Albuquerque is one of the best examples of Art Deco architecture.

204 Passenger Window

P. 196

Classic cars poke of out the side walls of Albuquerque Drive Shaft.

207 Photo Contest

This month’s winner: Celebration of the Female Spirit by Julie Hamlin.

208 A Few Things

Colt Balok has his own show to promote people and events that make New Mexico great. He also has teamed up with PNM to recognize people who help others in the community.

P. 204 18

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MARCH 2022 Volume 18 Number 10 PUBLISHER

Larryl Lynch larryl@abqthemag.com

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER

Gena Salazar gena@abqthemag.com

PROJECT MANAGER

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

Philip Kjelland philip@abqthemag.com Megan Life megan@abqthemag.com BUSINESS MANAGER

Jill Morris business@abqthemag.com ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER EMERITUS

Scott Davis (1966–2004)

SUBSCRIBE!

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

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

EDITOR'S NOTE

We cannot thank our doctors enough for all that they do. Regardless of what stage of life we are in, they are there to help provide us with a better quality of life. This brings us to our 18th Annual Top Docs issue where we have a little fun with doctors from numerous speciality backgrounds. We took our Top Docs down memory lane and asked them to answer a questionnaire as they would have at age 18. We also asked them to respond the way they would at their current age. From their dream cars to who they look up to, this issue provides some personal insight on the best doctors in the greater Albuquerque area. A couple months ago, I received a call from a reader while we were putting this year’s Top Docs issue together. She said she had beat cancer thanks in part to our magazine. Her prognosis was grim at the time she picked up one of our Top Docs issues many years ago. On the list was the top oncologist at the time. She reached out to his office and became one of his patients. Choking up, she said our magazine saved her life. Treatments she received under the oncologist’s care were successful and she has been cancer free for years. Her call touched my heart and reminded me why our Top Docs issue is so important. Not only to recognize all of the incredible doctors we have in this area but also to provide a list of doctors nominated by their peers as being the best in their field of expertise. Hopefully this issue will help others as it did this reader turned subscriber. Head to page 82 to find out more about our 2022 Top Docs. March is Women’s History Month and in recognition we are featuring several interesting and inspiring ladies in this issue. Shauna Frost has been executive director of Meals on Wheels Albuquerque for eight years. Prior to that she delivered meals for the program. Meals on Wheels prepares hot meals for about 1,200 people in the area and is celebrating 50 years of operation. Flip to page 138 for more on Frost and the role the program plays in the community.

Being a fourth generation rancher and degrees in agricultural business and animal science have paid off for New Mexico Livestock Board executive director Belinda Garland. Her agency ensures ranchers, their livestock and property are protected. Garland and her team sometimes find themselves in some testy interactions when enforcing the law. Read more about Garland starting on page 142. When Dara Sophia Romero was laid off from her job in the corporate world after decades of dedication, she took a leap of faith. Romero, who has a love for fashion, founded her own clothing line at age 42. Head over to page 146 to learn more about this designer. Promoting Celtic pride is what Libby Casarez is all about as director of the Rio Grande Valley Celtic Association. She shares what the association does in the community and lets us in on a cherished family dessert as part of A Recipe for Success on page 166. This issue is full of gems and we hope that you are as excited about it as we were putting it together. Next month, we have some more important role models to share with you. It’s all about teachers and we cannot wait to share their stories with you in our April issue. Sincerely,

Rozanna Martinez Editor-In-Chief

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

Thank You to our patients for helping us celebrate a successful 2nd year! “Our mission is to care for every patient and their family as if they were our own. Each patient, each family, each and every time.” 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.

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

The Gaelic phrase, which translates to “Good health!,” is often used in traditional Scottish and Irish toasts. In other words, when drinks and goodwill abound. The line will certainly be apropo on St. Patrick’s Day at several locations in the Albuquerque area, where celebrations will be in full swing. The Irish American Society of New Mexico will celebrate the holiday a couple days later on March 19 at Edelweiss Am Rio Grande - German American Club, 4821 Menaul Blvd. NE. The event will feature music and Irish dancing. Regardless of your heritage, everyone is welcome to join the society. Monthly meetings are held the second Friday of each month. Guest speakers that include college professors, authors, poets and others discuss topics on Irish history and culture. Musicians have also been invited to the meetings to perform Celtic music. In Nob Hill, there will be bagpipers, whiskey specials and haggis on the menu at Two Fools Tavern, 3211 Central Ave NE. Haggis is the national dish of Scotland. Bagpipers will start at noon and have performances throughout the day on March 17.

MARCH 2022 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

Quarter Celtic Brewpub will have bagpipes and dancers on March 17 to commemorate St. Paddy’s Day at its San Mateo NE location. It will also have some delicious Celtic fare to feed your hunger and Celtic style beers to wash it all down. Menu items include fish and chips, Shepherd’s pie, and corned beef and cabbage. Celtic-style beers include Crimson Lass, an Irish Red; Irish Handcuffs, an Imperial Stout; McLomas Stout, a dry Irish stout; and Kill Or Be Kilt, a Scotch Ale. The food and drink offerings also will be available at the Quarter Celtic Taproom on Juan Tabo NE. More Celtic commemoration can be found at O’Niell’s Pub locations in Nob Hill and in the Northeast Heights. Brightburn Academy of Irish Dance will have performances at 7 p.m. March 12, 5:30 p.m. March 16 and 7 p.m. March 17 at its location on Juan Tabo NE. They also will perform at 6:30 p.m. March 13, 7 p.m. March 16 and 8:30 p.m. March 17 at the Central Ave. NE location. On March 12 and March 17, the Mac-Tire of Skye Pipers will have several performances at both locations. —RM

PHOTO BY DON JAMES/ATM

SLÀINTE MHATH!

Everyone needs a good laugh and there are a few groups around town ready to give you a giggle. The Uptown Funk Comedy Show features some funny men and women from New Mexico and other parts of the country. Shows start at 7:30 p.m. every Wednesday inside Uptown Funk at Revel Entertainment Center, 4720 Alexander Blvd. NE. Shows are open to adults who are age 21 and older and there is no cover to attend the shows. For more information visit revelabq.com. The Box Performance Space is back with comedy improv performances starting at 9 p.m. every Saturday at its downtown space located at 100 Gold Ave. SW. Shows are created without preparation and each performance is different. Audiences will never see the same show. The rotating core cast uses audience suggestions and “absurd ideas” that cross their minds. You might even catch some famous faces become part of the show. Cast members of the popular AMC TV show, Better Call Saul, have taken the stage including Bob Odenkirk, Micheal Mando, and Rhea Seehorn. More information can be found at theboxabq.com/shows. Comedy group, Lucky’s Laffs, will have you rolling in the aisles every first Thursday of the month. Shows are held at the Edelweiss Am Rio Grande-German American Club located at 4821 Menaul Blvd. NE. Shows feature an opener, special guests and a headliner. Performers include local talent as well as outof-state standup comedians. There are plans to add a second monthly show soon. For event information, visit facebook.com/luckyslaffs. Kiva Auditorium will be hosting some heavy hitters in the comedy world this month. Comedian and actor Kevin Hart will take the stage on March 3 and March 4. He will perform two shows each night. Comedian Joy Koy brings his Funny is Funny World Tour to the Kiva on March 5. Tickets for the shows can be purchased at ticketmaster.com. —RM

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START BR A GGING

Thoughts on the Rio Grande in Photographs and Haiku is made up of a collection of works by Albuquerque photographer Clarke Condé.

ABQ

The exhibit showcases a selection of 15 large-scale photographs paired with haiku from Condé’s book Thoughts on the Rio Grande. The show runs through April 9 at the Open Space Visitor Center located at 6500 Coors Blvd. NW. “This series explores the great river and its surroundings as it passes through the ever-expanding city of Albuquerque,” says Condé. “This is a place where the needs of its people compete with the needs of the plants and animals that rely on its waters for life itself.” Condé believes the process of thinking in haiku guides his lens toward a vison of nature that is more ordered and reflective than it would be with a camera alone. Condé has worked as a professional photographer for more than 30 years. He has widely published his haiku and shown his photographs but has rarely showcased the two mediums together. Information on the exhibit can be found at condephotography.com. —RM

Jill Meyers

Senior Manager National Radio Astronomy Observatory “Two of my favorite things are coffee and books, so I love heading to Bookworks to check out the books, cards and gifts in the relaxing atmosphere of this lovely independent bookstore. And right across the breezeway is Flying Star, where I’ll grab a latte, relax, and people-watch on their beautiful patio under the trees.” 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.

The UNM Pit is on Andy Katz’s 10 Best Historic March Madness Arenas. It was first used in the NCAA tournament to host the West Regional in 1968.

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MARCH 2022 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

LENDING ARTISTS A HELPING HAND

Thirteen New Mexico artists have been selected to receive $93,600 as part of the Fulcrum Fund. The fund helps artists expand their existing work and explore new directions in creating and showcasing projects that inspire curiosity, engagement and dialogue. The fund is an annual grant program created and administered by 516 ARTS in partnership with the Regional Regranting Program of The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts. Additional support is provided by the Frederick Hammersley Fund for the Arts at the Albuquerque Community Foundation, according to 516 ARTS. This year, there were 105 submissions received from 18 cities throughout New Mexico. Jurors selected 13 proposals including entries from Albuquerque artists Tytianna Harris (Navajo), Jessica Krichels, Dylan McLaughlin (Diné), Karl Orozco and Michael Lopez, Adrian Pinnecoose (Navajo and Southern Ute), Sara Rivera, and We Are Longing for a Future (a collective). Information on the fund can be found 516arts.org/fulcrumfund. —RM

Ella Powders

AGE: 7 SCHOOL: New Mexico International 3 THINGS SHE LIKES: Reading, Gymnastics, Ballet 3 THINGS SHE DOESN’T LIKE: When people are mean to animals, people getting their feelings hurt, and heights FUTURE PLANS: She wants to be a doctor so that she can help people the way her doctors helped her. HER STORY: Ella is an amazing little girl who has overcome so much in her short life and remains positive when life gets tough,” says her mother, Rachel Powders. When she was born, Ella had a large lymphatic malformation on her neck. The malformation was made up of hundreds of lymphatic fluid filled cysts that were caused by a blockage in her lymphatic system. Ella’s parents would drive back and forth to the Colorado Children’s Hospital for procedures the first year of her life. Ella had surgery done when she turned four. At such a young age, Ella has been a huge inspiration to her parents. “The condition will never just go away but we hope to keep the growths at bay with frequent visits with her team,” says Powders. Ella is kind to others, especially her brothers, and loves taking care of her baby brother. —DLM

Submit your Incredible Kids at incrediblekids@abqthemag.com

ATM DEFINITION OF THE MONTH 28

LISTICLE (n.)

An article or story written in the form of a list. Ex. - I can totally use this Albuquerque The Magazine Top Doc’s listicle to find a new psychiatrist.

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START BR A GGING

ABQ

Trish Lopez Founder/CEO Teeniors

“On weekends, the choices for nearby leisure activities abound! I’ve lived in cities with long commutes, but in ABQ, you can ski in the mountains and play tennis—both on the same day. The quality of the lifestyle here is unmatched.” 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.

Just 10 to 15 minutes of laughing a day can burn up to 40 calories, according to a Vanderbilt University study. Researchers determined that the increase in heart rate and oxygen consumption during these funny moments boosted the burn.

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DOES YOUR RETIREMENT PLAN NEED A REMODEL?

LET US HELP YOU REBUILD YOUR RETIREMENT PLAN 505-892-3300 • www.nmwmg.com 2409 Manzano Loop NE Rio Rancho, NM 87144 Securities and advisory services offered through Commonwealth Financial Network®, Member FINRA/SIPC, a Registered Investment Adviser. Fixed insurance products and services offered through CES Insurance Agency.

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START BR A GGING

ABQ

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

Corey Fiala

Co-Founder and Chief Technology Officer Hospitality Ai “In middle school, my friends and I used to wander the bamboo-lined irrigation waterways of Los Ranchos. Many years later, I was happy to find the property populated by bobcats, bunnies, guinea hens, coyotes and raccoons. At my parent’s house in Corrales, they even had some peahens show up with baby peahens and peacocks, who have grown up and still live there to this day.” 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.

Every person smells things differently. This is because of the over 900,000 genetic variations of olfactory receptors.

MARCH 2022 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

Jericho Williams

AGE: 7 SCHOOL: Mission Avenue Elementary School 3 THINGS HE LIKES: Playing Fortnite, His Tablet, Playing Outside NOT A FAN OF: Going to bed when he is supposed to FUTURE PLANS: He wants to be a police officer when he is older. HIS STORY: Jericho Williams is described as one of the nicest boys in class by his fellow classmates. His first grade teacher, Carrie Ramirez, has mentioned that he has shown “extreme resilience through the COVID-19 pandemic.” He shows up to school every day with the biggest smile on his face and spreads his positive energy with all his classmates. Jericho’s father, Oliver Williams, says his son is just like Dennis the Menace and is bubbly, smart and exciting. “He told me that his New Year’s resolution was to be able to read this year and I think we are going to make this happen,” says Ramirez. —DLM

Submit your Incredible Kids at incrediblekids@abqthemag.com

WELCOME HOME Hope Village has opened its doors to Albuquerque’s unsheltered neighbors. The 38,000 square foot, 42 unit building is among the first housing developments in the country to incorporate the principles of trauma informed care into its design. It is intended to create a living space that makes residents feel safe. The supportive housing development offers shelter to those experiencing chronic homelessness and offers access to mental and behavioral health services, therapy, medical care and more. The property at 1215 Third St. NW, is owned and operated by HopeWorks, a nonprofit serving the needs of people experiencing homelessness in New Mexico. Hope Village is a venture between the nonprofit, city of Albuquerque, Bernalillo County and others. “The time has come in New Mexico to create permanent housing that is tailored to the needs of our most vulnerable clients,” says Annam Manthiram, CEO of HopeWorks. “We will provide Hope Village residents a home that presents immense possibility and is representative of the type of transformative community that has the power to heal trauma they may have experienced in their lives and on the streets.” — RM

MARCH 2022 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

Locker #505 Fashion Show On January 23, Locker #505 student clothing bank held its fashion show fundraiser at Sheraton Albuquerque Uptown. It showcased professional designers Boss Wear Official, Hopeless+ Cause Atelier and MadVan Designs along with Macy’s 2022 Prom designs and Ann Matthews Bridal. 1. Kristen Olguin, Giselle Weiss, Alkatras Gonzalez 2. Addy Nicole, Brittanya Yazzie, Sofi J. 3. Carolina Maestas, Petra Boileau 4. Dot Wire, Robyn Simon, Patti Martinez 5. Jeff Manley, Alex Dunivan 6. Jeremy Davis, Erik Rayo, Marco Alvarado 7. Eddie Garcia, Sarah Dixon, Christina Smith, Pera Rodriguez

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

NOT LONG AGO

The Notah Begay III New Mexico Grand Slam The Twin Warriors Golf Club at Santa Ana Pueblo was packed with golfers not long ago for the New Mexico Grand Slam, one of the state’s premier golf events hosted by the Notah Begay Foundation. Proceeds went to help numerous charities around the state focused on helping children. Since 2016, this event has raised more than $600,000. 1. Monica Stapleton, Cyanne Lujan, Simona Casiquito 2. Ben Woodward, Robin Herrington, Tony Ary-Turner 3. Erma Trujillo, Dakota Jim, Alva Gachupin 4. Micah Jones, Sasha Smith 5. Miranda Lucero, Clint Begay 6. Nathan Garcia, Jorge Tager 7. Dan Kain, Marvis Vallo, Doug Lords, Todd Albright

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MARCH 2022 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

NOT LONG AGO

Rude Boy Brunch and Day Party Albuquerqueans hit Rude Boy’s first ever Wake Up and Reggae Event not long ago at Villa Hispana located at Expo NM. Attendees ate some of the city’s finest cookies, indulged in an all-you-can-eat-buffet, and hit the full service bar. Proceeds went to benefit the Golden Apple Foundation. 1. Desiree Brehm, Jennifer Chamberlain 2. Anne Bateman, James DeVall 3. Lenaya Montoya, Anne Bruno 4. Gloria Alfero, Lita Sandoval, Nancy Sankovic 5. John Duran, Brian O’Connell 6. Mike Silva, Kristin Dowling 7. Colin Pearman, Jr., Sydney Pearman, Shelly Chevalier, Race Pearman

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NOT LONG AGO

6th Annual Silver Soiree Have a wonderful evening at Los Poblanos and help raise money for women-run businesses? Yes, please. The 6th Annual Silver Soiree went to help WESST, one of the nation’s largest incubator programs for women in business. Participants took part in a raffle, a lively auction and partook of plenty of great food and drink in one of the city’s most beautiful spots. 1. Lorena Schott, Mark Gilboard 2. Amanda Davison, James Davison 3. Regina Edwards, Patrick Edwards 4. Emily Howard, Mark Herman 5. Jamie Blosser, Drew Tulchin 6. Agnes Noonan, Darrell DeMotta 7. Mindy Olson, Ann Utterback, Dianne Campbell

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NOT LONG AGO

Charlie Five Cowboy Gala Horses, dancing, patriotism, and live music—what could be better? Not long ago at Bow and Arrow Brewery, Albuquerqueans attended the Charlie 5 Cowboy Gala to help provide veterans services and support equine-assisted therapy programs. 1. Marty Senna, Ruth Sachs, Tim Dwyer, Kyle Curtis 2. Kelly Chittenden, John Paz 3. Bobbie Gutierrez, Kaitlyn Carter 4. Deirdre Allen, Sean Rodden 5. Cami Marlin, Alexa Pohl, Corina Novo 6. Jennifer White, Elisabeth Howells, Tawnya Howells 7. Jameson Ray, Zans Brueninger, Alex Martinez

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SUCCESS STORIES PROFILES PARTNER CONTENT

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SUCCESS STORIES

PARTNER CONTENT

PASSION’S STORY INC. PRISCILLA SMITH

FOUNDER and CEO, PAIXAO NAIL and BEAUTY BAR, INC. PAIXAOBEAUTYBAR.COM

FOUNDER, PASSION’S STORY INC. PASSIONSTORY.ORG

y story, as difficult as it is to share, needs to be heard. It’s the reason why I’m so passionate to change this city. Although, merely a summary with many missing details, this is the best I can muster up as I cry writing it all down for the first time. Both my parents are ministers. In the eighties they set out to America from Brazil with a family of nine. During the transition my mother raised seven kids by herself while my father was in the states setting things up for us. We’d often sleep hungry, but my mother would always remind us to have faith. In elementary school it was difficult to make friends. I couldn’t speak any English and learning basic communication skills was extremely hard for me. Because of this I was often bullied. When I was nine years old my father shared a dream with us where he saw a freeway sign that read Albuquerque. He

wrote down the name and began looking for it on a large map he laid out on the dining room table. When he found it, he visited and fell in love. Within a couple of years, we moved. We lived in Barelas. Within six months of living here I witnessed my first drive by shooting/murder. Then my first day of middle school I was introduced to drugs and alcohol. To fit in, I quickly fell into that lifestyle. For years I watched my parents’ struggle. We lived in the church my dad pastored. When money ran out, we’d move to another church building. To sleep, I’d put together metal chairs and cover it with pillows. There was no shower! To bathe I poured cold water on my body using a cup. I felt completely hopeless! I looked for ways out and could only find community centers to pass my time and find some sort of escape. Drug addicted with no hope I befriended adults at the community center to seek

MARCH 2022 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

advice. The one person I trusted raped me twice at thirteen. Till this day I don’t know how much older he was, he lied about his age. I became so angry with life that I began to seek fulfilment in more drugs and other dangerous relationships. My joy for a time as disruptive as it sounds was to hurt others and disrespect them. I knew that one day I would show up dead somewhere, in prison, or trafficked. At 18 I became pregnant, got married and began the journey to save me from myself. I didn’t have a choice! I focused my energy into my career and building a better life for my new family. Till this day I force myself to stay busy or else I begin to think about things I’ve done and the bad decisions I’ve made. Now, as a successful business owner my purpose is to provide young adults a place to safely grow and build a life they can be proud of.

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SUCCESS STORIES

PARTNER CONTENT

WESTERN DERMATOLOGY CONSULTANTS/ THE SPA @ WDC 10151 MONTGOMERY BLVD.,NE BLDG. 1 STE. A | ALBUQUERQUE, NM DERM (505) 855-5503 | SPA (505) 855-9267 | WDCSPA.COM The impact of COVID has shown why Western Dermatology

pandemic, our new processes helped keep our clients safe. For a

Consultants is the leader in skin care services in our community

long while we delivered products to their cars while masked and

and beyond. Early on, with new and scary information coming

gloved. When clients were able to return to our office, tempera-

at us every day, we all had to find ways to adjust. Each of us sud-

ture checks and hand sanitizer became the norm—but smiles

denly had to make daily decisions for even the simplest tasks.

were obvious in spite of masks.

As a medical office and medical spa, the obstacles seemed

Western Dermatology Consultants, established in 1998 with

endless. Even waiting rooms changed, with magazines being re-

the addition of The Spa in 2001, has continually been on the cut-

moved, the number of chairs reduced, and bringing companions

ting edge. Our team was among the first to offer CoolSculpting,

no longer an option. We decided to close The Spa, even before it

Clear, and Brilliant treatments, and are the only practice in ABQ

was mandated, giving us a time for intense sanitizing and eval-

to offer Isolaz treatments for acne. We are always excited to be at

uation. We concentrated on finding ways to serve our clients

the forefront of providing advanced care for our patients and cli-

however possible. Our aestheticians communicated with many

ents. We are proud of how our team adapted in the trying times

of their clients via social media, reinforcing strong relationships.

of COVID. The delight of our clients and staff to work together

Our staffing was staggered, and our entire staff was vaccinated.

is still obvious when you listen to the laughter and banter as they

As people readjusted to our more restrictive lives during the

come and go. WWW.ABQTHEMAG.COM | MARCH 2022

PARTNER CONTENT

SUCCESS STORIES

ALBUQUERQUE ASSOCIATED PODIATRISTS & AAP AT SANTA FE

MARK HAAS, DPM | ZACHARY HAAS, DPM | MATTHEW COBB, DPM HAYWAN CHIU, DPM | PAUL WHITEHOUSE, DPM | JOSE HERNANDEZ LINGAO, DPM 8080 ACADEMY RD NE, SUITE C | ALBUQUERQUE, NM 435 ST. MICHAELS DRIVE, SUITE 203-B | SANTA FE, NM (505) 247-4164 | AAPODS.COM Albuquerque Associated Podiatrists is a third-generation podiatric practice that has given exceptional care to patients in the New Mexico region since 1948. Our physicians are experts in surgical and non-surgical treatment of all foot and ankle conditions—they’ve trained with the most noted podiatric and orthopedic practitioners in the world. Our long-tenured, loyal staff is dedicated to delivering exceptional patient care. Dr. Mark Haas has been recognized as Top Doc in the field of Podiatry for 16 of the last 17 years by Albuquerque The Magazine, and is a board-certified podiatric specialist, along with Dr. Zachary Haas and Dr. Matthew Cobb. Together, they have authored several publications and research articles on the treatment of foot and ankle conditions, and they’ve lectured both nationally and internationally on foot and ankle reconstructive surgery. Dr. Haywan Chiu, board certified podiatric specialist, and Dr. Jose Hernandez Lingao joined AAP more recently, and have already established themselves as leaders in diabetic foot and MARCH 2022 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

limb salvage. They are on call routinely at both Presbyterian and Lovelace Hospital facilities, treating all emergent conditions of the foot and ankle. Dr. Chiu has pioneered a minimally invasive surgical technique to heal stubborn foot ulcerations—his technique is safer and has fewer complications than traditional surgery. Dr. Paul Whitehouse joined AAP two years ago and serves the Santa Fe region. He has published original research in national publications and presented at various foot and ankle surgical conferences. He treats all lower extremity ailments with particular interest in traumatic injuries, deformity corrections, and reconstructive surgery of the diabetic foot. AAP prides itself in providing high quality care emphasizing evidence based medicine. AAP is available for same day appointments both in Albuquerque and Santa Fe for traumatic, non-traumatic, and infectious conditions of the foot and ankle such as sports injuries, fractures, ingrown nails, bone and soft tissue infections, and wounds. This same day service has allowed patients to avoid visits to the emergency room.

SUCCESS STORIES

PARTNER CONTENT

ALBUQUERQUE ER & HOSPITAL OUR TEAM - SANJAY KHOLWADWALA, MD | DEREK DETEMPLE, DO VICTOR SHERMAN, MD | TIM BAJEMA, MD 9310 COORS BLVD. NW (PASEO DEL NORTE / COORS) | ALBUQUERQUE, NM P: (505) 431-1900 | F: (505) 431-1902 | BILLING: (713) 357-2535 INFO@ABQHOSPITAL.COM | ABQHOSPITAL.COM Albuquerque ER & Hospital has created a medical experience that patients dream of: bringing quick, courteous, and compassionate emergency care to the local community. It’s a simple idea—and it’s also quite revolutionary. With an inclusive, state-of-the-art facility built to provide comprehensive medical care, Albuquerque ER & Hospital treats a wide variety of injuries and ailments. Whether you need imaging for a broken bone or testing for an infection, residents of Albuquerque and surrounding communities can count on Albuquerque ER’s team of expert staff and physicians to deliver the emergency care you deserve. Albuquerque ER & Hospital was founded by physicians frustrated by the current state of emergency care. They sought to solve the issues typical of large, congested hospitals by crafting a signature brand of inclusive and compassionate emergency care. And their plan worked: our team has the highest-rated ER patient care (and shortest ER wait time) in the city.

At Albuquerque ER & Hospital, patients have immediate access to some of the best physicians, nurses, and support staff available—all working together to offer unparalleled care in a calming, upscale setting with a peaceful, welcoming atmosphere. The team of healthcare professionals at Albuquerque ER & Hospital strives to see and treat patients as rapidly as possible, often providing essential care much faster than other hospitals. Meanwhile, patients who require longer stays do so in spacious, comfortable, amenity-filled rooms. And in early 2023, we will open our second location (at the corner of Montgomery Boulevard and Wyoming Boulevard), offering the same services: micro hospital with ER and inpatient beds, plus full radiology services with MRI, US, CT and X-ray scans. BettER. FastER. SmartER. No matter the injury or illness, Albuquerque ER & Hospital is fully equipped to treat you and your loved ones. WWW.ABQTHEMAG.COM | MARCH 2022

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

3309 JUAN TABO NE, SUITE A ALBUQUERQUE, NM (505)271-8009 | BOEHMERDDS.COM Led by Dr. Monica Boehmer, our practice has provided superb, personalized, and comprehensive dental care to the Albuquerque-area for more than 25 years. Here, we value our patients’ time and intelligence, and we strive to find the best route to achieving their goals for their oral health and appearance. Our state-of-the-art dental practice follows and exceeds all CDC, ADA, and NMDOH safety guidelines for COVID-19 to keep our patients, staff, and community safe. We also rely on the latest dental technology, including digital X-rays, a 3D cone beam scanner, an intraoral camera, and more to make your experience as seamless and transparent as possible. Instead of just telling you what is going on in your mouth, we can show you so that you and our team are always on the same page. We’re able to provide a complete range of treatments under one roof, including thorough checkups and cleanings, oral cancer screenings, fillings, crowns, dental implants, veneers, Invisalign, laser gum re-contouring, teeth whitening, full mouth reconstruction, sleep apnea therapy, TMJ treatment, and more. This way, no matter what you need now or in the future, you can look forward to working with the same trusted team. We always tailor our methods to meet the specific needs of each patient. Furthermore, we take a holistic approach, recognizing that the health of the oral cavity can impact the entire body, and vice versa. Give us a call to schedule an appointment and come see why so many Albuquerque natives already love our practice. MARCH 2022 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

SUCCESS STORIES

PARTNER CONTENT

OPTUM 8 CLINIC LOCATIONS THROUGHOUT ALBUQUERQUE & RIO RANCHO 303 ROMA AVE. NW | ALBUQUERQUE, NM (505) 232-1000 | NM.OPTUM.COM For 100 years, this medical group has been caring for New Mexicans. And as times change (and the current pandemic has shown) it’s more important than ever to have healthcare that you can depend on. At Optum, our family of dedicated doctors and care teams work together to ensure that our patients live their healthiest lives. A large part of that philosophy focuses on preventive care. Our primary care doctors coordinate directly with more than 20 medical and surgical specialists to deliver personalized care. We offer 8 locations throughout Albuquerque and Rio Rancho, all which adhere to enhanced safety standards. Video visits are also available. As part of the front line, our team of nearly 500 healthcare professionals is dedicated to a health system that works better for everyone. Our success comes from their passion and drive, which has led more than 105,000 New Mexicans to trust us for their health care.

ADVANCED ALLERGY ASSOCIATES OF NEW MEXICO 5310 HOMESTEAD RD NE STE 201 ALBUQUERQUE, NM (505) 237-2574 | ALLERGYNM.COM

Advanced Allergy Associates of New Mexico welcomes you to the premier allergy treatment clinic of the Southwest. What sets us apart? Experience, and dedication to our patients and community. As some of the most experienced providers in the state, each of our team members brings expert insight to the table. Together, Board Certified allergists Steven G. Tolber, MD and Pamela J. Daffern, MD have been helping Albuquerque feel better for 76 years. They are joined by seasoned specialist nurse practitioners Teresa Jenkins-McCord, CANP, and P. James Romero, CFNP, as well as physician assistant Paul Tapia PA-C. The last several years has been a time of expansion and growth for our practice. We are proud to announce the additions of Cristina Hollowwa, PAC, and Elea Martinez, DNP, CFNP. Both practitioners are well experienced in the practice of allergy. We can offer treatment for a wide range of allergies, including all seasonal and perennial allergies, pet allergies, hives, allergic reactions to food and medication, bee sting reactions, eczema and other skin conditions, asthma, sinusitis, and immune deficiency. We treat patients of all ages. If you or a family member is experiencing allergy symptoms, asthma, or skin conditions, call our office today to schedule an appointment. WWW.ABQTHEMAG.COM | MARCH 2022

SUCCESS STORIES

PARTNER CONTENT

DERMATOLOGY OF NEW MEXICO 610 BROADWAY BLVD NE | ALBUQUERQUE, NM (505) 225-2500 | DERMATOLOGYNM.COM Medical expertise is the key at Dermatology of New Mexico. The staff here has more than 30 years of combined experience and is dedicated to serving our community. With deep local ties, all of our providers have received medical training at the University of New Mexico. Dr. Suraj Reddy has been named to the “Top Doc of ABQ” list by Albuquerque The Magazine, while Dr. Shilpa Reddy graduated first in her class from UNM medical school. Both doctors are board-certified and have been recognized as “Top Dermatologists” by readers of the Albuquerque Journal. They are joined by certified Physician Assistant Sabrina Johnson, a N.M native who finished at the top of her Physician Assistant program at UNM. PA Johnson was previously voted best health care provider in Valencia County. Dermatology of New Mexico’s team of medical professionals is here to address all of your skin care needs in a centrally located area of Albuquerque. Services include Medical Dermatology such as skin cancer and mole checks; Surgical Dermatology including skin cancer removal and biopsies; Cosmetic Dermatology including Botox, filler, and laser treatments. Facials, microdermabrasion, and chemical peels area also available from our aesthetic team. We are currently accepting new patients. To inquire about any specific treatment you may need, schedule your next appointment today!

NEW MEXICO PAIN ASSOCIATES 8300 CARMEL AVE NE, SUITE 500-501 101 HOSPITAL LOOP NE, SUITE 109 ALBUQUERQUE, NM (505) 633-4141 | NMPAINASSOCIATES.COM New Mexico Pain Associates is dedicated to improving the quality of life for patients that suffer from pain that limits their ability to live that life to the fullest. “Our practice is more than a medical group,” says Diego Gonzalez, MD, the company’s CEO. “We consider ourselves a family, and this relationship makes us work in a more successful fashion. Every member of our staff is crucial for our success.” The team offers a range of specialty services that target pain, including radio frequency ablation, steroid injections, kyphoplasty, spinal cord stimulation, and pain pumps. Because the industry has constant changes in technology and procedure, the focus here is to find the right treatment. “We are not a one-size-fits-all practice. We’re always looking at the best option for each patient, because we know that every issue the patient has may require a different treatment,” says Gonzalez, who has been in practice in Albuquerque since 2004. New Mexico Pain Associates recently moved to a new facility to better serve patients, and the team loves to stay connected to the community by providing education on pain management. They also promote a healthy lifestyle, and sponsor sports leagues in ABQ. MARCH 2022 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

WWW.ABQTHEMAG.COM | MARCH 2022

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

TOP PICK Beyond Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience. An imaginative and fully-immersive adventure, the exhibition uses 3D projection technology and music to illuminate all of Vincent van Gogh’s genius images. Immersive Pavilion in the Sawmill District, 1820 Bellamah Ave. NW. Tickets: $39.99 adults, $23.99 children, plus fees, vangoghalbuquerque.com.

MARCH 2022 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

COURTESY IMAGE

10 am-9 pm Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays 10 am-10 pm Fridays and Saturdays

thursday 3– sunday 6 various times

OVO Cirque du Soleil’s highenergy, high-acrobatic production- a colorful intrusion into a new day in the life of insects. Funny and chaotic, yet adorable and wonderful. Info: Rio Rancho Events Center, six performances only, cirquedusoleil. com. Tickets on sale now, ticketmaster.com, $45–$150, plus fees.

friday 4 and saturday 5 9 am–5 pm

Our Turquoise Trail gallery show Las Aranas Spinners & Weavers Guild’s Spiders’ Market Sale and Exhibit All items on display and for sale, including clothing, jewelry, decorative accessories, tools, and printed material will feature a shade of turquoise. Info: Albuquerque Garden Center, 10120 Lomas Blvd. NE. Info: lasaranas.org, (505) 859-0680. Parking and admission free.

friday 4 | 11 am–4 pm, saturday 5 | 11 am– 7 pm, and sunday 6 10 am–6 pm National Fiery Foods & Barbecue Show More than 1,000 different products from the U.S. and around the world available for tasting and purchase. Cooking and barbecue demonstrations as well as food samples galore. Info: Sandia Resort & Casino, 30 Rainbow Road, (505) 796-7500. Tickets available at the door, $15.50 adults, $5 ages 11-18, children under age 10 are free. Info: fieryfoodsshow.com

sunday 13 10:30 am

Chatter Sunday Everything Is Named After Something Lost, a world premiere by Alex Temple and Katie Doyle exploring Arizona’s Superstition Mountain. With poet Matthew John Conley. Info: Chatter at 912 3rd St NW, chatterabq.org/ boxoffice. Tickets: $16 adults, $9 students and ages under 30, $5 ages under 13.

wednesday 16 7–9 pm

The Underwater Bubble Show Taking cues from Cirque du Soleil, the visually spectacular show incorporates the latest in stage technology. Lasers, low ground smoke and flying foam simulate waves and the underwater atmosphere. Info: Kiva Auditorium, 401 2nd St. NW, ampconcerts.org. Tickets: $17-$38.

WWW.ABQTHEMAG.COM | MARCH 2022

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

thursday 17 7:30 pm

St. Patrick’s Day Spend St. Patrick’s Day with Danú where audiences are transported on a joyful musical journey to Ireland where traditional tunes are mixed with the musicians’ own original songs. Info: Popejoy Hall, 203 Cornell Drive NE, popejoypresents.com, (505) 277-4569. Tickets: $25–$59.

sunday 20 3–4:30 pm

TAKE 3 Music in Corrales presents classical & jazz fusion trio, TAKE3, spreading the message of Hope, Love and Peace. Info: Old San Ysidro Church, 966 Old Church Rd, Corrales. Tickets: $25 online in advance; $30 at the door, if available, musicincorrales.org/tickets.

MARCH 2022 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

friday 25 7:30–9:30 pm

Loudon Wainwright III For the past fifty-two years, Loudon Wainwright III has carved out a distinguished career as one of our most original singer-songwriters, a six-string diarist with material that is by turns, tongue-incheek, heart-wrenching, and always deeply personal. Info: Chatter, 912 3rd St NW, ampconcerts.org. Tickets: $44$49.

friday 25–sunday 27 10 am–5 pm

New Mexico Renaissance Celtic Festival, Land of Enchantment Realm Fun-filled three-day adventure featuring over 120 merchants selling handmade crafts, 13 performers including Celtic Novo, four stages, 30 shows, Guinness beer, and food. Info: Wildlife West Nature Park, 87 E. Frontage Road, Edgewood, nmrenceltfest.com, (575) 7491275. Tickets $25-$200.

tuesday 1 10–11 am

Ten Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s. Alzheimer’s Association, NM Chapter. Webinar reveals warning signs to look for in yourself or others that may indicate dementia. Info: nmprograms@alz.org or (800) 272-3900. Free.

wednesday 2 3–4 pm

Legal and Financial Planning. Alzheimer’s Association, NM Chapter. Webinar gives you an overview of the tools you need to plan ahead when facing dementia in the family. Info: nmprograms@alz.org or (800) 272-3900. Free.

thursday 3 5–8 pm

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

thursday 3 | 7:30 pm

Oscar Peña’s Born in Barcelona. This guitarist and composer is an alumnus of the Berklee College of Music and the New England Conservatory. His unique cross cultural sound blends jazz and classical music with non-traditional instrumentation. He has released four jazz albums with appearances by Esperanza Spalding, Gil Goldstein, and Paquito D’Rivera. His upcoming release features legendary bassist Ron Carter. Info: Tickets at outpostspace.org. Outpost Performance Space, 210 Yale SE, (505)268-0044.

thursday 3–sunday 6 various times

Anastasia, the new Broadway musical. This dazzling show transports us from the twilight of the Russian Empire to the euphoria of Paris in the 1920s as a brave young woman sets out to discover the mystery of her past. Info: Popejoy Hall, 203 Cornell Drive NE, popejoypresents. com, (505) 277-4569. Tickets: $48–$112.

friday 4 | 4–7 pm

Sparkle and Punch Reception. Amapola Gallery’s featured artist exhibition showcases jewelry by Brenda Bowman and the punch quilts of Cristina DiazArntzen. Their show will hang throughout March. Info: Amapola Gallery, 205 Romero NW. Open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily (505) 2424311 and amapolagallery.com.

friday 4 |6–8:30 pm

The Art of Healing. Artscrawl reception located inside the New Mexico Cancer Center, celebrating 20 years of the New Mexico Cancer Center Foundation. Showcasing 380 works by artists who received the People’s Choice Award in one of our four previous shows. Forty percent of each art sale is tax deductible and goes to the New Mexico Cancer Center Foundation. Info: New Mexico Cancer Center, 4901 Lang Ave NE. Contact Regina Held, Gallery Director at regina@ gallerywithacause.org or (505) 803-3345. Info: gallerywithacause.org. Free.

friday 4 | 7:30–9:30 pm

Diana Burco. A charismatic rising star of the explosive and multi-dimensional Colombian music scene, Diana Burco is a singer-songwriter and accomplished accordion player. Info: @708, 708 1st St NW, ampconcerts.org. Tickets: $17-$22.

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Assistance League Thrift Shop | 5211 Lomas NE | Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday & Saturday 10am - 2pm

WWW.ABQTHEMAG.COM | MARCH 2022

saturday 5 | 7:30 pm

Ben Monder is a guitarist and composer from the New York City area who has performed with a wide variety of artists. He contributed guitar parts to David Bowie’s final album, Blackstar, and was the recipient of a Doris Duke Impact Award in 2014. Monder has released seven CDs as a leader and performs internationally in solo and trio settings. He is in a long-standing duo with vocalist Theo Bleckmann. Tickets at outpostspace.org. Info: Outpost Performance Space, 210 Yale SE, (505) 268-0044.

saturday 5 | 7:30–9:30 pm

Eric Johnson. Grammy-winning guitarist, vocalist, composer, and multiinstrumentalist. The 2022 Treasure Tour will feature previously unreleased gems, new songs, and some older favorites. Info: El Rey Theater, 620 Central Ave. NW, ampconcerts.org. Tickets: $30–$45.

wednesday 9 | 7:30–9:30 pm

Germán López. Brilliant young star of the timple from the Canary Islands, López harnesses the grit of Spanish flamenco, the structure of West African rhythms, and an innovative 21st century approach to performing island music. Info: Chatter, 912 3rd St NW, ampconcerts.org. Tickets: $22-$27.

thursday 10 | 1-4 pm

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

thursday 10 | 7:30 pm

Disney Princess - The Concert, presented by Pandora Jewelry. Celebrate all the Disney Princesses in an unforgettable evening of songs, animation, and stories as your favorite Disney Princess sing and share their exclusive behind-thescenes stories from their time portraying princesses on the stage and screen. Dress up in your best royal attire and get ready for an unforgettable evening. Info: Popejoy Hall, 203 Cornell Drive NE, popejoypresents.com, (505) 277-4569. Tickets: $25–$79.

sunday 6–thursday 31 10 am–5 pm

A Parliament of Owls will be the theme at the Corrales Bosque Gallery. Artists will focus on owls in a variety of artistic styles. The event is open to all ages and follows COVID safe practices. Info: 4685 Corrales Rd., Corrales. (505) 898-7203. corralesbosquegallery.com.

sunday 6 | 10:30 am

Chatter Sunday. America’s premier professional trumpet ensemble, Tromba Mundi, takes the stage. With storyteller Elaine Muray. Info: Chatter at 912 3rd St NW, chatterabq.org/boxoffice. Tickets: $16 adults, $9 students and ages under 30, $5 ages under 13.

monday 7 | noon

Kiwanis of Albuquerque meets at Embassy Suites Hotel. Help us support the children of Albuquerque. Info: Lunch and an interesting speaker for only $18. Call Dave at (505) 681-6325 to make a reservation and he’ll pay for your first meeting. kiwanisabq.org.

“LOVING TO LEARN - LEARNING TO LOVE” I N FA N T | TO D D L E R | P R E S C H O O L

BEFORE & AFTER SCHOOL

tuesday 8 | 10–11 am

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

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We now have NM Free Pre-k & Early Pre-k at all locations!

4 FREE Meals Daily!

wednesday 9 | 5–6 pm

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

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WWW.ABQTHEMAG.COM | MARCH 2022

thursday 10 | 7:30 pm

Outpost Thursday Night Jazz: TBA. Outpost’s Thursday Night Jazz series features both world-renowned as well as regional and local artists. Info: Outpost Performance Space, 210 Yale SE, (505)268-0044, outpostspace.org.

Friday 11 | 8–10 pm

Masters of Hawaiian Music. Three slack key masters bring Hawaii’s unique folk styles, with origins in the early 19th century Hawaiian paniolo (cowboy) culture, to 21st century stages. Info: Lobo Theater, 3013 Central Ave. NE, ampconcerts.org. Tickets: $25-$30.

wednesday 16 11 am–1 pm

Healing Hearts Luncheon and Silent Auction. The Children’s Grief Center and Grief Resource Center will require proof of vaccination and the wearing of a mask to attend in person. Live event will stream on our YouTube Channel. Info: Tickets can be purchased online at childrensgrief. org/hh2022. Donations can be made at childrensgrief.org. (505) 323-0478 or email info@childrensgrief.org

wednesday 16 5–6 pm

Ten Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s. Alzheimer’s Association, NM Chapter. Free webinar reveals warning signs to look for in yourself or others that may indicate dementia. Free. Info: nmprograms@alz.org or (800) 272-3900.

saturday 12 | 10–11:30 am

Present and Future Changes to Home Gardens presented by The Xeric Garden Club. Changing gardens and mindsets with the drought and offering pollinators food for their caterpillar and flying forms. Albuquerque Garden Center, 10120 Lomas Boulevard NE. xericgardenclub.org. Free.

saturday 12 | 6–8:30 pm

Second Saturday Community CoffeeHouse presents Melissa Rios, an acoustic soul and R&B singer/songwriter originally from Las Cruces, for a special night of incredible songs. Opening for Melissa is Jim Kono, a gutsy, truth-seeking, compassionate singer-songwriter who lives in Edgewood. Info: Unity Spiritual Center, 9800 Candelaria Road NE, (505) 292-1998, uscabq.org/coffeehouse. Free, donations appreciated.

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

sunday 13 | 3 pm

Albuquerque Philharmonic Orchestra. Williams, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, Suite for Orchestra; Schumann, Cello Concerto in A Minor, Op 129; and Beethoven, Symphony No. 3, Eroica. National Hispanic Cultural Center Journal Theater, 1701 4th St. SW, (505) 246-2261, nhccnm.org. Free.

monday 14 | noon

Kiwanis of Albuquerque meets at Embassy Suites Hotel. Help us support the children of Albuquerque. Lunch and an interesting speaker for only $18. Call Dave at (505) 681-6325 to make a reservation and he’ll pay for your first meeting. kiwanisabq.org.

monday 14 | 3–4 pm

COVID and Caregiving. Alzheimer’s Association, NM Chapter. Free webinar shares tips about how to approach caregiving during the pandemic. Free. Info: nmprograms@alz.org or (800) 272-3900.

tuesday 15 | 7:30–10 pm

Lido Pimienta. Global beats trailblazer, an ecstatic musical hybrid of electronics meets cumbia. Info: Launchpad, 618 Central Ave. SW, ampconcerts.org. Tickets: $22-$25.

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MARCH 2022 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

wednesday 16 | 11 am–1 pm

friday 18 | 7:30 pm

thursday 17 | 7:30 pm

friday 18–saturday april 10 | friday and saturday 7:30 pm, sunday 2:00 pm

Healing Hearts Luncheon and Silent Auction for The Children’s Grief Center of New Mexico and sponsored by Southwest Family Guidance Center and Institute. Funds raised will provide free grief support for bereaved children, ages 5-25, and their adult caregivers, as well as adults. Info: Embassy Suites Hotel, 1000 Woodward NE with live stream on YouTube at noon. Tickets $125 at childrensgrief.org/hh2022. Michael Anthony-Paul Gonzales Quartet. Performing Bebop, Standards, Latin, Blues, Funk and originals as well as a new composition by Paul Gonzales. This quartet has been playing together for 10 years now, and is comprised of guitarist and NM jazz luminary, Michael Anthony, trumpeter Paul Gonzales, bassist Milo Jaramillo, and drummer Andrew Poling. Tickets online at outpostspace.org. Info: Outpost Performance Space, 210 Yale SE, (505) 268-0044.

friday 18 | 1–4 pm

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

Sweet Honey in the Rock, the a cappella ensemble that has charmed audiences all over the globe, mixes traditional African music, gospel, and a touch of heightened feminist and civil rights consciousness, featuring very strong and spiritual AfricanAmerican performers. Info: Popejoy Hall, 203 Cornell Drive NE, popejoypresents. com, (505) 277-4569. Tickets: $25–$69.

Driving Miss Daisy. Alfred Uhry’s Pulitzer Prize-winning drama. An elderly southern lady and her driver form an unlikely friendship that spans the test of time. Info: The Adobe Theatre, 9813 4th Street NW, adobetheater.org, (505) 898-9222. Tickets $17-$20.

saturday 19 | 5:30–7:30 pm

S.T.E.A.M. Nights at the Balloon Museum. This is a monthly event for curious minds of all ages. Come alone for a night out or bring the family. There is something for everyone. Available on the third Saturday of the month. Info: 9201 Balloon Museum Drive NE, (505) 768-6020. Tickets: cabq. gov/artsculture/balloonmuseum or holdmyticket.com, $6 adults, $4 seniors, $3 youth ages 6 to 17.

saturday 19 | 7:30 pm

Rahim AlHaj and Friends: Celebrating 22 Years in New Mexico. Iraqi oud master and composer will perform in a concert featuring music he has written over the years with a string quartet that will be joining him. There will also be a conversation with UNM Distinguished Professor of Anthropology and Music, Steven Feld, with whom AlHaj has collaborated on numerous projects. Info: Tickets at outpostspace.org. Info: Outpost Performance Space, 210 Yale SE, (505) 268-0044.

saturday 19 | 8 pm

F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby, performed by Aquila Theatre, is set in the Jazz Age and follows millionaire Jay Gatsby’s pursuit to recapture the romance of his youth in this story of obsession, greed, and betrayal. Info: Popejoy Hall, 203 Cornell Drive NE, popejoypresents. com, (505) 277-4569. Tickets: $25–$65.

sunday 20 |10:30 am

Chatter Sunday. Music by Mozart and Cage alongside a string quartet by Benjamin Franklin in a concert celebrating KNME’s upcoming Ken Burns Franklin documentary premiere. Info: Chatter at 912 3rd St NW, chatterabq.org/boxoffice. Tickets: $16 adults, $9 students and ages under 30, $5 ages under 13.

WWW.ABQTHEMAG.COM | MARCH 2022

sunday 20 |2 pm friday 25 | 7:30 pm sunday 27 | 2 pm

Opera Southwest’s Pelléas et Mélisande is about Golaud, a widower and the grandson of King Arkel of Allemonde, who has lost his way hunting in the forest. Near a fountain, he discovers a weeping young girl, Mélisande. She can’t explain who she is or what has happened to her. She reluctantly agrees to follow Golaud. Info: National Hispanic Cultural Center Journal Theatre Center, 1701 4th Street SW, nhccnm.org. Tickets $21-$103.

thursday 24 | 6–7:30 pm

Exploring Black and Indigenous Geographies in New Mexico. Artists from Many Worlds Are Born, including Jeanna Penn, will share their research into Black presence in mid-20th century Albuquerque and the oft-neglected history shaped by gentrification. Info: 516 ARTS, 516 Central Ave. SW, info@516arts. org (505) 242-1445, free admission.

thursday 24 |7:30 pm

Outpost Thursday Night Jazz: TBA. Outpost’s Thursday Night Jazz series features both world renowned as well as regional and local artists. Tickets at outpostspace.org. Info: Outpost Performance Space, 210 Yale SE, (505) 268-0044.

thursday 24 | 8–10 pm

Tinsley Ellis. World renowned Southern blues-rock guitarist, vocalist and songwriter. Info: Lobo Theater, 3013 Central Ave NE, ampconcerts.org. Tickets: $22-$27.

sunday 20 | 3 pm

Macbeth. Aquila Theatre breathes new life and vigorous dramatic fire into this wickedly famous work where he and Lady Macbeth succumb to paranoid visions, terrifying phantoms, and fragmenting sanity. Info: Popejoy Hall, 203 Cornell Drive NE, popejoypresents.com, (505) 277-4569. Tickets: $25–$65.

sunday 20 | 7:30–9:30 pm

José González. From selling out tours to being asked to perform at 2020’s Nobel Prize Award Ceremony and seeing his recorded music exceed 1 billion streams, González is an in-demand and visionary singer-songwriter/guitarist. Info: El Rey Theater, 620 Central Ave. NW, ampconcerts.org. Tickets: $54.

monday 21 | noon

tuesday 22 | 2–5 pm

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

wednesday 23 | 3–4 pm

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

thursday 24 | 2–3 pm

Understanding Dementia Behaviors. Alzheimer’s Association, NM Chapter. Free webinar helps caregivers learn about the common triggers for behaviors associated with dementia, how to assess the person’s needs, and how to intervene effectively. Free. Info: nmprograms@alz.org or (800) 272-3900.

MARCH 2022 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

WWW.ABQTHEMAG.COM | MARCH 2022

friday 25 and saturday 26 8 am–3 pm

Annual Rummage Sale benefiting the nonprofit organization, Council of Albuquerque Garden Clubs. Choose from a variety of items (jewelry, collectables, books, electronics, kitchenware, furniture, etc.) Info: Albuquerque Garden Center, 10120 Lomas Blvd NE (in Los Altos Park), albuquerquegardencenter.org, (505)2966020. Free admission. Masks required.

sunday 27 | 10:30 am

Chatter Sunday. New York City’s renowned new-music quartet Loadbang returns to Albuquerque. Info: Chatter at 912 3rd St NW, chatterabq.org/boxoffice. Tickets: $16 adults, $9 students and ages under 30, $5 ages under 13.

sunday 27 | 3 pm

Bessie, Billie, & Nina: Pioneering Women in Jazz. Among the most influential and popular singers of their time, please come and celebrate the enduring legacies of these iconic artists with performances of the classic songs, backed by an all-female band. Info: Popejoy Hall, 203 Cornell Drive NE, popejoypresents.com, (505) 2774569. Tickets: $25–$65.

wednesday 30 | 1–4 pm

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

thursday 31 | 5–6 pm

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

friday april 1 | 7:30 pm

Drum Tao. With a Samurai heart and a rock and roll aesthetic, Drum Tao brings their signature power and precision back to Popejoy in a new show. The performers train themselves in both traditional Japanese drumming and martial arts, becoming fiercely fit for the art of melding martial arts precision with driving rhythms. Info: Popejoy Hall, 203 Cornell Drive NE, popejoypresents.com (505) 277-4569. Tickets: $8–$69.

saturday april 2 | 8:00 pm

The Peking Acrobats. From deathdefying balancing acts to mind-bending contortionists, The Peking Acrobats offers a show of astonishing spectacles, one after another, all night long. Info: Popejoy Hall, 203 Cornell Drive NE, popejoypresents.com, (505) 277-4569. Tickets: $25–$59.

MARCH 2022 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

WWW.ABQTHEMAG.COM | MARCH 2022

ONGOING/DAILY tuesday–saturday | 12–5 pm

Art Meets History: Many Worlds Are Born. Group exhibition features contemporary artists working with historic photographs from the Albuquerque Museum Photo Archives. The work spans multiple generations and understandings of New Mexico’s many histories, worlds born from beauty, violence, and a deep sense of place. Info: 516 ARTS, 516 Central Ave. SW. info@516arts.org or (505) 242-1445. Admission free.

daily various activities and times

Jewish Community Center. The Ronald Gardenswartz Jewish Community Center of Greater Albuquerque (JCC) is part of your extended family, your home away from home—providing programs and services for all ages and stages in life. Within our walls or around the world, our members gather together to meet, play, learn, celebrate, and be part of the community. Everyone, regardless of age or religious affiliation, is welcome. Info: 5520 Wyoming Blvd. NE, (505) 332-0565, jccabq.org.

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, (505) 277-3013.

daily |

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

daily |

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

daily |

Epilepsy Support and Education Services. For meeting time and place, call (505) 2439119 or visit epilepsysupportnm.org.

daily | various times and locations

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

daily |11:30 am–5:30 pm

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 Rd. NW, Ste. A, rattlesnakes.com, (505) 242-6569. Tickets: $6 adults; $5 seniors, military, students, teachers; $4 children.

daily |

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

daily |

Ronald McDonald House Charities of New Mexico. 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, volunteer@rmhc-nm.org, rmhc-nm.org, (505) 842-8960.

daily various times

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

daily |

Albuquerque Apparel Center and AAC School of Fashion Design. Melissa Lea Beasley, president and founder of AAC and award-winning fashion designer, offers a variety of industry-based fashion design classes, seminars, retreats, and more. Couture, costume, and custom clothing design services, alterations, and patternmaking services are also available. Info: abqapparelcenter.com, (505) 8036966.

MARCH 2022 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

daily |10 am–4 pm

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

daily | 7 am–8 pm

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

daily | 10 am–5 pm

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

daily | 10 am–8 pm

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

daily | various times

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

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. meetup.com/AlbuquerqueDolls/.

various days | various times

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

WWW.ABQTHEMAG.COM | MARCH 2022

various days | various times

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

saturdays | 2–4 pm

Rio Rancho Youth Chorus is for youths aged 12-18, no experience required. No auditions. All are welcome. RRYC is Rio Rancho’s only community youth chorus. We study all styles. Each season is more fun and exciting than the next. Info: Avix Art, 4311 Sara Road SE, Rio Rancho. Member dues $100 (payment plans and scholarships available on request), rr-cc.org/want-to-join.

saturdays | 10 am

Downtown Albuquerque History Walking Tours presented by the Albuquerque Historical Society. Learn how the AT&SF Railway brought the rest of America to New Mexico. Hear stories of how tuberculosis brought many new citizens during the 1900s. Learn about Route 66. Twohour tour. Bring water, no pets. Meet at southwest corner of 1st Street and Central Avenue. Reservations not necessary. albquqhistsoc.org. For special tour time for a group, call (505) 289-0586.

mondays–saturdays | noon–2 pm

tuesdays–saturdays | 9 am–5 pm

tuesdays | 2–3 pm

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

Exquisite Turquoise in the Castle. This extraordinary German-style castle is the museum setting featuring rare turquoise specimens, lapidary demos, history and geology, a mine tunnel replica, hands-on activities for kids, and silversmithing. Info: The Turquoise Museum, 400 2nd Street SW, turquoisemuseum.com, (505) 4333684. Tickets: $20 adults, $15 children. 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, (505) 348-4451, free.

tuesdays | 7:30–10 pm

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

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/artsculture/abqmusuem, (505) 2437255. General admission: $3-$6, a $5 exhibition surcharge applies.

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

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.

sundays | 10:30 am

Chatter Concerts. Weekly Sunday morning concerts in a full spectrum of chamber music which also include readings and refreshments. A calendar can be found at chatterabq.org. Info: New location at 913 3rd Street NW. Doors open at 9:30; for best seats, come early and enjoy the coffee and camaraderie. Advance tickets: $16 adults, $9 ages under 30 and students, and $5 children, at chatterabq. org/boxoffice and if still available, at the door: $20 adults, $9 students, $5 children.

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

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

every third monday | 6–7:30 pm

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

MARCH 2022 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

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.

wednesdays–sundays | 11 am–5 pm, wednesdays–thursdays | 5–8 pm

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

every first wednesday 9 am–5 pm

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

every first tuesday 1–2:30 pm

Spanish Language Alzheimer’s Support Group. This meeting is for Spanishspeaking individuals caring for a family member with dementia. Info: Alamosa Community Center, 6900 Gonzales Road SW, Suite C, (505) 363-8499 or (800) 272-3900.

every second tuesday 6–7 pm

Outcomes: Grandparents Raising Grandchildren. Attend for discussion and support groups. Info: Los Vecinos Community Center, 478 ½ Old Highway 66, Tijeras, (505) 243-2551 to reserve a space. Free childcare and admission.

Second and Fourth wednesdays | noon

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

wednesday 8–may 11 6–7:30 pm, 10 weeks

Community Big Band. NM Jazz Workshop. From playing a variety of great tunes to navigating your way through chord changes and solo sections, this class will have you wailing in your final performance. Info: New Mexico Jazz Workshop, 5500 Lomas Blvd. NE, maud@nmjazz.org, (505) 255-9798. General $140, NMJW Members $125.

wednesdays–sundays 10 am–4 pm

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

MARCH 2022 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

thursdays | 11:30 am

Road Runner Business Networking Group. If you’d like to generate more business referrals, meet with us. Info: Jimmy’s Café at 7007 Jefferson NE. Please stop by and visit, invitation not necessary. Terry (505) 377-6074, triddle@rmmsonline.com or roadrunnersabq.com

fridays | noon–1:30 pm

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

fridays | 1 pm

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

fridays | 1–4 pm

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

every first friday |

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

saturdays | noon–1 pm

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

second saturday of each month | 6–8:30 pm

Community Coffee House. Warm up with a cup and the opening musical performer. This is a great way to spend a Saturday evening listening to music and enjoying friends, old and new. Info: Unity Spiritual Center, relocated from the East Mountains to 9800 Candelaria NE, (505) 292-1998, uscabq.org/coffeehouse for info about the month’s performers.

second saturday of each month | 10 am-noon

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

third saturday of each month

Blue Star Mothers. General membership meeting for mothers of sons or daughters who currently serve or have served in the U.S. military that pack care packages four times a year for those serving in the military. They also volunteer and participate in several military events throughout the year. Info: 2919 Second Street NW, rgvnmbsm. org, Ruby (505) 203-8250 or Denise (505) 883-6240. Free.

WWW.ABQTHEMAG.COM | MARCH 2022

MARCH 2022 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

every saturday and sunday | various times

fridays | 7–10 pm

saturdays | noon–1 pm

every first saturday | 10– 11:30 am

every first friday |

most 2nd and 4th saturdays 7-10 pm

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.

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

every second saturday | 10–11:30 am Outcomes Grandparents Raising Grandchildren. Come for discussion and support groups. Info: St. Paul’s United Church of Christ, 2701 American Road, Rio Rancho, (505) 243-2551 to reserve a space. Free childcare provided. Free.

Dance Party. Learn a new dance and meet new people each week at ABQ’s newest studio, with three beautiful ballrooms and state-of-the-art floating dance floors. Enjoy refreshments and an introductory dance class from 7–8 pm. Info: Holiday Dance Studio, 5200 Eubank Blvd. NE, call to confirm schedule, (505) 508-4020, holidaydancestudio.com. $30. Free Admission Day at Anderson-Abruzzo Albuquerque International Balloon Museum. Check out this award-winning, world-class facility highlighting the art, culture, history, science and sport of ballooning and other lighter-than-air craft. Info: 9201 Balloon Museum Drive NE (north of Alameda), (505) 768-6020, cabq.gov/balloon.

every third friday | 7–9 pm

Cactus and Succulent Society of New Mexico. Discuss cacti and succulents; enjoy a program presented on a subject relevant to these plants. Program usually involves a slideshow. Not necessary to be a member to attend. Info: Albuquerque Garden Center, 10120 Lomas Blvd. NE, (505) 2966020 new-mexico.cactus-society.org.

ABQ Dance Club. Fun social dances with a variety of music for swing, country, ballroom, and Latin. No partner needed. Info: ABQ Square Dance Center, 4915 Hawkins NE, glkellow@nmia.com or call (505) 299-3737. $8 fee.

saturdays 2:30–4:30 pm

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

WWW.ABQTHEMAG.COM | MARCH 2022

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second saturday of each month 6–8:30 pm

second saturday of each month 10 am–noon

third saturday of each month

Blue Star Mothers. General membership meeting for mothers of sons or daughters who currently serve or have served in the U.S. military that pack care packages four times a year for those serving in the military. We also volunteer and participate in several military events throughout the year. Info: 2919 Second Street NW, rgvnmbsm.org, Ruby rubyjeangarcia@ gmail.com (505) 203-8250 or Denise (505) 883-6240. Free.

every saturday and sunday | various times

every first saturday 10–11:30 am

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

every second saturday | 10–11:30 am

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

WANT TO SUBMIT YOUR COMMUNITY EVENT FOR 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.

WWW.ABQTHEMAG.COM | MARCH 2022

Top Doc awards are not given. They’re earned. Congratulations, Top Docs. We’re grateful for everything you do to keep New Mexico healthy in unprecedented times.

phs.org

Each year since 2005, Albuquerque The Magazine has surveyed area doctors to ask them the question, “If you had to refer a loved one to a local physician other than yourself, to whom would you refer them.” Here are the results, listing each winner, two runners-up, and others receiving at least one vote in each of the 45 specialties. Healthcare, of course, is a serious subject, which is why we’ve brought our readers this annual feedback for the past 18 years. But we also wanted to highlight a softer side to the ABQ physicians who were voted tops in their fields, and so we asked them to answer some fun then-and-now questions. As in, What was your dream car when you were 18, and what is your dream car now? The questions were designed to give us a glimpse of the personal (as opposed to professional) spectrum of each doctor. The answers are honest, poignant, enlightening—and often hilarious. And in these times of heightened awareness and deference to medicine (thanks, COVID), why not get to know our physicians a little better?

82 abqthemag.com 1 March 2022

March 2022 1 Albuquerque The Magazine 83

ALLERGY & IMMUNOLOGY Dr. Steven Tolber

Advanced Allergy Associates of New Mexico 5310 Homestead Rd. NE, Ste. 201 (505) 237-2574 facebook.com/allergynm Years in Practice: 42 Years in ABQ: 42

Senior picture 1963

FAVORITE ITEM OF CLOTHING, AT 18: Bathing suit (I was on the swim team) NOW: Tuxedo MOST IMPORTANT MEAL OF THE DAY, AT 18: Breakfast NOW: Same ADVICE YOU IGNORED THE MOST, AT 18: Take a higher paying job you don’t like NOW: Retire MOST IMPORTANT POSSESSION, AT 18: Car NOW: Dog PERSON(S) YOU MOST ADMIRED, AT 18: John F. Kennedy NOW: Dr. Anthony Fauci THING THAT OTHERS LIKED ABOUT YOU THE MOST, AT 18: Sense of humor NOW: Not a damn thing FAVORITE MUSICAL ARTIST OR SONG, AT 18: The Beatles: I Want To Hold Your Hand NOW: John Lennon: Imagine DREAM CAR, AT 18: Mustang NOW: Lamborghini Veneno IDEA OF A PERFECT DINNER, AT 18: White Castle burger with fraternity brothers NOW: The Compound (Santa Fe) with my wife, family and friends THE IDEA OF HAVING KIDS OR GRANDKIDS, AT 18: Nice NOW: Amazing. A whole new life and unconditional love RESPONSE TO “EAT YOUR VEGETABLES, AT 18: What are vegetables? NOW: Are they colorful, organic, and loaded with phytonutrients? IDEA OF BEING COMPLETELY COOL, AT 18: Very cool NOW: I need thyroid supplements

ALSO IN THE TOP 3 FOR ALLERGY & IMMUNOLOGY Osman Dokmeci, James Sussman Photo by Scott Simpson

ANESTHESIOLOGY Dr. Chris Arndt

University of New Mexico, School of Medicine UNM School of Medicine 1 University of New Mexico (505) 272-2321 hsc.unm.edu Years in Practice: 16 Years in ABQ: 27

High school graduation

84 abqthemag.com 1 March 2022

FAVORITE ITEM OF CLOTHING, AT 18: Jeans NOW: Lounge pants MOST IMPORTANT MEAL OF THE DAY, AT 18: Breakfast NOW: Lunch ADVICE YOU IGNORED THE MOST, AT 18: “Studying is for sissies” NOW: “That’s too much work” MOST IMPORTANT POSSESSION, AT 18: Driver’s license NOW: Health PERSON(S) YOU MOST ADMIRED, AT 18: Ronald Reagan NOW: The unsung heroes of COVID THING THAT OTHERS LIKED ABOUT YOU THE MOST, AT 18: Kind NOW: Kind FAVORITE MUSICAL ARTIST OR SONG, AT 18: Jump, by Van Halen NOW: In Your Eyes, by Peter Gabriel DREAM CAR, AT 18: Corvette NOW: Not needing a car IDEA OF A PERFECT DINNER, AT 18: Cheeseburger NOW: Tapas THE IDEA OF HAVING KIDS OR GRANDKIDS, AT 18: What?! NOW: Not yet! RESPONSE TO “EAT YOUR VEGETABLES,” AT 18: Oh, okay NOW: Oh, okay IDEA OF BEING COMPLETELY COOL, AT 18: Impossible NOW: Whatever

ALSO IN THE TOP 3 FOR ANESTHESIOLOGY Eli Torgeson, Neils Chapman

CARDIOLOGY Dr. Michelle S. Khoo Khoo & Associates Cardiology & Wellness 717 Encino Place NE, Ste. 21 (505) 248-1802 khoocardiology.com Years in Practice: 15 Years in ABQ: 11

Trinity College 1989

COLORECTAL SURGERY Dr. Paul G. Meade Lovelace Medical Group

715 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Ave. NE Suite 301 (505) 727-7090 Years in Practice: 30 plus Years in ABQ: 1

Age 19 at Lake Winnepesaukee

FAVORITE ITEM OF CLOTHING, AT 18: My old shirt my parents bought for me from the Chatuchak Weekend Market in Bangkok, Thailand (I’m wearing it in the pic) NOW: Same MOST IMPORTANT MEAL OF THE DAY, AT 18: Dinner NOW: Dinner ADVICE YOU IGNORED THE MOST, AT 18: Eat better NOW: Eat better MOST IMPORTANT POSSESSION, AT 18: My bike, which I used to go around in Dublin, Ireland, as I could not afford public transportation NOW: My dogs PERSON(S) YOU MOST ADMIRED, AT 18: Margaret Thatcher NOW: Elon Musk THING THAT OTHERS LIKED ABOUT YOU THE MOST, AT 18: My notes in medical school NOW: My salmon FAVORITE MUSICAL ARTIST OR SONG, AT 18: Keith Jarrett’s The Köln Concert NOW: Dragonflies (Cantoma Mix) by José Padilla DREAM CAR, AT 18: Any car NOW: Tesla Model S IDEA OF A PERFECT DINNER, AT 18: Any warm food NOW: Any chicken THE IDEA OF HAVING KIDS OR GRANDKIDS, AT 18: No way NOW: Interesting RESPONSE TO “EAT YOUR VEGETABLES, AT 18: I guess so NOW: Probably best for me — it’s been a royal struggle, but at least I’m now vegetarian four days a week! IDEA OF BEING COMPLETELY COOL, AT 18: To return from the ski slopes with a fractured ankle NOW: To not fracture anything!

ALSO IN THE TOP 3 FOR CARDIOLOGY Mark Sheldon, Veena Raizada

FAVORITE ITEM OF CLOTHING, AT 18: Shorts NOW: Vest MOST IMPORTANT MEAL OF THE DAY, AT 18: Breakfast NOW: Breakfast ADVICE YOU IGNORED THE MOST, AT 18: Take time to smell the roses NOW: Not to sweat the small stuff MOST IMPORTANT POSSESSION, AT 18: Car NOW: My marriage PERSON(S) YOU MOST ADMIRED, AT 18: John F. Kennedy NOW: My father THING THAT OTHERS LIKED ABOUT YOU THE MOST, AT 18: My focus NOW: My dedication FAVORITE MUSICAL ARTIST OR SONG, AT 18: The Beatles NOW: Mozart DREAM CAR, AT 18: Anything new (GTO) NOW: Batmobile IDEA OF A PERFECT DINNER, AT 18: Seafood NOW: Seafood THE IDEA OF HAVING KIDS OR GRANDKIDS, AT 18: No way NOW: Always RESPONSE TO “EAT YOUR VEGETABLES, AT 18: OK NOW: OK IDEA OF BEING COMPLETELY COOL, AT 18: Boating on the lake NOW: Hot tub with a mountain view

ALSO IN THE TOP 3 FOR COLORECTAL SURGERY Vinay Rai, Rohini McKee

March 2022 1 Albuquerque The Magazine 85

CRITICAL CARE Dr. Michelle Harkins

University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center 2211 Lomas Blvd. NE (505) 272-2111 Years in Practice: 27 Years in ABQ: 26

High school graduation 1985 FAVORITE ITEM OF CLOTHING, AT 18: Tennis shoes NOW: N95 face mask MOST IMPORTANT MEAL OF THE DAY, AT 18: Taco Bell for lunch NOW: Dinner with friends ADVICE YOU IGNORED THE MOST, AT 18: Don’t sneak off high school campus for lunch NOW: Wise enough now to consider all advice given MOST IMPORTANT POSSESSION, AT 18: My Mercury Capri NOW: Not a possession, but my friends PERSON(S) YOU MOST ADMIRED, AT 18: People who had the courage to challenge the status quo NOW: People who had the courage to challenge the status quo THING THAT OTHERS LIKED ABOUT YOU THE MOST, AT 18: Being fun and crazy NOW: Having a laugh and trying to be positive no matter the situation FAVORITE MUSICAL ARTIST OR SONG, AT 18: AC/DC NOW: Reggae DREAM CAR, AT 18: Camaro or Trans Am NOW: Whatever I’m driving IDEA OF A PERFECT DINNER, AT 18: Pizza NOW: Really nice bottle of wine with any ethnic variety food THE IDEA OF HAVING KIDS OR GRANDKIDS, AT 18: No way! NOW: OMG, No way!! RESPONSE TO “EAT YOUR VEGETABLES,” AT 18: Yes, because there are starving children in Africa NOW: They actually taste good, but no less starving children IDEA OF BEING COMPLETELY COOL, AT 18: Doing well academically and being on the swim team NOW: Being cool is overrated, not sure that I ever was!

ALSO IN THE TOP 3 FOR CRITICAL CARE Eleana Zamora, Jon Marinaro

86 abqthemag.com 1 March 2022

DERMATOLOGY Dr. Suraj G. Reddy Dermatology of New Mexico 610 Broadway Blvd. NE (505) 225-2500 dermatologynm.com Years in Practice: 13 Years in ABQ: 43

Emory University in 1996

EMERGENCY MEDICINE Dr. Sanjay K. Kholwadwala Albuquerque ER & Hospital 9310 Coors Blvd. NW (505) 431-1900 abqhospital.com Years in Practice: 24 Years in ABQ: 41

Ruidoso in 1986

FAVORITE ITEM OF CLOTHING, AT 18: Old school Adidas Sambas NOW: T-shirt, sweats MOST IMPORTANT MEAL OF THE DAY, AT 18: Lunch, as I woke up too late for breakfast NOW: Lunch, as I practice intermittent fasting ADVICE YOU IGNORED THE MOST, AT 18: Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react NOW: Slow down PERSON(S) YOU MOST ADMIRED, AT 18: My father (great role model, very patient and understanding) NOW: My father (great grandparent and featured in this magazine, too!) THING THAT OTHERS LIKED ABOUT YOU THE MOST, AT 18: Approachable, I was friends with everyone: nerds, jocks, environmentalists NOW: Accommodating IDEA OF A PERFECT DINNER, AT 18: Dion’s on a Friday night before heading out with my Academy Charger buddies NOW: Take out at home from a Thai restaurant with my wife and kids THE IDEA OF HAVING KIDS OR GRANDKIDS, AT 18: Absolutely NOW: Absolutely RESPONSE TO “EAT YOUR VEGETABLES,” AT 18: No way NOW: Bring them on IDEA OF BEING COMPLETELY COOL, AT 18: Wearing my hat backwards with baggy jeans NOW: Being able to take my 13-year-old son to the Foo Fighters concert and the same week be at Maroon 5 with my 10-year-old daughter

ALSO IN THE TOP 3 FOR DERMATOLOGY Aimee Smidt, David Carey

FAVORITE ITEM OF CLOTHING, AT 18: Patterned sweaters (classic ‘80s) NOW: Fitted vest (classic dad) MOST IMPORTANT MEAL OF THE DAY, AT 18: Breakfast, lunch and dinner NOW: Any meal that has salad ADVICE YOU IGNORED THE MOST, AT 18: “You can’t always get what you want,” when I told one of my teachers that I wanted to be a doctor NOW: “It’s so risky building your own hospital.” Albuquerque ER & Hospital is now the highest rated ER in Albuquerque PERSON(S) YOU MOST ADMIRED, AT 18: It changed from my teachers to leaders NOW: My father. It took years to learn the person who influenced me the most THING THAT OTHERS LIKED ABOUT YOU THE MOST, AT 18: Genuine and showed true concern NOW: Doing the right thing IDEA OF A PERFECT DINNER, AT 18: Dinner with family NOW: Dinner with family THE IDEA OF HAVING KIDS OR GRANDKIDS, AT 18: Did not think much about it NOW: Best thing I have ever done—life well-lived RESPONSE TO “EAT YOUR VEGETABLES,” AT 18: The Indian food I ate was largely vegetarian NOW: Happily, still mostly vegetarian IDEA OF BEING COMPLETELY COOL, AT 18: Being like Star Trek’s Captain Picard: cool-under-pressure, adventurous, and great leader NOW: Being myself and being comfortable with who I am

ALSO IN THE TOP 3 FOR EMERGENCY MEDICINE Jon Femling, Amber Rollstin

March 2022 1 Albuquerque The Magazine 87

FAMILY PRACTICE Dr. Timothy Grenemyer Duke City Primary Care 1901 Juan Tabo Blvd. NE (505) 814-1333 dukecityprimarycare.com Years in Practice: 33 Years in ABQ: 50

Senior photo at age 18 FAVORITE ITEM OF CLOTHING, AT 18: Nike Cortez NOW: Any shirt I can wear untucked MOST IMPORTANT MEAL OF THE DAY, AT 18: Breakfast NOW: Same ADVICE YOU IGNORED THE MOST, AT 18: Don’t go into medicine NOW: Early retirement MOST IMPORTANT POSSESSION, AT 18: 1970 Mustang NOW: My family PERSON(S) YOU MOST ADMIRED, AT 18: My parents NOW: My wife and my practice partners for the last 25 years THING THAT OTHERS LIKED ABOUT YOU THE MOST, AT 18: My optimism, my goals and willingness to help NOW: Insightful, caring, good listener, honest, family/community minded FAVORITE MUSICAL ARTIST OR SONG, AT 18: Led Zeppelin IV, Pink Floyd’s The Wall NOW: Dire Straits, Tom Petty DREAM CAR, AT 18: 1967 GTO NOW: 2022 Shelby GT500 KR IDEA OF A PERFECT DINNER, AT 18: A Pete’s half breed steak after a day of skiing NOW: Any meal with friends after a marathon/triathlon or a round of golf THE IDEA OF HAVING KIDS OR GRANDKIDS, AT 18: Definitely kids but after postgraduate NOW: Love my four daughters but in no hurry for grandkids RESPONSE TO “EAT YOUR VEGETABLES, AT 18: I did NOW: Still do IDEA OF BEING COMPLETELY COOL, AT 18: Never accused of that NOW: Is that a thing over 50?

ALSO IN THE TOP 3 FOR FAMILY PRACTICE Elena Bissell, Felisha Rohan-Minjares

88 abqthemag.com 1 March 2022

GASTROENTEROLOGY Dr. Andrew Mason Southwest Gastroenterology Associates 7788 Jefferson NE (505) 999-1600 southwestgi.com Years in Practice: 18 Years in ABQ: 45 plus

Andrew in 1987

GENERAL SURGERY Dr. David M. Hoang Lovelace Medical Group General Surgery 715 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Ave., Ste. 301 (505) 727-7096 Years in Practice: 5 Years in ABQ: 11

David in 2007

FAVORITE ITEM OF CLOTHING, AT 18: Girbaud jeans NOW: Sweat pants MOST IMPORTANT MEAL OF THE DAY, AT 18: Drive-thru anything NOW: Dinner with my family MOST IMPORTANT POSSESSION, AT 18: Car NOW: Photos, home PERSON(S) YOU MOST ADMIRED, AT 18: Bono NOW: Anthony Fauci FAVORITE MUSICAL ARTIST OR SONG, AT 18: The Cure NOW: Foo Fighters DREAM CAR, AT 18: Porsche NOW: My reliable truck IDEA OF A PERFECT DINNER, AT 18: Anything I don’t prepare NOW: Anything I don’t prepare THE IDEA OF HAVING KIDS OR GRANDKIDS, AT 18: Not even on the radar NOW: Kids, yes. Grandkids — hopefully not for a while RESPONSE TO “EAT YOUR VEGETABLES, AT 18: Likely not NOW: No problem

ALSO IN THE TOP 3 FOR GASTROENTEROLOGY Archana Kaza, Gulshan Parasher

FAVORITE ITEM OF CLOTHING, AT 18: Adidas Kobe II “Moon Boots” basketball shoes NOW: Any GORE-TEX that keeps me warm and dry MOST IMPORTANT MEAL OF THE DAY, AT 18: Wendy’s Jr. bacon cheeseburger NOW: Barbacoa El Primo’s breakfast burrito ADVICE YOU IGNORED THE MOST, AT 18: “Be patient” NOW: “That can’t be done” MOST IMPORTANT POSSESSION, AT 18: One of those huge, heavy, slow iPods with non-existent battery life NOW: Spotify premium account PERSON(S) YOU MOST ADMIRED, AT 18: Hakeem Olajuwon NOW: All the moms in the entire world THING THAT OTHERS LIKED ABOUT YOU THE MOST, AT 18: My humor NOW: Me trying to be funny FAVORITE MUSICAL ARTIST OR SONG, AT 18: Nas NOW: Beyoncé / Taylor Swift DREAM CAR, AT 18: Acura Integra Type R NOW: Anything truly autonomous so I could nap in the back IDEA OF A PERFECT DINNER, AT 18: Crawfish, sausage, corn, potatoes, and garlic NOW: Any dinner that includes my wife and two boys THE IDEA OF HAVING KIDS OR GRANDKIDS, AT 18: No way NOW: Best idea ever RESPONSE TO “EAT YOUR VEGETABLES,” AT 18: “No” NOW: “I have an allergy” IDEA OF BEING COMPLETELY COOL, AT 18: Ferris Bueller’s Day Off NOW: Being able to comfort a patient on the worst day of their life

ALSO IN THE TOP 3 FOR GENERAL SURGERY Edward Auyang, Mario Leyba

March 2022 1 Albuquerque The Magazine 89

GERIATRICS Dr. Heather Brislen 4123 Montgomery Blvd. NE (505) 433-7745 Years in Practice: 11 Years in ABQ: Born and raised!

1999 Beloit College

HOSPICE MEDICINE Dr. Francesco Standoli New Mexico Cancer Center 4901 Lang Ave. (505) 842-8171 nmcancercenter.org Years in Practice: 15 Years in ABQ: 15

Hanging in Rome 1988

90 abqthemag.com 1 March 2022

FAVORITE ITEM OF CLOTHING, AT 18: My dad’s worn flannel shirts NOW: Old Gringo boots MOST IMPORTANT MEAL OF THE DAY, AT 18: Breakfast NOW: Coffee ADVICE YOU IGNORED THE MOST, AT 18: “You should go to medical school” NOW: “You should use your turn signal” MOST IMPORTANT POSSESSION, AT 18: Copy of “The Tao of Pooh,” by Benjamin Hoff NOW: My coffee pot PERSON(S) YOU MOST ADMIRED, AT 18: Phil Jackson (when he coached the Bulls, not the Lakers) NOW: Dr. Anthony Fauci THING THAT OTHERS LIKED ABOUT YOU THE MOST, AT 18: (Does anyone really know the answer to this?) NOW: (Still wondering ….) FAVORITE MUSICAL ARTIST OR SONG, AT 18: Bob Dylan NOW: Toots and the Maytals DREAM CAR, AT 18: 1970s El Camino NOW: Same IDEA OF A PERFECT DINNER, AT 18: Outdoor barbecue, lots of friends and sunshine NOW: Same, plus beer! THE IDEA OF HAVING KIDS OR GRANDKIDS, AT 18: No, thank you NOW: Being an aunt is all I need RESPONSE TO “EAT YOUR VEGETABLES,” AT 18: Yes, please NOW: Still love ‘em IDEA OF BEING COMPLETELY COOL, AT 18: Surfers NOW: People that can do fancy tricks on roller skates

ALSO IN THE TOP 3 FOR GERIATRICS David Scrase, Matthew Schlough

FAVORITE ITEM OF CLOTHING, AT 18: Shirt from a store in Rome called “il Portone” NOW: Hoodie MOST IMPORTANT MEAL OF THE DAY, AT 18: Anything I could grab NOW: Dinner ADVICE YOU IGNORED THE MOST, AT 18: Be careful NOW: Slow down MOST IMPORTANT POSSESSION, AT 18: My car, Fiat UNO 45 NOW: My family PERSON(S) YOU MOST ADMIRED, AT 18: Jeff Porcaro (drummer for Toto) NOW: My wife THING THAT OTHERS LIKED ABOUT YOU THE MOST, AT 18: Being funny NOW: Being reliable FAVORITE MUSICAL ARTIST OR SONG, AT 18: Toto/Jeff Porcaro (drummer) NOW: Same DREAM CAR, AT 18: Lancia Delta Integrale NOW: What I am driving – 1983 Toyota Land Cruiser IDEA OF A PERFECT DINNER, AT 18: Pizza with friends NOW: Anything with just my wife THE IDEA OF HAVING KIDS OR GRANDKIDS, AT 18: None NOW: Yes RESPONSE TO “EAT YOUR VEGETABLES,” AT 18: Not now NOW: Not now IDEA OF BEING COMPLETELY COOL, AT 18: Sporting my mullet NOW: Trying to be myself

ALSO IN THE TOP 3 FOR HOSPICE MEDICINE Erin Fitzgerald, Stephen Lunderman

INFECTIOUS DISEASE Dr. Jeffrey Ross

Infectious Diseases and Internal Medicine Associates, P.C. 5901 Harper Dr. NE, Ste. 1900 (505) 848-3730 idimanewmexico.com Years in Practice: 26 Years in ABQ: 26

Jeffrey in 1980

INTERNAL MEDICINE Dr. Lance Rudolph

New Mexico Clinical Research and Osteoporosis Center 300 Oak St. NE (505) 855-5525 nmbonecare.com Years in Practice: 43 Years in ABQ: 45

Senior year in high school

FAVORITE ITEM OF CLOTHING, AT 18: T-shirt NOW: Comfortable shoes MOST IMPORTANT MEAL OF THE DAY, AT 18: Dinner NOW: Dinner ADVICE YOU IGNORED THE MOST, AT 18: Don’t procrastinate NOW: Be more time efficient—especially with electronic medical record notes MOST IMPORTANT POSSESSION, AT 18: Stereo NOW: iPhone PERSON(S) YOU MOST ADMIRED, AT 18: High school teacher NOW: My wife, Cindy Stofberg THING THAT OTHERS LIKED ABOUT YOU THE MOST, AT 18: My sense of humor NOW: My sense of caring FAVORITE MUSICAL ARTIST OR SONG, AT 18: Bruce Springsteen NOW: Bruce Springsteen DREAM CAR, AT 18: Ferrari NOW: Tesla IDEA OF A PERFECT DINNER, AT 18: Steamed crabs with a group of friends NOW: Anything fresh with my wife and kids with everyone enjoying each other THE IDEA OF HAVING KIDS OR GRANDKIDS, AT 18: Not a thought NOW: So happy to have kids—would love to have grandkids RESPONSE TO “EAT YOUR VEGETABLES, AT 18: Okay NOW: Of course IDEA OF BEING COMPLETELY COOL, AT 18: Probably not going to happen NOW: Not going to happen

ALSO IN THE TOP 3 FOR INFECTIOUS DISEASE Meghan Brett, Nestor Sosa

FAVORITE ITEM OF CLOTHING, AT 18: Madras shirt NOW: Nice tie MOST IMPORTANT MEAL OF THE DAY, AT 18: Lunch NOW: Dinner ADVICE YOU IGNORED THE MOST, AT 18: Curfew NOW: Social Media MOST IMPORTANT POSSESSION, AT 18: Ford Fairlane 500 NOW: My medical practice PERSON(S) YOU MOST ADMIRED, AT 18: High school calculus teacher, Mr. Zagorsky NOW: Douglas Forde, MD and Sidney LaSell, MD (First year clinical medicine instructors) THING THAT OTHERS LIKED ABOUT YOU THE MOST, AT 18: Hard worker NOW: Ability to listen to others FAVORITE MUSICAL ARTIST OR SONG, AT 18: Paul Simon (Simon & Garfunkel) NOW: Robert Plant (Led Zeppelin) DREAM CAR, AT 18: Any car that worked NOW: Porsche 911 Turbo IDEA OF A PERFECT DINNER, AT 18: Bob’s Burgers NOW: Dion’s THE IDEA OF HAVING KIDS OR GRANDKIDS, AT 18: Never crossed my mind NOW: Love it RESPONSE TO “EAT YOUR VEGETABLES,” AT 18: Fine NOW: Second helping, please IDEA OF BEING COMPLETELY COOL, AT 18: Being independent NOW: Independent private practice of medicine

ALSO IN THE TOP 3 FOR INTERNAL MEDICINE Alisha Parada, Patrick Rendon

March 2022 1 Albuquerque The Magazine 91

MEDICAL GENETICS Dr. Victor Vigil

Women’s Cancer & Surgical Care, P.C. 4610 Jefferson LN. NE (505) 559-4495 wcscnm.com Years in Practice: 31 Years in ABQ: 50 plus

1980 in Denver

NEUROLOGY Dr. Sally L. Harris Sandia Neurology, PC

4600 Jefferson LN. NE, Ste. D (505) 884-4406 sandianeurology.com Years in Practice: 22 Years in ABQ: 30

Class of 1977 92 abqthemag.com 1 March 2022

FAVORITE ITEM OF CLOTHING, AT 18: T-shirt, running shorts and tennis shoes NOW: Long sleeve shirt, long pants, broad brimmed hat MOST IMPORTANT MEAL OF THE DAY, AT 18: Dinner with family NOW: Dinner with family ADVICE YOU IGNORED THE MOST, AT 18: Get a good night’s rest NOW: Get a good night’s rest MOST IMPORTANT POSSESSION, AT 18: Family NOW: Family, friends, wisdom PERSON(S) YOU MOST ADMIRED, AT 18: My parents NOW: Anyone who gives selflessly THING THAT OTHERS LIKED ABOUT YOU THE MOST, AT 18: Friendly, likeable, optimistic NOW: Friendly, compassionate, optimistic FAVORITE MUSICAL ARTIST OR SONG, AT 18: Eagles NOW: Casting Crowns DREAM CAR, AT 18: 1970s convertible Corvette NOW: 1970 GTO (That’s what I have) IDEA OF A PERFECT DINNER, AT 18: Mom’s homemade red chile enchiladas with an egg on top NOW: Anything my incredible wife makes THE IDEA OF HAVING KIDS OR GRANDKIDS, AT 18: Scary NOW: I feel blessed with having a son and daughter and will be thrilled to have grandchildren RESPONSE TO “EAT YOUR VEGETABLES,” AT 18: I ate them NOW: I eat them IDEA OF BEING COMPLETELY COOL, AT 18: Long feathered hair parted in the middle in a sports car NOW: Having hair and an air conditioned truck

ALSO IN THE TOP 3 FOR MEDICAL GENETICS Annette Fontaine, Michael Marble

FAVORITE ITEM OF CLOTHING, AT 18: My hiking boots NOW: My hat(s) MOST IMPORTANT MEAL OF THE DAY, AT 18: Dinner NOW: Whenever my family cooks ADVICE YOU IGNORED THE MOST, AT 18: Stay out of the sun NOW: Follow directions, accept status quo, and tolerate organizational bureaucracy when there is a better way to do things MOST IMPORTANT POSSESSION, AT 18: My family NOW: Still my family PERSON(S) YOU MOST ADMIRED, AT 18: Tina, my CU swim coach NOW: All my patients, all the front line medical workers, all my colleagues, all the scientists and all the educators THING THAT OTHERS LIKED ABOUT YOU THE MOST, AT 18: I was always up for a hike NOW: I am funny, I laugh a lot, I am direct and still always up for a hike DREAM CAR, AT 18: A bicycle NOW: A hybrid SUV that can go really far on one gas tank IDEA OF A PERFECT DINNER, AT 18: Grilled chicken and brocolli NOW: Grilled salmon and brocolli THE IDEA OF HAVING KIDS OR GRANDKIDS, AT 18: Inconceivable NOW: Unbelievably lucky RESPONSE TO “EAT YOUR VEGETABLES,” AT 18: No one can tell an 18-year-old what to eat NOW: Uh, OK? Sure IDEA OF BEING COMPLETELY COOL, AT 18: Being a popular smart athlete who can talk to anyone NOW: Helping my patients and caring much less what others think

ALSO IN THE TOP 3 FOR NEUROLOGY Daniel Shibuya, Michel Torbey

NEUROSURGERY Dr. Andrew K. Metzger Southwest Neurosurgical Associates 8080 Academy Rd. NE, Ste. B (505) 244-0080 swnsa.com Years in Practice: 23 Years in ABQ: 20

Running my personal record in the 10K at Wente Vinyards

ONCOLOGY / HEMATOLOGY Dr. Annette C. Fontaine New Mexico Cancer Center 4901 Lang Ave. NE (505) 842-8171 nmcancercenter.org Years in Practice: 16 Years in ABQ: 16

College visit to Trinidad

FAVORITE ITEM OF CLOTHING, AT 18: Jeans NOW: Jeans MOST IMPORTANT MEAL OF THE DAY, AT 18: Dinner NOW: Breakfast ADVICE YOU IGNORED THE MOST, AT 18: Eat your vegetables NOW: Don’t work so hard MOST IMPORTANT POSSESSION, AT 18: Stereo NOW: Laptop computer PERSON(S) YOU MOST ADMIRED, AT 18: My parents NOW: Our kids FAVORITE MUSICAL ARTIST OR SONG, AT 18: Talking Heads NOW: Soundgarden DREAM CAR, AT 18: Porsche 911 NOW: Porsche Taycan IDEA OF A PERFECT DINNER, AT 18: No broccoli NOW: Dinner with family THE IDEA OF HAVING KIDS OR GRANDKIDS, AT 18: A far away thought NOW: Love our kids and look forward to grandkids RESPONSE TO “EAT YOUR VEGETABLES,” AT 18: Ugh, do I have to? NOW: Yes please, more!

ALSO IN THE TOP 3 FOR NEUROSURGERY Andrew Carlson, James Botros

FAVORITE ITEM OF CLOTHING, AT 18: Pink dress from my sister NOW: Anything colorful but especially purple suits MOST IMPORTANT MEAL OF THE DAY, AT 18: Breakfast NOW: Dinner ADVICE YOU IGNORED THE MOST, AT 18: Sleep is important NOW: Don’t worry, be happy PERSON(S) YOU MOST ADMIRED, AT 18: My grand aunt NOW: My husband and kids THING THAT OTHERS LIKED ABOUT YOU THE MOST, AT 18: My friends always commented that I helped others with their studies NOW: My concern for others and keeping our extended family together FAVORITE MUSICAL ARTIST OR SONG, AT 18: Whitney Houston and Micheal Jackson NOW: Luther Vandross DREAM CAR, AT 18: Just having a car was a dream NOW: Tesla IDEA OF A PERFECT DINNER, AT 18: A hot bowl of soup NOW: Sharing a meal with my family THE IDEA OF HAVING KIDS OR GRANDKIDS, AT 18: I always dreamed of having my own kids NOW: Wish I had more than two kids to fill the house with laughter, looking forward to grandkids RESPONSE TO “EAT YOUR VEGETABLES,” AT 18: Always loved veggies NOW: Part of every meal IDEA OF BEING COMPLETELY COOL, AT 18: Didn’t care about being cool but cared about being accepted NOW: Don’t care about being cool but strive to appreciate and respect others, and expect the same

ALSO IN THE TOP 3 FOR ONCOLOGY / HEMATOLOGY Neda Hashemi, Malcolm Purdy

March 2022 1 Albuquerque The Magazine 93

Things are not what they used to be in the medical field. There have been plenty of changes in the past 50 years. Here are some changes that revolutionized healthcare, according to Ochsner Health. Operating rooms and hospital layouts were arranged to accommodate each surgery taking place in a day. Tools the surgeon would need were pre-arranged. Surgeries were largely experimental and doctors often worked alone a half a century ago. Now surgeries and the needed equipment are prepared just before surgery to ensure everything is kept sterile. Doctors currently work in teams and shifts to increase expertise and decrease the room for error.

In 1950, there were 219,900 practicing physicians with the majority being men. Today, the number of doctors has almost quadrupled with 30% of them being female. In days gone by, pharmacists had little interaction with patients. They primarily filled prescriptions behind the counter in a hospital or community pharmacy. Now, the increased amount of education needed to become a pharmacist has led to a better workforce. Pharmacists are now able to administer vaccines, review medication regimens and prevent harmful reactions to drugs.

What healthcare workers wear has drastically changed from 50 years ago. Nurse’s uniforms were once designed with functionality and femininity in mind. Longer hemlines and sleeves were created to protect nurses from infection and white caps were worn to appear professional. The nurses uniform changed with more men entering the nursing field. Scrubs were created to provide nurses with a uniform that is gender-neutral, practical, professional and washable.

94 abqthemag.com 1 March 2022

OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY Dr. Eve Espey University of New Mexico 2211 Lomas Blvd. NE (505) 272-2245 Years in Practice: 31 Years in ABQ: 25

Class of 1977

OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY Dr. Checky Okun Women’s Specialists of New Mexico 4640 Jefferson Lane NE (505) 843-6168 wsnm.org Years in Practice: 34 Years in ABQ: 30

Summer of 1977 in Germany

FAVORITE ITEM OF CLOTHING, AT 18: Bell bottoms NOW: Tiger jammies MOST IMPORTANT MEAL OF THE DAY, AT 18: Dinner NOW: Dinner ADVICE YOU IGNORED THE MOST, AT 18: Stop smoking NOW: Stop drinking Diet Coke MOST IMPORTANT POSSESSION, AT 18: 1970 Dodge Colt NOW: My health, David Espey (not exactly a possession but super important) PERSON(S) YOU MOST ADMIRED, AT 18: My mom NOW: My mom THING THAT OTHERS LIKED ABOUT YOU THE MOST, AT 18: Energy NOW: Optimism FAVORITE MUSICAL ARTIST OR SONG, AT 18: Jimi Hendrix NOW: Miles Davis DREAM CAR, AT 18: 1970 Dodge Colt NOW: Electric Subaru IDEA OF A PERFECT DINNER, AT 18: Pizza NOW: Sushi THE IDEA OF HAVING KIDS OR GRANDKIDS, AT 18: Kid — unexpectedly a year later NOW: Grandkids — unexpectedly still waiting RESPONSE TO “EAT YOUR VEGETABLES, AT 18: No peas please NOW: Daily IDEA OF BEING COMPLETELY COOL, AT 18: Nope NOW: Still nope

ALSO IN THE TOP 3 FOR OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY Naomi Swanson, Kathleen Kennedy

FAVORITE ITEM OF CLOTHING, AT 18: Bell bottom jeans NOW: Cute summer dress MOST IMPORTANT MEAL OF THE DAY, AT 18: Dinner NOW: Breakfast ADVICE YOU IGNORED THE MOST, AT 18: Don’t date non-Asian men NOW: Retire MOST IMPORTANT POSSESSION, AT 18: Red Volkswagen Beetle NOW: Russian icons painted by friends Brett and Sue Ellen PERSON(S) YOU MOST ADMIRED, AT 18: Female physicians like my gynecologist and dermatologist NOW: People who have the courage to be their authentic self THING THAT OTHERS LIKED ABOUT YOU THE MOST, AT 18: My friendliness NOW: My ability to instill courage FAVORITE MUSICAL ARTIST OR SONG, AT 18: Jethro Tull NOW: Brahm’s Variations on a Theme by Haydn DREAM CAR, AT 18: Red Volkswagen Beetle NOW: MINI Cooper 6 speed coupe IDEA OF A PERFECT DINNER, AT 18: 5 star restaurant with my boyfriend NOW: A romantic dinner with my spouse at Gary Danko in San Francisco or La Grenouille in New York City THE IDEA OF HAVING KIDS OR GRANDKIDS, AT 18: Yes NOW: Dream come true RESPONSE TO “EAT YOUR VEGETABLES,” AT 18: Yes, Mom NOW: “Thank you Sir, can I have another?” IDEA OF BEING COMPLETELY COOL, AT 18: Didn’t we all want to be that at 18? NOW: I don’t worry about being cool anymore

ALSO IN THE TOP 3 FOR OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY Naomi Swanson, Kathleen Kennedy Photo by Roger Baker

March 2022 1 Albuquerque The Magazine 95

OPHTHALMOLOGY Dr. Bob Avery

University of New Mexico Eye Clinic 1600 University Blvd. NE (505) 272-2335 unmhealth.org Years in Practice: 17 Years in ABQ: 17

Biomedical engineering lab

OPTOMETRY Dr. Cara Morris Folkman Eye Clinic

6821 Montgomery Blvd. NE, Ste. C (505) 881-7440 folkmanvision.com Years in Practice: 18 Years in ABQ: 23

Blast from the past 96 abqthemag.com 1 March 2022

FAVORITE ITEM OF CLOTHING, AT 18: My mom sewed a peach corduroy suit for me — it was pretty great NOW: Flannel shirt MOST IMPORTANT MEAL OF THE DAY, AT 18: 2 a.m. snack NOW: Dinner ADVICE YOU IGNORED THE MOST, AT 18: “Be careful” NOW: “Don’t work too much” — If you like to work, then work! MOST IMPORTANT POSSESSION, AT 18: Super Beetle NOW: Running shoes PERSON(S) YOU MOST ADMIRED, AT 18: Gandhi NOW: Lincoln — a really tough time to lead THING THAT OTHERS LIKED ABOUT YOU THE MOST, AT 18: Good to have on the basketball team NOW: I can reach the top shelf for them FAVORITE MUSICAL ARTIST OR SONG, AT 18: AC/DC NOW: Patsy Cline DREAM CAR, AT 18: Porsche NOW: Tacoma IDEA OF A PERFECT DINNER, AT 18: Pizza NOW: Pizza with Karin THE IDEA OF HAVING KIDS OR GRANDKIDS, AT 18: Unimaginable NOW: Kids are the best RESPONSE TO “EAT YOUR VEGETABLES,” AT 18: “Oh, ok” NOW: “No way. Life’s too short” IDEA OF BEING COMPLETELY COOL, AT 18: Long hair and white shorts NOW: No idea. Although getting vaccinated is cool…

ALSO IN THE TOP 3 FOR OPTHAMOLOGY Mark Chiu, Craig Vroman

FAVORITE ITEM OF CLOTHING, AT 18: Jean jacket NOW: Leggings or anything comfy MOST IMPORTANT MEAL OF THE DAY, AT 18: Dinner NOW: Dinner ADVICE YOU IGNORED THE MOST, AT 18: I am boring. I don’t think I ignored any advice given to me at 18 NOW: I ignore my husband’s advice on using the auto button for controlling the air conditioning/heater in the car PERSON(S) YOU MOST ADMIRED, AT 18: My teachers NOW: My colleagues THING THAT OTHERS LIKED ABOUT YOU THE MOST, AT 18: My humor NOW: My loyalty FAVORITE MUSICAL ARTIST OR SONG, AT 18: Madonna NOW: The Weeknd DREAM CAR, AT 18: Corvette NOW: Audi TT IDEA OF A PERFECT DINNER, AT 18: A candlelit dinner on the beach NOW: I am so happy when my husband or daughter cooks so I don’t have to after a long day of work THE IDEA OF HAVING KIDS OR GRANDKIDS, AT 18: I planned that I would have kids someday NOW: Love it! I am blessed with two wonderful, beautiful children RESPONSE TO “EAT YOUR VEGETABLES,” AT 18: Yuck, eat them as fast as possible to get them over with NOW: I love them and have my own vegetable garden IDEA OF BEING COMPLETELY COOL, AT 18: Having lots of friends NOW: Knowing my teenager and preteen still want to hang out with me

ALSO IN THE TOP 3 FOR OPTOMETRY Alice Baumstark, Alissa Irons

ORTHOPAEDICS Dr. John Franco New Mexico Orthopaedics

2100 Louisiana Blvd. NE, Ste. 410 (505) 724-4300 nmortho.com Years in Practice: 18 Years in ABQ: 23

Class of 1987

OTOLARYNGOLOGY Dr. Nathan Boyd

University of New Mexico Hospitals and Clinics; University of New Mexico Cancer Center 2211 Lomas Dr. NE (505) 272-4946 unmhealth.org/cancer Years in Practice: 9 Years in ABQ: 13

College years

FAVORITE ITEM OF CLOTHING, AT 18: Acid washed Levi jeans pegged at the ankle NOW: Jackets ADVICE YOU IGNORED THE MOST, AT 18: “You should stay in computer science engineering.” NOW: “Act your age.” Still racing BMX bikes MOST IMPORTANT POSSESSION, AT 18: Mongoose BMX race bike NOW: Daylight BMX race bike PERSON(S) YOU MOST ADMIRED, AT 18: My parents NOW: My wife THING THAT OTHERS LIKED ABOUT YOU THE MOST, AT 18: I was voted best personality my senior year NOW: Explaining things in a straightforward way FAVORITE MUSICAL ARTIST OR SONG, AT 18: Depeche Mode NOW: Any good live band from Papa Roach to Better than Ezra DREAM CAR, AT 18: Ferrari 308 GTS NOW: Electric truck IDEA OF A PERFECT DINNER, AT 18: Taco Bell Enchirito (enchilada/burrito you eat with a spork) NOW: Seafood on a beach with the family THE IDEA OF HAVING KIDS OR GRANDKIDS, AT 18: Terrifying NOW: Can’t live without them—would love to be a grandpa RESPONSE TO “EAT YOUR VEGETABLES,” AT 18: I got this NOW: Roast any veggie and I’ll eat it IDEA OF BEING COMPLETELY COOL, AT 18: High priority—just look at the mullet in my senior picture NOW: Just trying to get my belt and shoes to match

ALSO IN THE TOP 3 FOR ORTHOPEDICS Deana Mercer, Gehron Treme

FAVORITE ITEM OF CLOTHING, AT 18: Carhartt sweatshirt NOW: Padded cycling pants MOST IMPORTANT MEAL OF THE DAY, AT 18: All of them NOW: Dinner MOST IMPORTANT POSSESSION, AT 18: My car NOW: My bike PERSON(S) YOU MOST ADMIRED, AT 18: My mother NOW: My mother THING THAT OTHERS LIKED ABOUT YOU THE MOST, AT 18: Sense of humor NOW: Positive outlook FAVORITE MUSICAL ARTIST OR SONG, AT 18: U2 NOW: Coldplay, Johan Strauss II Waltzes DREAM CAR, AT 18: Aston Martin DB5 NOW: Honda Civic IDEA OF A PERFECT DINNER, AT 18: Taco Bell NOW: Sushi RESPONSE TO “EAT YOUR VEGETABLES,” AT 18: “Yuck” NOW: “Yum” IDEA OF BEING COMPLETELY COOL, AT 18: Unlikely NOW: Impossible

ALSO IN THE TOP 3 FOR OTOLARYNGOLOGY Tania Kraai, Allyson Ray

March 2022 1 Albuquerque The Magazine 97

PAIN MEDICINE Dr. Diego Gonzalez New Mexico Pain Associates 8300 Carmel Ave., Ste. 500/501 (505) 633-4141 NMPainAssociates.com Years in Practice: 18 Years in ABQ: 18

Fishing in El Salvador 1992

PATHOLOGY Dr. David Martin University of New Mexico 2211 Lomas Blvd. NE (505) 272-2111 nmcancercenter.org Years in Practice: 7 Years in ABQ: 6

Senior year of high school helping out at the concession stand

98 abqthemag.com 1 March 2022

FAVORITE ITEM OF CLOTHING, AT 18: Swimming trunks, in my home country of El Salvador I always loved going to the beach and fishing NOW: Scrubs MOST IMPORTANT MEAL OF THE DAY, AT 18: Lunch, growing up I enjoyed this time with my friends at school NOW: Dinner, I get to spend quality time with my family ADVICE YOU IGNORED THE MOST, AT 18: My mother would tell me to go to sleep, but I am a night owl NOW: My wife wants me to eat “salad” PERSON(S) YOU MOST ADMIRED, AT 18: My wonderful parents NOW: My caring and supportive wife THING THAT OTHERS LIKED ABOUT YOU THE MOST, AT 18: My positive outlook and sense of humor NOW: My dedication and enthusiasm for his profession, practice and employees FAVORITE MUSICAL ARTIST OR SONG, AT 18: Rush and the Police NOW: Chopin and Rachmaninov IDEA OF A PERFECT DINNER, AT 18: Having dinner and going out with my friends NOW: Having dinner with my family outdoors THE IDEA OF HAVING KIDS OR GRANDKIDS, AT 18: I knew that I wanted to have a family NOW: Grandchildren are a far away notion RESPONSE TO “EAT YOUR VEGETABLES,” AT 18: “Yes,” I love vegetables NOW: See previous answer IDEA OF BEING COMPLETELY COOL, AT 18: The ability to travel the world NOW: Watching my children grow into adults

ALSO IN THE TOP 3 FOR PAIN MEDICINE Craig Nairn, Justin Averna

FAVORITE ITEM OF CLOTHING, AT 18: T-shirts NOW: My treasured gray sweat pants MOST IMPORTANT MEAL OF THE DAY, AT 18: Dinner NOW: Dinner ADVICE YOU IGNORED THE MOST, AT 18: Take your time NOW: Get a financial advisor MOST IMPORTANT POSSESSION, AT 18: My car (I couldn’t buy another one) NOW: My microscope, of course PERSON(S) YOU MOST ADMIRED, AT 18: David Robinson (NBA player) NOW: Timothy Keller (the pastor) THING THAT OTHERS LIKED ABOUT YOU THE MOST, AT 18: Ability to do impersonations NOW: My humor FAVORITE MUSICAL ARTIST OR SONG, AT 18: Pink Floyd NOW: The Avett Brothers DREAM CAR, AT 18: Black Mustang NOW: I don’t care about cars at all. Maybe an old muscle car IDEA OF A PERFECT DINNER, AT 18: Tucano’s NOW: Los Poblanos with my wife THE IDEA OF HAVING KIDS OR GRANDKIDS, AT 18: Yeah, why not?! NOW: I don’t want grandkids until my children’s brains are fully formed RESPONSE TO “EAT YOUR VEGETABLES,” AT 18: Can I have some steak? NOW: Sure… Need to watch my cholesterol IDEA OF BEING COMPLETELY COOL, AT 18: My pathetic sideburns apparently NOW: Al Pacino

ALSO IN THE TOP 3 FOR PATHOLOGY Arand Pierce, Nancy Joste

PEDIATRIC CARDIOLOGY Dr. Bharat Dara Presbyterian Pediatric and AdultCongenital Cardiology 2401 Cedar St. SE, Ste. 700 (505) 563-6120 Years in Practice: 11 Years in ABQ: 11

Bharat in 11th grade

PEDIATRIC ENDOCRINOLOGY Dr. Robert Christenson

Department of Pediatrics, University of New Mexico 1127 University Blvd. NE (505) 272-6632 Years in Practice: 40 Years in ABQ: 6

Senior picture 1964

FAVORITE ITEM OF CLOTHING, AT 18: Air Jordan baseball cap NOW: Marvel Dr. Strange T-shirt MOST IMPORTANT MEAL OF THE DAY, AT 18: After school snack — usually a peanut butter sandwich NOW: Dinner with family MOST IMPORTANT POSSESSION, AT 18: Callaway Big Bertha golf clubs (I still have them) NOW: Fantasy Football trophy collection PERSON(S) YOU MOST ADMIRED, AT 18: Michael Jordan NOW: All of the healthcare professionals that help me do my job FAVORITE MUSICAL ARTIST OR SONG, AT 18: Boyz II Men NOW: Coldplay DREAM CAR, AT 18: Ferrari Testarossa NOW: Ferrari Portofino IDEA OF A PERFECT DINNER, AT 18: Pizza NOW: Pizza and beer THE IDEA OF HAVING KIDS OR GRANDKIDS, AT 18: The thought didn’t even enter my mind NOW: So happy with my kids and my family. I hope I’m cool enough to keep up with my kids and eventually with my grandkids RESPONSE TO “EAT YOUR VEGETABLES,” AT 18: “Okay, mom.” NOW: “I will serve myself.”

ALSO IN THE TOP 3 FOR PEDIATRIC CARDIOLOGY Anne Greene, Michelle Grenier

FAVORITE ITEM OF CLOTHING, AT 18: Shirt and pants NOW: Shirt and pants MOST IMPORTANT MEAL OF THE DAY, AT 18: Breakfast NOW: Breakfast ADVICE YOU IGNORED THE MOST, AT 18: “Don’t study too hard” NOW: “Take it easy” MOST IMPORTANT POSSESSION, AT 18: My family NOW: My family PERSON(S) YOU MOST ADMIRED, AT 18: Teachers NOW: Patients THING THAT OTHERS LIKED ABOUT YOU THE MOST, AT 18: Knowledge NOW: Humor FAVORITE MUSICAL ARTIST OR SONG, AT 18: Beatles NOW: Bach DREAM CAR, AT 18: Pontiac GTO NOW: Tesla IDEA OF A PERFECT DINNER, AT 18: Pasta NOW: Pasta THE IDEA OF HAVING KIDS OR GRANDKIDS, AT 18: “What?” NOW: My favorite irrationality RESPONSE TO “EAT YOUR VEGETABLES,” AT 18: Yummy! NOW: Yummy! IDEA OF BEING COMPLETELY COOL, AT 18: “That’s someone else” NOW: “That’s someone else”

ALSO IN THE TOP 3 FOR PEDIATRIC ENDOCRINOLOGY Michael Yao, Sarah Laurenzano

March 2022 1 Albuquerque The Magazine 99

PEDIATRIC PULMONOLOGY Dr. Laura Francine Caffey University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center 1 University of New Mexico (505) 272-5464 Years in Practice: 19 Years in ABQ: Since day 1

Hanging in high school

PEDIATRIC SPECIALIST Dr. Craig Wong UNM Pediatric Nephrology

2211 Lomas Blvd. NE (505) 272-3887 unmhealth.org/childrens-hospital Years in Practice: 25 Years in ABQ: 22

Senior photo 100 abqthemag.com 1 March 2022

FAVORITE ITEM OF CLOTHING, AT 18: Polo shirt, preferably pastel NOW: Jeans MOST IMPORTANT MEAL OF THE DAY, AT 18: Any NOW: Breakfast ADVICE YOU IGNORED THE MOST, AT 18: Drink lots of water NOW: Get 8 hours of sleep MOST IMPORTANT POSSESSION, AT 18: Walkman NOW: Health PERSON(S) YOU MOST ADMIRED, AT 18: Mother Teresa NOW: Frontline workers THING THAT OTHERS LIKED ABOUT YOU THE MOST, AT 18: Kindness NOW: Patience FAVORITE MUSICAL ARTIST OR SONG, AT 18: Howard Jones NOW: Pentatonix DREAM CAR, AT 18: Karmann Ghia NOW: Convertible Mustang IDEA OF A PERFECT DINNER, AT 18: Mom’s Green Chile Chicken Enchilada Casserole NOW: Mom’s Green Chile Chicken Enchilada Casserole THE IDEA OF HAVING KIDS OR GRANDKIDS, AT 18: We’ll see NOW: We’ll see RESPONSE TO “EAT YOUR VEGETABLES,” AT 18: Okay NOW: Okay IDEA OF BEING COMPLETELY COOL, AT 18: “Do other people like me?” NOW: “Do I like me?”

ALSO IN THE TOP 3 FOR PEDIATRIC PULMONOLOGY Lea Davies, Johnny Hickson

FAVORITE ITEM OF CLOTHING, AT 18: Oversized hoodie NOW: Jeans MOST IMPORTANT MEAL OF THE DAY, AT 18: Dinner NOW: Dinner ADVICE YOU IGNORED THE MOST, AT 18: Anything from my parents NOW: Fashion advice MOST IMPORTANT POSSESSION, AT 18: My car NOW: My wedding ring PERSON(S) YOU MOST ADMIRED, AT 18: Uncle Bob NOW: Uncle Bob THING THAT OTHERS LIKED ABOUT YOU THE MOST, AT 18: Not sure NOW: Still not sure FAVORITE MUSICAL ARTIST OR SONG, AT 18: The Eagles NOW: Tom Petty DREAM CAR, AT 18: Chrysler T-Bird NOW: Anything that works IDEA OF A PERFECT DINNER, AT 18: Chicken Fried Steak with onion rings and Sayler’s Old Country Kitchen in Portland, Oregon NOW: Anything at Mater Terrae @ Bio Hotel Raphael in Rome, Italy THE IDEA OF HAVING KIDS OR GRANDKIDS, AT 18: Was to be avoided NOW: We’ve got one and it’s been an adventure. Grandkids TBD RESPONSE TO “EAT YOUR VEGETABLES,” AT 18: I ate them NOW: Still do IDEA OF BEING COMPLETELY COOL, AT 18: Unattainable NOW: Meh

ALSO IN THE TOP 3 FOR PEDIATRIC SPECIALIST Abby Kunz , Amy Staples

PEDIATRIC SURGERY Dr. Jason Q. McKee UNM Pediatric Surgery 2211 Lomas Blvd. NE (505) 272-5913 Years in Practice: 13 Years in ABQ: 13

Prom Night 1993

PEDIATRICIAN Dr. Melissa Jongco Sanchez Journey Pediatrics

8308 Constitution Pl. NE (505) 883-9570 journey-pediatrics.com journey_pediatrics Years in Practice: 19 Years in ABQ: 12

Class of 1991

FAVORITE ITEM OF CLOTHING, AT 18: Teva sandals NOW: Invictus Jiu Jitsu sweatshirt MOST IMPORTANT MEAL OF THE DAY, AT 18: Ice cream after dinner NOW: Dinner with the family ADVICE YOU IGNORED THE MOST, AT 18: Probably all of it NOW: Get eight hours of sleep MOST IMPORTANT POSSESSION, AT 18: Skis NOW: Belt I made from an old lifejacket when working at a summer camp PERSON(S) YOU MOST ADMIRED, AT 18: Can’t remember NOW: My wife THING THAT OTHERS LIKED ABOUT YOU THE MOST, AT 18: Was never really sure NOW: Dedication FAVORITE MUSICAL ARTIST OR SONG, AT 18: Dave Matthews NOW: Bob Dylan DREAM CAR, AT 18: Anything I could get NOW: Porsche plug-in hybrid IDEA OF A PERFECT DINNER, AT 18: Pizza and fries NOW: Anything with a good bottle of wine THE IDEA OF HAVING KIDS OR GRANDKIDS, AT 18: Not on my mind NOW: Can’t imagine life without them RESPONSE TO “EAT YOUR VEGETABLES,” AT 18: Gross NOW: Guess I need to try to set an example for the kids IDEA OF BEING COMPLETELY COOL, AT 18: Probably something stupid and dangerous NOW: Not caring about what others think is cool

ALSO IN THE TOP 3 FOR PEDIATRIC SURGERY David Lemon, Lena Perger

FAVORITE ITEM OF CLOTHING, AT 18: My college tee NOW: Can’t pick just one MOST IMPORTANT MEAL OF THE DAY, AT 18: Dinner with family NOW: Still dinner with family ADVICE YOU IGNORED THE MOST, AT 18: Slow down and take your time NOW: Don’t stress, let it go, relax MOST IMPORTANT POSSESSION, AT 18: My heart shaped locket (sadly I lost it) NOW: My cell phone PERSON(S) YOU MOST ADMIRED, AT 18: Maya Angelou NOW: My mother and father THING THAT OTHERS LIKED ABOUT YOU THE MOST, AT 18: My sense of humor NOW: I’ll use my voice to speak up for myself and others when it’s time, even if it can be uncomfortable FAVORITE MUSICAL ARTIST OR SONG, AT 18: The Cure — Friday I’m In Love NOW: Pink Sweat$ — 17 IDEA OF A PERFECT DINNER, AT 18: There’s nothing like an old-fashioned East Coast gooey, cheesy slice of pizza NOW: Dinner for two with seats at the sushi bar THE IDEA OF HAVING KIDS OR GRANDKIDS, AT 18: A definite yes, someday – just not yet NOW: I have three kids and it’s all going by so fast RESPONSE TO “EAT YOUR VEGETABLES,” AT 18: No problem — I was never too picky NOW: More, please IDEA OF BEING COMPLETELY COOL, AT 18: Someone who is independent and self-sufficient NOW: Someone who is totally comfortable in their own skin

ALSO IN THE TOP 3 FOR PEDIATRICIAN Alwyn Koil, Emilie Sebesta

March 2022 1 Albuquerque The Magazine 101

PHYSICAL MEDICINE Dr. John Henry Sloan Manzano Medical Group, P.C. 505 Elm St. NE (505) 727-4919 manzanomedicalgroup.com Years in Practice: 35 Years in ABQ: 30

John in 1971

PLASTIC SURGERY Dr. Luis Cuadros Luis Cuadros, MD, FACS 8232 Louisiana NE, Ste. A (505) 243-7670 cuadrosmd.com Years in Practice: 32 Years in ABQ: 32

20 year old sophomore at the University of California

102 abqthemag.com 1 March 2022

FAVORITE ITEM OF CLOTHING, AT 18: Blue jean jacket NOW: Black Carhartt overalls jeans for skiing and outside work MOST IMPORTANT MEAL OF THE DAY, AT 18: Breakfast NOW: Breakfast ADVICE YOU IGNORED THE MOST, AT 18: Comb your hair NOW: Comb your hair MOST IMPORTANT POSSESSION, AT 18: 12-string guitars NOW: 1999 stainless steel silver Volant downhill skis PERSON(S) YOU MOST ADMIRED, AT 18: Bobby Kennedy NOW: Pope Francis THING THAT OTHERS LIKED ABOUT YOU THE MOST, AT 18: My curly hair (Afro) NOW: My homemade red and white wine I gift to my friends. FAVORITE MUSICAL ARTIST OR SONG, AT 18: Allman Brothers NOW: Rascal Flatts DREAM CAR, AT 18: Volkswagen bug NOW: Ford-150 Lariat Electric IDEA OF A PERFECT DINNER, AT 18: Cottage cheese with green peppers and smoked oysters NOW: Arugula sardines THE IDEA OF HAVING KIDS OR GRANDKIDS, AT 18: Say what? NOW: I am blessed with wonderful kids; regarding grandkids, bring them on! RESPONSE TO “EAT YOUR VEGETABLES,” AT 18: I love vegetables NOW: Still love vegetables IDEA OF BEING COMPLETELY COOL, AT 18: 20-mile hike in Glacier National Park, Montana NOW: I think I’m a little late for that…

ALSO IN THE TOP 3 FOR PHYSICAL MEDICINE Rebecca Dutton, Justin Averna

FAVORITE ITEM OF CLOTHING, AT 18: Bell bottom jeans NOW: Surgical scrubs and bicycle shorts MOST IMPORTANT MEAL OF THE DAY, AT 18: All NOW: Dinner with my wife ADVICE YOU IGNORED THE MOST, AT 18: Don’t stay up late NOW: Don’t get up too early MOST IMPORTANT POSSESSION, AT 18: My guitar NOW: My mountain bike PERSON(S) YOU MOST ADMIRED, AT 18: Leonardo da Vinci NOW: Dalai Lama THING THAT OTHERS LIKED ABOUT YOU THE MOST, AT 18: My long black hair, creativity NOW: My surgical skills, biking adventures FAVORITE MUSICAL ARTIST OR SONG, AT 18: Cat Stevens NOW: SiriusXM DREAM CAR, AT 18: VW van to carry my surfboard NOW: Sprinter van to carry my bikes IDEA OF A PERFECT DINNER, AT 18: Baguette and cheese NOW: Enchiladas with red and green chile THE IDEA OF HAVING KIDS OR GRANDKIDS, AT 18: Huh? NOW: Could be nice RESPONSE TO “EAT YOUR VEGETABLES,” AT 18: I love vegetables NOW: I still love vegetables IDEA OF BEING COMPLETELY COOL, AT 18: Hanging out watching a sunset over the ocean NOW: Hanging out watching the sunset over the desert

ALSO IN THE TOP 3 FOR PLASTIC SURGERY Anil Shetty, Neil Chen

PODIATRY Dr. Mark Haas

Albuquerque Associated Podiatrists 8080 Academy Rd. NE (505) 247-4164 aapods.com Years in Practice: 45 Years in ABQ: 41

My high school sweetheart FAVORITE ITEM OF CLOTHING, AT 18: Bell bottomed jeans with holes patched with leather NOW: Golf attire MOST IMPORTANT MEAL OF THE DAY, AT 18: Dinner NOW: Dinner ADVICE YOU IGNORED THE MOST, AT 18: Drive the speed limit NOW: Dental floss MOST IMPORTANT POSSESSION, AT 18: Red 1972 VW Bus with curtains, sound system, and mattress in back NOW: Extensive world whiskey collection PERSON(S) YOU MOST ADMIRED, AT 18: Jimi Hendrix NOW: My wife Terry (49 years of marriage putting up with me) THING THAT OTHERS LIKED ABOUT YOU THE MOST, AT 18: Not much NOW: My grandchildren (Cal, Addy, Duke, and Anabel) FAVORITE MUSICAL ARTIST OR SONG, AT 18: Today, by the Jefferson Airplane NOW: Same DREAM CAR, AT 18: Red VW bus NOW: Uber IDEA OF A PERFECT DINNER, AT 18: Tofu and veggies NOW: Farm to Table paired with Argentine Malbec, with fresh sushi a close second THE IDEA OF HAVING KIDS OR GRANDKIDS, AT 18: We wanted three hippie children to help us own and manage a bicycle shop in Boulder NOW: Grandkids are the greatest accomplishment of my life RESPONSE TO “EAT YOUR VEGETABLES,” AT 18: You betcha NOW: Still love them IDEA OF BEING COMPLETELY COOL, AT 18: Long hair and beard driving a red VW bus NOW: Sharing and enjoying children and grandkids as best friends with Terry, my high school sweetheart and love of my life

ALSO IN THE TOP 3 FOR PODIATRY Eric Lew, Zachary Haas

March 2022 1 Albuquerque The Magazine 103

PREVENTIVE MEDICINE Dr. Harvey J. White Vessel Health

10601 4th St. NW (505) 828-3000 vesselnm.com Years in Practice: 40 Years in ABQ: 32

The summer of 1971

PSYCHIATRY/PSYCHOLOGY Dr. Ronald Romanik R L Romanik MD. LLC

7520 Montgomery Blvd. NE, #D12 (505) 323-6969 Years in Practice: 44 Years in ABQ: 44

Ronald in high school 104 abqthemag.com 1 March 2022

FAVORITE ITEM OF CLOTHING, AT 18: 501 Levis with holes NOW: 501 Levis without holes MOST IMPORTANT MEAL OF THE DAY, AT 18: Breakfast NOW: Breakfast for dinner ADVICE YOU IGNORED THE MOST, AT 18: To be cautious NOW: To not be cautious MOST IMPORTANT POSSESSION, AT 18: Motorcycle NOW: Tractor PERSON(S) YOU MOST ADMIRED, AT 18: Father NOW: Father THING THAT OTHERS LIKED ABOUT YOU THE MOST, AT 18: Leading the charge NOW: Caring FAVORITE MUSICAL ARTIST OR SONG, AT 18: Bob Seger NOW: Charlie Pride DREAM CAR, AT 18: 1969 Camaro Z28 NOW: 3/4-Ton Chevy Silverado IDEA OF A PERFECT DINNER, AT 18: Steak and potatoes NOW: Linguine with clam sauce THE IDEA OF HAVING KIDS OR GRANDKIDS, AT 18: Never thought about it NOW: Love it RESPONSE TO “EAT YOUR VEGETABLES,” AT 18: Gagged NOW: Duty IDEA OF BEING COMPLETELY COOL, AT 18: On an adventure NOW: Thinking about being on an adventure

ALSO IN THE TOP 3 FOR PREVENTIVE MEDICINE L. Olivia Hopkins, Aaron Kaufman

FAVORITE ITEM OF CLOTHING, AT 18: Bell bottom jeans NOW: Vintage leather bomber jacket MOST IMPORTANT MEAL OF THE DAY, AT 18: Coke and French fries after school with friends at the diner NOW: Meal without shopping, menu planning or washing dishes ADVICE YOU IGNORED THE MOST, AT 18: Don’t be a doctor, be a plumber NOW: Don’t invest in World Com MOST IMPORTANT POSSESSION, AT 18: Transistor radio NOW: Nespresso coffee machine THING THAT OTHERS LIKED ABOUT YOU THE MOST, AT 18: Zany sense of humor NOW: Easy to talk to/listener FAVORITE MUSICAL ARTIST OR SONG, AT 18: Beatles/The Rolling Stones/Led Zeppelin NOW: Daddy Yankee DREAM CAR, AT 18: Olds 442, Mustang, VW anything NOW: Self-driving car so I can literally sleep/dream while in the car IDEA OF A PERFECT DINNER, AT 18: Thick Nebraska steak with the trimmings NOW: Camping burgers grilled over an open fire, medium rare with grilled vegetables and a Belgian beer THE IDEA OF HAVING KIDS OR GRANDKIDS, AT 18: What, me worry? (Mad Magazine) NOW: Best decision in my life RESPONSE TO “EAT YOUR VEGETABLES,” AT 18: Only if deep-fried, salted and maybe dipped in chocolate NOW: Raw is better for most IDEA OF BEING COMPLETELY COOL, AT 18: Yeah riiiight NOW: It’s overrated

ALSO IN THE TOP 3 FOR PSYCHIATRY/PSYCHOLOGY Davin Quinn, Ana Victoria Kuny

PULMONOLOGY Dr. Jeffrey Dorf New Mexico Cancer Center 4201 Lang Dr. NE (505) 821-5992 Years in Practice: 34 Years in ABQ: 20

Lounging at 18

RADIOLOGY Dr. Shaya Ansari

X-Ray Associates of New Mexico Practice 8020 Constitution PL. NE (505) 998-1316 xraynm.com Years in Practice: 15 Years in ABQ: 3

1990 in New Jersey

FAVORITE ITEM OF CLOTHING, AT 18: Desert boots NOW: Cycling shoes MOST IMPORTANT MEAL OF THE DAY, AT 18: Anytime food was available NOW: Breakfast ADVICE YOU IGNORED THE MOST, AT 18: You’ll never be a physician NOW: Other people’s standards are not always the same as mine MOST IMPORTANT POSSESSION, AT 18: Tennis racket NOW: Road bike PERSON(S) YOU MOST ADMIRED, AT 18: Tennis player Rod Laver NOW: My wife, who has put up with me and my career THING THAT OTHERS LIKED ABOUT YOU THE MOST, AT 18: Dry sense of humor NOW: Dry sense of humor FAVORITE MUSICAL ARTIST OR SONG, AT 18: Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young NOW: Bob Dylan DREAM CAR, AT 18: Ford Mustang NOW: Any car I do not need to stoop to get into IDEA OF A PERFECT DINNER, AT 18: Deep dish stuffed spinach pizza NOW: Filet mignon cooked by my wife THE IDEA OF HAVING KIDS OR GRANDKIDS, AT 18: Unlikely NOW: I can handle it RESPONSE TO “EAT YOUR VEGETABLES,” AT 18: I don’t think so NOW: Limit of one green item per meal IDEA OF BEING COMPLETELY COOL, AT 18: I would have liked to have been NOW: Does it matter anymore?

ALSO IN THE TOP 3 FOR PULMONOLOGY Cory Hicks, Michelle Harkins

FAVORITE ITEM OF CLOTHING, AT 18: Z-Cavaricci pants NOW: Shoes MOST IMPORTANT MEAL OF THE DAY, AT 18: Dinner NOW: Dinner ADVICE YOU IGNORED THE MOST, AT 18: Patience NOW: Slow down MOST IMPORTANT POSSESSION, AT 18: My Car NOW: Knowledge PERSON(S) YOU MOST ADMIRED, AT 18: Steve Jobs NOW: My dad FAVORITE MUSICAL ARTIST OR SONG, AT 18: Freddie Mercury NOW: Freddie Mercury DREAM CAR, AT 18: BMW M3 NOW: Tesla IDEA OF A PERFECT DINNER, AT 18: Fine dining restaurant NOW: Dinner with family no matter the location THE IDEA OF HAVING KIDS OR GRANDKIDS, AT 18: 2 kids max NOW: 3 RESPONSE TO “EAT YOUR VEGETABLES,” AT 18: Yum NOW: Yum IDEA OF BEING COMPLETELY COOL, AT 18: Having a mullet and wearing Reebok high tops NOW: Wearing a fitted suit THING THAT OTHERS LIKED ABOUT YOU THE MOST, AT 18: Dance moves NOW: My social skills

ALSO IN THE TOP 3 FOR RADIOLOGY Allyson Richards, Joanna Fair

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REPRODUCTIVE MEDICINE Dr. Jim Thompson The Fertility Center of New Mexico 201 Cedar St. SE, Ste. S1-20 (505) 248-0000 NMFertility.com Years in Practice: 36 Years in ABQ: 36

High school prom 1970

RHEUMATOLOGY Dr. N. Suzanne Emil University of New Mexico 2211 Lomas Blvd. NE (505) 272-3840 Years in Practice: 14 Years in ABQ: 21

Clovis High School graduate

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MOST IMPORTANT MEAL OF THE DAY, AT 18: Breakfast NOW: Still breakfast — eggs and green chile ADVICE YOU IGNORED THE MOST, AT 18: Midnight curfew NOW: In bed by 9:30 P.M. MOST IMPORTANT POSSESSION, AT 18: A car NOW: My health PERSON(S) YOU MOST ADMIRED, AT 18: My Dad NOW: My Dad THING THAT OTHERS LIKED ABOUT YOU THE MOST, AT 18: I could play piano and guitar by ear NOW: I still enjoy music FAVORITE MUSICAL ARTIST OR SONG, AT 18: Janis Joplin NOW: Steve Wariner DREAM CAR, AT 18: Jeep Wrangler NOW: Jeep Wrangler IDEA OF A PERFECT DINNER, AT 18: A hamburger NOW: A filet THE IDEA OF HAVING KIDS OR GRANDKIDS, AT 18: Didn’t give much consideration NOW: Kids and grandkids are great RESPONSE TO “EAT YOUR VEGETABLES, AT 18: Didn’t listen NOW: Eating healthy is more important, but still not a priority IDEA OF BEING COMPLETELY COOL, AT 18: Important to be accepted NOW: Not as important

ALSO IN THE TOP 3 FOR REPRODUCTIVE MEDICINE Lee Caperton, Lisa Hofler

FAVORITE ITEM OF CLOTHING, AT 18: Letterman Jacket NOW: Anything comfortable MOST IMPORTANT MEAL OF THE DAY, AT 18: Any meal at Taco Box NOW: Dinner at home with my family ADVICE YOU IGNORED THE MOST, AT 18: I listened. I had the best advisors NOW: Taking vacations without my family MOST IMPORTANT POSSESSION, AT 18: My 1985 black Honda Prelude NOW: All the artwork my daughters make for me PERSON(S) YOU MOST ADMIRED, AT 18: My dad and his tremendous work ethic NOW: My young daughters who have navigated the pandemic with incredible courage THING THAT OTHERS LIKED ABOUT YOU THE MOST, AT 18: My musical talent (I was a top clarinetist and drum major) NOW: My dedication and commitment to my work and my family FAVORITE MUSICAL ARTIST OR SONG, AT 18: We had one radio station in the town I lived in that played only old classics NOW: Adele IDEA OF A PERFECT DINNER, AT 18: My dad’s homemade pizza NOW: Grilling at home with my family THE IDEA OF HAVING KIDS OR GRANDKIDS, AT 18: Unlikely NOW: I love being a mom but have no desire to be a grandmother RESPONSE TO “EAT YOUR VEGETABLES,” AT 18: Loved ‘em NOW: Still love ‘em IDEA OF BEING COMPLETELY COOL, AT 18: I was NOW: Still am — at least to my daughters — for now

ALSO IN THE TOP 3 FOR RHEUMATOLOGY James Steier, Cliff Stermer

ROBOTIC SURGERY Dr. Steven R. Gough, MD Women’s Specialists of New Mexico 4640 Jefferson LN. NE (505) 843-6168 wsnm.org Years in Practice: 25 Years in ABQ: 22

Sophomore in college

SLEEP MEDICINE Dr. Nicholas Cutrufello New Mexico Veterans Affairs Medical Center 1501 San Pedro Ave. SE (505) 265-1711 Years in Practice: 6 Years in ABQ: 10

Graduation day

FAVORITE ITEM OF CLOTHING, AT 18: Skinny red tie NOW: My collection of funny socks MOST IMPORTANT MEAL OF THE DAY, AT 18: Pizza anytime NOW: A good steak for dinner ADVICE YOU IGNORED THE MOST, AT 18: Go to Trinity University— I went to Davidson College, which was the right decision NOW: Take care of yourself like get 7 or 8 hours of sleep, which is almost impossible as a practicing Ob/Gyn MOST IMPORTANT POSSESSION, AT 18: Skis NOW: Shrine parade vehicles PERSON(S) YOU MOST ADMIRED, AT 18: My Dad NOW: All of my family THING THAT OTHERS LIKED ABOUT YOU THE MOST, AT 18: Well-rounded student athlete/band geek NOW: Compassionate provider FAVORITE MUSICAL ARTIST OR SONG, AT 18: RUSH’s Tom Sawyer NOW: RUSH/all of them DREAM CAR, AT 18: Red 911 Cabriolet NOW: Prevost motor coach IDEA OF A PERFECT DINNER, AT 18: With a date at Trombino’s NOW: Nice dinner with my wife Kathy at Restaurant Antiquity THE IDEA OF HAVING KIDS OR GRANDKIDS, AT 18: Two, when it is time NOW: I have two adult children of my own and await grandchildren RESPONSE TO “EAT YOUR VEGETABLES,” AT 18: Yes ma’am NOW: Yes dear IDEA OF BEING COMPLETELY COOL, AT 18: Tom Cruise in Risky Business or Top Gun NOW: Being physically fit

ALSO IN THE TOP 3 FOR ROBOTIC SURGERY Edward Auyang, Mario Leyba

FAVORITE ITEM OF CLOTHING, AT 18: Board shorts NOW: Cowboy boots MOST IMPORTANT MEAL OF THE DAY, AT 18: Dinner NOW: Espresso ADVICE YOU IGNORED THE MOST, AT 18: Don’t over extend yourself NOW: Agreeing with ‘This is the way we’ve always done it’ MOST IMPORTANT POSSESSION, AT 18: Jeep Grand Wagoneer NOW: I don’t know if I have a most important possession. Probably still my Jeep PERSON(S) YOU MOST ADMIRED, AT 18: My parents NOW: I admire people that display genuine honesty THING THAT OTHERS LIKED ABOUT YOU THE MOST, AT 18: Nice guy Nick NOW: Being MacGyver. Finding a way to get things operational FAVORITE MUSICAL ARTIST OR SONG, AT 18: Garbage NOW: Sylvan Esso, Julia Jacklin, or Lana Del Rey DREAM CAR, AT 18: Jeep Grand Wagoneer NOW: 1963 Ferrari GTO IDEA OF A PERFECT DINNER, AT 18: Steak and potatoes NOW: Seafood risotto on the Cinque Terre THE IDEA OF HAVING KIDS OR GRANDKIDS, AT 18: Probably never crossed my mind NOW: Have three boys…. How’d that happen? RESPONSE TO “EAT YOUR VEGETABLES,” AT 18: Sure NOW: Maybe, as long as I’m preparing them IDEA OF BEING COMPLETELY COOL, AT 18: I wasn’t. Nowhere near. No hopes of NOW: Shades of cool. Working on my 1970 BMW coupe sport

ALSO IN THE TOP 3 FOR SLEEP MEDICINE Shanna Diaz, David Earl

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UROLOGY Dr. Damara Kaplan New Mexico Cancer Center 4901 Lang Ave. NE (505) 842-8171 nmcancercenter.org Years in Practice: 21 Years in ABQ: 49

Photography Class at UNM

VASCULAR MEDICINE Dr. Gopal Reddy MD NM Vascular Diagnostics 500 Walter NE, Ste. 204 (505) 842-5518 nmvascular.com Years in Practice: 42 Years in ABQ: 42

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FAVORITE ITEM OF CLOTHING, AT 18: Black leather jacket NOW: Shoes, shoes and more shoes MOST IMPORTANT MEAL OF THE DAY, AT 18: Breakfast NOW: Dinner ADVICE YOU IGNORED THE MOST, AT 18: “Always wear sunscreen.” NOW: “Don’t worry about what other people think….” MOST IMPORTANT POSSESSION, AT 18: My used Yashica camera NOW: My health PERSON(S) YOU MOST ADMIRED, AT 18: My parents NOW: My parents THING THAT OTHERS LIKED ABOUT YOU THE MOST, AT 18: I am funny NOW: I am still funny FAVORITE MUSICAL ARTIST OR SONG, AT 18: The Police NOW: Wilco DREAM CAR, AT 18: Nash Metropolitan NOW: BMW M3, manual transmission IDEA OF A PERFECT DINNER, AT 18: Carne adovada at Ron’s Camino Real NOW: Dinner outside at Farm and Table THE IDEA OF HAVING KIDS OR GRANDKIDS, AT 18: Ick, no NOW: How could I live without them? RESPONSE TO “EAT YOUR VEGETABLES,” AT 18: Do I have to? NOW: I need more kale in my diet IDEA OF BEING COMPLETELY COOL, AT 18: Black leather jacket and Vuarnet sunglasses NOW: Seriously? I am not cool, nerds rock

ALSO IN THE TOP 3 FOR UROLOGY Frances Alba, Maxx Gallegos

FAVORITE ITEM OF CLOTHING, AT 18: Bell bottom pants NOW: Suits and scrubs MOST IMPORTANT MEAL OF THE DAY, AT 18: Chicken curry and rice NOW: Chicken curry and a whole wheat tortilla ADVICE YOU IGNORED THE MOST, AT 18: To be kind NOW: Taking more vacations MOST IMPORTANT POSSESSION, AT 18: My dog NOW: My grandchildren PERSON(S) YOU MOST ADMIRED, AT 18: Mahatma Gandhi NOW: Mahatma Gandhi THING THAT OTHERS LIKED ABOUT YOU THE MOST, AT 18: Being kind NOW: Being kind FAVORITE MUSICAL ARTIST OR SONG, AT 18: Ghantasala — singer from India NOW: What a Wonderful Day — song DREAM CAR, AT 18: Any car NOW: None IDEA OF A PERFECT DINNER, AT 18: Indian buffet NOW: Vegetarian Pelau THE IDEA OF HAVING KIDS OR GRANDKIDS, AT 18: Never thought about kids NOW: I’m happiest with my kids and grandchildren RESPONSE TO “EAT YOUR VEGETABLES,” AT 18: “OK!” NOW: “OK!” IDEA OF BEING COMPLETELY COOL, AT 18: Cool! NOW: Cool!

ALSO IN THE TOP 3 FOR VASCULAR MEDICINE Karl Dittrich, M. Ali Rana

THE FOLLOWING DOCTORS EACH RECEIVED AT LEAST ONE VOTE IN THEIR SPECIALTY IN THIS YEAR’S TOP DOCS OF ALBUQUERQUE SURVEY:EACH YEAR, DOZENS OF PHYSICIANS IN SPECIALTIES OUTSIDE OF

WRITE-IN NOMINATIONS

OUR LIST RECEIVE VOTES. HERE ARE THOSE DOCTORS WHO WERE CITED THIS YEAR BY THEIR COLLEAGUES.

ALLERGY & IMMUNOLOGY Katherine Abernathy Carver Michael Clayton Pamela Daffern Osman Dokmeci Maxx Gallegos Amanda Goddard Teresa Jenkins-McCord Jason Mudd James Romero Amanda Sanchez David Schade Mark Schuyler Valerie Tausch Richard Wachs

ANESTHESIOLOGY Paul Castillo Clare Compton Jenny Dillow Nivine Doran Ricardo Falcon Jason Flores Hillary Ford Sally Fortner Neal Gerstein Diego Gonzalez Lisa Hunt Francisco Jaime Joe Jaros Michelle Khoo Melinda King Penny Lindgren Ryan Lubert Kanal Merchant Pramod Panikkath Laura Pinault Correia Randall Katie Reyes Randy Rosett Sneha Shah David Siegel Brian Starr Christopher Stasny Dale Steele Phillip Styka

Eva Szabo Norbert Topf Sally Vender Ranjani Venkataramani Sanjiv Vig Trenton Wray

CARDIOLOGY Abinash Achrekar Munif Alkouz Kathleen Allen Paul Andre Mark Belill Ruby Bendersky Michael Bestawros Mark Bieniarz James Blankenship Steven Brown Mihaela Bujoi Brian Castlemain Richard Converse Kayvan Ellini Robert Federici Daniel Friedman Mark Garcia Anne Green Michelle Grenier Sharif Halim Michael Harding Mike Hoskins Pamela Hsu Melissa Klein Jeff Kunz Leonardo Macias Camila Maestas Vanessa Marin Sean Mazer Nestor Mercado Sandeep Nair Lawrence Nair Mel Peralta Mridula Rai Barry Ramo Devona Ratliff Carlos Roldan Jane Schauer

Oleksandr Schevchuck Hirak Sen Lori Serkland Pamela Shu Rick Snider Karen Sopko Eric Staurt Harold Sunderman Robert Taylor Craig Timm Ryan Ung Stew Walther Bharath Yarlagadda Jerome Yatskowitz

COLON AND RECTAL SURGERY William Brown Sambasivan Chitra Bridget Fahy David Freeman David Hoang Mario Leyba Antonio Mendoza Ladd Tim Perez Sarah Popek Thao Marquez Lorene Valdez-Boyle

CRITICAL CARE Shozab Ahmed Gray Allen Sara Assaf Keith Azevedo Arnel Bobadilla Michel Boivin Alia Broman Cassondra Burton Greenbaum Paul Campbell Andrew Carlson Betty Chang Chad Cole Mark Crowley Todd Dettmer Jeff Dorf David Fitzgerald Jeffrey Godwin

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Denise Gonzales Diana Greene-Chandos Lucy Griffin Sundeep Guliani Senan Hadid Theresa Heynekamp Cory Hicks David Hoang Allyson Hynes Craig Jensen Jenny Jernigan Ashley Keiler-Green Irfan Khan Alex Kim Erik Kraai Tobias Kulik Rachel Landavazo Eric Magna Jonathan Marinaro Jeffrey Mazer Martin Miller Richard Miskimins Jessica Mitchell Matthew Montoya Nathan Nielsen Christopher Quintana Amber Rollstin Tyler Shackleford Elyce Sheehan Anjali Subbaswamy Isaac Tawil Amine Temmar Huy Tran Elyse Tryon Ranjani Venkataramani Tom Weiler Aimee Wendelsdorf Sonlee West Trenton Wray Ali Yassine

DERMATOLOGY Maria Abeyta Emily Altman Naiera Barbosa David Davis John Durkin Heidi Fleischmann Leslie Glass Amanda Harper

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Therese Holguin Michaela Jacobs Sabrina Johnson Ortiz Karel Lisa Long Romeo Morales Jill Ortiz Alba Posligua Shilpa Reddy Monica Romero Deeptej Singh Aimee Smidt Angela Wo Richard Wachs

EMERGENCY MEDICINE Jaime Aagaard Brian Abbott Irene Agostini Robert Alunday Justin Baca Naomi Bancroft John Bigelow Christopher Bossart Coffee Brown Carolyn Bryan Lauren Buchanan Jeffrey Bullard-Berent Cameron Crandall Joy Crook Cash Davis Michael Deprest Michael Disney Jon Femling Alexander Feuchter Falon Fournier Margaret Greenwood-Ericksen Christopher Guest Markus Hamm Linda Hodes-Villamar Michael Hsu Natasha James Andrew Kalishman Ashley Keiler-Green Gurujot Khalsa Kevin Kirkpatrick Ted Lee John Lissoway Christopher Loucks Christian Mannsfeld

Jonathan Marinaro Nancy Martin Viki McCoskey Ian McIsaac Steven McLaughlin Robert McLean Renee Moffitt Fernando Monreal Brian Moore Stephanie Nguyen Tatsuya Norii Phil Seidenberg Cori Poffenberger Stacey Prescott Claire Pultz Aaron Reilly Diane Rimple Michaela Sakumura Tony Salazar Victor Salgado Robert Sapien Mark Sauerman Joseph Sheets Victor Sherman Sara Skarbek Kjirsten Swenson Hank Taliaferro Isaac Tawil Matthew Tennison Rachel Tuuri Jan Veesart Aimee Wendelsdorf Matthew Wilks

ENDOCRINOLOGY Winner, Anita Sloan-Garcia Top 3, Matthew Bouchonville Top 3, Ivan Pinon Lina Aguirre Matthew Bouchonville Debbie Dennis Richard Dorin Suzanne Emil Lisa Ereifej Jeremy Gleason Kristen Gonzales Sarah Laurenzano Christina Lovato Lisa McGuire Mansi Mehta

Ivan Pinon May Reyes Dorin Richard Aaron Riley Corinn Sadler Marta Terlecki-Edwards Michael Yao Deborah Zamora-Allen

FAMILY PRACTICE Denise Aamodt Allan Adolphe Vanessa Al Richard Aries Bipinjot Bagga Meredith Barlow Antoinette Benton Joseph Bergsten Thomas Betjeman John Bettler Monica Briones Quynh-Anh Bui Savanna Bustos Valerie Carrejo Caitlin Chestnut Andrew Clarkinson Caline Cone Emily Deaton Natalie Debassige Freddie Diaz Christie Domme Ronica Ellini Karen Evans Michael Fortson Dana Fotieo Carla Franco Robert Fritch Kristi Fury Dion Gallant Angela Gallegos-Macias Melissa Garcia Roger Gildersleeve Jessica Goldstein Miguel Gomez Francheska Gurule Richard Harris Steven Hartman Kevin Henry Marcus Higi Stuart John

Jerica Johnson Anne Jones John Jones Roberto Jordan Sue Katz Will Kaufman Alexandra Kazaras William Kwan Larry Leeman Thomas Longley Mai Luu Bridget Lynch Sam MacBride Richard Madden Ronica Martinez Preston Mathews Molly McClain Christopher McILwain Chris Miera Jason Mitchell Megan Molleck Michael Montoya Sharon Mullis Marlyn Newby Carmela Nogar Steven Ogas Kira Paisley Gabriel Palley Nancy Pandhi Elaine Papafrangos Lilia Pedrego Jennifer Phillips Kathleen Pickett Surya Pierce Alex Rankin Patrick Rivera Jennifer Robinson Marvin Romero Sandra Rosenfeld-O’Tool Angela Sanchez Samantha Sanchez Saverio Sava Mathew Schlough Daniel Shank Aaron Skiles Paula Smith Margaret Spencer Aissa Steiner Jack Stuart Vidya Subramanian

Robert Surawski Jeffery Thomas Matthew Totter Lou Trost James Tryon Melanie Ukanwa Celia Valdez Daniel Waldman Mark Walker Maggie Wilson Alexander Young

GASTROENTEROLOGY Gabrielle Adams Joseph Alcorn Mason Andy Sanjeev Arora Michael Bay Ricardo Castillo Christopher Chang Louise Crozier Julie Farrer Mike Gavin Eric Gochanour Howard Gogel George Holman Marjan Hovaida Antoine Jakiche Henry Lin Abdul Mamdani Jim Martinez Antonio Mendoza-Ladd Richard Ming Vipin Mittal Nikki Parker-Ray Euriko Perez

March 2022 1 Albuquerque The Magazine 111

A DECADE OF PROGRESS IN CANCER RESEARCH /////////////////////////////////////////////////

The overall cancer death rate has continued to decline over the past 10 years. The advances in research has led to more details on how to prevent, diagnose, treat and survive cancer, according to the American Cancer Society. Treating cancer has become more precise. Treatment is now tailored to a person’s genetic information and the specific cancer they have been diagnosed with. When cancer spreads from one place of the body to another, the chances of survival decrease. Until now, scientists did not know much about help cancer cells receive from other types of cells and the immediate area around a tumor. Over the past 10 years, researchers learned that identifying the “helper” can lead to new targets for novel treatments and help stop the cancer’s growth and ability to spread. Over the last decade, ACS research also has been done to lead to the development of drugs that could kill cancer cells by interfering with their metabolism.

Gulshan Prasher Tarun Rustagi Chitra Sambasivan Mitchal Schreiner Lance Taylor Euriko Terrazo Perez Paulino Torres Gregg Valenzuela Angelina Villas-Adams Pankaj Vohra Nicholas Volpicelli

GENERAL SURGERY Lisa Balduf Scott Barnes Jeff Brown Sean Coston Jordan Eckert Bridget Fahy Dean Fellabaum David Freeman Gregory Garcia Kevin Hudenko Darra Kingsley Leah Larusch Joseph Lopez Juliet Lopez John Marek Sam Marquez Erica McBride Jason McKee Richard Miskimins Sarah Moore Gopal Reddy Calvin Ridgeway David Saunders Christy Smith Linda Smith Patricia Souchon William Syme Ming-Li Wang Sonlee West

GERIATRICS Nitin Budhwar Christine Bungo Alanna Dancis Annette Fontaine Luis Garcia Nitin Kamat Leticia Kinloch

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Kanchan Kohli Andrea Lill Lisa Noya Percy Pentecost Suzanne Pinon Jill Rhymes Richard Roche Kirsten Silvey Laura Wylie

HOSPICE Rebecca Adler Janelle Aragon Maher Belmamoun Sara Combs Chris Conlon Bridget Fahy Esme Finlay Nancy Guinn Julie Harrigan Jairon Johnson Jeanne Lunz Lisa Marr Gerard Muraida Devon Neale Ric Ortega Charles Pizanis Rachel Rankin Kendall Rogers Diane Sansonetti Cassie Shaw Gurdeep Singh Gary Vaughn

INFECTIOUS DISEASE Christine Boehringer Marcos Burgos Sarah Burns Walter Dehority Andrea Demeter Robert Fritch Wendy Gerstein Joseph Gorvetzian Sheila Hickey Diedre Hoffinger Anne Kalunian Shevy Laura Carlos Marez Martha Muller Cathy Petty Brannon Raney

Thomas Roberts Natalie Salas Laura Shevy Sonya Shin David Stryker Karla Thornton Ryan Urich Eleana Zamora

INTERNAL MEDICINE Rebecca Adler Richard Aries Cynthia Arndell Carol Ayub Lara Barkoff Sarah Baron EIleen Barrett Beth Begay William Berlin Husayn Bin-Bilal Jessica Binder Comfort Bonu Sarah Burns Jeramiah Bustos Patricia Carbajo Betty Chang Melissa Cline George Comerci Frank Comunas Michael Coquia Andrea Cordero Emily Deaton Catherine Do Edward Fancovic Lida Fatemi Holly Flemming Gregory Fotieo Dana Fotieo Robert Fritch Darlene Gabaldon Rosa Galvez David Goldstein Kevin Goodluck Farzana Harji Maria Hooper Michelle Iandiorio Ujjval Jariwala Jennifer Jernigan Trintje Johansson Robin Knight

Erik Kraai Luz Kwan Mary Lacy Jens Langsjoen Elizabeth Lawrence Mary Lemon Mathew Ley Michael Louie Linda Mac Mohammad Malik Justin Miller Megan Molleck Richard Moore Ann Morrison Leonard Noronha David Parajon Charles Pizanis Sri Rama Deepti Rao Patrick Rivera Richard Roche Kendall Rodgers Edmee Rodriguez David Rodriguez Kendall Rogers Henry Roybal Nagendra Sarat Jorge Sedas Cassie Shaw Kirsten Silvey Gurdeep Singh Christopher Smith Nick Stygles Yijuan Sun Richard Todd Jay Tseng

March 2022 1 Albuquerque The Magazine 113

Mark Unruh Cynthia Valdez Raghu Vanama Indira Veerapaneni

MEDICAL GENETICS Carol Clericuzio Annette Fontaine Valerie Rappaport Shawnia Ryan

NEUROLOGY Kader AbdeleRahman John Adair Robert Alunday Douglas Barrett Mark Berger Elizabeth Bryniarski Christopher Calder Aaron Cardon Sharon Cooperman Jonathan Daniels Amanda Deligtisch Wei Dia Alan Dobson Nishiena Gandhi Tarun Girotra Flor Gonzaga Madeleine Grigg-Damberger Manuel Gurule Maryam Hosseini Molly King Janice Knoefel Monika Krzesniak Tobias Kulik Abby Kunz Vanessa Licona-SanJuan Elizabeth Macri Alan Mason Timothy Ownbey Sarah Pirio George Quintana Kader Rahman Danny Rodgers Gary Rosenberg Baljinder Sandhu Krystian Solis Iffat Suchita John Tanner Brian Warmus

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NEUROSURGERY Justin Averna Bernard Bendok Christian Bowers Mark Bryniarski Chad Cole Javed Eliyas Mark Erasmus Janelle Fuller Gwen Lacerda Jose Santos Meic Schmidt Greg Sherr Heather Spader

OBSTETRICIAN-GYNECOLOGISTS Nicholas Andrews Gillian Burkhardt Bruno Caridi Consuelo Carmona Molly Carroll Salaam Chalouhi Kristina Chongsiriwatana Patricia Combs Carl Connors Valeria Contreras Tushar Dandade Kelly Drescher Anna Duran Gileen Elder Kaycee Fiaseu Mary Gallegos Victoria Garcia Erin Gordon Steven Gough Kara Gwin Claire Herrick Coty Ho Lisa Hofler Nitasha Jain Peter Jeppson Sara Jordan Vivek Katukuri Samara Knight Jamie Krashin Juliet Labreche Maria Montoya Seddah Moya Carolyn Muller Kate Musello

Cara Ninivaggio Elisabeth Obenauf Valerie Rappaport Helen Rhodes Regan Riley Nicholas Rockefeller Shamarie Sais Lori Saiz Katherine Schwarz Rebecca Shoden Sarah Smiley Erika Solis-Gilmore Jody Stonehocker Kelly Stuart Carrie Swartz Betsy Taylor Jeanine Valdez Rebecca Vasilion Dhyana Velasco Analisa Villarael Gary Walters Emily Wu James Wurzel

ONCOLOGY Shirley Abraham Bernard Agbemadzo Amyn Alidina Leslie Andritsos Geroge Atweh Jose Avitia Jessica Belmonte Ethan Binder Mitchell Binder Paul Brittain Ursa Brown-Glaberman Ateefa Chaudhury Jacklyn Chavez Zonedy Dao Zoneddy Dayao Matthew Fero Karen Finkelstein Gregg Franklin Amit Garg Susan Guo Katie Harmoney Cody Ho Anna Jones Atul Kumar Shiva Kumar

Erika Maestas Jodie Mayfield Elizabeth McGuire James McKinell Siva Mukkamalla Carolyn Muller Jacklyn Nemunaitis Sofia Palacio Cardenas Dulcinea Quintana Julian Rowe Muhammad Tarakji Amy Tarnower Bernard Tawfik Jessica Valdez Usha Venkatraj Victor Vigil Yang Wang

OPTHAMOLOGY Rebekah Allen Patrick Chan Lan Chang Mark Chiu Arup Das Alexander Davis Rachel Davis Kenneth Downes Ken Himmel Mark Lesher Frank Mares Barbara McAneny Robert Melendez John Pitcher Ashok Reddy Molly Ritsema Sean Rivera Christopher Roybal Paul Sanchez Ayesha Shariff Kevin Sitko John Teahan Arthur Weinstein Frank Wyant

OPTOMETRY David Babington Rebecca Callahan Craig Clatanoff Michelle Cohen Monica Gonzalez

Melissa Hockett Jason Koschmeder Tina Mamdani Nancy Molinar Kelly Morgese Jerry Sandoval Kent Schauer Randi Thompson Richard Zobel

ORTHOPAEDICS Douglas Allen Alan Altman Mark Anderson Michael Archibeck Jeremy Becker Eric Benson Peter Bergquist Patrick Bosch David Chafey Eric Chapman Naga Suresh Cheppalli Ryan Dahlberg Michael Decker Katherine Galvin Rick Gehlert Patrick Gilligan Jan Gilmore Carl Gilmore Christopher Hanosh Daniel Junick Samer Kakish John Kiburz Laurence Laudicina Donnie Lujan Seth McCord Kevin McGee Elizabeth Mikola Michael Mitnik Urvij Modhia Nathan Morrell Justin O’Guinn Omar Osmani Ernesto Otero Tony Pachelli Andrew Paterson Matthew Patton Suki Pierce Ian Power Jeff Racca

Dustin Richter Damen Sacoman Andrew Schannen Robert Schenck Selina Silva Naga Suresh Cheppali Sam Tabet Krishna Tripuraneni Andrew Veitch Dan Wascher Mark Werner Jay Wojcik Kenneth Yaw

OTOLARYNGOLGY Erica Bennett Tara Brennan Andrew Cowan Michael Criddle Nizhoni Denipah Antoinette Esce Ronald Escudero Roland Gerencer Karen Hawley Karl Horn Brian Husen Selena Liao Duncan Meiklejohn Jason Mudd Barry Nagel Garth Olson Joseph Onyia Bradley Pickett Liat Shama Michael Spafford Noah Syme Ajit Tipirneni

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Aseem Vasi

PAIN MEDICINE

THE ADVANCEMENT OF THE SONOGRAM ////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

The obstetric ultrasound was developed in the 1950s in Glasgow. It would become one of the most commonly used medical tools on pregnant women, according to Smithsonian Magazine. As the prototype developed, it produced a dark oval image with shadows when placed over a pregnant patient’s abdomen. The image offered a look into the uterus with white lines indicating the formation of a placenta. After nine weeks, a fetus’ heartbeat could be detected with a pulse of about 140 beats per minute. Now, 3-D imaging scanning of a fetus is available. The three-dimensional process spawned from work done at the University of Tokyo in the mid-1980s. The technology offers the ability to visualize a fetus in lifelike ways. Previously, a scan did not show movement and the in-utero picture was created from different still images. The process is not only used to give parents a sneak peek at their unborn but also assists doctors in detecting something abnormal, alerts them if a heartbeat cannot be found, and more.

Mohammad Abbas Laura Andima Andrea Bliss Nichole Bordegaray Radhika Grande Mark Grossetete Joanna Katzman Evan Knaus Eugene Koshkin Athanasios Manole Cristina Martinez Melissa Merhege Julie Muche Martha Muller Edward Poon Miguel Pupiales James Rice Brian Shelley Matthew Valeriano Tom Whalen

PATHOLOGY Cory Broehm Devon Chabot-Richards Lauren Decker Hillary Elwood Edgar Fischer Joseph Griggs Rama Gullapalli Josh Hansen Julie Harrington Clarissa Krinsky Evelyn Lockhart Larry Massy Richard Mondragon Sandra Mueller Aaron Pritchard Jay Raval Michael Reyes Marian Rollins-Raval Lizabeth Rosenbaum Shelly Stepenaskie Clarissa Willis Whitney Winham Nancy Joste Jain Zhou

PEDIATRIC CARDIOLOGY Jennifer Davenport

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Jon Love Nasser Moiduddin Siddharth Patel Jeffrey Schuster Abigail Simmons

PEDIATRIC ENDOCRINOLOGY Deborah Allen Maria Hizon Susan Scott Marta Terlecki

PEDIATRIC PULMONOLOGY Bennie McWilliams Hengameh Raissy

PEDIATRIC SPECIALIST - OTHER Shirley Abraham Razan Alkhouri Alfonso Belmonte Jeffrey Bullard-Berent Ricardo Castillo Walter Dehority Anna Duran Stephanie Gehres Todd Goldblum Senan Hadid Katie Harmoney Maria Heubeck Vlad Ianus Michele Iemolo Aaron Jacobs Natasha James Tania Krai Sarah Laurenzano Lanier Lopez Stephen Lunderman John Mason Jessie Maxwell Jodi Mayfield Rob Miller Jessica Ming Brian Moore Martha Muller Julia Oppenheimer Joyce Phillips Jennifer Rael Rashmi Sabu Melissa Sanchez Soha Shah Candice Sheldon

Selina Silva Namita Singh Sara Skarbek Vanita Sood Amy Staples William Stein Anjali Subbaswamy Amber Truehart Jessica Valdez Theresa Vigil Pankaj Vohra Austin Willis Jason Wilson Ann Winegardner Kathy Wolfe Michael Yao

PEDIATRIC SURGERY Pamela Choi Karen Hawley Jessica Ming Anthony Savo Wolfgang Stehr Jason Wilson

PEDIATRICIAN David Allison Margaret Armstrong Thomas Begay Dorsey Beggs Alfonso Belmonte Joel Berger Albert Bourbon James Bruce Alison Campbell Danielle Chang Rhonda Chavez Loretta Cordova de Ortega Sylvia Crago Rebecca Craig Guy Crocetti Alexandra Cvijanovich Anna Duran Laura Finley Taylor Ford Wendy Fronterhouse Juan Gallegos Jennifer Garcia Monique Garcia Stephanie Gehres John Good

Maria Hamilton Gillian Harris Natasha James Gregory Jochems Pawitta Kasemsap Jeremy Larrabee Judy Lui Brittany Lyons Yasmin Magdaleno Jennifer Maito Melissa Mason Robin Napoleone Sylvia Negrete Heather Pratt-Chavez Melinda Rogers Dionne Ross Maria Sauerman Mona Shah Urvi Shah Justin Sommer Gehres Stephanie Leslie Strickler Anjali Subbaswamy Ibuki Suga Chandler Todd Christopher Torrez Teresa Vigil Lesley Ward

PHYSICAL MEDICINE Nancy Cutter Carlos Esparza Terry Hansen Evan Knaus Gwen Lacerda Athanasios Manole Christopher Patton

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Joshu Raiten Denise Taylor

PLASTIC SURGERY Anna Acton Gregory Borah Jennifer Chan Ronald Escudero Karl Hapcic Ryan Kunkel William Loutfy Aaron Mayberry Jeffrey Morehouse Gladys Tsao-Wu Craig Vroman Jeffrey Wu

PODIATRY Megan Allen Attlee Benally Ian Burtenshaw Uchenna Chukwurah Matthew Cobb John Dexter Leslie Dunlap Sara Grzywa Gay Gustafson Omid Hazini Nathan Ivey Damir Jozic Rich Kilpatrick Silas Klaver Seth Launer Katrine Mitchell George Ochs John Panek Stephanie Parks Soraia Refq Tommy Roe Tommy Rowe Paul Whitehouse Jonathon Williamson Steven Wrege Haas Zach

PREVENTIVE MEDICINE Ian Burtenshaw Denece Kesler Bridget Lynch Lauri Medina Torre Near Robert Surawski

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Kevin Vlahovich

PSYCHIATRY Chris Abbott Swala Abrams Sylvia Acosta Deborah Altschul Jonathan Bolton Carl Brown Juan Bustillo Kimothi Cain Mario Campos Tom Carey John Carty Jasen Christensen Deborah Dellmore Mary DeLuca David Earl Laura Elder Lisa Feierman Debbie Gee Marybeth Graham Brant Hager Nina Higgins Barry Irons Justin Jones Ana Kuny Ryan Mals Nancy Martin Kara Martinez Christopher Morris David Mullen Jolynn Muraida Thai Nguyen Tonya Oliver Michelle Pent Davin Quinn Elizabeth Romero Paul Romo Amy Rouse Maria Samaras Zaccary Schmidth Kristina Sowar Shannon Stromberg Poone Tehrani Mauricio Tohen Emiliano Valles Destiny Waggoner Claire Wilcox Daniel Williams

Jane Wootton Dara Zafran

PULMONOLOGY Chidozie Agu Sara Assaf Ashku Balwan Arnel Bobadilla Michel Boivin Anne Bostwick Helen Busby Betty Chang Richard Crowell James Dean Jeffrey Godwin Lucie Griffin Theresa Heynekamp Craig Jensen Erik Kraai Jenny Mao Jeffrey Mazer Sarah Medrek Lana Melendres-Groves Matthew Montoya Sivakumar Nagaraju Archie Sanchez Elyce Sheehan Akshay Sood Dona Upson

RADIOLOGY Lisa Blacklock Luis Centenera Prajna Chopra Roger Cronk Brad Cushnyr Adam Delu Steven Eberhardt Jamie Elifritz Tim Erwin Jennifer Febbo Jason Funderburk Brigid Gerety Jamie Giesbrandt Steve Haltom Blaine Hart Jeffrey Hebert Loren Ketai Craig Lance Katie Lopez Gamaliel Lorenzo

Robert Mals Sonali Mehandru Anthony Miller Gary Mlady Eric Munoz Jacob Ormsby Lara Patriquin Jennifer Pohl Jonathan Revels Connor Simmons Danielle Sorte Martha Terrazas William Thompson Jennifer Weaver Brett Weitzel Jessica Williams

REPRODUCTIVE MEDICINE Nicholas Andrews Kelly Caperton Eve Espey Jamie Krashin Jennifer Robinson Betsy Taylor

RHEUMATOLOGY

Michael Blea Andrew Cowan Ben Ferguson Andrew Grollman Luis Padilla Paz Teresa Rutledge Satyan Shah Betsy Taylor Jeanine Valdez Anthony Vigil Emily Wu James Wurzel

SLEEP MEDICINE Melissa Begay Richard Boxer Christina Haaland Dessislava Ianakieva Joseph Kern Barry Krakow Lenora Mathes Fouad Reda Jamie Sladen Lana Wagner Elchin Zeynalov

Robert Cutchen Rachel Danczyk Sundeep Guliani Michael Harding Erika Kettler Mark Langsfeld John Marek Robert Moskowitz Trent Proffitt Carlos Rueda Kristina Sanchez Tracy Collins Richard Wilkerson Nan Zych

UROLOGY

Chandrahasa Annem Ola Azzouqah Mirza Beg Eddie Benge Juliet Coquia Jacqueline Dean Salvador Garcia Dean Jacqueline Ioannis Kalampokis Brandon Ko Konstantin Konstantinov Vijayalakshmi Kumar Timothy Moore Sharon Nunez Leroy Pacheco Andres Peisajovich Kimberly Reiter Peter Rosandich Scott Stoerner Jaren Trost Sabeen Yaqub

Jay Bishop Jessica Chang Tushar Dandade Michael Davis Aaron Geswaldo Andrew Grollman Stefan Gutow Peter Headley Scott Jennings Wayne Kuang John Lackner Margaret Le Michael Martinez Laura Mihalko Jessica Ming Vince Ortolano Tomy Perez Julie Riley Satyan Shah Jason Wilson

ROBOTIC SURGERY

VASCULAR MEDICINE

Frances Alba Tieneka Baker Lisa Balduf

Leann Chavez Ross Clark John Corson

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WHILE OUR SURVEY’S RANGE OF 45 SPECIALTIES OF CARE AIMS TO ENCOMPASS MOST OF THE CITY’S PHYSICIANS, MANY DOCTORS SPECIALIZE IN OTHER AREAS. HERE ARE THE PHYSICIANS WHO RECEIVED AT LEAST ONE VOTE IN AN AREA OUTSIDE OF OUR CORE SPECIALTIES.

Nas Bhatt, Accupational Medicine

Mary Ley, Hospitalist Medicine

Jason Finlay, OMF

Sergio Jacobsohn, Addiction Medicine

Mathew Rogers, Hospitalist Medicine

Esme Fitzgerald, Palliative Care

Vanessa Mals, Addiction Medicine

Kendall Seiler, Hospitalist Medicine

Erin Bucci, Palliative Care

Paul Kong, Addiction Medicine

Mary Fritch, Hospitalist Medicine

Kara Franklin, Radiation Oncology

Alberta Pan, Adolescent Medicine

Robert Pierce, Integrative Medicine

Gregg Garg, Radiation Oncology

Snehal Huerta, Addiction Psychiatry

Surya Balwan, Integrative Medicine

Amit Guo, Radiation Oncology

Ryan Romo, Addiction Psychiatry

Akshu Cronk, Interventional Pulmonology

Susan Liem, Radiation Oncology

Ping Cooke, Bariatric Surgery

Roger Delu, Interventional Radiology

Ben Schroeder, Radiation Oncology

Darcy Derylo, Breast Care

Adam Giesbrandt, Interventional Radiology

Thomas Story, Radiation Oncology

Amanda Fine, Breast Imaging

Kirk Blackstone, Interventional Radiology

Amanda Gallegos, Radiation Oncology

Stephanie Fine, Breast Surgery

Jacqueline Chao, Maternal Fetal Medicine

Maxx Bowers, Reconstructive Surgery

Sangeetha Prabhakaran, Breast Surgery

Conrad Quiner, Maternal Fetal Medicine

Justin Averna, Head/Cranial Orthopaedics

Daniel Maoz-Metzl, Cardiac Surgery

Trevor Rappaport, Maternal Fetal Medicine

Justin Patterson, Spinal

Daniel Stein, Cardiothoracic Surgery

Valerie Ruma, Maternal Fetal Medicine

Andrew Fahy, Spinal

William Sharon, Cardiothoracic Surgery

Michael Lui, Maternal Fetal Medicine

Bridget Nir, Surgical Oncology

Nathaniel Strickler, Child Psychiatry

Judy Maxwell, Medical Aesthetics

Iztak Nir, Surgical Oncology

Leslie Owen, Child Abuse Pediatrician

Jessie Argyropoulos, Neonatologist

Itzhak Smith, Surgical Oncology

Kyle Flores, Consult Psychiatry

Christos Ganta, Nephrology

Linda Booth, Surgical Oncology

Jason Martin, Dental Anesthesiology

Kavitha Ganta, Nephrology

Dana Miskimins, Thoracic Surgery

Nancy Mathis, Emergency Psychiatry

Kavitha Koppula, Nephrology

Richard Miskimins, Trauma

Matt Perkins, Geriatric Medicine

Sireesha Kundeling, Nephrology

Richard Olmstead, Trauma Surgery

Douglas Finkelstein, Global Health

Sonam Owen, Nephrology

Francine Garcia, Travel Medicine

Sarah Manole, Gynecologic Oncology

Jon Owen, Nephrology

Alisha Sturm, Urgent Care

Karen Jordan, Gynecologic Oncology

Jonathan Schmidt, Nephrology

Joy Ninivaggio, Urgent Care

Sara Muller, Gynecologic Oncology

Darren Shaffi, Nephrology

Cara Sais, Urogynecology

Carolyn Rutledge, Gynecologic Oncology

Kamran Singh, Nephrology

Shamarie Chavez, Urogynecology

Teresa Spafford, Gynecologic Oncology

Pooja Sun, Nephrology

Leann Clark, Vascular Surgery

Michael Nir, Head and Neck Surgery

Yijuan Sun, Nephrology

Ross Girotra, Vascular Surgery

Itzhak Blea, Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery

Yijuan Vigil, Nephrology

Tarun Girotra, Vascular Neurology

Michael Leyba, Hernia Surgery

Darlene Torbey, Nephrology

Mario Brett, Hernia Surgery

Michel Macri, Neurocritical Care

Meghan Barrett, Hospital Epidemiologist

Elizabeth Hart, Neurohospitalist

Eileen Barrett, Hospitalist Medicine

Blaine Manole, Neuroradiology

Eileen Hoffinger, Hospitalist Medicine

Nas Manole, Occupational Medicine

Diedre Jernigan, Hospitalist Medicine

Thanasi Sood, Occupational Medicine

Jennifer Lacy, Hospitalist Medicine

Akshay Schultz, Occupational Pulmonary Medicine

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MEDICAL CANNABIS RESOURCE GUIDE

PARTNER CONTENT

CRANIUM EXTRACTS, LLC (505) 690-3350 CRANIUMEXTRACTS.COM New Mexico’s newest cannabis manufacturer is a family-owned business that started with just a dream that became reality through hard work. Cranium Extracts prides itself on making high quality and innovative products to keep up with a fast-growing marketplace. From creating great-tasting (and multi-flavored) THC powdered drink mixes, to manufacturing wax and hash specializing in the solventless extraction method, this team continues to find better ways of medicinal cannabis delivery to patients. Cranium Extracts is not just medical but they are going to provide products for recreational use as well.

The genesis of Cranium Extracts began with an idea brought to the table at a family dinner. In a short amount of time, a large group of family members worked together to earn New Mexico cannabis manufacturing and cultivation licenses. Today, each member of that group—Jennie Lury, Robert Lury, Rebecca Montoya, James L. Montoya, James A. Montoya, Jasmine Castillo, Michael Montoya, Constance Montoya, Mark Montoya, and Angela Montoya—is a co-owner of the company. Through hard work, determination, and a unique partnership with High Desert Relief cannabis dispensary, Cranium Extracts has moved to the medicinal

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manufacturing forefront in a short period of time. The basis for the group’s success is the synergy of working with members of your own family who share a common desire— to help people who have medical conditions that can be relieved through targeted use of cannabis. Their message has as much to do with medicine as it does with family. The background and skills of each member of the team provides the assets that have kept the company in fast-forward mode. The next goal of Cranium Extracts is to earn a state retail license, so the range of products can be readily offered directly to patients.

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ULTRA HEALTH 6 ALBUQUERQUE LOCATIONS ULTRAHEALTH.COM Ultra Health is New Mexico’s #1 Cannabis Company, utilizing state-of-the-art production and manufacturing equipment to bring New Mexicans safe, affordable, and convenient cannabis at 37 locations statewide. Established in 2015, Ultra Health is committed to expanding access to cannabis and increasing affordability for patients and adults alike. Ultra Health’s latest investment in Albuquerque is the purchase and renovation of HQ1, a 35,000 square foot building envisioned as a hub of innovation and cannabis training. HQ1 will also serve as the provider’s Albuquerque headquarters. Ultra Health currently operates 100,000 square feet of indoor cannabis cultivation, including a new 35,000 square foot green-

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house constructed in 2021. The provider offers a variety of cannabis items for purchase such as flower, concentrates, edibles, and more. Through a partnership with Israeli pharmaceutical group Panaxia, Ultra Health manufactures the only smokeless, accurately-dosed cannabis products found in the United States including oral tablets, sublingual tablets, oils, and pastilles. Overall, Ultra Health provides patients with the highest quality cannabis at the best prices found anywhere in New Mexico. Every Ultra Health store will serve both medical cannabis patients and adults 21 years and older once adult-use cannabis sales commence April 1, 2022. Visit us at any of our six Albuquerque

locations to experience the Ultra Health difference. We are conveniently located in the city’s Westside, North Valley, South Valley, Northeast Heights, Southeast Heights, and Paseo del Norte neighborhoods. You can also find Ultra Health stores in Bernalillo, Edgewood, Los Lunas, and Rio Rancho. To find an Ultra Health near you, visit www.UltraHealth.com. New Mexico’s #1 Cannabis Company with 37 locations statewide Six locations in Albuquerque Four additional stores in the Albuquerque metro The highest quality and best-priced cannabis statewide

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MEDICAL CANNABIS RESOURCE GUIDE

PARTNER CONTENT

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TOP DOC IN BOTOX® PAID ADVERTISEMENT

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NICHOLAS LAM, M.D.

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ABQ THE INTERVIEW P. 132 | PERSONALITY P. 138 | BEHIND THE SCENES P. 142

GOAL OF A LIFETIME As an assistant coach, Zach Prince prepared for the opportunity to become head coach. Now in charge of New Mexico United, it’s his time to shine. (p. 132)

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PHOTO BY DON JAMES/ATM

STORIES BEHIND INDIVIDUALS WHO MAKE ALBUQUERQUE GREAT

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UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL WITH OUR LEADERS AND DIFFERENCE-MAKERS

The Action Plan Zach Prince takes the reins of the state’s fan-frenzied soccer juggernaut, New Mexico United.

PHOTO COURTESY OF NEW MEXICO UNITED

n Nov. 15, 2021, New Mexico United announced Zach Prince as the new head coach and technical director of the United Soccer League team. Prince was a familiar face to the black-and-yellow faithful. He’d served as first assistant coach since United’s first match and had been integral to the development of the New Mexico United Academy team — the youth development program that provides a path to play for the first team and earned a playoff berth in its 2021 inaugural season. Prince followed his own path from youth player to professional, sling-shotting his high school career in South Carolina into time on the Colorado Rapids under 23 team and Chicago Fire Premier. He played 162 games as a professional with the Charleston Battery and took home two USL championship titles — something he aims to do again as United’s head coach. ATM: What made you fall in love with soccer? ZACH PRINCE: Growing up, I played a

lot of different sports. When I came to be 12 and 13 and sports were getting more competitive, I had to make some choices. What drew me to soccer was first, I love being outside. The game also requires intelligence, skill, and athleticism. I really

enjoyed having to think through games and really analyze the play. In high school and college, it became my main priority outside my family. ATM: You retired from your professional playing career at 29 to coach. What drew you to coaching? ZP: I’ve always known that I wanted to

coach. I got to the point where I had ac-

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complished what I wanted to as a player. I was not going to make it to Major League Soccer or the higher leagues as a player. I really wanted to focus my time on getting better as a coach. ATM: You’ve said your goal is to coach in the MLS. Is that still the case? ZP: My goal is to coach at the highest level

that I can. I don’t know exactly what that means as league wise. It’s extremely satisfying and important to have big goals, but I don’t think about those big goals as much. You really have to narrow your thoughts to what your daily process is going to look like to put you there eventually.

ATM: What was your reaction to learning that you were being offered the head coach and technical director position for United? ZP: Throughout my process of being an

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assistant, I was always preparing myself to be a head coach. I was always trying to think and plan about how, if I got the opportunity, I would hit the ground running. I was very excited [about the head coach position]. Not only is it me becoming a head coach, but it’s also the best organization to coach for in the league. ATM: Why do you feel you’re ready for your first head coach gig?

PHOTO COURTESY OF NEW MEXICO UNITED

ZP: You need to want it. With this job,

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there’s obviously pressure and expectations. If you’re a person that thrives in a less pressured environment, this job is probably not for you. I like pressure. I perform the best under pressure. I’m ready to give my best.

ATM: What was the handoff in leadership like from United’s first coach, Troy Lesesne, to you? ZP: Troy is not only a mentor, but he’s

one of my best friends. When you spend that much time around somebody, you go way beyond the field with conversations. We’ve talked a lot about what this [next phase] looks like and (Continued on pg.136)

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PHOTO COURTESY OF NEW MEXICO UNITED

“I CAN’T TRY AND BE SOMEONE ELSE. I HAVE TO BE MYSELF. CHANGE IS A GOOD THING. IT’S A POSITIVE.”

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what the next steps look like. ATM: How do you balance continuing that legacy and making your own impression? ZP: I can’t try and be someone else. I have

to be myself. Change is a good thing. It’s a positive. I’ve been looking at things that have worked and didn’t work. These are the things that I need to improve. It’s easy to identify those problems. Executing solutions is my job. I’m working with the technical staff on ideas. It’s not about this team being mine. That’s not something you’ll hear me say. It’s important to be collaborative and get it right — not focus on who gets credit.

ATM: What lessons are you taking from your playing days to your approach as head coach? ZP: I was given a big voice in the locker

room I was in [as a player]. I was allowed to speak my mind and say, in moments that were tough, that our expectations were higher. When things are going well, it’s easy for everyone to be in a good mood and work hard. When things aren’t going

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well, it’s important for us as coaches to listen to the players. They’re on the field, and they’re the ones that make it happen. You have to give them the opportunity to take control. We hope there are guys who want those moments — I hope that’s 100% of them.

competitive than the game. I want players to feel comfortable, but I don’t anyone to feel safe. No one is going to be put in the lineup or the game without earning it. They need to have the trust of the coaches and their teammates that they are going to go out there and win games.

ATM: In the past, the team has held the values of hard work, diligence, and humility. Will you continue those pillars as the club culture?

ATM: You’ve been integral to the development of the Academy team. Why is this team so important to the growth of the sport in New Mexico?

ZP: That foundation will stay. I’m adding

a fourth pillar: action. We’re going to execute these things and hold each other accountable. If we’re going to be the hardest working team in the league — as we say we are — what does that look like and are we really doing it? Without action, it’s just an idea floating out there.

ATM: You’ve said United is taking steps toward a championship this year. What does that mean in practical terms? ZP: It’s about being a champion every day.

It’s being process driven. I want our training sessions to be as competitive or more

FM: It’s the foundation of our club. This is

New Mexican soccer. There’s a brand and a pride in that. It’s important to give them top notch coaching. They have that in Junro Narita [academy director and first team assistant coach]. He’s one of the best youth minds in the country. It’s important to show the Academy doesn’t sit in the backseat. If they earn it, the players can come into our first team training and into a game. If there’s an opportunity, we want to promote internally first. There’s no financial barrier for anyone to enter the program. I was a scholarship kid. Without that scholarship, I wouldn’t have been

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able to play. I also knew how it felt being a scholarship kid and knowing other kids were paying. It’s important to me that, financially, they have an even playing field. ATM: This team means more to the community than great soccer. How do you intend to help carry on that brand?

PHOTO BY DON JAMES/ATM

ZP: There’s support from the fans, and

there’s a reciprocal relationship there. Obviously, we’re going through some COVID spells where it’s up and down, but at the right times and as safe as possible, we need to be engaged with the community. The fans are out there in the rain, snow, and wind, and we have an obligation to show the same respect to the community they show us. I’m excited to make an impact on the community. A good way to do that is go and win games. Then we can have a lot of influence because people really care. It’s important to be successful on the field and off.

Alex, and 16-month-old daughter, Ada. We live close to the foothills, and we enjoy hiking. We haven’t been hiking much with Ada, but while my wife was pregnant, we’d go hiking a lot. We like going to Santa Fe and the Tesuque Market, or to Los Poblanos in town. I love that New Mexican twist on food. This job takes you away a lot, so it’s important to make sure I spend plenty of time with them. They are my people. My wife is a good balance for me. My life is not her life. Whether [the team is] not doing well or we’re winning, she’s had a more even keel. It’s good to have that. The person that Alex is allows me to be me. —ASHLEY M. BIGGERS

ATM: Off the field, what do you enjoy doing? ZP: Being with my family — my wife,

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

Food for Thought Shauna Frost volunteered at Meals on Wheels for years, so it’s no surprise that her current run as the non-profit’s Executive Director has been a smooth one.

T PHOTOS BY DON JAMES/ATM

here are three things that tug at Shauna Frost’s heart — children, animals and seniors. As a volunteer for Meals on Wheels, she realized there was a greater need for senior advocates out of the three groups. “I was out there volunteering and one of the things I noticed is there are a lot of advocates for animals and there are a lot of advocates for kids and I did not see a lot of physical advocates for seniors,” she says. “I think that’s changed since the pandemic. I think you hear a lot more about seniors and their struggles. When I started many years ago that wasn’t the case and so I felt I can do this, I can help be an advocate for people who really struggled to advocate for themselves so that’s what made me get more involved in this particular group.”

Frost volunteered her time delivering hot meals and engaging in conversations with clients as part of the Meals on Wheels program for about seven years. She moved on to help start its marketing committee and eventually joined the board. When the previous executive director decided to retire, she threw her hat in the ring. She has served as Meals on Wheels’ executive director for the past eight years. “One of the really great things about our program is we serve anyone, of any

age, for any reason,” Frost says. “We work on a sliding scale. If somebody can afford to pay for their meals, we ask them to pay for their meals and then you get into the folks with lower incomes... Really all they have to do is have a need and they can give us a call. We often get referrals from doctors or family members or volunteers so people are referred to us that way, but you don’t need a referral, you just have to have a need.” The program offers eight medically tailored diets approved by a registered di-

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etitian to combat malnutrition, heart disease, diabetes or renal failure or address chewing and swallowing issues. Vegetarian meals are also an option. Its grant and donor supported Local Harvest program allows the nonprofit to purchase locally produced products such as milk, tamales, chile, fruits and vegetables, salsas, jams and more. “We’re putting that money back into the community and then we are using those items to create the meals that we’re making every day,” Frost says. The organization also assists clients with their pets and provides pet food through a partnership with Long Leash On Life. The donor supported program helps pay for veterinary visits, dog walking services and mobile grooming services. It is also hoping to get adoptions restarted and connect clients with pets. This year, Meals on Wheels celebrates 50 years of operation. “The program foundationally is so sound and the idea behind it is so sound

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that the basics of what we do haven’t changed in 50 years,” Frost says. “We send volunteers to somebody’s door to deliver a hot meal and a friendly face and that has been the same way for 50 years and I think that really speaks a lot to the group of individuals that set the program up 50 years ago and how clear and concise they were in their vision and how solid the foundation Meals and Wheels was built on.” In recognition of its 50 year mark, the organization plans on expanding its delivery area further north, south and east. “(It’s) really just building those volunteer bases so we can expand outward and provide that face to face delivery to more individuals,” Frost says. The pandemic changed the way Meals on Wheels functions. Hot meals and face to face visits with clients temporarily ceased. Prior to the pandemic, the nonprofit served hot meals to about 1,200 individuals annually. About 500 clients were added when the pandemic hit. The kitchen began making a week’s worth of frozen meals for clients rather than hot meals that were delivered daily. The staff also prepared 3,000 frozen meals that

were shipped throughout the state thanks to a partnership with Presbyterian. Volunteers made phone calls to clients to check on their welfare. Volunteers no longer help out in the kitchen or work on the administration side due to the pandemic. There are a total of 17 people on staff. “Everything is done in our kitchen so the staff had to really come together and figure out how to streamline those processes and make it feasible for our staff to be able to do that on such a grand scale,” Frost says. “And they did, they figured it out. They’re amazing. Everything we accomplished over the past couple years has been because of the caliber and the quality of the staff, and the dedication that the staff has, no doubt.” Meals on Wheels has since gone back to delivering hot meals daily with precautions in place. “We’re having that face to face delivery again, but now we’ve kind of figured out some mitigating steps we can take to help keep everybody safe,” Frost explains. “Instead of going into somebody’s home or standing at the door when we are de-

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livering, we put the meals into a plastic bag and we’ll hang it on the door and step back six feet so they’ll still be able to see each other and they’ll still able to talk as they volunteer to check on that person, but they’re not in close contact like we had been doing before.” Meals on Wheels has also reduced the number of people working in a shared space. Only four volunteers are allowed in the building at one time. Meal pickup sites have been consolidated into one location and pickup times have been staggered to limit the amount of volunteers visiting the site at one time. The organization has about 550 volunteers on a yearly basis. There are 37 routes that are driven by volunteers Monday through Friday. There are about 185 permanent volunteer positions to fill on a weekly basis and there are substitute volunteers ready to step in if someone is ill or cannot drive for whatever reason. More information on Meals On Wheels Albuquerque, can be found at mow-nm. org. —RM

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BEHIND SCENES THE

YOUR SNEAK PEEK AT JOBS THAT FLY BELOW THE RADAR

Law of The West Thanks to enforcers like Belinda Garland, the New Mexico Livestock Board continues a century-plus tradition of protecting our state’s frontier way of life. .

T PHOTO BY DON JAMES/ATM

here’s a certain sense of pride that accompanies working on the New Mexico Livestock Board, the longest-running law enforcement agency in the state. Executive director Belinda Garland, a fourth-generation rancher who holds degrees in agricultural business and animal science, has served in her current position with the agency for a little more than two years, and she says its standards are unlike anywhere else in the country.

“We have the strongest ownership and branding laws in the nation,” Garland says. “A lot of the other states envy what we do and the laws that we have on the books in order to protect our producers. Being a rancher myself, I just know the importance of how much this agency contributes to the protection of the livelihood of all the livestock producers out there.” The NMLB’s origins date back to 1887 — before New Mexico was recognized as a state — when the agency was known as the Cattle Sanitary Board. Two years later, the Sheep Sanitary Board was formed and the organizations eventually merged in 1967 to become the NMLB as it is currently known. In short, the board’s mission is to

“protect the integrity of New Mexico’s livestock agency.” That entails a number of tasks, including theft prevention, livestock health and animal cruelty prevention. According to Garland, the board is comprised of approximately 75 positions, which range from administrative to regulation to law enforcement. As one might expect, prior experience with the agriculture industry is a valued prerequisite no matter the duty. Law enforcement experience is also a plus. “We go to court and testify. We request warrants and have full arrest authority,” Garland says. “We do carry body cams as well.” At the helm of the law enforcement team is deputy director Shawn Davis,

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who has been with the organization for 21 years. While Garland’s duties are primarily office based, Davis oversees all operations in the field. “Helping the industry out, day-to-day interactions with the ranchers, all the things that we do, even here in this office, we just have a good connection with the industry,” Davis says. “It’s a lot of fun serving the agriculture industry and the people who own sheep, cattle and horses.” Occasionally, however, interactions can get testy, even hostile — particularly when it pertains to livestock theft. On its website, the NMLB offers a list of livestock and property protection advice, which encourage ranchers to brand their animals, lock up their possessions and maintain a wary eye at all times. There’s also a tip line where concerned callers may leave messages regarding any incidents involving New Mexico agriculture they feel need to be reported. According to Davis, most thefts are an inside job — meaning they originated from an employee hired with-

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out the proper vetting process. “We have usually reports of 10-12 thefts, supposed thefts a year,” Davis says. “We have reports of a lot of missing cattle a year and most of those are located on the neighbor’s (land), wandering cattle just not where they’re supposed to be. “But the actual theft reports that come to us (total about) 10-12 a year. The ones that pan out that end up (with) charges being filed are usually three or four a year.” A law enforcement officer with the NMLB must be capable of handling himself or herself if a conflict arises. The officers generally carry weapons and wear protective armor unless they’re working in an area — such as a crowded livestock pen — that dictates they remove their firearm for safety purposes. “Our officers have to stay up with that kind of training, use of force and be able to handle that. We do run into confrontations. We run into a lot of conflicts,” Davis says. “A lot of neighbor conflicts on fencing issues and that sort of stuff. So it’s not out of the norm for an inspector to be in the middle of and mediating a neighbor dispute or someone claiming that someone stole their calves. “Tensions can get pretty high at cell barn or wherever they’re at. It’s not out of the norm. They’ve got to learn how to

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deal with that conflict like any other police officer.” Livestock health is equally important to the New Mexico agriculture industry, and the NMLB has an advantage over other state agencies in this regard because the office of the State Veterinarian is embedded within the agency. That gives the person in this position — in this case Dr. Ralph Zimmerman, DVM, — a lot more personnel to work with than he otherwise would have elsewhere. “Talk to any other state vet, they’ve got three or four people working for them,” Davis says. “Dr. Zimmerman has access to our entire staff if needed.” According to Garland, Zimmerman has dealt with myriad issues across the state such as cattle venereal disease, herpes outbreaks among horses, hemorrhagic fever in rabbits and tuberculosis in the dairies, to name a few. The state veterinarian has the power to quarantine animals when necessary, a task that is made much more efficient with a larger group of inspectors at his disposal. Additionally, the state veterinarian works in conjunction with Davis to oversee the crossing of cattle from Mexico into the U.S. at the Santa Teresa port of entry. “In that capacity, the USDA inspects on the Mexican side, and we handle tracking

of those cattle on the U.S. side,” Garland says. “Our responsibility is to ensure that we know where all those cattle are being shipped to in the event of an outbreak of some sort. The state veterinarian basically has authority at that port. If there is any type of indication that there is a problem disease-wise, he can shut that port down, which does happen on occasion.” In regards to animal cruelty, enforcement officers have the authority to seize cattle, horses, pigs and sheep that have been reported as being abused. That often results in a rescue effort and, ideally, a feel-good rehabilitation process. “We try to place them most of the time in rescues in order to get them back in good physical shape. We’re very proud of the work we do on that,” Garland says. “We have a lot of before and after pictures on animals that have been seized.” What all of the above adds up to is an agency that does exemplary work, both for the state’s producers and its animals. “I go to meetings with some investigative organizations nationwide, and we are the envy, I guarantee you, of all western states when it comes to brand laws and our workforce assisting with state vet issues,” Davis says. —TRISTEN CRITCHFIELD

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CREATIVES P. 146 | SHELFLIFE P. 148 | TIEMPO P. 150

CULTURE

FIERCE FASHIONISTA Age is just a number when it comes to chasing your dreams. Dara Sophia Romero proved that when she started her fashion line, Hopeless + Cause Atelier, at 42 years young. (p. 146)

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PHOTO BY DON JAMES/ATM

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

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SEW NICE

ara Sophia Romero’s fashion designs are more than pretty dresses. Fashion design favors the young and the formally trained. So, at age 42 and with no degree from a top design school like Parsons School of Design to draw from, Romero seemed like a hopeless cause. Instead of looking at the odds stacked against her, Romero embraced her circumstances, even naming her design house Hopeless + Cause Atelier, and following principles that go beyond fancy clothes (though there are plenty of those, too). Romero started sewing in fifth grade largely out of necessity. Her parents had divorced, and her cash-strapped mother didn’t have the money to buy Romero the latest fashions the middle-schooler cov-

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PHOTOS BY RYAN FLANAGAN

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

Dara Sophia Romero reverted to her love of fashion after her career in the corporate world took a turn.

eted. If Romero wanted trendy clothing, she’d need to make it. Her grandmother taught her the craft of sewing and the art of fashion design. Romero’s love for design stayed with her as she entered the corporate world, where she worked for decades in human resources and community relations. In 2013, she was laid off. “I was at a crossroads part of my life. I wasn’t sure what I was going to do next,” she remembers. She returned to her early passion. Through connections at a local clothing boutique, Romero nabbed tickets to New York Fashion Week. The trip inspired her to invest in now-shuttered Duke City boutique, Runway Apparel, where she connected with fashionista customers who eventually became her design clients. When the boutique closed in 2015, she started working with friends such as Jen-

nifer Riordan, an active participant in the city’s social and charity scenes whose death inspired the Jennifer Riordan Foundation. “Hopeless + Cause Atelier was born in that time because I was feeling hopeless about my future,” Romero remembers. Her custom creations appealed to women searching for one-of-a-kind looks. “A lot of my customers work with me because they’re looking for something they can’t find,” she says. “There’s a typical height and weight for models to be in runway or editorial. That’s not my customer.” Her customers are everyday women. (Romero also works full time as a personal shopper at Macy’s where she helps customers find off-the-rack looks.) She believes that anyone who wants a beautiful dress should be able to have one. Often, she’ll find recycled fabric, such as worn wedding dresses, to make her

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designs more affordable. Upcycling also makes her designs more sustainable. “It’s both out of necessity and inspiration,” she says. “Working in retail and fashion for so long, I hear about how much it does to damage the earth. One downside of fashion is the huge minimums you have to place. When I’m working to manufacture a certain look, I do manufacturing on demand. I don’t want to do any more damage to the environment.” Her designs give back in another way, too: She donates 10% of the cost of each item to the nonprofit organization of the customer’s choice. Her business has donated to the likes of Albuquerque Healthcare for the Homeless, All Faith’s Children’s Advocacy Center, and Children’s Grief Center of New Mexico. The custom-design process begins with meeting her client to take measurements and discover their needs. “If they’ve found a design they want me to re-create, I say ‘no,’” she explains. “Instead, I ask what they like about the look and create from there. I ask what they like about their body and want to highlight, and what they want to disguise.”

The process usually takes four to six weeks. “I like simple designs. They’re demure with unexpected elements,” she says. “I’ll do a simple A-line dress but add embroidered sheer sleeves or a plunging back. I’ll pair a midi skirt with a crop top with a lace back. I play with my color palette.” Audrey Hepburn and rock singer-songwriter Courtney Love inspire her equally. “Audrey Hepburn is a style icon to me, but I love how wild Courtney Love is. I pull from both.” Her designs have appeared far beyond the informal catwalks of local events such as Dîner en Blanc. She’s presented collections at The SOCIETY Fashion Weeks during Los Angeles Fashion Week, New York Fashion Week, and San Francisco Fashion Week. The pandemic sidelined her plans to show in Paris in 2020. However, she hopes that will happen in 2022. Her designs have also appeared in the pages of British Vogue, Vanity Fair UK, and British GQ, among others. In 2020, she auditioned and was in the late stages of casting for TV fashion design show Project Runway, on which fellow

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New Mexico designer Patricia Michaels appeared. However, the pandemic temporarily waylaid those plans, too. Romero took a hiatus from design in 2021 after she was diagnosed with breast cancer. “I needed to focus on my health,” she says. An invitation to design looks for an Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerce fashion show in October offered the push she needed to get back into the game. “It’s the hardest space when you can’t feel those juices going,” she says of trying to pick up her creative process amid surgeries and radiation treatments. Her grandmother, who taught her to sew, inspired the inspiration she needed to fashion four simple, flowy looks with black, white, and red. “Often inspiration comes from what’s happening to me personally,” she says. Now 48, she hopes her story motivates others. “If people have a burning passion but the fire went out, I hope they feel inspired. You can achieve your dreams at any age.” — ASHLEY M. BIGGERS

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SHELFLIFE

TURN A PAGE WITH OUR LOCAL AUTHORS

ADVENTURES AWAIT IN NEW MEXICO’S LANDSCAPES heart to experience. Learn about the best spots for outdoor recreation and more in Christina M. Selby’s guidebook, New Mexico Family Outdoor Adventure: An All-Ages Guide to Hiking, Camping, and Getting Outside. Selby provides helpful tidbits, including the nearest town, best season to visit, hours of operation, and driving directions. Hiking trail maps also are provided. The guidebook gives a practical approach on how to enjoy New Mexico’s natural landscapes.

NEW MEXICO FAMILY OUTDOOR ADVENTURE: AN ALL-AGES GUIDE TO HIKING, CAMPING, AND GETTING OUTSIDE By Christina M. Selby University of New Mexico Press 200 Pages $21.95

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utdoor excursions run the gamut in O the Land of Enchantment. There is plenty for the young and the young at

ATM: Why did you decide to do a

guidebook such as this?

CHRISTINA M. SELBY: I did one other

guidebook before this, it was about wildflower hiking and I really enjoyed the process and I’m always looking for ways to bring my family life and professional life together and this just seemed like a really good fit.

ATM: How did you go about gathering this information including the maps of the trails and photos included in the book? CMS: About 95% of it, I had done with

my family over the years and so just kind of needed to sit down and organize all that material. The trails, I often use this app called AllTrails and it keeps a record of your GPS track of where you’re going so that was really easy to then transfer into these beautiful maps that the UNM (Press) graphic designers made. And we really wanted to give it a broad geographic diversity and so I was looking for opportunities in all sectors of the state.

ATM: I like how you give a variety of suggestions on activities and places families can enjoy. CMS: I really tried to focus on families

who maybe are on the one hand newer to outdoor activities and give them information on how to get them started or where to look to get started. But, I think it also serves families who have more experience

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just in terms of ideas of where to go and what to do and I really tried to give a balance of sort of naturalist activities so there is information about birding and watching wildlife and just sort of learning about nature. There’s lots of nature centers around the state that are listed in there. And then, I also give activities for families who want a little more active experiences (such as) climbing, mountain biking, hiking and paddling. ATM: When people would ask you about trails and hiking and outdoor adventures, what are some of your favorites that you and your family enjoy visiting more frequently? CMS: There’s a few that come to mind

when people ask me about that. One that really comes to the forefront is the Bisti Badlands in northwest New Mexico. My family and I spent, I think two nights there, and it is pretty rustic…. It’s such an incredible place to explore.

ATM: Is there another area in a different part of the state that you like to visit?

down to the Organ Mountains in the spring. That’s like the first place that really greens up and the weather’s nice… There’s several things in the Organ Mountains like there’s climbing and lots of biking. So that is a really fun and active place to go. One more area we really enjoy going to is up in the Cuesta/Red River area. They’ve done a lot to kind of cater to adventure type experiences for families. There are several campgrounds along the road between Cuesta and Red River. We just base camp at one of those campgrounds and from there we can go up to the reservoir and go fishing. There’s several smaller fishing ponds for young kids in that area and in Red River and you can catch trout and fun things like that… If you need a little more stimulus, their ski area in the summer has really fun high ropes courses and tubing down the ski slopes and just kind of fun extra things to do right in the town there… Last time we went up there, we just had a really good time. —RM

CMS: We really look forward to going

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SHELFLIFE

LIFE OF A PROGRESSIVE TRAILBLAZER J ournalist turned author, Sherry Robinson, uses her background of digging to find the truth in her newspaper days to finding the facts surrounding New Mexico’s first territorial governor. Her book, James Silous Calhoun: First Governor of New Mexico Territory and First Indian Agent, details the history of Calhoun from his early life in Georgia to his military service in the Mexican War to what led him to head west. Robinson also delves into Calhoun’s stints as an accomplished attorney, judge, legislator and businessman.

JAMES SILOUS CALHOUN: FIRST GOVERNOR OF NEW MEXICO TERRITORY AND FIRST INDIAN AGENT By Sherry Robinson University of New Mexico Press 408 Pages $34.95

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ATM: Why were you inspired to write about James S. Calhoun? SHERRY ROBINSON: In the course of

my other research, I had come across some mentions of Calhoun and that raised my curiosity and what I found was that we didn’t know much about him. We knew hardly anything about him really and yet he was here at a critical time for New Mexico just as New Mexico was making the transition from a remote outpost of Mexico to a possession of the United States.

ATM: To find out all this information what resources did you use? SR: Normally for my other books I spent a lot of time in university archives. For this one I used archives somewhat, but I actually found more information online. That’s because the software for searching terms in very old newspapers has gotten better and a lot of old newspapers have now been scanned and are in collections all over the country and so because nobody had written about him before, I was relying on newspapers for a lot of information. I used Georgia newspapers, New Mexico newspapers, I used newspapers all over the country… He was also quite a prolific letter writer. I found his letters in several collections and archives and that helped a lot. ATM: What did you discover from reading his letters? SR: Among the many things he was, he

was a newspaper editor, this was after he lost his shirt in the economic downturn and one of his friends gave him a job as a newspaper editor. Then he entered my line of work and he did that for about six months or a year and then the war broke out and he signed up. He volunteered and offered to raise troops and so he became a captain, but he hadn’t lost all of his editor chops because while he was in Mexico he wrote letters to the Columbus Enquirer, which was the newspaper that he had worked for. He wrote regularly informing them on progress in the war and his observations of Mexico and Mexican life and the places he was in and the terrible disease that had taken of the troops. ATM: How long did it take you to complete the book? SR: Because I was doing freelance work at the same time, I think this book took me six years from the time I started. I kind of lose track… It really is fun to delve into a subject and go very deep into a subject and learn everything you could learn and then keep writing. You don’t have a length limit or a page limit or anything like that. You can keep researching and follow ev-

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ery thread that you want as long as it’s interesting to you. ATM: What was one of the things that stood out to you about Calhoun? SR: Something people should know about Calhoun is he was very open and very supportive of the native New Mexicans becoming a part of the new territory and becoming active citizens of the United States. There were a lot of Americans who came to New Mexico and they were opportunists. They saw a chance to make money and establish themselves and didn’t particularly care about the people who were here, but Calhoun did. He wanted them to participate. He wanted them to vote. He wanted them to serve in public office. He made a huge number of appointments of Native Hispanic people and some of the Americans who were here gave them a hard time about that… There was a lot of racism at the time and so for a Georgian he was surprisingly open-minded about New Mexico and its people and its culture. —RM

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by mel minter

ABQ’S THRIVING LOCAL MUSIC SCENE

DIFFERENT STROKES ON THE FLY

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Micah Hood, left, and Jefferson Voorhees, right, make up the duo DogBone.

hees says, “I mainly explain it by what isn’t there. There’s not even an inkling of competition or ego, and therefore no need to think. To say the word ‘react’ is not really accurate because it gets so simultaneous.” The key for both is listening with open ears and heart. Then, reviewing the recordings, they “find those spots that really groove or say something,” says Hood. “That kind of teases out the nuggets.” Those nuggets might stand as individual pieces or be combined into a single piece. Then, Hood applies his music production skills—he runs the Music and Sound Technology lab at UNM—to maximize the sonic quality of that material. Voorhees calls him an audio genius. “He took those and massaged them and worked them and did all this magic that I don’t know anything about because I’m a cyber idiot,” he says. The duo is quick to point out, though, that all the sounds heard on the recordings were created in the sessions, not in postproduction. The two have released three recordings on Bandcamp, the first in June 2019, fol-

lowed by two more a year later (another is on the way). When Tom Guralnick, executive director of Outpost Performance Space, happened to hear some of the music playing in the background at Voorhees’s place, he was intrigued and asked who they were listening to. That led to an invitation to perform at the Outpost. “Without knowing it at all, what we were essentially doing was rehearsing for the Outpost gig we didn’t know we had,” says Voorhees. The duo’s 2021 concert at the Outpost earned them an extended standing ovation from the audience. The two would love to perform live more often, though they recognize they will attract a niche audience. They’d also love an opportunity to improvise a score to film clips. You can check out their work and reach out to them on both Bandcamp and Facebook (dogboneabq).

FINGERTIP ORCHESTRA Terry Burns, a native of Clovis, started playing bass on December 25 at the age of 13. His parents had gifted him with an

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hen drummer/percussionist Jefferson Voorhees and bassist Maren Hatch first met at a gig, they had no idea that it would lead to a new and adventurous musical project. Voorhees, well-known in these parts for his work with Wagogo, Pray for Brain, and other ventures, and Hatch, best known for her work with Entourage Jazz, found that they had a nice musical fit, and they started getting together to jam at Voorhees’s place on a regular basis. “She’s a monster,” says Voorhees. Hatch thought that Micah Hood (trombone, flutes, electronics, and percussion), a member of Baracutanga and Entourage Jazz, might make a nice addition and invited him to join them one day. That was the start of the trio DogBone, whose name was inspired by the trio’s dogs, who attended the sessions. Jamming on standards and occasionally creating freely improvised music, they played more for pure pleasure than for any commercial intentions. When Hatch had to drop out to fulfill her commitment at Sandia Labs, Voorhees and Hood decided to continue as a duo, though Voorhees notes that “we will play with her anytime that she’s available.” Still, her absence “forced us into a different creative space,” says Hood. Rehearsing together once a week, the duo found that they share a deep correspondence that expresses itself almost effortlessly in music created purely by improvisation, which they record using fairly basic equipment. When they meet, they simply sit down, press record, and play for 30 or 40 minutes with no predetermined agenda. They describe the sessions as almost spiritual exercises in remaining “present” and available to one another. What’s remarkable about the music is how closely connected they are, flying by the seat of their pants and offering uncanny complements to what each other might be playing at any moment. Asked to describe how this correspondence happens, Voor-

amp and a guitar, but his mother decided the instrument was not up to snuff. So, she called the owner of the only music store in Clovis and convinced him to open the store on Christmas morning. “She drove me downtown. He opened the store. I picked out an electric bass,” says Burns. “She set my whole life in motion that Christmas morning.” Burns made his first recording in Norman Petty’s famed Clovis studio at the age of 15 and began his professional career in Omaha before moving to New York to study with bass master Rufus Reid. Then, he headed to Los Angeles, where he played gigs, recorded, and performed for commercials, television, and motion pictures. A move to Minneapolis found him teaching and administrating at a small music college for the next 20 years. Along the way, he has played with some of the

his first album of orchestral music, Arroyo. After his mother passed in 2019, Burns moved to Rio Rancho and recorded, mixed, and mastered the album, released in 2020, in his home studio. The remarkably evocative and cinematic music was created, not with a live orchestra, but with a keyboard connected to a computer, and software that puts an orchestral range of sampled instruments at his fingertips. Speaking of his inspiration for the album, he first reels off the names of film score composers he admires—Hans Zimmer, James Horner, Danny Elfman, John Barry—with a childlike enthusiasm for their work. A composition might be sparked, he says, by a bass line, a chord, a chord progression, a drum sound or feel, or just two or three notes up high on an oboe. “And then you just expand on that. . . . And it’s amazing, it’s miraculous. And you don’t recognize it at the time—you just sit back and watch this thing become a living thing—until you’re done, and you’re like, ‘I don’t remember writing that.’ ” His most recent album, Behind the Mask, released last October, added another level of complexity to the process, pairing a live jazz combo with the sampled orchestra. Written, recorded, and produced over 18 months during the pandemic, the album features Bobby Shew, Dave Stryker, Bob Fox, Alex Murzyn, Cal Haines, John Trentacosta, and Burns himself. Aside from the pandemic complications, the album also presented Burns with a conceptual problem. “Is it an orchestral record with a jazz group, or is it a jazz group with an orchestra?” he says. “That makes a big difference when you go to mix it and master it. So, it ended up being both”—and as evocatively cinematic as Arroyo. Burns has a small combo album lined up for release later this year. You can stay up to date, check out some of his music, and get in touch with him at burnsbass. com. If you like what you hear of Arroyo and Behind the Mask, he’ll be happy to send you a free copy.

top names in jazz. Though he’s made a name for himself as a jazz bassist, Burns has always been drawn to orchestral music. “It just knocks me out,” he says. In Minneapolis, he studied composition, sonata form, orchestration, and arranging, and had the first two movements of his first (and so far only) symphony premiered by the Augsberg Symphony Orchestra. “It was terrible,” he says, with a laugh. In 2014, Burns returned to Clovis to care for his mother, and he began composing in earnest. “We would be watching a movie, and I’d hear something, and I’d go, ‘Oh, my god, what was that?’” he says. He would then try to work out what the composer was doing. Out of those investigations grew the 15 pieces that formed

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Terry Burns’ recent album pairs jazz combo with sampled orchestra.

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Be sure to check out Musically Speaking, Mel’s online music journal, at www.melminter.com. If you’d like to share something with “¡tiempo!” readers, e-mail tiempo@abqthemag.com.

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EATS P. 154 | EATS, ETC. P. 158 | FROM THE VINE P. 160 | A RECIPE FOR SUCCESS P. 166 | BITES P. 168

DISH

STAND OUT SERVINGS There’s a lot that goes into making a savory dish, and at Savoy Bar & Grill, it’s all about colorful entrees prepared with exotic ingredients that stand out from the crowd. (p. 154)

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PHOTO BY DON JAMES/ATM

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

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Eats

PHOTOS BY DON JAMES/ATM

DISH

TAKING IT TO ANOTHER LEVEL

Savoy keeps things fresh with uncommon ingredients and unique offerings

t is always a nice surprise finding something new and exciting on a restaurant’s menu. Savoy Bar & Grill Executive Chef Dylan de Jonckheere looks for ingredients and offerings that cannot be found around town to turn diners into regulars. When he is not in the kitchen, de Jonckheere is watching anything food related on YouTube or searching the Internet for exotic grains, vegetables and other entrée pairings. “I think it’s a big help in keeping the spirit alive of trying to find new things out there and it’s a really good gateway to look into what is going on in the bigger picture rather than seeing what’s around you,” he

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explains. De Jonckheere also likes to change things out on the menu every so often. He recently replaced the chicken parmesan dish with chicken carbonara. It features housemade fettucine tossed with some eggs, Grana Padano cheese, artichoke hearts, pancetta and peas. It is served with a pesto tarragon pan sauce that is made to order. Chicken at Savoy is never dry. Airline chickens are brined for several days in a mixture of lemon juice, salt water, dried rosemary, thyme and black pepper. “We brine those for at least four or five days just to get them nice and moist,” de Jonckheere says. “Especially with the long

cook time on them and how big they are and then taking 20 minutes in a 500 degree oven, it’s got to stand up to that heat and stay moist.” De Jonckheere has spruced up the salmon dish by pairing it with something other than the typical asparagus or roasted potato accompaniment. “With a savory dish, there’s a lot of creativity that can go into it and I love making very colorful dishes when it comes to that,” he explains. I especially like tropical themed stuff on there. Like this next one we’re going to have bamboo rice. That’s what we decided on, bamboo rice, a tropical fruit, a jicama slaw, it’s going to have like pineapple, mango and dragon fruit in

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DISH

OCEAN ELEMENT Sea asparagus added to Savoy’s Atlantic salmon dish is a succulent grown near coastal waters. It offers a fresh, salty crunch that balances the fish course.

EAST COAST VS WEST COAST OYSTERS East Coast oysters have flavors of brine, copper, seaweed or vegetals. West Coast oysters have flavors of melon, sweetness, butter and cucumber.

SUPPORT LOCAL Savoy searches the state for locally produced, proteins and cheese to use in its dishes and cocktails. It also offers New Mexico coffee, tea, beer and wine.

WINE FOR DAYS Savoy’s extensive wine list features varieties from an array of regions around the world. Wine selections rotate frequently and range in price point.

MARCH 2022 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

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it and it’s going to have like a coconut rum beurre blanc as well.” De Jonckheere is pretty proud of Savoy’s oyster selection that changes almost daily. He will almost always have an East Coast oyster and a West Coast oyster. Other oyster offerings have included Prince Edward Island oysters from the arctic waters of northeastern Canada. He also consistently keeps the commonly known Blue Point oysters on the menu. For diners who are squeamish about the texture of raw oysters, de Jonckheere has created his spin on the Oysters Rockefeller with his Baked Oyster Rockefeller ‘Borracho.’ “I took the basic idea of a Rockefeller and was like let’s make this a Southwest drunken oyster kind of thing,” he explains. So I did a tequila creamed spinach and instead of regular bread crumbs on top, took corn tortillas and crush them up and that’s the bread crumb. And there’s some Grana (Padano) cheese. But instead of a classic hollandaise, we did a chipotle hol-

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Savoy Bar & Grill 10601 Montgomery Blvd. NE (505) 294-9463, savoyabq.com

landaise, so it’s got a little bit of spiciness, smokiness to it and it’s all finished off with some cilantro on top.” Diners get a slight discount on oysters from 3 to 4:30 p.m. daily in the lounge area. The happy hour menu, available from 3 to 6 p.m., also has some great deals on several savory items including a Togarashi seared tuna appetizer, a prime rib sandwich and duck confit eggrolls. The eggrolls are a menu item from Savoy’s sister restaurant, Zinc. De Jonckheere says the prime rib sandwich is a steal at $12. “That’s like 6-ounces of shaved prime beef from the night before,” he explains. “The leftover prime rib we slice up on the slicer real thin, sauté it with some jus and some peppers and onions and top it with gruyere cheese and tabasco remoulade. It’s a real tasty thing. The eggrolls were created by its Executive Chef Chris Pope, who has since moved over to Savoy following Zinc’s temporary closure.

“He’s been hanging out with me up here since the pandemic hit,” de Jonckheere says. “We’ve been slowly trying to figure out how to get enough staff to open up Zinc again. And so, we’re bringing in all kinds of recipes from Zinc, especially with him here and his wealth of knowledge.” —RM

FEATURED DISHES BAKED OYSTER ROCKEFELLER ‘BORRACHO’ $18

tequila creamed spinach, tortilla crumb, grana, chipotle hollandaise, picked cilantro

‘USDA PRIME’ WOOD FIRE ROASTED PRIME RIB $38

sour cream mashed potatoes, vegetable of the day, jus, onion strings

WOOD OVEN BAKED ATLANTIC SALMON $30

bamboo rice, sea asparagus, tropical fruit & jicama slaw, coconut-rum beurre blanc

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DISH

Eats, Etc.

amaste Cuisine of India and Nepal has become a fixture in Rio Rancho since its inception in 2008 because of the love the owners have for the food they prepare for their customers. “We serve what we eat,” says Sandhya Prasad Gurung, who owns the establishment along with her husband, Shree Prasad Gurung. “Even the buffet, we eat every day there. My dad is there every single day. He eats the same food that we serve to the customers.” That homelike theme is prevalent throughout the restaurant. “It’s a family-owned restaurant,” Gurung says. “My husband is there, but when my husband is not around, my brother cooks, my daughter cooks. It’s always home cooking.” The menu includes a wide variety of

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dishes from India and Nepal, such as Tandoori Chicken ($13.95), which is prepared in a tall cylindrical clay oven fired by charcoal at temperatures of 800 degrees, and Chicken Tikka Marsala ($13.95), which is also baked in the tandoor oven and cooked with creamy tomato sauce, herbs and spices. Another popular item are Momos, a Nepal based-dish which Gurung likens to a popsicle. Those come in vegetable ($10.95), chicken ($11.95) and lamb ($12.95) varieties. There’s also a daily lunch buffet that runs from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. that provides diners with a wide variety of Indian cuisine options. A sometimes overlooked item that Gurung would like to emphasize is the Baingan Bartha ($11.95), an eggplant dish sautéed with onions, green peas and spices.

“I know lots of vegan and vegetarian people try those things, but non-vegetarian people should go and try that also because that’s very delicious,” she says. Gurung is also proud of her family’s ability to provide some New Mexican flavor. “When we (started) the restaurant, we (wanted) to put some kind of green chile in our food. So we started doing the green chile chicken curry,” Gurung says. “That’s very popular now on my menu.” —TRISTEN CRITCHFIELD

NAMASTE CUISINE OF INDIA AND NEPAL 1580 Deborah Rd. SE, Rio Rancho (505) 896-3126, namastenm.net

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PHOTO BY DON JAMES/ATM

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

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Chili Hills Restaurant serves up generous portions of its comfort food, like chicken fried steak.

who rattles off a list of enticing options, ranging from chicken fried steak to breakfast enchiladas to pork chops to cakes and pies straight from her mom’s and grandma’s recipe books. The owners did alter the menu upon taking over the restaurant, but now, the biggest challenge is often deciding what to remove when a change is deemed necessary. “We really struggled to find anything,” Goss admits. One should prepare to come hungry to Chili Hills, because the portions are beyond generous. It’s not entirely out-of-

Rose Garden offers hundreds of Chinese food options, including diet-friendly fare, at its two locations.

ose Garden owner Mieng Lu will be the first to admit that when it comes to Chinese food, it can sometimes be difficult to differentiate between one establishment and the next. “Chinese food is kind of all the same for me,” he admits. However, there are plenty of other ways to stand out, and Rose Garden, a 2021 Best of City winner, seems to be doing quite well for itself. And there’s nothing fancy about what the restaurant does to succeed.

bounds for two diners to share a plate and feel satisfied. “I’m not gonna let you leave my house hungry,” Goss says. “When you come in, you better be ready to either clean your plate or have some for your next meal. We don’t like to see you go hungry.” —TRISTEN CRITCHFIELD

CHILI HILLS RESTAURANT 5 State Rd. 344 Edgewood (Plus one other location) (505) 220-6263, chilihillsedgewood.com

ATM PHOTO

PHOTO BY DON JAMES/ATM

ebbie Goss and her husband, Wes, have been involved in the restaurant business in some shape or form for the past 45 years, so it’s safe to say they know a few things about the industry. The couple didn’t buy their own place until 2010, when they took over Chili Hills in Edgewood, which was previously owned by its namesake, Ralph Hill. Before it became a restaurant, the building was a place of some historical interest, as it served as a grocery store, a school and a service station, among other things. In the present day, Chili Hills’ ability to provide diners with healthy portions of delicious, homemade comfort food is all the intrigue it needs. That includes allday breakfast, traditional New Mexican fare, burgers, sandwiches, barbecue, pork chops, fish and chips, dessert and much more. “We don’t use instant anything. We’re pretty hard over about making sure that what we have is fresh homemade, because homemade is the best,” Debbie Goss says. “Being just a little mom and pop (business), that was our philosophy.” Naming just one or two standout items to spotlight is a difficult task for Goss,

“We need to serve fresh food all the time. We need to have good customer service. We’ve got to keep the place clean all the time. The customers will come back,” Lu says. At Rose Garden, the options can be almost overwhelming. The menu offers more than 100 items or plates, including appetizers, soups, fried rice, mei fun (rice noodles), chow mein, lo mein, vegetables, chicken, pork, beef and shrimp. There’s also diet-friendly fare, family dinners and

MARCH 2022 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

chef ’s specials — which can include the likes of lobster, crab, coconut shrimp and pineapple chicken, to name a few things. Mieng says that popular items include Kung Pao chicken, orange chicken and beef lo mein, while his personal favorites tend to lean toward the spicier side, such as Szechuan chicken or beef. But, he says, “They’re all pretty good.” Virtually anyone who visits the restaurant should be able to customize a plate to their liking, concocting some tasty combination of meat, seafood, rice, noodle and vegetable. There are also gluten-free options available upon request. “We’ve got to keep the customer (happy). Whatever they ask me for, we try the best we can,” Mieng says. “All customers are different. We need to make the customer happy, that’s the first thing. That way they can return and give us more business.” —TRISTEN CRITCHFIELD

ROSE GARDEN 10401 Golf Course Rd. NW (Plus one other location) (505) 897-8889, rosegardenabq.com

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

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Turtle Mountain Brewing Co. opens a taproom in Enchanted Hills.

RAISE YOUR GLASS TO NEW SPACES AND CHEERS FOR A CAUSE COMING OUT OF ITS SHELL After 22 years of operation, Rio Rancho’s Turtle Mountain Brewing Company is spreading its reach. The brewery recently opened a taproom in the Enchanted Hills neighborhood located in northern Rio Rancho. The new venue is much larger than the brewery’s original location in southern Rio Rancho. Turtle Mountain North, located at 835 Enchanted Hills Blvd. NE, is about 7,400 square feet inside with an outside patio that is about 4,000 square feet. The taproom offers 32 taps and plenty of seating at its large bar that features about 1,300 coasters embedded into it. “When you look down you see coasters from all over the world that I solicited from a lot of my friends,” says

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owner Nico Ortiz. “The entire length of the bar is nothing but beer coasters from all around the world.” The taps are divided into two banks on each side of the bar. One of the banks serves patrons at the bar while the other bank serves guests in the restaurant and on the patio. Turtle Mountain signature beers are offered on tap and soon specials and guest handles will be part of the rotation. The main house beers are Red Rye Redux, Wooden Teeth American Lager, Hopshell IPA, Metal Snake Irish Dry Stout and hazy IPA called Widespread Haze. “We have additional hazys, we have a barley wine coming up, we have porter,” says Ortiz. “We had a steam (beer), a California common... It’s a constantly rotating lineup of beers. We’re probably going to have some funky aged beers that we don’t have

room for at the (original location)... So there will be different tap lineups at both restaurants so if you want to try all the beers on tap, you’ll have to visit both places.” The taproom’s menu offers familiar fare from its original location with a few items taken from Ortiz’s previous restaurant ventures, including the now shuttered Fat Squirrel Pub & Grille. Some highlights on the menu are Jagerschitzel, a breaded pork cutlet with hunter sauce served with mashed potatoes; the Slabtown Strip consisting of a 12-ounce Angus strip, seasonal vegetables, and mashed potatoes; Schnitzel Strips that are breaded pork strips fried and served with brown gravy; and the Monte Cristo sandwich made with housemade beer battered ham, turkey, Swiss cheese, powdered sugar, and a raspberry compote. Brunch is currently offered on Sun-

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Santa Fe Brewing Co. expands with a cocktail bar.

days and there are hopes to offer the menu on Saturdays as well. The taproom has a good selection of New Mexico spirit offerings from several local distilleries including Hollow Spirits, Tumbleroot, Vara and Santa Fe Spirits. This allows the taproom to create a variety of cocktails including Bloody Marys and Mimosas. The brunch menu is inspired by some of Ortiz’s favorite items that he enjoys at restaurants around the greater Albuquerque area. “Everything at that new Turtle is bigger and I won’t say better, but it’s definitely more functional, more utilitarian,” Ortiz says. “We can do more with it. The old Turtle was designed back in 2005, long before I had all the experience of the business that I do now. This new 2022 Turtle is born out of 15 ex-

tra years of restaurant experience and traveling.”

COCKTAILS WITH A BREWERY TOUCH Santa Fe Brewing Co. decided to expand on recent legislation passed that allowed local breweries to carry New Mexico distilled spirits. A cocktail lounge was created as an extension of its taproom at Green Jeans Farmery. The lounge features spirits from Tumbleroot Brewery, Safe House Distilling Co., and 505 Spirits. It also offers local wines from Gruet, Casa Rondeña and Sheehan wineries. “We just wanted to not go crazy and not be a full bar or anything or try to be doing crazy cocktails on our menu,”

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says Alana Harris, general manager. “We wanted to keep it really simple and really approachable and within the Santa Fe Brewing culture that we have at our taproom.” The most popular cocktail served is the Fizzarita, which is a margarita topped with Santa Fe Brewing Company’s lime or lemon hard seltzer. Another favorite is the Flowryeder, which is made with Tumbleroot rye whiskey, 505 Spirits cacao liqueur and Santa Fe Brewing Company’s hard cider. The taproom’s upstairs space underwent a total transformation to house the lounge. “Green Jeans has always been such a unique space and our goal was to not have Santa Fe Brewing be like a total separate area in the space,” Harris explains. “The whole point is it’s such a

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communal space that everyone shares.” Santa Fe Brewing Co. also utilized the upstairs space vacated by Sacred Garden Dispensary that moved to another spot downstairs. It used the space to install a small draft room for kegs and installed a U-shaped bar. “We wanted to make it a cozier vibe than the main bar at Green Jeans and use it to highlight the cocktail menu and have it that you can go anywhere in the entire space and have a beer with your food or a drink with your food.,” Harris says.

Catch all the action of the spring sports season at Sandia Resort & Casino’s new Sports Bar. The newly built Sports Bar is located on the third floor of the property. It features 50 TV screens showing popular games and tournaments including basketball, golf, soccer, and more. UFC Fights are also shown at the bar. There are plans to open a Sports Book in the near future. “We are doing our due diligence as we speak in hopes of having, in the very near future, a sports book outlet on our property,” says Sandia Pueblo Governor Stuart Paisano. “We’re hoping to have an outlet sometime in 2022.” The Sports Bar is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays and opens up each afternoon Thursday through Monday. In addition to being a great place to catch your favorite sports, the Sports Bar offers a plentiful menu that includes fries, wings, pretzels, calamari, four different salads, custom hamburgers, hot dogs, and sandwiches. A specialty menu containing a fish dish, a steak selection as well as ribs, also is available. The Sports Bar has an impressive number of taps that offer many beers from New Mexico breweries, including Ex Novo Brewing Co., Santa Fe Brewing Co., Marble Brewery, Sierra Blanca Brewing Company, La Cumbre Brewing Co., and Steel Bender Brewyard. “We try to buy local to support the local purveyors by carrying their product,” explains Paisano. “We do like to

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SPORTS WATCHING AT ITS BEST

Sandia Resort & Casino’s Sports Bar offers games, suds, and grub.

attract, out-of-state guests at Sandia Resort & Casino to stay at our resort, play golf, visit the spa and the casino, but we also like to have a little bit of New Mexico, not only red and green chile, but also the great New Mexico beers that are being brewed here in the state.” A gaming area where patrons can play their favorite games of chance while enjoying an adult beverage is also part of the Sports Bar. The area has 80 games. Guests can step outdoors onto the wrap-around patio to enjoy views of the breathtaking Sandia Mountains to the east and of the greater Albuquerque area to the west. The Sports Bar can also accommodate parties that would like an area to themselves. It is part of the Ultimate Watch Party package. Reservations can be made at sandiacasino.com/event/ ultimate-watch-party. “It’s more like a table service where you can rent the space and have couch-

es,” says Paisano. “It’s segregated from the rest of the Sports Bar for your party to enjoy... You get leather loungers, captain’s chairs, and you get to rent the facility for four hours. It comes with two executive party platters and some swag they give to you depending on the event.”

EMPOWERING NATIVE COMMUNITIES Albuquerque’s Bow & Arrow Brewing Co. has launched Native Land beer in commemoration of Native American Heritage Month. The recipe, concept and label was developed by Bow & Arrow Brewing Co., the first Native woman owned and operated brewery. Breweries across the country have been invited to participate in the collaboration beer. Participation involves brewing the recipe and offering it on draft and/or can release through the end of March. The labeling will acknowledge the tribe

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or tribes on whose ancestral homelands the brewery is located or where production is done. Participants also commit to donating beer sale profits to a Native American nonprofit that focuses on the ecological stewardship or strengthening of Native communities. “With proceeds being committed to donate to Native nonprofits, this is more than just a land acknowledgement,” says Bow & Arrow CEO and founder Shyla Sheppard (member of the Mandan, Hidatsa & Arikara Nation). “Importantly, it creates awareness that Natives are not only an important part of this country’s history, we are still here, and generates resources for Native organizations dedicated to strengthening and empowering Native communities and people.” Bow & Arrow is donating its proceeds from Native Land to First Nations Development Institute’s Stewarding Native Lands initiative. The goal of the program is to provide financial and technical assistance to support Native ecological stewardship and improve Native control and access to ancestral lands and resources to ensure the sustainable, economic, spiritual, and cultural well-being of Native communities, according to Bow & Arrow. Updates on the Native Land initiative can be found at bowandarrowbrewing.com/nativeland. —RM —RM MARCH 2022 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

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fruity

sweet

refreshing tangy

PHOTO BY DON JAMES/ATM

Watermelon takes center stage in Albuquerque Distilling’s cocktail Sandia Shine. The refreshing drink is made with the distillery’s Watermelon Chupacabra Moonshine. “We ferment the mash from fresh watermelons and we distill the fruit,” says Sam Pavlakos, operations manager. “It’s almost going to be similar to a vodka, but it’s going to have a very subtle watermelon finish to it. We don’t add any artificial flavoring or preservatives to the liquor itself so it’s not going to have a lot of sugars added to it. It won’t give you a bad hangover like some of those flavored liquors typically can.” Sandia Shine also contains freshly muddled watermelon chunks, a splash of lime juice, simple syrup and fresh mint leaves. The concoction is then poured over ice. “It’s usually got a beautiful, pink-red hue to it just from the watermelon chunks,” says Pavlakos. “It’s basically like a watermelon mojito. It’s a great summer cocktail for the pool.” Sandia Shine is one of the distillery’s featured cocktails on its spring/summer menu. It also can be recreated and enjoyed at home. Bottles of the Watermelon Chupacabra Moonshine are available for purchase at the distillery. Albuquerque Distilling’s Chupacabra Moonshine line also includes apple and peach versions. “They are amazing mixers,” Pavlakos says. “If you mix them with the fruit its distilled from, you practically don’t taste the alcohol at all.” —RM

Sandia Shine, $11 Albuquerque Distilling 5001 Central Avenue NE (505) 312-7709, albuquerque-distilling.com

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PHOTO BY REECE MARTINEZ/ATM

SANDIA SHINE

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for Success

with Libby Casarez

reserving and promoting the Celtic culture is the goal of the Rio Grande Valley Celtic Association. Its Scottish Highland Athletics that are part of its Rio Grande Valley Celtic Festival was a draw for the association’s current director, Libby Casarez. “That’s typically how I started with the festival,” she says. “I went out in 2017 to look at the festival again and was like ‘man, I’d like to consider that.’ And I hadn’t been in it in quite a few years and I went to my first practice a few weeks later and I was sold on it. I threw a caber, which is a tree, and all of a sudden I thought why haven’t I been doing this for all of my life? “ The following year, Casarez joined the board. After mentoring for about a year, she was placed in the director’s position in 2019. “My job is very different from what I ever anticipated when it comes to being involved in the festival,” Casarez says. “I competed the first full year in 2018 as well as mentoring on the board. I traveled around to different games. I competed here at the Rio Grande Valley Celtic Festival games. That was my very first Rio Grande to compete in. That was the only one because I can’t compete and run the festival at the same time.” The Rio Grande Valley Celtic Festival has been around since 1988. A secondary festival, the Edgewood Celtic Festival, was created in 2018. “We serve the community by bringing together anybody that’s interested in learning about Celtic culture, history and community,” Casarez says. “We are very family oriented. We want anybody and everybody that wants to come out and learn

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about who we are and what we bring to come and join us.” Various family clans as well as the St. Andrews Scottish Society, the Irish American Society, Celtic Community Center and the Welsh Society of New Mexico participate in the festivals. Also showcased are local, regional or national Celtic bands as well as Highland dancers and bagpipers. “Both are allowed to have competitions provided that we are sanctioned and what that means is that we are approved by their governing bodies as a festival that will allow for either the dancers or the pipers to come in and perform, whether it is in a solo or in a group environment, to win accolades, prizes, awards, money,” Casarez says. “It just depends on what we have to offer at that point in time.” The Rio Grande Valley Celtic Festival is scheduled for June 4 and 5 at Balloon Fiesta Park. The association is in the planning process for the Edgewood Celtic Festival. “I love running the festival,” Casarez says. “I love working with the group that I am working with. I have a committee and board of directors, that’s about 25 people. My job is to oversee and manage and make sure each chair position is doing what they need to get their area up and running if they’re having some struggles. We are very much a team and we all work together to make this happen and every one of us are volunteers.” The Rio Grande Valley Celtic Association is always looking for people to join its community and be part of the committee as well as man the gates on festival dates. Interested parties can fill out the “Contact

Us” form on the association’s website, celtfestabq.com. When not serving in her role as director, Casarez whips up a special recipe once a year that she learned to make as a child. The no-bake cheesecake has a graham cracker crust that is filled with cream cheese, condensed milk and a touch of almond extract and some lemon juice. The filling ingredients are mixed together until they reach the right consistency and then chilled for about 12 hours until it is set. “It’s an old family recipe,” she says. “My mother came from Manhattan. The family is from New York and when I was younger, I learned this was my favorite dessert. As I got older and was able to start helping in the kitchen I learned how to make this. It is rich and delicious and absolutely just heavenly.” —RM

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PHOTOS BY DON JAMES/ATM

Director of the Rio Grande Valley Celtic Association

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Libby’s Amazing Cheesecake and Graham Cracker Pie Crust Recipes Ingredients for Graham Cracker Crust

Ingredients for Cream Cheese Pie Filling

2 full packages of graham crackers, pulverized to a fine powder. You will need 1 1⁄2 cups of the ground cracker mix 1⁄3 cups of coconut sugar 1 Tablespoon of cinnamon 6-8 Tablespoons of melted butter

4 8 ounce packages of Philadelphia Cream Cheese-softened at room temperature 1 can condensed milk 1⁄4-1⁄2 cups lemon juice 1 Tablespoon vanilla extract

Directions Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Combine all the ingredients until moistened, break up any cracker mix that clumped together. Once well combined, layer the bottom of an 8-9 inch pie dish. Pressing all the crust mix firmly and evenly to form the crust. Bake for 7 minutes. Remove from the oven, let cool completely either on the counter top or in the refrigerator. Once cooled, fill the crust with your cream cheese mixture.

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Directions In a mixer, combine the 4 packages of softened cream cheese and the can of condensed milk. Start blending. Add 1⁄4 cups of the lemon juice and vanilla extract. If you see that it is still a bit lumpy, add the rest of the lemon juice. The goal is to get the cream mixture to become smooth. Add more extract if needed. Fill the cooled pie crust just below the rim of the pie dish. Place the pie, covered, in the refrigerator for 3-5 hours. You will want the pie to set nice and firm. Once cooled, and ready to serve, top the pie with your favorite fruit topping or drizzle with chocolate.

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BITES

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

POLICY: eating establishments compiled by Albuquerque The Magazine’s editorial staff. These restaurants have been featured previously in the “Eats” department of the magazine. Restaurants may or may not accept reservations or major credit cards,

CORRECTIONS: Please send corrections and suggestions to bites@abqthemag.com.

5901 Wyoming Blvd. NE (505) 821-1909, 5starburgers.com From bison, salmon, turkey and crab to lamb, chicken and Black Angus beef, burger addicts will love Five Star’s 100 percent natural meat. Handformed patties or vegetarian options paired with wine from St. Clair Winery or beer from Marble Brewery are a match made in heaven.

1405 Central Ave. NE (505) 247-1421, 66diner.com This blast from the past specializes in burgers, chicken fried steak, liver and onions, and blue-plate specials, including the Pile Up: a mound of pan-fried potatoes, chopped bacon, green chile, two eggs, cheddar cheese, and red or green chile sauce on top.

ABC CAKE SHOP

1830 San Pedro Dr. NE (505) 255-5080, abccakeshop.com Specializing in custom cakes and baked goods for all occasions, this bakery focuses on freshness and flavor. Everything is made from scratch, including the cupcakes, cookies, pies, Danishes, pastries, and other desserts.

THE ACRE

4410 Wyoming Blvd. NE (505) 299-6973, theacrerestaurant.com The Acre Restaurant specializes in comfort vegetarian cuisine with a goal to challenge meateaters and question what vegetarian food is, all while creating healthy, sustainable dishes.

ABUELITA’S NEW MEXICAN KITCHEN $

6083 Isleta Blvd. SW, (505) 877-5700 Kathy Martinez’s brother, Chris Romero, opened Abuelita’s New Mexican Kitchen in Bernalillo 26 years ago. Since then, nothing has changed. The Huevos Rancheros are a best seller, as is the Kitchen’s signature dish, the Tacopilla.

AJIACO COLOMBIAN BISTRO

3216 Silver Ave. SE (505) 266-2305, ajiacobistro.com Inside the intimate space, you’ll find combination plates, arroz con pollo, arepas, plantains, and of course, a great cup of Colombian coffee. The dishes at Ajiaco combine indigenous Colombian, Spanish, African, and Arab flavors for a truly thrilling experience.

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AL’S BIG DIPPER

501 Copper Ave. NW (505) 314-1118, alsbigdipper.com From the beginning, Al’s Big Dipper has been a family affair. Every sandwich is named after a family member, and the owners test every soup they make. Try the 505 Lunch Deal—a cup of soup, a grilled cheese sandwich and a homemade cookie for only $5.05.

so call before visiting.

66 DINER

5555 Montgomery Blvd. NE, (505) 888-2921 Owner Mohamad Abdel Jalil and his sons run this all-in-one operation—a small grocery store and Middle East restaurant—seven days a week. This family team makes fresh pita bread every day and serves platefuls of their delicious hummus. It’s a great spot for lunch on-the-go.

“Bites” is a guide to Albuquerque-area

FIVE STAR BURGERS

ALQUDS MEDITERRANEAN GRILL & GROCERY

ALDO’S NEW YORK STYLE PIZZERIA

ALICEA’S NY BAGELS & SUBS

1690 Pat D’Arco Hwy., Unit E plus 1 other metro location (505) 892-2026, aldosalbuquerque.com With handmade lasagna and pizza dough, among other items, Aldo’s New York Style Pizzeria shares family recipes with its customers. From the buttermilk ranch dressing to the Eggplant and Chicken Parmigianas, homemade cooking is not too far away. 1009 Golf Course Rd. SE, Ste 103, (505) 8964555 This East Coast–style deli on ABQ’s Westside is serving up 20 different sandwiches to Rio Rancho’s hungriest diners, using fresh-baked New York–style bagels and meats prepared in house for the likes of its Philly Steak and Cheese or the Cuban. Come hungry, because Alicea’s portions are not for the faint of heart. Can’t get out? Delivery options in Rio Rancho and parts of ABQ are also available when that hunger pang strikes.

AMADEO’S PIZZA AND SUBS

585 Osuna Rd. NE plus 2 other metro locations (505) 344-5555, amadeospizza.com This family-run pizza place believes that there truly are a million different ways to make a pizza. Using fresh, high-quality ingredients, they specialize in pizzas, subs, pasta, and fresh salads.

AMERASIA-SUMO SUSHI

800 3rd St. NW (505) 246-1615, amerasia-sumosushi.net Dim sum—which means “small piece of your heart” in Chinese—takes on a bigger meaning at AmerAsia, where everything is made from scratch daily. Try the fried beef and garlic dumplings, pork and ginger potstickers, or scallion pancakes.

AMORE NEAPOLITAN PIZZERIA

3600 Cutler Ave. NE, #3 plus 1 other metro location (505) 554-1967, amoreabq.com After relocating to Albuquerque from Naples, Italy, Gabriel and Kimberly Amador missed Neapolitan pizza. The husband and wife team, certified by the Association of Neapolitan Pizzaiuoli (APN), opened Amore, bringing a slice of Italy to Albuquerque. A Neapolitan brick oven fires delicious pizzas, such as the Margherita and the Zia, for 60 to 90 seconds at 905 degrees Fahrenheit. Local beer and wine compliment the pies perfectly.

ANATOLIA TURKISH MEDITERRANEAN GRILL

2132 Central Ave. SE, Ste C, (505) 242-6718 The specialty is the Doner Kebab, seasoned meat in the shape of an inverted cone, slow-cooked to perfection rotisserie style, and always freshly prepared. Whether you choose the Adana Spicy Ground Lamb or the ‘Burque Kebab, try the “baklove-ah” for dessert.

AN HY QUAN VEGETARIAN RESTAURANT

1450 Juan Tabo Blvd. NE, (505) 332-8565 This vegetarian Vietnamese spot is also veganfriendly. Pho fans don’t fret; Thai and wonton soup will satisfy any meat eater.

ANNAPURNA’S WORLD VEGETARIAN CAFÉ

ANNIE’S SOUP KITCHEN

5200 Eubank NE, Ste E7, plus 2 other metro locations (505) 275-2424, chaishoppe.com Annapurna offers some of the most enlightened, health-conscious vegetarian and vegan plates in the city, with plenty of options for people suffering from food allergies or Celiac disease. And the menu is world-class, with options from virtually every continent. 3107 Eubank Blvd. NE (505) 296-8601, anniessoupkitchen.com With four homemade soups made fresh every day, and home-style favorites such as avocado and bacon omelets and piles of potatoes topped with melted cheese, chile and eggs, Annie’s specializes in comfort.

ANTIQUITY RESTAURANT

$$$$

112 Romero St. NW (505) 247-3545, antiquityrestaurant.com Antiquity Restaurant is located just off historic Old Town Plaza. Antiquity holds the distinction of being the only restaurant in Albuquerque to serve the Henry IV—a bacon-wrapped filet mignon placed on a bed of artichoke leaves, topped with an artichoke heart and covered with béarnaise sauce.

ARTICHOKE CAFE

$$$

424 Central Ave. SE (505) 243-0200, artichokecafe.com This EDo fine-dining spot boasts a Wine Spectator “Award of Excellence,” and for good reason. A veteran of the Duke City’s fine dining scene, Artichoke Café remains the best bet for a great evening out. Innovative dishes and European aperitifs served by staff that takes ownership of the experience, the location is also an ideal launchpad for downtown adventures.

ASIAN NOODLE BAR

318 Central Ave. SW (505) 224-9119, asiannoodlebar.com Every kind of noodle awaits at this Downtown eatery, from spicy sesame udon noodles to chicken pho with cilantro, jalapeños, and lime. Slurping has never been so tasty.

ASIAN PEAR

8101 San Pedro Dr. NE, Ste D (505) 766-9405, asianpearabq.com Specializing in healthy, authentic, Korean-style eats, this shop pleases the palate with delicious takes on BBQ chicken, kimchi pancakes, and flavorful bowls.

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BITES the

sauce edition QUESO WITH A KICK

Cocina Azul 5916 Holly Ave. NE (plus two other locations) (505) 831-4500, cocinaazulabq.com

AZUMA SUSHI & TEPPAN

4701 San Mateo Blvd. NE plus 1 other metro location (505) 880-9800 azuma-sushi-teppan-abq. com From flame-flipped teppan grill items to a substantial sushi selection, the menus at Azuma Sushi & Teppan have something for everyone. The green chileinfused New Mexico Roll and Filet Mignon Steak please palates daily and are perfect when washed down with an imported Japanese sake, soda, or beer.

B2B BISTRONOMY

3118 Central Ave. SE (505) 262-2222, bistronomyb2b.com Highlighting all-local ingredients (including New Mexico beef and Hatch green chile), B2B serves up a wide variety of tasty burgers—including plenty of veggie options.

BARELAS COFFEE HOUSE

BASIL LEAF VIETNAMESE RESTAURANT

1502 4th St. SW, (505) 843-7577 This legendary neighborhood restaurant serves New Mexican dishes from the Gonzales family cookbook: menudo, posole, chicharrone burritos, and huevos rancheros -- all smothered with its famous red or green chile.

1225 Eubank Blvd. NE (505) 323-2594, basilleaf.us Sure, Albuquerque offers a variety of Vietnamese eateries, but Basil Leaf elevates the everyday with healthy and fragrant versions of traditional noodle and soup selections. They’ll even modify for any dietary desire. Celiacs and vegans, rejoice!

PHOTO BY DON JAMES/ATM

When Frank Barela owned all three Cocina Azul locations, he named every item on the menu after members of his family. That directive spawned Adrian’s Chile Con Queso, which was a tribute to Barela’s firefighter son-in-law. Those who order the queso should prepare their taste buds for an extra kick. “When (people) try it, they’re expecting something maybe more like a nacho cheese,” says general manager Daniel Sosa. “When they get the kick of the chile, it’s not something hot where you’re not going to be able to eat it, but you get the bite.” The chile con queso is made with a three-cheese blend, Hatch New Mexico green chile and cream of mushroom — all of which is slow cooked to perfection. It’s then served with freshly made tortilla chips and poured inside a homemade flour tortilla bowl. “At the end, people start eating the shell,” Sosa says. “That’s the best part of ordering this appetizer from us.” —TRISTEN CRITCHFIELD

Adrian’s Chile Con Queso, $10.95

BEN MICHAEL’S RESTAURANT

2404 Pueblo Bonito Ct. NW, (505) 267-6827 The food at Ben Michael’s is fresh, preservativefree and takes its roots from the owner’s family’s New Mexican recipes. Try the salmon or the steak served with a side of calabacitas, papas, and sautéed mushrooms.

BENNY’S MEXICAN KITCHEN

BLACK BIRD SALOON

1675 Bosque Farms Blvd. (505) 869-2210 Since 1972, Benny’s has obliged countless stomachs with delicious New Mexican treats, which include redchile smothered enchiladas and deep-fried burritos. Don’t let the Benny Burger—a double-meat, doublecheese beauty—intimidate you. And, don’t forget to save room for that vanilla ice-cream shake. 28 Main St., Cerillos, (505) 438-1821, blackbirdsaloon.com Black Bird Saloon is not just a popular Northern New Mexico eatery (located in Cerillos, NM), it’s also a time warp back through the building’s long and varied history. Items like the Miner’s Hand Warmer Breakfast Burrito or the Tumbleweed Salad stick out like a turquoise on a tourist.

BLACK MESA COFFEE COMPANY

Albuquerque International Sunport 220 Sunport Blvd. SE, (505) 842-4305 With two Sunport locations, flight delays are easier when you’re close to Black Mesa. The house coffee and vanilla latte are sure to perk you up 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.

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BLADES’ BISTRO

$$$

221 NM Hwy. 165, Ste L, Placitas (505) 771-0695, bladesbistro.com Owner and chef Kevin Bladergroen’s restaurant offers a culinary journey from his 30-plus years of experience in restaurants across the country and Europe, serving up steak and seafood with a twist.

BLAKE’S LOTABURGER

BOCADILLOS

BOSQUE BREWING CO.

3806 Montgomery Blvd. NE plus 30 other metro locations (505) 883-7615, lotaburger.com Blake’s became an Albuquerque establishment more than 30 years ago, and almost immediately garnered kudos for its out-of-this-world green chile cheeseburgers (the restaurant has since scored spots on National Geographic’s “top hamburgers in the nation” list and Albuquerque The Magazine’s Best of the City list). Everything is made from scratch as soon as it’s ordered—and not a second before. 200 Lomas Blvd. NW, Suite 110 (505) 243-3995, bocadillos505.com Slow-roasted meats are the highlight of the Food Network “Chopped” winner, Marie Yniguez. Open for breakfast, lunch, or dinner on Wednesdays– Saturdays, pop in for a burrito or sandwich filled to the brim with pork, chicken, turkey or corned beef. 106 Girard Blvd. SE, B, plus 1 other location (505) 508-5967, bosquebrewing.com Another favorite on the ever-growing ABQ brewery scene, Bosque Brewing Co. is the product of three NMSU grads’ love for brew. With 10-12 of Bosque’s own sudsy creations on tap every day, the brewery is teeming with options to pair with seasoned fries, daily specials, or an array of other appetizers, soups, salads, and sandwiches.

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BITES BRICKYARD PIZZA

2216 Central Ave. SE (505) 262-2216, brickyardpizza.com Three very important pizza points rule supreme here: quantity, quality, and value. Enjoy hand-tossed, homemade pizza with fresh sauce in a spic-and-span, laid-back atmosphere.

BRIXENS

$$$

400 Central Ave. SW (505) 242-2400, brixens.com A creative spin on American bar fare inspired by New Mexican culture, the restaurant serves 99 bottles of beer, literally on the wall, and a range of food items. Brixens has many unique qualities, but a couple notable qualities include its all-day happy hour on Sundays and 3-6 p.m. daily.

BUDAI GOURMET CHINESE

6300 San Mateo Blvd. NE, Ste. H-1 (505) 797-7898, budaigourmet.com The menu features specialties from different regions of China and Taiwan, all painstakingly prepared by chef Hsia Fang. The Crispy Flounder Filet is sure to please diners from both the East and the West. The Mini Steamed Pork Buns shouldn’t be missed.

BURGER BOY

12023 New Mexico 14, (505) 281-3949, burgerboynm.com Everything in this tried-and-true staple is made from scratch: enchiladas, breakfast burritos, tacos and burgers (of course!). Fans are especially enamored with the green chile cheeseburger.

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THE BURRITO LADY

CAFE 6855

BURRITOS ALINSTANTE

CAFÉ BELLA COFFEE

938 Eubank Blvd. NE, (505) 271-2268 The Burrito Lady—otherwise known as Consuelo Flores—cooks every one of her huge burritos herself, made-to-order. That means you should be prepared to wait (the line here can often go out the door). It’s worth it—ask for your burrito smothered if you want to really heat things up. 2101 Broadway Blvd. SE plus 5 other metro locations (505) 242-0966, burritosalinstante.com A paradise for anyone who loves wrapping tasty things (chicharrones, carne adovada, bacon, cheese, potatoes—you get the picture) up inside of locally made tortillas, this operation maintains a half dozen storefronts between Belen and Albuquerque.

C3’S BISTRO

4940 Corrales Rd. Ste. 400, Corrales (505) 398-9449 c3bistro.com Craving cajun and creole cuisine? C3’s Bistro serves up rich fiery food to satisfy that craving. They offer both casual and fine dining, so this is the place to get a cajun fried chicken sandwich for lunch and the creole braised lamb shank with asparagus over cheesy grits for dinner.

6855 4th St. NW (505) 890-9150, cafe6855.com A sister restaurant to Vernon’s Speakeasy, Café 6855 has gourmet dishes, expertly prepared and served in an elegant atmosphere. The menu is populated with gourmet sandwiches, salads, and cafe specialties that redeploy Vernon’s ingredients to thrilling effect.

2115 Golf Course Rd. SE (505) 306-6974, cafebellacoffee.com With made-to-order panini and tasty salads filled with the freshest seasonal ingredients, this restaurant’s farm-to-table concept is a smart—and delicious—one.

CAFÉ CUBANO

At Laru Ni Hati Salon 3413 Central Ave. NE (505) 255-1575, larunihati.com Who would guess that an upscale hair salon such as Laru Ni Hati would also be home to delicious Cuban food—platanos, Cuban sandwiches, dirty rice, and even espresso and hand-rolled cigars?

CAFÉ LUSH

700 Tijeras Ave. NW (505) 508-0164, cafelushabq.com Located on a quiet neighborhood corner, this café is perfect for a nice brunch or lunch and your wallet will not be hurt after your visit. The menu is glutenconscious, vegetarian-friendly and has some of the best gluten-free red chile in town.

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BITES LA BAREN RESTAURANT

230 Louisiana Blvd. SE, Ste A (505) 232-6764, labarenrestaurant.com The pho and spring rolls have a die-hard following of Kirtland Airforce Base employees. Located across the parking lot from Talin Market, experience an extensive menu of traditional Vietnamese cuisine inside this dine-in and takeout eatery.

CAKE FETISH

2665 Louisiana Blvd. NE (505) 883-0670, cakefetish.com Cake Fetish specializes in baker’s cups filled with heaven, such as the Sleepless in Albuquerque (chocolate cake with mocha French buttercream frosting) and the Inside-Out German Chocolate Cake (coconut and pecans and crowned with chocolate French buttercream).

CAMPO AT LOS POBLANOS

$$$

4803 Rio Grande Blvd. NW (505) 344-9297, lospoblanos.com Beautifully situated in the heart of Los Ranchos, Campo is the newly renovated and reimagined fine dining establishment at Los Poblanos. A top-of-theline menu mixes with fresh ingredients from the Los Poblanos Farm and a quiet, rustic atmosphere to make for one of the city’s best dining experiences.

CANVAS ARTISTRY

CASA DE BENAVIDEZ

CASA TACO

1 Central Ave. NW (505) 639-5214, canvas-artistry.com Specializing in international street food with a local twist, expect seasonally rotating artsy fare made with local produce, daily and weekly specials, and art to boot. A great late-night spot with live spinning DJs featuring different genres each night. 8032 4th St. NW, (505) 898-3311, casadebenavidez.com One of the original New Mexican eateries in the North Valley, this expansive property boasts a lush patio, fabled margaritas and authentic eats, including a trademark on the sopaipilla burger. 5801 Academy Rd. NE plus 1 other metro location (505) 821-8226, casa-taco.com Both Casa Taco locations offer a window into owner James Pecherski’s signature take on the U.S. Southwest—a strange place where you could picture a classic John Wayne character lingering over a plate of Jamaican jerk chicken and Yucatan pork tacos. Casa Taco defies expectations.

CECILIA’S CAFÉ

230 6th St. SW, (505) 243-7070 Recognized on the Food Network’s “Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives,” and ranked No. 45 on the Travel Channel’s “101 Tastiest Places to Chow Down,” Cecilia’s Café offers tasty New Mexican treats, such as their Fireman’s Burrito or homemade chicharrones in a cozy atmosphere.

CENTRAL GRILL & COFFEE HOUSE

2056 Central Ave. SW (505) 554-1424, centralgrillandcoffeehouse.com This local favorite on Route 66, adjacent to Old Town, offers a bevy of breakfast and lunch options that will comfort your belly and your wallet. Here, you’ll find traditional New Mexican favorites, serious sammies, and solid caffeine with a staff famous for their classic Southwestern hospitality.

CERVANTES NEW MEXICAN RESTAURANT

CINNAMON SUGAR & SPICE CAFÉ

5801 Gibson Blvd. SE (505) 262-2253, cervantesabq.com Old-world style meets traditional New Mexican fare at this family-owned restaurant. Go for the madefrom-scratch chile rellenos, tamales, and carne adovada.

5809 Juan Tabo Blvd. NE plus 1 other metro location (505) 492-2119, cinnamoncafeabq.com Featuring breakfast and lunch options, endless baked goodies, friendly staff and regular cooking classes, this place puts the “everything nice” in the well-worn phrase.

CESAR’S MEXICAN & GREEK

COCINA AZUL

CHEBA HUT

CODA BAKERY

115 Harvard Dr. SE plus 1 other metro location (505) 232-2432, chebahut.com Located next to UNM, Cheba Hut serves up toasted subs made from quality ingredients. Try sandwiches loaded with everything from guacamole, olives, mushrooms, cheeses, meats and much more.

230 Louisiana Blvd. SE, Ste C, (505) 232-0085 Wrap your hands around one of Coda Bakery’s unique, Vietnamese-inspired sandwiches. Beyond its popular lineup of sammies, Coda Bakery also puts a distinctive twist on Vietnamese street food, using from-scratch recipes, including the bread, its deli meats, and its desserts.

CHEESE AND COFFEE

CONCHITA’S CAFÉ

CHELLO GRILL

CORN MAIDEN

5300 Lomas Blvd. NE (505) 256-8017, cesarsmexicanandgreek.com Both the drive-thru and the dining room at Cesar’s are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. On the Mexican menu, try the No. 15, a chile rellenos plate. Popular Greek items include the No. 64 Gyros sandwich and the No. 78 Chicken pita sandwich.

2679 Louisiana Blvd. NE plus 1 other metro location (505) 883-1226, cheeseandcoffee.com There’s more than just cheese and coffee here— think homemade soups, sandwiches, salads and specials. At lunch, the line often goes out the door, so it’s worth getting there early. 5010 Cutler Ave. NE, Ste. A 505-881-2299 Chellogrill.com The chicken and beef used for their variety of kabobs get their savory flavor from being marinated overnight. Enjoy them with Persian-style steamed rice, chelow. Chello Grill also offers a specialty tea bar offering different flavors.

CHEZ AXEL

$$$

6209 Montgomery Blvd. NE (505) 881-8104, chezaxelrestaurant.com At Chez Axel, classical music is played at dinner Tuesday through Saturday, and the food has a decidedly French twist: cassoulet, trout amandine, chocolate mousse, and authentic French onion soup. Reservations are recommended.

CHOCGLITZ & CREAM

CHRISTY MAE’S RESTAURANT

10660 Unser Blvd. NW (505) 898-4589, chocglitzandcream.com Certified fair-trade chocolate and a chocolatier with 45 years of experience means you’ll find some of the best sweet-tooth satisfying offerings (including ice cream flavors such as raspberry red chile and Mexican coffee).

4243 Montgomery Blvd. NE plus 2 other metro locations (505) 831-2600, cocinaazul.com The newest location of the Old Town favorite serves up the same tried and true home-cooked recipes you’ve come to love. Don’t miss location specific specials and local brews amid New Mexican staples.

400 Gold Ave. SW, Ste 119 (505) 339-6774, conchitascafe.com What began as the food truck, Conchita’s Creations became a downtown café with breakfast, sandwiches, and salads. New Mexican favorites shine here, just like abuela made them—including tacos, Frito pie, and burritos.

$$$

1300 Tuyuna Trail, (505) 771-6060, tamaya.hyatt.com For a special dinner or celebration, look no further. Boasting a view of the Sandia Mountains, this restaurant will leave you breathless as you enjoy three-course meals with sweet potato Granny Smith apple soup, lavender salted shrimp or the classic crème brulee.

CORRALES BISTRO BREWERY

4908 Corrales Rd. NW (505) 897-1036, cbbistro.com Brews from all over the region make this Corrales bistro a must-visit for the affordable fare, killer atmosphere, and music seven days a week.

THE COUNTY LINE BBQ

CRACKIN’ CRAB

9600 Tramway Blvd. NE (505) 856-7477, countyline.com It doesn’t take long for the barbecue to arrive at your dinner table, whether it’s wood-burning oven cooked and slow-roasted brisket, ribs, or sausage. Throw in the Rib King Platter, green-chile stuffed pork loin, live music, and two stepping, and at The County Line, everybody wins.

1400 San Pedro Dr. NE (505) 255-4740, christymaes.com “Hearty” and “homestyle” are the key words here, a hands-down favorite of early-dinner lovers. Oldfashioned staples are the standards, so look for chicken salad, potpies, country-fried steak with homemade mashed potatoes, and beef stew.

2100 Louisiana Blvd. NE plus 2 other metro locations (505) 433-4611, crackincrababq.com Their headline seafood boils are super customizable, allowing you to choose from a trio of house combinations or mix and match your own selection of crab, lobster, mussels, scallops, clams, or shrimp by the pound.

CHURCH STREET CAFÉ

CRAVIN’ COOKIES AND MORE

2111 Church St. NW (505) 247-8522, churchstreetcafe.com Calling the oldest residence in Albuquerque its home, this café serves up favorites ranging from natillas to margaritas. They also sell their own bottled salsa and cookbooks with recipes from the restaurant.

MARCH 2022 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

10420 4th St. NW (505) 298-2597, cravincookiesandmore.com Serving up specialty cookies, muffins, breads, pies, and pretty much any dessert you can dream of, Cravin’ Cookies and More offers dine-in and to go orders to satisfy any sweet tooth, with coffee and hot tea to match.

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BITES the

sauce edition A SWEET SURPRISE OF A SALSA

Los Cuates 8700 Menaul Blvd. NE (plus two other locations) (505) 237-2800, loscuatesrestaurants.com

CRAZY FISH SUSHI BAR AND RESTAURANT

3015 Central Ave. NE (505) 232-3474, crazyfishabq.com Tasty, fresh sushi and sashimi await you in this sleek Central Avenue restaurant, along with kitchen-made favorites such as tempura and crispy chicken.

THE CROWN ROOM

$$$$

145 Louisiana Blvd. NE (505) 767-7171, abqdowns.com/crown-room Perhaps Albuquerque’s best-kept fine dining secret, this gem is tucked away in the newly remodeled Downs Casino. With an incredible selection of liquors and wines, gourmet dishes, tableside Bananas Foster, and Dom Pérignon palate cleansers, this special occasion hideout is hard to beat, anywhere in the 505.

CURRY LEAF

6910-C Montgomery Blvd. NE (505) 881-3663, curryleafrestaurant.us Curry Leaf is the only restaurant in New Mexico to offer both North and South India cuisine. This means that, while you can get familiar favorites like tandoori chicken, you can also explore the world of chicken chettinad and dosas—a type of crepe made with fermented lentil and rice flour, filled with stuffing like potato, spiced vegetables, or ground lamb.

THE DAILY GRIND

4360a Cutler Ave. NE (505) 883-8310, dailygrindabq.net This family-friendly restaurant serves breakfast and lunch, including huevos rancheros and a huge assortment of baked goods. On Friday and Saturday, look for spontaneous specials, such as stuffed French toast or steak and eggs.

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Sweet with Heat Salsa, complimentary with meal

DELICIAS CAFÉ

DG’S DELI

6001 San Mateo Blvd. NE, (505) 830-6561 Named after the city in Chihuahua, Mexico, Delicias delivers traditional fare of the region, like caldo de res (beef stew), gorditas, carnitas, flautas, and horchata. 1418 Dr Martin Luther King Jr Ave. NE (505) 247-3354, dgsdeli.com With 31 cold sandwich options and a wide variety of grilled hot sandwiches—ranging in size from mini to jumbo—there’s something for everyone here. Try the Green Chile Philly or the Lobo Club.

D.H. LESCOMBES WINERY & BISTRO

$$$

901 Rio Grande Blvd. NW (505) 243-9916, lescombeswinery.com With generations of experience in winemaking coursing through this North Valley staple’s doors, D.H. Lescombes Winery & Bistro specializes in pairing wine with its expertly crafted and entirely house-made menu, with a local twist. Themed events and giving back to its community are big parts of this eatery’s success, not to mention popular dishes such as its Chicken Picado, Mac and Cheese Bites, and Ghirardelli Port Brownie.

DION’S

PHOTO BY DON JAMES/ATM

Those sampling Los Cuates’ signature salsa for the very first time generally have a strong reaction. “The consumer reaction has been either they absolutely love it, or they don’t like it at all because what they’re expecting is a traditional New Mexican salsa….,” says district manager Amber Carpenter. “But that is not what we have.” The salsa is a recipe that dates back 40 years to the restaurant’s original owner, and while the primary ingredients are closely guarded, its blend of sweet and spicy is quite unique. If demand is any indication, then it’s safe to say that there are far more positive reviews than negative. Los Cuates is currently not selling its salsa in jars, so it is only available at the restaurant, where it is brought to the table with chips once a customer is seated. The goal is to resume jarring by May. “During the holidays I’ve had so many people message us through Facebook and our website to find out where they can buy our salsa and ship it to them,” Carpenter says. “It’s probably been 50 or more guests that have asked why can’t they purchase our salsa.” —TRISTEN CRITCHFIELD

6308 Fourth St. NW plus 14 other metro locations (505) 345-4900, dionspizza.com Launched in 1978, Dion’s aims to keep your wallet and tummy full with build-your-own pizzas, gourmet pizzas, slices, salads, and subs. The ranch and Greek dressings are homemade from secret recipes, and everything on the menu is tried and true.

DOG HOUSE DRIVE IN

DONUT MART

1216 Central Ave. SW, (505) 243-1019 An ABQ landmark since the 1940s, the eat-in-yourcar Dog House serves grilled footlongs and halflongs topped with red chile, cheese, onions, and more. Enjoy your dog with a side of chili-cheese fries and a thick shake. 4501 Montgomery Blvd. NE plus 2 other metro location (505) 292-6278, donutmartusa.com Multiple locations sprinkled around town means a donut lover can always get a sweet fix. Find apple strudels, piñon coffee, green chile bialys, croissants, muffins, and even a Peanut Butter and Jelly donut.

DOWN N DIRTY SEAFOOD BOIL

6100 4th St. NW, (505) 345-0595 Southern transplants who make their way to ABQ have a new spot for traditional seafood boil. From dry rub to a spicy, buttery fusion sauce, your tastebuds will dance with delight when you feast on this eatery’s collection of crawfish, rock shrimp, crab legs, and more.

DUGGAN’S

227 Lead Ave. SE (505) 312-7257, dugganscoffeeshop.com This breakfast and lunch spot serves up newsthemed entrees like the Journalist Salad and Fact Checker Green Chile Chicken Soup in an intimate setting. Cups are filled with locally roasted Trifecta coffee.

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DURAN’S CENTRAL PHARMACY

EAST OCEAN CHINESE SEAFOOD RESTAURANT

1815 Central Ave. NW (505) 247-4141, duransrx.com Where in the city can you get amazing huevos, kitschy printed dish towels, an emergency rubber chicken in a box, and a flu shot? There is only one answer, Duran’s Central Pharmacy.

3601 Carlisle Blvd. NE (505) 889-9315, eastoceanalbq.com East Ocean Chinese Seafood Restaurant was the first of its kind in Albuquerque. Most dishes are served family style and are made fresh to order. Those looking for traditional Chinese dishes should try the Roast Duck. Seafood eaters will enjoy the Honey Crispy Walnut Shrimp.

EL BRUNO’S RESTAURANTE Y CANTINA

We’re your local Los Ranchos American Comfort Food eatery.

Voted Best New Restaurant!

8806 4th St. NW (505) 897-0444, elbrunos.com El Bruno’s got its start in Cuba, NM, in 1975. At the Albuquerque location, the tried-and-true family recipes are still the focus of the menu. The Ceviche, Pollo Adovo, and the Deep Fried Spinach are a few items guests can look forward to.

EL CAMINO DINING ROOM

6800 4th St. NW, (505) 344-0448 Those with a bottomless appetite might meet their match with any of El Camino’s breakfast burrito options. These plate-sized behemoths are filled with eggs, hashbrowns or home-fries, and your choice of meat, then smothered in red or green chile.

EL COTORRO

111 Carlisle Blvd. NE (505) 503-6202, elcotorroabq.com Made to order gourmet tacos are on full display among classic Mexican street food like elotes and ceviche. A full salsa bar lets you spice up your meat, fish, vegetarian, or vegan tacos. Taco Tuesdays feature $2 tacos and bottled Mexican beers.

EL PATIO DE ALBUQUERQUE

Also voted Best Brunch! 505.639.5807 | davesvalleygrill.com | Open Daily 8am-8pm 6601 Fourth Street NW, Los Ranchos de Albuquerque

142 Harvard Dr. SE plus 1 other metro location (505) 268-4245, elpatioabq.com A UNM favorite since 1977, this family-owned restaurant uses local ingredients and makes everything fresh daily in small batches. The No. 10 Green Chicken Enchiladas have won rave reviews for years, as have the tasty salsa and pillow-soft sopaipillas.

EL PATRON

10551 Montgomery Blvd. NE plus 1 other metro location (505) 275-0223, elpatronabq.com A customer favorite, El Patron’s menu includes dishes such as mouthwatering tacos, enchiladas, chile rellenos, and housemade chips. Wash them down with a tasty margarita.

EL PINTO

$$$

10500 4th St. NW (505) 898-1771, elpinto.com Food and atmosphere go hand-in-hand at this Duke City staple, ensuring an unforgettable experience. Enjoy fresh salsa, enchiladas, burritos, carne adovada, and many more New Mexican dishes while sipping a margarita on one of the many beautiful patios. Reservations are recommended.

EL SABOR DE JUAREZ

3527 Gibson Blvd. SE, (505) 265-3338 Its name means “the flavor of Juarez,” and since 1980, this restaurant has served just that. Try the family recipes for menudo and carne desebrada (shredded roast beef sautéed with jalapeño, tomato, and onions).

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BITES EL SARAPE

3248 Isleta Blvd. SW, (505) 877-8871, elsarapeabq.com Specializing in authentic food from all regions of Mexico, you can count on dishes such as nopalitos (cactus sautéed with onions, tomatoes, and garlic), fresh salsa, burritos, chile rellenos, and seafood specials with shrimp, oysters, calamari, and fish.

THE FARMACY

ELOY’S NEW MEXICAN RESTAURANT $

FIESTA’S MEXICAN RESTAURANT & CANTINA

EMBERS STEAK & SEAFOOD

FLIX BREWHOUSE

1508 Wyoming Blvd. NE, (505) 293-6018 Opening 47 years ago, Eloy’s New Mexican Restaurant’s claim to fame is its consistent food and service, offering the same recipes that made it famous all those years ago. Try the No. 1 Eloy’s Deluxe Dinner, with a little bit of everything.

$$$

11000 Broadway Blvd. SE (505) 244-8288, isleta.com Whether you are dining inside or al fresco on the rooftop patio, Ember’s boasts some of Albuquerque’s most beautiful 180-degree views of the Bosque, making for the perfect setting to catch the sunset next to the warmth of the glowing fire pits.

FANO BREAD COMPANY

4605 McLeod Rd, NE (505) 884-5555, fanobread.com For more than 16 years, Fano has made the freshest bread in the city. Whether it’s the rustic loaf, the green chile cheese bread or raisin cinnamon bread, you’ll think you’re touring the streets of Italy with each bite.

FAN TANG

3523 Central Ave. NE (505) 266-3566, fan-tang.com With authentic family recipes that include coffee chicken (rubbed in Satellite coffee, then stir-fried with flavorful sauce) and creative additions like soul dumplings (made with tofu, kimchi, and cashew pesto), this spot is sure to satisfy.

FAREAST FUZION SUSHI BAR & LOUNGE

5901 Central Ave. NE, (505) 255-2910 The sushi is served aplenty, but those who shy from raw fish can flirt with some Thai or Chinese cuisine. This might be one of the only places where a “HeartAttack”—a sushi roll with deep-fried spicy tuna, jalapeños, mushrooms, and cream cheese—is a good thing.

FARINA ALTO PIZZERIA & WINE BAR $$

10721 Montgomery Blvd. NE (505) 298-0035, farinaalto.com The Northeast Heights version of Farina offers the same urban atmosphere as the East Downtown (EDo) Farina, minus the elbow-to-elbow seating. Alto offers every pizza on the EDo menu, such as the Formaggio di Capra and the Carne, but includes unique dishes—Eggplant Parmesan Napoleon and Oven-Roasted Chicken Wings. Alto’s wine room is stocked with more than 300 bottles of wine.

FARINA PIZZERIA

510 Central Ave. SE (505) 243-0130, farinapizzeria.com Whether you like yours bianco or covered in carne, you’ll get a pie cooked to perfection at this relaxedbut-hip urban eatery.

FARM & TABLE

$$$

8917 4th St. NW (505) 503-7124, farmandtablenm.com This North Valley eatery’s ever-changing menu features seasonal produce, which often comes from the restaurant’s own farm. If the produce doesn’t come from the farm, it’s sourced from a slew of local vendors. Enjoy grass-and-alfalfa-fed steaks and produce-focused dishes that use local kale, chard, okra, chile, and tomatoes.

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3718 Central Ave. SE, (505) 227-0330 The Farmacy takes the idea of organic and local ingredients, and presents them in a way that tastes like comfort. The Farmacy provides a tasty menu of eight breakfast items, as well as eight sandwiches for lunch.

FRIENDS COFFEE & SANDWICH SHOP $

200 3rd St. NW (505) 243-4801, fcass.com Every cup of coffee served at Friends Coffee & Sandwich Shop is from New Mexico Coffee Company, and a different flavor is showcased each day of the week. Local favorites such as the quesadilla and the Taco Burger are dependable lunch choices.

FRONTIER RESTAURANT

3258 La Orilla Rd. NW, B-1 (505) 445-8500, flixbrewhouse.com Flix is a one-of-a-kind concept; a movie theater that serves full meals and an in-house brewed beer menu in its stadium-seating “dining rooms.” The dream is real, Albuquerque–you can catch the latest blockbuster in theaters while knocking back a pint and having dinner brought to you.

GARCIA’S KITCHEN

FLYING STAR CAFE

GARDUÑO’S OF MEXICO RESTAURANT AND CANTINA $$

4400 Carlisle Blvd. NE, (505) 881-0478 Fiesta’s Restaurant & Cantina has been family-owned and operated since 1986, making it an Albuquerque go-to for quality New Mexican cuisine. With its family dining area, outdoor patio, lively bar and banquet room, Fiesta’s has something for everyone.

8001 Menaul Blvd. NE plus 5 other metro locations (505) 293-6911, flyingstarcafe.com With menu options ranging from breakfast served all day to flavor-packed salads and sandwiches, handmade desserts to die for, and beautiful patio dining, Flying Star is the place to treat yourself to good vibes and great food.

FORQUE KITCHEN AND BAR

330 Tijeras Ave. NW (505) 842-1234, albuquerque.hyatt.com Forque’s multi-level, tastefully decorated dining room features floor-to-ceiling windows and makes it easy to forget you’re dining at a Downtown hotel. The elegant presentation extends to the regional cuisine, which is prepared in the restaurant’s open kitchen by executive chef Eli White and his staff.

2400 Central Ave. SE (505) 266-0550, frontierrestaurant.com Famous for its legendary Frontier Rolls, hot-off-theiron tortillas, burgers, New Mexican favorites, hash browns, fresh-squeezed orange juice, and more, the Frontier is Albuquerque’s melting pot—it’s a guarantee you’ll see someone you know there. 2924 San Mateo NE plus 5 other metro locations (505) 888-3488, garciaskitchen.com This Albuquerque institution serves up classic New Mexican dishes, from freshly made tortillas to an extensive burrito list. You’ll leave one of the multiple locations with a full belly and content heart.

10031 Coors Blvd. NW plus 1 other metro locations (505) 880-0055, gardunosrestaurants.com

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.

GECKO’S BAR AND TAPAS

5801 Academy Rd. NE (505) 821-8291, geckosbar.com Plenty of tasty tapas—including Southwestern Krab Taquitos and Red Molé Grilled Sirloin Tacos—and hearty salads and sandwiches, too.

GINO’S NEW YORK STYLE PIZZA

GIOVANNI’S PIZZERIA

400 Washington St. SE, (505) 712-5109 franksfamouschickenandwaffles.com Owner and former Lobo basketball player Frank Willis wanted to give Albuquerque the soul food he had while growing up in Los Angeles. He fiddled with flavors, making sure they were perfect, before opening his restaurant to dish out favorites like chicken and waffles, fried pickles, mac ‘n cheese, and collard greens.

GOLDEN CROWN PANADERIA

FRENCHISH

308 San Felipe St. NW, 87104 505-975-3969 Gobblethis.biz Due to the success of starting out as a food truck, Gobble This opened up a location in Old Town. Gobble This has different plates inspired by El Salvador, Los Angeles and New Mexican. One of the more popular items on the menu are the pupusas made with roasted garlic, spinach and cheese.

FORK & FIG

6904 Menaul Blvd. NE, Ste C (505) 881-5293, forkfig.com Upscale, but surprisingly down-home, Fork & Fig dishes offer up a streamlined menu of favorites, including burgers, sandwiches, and salads, with surprising artistry along the way. Sweet potato tots, anyone?

FOURTH AND ROMA CAFÉ

FRANK’S FAMOUS CHICKEN AND WAFFLES

500 4th St. NW, #106, (505) 245-7662 Delicious chai, coffee, sandwiches, salads, and occasional East-Indian specials conveniently located in the old Bank of America building downtown.

$$$

3509 Central Ave. NE (505) 433-5911, frenchish.com Envisioned as a casual neighborhood restaurant, frenchish’s menu draws inspiration from an eclectic mix of French and Midwestern U.S. cuisines, with an active focus on clean, simple foods.

3908 San Mateo Blvd. NE (505) 883-6000, ginosnystylepizza.com With handmade lasagna and pizza dough, among other items, Gino’s New York Style Pizza shares family recipes with its customers. From the buttermilk ranch dressing to the Eggplant and Chicken Parmigianas, homemade cooking is not too far away. 921 San Pedro Dr. SE, (505) 255-1233 giovannispizzaalbuquerque.com Giovanni’s isn’t easy to spot at first, but once you’ve had a big slice of fold-in-half New York-style pie, you’ll never miss it again. Whether you like it covered in spinach, pesto and tomatoes, cheese-only, no cheese at all, or plain pepperoni, you’re sure to find your pizza match. 1103 Mountain Rd. NW, (505) 243-2424, goldencrown.biz Golden Crown Panaderia is known for taking creativity in baking to the next level. Try the original biscochitos or cappuccino, chocolate and sugar-free versions. Don’t miss out on homemade green chile bread, pizza, and creative bread sculptures.

GOBBLE THIS

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BITES the

sauce edition SAUCE WITH A STING

Richie B’s 7200 Montgomery Blvd NE (505) 312-8579, richiebsabq.com

GRASSBURGER

PHOTO BY DON JAMES/ATM

The exact ingredients that go into Richie B’s Viper Sauce remain a mystery to all but a handful, though co-owner Chuck Ruiz hasn’t gone so far as issuing a non-disclosure agreement to his employees. “For the time being, it’s more of a chat and handshake,” he says with a laugh. The sauce was created by Richie B. himself, who owns a separate establishment of the same name located in Dothan, Alabama. “It’s derived from a love of sports cars, the Dodge Viper in particular,” Ruiz explains. “Because this particular sauce has some bite to it, naming it Viper Sauce kind of came naturally.” Ruiz reveals that the Viper Sauce has a mayo base with a blend of spices, which will remain unnamed. It’s currently sold as a side at the restaurant and is great for dipping, whether it’s sandwiches, pizza slices or crust. There are plans to sell it in larger quantities in the future. “If you’ve never tried it before, it’s something that you’ve got to experience for yourself,” Ruiz says. —TRISTEN CRITCHFIELD

Viper Sauce, $0.46

GYROS MEDITERRANEAN

12165 NM-14, Cedar Crest (505) 286-2684, greenside.cafe This Cedar Crest café offers a casual family atmosphere with large portions of gourmet-quality food: French toast made with orange and vanilla batter, Turquoise Trail Trout, rich homemade ice cream, and a Monte Cristo sandwich with green chile.

HANNAH & NATE’S MARKET CAFÉ

THE GRILL ON SAN MATEO

HELLO DELI

5600 Coors Blvd. NW, Ste C3 plus 1 other metro location (505) 361-2368, eatgrassburger.com There’s a lot that sets the burger joint apart— including its community involvement, its vegan and gluten-free burger options, and its commitment to a no-corn syrup menu.

GREENSIDE CAFÉ

$$$

3300 San Mateo Blvd. NE, (505) 872-9772 A choice of mesquite-grilled chicken, rib eye, hot dogs, and burgers (beef and garden) accompany bottomless house-made chips and salsa, complete with sides like classic fries and fried zucchini, and fresh fixings are on a build-your-own basis offering a completely customizable burger.

THE GROVE CAFÉ AND MARKET

600 Central Ave. SE, Ste A (505) 248-9800, thegrovecafemarket.com The brunch and lunch favorite is well-known for its exceptional dishes made from local and organic ingredients, and it now offers a newly expanded menu, with additions such as the French Ham & Cheese with d’affinois cheese, mostarda, and caper mustard sauce.

106 Cornell Dr. SE, (505) 255-4401, egyros.com Tried-and-true Greek recipes, such as traditional Kota Reganato (oven-roasted chicken with oregano, garlic and lemon), fresh Greek salads, Patates, and, of course, sweet baklava, served in a friendly, laidback collegial atmosphere. 4512 Corrales Rd, plus 1 other metro location (505) 898-2370 Offering breakfast and lunch, Hannah & Nate’s is all about flavor—whether it’s the flavor of traditional New Mexican cuisine, cuisines from throughout the world or the family recipes served.

7600 Jefferson St. NE (505) 797-3354, hellodeliabq.com Home to one of the most delicious breakfast burritos around, Hello Deli serves sandwiches and even Frontier’s sweet rolls.

HIBACHI ONE

3230 Coors Blvd. NE (505) 839-0808, hibachioneabq.com In addition to their tableside teppanyaki service, Hibachi One visitors can take advantage of private rooms. Hibachi options like shrimp, scallops, and filet mignon are available wherever you’re sitting in the house, as is a full menu of sushi, sashimi, and rolls.

MARCH 2022 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

HIGH POINT GRILL

9780 Coors Blvd. NW (505) 312-8519, highpointgrill.com Those perpetually on the hunt for the perfect burger will find plenty to love at High Point. With a foundation of 100-percent Akaushi, American Prime Wagyu beef, the burgers at High Point Grill are some of the city’s most popular. Its Southwest burger, for instance, features a red chile crusted patty, extra hot local green chile and cheddar cheese.

HIGH NOON RESTAURANT AND SALOON

$$$

425 San Felipe St. NW (505) 765-1455, highnoonrestaurant.com Located in a 300-year-old house in the heart of Old Town, High Noon has a menu stocked with New Mexican fare such as burritos and enchiladas, but you can also find baked brie and buffalo burgers here. Reservations are recommended.

HOLY BURGER

700 Central Ave. SE (505) 242-2991, holyburgernm.com Originally a Route 66 diner with a carport, and later Bob’s Fish and Chips, Holy Burger now boasts some of the juiciest burgers in town, as well as one of the breeziest and most boppin’ patios in the city.

HORSE AND ANGEL TAVERN

5809 Juan Tabo Blvd. NE, (505) 299-0225 Whether you want a simple sandwich for lunch, appetizers and a beer in the afternoon, or steak and enchiladas at midnight, this Heights tavern is the place to be any time of the day.

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BITES HOT PINK THAI

HOT TAMALES

2626 San Pedro Dr. NE, (505) 872-2296 For dine in or takeout at lunchtime, you’ll get $1.50 off dishes over $10 and a free vegetable egg roll. Favorites include pumpkin curry, pad thai, and drunken noodles. Most dishes are customized with your choice of protein and spice level, from no chili at all to Thai hot. 1520 Rio Rancho Blvd. SE. Rio Rancho (505) 962-0123, hottamalesnmrestaurant.com This Rio Rancho restaurant serves bona fide New Mexican with hand-blended red chile and fireroasted green chile: Green Chile Stew Omelet, Hot Tamale Bowl, and Fajitas are just a few of the spicy dishes.

HURRICANE’S CAFE

4330 Lomas Blvd. NE, (505) 255-4248 With Route 66 serving as the city’s heart, it’s always good to hop over to a good ol’ fashioned diner. Pick out a classic dish, such as pancakes or omelets from the lengthy breakfast menu, or chow down on a burger, enchilada, or chicken fried steak. Of course, you can take a stab at the hearty Disaster Burrito, but you’d better make plenty of room if that’s on your agenda.

I SCREAM ICE CREAM

2000 Carlisle Blvd. NE, (505) 268-0139 The cozy dessert shop is filled with toys, gadgets, board games, and—oh yeah—34 flavors of ice cream and 28 different toppings. Each scoop comes with a free mix-in, and there are fresh mini doughnuts available on weekends.

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IL VICINO

3403 Central Ave. NE plus 2 other metro locations (505) 266-7855, ilvicino.com Using wood ovens to bake its thin-crust pizzas, Il Vicino (which means “The Neighbor”) also offers hearty calzones and award-winning brews from its own brewery.

INDIAN PUEBLO KITCHEN

$$$

JAPANESE KITCHEN

$$$

6521 America’s Parkway (505) 884-8937, japanesekitchen.com Entertainment is the main course at this teppanyaki grill restaurant. The cooks, who are at your table, can be caught tossing shrimp into their pockets and creating to-die-for dishes from the classic teriyaki chicken, to seafood or steak, and everything in between.

2401 12th St. NW (505) 724-3510, indianpueblo.org The Indian Pueblo Cultural Center is the perfect backdrop for the Native American-inspired cuisine prepared in the café, serving traditional and innovative dishes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Reservations are recommended.

JAVA JOE’S

INDIGO CROW CAFÉ

JC’S NEW YORK PIZZA DEPARTMENT

$$$

4515 Corrales Rd. (505) 585-3061, indigocrowcafe.net This café is cozy, thanks to the fact that it’s housed in an old adobe building. When it’s cold, patrons warm up by the indoor fireplace; when it’s warm, they enjoy meals such as lobster ravioli, tarragon chicken salad, and New Mexico chicken fried steak under the stars on the outdoor patio. Reservations are recommended.

IRONWOOD KITCHEN

5740 Night Whisper Rd. NW, Ste 250 (505) 890-4488, ironwoodkitchen.com This family operation’s goal: to serve meals made with whole foods at affordable prices. Try the green chile cheeseburger, with freshly-ground chuck, topped with fresh vegetables and roasted green chile.

906 Park Ave. SW (505) 765-1514, downtownjavajoes.com You’ll find all walks of life at this relaxing Downtown joint, enjoying freshly made sandwiches, breakfast burritos, green chile chicken melts, coffee drinks and more.

215 Central Ave. NW, Ste B (505) 766-6973, jcnypd.com New York-style pizza, pasta, salads, and fully-loaded pasta and calzone dishes, all in a laid-back lounge. During lunch hour, the line goes out the door.

JIMMY’S CAFÉ ON JEFFERSON

7007 Jefferson St. NE (505) 341-2546, jimmyscafeonjefferson.com The menu here lists more than 100 items, most of them mouthwatering comfort foods: sandwiches, burgers, New Mexican dishes, handmade pizza, and breakfast served all day long.

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BITES JINJA BAR AND BISTRO

KAP’S COFFEE SHOP & DINER

KOLACHE FACTORY

JOE’S PASTA HOUSE

3201 Southern Blvd. SE (505) 892-3333, joespastahouse.com A neighborhood Italian-American joint with an incredible dose of warmth and personality, Joe’s offers a terrific lunch buffet and an expansive dinner menu to please every palate in la mia famiglia: steaks, pasta, and some of the best cannelloni and tiramisu anywhere.

KATHY’S CARRY OUT

LA QUICHE PARISIENNE BISTRO

KABAB HOUSE: AUTHENTIC PERSIAN CUISINE $

150 State Rd. 344 A (505) 281-9111, eastmountaingrill.com This contemporary diner specializes in homemade dishes, such as gyros, hand-cut steaks and burgers, and the best-selling Southern Salad (with fried green beans, bacon, cheddar cheese, tomato, and fried or grilled chicken or steak).

8900 Holly Ave. NE, Ste. B plus 1 other metro location (505) 856-1413, jinjabistro.com Evoking a vintage ambiance, Jinja serves inspired and mouthwatering pan-Asian cuisine, such as Kung Pow Chicken (a Thai version of the Chinese favorite) and Home-Style Chicken Udon Wok Bowl.

8104 Wyoming Blvd. NE, Ste. A (505) 312-8949 Authentic, made-to-order Persian food is constantly sizzling on the grill here. The koobideh kabab is made with minced ground beef or ground chicken, onion, and house spices. Each dish is a healthy size and comes with soup, salad, and rice. Top everything off with a glass of delicious banana milk, or majoun, which is banana milk with almonds, walnuts, pistachios, and honey.

KAKTUS BREWING CO.

471 S Hill Rd, Bernalillo (505) 818-7285, kaktusbrewery.com Tucked away from it all, Kaktus specializes in European-style pints, and a menu featuring pizzas and apps uniquely topped with game meats like elk, boar, bison, and duck. Special events on weekends abound.

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5801 Central Ave. NE (505) 232-9658, kapscoffeeshopanddiner.com Serving the Duke City and hungry travelers since 1968, Kap’s is the place to go for a great meal. Enjoy a hearty plate of chicken fried steak or chicken fried chicken with an egg on top or some golden brown, griddle-cooked flapjacks. 823 Isleta Blvd. SW, (505) 873-3472 This carry out has been a South Valley favorite for 38 years. Look for the chicharron burrito with egg, fresh hand-cut fries, and the daily special—you just might land on a seems-too-good-to-be-true deal, such as three tacos for $3.

KATRINAH’S EAST MOUNTAIN GRILL $$

KIMO’S HAWAIIAN BBQ

3239 Girard Blvd. NE (505) 582-2797, kimosabq.com Hawaii comes home. What began as a food truck is now a brick-and-mortar location also. Try freshfrom-the-isles Kalua Pork and Huli Huli Chicken plates served with sides like steamed cabbage, rice, and macaroni salad.

8001 Wyoming Blvd. NE, Ste B3 (505) 856-3430, locations.kolachefactory.com The Kolache Factory franchise out of Texas focuses on Czech style Kolaches that were traditionally a warm, semi-sweet pastry filled with sausage, cheese, or fruit and originated in Eastern Europe dating as far back as the 1700s. 5850 Eubank Blvd. NE, Ste 17 (505) 242-2808, laquicheparisiennebistro.com Long considered an authentic French staple of downtown ABQ, La Quiche has comfortably settled into the Heights and the baked goods will comfort your lazy weekend brunch cravings with true Parisian cuisine from the mainland.

LA REFORMA

8900 San Mateo Blvd. NE, Ste I (505) 717-1361, lareformabrewery.com On the taco front, La Reforma is virtually unimpeachable, offering options like braised pork shoulder carnitas, tempura-battered white fish pescado, and rotisserie-broiled al pastor for carnivores, along with tempura-battered avocado (aguacate) for those looking for something plantbased.

LA SALITA

1950 Juan Tabo Blvd. NE (505) 299-9968, lasalita.com The name may mean “little room,” but this New Mexican restaurant always has a full house. The chile rellenos, chile con queso, sopaipillas, and shredded beef burrito (a Wednesday special) have earned loyal customers for 37 years.

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BITES LAGUNA BURGER

2400 12th St. NW plus 2 other metro locations (505) 352-8282, thelagunaburger.com Every half-pound burger is made fresh upon ordering, topped with Hatch green chile, and slipped on a butter-toasted bun made specifically for Laguna Burger by Sara Lee. Also on the menu: freshlycut fries, foot-long chile cheese dogs, and zingy breakfast burritos.

THE LAST CALL

LIMONATA ITALIAN STREET CAFÉ

6261 Riverside Plaza Ln. NW, Ste A1 (505) 717-1207, lastcallabq.com This late-night eatery specializes in freshly-made Baja Mexican street cuisine (think: carne asada fries). If you’re lucky, you just might run into the “Taco Box” while out on the town: a mobile extension of the restaurant that brings the food to you.

LAVA ROCK BREWING COMPANY

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

3222 Silver Ave. SE (505) 266-0607, limonatanobhill.com Channel your inner Italian at this street foodinspired café, where the breakfast and lunch menus feature perfect pastries, craveable cappuccino and trattoria-inspired lunches. The chef makes every dish from scratch and insists that everything about the restaurant, from the menu to the atmosphere, be done just as it would in Italy.

LINDY’S DINER

500 Central Ave. SW (505) 242-2582, lindysdinerabq.com Lindy’s is a neighborhood joint, through and through. The sort of place where, even if they don’t know your name, you’ll feel like they do anyway. The owners recommend the Ultimate Burger for that classic American diner experience.

LITTLE BEAR COFFEE

2632 Pennsylvania St. NE (505) 917-8902, littlebearcoffeeco.com Located near Uptown, Little Bear is not just serving up quality brew, but also providing an outpost for the neighborhood and coffee community.

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

LAZY LIZARD GRILL

12480 North Hwy. 14, Sandia Park (505) 281-9122, lazylizardgrill.com From the King Cobra Pizza and made-fromscratch Jalapeño Poppers to their impressive selection of microbrews, the Lazy Lizard Grill has customers always coming back for more— and has the food and atmosphere to back it up.

LE BISTRO VIETNAMESE RESTAURANT

1313 San Pedro Dr. NE, (505) 266-6118 Le Bistro Vietnamese Restaurant is just as much a bakery as it is a restaurant, specializing in traditional Vietnamese cuisine.

LE CHANTILLY FINE PASTRIES

8216 Menaul Blvd. NE (505) 293-7057, lechantillybakery.com This French-style bakery features breakfast pastries, muffins, strudel, cookies, and tarts—not to mention delicious quiche, croissants, sandwiches and cakes. Try homemade soups such as creamy chicken and artichoke, then satisfy your sweet tooth with a tower of chocolate decadence.

LE TROQUET

228 Gold Ave. SW (505) 508-1166, abqfrenchrestaurant.com The Parisian bistro, open for lunch or dinner, offers classically simple French dishes made by Chef Jean Pierre Gozard. From Boeuf Bourguignon to quiche and delectable desserts, expect a tres bien atmosphere with a comprehensive wine list.

LEVEL 5 AT HOTEL CHACO

$$$

THE LIBRARY BAR & GRILL

2000 Bellamah Ave. NW (505) 318-3998, hotelchaco.com The food here needs be good, because first and foremost, it competes with the view. Like the name implies, Level 5 sits on the 5th floor of Hotel Chaco and offers a near-360 degree view of the city. 312 Central Ave. SW (505) 242-2992, library-abq.com Featuring more than a great party, the Library offers drink specials and half-priced appetizers during happy hour, as well as salads, hamburgers, sandwiches, wraps, and specialty items.

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BITES LOS COMPADRES RESTAURANT

2437 Central Ave. NW (505) 452-8091, compadresabq.com Family recipes like the No. 16 Taco Plate, tacos with carne y papas (beef and potatoes) and the restaurant’s Menudo, have kept locals coming back for more than 15 years.

LOS CUATES

8700 Menual Blvd. NE plus 2 other metro locations (505) 237-2800, loscuatesrestaurants.com Popular since it opened over 25 years ago, Los Cuates serves its own ancho-chile salsa and tons of delicious New Mexican dishes in humongous portions.

LOYOLA’S FAMILY RESTAURANT

4500 Central Ave. SE, (505) 268-6478 loyolasfamilyrestaurant.com You’ll find both American and New Mexican goodies here, from fried chicken, roast beef and sandwiches to tasty local favorites such as burritos and posole.

LUIGI’S RISTORANTE AND PIZZERIA $$

6225 4th St. NW (505) 343-0466, luigisitalianfood.com Enjoy more than 250 made-from-scratch Italian dishes, including pizza, chicken Florentine, spaghetti and meatballs, and green chile chicken lasagna.

M’TUCCI’S ITALIAN

6001 Winter Haven Rd. NW plus 2 other metro locations (505) 503-7327, mtuccis.com The menu at the Westside’s authentic Italian staple features refined comfort food classics, from meatball marinara to pot roast. Other menu items are crafted from choice Berkshire pigs that the eatery imports from northern Iowa and southern Minnesota farms. In fact, a unique pork dish is incorporated into a featured dinner special every night. Wash down your pasta, pizza, or salad with a carefully crafted cocktail from the bar.

MS. GENNIE’S HOUSE OF CHICKEN

1520 Lomas Blvd. NW 505-242-4503 Msgennies.com Love is the special ingredient that goes into each and every dish at Ms. Gennies. The restaurant offers a variety of proteins including fried chicken, roasted chicken, chicken fried steak, fried catfish and smoked sausage.

MAC’S STEAK IN THE ROUGH

4515 Menaul Blvd. NE plus 1 other metro location, (505) 888-3611, macsnm.com Taquitos, onion rings, guacamole salad, and an original “steak in the rough”—slivers of beef served with French fries, coleslaw, a roll, catsup, and a fresh green scallion… these are just a few of the reasons Mac’s has been in business for so many years.

MAGOKORO

5614 Menaul Blvd. NE (505) 830-2061, magokoroabq.com

Magakoro pushes well beyond the bounds of ramen and sushi, treating visitors to a thrilling selection of flavors. They’ve also cultivated a reputation for elevating the bento box—commonly available at Japanese-inspired restaurants throughout Albuquerque—into a sensorial cultural experience.

MANZANO GRILLE AT THE CANYON CLUB AT FOUR HILLS $$ 911 Four Hills Rd. SE (505) 299-9555, canyonclubgolf.com

This newly remodeled property was rejuvenated thanks to its own club members, and now boasts modern décor, floor-to-ceiling windows, and a relaxed and inviting atmosphere. Members can enjoy creative dishes like Pork Alexander, New Mexico Eggs Benedict with green chile Hollandaise sauce, or the Turkey Lurkey, including green chile and Pepper Jack cheese in the dining room or al fresco on its large, shaded patio overlooking the mountain vistas. Dining-only memberships available.

MARIO’S PIZZA

2401 San Pedro NE plus 3 other metro locations (505) 883-4414, mariospizzaabq.com Gourmet pizzas, big bowls of pasta, custom calzones and New York-style sandwiches are the norm at this tasty Italian eatery.

MARISCOS ALTAMAR

1517 Coors Blvd. NW plus 1 other metro location (505) 831-1496, mariscosaltamarabq.com With live music on the weekends, colorful murals, and authentic Mexican seafood dishes such as tostada de ceviche with shrimp, fish, and snow crab, dining at Mariscos Altamar is well worth the trip.

MARY & TITO’S CAFÉ

2711 4th St. NW (505) 344-6266, maryandtitos.com From their famous carne adovada to their authentic New Mexican chips and salsa, Mary & Tito’s Café makes sure guests leave full and happy. This homey café also became the only Albuquerque restaurant to win a James Beard Foundation America’s Classics Award in 2010.

MAY CAFÉ

111 Louisiana Blvd. SE (505) 265-4448, maycafenm.com Traditional Vietnamese cuisine is easily customizable, fresh and healthy. The café’s spring rolls, made fresh to order, are popular with diners new and old. Try the pho or the bún.

MAZAYA CAFÉ

120 Harvard Dr. SE (505) 582-2447, mazayacafe.com Mazaya Café is dedicated to adding an authentic Mediterranean dining experience to the medley of options in the Nob Hill area–without breaking the bank for its diners. If you are looking to fill up, fresh-grilled kebabs, a half-dozen wraps, shawarma, and three kinds of fried or steamed dumpling plates headline the restaurant’s entrée menu.

MICHAEL THOMAS COFFEE ROASTERS

(505) 504-7078, michaelthomascoffee.com Michael Thomas’ fresh-roasted coffees can be purchased in bulk or by the cup. Favorites include the Banda Bear Blend and the Duke’s Runners’ Blend. If you prefer to let them make your cup of Joe, try an espresso-based drink such as a Double Espresso, a Macchiato, or a Cubano.

MICK’S CHILE FIX

3351 Candelaria Rd. NE, Ste A (505) 881-2233, mickschilefix.com One of the city’s true spots for getting something hot: try The Shocker (an eight-pound breakfast burrito), huevos rancheros, or the Frito pie, all with homemade red or green chile.

MILLY’S

MONICA’S EL PORTAL RESTAURANT

MONROE’S RESTAURANT

2100 Candelaria Rd. NE plus 1 other metro location (505) 884-0707, millysrestaurants.com If you’re not sure what to eat, have a little of everything with an American-New Mexican–Greek menu. This breakfast and lunch spot melds salads and sandwiches with traditional New Mexican and Greek entrees. 321 Rio Grande Blvd. NW, (505) 247-9625 Traditional New Mexican favorites make up the menu at this Old Town staple that has been around for 34 years. Monica’s roasts its own green chile, makes biscochitos from scratch and offers red chile straight from the pod. 6051 Osuna Rd. NE plus 1 other metro location (505) 881-4224, monroeschile.com More than 50 years after opening its doors south of Old Town, Monroe’s continues to serve reliable New Mexican favorites to a local fan base, and service around here is a team effort, so no glass goes unfilled.

MONTE CARLO STEAKHOUSE

$$$

3916 Central Ave. SW, (505) 836-9886 The iconic steakhouse meets liquor store has been featured on the Food Network and boasts some of the best steaks in the city. Since 1971, locals always come back for hand-cut steaks, house-made Greek salad dressing, freshly cut fries, and a mean green chile cheeseburger.

MONTE VISTA FIRE STATION

3201 Central Ave. NE, (505) 255-2424

Once an actual working fire station, this second-floor restaurant now offers traditional bar food, wings, and nightly specials. Choose from tasty chicken wings and burgers, or order from the restaurant downstairs—they’ll bring your steak to you.

MR. TOKYO

11200 Montgomery Blvd. NE, (505) 292-4728 Soak up the cool Zen-like atmosphere while enjoying six versions of fried rice, sushi, sashimi, tempura, hibachi, grilled udon, soups, and teriyaki spiced with fiery Thai chili peppers.

MUSTANG CAFÉ

NAGOMI RESTAURANT

NAMASTE

NARUTO

8601 Lomas Blvd. NE, (505) 275-4477 Perfect for anyone shopping at the Rich Ford car dealership—or anyone at all—is this auto-themed restaurant, which serves up homemade breakfast burritos, papitas, enchiladas, rellenos, tamales, and the Dennis Snyder Favorite: a 16-oz. sirloin patty with cheese and chile. 2400 Juan Tabo Blvd. NE, (505) 298-3081 nagomirestaurantabq.com The Nagomi menu is virtually overrun with Japanese culinary classics. Nagomi is also one of the few places in Albuquerque where you can go to indulge in shabu-shabu, a Japanese-style hot pot. 1580 Deborah Rd. SE plus 1 other metro location (505) 896-3126, namastenm.net Offering authentic Nepalese and Indian dishes— including chicken tikka masala and lamb curry— Namaste also serves traditional food with a New Mexico twist, such as the green chile chicken curry. 2110 Central Ave. SE (505) 369-1039, narutonoodle.com Who knew Ramen noodles could be so creative, so diverse, and so darn good. Naruto is reinventing the Ramen noodle with specialized dishes that can’t be found anywhere else in the city.

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BITES NEXUS BREWERY

NICK AND JIMMY’S RESTAURANT AND BAR

4730 Pan American Fwy NE, Ste D plus 1 other metro location (505) 242-4100, nexusbrewery.com If the made-to-order fried chicken and waffles and mac and cheese has you drooling, reach for one of Nexus’ brewed in-house beers.

5021 Pan American Freeway NE (505) 344-9169, nickandjimmysrestaurant.com Nick and Jimmy’s vision was a comfortable atmosphere with comfortable food. They blend traditional foods with new twists and serve everything from enchiladas to green chile meatloaf.

NOB HILL BAR AND GRILL

$$$

3128 Central Ave. SE (505) 266-4455, upscalejoint.com This restaurant manages to be simultaneously upscale and laid back, gourmet and down-home, visionary and traditional. Not to mention delicious: the Buffalo Calamari, Dirty “Kobe” Burger, Pineapple Chipotle BBQ Baby Back Ribs, and a slew of amazing cocktails make every visit exceptional.

NOMAD’S BBQ FOOD TRUCK (505) 206-7654

Authentic, smoky goodness, Nomad’s BBQ sammies— including pulled pork and hotlink varieties—are succulent and feature its homemade sauce. This roving BBQ hut definitely knows how to do a quality turkey leg and rib tips, too.

Dermatology & Skin Cancer Center of New Mexico (DSCCNM) is a premier, state-of-the-art facility for dermatologic treatment, skin cancer detection and treatment, and cosmetic services. In addition to the ability to rapidly diagnose problems, the practice also has on-site surgical care for the convenience of its patients. DSCCNM has grown immensely since its first launching in 2007, but its vision today is the same as that laid out upon its founding: To provide a steady level of access to quality care to patients with skin problems, supported and facilitated by an experienced administrative and nursing staff. Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States, affecting more than two million

O’HARE’S GRILLE & PUB

4100 Southern Blvd. SE, Rio Rancho (505) 896-0123, oharesgrillepub.com With a menu that is centered around the idea that variety is the key to success, O’Hare’s offers pub fare in a family-friendly atmosphere. Try the Corned Beef and Cabbage special, O’Hare’s Double Decker Reuben, or the staple Fish and Chips, for a truly Irish experience.

O’NIELL’S PUB

4310 Central Ave. SE plus 1 other metro location (505) 255-6782, oniells.com O’Niell’s boasts the same neighborhood feeling, many of the same staffers, and virtually the same menu (including the “weird sandwich,” the “burger in paradise,” and homemade fish and chips). Added: an outdoor patio and more beer choices.

O RAMEN

ORCHID THAI CUISINE

2114 Central Ave. SE, (505) 508-1897 Yes, the Duke City has the real thing. O Ramen’s Tonkotsu (pork bone broth) spends 18 hours on the stovetop before it blesses your bowl; expect plenty of options for vegetarians and Japanese curry lovers, to boot. 4300 Central Ave. SE (505) 265-4047, orchidabq.com Orchid Thai has been serving hungry Albuquerqueans traditional dishes like Pad Thai at its Nob Hill location for more than a decade. But this award-winning eatery goes beyond the traditional with unique dishes like deep-fried sesame duck, green tea curry, and Szechwan eggplant, all made from scratch.

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

THE OWL CAFÉ

800 Eubank Blvd. NE (505) 291-4900, owlcafealbuquerque.com World-famous green chile cheeseburgers, milkshakes, fajitas, quesadillas, meatloaf, burritos, fries… the list of great drool-worthy dishes goes on and on.

PACIFIC PARADISE TROPICAL GRILL AND SUSHI BAR $$

3000 San Pedro Dr. NE, (505) 881-0999 pacific-paradise-restaurant-abq.com Faux palms and tiki huts frame a menu filled with more than 100 options: salads, soups, stir-fry, seafood, fried rice, noodles, sushi, and dessert menu. Try the Seafood Rice Pizza or Rock ‘n’ Roll Sushi.

PADILLA’S MEXICAN KITCHEN

1510 Girard Blvd. NE, (505) 262-0115 It might not get any more New Mexican than it does at Padilla’s—from huevos rancheros and tamales to chile rellenos and egg-topped blue corn enchiladas. You may have to shake your head after a taste of the chile just to remind yourself you’re not in your grandmother’s kitchen. A sopaipilla dripping with honey will seal the deal for your traditional meal.

PAISANO’S ITALIAN RESTAURANT

1935 Eubank Blvd. NE (505) 298-7541, paisanosabq.com Family recipes have kept Paisano’s going for more than 35 years, but the hand-rolled pasta, handstuffed ravioli, homemade sausage and marinara haven’t hurt business, either. It’s also the only place in town to get wheat-free pizza and pasta.

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

6200 UP TOWN BLVD. NE, SUITE 410, ALBUQUERQUE, NM 87110 •(505) 243- SKIN(7546) • NMDERMCENTER.COM MARCH 2022 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

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sauce edition CHEESY GOODNESS WITH AN IRISH TWIST While the fish and chips attracts the lion’s share of attention at Two Fools Tavern — and deservedly so — a closer look reveals some other hidden gems throughout the menu. That includes the Cashel Blue Cheese Dip, which general manager and partner Russell Reid calls “super addictive.” “It’s one of those things, where you just try it and it’s like, ‘Oh my gosh, it’s so good.’ People love it,” Reid says. “Not everyone orders it, but when they do, they absolutely go nuts for it.” The dip is a blend of Irish blue cheese — or Cashel Blue — parmesan, jack and cream cheese, which is slow cooked with a bevy of “secret spices.” The dip is served with Irish brown bread and Irish potato chips, both of which are made in-house on a daily basis. “Brown bread and blue cheese is delightful,” Reid says. “People love that dish.” —TRISTEN CRITCHFIELD PHOTO BY DON JAMES/ATM

Two Fools Tavern 3211 Central Ave. NE (505) 265-7447, 2foolstavern.com

Cashel Blue Cheese Dip, $10.75

THE PALETA BAR

2325 San Pedro Dr. NE plus 12 other metro locations (505) 884-0049, thepaletabar.com A hidden Albuquerque gem, The Paleta Bar has taken a tried-and-true, frozen Mexican dessert to new heights. Since 2017, this paleta wonderland has been slinging refreshing Mexican popsicles in endless combinations of flavors.

PAPA FELIPE’S MEXICAN RESTAURANT

9800 Menaul Blvd. NE (505) 292-8877, papafelipes.com Papa Felipe’s exceeds expectations by offering traditional New Mexican cuisine (enchiladas, stuffed sopaipillas, tacos) as well as simple twists on favorite dishes (green chile carne adovada, Tampico Tacos, Green Tamale Pie).

PELICAN’S RESTAURANT

$$$

9800 Montgomery Blvd. NE plus 1 other metro location (505) 298-7678, pelicansabq.com For 30 years, customers have fallen for Pelican’s— hook, line and sinker. Favorite entrées include Alaskan king crab, Australian lobster tail, and their delicious prime rib.

PEREA’S TIJUANA BAR

4590 Corrales Rd., (505) 898-2442 Open for lunch only, the family-owned and -operated business specializes in real, home-cooked New Mexican food that’s consistently earned kudos from customers who can’t say “no” to the Frito pie, carne adovada, and green chile cheeseburgers.

PERICO’S

7648 Louisiana Blvd. NE (505) 821-4900, papanachosfood.com Great homemade Mexican food based on tried-andtrue family recipes is the specialty here: burritos, fish tacos, and the namesake nachos will all make your panza happy.

10401 Golf Course Rd. NW plus 3 other metro locations (505) 792-5255 pericosmexicanrestaurant.com Serving delicious New Mexican food at affordable prices made Perico’s instantly popular, and the “home of the ½ lb burrito” is now an Albuquerque institution with three locations, catering services, and 22 different burritos.

PARS CUISINE

PHO LINH

PAPA NACHOS

4320 The 25 Way NE, Ste 100 (505) 345-5156, parscuisine.us For more than 20 years, Pars has served Persian and Mediterranean menu items in a unique atmosphere. Choose to sit on the floor under a large tent, and enjoy the talents of belly dancers, and enjoy tasty kebabs, gyros and more.

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9100 Central Ave. SE (505) 266-3368, pholinhabq.com Authentic Vietnamese cuisine is the name of the game at this restaurant. Look for pad thai, special noodles (with grilled barbecue shrimp), spring rolls, curry, and papaya salad.

PIATANZI

PIZZA 9

PIZZERIA LUCA

PLANTY SWEET

1403 Girard Blvd. NE (505) 792-1700, piatanzi.com A neighborhood Italian eatery with artisan flair, Piatanzi serves up big bites on smallish plates that please families and adventurous foodies alike, in a venue that scores big points. 4000 Louisiana Blvd. NE plus 12 other metro locations (505) 883-6463, pizzanine.com Chicago-style pizza at 10 locations around the city, along with the option of gluten-free crust—that’s what Pizza 9 brings to the, er, table. Don’t forget the wings, salads, breadsticks and calzones to complement any meal. 8850 Holly Ave. NE (505) 797-8086, pizzerialuca.com With imported Italian flour, cheese, and pepperoni, Pizzeria Luca offers authentic Italian cuisine. The restaurant has a subway-inspired interior and features delicious and affordable lunch specials. 2506 Washington St. NE (505) 433-7111, plantysweet.weebly.com Planty Sweet is the city’s first 100% vegan and gluten-free bakery and dessert shop, and the quality of the products available is hard to deny. Not only do their artisanal baked goods taste fantastic, they are impeccably presented, each crafted to please the eye as much as the taste buds.

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BITES POKI POKI CEVICHERIA

3422 Central Ave. NE plus 1 other metro location (505) 503-1077, pokipokinm.com Think deconstructed sushi if you’ve never had the traditionally Hawaiian poké. Completely customizable bowls with Latin and Asian fusion are the specialty here. Seven types of fish, 12 sauces, and 22 toppings make for endless combinations atop rice, chips, or a salad.

POLLITO CON PAPAS

6105 Gibson Blvd. SE (505) 765-5486, pollitoconpapas.com Get ready for a punch of Peruvian cuisine. The menu is dotted with combinations of chicken, potatoes, and cilantro rice. The chicken is brined in vinegar and cumin for about 10 hours, then fired on a spit. The traditional drink, chicha, makes the perfect complement to any dish. The southeast part of town just inched a bit closer to South America.

PONDEROSA BREWING CO.

1761 Bellamah Ave. NW (505) 639-5941, ponderosabrewing.net A sister brew pub to Pints Brewing in Portland, Oregon, Ponderosa features a wide selection of American and German standard beers, with a classic menu of burgers, salads, and innovative appetizers.

POP FIZZ

6770 Fourth St. NW plus 1 other metro location (505) 433-5440, pop-fizz.net Made in-house from all natural ingredients, kids can’t miss the Mexican paletas (popsicles) and ice cream tacos. For adults, boozy pops, shakes, and beer complement the small but substantial menu of sandwiches, burritos, and the coveted carne asada fries. Located at the National Hispanic Cultural Center, the patio is dog-friendly, and you might see its ice cream truck around the city at summer events.

PRAIRIE STAR RESTAURANT

288 Prairie Star Rd. (505) 867-3327, mynewmexicogolf.com Taking a drive past Bernalillo is a pleasure when you know the visit will include amazing made-fromscratch dishes such as herb-grilled ribeye with chipotle cheddar gratin and New Mexico bison-raised tenderloin. Reservations are recommended.

PUPUSERIA Y RESTAURANTE SALVADOREÑO

1701 Bridge Blvd. SW, (505) 243-8194 In El Salvador, pupusas (stuffed corn tortillas) are found on every street corner. In Albuquerque, they can only be found in the South Valley, stuffed with shrimp, calabacitas, cheese, beans, or guacamole and served with a side of fresh salsa and curtidos (a spicy cabbage salad garnish).

QUARTER CELTIC BREWPUB

1100 San Mateo Blvd. NE, #50, plus 1 other metro location (505) 503-1387, quartercelticbrewpub.com Irish brews like the Crimson Lass and Rye’t Side of Dublin are paired nicely with Celtic pub fare with a New Mexico twist. Must-tries include the classic fish and chips, ruben, shepherd’s pie, and poutine with green chile.

QUARTERS BBQ

801 Yale Blvd. SE (505) 843-6949 thequartersonyaleblvd.com Feeling hungry? How about 187,000 pounds of ribs and 15,000 pounds of Alaskan King Crab a year, an attached packaged liquor store, a secret sauce recipe, and customers hungry for more? Try the pork spare ribs or hot links.

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RANCHERS CLUB OF NEW MEXICO $$$

1901 University Blvd. NE (505) 889-8071, theranchersclubofnm.com With more fine dining awards on their wall than years they’re been in business, the Ranchers Club of New Mexico inside the Crowne Plaza Albuquerque is a meat lovers’ paradise and wine connoisseurs’ promised land. Reservations are recommended.

THE RANGE CAFÉ

320 Central SE plus 5 other metro locations (505) 243-1440, rangecafe.com Locals flock to The Range Café when they’re in search of good, made-from-scratch comfort food, including meatloaf sandwiches, huevos rancheros, enchiladas, ice cream, and the gooey Life by Chocolate dessert.

REBEL DONUT

2435 Wyoming Blvd. NE plus 1 other metro location (505) 293-0553, rebeldonut.com Not only can you find their set flavors, including their raised glazed, chocolate cake glazed, rebel red velvet, birthday cake, and toasted coconut, but you can also order custom-made donuts or choose to experiment with their daily creations.

RELISH GOURMET SANDWICHES

8019 Menaul Blvd. NE (505) 299-0001, relishsandwichesabq.com It’s no wonder this sandwich shop has been voted “best” by publications throughout Albuquerque—it serves only the best Boar’s Head meats and all of their dishes are accompanied by homemade sides or soups. Try the Cubano. You won’t be disappointed.

RESTORATION PIZZA

5161 Lang Ave. NE, Ste A (505) 582-2720, restorationpizza.com Here, good food and positive works—delivered simultaneously—is in the very nature of the business. The idea is to provide patrons with top-notch pies and first-rate beers while giving traditionally underemployed individuals work opportunities they would otherwise miss.

RICHARD’S MEXICAN RESTAURANT

3301 Menaul Blvd. NE, (505) 881-1039 Mexican favorites—such as carne adovada, relleño, tacos, and green chile enchiladas—cooked in the healthiest, most nutritious, yummiest way possible. Open for breakfast and lunch.

RICHIE B’S PIZZA

7200 Montgomery Blvd. NE, Ste A-2 (505) 312-8579, richiebsabq.com New York-style pizza has come home to roost in Albuquerque’s Northeast Heights. Whether by the slice or by the pie—some of which measure 25 inches in diameter—you’ll need every bit of your appetite when you visit Richie B’s. Not in the mood for pizza? Wrap your hands around a turkey, cheesesteak, or Italian sandwich, topped with its signature Viper sauce, or tempt your sweet tooth with traditional cannoli or New York-style cheesecake.

RIO BRAVO BREWING COMPANY

1912 2nd St. NW (505) 900-3909, riobravobrewing.com The pub and grill is bright and airy with high ceilings and a modern industrial style, mixed with the cozy rustic feel of a neighborhood bar, with 32 taps, including their award winning La Luz Lager.

ROCKIN’ TACO

2904 Indian School Rd NE, LS (505) 401-1000, greenjeansfarmery.org Rockin’ Taco is housed inside of Albuquerque’s premier indoor/outdoor gathering place, Green Jeans Farmery. With a food truck vibe and an East Coast flare, this hidden gem is elevating the street taco.

ROMA BAKERY & DELI

501 Roma Ave. NW (505) 843-9418, romabakeryanddeli.com You’ll find more than fresh-baked cookies and pastries at this bakery—feast your eyes (and taste buds) on grilled sandwiches and eight fresh deli salads and soups.

ROSEMARY

RUDY’S COUNTRY STORE AND BAR-B-Q

4565 San Mateo Blvd. NE, Ste A plus 1 other metro location (505) 361-1842, rosemaryabq.com This plant-forward restaurant offers a soothing atmosphere, creative menu, and amazing food. Any menu item can be adaped to meet personal preferences and dietary restrictions.

2321 Carlisle NE plus 1 other metro location (505) 884-4000, rudys.com Texas-style slow cooking over oak is what makes Rudy’s brisket, ribs and sausage so mouth-watering— not to mention the “sause.” Every serving comes with paper towels, unlimited sliced onions and pickles, and bread to mop up the leftover BBQ.

RUSTIC BUBBLE TEA CAFE

RUSTIC ON THE GREEN

RUTILIO’S NEW MEXICAN FOODS

SADIE’S OF NEW MEXICO

840 Juan Tabo Blvd. Ste B (505) 505-1813, rusticbubbleteacafe.com Rustic Bubble Tea Café has all of the fundamentals of a bubble tea shop down, of course–the hint is in the name, after all–but what sets the independent Albuquerque startup apart is the Vietnameseinspired menu that accompanies its decadent beverages. 3600 Cutler Ave. NE (505) 315-1148, rusticburger505.com Rustic simplicity is the key for this burger joint at Green Jeans Farmery, serving up five equallycraveable burger options and two different kinds of fries from its minimalist menu. Don’t let the simplicity fool you: this unique eatery does gourmet burgers that has fans coming back for more, including its Day of the Dead burger with a secret “Diablo” puree and the Divine Intervention, topped with bleu cheese and caramelized onions. 455 N. Main St., Belen (505) 864-0093 Belen Mayor Rudy Jaramillo’s carne adovada is what put Rutilio’s on the map. This hangout serves their perfect pork with rice and beans, stuffed inside burritos and sopaipillas, and layered inside enchiladas and quesadillas. Add Rutilio’s breakfast burritos and classic New Mexican combos, and guests are sure to find something worth campaigning for. 1605 Juan Tabo Blvd. NE (505) 503-8629 With a menu packed with 50-year-old traditional New Mexican recipes, it can be hard to know where to begin. It is recommended for first timers to order the carne adovada which is perfectly “lean, savory, and fiery”. 15 Hotel Circle NE plus 2 other metro locations (505) 296-6940, sadiesofnewmexico.com A staple in New Mexican cuisine, Sadie’s features enchiladas, carne adovada ribs, tacos, burritos, and of course, world-famous chips and salsa. Reservations are recommended.

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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 Upload a photo and a brief description of the eligible single you think would make one of ABQ’s HOTTEST Singles. HOW TO NOMINATE: Go to abqthemag.com

TOP DOCS: VOTING BY DOCTORS ONLY

oct. 1 – nov. 1

How do you get to know a good healthcare provider? Every year we ask the city’s doctors to vote for their peers, and we publish the list of winners, just for you. HOW TO VOTE: Go to abqthemag.com

NOV. 1 – DEC. 1

ABOVE & BEYOND TEACHER AWARDS We shine some recognition on the amazing classroom mentors who make sure our students are learning. HOW TO NOMINATE: Go to abqthemag.com

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SAHARA MIDDLE EASTERN EATERY

SAIGON RESTAURANT

2622 Central Ave. SE, (505) 255-5400 saharamiddleeasterneatery.com Delectable Middle Eastern plates served up Manhattan-deli style. The chicken shawarma plate, complete with greens, pita, hummus, and awardwinning tabbouleh, is always a good bet. Complete with beer and wine, and belly dancing on weekends, this is a fave of students, locals, and out-of-towners alike. 6001 San Mateo Blvd. D4, NE plus 1 other metro location (505) 884-0706, saigonrestaurantnm.com Vicky Truong’s secret to 12 years of success has been consistency. Truong maintains an extensive menu that caters to every type of eater. From summer dishes such as noodle bowls to winter mainstays like beef noodle soup, Truong will make sure you find your favorites.

SAKURA SUSHI & GRILL

6241 Riverside Plaza NW (505) 890-2838, abqsakurasushingrill.com Favorites at Sakura are the Stone Pot Bibimbap (which is cooked at the table in a stone pot), the Tiger Roll, the Short Rib, the Baked Lobster Roll, the Sushi Tacos, and the impressive list of sake imported from Japan.

SALATHAI

3619 Copper Ave. NE, (505) 265-9330 Made-from-scratch, fresh, ingredients and keeping it simple are owner Pitak Pitakkan’s rules to cook by. Pitakkan cooks every menu item himself so don’t go to Salathai in a hurry. Pitakkan’s grandmother taught him to make curry and his curries are a longtime customer favorite.

SALT AND BOARD

THE SALT YARD

115 Harvard SE, Ste. 9 (505) 219-2001 saltandboard.com Salt and Board offers a tailored selection of wines to go along with different charcuterie boards, pressed sandwiches and salads. For those who aren’t wine drinkers, Salt and Board offers a variety of local New Mexico beers on tap. 6001 Osuna Rd. NE plus 1 other metro location (505) 750-9273, thesaltyardnm.com A multi-concept bar and restaurant, The Salt Yard is

equipped with games, dozens of televisions, great food, drinks, and plenty of space to stretch your legs. This unique location is a great place for parties, trying the newest beer and tequila (Blue Agave Republic is now a part of it), or just watching the game.

SAMURAI GRILL AND SUSHI BAR

$$$

9500 Montgomery Blvd. NE (505) 275-6601, abqsamurai.com What’s your pleasure, sushi or teppan? Here, you can have either expertly crafted right in front of you. It’s also where you can get fresh sushi favorites such as the California roll, the dragon roll, and a veggies-and-sushi “Viagra salad” special.

SANTA FE BITE-ABQ

3407 Central Ave. NE (505) 369-1621, santafebite-abq.com

At Santa Fe Bite-ABQ, the green chile cheeseburger is treated with the reverence it deserves, presenting a precision crafted recipe. The details, in fact, are so carefully crafted that even the grilling surface needs to meet certain criteria. Absent a turn on the surface of a custom cast iron grill, it’s just not a Santa Fe Bite burger.

BITES SANTIAGO’S NEW MEXICAN GRILL

1911 Eubank Blvd. NE, (505) 292-8226 It’s in the sauce—Papa Jim’s Taco Sauce, at least— which comes with items such as burritos, tacos, and salsa. This Santiago Scramble—a pile of scrambled eggs, cheese, corn tortillas, chorizo, and hash browns—is great morning fuel. The tamale and enchilada take-and-bake casseroles will please any partygoer. And take a jar of that taco sauce home— after all, you can.

SAVOY BAR & GRILL

SIXTY-SIX ACRES

2400 12th St. NW (505) 243-2230, sixtysixacres.com If you had to boil Sixty-Six Acres down to two words, they would be “casual” and “classy.” Featuring craft cocktails and a wealth of locally sourced, globallyinspired dishes, Sixty-Six Acres is the ideal spot to grab a relaxed, refined meal.

SLAPFISH

6400 Holly Ave. NE plus 1 other metro location (505) 503-1645, slapfishrestaurant.com Have you ever had fish so fresh that it jumped up and tail slapped you in the face? Well, that’s the joke behind the very popular eatery, Slapfish, located in Holly Square. This fast casual gem has gained a great reputation for efficiency, service, flavor combos, and the freshness of their seafood.

$$$

10601 Montgomery Blvd. NE (505) 294-9463, savoyabq.com Resembling a California wine-country bistro, Savoy Bar & Grill is one of Albuquerque’s premier finedining establishments. Specializing in food and wine pairing, Savoy’s menu is a toast to the art of balance of food and wine.

SCARPAS BRICK OVEN PIZZA

SEARED

5500 Academy Rd. NE (505) 821-1885, scarpaspizza.com That brick oven is cornerstone to this neighborhood favorite, producing pizzas such as the shrimp pesto, the Greek, and the chipotle chicken. But Scarpas also knows pasta, including red chile cream pasta and pasta sorento with oak-roasted chicken. 119 San Pasquale Ave. SW (505) 999-8414, searedabq.com During the day, the space is Cheese & Coffee, but at night, it gets a makeover and becomes Seared, a fine dining establishment serving up steak, pork loin, and Atlantic Salmon among other things.

SEASONS ROTISSERIE AND GRILL

$$$

2031 Mountain Rd. NW (505) 766-5100, seasonsabq.com As the name suggests, Seasons varies its menu in accordance with what’s going on throughout the year, using the finest, freshest ingredients. Depending on what time of year you venture in, you’ll find butternut squash ravioli, grilled Atlantic salmon, and bleu cheese-crusted beef filet. Reservations are recommended.

SERGIO’S LA DOLCE VITA

SHARK REEF CAFÉ

THE SHOP BREAKFAST & LUNCH

2740 Wyoming Blvd. NE, Ste 8, (505) 5542602 Fresh, made-from-scratch cookies, donuts, breads, pastries, cakes, and cannoli are on the mouthwatering menu at this Italian bakery. 2601 Central Ave. NW, (505) 848-7182 To conclude your tour of the Albuquerque Aquarium, grab a seat at this full-service restaurant, where the dining room features a view of the oceanic reef exhibit. Catering to visitors, families, and daytime dates, the menu offers simple, fun options. Call ahead for special events, like themed dinners and holiday celebrations. 2933 Monte Vista Blvd. NE, (505) 433-2795 Breakfast and lunch at The Shop guarantees a plethora of flavors and textures that are tough to find in the Duke City. Combining down-home Southern staples with Mexican and New Mexican traditions, you’re bound to discover a new appreciation for bacon and eggs.

SIAM CAFÉ

5500 San Mateo Blvd. NE, Ste 101 (505) 883-7334, siamcafeabq.com With its array of freshly-made curries—all made with coconut milk and a wide variety of luscious spices—this restaurant scores high marks with Albuquerqueans who love Thai food.

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BITES SLATE STREET BILLIARDS

2003 Southern Blvd., Ste 139 (505) 994-0363, slatestreetbilliards.com Come for the pool, stay for the nachos, and the burgers, and the wings. Rio Rancho’s favorite pool hall also offers has great Happy Hour pricing and plenty of special events.

SLATE STREET CAFÉ

ST. JAMES TEAROOM

$$$

320 Osuna Road NE, Ste D (505) 242-3752, stjamestearoom.com Albuquerque’s long-standing, go-to teahouse, this enveloping, intricately detailed, and authentically British tearoom provides old-fashioned conversation and honest service.

STARR BROS. BREWING

5720 McMahon Blvd. Ste B (505) 261-2058, sliceanddicepizzeria.com With both a sweeping library of board games and full menu of hot pies and subs, Slice and Dice is a venue for everyone from seasoned players to wide-eyed beginners (or people just hungry for some pizza). They provide a space where you can gather with a few friends and take in the twin delights of pizza and board games.

STEVE’S ICE CREAM AND JAVA

SLICE PARLOR

7600 Jefferson St. SE, Ste 5, (505) 797-1288 Likely the only authentic Laotian sticky rice to be found anywhere in ABQ, this simple menu offers moist, slow roasted chicken and a few frills at prices you can’t beat with a chopstick. The family meal is a steal.

515 Slate Ave. NW, (505) 243-2210 slatestreetcafe.com Slate Street Cafe is a sleek, contemporary eatery that combines big city ambience with inspired, modern cuisine. From the smoked salmon frittata to build-your-own bruschetta to mouthwatering Ahi tuna, their culinary flair will tantalize and delight from breakfast through dinner.

SLICE AND DICE PIZZERIA

9904 Montgomery Blvd. NE, plus 1 other metro location (505) 232-2808, sliceparlor.com Made-from-scratch pizza dough that is hand stretched daily and cooked on a pizza stone. Have a slice of the old faithful pepperoni pizza; try the Pesto Pizza or the House Calzone. Don’t forget to enjoy the local artwork hanging on the walls.

SOO BAK

111 Hermosa Dr. SE (505) 268-0017, soobakfoods.com Serving up a style of food known as “koi fusion”, Soo Bak offers a wide variety of delicious entrees including eight different varieties of kimichi. Try the Soy Crunch Kimichi, which comes with pickled chayote squash, onions, some jalapenos, and fish sauce, apple juice, soy sauce, and vinegar.

SOBREMESA

3421 Coors Blvd. NW (505) 444-5555, sobremesanm.com A plethora of comforting foods can be found on the menu including tacos, fish and chips, and a guest favorite, green chile cheeseburgers. Wash down one of these delicious plates with a signature beer.

SPINN’S BURGER & BEER

4411 Montaño Rd. NW (505) 899-6180, spinnsrestaurant.com Every burger served at Spinn’s is made with neverfrozen, fresh-ground Angus beef. Try the restaurant’s signature Armadillo Burger. Spinn’s fries are cut and fried when you order them.

SQUEEZED JUICE BAR

7900 San Pedro NE, Ste A-12, plus 2 other metro locations (505) 821-1437, squeezedjuicebars.com Incredibly innovative, modern mixed juices, smoothies, and other healthy delights for people on the move and looking for exercise recovery. Three to five pounds of fruit are squeezed into every drink, and it’s all extract, no fillers, and sure to brighten your day.

STEEL BENDER BREWYARD

8305 2nd St. NW (505) 433-3537, steelbenderbrewyard.com The 275-seat brewery has an industrial vibe with cozy undertones. But the Los Ranchos brewery stands apart from competitors based on its wide selection of house made beers and its gourmet menu.

5700 San Antonio Dr. NE, Ste B1 (505) 492-2752, starrbrothersbrewing.com With dishes ranging from American favorites to Southern fare, Starr Bros. Brewing is more than an award-winning brewery. It’s turned heads with Poutine Burqueño, a New Mexican take on the Canadian, greasy-spoon classic. The house burger, with high-quality beef and homemade green chile aioli, is a customer favorite.

SUSHI XUAN

417 Tramway Blvd NE #3 (505) 200-2477, sushixuannm.com

You’ll find more than tasty sushi here. Diners dig into Chinese, Vietnamese, and Thai dishes, too. Sushi Xuan has multiple shipments of fresh fish during the week, and only uses Japanese Kokoro rice, and organic veggies whenever possible.

SUSHIYA

2906 Juan Tabo Blvd. NE, Ste D (505) 275-4777, nmsushiya.com This family-owned and operated restaurant strives to serve up sushi the way you’d find it on the southern California coast. A clean and comfortable atmosphere pairs well with friendly service and some of the thickest cuts of sashimi in the city.

SWISS ALPS BAKERY

323 Romero St. NW # 16, (505) 242-8445 In addition to a dozen ice cream flavors and an array of sherbets, the ‘chill’ side of the menu boasts delightfully smooth malts and fountain drinks. For those looking for a good cup of Joe, Steve’s also delivers–offering a broad selection of coffees and a full set of espressos.

3000 San Pedro Dr. NE (505) 881-3063, swissalpsbakery.com Desserts rule, but the sandwiches hit it out of the park. Endless flavors of pastries, tiramisu, and over a dozen cookies line the bakery case. Everything is scratch made including the many varieties of bread and authentic Bavarian style pretzels available on Saturdays. Paninis, grilled, and cold sandwiches round out the sweets with a full espresso bar.

STICKY RICE

TAAJ PALACE

TACO SAL

STRAIGHT UP PIZZA

2801 Eubank Blvd. NE, Ste G (505) 796-9343, straightuppizza.com Offering New York style pizza with a New Mexican edge, Straight Up Pizza serves the Northeast Heights with specialty pizzas, unique toppings, and a plethora of options for any pizza connoisseur.

STRIPES BISCUITS & BURRITOS

8050 Academy Rd. NE (plus 4 other metro locations for burritos) (505) 835-5214, stripesco.com A place where two American breakfast staples come together. Stripes serves up a variety of delicious breakfast burritos which range from carne adovada or chicharron. If you aren’t in the mood for a burrito, enjoy a hearty plate of homestyle biscuits and sausage.

STUFYS

1107 Candelaria Rd. NW, plus 2 other metro locations (505) 344-1207, stufys.com Tasty stuffed sopaipillas are on the menu of this customer favorite, which has been around since 1968. Each sopaipilla is made with a custom machine invented by the owners, then stuffed with savory fillings.

1435 Eubank Blvd NE (505) 296-0109, taajpalacenm.com Taaj Palace is a multifaceted field of flavor and texture, built around the fiery core of the tandoor oven, that serves up a variety of delicious curries, including the widely popular chicken makhani (butter chicken), where tandoori chicken is presented swimming in a creamy tomato sauce. 9621 Menaul Blvd. NE, (505) 298-2210 This family-owned and operated restaurant offers tasty, traditional New Mexican (burritos, chile rellenos, enchiladas, tacos, huevos rancheros and more) with its very own chunky salsa, made with real green chile.

TAJ MAHAL CUISINE OF INDIA

TASTE OF INDIA

THAI BORAN

1430 Carlisle Blvd. NE (505) 255-1994, tajmahalabq.com Taj Mahal is filled with all of your Indian favorites, from fresh naan (try the garlic version) to tasty saag paneer. The line goes out the door for the popular lunch buffet. 1605 Juan Tabo Blvd. NE (505) 294-6342, tasteofindiaabq.com Family recipes modified for American tastes; Taste of India typically dials back the spice a bit. But it’s no misnomer to think of Taste of India as just what the name advertises: a taste of regional flavors, conveyed by people who grew up with them

SUSHI & SAKE

4214 Central Ave. SE (505) 797-8000, abqsushiandsake.com With specialty sushi rolls, select Korean favorites, and a family-friendly atmosphere, Sushi & Sake specializes in Asian food with a Korean flair. Also look for non-sushi options, such as teriyaki chicken.

3236 La Orilla Rd. NW (505) 492-2244, thaiborannm.com Steeped in spicy tradition, Thai Boran has quickly gained traction as one of the top Thai restaurants Albuquerque has to offer. Thai Boran, which means “Old Thai”, features 53 items on its menu, including five soups, six curries, and five unique dishes off the “Chef’s Collection” section.

SUSHI KING

THAI CUISINE 2

9421 Coors Blvd. NW, plus 2 other metro locations (505) 890-6200, sushikingnm.com With three locations around Albuquerque, Sushi King proves day-after-day that it is king of the sea, boasting a large variety of specialty sushi rolls, Japanese curry dishes, and monthly menu revisions to keep the options fresh and appealing. Reservations are recommended.

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4201 Central Ave. NE (505) 232-3200, thaicuisinenm.com thaicuisinenm.com/home2 Housed in perhaps the most curious A-frame along Route 66, this is the second-coming of a muchbeloved Westside Thai staple, and judging by the fandom, it’s simply better. Be wary of the heat in these dishes, and if you’re vegan/vegetarian, be very, very thankful.

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BITES THAI KITCHEN

10701 Corrales Rd. NW (505) 890-0059, thaikitchenabq.com Art Xaiyasiha is one of two siblings who crafted one of the Duke City’s first great Thai restaurants, Siam Café. Thai Kitchen is his very own venture, featuring his takes on authentic dishes that taste “just like they do back home.”

THAI SPICE

7441 Paseo Del Norte NE (505) 503-1521, thaispiceabq.com An extensive menu features authentic Thai favorites like Pad Thai or Thai fried rice. Lunch special includes an egg roll, entrée, and coconut milk tapioca pudding punctuated with an origami rose–topped straw.

THAI TIP RESTAURANT

1512 Wyoming Blvd. NE, Ste E, (505) 323-7447 The folks at Thai Tip make grocery store runs three times a day to ensure they have enough fresh ingredients for their delicious rice, Thai-style noodle dishes, stir-fries, and salads.

THAI VEGAN

5505 Osuna Rd. NE plus 1 other metro location (505) 884-4610, thaivegannm.com Utilizing local organic produce, you’ll get some of the healthiest food around, all without sacrificing taste. This non-vegan favorite has hearty offerings and a soy chicken that satisfies even the pickiest of meat eaters.

TINGLEY BEACH CAFÉ

1800 Tingley Dr. SW (505) 248-8524, cabq.gov For runners and bikers along the Bosque Trail, or for the fishermen that frequent Tingley Beach lakes, the Tingley Beach Café is a well-kept secret for snack seekers, offering fare such as hamburgers, hot dogs, French fries, pickles, and more.

TIO DAVID’S

3409 Central Ave NE (505) 433-4438, tiodavids.com The food offered at Tio David’s shares notes of similarity with other cuisines, but is an altogether fresh and distinctive entry to the Albuquerque food scene. On the more familiar side of things, they do a first rate Ceviche de Pescado—a dish popular across the globe that originated in Peru.

TOLTEC BREWING

10250 Cottonwood Park NW (505) 890-1455, toltecbrewing.com Culinary duties at Toltec fall to Executive Chef Emma Gibson, who brings her own sophisticated flare to the rich world of pub grub. Regardless of food cravings, be sure to pair your order with a brew. The Cactus Warrior is brewed with agave nectar for a smooth, easy to drink, endlessly approachable pint.

TOMASITA’S

TORTA WAY

400 Dolores Dr. NW (505) 319-2844, torta-way.edan.io The name tells you most of what you need to know. In particular, that this ought to be your go-to spot for Mexican-style sandwiches loaded with options like al pastor, carne asada, or jamon. As if that weren’t enough, they also do house-made ice cream and paletas, with flavors like mango, piña colada, pistachio, and oreo.

TROMBINO’S BISTRO ITALIANO

TULLY’S ITALIAN DELI

5415 Academy Rd. NE (505) 821-5974, bistroitaliano.com The former Trattoria Trombino cooks up Italiano autentico, with huge dishes of pasta with homemade sauces, grilled meats and fish, and veal marsala. The cool atmosphere lends relaxation, turning any meal into a vacation. Reservations are recommended. 1425 San Mateo Blvd. NE (505) 255-5370, tullysdeli.com This Italian deli serves two dozen subs for dine-in or pick-up lunch. A fully stocked market features Italian pantry goods from pasta to olive oil. Don’t forget a box of pastries, cookies, biscotti, cake, or a famous cannoli on your way out.

TURTLE MOUNTAIN BREWING COMPANY

905 36th Pl. SE, Rio Rancho (505) 994-9497, turtlemountainbrewing.com turtlemountainbrewing.com Known for its handcrafted ales and lagers, which are brewed on the premises, this is more than just a place to enjoy a few drinks. It’s also a great place to enjoy wood-fired pizzas and calzones in a relaxed, laid-back atmosphere.

TWO BOYS DONUTS

6400 Holly Ave. NE, Ste H (505) 302-0102, twoboysdonuts.com Regularly stocking more than 30 flavors of donut, Two Boys has particular favorites—like their blueberry cake donut with maple icing and cinnamon sugar—and also brews up Villa Myriam coffee, giving you everything you need for a full-course wake-up.

VICK’S VITTLES COUNTRY KITCHEN

VIET TASTE

VILLAGE PIZZA

3600 Osuna Rd. NE (505) 341-9710, vicsdailycafe.com With a full range of breakfast items, New Mexican favorites, and comfort food, this is a one-stop shop for tasty options like breakfast burritos, meatloaf, and coconut cream pie. 8810 Central Ave. SE (505) 298-5143, vicksvittles.com Rustle up your posse and head to Vick’s for heaping helpings of Texas-New Mexico fusion and breakfast served all day. Country comfort meets southwestern flair in an environment that welcomes suits and cowboys alike. Prepare to be stuffed. 5721 Menaul Blvd. NE, (505) 888-0101, pwbportal.us/viet-taste-abq With more than 100 menu options—noodle and rice dishes, eight varieties of Pho, coconut shakes, and many more—this restaurant is true to its name, offering a real taste of Vietnamese cuisine. 3200 La Orilla Rd. NW, E-2 plus 1 other metro location (505) 219-3766, villagepizzanm.com Family owned and operated, Village Pizza offers salads, nachos, calzones, pasta, and of course, signature pizzas, along with an all-you-can-eat buffet.

VINAIGRETTE

1828 Central Ave. SW (505) 842-5507, vinaigretteonline.com

3211 Central Ave. NE (505) 265-7447, 2foolstavern.com A taste of the Emerald Isle: fish and chips, bangers and mash, bread pudding, Guinness on tap, and live Celtic music on Sunday afternoons.

UNCLE T’S SANGWICHES

VINTAGE 423

1520 Deborah Rd. SE, Ste O, Rio Rancho (505) 404-9345, allthesangwiches.com Inspired by their grandmother, Uncle T’s has a menu filled with unbeatable sandwiches. Try out their Havana Press which is their version of the Cuban Sandwich. They also have an assortment of fresh pies to end your meal with.

TOMATO CAFÉ

URBAN HOTDOG COMPANY

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VIC’S DAILY CAFÉ

TWO FOOLS TAVERN

UPTOWN SPORTS BAR

$$$

6855 4th St. NW (505) 341-0831, thehiddensteakhouse.com This unmarked restaurant requires a secret password to gain entrance. Once inside, you’ll discover a world of perfect steaks and gourmet seafood, paired with an unbeatable loungey atmosphere. Reservations are recommended.

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.

4949 Pan American Fwy. NE (505) 344-1204, tomasitas.com Serving family recipes and making traditional dishes with local ingredients, Tomasita’s has been one of the state’s most popular local spots since Georgia Maryol opened it in Santa Fe in 1974. 7900 San Pedro Dr. NE (505) 821-9300, tomatocafe.com A buffet-style, all-you-can-eat, sit-down restaurant where you create the menu: thin-crust pizzas, pastas, meatballs, steamed broccoli, and Italian green beans cooked over an open flame are just some of the treats.

VERNON’S HIDDEN VALLEY STEAKHOUSE

6601 Uptown Blvd. NE (505) 884-4714, uptown-sportsbar.com A huge sports venue with wall-to-wall televisions and all the extras—solid American fare alongside a wide selection of local and national beers. 10250 Cottonwood Park NW, Ste. 440 (505) 898-5671, urbanhotdogcompany.com With about 20 choices—and even a vegetarian option—this restaurant has become a dog-lover’s go-to. Look for Chicago and NYC classics, plus adventurous temptations like the Crafty Dog (topped with mac ‘n’ cheese and bacon).

8000 Paseo Del Norte Blvd. NE (505) 821-1918, vintage-423.com

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

WECK’S

WESTERN VIEW

4500 Osuna Rd. NE, #100, plus 9 other metro locations (505) 344-1472, wecksinc.com For nearly 20 years, Weck’s has served up huge, tasty portions of breakfast and lunch. Examples: The Original comes with one pound of potatoes mixed with eggs, cheese, and chile; the “Scratch Made” Buttermilk Pancakes are more than seven inches wide. 6411 Central Ave. NW, (505) 836-2200 With a cozy diner feel and a long history, Western View is turning out plates of diner classics and New Mexican staples—finely seasoned with a sprinkling of Greek options—for diners hungry for both hearty home cooked meals and classic countertop service.

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BITES

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‘TIL YOU DROP P. 194 | THE PAWS BUTTON P.198 | PASSENGER WINDOW P. 204 | PHOTO CONTEST P. 207 | A FEW THINGS P. 208

WHERE IMAGINATIONS RUN WILD Jennifer Hernandez’s love for drawing and making art led to opening a storefront that showcases her works—and creations from other talented locals. (p. 196)

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PHOTO BY DON JAMES/ATM

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

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We Find It FOR YOU QUESTION I’ve heard about the popular trend of upcycled clothing and want to become part of the movement. I am looking for durable and unique clothing and accessories that are either preowned or have been transformed into a new piece. Where can I find socially conscious fashion?

ANSWER There a few boutiques in town that fit the bill. We picked some that either use fabric scraps to create fun things to wear and others that sell items that have been given a second life. Check out our picks on where to shop for sustainable and reusable clothing.

Whether it’s second hand bed sheets, curtains, or cotton fabric, Kelly Wilgus will find a way to turn it into a garment or wristlet. Sewing is part of her family legacy so it was fate that she opened her boutique and studio, Sew Minimal. “My grandma sewed and my mom is a really talented seamstress as well so my mom taught me how to sew and I don’t like the way that new material is created,” Wilgus explains. “All the resources that go into creating textiles, plus they’re often made in factories. I didn’t like the idea of buying new fabrics… That’s kind of what started me to start upcycling.” Wilgus learned to construct garments by taking clothes apart and creating her own patterns. One of her patterns resulted in her crop-style, open front Sunray Jacket. The back of the jacket features an applique that Wingus created out of fabric scraps. “The thing that really inspires me the most is the colors of the materials or the textures or the print on the fabric,” Wilgus says. “I really like mixing and matching colors and prints and playing off color so that’s probably the biggest thing that inspires me and then also kind of depending on what kind of material I have.” —RM Sunray Jacket, $84 Sew Minimal 404 San Felipe St. NW #C4 sewminimal.com

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PHOTOS BY DON JAMES/ATM

REPURPOSED FASHION

‘TIL YOU DROP REPEAT BOUTIQUE Growing up in a family of seven, Dina Blair learned a thing or two about reused clothing. It would be a lesson that would benefit her as an adult and lead her to opening Colibri Clothing Revival six months before the first COVID shutdown. “As I got older I found that I could find better things that I could more easily afford and things that last longer,” Blair says. “Fashion these days has gotten to be very rubber stamped unless you have a lot of money to spend or want to spend a lot of money on clothing, which I never do. I was looking for something that I was passionate about and that’s something that I’ve always been into is fun clothing.” Blair seeks out quality made items with striking patterns at flea markets, thrift stores and estate sales, mostly during her travels. Clothing sizes range from size 0 to 3-4X. “I sell quality pre-owned, pre-loved, unique fashion items,” Blair says. “Everything in my boutique is handpicked. I don’t buy anything in bulk. Everything comes through my hands and that gives me the discretion to buy really fun beautiful pieces that you can’t find everywhere else.” —RM Lucchese Women’s Leather Boots, $125 Colibri Clothing Revival 103 Amherst Dr. SE (505) 308-3556, facebook.com/CCRABQ

BRIGHT AS A BUTTON Old and discarded buttons now have new life through the art of Vanessa Dagavarian. The owner of Swan Song, searches estate sales and thrift stores to find rare, one-of-a-kind or vintage buttons to create earrings, barrettes and buttons. The buttons are a throwback to days gone by and Dagavarian makes them current by adding her own special touches to adorn the fasteners. Swan Song showcases plenty of other ecofriendly and sustainable items including handbags, totes, home goods and vintage clothing. Dagavarian either seeks out the items or reaches out to local artisans and product makers such as Chelle Summer who creates handbags made with repurposed items and the Desert Blends skincare line that is handcrafted from seed oils and is cold processed, raw and organic. “(Swan Song) is a vintage shop first and kind of like an ecofriendly gift shop, but I have a few items that aren’t and I wouldn’t consider them ecofriendly,” Dagavarian says. “For those items, every time it sells, I plant a tree for each item (through the Audubon Society). It is important for me to stick to that for the few items that are not ecofriendly and sustainable.” —RM Blue and White Button Earrings with Rhinestone Adornment, $16 Swan Song 2500 Central Ave. SW (415) 654-7916, swansongabq.com

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Squidly Designs

514 Central SE (505) 333-9442, squidlydesigns.com

ennifer Hernandez began her business Squidly Designs in 2017. At the time, the Downtown Growers Market and the Rail Yards Market served as her temporary storefronts. She met many other creatives at the market and now their work along with Hernandez pieces are sold at her brick and mortar location in east downtown. “I made a lot of connections through the growers markets and the pop-ups around town,” she says. “A lot of the artists in there are people I made friends with, that I met at markets, and I approached them about getting their stuff in the store.” Hernandez primarily makes digital art and recently began making jewelry. Other local jewelry makers featured at the store include Two Stoned Betties. “We have other illustrators that sell prints and stickers and pins,” Hernandez says. “We have a lot of art prints. We have

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Local creatives have a home for their wares at Squidly Designs. Its owner also showcases her creations inspired by the sea. local candlemakers that sell their candles, soap makers, self-care items, T-shirts. We are trying to focus on the store being 90% local at least.” Squidly Designs also carries a few other artists from around the United States. They are all independent artists whose work goes well with the store. “I want other people in Albuquerque to see their art as well, but I mostly want to keep it local,” Hernandez explains. “I want to focus on helping my fellow artist and give them a place where they can sell their work.” The store offers an online shopping option on its website. Customers can shop online and choose curbside pickup or have items shipped. “We’re always updating the website, but most of the stuff in the store you can find on our website,” says Hernandez. “(You can) pick up or we can ship to people all

over the U.S. if they want to buy for people out-of-town.” Creatives can also visit the website and submit their interest in being featured at Squidly Designs. “We are always looking for more local people that are interested in selling their work,” Hernandez says. “We have an application on our website that people can go fill out and we take a look at their portfolio and their products.” The name Squidly Designs comes from Hernandez’s fondness for the ocean and cephalopods such as octopuses and squids. “I’m really into sea creatures because I grew up in the desert and have never been around the ocean,” she says. “… That was my main inspiration starting my art practice. So I would do watercolors of sea creatures and that’s what I started with.” Last year, Hernandez began experi-

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PHOTOS BY DON JAMES/ATM

‘TIL YOU DROP

menting with more landscapes as well as New Mexico and desert themed works. “(I am) trying to get more inspiration from where I live and kind of mixing the sea creatures and the ocean with the desert life and that’s kind of my style,” she explains. Hernandez is a trained graphic designer with a background in commercial graphic art. It was her backup plan. “I decided to go into that because it seemed like the safer way of maybe doing something creative,” she explains. “Being an artist isn’t really something that you’re like ‘oh I’m going to be an artist when I grow up.’ People tell you it’s not a real job and it’s hard to make it as an artist. So, I went into graphic design and that’s what I’ve been doing mostly as a professional. But, I wanted to start making my own personal art to give myself the freedom to be creative and get out of the corporate design stuff.” Finding time to create her art while holding down a day job is not a struggle for Hernandez. “Since I love making art it’s kind of easy for me,” she says. “When I do have time to relax that’s what I want to be doing is drawing and making new things.” Hernandez’s husband, Kevin Adams, is a vital asset at Squidly Designs. “Since before opening the store, he started helping me with the business and he makes a lot of my products that I sell,” Hernandez explains. “He does our sublimation printing and he sands all of my jewelry pieces so that I can paint them. He is definitely the other half of this. He always tells people ‘She’s the artist, I’m just the labor,’ but I couldn’t have opened this store without him… I’m the one that got it started, but he’s definitely helped me grow it.” —RM MARCH 2022 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

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THE

KEEPING TABS ON ABQ’S FURRY FRIENDS

COURTESY IMAGES

PAWS BUTTON

CUDDLING WITH CRITTERS

nimal Park NM gives visitors an opportunity to get up close and personal with scaly, slithery and furry friends. The business inside Cottonwood Mall, 10,000 Coors Bypass NW, offers an interactive reptile exhibit and an indoor petting zoo. Visitors can take part in the Reptile Hold experience where they can do just that, hold a reptile of their choosing. Owner Jazmin Lopez’s favorite reptile is the Tagu. “I just love how big they are,” she says. “People are used to small bearded dragons and I think Tagus are 10 times the size of bearded dragons. I love bearded dragons too but the Tagus look so exotic.” Animal Park NM has about 20 to 25 different species, including a variety of snakes and lizards. The petting zoo features turtles and tortoises including African Sulcatas. They are the third largest species of tortoise in the world. The zoo is also filled with plenty of fluffy pals including chinchillas and Fleming Giant rabbits. “We are one of the only breeders in New

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Mexico (for Fleming Giant rabbits),” Lopez says. “We have eight right now. They are in our petting zoo. We have babies. We take them out so people can hold them in a different area. There’s a lot going on in the petting zoo so once they are born, we take them out with their mom and people can handle the babies too.” Many visitors fall in love with some of the animals in the petting zoo and reptile exhibit and end up taking a new pet home. Animal NM makes sure they are all set to care for their new friend. “We sell meal worms and crickets, frozen rats, we sell those too,” Lopez says. “If they buy something from us, we give them food for it. A lot of them like to have a one stop shop. We help people with setting up an enclosure and making sure they know what they’re doing. All that good stuff.” For guests who prefer friends of a feather, there are several parrots and parakeets as well as an owl. Some people are surprised to find a miniature horse on the property. The retired show pony suffers from a condition that prevents it from walking properly. “The woman that had her previously, owns a ranch, and she sought us out as the

perfect place for her.” Animal Park NM has been in business for four years and started with small motorized animal scooters that could be ridden at minimal speed around Cottonwood Mall. The scooters were gifted to Lopez by her father, who later bought a Boa constrictor snake. “I was afraid of snakes and I didn’t believe people would pay for something like that,” Lopez says. “He knew people would and it snowballed from there… We’re very happy and thankful. We’re a family owned, woman owned family operation.”

PET HEALTH PRIORITIES Proper nutrition is key when it comes to a cats’ and dogs’ well-being. Long Leash On Life makes that possible with its high quality pet food and supplies. The business owned by Norm Shrout and Ken Wormser, offers a wide variety of products that are attainable for all budgets. The products have been shown to improve the quality of life of pets and protect their longevity. The journey began when Shrout and Wormser found a better way to feed cats and dog by adding generous portions of

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real food to their commercial processed food. They saw their dogs Boofy and Pepper and their cat Dexter thrive. Boofy lived a fulfilling 16 years while Pepper and Dexter lived past age 17. Shrout and Wormser also paid attention to other pets they knew and realized pets fed commercially processed food were in “surviving mode” rather than “thriving mode.” That is when they decided to open a store that would better the lives of pets by offering fresher and healthier products to pet parents. Food selections at Long Leash On Life skip on low quality ingredients such as animal by-products, corn, preservatives, artificial colors and gluten meals. The store’s free membership offers exclusive benefits and ongoing discounts to customers at its store located at 9800 Montgomery Blvd. NE. Customers can also opt for curbside pickup and shop online at longleashonlife.com/products/ shop. Early on it was Shrout’s and Wormser’s goal to support local and independent retailers. They sought out a variety of independent retailers to supply basic structural shelving to décor. The duo also purchases locally produced pet products and general supplies. Long Leash On Life has integrated several programs that enrich the lives of pets such as utilizing gentler handling techniques for dogs, using positive training methods and expanded enrichment. When it comes to bath time, the store has you and your pooch covered. It offers a DIY Doggie Quick Wash seven days a week. One masked pet parent and one additional family member is allowed into the area to bathe two dirty dogs in the wash area at a time. Long Leash On Life continues to support the community through generous charitable contributions including donating food to Meals on Wheels clients with pets. The business has made financial contributions local rescue organizations and shelters and encourages the public to adopt homeless pets from these facilities. “We feel very fortunate to work with pets and the people who love them,” according to the website. “It is impossible to quantify the gratitude that we feel for the pet parents in New Mexico for their interest in nutritional pet care as well as their support. Our journey has been rewarding to say the least and we hope to continue working to make all New Mexico pets healthier, one pet at a time.” —RM MARCH 2022 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

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T H E MONTH ABQ’s PET OFAMAZING PETS

By Dakota-Lynn McCaffrey

Gato

Bentley

In case you didn’t know, Gato is Spanish for cat, so it is a very fitting name for Shylah Gonzalez’s tuxedo cat. Like most cats, Gato has an attitude problem. She despises the new kitten in the household as well as getting kicked off the kitchen counter. She even has a habit of knocking over cups of water. However, Gonzalez absolutely loves Gato. Gonzalez is always posting pictures of Gato and even has a sticker of her on her water bottle. Gato likes to chase bugs, eat yogurt and nap on laptops. She might as well be a lawyer because of all the Law and Order shows she watches on TV. Plus, she gets to listen in on Gonzalez as she takes law courses remotely. “She is truly the best cat,” says Gonzalez.

Bentley is described as “the literal embodiment of a frat boy with a pretty face” by his owner, Lauren Shulte. Her husband, Matt, was looking to adopt a cat, but was being a bit picky. Then they met Bentley and had to bring him home. “The cute thing was, usually cats are a bit skittish in a new home, but once he got a look around he jumped in Matt’s lap and started purring and I knew he would fit right in,” explains Lauren Shulte. Ten year old Bentley even has the appetite of a frat boy. He loves to snack on Twizzlers, French fries and beef jerky. Bentley likes to play outside, knead anything fluffy and does not like loud sounds, especially vacuums. Every night before bed Bentley likes to get some snuggles, specifically from Matt.

Mufasa

Kona

Mufasa, like the brave big cat from The Lion King, reigns over his very own pride land in Los Lunas. His owner, Rosella Sanchez, lives on 2 ½ acres of land with a ditch in the backyard and just across the ditch is a pathway to the Rio Grande. Every morning, Mufasa walks out of the garage along with the two dogs that live with him and he spends the entire day roaming the land. “We never know what he is up to, but he is obviously safe because he makes it home at the end of every day,” explains Sanchez. He’s an avid hunter and has a tendency to bring home dead mice and birds. Mufasa is one of the only cats in the neighborhood and all of the dogs leave him alone. “It’s not like they’re little dogs, there’s a Great Dane, Rottweiler, and other big breeds that know he is the king of the neighborhood,” says Sanchez.

In November of 2018, Chanel Jim adopted Kona, the adorable American Pit Bull Terrier, from the Albuquerque Animal Shelter. “She is a very sweet and loving dog,” explains Jim. This type of breed can be described as a friendly giant and a good family dog. So, it makes complete sense that Jim would say Kona has a sweet and loving personality. Kona loves to cuddle with her owner and take good long naps, specifically in warm spots around the house. When Kona isn’t napping, she likes to go on runs and car rides throughout the city. She loves to snack on blueberries and fresh slices of meat. Like most dogs, she loves attention, which isn’t hard to give when she looks up at you with those big brown eyes.

Is your pet ATM’s next Pet of the Month? Send a photo and short story about why you think your pet belongs in these pages to petofthemonth@abqthemag.com.

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PIECE OF T H E PAST

ART DECO DECADENCE

ne of the best examples of Art Deco architecture sits in the heart of downtown Albuquerque. The Skinner Building, built in 1931, originally served as a grocery store owned by J.A. Skinner. The grocery owner asked local architect A. W. Boehning to design the building located at 722 Central SW. It would become the flagship store of Skinner’s local chain of food stores, according to the historical and cultural landmark website, Clio. The structure is built of brick and features a street facade with white terra cotta tile on the north and west side of the building. A variety of decorative details can be found on its exterior. They include ridged towers, grill work, stained glass and geometric patterns, swags, zigzags, leaf shapes, chevrons, and fluting. The tin ceiling inside resembles something typical of East Coast and Midwest buildings constructed during the same time period. For ten years, the building housed the grocery store. It was then leased to vari-

PHOTO BY DON JAMES/ATM

The Skinner Building is an architectural gem with rare craftsmanship present in its design

ous firms, which included the Pepsi Cola Company that used it as its local headquarters. In 1970, the Skinner family sold the property. The city purchased it in 1977 as part of a downtown revitalization project. In 1980, the Skinner Building was added to the New Mexico State Register of Cultural Properties and the National Register of Historic Places. The building was eventually sold by the city to a private owner with the stipulation that the street facades and Art Deco detailing be preserved. However, a balcony that wraps around the street facade was added to the building in 2001. The balcony’s construction was narrowly approved by the city’s Landmark and Urban Conservation Commission. The controversial decision resulted in one commissioner resigning in protest. The balcony is freestanding and stands one-inch from the building. Constructed of steel and glass, the balcony features many different colored lights that illumi-

MARCH 2022 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

nate the Skinner Building’s architecture and the street below. Another alteration made to the structure is the addition of a second door on the west side of the facade. Originally the structure had only one door that opened to Central Ave., according to the National Register of Historic Places Inventory nomination form. The west end of the partitioned building was entered through a door on 8th Street. It is now entered through an aluminum and glass door off of Central Ave. The 8th Street door has since been replaced with display windows. The building has always been divided into two main stores from north to south with a smaller office at the southwest corner of 8th Street. The east portion of the building retains its original pressed metal ceiling, ceramic tile wainscoting with geometric motifs and its original light fixtures. The west side has been remodeled with the addition of a suspended ceiling. —RM

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THE

PASSENGER WINDOW

BACK END BREAK THROUGH Classic cars burst through shop’s walls

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PHOTO BY DON JAMES/ATM

t may look like a couple drivers failed to hit the brakes when passing by Albuquerque Drive Shaft. The rear ends of two classic cars can be seen protruding out of the building’s side walls, several feet off the ground. Owner Gary Castro has become accustomed to people stopping by to inquire about the vehicles or take photos of the automobiles sticking out of his shop located on Summer Ave. NW, just east of 5th St. NW. “They’re made out of fiberglass, so they’re not real cars,” Castro explains. “They’re just like a mockup version of the back section of a ’57 Chevy. I get a lot of compliments on those.” Castro recently thought about painting one of the cars red and white and the other turquoise and white, but changed his mind. People enjoy the patina coating they now display after years of exposure to atmospheric elements. Castro had originally created five of the fiberglass car pieces for a local casino that had planned to use them in a restaurant. The restaurant never opened and Castro found other places to display his work, including inside his ‘mountain man cave’ at his home in the East Mountains. “I had sold one when I happened to be at a truck stop and I had them on my trailer,” Castro says. “(This guy) said he had to have one. So I sold him one. I had two others that went to my mountain man cave and two went to the shop.” Castro makes drive shafts for semitrucks and 4x4s at his family owned business, Albuquerque Drive Shaft. The shop has been in operation for 40 years. Some of Castro’s drive shafts have been used in vehicles featured in films. “I recently did one for the movie Army of the Dead,” he says. “I did the drive shaft for the bus. I did that one for (Netflix) and I did a drive shaft for a Tom Hanks movie. It’s an apocalyptic movie called Finch. It’s a big Winnebago with 6-foot tires.” When Castro is not making drive shafts for film productions, he is acting in movies.

“I was in a movie called Big Kill with Danny Trejo, Lou Diamond Phillips and Jason Patric,” he says. “I did Sicario: Day of the Soldado… I’m all over Netflix and on Lifetime. I get requested most of the time.” Castro has a full beard and says his look gets him certain roles. Characters he has been cast as include a cowboy, a biker, and a royal palace gate guard. He recently au-

ditioned to play a mafia boss. The money he makes acting is used to help animals. “I donate the money to animal rescues and buy dogs from people selling dogs (where) I don’t like the situation,” he explains. “I keep the dogs while I’m looking for someone (to take them). I try to find them a good home.” —RM

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ADVERTISING REGISTRY 100.3 The Peak ................................................................................................... 19 3 Advertising ...................................................................................................... 34 A & R Medical Supply ...................................................................................... 134 ABQ Childcare .................................................................................................. 63 Academy Dental Care ....................................................................................... 2,3 Advanced Allergy Associates ............................................................................. 56 Albuquerque Associated Podiatrists ................................................................. 53 Albuquerque ER & Hospital .............................................................................54 Albuquerque Florist 1 .......................................................................................187 All World Travel ..................................................................................................37 AlluraDerm Med Spa .......................................................................................129 Animal Humane New Mexico ..........................................................................80 Assistance League ..............................................................................................62 Bear Canyon Oral and Facial Surgery ................................................................77 Bosque Aesthetics .........................................................................................10, 11 Bubba's 33 ...........................................................................................................65 California Closets ..............................................................................................64 Cano Health .....................................................................................................121 Central Grill ......................................................................................................183 CNM ..................................................................................................................44 Coyote 102.5 .......................................................................................................71 Cranium Extracts ..............................................................................................125 Crystal Springs ..................................................................................................181 Dave's Valley Grill ..............................................................................................173 Dental Care in Your Home ................................................................................29 Dermatology & Skin Cancer Center of New Mexico ................................ 74, 141 Dermatology of New Mexico ............................................................................57 Dr. Monica Boehmer, DDS ...............................................................................55 Duke City Cares ................................................................................................68 Duke City Software ..........................................................................................197 Ethan Allen Furniture ........................................................................................17 Everest Cannabis Company .............................................................................165

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Exhibit Solutions of New Mexico .....................................................................25 Eye Associates of New Mexico ..........................................................................35 Facility Pump Repair .........................................................................................137 Floorscapes .......................................................................................................191 Flying Star Cafe .................................................................................................29 Fuego 102.9 .......................................................................................................173 Glam Nail Bar & Spa .........................................................................................38 Guinness Irish Stout ........................................................................................185 Heritage Hotels & Resorts, Inc. ........................................................................70 Houston Wholesale Cars LLC ..........................................................................4,5 Inn of the Mountain Gods ...............................................................................123 Inspire Salon ......................................................................................................67 International Protective Service ..................................................................48, 49 Jericho Nursery ..................................................................................................58 KISS 97.3 .............................................................................................................73 Kubota Tractor ................................................................................................205 Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry ...................................................................Back Cover Los Poblanos Historic Inn .................................................................................41 Mas Tapas Y Vino ..............................................................................................69 Menaul School ................................................................................................202 Merry Maids .....................................................................................................6, 7 Mesa Tractor .......................................................................................................72 New Mexico Breastfeeding Task Force ............................................................140 New Mexico Orthopaedic Surgery Center ..................................................21, 79 New Mexico Pain Associates .............................................................................57 New Mexico Renaissance Celtic Festival .........................................................176 New Mexico Sports & Wellness ......................................................................188 Optimum .........................................................................................................192 Optum .........................................................................................................56, 66 Osuna Nursery ..................................................................................................135 Overture ............................................................................................................130 Passion Story Inc .........................................................................................46, 47

Power Ford ........................................................................................................157 Presbyterian Healthcare .....................................................................................81 QC Kinetix ..............................................................................Inside Front Cover R. Greenleaf Organics, Inc. ..............................................................................127 Radiology Associates of Albuquerque ...............................................................39 Rio Grande Credit Union ......................................13, 15, 206, Inside Back Cover Rio Grande Hemp ............................................................................................124 Round 2 IV Wellness Solutions ...................................................................50, 51 Route 66 Cleaners ............................................................................................163 Rudy's Country Store & BBQ ..........................................................................69 Santa Fe Brewing Company .............................................................................152 Sawmill Market .................................................................................................177 Skrewball Peanut Whiskey ...............................................................................170 Slate Street Billiards .........................................................................................178 Southwest Chocolate & Coffee Fest ..................................................................76 Southwest Women's Oncology .......................................................................8, 9 Southwestern HR Consulting ..........................................................................75 The Education Plan ..........................................................................................136 The Fertility Center of NM ................................................................................22 The Grove Cafe & Market .................................................................................163 The Juliette Eye Institute ....................................................................................33 The Verdes Foundation ....................................................................................128 Tito’s Handmade Vodka ...................................................................................179 Ultra Health ......................................................................................................126 University of New Mexico Athletic Department ............................................201 UNM Health Sciences Center ...........................................................................43 Wealth Management Group LLC ......................................................................30 Western Dermatology Consultants ..................................................................52 Wise Pies...........................................................................................................121 Women's Specialists of New Mexico .................................................................27

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PHOTO CONTEST

CELEBRATION OF THE FEMALE SPIRIT By Julie Hamlin

n commemoration of Women’s History Month, Julie Hamlin gathered some of her friends and photographed them against the New Mexico landscape in March 2021. The diverse group was made up of women of various backgrounds — Zuni, Navajo, Anglo, Hispanic, Asian Islander. Hamlin’s friend, Tana of Zuni Pueblo, stood at the center. “Zuni is tied to the land and I wanted Tana in her traditional Zuni clothing,” Hamlin says. “When the sun was setting, I was able to take an individual photo of her and it spoke beautifully of the land and our New Mexico culture.” The dressing of Tana is a customary process that takes time. “It’s a very female tradition when a mother helps their girls dress,” Hamlin explains. “It takes hours with the outfit she was wearing that day. What it takes for women to dress in Zuni culture is quite amazing. I singled it out because of how much went into it. I was so honored as a photographer. It was very symbolic for her

mom to get her dressed that day.” Tana’s leg wrappings are made of soft deer skin and the traditional Manta is made from wool. The traditional outfit is typically reserved for special occasions. It is tied with a sash belt around the waist. Turquoise jewelry adds a final touch of beauty. Hamlin, who is a professional photographer, did not make a profit on the photo shoot. “I’ve been a hobbyist photographer most of my life and when I started I always had a camera in my hand,” she says. “I learned film photography and transitioned to digital photography in the last 10 years. And five years ago, I started my business Sacred Sage Photography. It’s a local New Mexico business. I am a natural light, family portrait photographer. I don’t work in a studio. New Mexico is my studio.” —RM

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

MARCH 2022 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

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12. I dabbled in the college athletic di-

rector world, thinking it was something I wanted to pursue. I shadowed the athletic director at UNM, and I decided it wasn’t for me.

13.

Colt Balok

At a young age, Colt Balok knew he wanted to make a difference through entertainment. His biggest idol was Oprah Winfrey and just like her, he knew that he could help the community through his endeavor. In fact, his online TV show, “The Colt Balok Show,” has a segment known as Game Changers, which recognizes New Mexicans who improve the lives of their fellow community. The Public Service Company of New Mexico has teamed up with Balok to award citizens $2,000 to assist with their efforts. Balok, a University of New Mexico graduate, launched his show in 2018. We caught up with him to get the scoop on his efforts, and his drive to recognize the good in everyone.

2. I use my TV show, “The Colt Balok Show,” to inspire and entertain.

His idol is Oprah Winfrey. He admires how she controlled every aspect of her career, of her brand, of her show.

4. From day one, our whole show, our whole company, has always been based on cultivating virtue. Really helping people become their best self. You can only give what you have to become something great. 5. I’ve had a few celebrities on the

show, including comedian George Lopez, actor RJ Mitte of “Breaking Bad” fame, singer and actress Nia Peeples, and American Idol alum David Archuleta, among others.

6. The show takes on serious subjects, such as being legally blind, facts about suicide, the fight against hunger, teenage adoptions, and other topics.

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14. I’m religious and spiritual, and

believe God is providential in doing what you’re supposed to do in the world. God will just open doors for you.

7. Game Changers recently awarded $2,000 to Marjori Krebs, a UNM professor who serves on the boards for Wings of Life International (that works with families of prisoners) and Heart Gallery of New Mexico, that helps foster youth and works with aged out foster youth.

8. A segment of the show, Game Changers, recognizes New Mexicans who are stepping up in the community and helping others. 9. Game Changers teamed up with the Public Service Company of New Mexico to award $2,000 to people who go above and beyond to help others.

10.

The goal is to take Game Changers into other states and benefit people who make a difference in their communities.

11. I’m originally from Gallup, but I relocated to Albuquerque so I could attend UNM.

PHOTO BY DON JAMES/ATM

1. My mom took me to a Britney Spears concert when I was 8 years old. I was so mesmerized that one person could bring in 30,000 people—and the influence that one person could have on the world.

I entered the political world and tried doing campaigns. I learned campaigns are run by the media.

Albuquerque The Magazine, March 2022

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