October 2024, Albuquerque The Magazine by Albuquerque The Magazine

TU RQUOISE SILVE R

WHEN IT COMES TO NATIVE AMERICAN JEWELRY, ABQ DOESN’T PRETEND TO BE SANTA FE OR SCOTTSDALE. BUT OUR CITY IS CERTAINLY A PLAYER IN THE EVER-POPULAR WORLD OF SILVER & TURQUOISE JEWELRY, FILLED WITH ARTISTS, RETAILERS & COLLECTORS. HERE ARE A FEW WE’D LIKE YOU TO MEET.

The presidential election has gone to the dogs; Albuquerque doubles down on sports betting in town; New Mexico emojis are all good; Cool food trends you might have missed from pizza flights to Korean Corn Dogs; The spooky season haunts your October to-do list; Campus Park is calling from Rio Rancho; Getting behind a new special shape balloon.

Leah Black may be full of cheer in all she does, but that doesn’t make her a cheerleader.

184 Behind the Scenes

A man named Barney Lopez armed with nothing but a spreadsheet tries to tame The Night of the Living Cover Bands.

189 Culture

190 Creatives

La Catrina takes on a distinctly New Mexican flair, complete with chiles in the studio of Luis Contreras.

194 Storytellers

“Route 66 New Mexico: A Visual Tour,” a book by Sondra Diepen; “Indigenous Entrepreneurs,” a podcast hosted by Cecilia Pacheco Besanti; “Red or Green Light Reviews,” a YouTube channel hosted by Nathan Davis.

196 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.

199 Dish

200 Eats Review

Sunny Side Up Cafe

204 Eats, Etc.

Ramona’s Mexican Cafe, The Ivy Tearoom

206 Spirit Spotlight

The Lavender Limoncello Martini from Restaurant 4940 in Corrales makes a for a classy, pink cocktail.

208 A Recipe for Success

Felipe “Flip” Garcia, Co-Founder, Capeless Heroes Foundation and Owner, MiLEO Fitness and Nutrition brings it with a taco bowl.

210 Bites

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

OCTOBER 2024

Volume 21 Number 6

PUBLISHING DIRECTOR

Lise Watkins lise@abqthemag.com

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Clarke Condé clarke@abqthemag.com

PHOTO DIRECTOR

Don James don@abqthemag.com

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Emily Klumpenhower emily@abqthemag.com

STAFF WRITER

Dan Pennington dan@abqthemag.com

DATEBOOK EDITOR

Lori Wilding datebook@abqthemag.com

CONTRIBUTORS

Tristen Critchfield

Mel Minter

Peter St. Cyr

Adam Clark

Adrian Gomez

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.

241 Fun

242 Look Good, Feel Good

Date night tips from our experts on what you can do to your dressing up A-game and bringing a little magic to the table.

244 Local

Stuff

We Love

Spooky stuff from around town.

246 ShopTalk

Don’t judge the place by its size—Tiny Grocer ABQ is a tiny but mighty part of Old Town.

248

Paws Button

Horned lizards are fascinating little creatures that eat ants and, yes, shoot blood out of their eyes if provoked.

250 Amazing Pets

This month’s winners: Honey, Hope and Maverick

252 Passenger Window

It’s a postcard from where you already are in Nob Hill.

255 Photo Contest

This month’s winner: Sunset at the Volcanoes, a photo by Robert Royster

256

A Few Things

Things are looking up at The Albuquerque Astronomical Society.

PUBLISHER

Larryl Lynch larryl@abqthemag.com

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Gena Goodson gena@abqthemag.com

ADVERTISING MANAGER

Philip Kjelland philip@abqthemag.com

SENIOR ADVERTISING EXECUTIVE Megan Life megan@abqthemag.com

PARTNERSHIP DEVELOPMENT

Bill Stanage bill@abqthemag.com

PUBLISHING COORDINATOR Jake Handler jake@abqthemag.com

BUSINESS OFFICE business@abqthemag.com

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER EMERITUS Scott Davis (1966–2004)

I’m seeing more balloons in the sky on my morning runs as the air gets cooler and the days get shorter. I’m partial to the July heat here in New Mexico, but October has its charms. It always seems like the city breathes a collective sigh of relief right around the time the cranes return in October.

In this issue, we dove into the world of turquoise and found some of the finest silversmiths around to show us what they have been up to with their craft. I also got a chance to talk with a couple of collectors who are passionate about their jewelry and are big fans of the people who make it. We could have made it a double issue there was so much we could have covered.

We also go behind the scenes for the making of the Night of the Living Coverbands. I don’t use the word juggernaut lightly, but it has become a major happening. I still find the logistics of this event staggering. The four weekends that fill October are packed with moving over 100 bands on and off stage at the Launchpad, all in costumes. If you’ve never been, go for a night. Odds are you will see more than a few bands you like. I’ll also note that it was fun to see all the photos (we could only run so many) from bands over the past few years.

Per usual, I got a chance to talk with plenty of people this month that are really into things you may not have thought too much about. One was certainly Max Havelka who likes to talk about lizards. Obviously, we talked a bit about the state reptile, the New Mexico Whiptail (Cnemidophorus neomexianus), but I wanted to hear about the horned lizards out by the volcanos. These creatures eat fire ants and shoot blood out

ON THE COVER

of their eyes. It’s a Halloween read for sure.

It was great to catch up with Leah Black who has had a wild career and now works out at the Sunport helping the city get out the message about the big remodel underway out there. We sat down for a conversation at Los Ranchos Bakery across from Dan’s Boots and Saddles in Los Ranchos. The place bakes a different specialty bread every day (the bakery, not the saddle shop). Who knew?

Finally, I want to point you to the back of the magazine where we get into a few things about the Albuquerque Astronomical Society or TAAS (not to be confused with the Russian news agency, TASS). Balloons and flying saucers get most of the skyward attention here in New Mexico, but we have some of the darkest skys around making it an excellent spot for amateur astronomers. The group even has loaner telescopes and will teach you how to use them.

Until the next issue, as the astronomers say, keep looking up.

Clarke

Editor-In-Chief

The stunning pieces worn by our model were provided by Rio Grande Trading, one of the Southwest’s biggest re tail and wholesale provider of Native American silver & turquoise jewelry. General Manager Matt Smith was kind enough to walk our editorial team through the Old Town shop’s maze of rooms filled with jaw-dropping pieces— many of which were made by the artists featured in our cover story—and let us pick to our heart’s content. “It’s always exciting to have artists bring us new pieces, and then to have customers fall in love with those pieces,” says Smith, a Michigan native who has spent three decades in the Southwest jewelry business—even learn ing to speak Navajo by conversing with so many silversmiths over those years. (The only item not from Rio Grande Trading is the hatband, which was handmade—and graciously provided—by Milford Calamity, a self-taught Navajo silversmith whose story begins on page 108.)

As Ever,

Condé

Cover shot by Don James, ATM Photo Director Model: Tisha Tohe

Rio Grande

grit (the dog) for president

To be the top dog in the ruff and tumble world of presidential politics takes grit. Fortunately, Grit the nonpartisan canine from Albuquerque, has entered the race for president with all four legs, and all for a good cause.

Campaign Manager Duane Kinsley says the idea of his dog Grit running for president came to him when he was discussing ways to raise funds for Warehouse 505, an organization that provides classes and mentorship in the arts for Albuquerque youth. Kinsley recalled thinking, “Why don’t we take advantage of this political situation that’s out there, that’s so divisive, and run our dog for president?” An idea that might have seemed at first barking mad has found its footing. The Grit for President campaign aims to raise a lot of money for Warehouse 505 and animal charities through the sale of campaign swag like stickers, yard signs,

T-shirts and coffee mugs, as well as through campaign donations. Kinsley says, “If you’re tired of the politics and you want to vote for Grit, just go on to Gritforpresident.com and give them $1. That’s a vote.” Fundraising hopes are high. “We think anywhere from $100,000 to a million dollars.” All of the usual campaign expenses associated with running for president (banners, signs, a 14-foot-tall inflatable dog) are paid for by Albuquerque Sports Systems. “That’s our contribution to this whole thing so that 100% of anything people donate goes to kids and dogs,” says Kinsley, who in addition to being Grit’s campaign manager is the store’s owner.

What is Grit’s stance on the issues? Kinsley makes it clear, “It’s a four-point stance, very stable. Always moving forward.”

–Clarke Condé

SPORTS WAGERING IN ABQ?

YOU BET!

Sports betting only arrived in ABQ’s metroarea casinos in 2018, but they’ve quickly evolved to Vegas-level operations with excellent amenities and nearly unlimited betting action. As we head into the heart of the college and pro football seasons, here’s a primer on what to expect at local sports books.

Legends

Sportsbook

SANTA ANA STAR CASINO HOTEL

The area’s first sports betting operation has moved from an extended kiosk on the main casino floor to the swanky, two-story spot that was formally a dance club and live comedy venue. And with the Southwest’s biggest hi-def TV (yes, it’s 38 feet wide), you won’t miss any sports action. The book is welcoming for both first-timers (who can ask questions of the sportsbook’s writers) and experienced bettors, who can quickly place wagers at self-serve kiosks. Some other highlights:

• THE BOOK OFFERS FREE MONTHLY BETTING CREDITS TO FREQUENT BETTORS.

• THERE’S A WEEKLY $1,000 PRIZE POOL FOR WINNERS OF HEAD-TO-HEAD NFL PICKS.

• QUIRKY PROPOSITION BETS CAN BE MADE ON WHETHER HEADS OR TAILS WILL LAND ON THE COIN TOSS, OR WHAT COLOR GATORADE GETS DUMPED ON THE WINNING COACH.

• HOME PLATE BAR & GRILL FEATURES COCKTAILS AND LOCAL BREW, PLUS A KITCHEN THAT SERVES BREAKFAST, LUNCH AND DINNER.

ROUTE 66 CASINO HOTEL

Earlier this year, the book became affiliated with Caesars Entertainment, the Las Vegas-based gaming giant that now provides Route 66 bettors with “the ability to bet on almost any sporting event anywhere in the world.” And next year, the operation will move from walk-up betting windows and a self-serve wagering kiosk into a brand-new, dedicated venue inside the casino. “We are excited to partner with one of the world’s leading gaming companies to provide New Mexico sports fans a world-class wagering experience,” says Maxine Velasquez, President and CEO of Laguna Development Corporation, the casino’s parent organization. Some other facts:

• THE BOOK OFFERS PARLAY CARDS OF UP TO 25 TEAMS, INCLUDING A $5 CARD THAT PAYS $100,000.

• WAGERS COVER MORE THAN 150 GLOBAL SPORTS, FROM SOCCER AND HORSE RACING, TO FOOTBALL AND MIXED MARTIAL ARTS.

• THE LARGEST NUMBER OF LIVE AND PROPOSITION BETS IN THE ABQ MARKET.

BetMGM Sportsbook ISLETA RESORT AND CASINO

The gameday atmosphere here includes comfortable couches, an abundance of high-quality TVs, a large full-liquor bar, and in-venue food service from the casino’s Panda Express and Chile Ristra restaurants. Some of the book’s bets include:

• STRAIGHT AND PARLAY BETS (UP TO 15 TEAMS)

• LIVE AND IN-PROGRESS BETS

• DRAWINGS EVERY SUNDAY FROM A TUMBLER OF LOSING WAGER TICKETS

• GAME TIME SQUARES DURING FOOTBALL SEASON

#NMEMOJI

Sometimes words just won’t cut it when you are trying to convey a sentiment quintessentially New Mexican. Fortunately, your texts can be all good with these sticker emojis from Moji Mojo, Ltd. Among the expected hot air balloons, chile ristras and Old Man Gloom, you’ll find unique emojis of Heisenberg, Ron Bell and orange construction cones that will help broaden your vocabulary and express the way you truly feel about the Land of Enchantment. Regional stickers like these have been around for a while and bring the flavor of different regions of the country (think longhorns for Texas and apples for New York) to phones everywhere. However, Moji Mojo’s collection may require an insider’s knowledge to be fully understood. A sticker of a coyote is an easy read, but a license plate that says “EEE A LA!” might require explaining. While these from Moji Mojo could be due for an update (we suggest a “Best of the City” sticker,) they never go out of style. These stickers are free and only available for the iPhone, but should your Android-having friends seem disappointed you can always sympathize and text them a license plate sticker that says “I KNOW HUH.”

—Clarke Condé

Autumn Rodriguez

Autumn Rodriguez is the newly crowned National American Miss New Mexico Jr. Preteen. This incredible eight-year-old was crowned at the state pageant held in Colorado in June where she also won Miss Photogenic, the Heart of Service, Best Resume, Dream Model and first runner-up in Casual Wear. That’s a lot!

Autumn has been a student at Mission Avenue Elementary in Albuquerque since Pre-K but is excited to start 3rd grade this year in Rio Rancho. She likes animals, especially the exotic ones, and particularly sloths. One day, Autumn would like to work as a wildlife veterinarian at the sloth sanctuary in Costa Rica. Or maybe a professional soccer player. She frequently volunteers with Women of the Moose Rio Rancho Chapter 2217, helping them collect toys and other items. She has also collected and donated over 100 books to The Children’s Center at Presbyterian Hospital.

Autumn is looking forward to participating in the 2024 National Pageant in Orlando, Florida this November. Great work Autumn!

Some Thoughts On:

Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

Cindy Wall

For our family, Balloon Fiesta is extra magical as our son, Cameron (right), will be back in Albuquerque piloting his balloon, “Grandma’s Legacy.” While it’s a whirlwind of activity for 10 days with little sleep, I absolutely embrace every moment of the chaos. Food is my love language, and during Fiesta, there’s always a pot of green chile chicken stew simmering on the stove. I enjoy the casual nature of new and old friends from around the world stopping by and filling our home with stories, lots of laughter, and new memories.

Cool Food Trends

Korean Corn Dogs

The humble corn dog has been an American staple since the 30’s, but this Korean version only began emerging from the hot grease in early 2021. The big change here is that there’s new ingredients beyond your batter and dog that add fun new flavors. Addons like potato cubes, crispy rice puffs, or hot Cheetos powder will give a wake-up call to your taste buds. Check out the Far East fad at Two Hands Fresh Corn Dogs near Uptown.

In yesteryear, culinary trends took their sweet time getting to ABQ, slowing making their way to our kitchens and restaurants from the East and West coasts. But these days, food fads tend to spread far more quickly (a tip of the cap to you, TikTok). In recent years, birria tacos (or quesabirria tacos) and boba tea shops seemed to suddenly appear everywhere—and we all had to try them, like, right now. Here are a couple more hip, new food interpretations now available in our city:

Pizza Flights

A pizza pie can be the bane of variety, since each slice has the same ingredients (unless you opt for different toppings on the other half, but who does that?). Well, here’s your solution: a pizza flight! At Gimani, a hip, new pizzeria in Up-

town, you can get an order that includes one slice of each of four varieties among Pepperoni, Margherita, Angry (think pickled jalapeños), Lemon (yes, lemon, with whipped ricotta) or the daily special. Forgive us if we decide not to share. —Dan Pennington

Kamari Fulton

Kamari Fulton began running with the New Mexico Jag Elite Track Club in 2022 at the age of five. Since then, this incredible kid has flown like the wind. Kamari has competed in the 60-meter, 100-meter, 200-meter and 400-meter events, as well as the 4x100 relay, where his team recently won a gold medal at the USATF New Mexico Association Junior Olympic Championships. That gold medal victory earned Kamari and his team a spot in the prestigious USATF Region 10 Junior Olympic Championships this summer, an event where they took home a silver medal, which in turn qualified them for the USATF National Junior Olympic Track and Field Championships in College Station, Texas. There they placed 17th in a field of athletes from around the country.

When not running, Kamari attends the Cien Aguas International School, where his favorite subject is naturally PE. Always an athlete, Kamari, who turns eight in November, likes basketball, football and nachos, though not necessarily in that order. Kamari plans to keep running and competing throughout the year. Run, Kamari, Run!

Some Thoughts On:

Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

Kelli Cooper

My favorite part of Balloon Fiesta is the journey to get there! A really early morning bike ride in the pitch dark (and cold) takes you along the diversion channels and arroyos to the Park. As you get closer, distant, dusty lights appear on the horizon as the balloonists unpack. Suddenly, on the last bike path turn, bright lights, brilliant-colored balloons and thousands of people illuminate the darkness as propane fires and balloons begin to arise. And that’s all before 5 a.m. when the festivities actually begin!

SPOOKY SEASON

The ghost that haunts is truly the specter of a Halloween without anything fun to do. Don’t just cower under your bed (there may be a monster under there anyway) this Halloween, we’ve found five haunted happenings around town to help get you out to have some fun this Halloween.

GHOST TOURS

What lurks in Old Town after the sun goes down? Find out as you hear the tales of chilling events and unexplained phenomena on a private, moonlit walking ghost tour joined by a pack of friends and family, and a few wandering apparitions. Find out more at abqtours.fun.

SUGAR SKULL FUN RUN

Like to run while wearing a wild getup? Then this 10th annual jog down Tingley Drive on Sunday, October 27 might just be your kind of spooky scene. Guaranteed, anywhere else this Halloween your running shoes will clash with your costume. Register at bernco.gov

BOO AT THE ZOO

Not so much with the tricks, but plenty of treats (and animals) on October 26 when the ABQBioPark Zoo transforms into a Halloween day of family fun with costumes, games, and snacks where the zookeepers become boo-keepers. For more information and tickets see abqbooatthezoo.org

PUMPKIN PATCH

Choose your own pumpkin right out of the field on a pumpkin-picking adventure here in town with the whole crew this October. Young and old alike are welcome to join in on this Halloween tradition that is really not all that scary. Learn more at bigjimfarms.com

TRUNK OR TREAT

On Halloween night, the Village of Corrales hosts the 15th annual Trunk or Treat, with cool cars decorated for the night handing out plenty of candy for the kids. To be fair, it is really more of a trunk AND treat. Find out more at corrales-nm.org.

ark It Here

CAMPUS PARK IN RIO RANCHO

Campus Park in Rio Rancho is a mixture of serenity and awe. With its first phase of construction completed in July of 2021, the 6-acre park opened with beautiful landscaping, quiet spaces and some genuinely incredible views of the city. You would think the 32-foot tall (at its highest point) amphitheater would be distracting, yet its curves and shape feel like a natural part of the landscape. It covers both a beautiful stage and elevated stone seating, yet opens up to show so much sky inside. You can easily get lost in a daydream just staring straight up through the hole to the clouds.

The true magic of the park comes alive during the events. With uninterrupted views of fireworks from the expansive vista to relaxing evenings under the stars listening to live music, your experience here is amplified by the environment. With its spaced-out geometrical grass fields, there’s ample seating for gatherings and plenty of space to get in and out without stepping on a ton of picnickers spread out on blankets. This is a thoroughly modern park that has taken childhood conceptions of how a park should look and thrown them out the window. –Dan Pennington

Campus Park and Sky Room

Amphitheater

2516 King Blvd. NE, Rio Rancho

Some Thoughts On:

Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

Nancy Abruzzo

So many memories come with Balloon Fiesta, but for me, my favorites are the ones that come year in and year out. The awe you see in peoples’ faces never gets old. When kids surround all the inflating balloons, and family and friends come together wide-eyed, it’s like we are seeing it for the very first time—every time. The kid in us all comes out, and whether you’re age 50 or 5, it’s the same excitement, the same joy, and ear-to-ear smiles! Those are my best memories. Lucky us, it’s in our backyard.

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

We Like Big Trucks And We Cannot Lie!

appeal to the kid in all of us. This year, ABQ will have a local entry join the fray: a 10-story ballon in the shape and colors of a concrete truck, courtesy of Duke City Redi-Mix, a local family-owned company founded in 2001. And the best part might be the name: Sir Mix-A-Lot (the moniker was chosen during a community naming

to the lives of the people of New Mexico. The craft is so large that at full inflation it would hold enough basketballs to stretch end-to-end from the Sunport to Hyatt Tamaya Resort. The floating truck debuted last month at Balloon Fiesta Park, and will be a daily attraction at this year’s Fiesta, which runs from Oct. 5-13.

I’m Hooked And I Can’t Stop Starin’

HEIGHT: 100 feet

WIDTH: 130 feet

WEIGHT: 820 pounds

VOLUME: 140,000 cubic feet

MANUFACTURER: Ultramagic Balloons (Barcelona, Spain)

GONDOLA: 1 pilot, 2 passengers

FACES&PLACES

New Mexico Pride Fest Balloon Fiesta Park

2. 5. 3. 6. 4. 7.

Following the annual Pride Parade on June 8, members of Albuquerque’s LGBTQ+ community and their friends, families, and allies celebrated at Balloon Fiesta Park. The event included food, drag shows, dancing, and culminated in a balloon glow.

6. Danielle Lujan, Victoria

7. Alyssa Riel, Shelby Scribner

1. Alexis Page, Steven McPherson

Jamie Ochoa, Chris Garcia, Anna Pons

Luis Espinsoza, Jazmin Ruiz

Rudy Mangum, Jaime Rivera, Garrett Carrasco

Jessica Ruiz, Chrystal Robeldo

Garcia

FACES&PLACES

Even dogs enjoy weekends off and palling around with their humans. That’s why Dogtopia sponsored Dog Fest at Hops and Dough Taproom on May 19. Dogs enjoyed fresh baked dog cookies with frosting and even a remote bath.

1. Patty (dog), Chaz Rose, Ashlyn Rose, 2. Faith Alhona, Caitlin Potts, Ava Thomas

3. Skyler Storey, Aspen Hotchkiss

4. RIP (dog), Phil Salazar, Brenda Ortega

5. Angela Rietman, Chloe (dog), Kathy Ortega

6. Angela Montoya, Jordy (dog), Ashlyn Anderson,

7. Ariel Ortega, Poppy (dog), Susan Hawk, Kim Wood

Dog Fest Hops and Dough Taproom

FACES&PLACES

Mandy’s

Folks gathered at Mandy’s Farm on May 4 to enjoy a day of hors d’oeuvres, drinks, a silent auction and best of all - a goat race. This year’s party raised $95,000 to support the Farm’s ongoing goal to provide services for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

1. Debra Haaland, Skip Sayer, Sofia Sanchez, Julian Morgan

2. Ned Kraguljac, Connie Kraguljac

3. Pam Jaramillo, Assessandra Jaramillo, Lamefria Davis

4. Tracey Sherman, Claudia Priest, Jon Priest

5. Marry Cooley, Tom Cooley

6. Sherri Wells, Dot Cook

7. Dave Nezzie, Amanda Nezzie

FACES&PLACES

Albuquerque The Magazine

Issue

Albuquerque the

hosted winners of the Hot Plate Award at our May 2024 issue launch party on May 6. Guests enjoyed drinks, networking, prizes, and lots of foodie discussions.

Magazine

1. Melissa Romero, Debbie Serna, Andrea Bentley

2. Jens Smith, Cherie Montoya

3. Roy Gonzales, Deborah Gonzalez

4. Colby Reddoch, Jamie Elias

5. Gerome Olona, Evening Star Barron

6. Javier Montano, Molly Montano, Erin Williams 7. Elma Reynalds, Anthony Dapo, Angela Dapo

FACES&PLACES

Heart of New Mexico Fiber and Art Gathering Wildlife West Park

The biannual Heart of New Mexico Fiber and Art Gathering took place May 18 at Wildlife West Park in Edgewood. Attendees could take classes to learn to crochet, weave, knit, and dye fabrics. They also enjoyed music, art, and food. Proceeds went to support Wildlife West Park.

1. Karen Chimanrusti, Aleia Park

2. Nina Kalin, Owen Kalin

3. John Sands, Sandra Sands

4. Ady Chavez, Angela Lucero

5. Cliff Murdock, Kim Murdock

6. Chris Willden, Monique Gutirez-Ortega, Shirlene Hendrix

7. Wesley Thompson, Kristy Green

Native American Business Leaders

Buffalo Design Architects

Top Row (Left to Right): Shel Wright, Mike Salvador, Larry Anderson, John Tansey

Middle Row (Left to Right): Kathryn Derr, Chelsea Shendo, Mariah Garcia-Baker, Martha Hodgins

Bottom Row (Left to Right): Kalie Matherly, Marc Gonzales, Vanessa Garcia, and Lyvan Medrano

Not Pictured: Kris Schiffer, Alejandro Marquez, Nhi Tran

Buffalo Design Architects maintains diversity of people | place | culture. We proudly blend cultural pride, heritage, and a dedication to serving Indigenous and non-Native communities across the Southwest. As a Native American-owned firm, we are committed to fostering strong relationships with these communities, understanding their unique needs, and creating designs that honor their histories and aspirations. Our work is more than architecture; it's a collaborative effort to promote cultural continuity, enhance the quality of life, and embody the spirit and values of the people we serve. We strive to create spaces that resonate with our clients' cultures, blending traditional wisdom with innovative design solutions. We are dedicated to building beautiful, functional, and meaningful environments, carrying forward the stories, traditions, and dreams of the Indigenous Tribes we are privileged to work with.

Mike Salvador, a Principal and CMO from the Acoma Pueblo, shares:

"Being from the Pueblo of Acoma, architecture is deeply connected to my cultural heritage and community identity. Growing up on tribal lands, I was immersed in an environment seamlessly integrating architectural form with natural materials. For Native peoples, design is intertwined with beliefs, traditions, and respect for the natural

environment. At Buffalo Design, we express these principles in our work, resonating with our clients' cultures and environments. We balance contemporary needs with ancestral wisdom, offering innovative solutions that respect and celebrate cultural heritage."

Chelsea Shendo, a Draftsperson / Technician from the Jemez and Zuni Pueblos, reflects:

"As Indigenous people, we view all things as living beings deserving of respect and gratitude. Guided by our traditions and cultural values, our design process reflects this reverence, prioritizing the needs of the land, community, and people. We create designs rich with symbolic meaning, tailored to Native communities, ensuring sustainability and environmental respect. Our approach is rooted in a commitment to creating spaces that not only meet practical needs but preserve the cultural and natural heritage of the communities we serve."

At Buffalo Design Architects, we weave cultural heritage into every aspect of our practice, serving Indigenous communities with respect and integrity. By creating spaces that reflect the rich cultural landscapes of the Southwest, we lead the way in thoughtful, culturally sensitive, and sustainable design.

Armor Heating & Cooling LLC

Jessica Jaramillo and Jason Zuni - Owners

Armor Heating & Cooling is a Native American-owned company that strives to give individuals the best service and best prices while providing peace of mind knowing the job got done right the first time.

The company, which was launched four years ago, focuses primarily on heating and cooling and is available for both residential and commercial work. Armor Heating & Cooling is built upon the philosophy of fair pricing, quality work and great customer service.

“We walk our customers through the entire process, from the simplest task, to installs that require a lot of modification, to their home or electrical components in the house,” says co-owner Jason Zuni, who has been in the industry for 18 years. “We take them through the process step-by-step, including use of their system after the installation is complete. We will even walk people through troubleshooting over the phone and try to diagnose the system if we are able to save the customer money and time.”

Armor Heating & Cooling has been able to survive through uncertain times such as the pandemic and the challenging state of the current economy. Zuni credits

his great team and loyal customers for helping the company to sustain through any difficulty that may arise.

Much of the Armor Heating & Cooling business comes from word of mouth — a testament to the service it provides, as well as a host of loyal customers.

“We set ourselves apart from other companies with our integrity, workmanship and hands down some of the best customer service anywhere,” Zuni says. “We treat all our customers and employees like family.”

The company strives to stay involved in the community — especially in Isleta Pueblo — by sponsoring some of the local youth in baseball, softball, football, and even rodeos. Armor Heating & Cooling also strives to support community events and fundraisers by donating both time and funds to help those in need.

Armor Heating & Cooling still has more to accomplish. “Ultimately, we would like to see our business grow and are always on the lookout for new ventures, projects, and collaborations within New Mexico,” says co-owner Jessica Jaramillo. “We also want to ensure that we are continually investing in our employees' own personal growth and knowledge."

Founder, Producer, Director - Gathering of Nations Derek Mathews gatheringofnations.com

Arich, diverse background has provided Derek Mathews with the inspiration to launch what would ultimately become one of the world’s most recognized annual festivals.

Mathews’ education, which includes a bachelor’s degree in Theater and Performance Arts, a minor in Political Science and a master’s in Production of Media and Ethnic Studies, provided him with the unique and necessary foundation. And after decades of working in theater and television in a variety of positions and locations, being deeply involved in the community and engulfing himself in a variety of Native cultures, he developed an idea of how to put an event like the Gathering of Nations together.

The Gathering has evolved from humble beginnings, with blessings from Native elders and spiritual leaders in a small gymnasium, to a massive event where Native people can come together each year to celebrate and share culture. The event will celebrate its 42nd anniversary in 2025.

“I think with the many, many people that come from so far to get the feeling of what the Gathering provides, that has got to be the greatest enjoyment of it all,” Mathews says. “Seeing the happy people that come and participate and take something home with them, whether it be the vendors, the singers, the dancers or the visitors who come and learn something about culture that breaks some of the old stereotypes that they might have had when they arrived.”

In addition to the Powwow itself, the three-day spectacle includes the Miss Indian World Competition, an Indian Traders Market, a Horse Parade and musical attractions on Stage 49. It’s something that one must experience in person to truly appreciate.

“It takes on a life of its own within the arena every year,” Mathews says. “Some of the teams that we have in the arena have been working with us ever since we began.”

Over the years, the Gathering of Nations has received numerous awards, including two Grammys.

The Gathering arose from a dream, and now is viewed with legendary status around the world. Mathews and his family have no plans to slow down as it continues into its fourth decade.

“We're always learning, and the more we learn, the more we bring to the event attracting young people into it," he says. “So there's always a future of bringing up new voices, new dancers and performers.

“Everyone of all cultures is welcome to attend and enjoy!”

Notah Begay III (NB3) Foundation

290 Prairie Star Road, Santa Ana Pueblo 505.867.0775 nb3foundation.org

The primary objective of the Notah Begay III (NB3) Foundation is to ensure that Native children achieve their full potential by advancing cultures of Native American community health. This is accomplished by focusing on four core areas: physical activity, healthy nutrition, youth development and cultural connections.

We believe that Native communities have the inherent knowledge, assets and values to address Native children’s health. Rather than enforcing a tool or methodology, we honor community knowledge, stories and practices that have supported centuries of resiliency and determination. We support and work together with communities to create measurable impact and sustainable change in their own communities that benefit their children’s health.

The NB3 Foundation has undergone some significant changes since its inception in 2005. Over the years, we have been able to expand our programs by adding several sports in addition to our flagship junior golf and soccer programs. Our NB3FIT Program offers cross country, track, a basketball league, elite girls basketball teams and various sports camps in several communities. Our youth programs are bolstered by a full-time staff who are dedicated to establishing a strong curriculum, and our coaches are able to teach skills that extend far beyond the basic rules of the game. Through grant funding and donations, more than half of the youth in a given program are on a scholarship to offset costs.

In addition to our well-known direct programs in communities, we strengthen community knowledge of Indigenous evaluation through our Evaluation and Research department. By creating surveys known as “knowledge kits”, our team is able to harvest data from our youth to strengthen our programs in communities.

This past year, the NB3 Foundation Youth Council was established, a significant achievement for a youth-serving organization. We are excited to see how these young individuals will help advance our work to meet the needs of the youth today and into the future. The youth council is part of the efforts of our Community Empowerment department. Community Empowerment provides resources in the form of grant funding to communities and organizations that help create measurable impact to benefit Native youth health.

Moving forward, the NB3 Foundation would love to expand our reach to more Native communities regionally and nationally. We have started this slowly by hosting sports camps and some health-centered conferences in communities across the country. We are also working toward the goal of offering free programs to all the youth we serve.

Learn more and support Native youth by visiting our website: www.nb3foundation.org

(Left to Right) Clint Begay, Cyanne Lujan, Tunté Vigil, Renée Goldtooth-Halwood, Jon Driskell

Gina Euell

President -

Exhibit Solutions of NM, Inc.

4301 Masthead St NE, Suite C exhibitsolutions.net

In April 1999, Gina Euell began her entrepreneurial journey and founded Exhibit Solutions of New Mexico with a goal of becoming the state’s leader in the trade show industry. A Native American and a woman business owner, Gina was excited to take her passion for helping companies look their best at trade shows and bring their vision to life.

Exhibit Solutions of New Mexico is a premier provider of innovative three-dimensional solutions and creative visual marketing products. “We offer high-impact portable/modular displays and have an in-house large-format graphics department, which we specialize in producing outdoor banners, retractable banner stands, wayfinding signs for special events, conferences, recruitment fairs, golf tournaments and trade show signage. Our showroom allows our clients to explore the most up-to-date exhibits. Our staff is committed to helping elevate your brand and get you noticed at trade shows.”

With over 35 years' experience, Gina's passion truly shows. “I love what I do and enjoy working with companies, both large and small, including non-profit organizations and individual artists to look their best.”

“I'm thrilled we're celebrating 25 years in business,” Gina says. “I'm so proud of our success and have an amazing team that's dedicated to getting projects done on time and within budget. I attribute my positive outlook and ‘can-do’ attitude to my success."

Gina is also a proponent of giving back, assisting the NB3 Foundation, Native Guitar Tours, New Mexico Community Capital, and Native Women Lead, which only further indicates her commitment to the Land of Enchantment.

“I try to contribute to my community when I can, both with involvement and service,” she says. “Over the years, I enjoyed serving as a Board Member and Chair for the American Indian Chamber of Commerce, the CNM Community Foundation Board of Directors and the Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. I am currently serving on the Governing Board for the Lovelace Women's Hospital.”

During her career in the trade show and graphics industry, Gina has received recognition and numerous awards, both for her company as a whole and for her individual success as a Native woman entrepreneur. If elevating your brand is the goal, Gina is the ideal person for the job. “We can find the right solution for you!”

OCTOBER 2024

SATURDAY 25 AND SUNDAY 26 | VARIOUS TIMES

Day of the Tread. This is a Halloween-themed bicycling event for cyclists of all ages and skill levels. There is adventure for everyone. Saturday is the Bosque Bone Shaker Gravel Grinder ride of 17, 34, and 50 miles, and Sunday is Day of the Tread with a fun 4K walk and 12 to 100 mile road cycling. Celebrate the end of the cycling season which will benefit New Mexico Children & Family charities. Info: For more information and to register, see dayofthetread.com.

FRIDAY 18 – SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 3 | 7:30 PM

Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. A re-telling of this classic tale with one actor portraying ‘Jekyll’ and four other actors portraying ‘Hyde’. Info: The Adobe Theater, 9813 4th Street NW, (505) 898-9222. Tickets are $15 to $24 ($10 tix Thursday Oct 31 at 7:30 pm) and are available at adobetheater.org.

SATURDAY 26 | 6–11 PM

Behind the Mask 2024 – A Mental Health Awareness Gala. Sponsored by 505 Food Fights, this gala promotes mental health awareness and utilizes all of the proceeds to support local nonprofits. Info: Albuquerque Convention Center, Ballroom A, 401 Second Street NW. Tickets: General $150 plus fees; VIP $175 plus fees at Eventbrite.com.

AS YOU WISH

SATURDAY 26 | 8 PM

The Princess Bride in Concert. For the first time, composer Mark Knopfler’s unforgettable score has been specially arranged for symphony orchestra. Missing this cinematic concert experience would be inconceivable! Audiences will be able to relive the magic in high-definition on a 40-foot screen while hearing the New Mexico Philharmonic perform the memorable score. Info: Popejoy Hall, 230 Cornell Drive NE. Tickets available at nmphil. org.

AFFAIRS IN ORDER WINDS

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1 THROUGH MONDAY 4 | 9 AM–5 PM

MONDAY 21 | 7:30 PM

UNM Chamber Winds Concert. Enjoy and appreciate Konzertmusik für Blasorchester (Hindemith), Debo Gritarlo al Viento (Nur Slim world premiere, with Olga Perez Flora and James Flora), and Concerto pour les instruments á vent et le piano (Martin). Info: Keller Hall, 203 Cornell Drive NE. Tickets $15 general admission, $10 seniors and UNM employees, $5 students (18+ must show student ID).

CRAFTS

FRIDAY 4 THROUGH SUNDAY 6 | 9 AM

34th Annual Rio Grande Arts & Crafts Festival. This festival is ranked #14 in the US, and features 200 juried fine artists and craftsmen from across the nation beneath one big white tent. Taking place during the Balloon Fiesta at Sandia Resort and Casino, attendees can enjoy shopping, live music, cocktails, a culinary market, kids’ activities, and food trucks. Info: riograndefestivals.com. Admission is $13, parking is free. Also open Friday, October 11 through Sunday 14, same time.

Before I Die New Mexico Festival. This festival has entertaining and educational elements that enable people to discuss end-of-life issues and plan ahead. Learn what you need to know before you go. Info: Locations vary each day. Registration ranges from $20 to $200 at beforeidiefestivals.com.

SATURDAY 26 | 11 AM–2 PM

New Mexico Quilters Association’s 50th Anniversary Celebration. Join other quilters for a luncheon and presentation featuring national award-winning quilter and past NMQA President Gail Garber. Her “What Goes Around Comes Around” lecture will reflect on NMQA’s history and the bold, colorful, and stunning geometric designs of her quilts. Info: Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, 2401 12th Street NW, (505) 843-7270. Purchase tickets at nmqa.org/events.

SATURDAY

| 10 AM–12 PM

Rio Grande Food Project’s Hike to End Hunger. There is a new hike location at Pat Hurley Park Lower Loop for this family- and dogfriendly event. Enjoy trails, fun activities, local food trucks, and a beautiful view of ABQ. Info: Visit rgfp.org to donate, buy a 2024 Hike tee, or start a team. The park is located at 5301 Rincon Road, NW. Free.

COLORFUL

FRIDAY 4 | 5–8 PM

Color Play Artists’ Reception. Amapola Gallery’s featured artists for October share a passion for colors, triumphantly present in their exhibit “Color Play.” Come meet Amy Jane Johnson, potter and tie dye specialist, and Catalina Salinas, abstract painter, at this reception. There will be live music and light refreshments. The show runs through October. Info: Amapola Gallery, on the Plaza in Old Town, upstairs at 205 Romero, NW. Open daily from 10 am to 5 pm. (505) 2424311, Amapola-gallery.com.

MUSIC

SUNDAY 20 | 3 PM

The Hermitage Piano Trio. Presented by Placitas Artists Series, the trio will play Shostakovich, Grieg, Perelló, and Parker. Fine artists on exhibit include Michelle D-Amour, Virginia Primozik, Katie Thomas, and Iwren Walraven. Info: Las Placitas Presbyterian Church, 7 Paseo De San Antonio Road, Placitas, (505) 867-8080, PlacitasArts.org. Tickets $30.

SUNDAY 6 | 10:30 AM

Chatter Sunday. Line Upon Line Percussion trio visits from Austin to perform “The Lonesome River” by NM composer Luke Gullickson. As always, your ticket includes a coffee drink from the espresso bar. Info: Chatter, 912 Third Street NW. Tickets: $17 adults in advance; $20 at-door, $9 students/under-30, $5 under-13. More information at chatterabq.org.

MONDAY 14 | 7:30 PM

Bard Crawl: King Lear. Duke City Repertory Theatre’s Bard Crawl is back. Join the fun as they bring the Shakespeare party to Albuquerque’s breweries and beyond. Other dates include October 15th, 18th, 22nd, 23rd, 24th, and 25th at various times and different locations. Info: This evening’s crawl is at Boxing Bear Firestone Taproom, 8420 Firestone Lane NE. Please visit dukecityrep.com for times, places, and more information. Tickets are Pay What It’s Worth ($15 suggested).

tuesday 1 | 12 pm

Watermelon Mountain Ranch Fur Ball Silent Auction. Online silent auction kicks off WMR’s Fur Ball season by auctioning off over 100 items including designer and fine jewelry, art, home decor, gift certificates for local dining, spa treatments, lifestyle activities and much more. Profits support the animals of WMR. Info: Free registration at wmranch.org.

tuesday 1 | 4:30–5:15 pm

Town & Ranch Production and Distillery Tour. Join a behind-the-scenes tour of our production space, meet the team, and watch our lavender essential oil be transformed into soaps, salves, spirits and more. Closed-toed shoes are required. Info: Town & Ranch, 1318 4th Street NW. For details visit lospoblanos.com/ events. Free.

wednesday 2 | 10:30 am–12 pm

Traditional Gardening at Coronado Historic Site. Learn how to plan next year’s garden and how to gather and store seeds in this traditional Pueblo gardening workshop. Info: 485 Kuaua Road, Bernalillo, nmhistoricsites.org/Coronado. $7 adults, free to kids 16 and younger, and to NM residents 60+ with ID.

friday 4 | 5–7 pm

First Look: 36th Annual Juried Old Church Fine Arts Show and Sale. Enjoy meeting the New Mexico artists at this reception and get a first look at the show. Info: Historic Old San Ysidro Church, 966 Old Church Road, Corrales. For more information, contact carol@ rigmark.com. Free.

friday 4 | 5–7 pm

Gallery Hózhó Artists’ Reception. Terran Last Gun and David Naranjo are welcomed back to the gallery. Pikanii artist Last Gun has been laying his abstract forms on

antique ledger paper. Naranjo, enrolled at Cochiti, Santa Clara, and San Juan Pueblos, translates elements from historic pottery into his paintings. Info: Gallery Hózhó is located inside Hotel Chaco across from the Sawmill Market.

friday 4 | 5–8 pm

Bronze and Pastel Artists’ Reception at The Gallery ABQ. Marcey Gillespie (figurative sculpture) and Stan Davis (pastel) are the attractions this month, and the featured artists are Linda Weiss (fused glass) and Dana Millen (acrylic). Info: The Gallery ABQ, 8210 Menaul Blvd. NE, thegalleryabq. com or facebook@thegalleryabq, (505) 292-9333.

friday 4 | 5:30–8 pm

Doorway to Imagination: A Multisensory Approach to Art. Enjoy this show at the Orpheum Community Hub hosted by New Mexico Arts Imaginative Collective (NMAIC) which will have works that you can see, touch, hear and smell. Info: Orpheum Community Hub, 500 Second Street SW. Free Admission.

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friday 4 through saturday 19| friday and saturday 7:30 pm; sunday 2 pm

Andrew Lippa’s The Wild Party. A steamy prohibition tale, this darkly brilliant show features one of the most exciting, pulse-racing scores ever written. Lovers Queenie and Burrs decide to throw the party-to-end-all-parties in their Manhattan apartment, and the decadence reaches a climax. You must attend to see how it ends. Info: 6320 Domingo Road NE, Suite B. Tickets $28 at onthestage. tickets/show/musical-theatresouthwest.

friday 4 | 7:30 pm

UNM Choirs Concert. Conducted by Dr. David Edmonds and Sharee Gariety. Info: Keller Hall, 203 Cornell Drive NE. Visit music.unm. edu for more information. Tickets $15 general admission, $10 seniors and UNM employees, $5 students (18+ must show student ID).

friday 4 through thursday 31 | open tuesday–saturday, 10 am–4 pm Multi-media Art Show. This exhibit, titled “Naked,” is a fundraiser for the Southwest Women’s Law Center and its work protecting reproductive health and rights. Twenty percent of sales will go to this Center and 10% to The Groove. The Groove Artspace is a teaching collaborative and gallery primarily focused on glass and mosaic art, but encompasses many different art forms. Info: The Groove Artspace, 309 Gold Ave. SW, thegrooveartspace.com, (505) 750-1713.

friday 4 | 9 pm

Chatter Late Works. A late-night concert for the adventurous at Chatter’s downtown warehouse performance space. Music by Tristan Murail, Chris Cerrone, Jose-Luis Hurtado and more. Cash bar provided by Rumor Brewing. Info: Chatter, 912 Third Street NW.

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Tickets: $17 adults in advance; $20 at-door, $9 students/under-30, $5 under-13. More information at chatterabq.org.

friday 4 through sunday 6 | doors open at 9 am 34th Annual Rio Grande Arts & Crafts Festival. This festival is ranked #14 in the US, and features 200 juried fine artists and craftsmen from across the nation beneath one big white tent. Taking place during the Balloon Fiesta at Sandia Resort and Casino, attendees can enjoy shopping, live music, cocktails, a culinary market, kids’ activities, and food trucks. Info: riograndefestivals.com. Admission is $13, parking is free. Also open friday 11 through sunday 13.

friday 4 through sunday 6 | 9 am–5 pm

ABQ Fall Gem, Mineral and Jewelry Show. There will be 70 dealers, mineral specimens, rough, slabs, cabochons, beads, fossils, tools, and equipment. Info: EXPO New Mexico, Creative Arts Building, 300 San Pedro NE, enter Gate 3. Free. For more information, contact Jay Penn at (505) 8834195 or jaypenn246@gmail.com.

friday 4 through sunday 6 | friday and saturday 11 am–10 pm; sunday 11 am–4 pm

ABQ Grecian Festival. Immerse yourself in the sounds of the bouzouki, the tastes of authentic Greek cuisine, and the eye-catching sights of dancers streaming by in colorful costumes. Tour the St. George Church and enjoy shopping. Info: Saint George Greek Orthodox Church, 308 High Street SE. $5 admission with other discounts. Tickets at Eventbrite.com.

much to enjoy! So early to rise!! Info: Visit balloonfiesta.com for all of the information you will need to enjoy Albuquerque’s beautiful ornaments in the sky for nine days.

saturday 5 and sunday 6 |

9 am–5 pm

Harvest Festival at the Botanic Garden. Fall in love with autumn all over again. Explore a variety of landscapes throughout the Garden and Aquarium, listen to live music, enjoy festival treats, local brews, and celebrate the beauty of the season. Info: 2601 Central Ave. NW, tickets at cabq.gov/biopark.

saturdays

5, 12, and 19 | 9 am–1 pm

Winrock Park Market. Local growers, artisans, makers, food trucks and live music come together for a vibrant community experience the first three Saturdays of October. Info: Winrock Park Market, located behind Dillard’s at 2100 Louisiana Blvd. NE. Presented by Winrock Town Center. Free parking available.

saturday 5 | 10 am–12 pm

Ranger Read and Learn Children’s Story Time. Coronado/Jemez Historic Site staff will read a book about the water cycle. Kids can then participate in a water-based activity. Info: Martha Liebert Public Library,124 Calle Malinche, Bernalillo, nmhistoricsites.org/ Coronado. Free.

more information, contact carol@ rigmark.com. Free.

saturday 5 | 11 am–5 pm

ABQ 13th Zine Fest. This is the oldest organized zine event in New Mexico which fosters a creative environment for zinesters with many exhibitors this year. Info: Sanitary Tortilla Factory, 1135 Broadway Blvd. NE, abqzfest.com. Free.

saturday 5 | 1–3 pm

Colors of Home Artists’ Reception. Wild Hearts Gallery presents Bunny and Leland Bowen, mixed media and Batik fiber wall art. The exhibit will run October 1–27. Info: Wild Hearts Gallery, an artists’ collective of 15 local artists, 221 Homestead Village, Highway 165, Placitas, (505) 361-2710.

saturday 5 | 7:30 pm

Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse In Concert. Witness the action-packed animated film as never before, with live musicians performing the score. Info: Popejoy Hall, 203 Cornell Drive NE, popejoypresents. com, (505) 277-4569.

sunday 6 | 6:30 am–6:30 pm

saturday 5 through sunday 13 | various times

Embrace the Sky. Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. So much to see! So much to do! So

saturday 5 through sunday 13 | 10 am–5 pm

Run of Show: 36th Annual Juried Old Church Fine Arts Show and Sale. This show of over 50 New Mexico artists is a partnership between Corrales Historical Society and Corrales Society of Artists. Explore painting, photography, sculpture and more, set in the beautiful backdrop of Historic Old San Ysidro Church. Info: 966 Old Church Road, Corrales. For

Dawn to Dusk at Coronado Historic Site. Check out the museum, walk the ruins, make a craft. Enjoy fresh roasted corn from the horno while listening to storyteller Rosalia Pacheco perform La Llorona from 2–4 pm. Info: 485 Kuaua Road, Bernalillo, nmhistoricsites.org/ Coronado. Free to NM residents with ID, $7 general, young people under 16 free.

sunday 6 | 10:30 am

$5 under-13. More information at chatterabq.org.

sunday 6 | 3–4 pm

Albuquerque Concert Band, First of the Fall/Winter Concert Series. Spend an hour and delight in this fun concert. Info: Eldorado High School Performing Arts Center, 11300 Montgomery Blvd. NE. Free and open to the public.

tuesday 8 | 7 pm

Foreigner. These platinum hard rockers, who are equally talented with biting anthems as well as mammoth power ballads, creating an impressive string of hits, will perform in Rio Rancho. Info: Rio Rancho Events Center, 3001 Civic Center Drive, Rio Rancho. Tickets at ticketmaster.com.

wednesday 9 | 7:30 pm

Band Concert. UNM Symphonic Band, conducted by Dr. Chad Simons. Info: Popejoy Hall, 203 Cornell Drive NE. Visit music.unm. edu for more information. Tickets $15 general admission, $10 seniors and UNM employees, $5 students (18+ must show student ID).

friday 11 through sunday 13 | doors open at 9 am

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friday 11 | 9 am and 12:30 pm

Admissions Open Houses at HOPE Christian School. HOPE welcomes prospective families from Preschool through High School to two separate Open House events, Pre-K to 5th grade at 9 am and 6th through 12th grade at 12:30 pm. Join us for a brief presentation with Q&A, followed by campus tours. Info: Register at HCSNM.org/visit. Admissions is free, but an RSVP is required.

friday 11 through sunday 27 | friday and saturday 7:30; sunday 2 pm

Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors. When her sister Mina falls ill with a mysterious disease of the blood, Lucy Westfeldt and her fiancé, Jonathan Harker, enlist the help of famed female vampire hunter Doctor Jean Van Helsing. Their

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hunt for the dangerous and sexy Count Dracula abounds with clever wordplay and quickchange antics. Info: Albuquerque Little Theatre, 224 San Pasquale SW, (505) 242-4750. Tickets at boxoffice@abqliltheatre.org.

friday 11 | 7:30 pm

Albuquerque Science Fiction Society. Author and folklorist Benjamin Radford talks about “Mysterious Menaces and Sinister Syringes: The 2021 Needle Spiking Panic,” plus the annual club officer elections.This long-running NM science fiction club has author readings, science talks, films and discussions. Info: Activity Room, St. Andrew Presbyterian Church, 5301 Ponderosa Ave. NE. Call (505) 266-8905 or visit bubonicon.com. Free to newcomers.

saturday 12 | 10 am–12 pm

Pastel Society of New Mexico. Please join us at our October meeting for a presentation by Sandi Ludescher, “a painter different.” Her current series is based on Day of the Dead, embracing unique cultures through the faces of people and their celebrations. She shows the real people behind the makeup and costumes. Don’t miss this great opportunity to meet and learn from an amazing artist, and also acquire knowledge about pastels and the Pastel Society. Info: Albuquerque Museum, 2000 Mountain Road NW. All welcome, no charge.

saturday 12 | 10 am–4 pm

Monthly Book Sale Benefitting the Library. Shop thousands of items priced at 10% off the retail price or even less. Fiction, Non-Fiction, Books for Kids and Teens, Graphic Novels, DVDs, CDs, and much more. You are sure to find a treasure to LOVE. Validated parking and

carry-out service available. Info: Friends of the Public Library, Main Library, Lower Level, 501 Copper NW. $2 before Noon, free after Noon, FOPL members always free. For more info, visit friendsofthepubliclibrary.org.

saturday 12 through sunday 27 | saturdays 12 and 26 at 7:30 pm; saturdays 19 and 26 and sundays at 2 pm

Our Town by Thornton Wilder. Rio Rancho Players Community Theatre presents this American classic three-act play about the fictional American town of Grover’s Corners between 19011913. There will be a cash-only raffle. All tickets include one dessert and one beverage. The play is recommended for ages 13+. Info: The Neighborhood, 900 Loma Colorado Ave., Rio Rancho. General Admission $25; Senior,

Student, Educator and Military $20.

saturday 12 | 8–10 pm

New Mexico Philharmonic. Olga Kern performs Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 3 in D minor, Op 30. Also on the program is Anton Bruckner’s, Symphony No. 4 in E-flat major, WAB 104. Popejoy Hall, 203 Cornell NE, (505) 2779771. Tickets $35 to $90 at nmphil.org.

sunday 13 | 10:30 am

Chatter Sunday. Oboist Kevin Vigneau, violist Kim Fredenburgh, and pianist Judith Gordon perform. As always, your ticket includes a coffee drink from the espresso bar. Info: Chatter, 912 Third Street NW. Tickets: $17 adults in advance; $20 atdoor, $9 students/under-30, $5 under-13. More information at chatterabq.org.

sunday 13 | 3 pm

Skull! A Día De Muertos Musical Adventure. A candy skeleton comes to life in this celebration of Mexican culture about embracing your heritage. This is a family show. Info: Popejoy Hall, 203 Cornell Drive NE, popejoypresents.com, (505) 2774569.

sunday 13 | 3 pm

New Mexico Philharmonic Power Concerts: Bruckner Meets Sci-Fi. Includes the opening to Strauss’s “Also sprach Zarathustra,” movements of Bruckner’s Symphony No. 4 and John Williams’s classics, the “Flying Theme” from E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial as well as “Darth Vader’s Theme” from Star Wars. Info: Immanuel Presbyterian Church, 114 Carlisle Blvd. SE, (505) 265-7628. Tickets $2, $10, and $35 at nmphil.org.

monday 14 | 7:30 pm and other dates and times (see below)

thursday 17 | 6–8:30 pm

Open Mosaic Studio. Bring your own glass/mosaic tile project to work on in community with others. Hosted by artists Erika Harding or Jill Gatwood, hear tips, techniques, and input

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on your project in a relaxed, social studio setting. Info: The Groove Artspace, 309 Gold Ave. SW. Reserve your spot at thegrooveartspace.com, $20.

friday 18 | 8 am–1 pm

2024 Albuquerque Stand Down for the Homeless and At-Risk Veterans. Veterans Administration staff and volunteers, including Blue Star Mothers, will provide food, clothing and health screenings. Veterans also receive referrals for health care, housing solutions, employment, substance use treatment, mental health counseling, and other essential services. Info: The Rock at Noon Day, 2400 Second Street NE. Contact Fermin Ortega (NM VIC) at (505) 296-0800 or Roberto Christian (VA) at (505) 2250659.

friday 18 | 7:30 pm

Our Town by Thornton Wilder. Rio Rancho Players Community Theatre’s Date Night Gala by Lily & Liam Bistro presents this American classic three-act play about the fictional American town of Grover’s Corners between 1901-1913. There will be a cashonly raffle. All tickets include one dessert and one beverage. The play is recommended for ages 13+. Info: The Neighborhood, 900 Loma Colorado Ave., Rio Rancho. General Admission $25; Senior, Student, Educator and Military $20.

friday 18 and saturday 19 | 10:30 pm

The 12th Annual Rocky Horror Anniversary Show. PRIDE & Equality continues the tradition with their annual two-day event, including a preshow, guest performers, a film screening with a live shadow cast, and prop bags. Info: The Guild Cinema, 3405 Central Ave. NE. Tickets $20–$50 at myprideonline.com/rockyhorror.

friday 18 through sunday 20 | 7 pm friday and saturday; 2 pm sunday

Sacrad Journeys V featuring Robert Mirabal. Classical and contemporary dance combine with the eclectic music of two-time Grammy awardwinning Taos Pueblo musician Robert Mirabal in this reflection of New Mexican cultures through dance, music, and spoken word. Mirabal collaborates with Festival Ballet Albuquerque’s artistic director Patricia Dickinson Wells and with internationally renowned New York City Ballet dancer Jock Soto, of Navajo and Puerto Rican descent. Info: National Hispanic Cultural Center, Albuquerque Journal Theatre, 1701 Fourth Street SW. Tickets at festivalballetabq.org.

friday 18 through sunday, november 3 | 7:30 pm

fridays and saturdays; 2 pm sundays

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31 at 7:30 pm) and are available at adobetheater.org.

saturday 19 | 8:30 am–12 pm

The Walk to End Alzheimer’s. At the Alzheimer’s Association, we’re fighting for a different future –for families facing the disease, for more time, and for treatments. We’re closer than ever, but we need you. Please join us for the

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world’s largest fundraiser to fight Alzheimer’s. Info: Mariposa Basin Park, Taylor Ranch Road and Kachina NW. For more information call (505) 404-9841 or email alkeller@alz.org.

saturday 19 | 10 am–4 pm

Fiesta of Cultures at Coronado Historic Site. The festival is hosted by the Friends of Coronado and Jemez Historic Sites, and features arts and crafts, live entertainment, demonstrations, food trucks, and kids’ activities. Info: 485 Kuaua Road, Bernalillo, nmhistoricsites. org/Coronado. The outdoor festival is free; the Historic Site is $7/adults and free to children 16 and younger.

saturday 19 | 3–6 pm

Meet the Distiller at Town & Ranch. Go behind the scenes with our head distiller and learn how Los Poblanos Botanical Spirits

are made. Closed-toed shoes are required. Drop in anytime between 3–6 pm. Info: Town & Ranch, 1318 4th Street NW. For details visit lospoblanos.com/ events. Free.

saturday 19 | 5–6:30 pm

Concert in Los Ranchos at Alfredo Garcia Community Barn. Music in Corrales presents captivating, award-winning singer-songwriter Rooster Blackspur. Like a lightning bolt, she irresistibly captivates audiences, whether in festivals or intimate concert halls. Her lyrics echo the essence of living fearlessly, and, above all, embracing authenticity with the heart of a courageous performer. Info: 6610 Rio Grande Blvd. NW. Tickets $25 online in advance at musicincorrales.org/tickets and $30 at the door, if available.

sunday 20 | 10:30 am

Chatter Sunday. Solo performance by violinist, UNM professor and NM Philharmonic concertmaster Cármelo de los Santos. As always, your ticket includes a custom coffee drink from the espresso bar. Info: Chatter, 912 Third Street NW. Tickets: $17 adults in advance; $20 at-door, $9 students/under-30, $5 under-13. More information at chatterabq. org.

sunday 20 | 11 am–2 pm

Funday at Gisewa. Explore the ways of Pueblo life through cooking, art demonstrations, dances, and much more at Jemez Historic site. Visit with local artists, eat pueblo food, or try a new skill. Info: 18160 NM-4, Jemez Springs, nmhistoricsites.org/Jemez. $7 general; young people under 16 free.

sunday 20 | 2 pm

CHS Speaker Series: “The Origins of Dia de Los Muertos.” Michael and Sandy Heralda will reveal the ancient concepts and beliefs regarding this topic from an indigenous perspective. Info: Old San Ysidro Church, 966 Old Church Road, Corrales. For more information, contact Dean Sherer, corraleshistory. org or chsspeakerseries@ corraleshistory.org. Free.

sunday 20 | 2–5 pm

Pinot Noir Festival. Keshet and the ABQ Wine Classic present the Pinot Noir Festival at Seasons Rotisserie & Grill. Enjoy delicious wines from some of the top names from Willamette Valley, Sonoma, Santa Cruz Mountains, and Santa Barbara, paired with delectable bites complementing the Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Info: Seasons Rotisserie & Grill, 2031 Mountain Road NW. Tickets $150 at keshetarts.org.

sunday 20 | 3 pm

monday 21 | 7:30 pm

tuesday 22 | 7 pm

Coco Live-To-Film Concert. Experience the celebrated Disney Pixar film with live music performed by the Orquesta Folclórica Nacional de México. Info: Popejoy Hall, 203 Cornell Drive NE, popejoypresents.com, (505) 2774569.

wednesday 23 | 5:30 pm

Dr. Armin Rembe Lecture Series. Join us for a deep dive into Georgia O’Keeffe’s iconic interior design with Giustina Renzoni, Curator of Historic Properties at O’Keeffe’s historic home in Abiquiú, NM. Info: La Quinta Cultural Center, 4803 Rio Grande Blvd. NW. For tickets and details visit lospoblanos.com/events. $20/person.

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wednesday 23 | 6:30 pm

Dashboard Confessional Fall Tour. Dashboard Confessional’s style is “emo” which is the sound of alternative rock, indie rock, and acoustic rock. The band is an American rock band from Boca Raton, Florida formed in 1999 and led by singer Chris Carrabba. Info: Revel Entertainment, 4720 Alexander Blvd. NE, (505) 321-0406. Tickets available at Prekindle.com, $49.50 plus fees.

thursday 24 | 6–9 pm

Millennial Morticians with ABQ Brews - Death Doula Edition. At this free Before I Die NM Festival event, buy a drink and ask questions of death doulas and young funeral directors during this enlightening evening. Then stick around for the comedy film “Just Buried.” Info: Tractor Brewing, Wells Park location, 1800 4th Street NW. beforeidiefestivals.com.

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friday 25 | 9 am–4 pm

Scrumptious Star Stitchery Workshop with Gail Garber. Working with one of Gail’s quilt designs, learn the ins and outs of this fascinating technique that enables the student to stitch very complex designs with ease and, best of all, accuracy. Info: The Quilt Works, 11105 Menaul Blvd. NE, register at NMQA.org/events.

friday 25 | 10:45 am

Dvořák’s Serenade. The New Mexico Philharmonic presents this serenade that can be defined as a musical work to be performed outdoors on a beautiful evening. Antonín Dvořák helped define the genre with his five-movement serenade from 1875. Hear this work along with Osvaldo Golijov’s tango-flavored Last Round. Info:

First United Methodist Church, 314 Lead Aven. SW, (505) 2435646. Tickets $30 to $52 at nmphil.org.

friday 25 | 7 pm

NAIOP First Annual New Mexico Inaugural Fight Night. The commercial real estate community will fight forcharity, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting Ojos de La Familia. The night will feature five commercialreal estate professionals who have been dedicating themselves to a rigorous three-month professional training camp. Tickets start at $225/person (members) and $275/person (non-members) which includes admission, worldclass entertainment, food, drinks, and cigars. Info: Marriott Pyramid North, 5151 SanFrancisco Road NE. Visit naiopnm.org for tickets or call (505) 345-6976 for more information.

friday 25 | 7:30–9 pm

Classics New and Old, Albuquerque Philharmonic Orchestra. Guest conductor David Felberg leads the Orchestra in Contemporary American composer Jennifer Higdon’s Blue Cathedral, Aaron Copland’s Four Dance Episodes from Rodeo and Ludwig van Beethoven’s 7th Symphony. Info: First Presbyterian Church, 215 Locust Street NE. Free, open seating, no tickets necessary. Donations appreciated, children welcome. Visit abqphil.org or call (505) 433-7445 for information.

saturday 25 and sunday 26 | various times

Day of the Tread. This is a Halloweenthemed bicycling event for cyclists of all ages and skill levels. There is adventure for everyone. Saturday is the Bosque Bone Shaker Gravel Grinder ride of 17, 34, and 50 miles, and Sunday is Day of the Tread with a fun 4K walk and 12 to 100 mile road cycling. Celebrate the end of the cycling season which will benefit New Mexico Children

& Family charities. Info: For more information and to register, see dayofthetread.com.

saturday 26 | 10 am–12 pm

Rio Grande Food Project’s Hike to End Hunger. There is a new hike location at Pat Hurley Park Lower Loop for this family- and dog-friendly event. Enjoy trails, fun activities, local food trucks, and a beautiful view of ABQ. Info: Visit rgfp.org to donate, buy a 2024 Hike tee, or start a team. The park is located at 5301 Rincon Road, NW. Free.

saturday 26 and sunday 27 | 10 am–5 pm

Beyond the Straight Photopolymer Print. In this back by popular demand workshop, Lincoln Draper, master of rich, subtle photopolymer prints, will divulge his secrets for creating detailed, mysterious photo prints. The class will cover

techniques for making finely calibrated transparencies from your digital images and more. Info: Print Workshop, 3812 Central Ave. SE, Suite 100B, (505) 268-8952. Sign up at remarqueprintshop. com, $260 for both days with a lunch break.

saturday 26 | 11 am–2 pm

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saturday 26 | 12–1 pm

Peyote Bird Jewelry. Join Amanda Alexander of Peyote Bird, one of the world’s premier southwestern jewelry companies, to learn about Peyote Bird’s history, artisans, and the hand-crafted jewelry they create. After the talk, a special pop-up shop will be hosted. Info: Town & Ranch, 1318 4th Street NW. For details visit lospoblanos. com/events. $15 includes a specialty cocktail.

saturday 26 | 1–5 pm

Murder and Mayhem Cemetery Tour. Wear your walking shoes for this fascinating tour of Historic Fairview Cemetery. Meet some of the “permanent residents” who died because of murder or mayhem. Info: Fairview Cemetery, 700 Yale Blvd. SE. $50 at the cemetery or Before I Die NM Festival with $80 registration level at beforeidiefestivals.com.

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saturday 26 | 4–7 pm

Ghouls on Parade. This festival and costume parade will celebrate the essence of Halloween. From 4–6:30 pm you’ll find a kiddie carnival corner with jumpers, face painting, food trucks, and local performers, as well as candy given out from vendors’ booths. At 6:45 the costume parade will start. Info: Morningside Park, 300 Aliso Drive SE for the festival, then line up at Silver Avenue and Morningside Drive for the parade. Free.

saturday 26 | 6–11 pm

plus fees; VIP $175 plus fees at Eventbrite.com.

saturday 26 | 7–10 pm

ABQ Dance Club Halloween Dance. Fun social dances with a variety of music for swing, country, ballroom, and Latin. All levels. No partner needed and beginners are welcome (introductory dance lesson at 6:45 pm on 4th Saturday). Info: ABQ Square Dance Center, 4915 Hawkins NE. For info and to confirm schedule, email glkello@nmia.com or call (505) 299-3737 (no text; leave message). $8 fee ($5 ADC).

saturday 26 | 8 pm

The Princess Bride in Concert. For the first time, composer Mark Knopfler of Dire Straits’ unforgettable score has been specially arranged for symphony orchestra. Missing this cinematic concert experience would be

inconceivable! Audiences will be able to relive the magic in high-definition on a 40-foot screen while hearing the New Mexico Philharmonic perform the memorable score. Info: Popejoy Hall, 230 Cornell Drive NE. Tickets available at nmphil.org.

sunday 27 | 9 am–4 pm

Little Goose, Little Goose, Fly Away Home Workshop with Gail Garber. Students will get an introduction to original design quilting concepts and have detailed instruction in freezer paper piecing techniques and curved seam piecing. Info: The Quilt Works, 11105 Menaul Blvd. NE, register at NMQA.org/events.

sunday 27 | 10:30 am

Chatter Sunday. George Crumb’s “Night of the Four Moons” for voice, flute, banjo, electric cello, and percussion will be performed. As always, your ticket includes

a custom coffee drink from the espresso bar. Info: Chatter, 912 Third Street NW. Tickets: $17 adults in advance; $20 at-door, $9 students/under-30, $5 under-13. More information at chatterabq. org.

sunday 27 | 2 pm

Opera Southwest: Madama Butterfly. For over a century, the tragic tale of a geisha’s love, steadfastness, and heartbreak has been enchanting audiences around the world. The gorgeous melodies are tinged with foreboding, as Butterfly fears her happiness is so great that she may die of it. Info: National Hispanic Cultural Center Journal Theatre, 1701 4th Street SW, (505) 246-2261. Shows also on October 30 and November 1 at 7:30 pm, as well as November 3 at 2 pm. Tickets: OperaSouthwest. org, (505) 243-0591.

sunday 27 | 3–4:30 pm

Classics New and Old, Albuquerque Philharmonic Orchestra. Guest conductor David Felberg leads the Orchestra in Contemporary American composer Jennifer Higdon’s Blue Cathedral, Aaron Copland’s Four Dance Episodes from Rodeo and Ludwig van Beethoven’s 7th Symphony. Info: St. Therese Church, 3424 4th Street NW, Albuquerque. Free, open seating, no tickets required, donations appreciated, children welcome. Visit abqphil.org or call (505) 433-7445 for information.

sunday 27 | 7:30 pm

Faculty Spotlight Concert. Featuring UNM Music faculty, alumni and guests. Join us for a post-show reception to speak with our faculty and enjoy light refreshments. Info: Keller Hall, 203 Cornell Drive NE. Visit music.unm.edu for more information. Tickets $15 general

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admission, $10 seniors and UNM employees, $5 students (18+ must show student ID).

sunday 27 | 8 pm

Juanes. Raised in Colombia, Juanes began playing piano at age two. He started his first band, Ekhymosis, at age 17. He has since gone solo playing Latin rock, and has won 26 Latin Grammy Awards and three Grammy Awards. Info: Revel Entertainment, 4720 Alexander Blvd. NE. Tickets have sold out; standing room only is available for $44.50 plus fees at Prekindle. com.

tuesday 29 | 7:30 pm

Jazz Concert. Enjoy the UNM Jazz Bands, led by Dr. Christopher Buckholz and Robby Beasley, with Scott Jacobsen and John Funkhouser on piano. Info: Keller Hall, 203 Cornell Drive NE.

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Visit music.unm.edu for more information. Tickets $15 general admission, $10 seniors and UNM employees, $5 students (18+ must show student ID).

wednesday 30 | 5–7 pm

100 Women Albuquerque’s Meetup. Join others on the patio at Rio Bravo Brewing as we socialize and each donate $100 to a local nonprofit. Every quarter, we raise over $10,000. As a donor, you get to vote on the nonprofit for next quarter. All women are welcome. Info: Rio Bravo Brewing, 1912 Second Street NW, 100womenabq.org. Free event.

wednesday 30 | 7:30 pm

foreboding, as Butterfly fears her happiness is so great that she may die of it. Info: National Hispanic Cultural Center Journal Theatre, 1701 4th Street SW, (505) 2462261. Shows also on November 1 at 7:30 pm and November 3 at 2 pm. Tickets: OperaSouthwest. org, (505) 243-0591. Note: Taste of Opera pre-show dinner before the performance at La Fonda del Bosque; reservations at (505) 238-5316.

ONGOING/DAILY EVENTS

various days | various times

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

Visitor’s Guide can also be obtained.

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

various

days | various times

CSP Dance Studios. Providing Albuquerque with the best partner dance instruction in town, including ballroom, Latin, swing, country, and line dance instruction. Info: 1624 Eubank Blvd. NE, (505) 883-9521, cspdancestudios.com.

various days | various times

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

various days

various times

New Mexico Young Actors, Inc. Now in their 45th season, NMYA features youth ages 9 to 19 in all roles. The mission is to develop an appreciation of theater in our community – performances by children and for children. NMYA offers classes, workshops, and productions, and are always looking for new young actors to join their company. Weekly theater classes are offered for ages 5 to 18; Drama I classes for elementary, middle, and high school students; and Advanced

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Drama productions are available for returning students. Call (505) 821-8055, email info@ nmyoungactors.org, or visit website at nmyoungactors. org. Prorated fees and tuition assistance available.

various days | various times

Old San Ysidro Church Tours. Come see the beauty and learn the history of one of Corrales’ most significant historic buildings. Informative docents are on hand to provide insight into the history and current usage of this iconic landmark. Info: 966 Old Church

Road, Corrales. Register for a tour at corraleshistory.org. Free.

various days | 8–10 pm

Haunted Tour of Old Town. Take a tour of Old Town Albuquerque and learn about the many ghosts who have made the Old Town square their home. Legends, folklore, ghost stories, and history come to life as you depart on an intriguing excursion – 314 years of haunted history. Info: Approximately 1 hour, 50 minutes. Abqtours.fun.

daily | Cancer Support Now. LGBT Cancer

Peer Support, no charge oneon-one peer cancer support matching for cancer survivors and/or caregivers. Info: Our Helpline is available seven days a week at (505) 255-0405. Currently hosting web meetings only. Please call our helpline for an invitation to join a web support group or to connect with someone for one-to-one support.

daily | 9 am–5 pm

At Play in the Atomic Age. The toys of the atomic age reflect the times and culture of their day. The Atomic Age was born with the Manhattan Project and blasted into the public’s consciousness in 1945. This exhibit features over 100 artifacts from the permanent collection of the Nuclear Museum and artifacts on loan specifically for this exhibition. Info: The National Museum of Nuclear Science and History, 601 Eubank NE, (505) 245-2137. Tickets $15 at nuclearmuseum.org.

daily | various times

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

lospoblanos.com/hacienda-spa/ wellness-classes.

daily | various activities and times

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

daily | various times

Al-Anon Family Groups and Alateen. This is an anonymous fellowship of relatives and friends of problem drinkers. Meetings are held

on various days and times, at various locations 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 |

Agora Crisis Center Volunteers. Are you a compassionate, non-judgmental person who wants to help others? Learn new skills, make friends, earn class credit, and be part of a rewarding organization. Info: Agora Crisis Center, agoracares. org, (505) 277-3013.

daily | 10 am–5 pm; closed sunday

Weems Gallery & Framing. The website enables people to purchase fine art online, as well as kaleidoscopes, jewelry, glass,

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sculptures, photography, and wood. Go to weemsgallery.com, (505) 293-6133.

daily |

Animal Humane Free Behavioral Helpline. This service is available to all pet owners who are experiencing behavior problems with their dogs or cats. Animal Humane New Mexico’s trained behavior coaches answer questions and provide tips on everything from housetraining to living with multiple animals. Info: (505) 938-7900.

daily |

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

daily |

Epilepsy Support and Education Services. For meeting times and places,

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call (505) 243-9119 or visit epilepsysupportnm.org.

daily | 11:30 am–5:30 pm, closed monday Rattlesnakes. See different species of live rattlesnakes displayed in recreated natural landscapes. The owners are dedicated to conservation and preservation education. Info: American International Rattlesnake Museum, 202 San Felipe Road NW, Suite A, (505) 242-6569, rattlesnakes.com. Tickets: $8.95 adults; $7.95 seniors, military, students, teachers; $6.95 children (ages 3–12).

daily

Roadrunner Food Bank. Volunteers needed to prepare packaged food for distribution, repack and sort items, and other activities. The gift of your precious time

helps solve hunger for many New Mexicans. Volunteers must register in advance. Shifts are available in two-hour increments, Mondays–Saturdays. Info: 5840 Office Blvd. NE, givetime@rrfb. org, (505) 349-5358.

daily

Ronald McDonald House Charities of New Mexico. A “home-awayfrom-home” is available for families whose children are in medical treatment. Operating the 30-guest room Yale House, 20-guest room Highlands House, and the Ronald McDonald Family Rooms at UNM and Presbyterian Hospitals, volunteers make a vital difference in the lives of the people they serve. Info: Volunteer Coordinator, volunteer@rmhcnm.org, rmhc-nm.org, (505) 8428960.

daily |

Cancer Support Now. Relaxation support sessions over the telephone by appointment. Our Helpline is available seven days a week at (505) 255-0405. Currently hosting web meetings only.

daily | 7 am–8 pm

Free Fishing at Tingley Beach. From sun-up to sun-down, practice your basic fly-tying methods, fly-rod 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. Great place for a picnic with trails. Make sure you have a fishing license. Info: Tingley Beach, 1800 Tingley Drive SW, call 311 or (505) 7682000.

daily | 9 am–4 pm

The Indian Pueblo Cultural Center. Please join others for virtual and in-person events which offer a unique way to experience Pueblo culture including cultural dances, daily artists, lecture series, pickup meals, book club, collections tours, Indigenous agriculture workshops, and many other special events. While here, enjoy the restaurant and shop at the store. Info: IPCC, 2401 12th Street NW, (505) 843-7270. See website for events and exhibitions, indianpueblo.org.

daily | 10 am–1 pm; 2–6 pm

Adopt a Pet. Find your best pet ever. Adopt a dog, cat, puppy, or kitten from Animal Humane New Mexico. Adoption fees include spay/neuter, vaccinations, and a microchip. Info: 615 Virginia Street SE, (505) 255-5523 and 10141 Coors Blvd. NW, (505) 3237387, animalhumanenm.org.

daily | various times

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

daily | 10 am–5 pm

Amapola Gallery. This is a group of 39 local artists and artisans who have joined together to keep quality and variety up, prices down. They are small, local, creative, and the artists’ wondrous works are always priced right. Info: Amapola Gallery in Old Town on the Plaza at 205 Romero, NW, (505) 2424311, amapolagallery.com.

daily | 10 am–5 pm

Explora! Explora is an innovative experiential learning center located in the heart of Old Town Albuquerque with over 250 interactive exhibits and activities in science, technology, engineering, art, and math for the whole family. Open 9–11 Mondays for Toddler Time. Info: 1701 Mountain Road NW, explora@

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explora.us, (505) 600-6072. Tickets: $6–$10 at explora@ explora.us/visitor-information.

daily | 10 am–8 pm

Watermelon Mountain Ranch Animal Center. New Mexico’s largest no-kill animal shelter seeks loving homes for rescued dogs and cats. Adoptions occur at select PetSmart locations

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and Watermelon Mountain Ranch. Donations, fosters, and volunteers are always welcome. Info: wmranch.org, (505) 7710140, wmranchnm@aol.com.

daily | 12:30 pm

Duplicate Bridge. There are open games for newer and experienced players Monday–Saturday, and special novice games on Thursdays. Come with your favorite partner or call us for help finding a partner. Info: Duke City Bridge Club, 8616 Northeastern Blvd. NE, (505) 271-2877, dukecitybridge.com. Entrance fee is $6.

various days | monday–thursday 9 am–12 pm; saturday–sunday 10 am–2 pm

The Wheels Museum, Inc. This museum is a 501(c)3 non-profit community

organization whose mission is to create a transportation museum at the downtown Albuquerque Steam Locomotive Repair Shops. Educational programs, tours, and presentations are provided for the community in the 21,000 square foot historic building located at 2nd and Pacific, SW (1100 2nd Street, SW). Info: Visit wheelsmuseum.org for information on all the interesting and informative exhibits, (505) 243-6269. Tax deductible donations are gratefully accepted; contact Leba at leba4@aol.com.

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Create Art at The Groove Artspace. Explore your creativity in a relaxed setting with local teaching artists. Offered is a wide range of art classes for adults, teens, and youth. Info: The Groove Artspace, 309 Gold Ave. SW, (505) 750-

1713. Check out our full list of daytime and evening availability, as well as weekday and weekend classes at thegrooveartspace. com. Class fees generally include all materials.

various days | various times

ABQ Scavenger Hunt. Teams of two to five 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.

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various times

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

saturdays and sundays

Birthday Parties at Explora. The smartest party in town is at Explora! Celebrate with all-day museum admission, a private party room, and an interactive activity of your choice led by an Explora host. Now booking online at explora.com for two-hour blocks. Pricing for members and non-members.

sundays | 10 am–2 pm through October

The Rail Yards Market. Albuquerque’s iconic Farmers’ Market offers inperson family-friendly fun. The market hosts over 150 vendors of fresh produce, fine food, healing hands, and handmade art. Info: 777 First Street SW, railyardsmarket. org. Free parking and entrance, ADA accessible, pets welcome in cool weather.

sundays | check website

Breaking Bad Tour. Breaking Bad fans won’t want to miss this entertaining and action-packed

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tour that features many show locations that only true fans will appreciate. Your Breaking Bad knowledge will be tested with trivia from the show, so come prepared to win prizes. Locations may change depending upon ongoing filming schedules. Info: 1919 Old Town Road NW, abqtours. fun for more information and $80 tickets.

sundays | 10:30 am

Chatter Sunday offers weekly Sunday morning concerts which also include readings and refreshments. A calendar can be found at chatterabq.org and in Datebook above. Info: Performances are held at 912 3rd Street NW. Doors open at 9:30; for best seats, come early and enjoy the coffee and camaraderie. Advance tickets: $17 adults, $9 under-30 and students, and $5 children, at chatterabq.org/ boxoffice and if still available, at

the door: $20 adults, $9 students, $5 children.

mondays | 9–11 am

Toddler Time at Explora. Enjoy Explora with your wee ones in an exclusive extra hour, including story time and special songs by the resident musician, Tom. Info: Explora, 1701 Mountain Road NW, (505) 6006072, explora.us.

mondays | 12 pm

Kiwanis Club of Albuquerque. Speaker luncheons are held the first three Mondays of each month. The speaker programs are highly regarded. Info: Embassy Suites Hotel, 1000 Woodward Place NE. Reserve your seat for the buffet lunch at dorner66@gmail.com.

mondays | 2:30–4 pm

UNM and Cancer Support Now. Survivors Writing Together is a journaling

support group for survivors, men and women, all cancer diagnoses. Info: Our Helpline is available seven days a week at (505) 2550405. Currently hosting web meetings only. Please call our helpline for an invitation to join a web support group or to connect with someone for one-to-one support.

mondays | 4:45–5:45

Encore: Elevate your Musical Theater Voice. Build your confidence, learn new techniques, and shine on stage in our group vocal lessons, presented by New Mexico Young Actors. Info: Menaul School, 301 Menaul NE, Ages 9–19. Instructor: Carlos Antonio Baca, $160, more information and registration at nmyoungactors.org.

first and third mondays | 4:30–5:30 pm

UNM and Cancer Support Now. Survivors and/or caregivers, all diagnoses, men, and women. Info: Our Helpline is available seven days a week at (505) 255-0405. Currently hosting web meetings only. Please call our helpline for an invitation to join a web support group or to connect with someone for one-to-one support.

mondays and wednesdays | 9:30 pm

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

monday–friday | 9:30 am–2:30 pm

Albuquerque Garden Center. Our events include the Cactus and Succulent Society Show and Sale, the African Violet Show and Sale, the Annual Spring Plant Sale, and the Aril and Iris Show. Info: Albuquerque Garden Center, 10120 Lomas Blvd.

NE. albuquerquegardencenter. org. Free.

mondays–saturdays | 12–2 pm

Exquisite Turquoise in the Castle. This extraordinary Germanstyle 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. Tickets at turquoisemuseum.com, (505) 433-3684.

mondays, wednesdays, and fridays | 10 am–1:30 pm

Telephone Museum. The museum’s purpose is to educate young and old alike to the history of the telephone in New Mexico and to preserve the legacy of the telephone people who built that industry in New Mexico. There are four floors of exhibits, telephone switchboards and telephones, as well as four audio exhibits in the original telephone building from 1906. There are telephone directories from 1916-current from almost every town in New Mexico. Info: 110 Fourth Street NW, (505) 842-2937. Scheduled tours can be made after normal museum hours.

mondays | 4:45–5:45 pm

Advanced Improv. New Mexico Young Actors presents epic fun with advanced improv. Info: Ages 13–19, $160, instructor Natalie Hadley. Register and obtain more information at nmyoungactors. org.

tuesdays | 2–3 pm

Caregiver Support Group. Caregiving for a loved one can be overwhelming and isolating. This group provides a compassionate space for caregivers to gain emotional support and information.

Facilitated by Erin Tarica, LMSW. Info: Jewish Community Center, 5520 Wyoming Blvd. NE. Preregistration required, (505) 3484451, free.

tuesdays | 4:30–6:30 pm

Explore Theater Arts. Do you love theater games and improv? Join us on Tuesdays this fall for our hands-on, fast-paced exploration of live theater. Info: New Mexico Young Actors, Menaul School, 301 Menaul NE, Instructor Alex Harden, $160. More information and registration at nmyoungactors.org.

tuesdays | 6–8 pm

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

tuesdays | 6:30–8:30 pm

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

second tuesdays | 4–7 pm

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

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second tuesdays | 5:30–7 pm

Turquoise Trail Harley Owners Group, Chapter #2015. Socialize with other Harley Owners Group members to learn about upcoming events and rides and get to know our fellow Harley-Davidson enthusiasts. Green chile cheeseburgers are available for purchase from the Moose Lodge. First meeting is free; National HOG membership is required in order to join the Chapter. We love to RIDE. Info: Loyal Order of Moose Lodge, 2121 Edith Blvd. NE, turquoisetrailhog. org.

tuesdays, wednesdays, and thursdays | 6 pm Argentine Tango Classes. Practicums and events with Puerta al Tango (Graham P. Stanford). Info: Las Puertas, 1500 First Street NW, Puerta-al-tango.com. Contact graham@puertotango.com.

tuesdays–saturdays | 9 am–5 pm

Art and History Exhibitions. See the Albuquerque Museum website for the current listing of exhibitions. Info: Albuquerque Museum, 2000 Mountain Road NW, cabq.gov/ artsculture/abqmuseum, (505) 243-7255. General admission: $3–$6; a $5 exhibition surcharge may apply.

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

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

tuesdays | 3:30–5 pm

UNM/Cancer Support Now. Advanced cancer survivors writing together. This is a journaling support group for survivors of cancer; men and women, all diagnoses. Info: Our Helpline is available seven days a week at (505) 255-0405. Currently hosting web meetings only. Please call our helpline for an invitation to join a web support group or to connect with someone for one-to-one support.

second tuesdays | 10:30–12 pm

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

tuesdays–sundays | 10 am–5 pm

National Hispanic Cultural Center Exhibits. See the website for the

current listing of exhibitions. Info: National Hispanic Cultural Center, 1701 Fourth Street SW, (505) 246-2261, nhccnm.org.

tuesdays, thursdays, fridays, sundays | 11 am

Historic Old Town Tours. Explore historic Old Town on foot with informative docents who will provide insight into the people and places that shaped this early community. Info: Albuquerque Museum, 2000 Mountain Road NW, cabq.gov, 243-7255. Tour included with paid museum admission, $4–$6, Sundays free.

second and fourth tuesdays | 4–5:30 pm

Cancer Support Now. Santa Fe Women’s Group, Surviving Sisters. All cancers, all diagnoses, all stages, all women. Info: The Helpline is available seven days a week at (505) 255-0405. Currently hosting web meetings only. Please call the helpline for an invitation to join a web support group or to connect with someone for one-to-one support.

tuesday–sunday |

10 am–5 pm

The Corrales Bosque Gallery. Artistowned and operated, the Corrales Bosque Gallery is delighted to display the work of its 18 memberartists. You will find a wide variety of media and styles, including painting, photography, sculpture, jewelry, ceramics, drawing, folk art, beadwork, and mosaic. Info: 4685 Corrales Road, (505) 8987203, corralesbosquegallery.com.

first wednesdays | 9 am–5 pm

Free First Wednesday. Start your month off right with free admission to the Albuquerque Museum and Sculpture Garden tour. An additional $5 special exhibit surcharge may apply. Info: Albuquerque Museum, 2000

Mountain Road NE, cabq.gov/ artsculture, (505) 243-7255.

second wednesdays | 12–1 pm

Cancer Support Now. Sandia Base cancer support group for survivors of all cancers, all stages, men and women. Info: The Helpline is available seven days a week at (505) 255-0405. Currently hosting web meetings only. Please call the helpline for an invitation to join a web support group or to connect with someone for one-to-one support.

second and fourth wednesdays | 11:30 am

Rotary Club of Albuquerque Del Norte. The Club welcomes visitors and community partners interested in networking, fellowship, and uplifting presentations to luncheon attendees. New

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members are welcomed into committees which suit their interests and skills. Info and schedule: rotarydelnorte.org, email rotarydelnorteabq@gmail. com.

wednesdays–sundays | 10 am–4 pm

Natural History Museum. Explore the most dynamic dinosaurs that roamed New Mexico. Learn to balance like Seismosaurus, hunt like Coelophysis, and stomp like Tyrannosaurus. Info: New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science, 1801 Mountain Road NW, nmnaturalhistory.org, (505) 8412848.

wednesdays–sundays | 11 am–3:30 pm

New Mexico Holocaust & Intolerance Museum. The museum is dedicated to providing knowledge about

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genocides and intolerance throughout history, continuing to the present day. Approximately 50 percent of the museum focuses on the Holocaust; the remaining space is devoted to other genocides, human rights, and social justice issues. Info: 616 Central Avenue SW, (505) 2470606, nmholocaustmuseum.org. Reservations required for parties of five or more.

wednesdays–sundays | 11 am–5 pm

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

are Yoga with Cats, Painting with Cats, and Henna Cat-toos. Info: catopiacatcafe.com, Paseo Village, 8001 Wyoming NE, Suite C-5, (505) 508-4278. Closed Monday and Tuesday.

wednesdays | 5–6 pm

Playwriting Lab. New Mexico Young Actors will help you learn the craft and write your own play. Info: Ages 13–19, Instructor Chris Nelson, $160. More information and register at nmyoungactors. org.

thursdays | 11:30 am

Road Runner Business Networking Group. If you’d like to generate more business referrals, meet with us. Info: Jimmy’s Café, 7007 Jefferson NE. Contact Terry at (505) 3776074, triddle@rmmsonline.com or roadrunnersabq.com.

thursdays | 4–5:30 pm

UNM/Cancer Support Now. Friends and Family Writing Together. This is a journaling support group for survivors of metastatic cancer; men and women, all diagnoses. Info: Our Helpline is available seven days a week at (505) 2550405. Currently hosting web meetings only. Please call our helpline for an invitation to join a web support group or to connect with someone for one-to-one support.

second and fourth thursdays | 3:30–5 pm

Cancer Support Now. Pancreatic cancer caregiver support group for caregivers of patients and survivors of pancreatic cancer, all stages, men, and women. Info: The Helpline is available seven days a week at (505) 2550405. Hosting web meetings only

currently. Please call the helpline for an invitation to join a web support group or to connect with someone for one-to-one support.

first and third thursdays 5–6:30 pm

Cancer Support Now. Women’s North Valley cancer support group for all cancers, all women, survivors and/or caregivers. Info: The Helpline is available seven days a week at (505) 255-0405. Currently hosting web meetings only. Please call the helpline for an invitation to join a web support group or to connect with someone for one-to-one support.

thursdays | 4–6 pm

Tutoring Thursdays at Explora. Tutoring in the Tech Lab. Want help with tricky homework or a study

partner for that upcoming quiz? Drop in for an effective tutoring session. Ages 13–19 welcome. Info: Explora, 1701 Mountain Road NW, (600) 6072, explora.us.

thursdays | 9:30 pm

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

fridays | 12–1:30 pm

Grief and Loss Support Group. Grief is a natural process that can often be eased – 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.

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fridays | 1–4 pm

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

fridays | 4–6 pm

Fix-it Fridays and Crafternoons at Explora. Join others for a variety of projects – repair your broken electronics, use sewing skills to bring old clothes back to life, and craft with friends over Boba Tea drinks. Info: Explora, 1701

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Mountain Road NW, (600) 6072, explora.us.

fridays | 7–10 pm

Dance Party. Learn a new dance and meet new people each week at ABQ’s newest studio, with three beautiful ballrooms and state-of-the-art floating dance floors. Enjoy refreshments and an introductory dance class from

7–8 pm. Info: Holiday Dance Studio, 5200 Eubank Blvd. NE. Call to confirm schedule, (505) 508-4020, holidaydancestudio. com, $30.

every first friday | Free Admission Day. AndersonAbruzzo Albuquerque International Balloon Mu seum. Check out this award-winning,

world-class facility highlighting the art, culture, history, science and sport of hot air ballooning and other lighter-than-aircraft. Info: 9201 Balloon Museum Drive NE (north of Alameda), (505) 768-6020, cabq.gov/balloon.

fridays | 7–9 pm

Square Dance. Come dance with the Duke City Square Dance Club every Friday night. We dance SSD, Mainstream and Plus levels. Info: Albuquerque Square Dance Center, 4915 Hawkins Street. Dukecitysquaredanceclub. The cost is $8. For more information, contact dukecitysd0@gmail.com.

second fridays | 6–7 pm

Free Country Dance Lessons. Friday night just got waaaay better. Info: Dirty Bourbon, 9800 Montgomery Blvd. NE, (505) 883-9521. Sponsored by and information available at cspdancestudios.com.

every third friday | 7–9 pm

Cactus and Succulent Society of New Mexico. Discuss cacti and succulents; enjoy a program presented on a subject relevant to these plants. The program usually includes a slideshow. It is not necessary to be a member to attend. Info: Albuquerque Garden Center, 10120 Lomas Blvd. NE, (505) 296-6020 new-mexico. cactus-society.org.

fridays, saturdays, and sundays

Tablao Flamenco Albuquerque. The passion and energy of flamenco comes alive as you experience flamenco in its most intimate, powerful setting in the heart of historic Old Town Albuquerque. Featuring a world-class lineup of artists, the Tablao Flamenco presents a dynamic schedule of performances. Info: Friday and Saturday dinner shows feature electrifying performances accompanied by an exclusive four-course meal created by Hotel Albuquerque’s Chef, Gilbert

Aragon. Visiting on Sunday? Enjoy a light tapas menu and regionally inspired fine wines and spirits. Reservations and more information, dates, and times are found at tablaoflamenco.org.

saturdays | 8 am–12 pm

Downtown Growers’ Market. Shop the largest selection of local farmers and ranchers in Albuquerque. Each bring their own knowledge, flavor, and personal touch to the plants they grow, animals they raise, and bees they tend. Info: Robinson Park, 8th Street and Central Avenue.

saturdays | 9 am–12 pm

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

saturdays | 10–10:45 am and 11–11:45 am

Storybook Theatre. New Mexico Young Actors presents play-based theater classes for five to eight year-olds. Info: Menaul School, 301 Menaul Blvd. NE. Instructor: Lisa Fenstermacher, Cost: $160. Register and obtain more information at nmyoungactors. org.

saturdays | 12–1 pm

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

saturdays | 12:30–1:45pm

Children’s Chorus of Rio Rancho Rehearsals. Rio Rancho’s premiere

children’s chorus for 2nd–5th graders accepts singers of all backgrounds, styles, cultures, orientations, abilities, and identities. Our program is led by a professional chorale director and accompanist at every rehearsal. Discover the joy of singing in a supportive and inclusive environment where everyone is welcome. Info: Star Heights

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Recreation Center, 800 Polaris Blvd, rr-cc.org or email info@ rr-cc.org for information on registration. You may also come to any rehearsal in September to speak to us directly. $125 sibling discounts/payment plans available.

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saturdays | 12:30–1:45pm

Rio Rancho Youth Chorus Rehearsals. Rio Rancho’s acclaimed youth chorus for 6th–12th graders accepts singers of all backgrounds, styles, cultures, orientations, abilities, and identities. No experience or auditions required. Our program is led by a professional chorale director and accompanist at every rehearsal. Join us as we discover new genres, learn fun and challenging music, harmonize, make friends, and grow together in music. Register today. Info: Star Heights Rec Center, 800 Polaris Blvd, rr-cc.org/ or email info@rr-cc.org for information on registration. You may also come to any rehearsal in September to speak to us directly. $125 sibling discounts/payment plans available.

saturdays | 1–3 pm

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

most 2nd, 4th and 5th

saturdays | 7–10 pm

ABQ Dance Club. Fun social dances with a variety of music for swing, country, ballroom, and Latin. All levels. No partner needed and beginners are welcome (introductory dance lesson at 6:45 pm on 4th Saturday). Info: ABQ Square Dance Center, 4915 Hawkins NE. For info and to confirm schedule, email glkello@ nmia.com or call (505) 299-3737

(no text; leave message). $8 fee ($5 ADC).

saturdays

| 2:30–4:30 pm

Tango Club of Albuquerque’s Weekly Practice. At this Argentine Tango practice, no partner is necessary. Info: ABQ Square Dance Center, 4909 Hawkins NE, abqtango.org.

second saturdays | 6–8:30

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 information about

the month’s performers. (Not affiliated with the church.)

third saturdays |

Blue Star Mothers. General membership meeting for mothers of sons or daughters who currently serve or have served in the U.S. military. They pack care packages four times a year for those serving in the military. They also volunteer and participate in several military events throughout the year. Info: 2919 2nd Street NW, rgvnmbsm.org. Contact Ruby at rubyjeangarcia@ gmail.com or (505) 203-8250 or Denise at (505) 883-6240. Free.

every first saturday | 10–11:30 am

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

EARLY NOVEMBER EVENTS

friday 1 | 7:30 pm

Opera Southwest: Madama Butterfly. For over a century, the tragic tale of a geisha’s love, steadfastness, and heartbreak has been enchanting audiences around the world. The gorgeous melodies are tinged with foreboding, as Butterfly fears her happiness is so great that she may die of it. Info: National Hispanic Cultural Center Journal Theatre, 1701 4th Street SW, (505) 246-2261. There is also a show on November 3 at 2 pm. Tickets: OperaSouthwest. org, (505) 243-0591. Note: Taste of Opera pre-show dinner before the performance at La Fonda del Bosque; reservations at (505) 238-5316.

friday 1 through monday 4 9–5pm

saturday 2 | 6 pm–10 pm

The Watermelon Mountain Ranch Fur Ball 2024. This is a beautiful night that is a chance for us to recognize our sponsors, donors and supporters, and most importantly, to raise funds for the animals and all o f programs of Watermelon Mountain Ranch. Together, we can help create a better world for dogs and cats. Enjoy dinn er, dancing, Steve Stucker’s Pet Parade, and our carnivalthemed evening. Info: Canine & Kitty Carnival, Grand Ballroom, Marriott Pyramid North, 5151 San Francisco Road NE. Sign up for the auction and go to wmranch. networkforgood.com/events for tickets and more information. See you there.

saturday 2 | 9 am–3 pm

Asbury Christmas Bazaar. The United Women in Faith of Asbury United Methodist Church hosts its 41st bazaar with over 65 crafters, a wide-variety of handcrafted items, their famous homemade pies and other goodies. Burritos will be available for purchase. Chicken croissant sandwiches, green chile stew and frito pie will be available for lunch. Info: Asbury United Methodist Church, 10000 Candelaria Road NE (between Morris and Eubank). Free admission and free parking lot shuttle. Call (505) 299-0643 for further information.

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sunday 3 | 2 pm

Opera Southwest: Madama Butterfly. For over a century, the tragic tale of a geisha’s love, steadfastness, and heartbreak has been enchanting audiences around the world. The gorgeous melodies are tinged with foreboding, as Butterfly fears her happiness is so great th at she may die of it. Info: National Hispanic Cultural Center Journal Thea tre, 1701 4th Street SW, (505) 2462261. Tickets: OperaSouthwest. org, (505) 243-0591.

saturday 10 | 2 pm

Cármelo de los Santos, Conductor and Soloist with the New Mexico Philharmonic. Listen to and be enthralled by Mozart Symphony No. 29 and the beautiful Vivaldi Four Sea so ns. Info: National Hispanic Cultural Center, 1701 4th Street SW, (505) 246-2261. Tickets $34 to $78 at nmphil.org.

INCLUDE YOUR EVENTS IN THE DATEBOOK!

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

TU RQUOISE SILVE R ABQ

From artists and retailers, to collectors and experts, Albuquerque is filled with those whose lives revolve around the always-popular world of Native American jewelry. Here's a look at a few locals whose lives revolve around the revered craft of fire-crafted silver and polished turquoise.

BY ADRIAN GOMEZ & ATM STAFF

STORIES

PHOTOS BY DON JAMES

ARTIST

CURTIS Pete CURTIS Pete B

orn in Parker, Arizona, Curtis Pete was often away from home as he attended boarding school.

On his visits back home, he would work on his grandfather’s ranch on the Navajo Nation.

It was there he learned the ins and outs of making trophy buckles.

“When I was done with my chores, (my grandfather) would ask me to try my hand at the metalwork,” he says. “He taught me to solder and to hammer and I was on my way making trophy buckles. I have some relatives that are jewelers and I always looked at their jewelry and their techniques which are mostly traditional. Each person I’ve worked with over the course of my life has taken me under their wing and given me pointers.”

Today, the 61-year-old artist works out of Meltdown Studio in Albuquerque.

This is where he puts his own spin on traditional Native American jewelry.

“I try to think outside of the box,” he says. “I do see traditional jewelry and most of it is the same. I will try to make it different.”

Pete spent most of his career working for Kevin Randall Sterling and made the leap seven years ago to become an independent artist.

He will average about eight hours a day on his bench as he creates pieces to sell.

Pete will focus on items such as dragonflies, which are adorned with traditional Native American designs with a modern flair. On those pieces, he will place two small pieces of turquoise for the eyes.

“I like to have fun with my pieces while making them sophisticated,” he says. “The designs run through my mind until they are ready to be made into a piece. It’s a process that comes to me and I have to pay attention.”

It’s not rare to find him adding to his collection with a traditional Thunderbird design.

“I brought this design back because I was looking at traditional designs,” he says. “The

Fred Harvey hotels carried a lot of jewelry with Thunderbirds for sale. The move was to pay homage to that style and era. It’s a classic. Of course, I put my modern flair on it.”

When it comes to inspiration, Pete says it comes from everywhere.

After it bounces around in his head for a while, he will begin to stamp it out with the metal.

“Today, I’m working on a dragonfly,” he says. “As I’m making one piece, I can begin to see what the second and third pieces will look like. I’m never one to make pieces look the same. If you’re getting some of my work, it’s always a one-of-a-kind piece.”

Pete enjoys working the Kingman and Bisbee turquoise.

“I try to make my pieces affordable,” he says. “It’s a great feeling to connect with someone with a piece of art that they enjoy. Art should be displayed and it’s humbling to me when someone talks about or buys my art.”

–ADRIAN GOMEZ

ELGIN TOM ELGIN TOM ARTIST

Weekday mornings at 7 a.m., Elgin Tom enters his Albuquerque workshop and opens his mind to the many possibilities the day will bring.

The silversmith doesn’t ever sketch out what he’s going to do, he lets the pieces of metal and stone speak to him.

“I work with whatever I have on my desk,” he says. “If there are small cut pieces of silver, I’ll use them to create something like a feather pendant.”

Tom grew up in Mariano Lake, just southwest of Crownpoint, where he was raised by his grandparents.

At the age of 10, he began staying with his dad, who was a silversmith.

After school and during his downtime, he was often found helping his father create the piecework.

Despite learning the craft at a young age, Tom wasn’t planning on being a silversmith.

“I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do,” he says. “I knew that there could be something with silversmithing but I wasn’t ready to commit.”

By 1990, Tom had moved to Albuquerque. He began working as a buffer for a local company called Golden Fleece, and then became a jewelry designer for Bilighanaa’s Jewelry.

Since 2018, he’s been designing and making his own line of jewelry.

“There’s a freedom that comes with working for yourself,” Tom says. “It’s way better because I’ve always wanted to work for myself. I moved to Albuquerque in 1990 to begin my journey as a silversmith. I learned everything I could from everyone I worked with. I’d get tips from others, but a lot of the learning was done on my own.”

Tom works with more silver than turquoise these days—a decision he made to streamline the current look of his work.

Tom makes the traditional squash blossom necklaces which do have turquoise pieces in them. He will also create feather

pendants and will sometimes adorn that pendant with a concho piece above it.

When he worked for Bilighanaa’s, his clean aesthetic began to take shape.

He describes his work as a point where traditional meets contemporary, with the traditional side being more prominent.

Because he doesn’t sketch any of his ideas, each piece is one-of-a-kind.

“The design will come to me as I’m working with the metal,” he says. “I see it and let it reveal itself to me. That’s my process and I’m happy with it.”

The 57-year-old artist mainly sells via his Instagram page @eltomjewelry and his goal is to jury into the Santa Fe Indian Market.

He had an opportunity around 2018 to apply to the market, but it didn’t work out.

“It wasn’t the right time,” he says. “That’s still the goal.”

As his profile rises among collectors, Tom is humbled by the patronage.

“It’s an accomplishment when a piece is sold and goes out into the world,” he says. “What people don’t see is that each piece starts off with me saying, ‘I can’t do this’ or ‘where am I going to start?’ It’s slow when I start off and then it falls into place. There’s no master plan I follow other than letting each piece come to life through my hands.”

Tom enjoys collaborating with younger silversmiths and will answer any questions.

“There are people who will try to duplicate my designs,” he says. “It’s flattering. The pieces I make have the ElTom magic to them.”

–ADRIAN GOMEZ

ARTIST reggie mitchell

reggie mitchell

Reggie Mitchell’s exposure to silversmithing began by holding the torch while his father created silver pieces in Gallup.

The fifth-generation silversmith originally didn’t want to follow in the family’s footsteps of being a silversmith.

He spent the better part of his life in the world of jiu jitsu and mixed-martial arts.

Until eight years ago, when Mitchell and his son, Bronson, decided to start Dark Horse as a direct result of wanting to get fair pay for their pieces.

The father-son duo decided to sell their creations themselves instead of at a gallery.

“On the Santa Fe Plaza, we would sell pieces wholesale for around $400 and they would sell it for $2,200,” he says. “We didn’t like that, so we decided to take the reins and navigate our path through this world.”

Mitchell, 51, and Bronson, 29, mainly work with tufa casting.

Tufa (pronounced too-fa) is a type of porous volcanic stone that can be found regionally in the American Southwest. It’s widely available on the Navajo reservation.

Casting jewelry using a mold handcarved of volcanic tufa material is a traditional jewelry-making technique developed by some of the first Navajo silver makers in the 1870s.

“This separates my dad and I from every other artist,” says Bronson, a sixth-generation silversmith. “It’s a sedimentary rock from volcanic ash where we have to hand carve out the negative space in the stone. Then you melt your coin silver and cast the molten metal. That’s when the silver will take shape. It’s basically like we’re reverse sculpting. It’s difficult to hand carve things symmetrical on both sides. The goal is al-

ways symmetry.”

The pair work together from anywhere from six to 10 hours a day, as they not only create the jewelry pieces, but take to social media to post and respond to business inquiries.

“We’re a two-man show,” they say. “We want top quality with everything we do. If we could have four more of us, it would be amazing.”

The duo create anything from bracelets and rings to pendants and earrings—each with a modern twist to the ancient process.

When it comes to using turquoise, they want to use the best.

“We try to find the people who own the mines themselves,” Mitchell says. “If you’re dealing with a third party, it gets more expensive. We also work with precious gems like opal and sugilite.”

Bronson aims to stay true to the tradition of tufa casting and won’t utilize computers or machines for assistance.

“My dad and I are doing it the hardest way possible,” Bronson says. “The modern designs pay homage to our culture. We are carrying the tradition forward to new generations.”

The pair sell most of their work via Instagram and participate in shows such as the Rio Grande Arts and Crafts Fair during the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta and over Thanksgiving.

“It’s humbling to have someone connect with your work and purchase it,” Mitchell says. “It’s not lost on us how important it is for more and more people to see our work. Everything we do is different and as perfect as we can get it.”

–ADRIAN GOMEZ

ARTIST RONALdTOM RONALDTOM ARTIST

Each day, Ronald Tom has one mission—to complete a piece of jewelry.

The Albuquerque-based Navajo silversmith has been working diligently for 35 years on his craft.

“(Silversmithing) is something I learned mostly by watching my dad,” Tom says. “He would make concha belts, squash blossoms, bracelets and rings. I would help him anytime I was around.”

During the last decade, Tom’s work has been sought after by collectors as he creatively designs in the traditional realm while adding a bit of modern touches.

“My work is a mix of both traditional and contemporary work,” he says. “Years ago, I would abandon my work and go drinking. I’ve sobered up and have taken every opportunity to learn on my own.”

This means Tom, 55, has used a lot of trial and error to perfect his process.

Learning how to solder on his own, as well as which gauges to use on the torch, he’s become a master in his own right.

“Once I got the process down, I kept rolling with it,” he says. “I try to create something every day and will rest my hands once in a while as they start to develop calluses.”

He wanted to make his father proud which is why he focuses on traditional designs and adds his modern flair.

“My dad had a friend named Chris Smith who used to sell stones and have nice jewelry,” he recalls. “After meeting him, I would daydream of the cowboy and Indians. I would think one day that I would be able to create pieces like that.”

When he first started creating jewelry, he would try something different each day.

Sometimes it worked. Other times, it was back to the drawing board.

“When I see the shape of the stone, I know what I’m going to do with it,” he says. “Many times the stone will inspire the piece.”

He gets his stones from Arkansas-based seller Turquoise Junky.

“She’s very fair,” he says of the company.

“I do a lot of business with her.”

Born in Red Valley, Arizona, Tom lost his mom by the age of 11.

His grandmother helped raise the rabble-rouser.

“When I was younger, I didn’t listen,” he says. “I came from a family that instilled a work ethic immediately. I knew I couldn’t just lay around and that got me in trouble with my dad and grandmother. They always told me to apply myself. I’m 12 years sober now and stay focused on moving my craft forward.”

It was under her care that he learned to advocate for himself.

“My grandma always told me to speak for myself,” he says. “When things get tough, I remember her telling me that is the only way to be heard.”

Being on a path that works for him and his art, Tom is excited about what the future holds.

His work is sought after around some of the biggest markets.

“It’s humbling to me that a person would want to purchase and wear my work,” he says. “So much goes into making each piece that it’s like a piece of myself goes away with them. It’s humbling that I’m able to make that connection.”

–ADRIAN GOMEZ

VINCENT PLATERO VINCENT PLATERO

One look at Vincent Platero’s last name and his destiny was known from the beginning.

Platero translates to silversmith, which is a profession he’s been in since 1985.

“My mom was a silversmith. She would sell her work in the window of the Covered Wagon store in Old Town during the 1950s and 1960s,” he says. “My grandfather used to sell in Old Town in the 1930s and 1940s.”

The third-generation silversmith grew up with the art form surrounding him.

Growing up in To’hajiilee he would see his mother set up her workbench at home.

He often watched her but never took the notion of being a silversmith seriously.

By the time he jumped into the profession in 1985, he knew that he wanted to finally take that route.

While his peers were out getting college degrees, he put all his effort into creating and selling his stamped pieces.

“Each one is crafted with care,” he says. “I would say I stay true to the traditional Navajo designs. Those are what appeal to me. I rarely work with stones and turquoise. The majority of my work is stamp work. I can do about a dozen pieces a week depending on what exactly they are. Earrings are a little more difficult to make.”

Platero’s creations run the gamut from earrings to rings and pendants to bracelets.

Over the course of his nearly 40-year career, he’s accumulated a classic collection of stamps.

When he began, he had less than a dozen stamps to work with.

Today, he boasts a collection of well over 1,000 stamps.

“All of the designs remain traditional,” he says. “I like to think that’s what makes my work so different from others. I’m not modern or contemporary. I keep everything to

the traditional side.”

Platero returns to his To’hajiilee studio more frequently now as the weather is cooling.

He doesn’t have air conditioning in his studio and when he tries to cool down with a portable machine or a fan, it blows the circuit.

“The summer’s been hot and that cut down on the amount of work I’ve done this year,” he says.

It’s very likely that he will be at his workbench from 9 a.m. to about 6 p.m. during the week saving time for relaxing on the weekends.

Over the course of the last decade, Platero’s profile among collectors has risen.

A feat that humbles him.

“It does feel great that people love my stamp work,” he says. “I will use multiple stamps to get the design that’s desired. The designs come to my head and I will work with the stamps until it comes to my vision.”

–ADRIAN GOMEZ

ARTIST milford Calamity milford Calamity ARTIST

Milford Calamity’s life as a silversmith wasn’t planned.

Yet studying marketing at Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, Arizona, has come in handy as he promotes his work as a silversmith.

The Albuquerque-based jeweler took a while to find his place in the art world.

He followed his dad into construction— which was a comfortable atmosphere. He worked at casinos and then as a sound engineer in the Tempe/Mesa area.

It was then he realized he wanted to return to NAU and take a class for fun. The silversmithing class ended up changing his life.

“While I was taking the class, there was this guy who came in and taught us lapidary,” Calamity recalls. “I began doing electronic work for him and began practicing metal smithing.”

As his confidence grew, he began to sell his jewelry on the reservation flea markets—mainly in Kayenta, Arizona.

“I would make small earrings,” he says. “It was a part-time job for me. I would stay out all day in the hot sun and hope to make some sales.”

Calamity journeyed off to North Dakota where he was doing drywall work.

While there, he was frugal with his earnings—using most of it to invest back into lapidary, turquoise and silver.

He began to learn the business side of being a metalsmith and gave himself five years to break even or make a profit.

By year four, he began to see progress as he built his clientele.

“I try to get better with each passing year,” he says.

Calamity finds inspiration within tradi-

tional Native American designs and pop culture.

The 47-year-old self-taught Navajo silversmith works with sterling silver, copper, gold and turquoise, as well as a variety of exotic stones.

He focuses on the exaggeration of shapes, textures and colors and aims to bring a fresh new look to the indigenous jewelry market. “I look at the old style and add some pop to it,” he says. “My dad also did metal smiting and I incorporate his ideas into some of my work.”

Calamity prefers to be at his bench from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily—a routine that would be ideal.

Yet, because he’s a small business, he’s lucky to get six hours of bench work done before he begins his Instagram posts and reels.

“Because of the social media aspect of the job, my bench time has shrunk,” he explains. “It feels like the job is 24/7.”

His online popularity has been rising

since he created a silver cat ring with stones inlaid.

“The cat design was not planned,” he says. “I did some collars for my wife’s dogs and I got help from my sister-in-law and dad on how to create the cat ring. My wife loves cats and it went from there. It’s one of the more popular pieces that I have.”

Calamity says a good amount of his day is also spent cutting turquoise.

He’s spent more than 10 years cutting turquoise to perfect his process.

“When I choose turquoise, I like to buy my own pieces,” he says. “I like to keep some of the textures and try to keep it as pure as I can. The hardest turquoise gets a glossy shine to it. I will work to use every piece of turquoise that I have.”

Calamity has also learned a lot about where the turquoise is mined.

As his profile continues to rise, he finds it amazing that people are paying attention to his creations.

“I always think I’m going to crash and burn soon,” he says. “Even a comment about my work will make my day. I have so much gratitude and I don’t take any day for granted.”

–ADRIAN GOMEZ

ARTIST MELVIN PLATERO MELVIN PLATERO

Melvin Platero is a fifth-generation jeweler, though his journey into the art world didn’t begin until summer 2018.

“It’s always been a plan of mine to get into it,” he says. “I grew up with my grandparents and they raised me. They were silversmiths themselves.”

Growing up, Platero was taught the basics of soldering and picking until he graduated high school.

Today, Platero is based in Rio Rancho and balances his jewelry-making with a fulltime job.

He describes his work as modern contemporary with a traditional flair.

“I use a lot of traditional techniques and I’m always a student learning and pushing myself and seeing what I’m capable of,” he says.

Outside of his grandparents’ teachings while growing up outside of Grants, Platero’s education is self-taught.

He began working with gold, inlay and kempu—which resulted in much trial and error.

“When I first started making jewelry, it was in Tufa casting,” he says. “It dates back to the 1800s. I made a lot of mistakes with that as well.”

Platero’s day job allows him to get a week off every six weeks.

It’s during that downtime that he will get into his shop and work for hours in front of the bench.

His inspiration comes from everywhere.

“I pull inspiration from other Native American artists who are taking a different approach to their art,” he says. “I don’t think I’ll be a master of anything. I buy books from these artists that came before me and I study everything about their work.”

In addition to silver, Platero uses various types of turquoise, corals and sugilite.

“The radiance and shape of each stone speak to me,” he says. “I like triangles and odd-shaped stones. I want the work I do to draw attention for its balance between both worlds.”

As a member of the Diné tribe, the 41-year-old artist incorporates cultural aspects into his work.

He’s fond of corn earrings or the web design that’s been showing up in his pieces.

“Each piece has its own journey,” he explains. “I made a squash blossom necklace that took me about 80 hours of work. I made my own beads. It was one of the more time-consuming pieces.”

As Platero continues to build confidence in his work, he is currently focusing on his inlay process.

He likens it to putting a puzzle together.

“Everything has to fit perfectly,” he says. “There’s really no room for error.”

Platero sells his pieces on his website or via social media and is impressed to see people’s responses to his work.

“Part of me becomes part of them when they buy a piece,” he says. “My mindset is that I will put all my effort into each piece. For someone to buy it and enjoy it, it’s an indescribable feeling. There’s pride, gratefulness and happiness wrapped into it all.”

–ADRIAN GOMEZ

ARTIST JACOB MORGANJACOB MORGAN ARTIST

Finding Jacob Morgan at his workbench is not a rare thing.

The silversmith is currently working on a buckle which has placed him in a place of joy.

“There’s nothing like it,” he says of being at his workbench. “It is work, but it’s also a place where I can be the most creative.”

Morgan, 47, has been doing silversmithing since 2006 and took the leap and became a full-time artist in 2016.

Being his own boss has allowed him to be more flexible when it comes to balance between work/home life.

“I was feeling like the holidays were losing their luster,” he says. “This year, I’ve been working my own hours and at the same time have my hand in every aspect of the business.”

Morgan grew up in between Crownpoint and Flagstaff, Arizona. His parents divorced at an early age and he stayed with his mother as she moved around with her studies.

He would get time to spend with his father during summer breaks where he would see his fifth-generation silversmith father work in his studio.

“My dad was always working and silversmithing never had that appeal for me,” Morgan admits. “I did know that I didn’t want to be stuck in the classroom and I like working with my hands. I knew silversmithing was brutal—and I imagined doing the same thing day after day. It wasn’t fun.”

Morgan’s father created a lot of work sold to wholesalers in Gallup, Albuquerque and southern Colorado.

His father would create pieces of jewelry with traditional designs.

By the time 2006 rolled around, Morgan was ready and headed to Thunderbird Supply Company in Gallup. Under his dad’s guidance, he bought material and began making rings.

“I got comfortable behind the bench,” he says. “Rings were first and then bracelets. He showed me a design he wanted me to

learn. He passed away in 2007 and since then, what I’ve learned has been through trial and error.”

Nearly 20 years into his career, Morgan is looking to continue his family’s legacy of silversmithing.

“My ideas are about simply not recreating the past,” he says. “I try to do things my own way. The old Navajo method can only get you so far. Innovation is the key.”

At the Santa Fe Indian Market in August, Morgan continued to wow collectors with his innovation. He created a silver cigar holder stamped with traditional and modern designs. There was also a lighter he created to match it.

“I had people stopping by the booth all day,” he says. “Most people were saying, ‘Let me go get my husband.’ It was something different. A few years ago, I had created a flask and that also drew some attention.”

As his profile as an artist continues to rise, it’s not lost on Morgan when a piece of his silversmithing is purchased.

“Seeing someone walk away with a piece, there’s validation for the time and energy put into it,” he says. “At the same time, there’s a selfish aspect to it. As much as I like getting feedback and making people happy, the reason I’m doing this is for the legacy. I carry that torch for future generations.”

–ADRIAN GOMEZ

ARTIST julie taylorJulie taylor COLLECTOR

Julie Taylor says that she got the collecting bug going to art fairs on the street when she lived in New York City in the 80s and 90s. She explains, “I became absolutely hooked on buying from the artist, knowing that it was handmade, knowing to trust the artistry of it, that it was unique, that this is the person who made it and then connecting with that person, as well as with their creation.”

Taylor remembers she was in Albuquerque for a meeting in 1994 when she first saw New Mexican jewelry. “I walked into Old Town and absolutely fell in love with Ray Tracey’s inlaid jewelry,” she says. “He used to live in Albuquerque and have his operations here. He’s the first well known New Mexican artist that I started collecting.”

In 2006 she finally made the move to Albuquerque. “I’m sure a major reason why I moved here was because of how much I love the jewelry,” she laughs.

Taylor is drawn to certain stones, finding a connection with them beyond the artistry of the jewelry. “If someone compliments a piece of my jewelry, I will immediately credit the artist who made it because I want the artist to receive recognition. However, ultimately, it is God who made the stones.”

When it comes to collecting, Taylor has a particular approach. “I’m one of those who collects everything in sets. I have to have the pendant and the earrings and the bracelet all matching.”

When it comes to choosing what to wear on any given day from her vast collection, Taylor also has a system. “You’ve got to

dress according to the color of the sky, right? If it’s a gray, cloudy day, then you’re gonna wear something that’s darker, like onyx. If it’s a bright sunny day, then you’re going to wear turquoise.”

Who does she collect?

The list is long, but Taylor offers a start. “Adriana Palacios, I have a lot of her work. Lyle Secatero, he does stamp work. Earl Plummer, he does inlaid work. Frank Carrillo, he’s Laguna. I love Michael Kirk. He works with his daughter, Elizabeth. They have beautiful inlay work, plus they have a signature feather design that they do.”

Ultimately, Taylor says that she just feels better when she wears a beautiful piece of jewelry. “It’s also the spirit of knowing that I’m wearing something so beautiful. It just makes you feel so good.” –CC

ARTIST COLLECTOR Melissa Redenshek M

Melissa Redenshek

elissa Redenshek is a collector who believes you wear your art. “I’m always in jeans, a T-shirt or a sweater when the weather permits,” she says. “You can dress very simply and yet your jewelry will be what comes through.”

Redenshek grew up moving constantly as a military brat, then continued the lifestyle as a military spouse. When she came to New Mexico she says it felt like home. “I felt roots trying to grow from the bottoms of my feet.”

Redenshek explains she doesn’t care for gems, but when she came to New Mexico her friend Debbie suggested they go shopping. That’s when things changed for her. Redenshek recalls, “She took me to a little place called Gertrude Zachary, and when I walked in there, it was as if the sun came out.”

Who does she collect?

“I began with Don Lucas, because that’s a safe bet to begin with Don Lucas,” she recalls. “Beautiful stones. His work was what I really loved.” Rendenshek continues, “Then I was introduced to Leo Feeney. I loved his work even better because of the colors that he would put together with the different stones.”

Then one day about 16 years ago she found a necklace by Federico Jimenez. Redenshek describes this necklace as one with weight and simple beauty that warms your skin when you wear it. “To this day, whenever I wear it, I always get some type of reaction from people,” she says. “A lot of women will say, ‘Can I put it on?’ I will give them that privilege, but I also tell them, ‘I’ll trip you if you try to run.’”

Redenshek also collects Sunshine

Reeves. “I have a two-sided bracelet of his that when people go, ‘That’s beautiful,’ I go ‘Wait.’ Then I will take it off and show them the other side.”

As to the stones she prefers, Redenshek finds that most of the turquoise she has is Sleeping Beauty, but what she really loves is the Orange Spiny Oyster and because it looks good with her skin tone. It is what she

wears the most often. She also is drawn to Purple Spiny Oyster as well.

Redenshek primarily collects sets if she can, but has many individual pieces as well. “I love beautiful earrings. I have lots of bracelets. I have necklaces. I have pendants. I collect what makes me happy.” –CC

RETAILER Craig Blanchard Craig Blanchard

Craig Blanchard is the owner of Bilagaanas Jewelry, a staple in Albuquerque jewelry manufacturing for four decades. Blanchard got into selling jewelry on the road back in 1984 quite unintentionally.

After finishing a degree in accounting at UNM, Blanchard’s friend John Cheney offered him his route traveling the West doing jewelry sales when he had to return to Chicago to take care of a family member.

Blanchard remembers, “I had an old Pinto car and I took off with 50 bucks. I found out I could actually sell for a living.” He recalls the rigors of the road, rushing to make appointments and staying in roadside motels. “I’ve been to the Grand Canyon I don’t how many times selling. I’ve never even looked down in the canyon.”

With several years of selling on the road under his belt, Blanchard got into the manufacturing business after a two-week crash course from Jamal Barrack who had sold his Second Street manufacturing facility to Gertrude Zachary. She didn’t need the silversmiths that worked there so Blanchard hired them to work for him and had them work out of his apartment until he found a new building. From there things took off.

What’s changed over the past 40 years in the industry? Blanchard says, “I would say that so many of the great silversmiths are gone now, that’s the biggest thing, and turquoise itself has changed drastically.” Blanchard points to the scarcity of natural turquoise and the need for much of the stone on the market to be stabilized or enhanced.

The volume has changed at Bilagaanas as well. He remembers when they once ran 17,000 pieces through the buffer a month but now they only see a third of that vol-

ume. “We operate with maybe 20 silversmiths now. Back in the day we had 100, maybe 150,” he adds.

Blanchard also mentions the aesthetics of the jewelry. “The look has changed some. It’s become a little more focused on fashion. It’s becoming more contemporary now. As of late, we’ve done more traditional, which has been really good for us.”

Finally, the way sales are conducted has

changed as well. “The other big change I’d say in the industry now is we mostly sell over the phone using FaceTime,” Blanchard explains. Where they used to send out big pick boxes or have buyers come to the building, now sales are just a phone call away and buyers can see what they are getting without setting foot in the showroom. He adds, “I think everybody uses that now.”

Gertrude Zachary Gertrude Zachary

By any measure, Gertrude Zachary herself was a pioneer in the world of silver & turquoise jewelry. She became the only female manufacturer of Native American jewelry when she began operations in downtown ABQ in the 1970s. Her approach—using traditional artistic processes while incorporating modern styles—continues to stand out, even more than a decade after her passing in 2013.

Several of Zachary’s striking designs from 30 years ago remain in current production by the company, including the famed Pegasus (a design like the spread wings of an ornate bird) and Fluff (clusters that resemble the branches of a flowering plant). Necklaces and earrings with the designs can be seen at the Gertrude Zachary store on Lomas Boulevard near Old Town.

And the ability to stay with current design trends? “With squash blossoms, in the 1970s and 80s, the bigger the squash the better. Now, the new generations are starting to get interested in Native American jewelry, and they don’t want those big pieces,” says Kimberly Sanchez-Ricketts, the company’s production manager. “So now we make much smaller pieces, using smaller stones. It’s not 10 pounds of silver and bear claws and leafwork.”

Many of the “mom and pop shops” that were big wholesale buyers 25 years ago are gone, so the company—with day-today operations in the hands of Gertrude’s daughter, Erica Hatchell—has turned a broader focus toward high-end retailers in Scottsdale, Houston, Japan and Germany, where many affluent consumers adore Native jewelry.

Today’s process remains true to the trail blazed by Zachary: creative in-house designs (including many by Hatchell and company employees) brought to life by experienced Native silversmiths, with a strong

emphasis on quality control. Sanchez-Ricketts proudly points out the production jewelers represent the Navajo Nation, Laguna Pueblo, and San Felipe Pueblo.

As for the market regarding raw turquoise, it’s no secret that many of the best-known mines are depleted and no longer produce stones—something Zachary saw coming a long time ago. “We’re blessed because Gertrude was a fortune teller who could see into the future of the business, and so she stockpiled a lot of good rock (turquoise),” says Sanchez-Ricketts. “Because of that , we’ll be in good shape for the next 30 years.”

DESIGNER/WHOLESALER/RETAILER

LillyBarrack LillyBarrack

It’s a well-known ABQ story that sisters Lilly Barrack and Gertrude Zachary each launched and built separate local silver & turquoise jewelry empires over the past 30+ years. In fact, each namesake business continues to thrive in both retail and wholesale markets.

For Lilly Barrack, a big part of the success is tied to the modern adaptations of traditional turquoise Native jewelry into more modern designs that include gemstones such as tanzanite, peridot and topaz. “Lilly was a designer for Gertrude’s line of jewelry for many years,” says Phaedra Rayner, Lilly’s daughter who helps run the operation along with her sister, Gigi Fite. “Part of why Lilly branched off on her own years ago was

that she wanted to design more contemporary, cleaner lines of jewelry.”

And despite many turquoise mines having been depleted—including Morenci and Sleeping Beauty turquoise—the reserves of the precious stones are still plentiful at this ABQ operation. “We have buckets of all American turquoise that Lilly started collecting in the 1960s,” says Rayner. “And she has turquoise sources that she’s had for 20-plus years.”

The pieces are still produced individually by hand at the company’s Duranes Neighborhood studio by Native silversmiths, such as Lloyd Martinez and Delbert Delgarito, who have each been creating Lilly designs for 20 or more years. The artists get training on the company’s designs from Fite,

whose passion for handmade silver work is unmatched, says her sister. “Gigi really gives the Native American craftsmanship the love and respect it deserves. She makes it special,” says Rayner.

The appeal isn’t lost on wholesale buyers; the company’s products are routinely bought by global retailers like Neiman Marcus, Coldwater Creek, and Macy’s. Consumers also love the pieces, in part for the way many of Lilly’s designs feature stones in their natural, unaltered shape. “She loves the imperfection of turquoise,” says Rayner of her mom’s eye for design. “She always says, ‘Mother Nature does such a great job—why mess with it?’

ARTIST ONLINE SELLER

Joanne Douglas Joanne Douglas D

uring the decade Joanne Douglas worked as a stone buyer for ABQ wholesale jewelry manufacturers, she often got glowing comments about the Native-made silver & turquoise rings she wore. “Every time someone would say, ‘Wow, that’s really nice,’ I would have to say that the ring was from my work, which unfortunately isn’t open to the public,” says Douglas, referencing the fact that her employer sold only to wholesale buyers. “A lot of people would start referring to me as the Jewelry Lady.”

Years later, after she had left the business to raise her kids, she decided to revisit the jewelry world—as a designer, this time. Douglas had gotten divorced, and says the venture was a way to support herself financially. “I started by stringing together Navajo pearls—I call them ‘Santa Fe pearls’— and creating jewelry that I designed,” she says.

Douglas was soon outsourcing the work to Native silversmiths, who brought her designs to life. The result was Shoofly505, a company she launched 10 years ago that deals mainly in online sales of pieces designed by her, with many created by Native craftspersons. “These artists do such incredible work, their talent is limitless, and they need to get credit and recognition,” says Douglas. “It’s why I don’t call mine ‘Navajo pearls,’ because I’m not Native American and I’m not a silversmith.”

Among the artists she works with is Mary Jane Garcia, a Navajo silversmith who lives in Bluewater, near Grants. “I work with her quite a bit, and it’s a great relationship,” says Douglas. “It works great for both of us. I didn’t need to give my designs to a manufacturer and have them made. We do it on our own.”

After a decade of shipping her jewelry creations around the world, Douglas is enjoying the fruits of her hard work. She got to wear her jewelry to the 2019 Academy Awards in Los Angeles when she accompanied her boyfriend, screenwriter Brian Currie, who won an Oscar for co-writing the screenplay for the movie “Green Book.” And her son, a photographer, shoots all the jewelry images on Doublas’ website, shoofly505.com.

“I just turned 60 years old, and after working for others my whole life, it’s been a really great experience to do what I like and support myself,” says Douglas. “The best part is meeting all the women who buy from me. We’re all at the age in life where we love jewelry.”

PHOTO BY ASHLEE KRISTEN

Adriana Palacios Adriana Palacios

In a sense, Adriana Palacios is like the center stone among the shiny cluster of players who make up ABQ’s silver & turquoise jewelry scene. Want proof? She did retail sales at Gertrude Zachary Jewelers for 13 years, where she learned the business and made plenty of friends in the industry.

Then she was hired away by a manufacturer to design Native-inspired jewelry—a natural move for someone who began selling her own handmade earrings at craft sales at age 7. Her next step came just over a year ago, when she began training as a bona fide, torch-wielding silversmith, taking her first lesson with Elgin Tom, a renowned Navajo artist she had gotten to know over the years.

And the first piece she made and sold? A silver & turquoise ring, which was bought

Julie Taylor, an avid ABQ collector of Native jewelry.

“I’ve wanted to do this my whole life,” says Palacios, 54, who grew up in Taos. “It’s my passion, and opportunity finally knocked on my door.”

(Zachary, Tom and Taylor are all featured in this same series of jewelry articles in the magazine you hold in your hands, by the way.) And to boot, Palacios is married to Mike Foutz, a longtime turquoise seller whose family made a living by buying and selling at trading posts.

She also represents a new kind of jewelry artist. Unlike Tom, who grew up learning the craft from his father and grandfather, Palacios’ training involved watching plenty of maker videos on YouTube and Instagram, as well as lessons at Meltdown Studios in

Old Town. “I have little blood blisters from where I’ve hammered my fingers trying to pound on the silver,” she says. “Trial-and-error is the best teacher.”

Palacios says she quickly realized that the vast majority of silversmithing happens even before you strike up a flame. “There’s a lot of filing, sanding and other things to prep before you can use the torch. It takes patience,” she says. “But once you get to the part where you’re working with fire, it goes quickly.”

For now, she remains a part-time silversmith, as she and Foutz often travel and tend to the business of selling turquoise stones. But Palacios says the goal is to continue to grow and expand as a jeweler. “I really love what I do,” she says, “and now that I get to play with a torch, it’s even better.”

DEROMANCING THE STONE

In 2022, Joe Dan Lowry proposed a grading system for turquoise. Opinions throughout the industry have ranged from indifference to agitation to praise. “We modeled the grading system off the diamond grading system,” says Jacob Lowry, the Turquoise Museum’s executive director and Joe Dan’s son. “Turquoise has always had ways to grade, but the grading has always been qualified. There hasn’t been a quantified system.”

The basic idea is to establish a set of master stones through industry consensus for comparison and grade turquoise based on them. “We develop a master set for each of those categories so that anybody can take a stone, put it against the master set, compare them and know what grade they have,” Lowry explains.

Not everyone is on board with this idea. “The biggest pushback that we’re getting is that turquoise has always been a romanticized stone,” says Lowry, meaning the best turquoise is in the eye of the beholder. Lowry points to an analog. “You grade fine art too. It’s not is Monet better than Picasso? It’s what condition is this painting in? Is it deteriorating, or is it still perfect the way that it was made? Does it need to be refurbished? There are grades to paintings.”

While the grader’s preference clearly will still play a role, having an agreed-upon set of stones should at the very least provide a framework for discussion. Its impact on the price of turquoise is one of the greatest misconceptions. “Grade is going to be determined based off how much came out of the ground, the rarity and the collectibility of

it,” explains Lowry. “The price is going to be determined based off supply and demand.”

Lowry points to the slow acceptance of the diamond grading system as an analogy. It took a generational shift before it was widely adopted as a standard. He sees a similar process likely with turquoise.

To the artists who use turquoise to make jewelry, and to the collectors who embrace it, a grading system may not make a bit of difference says Lowry, “There are some artists that will care about the grading system, and there’s some artists that won’t.”

Tinkering with the emotional connection people have with turquoise isn’t the point, establishing replicable, scientific standards is. To that point Lowry adds, “In order to quantify, you have to take the emotion out.” –CC

Jacob Lowry, turquoise museum executive director

The Seven Deposits of Turquoise in New Mexico

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SUPER WOMEN

PARTNER CONTENT

THE INNOVATOR

BECKY AUGE

VICE PRESIDENT OF FINANCE

YEAROUT MECHANICAL

Becky Auge has always been willing to push the envelope in her professional life.

“I think challenge always keeps me going,” Auge says. “I just really love to be a part of something bigger.”

A Santa Fe native who graduated from the University of New Mexico’s Anderson School of Management, Auge boasts more than 20 years of experience in the construction industry. It was early on in this field that she realized she would find the necessary challenges for a fulfilling career.

“With an accounting degree, there’s just so many different routes you can take. But when I zoned in on the construction industry, I knew I was at home,” Auge says. “We should feel like we want to go to work, and that we want to be a part of something bigger, and I feel like I am a part of a bigger family when I come to work every day.”

That home is Yearout Mechanical, a full-service mechanical solutions provider that has been serving New Mexico for more than 60 years. Yearout Mechanical — a Legence company — delivers comprehensive construction expertise and service to a variety of industries including data centers, health care, education, food, government and manufacturing, to name a few.

“Our mission is just to be invaluable to our partners, our clients, our vendors, our industry and our employees — so they can’t imagine success without us,” Auge says. “It’s truly our vision, and that’s what we work for every day.”

Auge initially started as a controller with the company, where she ran the day-to-day accounting functions, before transitioning to Vice President of Finance when it was sold to Blackstone, one of the largest real estate holders in the world. Now she manages the finance purchasing warehouse and the company’s fleet operations.

“Our leadership group works very cohesively with problem solving to continuously improve the company,” Auge says. “Not just in profitability, but we continue to grow our culture, serving our customers and vendors and employees so that we can all be successful as a team.”

It’s a role that comes with its own set of challenges, particularly when it comes to being able to adapt.

“When you’re working in the finance side of any organization, and you’re really trying to work cohesively as a group of executives, you need to pivot when things change, whether that be with the economy, strategies or leadership,” Auge says. “I think we’ve created a very goal-driven environment that’s helped lead us to success.”

Auge’s colleagues are well aware of her value to the company.

“Becky is one of the most talented and ethical construction accountants in the nation,” says Sal Tortorici, Vice President of Operations at Yearout Mechanical. “Her commitment to accurate reporting, process improvement and growth management have been an integral part of Yearout’s success.”

In addition to her professional achievements, Auge is proud of her family, which includes her husband of 32 years and two successful daughters. She also values the Duke City community, and takes great pleasure in seeing Yearout’s many ventures — such as the improved Albuquerque International Sunport terminal — in her day-to-day life.

“I love to pass by one of our customers’ projects and just feel like I’ve been a part of the growth of Albuquerque,” she says. “I truly have a dedication to New Mexico.”

THE EYE EXPERTS

ALISSA M. IRONS, O.D. NANCY MOLINAR-ARGUELLO

Already established as a respected full-service optometry practice, Blink recently made a significant addition to its team. After 24 years of practicing solo, Dr. Alissa Irons (pictured left) is proud to announce that a new optometrist, Dr. Nancy Molinar-Arguello (pictured right), has joined the practice. A native New Mexican just like Dr. Irons, Dr. Molinar-Arguello has long been intrigued by a career in optometry.

“I was interested in optometry after my eye exam as a senior in high school. I got contact lenses for the first time, and thought it was such a fun experience,” Dr. Molinar-Arguello says. “I was finally seeing so well, and it inspired me. Shortly after, I started working for an optometrist and realized that was the path I would pursue.”

Dr. Molinar-Arguello brings a wealth of valuable experience to Blink. She completed her ocular disease residency at the VA Medical Center in Albuquerque, which has allowed her to have a career that has mainly been focused on the examination and treatment of glaucoma.

“My main patient base has been geriatrics, and I am happy to make a slight change in providing primary family eye care while adding on my glaucoma services to the patients that need care,” Dr. Molinar-Arguello says.

Growth and progress have long been a focus for Dr. Irons, who bought the practice in 2002 when it was located downtown in a 1,000 square foot facility with three employees. Today, Blink boasts a 5,000 square foot building and a staff of nearly 20.

“My motto is ‘don’t reinvent the wheel,’” Dr. Irons says. “I try to learn from anyone I come across, even if they are not related to the eyecare business. I also hire the best people, and they teach me more than I teach them. We are always grinding out new ideas to make Blink better.”

Quality is what sets Blink apart from the competition. In addition to a team that now includes two doctors, the practice’s opticians have more than 100 years’ combined experience, ensuring that patients will get the correct product that fits their needs. Blink provides comprehensive exams with glasses and contact lenses. This includes acute eye care, dry eye, Plaquenil exams, glaucoma care and macular degeneration exams. In addition, Blink is at the forefront of the profession in diagnosing ocular conditions that may need referrals to tertiary eyecare specialists, primary care and other specialties for proper patient care.

“We are very much involved in the systemic care of our patients for their well-being as a person and not just for their vision,” says Dr. Molinar-Arguello.

Moreover, Blink has the best lenses in the industry with the best optics, with products that are not available at large or online retailers. This includes designer frames as well as a large selection of prescription and non-prescription brands of sunglasses.

It’s that commitment to quality and service — along with a little something extra — that drew Dr. Molinar-Arguello to Blink.

“When you walk in to Blink, you can’t help but be amazed by the optical and the selection of frames. In addition, the environment is friendly and the patients are like family,” she says. “Dr. Irons has been seeing her patients for 10 plus years, her own children have grown up at Blink and I hear it from patients all the time that they would not get their care anywhere else.”

THE EXTRAORDINARY ORDINARY LEADER

SUZANNE MIRABAL

SVP and COMMERCIAL BANKING TEAM LEAD

7300 Jefferson St NE - 505.798.5812 - firstnational1870.com

Over the last 25 years, Suzanne Mirabal has relied on the ideal blend of persistence, problem solving and positivity to build a deep level of trust with her customers and her team.

A proud Albuquerque native who graduated from the University of New Mexico, Mirabal began her professional journey with GE Capital Equipment Finance, which served as a segue to her banking career. It’s a path she is grateful to have chosen.

“Reflecting today, I am very glad that I landed in the banking industry,” Mirabal says. “It has given me the opportunity to have met and worked with so many amazing business owners and colleagues over the years. In addition, I’ve tried to follow the ‘lead by example’ philosophy and have served on multiple non-profit community boards as well as local community-based agencies during my career.”

Mirabal is approaching her fifth year as SVP, Commercial Team Lead for the New Mexico Region with First National 1870, which is a division of Sunflower Bank, N.A. The bank has a proud history in our region, as it was founded as the first bank in the Southwest more than 150 years ago.

“I manage the commercial portfolio for the New Mexico region,” Mirabal says. “I am responsible for loan and deposit growth while adhering to bank policies and regulatory compliance. In addition, I assist in coaching and management of the general lending team to promote customer focus values and sustain connectivity in the community.”

As a community-focused financial institution, Sunflower Bank and its First National 1870 and Guardian Mortgage divisions promote and strongly encourage all employees to find causes they are passionate about and allow time for them to participate in those organizations. Over the past few years the institution’s bankers in New Mexico have contributed thousands of hours to non-profits and other philanthropic organizations throughout the state.

Mirabal herself is the Chair for the American Heart Association of NM, serves on the boards for WESST and Loan Fund and was named “Volunteer, Extraordinaire” by the New Mexico Bankers Association. She also graduated from Leadership New Mexico in May 2024.

Community involvement is essential, and Mirabal leads by example in that regard.

“We are relationship-focused and we believe if you want to be a bank/banker that offers value, you must get involved and understand and support the communities you serve,” Mirabal says.

Moving forward, as Sunflower Bank expands into new specialties, First National 1870 will be able to offer those services to its local businesses as well. In recent years, the bank has grown in New Mexico by over 40%, increasing market share throughout its communities by providing top-notch consultative banking.

“We have bankers with multiple decades of experience who also assist by aligning expertise throughout our entire organization to best serve our local companies by helping them grow and thrive,” Mirabal says.

While most banks offer a version of the same products and services, it is First National 1870’s commitment to the people and their experience that allows it to stand out from the crowd. Mirabal is proud to be at the forefront of that movement.

“Banking can be complex and can extend well beyond a deposit account,” she says. “Our bankers offer financial guidance as it relates to our customers’ banking needs. We are 100% customer focused.”

THE STRATEGIST

ASHLEY WAGNER

VICE PRESIDENT OF GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS

NEW MEXICO OIL & GAS ASSOCIATION

A native New Mexican whose family has farmed the land for more than 110 years, Ashley Wagner is deeply invested in her home state.

“New Mexico means a great deal to me,” she says. “I am proud to live and work here.”

A UNM graduate who also has a Master’s from Duke University, Wagner has worked in multiple roles in the Land of Enchantment. After serving as the Vice President of Public Policy at the New Mexico Chamber of Commerce, she transitioned to a position as New Mexico Public and Government Affairs Advisor for the ExxonMobil Corporation. That set the stage for her current role as Vice President of Government Affairs for the New Mexico Oil & Gas Association (NMOGA).

“I am responsible for working with member companies to craft legislative strategies and advocating on behalf of the oil and gas industry’s interests,” Wagner says. “Developing strong relationships and trust on both sides of the aisle and finding common ground is critical, and I work year-round to strengthen those bonds in order to ensure that NMOGA’s member positions and the continued necessity of the industry is communicated to decision-makers.”

NMOGA is a coalition of oil and natural gas companies, individuals, and stakeholders dedicated to promoting the safe and environmentally responsible development of oil and natural gas resources in New Mexico. Representing over 180 member companies, NMOGA works with elected officials, community leaders, industry experts, and the general public, to advocate for responsible oil and natural gas policies and increase public understanding of industry operations and contributions to the state.

“I have the privilege of representing some of the largest corporations in the world, as well as local independents,” Wagner says. “Both employ intelligent professionals who are passionate about their industry, and I get to interact and learn from them and my team every day as we work to meaningfully impact legislation pertaining to the oil and gas industry to help ensure its continued longevity in the state.”

New Mexico’s oil and natural gas activity is concentrated in two areas: the Permian Basin in the southeast and the San Juan Basin in the northwest. New Mexico is one of the United States’s leading producers, ranking second in annual oil production and ninth in annual natural gas production. New Mexico is attracting interest and attention from around the globe, as the Permian Basin undergoes a resurgence of production and investment activity.

“As a native New Mexican, I appreciate the vast contributions that the oil and gas industry has made to my state in terms of contributing over 50% of the total funding to the state budget and employing more than 134,000 people directly and even more indirectly statewide,” Wagner says. “New Mexico produces one of the cleanest barrels of oil in the world, using the highest safety and environmental standards. Where there is energy there is prosperity, and New Mexico’s oil and gas industry is contributing to raising standards of living across the world, as well as providing energy, security, and independence at home.”

THE COOL-HEADED COMMUNICATOR

TREENA SAAVEDRA

INTERNATIONAL PROTECTIVE SERVICE DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS

Growing up in a small-town environment in southern New Mexico, Treena Saavedra picked up a number of key values that continue to help her to this day.

“Being raised in rural areas, everyone has to work together to get things done,” Saavedra says. “I have always loved helping people.”

Saavedra took her cues from her father, who had a prosthetic leg but refused to be hindered by his disability.

“He always told us there is no hurdle we could not overcome,” she says. “Get out and get what you want. Hard work is the key to success.”

Saavedra boasts more than 30 years’ experience in communications since beginning her career as a dispatcher with the Valencia County Sheriff’s Department in 1993. She transitioned to the Los Lunas Police Department in 1996, where she served as the Supervisor of Dispatch for approximately a decade before moving to Support Services. In this position, Saavedra was responsible for a number of duties, including handling evidence, overseeing the police fleet, purchasing supplies and leading a variety of community events.

Saavedra retired from the LLPD in 2018, but after enjoying seven months of traveling and relaxation with her husband, it was time to get back to work. Saavedra joined IPS Global as the Supervisor of Dispatch in February 2019.

IPS Global is a well-respected company that offers a wide range of security services, including full service residential and commercial security, standing guard, patrol, vacation checks, private investigations, event security, K-9 (drugs, bombs, etc.), executive protection and workplace intervention/protection. Additionally, IPS has an in-house training academy offering Level 1-3 training to new applicants and to other local security companies. Its Technologies Division, which was added in July 2021, provides customers with a “one-stop shop” by installing cameras, access control, sensors and alarms for customers, which is monitored 24/7 by a state of the art Dispatch Center.

“It was a very different experience,” Saavedra says of joining IPS Global. “We dispatched for three states out of our office. We have grown by leaps and bounds since then: We now dispatch for seven states and nine locations out of our office. We went from four full-time dispatchers to 10 full-time dispatchers.”

Last year, Saavedra continued her journey within the company, as she was promoted to Director of Communications. It’s a significant task, because IPS Global is a 24-hour, seven days a week communications center that can dispatch to all states from one central location. For Saavedra, it’s a fulfilling type of work that always keeps things interesting.

“In communications, you never know what is on the other end of the phone line,” Saavedra says. “It could be a question about billing, or it could be a domestic issue. We have to be quick on our feet and be able to help people no matter what is going on — and be very level-headed no matter what.”

Saavedra’s own values of teamwork and a desire to help others align perfectly with those of IPS Global. She is proud to be part of a company that provides important services to those in need.

“We are the best of the best!” Saavedra says. “Many of our employees are former law enforcement and military. IPS cares about the safety of the public. We step up when no one else will.”

THE LEADER BEHIND BUILDING PEOPLE

CARLA KUGLER

For Carla Kugler, it’s always been about the people.

“When I took my job back in 2002 as an office manager at a local mechanical contractor firm, I knew right away that this was the industry for me,” she says. “I fell in love with the people and the under-appreciated skills they possessed. They’re some of the most down to earth, genuine, hard working people on the planet. When I met the former team at ABC it took service to the industry to a new level and I knew that was my calling: to be a support system and advocate for the construction industry.”

Kugler has been involved with Associated Builders and Contractors New Mexico (ABC) in some capacity for more than 20 years now. She began as a member and then joined the staff as the education and safety director for eight years before assuming her current position as president in 2019. ABC is a national trade association serving primarily commercial contractors. The New Mexico Chapter serves the state of New Mexico, representing nearly 200 members statewide. ABC is an effective force in construction education, business development, safety, labor and government relations and advocacy.

Says ABC Chair Mason Karnas: “ABC New Mexico continues to be the leader of our industry in political advocacy, workforce development and safety by engaging our community, leaders and members in thoughtful and impactful ways.”

ABC has grown considerably since the New Mexico chapter was established in 1980. What began as an apprenticeship program with one trade in 1983 has since grown to six trades and more than 350 apprentices. In 2017, ABC became the first construction trade association to receive its post-secondary certification from the New Mexico Department of Higher Education. This year, Director of Membership Christi Zimmerman received the Staff of the Year Award from the New Mexico Society of Association Executives for her exemplary efforts.

“ABC is growing so much. We have hit record numbers this past year – record number of members, record number of apprentices and the services we provide,” Kugler says. “We will need to physically expand by building additional training space to accommodate our growing programs and that also means bringing on new team members.”

ABC’s core ethos centers around building people, which falls in line with Kugler’s own philosophy.

“Our organization is based on the merit shop philosophy. ABC was founded to help members win work and deliver that work safely, ethically and profitably for the betterment of their community,” Kugler says. “ABC sets itself apart by being the largest multi-trade apprenticeship program in the state, and we’re proud to have such an emphasis on training the next generation of skilled craftspeople.”

Kugler is a dedicated wife and mother of two who credits her family for making her a better person and providing much-needed opportunities to recharge away from work. She also praises the people she has encountered along the way during her professional journey, whether it’s personal mentors or various local leaders in the construction community.

And, of course, Kugler takes great pride in the team at ABC, from staff to leadership of both the Chapter and the Education Trust.

“These individuals are committed to our industry and our organization and make my ‘job’ worthwhile,” Kugler says. “I am truly blessed to be associated with some amazing individuals. Together we have grown the organization to hit historic milestones in membership, safety and apprenticeship.”

THE CATALYST FOR CHANGE

KARLA KERN CAUSEY

BLACK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE OF NEW MEXICO PRESIDENT and CEO

After more than 30 years working for Sandia National Laboratories and PNM, Karla Kern Causey was enjoying some time away from the day-to-day grind.

When the Black Chamber of Commerce of New Mexico came calling in 2022 to recruit the Albuquerque native out of retirement, Causey was initially reluctant. However, after some soul searching — and a friendly nudge in the right direction — she realized she had more to offer.

“When I was contemplating the decision, I prayed and asked God what I should do as I was enjoying retirement,” Causey recalls. “I received a phone call from a friend in Georgia, and she said in prayer that morning that God told her to call and tell me that the decision I was contemplating was by His direction and I should accept it. This was the confirmation I needed.”

Shortly after joining the Chamber as President and CEO, Causey approached the Board of Directors and advised a name change from the African American Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce to the Black Chamber of Commerce of New Mexico. Causey knew the Chamber had too much to offer to limit its services to the Duke City alone, and the name change was officially enacted in 2023.

It’s been an exhilarating two years for Causey overall. In conjunction with the name change, the Chamber has significantly expanded its resources offered throughout the state to underengaged, underserved, and underresourced businesses.

“Members of the Chamber can receive services through our Small Business Success Program,” Causey says. “We engage with them where they are based on their needs. We pay business consultants to assist in setting up a business, developing business plans, creating basic web pages, understanding basic accounting principles, marketing, grant writing and more.”

The Chamber is now a micro-lender powered by Nusenda to offer loans using non-traditional methods. This means that instead of pulling a credit report, the Chamber will ensure that the member can repay the loan and follow the process to ensure success. The Chamber will also be offering grants based on three tiers with varying amounts and requirements in each of the tiers. Currently the grant is only available for at least 51% of Black-owned businesses in Albuquerque, but the organization is seeking additional funding to offer it statewide.

“We offer services that are not normally offered by chambers and we are always looking for ways to evolve to continue to build businesses to strengthen communities,” Causey says. “We are collaborating with other chambers, corporations, financial institutions, city, state, and federal agencies.”

Causey’s personal journey in recent years has been a whirlwind, to say the least. She accepted three invitations to the White House and was a guest for a reception held at Vice President Kamala Harris’ home; she received the Living Legend Award from the National Council of Negro Women in 2023; and she co-taught a workshop for the National Tuskegee Airmen Institute’s national conference, and those are just a few things from a long list of noteworthy endeavors.

Still, nothing makes her more proud than seeing the success of the Chamber, whether it’s through the small business program, working as a micro-lender, its ability to award grants or collaboration with other groups and organizations throughout New Mexico.

“It’s satisfying seeing businesses prosper and succeed,” she says. “We have conducted many ribbon cuttings and look forward to continually promoting sustainable economic growth.”

THE DEVOTED EDUCATOR

CLARISSA CASAS

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR - LITTLE CORRAL DAY SCHOOL

JUNIOR MARKETING - ABQ CHILDCARE

When she first began working with children, it didn’t take Clarissa Casas long to realize she had found her true calling.

“Seeing how I could make a difference in their lives and the joy of watching them learn and grow solidified my passion for education,” says Casas, a wife and mother of a 1-year-old boy.

Casas has been in the field of education for the past six years now. As the Assistant Director at Little Corral Day School, she is tasked with overseeing daily operations, supporting the teaching staff, and ensuring that all educational programs meet the highest standards. Little Corral Day School provides a comprehensive educational experience for children ages 6-12, including after school programs, summer camps, and enrichment activities. The school values a community oriented approach, focusing on individualized attention for each student. Inclusivity and diversity are also points of emphasis, as is creating an environment where children from all backgrounds feel valued.

“We make it a priority to know each child and their family personally, allowing us to tailor our educational programs to meet the unique needs of every student,” Casas says.

Casas is defined by her dedication to continuous learning, her ability to connect with children and families and the collaborative spirit that exists within the team at Little Corral Day School.

“I’m most proud of the positive impact I’ve been able to have on the lives of the children and families we serve,” Casas says. “Seeing the growth and development of our students and knowing that I play a role in shaping their futures is incredibly rewarding.”

Looking ahead to the future, Little Corral Day School plans to introduce new programs focused on art and technology. The school is also exploring partnerships with local schools to create more seamless transitions for children as they progress through their educational journeys.

Casas is proud to be an integral part of that journey.

“The smiles on the children’s faces and the gratitude from parents are constant reminders of why I do what I do,” she says.

NATALIE ARAGON THE GO-GETTER

It wasn’t difficult for Natalie Aragon to find the work ethic she needed to be successful. After all, it runs in the family.

“My late grandmother Dorothy was a very successful businesswomen and she only had the opportunity to receive an 8th grade education,” she says. “She would tell me how to never take my opportunities for work and education for granted. She helped me realize if she could accomplish all she did with hard work that so could I! I loved that I had a powerful woman to mentor me.”

Fast forward to the present day, and Natalie is currently in her ninth year with ABQ Childcare, where she currently serves as Operations Director alongside her husband, Zak. ABQ Childcare provides a variety of childcare services for kids ages 6 weeks to 12 years old.

“I am extremely passionate about working with the kids in our community,” Natalie says. “They’re the next generation and they need as many people to encourage them on their journey as possible. I hope the kids I encounter will look back and remember me for something positive in their lives.”

What truly sets ABQ Childcare apart are the long-lasting bonds that are formed, both within the staff and with parents and their kids.

“We all develop relationships that turn into lifelong friendships,” Natalie says. “We all care about each other. I love that so many parents thank us for being their support system to their kids!”

As for the future, downtime isn’t really on the agenda. A mother of two daughters, Natalie is also now an associate real estate broker with HomeSmart Realty Pros. Additionally, Natalie and her husband are opening another business in the near future. There’s no rest for the driven, because there’s always an opportunity to gain more knowledge.

“I find a lot of motivation in traveling and learning from other environments outside of my own,” Natalie says. “I think to be successful you have to be diverse in your skill set and experiences. I love learning from others around me no matter what their profession and experience level is. Everyone can teach me something!”

THE BASTION OF TRADITION

KATTIA ROJAS

While Kattia Rojas has always been driven — she’s admittedly both her biggest fan and critic — she still needed a little help along the way to realize her dream.

Growing up in her native Costa Rica, Rojas always had a love for food that was prepared by her mother and grandmother. At the time, she didn’t take an active role in the kitchen. That all changed when she moved to the United States with designs on learning English and putting her marketing degree to use with a large firm. Those plans took a detour when she worked with her husband, William, at a ranch in Colorado. There, she cooked for large groups of people and ignited a new passion.

“It came so naturally and easily that I began to really, really enjoy it,” she says. “At that point I decided that this is what I wanted to do for the rest of my life.”

Rojas credits CNM for providing her with necessary skills and knowledge to open her own restaurant.

“They gave me all the tools to make me confident to open a place,” she says. “Their instructors were wonderful with me, and they served as mentors and guided me in so many ways. I think it was the perfect place for me to be encouraged and to believe more in my idea.”

In May 2018, Rojas opened Buen Provecho in the historic El Vado Motel. It’s the only restaurant in the Duke City that specializes in authentic and traditional Costa Rican cuisine. It was important for Rojas to represent the food she grew up eating in her home country — and to share it with others.

“I think food is magical because it creates memories for you and reminds you of times in your life,” she says. “That’s what I want to create with my food.”

Buen Provecho continues to thrive and expand (there are plans for a second location), and through it all, Rojas remains connected to the CNM community, whether it’s serving staff who stop by or holding classes at her restaurant for current students.

“Without CNM, I wouldn’t have opened the restaurant,” she says. “They support me in so many ways.”

Now, Rojas is living the dream, delivering the “Pura Vida” mentality to Duke City diners with her authentic and traditional Costa Rican fusion concept.

THE TRAILBLAZER

JAZMINE CHAVEZ

Jazmine Chavez always wanted to be a dental hygienist. Through family-instilled hard work and dedication, she made that dream a reality, but over time, Chavez began to feel burned out from the day-to-day dental practice work. However, Chavez’s passion hadn’t waned; she simply needed a new direction. The catalyst for that change occurred when she went back to Pima Medical Institute as a Dental Hygiene Instructor.

“This sparked my love for teaching and mentoring others in our profession,” Chavez says. “I knew I was great at teaching and scaling teeth, so why not combine them?”

A mother of two boys, Chavez can often be found near a baseball diamond, watching her sons do what they love. It’s only fitting, then, that the inspiration for The Smile and Co. was born in that setting, while Chavez sought shelter from the unpredictable New Mexico weather.

“I didn’t set out to reinvent the wheel, just to modernize it, make it more accessible for patients regardless of insurance, and reduce the barriers to quality dental care, as well as create a place for dentists and their teams to learn and grow locally,” Chavez says.

Chavez’s business is the first independent dental hygiene studio in New Mexico led by a team of skilled hygienists — with no dentist in office. Additionally, The Smile and Co. provides a consultancy that allows for dentists and their teams to come to the studio and learn locally.

“I provide services all within the scope of dental hygiene, such as routine cleanings for adults and children, X-rays, sealants, seal and protect fluoride treatments, and periodontal therapies. I plan to bring quality back to dental hygiene care and create a new standard of ‘going to get my teeth cleaned,’” Chavez says.

“On the consulting side, I provide a more comprehensive approach to consulting in that I understand not every office is a million-dollar practice. I find what works for them and create in collaboration with the dentist from there.”

Chavez will also be utilizing CloudMed Spa, which allows those in the medical aesthetic world to become their own bosses and expand in the profession independently.

“They will rent my unused chairs, and I will also host their training out of my studio,” Chavez says. “It will be a train-here, work-here model—fascinating and new. The Smile and Co. will be a one-stop shop.”

To schedule your appointment, visit thesmileandco.com today!

THE IDEAL TEAMMATE

ANTIESHA BROWN

SALES PROFESSIONAL - WESTWAY HOMES

A former standout for the University of New Mexico women’s basketball team, Antiesha Brown now takes great pride in handing out assists to potential home builders and buyers.

After completing a professional career playing overseas, Brown has been with Westway Homes, a local new home builder that supports the growth of the Albuquerque metro area, for the past five years. In addition to a significant helping hand from her faith, family and mentors, Brown believes her athletic background has played a key role in helping her reach this point in her life.

“Sports really helped me develop characteristics and attributes that go a long way in becoming successful,” she says.

Westway builds homes in several subdivisions located throughout Albuquerque, Rio Rancho and Los Lunas. The company offers move-in ready homes for buyers who need something sooner rather than later, as well as allowing some “creative freedom” for clients who prefer to build their home and select the design elements.

“We carry a highly amenitized product that focuses more on quality over quantity,” Brown says. “Even our model homes are more of a ‘what you see is what you get’ feel.”

If anyone understands the value of being a great teammate, it’s Brown. It’s an attribute that has translated seamlessly from the hardwood to her tenure as a sales professional.

“When I realized I could communicate information effectively to prospective homebuyers where they can make an informed decision, I knew this was the career for me,” says Brown.

When she’s not on the job, Brown scratches her competitive itch through pickup hoops — playing against mostly men — and representing her company in cornhole tournaments. But above all, Brown is excited about what the future holds for Westway.

“We are always working on new subdivisions and keeping up with homebuyer needs and expectations,” she says. “Behind our leadership of Mike Fietz and JP Rael, I believe Westway is capable of being one of the best to do it in the industry as a whole.”

THE RESOURCEFUL ONE

CAROLINA COUOH

OFFICE MANAGER and PROJECT MANAGER WESTWIND LANDSCAPE CONSTRUCTION, INC.

Whether in life, in her career — or both — Carolina Couoh is adept at finding solutions.

“I think it’s easy for people to say ‘I don’t know’ or ‘I don’t have an answer for that,’ but we live in a world full of resources,” says Couoh, a single mother of one. “If we don’t have an answer, it’s so easy to do research on the Internet or to reach out to someone who may have the answers. I feel like in small business, being resourceful is crucial because if you don’t do your part, there’s a direct impact on the business.”

A University of New Mexico graduate who owns a degree in Business Administration and a Project Management Professional (PMP) certification, Couoh got her start working for the state’s Taxation and Revenue Department. Due to the commute and the long hours the job required, Couoh sought a change in order to be able to spend more time with her daughter. That opportunity came with an HVAC company called Four Winds Mechanical, where Couoh learned a little something about resourcefulness from the owner, who worked diligently to rebrand the company while climbing out of debt.

“I can’t recall if it was a year or two into my time working at the company, but Lynn met her goal,” Couoh recalls. “And that was the moment that it ‘clicked’ for me. I saw her working hard in the field and in the office and I realized that you get out of life what you put into it.”

In 2022 Couoh transitioned to Westwind Landscape Construction, where she helps manage day-to-day operations and also puts her PMP to use with projectrelated tasks. Westwind works primarily with the public sector, specializing in landscape and site construction projects — including design-build and bidbuild construction services. Projects range from small landscape installations to large complex public projects that involve earthwork and grading, large irrigation systems and sports fields.

It took a couple of pit stops along the way, but Couoh is happy to have found her niche.

“Small business isn’t for everybody and I love that it requires you to work hard,” she says. “If you don’t do your job, the company will suffer. With that being said, I plan on being in this field for the remainder of my career.”

THE DIFFERENCE MAKER

MELANIE FRESQUEZ

Melanie Fresquez is defined by an unwavering drive and determination to be someone who gives back to others.

She took a significant step toward achieving that goal when she opened Mink in February 2018, making it the first specialized Scalp Micropigmentation (SMP) clinic in New Mexico. The SMP procedure is a non-invasive solution offered to both men and women who are suffering from hair loss.

“When I saw how it brought back the confidence in my clients’ lives and heard how happy they felt after getting SMP, I knew that I wanted to continue making a difference for more people,” Fresquez says.

Fresquez wears many hats within her company, handling everything from answering calls and emails to scheduling, consultations and procedures. Most importantly, she has received training to perform the SMP procedure by two well-known companies in the industry.

“I like to challenge myself, and this type of work requires a lot of detail and patience,” Fresquez says. “The SMP procedure is not a one-size-fits all, so each client is different and that’s what keeps me going. I also get to meet a lot of great people. When I first opened my company, most of my clientele were men, and now I have a good mix of both men and women clients because it is a procedure that is good for both. I have been in business for six and a half years now and it just keeps getting better.”

Since opening her business, Fresquez has gained valuable experience and received numerous five-star reviews from satisfied clients. She has also appeared on the “New Mexico Living” morning show and received the “Best of Albuquerque” award for scalp micropigmentation/hair replacement service in both 2023 and 2024.

Fresquez anticipates that the treatment will only improve with time as it becomes more prevalent.

“Over the years, the industry has started to really grow with the help of social media. As an SMP Artist, that is exciting because then more people know it is an option/solution and I can help them,” Fresquez says. “The industry is also advancing with better tools, techniques, and products that make the procedure easier and the results more realistic.”

THE DEDICATED LEADER

JENNIFER HAYDEN PRESIDENT and CEO - NATIONAL MUSEUM OF NUCLEAR SCIENCE & HISTORY

Jennifer Hayden is a woman of many attributes: Patience, perseverance, a tireless work ethic and an open mind, just to name a few.

It’s part of what makes her an ideal leader as President and CEO at the National Museum of Nuclear Science & History.

“I am an optimist at heart, and I believe I have always led from where I was, regardless of the position,” says Hayden, a devoted wife and mother of two boys. “There have been many instances where I could have gotten in my own way with self-deprecating thoughts or a pessimistic attitude, but I chose to take chances to see changes.”

Hayden has served in five different positions during her 15 years with the museum, including the past two in her current role. Her passion for museums was forged many years ago, when she and her sister would travel with her grandparents — her grandfather was retired Navy — to museums and naval bases across the United States.

That passion remains a driving force as the National Museum of Nuclear Science & History continues to grow and thrive. Founded in 1969, the Smithsonian Affiliate, congressionally chartered museum is the only facility of its kind that shares a broad spectrum of the Atomic Era to its guests on an annual basis. Through its diverse and educational exhibits — including over 25,000 artifacts — visitors are introduced to the history of the Atomic Age, as well as the peaceful uses of nuclear technology: nuclear medicine, energy and space exploration.

There is plenty to look forward to in the coming months. Nearing completion is the $2 million Museum Artifact Center, which will allow the museum to showcase additional Cold War heritage items while providing a new and improved workspace to preserve and manage its larger artifacts.

Looking further into the future, there are exciting plans to increase the museum’s educational activities and outreach of STEM initiatives to students in communities near and far. Restoration and expansion of several science and history exhibitions are also on the horizon for approaching growth for the institution.

“My team at the museum have been outstanding with their support and willingness to remain open to my visions for our institution, and it has been a humbling and fulfilling experience working as their leader,” Hayden says.

THE DREAM BUILDER

DIANA LUCERO VICE PRESIDENT of CONSTRUCTION LENDING - NEW MEXICO BANK AND TRUST

As someone who values people and believes in building her community, Diana Lucero is in an ideal position in her career.

“I just love being able to get to know so many people and to help make the American dream of home ownership a reality for so many,” she says.

Lucero began at the ground floor of the banking world, starting as a teller for The Bank of Albuquerque/The Bank of New Mexico. She worked her way through most of the departments of the bank before becoming a commercial lender, where she also handled all of the institution’s construction loans. The latter ultimately proved to be her true calling.

“The volume grew so much I had to choose between commercial lending and construction lending. It was a difficult choice because I loved working with all my customers,” Lucero says. “I chose construction lending because I love seeing the excitement of people as they plan for their new dream homes. I then ended my career with them as Senior VP of Construction Lending.”

Lucero joined New Mexico Bank & Trust three months after it opened, bringing her construction loan program along with her. It’s been a mutually beneficial relationship ever since.

“They let me run with it,” she says. They have always been very supportive of me and the industry.”

Lucero is very involved with the Homebuilders Association at the local (HBACNM), state (NMHBA) and national (NAHB) levels. She also works diligently to keep up with industry trends, earning Certified Aging in Place, Certified Green Professional and Certified Graduate Associate designations through NAHB.

“I realize the importance of advocacy,” she says. “I continue to work with NAHB and the local and state HBAs to help with the fight to keep homes more affordable and attainable.”

While Lucero has plenty on her plate professionally, she values family and friends above all — especially when it comes to spending time with her grandchildren.

“I live my life by the mantra: Faith, Family, Friends and Fun!” she says.

THE INSPIRED EDUCATOR

LESLIE O’HANLON

MIDDLE SCHOOL DIVISION HEAD - BOSQUE SCHOOL

Leslie O’Hanlon, the Middle School Division Head at Bosque School, is committed to making a positive impact on the lives of her students by creating an environment in which students are cared about, valued, and encouraged to find their own unique brilliance. A Howard University graduate, Mrs. O’Hanlon says, “At Bosque, we think so hard about kids and how to support them. Of course, we want them to have strong academics, but this is also a school that allows kids to grow into their own and find areas to shine where they didn’t know they were going to shine. We give them the background to know how to navigate on their own, to be smart, to be savvy, and to know how to pursue a dream.”

Mrs. O’Hanlon is particularly proud of helping to establish a robust system of student support at Bosque School. Along with the deans and teachers, she created a well-defined process that allows students to receive the help they need when they struggle academically or emotionally.

She has learned that most students and parents want the same thing: to be seen, respected, and supported. “Some of my most joyful moments are when I’m sitting with parents strategizing how to best support their kids. We’re all working together toward a common purpose,” she says.

She also plays a key role in facilitating Bosque School’s Black Student Affinity Group. “I always wanted to support black children,” Mrs. O’Hanlon says. “I often think about my own education, especially as a middle schooler, and it wasn’t bad, but I definitely felt invisible in predominantly white spaces with teachers who didn’t understand that at all. Of course, middle school is awkward, and you’re not going to feel great all of the time— and you shouldn’t. Life is hard, and sometimes you’ve just got to roll with it, but I want to do what I can to create welcoming spaces.”

This commitment to supporting students is central to her philosophy as an educator. She says,“We do better when we feel supported and seen. That’s true for all of us, but especially for children. I may not win a Nobel Prize, but I know I am making children’s lives better.”

THE EMPOWERER

JENEE SANCHEZ

OWNER - BELLA COSA MEDICAL SPA

My name is Jenee Sanchez and I am the owner of Bella Cosa Medical Spa. I have been open for 10 years now.

I am a New Mexico native with a degree in business administration and a pharmacy technician’s license. I’ve been in beauty, skincare, modeling and wellness since my 20s. In 2014, I opened my spa as a day spa and in 2017, expanded into a full-service medical and wellness spa. I have received several awards throughout my time in this industry, including New Mexico Business Owner of the Year, Best of Groupon and Queen Award for Empowering Others.

What sets me apart from other spas is my true passion for helping others and empowering others to achieve their goals. It is not just a treatment itself with results, it is listening to client concerns regarding their skin and health and making a difference to give them more confidence and self-esteem. I love to empower women to believe there is nothing that they can’t do.

I have been a staple in the community, helping to raise money for children in schools and families in need during the holidays, and I will continue to do so. I am grateful for my blessings that have paid off with my ambition, hard work and efforts.

This year I am thrilled to have expanded my business into more wellness with medical weight loss and hormonal therapy. I truly believe it’s important to enhance your wellness and help build the best of you — your own unique BIO beauty inside and out. By doing so, you feel your best, which allows you to take on changes and challenges to strive and succeed. At Bella Cosa Med Spa, we offer a wide variety of services, including advanced skin care, injectables, medical weight loss, hormonal therapy and body contouring. I continue to grow and stay in touch with new innovative services to remain a premiere full service facility.

We would love to have you as our client! Call 505-712-1550 to book today.

CHAMPION FOR HEALTHY WEALTH

KELLEY TREDWIN

Kelley Tredwin appreciates a good story. “My love of stories is my superpower,” Tredwin says. “Our stories about money and wealth underpin how each of us approaches money, no matter how much we have. When we own those stories, being true to our own values and ideals, letting go of guilt and shame, we can move toward healthy wealth.” Healthy wealth includes building wealth, feeling confident and informed, and spending/sharing wealth in meaningful ways.

Money feels complicated no matter how much we have or what stage of life we’re in. She founded Altalune Wealth Advisors with her husband to be a “breath of fresh air within the financial industry, a place where clients get to show up authentically around their financial lives,” Tredwin says. Altalune means “over the moon,” which describes the way Tredwin wants clients to feel about their financial health and Altalune’s elevated service commitment to clients.

“Historically the financial industry has not been inviting to women,” she says. “At Altalune, I am changing that. Great things can happen when women engage with money.” She encourages women to engage in their finances with gusto, to have the courage to align their finances authentically, to build confidence about money. Tredwin wants clients to feel comforted, feel safe to cry or belly laugh. She encourages establishing meaningful charitable gifts and gifting to loved ones while we are alive because they make us happy.

Altalune Wealth Advisors helps clients harness the power of their financial stories using core principles: listening with intention, continuous “based on real-life” planning, learning together, and giving space to emotions. “In our practice, highest quality investment management is a given; it is a baseline. Our real superpower is understanding clients’ unique stories, dreams and fears,” Tredwin says. “I love providing clients with valued, relevant financial management, educational opportunities, and advice that supports their meaningful life.”

and Advisory Services offered through LPL Financial, a Registered Investment Advisor. Member FINRA/SIPC

THE SENIOR ADVOCATES

TERRI HUBER JESSICA RIEGER AGENCY PRINCIPAL OWNER and EVENT MANAGER

PURE BENEFITS

Neither Terri Huber (pictured left) nor Jessica Rieger (pictured right) expected to end up in their current careers, but both women are certainly happy with the way things turned out.

“Working with seniors has been the best part of my career. It is so fulfilling to be able to educate and help people navigate through the complexities of insurance and our healthcare system,” Huber says.

Huber got her start in the industry in 1988 and since then, she has worked in every facet of the insurance business. She began helping seniors with Medicare insurance in 2008 and shortly thereafter incorporated her current company, Pure Benefits. Pure Benefits is one of the largest agencies in the state with 78 highly-qualified agents working diligently to secure satisfactory outcomes for its clients.

Rieger, meanwhile, had something of an epiphany while working as a server in college.

“Many of my guests were elderly. I loved getting to know them and hearing their stories about their lives and families. I felt a strong desire to help them, but I wasn’t sure how,” Rieger says.

Rieger was inspired to follow the lead of her mother, who was working in Medicare Insurance, so she elected to bypass the traditional college route in favor of sales. It turned out to be a career that she truly loves. Rieger began with Pure Benefits as a captive agent in 2015 before transitioning into an independent sales broker role. Three years ago, she shifted from active sales to focus on broker support and development.

“I’m most proud of the impact I’ve been able to make by supporting brokers and helping them grow their businesses,” Rieger says. “Knowing that I’m contributing to their success and, in turn, helping clients across the community access the insurance and resources they need is incredibly fulfilling.”

Pure Benefits works diligently to continue to be able to serve its clients in as many ways as possible. Currently in development is a resource center, which will be a large retail space where seniors can come in anytime for advice and assistance. Additionally, Pure Benefits will be offering free Social Security workshops from its office, which will help people determine the best ways to maximize their benefits.

“We are always trying to find a better way to help others, become more efficient and find opportunities that haven’t been discovered yet,” Huber says.

THE PASSIONATE ENTREPRENEUR BEHIND THRIVING JAPANESE RESTAURANTS

ANNA SU

OWNER - AZUMA SUSHI and TEPPAN & TAKUMI RESTAURANT

AZUMA (2 locations)

4701 San Mateo Blvd NE & 8104 Wyoming Blvd NE Suite B azumaabq.com

TAKUMI

2100 Louisiana Blvd NE, Suite 800 takumibbq.com

Decades ago, I discovered that restaurants are special places where people come together, find joy and create lasting memories. This realization sparked a passion that has fueled my journey in the restaurant industry ever since. Today, I am proud to own three beloved Japanese restaurants in Albuquerque.

Like many immigrants, I arrived in the United States in the 90s, with dreams and aspirations. My first step into the culinary world was humble—I began as a part-time server in an Asian restaurant. Little did I know, this experience would ignite a lifelong love for the restaurant business.

The success of my restaurants is rooted in passion, perseverance and the unwavering support of my team and community. Every decision I make is guided by a deep love for Japanese cuisine. Overcoming the challenges of running a business requires perseverance, but the strong relationships we’ve built with our customers and the dedication of my staff have been key to our continued growth.

Each of our three restaurant locations can accommodate over 300 guests, making them ideal for family reunions, birthday celebrations, wedding rehearsal dinners, corporate events and large gatherings. Whether you’re visiting for a casual meal or a special occasion, our talented chefs are dedicated to providing an unforgettable dining experience.

At all our locations, we consistently serve top-quality seafood and steaks in a warm, welcoming atmosphere where every customer feels like family.

The smiles and loyalty of our customers, along with the dedication of my employees, inspire me to keep moving forward. Sharing my love for Japanese culture through our food is not just a career—it’s my calling. After a long day, what keeps me going is knowing that I’ve made a difference in someone’s day through the meals we serve.

THE NATURAL BEAUTY ENHANCERS

ALLURADERM MD MED SPA

We are AlluraDerm MD Med Spa, the top medical spa in Albuquerque, known for our expert injectors and a passion for empowering confidence in our clients. Our spa brings together a team of highly skilled professionals, including our three incredible female injectors, who are true artists in their craft. We have built a reputation of excellence, innovation, and a client-centered approach, transforming countless lives by enhancing natural beauty.

Our medical spa has been serving the Albuquerque community for over 17 years, providing high-quality aesthetic treatments and skincare solutions. Our three female injectors have years of experience between them and are dedicated to delivering exceptional results. We are incredibly proud of our team of talented women who are not only skilled injectors but also inspiring leaders in our community. Watching them thrive professionally and personally, while helping our clients feel their best, brings us great pride.

We offer a comprehensive range of services, from cosmetic injectables like Botox and dermal fillers to advanced skincare treatments, laser therapies, and body contouring. The industry has evolved significantly, with advancements in non-surgical treatments and technologies. We’ve adapted by continuously investing in cutting-edge equipment, expanding our service offerings, and emphasizing training for our team to ensure we remain at the forefront of aesthetic care.

Over the past year, our team has grown significantly, and we’ve expanded our services to include weight loss injections, guided by our expert physicians and nurse practitioners. We’re excited to continue our growth by adding even more innovative services that meet our clients’ needs, such as advanced skincare treatments, wellness programs, and new non-surgical options. Additionally, we plan to deepen our connection with the community by increasing our involvement in local events, hosting educational workshops, and collaborating with other local businesses to promote health and wellness.

Our vision is to remain a trusted partner in our clients’ beauty and wellness journeys while becoming an even more integral part of the Albuquerque community.

THE VISIONARY

VICTORIA ARCHULETA

SENIOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPER - VILLAGE OF LOS LUNAS

Time and time again, Victoria Archuleta has proven she has what it takes to tackle whatever obstacles life might send her way.

“I attribute my success to a combination of resilience, creativity, and commitment to kindness. Life has presented me with many challenges, but I’ve always believed in the power of perseverance,” she says. “My resilience has allowed me to navigate difficult situations, learn from setbacks, and continue pushing forward. Whether it’s in my professional roles or personal life, I’ve consistently sought out innovative solutions to overcome obstacles and drive positive change.”

It’s a big part of what makes her an ideal fit in her current role as Senior Economic Developer for the Village of Los Lunas. A seventh-generation New Mexican who was born and raised in Albuquerque, Archuleta has acquired a diverse skill set over the course of her career, gaining experience in business development, public relations, and marketing before transitioning into roles more focused on community impact, working in local government and non-profit sectors.

In 2023, Archuleta began in her current role, where she strives to create positive impact and opportunities for her community by supporting and empowering local businesses, entrepreneurs and organizations. In addition to leading initiatives that are essential to the economic growth and sustainability of her community, Archuleta focuses on promoting Los Lunas and Greater Valencia County. This is done by leveraging the county’s strength’s — such as its strategic location, supportive business environment and access to a skilled workforce—to attract new businesses and investments.

“By highlighting our community assets, I aim to position the Village of Los Lunas as a prime destination for companies looking to expand or relocate,” Archuleta says. “My efforts in this area involve not only marketing and outreach but also building long-term relationships with business leaders and investors who share a vision for the county’s future.”

During her journey, Archuleta has been recognized as the NM KidsCan New Mexico ChangeMakers Fellow and has been named an Albuquerque Business First 40 Under 40 Honoree. She has also served on numerous boards, most recently the Greater Valencia County Chamber of Commerce and the Los Lunas Rotary board of directors.

“I’m driven by a commitment to my community, a passion for economic development and a desire to create opportunities for fellow New Mexicans,” Archuleta says.

THE COURAGEOUS SPIRIT

BETHANY PENDERGRASS

CHIEF COMMUNICATIONS, STRATEGY, and ENGAGEMENT OFFICER

RIO RANCHO PUBLIC SCHOOLS

In the Rio Rancho Public School District, there are staff members whose contributions have gone above and beyond expectations. Bethany Pendergrass is one of those individuals whose hard work, determination and resilience is inspirational to all those who work with her. She is currently the Chief Communications, Strategy and Engagement Officer for the district. Beth has worked for the district for eight years and she has consistently delivered outstanding work. Her knowledge and expertise has made her an invaluable member of our District Leadership Team. If you give her an assignment, there is never any concern that it will be done in a timely manner and at a high level.

In addition to her demanding position, she has faced a diagnosis of cancer, and her courage and resilience has been remarkable. We have all admired her fighting spirit. During her cancer treatments, she always finds a way to do her job well, even when the rest of our team is encouraging her to do less. We know that it has been a hard road, but Beth has never been into excuses, even when they would have been totally justified. Throughout this journey, she has maintained her professionalism, sense of humor, and determination.

We are grateful that we have Beth on our team. Her courage and commitment is a testament to her character and strength, which is recognized by colleagues throughout the district. She is a positive role model for us all. Her contributions are both acknowledged and admired. She represents our district and community well!

THE CATALYSTS FOR WELLBEING

ELIZABETH WHITE RESTORE MEDICAL SPA

YVETTE ALVARADO

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OFFICE MANAGER & AESTHETIC MEDICINE

Elizabeth White (pictured right end) and Yvette Alvarado (pictured left end) initially crossed paths in the medical spa industry some seven years ago. Now they’re teaming up again at Restore Medical Spa — and the clients are the primary beneficiaries.

“I am immensely proud of reaching my own weight loss goals,” says Alvarado, who began in broadcast media before transitioning to her current career, where she assists with marketing/branding while also managing inventory, scheduling and customer service. “My health has improved significantly since I was educated by my provider, Liz.”

White is a certified nurse practitioner with 15 years of experience in emergency medicine, urgent care and occupational health who has been offering aesthetic medicine services since 2013. She opened Restore Medical Spa — which is part of the Duke City Cares family — in 2022. The spa focuses on providing education and personalized care for its patients through medical weight loss programs, hormone replacement therapy and aesthetic treatments.

“The industry focus has shifted to more wellness and functional-based care. Our goal is to provide tools to help the patient meet their weight loss goals and maintain healthy habits after program completion. We try to provide a welcome and supportive environment while our clients are working toward their weight loss goals,” White says.

Restore Medical Spa continues to grow and thrive. It added two new staff members this year and services have expanded to include Agnes and Scarlet radio frequency microneedling, IPL photo facials, Aquafirme facials, laser hair removal, waxing and hair restoration.

“Aesthetic medicine focus has evolved to a more subtle, refreshed aesthetic enhancement to naturally highlight the client’s features,” White says. “Our aesthetic services provide access to services which help achieve these subtle transformations through different treatment modalities.”

Having Alvarado at the front of the house is an added benefit, because in addition to offering assistance to patients, she is a living example of some of the services Restore can provide.

“I can relate to their struggles when it comes to weight loss,” she says. “I am on that same journey and living a better and healthier lifestyle.”

That, ultimately, is the primary goal for anyone who walks through the doors at Restore Medical Spa.

“I love meeting our clients and helping them to meet their personal wellness and aesthetic goals,” White says.

Old Town Spotlight

Rediscovering the Charm of Old Town:

A LocAL’s Guide to ALbuquerque’s Historic HeArt

By: Neighbors, Merchants, and Residents of Old Town

As Albuquerque locals, we often take Old Town for granted. It’s where we take out-of-town visitors, but when was the last time you explored it yourself? Old Town isn’t just a tourist attraction; it’s a living, breathing part of our city’s soul. It’s time to rediscover the familiar and acquaint yourself with the renewed energy of this historic community. Let’s peel back the layers of our city’s historic core and find the magic that’s been there all along.

Did you know? Old Town has one of the largest concentrations of local, small businesses in the state of New Mexico? It’s like a RailYards Market every day of the year!

A Walk Through Time

Did you know? San Felipe de Neri Church has held Mass continuously for over 200 years, which is one of the longest periods of any church in the United States.

Old Town was founded in 1706, but have you ever immersed yourself in its history? Next time you're there, take a moment to stand in the Plaza and imagine the scene 320 years ago. Picture Spanish colonists laying out the town, their adobe homes rising from the dusty earth. Visualize the bustling trade, the political discussions, and the daily life that once centered around that very spot.

San Felipe de Neri Church, rebuilt in 1793, is a living link to our City’s past. Step inside on a quiet afternoon and feel the weight of generations who've sought solace within its walls. The church's continued role in community events reminds us that Old Town isn't a museum piece – it's a vital part of our present.

Each of Old Town’s adobe buildings tells a story of our multicultural heritage. The blend of Spanish Colonial, Mexican, and Territorial styles creates a unique architectural tapestry you won’t find anywhere else in the world. Next time you’re in Old Town, challenge yourself to spot the subtle differences in building styles. Notice how the late 19th-century Territorial additions, with their brick coping and milled lumber, contrast with the earlier Spanish Colonial structures. It’s a visual lesson of Albuquerque’s evolution.

Did you know? Compared to other historic districts, Old Town Albuquerque has stayed mostly true to its architectural heritage with over 20 distinct architectural styles on display.

Hidden Gems and Secret Spots

There are secrets waiting to be discovered, even for longtime locals. Wander through the narrow streets and hidden patios, portals, and plazas and turn your visit into a scavenger hunt. Have you found the patio where the letter "G" is hidden in various places in honor of its builder? Or have you looked up and read the old hand-written inscription above one of the courtyard entrances? Almost every building in Old Town was originally built as a home (before it was turned into a place of business) so patios abound; some are open while others are hidden and a few are gated.

Did you know?

We count at least 18 hidden patios scattered throughout Old Town - can you find them all?

Hungry for more? There are a few spots throughout Old Town where, during restoration, a window into the history of the building was intentionally created so you can see the original adobe. And let’s not forget the old Civil War cannons in the Plaza. How many times have you walked past without noticing them? Or, tucked away in a historic courtyard is an old well. The original location of this well dates back to Old Town’s agrarian past of the early 1800’s. These hidden details are like Easter eggs, waiting for observant locals to find them.

A Hub of Culture

Old Town continues to evolve, offering new experiences for lifelong Burqueños as a vibrant center of modern New Mexican culture. The art scene is constantly evolving, showcasing the work of local artists inspired by our unique landscape and heritage. From traditional crafts to cutting-edge contemporary pieces, Old Town’s local artists and makers offer a connection into the creative soul of our city.

Over the last two years, the residents, merchants, and property owners of Old Town have made a concerted effort to make Old Town the historical and cultural heart of Albuquerque again. Old Town boasts more culturally significant events such as Albuquerque’s birthday celebration, the Church Fiestas, and the vibrant Dia de los Muertos week-long event. The Dia de los Muertos event is a perfect example of how Old Town is intentionally hosting culturally significant events by honoring ancient traditions. It’s a chance for locals to come together, celebrate a piece of our heritage, and create new memories in this historic setting.

One of the joys of being a local is experiencing Old Town through all seasons. The summer evenings come alive with the sound of live music drifting across the plaza. The crisp fall air carries the scent of roasting chile. The magic of luminarias lining the streets warms you during the holidays. A perfect spring breeze rustling the cottonwood trees in the plaza brings a sense of peace. Each visit offers a new perspective and a new reason to fall in love with our city’s historic heart.

Did you know? Throughout the year there are more than 200 different opportunities to listen to live music in Old Town. Not only in the gazebo, but tucked away in the hidden patios, portals, and plazas you’re sure to find some live music most weekends.

Rediscovery Awaits

So, fellow Burqueños, it’s time to look at Old Town with fresh eyes. Spend an afternoon exploring its hidden patios, portals, and plazas and tucked-away shops. Join a community event. Strike up a conversation with a local artist or shop owner. You might be surprised at how much there is to rediscover in this familiar place.

Old Town isn’t just a part of our history – it’s part of our future. It’s where we can connect with our roots while creating new traditions. So let’s reclaim Old Town, not as a tourist destination, but as the heart of our Albuquerque community. After all, it’s ours. And it’s time we got reacquainted.

Native American Jewelry

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

STORIES BEHIND INDIVIDUALS WHO MAKE ALBUQUERQUE GREAT

SPREADSHEET OF THE LIVING COVER BANDS

Barney Lopez sits at his “desk” at the Launchpad as he pulls together the 112 bands slated to perform over the eight-night series, October’s Night of the Living Cover Bands. Putting together the series of shows requires luck, skill and a color-coded spreadsheet that Lopez is all too familiar with. (p. 185)

PHOTO BY DON JAMES/ATM

PERSONALITY

CHEERS

Whether she’s talking about beer, singing on the mic at Isotopes Park, chatting about airplanes, or championing our city, Leah Black is always out front and full of cheer.

Leah Black says she is not a cheerleader. That’s a term that has been used by others to describe her skillful, hardworking and bountiful support for a host of things over the years, yet the name doesn’t quite fit and she wants to find a different one. “‘I’ve been called that before and I don’t think it’s accurate,” Black says. “It’s just different. You get a different vision in your head.”

Black has evolved through a series of jobs where she brings her skill set to the position of what might accurately be described as an ambassador for the organization. Her Facebook intro reads, “Realtor•Investor•Aviation Marketer•Singer/Vocalist•VanLifer•Radio/TV personality.” It’s a lot, but it is a career that has common threads and a bit of fun in between.

Black grew up an only child in Denver, went to college there for a while and then dropped out to take a job as an on-air DJ at Denver’s KBPI (the station that “Rocks The Rockies”). “I was Lou on KBPI because it was a blue-collar station,” Black explains. “They wanted me to have a guy’s name.” But because the company had multiple stations her role quickly expanded. “I was also simultaneously at another station as Leah Love on Valentine in the Morning, doing traffic. It was so ridiculous. Ra-

dio was so fun that way.” She smiles and laughs.

When she lost her radio job in a nationwide corporate firing spree in 2002, her mom offered her a bit of guidance. Black recalls, “My mom was so sweet. She said, ‘You’ve always had wanderlust. You should just look online for a radio gig.’ Albuquerque was the first place.”

She had never been to Albuquerque before, but the seven-hour drive from Denver seemed close enough not to wor-

ALL TOLD, SHE SPENT 13 YEARS IN RADIO. THEN SHE GOT INTO BEER.

We interview all these fabulous people who are doing really great things for our city.

ry if she didn’t like it. “I just loaded up a U-Haul, and I came here to be on a morning show with Michael Moxie.” The show was on the late, great radio station, 103.3 FM, The Zone. Eventually, she moved over to do solo drive-time radio at 93.3 FM. All told she spent 13 years in radio. Then she got into beer.

“La Cumbre pretty much kicked off my beer career,” she says. Black began bartending, booking bands and doing social media for the brewery. It was the marketing aspect of the job that Black took to and excelled at. La Cumbre led to a stint as the social media director at Marble Brewing and then an opportunity surfaced that had a major impact on the entire brewing industry in New Mexico.

In 2020, Black became the first female executive director of the New Mexico Brewers Guild, just on the cusp of the pandemic lockdown that would close restaurants, bars and breweries across the state. Brewers would call her and ask what they should do. There really was just

one answer–reopen. Humble, she would point to the efforts of others, but she made a compelling case to the governor to reopen the breweries. “I think again it shows when you love something, you fight for it,” she says.

The efforts were a success, breweries reopened and again the beer flowed, saving an industry. Black served as executive director of the Guild for three years. “I love the craft beer industry in this state,” she says. “It’s small businesses. It’s people that are venturing out. They’ve been in the nine-to-five rat race and they leave their jobs and they’re like, ‘You know what? I’m gonna try this out.’” Adding, “Brewers are daring if nothing else.”

Currently, Black is the outreach and marketing manager for the City of Albuquerque’s Aviation Department. Outreach is a big, umbrella term, but it means she talks about the $87 million renovation currently underway at the Sunport. She talks about the new hangers out at Double Eagle on the Westside, the first develop-

ment in over 25 years out there, she would be sure to include. She also deals with the public to explain the inevitable delays and sundry issues that are part of running an airport anywhere. It’s clear that she has more fun spending all day at the airport than most would.

She also hosts a podcast with Mayor Keller, One ABQ and You. “The star of the show is Albuquerque,” she says. “We interview all these fabulous people who are doing really great things for our city.” It is obvious that Black likes being back on the air, so to speak.

Somehow she has also found time to sneak out of her day job and sing the national anthem at the ballpark, just as an aside. “I’ve sung the anthem for the Isotopes almost every year since they’ve started,” Black mentions. No easy feat for any singer. “That modulation toward the end is rough.”

For fun, she and her boyfriend Wayne bought a high-roof Ford Transit van and customized it for camping. “It’s about

90% done. We’d love to take it on the weekends and all over New Mexico.” The two are often joined by their two dogs, Josephine Chicken Wing and Charlie Girl.

What’s next for Leah Black? “It’s always been a dream of mine to have an album of my own original songs.” She says that she has the songs written, she just needs to figure out all the music. She is working with a handful of local musician friends and hopes to record together in 2025.

She also plans to continue the renovation work she has been doing with Wayne on Albuquerque homes (she has six of them now). It’s a hobby with a public benefit, turning rundown places into homes, and naturally, the public is invited to follow along on her Instagram account, Twothatdo.

What is clear is that whatever Black does, Albuquerque is at the heart of it all. “I love it here. I never want to leave. It’s amazing. I mean, of course, I want to travel and stuff, but this is so home for me now.” –CC

I love it here. I never want to leave. It’s amazing.

BEHINDTHESCENES

YOUR SNEAK PEEK AT JOBS THAT FLY BELOW THE RADAR

STAGE FRIGHT

Night of the Living Cover Bands is 100+ acts playing over 8 nights in Downtown ABQ. All it takes to pull off is a few costumes, a durable backline and Barney Lopez with his trusty spreadsheet.

No one can seem to remember exactly when The Night of the Living Cover Bands started. The best recollections are around 16 or 17 years ago. This Halloween event had a simple concept and humble beginnings but has turned into a juggernaut of an event that spans eight nights and includes 112 bands this year in costumes playing the hits from radio staples (think U2, Led Zeppelin and Nirvana) to deep cuts from fan favorites that have seen little time on the Billboard charts (Amyl and The Sniffers, Bikini Kill and Southern Culture on the Skids come to mind).

Barney Lopez is the booker for the Launchpad and has been wrangling bands into the place for the last 10 years. “It kind of started with this band Mechanism of Eve,” Lopez says. “They came up with the idea. Joe Anderson came up with the name, and then they started the first one at Launchpad all those years ago.” The event started as a one-night show, then two, then expanded some years to other venues including a year that saw shows in Santa Fe as well. Last year, they added Sundays to the event as a way to bring in all-ages shows with younger fans and bands.

Lopez sees that as a success from the standpoint of encouraging younger bands to join the local music scene, but unfortunately, it took up too much of their bookable time. Lopez recalls, “When you have 12 nights of the month that are taken up by Night of the Living Cover Bands, it only allows half the month to be booked

at Launchpad and October happens to be one of the busiest tour seasons for Albuquerque.”

The process starts each year around May for the October event. Like all good projects, it starts with a spreadsheet. Lopez has a doozy of one with color-coded lists of bands and their alter egos. Usually,

he uses three colors on the spreadsheet to organize the evenings. “My yellow is the golden. Like, these guys are golden. They’re gonna do great,” he says.

Lopez is always trying new things and new for this year on the spreadsheet is purple. Purple indicates good cover band choices. “I think they picked a good band to cover and it’s exciting, like Spice Girls, Rancid, Rick James, Marven Gaye, Nickelback, Brooks and Dunn, Rob Zombie, System of a Down, Limp Biscuit, Beastie Boys, Metallica, Iron Maiden…” Lopez reads from the purple list.

The bands themselves are primarily local acts that usually perform as themselves playing their own material. For them, Night of the Living Cover Bands is a creative opportunity to dress up and play someone else for a hot twenty-minute set. Sometimes bands are ad hoc groups consisting of members from several different bands. “My goal is that all of the bands are actual original bands that play locally, often and play original songs.”

Dust City Opera as David Bowie

Kevin Herig + Co as The Kinks circa 2022

Abort Abort as Dolly Parton

Red Light Cameras As No Doubt circa 2012

Rats in the Rosebush as Devo

“Some bands hate it. I feel like it’s led to some breakups of bands because it creates tension in the band trying to decide the same artist that you all want to cover.”

NIGHT OF THE LIVING STATS

BANDS ON THE SPREADSHEET: 242 BANDS LAST YEAR: 136 BAND GOAL NUMBER THIS YEAR: 112 BANDS THAT ACTUALLY FILLED OUT THE FORM: 71 BANDS ON THE WAITING LIST: 15 BANDS THAT USUALLY DROP OFF THE NIGHT OF: 1 OR 2

BEHINDTHESCENES

The concept isn’t for everyone. “It’s not for every original band,” Lopez explains. “Some bands hate it. I feel like it’s led to some breakups of bands because it creates tension in the band trying to decide the same artist that you all want to cover.” He doesn’t push, but he does reach out to bands he thinks would do a good job.

Often his job includes helping with the basics, like filling out his online form for potential bands.

“Sometimes trying to get a musician to fill out a form is like trying to get them to write down the lyrics to their music somewhere. They’re not going to do it,” says Lopez. He has 240 bands on his spreadsheet this year. 71 of them filled out the form. Lopez has 112 slots to fill. “My goal is by the end of July to have all of my bands and know who they’re going to cover,” he adds.

The sets are 20 minutes apiece with 10 minutes to switch out the bands. The back line–drums, bass amp, three guitar amps–is already set, making the switch doable with a stagehand and cooperative, attentive bands. There are no duplicate bands, but Lopez weeds them out further.

“One of the questions I ask in my form is, ‘Are you willing to put on costumes?’ If they say no to that, I don’t have any time for you. You’re not willing to have fun. You’re not a fun person. No one wants you around. Just say, yes, you’ll wear a costume. It’s Halloween!”

What other acts won’t work? Lopez has found that solo artists just don’t even get acknowledged by the crowd. Without the drums, they just aren’t loud enough. Unfortunately, another genre that doesn’t seem to work is Hip Hop. “You don’t see hip hop artists doing cover songs,” Lopez explains.

Who would Lopez like to see that hasn’t been covered? “Weird Al. Nobody has done Weird Al,” Lopez grins. A very meta choice for a cover band show, but working cover bands need not apply. Lopez makes the parameters of the show clear. “I’ll put people on the ‘no thank you’ list if they’re already a cover band. Some cover bands just don’t get that. They see Night of the Living Cover Bands and they think ‘it’s a night for us’, and it’s not.”

Night of the Living Cover bands kicks off October 4. For more information see launchpadrocks.com –CC

A DREAM OF A NEW MEXICAN CATRINA

Luis Contreras is a sculptor making a series of New Mexican Catrinas complete with chile boas for a show opening at the Lapis Room in Old Town—and the elegant female skeleton associated with the Day of the Dead is more than dressed for the occasion. (p. 190)

PHOTO BY DON JAMES/ATM

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

CREATIVES

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

LA CATRINA

LAN ELEGANT SKELETON TAKES ON A DISTINCTLY NEW MEXICAN STYLE

uis Contreras is a sculptor of one thing–Catrinas. It is rare for an artist to be so focused, but it is clearly part of who he is. “I haven’t strayed from my Catrinas so far,” he says. The elegant female skeleton is commonly associated with Day of the Dead celebrations throughout Mexican cultures, but her roots are found in the class struggle iconography of the early 20th century. There is a depth and tradition to the roughly two-foot-tall sculptures of La Catrina with regional distinctions and markers throughout Mexico, but Contreras is forging his own, distinctly New Mexican vision. It is a vision that is a manifestation of the discovery process of Mexican traditions that Contreras is going through himself.

Contreras grew up in rural New Mexico. He describes his childhood home as near, but not in, the small town of Chilili in the East Mountains. He recalls the distances from his neighbors saying, “We were close to Chile, but we didn’t really get the small-town gossip.” he adds, “We were isolated.”

His parents came from Mexico as teenagers and became Jehovah’s Witnesses when Contreras was in middle school, which meant no more birthdays, no more

Christmas. Contreras is quick to say that part was fine, but his Mexican heritage was downplayed by parents who had moved on to newer things. It wasn’t until he was out of the house as an adult that he began going to Mexico and discovering the richness of Mexican culture. He says, “Part of myself is still learning about it.”

His vehicle for that discovery was art. “Getting into art and the culture, it was definitely the art,” Contreras recalls. “It was Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera. My

mom always had paintings of theirs, but I would only ever hear their names. I think for my parents, coming from where they were, it was kind of like we were just leaving it all behind.” The depth and the meaning behind the art just were not part of the discussion. “Honestly, it’s just something that I never got a chance to know,” he adds. “It was something that I was always missing.”

On a trip to Mexico as an adult, he found a Catrina in a shop and his partner suggested they buy it. Instead, he chose to make his own. La Catrina became a tool for self-discovery. “She’s kind of become a part of the Mexican culture that I never got,” says Contreras.

The traditional method for making Catrinas involves kiln-fired clay. One deviation Contreras makes is in the materials he chooses to use. His Catrinas are made with a low-heat polymer clay material that can be fired in a household oven.

CREATIVES

The process begins with the armature, the skeleton. “I think of a skeleton that I’m going to dress,” he explains. “There’s so much that I can put into an outfit. This new collection is going to be New Mexico themed.” La Catrinas are often identified by patterns and features from the Mexican regions they come from. These are New Mexican. Naturally, the boas are chilies. In effect, Contreras is creating Catrinas that are in part honoring this place here in New Mexico, but also wholly a creation of

his own.

“I just tried to focus on what I feel is important, what I feel the storyline can be for each piece, as opposed to the Mexican culture,” he draws as a distinction. “I’m definitely not bringing that aspect into my Catrinas. I’m saying these are Catrinas, but they’re Luis Contreras Catrinas.”

The process is additive. “I build that armature and then I just add the clay to it,” he describes. “If the outfit’s working, then I keep going. But if not, then it

stops and I just hit a dead end.” Contreras works to bring the sculpture into full form but explains that his Catrinas are not always easy, especially when the sculpture won’t come together. He doesn’t hold that against them. “It’s definitely a love relationship at all times.”

Each skull is the same for the entire collection. Contreras makes a prototype mold and then duplicates each skull of the Catrinas in the series. The painting of each skull may vary, but the base structure is identical. “There are two things on the Catrina that take the longest for me,” he details. “It’s the hands because there’s so much action that can come from hands. You’re telling a story, right? And the skull.”

Contreras finds the skull takes so long because it is crucial in conveying the expression. He replicates the structure of the skull so that the paint and other details carry the individual look.

“I want to ensure that each one has a distinct expression, even if they are similar.”

Then there are the outfits. This is where Contreras focuses most of his attention on his Catrinas. “I just have such a great time dressing her up,” he says. “There’s a way to express myself through the outfits I put on her and the posture. It’s just something comfortable when I’m sculpting her in her different forms.”

Finally, the completed Catrinas take their place on display stands. Contreras sees no need to revisit or tweak their appearance once they are finished. He is adamant. “They’re done once they’re on the stands.”

His new collection, a series of nine Catrinas titled “Mi Nuevo Mexico” opens November 1 at Old Town’s Lapis Room. –CC

ROUTE 66 NEW MEXICO: A VISUAL TOUR

Growing up in rural California, Sondra Diepen’s parents introduced her to the Southwest’s history, geography and culture—not to mention trading posts—at an early age. That connection led Diepen to numerous vacations in New Mexico and nearby states, even long after she earned a master’s degree in fine arts from the University of California, Davis. To her, the Southwest felt like home. And so, in 1974, Diepen decided to move to Albuquerque. “Why not move and save money, time and gas,” she says.

Today she’s a well-recognized photographer with work appearing in galleries and shows from Missouri to California. But despite a lifetime of shooting images (she got her first camera at age 12, a Kodak Brownie; as an adult, she used a 35mm camera to record her travels from Chaco Canyon to Pakistan), she didn’t pursue the artistry of photography until after she had retired. “I was visiting my ex in Key West in 2003, and he blew up a few photos I had taken,” recalls Diepen, 82. “That was it. I was hooked on photography.”

Her photos have since appeared in countless shows in venues like the Kimo Theater and 516 Arts, and as part of the permanent collection in the Bernalillo County building. Guest Storyteller editor Dorothy E. Noe recently interviewed Diepen about her new book.

Q: As a photographer, what subjects attract you?

A: I’m fascinated by what humans have left behind, be it a sofa in an arroyo, an abandoned curio shop or a flickering neon sign. By photographing these fragments of the past, it gives me a way to preserve an era that is constantly disappearing. I look for the unique, the discarded, the unexpected. I’m intrigued by a solitary cabin with torn wallpaper and crumbling linoleum or an abandoned DeSoto rusting

ROUTE 66 NEW MEXICO: A VISUAL TOUR

By Sondra Diepen

216 pages

$60

into the landscape. I start to imagine who was there, what were their dreams.

Q: What sparked your interest in Route 66?

A: I was only vaguely aware of Route 66 until about 11 years ago. While on a road paralleling I-40 near Bluewater, I spotted a building with faded paintings and made our group stop so I could take a photo. I went back the next day to cut away some shrubs and took more photos of the painted murals on the exterior walls – Native Americans dancing, a Navajo woman weaving. It turned out to be the Lost Crater Trading Post. That made me curious about the remaining history of Route 66 in New Mexico. So, whenever I heard of a community along the old route, I grabbed my cameras, my dog, Zephyr, a lunch, and my sister and I set out to explore.

Q: Why is your book important?

A: My book shows and tells the past and present history of Route 66 in New Mexico. It’s sort of a tour book from border to border, east to west, for folks on the road.

It is just about the New Mexico experience with the Mother Road—most books about the Route usually skip New Mexico’s sites and stories. It’s a book about a facet of New Mexico’s history, and the preservation of history — the neon signs, motels, curio shops — and the lost and surviving communities.

Q: Once you decided to create a book, what was your favorite part of that experience?

A: I developed an ability to spot the remnants of gas pumps on back roads and, of course, taking the photos. Often, I would return to retake photos to get a better sky or lighting.

Q: And, the least favorite part of pulling all the photos and narratives into a book?

A: I’m a visual person. The writing plus the endless editing, proof reading and re-editing was a surprise. I really didn’t know so much was involved. Luckily, I had friends who encouraged and helped me and kept me going along with some guest authors.

PHOTO BY DON JAMES/ATM

INDIGENOUS ENTREPRENEURS

Cecilia Pacheco Becenti, program manager for the Tribal Entrepreneurship Enhancement Program at UNM Rainforest Innovations, is the host of a podcast with an ambitious mission. Part of her role is to help Indigenous entrepreneurs navigate the barriers and challenges of the business world, but the other side of it is telling their stories, or rather, helping them to tell them. Becenti says, “We thought it was really important to establish as part of our program storytelling.”

businesses. Some of them are farmers.”

Starting a business can be tough anywhere, but Becenti says Indigenous entrepreneurs often face unique problems. “Across the board, access to capital is a challenge and a need, but I would say financial literacy tends to be a bigger challenge in some of these tribal communities and for tribal entrepreneurs.”

WHO: Cecilia Pacheco Becenti interviews Indigenous entrepreneurs.

NOTABLE: There are unique challenges to businesses being run on tribal land that not a lot of podcasts talk about. This one does.

Funded by the U.S. Economic Development Administration, the podcast features voices from Indigenous communities throughout New Mexico and beyond, focusing on the how-to of running a business. “I interview a lot of business owners and entrepreneurs throughout the state. Some of them are artists. Some of them have health care

Becenti had never hosted a podcast when they launched the project in the spring of 2023, but she had help from the group’s advisory board, as well as their tribal liasions. Everyone is in agreement that the podcast was a great addition. Now with a ton of weekly episodes under her belt, Becenti speaks of the podcast’s beginning like most successful entrepreneurs do of their businesses. She says, “It was very much a learning experience for me.” –CC

RED OR GREEN LIGHT REVIEWS

INFO WHAT: Podcast

WHAT: YouTube Channel

WHO: Host Nathan Davis and his household animals review movies, then offer recommendations using a traffic light grading system.

NOTABLE: Car crash sums up each episode.

If you’re looking for a movie reviewer who will keep you entertained while giving you solid film-going advice, Red or Green Light Reviews needs to be your next stop. Host Nathan Davis sits behind the wheel of his car accompanied by his poodle Leeloo (and sometimes his cat, Gatsby!) while he gives you the lowdown on the latest movies. Rather than just talking to the camera, Davis, a storied assistant director by trade, punches up his reviews with quick edits, over-the-top acting, and some pleasantly-campy effects, like Davis appearing between two actors in a still from a movie. By the end of the review, Davis will give you his stoplight opinion: green means go see this movie, yellow means it’s nothing special, and red means don’t waste your time. At the end of every review, Davis “crashes” his car, represented by a toy car falling off a cliff and exploding dramatically (in a fun, cartoonish way)—a repeat gag that used the same footage each time. These are reviews for film lovers by a fellow cinephile who

brings his industry knowledge, energy, humor and enthusiasm to every movie he watches. –Adam Clark

ABQ’S THRIVING LOCAL MUSIC SCENE

SOUND WAVES TIEMPO

GOOD VIBRATIONS

It’s all about being present in the present moment. “When you’re there, it just feels good, and when you’re not there, you know it because you don’t feel good,” says Douglas Cardwell, master percussionist and former principal timpanist for the New Mexico Philharmonic. These days, though he still performs as a drummer in a variety of jazz, funk, and R&B groups and teaches privately, his primary focus is sound healing.

Using crystal bowls and brass gongs, along with mallets that he designed for ease of use and consistency of sound, Cardwell creates a vibrant, acoustic musical environment designed to relieve anxiety, grief, and the stresses of everyday life and drop the listener into a deeply relaxed, alert, meditative state. “Theta wave brain,” he calls it.

Sound has been used in many cultures for centuries to alter consciousness and promote well-being. “Sound healing is not something new,” says Cardwell. “It’s newer for the Western world.” A growing body of scientific research is delving into the therapeutic potential of sound baths, and their expanding popularity finds them popping up everywhere from yoga studios to corporate retreats.

Gifted with a set of singing crystal bowls six years ago, Cardwell began practicing with them and enjoyed the effects. Looking to share the experience with others, he began playing the bowls privately for friends, and their feedback led him to deepen his research into sound healing, study bowl-playing techniques, practice energy work, and get certified in sound

meditation. “I really believe in meditation, and I really believe in slowing down,” says Cardwell. In addition, he brings 30 years’ experience as a classically trained musician and performer to the work.

In 2019, Cardwell founded Lotus Sound Bath and started offering sessions to the public. “The whole mission of Lotus Sound Bath is to provide a safe place for people to feel good and to reach the masses,” he says.

With the pandemic shutdown in March 2020, Lotus Sound Bath was designated

a necessary business in alternative healthcare. As a result, Cardwell was among the first to receive a COVID shot, and he continued providing sessions to individuals and couples, providing a 50%+ discount for healthcare workers. “It was great to be able to service those people because they were burned out,” he says.

As the COVID threat receded and word got out about Lotus Sound Bath, Cardwell began playing for groups again and developing partnerships with other organizations. “You can’t do it by yourself,

Douglas Cardwell

and you want to be in congruence with those that want to help,” he says. Recently, for example, Lotus Sound Bath received a sponsorship grant from Nusenda to provide sessions for staff at UNM Hospital. Connecting with St. John’s Episcopal Cathedral (318 Silver Ave. SW), Cardwell provides free, nonsectarian sound immersion sessions in the sanctuary at 6:30 p.m. on the first (usually) Monday of every month. In addition to public sessions, Cardwell also performs for a wide variety of private events, from bachelorette parties to life celebrations.

You can learn much more and connect with Cardwell via the comprehensive lotussoundbath.com website and the YouTube channel, which offers sound healing sessions from a few minutes to more than an hour long, as well as information on the practice.

SOUNDING RIGHT

In high school, Kirk Brown had several friends who were musicians, and as much as he wanted to join them musically, he recognized that he did not have the dexterity or patience to learn how to play an instrument. He could, however, set up and operate sound systems.

Wrangling begonias and calla lilies on his family’s flower ranch, within sight of Monterey Bay, the Santa Cruz, California, native saved up enough money to purchase his own small sound system in 1980. It was the first of many that Brown would operate as a soundperson in a career that has reached across the country and musical genres, in venues small and large. It ultimately landed him and his family in New Mexico, where he now works as the full-time sound engineer at the NHCC and as audio engineer for Opera Southwest. He also services a variety of other organizations—from the Outpost to Chatter, Southwest Pickers to the New Mexico Philharmonic, Globalquerque to AMP Concerts—from his company, Oasis Sound.

That first system comprised four speakers (two of which, designed and built locally, used a metal salad bowl for the compression chamber), a couple of amplifiers, and an eight-channel mixer, used primarily with punk rock bands in his hometown. They presented challenges,

Kirk Brown

such as trying to keep clear vocals above a rank of Marshall amplifiers and protecting the equipment from slam dancers. “It was a pretty gritty experience,” he says. “But I enjoyed it. I was part of the scene. It gave me the opportunity to be part of the performance and help my friends out. It gave me the basics. I didn’t know what the hell I was doing, but nobody else knew that I didn’t know, either.”

What he didn’t know, he learned on the job—at churches, parties, a med school’s

A/V department, outdoor festivals, county fairs, hotels, corporate events, and in nightclubs, setting up sound for the likes of Deborah Harry and Herbie Hancock. A connection at one job introduced him to sound work at bluegrass festivals, and for seven years, Brown traveled across the country doing sound for bluegrass groups, which presented a unique challenge.

“You’re dealing with stringed instruments that are not amplified on the stage, and making those instruments sound natural while being reinforced is a really unique job,” he says. “Average bluegrass band’s got five members, and everybody’s got a vocal mic typically, and you’ve got five instrument mics,” he says. “You’ve got 10 mics on stage, and musicians who want to hear themselves clearly on stage, and amplifying quieter stringed instru-

ments like that without feeding back is a unique skill set.” He cites the group Cherryholmes, with whom he traveled for a time, as a high point in his bluegrass days. “A traditional family band. One of those bands that work with a single mic,” he says—an arrangement that has its own special challenges. Cherryholmes also worked with a classical orchestra on occasion, as well. “Classical music is a whole different beast,” says Brown.

Live sound reinforcement requires the soundperson to have both an artist’s ear and a scientist’s technical understanding. How is that instrument, vocalist, band, or orchestra supposed to sound, and how can the mics, pickups, amplifiers, mixing board, and speakers be manipulated to reproduce that sound cleanly, clearly, and accurately? Or as Brown puts it: “I know what something should sound like, and I know how to get there.”

You can get to Brown at kirk@oasissound.com, and look for him at just about any venue around town.

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

SCRAMBLING

If it’s time to get up and get your egg on, Sunnyside Up Breakfast and Lunch Cafe has a Bacon Avocado Scramble that’s probably just the ticket. Avocado, pepper jack cheese and bacon (of course). They don’t call it the most imporant meal of the day for nothing. Don’t waffle, get cracking! (p. 200)

PHOTO BY DON JAMES/ATM

SUNNYSIDE UP BREAKFAST & LUNCH CAFE

Breakfast, brunch or lunch on the sunny side of life

For Brittany Bilek, there’s just something special about making a connection with someone early in their day.

“Man, breakfast people are awesome,” says Bilek, who is the co-owner of Sunnyside Up, a breakfast and lunch cafe based in Albuquerque. “It’s so awesome just to be the start of somebody’s day.

“They come in and their day hasn’t even gone any way yet. Or, their day has gone horrible and they’re just looking for a great meal. And to be able to be a part of that, to set the tone for somebody’s day, I mean, it’s just huge. We love it.”

Sunnyside Up officially launched under its current moniker in 2019, but Bilek and co-owner Jessica Tafoya have been serving patrons at the same location since 2012—it was just initially under a different name.

The friends and business partners got their start at The Egg & I in their home state of Wyoming. At the time, Tafoya was the general manager, and Bilek was gradually working her way up the restaurant ladder. Eventually, Tafoya decided she wanted to open an Egg & I franchise, and she convinced Bilek to come along with her to the Land of Enchantment to make that a reality.

For their first seven years, the friends continued to operate in their Uptown Albuquerque location under The Egg & I umbrella. However, a change in ownership resulted in less creative control for the franchisees, so Bilek and Tafoya elected to separate and rebrand as Sunnyside Up in 2019.

“It’s (now) 100% ours,” Bilek says.

Frequent diners will note that the transition didn’t result in a drastic change to the menu. But when the owners do want to make a revision, there’s no need to run it up a corporate chain of command.

PHOTOS BY DON JAMES/ATM

JUICING UP

Health-conscious customers can power up at the cafe’s juice bar, which includes the ever-present Power Tonic and usually, a seasonal offering.

“We did revert back to some of The Egg & I specifications that we had,” Bilek says. “(New parent company) First Watch is very, very fresh, I guess, but Egg & I was more flavorful. So we made some adjustments there, and then the menu has grown organically since then. We’ve added things to the menu. We’ve taken things off the menu. We’ve changed recipes, that kind of stuff.”

Some of the new additions to the Sunnyside Up lineup in recent years include the Cajun Benedict, Churro Waffle, Sunrise Salad and Spinach Turkey Wrap, to

BUZZWORTHY

Since it’s no longer a franchise, Sunnyside Up is able to serve cocktails featuring locally distilled spirits.

name a few. There are also seasonal specials that are created in-house. All items, whether new or tried-and-true, come with the same commitment to quality.

“As the kitchen manager, I pride myself on bringing in super fresh, high-quality ingredients,” Bilek says. “Our restaurant is not a scratch kitchen, but it’s pretty close. We slice and dice our own meats and vegetables. We make our own soups. We make our own batters. So the food that you get is very, very fresh. It’s something that we take a lot of pride in.”

With a name like Sunnyside Up, it

LOCALLY INVESTED

In addition to participating in the Roadrunner Food Bank Souper Bowl, Sunnyside Up donates frequently to youth sports teams and other local causes.

WE’VE GOT SPIRIT

Depending on the time of year, one might find cafe employees decked out in frightening Halloween garb, ugly Christmas sweaters or other seasonal apparel.

Sunnyside Up Breakfast & Lunch Cafe 6909 Menaul Blvd NE, Suite A (505) 888-3447

sunnysideupabq.com

shouldn’t be surprising that egg-based meals are some of the establishment’s top draws. In this case, number one is the classic Two Egg Breakfast, which comes with two eggs cooked to order along with ranch potatoes, toast and bacon or sausage. A close second is the Bacon Avocado Scramble.

“It’s just a very, very fresh dish. It’s got great flavors,” Bilek says of the scramble. “We serve it with a side of our green chile (sauce), which is vegan and gluten free. So it definitely appeals to a lot of different people.”

For those seeking something a little more off-the-beaten path, Bilek recom-

mends the cafe’s homemade Corned Beef Hash (a staff favorite) or the Hiker’s Benedict, a hearty option served with ham, asparagus, mushrooms, tomatoes and a special dill hollandaise sauce.

“I try hollandaise everywhere we go, and I might be biased, but I think ours is hands down the best in town,” Bilek says.

For a pair of Wyoming transplants, the Land of Enchantment is now home. There are plenty of regulars who are glad Bilek and Tafoya decided to stick around.

“We try to connect with our guests as much as we can, and a lot of it is through food,” Bilek says.

—Tristen Critchfield

FEATURED DISHES

A golden Belgian waffle topped with fresh strawberries, bananas and toasted walnuts. Served with powdered sugar and whipped cream. (Comes with eggs and choice of meat).

BACON AVOCADO SCRAMBLE $11.99

Eggs scrambled with bacon, spinach, onions and tomatoes. Topped with avocado and pepper jack cheese. Served with a side of green chile sauce and seasoned ranch potatoes.

Turkey, bacon, avocado, tomato, honey mustard mayo, jack and cheddar cheese on grilled sourdough.

STRAWBERRY BANANA WAFFLE $12.49

ARIZONA TURKEY $12.65

Eats, Etc.

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

Ramona’s Mexican Cafe is the realization of a longtime goal.

“I’ve been managing restaurants my whole life, and it’s always been a dream to own any kind of business,” says manager/co-owner Joel Valdez. “But the inspiration was my mom. She was working for restaurants herself, and we just wanted to open one up where she could work …”

The establishment is named for Valdez’s mother, Ramona, who as chef is responsible for the vast majority of the recipes on the menu. It’s a family affair at the restaurant, with some relatives even coming to help during their off days from full-time jobs.

“We grew up eating all this at the house, so we brought it here to the restaurant,” Valdez says. “Our pre-fried refried beans, our homemade cooked rice, our homemade red chile. We cook the chile pods

and blend our red chile. It’s everything we grew up eating at our mom’s house.”

While Ramona is originally from Chihuahua, Mexico, the family has established roots in the Land of Enchantment. That is reflected in the fare, which Valdez says is a hybrid of Mexican and New Mexican cuisine with the likes of tacos, enchiladas, burritos and quesadillas on the menu.

“We grew up here, so it’s a little of both,” he says.

As one example, the Chile Colorado offers a different take on a traditional carne adovada.

“The carne adovada is like a sweet marinated pork versus the Chile Colorado, which is kind of more on the saltier side,” Valdez says.

There’s also the Norteño Plate, a carne asada dish mixed with chorizo, bacon and served with onions, bell peppers and

white Mexican cheese, that is rapidly gaining traction among customers. Ramona’s stays on top of the trends as well, serving a quesabirria taco with a housemade consumme. Meanwhile, breakfast is available during all business hours, with huevos rancheros among the most consistently ordered options.

Ramona’s celebrated its one-year anniversary this past May, and Valdez and his family are grateful for the reception the restaurant has gotten thus far. “At first, it was hard,” he says. “Now we have regulars that come back in every day.”

–Tristen Critchfield

RAMONA’S MEXICAN CAFE

7600 Jefferson St. NE, Suite 29 (505) 295-3945

IG: ramonasmexicancafe

PHOTO BY DAN PENNINGTON

Ramona’s tacos with beans and rice makes for a tasty, full meal.

Eats, Etc.

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

With 10 suites, three cottages and a large parlor, the Ivy Tearoom gives its visitors the opportunity to enjoy a modern and immersive afternoon tea experience.

Owner Andrea Gonzales encourages those who have never “been to tea” to give it a shot.

“Afternoon tea is a unique experience and is a way to connect with others and unwind,” says Gonzales. “It’s more than just drinking tea; it’s an opportunity to savor a variety of high-quality teas, enjoy delicious food and allow guests to connect with each other.”

The establishment offers at least 20 varieties of tea—blends include black, white, green and rooibos and herbal—and all are created in-house using high-quality leaves and flavors sourced from around the world. Some of the most popular options are the Dream Catcher (white tea with

floral notes and cherries), the Ivy (herbal tea with raspberry rose macaron flavor) and the Duchess of Bedford (herbal tea with apple walnut cream cake flavor).

The Ivy Tearoom also offers a monthly menu that is designed to both complement its selection of drinks and highlight the best of each season. October will be no different in that regard.

“For the first half, we’ll feature our Balloon Fiesta Menu, which celebrates New Mexico flavors in honor of this event,” Gonzales says. “In the second half, we’ll offer our Cauldron Cakes and Tea Menu, inspired by Hocus Pocus, bringing a touch of whimsy and magic to our normal afternoon tea experience.”

Those looking to further upgrade their experience can order caviar with their tea.

“We include caviar on our menu to offer a touch of luxury and sophistication that enhances the overall afternoon tea

experience,” Gonzales says. “We provide all the accouterments to ensure a complete and enjoyable tasting experience.”

Booking a suite or a glam cottage at the Ivy Tearoom is ideal for events and special occasions. Larger groups can reserve the Pink Parlor, which accommodates up to 18 guests.

“These spaces provide a private, elegant setting where you can enjoy tea in a more intimate and personalized environment,” Gonzales says. “It’s perfect for special occasions or simply for a more luxurious and memorable experience.” –

Tristen Critchfield

THE IVY TEAROOM

8830 4th St. NW (505) 388-8691 theivytearoom.com

Tea time includes a bit of elegance at The Ivy Tea Room with the Duchess of Bedford.

PHOTO BY DON JAMES/ATM

LavenderLimoncello

LAVENDER LIMONCELLO MARTINI

After you walk through the quaint storefront where you can find biscuit cutters, wooden egg caddies and enormous rolling pins, you can walk into the back where the aesthetic shifts from quaint to classy. There you’ll be greeted by bartender Philip Romero, smiling wryly as he shakes a cocktail over his shoulder. Today he’s shaking up one of his own creations, which is also one of the most popular drinks: the Lavender Limoncello Martini, made with vodka, lavender-infused limoncello, a dash of lavender syrup and lemon juice. Romero decided after a few iterations of this drink that it needed more depth. His solution was to add an element of creaminess, but rather than using conventional egg whites, he went with what he calls “the ultimate vegan substitute” – aquafaba, made using chickpeas. It works perfectly, adding a creamy head of foam to the top. Garnished with a sprig of lavender, a raspberry and given a lemon zest around the rim, this martini is a delight. The drink is well balanced: sweet, but not overly so. The alcohol flavor is well integrat ed. The color is a delicate pink hue. Between the lemon and the aquafaba, this drink is reminiscent of lemon meringue or key lime pie. It’s easy to see why this has become one of the bar’s staples.

ADAM CLARK

Lavender Limoncello Martini $16 Restaurant 4940 4940 Corrales Rd, Corrales, NM 505-554-3850 fanciescorrales.com

Aquafaba

Lavender syrup

Vodka

A RECIPE FOR SUCCESS

WITH FELIPE “FLIP” GARCIA

Co-Founder, Capeless Heroes Foundation capelessheroesfoundation.org Owner, MiLEO Fitness and Nutrition mileosolutions.com

When Felipe

“Flip” Garcia retired from the Albuquerque Police Department following a tenure that spanned nearly two decades, he was confronted with a harsh reality.

“We go through this journey within the department,” he says. “You have your fellow officers that work with you, and you have this thin blue line and this family that is there for you. Upon my retirement, that family is almost nonexistent.”

That led to a dark patch for Garcia, who upon leaving APD weighed more than 250 pounds and had the blood pressure and cholesterol issues to go with it. He also dealt with anxiety and depression, often self medicating through alcohol. By focusing on his health, Garcia was able to push through that period on his own.

“I was able to go from 250 pounds by the end of 2019 to 159 pounds by February 2021. So part of all that, I actually became a certified nutrition coach and shortly thereafter, became a certified personal trainer,” he says.

Garcia also launched MiLEO Fitness and Nutrition, which focuses on inspiring lasting health transformations through diet and exercise programs. Still, Garcia wanted to do more to help fellow officers

and other first responders who might have encountered some of the same issues he did upon retirement. And while donating proceeds from his fitness company was a start—it didn’t necessarily check every box.

“One of the things I was looking for was a potential non-profit that was actually more focused on addressing PTSD and mental health issues with first responders,” he says.

“…A lot of people still don’t seek treatment because of the fear of scrutiny or getting labeled as, ‘Oh, you’re weak. You need help.’”

After some searching, Garcia was able to connect with Meredith Autry, a like-minded person who has family ties to the fire department. Together, they were able to create a mission for the Capeless Heroes Foundation, which provides a variety of services—including physical and mental well-being—for past and present first responders.

“We’ve really worked on completely finalizing what the vision of Capeless Heroes was, and so we started partnering with various providers around the city that provide PTSD and mental health services,” Garcia says.

This holistic approach to wellness features a wide range of treatments including psychotherapy, counseling, ketamine treatments, hormone optimizations, chiropractic care, acupuncture, and of

course, fitness. Capeless Heroes also provides career enrichment for those starting off and retirement prep for those nearing the finish line.

“When I retired, it wasn’t my plan to run my own fitness and nutrition business. It just happened to fall in my lap,” Garcia says. “I decided that based on my journey that I went through, I want to help others do the same thing, to be able to live a healthy life.”

It should come as no surprise, then, that Garcia also has a few ideas on how to promote health and wellness in the kitchen. And eating healthy doesn’t have to be painful. One of Garcia’s trademark creations allows the diet-conscious to enjoy Taco Tuesdays without completely going off the rails.

“It was important for me to really try to find ways to encourage folks to clean up their nutrition without having to do without the foods that they enjoy,” he says. “It’s just learning how to prepare them and make them in a healthy way.”

According to Garcia, his Taco Bowl recipe is an example of how eating responsibly can be sustainable.

“Who doesn’t love Mexican food? Tacos are like a staple,” he says. “Doesn’t matter what race, religion, creed you are. People love tacos.”

—Tristen Critchfield

PHOTOS

ARECIPEFORSUCCESS

Taco Bowl Recipe

Ingredients

1 POUND OF 96% LEAN GROUND BEEF

½ C BROWN RICE (1/4 CUP PER SERVING, COOKED)

2/3 C BLACK BEANS (1/3 CUP PER SERVING)

½ C CORN (1/4 CUP PER SERVING)

½ C SHREDDED CHEESE (1/4 CUP PER SERVING)

PICO DE GALLO FOR GARNISH (1 JALAPENO, 1 ROMA TOMATO, CILANTRO, WHITE ONION)

½ C WATER

½ BAG OF QUEST PROTEIN CHIPS – NACHO CHEESE

HOMEMADE TACO SEASONING:

1 TBSP CHILI POWDER

1/2 TSP GARLIC POWDER

1/2 TSP ONION POWDER

1/2 TSP DRIED OREGANO

1/2 TSP PAPRIKA

1 TSP GROUND CUMIN

1/2 TSP SALT

1/4 TSP BLACK PEPPER

Directions

Prepare the Brown Rice:

Cook 1/2 cup of brown rice according to the package instructions. This will yield enough for 1/4 cup per serving. Set aside.

Cook the Ground Beef:

Heat a skillet over medium-high heat.

Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.

Once the beef is browned, drain any excess fat.

Add the homemade taco seasoning to the beef and ½ cup water and mix well to coat evenly.

Cook for another 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Set aside.

Assemble the Taco Bowls:

Divide the cooked brown rice evenly between two bowls (1/4 cup per serving).

Top each bowl with half of the seasoned ground beef.

Add 1/3 cup black beans and 1/4 cup corn to each bowl.

Sprinkle 1/4 cup of shredded cheese over each bowl.

Garnish with pico de gallo to your liking.

Enjoy with Quest Protein Chips – Nacho Cheese Flavor (optional)

Total Per Serving:

Calories: 650

Protein: 70.5g

Carbs: 35.5g

Fat: 25.2g

This breakdown gives you a well-rounded taco bowl that’s high in protein, moderate in carbs, and has a balanced amount of fat.

Enjoy your meal!

BITES

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

POLICY:

“Bites” is a guide to Albuquerque-area eating establishments compiled by Albuquerque The Magazine’s editorial staff. These restaurants have been featured previously in the “Eats” department of the magazine. Restaurants may or may not accept reservations or major credit cards, so call before visiting.

CORRECTIONS:

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

THE 377 BREWERY $$

2027 Yale Blvd. SE (505) 916-0331, the377brewery.com

Check out the funky metal and wood sign of The 377 Brewery. This warehouse-style structure is a little off-the-beaten path but they’ve got multiple creative drinks and meaty entrees just an order away. Along with burgers, nachos and burritos, the Fish and Chips have been labeled as the best in the city.

66 DINER $$ 1405 Central Ave. NE (505) 247-1421, 66diner.com

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

ABC CAKE SHOP $$

1830 San Pedro Dr. NE (505) 255-5080, abccakeshop.com

Specializing in custom cakes and baked goods for all occasions, this bakery focuses on freshness and flavor. Everything is made from scratch, including the cupcakes, cookies, pies, Danishes, pastries, and other desserts.

ABQ SWEET SPOT $ 9250 Golf Course Rd. NW, Ste D (505) 900-3814 abqsweetspot.net

Cleverly-decorated cakes and cookies are as easy as your everyday chocolate chip cookie for these bakers who think out of the box for a sight that’s almost too good to eat every time. Almost. Cookies, cakes, cupcakes, macarons–this is basically heaven, even if you’ve only got a tiny sweet tooth.

ABUELITA’S NEW MEXICAN KITCHEN $ 6083 Isleta Blvd. SW, (505) 877-5700

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

ALBUQUERQUE

CITY LIMITS

3211 Coors Blvd. SW, Ste F4 (505) 873-8959, abqcitylimits.com

This dive aims to provide food that makes you feel at home. Dishes like made-from-scratch meatloaf with creamy mashed potatoes and savory brown gravy, homemade salsa, or a fan favorite—natillas—bear uncanny resemblances to the dishes mom used to make.

AJIACO COLOMBIAN BISTRO $$

3216 Silver Ave. SE (505) 266-2305, ajiacobistro.com

Inside the intimate space, you’ll find combination plates, arroz con pollo, arepas, plantains, and of course, a great cup of Colombian coffee. The dishes at Ajiaco combine indigenous Colombian, Spanish, African, and Arab flavors for a truly thrilling experience.

ALQUDS MEDITERRANEAN

GRILL & GROCERY

5555 Montgomery Blvd. NE, (505) 888-2921

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

AL’S BIG DIPPER

501 Copper Ave. NW (505) 314-1118, alsbigdipper.com

From the beginning, Al’s Big Dipper has been a family affair. Every sandwich is named after a family member, and the owners test every soup they make. Try the 505 Lunch Deal—a cup of soup, a grilled cheese sandwich and a homemade cookie for only $5.05.

ALDO’S NEW YORK STYLE PIZZERIA

$ 1690 Pat D’Arco Hwy., Unit E plus 1 other metro location (505) 892-2026, aldosalbuquerque.com

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

ALICEA’S NY BAGELS & SUBS $

1009 Golf Course Rd. SE, Ste 103 (505) 896-4555

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

AMADEO’S PIZZA AND SUBS $

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

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

AMERASIA-SUMO SUSHI $

800 3rd St. NW (505) 246-1615,amerasia-sumosushi.net

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

AMORE NEAPOLITAN PIZZERIA $$

3600 Cutler Ave. NE, #3 plus 1 other metro location (505) 554-1967, amoreabq.com

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

ANA’S KITCHEN

6004 Edith Blvd. NE (505) 341-0055

Off the beaten path, but absolutely worth the deviation. Ana’s Kitchen is rooted in family recipes and hearty homestyle meals. This good old-fashioned combination of American classics and New Mexican comfort food ensures that no one leaves hungry and everyone enjoys themselves in the process.

ANNAPURNA’S WORLD VEGETARIAN CAFÉ

5200 Eubank Blvd. 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 worldclass, with options from virtually every continent.

ANNIE’S SOUP KITCHEN

$ 3107 Eubank Blvd. NE (505) 296-8601, anniessoupkitchen.com

With four homemade soups made fresh every day, and home-style favorites such as avocado and bacon omelets and piles of potatoes topped with melted cheese, chile and eggs, Annie’s specializes in comfort.

ANTIQUITY RESTAURANT

$$$$ 112 Romero St. NW (505) 247-3545 antiquityrestaurant.com

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

ARTICHOKE CAFE

424 Central Ave. SE (505) 243-0200, artichokecafe.com

$$$

This EDo fine-dining spot boasts a Wine Spectator “Award of Excellence,” and for good reason. A veteran of the Duke City’s fine dining scene, Artichoke Café remains the best bet for a great lunch or evening out. Innovative dishes and European aperitifs served by staff that takes ownership of the experience, the

POP GOES THE CHICKEN

If one is seeking an alternative to soup during a visit to Tasty Pot, the restaurant’s Basil Popcorn Chicken is an ideal choice.

“What makes it so special is it kind of utilizes Chinese-Cajun fusion seasoning,” says general manager Michael Tran. “Tasty Pot is a Taiwanese restaurant, but it also uses some Cajun flavors, as well.”

According to Tran, the Cajun seasoning is similar to what might be found in a boil, while the Thai basil—often found in Southeast Asian cuisine—stands out from the more traditional Italian version with which diners might be more familiar.

The chicken, which is cut into bite-size pieces, comes in an eight-ounce serving and is paired with sriracha mayo for dipping. Customers can choose from three different spice levels, ranging from “none” to “spicy.”

“People really like how light and tender it is … as well as the kind of the unique spices that we use in it,” Tran says. “It’s something different for sure.” —TRISTEN CRITCHFIELD

Tasty Pot

8050 Academy Rd NE, #101 (505)717-2190

tastypotusa.com

Instagram: TastyPotNM

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.

A TASTE OF THE CARIBBEAN $$

2720 Central Ave. SE (505) 503-8428 atasteofthecaribbeannm.com

A Taste of the Caribbean brings flavors from Jamaica, Puerto Rico, Cuba, Trinidad, and other islands of the vast region right to the Duke City. Friendly staff is available to offer advice to help those unfamiliar with Caribbean cuisine navigate the menu and find something they’ll love.

NEW AZUMA SUSHI & TEPPAN $$

4701 San Mateo NE (505) 880-9800 8104 Wyoming, Suite B (505) 821-3583

azuma-sushi-teppan-abq.com

Pioneering the sushi game in Albuquerque for the past 20 years, Azuma is guaranteed to have your favorite roll, plus a house-made creation you won’t be able to resist. If you’re in the mood for dinner and a show, step on over to the teppan side and be dazzled and delighted.

BACA BOYS CAFÉ $$

102 4th St. NW (505) 200-0065

Family is at the heart of this downtown spot, and you’ll know it walking through the doors. You’ll find good, simple New Mexican comfort foods and service that only comes from a local mom-and-pop place.

BANDIDO HIDEOUT $

2128 Central Ave. SE (505) 489-9865 bandidohideout.com

The masked luchador on the median might catch your attention, but venture inside Bandido Hideout, and you’ll be delighted by authentic south-of-the-border specials and a fun, festive, colorful interior.

BARELAS COFFEE HOUSE $

1502 4th St. SW, (505) 843-7577

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

BASIL LEAF VIETNAMESE

RESTAURANT

1225 Eubank Blvd. NE (505) 323-2594, basilleaf.us

Sure, Albuquerque offers a variety of Vietnamese eateries, but Basil Leaf elevates the everyday with healthy and fragrant versions of traditional noodle and soup selections. They’ll even modify for any dietary desire. Celiacs and vegans, rejoice!

BAWARCHI BIRYANI’S $

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

bawarchinewmexico.com

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

NEW BELLE’S URBAN DELI $$ 3650 Corrales Rd, Suite G (505) 548-2009

Bellesurbandeli.square.site

Is there anything better than a good sandwich? How about a sandwich made on in-house made Japanese milk bread with truly unique flavors, like lox and goat cheese. Add to that a pickle bar where you can try everything from the classic dill to fermented green chile - how could you resist?

BEN MICHAEL’S RESTAURANT $$ 2404 Pueblo Bonito Ct. NW (505) 267-6827

The food at Ben Michael’s is fresh, preservativefree and takes its roots from the owner’s family’s New Mexican recipes. Try the salmon or the steak served with a side of calabacitas, papas, and sautéed mushrooms.

BENNY’S MEXICAN KITCHEN $ 1675 Bosque Farms Blvd. (505) 869-2210

Since 1972, Benny’s has obliged countless stomachs with delicious New Mexican treats, which include 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.

BASIL POPCORN CHICKEN, $9.50

BITES

BEST LEE’S $

2003 Southern Blvd. SE, #127 (505) 892-7887

Specializing in American-Chinese and Cantonese Chinese cuisine, Best Lee’s has over 100 items on the menu. From fried rice to chicken dishes and everything in between. You can select your level of heat ranging from a little hot, all the way to extra hot, or for those not a fan of the heat, no spice. Popular items include General Tso’s Chicken, sweet and sour shrimp, and Mongolian Beef. Best Lee’s is a reliable choice for delicious simple Chinese food accompanied by friendly service.

BIG MIKE’S BURGERS AND MORE $$

19388 NM-314 (505) 864-7918 bigmikesburgersandmore.com

The hand-pressed and specially seasoned burgers are the star of the show at this Belen staple. Big Mike’s uses locally sourced ingredients to bring you the best mouth-watering burgers and monster sandwiches.

BLACK MESA COFFEE COMPANY $

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

With two Sunport locations, flight delays are easier when you’re close to Black Mesa. The house coffee and vanilla latte are sure to perk you up 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 gluten-free.

BLADES’ BISTRO $$$

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

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

BLAKE’S LOTABURGER $

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

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

BOSQUE BREWING CO.

106 Girard Blvd. SE, Ste B plus 2 other locations (505) 508-5967, bosquebrewing.com

Another favorite on the ever-growing ABQ brewery scene, Bosque Brewing Co. is the product of three NMSU grads’ love for brew. With 10-12 of Bosque’s own sudsy creations on tap every day, the brewery is teeming with options to pair with seasoned fries, daily specials, or an array of other appetizers, soups, salads, and sandwiches.

BUDAI GOURMET CHINESE $$

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

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

BURGER BOY

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

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

BURRITO EXPRESS

141 Osuna Rd. NW, Ste A plus 3 other metro locations (505) 503-8964

burritoexpressinc.com

This Roswell-original brings southern New Mexican flavor to the Duke City. With made-fresh-daily tortillas and a myriad of breakfast and lunch options, Burrito Express is a satisfying spot for southern New Mexican transplants and multi-generational Burqueños alike.

THE BURRITO LADY

$ 938 Eubank Blvd. NE, (505) 271-2268

The Burrito Lady—otherwise known as Consuelo Flores—cooks every one of her huge burritos herself, made-to-order. That means you should be prepared to wait (the line here can often go out the door). It’s worth it—ask for your burrito smothered if you want to really heat things up.

BURRITOS ALINSTANTE

$ 2101 Broadway Blvd. SE plus 5 other metro locations (505) 242-0966, burritosalinstante.com

A paradise for anyone who loves wrapping tasty things (chicharrones, carne adovada, bacon, cheese, potatoes—you get the picture) up inside of locally made tortillas, this operation maintains a half dozen storefronts between Belen and Albuquerque.

CAFE 6855

$$ 6855 4th St. NW (505) 890-9150, cafe6855.com

A sister restaurant to Vernon’s Speakeasy, Café 6855 has gourmet dishes, expertly prepared and served in an elegant atmosphere. The menu is populated with gourmet sandwiches, salads, and cafe specialties that redeploy Vernon’s ingredients to thrilling effect.

CAFÉ BELLA COFFEE

2115 Golf Course Rd. SE #102 (505) 994-9436, 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.

CAFE ISTANBUL $$

1410 Wyoming Blvd. NE, Ste F (505) 294-9900

Mediterranean delights abound at Cafe Istanbul—don’t be fooled by the name, as this restaurant is known for its wide array of European eats (including the fanfavorite baklava topped with crushed pistachios).

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.

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 $$

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

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

CASA DE BENAVIDEZ $$

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

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

CASA TACO $$

5801 Academy Rd. NE (505) 821-8226, casa-taco.com

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

CECILIA’S CAFÉ $

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

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

CENTRAL BODEGA

3418 Central Ave. SE (505) 433-5600

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

CENTRAL GRILL & COFFEE HOUSE $ 2056 Central Ave. SW (505) 554-1424

centralgrillandcoffeehouse.com

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

CERVANTES NEW MEXICAN RESTAURANT

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

Old-world style meets traditional New Mexican fare at this family-owned restaurant. Go for the made-fromscratch chile rellenos, tamales, and carne adovada.

CESAR’S MEXICAN & GREEK $ 5300 Lomas Blvd. NE (505) 256-8017

cesarsmexicanandgreek.com

Both the drive-thru and the dining room at Cesar’s are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. On the Mexican menu, try the No. 15, a chile rellenos plate. Popular Greek items include the No. 64 Gyros sandwich and the No. 78 Chicken pita sandwich.

BITES

FONDUE FOR YOU

While a “pretzel with cheese” is typically ubiquitous on appetizer menus everywhere, Rio Grande Social is offering what could be perceived as a classier version.

“We’re basically doing béchamel,” says chef Andres Rabado. “It’s a white sauce that we started with roux, which is flour and butter.”

The blend also includes aged white cheddar and pepperjack cheese. According to Rabado, one of the goals was to shift away from the “queso” label.

“It’s kind of difficult to have exactly what people like because queso is a big thing in New Mexico. ‘You don’t know my queso,’ you know,” Rabado says. “It’s basically a french sauce, just with American cheeses.”

The fondue presentation, complete with the sauce being served in a communal pot along with pretzel bites specially sourced from Colorado, completes the experience.

The thickness of the cheese [is] exactly what we needed,” Rabado says. “When you put your pretzel in the cheese, it sticks to it.” –TRISTEN CRITCHFIELD

Rio Grande Social 10127 Coors Blvd NW (505) 532-6071 riograndesocial.com

CHEBA HUT

115 Harvard Dr. SE plus 1 other metro location (505) 232-2432, chebahut.com

Located next to UNM, Cheba Hut serves up toasted subs made from quality ingredients. Try sandwiches loaded with everything from guacamole, olives, mushrooms, cheeses, meats and much more.

CHEESE AND COFFEE

$$ 2679 Louisiana Blvd. NE plus 1 other metro location (505) 883-1226, cheeseandcoffee.com

There’s more than just cheese and coffee here—think homemade soups, sandwiches, salads and specials. At lunch, the line often goes out the door, so it’s worth getting there early.

CHELLO GRILL

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

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

CHEZ AXEL

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

$$$

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

CHILE CHICKEN NASHVILLE

HOT CHICKEN

3005 Eubank Blvd. NE (505) 293-1700 chilechicken.com

As the legend of Nashville chicken goes, revenge is a dish best served fiery hot. This Southern staple comes to the Duke City in red hot fashion. Frying up proteins like chicken and catfish, diners can choose sauces ranging from mild to really cluckin’ hot for a customizable, unforgettable meal.

CHILI HILLS

5 NM-344, Edgewood, NM (505) 286-9202, chilihillsedgewood.com

Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, Chili Hills is a comfort food haven. The team here is all about providing quality food and service at a fair price. From Huevos Rancheros to Chicken Fried steak they are serving up classic American and New Mexican eats.

CHOCGLITZ & CREAM

$ 10660 Unser Blvd. NW (505) 898-4589, chocglitzandcream.com

Certified fair-trade chocolate and a chocolatier with 45 years of experience means you’ll find some of the best sweet-tooth satisfying offerings (including ice cream flavors such as raspberry red chile and Mexican coffee).

CHRISTY MAE’S RESTAURANT

1400 San Pedro Dr. NE (505) 255-4740

christymaes.com

“Hearty” and “homestyle” are the key words here, a hands-down favorite of early-dinner lovers. Oldfashioned staples are the standards, so look for chicken salad, potpies, country-fried steak with homemade mashed potatoes, and beef stew.

CHURCH STREET CAFÉ $$ 2111 Church St. NW (505) 247-8522

churchstreetcafe.com

Calling the oldest residence in Albuquerque its home, this café serves up favorites ranging from natillas to margaritas. They also sell their own bottled salsa and cookbooks with recipes from the restaurant.

CINNAMON SUGAR & SPICE CAFÉ $ 5809 Juan Tabo Blvd. NE (505) 492-2119

cinnamoncafeabq.com

Featuring breakfast and lunch options, endless baked goodies, friendly staff and regular cooking classes, this place puts the “everything nice” in the well-worn phrase.

COCINA AZUL $

4243 Montgomery Blvd. NE plus 2 other metro locations (505) 831-2600, cocinaazul.com

The newest location of the Old Town favorite serves up the same tried and true home-cooked recipes you’ve come to love. Don’t miss location specific specials and local brews amid New Mexican staples.

CODA BAKERY $

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

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

PHOTO BY DON JAMES/ATM

PRETZEL FONDUE, $13

CORN MAIDEN $$$

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

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

COPPER CANYON CAFE $$

5455 Gibson Blvd. SE (505) 266-6318

coppercanyoncafeabq.com

All-day breakfast and a killer chicken fried steak topped with your choice of traditional white gravy or homemade green chile sauce (naturally) grace this menu, and a steady lineup of loyal customers means the food’s always hot and fresh.

THE COUNTY LINE BBQ $$

9600 Tramway Blvd. NE (505) 856-7477, countyline.com

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

CRACKIN’ CRAB $$

2100 Louisiana Blvd. NE plus 2 other metro locations (505) 433-4611, crackincrababq.com

Their headline seafood boils are super customizable, allowing you to choose from a trio of house combinations or mix and match your own selection of crab, lobster, mussels, scallops, clams, or shrimp by the pound.

CRAVIN’ COOKIES AND MORE $

10420 4th St. NW (505) 298-2597

cravincookiesandmore.com

Serving up specialty cookies, muffins, breads, pies, and pretty much any dessert you can dream of, Cravin’ Cookies and More offers dine-in and to go orders to satisfy any sweet tooth, with coffee and hot tea to match.

CRAZY FISH SUSHI

BAR AND RESTAURANT $$

3015 Central Ave. NE (505) 232-3474, crazyfishabq.com

Tasty, fresh sushi and sashimi await you in this sleek Central Avenue restaurant, along with kitchen-made favorites such as tempura and crispy chicken.

THE CROWN ROOM $$$$

145 Louisiana Blvd. NE (505) 767-7171, abqdowns.com/crown-room

Perhaps Albuquerque’s best-kept fine dining secret, this gem is tucked away in the newly remodeled Downs Casino. With an incredible selection of liquors and wines, gourmet dishes, tableside Bananas Foster, and Dom Pérignon palate cleansers, this special occasion hideout is hard to beat, anywhere in the 505.

CURRY LEAF

6910-C Montgomery Blvd. NE (505) 881-3663, curryleafrestaurant.us

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

THE DAILY GRIND

$ 4360a Cutler Ave. NE (505) 883-8310, dailygrindabq.net

This family-friendly restaurant serves breakfast and lunch, including huevos rancheros and a huge assortment of baked goods. On Friday and Saturday, look for spontaneous specials, such as stuffed French toast or steak and eggs.

DAMACIOS BAR & TAPAS

$$ 722 Central Ave. SW (505) 595-7383, damacios.com

Nestled downtown in a non-traditional eating space, Damacios uses its fun atmosphere and talented chefs to put a twist on classic Spanish tapas.

DAVE’S HIGH DESERT GRILL

$$ 5200 Eubank Blvd. NE, Ste B5 (505) 433-2380

Restaurant veteran Dave Hanisch is back with this Northeast Heights eatery serving up Midwestern comfort food with a little New Mexican flair. Come for the hearty entrees like the Braised Beef Short Ribs on Bubble & Squeak, stay for the Biscochito Peach Cobbler; the restaurant’s flagship dessert.

DAVE’S VALLEY GRILL $$ 6601 4th St. NW (505) 639-5807

davesvalleygrill.com

Dave’s Valley Grill offers a delightful range of traditional favorites, each infused with a modern twist and a deep respect for ingredients.

DEBAJO TAPAS Y VINO $$ 1025 Lomas Blvd. NW (505) 503-8645, debajoabq.com

This Iberian-inspired restaurant serves modern-day eats and classic drinks, perfect for a special occasion or a relaxed night out. The chefs are passionate about

providing guests with locally sourced ingredients and a farm-to-table experience.

DELICIAS CAFÉ

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

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

DG’S DELI

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

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

D.H. LESCOMBES WINERY & BISTRO $$$

901 Rio Grande Blvd. NW (505) 243-9916, lescombeswinery.com

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

DION’S $

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

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

DOG HOUSE DRIVE IN $

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

An ABQ landmark since the 1940s, the eat-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.

DON CHOCHE TACOS Y CERVEZA $

7319 4th St. NW Unit 1 (505) 433-2242, donchochetacosycerveza. com

Starting as a food truck, Don Choche Tacos y Cerveza established residency in the Los Ranchos area in 2009. Tacos are the signature here and can be ordered with various fillings such as asada, barbacoa, fried shrimp, and green chile brisket, just to name a few. A trip to this classic Mexican eatery wouldn’t be complete without stopping at the salsa bar packed with interesting and delicious choices. Dine inside or on the renovated and shaded patio.

DONUT MART $ 4501 Montgomery Blvd. NE plus 2 other metro location (505) 292-6278, donutmartusa.com

Multiple locations sprinkled around town means a donut lover can always get a sweet fix. Find apple strudels, piñon coffee, green chile bialys, croissants, muffins, and even a Peanut Butter and Jelly donut.

DOWN N DIRTY SEAFOOD BOIL $$

6100 4th St. NW, (505) 345-0595

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

DUGGAN’S

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

DURAN’S CENTRAL PHARMACY $$

1815 Central Ave. NW (505) 247-4141, duransrx.com

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

DURAN’S STATION $$

4201 Menaul Blvd. NE (505) 830-0007

Traditional New Mexican food served up with a side of homestyle cooking. An off-shoot of Duran’s Pharmacy, Duran’s station has built a reputation for amazing red chile, house-made tortillas, and plenty of blue corn.

EAST OCEAN CHINESE SEAFOOD

RESTAURANT $$

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

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

EL BRUNO’S RESTAURANTE Y

CANTINA $$

8806 4th St. NW (505) 897-0444, elbrunos.com

El Bruno’s got its start in Cuba, NM, in 1975. At the Albuquerque location, the tried-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 CHARRITOS $ 4703 Central Ave NW (505) 836-2464

Whether you like the standard New Mexican fare of enchiladas, rellenos, and tacos or if you’re looking for something off the beaten path like steak picado, green chile chicken fried steak, or even a deep-fried Monte Cristo sandwich, you’re sure to leave El Charritos satisfied with a full belly.

EL MOLCAJETON

$$ 4921 Jefferson St NE (505) 881-5332

Enjoy a variety of poultry, seafood, and beef (Cielo, Mar, y Tierra) with vegetables, cheese, and salsas all served piping hot on a traditional molcajeton. El Molcajete has everything from steak to octopus and anything else you could desire - or some simply delicious tacos if that’s more to your taste.

This breakfast and lunch spot serves up news-themed entrees like the Journalist Salad and Fact Checker Green Chile Chicken Soup in an intimate setting. Cups are filled with locally roasted Trifecta coffee.

BITES

NEW EL PAPATURRO $

6601 4th St. NW Suite H (505) 503-1575 elpapaturrorestaurantnm.com

El Papaturro serves traditional El Salvadoran food. In fact, you’ll even find a dish called Tipico Salvadoreno! The menu is rooted in family recipes and includes everything from your classic pupusa and other Central American favorites as well as carne asada, frito pie, and chicken wings.

EL PATIO DE ALBUQUERQUE $

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

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

EL PATRON $$

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

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

EL PINTO $$$

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

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

EL ROI CAFE $$

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

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

EL SABOR DE JUAREZ $

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

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

EL SARAPE

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

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

ELOY’S NEW MEXICAN RESTAURANT

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

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

EMBERS STEAK & SEAFOOD $$$

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

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

FANO BREAD COMPANY $ 4605 McLeod Rd. NE (505) 884-5555, fanobread.com

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

FAN TANG $$

3523 Central Ave. NE (505) 266-3566, fan-tang.com plus 1 other metro location

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.

A-MAIZE-ING SNACKS

If you’re looking for a quick bite with a little Mexican flair, you’d be hard-pressed to top the Bone-in Elote Corn Ribs offered at Flatiron Bites and Brews, a family-owned brewery that has been open for approximately one year.

“I absolutely love the flavor combination that elote-inspired items bring,” says co-founder and owner Christian Manzer. “I know that there’s so many different places locally that have elote-inspired items and there’s so many different things you can do, but that creamy sauce and lime-forward taste is something that we love. So, we wanted something that’s easily shareable.”

Corn spears—with the bone-in, so to speak—serve as the base, and then they’re lightly breaded, fried and topped with a housemade tajin dressing, fresh cotija cheese and crushed hot Cheetos.

“There’s not too many items like it out there,” Manzer says. And whether you’re wanting a meal or you want something that a few people can just snack on while they’re listening to live music, it’s a great option.” —TRISTEN CRITCHFIELD

Flatiron Bites and Brews

6001 San Mateo Blvd NE #F3 (505) 585-0023 eatflatiron.com

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.

THE FARMACY

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

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

FIESTA’S

MEXICAN RESTAURANT

& CANTINA

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

view of the Sandias make this a pizza spot worth a stop.

FIVE STAR BURGERS

5901 Wyoming Blvd. NE (505) 821-1909, 5starburgers.com

From bison, salmon, turkey and crab to lamb, chicken and Black Angus beef, burger addicts will love Five Star’s 100 percent natural meat. Hand-formed patties or vegetarian options paired with wine from St. Clair Winery or beer from Marble Brewery are a match made in heaven.

FLIX BREWHOUSE $$

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

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

FLYING STAR CAFE

8001 Menaul Blvd. NE plus 5 other metro locations (505) 293-6911, flyingstarcafe.com

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.

FIRENZE PIZZERIA

$ 12501 Candelaria Rd. NE (505) 433-4022

They’ve moved from downtown to the heights, but the wood-fired pizza is just as good as ever. A plethora of smart toppings and custom pizzas, including vegan and gluten-free options, and outdoor seating with a lovely

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.

NEW FOODTOPIA

4959 Pan American Fwy NE (505) 554-3698

foodtopiarestaurant.com

If you have never had a deep-fried quesadilla, let Foodtopia be the place to introduce you to the dish. Additional tasty treats include a poblano chile relleno, and a whole variety of Mexican-style tacos, burritos,

tortas, and enchiladas brought you from the Zacatecas heritage of owner and chef Leticia Gonzalez.

FORK & FIG $$

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

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

FRANK’S FAMOUS CHICKEN AND WAFFLES

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

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

FRENCHISH $$$

3509 Central Ave. NE

(505) 433-5911, frenchish.com

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

FRIENDS COFFEE & SANDWICH SHOP

200 3rd St. NW

(505) 243-4801, fcass.com

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

BONE-IN ELOTE CORN RIBS, $9

BITES

FRONTIER RESTAURANT

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

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

FUEGO 505

5750 McMahon Blvd. NW (505) 705-8439, fuego505.com

Traditional meets trendy at this Westside rotisserie grill and bar. Gourmet tacos, bowls, and hot-fired skewers (including exotic meats like rabbit, elk and rattlesnake) pair nicely with whiskeys from their extensive list. Salads, hand-shaken cocktails, local craft beers and a large patio round out the scene.

FUN NOODLE BAR

5317 Menaul Blvd. NE, (505) 801-6888 funnoodleabq.com

The perfect place to go with family and friends to enjoy fresh Asian cuisine. Fun noodle bar provides you with an authentic and, well, fun experience. Fresh dumplings and hand-pulled noodles are a homerun.

GARCIA’S KITCHEN

2924 San Mateo Blvd. NE plus 5 other metro locations (505) 888-3488, garciaskitchen.com

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

GARDUÑO’S OF MEXICO RESTAURANT AND CANTINA

10031 Coors Blvd. NW

plus 2 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

$ 3908 San Mateo Blvd. NE (505) 883-6000, ginosnystylepizza.com

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

GIOVANNI’S PIZZERIA

921 San Pedro Dr. SE, (505) 255-1233 giovannispizzaalbuquerque.com

Giovanni’s isn’t easy to spot at first, but once you’ve had a big slice of fold-in-half New 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.

GOLDEN CROWN PANADERIA

$ 1103 Mountain Rd. NW, (505) 243-2424, goldencrown.biz Golden Crown Panaderia is known for taking creativity in baking to the next level. Try the original biscochitos

or cappuccino, chocolate and sugar-free versions. Don’t miss out on homemade green chile bread, pizza, and creative bread sculptures.

GRASSBURGER

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

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

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

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

THE GRILL ON SAN MATEO $ 3300 San Mateo Blvd. NE, (505) 872-9772

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

GRANDMA’S K & I DINER $ 2500 Broadway Blvd. SE (505) 243-1881 grandmaskandidiner.com

This South Valley dive is known for its heaping plates of classic American comfort food—they’ve even been featured on “Man vs. Food” for their massive “Travis on a Silver Platter” dish.

THE GROVE CAFÉ AND MARKET $$

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

thegrovecafemarket.com

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

GOBBLE THIS $$

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

gobblethis.biz

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

GYROS MEDITERRANEAN $

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

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

HANNAH & NATE’S MARKET CAFÉ $

4512 Corrales Rd. plus 1 other metro location (505) 898-2370

Offering breakfast and lunch, Hannah & Nate’s is all about flavor—whether it’s the flavor of traditional New Mexican cuisine, cuisines from throughout the world or the family recipes served.

HELLO DELI $$

7600 Jefferson St. NE (505) 797-3354, hellodeliabq.com

Home to one of the most delicious breakfast burritos around, Hello Deli serves sandwiches and even Frontier’s sweet rolls.

HIBACHI ONE $$

3230 Coors Blvd. NE 505) 839-0808

hibachioneabq.com

In addition to their tableside teppanyaki service, Hibachi One visitors can take advantage of private rooms. Hibachi options like shrimp, scallops, and filet mignon are available wherever you’re sitting in the house, as is a full menu of sushi, sashimi, and rolls.

HIGH POINT GRILL $$

9780 Coors Blvd. NW (505) 312-8519

highpointgrill.com

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

HIGH NOON RESTAURANT AND SALOON

425 San Felipe St. NW (505) 765-1455

highnoonrestaurant.com

Located in a 300-year-old house in the heart of Old Town, High Noon has a menu stocked with New Mexican fare such as burritos and enchiladas, but you can also find baked brie and buffalo burgers here. Reservations are recommended.

HOLY BURGER $

700 Central Ave. SE (505) 242-2991

holyburgernm.com

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

HORIZON BAGELS AND CAFE

4000 Louisiana Blvd NE (505) 221-0668

New York is a long way from here, but it’s a little closer with Horizon’s delicious bagels. Of course there has to be the NM touch - like a red chile bagel with green chile cream cheese. You can also fill your belly with corned beef hash, matzo ball soup, and fresh cinnamon rolls.

HORSE AND ANGEL TAVERN $$

5809 Juan Tabo Blvd. NE (505) 299-0225

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

HOT PINK THAI $$

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

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

HOT TAMALES $

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

hottamalesnmrestaurant.com

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

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HUMBLE COFFEE COMPANY

4200 Lomas Blvd. NE

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

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

HURRICANE’S CAFE

4330 Lomas Blvd. NE, (505) 255-4248

I SCREAM ICE CREAM $

2000 Carlisle Blvd. NE (505) 268-0139

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

IL VICINO

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

IHATOV BREAD AND COFFEE

3400 Central Ave. SE, (505) 539-5445

cheeseburger, with freshly-ground chuck, topped with fresh vegetables and roasted green chile.

JAPANESE KITCHEN

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

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

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

INDIAN PUEBLO KITCHEN

2401 12th St. NW (505) 724-3510, indianpueblo.org

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

ISLETA GRILL

4047 NM State Highway 47 (505) 869-2046 FB: Isleta Grill

A popular breakfast-and-lunch counter on the Isleta Pueblo serving up tortilla burgers, Indian tacos and Frito pies, along with an assortment of made-to-order sandwiches (BLT, Club, etc.). The grab-and-go morning menu includes breakfast burritos and quesadillas in two sizes.

$$$

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

JAVA JOE’S

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

$$$

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

INDIGO CROW CAFÉ

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

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

JC’S NEW YORK PIZZA DEPARTMENT

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

$$$

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

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 $

8900 Holly Ave. NE, Ste. B (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.

This family operation’s goal: to serve meals made with whole foods at affordable prices. Try the green chile

JINJA BAR AND BISTRO $$

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 pizzas, and breakfast served all day long.

JINJA BAR & BISTRO WESTSIDE $$

5400 Sevilla Ave. NW (505) 792-8776

Whether you’re looking for a good place to gather some friends for tasty drinks and appetizers or a laidback place to bring the family, Jinja has the atmosphere for you. You won’t find one specific menu theme at Jinja, with its blend of Chinese and Vietnamese which makes it easy for anyone to find something they like. Staples like potstickers, Kung Pao chicken, and wings with different sauces are all served up

JOE’S PASTA HOUSE $$

3201 Southern Blvd. SE (505) 892-3333, joespastahouse.com

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

JUNIPER STEAKHOUSE $$$

54 Jemez Canyon Dam Rd. (505) 771-7145, santaanastar.com

Inside the Santa Ana Star Casino Hotel, Juniper Steakhouse offers a fine dining experience in an entertaining atmosphere. With popular options like the prime rib and filet mignon, diners can also opt for a seafood entree. The food is enticing; they also have a full bar with an extensive wine list and handcrafted seasonal cocktails.

KABAB HOUSE:

AUTHENTIC PERSIAN CUISINE $

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

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

KAKTUS BREWING CO. $

471 S Hill Rd, Bernalillo (505) 818-7285, kaktusbrewery.com

Tucked away from it all, Kaktus specializes in European-style pints, and a menu featuring pizzas and apps uniquely topped with game meats like elk, boar, bison, and duck. Special events on weekends abound.

KAP’S COFFEE SHOP & DINER $

5801 Central Ave. NE 505) 232-9658

kapscoffeeshopanddiner.com

Serving the Duke City and hungry travelers since 1968, Kap’s is the place to go for a great meal. Enjoy a hearty plate of chicken fried steak or chicken fried chicken with an egg on top or some golden brown, griddlecooked flapjacks.

KATHY’S CARRY OUT $ 823 Isleta Blvd. SW (505) 873-3472 FB: Kathy’s Carry Out

A half-century of success in the heart of the city’s South Valley that’s renowned for $2 tacos on Wednesdays (yes, Wednesdays), stuffed sopaipillas, smothered burritos and burgers. Take-home pints also available for beans, rice, carne adovada, etc. Indoor and outdoor seating, plus a drive-thru.

KATRINAH’S EAST MOUNTAIN GRILL $$

150 State Rd. 344 A (505) 508-0601

kawaiibobacafeabq.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).

KAWAII BOBA-CAFÉ $

3200 La Orilla Rd. NW, Ste E (505) 281-9111, eastmountaingrill.com

Boba tea is just the beginning of the menu at this westside cafe. While the expansive tea menu allows for plenty of customizations, what really sets this cafe apart is their food menu featuring ramen, kimchi, and other Asian staples. Located conveniently next to Flix Brewhouse, this spot is a magnet for Albuquerque’s anime fans and cosplayers.

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.

K’LYNN’S SOUTHERN & CAJUN FUSION $$

4300 Ridgecrest Dr. SE, Ste O, Rio Rancho (505) 453-3068

Kathrine Johnson-Bey brings Cajun cuisine from the bayou to the desert in this Rio Rancho fusion restaurant. From fried oysters to hand-breaded crawfish tails, alligator po boys to collard greens, this unique eatery is a can’t-miss.

KOSMOS RESTAURANT $$

1715 5th St. NW (505) 369-1772

kosmosabq.com

Part art gallery, part restaurant, Kosmos is a feast for the senses. The inventive staff brings together highgrade dinner style burgers with dishes sparked by the flavors of the Near East.

KOYAMA $$

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

With over 40 different sushi rolls to choose from, including classics like the California Roll or the more ‘out there’ freshwater eel-forward Caterpillar Roll, the hearty servings over at this local Japanese mainstay keep sushi-lovers coming back time and again. For something to warm the soul, the hotpot is always a solid choice.

LA QUICHE PARISIENNE BISTRO $

5850 Eubank Blvd. NE, Ste 17 (505) 242-2808

laquicheparisiennebistro.com

Long considered an authentic French staple of downtown ABQ, La Quiche has comfortably settled into the Heights and the baked goods will comfort your lazy weekend brunch cravings with true Parisian cuisine from the mainland.

LA REFORMA $$

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

On the taco front, La Reforma is virtually unimpeachable, offering options like braised pork shoulder carnitas, tempura-battered white fish pescado, and rotisserie-broiled al pastor for carnivores, along with tempura-battered avocado (aguacate) for those looking for something plant-based.

LA SALITA

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

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

LA GUELAGUETZA

MEXICAN RESTAURANT

816 Old Coors Dr. SW (505) 916-0095, la-guelaguetza-mexicanrestaurantllc.business.site

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

and a market. Whether you’re looking for classic huevos rancheros, filet mignon, or dried pasta, you’ll find it here.

LIMONATA CAFÉ

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

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

LEVEL 5 AT HOTEL CHACO

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

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

THE LIBRARY BAR & GRILL

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

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

LANTERN RIDGE FARM $$$

12540 N Highway 14 (505) 395-7774

lanternridgemarket.com

Lantern Ridge Farm has it all - a tasty breakfast menu, amazing lunches, gourmet dinners, beautiful scenery,

If you’re looking for something especially authentic, La Guelaguetza is the place for you. This restaurant will provide you with no frills and traditional Mexican food. Options range from Birria, to mole, to cocktail shrimp and everything in between. Located on Old Coors La Guelaguetza gives a homestyle feel to all the favorites.

LAGUNA BURGER

2400 12th St. NW plus 3 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 buttertoasted bun made specifically for Laguna Burger by Sara Lee. Also on the menu: freshly-cut fries, foot-long chile cheese dogs, and zingy breakfast burritos.

LAZY LIZARD GRILL

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

From the King Cobra Pizza and made-from-scratch 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.

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

LINDO MEXICO $$

7209 Central Ave. NE

plus one other metro location (505) 266-2999

lindomexicogrillandseafood.com

This once smaller operation has since been in business for 20 years. With extreme passion to express the heritage of certain dishes through authentic tastes, owners are proud to have an atmosphere that values family and traditions. Some popular items include mole, tacos, guacamole and their chile rojo. All made fresh in house.

LINDY’S DINER

500 Central Ave. SW, #3114 (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.

LILY AND LIAM BISTRO

1751 Rio Rancho Blvd. SE, Ste 101, Rio Rancho (505) 340-3309, lilyandliambistro.com

The NM Dutch Baby (loaded with green chile, of course) is a Lily and Liam staple that has regulars

BITES

coming back time and again. As a family-run business, it makes perfect sense that your whole family will love this homegrown spot.

LITTLE BEAR COFFEE $

2632 Pennsylvania St. NE (505) 917-8902, littlebearcoffeeco.com

Plus 1 other metro location

Located near Uptown, Little Bear is not just serving up quality brew, but also providing an outpost for the neighborhood and coffee community.

THE LOCAL BREWHOUSE $$

300 Unser Blvd. SE, Rio Rancho (505) 994-2007

Even situated in the large metro area, The Local Brewhouse still has that small town, neighborhood charm. Their menu features brewpub classics and 32 local, regional, domestic, and international beers and

ciders on tap, more than a dozen of which are brewed in house.

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.

LOS OLIVOS MEXICAN RESTAURANT $

7900 Zuni Rd. SE (505) 503-7879

Virtually everything on the menu at Los Olivos is Hernandez family recipe. Focused on traditional Mexican flavors, diners can enjoy authentic tacos, tortas, burritos, and soups, as well as different salsa for every dish.

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 $$

6001 Winter Haven Rd. NW plus 3 other metro locations (505) 503-7327, mtuccis.com

The menu at the Westside’s authentic Italian staple features refined comfort food classics, from meatball marinara to pot roast. Other menu items are crafted from choice Berkshire pigs that the eatery imports from northern Iowa and southern Minnesota farms. In fact, a unique pork dish is incorporated into a featured dinner special every night. Wash down your pasta, pizza, or salad with a carefully crafted cocktail from the bar.

MAC’S STEAK IN THE ROUGH $

4515 Menaul Blvd. NE plus 1 other metro location (505) 888-3611, macsnm.com

Taquitos, onion rings, guacamole salad, and an original “steak in the rough”—slivers of beef served with French fries, coleslaw, a roll, catsup, and a fresh green scallion… these are just a few of the reasons Mac’s has been in business for so many years.

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 Dr. 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.

BITES

MATA G VEGETARIAN KITCHEN $$

116 Amherst Dr. SE (505) 266-6374, mata-g.com

An authentic vegetarian restaurant with a wide variety of vegetarian breakfasts, soups, salads, sandwiches, and hot specials.

MARIGOLD CAFE $

161 Lang Ave. NE, Ste C (505) 433-4427, marigoldabq.com

This cozy cafe is serving up a much-loved fusion of Indian and American cuisine. The marigold cafe is a local family-owned business that uses only the highest quality ingredients and spices.

MAZAYA CAFÉ $

120 Harvard Dr. SE (505) 582-2447, mazayacafe.com

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

MESA PROVISIONS $$

3120 Central Ave. SE (505) 494-5264, mesaprovisions.com

With an emphasis on seasonally and locally influenced ingredients, you can always expect to find something fresh on the menu at Mesa Provisions. And although they have a wide variety of culinary offerings, yearround staples such as the half-smoked chicken or the green chile cheddar biscuit will have you coming back for more.

MERAKI COFFEE + MARKET $$

5900 Eubank Blvd. NE (505) 291-1116, drinkmerakiabq.com

Meraki in Greek is the word that describes the attention and love put into something you are preparing for others. With all real ingredients (no fake butter, sugar substitutes, etc.) it is clear the passion runs through each item that is made at Meraki. Everything is made early in the morning and most ingredients are sold instore exclusively. Whether you’re looking for a classic cappuccino or smoked salmon toast with homemade tomato jam, you are sure to find that every dish is extremely high quality and delicious.

MICHAEL THOMAS COFFEE

ROASTERS $ (505) 504-7078

202 Bryn Mawr Dr. SE michaelthomascoffee.com

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

MICK’S CHILE FIX $

3351 Candelaria Rd. NE, Ste A (505) 881-2233, mickschilefix.com

One of the city’s true spots for getting something hot: try The Shocker (an eight-pound breakfast burrito), huevos rancheros, or the Frito pie, all with homemade red or green chile.

MILLY’S $

2100 Candelaria Rd. NE plus 1 other metro location (505) 884-0707, millysrestaurants.com

If you’re not sure what to eat, have a little of everything with an American-New Mexican–Greek menu. This breakfast and lunch spot melds salads and sandwiches with traditional New Mexican and Greek entrees.

MONICA’S EL PORTAL RESTAURANT $

321 Rio Grande Blvd. NW (505) 247-9625

Traditional New Mexican favorites make up the menu at this Old Town staple that has been around for 34 years. Monica’s roasts its own green chile, makes biscochitos from scratch and offers red chile straight from the pod.

MONROE’S RESTAURANT $

6051 Osuna Rd. NE

plus 1 other metro location (505) 881-4224, monroeschile.com

More than 50 years after opening its doors south of Old Town, Monroe’s continues to serve reliable New Mexican favorites to a local fan base, and service around here is a team effort, so no glass goes unfilled.

MONTE CARLO STEAKHOUSE $$$

3916 Central Ave. SW, (505) 836-9886

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

MR. TOKYO $$

11200 Montgomery Blvd. NE, (505) 292-4728

Soak up the cool Zen-like atmosphere while enjoying six versions of fried rice, sushi, sashimi, tempura, hibachi, grilled udon, soups, and teriyaki spiced with fiery Thai chili peppers.

MUSTANG CAFÉ

8601 Lomas Blvd. NE, (505) 275-4477

Perfect for anyone shopping at the Rich Ford car dealership—or anyone at all—is this auto-themed restaurant, which serves up homemade breakfast burritos, papitas, enchiladas, rellenos, tamales, and the Dennis Snyder Favorite: a 16-oz. sirloin patty with cheese and chile.

NAAN & DOSA $$

6501 Wyoming Blvd. NE (505) 797-4243

naananddosa.com

Many Indian restaurants only serve either Northern or Southern Indian food. Not Naan and Dosa. Named for the traditional breads from both regions of the country, take your pick of the leavened flatbreads (naan) or eight different types of rolled dosas. Also try their lunch buffet Tuesdays through Saturdays, featuring a sampling of their menu.

NAGOMI RESTAURANT

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 shabushabu, a Japanese-style hot pot.

NAKA SUSHI

1035 Juan Tabo Blvd. NE (505) 200-9152

nakasushiabq.com

A little bit of Thai, a little bit of Korean, and a little bit of Japanese, but entirely delicious. Naka Sushi fuses multiple Asian flavors to make fresh sushi, bento boxes, and other Asian dishes, all in a location with a vibrant, appealing ambiance.

NAMASTE

1580 Deborah Rd. SE, plus 1 other metro location (505) 896-3126, namastenm.net

Offering authentic Nepalese and Indian dishes— including chicken tikka masala and lamb curry— Namaste also serves traditional food with a New Mexico twist, such as the green chile chicken curry.

NAPOLI COFFEE

3035 Menaul Blvd. NE (505) 884-5454, napolicoffee.com

A diversified menu of caffeinated companions means something for everyone at Napoli Coffee. Currently located on Menaul, Napoli aims to please and cater to guest requests, so the possibilities and drink combinations are seemingly endless. In addition to coffee, they also offer a variety of freshly made sandwiches, wraps, and breakfast burritos.

NARUTO

2110 Central Ave. SE (505) 369-1039, narutonoodle.com

Ramen noodle with specialized dishes that can’t be found anywhere else in the city.

NEW MEXICO BEEF JERKY COMPANY

$ 1425 4th St NW (505) 242-6121

newmexicobeefjerkycompany.com

Beef jerky? Check. Chicharrones? You better believe it. Tacos, burgers, and burritos - who knew that the New Mexico Beef Jerky Company had so much awesome food to offer? You don’t stay in business for 45 years without good reason, so be sure to swing by this classic joint to get your New Mexican food fix.

NEXUS BREWERY

4730 Pan American Fwy. NE, Ste D plus 1 other metro location (505) 242-4100, nexusbrewery.com

Who knew Ramen noodles could be so creative, so diverse, and so darn good. Naruto is reinventing the

If the made-to-order fried chicken and waffles and mac and cheese has you drooling, reach for one of Nexus’ brewed in-house beers.

NEXUS BLUE SMOKEHOUSE

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

Tender and mouthwatering meat, Nexus uses the blue smoke method. With favorites like burnt ends and pulled pork sandwiches, tangy sides, and perfectly paired brews, Nexus Blue Smokehouse achieves top of the line status.

NM SANGWICHES

4400 Masthead St. NE, Suite 160 (505) 835-5138 nmsoulfoodco.co

The former Rio Rancho favorite has moved to North ABQ with their menu of classic sandwiches, served both hot (grilled cheese, pulled pork, meatball) and cold (chicken salad, BLT), plus salads. The breakfast menu includes bowls, biscuits & gravy, muffins and bagels.

NOODLE WORKS $$

5901 Wyoming Blvd. NE, Ste S (505) 990-0055 noodleworksnm.com

Every noodle at Noodle Works hand stretched, hand spun, and hand sliced in house fresh for every meal. With unique dishes and signature takes on popular favorites, almost everything on the menu can be modified or elaborated with noodles.

OAK TREE CAFÉ

4545 Alameda Blvd. NE (505) 830-2233, cafeoaktree.com

$$$

This hometown café has served a lot of locals over the past 30 years, and the current venue on Alameda is great at the basics, including burgers, sandwiches, and salads, made fresh, in-house every day.

OHANA HUT $

5740 Night Whisper Rd. NW (505) 508-4439, ohanahut.com

Family owned and operated Ohana Hut means “Family Hut.” It specializes in Hawaiian, Japanese, and Korean flavors to create an Asian fusion menu with a New Mexican twist.

OLD TOWN PIZZA PARLOR $$

108 Rio Grande Blvd. NW (505) 999-1949, oldtownpizzaabq.com

This comfy, funky, family-owned restaurant serves tasty pies, huge calzones, and portions of pasta that won’t ever leave you hungry.

OLO DESSERT STUDIO $

3339 Central Ave. NE, Ste C-3 (505) 750-4656, olodessertstudio.com

Nothing is as sweet as a guilt-free treat. In the same building as Staples in Nob Hill, Olo features a Candyland-esque interior, complete with 10 flavor choices and a salad-bar-sized toppings bar.

O’HARE’S GRILLE & PUB $$

4100 Southern Blvd. SE, Rio Rancho (505) 896-0123, oharesgrillepub.com

With a menu that is centered around the idea that variety is the key to success, O’Hare’s offers pub fare in a family-friendly atmosphere. Try the Corned Beef and Cabbage special, O’Hare’s Double Decker Reuben, or the staple Fish and Chips, for a truly Irish experience.

ONI $$

600 Central Ave. SW # 100 (505) 503-6722, oniabq.com

Warm, umami scents fill the air at Oni, which has an abundance of ramen and other Japanese options. A house favorite is the Shoyu Ramen, which features cherry wood smoked pork belly, seasonal vegetables, and a pork bone broth that’s cooked in-house.

O’NIELL’S

PUB $$

4310 Central Ave. SE plus 1 other metro location (505) 255-6782, oniells.com

O’Niell’s boasts the same neighborhood feeling, many of the same staffers, and virtually the same menu (including the “weird sandwich,” the “burger in paradise,” and homemade fish and chips). Added: an outdoor patio and more beer choices.

O RAMEN $

2114 Central Ave. SE, (505) 508-1897

Yes, the Duke City has the real thing. O Ramen’s Tonkotsu (pork bone broth) spends 18 hours on the stovetop before it blesses your bowl; expect plenty of options for vegetarians and Japanese curry lovers, to boot.

ORCHID THAI CUISINE $

4300 Central Ave. SE (505) 265-4047, orchidabq.com

Orchid Thai has been serving hungry Albuquerqueans traditional dishes like Pad Thai at its Nob Hill location for more than a decade. But this award-winning eatery goes beyond the traditional with unique dishes like deep-fried sesame duck, green tea curry, and Szechwan eggplant, all made from scratch.

THE OWL CAFÉ

800 Eubank Blvd. NE (505) 291-4900

owlcafealbuquerque.com

World-famous green chile cheeseburgers, milkshakes, fajitas, quesadillas, meatloaf, burritos, fries… the list of great drool-worthy dishes goes on and on.

PACIFIC PARADISE TROPICAL GRILL AND SUSHI BAR $$

3000 San Pedro Dr. NE (505) 881-0999

pacific-paradise-restaurant-abq.com

Faux palms and tiki huts frame a menu filled with more than 100 options: salads, soups, stir-fry, seafood, fried rice, noodles, sushi, and dessert menu. Try the Seafood Rice Pizza or Rock ‘n’ Roll Sushi.

PADILLA’S MEXICAN KITCHEN

1510 Girard Blvd. NE, (505) 262-0115

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

PAISANO’S ITALIAN RESTAURANT $$

1935 Eubank Blvd. NE (505) 298-7541, paisanosabq.com

Family recipes have kept Paisano’s going for more than 35 years, but the hand-rolled pasta, hand-stuffed ravioli, homemade sausage and marinara haven’t hurt business, either. It’s also the only place in town to get wheat-free pizza and pasta.

THE PALETA BAR $

2325 San Pedro Dr. NE plus 12 other metro locations (505) 884-0049, thepaletabar.com

A hidden Albuquerque gem, The Paleta Bar has taken a tried-and-true, frozen Mexican dessert to new heights. Since 2017, this paleta wonderland has been slinging refreshing Mexican popsicles in endless combinations of flavors.

PAPA FELIPE’S MEXICAN RESTAURANT

9800 Menaul Blvd. NE (505) 292-8877, papafelipes.com

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

PAPA NACHOS

7648 Louisiana Blvd. NE (505) 821-4900, papanachosfood.com

Great homemade Mexican food based on tried-andtrue family recipes is the specialty here: burritos, fish tacos, and the namesake nachos will all make your panza happy.

PARS CUISINE

4320 The 25 Way NE, Ste 100 (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.

BITES

CAPRESE TO IMPRESS

Since its inception in Corrales last year, Belle’s Urban Deli has established a reputation for clean, rich and creative menu items.

Founders James and Megan Garrigan are well-versed in the restaurant business, as they also own Lily and Liam Bistro and Upscale Rio—both in Rio Rancho—so they know how to craft offerings that appeal to the masses. At the forefront of the Belle’s Urban Deli menu are the establishment’s sandwiches, all of which utilize housemade breads, sauces and dressings along with a host of freshly sliced deli meats.

One intriguing vegetarian option on the “Belle’s Sandwiches” portion of the menu is the Balsamic Caprese, which pays homage to the salad of Italian origins with fresh mozzarella, pesto, heirloom tomatoes, basil, red onions, roasted garlic and a balsamic vinaigrette. Those with carnivore tendencies can add capicola ham for a $3 upcharge. The sandwich comes with your choice of garden salad, fresh fruit, potato salad, jicama slaw or potato chips as a side. –TRISTEN CRITCHFIELD

Belle’s Urban Deli

3650 Corrales Road Suite G (505) 548-2009 bellesurbandeli.square.site

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 NEW MEXICAN RESTAURANT $ 1140 Juan Tabo Blvd. NE (505) 293-0157

Even after multiple relocations over the course of it’s 40-plus year history in Albuquerque, Perea’s keeps their loyal customers and newcomings coming back with their hearty New Mexican comfort foods.

PEREA’S TIJUANA BAR $$

4590 Corrales Rd., (505) 898-2442

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

PERICO’S $

10401 Golf Course Rd. NW plus 3 other metro locations (505) 792-5255

pericosmexicanrestaurant.com

Serving delicious New Mexican food at affordable prices made Perico’s instantly popular, and the “home of the ½ lb burrito” is now an Albuquerque institution with three locations, catering services, and 22 different burritos.

PHO LINH $$

9100 Central Ave. SE (505) 266-3368, pholinhabq.com

Authentic Vietnamese cuisine is the name of the game at this restaurant. Look for pad thai, special noodles

(with grilled barbecue shrimp), spring rolls, curry, and papaya salad.

PIATANZI $$

1403 Girard Blvd. NE (505) 792-1700, piatanzi.com

A neighborhood Italian eatery with artisan flair, Piatanzi serves up big bites on smallish plates that please families and adventurous foodies alike, in a venue that scores big points.

PIZZA 9 $$

4000 Louisiana Blvd. NE plus 9 other metro locations (505) 883-6463, pizzanine.com

Chicago-style pizza at 10 locations around the city, along with the option of gluten-free crust—that’s what Pizza 9 brings to the, er, table. Don’t forget the wings, salads, breadsticks and calzones to complement any meal.

PIZZERIA LUCA $$

8850 Holly Ave. NE (505) 797-8086, pizzerialuca.com

With imported Italian flour, cheese, and pepperoni, Pizzeria Luca offers authentic Italian cuisine. The restaurant has a subway-inspired interior and features delicious and affordable lunch specials.

PLANTY SWEET

2506 Washington St. NE (505) 433-7111, plantysweet.weebly.com

Planty Sweet is the city’s first 100% vegan and glutenfree bakery and dessert shop, and the quality of the products available is hard to deny. Not only do their artisanal baked goods taste fantastic, they are impeccably presented, each crafted to please the eye as much as the taste buds.

POKI POKI CEVICHERIA $$

3422 Central Ave. NE plus 1 other metro location (505) 503-1077, pokipokinm.com

Think deconstructed sushi if you’ve never had the traditionally Hawaiian poké. Completely customizable bowls with Latin and Asian fusion are the specialty here. Seven types of fish, 12 sauces, and 22 toppings make for endless combinations atop rice, chips, or a salad.

POLLITO CON PAPAS $$

6105 Gibson Blvd. SE (505) 765-5486, pollitoconpapas.com

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

PONDEROSA BREWING CO. $ 1761 Bellamah Ave. NW (505) 639-5941, ponderosabrewing.net

A sister brew pub to Pints Brewing in Portland, Oregon, Ponderosa features a wide selection of American and German standard beers, with a classic menu of burgers, salads, and innovative appetizers.

POP FIZZ $ 1701 4th St. SW (505) 553-5929

Made in-house from all natural ingredients, kids can’t miss the Mexican paletas and ice cream tacos, and adults will love their menu of boozy popsicles and shakes. Find them on campus at the National Hispanic Cultural Center or book them for your own event or party.

BALSAMIC CAPRESE, $11

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 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.

RANGE CAFÉ $$

4400 Wyoming Blvd. NE plus 5 other metro locations (505) 293-2633, 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.

RED ROCK DELI $

2414 San Mateo Pl. NE (505) 332-9656

So authentic that the menu is derived from a family cookbook written entirely in Polish, Red Rock Deli boasts Polish and Chicago-style deli delights, especially their handmade pierogies with ingredients sourced from Chicago.

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.

REVEL BURGER

4720 Alexander Blvd. NE (505) 303-4700

revelburger.com

Located inside Revel Entertainment, Revel burger’s delicious menu of Angus burgers and chicken sandwiches are cut, trimmed, and prepared in house. Try one of their American classics or challenge yourself to the Jawbreaker: a five-patty, pound and a half burger.

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.

BITES

ROSE GARDEN $

6541 Paradise Blvd. NW, Ste E plus 1 other metro location (505) 897-8880

rosegardenabq.com

Over 100 menu items and great customer service ensures locals always return. Rose Garden never disappoints with a wide range of appetizers, soups and entrees. Owner, Mieng Lu, says the Kung Pao chicken, orange chicken and beef lo mein are just a few of his favorites.

RUSTIC BUBBLE TEA CAFE $

840 Juan Tabo Blvd. NE, Ste B (505) 508-1813

Rustic Bubble Tea Cafe has all of the fundamentals of a bubble shop down, of course - the hint is in the name - but what sets the independent Albuquerque startup apart is the Vietnamese-inspired menu that accompanies its decadent beverages.

RUSTIC ON THE GREEN $

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 equally-cravable 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 have fans coming back for more, including its Day of the Dead burger with a secret “Diablo” puree and the Divine Intervention, topped with bleu cheese and caramelized onions.

RUTILIO’S FAMILY RESTAURANT $

455 N Main St, Belen (505) 864-0093

Belen Mayor Rudy Jaramillo’s carne adovada is what put Rutilos 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 Rutilios breakfast burritos and

classic New Mexican combos, and guests are sure to find something worth campaigning for.

SADIE’S OF NEW MEXICO $$ 6230 4th Street NW (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.

SAGGIO’S $$

107 Cornell Dr. SE

plus one other metro location (505) 255-5454, unmsaggios.com

This university joint is known for its pizza, particularly the pepperoni and green chile-topped pie, but the pasta, sandwiches, and salads shouldn’t be slept on!

SAHARA MIDDLE EASTERN EATERY $

2622 Central Ave. SE, (505) 255-5400

saharamiddleeasterneatery.com

Delectable Middle Eastern plates served up Manhattandeli style. The chicken shawarma plate, complete with greens, pita, hummus, and award-winning tabbouleh, is always a good bet. Complete with beer and wine, and belly dancing on weekends, this is a fave of students, locals, and out-of-towners alike.

SAIGON RESTAURANT $

6001 San Mateo Blvd., Ste.D4, NE plus 1 other metro location (505) 884-0706

saigonrestaurantnm.com

Vicky Truong’s secret to 12 years of success has been consistency. Truong maintains an extensive menu that caters to every type of eater. From summer dishes such as noodle bowls to winter mainstays like beef noodle soup, Truong will make sure you find your favorites.

SAKURA SUSHI & GRILL

6241 Riverside Plaza NW (505) 890-2838

abqsakurasushingrill.com

Favorites at Sakura are the Stone Pot Bibimbap (which is cooked at the table in a stone pot), the Tiger Roll, the Short Rib, the Baked Lobster Roll, the Sushi Tacos, and the impressive list of sake imported from Japan.

SALATHAI

3619 Copper Ave. NE, (505) 265-9330

Made-from-scratch, fresh, ingredients and keeping it simple are owner Pitak Pitakkan’s rules to cook by. Pitakkan cooks every menu item himself so don’t go to Salathai in a hurry. Pitakkan’s grandmother taught him to make curry and his curries are a longtime customer favorite.

SALT AND BOARD

115 Harvard Dr. 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.

THE SALT YARD WEST

3700 Ellison Dr. NW (505) 750-9273, thesaltyardnm.com

A multi-concept bar and restaurant, The Salt Yard West 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, 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-andsushi “Viagra salad” special.

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 takeand-bake casseroles will please any partygoer. And take a jar of that taco sauce home—after all, you can.

SAVOY BAR & GRILL $$$

10601 Montgomery Blvd. NE (505) 294-9463

savoyabq.com

Resembling a California wine-country bistro, Savoy Bar & Grill is one of Albuquerque’s premier fine-dining establishments. Specializing in food and wine pairing, Savoy’s menu is a toast to the art of balance of food and wine.

SCARPA’S BRICK

OVEN PIZZA

5500 Academy Rd. NE (505) 821-1885

scarpaspizza.com

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

SEARED

119 San Pasquale Ave. SW (505) 999-8414

searedabq.com

During the day, the space is Cheese & Coffee, but at night, it gets a makeover and becomes Seared, a fine dining establishment serving up steak, pork loin, and Atlantic Salmon among other things.

SEASONS ROTISSERIE AND GRILL $$$

2031 Mountain Rd. NW (505) 766-5100

seasonsabq.com

As the name suggests, Seasons varies its menu in accordance with what’s going on throughout the year, using the finest, freshest ingredients. Depending on what time of year you venture in, you’ll find butternut squash ravioli, grilled Atlantic salmon, and bleu cheesecrusted beef filet. Reservations are recommended.

SERGIO’S BAKERY & CAFE $

2740 Wyoming Blvd. NE (505) 554-2602

Fresh, made-from-scratch cookies, donuts, breads, pastries, cakes, and cannolis are on the mouthwatering menu at this Italian bakery.

SHARK REEF CAFÉ

2601 Central Ave. NW (505) 848-7182

To conclude your tour of the Albuquerque Aquarium, grab a seat at this full-service restaurant, where the dining room features a view of the oceanic reef exhibit. Catering to visitors, families, and daytime dates, the menu offers simple, fun options. Call ahead for special events, like themed dinners and holiday celebrations.

SHARKY’S FISH & SHRIMP $

5420 Central Ave. SW (505) 831-8905

Slip on your flip-flops and enjoy some Baja–inspired seafood, tacos, and carefree beach house ambiance

in this roadside outdoor eatery. Sharky’s won acclaim as the little food truck that could, and this brick-andmortar locale delivers the goods.

SHOGUN JAPANESE RESTAURANT $$ 3310 Central Ave. SE (505) 265-9166

https://shogunabq.com/

When your order of sushi comes around the bend on its floating wooden boat, you couldn’t be happier, whether you’ve ordered the “Super Crunch” (shrimp tempura roll), or the “TNT Roll” (fish, zucchini, and onion, baked with spicy mayo and smothered on a California roll).

THE

SHOP BREAKFAST AND LUNCH $

2933 Monte Vista Blvd. NE (505) 433-2795

theshopabq.com

The Shop Breakfast and Lunch serves up breakfast and lunch (as the name implies) but with a focus on local sourcing and seasonal favorites. The dishes at The Shop deftly combine Creole and Latin American influences with a dose of New Mexican comfort. The flavors really pop.

SLAPFISH $$

6400 Holly Ave. NE plus 1 other metro location (505) 503-1645 | slapfishrestaurant.com

Have you ever had a fish so fresh that it jumped up and tail slapped you in the face? Well, that’s the joke behind the very popular eater, Slapfish. This fast casual gem has gained a great reputation for efficiency, service, flavor combos, and the freshness of their seafood.

SIXTY SIX ACRES $$

2400 12th St. NW (505) 243-2230, sixtysixacres.com

A modern take on a classic bar and grill, Sixty-Six Acres has something for everyone. With unique appetizers, salads, and bowls, plus craft cocktails, you’re sure to find something to satisfy. Located in the Avanyu Plaza,

BITES

you can enjoy your meal with a beautiful view of the Sandias.

SLATE STREET BILLIARDS BAR & GRILLE $

2003 Southern Blvd. SE, #139, Rio Rancho (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 has great Happy Hour pricing and plenty of special events.

SLATE STREET CAFE $$

515 Slate Ave. NW (505) 243-2210

slatestreetcafe.com

Slate Street Cafe is a sleek, contemporary eatery that combines big city ambiance with inspired, modern cuisine. From the smoked salmon frittata to buildyour-own bruschetta to mouthwatering Ahi tuna, their culinary flair will tantalize and delight from breakfast through dinner.

SLICE AND DICE PIZZERIA

5720 McMahon Blvd. Ste B plus 1 other metro locations (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.

SOBREMESA $$

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

This Spanish-inspired restaurant brings people together with a cozy atmosphere, craft beer, and a vast selection of fresh and locally sourced foods.

SOO BAK

11 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 kimchi. Try the Soy Crunch Kimchi, which comes with pickled chayote squash, onions, some jalapenos, and fish sauce, apple juice, soy sauce, and vinegar.

SQUEEZED JUICE BAR

7900 San Pedro Dr. 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.

ST. JAMES TEA ROOM $$$

320 Osuna Rd. 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 $

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 has turned heads with Poutine Burqueno: 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.

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.

STICKY RICE

7600 Jefferson St. NE, #5 (505) 797-1288

Likely the only authentic Laotian sticky rice to be found anywhere in ABQ, this 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.

STONE FACE TAVERN $$

8201 San Pedro Dr. NE (505) 822-8855

Whether as a sports bar, live music venue, upscale grill, or just as a place that offers a little fun in the sand, Stone Face Tavern has something for everyone. Inside these doors, guarded by stone gargoyles, you’ll find large, shareable appetizers and entrees, plenty of beets on tap, and both outdoor and indoor volleyball courts.

STORMING CRAB

5001 San Mateo Blvd. NE plus 1 other metro location (505) 407-2032

albuquerque.stormingcrab.us

Specializing in large, customizable seafood boils, rich in Cajun and Atlantic coast flavor, Storming Crab’s selection of dinner combos encourages diners to build their own. Black and green mussels, shrimp, crawfish, white clams, and crab legs can be ordered by the pound.

STRAIGHT UP PIZZA

2801 Eubank Blvd. NE (505) 796-9343, straightuppizza.com

Pizza, wings, calzones, and cannolis, Straight Up Pizza has it all. For over 20 years, they’ve been creating highquality, made-to-order favorites. The veteran-owned and family-operated pizzeria will have you feeling right at home.

STRIPES BURRITO CO

2204 Menaul Blvd. NE plus 6 other metro locations (505) 881-5151, stripesco.com

Stripes is serving up classic burritos all day long. From bacon to carne adovada, the flavor-packed favorite will surely hit the spot. What’s the hardest choice you’ll have to make? Red or green!

SUSHIBUCKS

2106 Central Ave. SE, Ste A (505) 243-8089

This Asian-inspired restaurant with New Mexican flair provides customers with fast service and quality food. Sushibucks offers over 30 sushi rolls, including baked and no-rice offerings. Diners can also order udon, bulgogi, and bibimbap for those not feeling sushi.

SUSHI KING $$

9421 Coors Blvd. NW (505) 890-6200, sushikingabq.com

As one of the originators of sushi in Albuquerque, it’s no wonder Sushi King is beloved by so many. By merging tastes of Japan and America with rolls like the New Mexico Roll and the Lady in Red, you really can’t go wrong.

SUSHI XUAN $$

417 Tramway Blvd. NE, #3 (505) 200-2477

sushixuanasiangrill.com

You’ll find more than just 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 (505) 275-4777

sushiyanm.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 salmon in the city.

SWISS ALPS BAKERY & BODEGA $ 3000 San Pedro Dr. NE (505) 881-3063, swissalpsbakery.com

Desserts rule, but the sandwiches hit it out of the park. Endless flavors of pastries, tiramisu, and over a dozen cookies line the bakery case. Everything is scratch made including the many varieties of bread and authentic Bavarian style pretzels available on Saturdays. Paninis, grilled, and cold sandwiches round out the sweets with a full espresso bar.

TAAJ PALACE

$ 1435 Eubank Blvd. NE (505) 296-0109, taajpalacenm.com

Taaj Palace is a multifaceted field of flavor and texture, built around the fiery core of the tandoor oven, that serves up a variety of delicious curries, including the widely popular chicken makhani (butter chicken), where tandoori chicken is presented swimming in a creamy tomato sauce.

TACO SAL $

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 own chunky salsa, made with real green chile.

TACO SHEL

7001 San Antonio Dr NE Suite G (505) 828-0260

tacoshel.com

Be sure to bring cash when you come to this New Mexican staple. You’ll be glad you did, because whether you prefer tamales, enchiladas, sopapillas, or any other New Mexican classic, you can be sure that it will have been made fresh, in-house with affordable prices at Taco Shel.

TAJ MAHAL CUISINE OF INDIA

$ 1430 Carlisle Blvd. NE (505) 255-1994, tajmahalabq.com

Taj Mahal is filled with all of your Indian favorites, from fresh naan (try the garlic version) to tasty saag paneer. The line goes out the door for the popular lunch buffet.

TAKO TEN

$ 1250 Candelaria Rd. NE, Ste B plus 1 other metro location (505) 508-3518

Chef and owner Dominic Valenzuela takes a creative spin on tacos, or takos if you will, by curating a unique menu, which includes a Vegan Sweet Potato Tako.

TAMASHI $$

6400 Holly Ave NE, Ste G (505) 717-2457

tamashiabq.com

Award winning sushi at reasonable prices, unique appetizers, and hand picked alcohol are just some of the reasons to eat at Tamashi. Did we mention they also have killer ramen? With so much variety, you’re sure to become a regular.

TAP N TACO $ 1120 Pat D’Arco Hwy. (505) 800-5966, tapntaco.com

This spot specializes in Mexican street tacos, quesadillas, papa asada, nachos, and fries, with protein options for everyone ranging from asada to vegetarian. If you’re a fan of salsa bars, Tap N Taco has one with just about everything you need to elevate your food. Not only are the taco options pleasing to the palate but there’s an aesthetic appeal too.

TASTE OF INDIA

1605 Juan Tabo Blvd. NE (505) 294-6342, tasteofindiaabq.com

Family recipes modified for American tastes; Taste of India typically dials back the spice a bit. But it’s no misnomer to think of Taste of India as just what the name advertises: a taste of regional flavors, conveyed by people who grew up with them

TASTY NOODLES AND DUMPLINGS $$

2325 San Pedro Dr. NE, Ste 1E (505) 219-3988

tastynoodlesanddumplings.com

This Uptown spot known for their hand-pulled noodles and made-to-order dumplings and Bao (soup dumplings) also features more “traditional” Chinese fare and an adventurous Chef’s Special menu on request.

TEN 3 $$

30 Tramway Rd. NE (505) 764-8363, ten3tram.com

Whether you’re looking for fine or casual dining, TEN 3 is an experience. With a take on modern American and Mediterranean cuisine, choose from a menu of delicious appetizers, salads, and entrees while dining 10,300 feet above sea level. TEN 3 is a treat for your eyes and taste buds as you sit at the top of Sandia Peak.

TEOFILO’S RESTAURANTE

144 Main St. NW, Los Lunas (505) 865-5511

teofilos.com

This restaurant’s generations-old made-from-scratch recipes will draw you to Los Lunas, along with the warm chips, chile rellenos, crème cake enchiladas, and more, all handmade from scratch.

TERIYAKI MADNESS $$

11032 Montgomery Blvd. NE (505) 508-0430

teriyakimadness.com

For those looking for a break from the old guard of fast casual Asian cuisine, Teriyaki Madness offers fresh, simple teriyaki bowls. The secret is in their house made sauce, officially known as MAD sauce.

THAI BORAN $$

3236 La Orilla Rd. NW, Ste A (505) 492-2244

thaiborannm.com

Steeped in spicy tradition, Thai Boran has quickly gained traction as one of the top Thai restaurants Albuquerque has to offer. Thai Boran, which means “Old Thai”, features 53 items on its menu, including five soups, six curries, and five unique dishes off the “Chef’s Collection” section.

THAI CUISINE II $

4201 Central Ave. NE (505) 232-3200

thaicuisinenm.com

House in perhaps the most curious A-frame along Route 66, this is the second-coming of a much-beloved Westside Thai staple, and judging by the fandom, it’s simply better. Be wary of the heat in these dishes, and if you’re vegan/vegetarian, be very, very thankful.

THAI KITCHEN

$ 10707 Corrales Rd. (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 Cafe. Thai Kitchen is his very own venture, featuring his takes on authentic dishes that taste “just like they do back home”.

THAI HOUSE $$

2000 Carlisle Blvd. NE (505) 247-9205 thaihouserestaurantabq.com

With an impressive stay in ABQ (Thai House is approaching its 40-year anniversary), this South Asian restaurant has a secret weapon in its native Thai chef who brings her vast knowledge of Thai cuisine to the metro.

THAI SPICE $$

7441 Paseo Del Norte NE (505) 503-1521, thaispiceabq.com

An extensive menu features authentic Thai favorites like Pad Thai or Thai fried rice. Lunch special includes an egg roll, entrée, and coconut milk tapioca pudding punctuated with an origami rose–topped straw.

THAI VEGAN $$

5505 Osuna Rd. NE

plus 1 other metro location (505) 884-4610, thaivegannm.com

Utilizing local organic produce, you’ll get some of the healthiest food around, all without sacrificing taste. This non-vegan favorite has hearty offerings and a soy chicken that satisfies even the pickiest of meat eaters.

THEOBROMA CHOCOLATIER

12611 Montgomery Blvd. NE (505) 293-6545

theobromachocolatier.com

More than 20 years of experience goes into every morsel of European–inspired chocolate and sweet treat at this 505 sweet-tooth savior. Streamlined and polished, Theobroma has the look of a franchise, but everything is hand-crafted and produced on-site.

THE WHOLE ENCHILADA

10701 Corrales Rd, #25 505-897-5933

The Whole Enchilada is dishing up authentic Mexican food and great customer service. By incorporating different cheeses like queso fresco, and guajillo chiles instead of the red or green used here in New Mexico, the flavors shine to give a true Mexican Influence to each dish. The Whole Enchiladas fare extends beyond the restaurant moniker with options such as bone marrow tacos, steaks, and seared fish filets.

THUNDER ROAD STEAKHOUSE AND CANTINA AT

ROUTE 66 CASINO HOTEL

14500 Central Ave. SW, Laguna Pueblo (505) 352-7888, rt66casino.com

Nestled inside this busy casino, you’ll find dishes that are a confluence of cultures at Thunder Road: madefrom-scratch salsas, fresh tortillas, Pastel de Tres Leches Cake, Yucatan Tacos, Smoked Baby Back Pork Ribs, and much more.

TIA

B’S LA WAFFLERIA

3710 Campus Blvd. NE (505) 492-2007

lawaffleriaabq.com

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

TIA BETTY BLUE’S

1248 San Mateo Blvd. SE (505) 268-1955, tiabettyblues.com

1940s influence is sprinkled throughout this gem, from the décor to the food. The chile, red or green, is nice and spicy, just like your grandma made it. New Mexican breakfast and lunch items dot the menu (including many gluten-free and vegetarian options), but often have a unique twist, like ranchero blue corn waffles piled high with eggs, carne adovada, and chile. The coffee is fresh, and numerous specialty beverages are poured up daily.

TIA JUANITA’S PRONTO! $

2200 Sunport Loop SE (505) 842-4280

fresquezcompanies.com

TOMASITA’S $$

4949 PAN AMERICAN FWY. NE (505) 344-1204, tomasitas.com

Known widely for its Northern New Mexican food and margaritas, Tomasita’s prides itself on authenticity

and locally sourced ingredients. The food and friendly service will not disappoint.

TURTLE MOUNTAIN NORTH

7835 Enchanted Hills Blvd. NE, Rio Rancho plus 1 other metro location (505)404-0414

The newest location of a beloved original, Turtle Mountain North features double the beer taps and double the kitchen size. Keeping classic brewery finds on the menu, they have expanded to include harder-toexecute menu items such as glazed salmon steaks, and Jagerschnitzel. New menu items paired with a longer wine and beer list takes Turtle Mountain to an elevated level.

TRAIL RIDER PIZZA $$ 12165 NM-14, Ste B2, Cedar Crest (505) 281-6068, trailriderpizza.com

The fact that this spot is a 98% from scratch kitchen should be reason enough to stop by, and with 14 types of specialty pizza, there’s bound to be something for everyone.

TRIANA $$ 111 Carlisle Blvd. NE (505) 503-6202

triananobhill.com

Named after the historic district in Seville, Spain, Trianas brings traditional tapas to Nob Hill. Their seasonal menus ensure only the freshest ingredients go into their beautiful, eye-catching small plates, making every bite a flavorful experience.

TULLY’S ITALIAN DELI AND MEATS $$ 1425 San Mateo Blvd. NE, Ste A (505) 255-5370

tullysdeli.com

A family-owned and operated spot through and through, this Duke City staple has been the one-stop shop for all things authentically Italian for over half a century. Come in for lunch for their mouthwatering signature subs, stock up on imported Italian cheeses and pasta at the market, and try fresh, scratch-made cannolis and other pastries at the bakery.

TWO BOYS DONUTS

$ 6400 Holly Ave. NE, Ste H plus 3 other metro locations (505) 302-0102

twoboysdonuts.com

Regularly stocking more than 30 flavors of donut, Two Boys has particular favorites–like their blueberry cake donuts with maple icing and cinnamon sugar–and also brews up Villa Myriam coffee, giving you everything you need for a full-course wake-up.

TWO CRANES BISTRO + BREW

901 Rio Grande Blvd. NW, Ste A (505) 295-3970, twocranesnm.com

Comfort food with a high-end twist is all the rage at this spot, where you’ll find enticing dishes like Chorizo Rellenos wrapped like egg rolls and grilled salmon with a Michelin Star-level presentation.

TWO FOOLS TAVERN

$$ 3211 Central Ave. NE (505) 265-7447, 2foolstavern.com

Dubliner or not, there’s soul-warming Irish fare to be found at this authentic Irish eatery. Two Fools Tavern is known to have good food, drink and conversation. Its atmosphere earns an A plus for feeling just like a traditional Irish pub, and its food most definitely does not fall short. If Irish classics like Scottish Eggs and Guinness Beef Boxty don’t do it for you, the 300 brands of whiskey will certainly make you feel like you’re right in Dublin.

URBAN 360 PIZZA

$$ 2119 Menaul Blvd NE (505) 717-2384

urban360pizza.com

Urban 360 Pizza is a one-stop-shop for traditional pizzas like your classic Margherita or pepperoni, unconventional options like orange chicken or gyros pizza, burgers, Asian food and more. This place has something for everyone no matter what you’re craving. With new menu items added all the time, there’s plenty of reason to come back again and again.

BITES

URBAN HOTDOG COMPANY

10250 Cottonwood Park NW, Ste 400 H plus 1 other metro location (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).

UPSCALE BURGERS AND SHAKES

1520 Deborah Rd. SE, Rio Rancho 505) 835-5902, upscaleburgers.com

Made-from-scratch burgers and sides with only the highest quality ingredients. Burgers here are divided into two categories: “upscale” and “classic.” Unique offerings include the chipotle tortilla burger and the smokehouse BBQ burger, while more traditional favorites range from green chile cheeseburgers to bacon mushroom Swiss burgers. To go with the name, Upscale Burgers and Shakes has seven shake options ranging from vanilla to berry to brownie.

UPTOWN SPORTS BAR

6601 Uptown Blvd. NE (505) 884-4714, uptown-sportsbar.com

A huge sports venue with wall-to-wall televisions and all the extras—solid American fare alongside a wide selection of local and national beers.

VEGOS $$

4003 Carlisle Blvd NE (505) 554-1041

vegosabq.com

New Mexican staples made for vegans and vegetarians without skipping out on any of the flavor. Vegos aims to bring traditional flavors and textures found in New Mexican food while keeping it entirely plant based. However, don’t get discouraged if youre all about

meat, Vegos makes it a priority to try and tailor food to everyone’s liking no matter the diet.

VERNON’S SPEAKEASY

6855 4th St. NW (505) 341-0831

vernonsspeakeasymenu.com

This unmarked restaurant requires a secret password to gain entrance. Once inside, you’ll discover a world of perfect steaks and gourmet seafood, paired with an unbeatable loungey atmosphere. Reservations are recommended.

VIC’S DAILY CAFÉ $

3600 Osuna Rd. NE (505) 341-9710, vicsdailycafe.com

With a full range of breakfast items, New Mexican favorites, and comfort food, this is a one-stop shop for tasty options like breakfast burritos, meatloaf, and coconut cream pie.

VICK’S VITTLES COUNTRY KITCHEN

8810 Central Ave. SE (505) 298-5143, vicksvittles.com

Rustle up your posse and head to Vick’s for heaping helpings of Texas-New Mexico fusion and breakfast served all day—except Wednesdays, when Vick’s is closed. Country comfort meets southwestern flair in an environment that welcomes suits and cowboys alike. Prepare to be stuffed.

VIET TASTE $

5721 Menaul Blvd. NE (505) 888-0101

pwbportal.us/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.

VIET PHO

4208 Menaul Blvd. NE (505) 717-2359

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

VIET RICE

1340 Rio Rancho Blvd. SE, Rio Rancho (505) 892-7423

ordervietrice.com

This family owned and operated restaurant brings storied Vietnamese cuisine to the City of Vision. Their most popular dish is rice noodles with meatballs or brisket, but the dish is heavily customizable, from the kind of noodle to the proteins, including vegetarian options.

VILLAGE PIZZA

3200 La Orilla Rd. NW, E-2 plus 1 other metro location (505) 219-3766 villagepizzanm.com

Family owned and operated, Village Pizza offers salads, nachos, calzones, pasta, and of course, signature pizzas, along with an all-you-can-eat buffet.

VINAIGRETTE

1720 Central Ave. SW (505) 842-5507 vinaigretteonline.com

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

VINTAGE

423 $$

8000 Paseo Del Norte Blvd. NE (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 goto location for good eats and happy hour—all year long.

VOODOO GIRL PIZZA $$

1401 2nd St. NW (505) 243-6095

voodoogirlpizzapints.com

Handcrafted, authentic Italian brick oven pizzas aren’t the only thing Voodoo Girl Pizza serves up. This snazzy joint offers a full slate of appetizers too—nachos, potato skins, fried zucchini, the list goes on. And if you’re big on brews, Voodoo Girl has more than 30 different beers on tap.

WECK’S

4500 Osuna Rd. NE, #100 plus 9 other metro locations (505) 344-1472

wecksinc.com

For nearly 20 years, Weck’s has served up huge, tasty portions of breakfast and lunch. Examples: The Original comes with one pound of potatoes mixed with eggs, cheese, and chile; the “Scratch Made” Buttermilk Pancakes are more than seven inches wide.

WESTERN VIEW $$

6411 Central Ave. NW (505) 836-2200

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

WHIPTAIL

355 Pat D’Arco Hwy, Rio Rancho (505) 859-7410

whiptaileatery.com

While diners can enjoy a multitude of traditional shareable bites– like fries, salads, and sandwiches, Whiptail has many comfort zone-breaking dishes such as charred broccolini and lizard eggs. In addition to various unique foods, Whiptail has over 20 handcrafted cocktails and a rotating tap of local beers.

WHICH WICH

8110 Louisiana Blvd. NE plus 1 other metro location (505) 856-1617

whichwich.com

A national brand with a local twist, list your favorites on the bag and await a sammie that edges the competition.

WHOLE HOG CAFE

9880 Montgomery Blvd. NE

505-323-1688

https://wholehogcafenm.com

Get award-winning Memphis-style barbecue in a family-friendly atmosphere. Can’t-miss items include the pulled pork, potato salad, and the homemade banana pudding.

YASMINE’S CAFÉ

1600 Central Ave. SE (505) 242-1980

YUMMY NOODLE HOUSE $$

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

yummynoodlehouse.com

This dive is exactly what it sounds like: a yummy noodle house. With 12 noodle dishes to choose from, the question isn’t “Which one should I get?” but instead it’s “What order should I get these in?”

THE YELLER SUB $

7200 Montgomery Blvd. NE (505) 888-9784

yellersub.com

Owner Mark Roerick has been perfecting his sandwiches since 1979 and the customer favorite, Steak & Grilled Onions Sub proves it. The potato chips, fries, and onion rings made from scratch the oldfashioned way sure won’t let you down.

ZENDO COFFEE $ 413 2nd St. SW (505) 926-1636

zendocoffee.com

Opening its doors in 2013 on 2nd Street, Zendo Coffee’s creativity plays a huge part in the beloved menu. The variety of different items on the menu caters to just about anyone and provides a sense of comfort.

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

Getting the point

Horned lizards roam our state, including the areas around the West Side volcanoes. These creatures eat fire ants and, believe it or not, shoot blood out of their eyes to ward off predators. It’s illegal to handle horned lizards in New Mexico without a permit, but they’ll usually sit still for a photo. (p. 248)

LOCALSTUFFWELOVE

HERE KITTY KITTY

If you want to double down on cat-related Halloween goodies this year, the best place to go is undoubtedly Doublecat Oddities in Old Town. Somehow cute and scary at the same time, this votive candle holder is a handmade oddity that captures the spirit of Halloween. With antique copper wire for whiskers and a reflective glaze on the interior that lights up this little kitty even without a candle, you may find a spot in your home for this feline all year long.

PUMPKIN CAT LANTERN, $42

Doublecat Oddities

328 San Felipe St. NW (505) 585-3960

THE DETAILS IN THE DEVIL

It doesn’t take the Halloween spirit to wear a mask, but it certainly helps. Masks y Mas is your home for great masks, and these are no exception. These hand-carved devil masks from Guerrero, Mexico not only feature stylish art and design but come with real goat horns attached. Never let anyone say you don’t go the extra mile. Great news for any spiritualists out there; the masks feature internal beads, which we’ve been told makes them great for ceremonial purposes.

DEVIL MASKS, LARGE $95, SMALL $55

3106 Central Ave SE (505) 256-4183 masksymas.com

cause they just don’t have time to cook,” Gaylor told us during the tour. Her solution? Run her own Community Supported Kitchen, a restaurant attached to the grocery store itself. “So it was kind of like filling that gap of making really simple meals from the food, and even putting it together.” The kitchen is such a great addition for everything at Tiny Grocer. Not only are the meals made using ingredients that are grown here in the state, but everything is fresh and in-season, meaning the menu always has something changing to adapt to the needs of the market.

All these achievements are staggering on their own for a small business, but Gaylor has managed to take it a step further. On top of the restaurant, they also offer a line of soups and sauces to help boost the meals you are making at home, something you can easily grab in the store and warm up at home. They also recently put out a new selection of cherry and plum jams, made in store using, you guessed it, all local ingredients. It’s the perfect layout for a quick trip to set up a dinner with less hassle.

Another amazing aspect of Tiny Grocer is their focus on the community. Different on-site events help keep people coming back to the shop outside of grocery visits, fostering a space where you can connect with others locally and be a part of something bigger. You can drop by on the first and third Monday of every month to get your knives sharpened. You can make purchases for those who are facing food insecurity, allowing someone a meal of fresh bread and soup. They even offer a pay-what-you-can community supper, where everyone who wants to eat can eat. It’s very easy to see why the shop has become integrated into the Old Town neighborhood, quickly becoming a local favorite.

It’s a testament to the environment of the store that you could easily spend an hour looking through all the offerings they have. Utilizing small spaces is a genuine skill that is lost in many businesses. In a modern society, it’s easy to forget where our food is coming from and to just buy the easiest and most available products when we can. Taking agency of our meals and the decisions of what we are buying and eating: that’s anything but tiny.

–Dan Pennington

TINY GROCER ABQ ALSO HAS A COMMUNITY SUPPER PAY-WHAT-YOU-CAN MEAL EVERY THIRD SUNDAY OF THE MONTH. THEY ARE PAUSING THEM FOR THE WINTER, BUT ARE AIMING TO RETURN IN THE SPRING.

PAWS BUTTON

KEEPING TABS ON ABQ’S FURRY FRIENDS

COUNTING ON LIZARDS

On a Saturday in late June, volunteers donned wide-brimmed hats, grabbed their water bottles and headed out to the volcanoes on the west side of Albuquerque to look for lizards, horned lizards to be specific. The horned lizard is a slow and cumbersome creature that lives throughout the western parts of North America. With its spiky body and squat appearance, it looks thoroughly prehistoric, yet not particularly threatening. Max Havelka of the New Mexico Herpetological Society believes, “The horned lizard is an animal that everybody has a story about.”

Havelka is currently the editor of the group’s newsletter and has been a member of the New Mexico Herpetological Society since he was a kid. The group is a collection of like-minded folks who are passionate about the animals and landscapes of New Mexico, but most especially the amphibians and reptiles in the state. Havelka finds what makes New Mexico a great place for lizard lovers is their diversity throughout the state. What makes the volcanos a favorite spot to find the horned lizard is the easy access, plus there are plenty of them out there. “Walking at

volcanoes, there’s some great trails that just sort of do a big loop around. They’re accessible, easy, great views of the city,” he adds.

The Horned Lizard Conservation Society is a group out of Texas that organizes the Horned Lizard BioBlitz. This year was the third year of the event, which spanned five days and is aimed at observing horned lizards in different regions including Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, California, the Pacific Northwest states, Canada and Mexico. Participants are encouraged to record their own horned lizard sightings

in any of these regions during the specified time frame. At the end of the event, the region with the highest number of observations is declared the winner.

The members of the New Mexico Herpetological Society were up for the challenge and rallied their members and friends to get out and look for those lizards. And find them they did. The first year of the event was a huge success. “New Mexico not only won the BioBlitz, we blew all the other regions out of the water,” recalls Havelka. “I just don’t think they pulled out the same number of people and had quite the same community buy-in. So for us, it was a real success.” Since then it has been a close competition with Texas, with each state getting out its lizard counters and swapping top titles.

The group uses the app iNaturalist to document their lizard hunt. The app works simply. When you spot an animal out on the trail, you take a photo with

your phone and upload it to iNaturalist. This will add the photo to the iNaturalist database, making it publicly available along with a time and date stamp. If you choose to include a GPS marker, the location will be visible in the community as well. Then, members verify the observation’s identification. Collectively, the database becomes a record of all the sightings and allows the data to be shared with researchers and conservationists. The app is free and available to anyone.

What’s so great about the horned lizard? “Lizards are just a really fun group of animals to observe,” says Havelka. “We’re accustomed to dealing with the sort of maligned creatures, the snakes, rattlesnakes, the sorts of animals people love to hate. The horned lizard is the opposite. It’s an ambassador to the world of amphibians and reptiles.”

There are four species of horned lizards in the state, with three living in and around Albuquerque. The species found most in New Mexico is the Roundtail Horned Lizard with its round, stubby body and small tail. They tend to shy away from urban areas that are filled with cars and cats that kill these slow-moving lizards, but the outskirts all full of them. “They’re not great climbers, they’re not real fast, but they are incredibly cryptic,” explains Havelka. “This is their camouflage, their major defense.” There is differentiation in coloration within the same species ranging from gray to yellow to a pinkish, all to blend in with the local soils.

Horned lizards also do something that almost everyone can appreciate. They eat fire ants. “Horned lizards are unique among lizards and many animals in general, in that, although they don’t exclusively eat ants, they are ant specialists,” says Havelka.

As if that wasn’t enough of a cool factor, Havelka adds another unique feature of the animal, “They’re able to pressurize and squirt a stream of blood from the corner of their eye with some amount of accuracy at a would-be predator.” Perhaps that is another great reason not to handle them.

The New Mexico Herpetological Society plans to conduct another BioBliz in the summer of 2025. To find out more, see nmherpsociety.org –Clarke Condé

Fun Fact: It is illegal to handle horned lizards in New Mexico without a permit, but they will usually sit still for a photo.

–Clarke Condé

ABQ’SAMAZINGPETS

Hope

Honey

Honey is an 18-week-old golden retriever puppy who came to her forever home here in Albuquerque from Santa Fe. Like her big dog sister Hope, Honey lives with a family that includes two human sisters, eleven-year-old Hannah and nine-year-old Kara. Her owner William says Honey is young and still figuring out what kind of toys she likes, but she does like to find sticks in the yard. He says she, “has an unbelievable amount of energy and can jump pretty much on anything with crazy athletic ability.” Honey likes peanut butter and apples, but especially likes belly rubs, of course. She loves her big dog sister Hope, but William says when it comes to Hope’s affection for Honey maybe “not so much.” Honey has big paws and will continue to grow until she is as big as Hope. Honey has the true spirit of a happy, energetic puppy!

Hope is a four-year-old black labrador retriever originally from Nashville, TN who came to Albuquerque to join her forever family during the pandemic. Her owner William says they named her Hope because “we felt like the country needed Hope at the time.” She spends most of her time at home with the family’s two human sisters, Hannah and Kara, and her little canine sister Honey, but likes to go on walks. Hope is not really one for doing fancy tricks but she knows the words stay, heel, place and down. William says she has been able to communicate one thing since she was a puppy. When her water bowl is empty, “She will paw at the metal bowl when it’s empty and then give us a stare.” Hope mostly likes to have a few snacks like peanut butter, eggs, Chick-fil-A chicken nuggets and, especially, bacon. Here’s to a little more Hope!

Maverick

Maverick is a one-year-old, 90-pound golden retriever who his owners Jake and Makenna say is “the dog embodiment of ourselves.” Maverick came from a special breeder who breeds dogs for veterans and Air Force personnel. Jake said when he found out they had a few extra dogs, he adopted him back in late 2022. Maverick got his name from the movie “Top Gun.” Jake isn’t stingy with the dog toys and Maverick has his pick, but he has one special toy, his flamingo nicknamed “Mingo.” Makenna says Maverick loves to show Mingo to everyone in the house. When it comes to snacks, it’s Goldfish crackers and cucumbers for this dog. He loves North Domingo Baca Park, but Jake says no one in the house is allowed to say the word “park” unless they are actually going. Instead of telling Maverick to shake they tell him to “give me some!”

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.

PASSENGERWINDOW

GREETINGS FROM BURQUE

GETTING A POSTCARD FROM NOB HILL

The mural that reads “GREETINGS FROM BURQUE” in Nob Hill blends into the neighborhood as only a postcard from a place where you already live can do. Complete for some time now, the transformation of the old Disco Display House building into Little Bear Coffee Shop and Wine Bar has made the block into a gathering spot, making the east-facing approach that features the mural a reminder of where you are more than a destination itself. Its characteristics are part of the fabric of the neighborhood without drawing too much attention to itself.

Completed in 2019 by traveling painting Victor Ving, the mural at 3123 Central Ave. NE was part of a series that includes similar treatments in other cities across the country including Fargo, North Dakota, Knoxville, Tennesee and East Lancing, Michigan. His goal is to paint one in every state, this being their 37th at the time. Fortunately, Albuquerque took the honor to represent New Mexico. With the support of Little Bear Coffee, the project got underway to transform the wall into something of a landmark.

The first step in all of Ving’s projects is to talk to the locals and find out a bit more about what the place is about. According to Ving, he was convinced to truncate the name soon after arriving by Albuquerque artist Jaque Fragua. The turquoise was a natural choice for a background here in New Mexico, but it also provided a bright medium to work on. The 3D lettering is a standard feature of the postcards Ving creates, with features or iconography from each of the cities filling the interior of the letters.

The balloons and the Sandias are first in the minds of many when thinking of Albuquerque. They are also quite striking to newcomers. Filling the first two letters seems like an obvious and well-reasoned choice.

The yellow flag with the Zia symbol

waves into the “R,” fronted by the requisite chiles. It would hard to make such a mural without including them as well. Plus, it adds a bit of mystery to the piece, forever asking the state’s question, green or red?

Within the “Q,” the petroglyphs speak to the history of people living here. While petroglyphs have been found throughout the world, these are ours. The yucca plant, the state flower, is also a nice addition.

For the “R” Ving turned the painting over to Fragua to add his contribution. He reportedly wanted to pay tribute to his in-

digenous heritage and added the blanket design into the mix as well.

Finally, Sandia Peak and the Tram fill in the “E” at sunset, closing out the word just as our sunsets close out our days.

To top it off, why not have a roadrunner?

While Ving has long since moved on to other cities, painting murals for them along the way, this postcard remains here for those passing through Nob Hill. Give it a proper Burque nod as you pass on by.

–Clarke Condé

PHOTO BY DON JAMES

ADVERTISING REGISTRY

YOURBESTSHOT

SUNSET AT THE VOLCANOES

Photo by Robert Royster

Robert Royster was born and raised in Albuquerque, but like many of us, back during the COVID lockdown, Royster was long on time and short on fun. He picked up photography as a hobby, as a way to get out of the house. Royster says, “I just got out and started taking pictures of stuff.”

Then he saw a product that became the focal point of this photo on Amazon. He quickly bought this quirky orb reminiscent of a shiny garden ornament called

a lensball and began carrying it around when he was out taking photos. Royster explains the orb. “Basically, it’s just a big crystal ball type thing where it inverts the image.”

Royster describes his process as simply setting the lensball in different places, mostly in natural surroundings, and taking a picture. Royster made this photograph without the aid of a tripod, just kneeling down and holding the camera still in his hands. “The sun was setting so

I found a good spot and took a picture of it.” He says, adding, “Luckily, it was cloudy enough that I could get the shot without burning my eye out.”

Royster also keeps it simple with his equipment, favoring the Canon EOS Rebel T5 and a kit lens. He plans to continue pursuing his pandemic hobby, learning all the time.“There’s still a whole lot I need to learn about it,” Royster says, “but I’m enjoying what I’m doing.”

–Clarke Condé

AFew THINGS YOU

MAY NOT KNOW

THE ALBUQUERQUE ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY

Things have been looking up for The Albuquerque Astronomical Society (TAAS) since its founding in 1959. With over 700 members, the amateur astronomy group aims to stick to its motto–Observe, Educate, Have Fun– through events and gatherings all in the name of appreciating the stars above. TAAS even has its own observatory (the General Nathan Twining Observatory) just south of Belen where members can star party all night and then stay over in the bunkhouse. One of the largest groups of its kind in the country, the group benefits from New Mexico’s Dark Sky sites which keep light pollution to a minimum allowing better nighttime skywatching. As TAAS President Mark Goodman says, “In New Mexico, we are really blessed with some amazing dark skies.” Find out more about at taas.org –CC

1. Got an old telescope in need of repair or a new one you’re not sure how to set up? TAAS is ready to lend a hand with their telescope building and maintenance sessions which are open to members and nonmembers alike, free of charge.

2. On November 2, TAAS partners with the city to host the Cosmic Carnival, a full day of events with indoor exhibits, solar observing and an evening star party at the ABQ Open Space Visitor Center.

3. TAAS has over two dozen telescopes available for members to borrow on a month-to-month basis for free.

TAAS has a free educational program called Fabulous 50 where members learn how to track down 50 objects in the night sky using a telescope over four sessions, then break for refreshments.

5. Members get out to Chaco Canyon once or twice a year for organized observations in line with the celestial events the site was built around.

6. TAAS has its own portable planetarium that seats 25 people they use in schools to educate kids about astronomy even on a cloudy day.

7. On Friday nights during the school year, you’ll find TAAS members out in the parking lot by UNM’s campus observatory on Yale checking out the sky with plenty of telescopes and good cheer.

8. On Exploria Adult Nights, held several times throughout the year, TAAS sets up telescopes on the second-floor deck and invites attendees to have a look.

9. Like astrophotography? Plenty of TAAS members do and they have been stitching together photos of the night sky using multiple exposures and computer programs that render, obviously, out-of-this-world images.