Albuquerque The Magazine, April 2020 by Gena Goodson

WHY WE LOVE THE

• APRIL 2020 • ABQTHEMAG.COM

OUR 5TH ANNUAL ABOVE AND BEYOND TEACHER AWARDS PAGE 54 BILL TONDREAU AND HIS PANORAMIC VIEW OF ABQ PAGE 194 WORLD CLASS FOOD HALL: SAWMILL MARKET ARRIVES PAGE 190 NEW MEXICO TRUE: SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION PAGE 114

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page 132

The Bosque In Spanish, ‘bosque’ means woodlands. But along our Rio Grande and its lush banks, it means so much more—a verdant New Mexican paradise cutting right down the middle of a bustling city. This month, we take a look at the characteristics that make the Bosque so special, and the people who spend their lives nurturing it. From the park rangers (think safety and respect for nature), to the adventure companies (think paddleboards, kayaks, and fun), there are many Albuquerqueans who rely on the area for life, work, and recreation. Learn the history of the forest, the river that brings it to life, and how it has changed over the years. And get a glimpse of the best ways to enjoy it today.

page 54

5th Annual Above and Beyond Teachers Good teachers make good students. But great teachers change lives, and leave a lasting influence. They also guide, inform, and nurture. That’s why we love to send a big “THANK YOU” every year to a few of the city’s most dedicated teachers. We once again asked you to nominate the teachers who make a difference, who do things for students that go, well, above and beyond. After combing through stacks of amazing recommendations, we selected these 17 educators we felt worthy of getting an A+.

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DEPARTMENTS 29 Tapas

P. 34 P. 40

Moviemaker Magazine says ABQ trails only L.A. and NYC for making flicks; four centuries of sopaipillas; the best year ever for Animal Humane New Mexico; the Cirque is back in town.

40 Coffee With ATM

He’s devoted to dozens of charities. He’s an ordained chaplain, a husband, and a family man with four kids. But what we know about him best is that smile. Have a cup of coffee with KOB, Ch. 4 weatherman extraordinaire Steve Stucker.

44 Faces and Places 75 Datebook

179 People

180 Albuquerque the Interview East Coast native Christy Tafoya is as New Mexico as they come. She’s worked in Tularosa, Alamogordo, White Sands Missile Range, and the Mescalero Apache Reservation. So it’s no surprise that she’s now the state’s Director of Parks.

P.190

186 Personality

Bridget Condon grew up in Santa Fe, studying ballet and dance. But her true calling came away from the stage, where her desire to help others earned her a quick rise through the ranks in the public service sector. It’s a nice set-up for her new job with the Sandoval Economic Alliance.

190 Behind the Scenes

Hotelier Jim Long has transformed Old Town, first with Casa Escencia, then Hotel Chaco. Meet his newest game-changer: trendy food hall and shopping destination, Sawmill Market.

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APRIL 2020 Volume 16 Number 11 EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Taylor Hood taylor@abqthemag.com CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Monica Schwartz monica@abqthemag.com PHOTO DIRECTOR

Don James don@abqthemag.com ADVERTISING MANAGER

Erik Clevenger erik@abqthemag.com GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Sheridan Young sheridan@abqthemag.com STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Reece Martinez reece@abqthemag.com STAFF WRITER

Zane Beal zane@abqthemag.com EDITORIAL INTERN

Natashia Aspera CONTRIBUTORS

Tristen Critchfield tristen@abqthemag.com Ashley Biggers Mel Minter Bradley Fuller Kate Rodriguez Duran Kelli Trapnell Albuquerque The Magazine (ISSN 1936-4350) is published monthly except January by Albuquerque The Media Corporation, 1550 Mercantile Ave. NE, Top Floor, Albuquerque, NM 87107. Periodicals Postage Paid at Albuquerque, NM 87101, and at additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Albuquerque The Magazine, 1550 Mercantile Ave. NE, Top Floor, Albuquerque, NM 87107.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR We welcome letters to the Editor. You may e-mail yours to editor@abqthemag.com, or submit it directly from our website, or via snail mail. EDITORIAL SUBMISSIONS Our editorial calendar is available online at www.abqthemag.com/MediaKit.pdf. No phone calls, please. Unsolicited manuscripts require a SASE.

DEPARTMENTS P. 206

P. 194

193 Culture

P. 211

194 Creatives

P. 212

Bill Tondreau never met a landscape he didn’t like. After you see his photo creations, we think you’ll like them, too.

196 Shelflife

Reviews of “The Red Menace,” by Lois Ruby, and “New Mexico’s Stolen Lands: a History of Racism, Fraud and Deceit,” by Ray John de Aragon.

198 Tiempo

Back in ABQ (by way of Portland and Bosque Farms), the travels continue for singer/songwriter Kristy Hinds.

200 ABQ on Stage

Shakespeare as it was intended? Experience The Bard Crawl: Othello, a series of performances that take place in local pubs—with pints in hand.

212 From the Vine

The Best of Craft Beer Awards reveal that ABQ is still a top-tier brew city; science and wine team up to allow the grown-ups to take over kid-friendly Explora!

205 Dish

206 Eats Review

Hear the interesting background of James Pecherski, and you’ll see that the Casa Taco owner’s life and travels are a big influence on his food.

210 Eats, Etc.

Korea, by way of Nob Hill, at Soo Bak; famous Bite burgers make their way from Santa Fe to ABQ; all of India is represented at Curry Leaf.

218 My Favorite Recipe

Albuquerque police officer Vicente Martinez has created a fundraising bonanza for charity with his tasty Frito pies.

220 Bites

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

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#It All Starts Here 12TH & I-40 41st ANNUAL

AMERICAN INDIAN WEEK APRIL 20-26, 2020 • DAILY: 9AM – 5PM

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DEPARTMENTS 253 Fun

254 ‘Til You Drop

It’s springtime, which means your yard is begging for attention. Why not respond with giant gnomes, elegant chimeneas, or metal yucca statues?

260 Paws Button

Peer-to-peer business (think: AirBNB) is more popular than ever, as attested by the 1,000 people in ABQ on the website Rover who are willing to pet-sit your pooch.

264 Pet of the Month This month’s winner: Phantom, a sorrel stud at Walkin’ ‘N’ Circles ranch in Edgewood.

267 Piece of the Past Side-by-side aerial views of Kirtland Air Force Base shows the transformation of the area from wartime hub in 1942, to today’s mix of military, aviation, and upcoming development.

268 Passenger Window

P. 256 P. 268

P. 272

Ten years after completion, the trees have matured and the patina has set on the metal sculptures of the Big I highway interchange.

271 Photo Contest

This month’s winner: desert fauna and looming monsoon skies team up for Light In The Dark.

272 25 Things You Didn’t Know About Me The mighty Rio Grande is the heart of ABQ. But it’s also a river that’s filled with history.

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APRIL 2020 Volume 16 Number 10 PUBLISHER

Larryl Lynch larryl@abqthemag.com

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER

Gena Goodson gena@abqthemag.com

SENIOR ADVERTISING EXECUTIVES

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

Ashlee Reed ashlee@abqthemag.com Alissa Anderson alissa@abqthemag.com Falina Torres falina@abqthemag.com PROJECT COORDINATOR

Christine Batan christine@abqthemag.com ADVERTISING ASSISTANT

Hailey Vega hailey@abqthemag.com BUSINESS MANAGER

Renee Martinez business@abqthemag.com PROJECT SPECIALIST

Nic Martinez nic@abqthemag.com ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER EMERITUS

Scott Davis (1966–2004)

SUBSCRIBE!

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

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

EDITOR'S NOTE

here is so much to love about April, but for me, I really love the April issue of ATM. It is a very personal issue for me. This is the time of the year when we honor Albuquerque’s teachers. It’s one of my favorite franchises. I love teachers. Literally. My wife is a high school English teacher. I’ve witnessed first-hand how hard she works, how much time it takes, and how little thanks she gets. My wife has been at it for over a decade. She has won numerous honors and has built the largest Ethnic Studies program in the state— from the ground up. Yes, I am bragging. Lord knows she would never do it herself. Because that’s the type of person who becomes a great teacher. They are selfless. They are humble. And they do it for the kids. There isn’t a person out there whose life hasn’t been touched by a great teacher. For me, it was Mrs. Hillsey, my high school English teacher. Another case in point: after nominations for Above and Beyond Teachers had closed, the selection committee assembled and chose this year’s honorees. After the teachers had been contacted, ATM brought on a new staff member. Falina Torres joined the sales staff and immediately became a strong member of the team. Once we started diving into writing and researching the “Teacher Feature” as we’ve nicknamed it, we realized that one of this year’s honorees was nominated by none other than Falina Torres. She had no idea her nominee was selected (we keep sales and editorial strictly separated) and was overjoyed. See Falina, her nominee DeAnna Sherred, and the other 17 Above and Beyond Teachers on page 54. This year’s other feature is also very personal to me. It is a love letter to the heart and soul of Albuquerque: the Bosque. A vibrant green strip cutting through the middle of our city, the Bosque is a forested getaway that’s close to home. It represents everything Albuquerque is. It is environmentally conscious. It is beautiful. It is a perfect blending of tradition and development. And it is a place where people come together to build something great. Check out the story of the Bosque on page 132.

Speaking of building something great, we encourage you to flip to page 190 and find out about what developer and Heritage Hotels and Resorts President Jim Long is doing in the Sawmill District. Part of a large redevelopment of this historic area, Long recently opened the new Sawmill Market. By all acounts, it will be unique, local, and fun! (By the time you read this, I plan to have been in there to check it out myself.) One other thing that I would be remiss if I didn’t mention is the artwork of Bill Tondreau. Bill has been a presence in the ATM office since the beginning, though he may not realize it. When I first came on board, the thing about the ATM offices that struck me first were these beautiful, panoramic cityscapes that decorated the walls. As I later found out, those photographs were the work of Bill Tondreau. Now approaching retirement, we decided it was a great time to honor Bill and his contribution to our magazine. Read all about Bill and his creative process on page 192. But we didn’t just write about him, that’s his photo gracing the cover of this month’s issue. Thank you for reading this issue of ATM. We love it here, and we hope you do, too.

Sincerely,

Taylor Hood Editor-In-Chief

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

KIDS GO WILD FOR JONNA JAMES Local Albuquerque artist Jonna James now has artwork on display at Double Eagle Elementary School library. “I have always had a joyful response to my art from children,” James said in a press release announcing the display of six prints at the local elementary. “Being in a place where it can inspire creativity and happiness is a wonderful feeling.” A career graphic illustrator and landscape designer, James attended California College of Arts in Berkley, California before finishing her degree in arts and theater

APRIL 2020 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

here in New Mexico. Part of a family of artists, James’ work has been featured in shows in California, Oklahoma, Arizona, and across New Mexico. James’ work features vibrant displays of color and geometry, often centered around playful depictions of nature, wildlife, and local culture. She received the Award of Excellence for her work at the Shock of the New West Art Show in Tubac, Arizona and saw her work featured in a Salon Show at Gallery ABQ in January of this year. —ZB

Abq abq is is a a Rising Rising Star Star of of the the Silver Silver Screen Screen Albuquerque is a pretty swell place to make

movies. Same goes for New Mexico as a whole, for that matter. This really isn’t news to anybody. What is news, however, is that—among cities that regularly host film productions—Albuquerque might just be the best place to live and make movies in 2020. That, in any case, is the contention of MovieMaker Magazine, a leading source of news and information on the art and business of cinema. They’ve ranked Albuquerque as the #1 place to live, as a professional moviemaker, outside obvious spots like LA and New York. MovieMaker lays out the argument in detail. Almost constant sunshine? Check. Four seasons? Check. Mild winters? Check. Spectacular scenery, both natural and human-made? Check. No wonder major content producers like Netflix and NBCUniversal are building production facilities in the city. It’s predicted that Netflix alone will pour around $1 billion into the local economy over the next decade, with NBCUniversal adding another $500 million. Of course, seeing as movie-making is also a money-making business, it doesn’t hurt that New Mexico offers some hefty tax incentives to production outfits, including a 25 to 35 percent incentive on production and a 50 percent wage reimbursement for 1040 hours of work training for state residents. —ZB

This month, NM United will face off against LA Galaxy II. In the 2018-19 season, United’s attendance for home games averaged 12,299. That was the best attendance record in the USL Western Conference and topped the average attendance numbers for Lobo Men’s Basketball.

Four Centuries of Sopas

Monica’s El Portal

You can find something like a sopaipilla throughout the Latin world. Peru’s got one. Chile’s got one. Argentina’s got one. But the sopaipilla—that fluffy pillow of fried dough, pleasingly ubiquitous in Mexican and New Mexican restaurants—

is an Albuquerque original. According to an old Spanish journal found in the Albuquerque Library, the first sopaipillas were created by colonists cooking in the Old Town Albuquerque square, out in front of the San Felipe de Neri Church. The date recorded in the journal was April 1620. That latter fact, of course, makes the story at least partially apocryphal. Neither Albuquerque nor the San Felipe de Neri Church existed in 1620, but that hardly robs the story of its appeal. And so it is that we gladly sign on to the notion that this April will mark the 400th anniversary of the sopaipilla. It’s a staple of New Mexican culinary tradition, so foundational that it might as well have been formed in the Big Bang. Regardless of the story you want to tell about its origins, now is the time to delight in the existence of the sopaipilla. 300, 400, or 13.8 billion years in, it’s hard to imagine a world without sopaipillas.

THUMBS UP

THUMBS DOWN

AMBER WILLIAMS CO-OWNER/MARKETING FOR DUKE CITY INSPECTIONS

UP WITH HIKING: One of my

favorite things to do is to spend the morning hiking the Piño Trail with my girls and my husband. Afterwards, we head to Slice Parlor on Montgomery for garlic knots and Mexican Cokes.

DOWN WITH PAPER STRAWS:

I’m all for the citywide plastic straw ban, but paper straws are the worst! They just turn to mush in your glass. Duke City Inspections is one of Albuquerque’s premier home and commercial building inspection companies. They focus on helping buyers make sound investments.

—ZB

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ABQ Women Excel in Tech World

In the United States, women hold the majority—57 percent—of the professional occupations in the workforce. But in the tech sector, the disparity is both far more substantial and slices in precisely the opposite direction. Across a selection of major tech companies, women fill anywhere between 17 (Twitter) and 30 (Netflix) percent of the tech jobs. Nationwide, only 26 percent of professional tech occupations are held by women. In Albuquerque, things are a bit better. According to financial technology company SmartAsset, Albuquerque is the 5th best city in the nation for women in tech. They arrived at this result by looking at four metrics—income after housing costs, gender pay gap, the proportion of tech jobs held by women, and fouryear employment growth. Overall, slightly more than 31 percent of Albuquerque tech jobs are held by women. So, not perfect—but still firmly ahead of the national average. And, while four-year employment growth for women in tech was relatively modest here in Albuquerque, the city earned high marks for income after housing costs and pay equity. Tech-savvy women in the Duke City can expect to take home an average of $54,000 a year after housing costs. More impressive still, a woman in a tech job in Albuquerque tends to earn 97 percent as much as her male colleagues. Nationally, women in tech make about 83 percent of what men in the same jobs are paid. —ZB APRIL 2020 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

Holiday Hijinx

April is a fairly sparse month for holidays, but not to worry; ATM to the rescue. We’ve found a few fun and wacky holidays to make this first full spring month go by a little easier.

APRIL 6: INTERNATIONAL PILLOW FIGHT DAY We don’t feel much explanation is needed here. Just grab a pillow and start a fight. That’s it.

APRIL 7:

APRIL 12:

NATIONAL BEER DAY Winning WWII, pulling the nation out of the Great Depression, Franklin D. Roosevelt has many great achievements to his name. But on this day, we celebrate one of his greatest. On March 22, 1933, FDR signed the Cullen–Harrison Act, legalizing the sale of beer after Prohibition. Two weeks later, April 7, 1933, the act officially went into effect.

DROP EVERYTHING AND READ DAY One of our favorite days of the year, this is a day for abandoning all responsibility and curling up with a good book... or might we suggest going through some back copies of a certain wonderful city magazine?

APRIL 17:

NATIONAL HAIKU POETRY DAY It is Haiku Day. Write a poem today. Refrigerator.

2020 Chocolate Fantasy

In March, the New Mexico Museum of Natural History Foundation held their 28th Annual Chocolate Fantasy Benefit Fundraiser at Sandia Resort. This year’s theme? “Wizards and Dragons: A Mystical Chocolate Fantasy.” 25 of New Mexico’s finest chocolatiers gathered for a showdown over chocolate sculptures. Some of the entries were, to put it mildly, wild. The work was incredible across the board, made better still by the simple fact that the proceeds from the event went to benefit one of New Mexico’s most incredible educational institutions, the New Mexico Museum of Natural History. —ZB

Dance of the Dragons, (Left) Alan Sanchez and Charles Guiswite

Young Warden, Casey Trent

This Year’s Winners: BEST OF SHOW and PEOPLE’S CHOICE:

Isleta Resort & Casino: Charles Guiswite and Alan Sanchez: “Dance of the Dragons” STUDENTS & SCHOOLS CATEGORY

“Most Artistic Chocolate Sculpture” Division: Navajo Technical University, “Tomb of a Thousand Wizards” “Best Tasting Samples” Division: Navajo Technical University HOTELS & CASINOS CATEGORY

“Most Artistic Chocolate Sculpture” Division: Isleta Resort & Casino, “Dance of the Dragons” “Best Tasting Samples” Division: Isleta Resort & Casino, Charles Guiswite and Alan Sanchez RESTAURANTS, CATERERS & ARTISTS

“Most Artistic Chocolate Sculpture” Division: Casey Trent “Young Warden” “Best Tasting Samples” Division: Casey Trent

Tomb of a Thousand Wizards, avajo Technical University

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RATTLESNAKES FINALLY FIND LOVE There is a museum for just about everything. Pick a word or topic, put “museum” behind it, go to your favorite search engine, and voilà—there’s your museum. Potatoes, hosiery, wigs, cucumbers, tractors—there’s a museum for all of them. There’s even an Icelandic Phallological Museum (google with care). Sadly, not all of these quirky little cabinets of curiosities are created equally. But according to USA Today, Albuquerque is home to one of the best: the American International Rattlesnake Museum. For the unfamiliar, the Rattlesnake Museum is both exactly what you’d imagine from the name and a whole lot more. This Old Town institution is dedicated to educating the public about the Western Hemisphere’s notoriously noisy pit vipers, presenting the guests with an incredibly diverse collection of rattlesnake species, with around 100 individuals representing about 30 species. Lest there be any confusion, these are live specimens. That means the Rattlesnake Museum lets you take a close look at these wildly misunderstood and unfairly maligned reptiles—hopefully leaving with a deeper comprehension and fuller appreciation of their place in the natural world. —ZB

THUMBS UP

THUMBS DOWN

SUNPORT GOES GREEN

MATT AVILA

DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS, DUKE CITY GLADIATORS

GIVING GESTURES: I love going to

Uptown, getting dinner, and choosing a couple who is also at the same restaurant and buying their meal. I always tell the server to tell them to keep the gesture going. Months after I did this I was at the same restaurant and as I received my bill the server said it’s been taken care of, and the person said keep the gesture going. Our culture here is great!

TAKING PRIDE: We need to stop putting ourselves down. Making jokes about the crime in Albuquerque isn’t helping, it’s just making fun of the city. The Gladiators, ABQ’s pro arena football team, last month kicked off their 2020 season, which runs through June.

co-friendly is hardly the first word that springs to mind when picturing airline travel. This is a business built around filling an aircraft’s fuselage with people and its wings with hydrocarbons, then burning as much of the latter as it takes to move the former from point A to point B. At Albuquerque International Sunport, efforts are underway to make flying as environmentally conscientious as possible. The Sunport has covered enough of its parking lots with solar canopies that photovoltaic energy fills an average of 12 percent of the airport’s energy demands. In 2018, the Volkswagen Settle-

APRIL 2020 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

ment Mitigation Trust Fund awarded the Sunport money to replace some of their ground handling equipment with electric vehicles. The Sunport has also put a fresh emphasis on recycling, increasing the amount of recycled materials by 250 percent over the last decade. “The Sunport is a 24/7 facility with an array of partners that can help us pave the way to a more eco-conscious, sustainable city,” Mayor Tim Keller said in a press release. “At the airport, not only can we take advantage of year-round sunshine for solar energy, we can also implement innovative solutions for eliminating greenhouse gas emissions.” —ZB

WORD ON THE

Street HAZELDINE AVE.

It’s not a large street, stretching less than half a mile between 1st Street and Barelas Road in the heart of the South Valley, but Hazeldine Avenue is important for other reasons. Largely residential, this avenue is bordered in parts by Hazeldine Park and the Barelas Community Garden, making it an integral part of the culture of the Valley. But Hazeldine’s real importance comes from its name. It is a commemoration of one of Albuquerque’s most important

citizens: William Hazeldine. An attorney from the East Coast, Hazeldine moved to Albuquerque and quickly formed a real estate firm with partners and friends, merchant Franz Huning and grocer Elias Stover. At the time, in the mid 1800s, railroads were connecting America and making the country a much smaller place. Hazeldine, Huning, and Stover recognized that having the railroad pass through Albuquerque would put what was still a

small desert town on the map. When the train cars began to move into New Mexico in the 1870s, the three quietly bought up all the land in and around the right of way and deeded it to the railroad for one dollar and a share of the profits. The deal, a boon for both the railroad and the three real estate brokers, ensured the tracks would pass through the Duke City and bypass Santa Fe and Bernalillo. —TH

Cirque Brings

Axel to the

ICE

ou’ve heard of Cirque du Soleil, Y right? Colorful explosions of acrobatic talent and showmanship that run

the borders of insanity? That’s the stuff. This April, Cirque du Soleil will be on ice at the Santa Ana Star Center in Rio Rancho. Cirque du Soleil AXEL is the 48th original production of the renowned performance group, transplanting their signature spectacle and wonder to the low-friction world of the ice rink for a wild fantasy narrative inspired by the world of arena concerts.

The story follows young musician and graphic artist Axel, falling head-over-heels for an enthralling young woman named Lei. Together, they set out on a quest to capture the “stolen light” from the clutches of the nefarious Vi. Propelled by Axel’s music and art, the show presents an exhilarating mix of acrobatic skating, aerial contortion, cyr wheeling, Wushu martial arts, and ladder balancing. It’s a stunning display of physical prowess, visual effects, and lively pop music. —ZB WWW.ABQTHEMAG.COM | APRIL 2020

Believe it, America!

ABQ is a perfect vacation When people think about taking an amazing vacation within the United States, it’s easy to think of places like the beaches of Oahu (Hawaii), the glaciers of Alaska, the glitz of Las Vegas, or the energy of Manhattan. But according to BestLife online, a travel website, New Mexico should be on that list. The site recently released their “100 Places So Magical, You Won’t Believe They’re in the U.S.” list and New Mexico peppers the entire article. Along with more well-known sites like Moab, Utah and Yosemite National Park, BestLife gives a special call out to Chaco Canyon (coming in at number 11), the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge (14), the Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness (23), Carlsbad Caverns (43), and White Sands (51). Chaco Canyon ranks highest on the list of the New Mexico sites, but BestLife points out that the Canyon is roughly an hour and a half from any lodging. As a pro tip, they suggest booking a glamping tour with Heritage Inspirations, a part of Heritage Hotels and Resorts. These high-end camping tours of Chaco Canyon are available through Hotel Chaco in the resurging Sawmill District of the Duke City. —TH

The weather is improving. According to weatherspark.com, the average temperature in Albuquerque jumps eight degrees from March to April.

APRIL 2020 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

ANIMAL

HUMANE

735 strays

NEW MEXICO’S

15.8%

43.9%

BANNER YEAR BY THE NUMBERS Animal Humane New Mexico continues to lead the pack in caring for animals, and 2019 was their best year yet! Here are just a few numbers to put into perspective exactly how much work the organization does. —TH

10,194 individual doses of medication administered

1,645 from other shelters

1,026 kittens adopted

1,528 dogs adopted 22.4%

15.2% 697 puppies adopted

39 cats (4.3%) 82 dogs

22.1%

914 PETS CARED FOR IN THE ANIMAL HUMANE NEW MEXICO FOSTER CARE PROGRAM

9.0%

523 active volunteers 52,998 hours of donated time providing our pets with love and affection

33.4%

1,013 cats adopted

91.5% bottle baby survival rate (average national survival rate is 72%) 1,878 incoming, outgoing or check-up appointments performed by Foster Care Team

4,577 PETS ADOPTED, RETURNED TO OWNER OR TRANSFERRED OUT

263 pets returned to owner (5.7%)

487 Lime Sulphur baths 59 bottle babies were nurtured

2,049 owner

35.3%

98% Live Release Rate 13,779 vaccinations given

4,664 PETS RECEIVED

228 adoption returns (4.9%)

23.2% 212 puppies

63.6% 581 kittens

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APRIL 2020 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

Tiny Titans Invade ABQ

Nothing quite captures the imagination like the marvel of a dinosaur. The New Mexico Museum of Natural History & Science is sure to keep visitors enthralled in the coming months as it hosts “Tiny Titans: Dinosaur Eggs and Babies.” The traveling exhibit is especially appealing to kids thanks to a variety of interactive learning stations including a book nook, dress-up area and a dinosaur “petting zoo.” “Tiny Titans” will feature fossils from the museum’s own collection along with illustrations and sculptures created by other forensic artists. Additionally, the Dynatheater will show “Dinosaurs of Antarctica,” a film that focuses on how prehistoric creatures were believed to have roamed the forests and swamps of the Antarctic millions of years ago and how melting of Antarctic ice is revealing new dinosaur fossils. “Tiny Titans: Dinosaur Eggs and Babies” will be open through Oct. 25 and is included with museum admission. For more information visit nmnaturalhistory.org. —TC

The Newest Girl Scout Girl Scouts of New Mexico Trails stayed right at home in the Land of Enchantment in the search for its next leader. The organization recently announced that Rebecca Latham will succeed Peggy Sanchez Mills as its Chief Executive Officer. Mills retired in January after 10 years in that position. Girl Scouts of New Mexico Trails serves approximately 6,000 girls and adults in central and northern New Mexico with offices in Albuquerque, Santa Fe, Aztec and Clovis. “After a comprehensive nationwide search, we are pleased to have found the best person to assume leadership of Girl Scouts of New Mexico Trails right here in Albuquerque,” said board chair Maribeth Thornton. “Rebecca has a track record of leadership success in New Mexico, and her passion for the future of both our organization and the state is evident in everything she does.” Latham, a Brownie troop leader herself, recently spent 14 months as the CEO of the Washington, D.C.-based non-profit American Mothers, Inc. Prior to that she spent four years as the cabinet secretary and CEO of the New Mexico Tourism Department, where she notably led the New Mexico True brand advertising campaign. Latham also worked for eight years as the Tourism and Economic Development Director in Red River. “My earliest lessons on leadership and civic responsibility came during my time as a Girl Scout,” said Latham. “I’ve enjoyed passing those lessons on to my daughter and her peers, and I look forward to expanding my love for this organization from our troop of 20 girls to a council of thousands.” —TC

According to garden.org, April 16 marks the beginning of gardening season in Albuquerque. The season runs through October 28, for a total of 195 days of beautiful gardens.

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TWEET BEAT What the Twittersphere is saying about Albuquerque, 280 characters at a time.

Eric in ABQ @ewhitmore Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s #TacoTuesday!? Luckily I finally tried El Paisa on Bridge SW. What a great place for great, inexpensive, unassuming but quality tacos! They even have a 4 for $5 deal, so I had a chance to try a few. To me, their Carnitas & Al Pastor were excellent, among the best in #ABQ

Mark Strobin @MarkStrobin @NWSAlbuquerque Am I in Europe? Is it the Alps? Or am I in #ABQ looking at the #EastMountains? Hmmm. NMwx.

Kent Berry @theonlykentb New Mexico life at its best! #abq #newmexicotrue #505 What do you have to say about #abq? Follow us at twitter.com/abqthemag

APRIL 2020 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE: Well, this is a real treat. You are an icon here in Albuquerque! STEVE STUCKER: [laughs] That cracks

me up to hear somebody say that. I don’t think of myself that way. I’m just old.

Coffee With…

Steve Stucker

KOB EYEWITNESS NEWS 4 WEATHERMAN

f you play word association with Albuquerque-themed items and events, it’s a good bet the name Steve Stucker is going to pop up a lot. “Albuquerque weatherman.” “Balloon Fiesta pins.” See what we mean? Stucker has been a weatherman for KOB-TV Channel 4 for three decades and is arguably the most popular local celebrity in town. His ever-present smile and warm eyes are seen on television throughout the day, where he enjoys sporting funny costumes and delivering the weather as one of his fun alter-egos like Patty O’Furniture, Ed Noid, or just Elvis. But life isn’t just about delivering the weather for this Midwestern boy. (Stucker is an Iowa transplant and Northwest Missouri State University grad). He spends most of his free time working with dozens of charities around Albuquerque. He is an Ordained Chaplain (International Fellowship of Chaplains), and the Men’s Ministry Pastor at New Covenant Church. He even has his own charity, Beds4Kidz, which requires a lot of his attention. And while his community is certainly important to him, Stucker always makes time for his family. He met his wife Rose while on the dance floor at Midnight Rodeo. That was 27 years ago, and together they have raised four children. Luckily for us, Stucker was able to make a little time to meet with us at Trifecta Coffee to chat over a cup o’ Joe. He had the Brazilian Roast with cream and sugar, but to our mild disappointment, he wasn’t wearing his Dog the Weather Hunter costume.

ATM: So, 30 years is a long time to do the weather. Have you always been at Channel 4? SS: I have. I did radio before that, did a

little television when I was in Texas, but only for a year and a half. And then I was doing radio and TV simultaneously. Then I came out here to open a radio station in the early 80’s, and just did radio. Then ended up doing the weather thing at Channel 4. ATM: Oh no! Not Texas. Was that where it all started? SS: No, I grew up in Iowa and Nebraska,

and started radio in Missouri. I was going to college. I started working in Omaha, then migrated to Texas, and then came out here. I moved to Santa Fe in the fall of ’83. I left briefly for a job in Tulsa but was there a little less than a year. Then I came back and decided I was just going to try to make a go of it here. ATM: It sounds like you weren’t a huge fan of Tulsa. SS: You know, I grew up in the mid-west

and I was used to the crazy weather, but I had just been in New Mexico long enough—about five years—that I was done with the ice storms and the tornadoes. Plus I missed the food and missed the people and had an opportunity to come back, so I nabbed it. ATM: So weather brought you back to New Mexico and you ended up in the weather business? That’s funny. Did you study meteorology in college? SS: (laughs) Broadcasting, actually. Not

meteorology. I was really interested in being a radio guy, and I stumbled across it by accident. It was kind of crazy, I was living in the dorms. I only had enough money to go to school for one semester and stumWWW.ABQTHEMAG.COM | APRIL 2020

bled across the Broadcasting Program just before the semester came to an end. A couple of my buddies that lived in the dorm with me were in the program, and I didn’t know it until almost the end of the semester. But I heard them on the radio, and they were my buddies, but they were terrible. I thought, “I think I’ve found my career.” So, I went to work in a factory, saved my money for a year, and went back to school and chased the broadcasting thing. ATM: How did that evolve into doing the weather? SS: Kind of a crazy story; I was the pro-

gram manager and afternoon personality in Amarillo, Texas. My newsreader left to go to the CBS affiliate. He called me about six months after leaving and said, “They have an opening for weekend weather guy. They want you to come audition.” I said, “Aw Brian, thanks, but I don’t have the first clue about how to do the weather.” He said, “I’ll show you what to do. It’s pretty easy.” Well, I had long hair and really didn’t want to get a haircut. Plus, I didn’t own a suit or a tie or anything. But he talked me into it. So, I go to the audition and there are three people, me and a guy who’s about 90, and a little person. This guy, I recognized him, he had been a bit actor in several movies. And luckily, he wasn’t really serious about getting the job, because he was a lot better at it than I was. So that was my start in weather.

Way back in the old days, before computers, the maps were on pieces of plywood that were connected to garage door openers.

ATM: I’ll bet it was pretty different back then. SS: Yeah. Way back in the old days, before

computers, the maps were on pieces of plywood that were connected to garage door openers. You’d push a button and bup, bup, bup, one would go up and another one would come down. I did that for about a year and a half. I eventually talked myself into the fill-in job on Channel 4 here in Albuquerque. I was the occasional employee, when they got really hardup—once every six to eight weeks somebody would get sick or whatever—I’d get a call in the middle of the night and show up and do the morning show.

I am one of the very few weathermen, anywhere in the country these days, that’s not a meteorologist.

ATM: Not being a meteorologist seems like a bit of a hurdle. How did you overcome that? Just on the power of personality? SS: Well, it’s important to know what’s

going on. I really learned from a great meteorologist—he’s passed away now—but Bill Eisenhood was a stalwart on air here for like 22 years. So, I trained with him, he showed me how to decipher the information from the experts at the National Weather Service. I had lived here long enough that I understood some of the weather patterns and everything, so I am one of the very few, anywhere in the country these days, that’s not a meteorologist. I like to say, “I’m a mediocratist.” It’s close.

APRIL 2020 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

But I read the reports from the colleagues at the National Weather Service. Couple that with what I’ve kind of stored away from my years here, and I’m just as confident as anybody that we can do a good forecast. Personality is important, but when the weather is serious, you’ve got to be able to deliver and let people know what’s going on. ATM: Like you can’t go on the air dressed like Elvis when there’s a tornado on the horizon? SS: Exactly. And I really enjoy that. We’ve

had people apply for jobs here over the years that didn’t take it because they felt that there’s not enough going on with the weather around here to talk about. I argue with that. I think it’s a pretty interesting area because we cover such a large region, and it’s pretty diverse. But there is a lot of down time when I can just have fun and be personable and talk about what’s going on in the community, try to highlight some of the good things around here. I enjoy that too. ATM: Speaking of having fun, you are well known for all of your on-air alter egos. When did that start? SS: The first one may have been El-

vis, I don’t know if I remember for sure, but there are some that have come back again and again. Like Patty O’Furniture. There are others that only run one time, like I know I did Martha Stewart, I did Arnold Schwartzenweather. It just kind of depends. You know, you try to do something new. I don’t do that stuff as much as I used to. The community has changed enough that you’ve got to be really careful. Comedy is dangerous these days. But I enjoy it and try to have fun. I have a character that’s one of my favorites, Ed Noid. He’s like the ultimate nerd. He’s so smart. But it got to the point in doing him where people thought I was making fun of somebody when I was really just making fun of myself. I based him on Jerry Lewis’ old character from The Nutty Professor. I used to have a lot of fun with that. I still do a little bit now and then, but I have to think about it more carefully

than I did when we started. Everybody’s pretty sensitive, so you have to be careful. And I’m sensitive too, and it hurts my feelings when I hurt someone else’s feelings. ATM: Something else you are famous for is your pins. The Balloon Fiesta hasn’t started until Steve Stucker busts out his pin collection. How did that start? SS: [laughs] I don’t have as many as people

think. I started collecting them a year or two before I started working at the station. I went to the Balloon Fiesta as a volunteer, a friend talked me into going down in the morning, hanging out at the media tent. And people started giving us pins and so you put them on your coat. When it really took off was my first year of broadcasting. The very first time I had gone to Balloon Fiesta, when I was a radio guy and was never up before 10:00 in the morning, somebody yanked me out of bed, and we drove down to Albuquerque in the middle of the night to see all these crazy people in balloons. I remember a bunch of people wearing these big, goofy, colorful hats. I eventually got one and put my pins on it. People started walking by and giving me pins, and the next thing I know, I have this massive headache from having way too many pins on my hat. So, I went down to a uniform shop and bought a butcher’s coat and started putting them on there. That quickly filled up; everybody wanted to give me a pin. ATM: How many do you have now?

adults into little kids. I just think it’s just a wonderful thing for our community. I just have a blast doing it. It’s the hardest week of my year, by far. I go home every morning feeling like I’ve just completed a tackle football game, but it’s fun.

SS: Yeah! Beds4Kidz. It’s kind of taken

I get almost like a father’s joy of seeing little kids that are admiring my pins... ATM: Yeah, that’s a lot of high energy for so early in the morning. SS: Every morning requires a lot, and I

have to have the mental attitude even if I’m really tired, which I often am. That 2:30 alarm comes very early. It’s usually kind of cold, you’re standing on asphalt, and this old man goes home feeling pretty drained. But it’s good, it really is a blessing. I actually look at it as a gift from God. It’s like how many people get to go to work and do something that they enjoy, and maybe make some people feel good and maybe improve their day a little bit, and get paid for it? Are you serious?

SS: I don’t know. I give away more than

I collect. I get almost like a father’s joy at seeing little kids that are admiring my pins, and I’ll ask, “Do you have a pin?” They’ll say, “No.” I’ve developed a thing I call “The Balloonist’s Handshake,” where I hide the pin in the palm of my hand. I say, “Here, shake my hand,” and then hand them the pin. Just seeing the look on their face is priceless. People still come up and give me pins and I love it. There are some that have a special meaning, are from friends, or from rare balloons, or something like that. For the most part, it’s just a way to celebrate and share the joy of Balloon Fiesta. I love this event; I’ve seen the good it does for the community and how it turns otherwise hardened

ATM: That’s a big part of your life, right? Giving back to the community and making people happy. I know you are a pastor and work with a ton of charities, but you started your own charity, didn’t you?

How many people get to go to work and do something that they enjoy, and maybe make people feel good... and get paid for it?

over my life. It’s been amazing. But it started through a private message on Facebook. A lady asked if I could get a hospital bed for her twelve-year-old niece who had spina bifida. I was angry that some stranger would ask me something so absurd. “What do you think I am? A hospital bed?” About an hour later, it’s almost like God tapped me on the shoulder and said, “You could ask.” I did, I went online and said, “I know this sounds weird, but does anybody have a hospital bed? There’s a sweet little girl with this physical condition, and she needs one.” Lo and behold, somebody had one; it was somebody I knew that I never would have thought to ask. Facebook came through for me. Then I read the small print and I see, “We live in Shiprock.” And I go, “How am I going to get the bed up there? I don’t know how to move a hospital bed.” Somebody else jumped in, and I just posted the pictures and told everybody thank you, showed them little Dakota with her thumbs up and how happy she was with her new bed. And man, the next thing I know, the requests started coming in. ATM: So, it grew super-fast then? SS: Yeah. And it breaks my heart, because

I see most of the applications that come in. And these stories will just make you sob. It’s cancer and death and homelessness, a lot of things that people have little, if any, control over in their lives. And what a thrill it is, again, it’s a blessing to do this and to be able to change people’s lives. To back the truck up and see an 80-yearold grandma crying tears of joy because her grandkids showed up on the front porch unexpectedly and they’ve been sleeping on the floor. Or to see 10-yearold boys jumping up and down because they’ve never had a bed of their own. We were doing it out of my garage for a while, and it filled pretty quickly with other people’s beds. My wife was NOT happy. At this point in time, you fast-forward and

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I’m still a volunteer. But we’ve got a volunteer board, we have two lowly paid parttime employees that are retired guys that just have a heart to serve, we have about 80 or 90 volunteers now. We have placed over 9,000 people in beds free of charge. We do a minimum of 200 people a month, we have an 8,000-square-foot warehouse that we rent, and a box truck, and a website. I would have told you that I was well-connected in the community. I’ve come across dozens of wonderful groups and organizations that I never knew were out there. And now we work together, and it’s a pretty cool thing.

We have placed over 9,000 people in beds free of charge.

ATM: Albuquerque is packed with great groups who care about the community. But sometimes it seems like you are involved in every one of them! SS: I’ve done several hundred fundraisers

over the years. Gosh, I was doing hundreds a year when we got married. I’ve had to back off since then, but I still do a minimum of one or two a month. And now I’m running an organization that I’ve got to do the fundraising for. I don’t take a salary, and just to keep the doors open it takes $65,000 a year, just for rent, gas and insurance, and that’s before we buy beds. We buy a lot of beds. But we depend on people donating their gently used beds, donating their finances, donating their time. So, I find myself having to ask, ask, ask, and that’s hard to do. But I don’t feel like I’m asking for myself, so that makes it a lot easier. It really is a blessing.

Don’t just give a gift. give a gift, gift, gift, gift, gift, gift, gift, gift, gift, gift, gift, gift, gift, gift, gift, gift, gift, gift, gift, gift, and gift, gift.

Buy a two-year subscription for someone special and they’ll get 22 issues of Albuquerque The Magazine for just $30. And every issue will come with a “compliments of (your name)” message. Visit abqthemag.com and enter code “gift2020”

We love it here.

—TAYLOR HOOD

APRIL 2020 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

2020 Pancake Breakfast Mmmmmmâ&#x20AC;Ś pancakes. Albuquerqueans turned up in droves for the 2020 Annual Pancake Breakfast at the Fraternal Order of Police (Lodge #1). Ritaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s pancakes were the star of the show, but the proceeds went to support the Officer Street Survival Training program, which provides specialized training for police officers. The benefit helps cover the costs of the extra training. 1. Alice Miller, Ida Tinguely, Jim McGrane, Rita McGrane 2. Toby Gallegos, Ruth Lowe, Earl Lowe (back row), Joshua Armijo (front row) 3. Matt Morales, Ed Rodarte, Gina Torres, David Salazar 4. Troy Baldonado, Alicia Kassa, Joe Kassa, Jose Brionez 5. Ronnie Miera, Randy Armijo, Melinda Rodgers, Buddy Rodgers 6. Pam Highum, MaryHelen Kugler, Elizabeth Chavez, Stephanie Herrera 7. Pete Rodriguez, Michael Chavez

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APRIL 2020 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

Go Red Luncheon On February 19, Albuquerqueans gathered for the annual Go Red Luncheon at Hotel Albuquerque. The event, a cornerstone of the American Heart Associationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Go Red for Women program, featured a catered lunch, plenty of heath facts, and a chance to raise awareness of heart disease in women. But it wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t all about heart disease awareness. The event also focuses on helping create opportunities for women in STEM and helping women find equal access to healthcare. 1. Sara Hardwood, Bryan Gibb, Sherri Wells 2. Shawn Wilbur, Rachelle Spencer 3. Janice Schmitt, Morgan Gaco, Rosella Chisolm 4. Davida Gallegos, Tony Watt 5. Melissa Sanchez, Joshua Martinez, Theresa Clay 6. Steve Chavez, Season Elliot 7. Danny Gonzales, Eddie Nunez

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APRIL 2020 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

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

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

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Funds for Love Fundraiser Uptown jewelry store, Kendra Scott, hosted the Funds for Love Fundraiser inside their shop on February 8. The event didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t just feature Kendra Scottâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s popular and unique jewelry items, it also included a pet adoption van, a doggie kissing booth, drinks and snacks. Proceeds went to benefit Funds for Love, which helps provide shelter for pets with special needs. 1. Tabatha King, Coco, Kelly Casaus 2. Annah Jensen, Bella, Tram Le 3. Steven Blacksmith, Angelina Ortiz 4. Noel Davis, Ainsley Westlake 5. Matt Bromley, Mary Alice Balderrama, Ramie Kow, Rafael Alvarez 6. Kate Lamothe, Betty, Rufus, Courtnee Bennett 7. Stacey George, Carmela, Stephanie Espinosa

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5th Annual

Teachers Being a teacher is a chance to change lives. Teachers can be some of the greatest influences on people. They guide, inform, and nurture. That’s why we love to send a big “THANK YOU” every year to a few local teachers that deserve special merit. We asked Albuquerqueans to nominate teachers who go outside the boundaries of the classroom to make a difference. After combing through stacks of amazing nominations, we selected these 17 educators, spanning all grade levels and subjects, as this year’s most deserving Above and Beyond Teachers.

By Tristen Critchfield Photos by Reece Martinez and Don James

The Student Who Became the Teacher

Amanda

Jessica

Jessica Isler OSUNA ELEMENTARY TEACHING: 9 years GRADE: 3 SUBJECT: All NOMINATED BY: Amanda Patterson (parent of a student)

sler struggled with reading as a third-grade student, and she credits the support system around her— parents, tutors, teachers—for helping her develop a “growth mindset” that enabled her to persevere through those difficulties. In turn, Isler became inspired to help young minds in the same way that she was helped, and she has been teaching for nine years now. “I encourage my students to always commit themselves to doing their best because their future and the world’s future is in their hands,” she says. “I want them to know that they can accomplish anything.”

What They’re Saying: “Mrs. Isler has helped me conquer every fear that I had when my daughter started third grade. My daughter is gifted with severe ADHD, dyslexia, and articulation challenges. Mrs. Isler has only ever taught

to my child’s strengths, which has helped her to blossom into the hard-working student she is today. As a parent to a child who needs a little more, I was nervous that I would have to advocate more for my child academically; however, that was not the case. Mrs. Isler always thinks of different ways to differentiate for my child, without prompting or nudging from myself. Once during a math assessment, Mrs. Isler noticed that my daughter was starting to get some of the problems mixed up, so she got a paper to cover up the other problems on the assessment, to help keep her focused. Another example that I love is when my daughter comes home and struggles with something she’ll say, ‘It’s OK mom, I just don’t have it down yet, but I will get there. That’s what Mrs. Isler says.’ Mrs. Isler has helped nurture and grow my daughter’s mindset about tackling difficult things, and to me, that is gold.” —Amanda Patterson (parent of a student)

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Using Personal Resources to Help Youngsters with Special Needs

or the past 10 years Hannah worked on developing meaningful bonds with the kids in her classroom and with parents and colleagues outside of it.” I teach to make a difference in someone’s life. I teach for a purpose of change. I teach for a purpose of fun and excitement when something is new rather than fearing it,” she says. “I love working with kids; more importantly, I love advocating for kids with disabilities. I love being a part of a purpose, making a change and being a rock for our kids. I don’t just teach, I create a relationship with my kids. That saying of ‘Once a kid is in my room, it’s my kid’ is genuinely the truth!”

Samantha Hannah

COLLE T PARK ELEMENTARY

TEACHING: 10 years GRADES: Kindergarten-5 SUBJECT: Special Education NOMINATED BY: Jessica McQu eston (former colleague/friend)

What They’re Saying: “Sam is a special education teacher who works with students with social and communication needs. Many of her students have autism. She works with multiple grade levels and general education teachers to allow her students to be included with their peers. This means that she often goes without a break all day, but she continues to advocate for her students. If a family has a need, she will ensure that they know about every resource available to them. On many occasions, that has meant her personally buying or getting donations of food, clothing, or furniture for her families. Sam is that teacher that parents beg for their student to be in her class. Even if she is pushing a child to the next academic, social, or communication level, her students adore her. Students, most of whom she’s never had in her class, come say hi, check in on their academic progress and want to volunteer in her room during their recess time. The entire school community, no matter what school she is at, is impacted by her being there.” —Jessica McQueston (friend/former colleague)

APRIL 2020 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

ess

Teaching the Fundamentals of Succ

Pearl

Isla Porras MANZANO HIGH SCHOOL TEACHING: 6 years GRADES: 9, 10 SUBJECT: Math NOMINATED BY: Pearl Huynh (former student)

Isla

orras began teaching at Manzano in 2014 and has been there for, as she says, “the past six wonderful years.” One of Porras’ primary objectives as a mathematics instructor is to make the subject as accessible as possible to her students. “I often find that students get caught up in memorizing algorithms and get frustrated because they don’t understand the purpose behind them. I try my best to teach students the fundamental concepts they need to fully understand the beauty behind the various branches of mathematics.” Porras has found that she gets as much as she puts in on a daily basis. “I learn from my students just as much as they learn from me,” she says.

What They’re Saying: “Ms. Porras genuinely cares

about her students and will go above and beyond to make something interesting or fun to learn. She will also approach her teaching with different methods to explain things if it is difficult. I have stayed countless hours after school with her just so she could help me further my knowledge. Ms. Porras does not get the recognition that she deserves, and she works way harder than she needs to. She helped me get a very established scholarship in college that pays for my undergrad years and reserves a spot in medical school for me. She sparked my love for knowledge, and I could never thank her enough. Even to this day, I still keep in contact with her and know that I can depend on her for anything. I am currently a sophomore in college and still reach out to Ms. Porras whenever I need her. She will always do her best to help.” —Pearl Huynh (former student)

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The Teacher with the Right Tune

performer at heart, Van Dam began teaching music for some extra cash as he was finishing up college. Now more than four years into his tenure as Sandia Prep’s band director, Van Dam’s progression compares favorably to a Hollywood story. “As far as being a band director, I’ve come to feel a lot like Richard Dreyfus’ character of Greg Holland in Mr. Holland’s Opus,” he says. “Holland begins teaching as a way to use his talents to pay the bills and keep music as his day job but finds profound enjoyment and fulfillment in the impact he has on students’ lives.”

What They’re Saying:

Yvonne William

Jesse

John

“He rebuilt a failing band program where students were no longer enjoying the class and dropping it to a thriving program that has tripled in size and is quickly outgrowing the band room. He has once again brought back the love for music. He is giving his students an opportunity to learn more than just playing an instrument by having them record a CD in a local studio this year.” —Yvonne Butcher, parent “He started from scratch. The jazz band had deteriorated after a few bad teachers destroyed the program. The excitement and enthusiasm were lost completely. Many students dropped the class entirely. He has made a huge difference. He has brought back the fun and excitement to the program, the love of music performance.” —Van Butcher, former student “He has helped me improve my playing by working oneon-one with me. He has showed me how music can be applied to daily life lessons: Like never give up—keep trying and you will eventually succeed. He has made the class fun for us.” —William Butcher, student

Jesse Van D

SANDIA PREPARATO RY SCHOOL “Mr Van Dam has saved an ailing band program at Prep. Since Mr. Van Dam has been hired, it’s like re-igniting a fire. The students relate well to him and enjoy learning from him. He takes the time to truly listen to the students, parents, and administration. He cares about the music program and the students and it shows.” —John Butcher, parent

APRIL 2020 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

TEACHING:

4 years G R A D E S: 6 -12 SUBJECT: M usic (Band Direc tor) NOMINATE D BY: The Butcher family

A Wealth of Experience Gives her Special Skills Margie Barnett CIBOL A HIGH SCHOOL TEACHING: 34 years GRADES: 9-12 SUBJECT: Special Education NOMINATED BY: Lori Mabrey (teacher/

Lori

staff)

Margie

ersatility is a strong suit for Barnett: Over the course of a 34-year career, she has taught multiple subjects for grades 1-12 in six different states. Though she was nomadic early on, Barnett has found a home on Albuquerque’s West Side for the past 27 years. “I enjoy the challenge of meeting each student’s needs, both emotionally as well as academically. I try to treat students as if they were my own kids,” Barnett says. “Hopefully I’ve shown compassion and understanding to both my students and their parents/ guardians. Also, I appreciate working with the great group of professionals at Cibola High School.”

What They’re Saying: “Special education teachers rarely get any kind of recognition, as their students at the high school

age struggle with frustration and motivation. Margie always allows them every opportunity to pass her class. No deadlines, multiple emails, and phone calls home, talks with her students—whatever it takes to get them to stay bought into their education. She constantly gives her students an opportunity to feel successful academically. She combs through their transcripts and sits them down and converses with them on how she can help them. She allows them to constantly turn in assignments and has numerous conversations with them one to one to keep them interested and trying. She refuses to lose a student on her watch. She makes numerous contacts with the family and she works tirelessly on the weekends to keep all of this communication open and friendly. Students like her! They attend her class and they learn. She feeds them when they are hungry, she hugs them when they are sad, she gives them tough love when needed. She works with one of the most difficult student populations in the building and never complains about it.” —Lori Mabrey, teacher/staff WWW.ABQTHEMAG.COM | APRIL 2020

Inspired to Teach by a Former Teacher

s a teenager, Grajeda harbored dreams of working in law enforcement before her senior AP Spanish teacher pushed her to attend college. “After my first year of college, I knew I wanted to become a teacher and help students like myself become the best version of themselves and pursue the highest level of education possible,” she says. “I wanted to be just like my Spanish teacher, and be able to not only change someone’s life, but also their family’s future.” Grajeda has been passing along her passion for mathematics to her students for six years now, and she couldn’t imagine doing anything else. “The ability to be creative is also one of my favorite parts of being a teacher because it allows me to teach my subject in many ways in which my students can relate,” she says.

Fatima Grajeda CIEN AGUAS INTERNATIONA

L SCHOOL

TEACHING: 6 years GRADES: 5, 6 SUBJECT: Spanish NOMINATED BY: Velia Raff (te acher/sta

ff)

What They’re Saying: “Señora Grajeda is dedicated to teaching students who, like she once was, are learning English and need a teacher to believe in them and support them. She is fully dedicated to helping all her students succeed in the area of math. She loops with them from fifth to sixth grade and in that time she builds strong relationships with them and their families. She believes that she’s part of a team and as such emails, calls, or even texts parents—daily if she needs to in order to help her students succeed. Any time special opportunities are offered at our school, Señora Grajeda thinks of offering that opportunity to a student that no one would think of or who wouldn’t normally have access. This has made it possible for many students to attend leadership conferences and even advocate for our Bosque and our environment in unlikely places to people like our mayor. She helps prepare students’ presentations, helps them practice their presentation, guides them on how to dress and behave, and takes care of everything to ensure they’ll have a positive experience. During her free time, she attends meetings for Teachers Against Child Detention and hosts the school’s student council.” — Velia Raff (teacher/staff)

APRIL 2020 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

Success Begins With the Most Basic Formula: Believing in Yourself

Ruya

Katie Sarah

Sarah Coddou ELDORADO HIGH SCHOOL TEACHING: 3 years GRADES: 9, 10 SUBJECT: Science NOMINATED BY: Katie Moore (student)

n introvert at heart, Coddou initially pursued a career in biology after college. Interestingly enough, she discovered that endeavor didn’t provide as much human interaction as she desired. “When I realized I wanted to switch careers I remembered two inspiring teachers from my own high school days who at one time encouraged me to explore teaching,” says Coddou, who has been teaching for three years now. “I am inspired by their passion for education and strive to match it daily.” It’s always rewarding to see one of her students have an epiphany. “The moment a student starts to believe in themselves, I feel like I have done my job,” she says.

What They’re Saying: “Ms. Coddou is my favorite teacher I have ever had by far, and I am not the only one who thinks so. I

knew I wanted to go into a science field in college, but she has made me want to major in chemistry. I love the way she teaches. She knows that her method of teaching isn’t for everyone and tells us we can ask another science teacher if we aren’t getting it the way she is teaching it. My friend and I literally make a short video of us saying ‘We love Ms. Coddou’ every day and are going to put them all into one video and give it to her at the end of the year. We wish that she was our teacher for every single class. Students can go to her to talk about science, home life, friends, and literally anything else. A friend of mine lost a very good friend to suicide, and the first teacher we went to to talk about it with was Ms. Coddou. She creates such a safe and kind environment for all of her students.” —Katie Moore (student) *Katie’s classmate, Ruya Nelson (on the far left wearing red) also nominated Sarah Coddou and thinks very highly of her.

WWW.ABQTHEMAG.COM | APRIL 2020

Leading the Band by Setting a Strong Tempo

t seems as though virtually everyone in Morales’ family has a background in education, from his parents to his grandparents to his siblings to his aunts, uncles, and cousins. It was only natural, then, that he carried on the tradition. “I saw the love that so many people in my family carried for the profession and the rewards that come from teaching and I got hooked,” he says. Now 13 years into his career, Morales has taught band, choir, elementary music, piano, and guitar—quite fitting for someone with a degree in music. “I oftentimes have had kids that have a reputation for being troubled kids or failing kids and watching music impact and change that is an incredible thing to witness,” he says.

Joshua Morales PUBLIC ACADEMY FOR THE PE

RFORMING ARTS

TEACHING: 13 years GRADES: 6-12 SUBJECT: Music NOMINATED BY: Sandy Dierks (parent

of student)

What They’re Saying: “Mr. Morales puts so much time into teaching each student and making sure they know they have talent and skills. He is a kind, generous, skilled teacher and has influenced so many students during his teaching years. One of these students is my son, who has had guitar and piano classes with Mr. Morales for the past five years. He puts together amazing concerts each semester, and it is incredible to watch students that hadn’t even picked up a guitar play songs that sound really quite great. He helps with many of the other school events in addition to his regular responsibilities. He is a mentor and trusted advisor to his students, who admire him greatly. He helps seniors with their music presentations that create memories to last a lifetime. He himself is crazy talented and even writes songs that the students play. He has taught his students not only to play music, but to compose it. Mr. Morales is very patient and really knows how to teach effectively. He has a beautiful wife and three wonderful daughters and works an extra job but still has plenty of time for each of his students.” —Sandy Dierks (parent of student)

Sandy Joshua

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After Learning English, She Pays it Forward Nelly Canales HOPE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL TEACHING: 20 years GRADE: Kindergarten · SUBJE CT: All NOMINATED BY: Carissa Greinel-Blum (parent of student)

s the child of an immigrant family, Canales found herself especially motivated to enter the teaching profession. “I had such a desire to learn the language, expand my opportunities, and grow as a citizen in this beautiful country. I also had amazing teachers that poured their knowledge and care into me,” she says. Canales has been pouring her own knowledge into students for nearly two decades now, and certain aspects of the job are priceless no matter how many times they’re experienced. “Seeing my students read for the very first time is invaluable to me,” she says. “I literally get emotional when their faces light up in amazement [at] what he or she has just accomplished. I would not change that for anything.”

What They’re Saying:

Nelly

“While making every child feel loved and special, Nelly has managed to advance all of her students’ skills as well as (their) confidence. She took my daughter, who tested above the average, and helped her flourish. But most importantly, she helped her to feel secure that her life wasn’t so different, and she was valued and loved no matter what. She had done the same with my son, who was not testing as well and showed him that despite his physical challenges he too can be successful, learn, and grow. His focus and behavior have improved tremendously, which is a real challenge, and she has inspired a hunger for school he did not have before. She makes every child feel loved, understood, and confident they belong and are cherished.” —Carissa Greinel-Blum (parent of student)

Carissa

WWW.ABQTHEMAG.COM | APRIL 2020

Using the Library to Moti v

ate Kids

Nichole Peters HODGIN ELEMENTARY TEACHING: 19 years GRADES: Kindergarten-5 SUBJECT: Library NOMINATED BY: Steven Ritchardson (husband)

eters has been an educator for 19 years—the first 12 as a fourth-grade teacher before becoming the school librarian for the past seven. Her goal has always been to foster an environment where students enjoy the journey of learning, even if that involves some trial and error. “I wanted to become a teacher to help kids to develop a love and curiosity for learning,” she says. “I wanted to provide a place where students feel safe to ask questions and to experiment even if it means they fail and have to try again.” The most rewarding part of the job is when a child is inspired by something she has taught. “I love when kids get excited about learning something new, and they have fun with the

learning process,” Peters says. “I like when a lesson I teach leads them to wanting to learn more and ask more questions.”

What They’re Saying: “She buys a lot of stuff out of her own pocket and even has a bearded dragon and fish to help teach the kids. She buys food and supplies for each (student) at her expense and makes sure the kids get a lesson and check out books every day. She is a very passionate teacher who wants every child to succeed. She is the most caring teacher and does everything in her power to raise money for the library to ensure all children have books to read.” —Steve Ritchardson (husband)

APRIL 2020 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

Learning From Those He’s Teaching JD Harding JAMES MONROE MIDDLE SCHO

TEACHING: 9 years GRADES: 6, 7 · SUBJECT: Ma th NOMINATED BY: Denise Docke ndorf f (teacher/staff) Denise

arding’s nine-year tenure has included teaching stints with a variety of age groups, from preschool to elementary school to middle school. A Moriarty native, Harding always looked up to the authority figures behind the desk while admiring their passion and work ethic. “Growing up in a rural town, I knew that they were teaching to make a difference in the community,” Harding says. “I have always wanted to give back by serving my community, so teaching was a perfect way to do this.” Over the years, Harding has learned just as much as the students he’s taught. “I really believe that humanity is at its [best] when you view the world as a child does,” he says. “They are some of the most patient, understanding, and caring individuals you will ever meet.”

What They’re Saying: “Mr. Harding works with students, helping them move from below grade-level performance in math to keeping up with the regular education math classes. He coaches basketball and also helped organized the school talent show. He always takes extra time when students need more help.” — Denise Dockendorff (teacher/staff)

WWW.ABQTHEMAG.COM | APRIL 2020

Giving a Helping Hand in Countless Efforts

ancuso has been teaching for 19 years now, but the foundation for her career of choice was laid even earlier than that. Mancuso was 14 when she began tutoring in an after school club at an elementary school, and she was a hit, to say the least. “The kids I was working with would ask if I was coming back the next day because they wanted me there. The feeling of need that I would get from working with these kids made me realize that I wanted to work with kids in some capacity.”

Cristina Mancuso TONY HILLERMAN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL TEACHING: 19 years GRADE: 8 SUBJECT: All NOMINATED BY: Mark Lopez (teacher/staff)

What They’re Saying: “Ms. Mancuso is a teacher of the gifted, the school’s activities director, and also contributes to the positive atmosphere of our school. She has coordinated and run the ‘Go Pink’ volleyball game for the last few years at our school. She is also instrumental in getting donations by coordinating the clothing drive that benefits our school’s resource room. Additionally, Ms. Mancuso is our school’s wellness ambassador, and with this position she is able to get donations of fresh fruit and vegetables that are shared at our school staff meetings. She has built connections with her students throughout the years that have lasted well past their time in the classroom. This positive influence is evident when her students come to visit after moving on to high school and thank her for preparing them for the academic rigor that is involved in high school. She has also had students that have entered the workforce come back to thank her for teaching them how to write a résumé and how to conduct themselves in an interview. Ms. Mancuso has also had some of her former students choose to become teachers because of the positive experiences that they had in her classroom.” —Mark Lopez (teacher/ staff)

Cristina

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Mark

herred found herself emA Rock-Solid Belief in Early S bedded in academia early on, whether it was spending summers s her grandmother, a popular smallEducation Helps Change Live with town middle school teacher, or hanging

out on the UNM campus with her younger brother while her mother attended evening classes. “Education, learning, and helping others has always been important in my life,” she says. Now 15 years into her career, Sherred is a consistently positive influence on young minds. “At the beginning of each school year I work with my students to create a ‘Class Pledge…’ Our pledge doesn’t just focus on the importance of academics, but also emphasizes being kind and an awesome friend, doing the right thing at the right time, and making this world a better place!”

What They’re Saying:

Falina

DeAnna

DeAnna Sherred GRIEGOS ELEMENTARY TEACHING: 15 years GRADE: 1 SUBJECT: All NOMINATED BY: dent) Falina Torres (parent of stu

“Mrs. Sherred is an outstanding educator, but beyond that, she cares about the well-being of her students. This Christmas was very tough for my family in many ways. Earlier in the year Mrs. Sherred asked me to let her know if my daughter needed anything. Well, when I knew I wasn’t able to purchase some gifts for my daughter, I called her. She was understanding of my situation and expressed that she wanted to help. The next day she asked me to come to the school to pick up a gift for my daughter. Not only did she purchase her two pairs of shoes, clothes, a new backpack, and multiple books, she also supplied the same gifts to my other daughter that did not attend the school. My daughters loved the gifts. She reads her new books every night so that she can show her teacher how much she appreciates her generosity. It is not every day that a teacher would do something like this. I know it came from her heart and that she truly cares about her students.” —Falina Torres (parent of student) Editor’s Note: Life can be funny. Coincidences happen and in a simple twist of fate, after nominations had closed and the teachers had been selected by our committee, one of the nominators joined the ATM staff in the sales department. We welcome Falina Torres to our team.

WWW.ABQTHEMAG.COM | APRIL 2020

Caring For Students in All Classrooms

Melissa Waller NORTH STAR ELEMENTARY years TEACHING: 18 GRADES: 2-5 SUBJECT: All : NOMINATED BY shma Narendra and Su Tarikere t) (parents of studen

Sushma Melissa

aller always had an inkling she would be a teacher—she grew up in a large family of public servants—but it wasn’t until she was hired as an educational assistant in a specialized program for students with challenging behaviors that she knew her true calling. “This one single school year opened my heart and mind to this amazing profession and bestowed upon me the knowledge of how profoundly important and impacting educators and school support staff are in the lives of our children who are in most need of love and care,” she says. Now she’s been teaching for 18 years, and her passion still burns strong. “In my classroom we fail together and we succeed together knowing we all have each other’s backs in the little

family we create for the one school year we have with each other!” she says.

What They’re Saying: “Mrs. Waller taught our daughter last year in a third grade gifted program. She always brought a bundle of energy to the classroom with her positive and can-do attitude. Our daughter’s favorite day of the week was Tuesday as she got to spend the whole day in Mrs. Waller’s gifted classroom. She also helped my son find resources and a coach for his state level geography bee competition. I consider this going above and beyond because he was never her student.” — Narendra Tarikere (parent)

APRIL 2020 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

Using Love and Pets To Connect to Students Abby Carlson

transplant from San Diego who has been teaching for 14 years—including the past three in Albuquerque— Carlson has quickly made the Land of Enchantment her home. “I absolutely love it here and I know this is exactly where I am meant to be,” she says. Carlson admittedly struggled during her formative years, so it’s her goal to provide exactly the type of experience she never received. “At school, I didn’t feel challenged, loved, or seen, so that is exactly what I try to give my kids each year,” she says. “I strive to let every student know how important they are to me.”

What They’re Saying: “She has several leadership roles within the school, including as the facilitator of the after school clubs on campus. She brings two guinea pigs, Christmas and Peanut, to class with her and uses the guinea pigs as reading buddies, responsibility builders, and social and emotional supports for students. She knows that students who come from more difficult backgrounds need more joy and positive experiences in school and seeks to provide those supports. She also works hard to build a relationship with her students as well as other students in fifth grade and throughout the school. If ever there is a job that needs to be done, Ms. Carlson is often the first to volunteer. One of the greatest ways that Ms. Carlson has impacted her students is through her intentional relationship building. Each day at the end of class, she sits her students down and they talk about ‘peaks and valleys.’ Ms. Carlson listens to the students and uses this as feedback to get to know each student personally as well as help solve any problems that may arise. Students who have moved on to middle school come back to visit Ms. Carlson. For many students, she is that teacher that inspired greatness and kindness.” — Hannah Mainolfa (administrator)

After Graduation, Many Students Return to Say Thanks Dona Sosa

kindergarten and pre-K teacher in APS for the past 18 years, Sosa also boasts 28 years’ experience as an instructor at Sandra’s School of Dance. After having her daughter, Sosa found herself drawn to child development. “The more I learned, the more I knew this is what I was born to do,” she says. “I knew I could play a part in a child’s life, and it has been so rewarding.” Sosa continues to take pleasure in many aspects of her job, and while it’s parents who may initially thank her for helping their child through his or her first scholastic encounter, many of those kids return upon graduation to offer gratitude to their first real teacher.

What They’re Saying: “Ms. Sosa keeps her families involved, completing family projects with regularity, and inviting them into the classroom for fun projects and events. Every activity that she has is student- and family-centered and there is joy and pride in her students that is

seldom seen in a pre-K classroom. As a parent, I can attest to this: My own student cries when there are breaks or holidays. My child loves going to school and has gone from not knowing his letters, numbers, or counting with fluency to mastering all these skills. Beyond this, he has a deep love and curiosity about how the world works, which is due to Ms. Sosa’s teaching. He asks deeper questions, makes connections, and seeks out new learning. He also has developed independence: He has learned the joy of having friends in class, how to solve a problem with a peer, and how important it is to say sorry. Ms. Sosa’s emphasis on kindness and respect have led my child, and others, to develop better social and emotional skills, and I am certain that her students walk into the world more prepared because of her impact.” — Hannah Mainolfa (parent)

WWW.ABQTHEMAG.COM | APRIL 2020

Abby Carlson BEL- AIR ELEMENTARY

Dona Sosa

TEACHING: 14 years GRADE: 5 SUBJECT: All NOMINATED BY: Hannah Mainolfa (administrator)

RY BEL -AIR ELEMENTA ars TEACHING: 18 ye GRADES: Pre-K, Kindergarten SUBJECT: All Hannah Mainolfa NOMINATED BY: (parent of student)

Note: It just so happened that two of this year’s teachers were nominated by Hannah Mainolfa. Hannah is an administrator at Abby’s school and her child is in Dona’s class. She couldn’t decide between these two teachers, and we don’t blame her. We couldn’t either.

Dona

Abby

Hannah

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Building Bonds to Last Through Life

Holly Courissa

Lisa Maynes MANZANO MESA ELEMENTARY TEACHING: 19 years GRADE: 1 SUBJECT: All NOMINATED BY: Holley Spears (parent of student) and Courissa Clay (parent of student)

Lisa

fter working as a substitute teacher in Las Cruces while her husband finished up his degree at New Mexico State University, Maynes transferred to APS in 2001, where she has been a firstgrade teacher ever since. Maynes initially credits her third-grade teacher, Mrs. Sue Fries, for inspiring her career choice— and the two are still friends today. Maynes tries to build similar bonds with her own students. “As a first-grade teacher I know I set the tone for the rest of their lives—that matters to me!” she says. “I’ve also had the privilege of building strong bonds with my students and maintaining contact with them through the years, which has been so rewarding! I love to see what life brings them. My students will always be my students!”

What They’re Saying: “My son hated going to school until he entered Mrs. Maynes’ first grade classroom. He knew that she believed in him and that he was loved by her. She made

school fun by surprising her students with home-cooked treats. My son still remembers the time that she made the class pancakes. Mrs. Maynes has impacted hundreds of students in her time at Manzano Mesa. She works so hard to show each child that they matter and that they are important. Students of all ages flood Mrs. Maynes’ classroom in the mornings before school starts simply because they adore her and they know her room is always open.” —Holley Spears (parent of student/teacher) “My oldest son has anxiety about going to school due to his learning disabilities. Mrs. Maynes held a meeting with my son and I and asked him what would make him excited about going to school. He wanted to sit in her ‘teacher’ chair during the day. From then on, as long as he didn’t retaliate towards going to school, he was allowed to sit in her chair whenever she was not using it. This helped him let his guard down and create bonds with other students. Soon, the chair was unnecessary.” —Courissa Clay (parent of student)

WWW.ABQTHEMAG.COM | APRIL 2020

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

TOP PICK World Penguin Day. Through hands-on discovery stations, visitors will investigate the threats facing wild penguins and learn about what they can do to help. ABQ BioPark Zoo is home to macaroni, king and gentoo penguins. Visitors will learn about these three species as well as 14 other species. Info: ABQ BioPark Zoo, 903 10th Street SW, abqbiopark.com, 848-7180. Tickets: included with regular admission.

APRIL 2020 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

PHOTO BY DON JAMES/ATM

saturday 25 | 10 amâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;2 pm

saturday 4 | 12 noon–5 pm

Fiestas de Albuquerque. This celebration of Albuquerque’s birthday brings to light the history and traditions of our city along with great children’s activities, live artist demonstrations, live entertainment including headliner Gonzalo, local food, shopping, and fun for the whole family. Info: Old Town Plaza, 200 N. Plaza Street NW, visitabq.org. Free.

thursday 9 | 7:30 pm

Gilad Hekselman Trio. Gilad Hekselman, a native of Israel, is known internationally and is a leading voice in jazz guitar. Tonight, he is joined by Dave Robaire, bass and Jonathan Pinson, drums. Info: Outpost Performance Space, 210 Yale Blvd. SE, outpostspace.org, 2680044. Tickets: $25, $20 Outpost Members and students.

thursday 16 | 7:30 pm

Myra Melford. Pianist Melford’s music melds improvisation with jazz, blues and global folk styles, classical traditions and avantgarde, poetry, Indian meditation, and yoga. This concert features cornetist Ron Miles, guitarist Liberty Ellman, bass guitarist Stomu Takeishi and drummer Tyshawn Sorey. Info: Outpost Performance Space, 210 Yale Blvd. SE, 268-0044, outpostspace.org. Tickets: $30, Members $25.

saturday 18 | 7:30–10 am

Raising the Roof with Love. Join Master of Ceremonies NM State Auditor Brian Colón at the Greater Albuquerque Habitat for Humanity’s annual fundraising breakfast and auction featuring a breakfast, speakers, silent auction, raffle prizes, and a travel auction with great deals. Info: Sheraton Albuquerque Uptown, 2600 Louisiana Blvd. NE. Reservations required: habitatabq. org, 265-0057 x115. Tickets: $35.

tuesday 21 | 7:30 pm

Crash Test Dummies. This Canadian rock band, featuring original members Brad Roberts, Ellen Reid, Dan Roberts, and Mitch Dorge, has reunited to celebrate the 25th anniversary of their seminal album “God Shuffled His Feet” and their hit song, “Mmm Mmm Mmm Mmm.” Info: KiMo Theatre, 423 Central Ave. NW, kimotickets. com, 768-3522.

WWW.ABQTHEMAG.COM | APRIL 2020

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

Photo by Derek Mathews

thursday 23– saturday 25 | various times

Gathering of Nations Pow Wow. This is the largest powwow in the United States and North America. It includes competitions in Native American singing and dancing with over 3,000 participants from various Tribes, Stage 49 contemporary music, Indian traders’ market with over 400 vendors, and a Native food court. All ages are welcome. Info and tickets: gatheringofnations.com.

thursday 23 | 7:30 pm

Nicolas Bearde with Lorca Hart Trio. Nicolas Bearde’s silky baritone compares to Lou Rawls. His 2019 release, “I Remember You: The Music of Nat King Cole” was in Jazz Week Charts’ Top 20. He joins drummer, Taos native, Lorca Hart. Info: Outpost Performance Space, 210 Yale Blvd. SE, 268-0044, outpostspace.org. Tickets: $25, Members $20.

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thursday 23–sunday 26 | various times

Cirque du Soliel. AXEL is a new thrill-packed experience fusing world-class ice skating with breathtaking acrobatics. Join Axel and his adrenalinefueled crew on an exhilarating adventure as his passion for music and graphic arts takes you on an electrifying journey. Info: Santa Ana Star Center, 3001 Civic Center Circle, NE, Rio Rancho. Tickets: cirquedusoliel.com.

thursday 30 | 7:30–9:30 pm

Marty Stuart in Concert. Marty Stuart celebrates the twentieth anniversary of his iconic album, “The Pilgrim.” He began performing with the bluegrass group, The Sullivan Family, at the age of 12. He is known for both his traditional style, and eclectic merging of rockabilly, honky tonk, and traditional country music. Info: KiMo Theatre, 423 Central Ave. NW, ampconcerts.org. Tickets: $35, $40, and $55.

wednesday 1–friday 3 | 9 am–4 pm

Explora Spring Break Camps for PreKteens. These single-day camps offer engaging activities exploring science, technology, engineering, art and math. Fees and details on website. Optional before and after-care. Info: Explora, 1701 Mountain Road NW, explora.us, 224-8341.

wednesday 1 | 10 am–2 pm

Animal Myths Discovery Day. Learn the truth about common animal myths with our hands-on discovery stations. Info: ABQ BioPark Zoo, 903 10th Street SW, abqbiopark.com, 848-7180. Tickets: included with regular admission.

wednesday 1 | 1–2 pm

It’s All about the Frog. String Quartet performs “The Frog” at this family show, followed by puppet presentation of Floppo the Frog Prince. $5 additional special exhibit surcharge for “The Jim Henson Exhibition: Imagination Unlimited” applies. Info: Albuquerque Museum, 2000 Mountain Road NE, cabq.gov, 243-7255.

wednesday 1 | 1–2:30 pm

Communications and Behaviors. Don’t miss this presentation by Barbara Michels, author of “The Alzheimer’s Journey.” This

enlightening presentation emphasizes the importance of communication in caring for people with Alzheimer’s. Info: Alzheimer’s Association, NM Chapter, 6731 Academy Road NE, 266-4473. Free.

thursday 2 and friday 3 | thursday 1 pm, friday 11 am

Family Program: Harmonious Migrations. A performance and workshop presented by Ibex Puppetry, featuring Heather Henson, illustrates how North American Native people participate in the same planetary dance as the crane and all creations. $5 special exhibit surcharge applies. Info: Albuquerque Museum, 2000 Mountain Road NE, cabq.gov, 243-7255.

thursday 2 | 5:30–7 pm

Science on Tap at O’Niell’s Pub in Nob Hill. This is a free science talk sponsored by UNM, Explora!, and the National Museum of Nuclear Science & History. For this month’s presenter and topic, visit scienceontapnm.blogspot.com. Info: O’Niell’s Pub, 4310 Central Ave. SE, 2556782.

thursday 2 | 5:30–7:30 pm

Get Crafty With Your Business. Join the Albuquerque Hispano Chamber for this free monthly mixer. Hear from local entrepreneurs about the ups and downs

of business ownership. Info: held at a local brewery, for this month’s location go to ahcnm.org or call 842-9003. Free.

thursday 2 | 7:30 pm

Michael Morreale Quartet. Trumpeter Michael Morreale is a solo artist, composer and educator in the New York Metropolitan area leading his own jazz groups and big band. He counts Miles Davis as his biggest inspiration and has toured extensively with Joe Jackson. Info: Outpost Performance Space, 210 Yale Blvd. SE, 268-0044, outpostspace.org.

friday 3 | 5–8 pm

Artist’s Reception. This reception opens our April through May shows. Downstairs, printmaker Helen Cozza creates new collagraphs for a show entitled “Piecemeal”. Upstairs, painter Eric McCollon exhibits new works for an untitled show. Info: Mariposa Gallery, 3500 Central Ave. SE, marpiposa-gallery. com, 268-6828.

friday 3 | 5–8:30 pm

ARTScrawl. Join us for the First Friday citywide ARTScrawl. Look at our listings and maps to create your self-guided arts tour. Check out our Meet the Artist series with event dates throughout the month. Info: artscrawlabq.org.

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friday 3 | 7 pm

Burlesque Show. The Stage heats up with The Lala’s Burlesque Show that will tease and tempt audiences with delight. Ages 21 and over only. Info: The Stage at The Star, 54 Jemez Canyon Dam Road, Santa Ana Pueblo. Tickets: thestageatthestar.com, 771-5680.

friday 3 | 7:30 pm

Drum Tao 2020. With a samurai heart and a rock and roll aesthetic, Drum Tao brings their power and precision to this show. The performers train themselves in traditional Japanese drumming and martial arts, melding martial arts precision with driving rhythms. Info: Popejoy Hall, 203 Cornell Drive NE, popejoypresents. com, 277-9771. Tickets: $25-$69.

friday 3 | 9–11 pm

Bobcats. The award-winning Bobcats will be swinging at the Central Avenue Swing Sessions. Info: Maple Street Dance Space, Nob Hill, 3215 Central Ave. NE.

saturday 4 | 6 am–4 pm

WE WANT TO SAY THANK YOU TO ALL OUR LOYAL CUSTOMERS

Trinity Tour. Experience history on a bus tour to the historical Trinity Site. Walk to Ground Zero, see Jumbo and hear Museum docents provide insight into historical events and the Manhattan Project scientific pioneers. Info: National Museum of Nuclear Science & History, 601 Eubank Blvd. SE, nuclearmuseum.org, 245-2137, extension 103. Tickets: $90.

saturday 4 | 6:45 am–4 pm

Annual Fishing Derby. The Central Pond will be stocked with over 5,000 rainbow trout, including 200 tagged fish. Catch a tagged trout to win a prize. Info: ABQ BioPark Tingley Beach, 1800 Tingley Drive SW, abqbiopark.com, 848-7180. Tickets: Free, but a fishing license is required to fish.

saturday 4 | 10 am–12 noon

Education Excellence Scholarships Award Ceremony. These awards from the Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerce are presented to graduating Hispanic high school seniors who will be attending an institution of higher learning. Info: South Broadway Cultural Center, 1025 Broadway Blvd. SE, ahcnm.org, 8429003. Free.

saturday 4 | 10 am–2 pm AUTO BODY Certified Collision Repair

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The Great Ape-Ril. Throughout the month of April, the Zoo will celebrate great apes. Each event includes discovery stations, crafts and keeper chats. Also on April 11 and 18. Info: ABQ BioPark Zoo, 903 10th Street SW, abqbiopark.com, 848-7180. Tickets: included with regular admission.

saturday 4 | 12 noon–5 pm

Fiestas de Albuquerque. Celebrate Albuquerque’s birthday and enjoy the history and traditions of our city with children’s activities, live artist demonstrations, live entertainment including headliner Gonzalo, local food, shopping, and fun for the whole family.

Info: Old Town Plaza, 200 N. Plaza Street NW, visitabq.org. Free.

saturday 4 | 5–10 pm

Sky Lantern Festival. It’s a breathtaking event of beauty and magic. Honor a lost loved one or send wishes for your future to the universe. Event also offers music, a challenge course, activities and contests with prizes, food, beer, and other vendors, a ferris wheel, VIP options, and more. Info: lightthenightevents.com. Tickets: lightsoveramerica.events.

saturday 4 | 7 pm

Wizard of OZ. Based on the children’s book, this ballet springs to life with elaborate sets, choreography, and costumes. Join Dorothy as she discovers knowledge and friendship. Also showing April 5 and 11 at 2 pm, April 10 at 7 pm. Info: KiMo Theatre, 421 Central Ave. NW, kimotickets.com, 768-3544. Premier seating: $22-$30, Standard seating $17-$25.

saturday 4 | 7:30 pm

Friction Quartet. Friction Quartet presents an exciting evening of contemporary string music as well as masterworks. Info: Old San Ysidro Church, 966 Old Church Road, Corrales. Advance tickets $25; $30 at door if available, brownpapertickets.com.

saturday 4 | 7:30 pm

Loudon Wainwright III. Wainwright’s career includes albums, and movie and TV credits. Wainwright is best known for the novelty song “Dead Skunk (in the Middle of the Road),” and for playing Captain Calvin Spalding on the show M*A*S*H. Info: National Hispanic Cultural Center, 1701 4th Street SW. Tickets: nhccnm.org, 724-4771, $37.

sunday 5 | 10:30 am

Chatter Sunday. This concert includes Tromba Mundi trumpet ensemble, featuring UNM Professor of Trumpet John Marchiando, and poetry read by Dorothy Alexander. Info: Las Puertas, 1512 1st Street NW, chatterabq.org. Tickets: adults $16 in advance, $20 at door (if available); $9 students/under 30; $5 under 13.

sunday 5–saturday 11 | 12 noon–6 pm

Math Month EGGstravaganza. Children are invited to find hidden eggs containing a math puzzle and treat. One egg per visitor. Info: Explora, 1701 Mountain Road NW, explora.us, 224-8300. Included with paid admission: $6-$10 per person, free under 1 year and Explora members.

sunday 5 | 1–5 pm

Artist’s Reception. Our guest artist is renowned photographer, Kevin Black. Kevin has given new life to Tintype Photography, and his images are both haunting and beautiful. Info: Corrales Bosque Gallery, 4685 Corrales Road, corralesbosquegallery.com, 898-7203. Open to the public.

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sunday 5 | 3 pm

Guitar New Mexico Spring Fundraising Concert. Guitar New Mexico is a nonprofit corporation that encourages and fosters the study and appreciation of the classical guitar, bringing some of the finest classical guitarists in the world to educate and inspire our guitar students. Info: First Unitarian Church of Albuquerque, 3701 Carlisle Blvd. NE, guitarnewmexico.org.

monday 6 | 9–11 am

thursday 9 | 6–8 pm

Dealing With Difficult Emotions Family Workshop. Some of the emotions that grievers, especially children, experience in the grief process can be overwhelming. This workshop, for the whole family, addresses feelings of anger, guilt, and regret by exploring avenues to safe expression. Info: Children’s Grief Center, 3001 Trellis Drive NW. Register: 3230478. Free.

thursday 9 | 7:30 pm

Gilad Hekselman Trio. Gilad Hekselman, a native of Israel, is a leading voice in jazz guitar. Tonight, he is joined by Dave Robaire, bass and Jonathan Pinson, drums. Info: Outpost Performance Space, 210 Yale Blvd. SE, outpostspace.org, 2680044. Tickets: $25, $20 Outpost Members and students.

Toddler Time at Explora! Explora! opens an hour early Mondays for toddlers and their adults. Enjoy music jam, storytime and explore exhibits. Also on April 13, 20 and 27. Info: Explora!, 1701 Mountain Road NW, explora.us, 224-8300. Admission: $6-$10 per person, free under 1 year and Explora! members.

monday 6 | 1–2:30 pm

Introduction to Support Groups. Explore the importance of support groups for families who are facing Alzheimer’s disease, presented by Barbara Michels, author of “The Alzheimer’s Journey.” Info: Alzheimer’s Association, NM Chapter, 6731 Academy Road NE, 266-4473. Free.

monday 6 | 3–5 pm

Makerspace Open Hours for Kids and Adults. Drop in to work on your own project or work alongside Explora! staff as they test new activities. Also on April 13, 20 and 27. Info: Explora!, 1701 Mountain Road NW, explora.us, 224-8300. Included with admission: $6-$10 per person, free under 1 year and Explora! members.

tuesday 7 | 10 am

Albuquerque Newcomers’ Club Welcome Coffee. Come learn of the club’s varied activities. Membership is open to residents of Albuquerque for less than five years or residents experiencing major changes in their lives. The club is not affiliated with the church. Info: Sandia Presbyterian Church, 10704 Paseo del Norte NE, albuquerquenewcomersclub.org, 321-6970.

tuesday 7 and tuesday 14 | 2–3 pm

Imagine Storytime. Join us for an interactive story time program in conjunction with “The Jim Henson Exhibition: Imagination Unlimited” with award-winning storyteller Laurie Magovern, MA. Experience stories, songs, movement and an art project for the whole family. $5 additional special exhibit surcharge applies. Info: Albuquerque Museum, 2000 Mountain Road NE, cabq. gov, 243-7255.

thursday 9 | 1:30–2:30 pm

Legal Issues for Caregivers-What You Should Know. Early legal and financial planning is critical for families facing the journey of Alzheimer’s disease. This important information is presented by retired attorney, Don Pinnock, JD. Info: Alzheimer’s Association, NM Chapter, 6731 Academy Road NE, 266-4473. Free.

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friday 10 | 9 am–2 pm

Sensory-Friendly Camp at Explora! This camp is for ages 4–12, during the APS holiday. The topic is “Brick by Brick.” What makes a structure strong? Explore various materials and designs to construct different types of structures. Info: Explora!, 1701 Mountain Road NW, explora. us, 224-8300. Pre-registration and fee info on website.

friday 10 | 9 am–4 pm

Explora! School’s Out Camp for Grades K-5. The topic is “Farm to Table.” Explore agriculture in a whole new way as we create the transitions from farm to table. Info: Explora!, 1701 Mountain Road NW, explora.us, 224-8300. Registration and fee info on website.

friday 10 | 9 am–5 pm

Spring Pastel Flower Show. Visitors can sneak a peek at blue and white hydrangeas, Peruvian scilla, delphinium and many more flower varieties at the Mediterranean Conservatory daily through May 3. Info: ABQ BioPark Botanic Garden, 2601 Central Ave. NW, abqbiopark.com, 848-7180. Tickets: included with regular admission.

friday 10 | 6 pm

Chatter Cabaret. Chatter’s Associate Artistic Director, clarinetist James Shields, leads a concert of chamber music by Schumann, Rihm, Boccherini, Saariaho, and Dohnanyi. Info: Albuquerque Museum, 2000 Mountain Road NW, chatterabq.org. Tickets: $27 general admission.

saturday 11 | 9 am–1 pm

Shredding Event. Santa Ana Star Casino Hotel will host a free community shredding event in partnership with Unicor, LLC to help combat identity theft. Info: Santa Ana Star Casino Hotel, 54 Jemez Canyon Dam Road, Santa Ana Pueblo. Free.

saturday 11 and sunday 12 | 10 am–4 pm

Cactus and Succulent Society of NM Show and Sale. The show will display fine specimens from private collections in our region. The sale will offer a wide variety of cacti and other succulent plants, from bargain starter plants to spectacular specimens. Info: Albuquerque Garden Center, 10120 Lomas Blvd. NE, new-mexico.cactus-society.org. Free admission.

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saturday 11 | 11 am

Best Buddies Friendship Walk. Help us create an inclusive community for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, helping them form friendships, secure jobs, live independently, improve public speaking, and feel valued. Teams raise funds and win prizes. The walk is free, open to the public. Info: Albuquerque Academy, 6400 Wyoming Blvd. NE. Register: bestbuddiesfriendshipwalk.org.

saturday 11 | 1–4 pm

Casa San Ysidro Traditions of the Santero: Bulto Making Techniques. Conservators Keith Bakker and Allison Herrera discuss bultos and bulto making techniques with objects from the Museum’s collection. Info: Casa San Ysidro, 973 Old Church Road, Corrales, cabq.gov, 898-3915. Free.

saturday 11 | 3 pm

Ashley Biggers Book Sale and Signing. “Secret Albuquerque: A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful, and Obscure” is a guide to Albuquerque’s overlooked, offbeat, and unknown. Read the stories behind the city’s best-kept restaurant secrets, most fascinating museums and landmarks, and oddest works of art. Info: Bookworks, 4022 Rio Grande Blvd. NW, bkwrks.com, 344-8139.

saturday 11 | 7:30 pm

New Mexico United Soccer. Let’s keep packing The Lab and keep making history. Come see the United match against LA Galaxy II. Info: Isotopes Park, 1601 Avenida Cesar Chavez SE, newmexicoutd.com for details and tickets.

saturday 11 | 9 pm

Ghastly at the Stage. Known for his explosive mixes of bass house and electro, EDM (electronic dance music) powerhouse Ghastly will perform at The Stage. Ages 21 and over only. Info: The Stage at The Star, 54 Jemez Canyon Dam Road, Santa Ana Pueblo. Tickets: thestageatthestar.com, 771-5680.

sunday 12 | 10 am–12 noon

Sensory-Friendly Hours at Explora! In partnership with New Mexico Autism Society, Explora! offers Sensory-Friendly Hours for visitors who prefer a less sensory-stimulating visit. Info: Explora!, 1701 Mountain Road NW, explora.us, 2248300. Admission: $6-$10; children under 1 year and Explora! members free.

sunday 12 | 10:30 am

Chatter Sunday. Chatter’s Beethoven cycle continues with a visit from Portland-based Mousai Remix String Quartet. Info: Las Puertas, 1512 1st Street NW, chatterabq. org. Tickets: adults $16 in advance, $20 at door (if available); $9 students/under 30; $5 under 13.

tuesday 14 | 8–11 pm

The Hu. This viral sensation from Mongolia blends heavy metal with traditional Mongolian throat singing and instruments. The band calls their style of music “hunnu rock”, hu being a Mongolian root word for “human”. Info: Sunshine Theater, 120 Central Ave. SW, ampconcerts.org. Tickets: $33-$38.

wednesday 15 | 12 noon–1 pm

Developing and Executing a Care Plan for People Living with Dementia Disease. What are the options for care plans for people living with Alzheimer’s or dementia? Lena Ernst, Ph.D. discusses planning for the future when dealing with a progressive dementia disease. Info: Alzheimer’s Association, NM Chapter, 6731 Academy Road. NE, 266-4473. Free.

thursday 16 | 5–8:30 pm

3rd Thursday: Muppet Trivia. After work, swing by Albuquerque Museum for music, fun programs, art making for all ages, and a cash bar and small plates at our cafe, Slate at the Museum. Info: Albuquerque Museum, 2000 Mountain Road NE, cabq. gov, 243-7255. Free general admission.

thursday 16 | 7:30 pm

Myra Melford. Pianist Melford’s music melds improvisation with jazz, blues and global folk styles, classical traditions and avant-garde, poetry, Indian meditation, and yoga. Concert features cornetist

Ron Miles, guitarist Liberty Ellman, bass guitarist Stomu Takeishi and drummer Tyshawn Sorey. Info: Outpost Performance Space, 210 Yale Blvd. SE, 268-0044, outpostspace.org. Tickets: $30, Members $25.

thursday 16–sunday 19 | various times, 6 performances

The Play That Goes Wrong. On opening night of the play called “The Murder at Haversham Manor,” things go from bad to utterly disastrous, with an unconscious leading lady, a corpse that can’t play dead, and actors who trip over everything, including their lines. Info: Popejoy Hall, 203 Cornell Drive NE, popejoypresents. com, 277-9771.

friday 17 | 5:30–8 pm

First Friday Opening Reception and Artist Talks. “Share Our Story//Save Our Selves” by Aryon Hopkins and “What Do You Want Now?!” by Andre RamosWoodard, each explore the artist’s own approach to storytelling and processing. Exhibitions displayed April 6–30. Info: Harwood Art Center, 1114 7th Street NW, harwoodartcenter.org, 242-6367. Free.

friday 17 | 6–9 pm

3rd Friday at the Sheraton. Bobcats play their swing, jazz, standards, Latin and more. All ages welcome. Info: Sheraton Uptown Hotel, 2600 Louisiana Blvd. NE. No cover.

friday 17 | 6:30–8:30 pm

Book Launch Party. “Secret Albuquerque: A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful, and Obscure” by Ashley M. Biggers. See description listed on Saturday 11 | 3 pm. Info: Painted Lady Bed & Brew, 1100 Bellamah Ave. NW, breakfastisoverrated. com, 200-3999. Open to the public. RSVP required: holdmyticket.com/ event/357736.

friday 17–saturday 18 | 6:30 pm–8 am

Aquarium Overnight. Pack your pajamas and pillow for the ultimate sleepover. Explore the Aquarium at night and learn in depth about ocean animals. Info: ABQ BioPark Aquarium, 2601 Central Ave. NW, abqbiopark.com, 848-7180. Tickets: $30.

friday 17 | 7:30 pm

Albuquerque Science Fiction Society Meeting. Portales author Darynda Jones, who has completed her “Charley Davidson” paranormal series, talks about her new mystery set in New Mexico, “A Bad Day for Sunshine.” Info: Activity Room, St. Andrew Presbyterian Church, 5301 Ponderosa Ave. NE, bubonicon.com, 266-8905. $1 for newcomers.

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friday 17–sunday, may 3 | various times

The Odd Couple. This classic comedy matches Oscar Madison and Felix Unger, the slob and the clean freak, who ultimately decide to room together with hilarious results. Evening and matinee shows are available. Info: Albuquerque Little Theatre, 224 San Pasquale Ave. SW, albuquerquelittletheatre.org, 242-4750.

saturday 18 | 7:30–10 am

per adult, $2.75 per senior (65+), and $2.50 per child (ages 3-12).

saturday 18 | 10 am

Linus Blanketeer Appreciation Brunch. Are you a Linus Blanketeer? The Albuquerque Project Linus Chapter is hosting a Volunteer Appreciation Brunch for our unknown, generous folks who make blankets for Project Linus. Info: First Christian Church, 10101 Montgomery Blvd. NE. Register: 298-5002.

Raising the Roof with Love. Join MC NM State Auditor Brian Colón at the Greater Albuquerque Habitat for Humanity’s annual fundraising breakfast and auction featuring a breakfast, speakers, silent auction, raffle prizes, and a travel auction with great deals. Info: Sheraton Albuquerque Uptown, 2600 Louisiana Blvd. NE. Reservations required: habitatabq.org, 265-0057 x115. Tickets: $35.

saturday 18 | 11 am

saturday 18–sunday 19 | 9 am–5 pm

Earth Day Activity at Explora! Celebrate Earth day at Explora! with a special activity for children and adults. Visit our website events calendar for details. Info: Explora!, 1701 Mountain Road NW, explora.us, 2248300. Activity is included with general admission $6-$10.

Half Price Weekend. All single admission tickets will be half-off. Info: ABQ BioPark Botanic Garden, 2601 Central Ave. NW, abqbiopark.com, 848-7180. Tickets: $5

How Outpost Works (H.O.W.). This annual session by Outpost Director Tom Guralnick is your chance to learn how funding works, how booking works, and how Outpost fits into the scope of the arts and jazz scene. Info: Outpost Performance Space, 210 Yale Blvd. SE, outpostspace. org, 268-0044. Free.

saturday 18 | 1–4 pm

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saturday 18 | 2 pm

National Water Dance. National Water Dance is an artist-driven collective of dancers, students, educators and community members who create simultaneous performances across the United States to bring awareness to local and global water issues. Info: Mountain View Community Center, 201 Prosperity Ave. SE, keshetarts.org, 224-9808.

saturday 18 and sunday 19 | 2 pm

NMYA Presents Mary Poppins, Jr. You will have a supercalifragilisticexpialidocious time at No. 17 Cherry Tree Lane, London with the nanny who proves herself to be magically wonderful with the children of Mr. and Mrs. Banks. Info: KiMo Theatre, 423 Central Ave. NW, kimotickets.com, 768-3522. Tickets: $10 children, $12 adults.

saturday 18 | 4 pm

Author Event at Page 1 Books. Author Darynda Jones of Portales will talk about and sign her new mystery novel, “A Bad Day for Sunshine,” which is set in New Mexico. Location: Page One Books, 5850 Eubank Blvd. NE, Suite B-41, page1book. com, 294-2026. Free to attend.

saturday 18 | 5 pm

sunday 19 | 2 pm

saturday 18 | 7 pm

sunday19 | 2:30–3:30 pm

Sam Dressel sings Bach. Join us for an afternoon of Bach Arias from the cantatas sung by the tenor of Voces 8, Sam Dressel. Info: St. John’s United Methodist Church, 2626 Arizona Street NE, musicatstjohns. org. No admission charge, a free will offering will be gratefully received. Complimentary childcare is available. Luke Combs What you See is What You Get Tour. Combs is an American country music singer and songwriter from North Carolina. His hits include “Hurricane”, “When It Rains It Pours”, “One Number Away”, “She Got the Best of Me”. Info: Isleta Amphitheater, 5601 University Blvd. SE. Tickets: stubhub.com.

sunday 19 | 1–3 pm

The Life and Art of Wilson Hurley. Albuquerque Museum Foundation presents a lecture and book signing featuring Rosalyn Roembke Hurley. American landscape artist Wilson Hurley (1924–2008) painted the natural wonders throughout the galaxy, expressing his love of its richness. Info: Albuquerque Museum, 2000 Mountain Road NE, 8420111, albuquerquemuseumfoundation.org. Free admission.

Placitas Studio Tour Preview Exhibition. Placitas Artists Series presents a preview of works by exhibitors in the Placitas Studio Tour at an exhibit and reception. Info: Las Placitas Presbyterian Church, six miles east of I-25, exit 242, NM 165, placitasartistsseries.org, 867-8080. Free admission. Frontiers for Young Minds at Explora. This is a free ongoing project for ages 8–15 who are curious about science. Learn to review neuroscience research articles. Learn about being a research scientist. Advance registration required. Info: Explora, 1701 Mountain Road NW, explora.us, 224-8385.

sunday 19 | 3 pm

Placitas Artists Series Concert. Jesse Tatum, flute, David Felberg, violin, Kimberly Fredenbergh, viola, and Tobias Vigneau, string bass, perform classical works spanning four centuries. Info: Las Placitas Presbyterian Church, six miles east of I-25, exit 242, NM 165, placitasartistsseries.org, 867-8080. Tickets: $25; students $15, music students under 20 with a ticketholding adult, free.

sunday 19 | 3 pm

Guitar Chamber Players and Guitar New Mexico’s Youth Ensemble Concert. The Chambers Players is an adult classical guitar ensemble of 15-20 professionals, instructors, and amateurs. The Youth Ensemble is a classical guitar ensemble of high school guitar players grades 9-12. Info: Del Norte High School Auditorium, 5323 Montgomery Blvd. NE, guitarnewmexico. org. Free.

sunday 19 | 3 pm

What Is This Thing Called Jazz? Outpost continues its Music Appreciation Series in partnership with the John Lewis Legacy Project’s Ensemble, featuring local musicians who will perform and talk about the music of the legendary jazz pianist and composer, John Aaron Lewis. Info: Outpost Performance Space, 210 Yale Blvd. SE, outpostspace.org, 268-0044. Free.

tuesday 21 | 7:30 pm

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thursday 23 | 10 am–3 pm

Skills Workshop for Dementia Caregivers. These “Neighborhood by Neighborhood Workshops,” this one in the NE Heights, are designed to help caregivers learn approaches that encourage success in the lives of families facing Alzheimer’s disease. Info: Alzheimer’s Association, NM Chapter, 6731 Academy Road NE, 2664473. Free.

thursday 23–saturday 25 | various times

Gathering of Nations Pow Wow. This is the largest pow-wow in the United States and North America. It includes competitions in Native American singing and dancing with over 3,000 participants from various Tribes, Stage 49 contemporary music, Indian traders’ market with over 400 vendors, and a Native food court. All ages welcome. Info and tickets: gatheringofnations.com.

thursday 23 | 7:30 pm

thursday 23–sunday 26 | various times

Cirque du Soliel. AXEL is a new thrillpacked experience fusing world-class ice skating with breathtaking acrobatics. Join Axel and his adrenaline-fueled crew on an exhilarating adventure as his passion for music and graphic arts takes you on an electrifying journey. Info: Santa Ana Star Center, 3001 Civic Center Circle, NE, Rio Rancho. Tickets: cirquedusoliel.com.

friday 24 and saturday 25 | friday 1–6 pm, saturday 8 am–12 noon

Annual Spring Garden Fair and Plant Sale. This sale will offer a huge selection of wonderful plants including locally grown and xeric. Proceeds support the Center. Info: Albuquerque Garden Center, 10120 Lomas Blvd. NE, albuquerquegardencenter. org. Free admission and free parking.

friday 24 | 5:30 pm

Girls Incorporated Gala 2020: A Future Vision for Girls. At this event, guests will experience Girls Inc. of Santa Fe’s programs first-hand, enjoy wine and horsd’oeuvres, a plated dinner, and walk away with amazing experiences and items from our auction. Info: Eldorado Hotel Santa Fe, 309 W. San Francisco Street. Tickets: girlsincofsantafe.org, 982-2042.

friday 24 and saturday 25 | 7 pm

20/20 Vision: The KP3 Spring Concert. Celebrating the 14th year of Keshet’s Pre-Professional Program and the dancers’ achievements, this showcase is a culmination of work performed by KP3 students – 32 students, 10 faculty choreographers, 2 shows. Info: Keshet Center for the Arts, 4121 Cutler Ave. NE, keshetarts.org, Keshet Box Office, 2278583.

friday 24 | 7:30 pm

Roust The House Teen Performance Night. These performances feature local bands and soloists, from punk rock to classical piano, hip-hoppers, spoken word artists, et cetera. Shows are coordinated by TeamRoust: Luke Dierks, Leili Shafie, Scott Wilson, and Zoe Kurtz. Info: Outpost Performance Space, 210 Yale Blvd. SE, outpostspace.org, 268-0044. $3 at the door.

saturday 25 | 9 am–12 noon

ARCA’s Annual Geranium Celebration. Proceeds from the sale of these beautiful geraniums help ARCA, a private not-for-profit organization, open doors for children and adults with intellectual, developmental and cognitive disabilities to live great lives. Info: ARCA Greenhouses, 181 E. La Entrada, Corrales, arcaopeningdoors.org, 332-6700.

saturday 25 | tbd

Albuquerque Renaissance Faire. Lords and Ladies are invited to the most beloved event in the kingdom. All faire favorites including The Tavern, Commoners’ Food Court, Children’s Realm, Artisan Village, Living History and live entertainment will return. Info: Anderson Abruzzo Balloon Museum, 9201 Balloon Museum Drive NE. Tickets: $10, children 4-12 $5, 3 and under free.

saturday 25 | 9 am –12 noon

Workshop for Educators on Making and Tinkering. Gain skills and experience in integrating engineering with art and design through the practice of making. Info: Explora, 1701 Mountain Road NW, explora.us. Pre-registration required: 2248341. Free.

saturday 25 | 9 am–4 pm

CHS Mudding and Maintenance Day. Share in this family-fun experience of caring for one of the most beloved historic buildings in Corrales, constructed of adobe mud in 1868. Help with mudding and various maintenance and preservation projects. Info: Old San Ysidro Church, 966 Old Church Road, Corrales, corraleshistory. org. Free.

saturday 25 | 10 am–2 pm

Children’s Seed Festival. Come explore seed education stations. There will also be face painting, veggie planting, and a group plant mural. Info: ABQ BioPark Botanic Garden, 2601 Central Ave. NW, abqbiopark.com, 848-7180. Tickets: included with regular admission.

saturday 25 | 10 am–2 pm

World Penguin Day. Through hands-on discovery stations, visitors will investigate the threats facing wild penguins and learn about what they can do to help. Info: ABQ BioPark Zoo, 903 10th Street SW, abqbiopark.com, 848-7180. Tickets: included with regular admission.

saturday 25 | 10 am–2:30 pm

Rio Rancho Youth Chorus Fundraiser. Help RRYC by donating clothing, kitchen items, home/yard décor, linens, art, tools, sporting equipment, toys, jewelry, etc. Also, we have a bake sale and minigarage sale for those who want to shop and snack. Info: Bring items to The ASK Academy, 4550 Sundt Road, Rio Rancho, 977-4160.

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saturday 25 | 10 am–5 pm

wednesday 29 | 5:30–7:30 pm

saturday 25 | 1:30–3:30 pm

wednesday 29 | 7:30 pm

Independent Bookstore Day 2020. This event will include several New Mexico authors as guest booksellers, and drawings for book packs. Info: Page One Books, 5850 Eubank Blvd. NE, Suite B-41, page1book.com, 294-2026. Free to all attendees. Heritage Spinning and Weaving. This class features yarn building and fibermade utilitarian items. Learn to spin on a spinning wheel. Call to register. Info: Casa San Ysidro, 973 Old Church Road, Corrales, cabq.gov, 898-3915. Included in Museum admission.

saturday 25 | 7:30 pm

New Mexico United Soccer. Come support New Mexico United in it’s match against the Salt Lake City Real Monarchs. Info: Isotopes Park, 1601 Avenida Cesar Chavez SE, newmexicoutd.com for details and tickets.

sunday 26 | 10:30 am

Chatter Sunday. New York-based singer Lucy Dhegrae, described by “The New Yorker” as an “adventurous mezzosoprano” and “raconteur”, returns to Albuquerque. Info: Las Puertas, 1512 1st Street NW, chatterabq.org. Tickets: adults $16 in advance, $20 at door (if available); $9 students/under 30; $5 under 13.

Daymé Arocena. This jazz singer is described as Cuba’s “finest young female singer.” She draws inspiration from Cuban as well as jazz, soul and classical music. She’s joined by Jorge Luis Lagarza, piano; Rafael Aldama, bass; Marcos Morales, drums. Info: Outpost Performance Space, 210 Yale Blvd. SE, outpostspace.org, 2680044. Tickets: $30, $25 Members and students.

thursday 30 | 7 am

Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerce Golf Classic. Register a foursome and enjoy a round of golf. Shotgun start at 8 am. All proceeds support our Education Scholarship Fund. Info: Isleta Eagle Golf Course, 4001 NM47, ahcnm.org, 842-9003.

thursday 30 | 7:30 pm

sunday 26 | 2 pm

CHS Speaker Series. Author Norma Libman will present, “From Spain to New Mexico: A Journey to Keep a Secret.” Info: Old San Ysidro Church, 966 Old Church Road, corraleshistory.org, 433-4102. Free.

Broken Shadows. Inspired by Ornette Coleman’s evocative compositions, saxophonist Tim Berne’s Broken Shadows features saxophonist Chris Speed, reed players Dewey Redman and Julius Hemphill, The Bad Plus’ Reid Anderson on bass and Dave King on drums. They play with bold experimentation and humor. Info: Outpost Performance Space, 210 Yale Blvd. SE, 268-0044, outpostspace. org.

sunday 26 | 2 pm

thursday 30 | 7:30–9:30 pm

sunday 26 | 7–9 pm

ONGOING: daily | various times

Come One, Come All Chamber Music Lovers. We will present music by J.S. Bach, Bela Bartok, Samuel Barber and Igor Stravinsky. The performing groups include a brass choir, brass quintet, a violin, clarinet, piano ensemble and a flute, clarinet, bassoon, trombone ensemble. Info: Congregation Albert, 3800 Louisiana Blvd. NE. Free admission, donations appreciated. Adam Ant. At sold-out venues throughout North America, United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand, pop icon Adam Ant performs his landmark, solo album “Friend or Foe” live in its entirety, and his classic chart-topping singles and personal favorites. Info: KiMo Theatre, 423 Central Ave. NW, kimotickets.com, 768-3522.

monday 27 | 6:30 pm

New Mexico Quilters Association Meeting. This event features speakers from the Guild and a dinner potluck. The Association offers lectures by contemporary quilters and a diverse group of nationally and internationally known instructors. Info: Grace Lutheran Church Fellowship Hall, 7550 Eubank Blvd. NE, nmqa.org.

Monthly Biz Gratis. Join the Albuquerque Hispano Chamber for this free monthly networking event to meet, mingle and build your business. Info: held at a different venue each month, for this month’s location go to ahcnm.org, or call 842-9003. Free.

Marty Stuart in Concert. Marty Stuart celebrates the twentieth anniversary of his iconic album, “The Pilgrim.” He is known for both his traditional style, and eclectic merging of rockabilly, honky tonk, and traditional country music. Info: KiMo Theatre, 423 Central Ave. NW, ampconcerts.org. Tickets: $35, $40, and $55.

Al-Anon Family Groups and Alateen– Meetings. An anonymous fellowship of relatives and friends of problem drinkers, meetings are held on various days, times and 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, 262-2177.

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daily |

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

daily |

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

daily |

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

daily |

Donate Blood. Someone needs it every day. Info: 843-6227, unitedbloodservices.org.

daily |

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

daily |

“Mechanics Alive” Exhibition. Visitors to Explora! are invited to explore the collection of whimsical automata visiting Explora from Cabaret Mechanical Theatre, UK. Open through April 2020. Info: Explora!, 1701 Mountain Road NW, explora. us, 224-8300. Included with general admission $6-$10, free for under age 1 and Explora! members.

daily |

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

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daily |

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

daily |

Ronald McDonald House. Ronald McDonald House Charities of New Mexico provides a home-away-from-home for families with ill children. Operating the 30-bedroom house and the Ronald McDonald Family Room on the sixth floor of the UNM Children’s Hospital, volunteers make a vital difference in the lives of the people they serve. Info: Traci, 842-8960, volunteer7@ comcast.net, rmhc-nm.org.

Also tour the museum, gardens and amphitheater. Info: New Mexico Veterans Memorial Park, 1100 Louisiana Blvd. SE, 256-2042. Free admission. Donations requested.

daily | 9 am–5 pm

from a Pueblo perspective. Info: Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, 2401 12th Street NW, indianpueblo.org, 843-7270. Free with museum admission: adults, $8.40; seniors, military, NM residents, $6.40; students and children 5-18, $5.40.

“The Original Instructions: Pueblo Sovereignty and Governance” Exhibit. This Indian Pueblo Cultural Center exhibit reexamines the role and symbolism of the Lincoln canes in the history of Pueblo people, within a larger discussion about sovereignty, governance, and leadership

daily |

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

daily |

“We Are of This Place: The Pueblo Story” Art Exhibit. The Indian Pueblo Cultural Center celebrates its 40th anniversary with this permanent museum exhibit that represents all 19 Pueblos and builds upon the IPCC’s 40-year history of telling the story of Pueblo people in their own voices. Hear stories in Pueblo languages from artists and elders, interact with art and artifacts, learn about the Pueblo people’s history of resilience, and experience traditions that have been passed down for generations. Info: Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, 2401 12th Street NW, indianpueblo.org, 843-7270. Free with museum admission: adults, $8.40; seniors and NM residents, $6.40; students and children, $5.40.

daily |

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

daily | 9 am–3 pm

Veterans Presentation. Listen to veterans tell about historical events or their personal experience in the service to our country. Speakers represent WWII, Korean, Vietnam, and War on Terror experiences.

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daily | 9 am–5 pm

“Visionary Concepts: Genres of Pueblo Art”—Exhibit. The Indian Pueblo Cultural Center’s exhibit spotlights Pueblo artists that have found a unique way to depict pride in culture and tell a story of cultural perseverance. It is also an exploration of genres and styles of Native art that are difficult to classify. Info: Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, 2401 12th Street NW, 843-7270, indianpueblo.org. Museum admission: adults, $8.40; seniors, military, NM residents, $6.40; students and children 5-18, $5.40.

daily | 9 am–5 pm

40th Annual Native American Student Art Show. IPCC founded this special annual exhibition to encourage Native youth to learn an art and develop their own creativity. Info: Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, 2401 12th Street NW, indianpueblo.org, 843-7270. Free with museum admission.

daily | 10 am–5 pm

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

daily | various times

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

mondays | 5–6 pm

Geeks Who Drink. Test your knowledge while enjoying a unique evening’s experience. Free of charge and open to anyone 21 and older. Prizes awarded to winning teams. Only one table allowed per team. Warning: this quiz contains adult themes and adult language. Info: O’Niell’s Heights, 3301 Juan Tabo Blvd. NE, oniells. com, 293-1122.

mondays | 5:30 pm

The Red Bucket Book Club. Join this group and dive into fun-tastic fiction discussing and reading a variety of fabulous books. Info: Barnes & Noble Coronado Center, 6600 Menaul Blvd. NE, bn.com, 883-8200. Free.

every second monday | 6:30 pm

“The Lyin’ Dog” Interactive Game Show. Aux Dog Theatre Nob Hill, in association with Empire Board Game Library, presents “The Lyin’ Dog,” an interactive game show. Three storytellers—two are real, one’s a liar—can the audience tell the difference? Info: Empire Board Game Library, 3503 Central Ave. NE, auxdog.com, 254-7716. Admission: $5 cash, food and beverages also available.

every second monday | 6:30–8 pm

Outcomes, Inc. Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Discussion/Support Groups. Info: Heights Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 8600 Academy Road NE, 243-2551 to reserve a space. Free childcare provided. Free.

every third monday | 6–7:30 pm

Outcomes, Inc. Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Discussion/Support Groups. Info: West Mesa Community Center, 5500 Glenrio NW, 243-2551 to reserve a space. Free childcare provided. Free.

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every fourth monday | 6:30– 8:30 pm

Bead Society of New Mexico Monthly Membership Meeting. The BSNM’s purpose is to promote the members’ and the public education, appreciation, and involvement in the field of beads and bead-related subjects. No meeting in July or December. Info: North Domingo Baca Multigenerational Center, 7521 Caramel Drive NE, beadsocietynm.org.

mondays–fridays | various times

tuesdays | 6:30–9:30 pm

Beginning Square Dance Lessons. Lessons are available for singles, couples, and families. Dress is casual and no experience is required; offered by the Crazy Eights Square Dance Club. Info: Albuquerque Square Dance Center, 4915 Hawkins Street NE, 881-0137, hornytoad@q.com.

tuesdays | 6:30–9:30 pm

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

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

tuesdays | 7:30–10 pm

mondays–saturdays | 10 am–5 pm

Fine Wine Dance Classes: Moving FWD. Classes specifically for ages 55 and over, exploring movement and choreography as a community. No experience necessary. Drop-in class $7.50 with discount; Session package discounts available. Registration is ongoing. Info: Keshet Center for the Arts, 4121 Cutler Ave. NE, keshetarts.org, 224-9808.

Exquisite Turquoise in the Castle. This extraordinary German-style castle is the museum setting, featuring rare turquoise specimens, lapidary demos, history and geology, a mine tunnel replica, hands-on activities for kids, and silver smithing. Info: The Turquoise Museum, 400 2nd Street SW, turquoisemuseum.com, 433-3684. Tickets: $16, discounts for AAA, over 55 and military.

tuesdays | multiple times

Skills for Dementia Caregiving. This free six-session, evidence-based program, trains family and friends caring for a loved one with dementia practical techniques for interacting, understanding and managing their behavior. Also on Thursdays from 10 –12 noon. Info: Alzheimer’s Association Office, 9500 Montgomery Blvd. NE, Suite 121, 800-272-3900. Free.

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 by calling 348-4451. Free.

tuesdays | 6 pm

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

tuesdays | 6:30–7:30 pm

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

tuesday and thursdays | 9–10:30 am

tuesdays–saturdays | 9 am–5 pm

Art and History Exhibitions at Albuquerque Museum. “Common Ground”, “Only in Albuquerque”; and “Let the Sunshine In”, and others. Info: Albuquerque Museum, 2000 Mountain Road NW, cabq.gov, 2437255. General Museum admission: $3-$6. $5 exhibition surcharge applies.

tuesdays–sundays | 10 am–5 pm

National Hispanic Cultural Center Exhibits. “El Voto Femenino” and “Mundos de Mestizaje” exhibits feature Hispanic art and history. Info: National Hispanic Cultural Center, 1701 Fourth Street SW, 246-2261, nhccnm.org.

tuesdays, thursdays, fridays, sundays | 11 am

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

Alateen Meetings. For families and friends of alcoholics, Alateen groups for ages 6 to 19 years old. Info: Corrales Senior Center, 4320 Corrales Road, Corrales, 262-2177.

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tuesdays–sundays | 11:30 am–8 pm, sundays 11:30 am–4 pm

Catopia Fun Events. Come to relax, have snacks and drinks, and play with our wonderful adoptable cats. We also offer events like Painting with Cats, Henna Cattoos, Cat Photography, Music Nights, and “Ask the Vet.” Info: catopiacatcafe.com, 508-4278.

tuesdays–sundays | 11:30 am–8 pm, sundays 11:30 am–4 pm

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

tuesdays - sundays | 2 pm

Albuquerque Museum Gallery Tours. Learn more about our featured exhibition “The Jim Henson Exhibition: Imagination Unlimited” with a tour led by one of our well-informed docents. Exhibit closes April 19. Info: Albuquerque Museum, 2000 Mountain Road NW, cabq.gov, 243-7255. Tour included with paid general admission, $4-$6 plus $5 special exhibit surcharge.

tuesdays, thursdays, and saturdays | various times

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

every first tuesday | 1–2:30 pm

Spanish Language Alzheimer’s Support Group. This meeting is for Spanishspeaking individuals caring for a family member with dementia. Info: Alamosa Community Center, 6900 Gonzales Road SW, Suite C, 363-8499 or (800) 2723900.

every first and fourth tuesday | 10 am–2 pm

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

every second tuesday | 11 am–1 pm

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

every second tuesday | 6–7 pm

Outcomes, Inc. Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Discussion/Support Groups. Info: Tijeras-East Mountains, Los Vecinos Community Center, 478 1/2 Old Highway 66, Tijeras, 243-2551 to reserve a space. Free childcare provided. Free.

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every last tuesday | 6–7 pm

Murderinos Book Club. This free true crime book club monthly and Book Club purchases get 10% discount at Bookworks. Info: Bookworks, 4022 Rio Grande Blvd. NW, bkwrks.com, 344-8139. Free to attend.

wednesdays | 9:30 and 11 am

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

wednesdays | 10 and 11 am

Japanese Garden Tours. Hanami Flower Tours at the Japanese Garden. Info: ABQ BioPark Botanic Garden, 2601 Central Ave. NW, abqbiopark.com, 311.

wednesdays | 10:30 am

Good Morning Storytime with Ms. Dakota. Join for a story, a snack and a fun activity. For toddlers and preschoolers. Info: Barnes and Noble Coronado Center, 6600 Menaul Blvd. NE, bn.com, 883-8200. Free.

wednesdays and saturdays | 11 am

Sculpture Garden Tours at Albuquerque Museum. Enjoy a pleasant stroll in our sculpture garden with a friendly docent who will share stories on the artists and their works. Info: Albuquerque Museum, 2000 Mountain Road NW, cabq.gov, 2437255. Tour included with paid general admission, $4-$6.

wednesdays | 12 noon–1 pm

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

wednesdays | 12:30 and 1:30 pm

Music in the Sky: Weekly Music Time. Activities for toddlers and parents include music and movements. Info: Balloon Museum, 9201 Balloon Museum Drive NE, 768-6020. Admission is free for the children and an adult.

wednesdays | 6–9 pm

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

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wednesdays | 9 pm

Geeks Who Drink. Join the best Pub Quiz in town. Bring your friends and create a team of up to six people. Info: O’Niell’s Nob Hill, 4310 Central Ave. SE, 256-0564, geekswhodrink.com/blog, oniells.com.

every first wednesday | 9 am–5 pm

Free First Wednesday. Start your month off right with free admission to Albuquerque Museum and sculpture garden tour. $5 additional special exhibit surcharge may apply. Info: Albuquerque Museum, 2000 Mountain Road NE, cabq. gov, 243-7255. Free general admission.

every second wednesday | 6:30–7:30 pm

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

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

Rio Rancho Art Association (RRAA) Monthly Membership Meeting. RRAA’s mission is the cultural and educational

enrichment of the community and surrounding areas by providing opportunities for artists and the public to collectively participate in fine art events and programs. Info: Don Chalmers Ford Community Room, 2500 Rio Rancho Blvd., 301-2009, rraausa.org.

every second and fourth wednesday | 10 am–2 pm

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

every fourth wednesday and thursday | 12 noon–2 pm and 6–8 pm

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

APRIL 2020 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

Portzline, bportzline@comcast.net. Register at polkadotpowerhouse.com.

thursdays | 10 am–12 noon

Prehistoric Preschool for Families. Explore the most dynamic dinosaurs that roamed New Mexico. Learn to balance like Seismosaurus, hunt like Coelophysis, and stomp like Tyrannosaurus through imaginative play. Info: New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science, 1801 Mountain Road NW, nmnaturalhistory.org, 841-2848. Tickets: see cost information online.

thursdays | 10:30 am

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

thursdays | 3–5 pm

Class with Explora Maker-in-Residence. Explore the science of sound and make a musical instrument with Daveed Korup. Most Thursdays 3-5 pm; call to confirm. Limited places, first-come first-served at class time. Info: Explora, 1701 Mountain Road NW, explora.us, 224-8300. Included with general admission $6-$10.

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every thursday | 6 pm

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

every thursday | 6–9 pm

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

every first thursday | 9:30 am–12 noon

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

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every first thursday | 6:30– 8:30 pm

Albuquerque Modern Quilt Guild. Explore modern quilting, charity work and a working modern quilting group. Info: 7001 San Antonio Drive NE, 821-2739, hipstitchabq.com. Cost: membership, $10/ year; guests, may attend one meeting for free, then up to two more meetings for $3 per meeting.

every second thursday | 6–8 pm

Visionary Arts and Crafts Guild Membership Meeting. VACG’s mission is to develop fellowship among craftspeople and facilitate a market for crafts through exhibitions, education, promoting the development and appreciation of craftspeople and their work. Meet monthly except Oct, Nov, Dec. Info: FBCRR Adult Ed Center, 1909 Grande Ave., Rio Rancho, facebook.com/vacgnm, 948-3132.

every fourth thursday | 10 am–2 pm

every fourth thursday | 7–9 pm

Duke City Story Slam. This monthly storytelling event is where people tell true-life stories, without notes, on that month’s theme. Attendees can reserve a 5-min Open Mic slot between the featured storytellers. A friendly panel of judges scores each story; the winner takes home a prize. Info: Red Door Brewery Downtown Taproom, 400 Gold Ave. SW, storytellersofnewmexico.com, facebook. com/newmexicostorytellers.

every thursday, friday and saturday | 6–9:30 pm

Party in the Fireroom. Pueblo Harvest Café hosts live music in its cozy Fireroom or on the patio. While you listen and dance, enjoy a taco bar, all-you-can-eat horno-baked pizza, handcrafted cocktails, local craft beer, and a creative menu of appetizers from our acclaimed culinary team. Info: Pueblo Harvest Café, 2401 12th Street NW, puebloharvestcafe.com, 7243510. No cover.

fridays | 10:30 am

Story Time at the Botanic Garden. Info: ABQ BioPark Botanic Garden, 2601 Central Ave. NW, abqbiopark.com or dial 311.

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fridays | 12 noon–1:30 pm

Grief and Loss Support Group. Grief is a natural process that can often be eased through sharing with others who have experienced the loss of a loved one or any other significant loss. Info: Jewish Community Center, 5520 Wyoming Blvd. NE. Preregistration required by calling 348-4451. Free.

fridays | 1 pm

Mural Discovery Tour. The IPCC houses 19 murals by Pueblo artists. Our guided tour provides an introduction to the art, traditions, and core values of Pueblo culture, and a who’s who of Pueblo artists, such as Pablita Velarde, Helen Hardin, and Jose Rey Toledo. Reflect upon the murals and uncover layers of meaning in each, with representations of traditional Pueblo life, including dance, the seasons and our connection to animals, as well as the contemporary vision of emerging artists. Tours can be scheduled for groups in advance by calling 212-7052. Info: Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, 2401 12th Street NW, 843-7270, indianpueblo.org. Free with museum admission: adults, $8.40; seniors and military, $6.40; New Mexico residents, $6.40; students and children, $5.40; children under 5, free.

every first friday |

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

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, 5084020, holidaydancestudio.com. $10.

every first friday | 1:30 pm

Tamarind Institute First Friday Tours. See the workshop facility, learn about fine art lithography, the current programs and the history of Tamarind (a division within the College of Fine Arts at UNM), a collaborative process video, and a printing demonstration. Reservations: tamarind. unm.edu. Info: Tamarind Institute, 2500 Central Ave. SE, 453-2159. Free.

every first friday | 8–10 pm

Cristel’s Variety Dance Party. Join us on this large wooden dance floor for social dancing to a variety of music - country, ballroom, Latin, and swing. Singles and couples are welcome. Great wood dance floor, music requests taken. Info: Lloyd Shaw Dance Center, 5506 Coal Ave. SE. $5 cover per person.

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every other friday | 7–9 pm

saturdays | 3:30 pm

every third friday | 7–9 pm

saturdays | 5–8 pm

Albuquerque Spanish Meetup. Practice conversational Spanish with a mix of native Spanish speakers and folks learning Spanish. Info: 553-3008, spanish.meetup. com/700/calendar. Cactus and Succulent Society of New Mexico. Discuss cacti and succulents; enjoy a program presented on a particular subject relevant to these plants. Program usually involves a slideshow. Not necessary to be a member to attend. Info: Albuquerque Garden Center, 10120 Lomas Blvd. NE, 2966020 new-mexico.cactus-society.org.

Saturday Storytime. Join Miss Caitlen for new and exciting adventures. Fun for young children and those young at heart. Info: Barnes and Noble, Coronado Center, 6600 Menaul Blvd. NE, 883-8200, bn.com. Free. Cooking Classes at Cinnamon Sugar and Spice Café. Try a fun and exciting handson cooking class. Enjoy a meal prepared by you in a commercial kitchen with the guidance of a chef, sip wine, and top it off with dessert. Info: 5809 Juan Tabo Blvd. NE, 492-2119, cinnamoncafeabq.com.

saturdays | various times

Prehistoric Preschool for Families. Explore the most dynamic dinosaurs that roamed New Mexico. Learn to balance like Seismosaurus, hunt like Coelophysis, and stomp like Tyrannosaurus through imaginative play. Info: New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science, 1801 Mountain Road NW, 841-2848, nmnaturalhistory.org. Tickets: see cost information online.

saturdays | 10:30 am

Story Time at the Aquarium. Info: ABQ BioPark Aquarium, 2601 Central Ave. NW, abqbiopark.com, 768-2000. Included in admission.

saturdays | 12 noon–2 pm

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

saturdays | 1–2:30 pm

Family Art Workshops. Families create a work of art inspired by what they see at Albuquerque Museum. A different project every week. Try your hand working with a variety of art mediums. Info: Albuquerque Museum, 2000 Mountain Road NW, 243-7255, cabq.gov. Free with Museum admission of $4-$6, $5 exhibition surcharge applies.

saturdays | 12 noon–3 pm

Class with Explora Maker-in-Residence. See description above on Thursdays 3–5 pm. Most Saturdays. Info: Explora, 1701 Mountain Road NW, explora.us, 224-8300. Included with general admission $6-$10.

saturdays | 2–5 pm

Art in the Afternoon. Wrap up your shopping in Historic Old Town with free admission into the museum, live local music, and great food and drink specials amid a wealth of cultural and historical artifacts and works of art. Info: Albuquerque Museum of Art and History, 2000 Mountain Road NW, call 311, cabq. gov. Free.

saturdays | 2:30–4:30 pm

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

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every first saturday | 10– 11:30 am

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

every first saturday | 10 am–12 noon

Military History Lecture. Listen to an interesting presentation of military history events and activities that affected New Mexico. Lectures include the History of the NM National Guard, Bataan Death March, WWII Army Air Corp bases in New Mexico, and others. Info: New Mexico Veterans Memorial, 1100 Louisiana Blvd. SE, 2562042. Admission: Free. Donations requested.

every first saturday | 12 noon–3 pm

First Saturday of the Month Shot Clinic For Your Dogs And Cats. No appointment needed. Info: 3251 Westphalia Road SE, wmranch.org.

every second saturday | 10–11:30 am

Outcomes, Inc. Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Discussion/Support Groups. Info: St. Paul’s United Church of Christ, 2701 American Road, Rio Rancho, 243-2551 to reserve a space. Free childcare provided. Free.

every second saturday | 10 am–12 noon

Free Fishing Clinic. Instruction available on basic fly-tying methods, fly-rod casting techniques, fishing etiquette, effective catch-and-release practices and enhancement of advanced skills. Equipment and supplies are available free of charge on a first-come-first-served basis for use during the clinic, or you may bring your own. Tingley Outfitters provides basic equipment for purchase inside the train station. Info: Tingley Beach, 1800 Tingley Drive SW, call 311 or 768-2000.

save the date to celebrate

this year’s class of

every second saturday | 10 am–12 noon

Los Ranchos Growers’ Market. Fresh local produce and products, plants, arts and crafts, music, and more. This schedule through April. Handicapped accessible, family and pet friendly. Info: 6718 Rio Grande Blvd. NW, losranchosgrowersmarket.com, 610-9591. Free admission.

THURSDAY, MAY 14, 2020 | 6:00–9:00PM SANDIA RESORT & CASINO PRESENTING SPONSORS

APRIL 2020 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

EVENT PARTNERS

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every second saturday | 1 pm

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

second and fourth saturday | 12 noon–1 pm

Watermelon Mountain Ranch Volunteer Orientation. Come out 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. Near V. Sue Cleveland Highschool.

every second and fourth saturday | 7–10:30 pm

ABQ Dance Club. This non-profit dance club provides dancing to a variety of music - swing, country, ballroom, Latin. Couples and singles are welcome, no partner or experience needed. Lessons and refreshments included. Info: Albuquerque Square Dance Center, 4915 Hawkins Street NE, asdc.org, 299-3737. Fee $8.

every last saturday | 7–9 pm

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

every saturday and sunday | 12 noon and 2 pm

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

saturdays and sundays starting saturday 14 | various times

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

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sundays | 9 am–1 pm

Free Sunday Mornings at Albuquerque Museum. Admission is free every Sunday morning. View the latest exhibition, try out interactive displays, stroll through the sculpture garden, and stop by the cafe for brunch. Info: Albuquerque Museum, 2000 Mountain Road NW, cabq.gov, 2437255. Free. $5 exhibition surcharge applies during free days at Albuquerque Museum.

sundays | 9 am–1 pm

Free Admission Day. Anderson-Abruzzo Albuquerque International Balloon Museum. Check out this award-winning, world-class facility highlighting the art, culture, history, science and sport of ballooning and other lighter-than-air craft. Info: 9201 Balloon Museum Drive NE, 7686020, cabq.gov/balloon.

sundays | 10:30 am

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

sundays | 12 noon–5 pm

Save Lucky Paws Information Table at Lucky Paws Adoption Site. T-shirts and wristbands for sale. Info: Coronado Mall, saveluckypaws.org.

sundays | 1–4 pm

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

sundays | 8 pm

Geeks Who Drink. Join in best Pub Quiz in town. Bring your friends and create a team of up to six people. Info: O’Niell’s Nob Hill, 4310 Central Ave. SE, 256-0564, geekswhodrink.com/blog, oniells.com.

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

Ballroom, Latin and Swing Dancing. Join USA Ballroom Dance. Free beginner lessons start at 5:30 pm. Info: Albuquerque Square Dance Center, 4915 Hawkins Street NE, 288-0313. Cost: members, $5; non-member, $8.

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every second and fourth sunday | 10–11 am

Yoga with Cats. Enjoy cats frolicking and lounging as you participate in a yoga class for all skill levels. Info: Catopia Cat Cafe, 8001 Wyoming Blvd. NE, Suite C-5, call 508-4278 to reserve your spot. $14 per class.

every second and fourth sunday | 2–4 pm

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

various days | various times

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

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.

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Bleed 8.625” x 11.125”

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Full Page: 8.375” x 10.875” with a 1/8 inch bleed (Safe Zone 7.625” x 10.5” - Final File Size 8.625” x 11.125”)

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SEE - TASTE - DO

New Mexico, on nearly every scale, is a rich tapestry of action and experience. No matter where you look, there’s something to engage the eye, please the palate, and get those positive endorphins pumping. Here’s a rundown on things to see, taste, & do in some of New Mexico’s most vibrant communities.

S PECI A L A DV E RTIS IN G S ECTIO N

las vegas

S PECIAL ADVERTISI NG S ECT I ON

SEE - TASTE - DO

Fort Union Drive-In Theater

Drive-in movie theaters remain a unique cinematic experience for those who know where to look. Visit New Mexico’s last historic Fort Union Drive-in during your visit to Las Vegas. 3300 7th St, Las Vegas • (505) 425-9934

The Dwan Light Sanctuary A peaceful refuge from the bustle of daily life, the Dwan Light Sanctuary allows the shifting geometry of sunlight to elevate a carefully designed space into an ideal spot for serene contemplation. Forest 263 Rd, Las Vegas • (505) 454-4221 • uwc-usa.org/about-us/our-campus

historic buildings

Film History

With over 900 buildings listed on the National Registry of Historic Places, Las Vegas is virtually a living history museum. Stroll the streets, learn about the legends, and explore the lore of this 185-year-old town. Las Vegas

Las Vegas and its surrounding environs occupy a pioneering spot in film history. Here, Romaine Fielding directed a series of films between 1913 and 1915, involving a cavalry and artillery charge through the city streets, among other things. Las Vegas

Fort Union Drive-In Theater

The Dwan Light Sanctuary

Film history

THE SKILLET

TASTE

Once all that sight-seeing and recreation has inevitably left you famished, hit The Skillet to refuel. Grab a plate of brisket tacos, a signature cocktail— perhaps, a High Plains Drifter—and unwind. 619 12th St, Las Vegas • (505) 563-0477 • giant-skillet.com

Plaza Hotel Get a first-hand taste of frontier history with a visit to the fully restored Plaza Hotel, originally opened in 1882, where you can book a room and stay in a building once known as the “Belle of the Southwest.” 230 Plaza St, Las Vegas • (505) 425-3591 • plazahotellvnm.com

Montezuma Hot Springs

It’s rumored that Jesse James and Billy the Kid spent a bit of time here, but the key thing to remember about Montezuma Hot Springs is that it’s an ideal spot to relax in natural, geothermally heated hot springs. Montezuma, NM, 6 miles NW of Las Vegas

Near Montezuma Hot Springs

Storrie Lake State Park

Las Vegas National Wildlife Refuge

Situated in the eastern foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, 11 minutes north of Las Vegas, Storrie Lake State Park is an ideal spot to get a taste of the outdoors without trekking too far off the beaten path. 3 Esequiel C De Baca LN, Las Vegas • (505) 425-7278 • emnrd.state.nm.us/SPD

The Las Vegas National Wildlife Refuge provides habitat for over 270 bird species. Situated on a high plateau at the confluence of the Great Plains, Rocky Mountains, Chihuahuan desert, it’s a can’t-miss for wildlife enthusiasts. Route 1, Las Vegas • (505) 425-3581 • fws.gov/refuge/las_vegas

VISITLASVEGASNM.COM

roswell Antigua Cocina Mexicana

bottomless lakes

TASTE

UFO Museum

Antigua Cocina Mexicana

SEE Roswell UFO Museum

Some folks just want to believe. If you count yourself among their number, Roswell’s International UFO Museum and Research Center is an essential stop. 114 Main Street • (575) 625-9454 • RoswellUFOMuseum.com

SEE - TASTE - DO

S P EC IA L A DV E RTIS IN G SECT I O N

bottomless lakes

For authentic flavors that might even rival your abuelita’s cooking, hit Antigua Cocina Mexicana. Start off with some ceviche classico, dip into some pescado a la Veracruzana, and finish off with some arroz con leche. 3601 N Main St • (575) 208-0991 • antiguacm.com

Not exactly bottomless in any literal sense, these 17 to 90 foot deep pools are actually sinkholes where you can swim, canoe, kayak, or even scuba dive. 545 A Bottomless Lakes Rd • emnrd.state.nm.us/SPD

Chef Toddzilla’s

The UFO Spacewalk

Chef Toddzilla’s Gourmet Burgers might just be the best in Roswell—maybe even the best in the universe. This is the award-winning home of the “burger with the bacon built-in.” 107 Twin Diamond • (575) 755-3663 • cheftoddzilla.com

SEEROSWELL.COM

Somewhere in a nondescript building in downtown Roswell lies the purported center of space and time. The UFO Spacewalk is a blend of special effects and black light art that drops you straight into a wild cosmological journey. 116 East Second Street • (505) 910-2113 • Find us on Facebook: Roswell UFO Spacewalk

edgewood

SEE

end of trail competition

Cowboy-attired competitors bring the Old West to life, racking up scores for speed and accuracy with 19th century replica firearms at the Single Action Shooting Society’s 39th Annual End of Trail competition (June 26-27). 74 Barton Road • (505) 934-2533 • sassnet.com/EoT/index.php

Wildlife West Nature Park end of trail competition

Wildlife West Nature Park

Visit over 20 species of furry and feathered animals at Wildlife West Nature Park, a 122-acre park that provides a home for rescued wildlife. 87 North Frontage Rd • (505) 281-7655 • wildlifewest.org

edgewood eats

Founders Ranch Shooting Range

Trinkets & Treasures Trail

Craving some small-town comfort & a wide selection of local brews? Check out Pizza Barn- voted #1 in the state! Other top-rated local favorites include Chili Hills, East Mountain Grill voted best breakfast burrito, & Bacon Jam’s newest location in Edgewood.

With on-site experts available to guide the inexperienced, Founders Ranch Shooting Range is a perfect spot to dip your toes into the world of clay target shooting. 74 Barton Rd • (505) 286-0238 foundersranch.com

Made up of a dozen destinations, stringing together the area’s quirky and distinctive shops. Keystone on the trail, Church Street Market is always a fun stop with its collection of 20+ ever-changing funky tiny shops. edgewoodchambernm.com

TASTE

EDGEWOOD-NM.GOV

lovington

S PECIAL ADVERTISI NG S ECT I ON

SEE - TASTE - DO

SEE Lea County Museum

The Lea County Museum features the historic 1912 Commercial Hotel, Lister Building, LCM Town Hall, the Love House and turn-of-the-century schoolhouse alongside a year-round collection of programs and exhibits highlighting the history of Lea County. 103 S. Love St. • (575) 396-4805 • leacountymuseum.org

Summer of LOVington

Lazy 6 is pure, wall-to-wall Americana. It’s a lunch-only joint every day save Friday, serving up hearty burgers and delicious coconut cream pie. 102 S 1st St A, • (575) 396-5066

Lazy 6

TASTE

Lea County Museum

May 2nd through September 20th is the Summer of LOVington. Catch first-rate performances, enjoy barbecue cook-offs, and take part in Cinco De Mayo celebrations and The Great Cardboard Boat Race. Visit Lovington for food, drink, and fun all summer long.

Drylands Brewing Company

More than just a hometown favorite, Drylands Brewing Company is the only brewery in all of Lea County. Pair an Urlacher or a Smurf with a brick oven pizza and enjoy. 322 N. Main St, • (575) 739-2739 • drylandsbrewing.com

Historic Lea Theatre

Lea Theatre, located in downtown Lovington, is a classic movie theater where yesterday meets today. Enjoy first-run movies amid delightful Art Deco architecture. Then, cap off your evening with a stroll through nearby Storybook Park. 106 E. Central • (575) 361-4933

LOVINGTONCHAMBER.ORG

farmington The Chile Pod

farmington museum

Offering a range of both modern and classic New Mexican cuisine—chicharrones, bacon-wrapped jalapeño poppers, carnitas tacos—visit the Chile Pod to recharge and refuel between Farmington adventures. State Highway 371 at Road 7297 • (505) 258-4585 • FarmingtonNM.org

Farmington is home to some pretty deep, rich history, and there’s no better way to explore it than with the diverse exhibits at the Farmington Museum. Now open are the Inside Out: Women’s Status and Roles from Foundation to Silhouette and Gridiron Glory: Pro Football Hall of Fame Exhibit 3041 E Main St, (505) 599-1400 • FarmingtonNM.org

TASTE Piñon Hills Golf Course

Piñon Hills Golf Course

For those who like to golf, it’s tough to beat Piñon Hills, listed by Golfweek Magazine as one of the best municipal golf courses in the United States. 2101 Sunrise Pkwy, • (505) 326-6066 • FarmingtonNM.org

Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness

SEE

Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness

lake farmington

Just under 40 miles south of Farmington, the Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness is a 45,000 acre stretch of badlands where eons of wind and water have cut the landscape into an otherworldly expanse of strange geometry. State Highway 371 at Road 7297 (505) 564-7600 • FarmingtonNM.org

FARMINGTONNM.ORG

Cool off with a dip, take a casual paddle-board tour, enjoy some bird watching, and indulge in some fishing at Lake Farmington. Located on the East side of Farmington on Main Street. NM State Road 516 (505) 599-1400 • FarmingtonNM.org

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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

ABQ AUTO DEALS 169 Griegos Rd. NW, Albuquerque, NM 87107 (505) 554-2428 abqautodeals.com

CREDENTIALS

locally owned and operated independent auto dealership, ABQ Auto Deals is currently celebrating their 10th year in business. Not a bad run, eh? The folks at ABQ Auto Deals can locate just about any vehicle their customers might want, including pre-owned lower mileage cars, trucks, SUVs, vans, and specialty vehicles. Presidents and partners Rob and Christie Martinez have a combined 30 years of experience in the auto industry. With 21 years under his belt, Rob is passionate about setting higher standards and expectations for the car-buying experience. Christie, meanwhile, has clocked in 9 years of experience in the auto

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industry and provides customers with a thorough education about the purchasing process, empowering them to make the best car-buying decision possible. ABQ Auto Deals offers transparent pricing, operating in-line with the highest ethical standards, treating each customer fairly and respectfully. They offer buyers credit union financing and access to national lenders, with options for everyone from customers with super prime credit to first-time buyers to people with challenging credit histories. Currently, they have capacity for 50 vehicles and are exploring options to expand their inventory, affording future customers a wider selection to choose from.

» ABQ Auto Deals has given several vehicles away to families in need » ABQ Auto Deals President and Partner Rob Martinez is the President of the New Mexico Independent Auto Dealers Association (NMIADA) » Nearly 50% of ABQ Auto Deals’ business comes from repeat and referral customers » At ABQ Auto Deals, it’s not about closing the deal—it’s about fostering long-term relationships with customers WWW.ABQTHEMAG.COM | APRIL 2020

parky’s Automotive owner Ben Wade is passionate about cars— and Subarus, in particular. He has been working on Subaru vehicles for 20 years. When he’s not working on cars to pay the bills and earn a living, he still opts to spend his time practicing the vehicular arts, be it as a member of a service crew for two rally cars or behind the wheel on multiple yearly road trips. “I’ve always had a love for anything automotive,” Wade says, “but I fell in love with Subarus by chance when I got a job at a dealership as a teenager fresh out of tech school.” Today, Wade and his team of highly experienced and talented technicians run Sparky’s as a friendly, more affordable option. “I’m proud of the great customer base we’ve built and our ability to quickly and professionally take care of Subarus at a good price,” says Wade. Sparky’s offers comprehensive repair services on Subarus built in or after 1995, keeping updated on shifts and advances in a rapidly changing industry with the newest technology, equipment, and training. “We genuinely care about our customers and their vehicles,” says Wade. “We understand the importance of making car maintenance and repair affordable.”

CREDENTIALS » Friendly, affordable, and passionate—especially about Subarus! » Specialized to provide expert diagnostics and repairs for Subaru owners » Comprehensive repair services for everything from A/C systems to clutches while providing routine maintenance » Over 20 years of experience

APRIL 2020 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

SPARKY’S AUTOMOTIVE BEN WADE 3216 Los Arboles NE, Albuquerque, NM 87107 (505) 750-3740 sparkysabq.com

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RELIABLE NISSAN DOMINIC SALAZAR, GENERAL MANAGER 9951 Coors Blvd NW, Albuquerque, NM 87114 (505) 338-3888 reliablenissan.com

t Reliable Nissan, General Manager Dominic Salazar does not just talk the talk, but walks the walk when instilling Reliable Nissan’s mission statement, “We are Reliable…we are New Mexico.” “We owe two things to our success,” explains Salazar. “To be reliable to our customers, we are on the forefront of the industry in all of its technology advances. The industry is no longer a ‘horse trading’ wild west. Customers expect more and deserve more, and we strive to deliver to their expectations. “The second thing I attribute to our success is being true to our roots. I am a true New Mexican, born and raised in Taos. I love New Mexico; our fla-

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vorful history, our diversity of languages and cultures. We are truly the Land of Enchantment. “We foster a sales atmosphere that represents the customers we serve. We have a Latino department that meets the specific needs of our Hispanic community. Almost half of our staff is bilingual,” Salazar says. “We also recognize and serve our indigenous community. We deliver vehicles throughout New Mexico based on the needs of our customers and the market. “We know if ‘we are Reliable, and we are New Mexico’ our fellow New Mexicans will continue with their loyalty and assure our success.”

CREDENTIALS » Transparent, best in market value pricing » Digital technology leader, all aspects of vehicle purchase can be done online – selection, credit, trade evaluation, delivery without leaving home » Diverse staff mirroring the cultural diversity of our great “Land of Enchantment” » An active member of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce & Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce

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MOUNTAIN AMERICA CREDIT UNION Paseo Del Norte Branch: Address: 8021 Ventura St NE Albuquerque NM 87109 | (505) 856-7885 Golf Course Branch: Address: 9200 Golf Course Rd NW Albuquerque, NM 87114 | (505) 897-0090 macu.com

ounded in the mid-1930s, Mountain America Credit Union is a full-service financial institution with more than 95 locations across five states. While we’ve grown over the years, our commitment to guide individuals and businesses to define and achieve their financial dreams remains the focal point of our identity. Mountain America Credit Union has been in Albuquerque, working with folks in the local community, for over 15 years and is committed to providing members with flexible products and services, helpful guidance, and sound, timely advice. Whether you receive auto financing from one of our indirect partners or

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meet in person with one of our financial experts, our team is here to guide you along your financial journey. Our commitment to improving the lives of community members and giving back is at the core of everything we do. Mountain America Credit Union offers several education grants and scholarship opportunities to ensure strong communities and economic growth. During our Month of Caring, our New Mexico employees volunteered throughout the community, including the Valencia County Pet Health Fair. We look forward to serving you at one of our two Albuquerque locations!

CREDENTIALS » Our vision: We help our members define and achieve their financial dreams » Tailored financial review for members » A variety of products and services to meet the needs and goals of all members » Local credit underwriting WWW.ABQTHEMAG.COM | APRIL 2020

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PEREZ COLLISION CENTER JORDAN & AARON PEREZ 2415 2nd St. NW Albuquerque, NM 87102 (505) 254-4655 perezcollisioncenter.com

erez Collision Center is a business with humble roots. “We are second generation in the auto paint and body industry. Our father and uncles were in the industry before us,” says co-owner Aaron Perez. “We have earned a reputation here in Albuquerque for fast, quality, and affordable repairs. We pride ourselves in being honest and building an open relationship with our customers, as if they were family.” says co-owner Aaron Perez. Today, Perez Collision Center is run by brothers Aaron and Jordan Perez. “We can do anything from minor bumper repairs to whole side repairs to a new quarter panel installation,” says Jordan. “We also do new windshield installations and paintless dent removal.” Perez

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Collision Center offers comprehensive accident repairs with lifetime warranties. For them, no detail is too small. The Auto Body Repair industry has evolved over the years. At Perez Collision Center, the Perez brothers and their team have worked hard to keep up with the demands that technology and proper OEM repair procedures require, staying up to date on equipment, tools, parts, and services. “Our business is something that my brother and I started with our own hands,” says Jordan. “What keeps me going is the satisfaction of a customer being pleased and reunited with their repaired vehicle.” We would like to thank our clients because without them we wouldn’t be where we are today.

CREDENTIALS » Works with all major insurance companies » Over 20 years of Experience » Deductible Assistance » I-CAR Certified

WWW.ABQTHEMAG.COM | APRIL 2020

MR. B’S PAINT AND BODY SHOP INC. SCOTT BENAVIDEZ, SECOND GENERATION OWNER 1410 Valencia Dr SE, Albuquerque, NM 87108 (505) 255-7022 mrbsnm.com

CREDENTIALS » I-CAR Trained Professionals » Member of Automotive Service Association (ASA) of New Mexico » Subaru Certified Shop

r. B’s Paint and Body Shop Inc. is a family owned and operated collision repair facility. Opened in 1978, they have been taking care of families for 42 years. The team at Mr. B’s Paint and Body Shop takes pride in making sure you and your vehicle are treated like family—that’s why their motto is “family helping family.” They keep up with the latest procedures from the manufactures to ensure that your vehicle is repaired correctly. “We work for you, the guest, to help you understand the what, where, when, why, and how of your vehicle’s repairs,” says owner Scott Benavidez. “We offer collision repair work alongside with some mechanical repairs related to the collision.”

APRIL 2020 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

Mr. B’s also provides used car pre-purchase inspections, so that you know the full story of the vehicle that you are buying. They do Uber and Lyft vehicle inspections as well. The Benavidez family has been in the collision business for over 60 years. “Our Albuquerque community has played such a vital part of our business,” says Benavidez. “We understand that your vehicle is one of the biggest purchases of a lifetime, and want to make sure it is repaired correctly.”

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QUANZ AUTO BODY 4 locations around the Albuquerque area (505) 897-1949 quanz.com

ew Mexico’s premier collision repair outfit—Quanz Auto Body—first opened back in 1980. Forty years later, Rick Quanz’s original vision has expanded to four locations around Albuquerque. Family owned and operated, Quanz Auto Body is manufacturer-certified for nine OEMs and I-CAR Gold Class at each of their locations. As a Certified Collision Repair facility, Quanz strictly adheres to established protocols, making sure repairs are done right. “There are an estimated 35,000 body shops in the US,” says second generation president and CEO Adam Quanz. “Only about 10-15 percent of those are really doing things the right way, like Quanz is.”

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“I am very proud of the opportunity to positively affect not only our 100 team members and their families, but also each customer that we serve,” says second generation president and CEO Adam Quanz. “Every day we strive to set the bar higher for the collision repair industry by doing things the right way.” Quanz Auto Body uses cutting-edge equipment and advanced training to repair vehicles to the highest industry standards, returning them to the road safely and fully functional. “Quanz has been a leader not only in our market, but also nationwide in adapting to what it takes to repair vehicles correctly,” says Quanz. “We are in the people business—we just happen to fix cars.”

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THE

BOSQUE

By Zane Beal It’s 2020, and everything we need—even water—is just a mouse-click away from arriving at our doorstep. But a few hundred years ago, circumstances were quite different. The very essence of life in this dry region was defined by a thin band of water that ran off the mountain range and trickled its way slowly to the ocean. Native Americans, explorers, settlers, animals, plants and any other life form soon created a close bond to this desert water source, known in Spanish as the Rio Grande. The ‘big river,’ and the trees, vegetation and ecosystem that developed with it, are still the reason that life flourishes here.

134 WHY WE LOVE THE BOSQUE

The Bosque is home to over 140 species of plants, some of which are invasive.

Spanish begin irrigation projects to cultivate crops.

Francisco Vasquez de Coronado’s expedition reaches Rio Grande Valley.

17091739

People start building and living in Pueblo-style structures on elevated land or terraces above Rio Grande, engaging in water management practices.

1540

750 AD

Courtesy Janelle Chase

1692

Familiarity sometimes breeds complacency. It’s not a rare or novel phenomenon. In fact, it’s precisely what’s at work when you forget to call your parents for weeks (or months) on end. So it is with the Bosque, a stretch of cottonwood forest that cuts right through the heart of Albuquerque, following the Rio Grande on its slow journey south. Depending on details of work and residence, many of us see it almost every day. For those who have lived in Albuquerque for decades, it’s been a ceaseless background fixture of existence. Thing is, the Bosque is special. This is a 4300-acre green space running through a metropolitan area with just under a million people living in it. New York’s Central Park, by comparison, is an 843acre green space serving a population of over 1.6 million—and that’s just counting Manhattan. For Albuquerque, that’s roughly eight times more acreage per person. But let’s take another step back. The preceding comparison is instructive, yet also manages to grossly undersell the Bosque’s distinctiveness. See, bosque isn’t just a Spanish word for “forest.” In the American Southwest, the Bosque is a unique ecosystem. These are forests that form verdant, leafy corridors along the banks of rivers in landscapes that would otherwise be dominated by grasses and shrubs. The Bosque of the Middle Rio Grande—a stretch of river

running from around Santa Fe to El Paso, bisecting Albuquerque along the way—is the largest cottonwood forest of its kind in North America. It not only plays host to countless miles of regularly maintained biking and walking trails, along with scores of kayakers, paddleboarders, and canoers, it provides vital habitat for thousands of species of plants and animals. Impressive, right? The citizens of Albuquerque have a recreational and ecological treasure right in their backyards. True and true. Stop there, however, and we might miss something even more pivotal. Absent the Rio Grande and the ecological bounty it sustains, Albuquerque probably wouldn’t be here. But that cuts both ways—absent Albuquerque, the Bosque most of us know and recognize would look a whole lot different. The relationship between the two—the incredible, human environment that is Albuquerque and the singular natural ecosystem of the Bosque—is both complex and, in some ways, precarious. Maintaining the Bosque as a vibrant, one-of-a-kind ecosystem is a matter of constant work and careful management. It is a perpetual balancing act among the shifting needs and interests of about a million stakeholders—the people who call Albuqueque home. Dozens of government agencies and non-governmental organizations, working in concert with thousands of conscientious citizens, scientists, and volunteers, make the Bosque what it is today.

Rio Grande channel shifts westward, washing away several homes and a church near present-day Bernalillo.

Mixed habitat, with forests bordering grasslands, is far more characteristic of the historic Bosque.

Bosque paths near ABQ BioPark Botanic Gardens, part of the trails systems maintained by the City of Albuquerque.

Courtesy Blue Rose Photography

About 10,000 acres of ABQ farm land draws water from the Rio Grande through 350 miles of canals.

Courtesy Lucas Garcia

Rio Grande stops flowing between Albuquerque and El Paso, a result of the diversion of river water by farmers in southern Colorado.

Pontoon bridge built across Rio Grande at Albuquerque, swept away by floods before the end of the decade.

1880

1879

Widespread flooding along Rio Grande.

1876

1872 & 1874

Courtesy Blue Rose Photography

The deposit of sediments causes the bed of the Rio Grande to rise.

136

Braided, meandering river channel circa 1930.

A CHANGING OASIS

Courtesy Middle Rio Grande Conservancy District

In autumn, plant species respond differently to shortening days, changing colors at different times.

Courtesy Blue Rose Photography

The towering trees that dominate the Bosque have been named Rio Grande cottonwoods by scientists, and typically live 100 or more years.

Heavy snowpack and intense rains cause Rio Grande to swell to a mile wide at Albuquerque, washing away 170 ft of the wood bridge. Main river channel at Albuquerque shifts 500 ft west.

First wood bridge, a pony and truss structure, built across the Rio Grande at Albuquerque.

1890 & 1891

1882

1884

Courtesy Blue Rose Photography

The “original” Bosque—that is, the Bosque that existed before the Spanish showed up and kicked off a steadily accelerating process of increasingly large scale development—would have been something of a moving target, a shifting patchwork of forests and wetlands. To varying degrees, something like this would have been the case until quite recently. The Bosque we know today is different from the Bosque that existed when New Mexico achieved statehood. And that Bosque, in its own way, surely looked a bit different from the one that stood along the banks of the Rio Grande when Mexico won its independence from Spain. Go back still further and the story is the same. The Bosque encountered by Coronado? Different. The Bosque of the Pueblo peoples? Different. The Bosque humans found when they first moved into this part of New Mexico some 12,000 years ago? Even more different still. Like a lot of western rivers, the Rio Grande is incredibly dynamic. Year to year, it is shaped by a pulse of meltwater flowing out the San Juan and Sangre de Cristo mountains in Colorado. In the simplest possible terms, that means that there’s never the same amount of water running through the river. For most of the river’s history, this meant there could be in excess of 20,000 cubic feet of water per second (CFS) running through the river during the peak of the spring melt, down to less than 500 CFS in the fall.

1890

In areas filled with loose sediment, like the Middle Rio Grande Valley around Albuquerque, the Rio Grande drifted this way and that as the river overran its banks in the spring and narrowed back down in fall and winter, meandering from year to year according to the pull of gravity and the resistance of the sand and soil in its way. Rather than a single flowing channel, the river often would have been a tangled braid of sandbars and shallow corridors of running water. In places, this meant the river could be a mile wide and inches deep, flanked by oxbow lakes, marshes, and ponds. This had consequences both for the land along its banks and the critters that lived there. “The process that we think drove this system was much more of what we’re calling an avulsion,” says Paul Tashjian, Director of Freshwater Conservation for Audubon New Mexico. “[The river channel] was often built up above the floodplain with a natural berm and actual levee on the side, and then a big flood would come in a big spring runoff year. [The river] would bust through and move to lower places in the plain.” This, it turns out, was key to the ecosystems that evolved along the Rio Grande. “Historically, it was much patchier,” says Tashjian. “You know, a grove of trees over here, and older trees here and younger trees there, and grassland meadow over here and a wetland over there. It was much more of a mosaic.” Year after year, the river channel would shift and the details of the Pony and truss bridge. Courtesy Albuquerque Museum

Poor drainage on the east side of the river below Belen and Bernalillo produces alkali flats, inhospitable to agriculture Debris from flooding smashes pony and truss bridge at Albuquerque.

137

1910

Barelas Bridge flooded and rebuilt.

1912

cities along a river that is constantly changing course. This is a problem that goes back centuries. Early settlements at Bernalillo were located northeast of the current city. Between 1709 and 1739, the Rio Grande shifted several hundred yards westward, washing away several homes and a church. The high-water table and seasonal flooding of the historical Rio Grande also made agriculture difficult. “A lot of the farming was unfavorable because the groundwater was at surface and very shallow and very salty,” says Tashjian. “So that’s one of the primary reasons why [a] conservation district was established.” According to the MRGCD, the shallow water table took 60,000 acres of potential farmland off the table. All of this makes firmly characterizing the Bosque thorny. It also has the effect of complicating questions about what we want the Bosque to look like, both now and in the future. The Bosque of 2020 is still very much a vibrant, living, natural ecosystem—both unique and precious. It just so happens that the most significant natural force shaping this place has lately been a bunch of mostly hairless, peculiarly bipedal, and incredibly crafty apes who weren’t around these parts even 13,000 years ago—and weren’t around in nearly the same abundance and concentrations even a century back. The Rio Grande has been around for over 2 million years. Now, the 32nd most populous city in the United States sits on its banks.

19171919

1912

Population of Albuquerque reaches 6,238 (U.S. Census).

1910

1900

Rio Grande’s last major flood Aerial shot of Central cycle, back in Avenue Bridge, circa 1940. the early 1940s. “You would have had maybe 50 percent of the floodplain be grassy meadows, so not forest at all,” says Kim Eichhorst, Co-Director of the Bosque Ecosystem Monitoring Program (BEMP). “But a lot of those native riparian lands are really dependent on that high-water table, which we Courtesy Albuquerque Museum also don’t have right now.” This is a Bosque ecosystem would change. point you’ll hear experts on the Rio For the plants and animals that lived Grande and the surrounding ecothere, this was a good thing, providsystem repeat consistently. “When ing a breadth of habitat for diverse the river was channelized, many of populations of insects and amphib[the] backwaters were lost,” says ians and migrating birds. Those Yasmeen Najmi, a planning sepcialhuge cottonwoods, for instance, ist with the Middle Rio Grand Conare perhaps the defining feature of servancy District (MRGCD). These the modern Bosque. But they don’t backwaters were essential habitat grow very well in a river system that for many of the native species that can’t meander and flood, because call the Rio Grande home. their seeds need to fall into moist, The tricky bit here is that some recently flooded soil to take root of the features of the Rio Grande and grow. That’s why so much of the that were so good for the evolution Bosque of today is populated by big, of robust, dynamic ecosystems arold trees, all about the same age— en’t particularly good for people. most of them took root during the It’s hard to grow crops and build

Famed conservationist Aldo Leopold serves as secretary of Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce, during his tenure promoting the idea of a park along the banks of the Rio Grande.

Population of Albuquerque reaches 11,020 (U.S. Census). Barelas Bridge (steel/truss structure) replaces truss and pony wood bridge. Courtesy Albuquerque Museum

Earthworks along Rio Grande in Albuquerque.

Battling floods along

the Rio Grande, circa

138

1942.

Courtesy Middle Rio Grande Conservancy District

e Museum

Courtesy Albuquerqu

BUILDING THE BOSQUE

Population of Albuquerque reaches 15,157 (U.S. Census). Concrete bridge built next to steel and truss Barelas Bridge.

1931

Middle Rio Grande Conservancy District established to manage irrigation, drainage, and flood control.

1930

1920

1923

MRGCD’s planning specialist. This made building stable infrastructure along the banks of the Rio Grande This isn’t a story about how husomething of sisyphean task. Bemans have wrecked up the Bosque. tween 1876 and 1920, every bridge Humans have been living around built across the Rio Grande in Alhere for an incredibly long time— buquerque was damaged or deprobably at least 8,000 years bestroyed by flooding— fore humans in northsometimes more than east Africa got around once. Controlling the to building the Great 4th Street flood of 1929. river demanded a huge Pyramid of Giza. To investment of time some degree or othand resources, with er, humans have been organizations like the part of this ecosystem MRGCD, the Corps of for millennia. This is a Engineers, and the Bustory about an ecoreau of Reclamation system governed by working to build lechange—about how vees and dig drainage it has changed us and canals. It was tough how we have changed work, but essential to it, and about the inAlbuquerque’s growth. credible people and Likewise for the organizations that ranks of jetty jacks work to manage and you find throughout maintain this singular the modern Bosque— Courtesy Albuquerque Museum Albuquerque treasure. you know, those steel Stabilizing the banks tripods that make it of the Rio Grande was look like Albuqueran incredible engineer“We’ve had floods of 28,000 or que is prepping for the Normaning feat, essential to the growth and 30,000 cfs,” explains Najmi, the dy Invasion—erected to keep the

1920

prosperity of the modern Duke City. It involved the construction of multiple dams, like the one at Cochiti Lake, to rein in the seasonal flooding that otherwise made long term development along the banks of the Rio Grande impossible.

1931 AD—Clyde Tingley encourages Middle Rio Grande Conservancy Districts chief engineer to volunteer workers and equipment for the construction of a lake along the banks of the Rio Grande. Originally known as Conservancy Beach, it is now more widely known as “Tingley Beach.” Population of Albuquerque reaches 26,570 (U.S. Census).

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1930s

Waste dump at future site of Tingley Beach.

Courtesy Middle Rio Grande Conservancy District

Albuquerque field flooded by high water table, circa 1930.

Courtesy Middle Rio Grande Conservancy District

Corps of Engineers and Bureau of Reclamation begin work to stabilize river channels, constructing levees and installing Kellner jetties (jetty jacks) along the river banks. Population of Albuquerque reaches 35,449 (U.S. Census).

1950

1941

Central Avenue Bridge constructed.

At places like Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge, some forty miles south of Albuquerque, Audubon participates in active wildlife restoration. This work involves planting cottonwoods, willows, and other native trees that otherwise might not grow in the modified Middle Rio Grande ecosystem. And not all of this work is done so far away. The City of Albuquerque Open Space Division—the civic organization that manages most of the Bosque’s 4,300 acres—actively works to build and maintain the Bosque by planting fresh cottonwoods. Right off Rio Grande Boulevard, the Rio Grande Nature Center (RGNC) is also engaged in these efforts. The RGNC is something a hidden gem in the Albuquerque community. “Almost every time we have a school group out here, there’s some parent that says, ‘you know, I’ve lived in Albuquerque my whole life and I had no idea this was here,’” says RGNC Superintendent Heather MacCurdy. In many ways, the RGNC is a true Bosque success story. “It was actually an illegal dump out here. A place for local kids to come party and whatnot,” MaCurdy says. “A lot of the neighbors got together and formed a group to help save it.” The City of Albuquerque got the funds together and purchased the 167-acre site—formerly Candelaria Farms—in 1977. Of that 167 acres, the City leased 38.8 acres to the New Mexico Natural Resource Department, and it was this chunk of land that eventually became Rio Grande Nature Center State Park,

Massive flooding along Rio Grande has disastrous impacts upon Albuquerque— many of the cottonwoods in the bosque were seeded during this flood.

1940

1937

river from overflowing its banks and washing away property. The Bosque most of us know and love is a direct product of human engineering. And, unlike a lot of other ecosystems that have been profoundly altered by human behavior, the Bosque of the Middle Rio Grande Valley remains a natural wonder, filled with native plants and animals. Depending on the season or time of year, a stroll through the Bosque might bring you in contact with a tiger salamander or a hognose snake, a roaming coyote or a paddling beaver, a great horned owl or a flock of sandhill cranes. The Bosque is even home to several endangered species. The silvery minnow, the southwestern willow flycatcher, the yellow-billed cuckoo, and the New Mexico meadow jumping mouse all still call this habitat home. “There’s a reason why there are endangered species issues here,” says Tashjian. “And that’s because the system is still functioning.” Keeping it functioning, however, is far from a hands-off affair. Audubon New Mexico, for instance— where Tashjian works—is engaged in historically unprecedented water transactions. These involve leasing water from various municipalities and using it to replenish depleted stretches of the Middle Rio Grande, to the benefit of native wetlands and the animals who live there. In a system where peak flows have dropped from numbers well in excess of 20,000 CFS to numbers regularly well below 5000 CFS, these efforts are indispensable.

Population of Albuquerque reaches 96,815 (U.S. Census), metro area population reaches estimated 197,000.

140 complete with a visitor center designed by famed architect Antoine Predock. “We’ve had visitors all the way from Japan just to see the building,” says MacCurdy. Today, the RGNC is home to a stretch of Bosque popular among birders and other wildlife enthusiasts. Four man-made ponds mimic conditions that would have prevailed along the historic Rio Grande before humans tinkered with the river to better suit their needs. “This is the habitat that was here before we came in and channelized the river to stop the overbank flooding,” MacCurdy explains. This provides a home for locals, like the roadrunners you can spot dashing through the undergrowth or the painted turtles you can see sunning themselves from the visitor center observation deck, alongside migratory species like northern pintail ducks and great white-fronted geese. “We’re right on the migratory bird pathway here in Albuquerque,” says MacCurdy. “We get over 300 different species of birds that come through each year. Some of them are year-round residents, but most of them are migratory.” That puts the RGNC in a prime spot to participate in large scale research programs tracking the movements, abundance, and life histories of migratory species. Throughout the year, the RGNC also participates in tons of outreach, educating the community about the incredible ecosystem in their own backyards. “Last year,

The Rio Grande Nature Center features a bird-watching blind that allows visitors perfect views of Canada geese as they gather each fall along the Bosque.

1950s

Population of Albuquerque reaches 201,189 (U.S. Census), metro area population reaches estimated 242,000.

1969

I-40 bridge constructed.

1970

1964

Old Alameda bridge constructed. (Below) Courtesy Albuquerque Museum

1960

1955

Courtesy Becky O’Neill

Population of Albuquerque reaches 244,501 (U.S. Census), metro area population reaches estimated 300,000.

Rio Grande Valley State Park Plan recognizes the potential of open spaces along Rio Grande, addresses the acquisition of said land for recreation.

Leaves and deadfall provide habitat for insects, isopods, lizards, and snakes.

Courtesy Kendra Wilson

1982

Rio Grande Nature Center State Park opened.

Population of Albuquerque reaches 332,920 (U.S. Census), metro area population reaches estimated 420,000.

over to alfalfa production. But when the people of the neighborhood grew concerned that the land would eventually be captured by industrial development, they took action. “This is the Mountain View Community,” says Owen-White. “The people [here] have always been strong advocates for their neighborhood and they have fought against industrial development. The refuge itself was a place where they could fight for something positive.” The Refuge is trying to transform the land into something more hospitable to wild animals and humans alike. A single, monolithic habitat like an alfalfa field is not very good for wildlife diversity. So today, VdO is working to restore a variety of natural habitats—playa wetlands for migrating shorebirds, denser riparian wetlands for marsh birds and migrating songbirds, grasslands for rodents, and, of course, the Bosque itself. It’s simultaneously a matter of rebuilding what was there before and getting rid of what shouldn’t be but is. All throughout the Bosque,

City of Albuquerque Open Space Division officially established.

1987

Refuge System’s previous scope, developed in response to largescale demographic shifts reshaping the geography of human habitation. Today, somewhere around 84 percent of the U.S. population lives in urban areas. “Around 2010, the National Wildlife Refuge System started this big push to figure out how we could be where the people are,” says VdO Refuge Manager Jennifer Owen-White. “Valle de Oro is the first refuge built under this idea of working with communities and being relevant to the urban population. Our goal is to restore a diversity of habitats, to attract a diversity of wildlife, and to provide a diversity of wildlife-based recreation [opportunities] to a diverse urban population.” Officially established in 2012, VdO sits on 570 acres of land at the southern end of Albuquerque. Rewind a few years and those acres were farmland—a place called Valley Gold Farms, commemorated in the current Valle de Oro refuge name. For a while, it was a dairy farm. Later, the land was turned

1984

1982

Flood control/water storage dam completed at Cochiti.

1980

1975

we had 428 school group classes that we provided programming for,” says MacCurdy. “Those are just the classes that came here for some sort of program. Lots of other schools and classes come and do their own self-guided tours and, you know, just enjoy the property and see what we have out here.” The RGNC plays host to a number of yearly festivals—Winter Fest, Herb Fest, and Summer Wings— put on by their support group, the Friends of the Rio Grande Nature Center. Travel a bit farther south down through the Bosque—or down the Rio Grande itself, depending on your preferred method of transportation—and you’ll eventually hit Valle de Oro (VdO) National Wildlife Refuge. Along with the RGNC, VdO is part of a network of parks and refuges working to build a patchwork of habitats that recreate the dynamic mosaic that existed back when the Rio Grande was allowed to determine its own course. VdO represents something of an expansion of the National Wildlife

Paseo del Norte bridge constructed.

American kestrels benefit from mixed habitats, hunting in open fields and nesting in woodlands

New Alameda bridge constructed.

1996

ing next door. At VdO, that work is simplified by having access to pre1907 groundwater rights, but that by no means makes it easy. “We physically have to get out there and excavate the ground and build these wetlands,” says Owen-White. Because the river doesn’t move like it used to, regenerating and maintaining natural habitat requires deliberate, calculated efforts. While the restoration efforts at VdO are just getting started, the plan going forward is to implement irrigation patterns that replicate the seasonal cycles the river and the surrounding ecosystems would have experienced in the past. During the summers, they will mimic monsoons, flooding the upland playa wetlands. Closer to the river, they will try to imitate seasonal flooding, periodically inundating patches of land. “Plants really respond to those cycles and insects respond and reptiles and amphibians and birds and all sorts of things respond to those cycles,” Owen-White explains.

Population of Albuquerque reaches 384,736 (U.S. Census), metro area population reaches estimated 499,000.

1993

1990

fighting against the encroachment of invasive species—elms, salt cedars, tumbleweeds, koshia—is an uphill battle. It’s difficult work, but the efforts are worthwhile. Maintaining the Bosque isn’t just a matter of replanting willows and cottonwoods, but nurturing the sort of vibrant, dynamic ecosystems that contribute to resilience. “A dragon fly—especially the kind we would have around here—would mate in an upland area, but then lay their eggs in a wetland, where their larvae would grow. So, having wetlands next to upland areas is really important for a species like that,” says Owen-White. “Same thing with some raptors, like harriers and kestrels. They really need to be in a forested habitat like the Bosque, but adjacent to grasslands where they can hunt.” That makes the restoration work at places like VdO absolutely essential. A healthy Bosque is at least partially dependent on having other varieties of healthy ecosystem liv-

Courtesy U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Southwest Region

Though usually associated with deserts and grasslands, desert cottontails make a home in riparian ecosystems like the Bosque This past November, VdO broke ground on a new visitor center, with the aim of elevating and enriching the community’s experience of the Refuge. “A lot of times, we in public lands build visitor centers to attract people and support from out of town as a tourist destination,” says Owen-White. “We’re really trying to build this visitor center as a place for our local community to come in and spend time and want to come back over and over again.” The visitor center will feature an exhibit hall filled with state-of-the-art interactive exhibits built by local design and tech outfit Ideum, an outdoor amphitheater, a multi-purpose room for community events, and a store. “One of the things I’m really excited about is something we’re calling the Center for Conservation Careers,” says Owen-White. “Our partner organizations will have offices where people can come and learn about jobs on the Refuge or with other conservation organizations in the area.”

Dr. Cliff Crawford and graduate students start Bosque Ecosystem Monitoring Program (BEMP), a citizen science program that collects data on along 270 miles of the Middle Rio Grande ecosystem. Montaño bridge completed.

2000

Courtesy U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Southwest Region

1998

Slow moving backwaters, like marshes, provide vital habitate for species like the meadowhawk dragonfly

Population of Albuquerque reaches 448,607 (U.S. Census), metro area population reaches estimated 601,000.

143

2012

Valle de Oro Wildlife Refuge established.

Population of Albuquerque reaches 545,852 (U.S. Census), metro area population reaches estimated 745,000.

2012

City of Albuquerque Open Space Visitor Center opened near Piedras Marcadas Pueblo.

2010

2006

The Bosque is special. It’s hard to overstate this point. This is an ecosystem unique to the Middle Rio Grande Valley and an incredible stretch of public land cutting through the heart of a large metropolitan area—something almost unheard of in the 21st century. It’s a place where parents teach their kids how to fish, where families go tubing on hot summer days, where cyclists clock-in mile after mile under the shade of century-old cottonwoods, and equestrians enjoy a day in the saddle. It also provides a home for thousands of other critters—birds, mammals, crustaceans, insects, reptiles, fish, and amphibians. And, near the top of the Bosque’s list of many fine qualities is that it’s right here, in our own backyards. It’s with that in mind that you can most clearly see the Bosque for what it is: something of a minor miracle. But unlike other miracles, we have a pretty good idea of the underlying recipe—lots of people, working very hard, every day. Dozens of organizations—the City of Albuquerque Open Space Division, the Middle Rio Grand Conservancy District, the Rio Grande Nature Center, Valle de Oro National Wildlife Refuge, the Bosque Ecosystem Monitoring Program, and Audobon New Mexico, to name just a handful—are engaged in a delicate, endlessly evolving balancing act, working to preserve a habitat that is at once livable for wild animals and enjoyable for people. That so much of that effort often goes unnoticed

is, in its own way, Similar to parts of New England, the Bosque’s variety a testament to of trees give a radiant display of fall colors each year. its effectiveness. “A lot of our customer base is here locally,” says Michael Carney, co-0founder of MST Adventures, a local outdoor recreation outfit that runs paddel-boarding trips down the river each spring and summer. “It’s not nearly as many out of Courtesy Blue Rose Photography town visitors as one might think. Every group has trash around. But get out there and at least one person who says, ‘I had use it. no idea this was here, I had no idea Rivers, writ large, are changethis would look so nice, so beautiable beasts. The same goes for ful,’ as we’re floating down through the communities that grow along the Bosque.” It’s a surprisingly comtheir banks. Albuquerque and the mon refrain. People see the Bosque Bosque wouldn’t be here without all the time, but completely miss the Rio Grande. The Rio Grande and that it is an extraordinary resource, Bosque wouldn’t be what they are there for them to use and explore. today without Albuquerque. KeepThere is even a sense in which the ing that arrangement in place—preBosque is a use-it-or-lose-it ecoserving one of the most impressive system. Certainly, people should stretches of ecological splendor in use it responsibly, adhering to the the urban United States—is no simstrictest possible leave-no-trace ple trick. It’s a matter of constant ethic. But recreation gives the river work, involving not only dozens of a value and meaning that it didn’t state, federal, and civic agencies, have previously and wouldn’t have but numerous NGOs and the countotherwise. After all, the Bosque less people of Albuquerque who has no better salesman than the are already privy to a simple fact: Bosque itself. Use it. Sure, be courthe Bosque is one of the reasons teous. Keep your dog on a leash. we love it here. Pick up after yourself. Don’t leave

2012

IT’S YOUR BOSQUE

Albuquerque metro area population reaches estimated 915,000.

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ABQ EDUCATION

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SIEMBRA SCHOOL NAME OFLEADERSHIP PERSON /HIGH BUSINESS NAME OF BUSINESS PERSON DIRECTOR JAQLYN BALDWIN, LCSW, MBA,/ OR EXECUTIVE 1234524 Magazine SuiteAlbuquerque, 123, Albuquerque, NM Zip CentralRoad, Ave. SW, NM 87102 (505)XXX-XXXX SiembraABQ.org website.com (505)243-3308

art of the Albuquerque Leader‑ ship Schools Network, Siembra Leadership High School is New Mexico’s first and only entrepreneur‑ ship‑focused high school. Siembra was created to both meet students where they are and respond to communi‑ ty needs. Unlike traditional schools, Siembra uses an innovative three pillar model that focuses on student support, project‑based learning, and community engagement. Siembra is one of the most innova‑ tive schools in the state of New Mexico. Every project that students participate in is designed to not only connect stu‑ dents with the credits that they need to graduate, but also give them an oppor‑ tunity to practice entrepreneurial skills and network with the larger community. Every Siembra student’s goal is to earn a high school diploma, learn every skill they need to run their own business, not‑for‑profit, or social enterprise, have a paid internship, and earn college cred‑ its while in high school. Paid internships are a huge focus at Siembra Leadership High School. This program allows students to simulta‑ neously earn high school credit, gain professional work experience, and—of course—get paid. Students are able to take college classes like Introduction to Entrepreneurship and Financial Litera‑ cy on the Siembra campus for free. This provides students with a vital onramp for the college experience, making sure they are ready for the challenges of higher education before they are actu‑

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ally there. Right now, Siembra has 35 students operating functional business‑ es in every stage, all the way from initial start‑up to consistently turning profits. “Rather than take a traditional pencil and paper test, our students are sharing their learning with the community in very public ways,” says Siembra’s ex‑ ecutive director, Jaqlyn Baldwin. “Our students not only share what they have learned, but also illustrate how they have given back to the community.” In response to the landmark New Mexico District Court case Yassie/Martinez v. State of New Mexico, Siembra students hit the Downtown Public Library in 2020 to share their personal equity sto‑ ries and campaign for equity before an audience of people from Albuquerque Public Schools, the New Mexico Public Education Department, and the Public Education Commission. “Success as an educator can be at‑ tributed to building relationships with kids,” says Baldwin. “Students do not

care how much you know until they know how much you care.” Siembra runs a remarkable student support model, maintaining a staff of seven full‑time social workers for a current student‑body of 165. Larger public high schools in Albuquerque, by contrast, may have as few as one or two social workers for over 1,000 students. “This speaks volumes to how we prioritize the social and emotional learning of young people at such a critical point in their lives,” says Baldwin. As the first and only entrepreneur‑ ship‑focused school in New Mexi‑ co, Siembra takes college and career preparation to the next level, afford‑ ing students a truly unique learning opportunity. Students graduate from Siembra fully equipped with the skills—business planning, marketing, asset‑making—they’ll need to start their own business or run a successful non‑profit organization. At Siembra, the sky is truly the limit.

• Learning by doing.

• School is home; staff is family.

• Responsive to community needs.

• Positioned in larger entrepreneurial/ economic development ecosystem.

• Life skills are just as important as math and reading.

• Transition to industry & higher ed.

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NAME OF PERSON /MEDICINE BUSINESS UNMNAME SCHOOL OF OF BUSINESS / OR PERSON CaminoRoad, de Salud, NM 87106 12342425 Magazine SuiteAlbuquerque, 123, Albuquerque, NM Zip (505)272-2321 hsc.unm.edu (505)XXX-XXXX website.com

he UNM School of Medicine plays a critical role in meeting New Mexico’s healthcare needs. Its graduates account for nearly 40 per‑ cent of the physicians practicing in our state. The values instilled in UNM School of Medicine learners carry over into their professions and reflect the unique chal‑ lenges that face providers of healthcare to a relatively small but diverse popula‑ tion distributed unevenly across a vast area. School of Medicine alumni are some of the most dedicated and generous in the nation. They give their time, knowledge, and insight by serving as community faculty members and providing the crit‑ ical hands‑on training and professional mentoring that transforms promising students into outstanding providers. They also provide philanthropic support to the students and school. The School of Medicine was estab‑ lished more than 50 years ago to ed‑ ucate physicians to serve the primary care and subspecialty medical needs of people in New Mexico. Over the years, the school has shaped its priorities to meet patients where they are, remain‑ ing mindful of their unique concerns. Today, it leverages its impact with targeted initiatives to improve child well‑being, promote successful aging, tackle behavioral health and substance abuse concerns, and deliver high‑qual‑ ity, compassionate, comprehensive healthcare to our citizens. UNM’s School of Medicine has

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earned high rankings from U.S. News & World Report and the American Acade‑ my of Family Physicians. Home to New Mexico’s only MD program and only academic health center, UNM is com‑ mitted to delivering more doctors for New Mexico by developing the bright‑ est and most compassionate students from New Mexico. Ninety‑eight percent of the School’s students are from New Mexico. UNM’s Combined BA/MD degree program continues to be highly successful in cre‑ ating a pipeline for talented high school seniors to move from their undergradu‑ ate education into medical school. Delivering comprehensive health care is a team effort. The UNM School of Medicine offers outstanding health profession programs along with the MD program. Student physician assis‑ tants, physical therapists, emergency medical technicians, laboratory and ra‑ diological technologists, dental hygien‑ ists, and occupational therapists learn

and train alongside medical students to deliver increased access to health care, improved outcomes, and greater patient satisfaction while enjoying ex‑ cellent job stability, competitive wag‑ es, and career flexibility. Strong providers depend on strong science to deliver the most accurate diagnoses and effective treatments to their patients. The UNM School of Medicine is also home to a nationally ranked research enterprise and bio‑ medical science graduate programs at the masters and PhD level with world‑class scientific investigators and scholars whose discoveries and innovations deliver life‑saving results for humanity. (See Box) But the UNM School of Medicine’s greatest asset is the intense sense of purpose that motivates its students, residents, faculty, staff, and alumni. They understand the important role they each have to play in promoting health and well‑being in the state.

New Mexicans have a lot to be proud of, and the UNM School of Medicine is an important part of that pride. Just look at the numbers: • • •

#1 for U.S. medical schools having the highest percentage of students entering Family Medicine (30.3% in 2016-2017.) #2 for Rural Health training in medical schools (U.S. News & World Report). #8 among Family Medicine departments (U.S. News & World Report).

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UNM SCHOOL OF MEDICINE HEALTH PROFESSION PROGRAMS IMPROVING ACCESS TO QUALITY HEALTH CARE goto.unm.edu/somhpp

mproving access to quality healthcare requires a diverse team of profession‑ als who promote wellness, prevent and treat disease, facilitate recovery, and save lives. The spectrum of services they deliver covers the entire lifespan—from prena‑ tal testing, to childhood immunizations and checkups, to primary care, disease management, lifesaving emergency treatment, and end‑of‑life care. Many New Mexico communities lack access to health professionals, including physician assistants, physical and occu‑ pational therapists, dental hygienists, emergency medicine technicians and radiologic and medical laboratory scien‑ tists.

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UNM School of Medicine deliv‑ ers these important providers through health professional training and educa‑ tional programs ranging from certifica‑ tions to doctorate degrees. With constant focus on its mission of service to New Mexico, UNM School of Medicine makes it a top priority to seek out students who are committed to staying and practicing in New Mexico.

HEALTH PROFESSION PROGRAMS • • • • • • •

Dental Hygiene (BA and MS degree). Emergency Medicine (EMT and AEMT certificates, BS degree). Medical Laboratory Sciences (BS and MS degree). Occupational Therapy (MS degree). Physical Therapy (Doctorate). Physician Assistant (MS degree). Radiologic Sciences (CT, MRI, Ultrasound and Nuclear Medicine certificates, BS degree).

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NM School of Medicine’s Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program prepares graduates for research and success in the modern world of Biological, Medical, and Translational Sciences. The program’s outstanding curriculum is supported by world‑class faculty engaged in nearly every aspect of basic biomedical sci‑ ences. Students choose from multiple re‑ search concentrations including Cancer Bi‑ ology, Cardiovascular Physiology, Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Pharmaceutical Sciences and Neuroscience. Exceptional research facilities provide ac‑ cess to over 100 different laboratories to em‑ power students, faculty and staff to compete at the apex of their fields. Program graduates, who come from New Mexico and across the country, work at local biotech companies, at Los Alamos Nation‑ al Laboratories and the NM Department of Health, and as faculty at universities through‑ out the U.S. They start their own companies both in New Mexico and in other states and make significant strides to improve health care options by developing new therapies and increasing our understanding of how diseases start and progress.

esigned to help address the state’s phy‑ sician shortage by assembling a class of diverse students who are committed to serving New Mexico communities, UNM’s Combined BA/MD Program is a collaboration between the Health Sciences Center and the UNM College of Arts & Sciences. Students first earn a baccalaureate degree in a challenging four‑year curriculum specifically designed to prepare them for medical school and practice medicine in New Mexico. The program is open to students graduating from a New Mexico high school and members of a Native American nation, tribe, or pueblo located wholly or partially in New Mexico, and graduating from a local school. Students in the program receive undergraduate scholar‑ ship support and are provisionally admitted to UNM School of Medicine. Currently 119 students are undergraduates and 111 are medical students at UNM. Of BA/ MD alumni practicing medicine, 73% have re‑ turned to New Mexico and 94% practice pri‑ mary care medicine.

UNM SCHOOL OF MEDICINE BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES GRADUATE PROGRAM MS AND PHD DEGREES Concentrations in Cancer Biology, Cardiovascular Physiology, Infectious Diseases & Immunology, and Neuroscience

UNM’S COMBINED BA/MD DEGREE PROGRAM EDUCATING MORE DOCTORS FOR NEW MEXICO goto.unm.edu/bamd

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ABQ CHILDCARE 4 LOCATIONS abqchildcare.com

BQ Child Care has been serv‑ ing families in the Albuquerque community for more than 35 years. Originally launched by the late Dorothy and Adrian Gutierrez, these in‑ stitutions have been passed on through the Gutierrez family and are currently operated by their children and grand‑ children. Evelyn DeCosta—daughter of Dorothy and Adrian Gutierrez—has been involved with ABQ Childcare for over 25 years. Now, ABQ Childcare has four loca‑ tions across Albuquerque: All Seasons Day School, Alvarado Day School, Childco Day School, and Little Corral Day School. Each location serves ages as young as 6 weeks up to 12 years old. The staff at ABQ Childcare draw inspiration

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from their work, relishing opportunities to watch students learn and grow while providing a safe source of stability to kids who lives might otherwise lack it. The educators at ABQ Childcare have strived to maintain their family business in accordance with a simple philoso‑ phy: to treat everyone who visits them exactly like they would want their own children treated. ABQ Childcare’s Al‑ varado, All Seasons, and Little Corral locations have successfully added New Mexico Free Pre‑K programs, open‑ ing the doors to many more families in our community at absolutely no cost to them.

• Serving the Community for over 35 years. • 5 Star Accredited Centers through NECPA. • New Mexico Free Pre-K & State Assistance Accepted. • Low Child/Teacher Ratio Accredited.

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GILBERT L. SENA CHARTER HIGH SCHOOL 69 Hotel Circle NE Albuquerque, NM 87123 (505) 237-2374 senahigh.com

• Gilbert L. Sena Charter High School has maintained a New Mexico Grade of B for 4 years. • Gilbert L. Sena graduated 95% of senior students on the 40th day of 2019. Those seniors earned a combined total of 252 college credits. • Gilbert L. Sena’s current building has been freshly renovated, with updates and improvements in 2017. • Gilbert L. Sena offers a hybrid curriculum and flexible scheduling, helping students accomplish their goals and accelerate their educational experience.

ilbert L. Sena Charter High School received its original char‑ ter in 2003, making 2020 their 17th year serving students and families in Albuquerque. The school’s mission is to engage students and their families in an innovative and supportive environ‑ ment. Working under the guidance of professional faculty and staff, students at Gilbert L. Sena Charter High School learn the academic and social skills nec‑ essary for success in both their personal and professional lives. Maximum enrollment at Gilbert L. Sena is capped at 200 students. Cur‑ rently, they average about 175, learning under the direction of 20 staff—includ‑ ing 12 teachers. Gilbert L. Sena promotes honors and celebrates student achieve‑

ment. “Our small school attracts high school students who have been unsuc‑ cessful in a traditional high school setting or have been in a smaller school setting for middle school,” says Gilbert L. Sena Executive Director Nadine Torres. “Sena provides an opportunity for students to ‘re‑engage’ in a small, safe and welcom‑ ing environment.” Many of the students who enroll at Gilbert L. Sena arrive two or three years behind their peers, largely due to few credit completions at their pre‑ vious school(s). Classes are held in five hour core academic blocks—something parents of students who have struggled with truancy issues or time constraints imposed by jobs see as a clear benefit.

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HUNTINGTON LEARNING CENTER 8201 Golf Course Rd NW, Suite B3, Albuquerque, NM 87120 (505)797-3073 huntingtonhelps.com/center/albuquerque-west

t Huntington Learning Center, the core mission is to give every student the best education pos‑ sible. Huntington has been the tutor‑ ing and test prep leader since 1977 and serving the Albuquerque / Rio Ranch community since 2006. Huntington Learning Centers provides K–12 stu‑ dents with tutoring designed to bolster their overall academic success. The programs offered by Hunting‑ ton Learning Center are designed to build skills, confidence, and motivation by providing personalized instruction rooted in research‑based curricula, supplemented and enhanced by contin‑ ually assessing progress. Each individu‑ alized program starts with an academic evaluation for tutoring or an ACT/SAT practice test to assess every student’s unique abilities and performance.

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Then students are provided with per‑ sonalized instruction in reading, phon‑ ics, writing, study skills, math, ASVAB or ACT/SAT test preparation based on their initial evaluation and with their overall end goals in mind. They are taught by teachers who specialize in those areas of instruction and hold a minimum of a bachelor’s degree. Huntington Learning Center works with all students including those diag‑ nosed with specific learning disabilities such as ADHD or Dyslexia, teaching them strategies for academic success. The Directors at the center will regular‑ ly communicate with parents, teachers and school guidance counselors, keeping everyone informed on student progress. Huntington Learning Center is synony‑ mous with professionalism, confidence, honesty, commitment, and results.

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Students typically achieve 2+ grade levels in reading and math in three months.

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Students increase their SAT score by 226 points and ACT by 5.3 points, on average.

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Nationally our ACT/SAT students were awarded more than $57,000 each in scholarship offers.

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Our Centers are accredited by The Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.

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EARLY COLLEGE ACADEMY AND CAREER ENRICHMENT CENTER 807 Mountain Rd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87102 (505) 252-0225 cec.aps.edu

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A’ rating every year from NMPED (one of only 2 HS in NM), 2017 Principal of the Year for NM, 2019 National Blue Ribbon Award School, 2020 Assistant Principal of the Year for NM, 2019 NM Science Teacher of the Year.

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94% Graduation Rate (90% plus for last 8 years).

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100% of graduates attend a 4 year (60%), 2 year (32%) or accreditation program (8%).

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Average ACT Score: 25.2 – Highest in district, 26.3 ACT STEM score – highest in state.

arly College Academy and Ca‑ reer Enrichment Center (ECA/ CEC)—an Albuquerque Public School district magnet high school— has been serving students and families in the Albuquerque area, ECA for 13 years, CEC for 45 years. A 2019 Na‑ tional Blue Ribbon High School, ECA/ CEC offers students a wide range of programs and opportunities, including dual credit, AP credit, training in eight world languages, and coursework in cosmetology, automotive technology, practical nursing, robotics, forensics, eSports, EMT training, and a variety of STEM courses. “We believe in an education that addresses the whole student’s devel‑ opment—academic, social‑emotional, personal health and well‑being—and prepares the student for life’s many

transitions,” says Principal Patrick Arguelles. “We believe in instruc‑ tion that addresses critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and creativity in a global society and that learning is an interactive process.” The Early College Academy current‑ ly accepts 50 students at each grade level. Meanwhile, another 1600 APS high school students enroll in the Ca‑ reer Enrichment Center. ECA/CEC set high expectations to encourage high performance, but also work to tailor their education programs to the particular needs of individual students. As Arguelles explains, “Our desire is that every student takes ownership of his or her education because everyone is entitled to a safe, caring, and re‑ spectful learning environment.”

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LEGACY ACADEMY 6900 Los Volcanes NW | 7201 Central Ave. NW (505) 831-0135 legacyacademynm.com

egacy Academy started in 2005 as a Pre‑K through 8th grade school, teaching children a Biblical world‑ view. In 2017, they expanded into the world of high school, hoping to further that training and benefit children and their families as they grow past their early teens. “Our students have an opportunity to further enhance the gifts they have been given through strong academ‑ ics, fine arts and sports,” says principal Cheryl‑Lynn Larkin. “It is both a priv‑ ilege and a responsibility to provide a Godly, one of a kind environment where students grow, learn, and thrive in ways they never imagined.” “Legacy Academy partners with like‑minded parents to guide, encour‑

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age, lead, and train leaders in our faith and community, one student at a time. Every student deserves our best so that they can be their best,” says Larkin. “It’s our job as educators to identify and re‑ move any possible stumbling blocks in the way of a student reaching his or her God given potential.” “Every student is capable of learning and being successful,” she continues. “Our school offers a Christ‑Centered education for grades Pre‑k through 11th grade.” Over the course of the 2020‑ 2021 school year, Legacy Academy will further expand their services by adding a 12th grade class.

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Licensed Pre-K program.

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Fully accredited primary and secondary academies.

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Member of the New Mexico Activities Association, offering basketball, volleyball, golf, track, and cross-country running programs.

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Adding a new Mac lab in the spring.

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NEW MEXICO HIGHLANDS UNIVERSITY FACUNDO VALDEZ SCHOOL OF SOCIAL WORK 5041 Indian School Rd. NE, Suite 100 Albuquerque, NM 87110 (505) 260-6181 nmhu.edu/albuquerque

• •

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NMHU Rio Rancho offers nine undergraduate degrees across a range of disciplines. NMHU Rio Rancho offers seven graduate programs, focused on business, social work, and education. Facundo Valdez School of Social Work offers undergraduate and graduate programs focused on Social Work. NMHU Metro Centers will continue to enthusiastically promote their brand, support students, and engage the community.

ew Mexico Highlands University (NMHU)—a public, state‑run higher education institution— maintains two centers in Albuquerque’s greater metropolitan area. The Facun‑ do Valdez School of Social Work, al‑ ternatively known as the Albuquerque Center, has been educating students in the metro area since 1990. Their Rio Rancho campus opened in 1997. The faculty and staff at NMHU are excited to train New Mexico’s future educators, social workers, business men and women, psychologists, and criminal justice professionals. With enrollment up, the school is poised to promote the numerous opportunities and services NMHU provides here in the Albuquer‑ que/Rio Rancho area.

NMHU offers a variety of campus life events in order to enhance our fam‑ ily‑like approach to education. This in‑ cludes providing tickets to local events, catering for our students, training op‑ portunities, and professional develop‑ ment. At NMHU, students are celebrated. Their adult students are focused, driven, and—in many cases—busy with careers, families, and other obligations, yet they thrive upon matriculation at NMHU. NMHU truly boasts a family atmos‑ phere. They proudly offer a wide range of degrees and the services that comple‑ ment them, alongside affordable tuition and a low student‑to‑faculty ratio, allow‑ ing each student to receive the personal attention they need and deserve.

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SENIOR Living

Coronado Villa Celebrate Life.

At Coronado Villa, our all-inclusive independent retirement living concept makes life for our residents more comfortable, secure and fun. Dine on your time and celebrate life with loads of fun, fresh Chef-prepared meals, new friends and plenty of events. Coronado Villa apartment homes feature today’s trends with open layouts, larger rooms, walk-in closets, full kitchens and more. With no buy-in fee, or long-term leases, the month-to-month rent model makes it easy for seniors to live life worry-free.

All-Inclusive Amenities:

Call to schedule a tour and be our guest for lunch:

505-205-1695

6900 San Vicente Ave. NE  Albuquerque, NM 87109  APRIL 2020 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

 Live-In Managers  3 Chef-Prepared Meals Daily  Room Service & 24-Hour Chef’s Pantry  Weekly Housekeeping  Scheduled Transportation & Valet Parking  24-Hour Emergency Alert System  150-Seat Theatre  24-Hour Fitness Center  Full-Size Modern Kitchens  And Many More! CoronadoVillaRetirement.com

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DISCOVER

extraordinary and innovative Assisted Living and Memory Care in Northeast Heights.

THE WATERMARK AT CHERRY HILLS 6901 San Vicente Ave. NE • Albuquerque, NM 87109 505-445-9200 • watermarkcommunities.com ASSISTED LIVING • MEMORY CARE

PEOPLEWORKS-NM 1005 21st St. SE, Suite B, Rio Rancho, NM 87124 (505) 990-4186 peopleworksnm.org Peopleworks-NM was founded over a decade ago with a singular mission. It’s right there in the name: working to help people. They are a non-profit agency whose vision is to “provide mental wellness services to persons in need, regardless of economic status.” Five years ago, they added a gambling addiction program to their list of services, offering free treatment to those in need. Peopleworks Executive Director Cindy Anderson earned her International Gambling Counselor Certification in 2018, and works with a staff that includes several counselors with extensive training in gambling addiction treatment. “We specialize in older adults, but are able to see people from just about every stage of life, starting with older teens,” Anderson explains, noting that they also see family members. For people struggling with gambling addiction—spending untold hours at the casino, missing bills, feeling trapped in damaging patterns—Peopleworks offers a route to recovery. “If one person is able to identify that they have a problem with gambling and seek treatment, our work has been worthwhile,” says Anderson.

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THE MONTEBELLO ON ACADEMY

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TAKE THE WORK OUT OF EATING.

Let The Kitchen @ Meals on Wheels cook for you. Freshly prepared meals—hand made for you and delivered to your home. We’re great for those wanting to remain healthy and independent, those recuperating after hospitalization or illness, or those requiring a medically-tailored diet.

Better food without the hassle. Call The Kitchen @ Meals on Wheels today! ANY AGE, ANY REASON.

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(505) 823-8060 or mow-nm.org

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4821 Alexander Blvd. NE | Albuquerque, NM 87107 • 877-961-7171

• AffordableDentures.com

Your General Dentist

Gary R. Herron II, DDS, FICOI, FAAIP

AFFORDABLE DENTURES FREEDENTURES $325 STARTING AT

CONSULT & X-RAY* FOR NEW DENTURE PATIENTS. UP TO $120 VALUE

• Personalized Dentures • Life Changing Implants • Extractions • Other Dental Services

CALL TODAY TO SCHEDULE YOUR FREE CONSULT!

877-961-7171

*Offers good only at designated location. *Minimum estimated value of Consult and X-Ray is $75, and covers a traditional 2-D X-Ray. Same-day service on Economy Dentures in most cases, call for details. Additional fees may be incurred depending on individual cases.

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CORNUCOPIA ADULT AND FAMILY SERVICES, INC 2002 Bridge SW Albuquerque, NM 87105 (505) 877-1310 Cornucopia-ads.org (YOU DONATE ONLINE) Cornucopia Adult and Family Services is a non-profit organization dedicated to caring for and supporting adults with intellectual disabilities, as well as seniors with dementia and Alzheimer’s. Today, they offer their day services to over 100 individuals, provide family living support—subsidizing living costs—for over 20 families, and operate two supported living homes. When Cornucopia CEO Michelle Bishop-Couch assumed her duties 12 years ago, the program’s services were much more limited. “When I took over the agency, we only had 23 clients, 11 staff, and one program,” Bishop-Couch recalls. Over the years, Bishop-Couch and her team have worked to expand Cornucopia’s funding base, allowing them to provide more services to more people. Cornucopia recently broke ground on a new facility, aiming to open their doors to seniors 55 years and older within about a year. “It will be smaller and quieter,” says Bishop-Couch. “We are super excited to be able to offer that option, and we’ll keep everyone posted for our opening day!”

Do You WORRY About Leaving Your ADULT or SENIOR LOVED-ONE ALONE During The Day? Is Their Quality of Life SLIPPING AWAY? Are You TORN BETWEEN CARING For Your AGING PARENTS and Your OWN FAMILY?

WE PROVIDE • A Safe & Engaging Day • Nutritious Snacks & Meals • Therapeutic Exercises • Activities & Outings 7 Program Sites in Albuquerque, Rio Rancho and Gallup 505.298.1700 www.shareyourcare.org

• 1:5 Staff to Client Ratio • Consulting Nurse & Pharmacist • Transportation • Affordable Pricing & Access to Funding Sources • Highly Trained & Dedicated Staff

SHARE YOUR CARE ADULT DAY SERVICE CENTERS- The Next Best Care to YOURS!

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RETREAT HEALTHCARE 4075 Jackie Rd. SE, Rio Rancho, NM 87124 (505) 891-1234 retreatnm.com Founded in 2009 by Dr. Lena Ernst and Robert Metz, Retreat Healthcare is a privately owned family of dementia care services based on compassionate care, accountability, quality communication, and quality of life. Today, Retreat Healthcare includes 3 unique care centers for all stages of Alzheimer’s and related dementias, non-medical homecare, and hospice. By combining the talents of nurses, doctors, caregivers, social workers and Ph.D.-trained educators, Retreat Healthcare’s services are the gold standard for New Mexico families living with dementia. “The use of outdoor spaces, higher

staffing patterns, and programs based on the most current research set The Retreat apart from most care programs,” says chief operations officer Melissa Spiers. Originally launched as the Retreat Alzheimer’s Specialty Care, the operation added the Retreat Gardens, a secured assisted living center, in 2014. These specialty outfits were eventually fused with Dr. Ernst and Metz’ other healthcare service providers, Hospice de la Luz and Retreat at Home, to form Retreat Healthcare. “You’ll find an ongoing leadership effort to hire, train, and empower the best in the field to work with our resi-

dents,” says Spiers. “We don’t just care for our residents—we care for the whole family.” Retreat Healthcare takes a “holistic approach caring for other people who are in need,” adds Spiers. “We’ve integrated aromatherapy, massage therapy, music program, pets and nature into our daily life programs. We know that all people, living with dementia or not, need to feel purposeful, enjoy their daily activities, and engage in quality social groups”. Retreat Healthcare’s slogan is “The Soul is Awakened Through Service.” They strive to live this motto each day.

Tony Collins, resident at The Retreat Gardens, our secured Assisted Living and his wife Dr. Barbara Hill, who is totally independent and lives at The Retreat Villas so she is close to him.

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ABQ THE INTERVIEW P. 180 | PERSONALITY P. 186 | BEHIND THE SCENES P. 190

HISTORY THATâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S HIP AGAIN After years of planning (and months of construction), April marks the first full month of Sawmill Market, the much-anticipated, uber-trendy Old Town artisanal food hall that promises to kick up our culinary scene another notch (p. 190).

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PHOTO BY DON JAMES/ATM

STORIES BEHIND INDIVIDUALS WHO MAKE ALBUQUERQUE GREAT

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UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL WITH OUR LEADERS AND DIFFERENCE-MAKERS

Christy Tafoya The Director of New Mexico State Parks aims to modernize the department to teach the next generation of New Mexicans about the wonders of our state.

C PHOTO BY DON JAMES/ATM

hristy Tafoya grew up on the East Coast but was inspired by historic sites from a young age. She says she has always been in love with history. So, it’s no surprise that when she went off to college at Mary Washington College (now Mary Washington University) she studied History and Archeology. After graduation, she decided to travel to the Southwest to view some of the history of other parts of the country. Her journey to southern New Mexico turned out to be a game-changer for this Maryland girl. She decided to stay, attending New Mexico State University and earning her master’s degree in Anthropology. From there, Tafoya joined the U.S. Forest Service before becoming the first official State Park Archeologist for New Mexico State Parks. After a storied career there, she was appointed to be the Department Director by then-Governor Susanna Martinez and she assumed leadership of 35 State Parks. Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham kept her on. Now nearly five years into her tenure, Tafoya is moving the Department towards inspiring a new generation through interactive education programs while still promoting the Jet Skis, camp sites, and great fishing holes New Mexico is known for. ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE: So, you are an East-Coaster? What brought you to New Mexico? CHRISTY TAFOYA: I got my undergrad-

uate degree in Virginia. My classwork was in historic preservation, and archeology and history. I really love the history of the East Coast, but I was really drawn to New Mexico for the archeology. On the

East Coast there are a lot of plants and grass that cover up the archaeological sites and [in New Mexico] the archeology is just so vast, so old, and so accessible. So, I got a job with the Forest Service and went to work in the Lincoln National Forest, outside of Alamogordo. It’s beautiful. And I got an opportunity to work on the Sacramento Mountains, on the Guadalupe Mountains, did some work at

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the Mescalero Apache tribal land. It was a really amazing first step into New Mexico and that was in 1991. ATM: How did you go from a small park in southern New Mexico to managing all of the State Parks? CT: From the forest service I kind of

moved around. I went to work for the state historic preservation office. And then I went back down south. I couldn’t stay away from the south. And I went to school at NMSU and got my master’s degree. Then I got to do some really cool work in the Tularosa basin. I got to work out on White Sands Missile Range. It was really amazing because I got to work on a wide array of things, from Paleo-Indian sites all the way up to rockets, and missile test stands, and all of those kinds of things. I ended up working at Oliver Lee Memorial State Park, which is right outside of Alamogordo. And it’s this really cool historic ranch and a beautiful campground right at the foot of Dog Canyon at the [base] of the Sacramento Mountains. I fell in love with the place and I decided I was going to NMSU. I studied anthropology—and

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Christy Tafoya announces the opening of the Next Generation of Adventure Initiative at Hyde Memorial State Park in 2019.

I decided to use the Oliver Lee Ranch House as kind of my base of operations in terms of my thesis. It was really fun. Then I thought, “Wow! State Parks would be a really cool place to work, because there are so many of them.” And they didn’t have an archeologist at the time, but they ended up creating a position for it. That was back in 1998. Well, I applied and I got it.

people about why these places are so important and having them help us protect our beautiful State Parks was really a big part of what I wanted to do. So not only were we doing the “resource protection” side of things, we were really pushing the education side of things also.

ATM: You work all over the state but seem to have a special affection for the Rio Grande Nature Center. Is that accurate?

CT: Absolutely. Parks can be viewed

CT: Yes. The Rio Grande Nature Center

was one of those places that was really a beacon for me early in my career. Because, although I was an archeologist, teaching

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ATM: Balancing both sides— education and recreation—seems like a very important part of the job.

as recreational. Like, “Let’s go to Elephant Butte Lake and have a great time.” But sometimes people don’t think of places like the Rio Grande Nature Center as a typical State Park, but to me it is. It encompasses beautiful resources and it also encompasses that ability to teach

children, to teach adults, to connect to the community. So early in my career I gravitated towards the Nature Center because there were educators on staff and I learned so much from the people who worked there. The Rio Grande Nature Center is kind of that shining star of really great interpretive educational staff. I mean, you have volunteers who have been here 15 or 20 years or longer. So that was a really big part of my early career, working the resource side of things, the education, the outreach, getting kids connected with the outdoors. I moved into an education resource program manager and then I became a bureau chief. There were a lot of different aspects of that bureau. We were managing some fairly large sums of money, particuWWW.ABQTHEMAG.COM | APRIL 2020

COURTESY BECKY O'NEILL

ABQ

Early in her career, Tafoya worked on State Park Visitor Centers similar to this one at the Rio Grande Nature Center.

larly for the outdoor classroom program. It was really exciting. And we also had a lot of money to do exhibits; really big exhibit projects. So, I’ve worked on exhibits within probably 20 of our visitor centers across the state. ATM: Education has been a main focus of your time as director. What are some of the things you’ve accomplished in that capacity? CT: In my past role we were really able

to build a lot of programming and we are going to build from much of that. For example, we do have Transportation Grants, and that allows teachers to get kids out to the parks. That’s a really big and important piece of this. We are also trying to make sure that our curriculum fits with the teachers’ curriculum. That’s really important. We have the Bosque Education Guide, and its K-12 and we want to build more of those curriculum-based programs. The third part of this is teach-

er training. We worked with some really great volunteers and staff and contractors to put on Bosque Education Guide Trainings. Because a teacher needs to feel comfortable when he or she comes out to a park that they know how to use the guide. Plus, it’s a really fun training. I’ve been to a few and they are just a blast!

partnership with Navajo Dam Enterprises who recently won a national award for their development. The lake is super popular but it’s almost like two parks with the lake up top and then the San Juan River down below, which, of course, has world famous fishing.

ATM: What is the largest State Park?

CT: Oasis State Park. That is a small park

CT: The largest state park is Elephant

Butte. We get about a million visitors there every year. It is a beautiful park. And I would really like people to get to know that park during the spring and fall as well as the summer. There is a really big, beautiful trail that goes along the shore there. And there are incredible birding opportunities. And in spring and fall it tends to be less busy. We also have a big training center and very popular education classes. Our second biggest park is Navajo Lake State Park. It’s gorgeous. It’s really developed over the last few years thanks to a

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ATM: And the smallest?

in between Clovis and Portales. It’s a very charming park and very popular. It’s got a pond, a really pretty campground, and a visitor center. And it’s really beloved by the community. It is just the sweetest little park. Black Water Draw, a really important Paleo-Indian site is located very close by. Competing with that is probably Pancho Villa State Park, which is in Columbus on the Mexican border. That is one of our other really small parks. It has a really amazing museum that we worked really hard on. That was one of my first really big projects when I worked on Visitors Cen-

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Navajo Lake !

Farmington

ð ñ ò ñ

Sugarite Canyon !

Raton

Chama

ð ñ ò Heron Lake ñ ð ñ ò ñ El Vado Lake

US 491

Eagle Nest Lake NM

ð ñ ò ñ

Los Alamos

Fenton Lake

285

ð ñ ò ð ñ òñ ñ

ð ñ ò ñ

NM 14

Cerrillos Hills Rio Grande Nature Center

ð ñ òCoyote Creek ñ ð ñ òMorphy Lake ñ ð ñ ò Storrie Lake ñ

Manzano

ð ñ ò Mountains ñ

ð ñ ò ñ

Clayton

Clayton Lake & Dinosaur Trackways

US 56

Conchas Lake

Las Vegas

ð ñ ò ñ

ð ñ ò Villanueva ñ ð ñ ò ñ Santa Rosa Lake

Albuquerque

ð ñ ò ð ñ òCimarron Canyon ñ ñ

ð ñ ò ñ

I-40

Taos

Pecos Canyon

Hyde ! Memorial

Gallup

Bluewater Lake

Cuba

Grants !

CT: Working with our sister states is real-

ð ñ ò ñ

ATM: Do you work a lot with other states?

ð ñ ò ñ

US 64

I-25

COURTESY PHOTO

ABQ

Tucumcari I-40

ð ñ ò ñ

Sumner Lake

ð ñ ò ñ

Ute Lake

US 60

Clovis

ð ñ ò ñ

Oasis US 60

Socorro

I-25

28 5 !

City of Rocks !

I-1 0

ð ñ ò ñ

Rockhound !

ð ñ ò ñ

Deming

Pancho Villa

54 S

Hatch

Alamogordo

ð ñ ò ñ ð ñ ò Percha Dam ñ

Silver City

Lordsburg

ð ñ ò ñ

ð ñ ò Leasburg Dam ñ ð ñ ò ñ Mesilla Valley !

US 380

ð ñ ò Bottomless Lakes ñ

US 285

Caballo Lake

Las Cruces

Oliver Lee Memorial ð ñ ò ñ

Brantley Lake

ð ñ ò ñ ð ñ ò ñ !

Carlsbad

Living Desert Zoo and Gardens

Bosque

ð ñ ò ñ

New Mexico has 35 state parks ranging in size and location. Courtesy New Mexico State Parks

ters. This is actually the site where Pancho Villa raided from Mexico in 1916. Camp Furlong was there and there was kind of an explosion of soldiers because General Blackjack Pershing brought in all of his troops and they went into Mexico to chase Villa. It was actually kind of a proving ground for World War I. They tried out the Jenny Airplane, so we have one at the museum there. And when you see it, you can’t believe someone actually flew in it. The pilot actually got his license from one of the Wright Brothers. ATM: Can you share any hidden gems? CT: Well, Oliver Lee Memorial Park is a

real hidden gem. The neat thing about it is that you have the opportunity to explore the park, explore the history, but

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ATM: What can you tell us about your newest project; the Next Generation of Adventure Initiative? CT: We are really excited about that ini-

Roswell

Elephant Butte Lake

ly important. I’m on the executive board of the National Association of State Park Directors. I represent the Southwest Region and have been able to meet some incredible colleagues. Like the director of Oklahoma State Parks has become a really good friend and we’ve talked about the potential of partnering in the northeastern part of the state. I think working with our partner directors is a really wonderful opportunity.

you have White Sands National Park right there also, so it’s a great place to jump into exploring the surrounding areas. Sugarite Canyon is right outside of Raton and it is a beautiful park. The neat thing there is that it starts off down in this really beautiful canyon that actually has an amazing historic site, an abandoned coal camp. So, the history there is incredible. But then you drive up into the canyon and they have two lakes and then a pine forest and then a grassland mesa. You get all of these ecozones through the canyon. It’s also neat that on one of the borders, the park leads right into Colorado where there is another state park that has its boundaries all the way up to Trinidad. We are hoping to have some really important partnerships there.

tiative. We are working to modernize our parks, make them more accessible for our visitors, provide more and new opportunities for them at our parks. It encompasses a lot of different things. Some of the things we are looking into are online payments, self-pay kiosks, increasing the ability of people to access Wi-Fi around the state. So, those are some basic accessibility things we are working on. Then there are programmatic things like the Outdoor Classroom Program and increasing some of our signature events. Then also improving infrastructure. One of the things I’m really excited about… wait for it… an RV dump station at Storrie Lake State Park! (laughs) But all kidding aside, it’s right outside of Las Vegas and they have been waiting for a long time for that to be reopened. And you know it’s really important for the resources and environment as a place for people to dump their waste. And we partnered with the community on that. ATM: And how do you determine what each park needs? Do they petition you? What is the process? CT:

It’s kind of organic. From the planning side of me, I will say that we do management plans for the parks. We go through a pretty extensive process where we look at all of the resources that the park has: its inventory, its staffing, the programming, what are the things that we need, and we create a plan. And we go through a ranking process, so we WWW.ABQTHEMAG.COM | APRIL 2020

ABQ

come up with a table at the end and vet it pretty extensively. And that helps with determining that. But when I say “its organic,” when you have a village or town that comes to you, we need to be flexible to be able to address an idea that they may have. And, like with the Next Generation of Adventure initiative or Girl Scouts Loves State Parks, there are things that we roll out statewide. ATM: How much time do you get to spend in the various parks?

tive session, I’m pretty tied to the desk. It varies by year also. I’ve served as director for 4 ½ years and it depends on what’s happening out in the field. But I try to get out as much as I possibly can. And the nice thing is that when you get out, there are clusters of parks, so I can hit a few of them at a time. And that’s a nice thing for visitors as well. —TAYLOR HOOD

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PHOTO BY DON JAMES/ATM

CT: It really varies. During the legisla-

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

From Ballet to Business Becoming businessman’s best friend is the goal of Bridget Condon, who aims to help boost the prospects of Sandoval County’s retailers and businesses.

B PHOTO BY REECE MARTINEZ/ATM

Bridget Condon had already accumulated quite the professional resume by the time she considered a career transition to Sandoval Economic Alliance (SEA). Her core philosophy of public service ultimately made her an ideal fit for her next destination. “My role is to listen and to help people… It’s really my job to be a problem. solver,” she says. “I’ve always felt that’s where I’ve had the biggest strength is using my time and resources to help someone else.” Condon was hired as SEA’s Director of Business Development in August 2018. SEA is a non-profit organization with a goal to “strengthen and diversify the economic base” of Rio Rancho and Sandoval County. From her position, Condon focuses on attracting new businesses to Sandoval County while also working on retention and expansion for existing companies in the area. “It’s actually a huge benefit that in Sandoval County we have really unique communities,” Condon says. “A company that would fit in Rio Rancho is not the same company for Corrales or Bernalillo. That gives me a lot of opportunities to pitch our different areas and see what industries might thrive throughout the community. “It’s really important that our companies here know that I’m not just focused on bringing in new people but that we’re also really appreciative for them and all

the work they’ve done in this community,” she adds. A Santa Fe native who attended the University of New Mexico, Condon spent her formative years immersed in the world of dance, a product of her mother owning her own studio straight out of college. Both Condon and her sister, Aviva Baumann, attended their fair share of dance classes growing up. While Baumann eventually left Santa Fe to join the Oakland Ballet Company, Condon says the next level of stage performance was something that eluded her. Instead, she found herself in a teaching role, whether at Santa Fe Aspen Ballet, in local elementary schools, or with the Santa Fe Prep dance team. In a way, it foreshadowed her career path. “I was better at helping people,” she says. “There was a lot of benefits being able to help and provide dance classes to people. That was more fulfilling to me

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than being the star on the stage.” Condon’s mom proved to be influential in this regard, as well. Laurie Farber-Condon was heavily involved in the Santa Fe community through various non-profits and other activities, and her daughter got to see that engagement firsthand. “I got to tag along with here and it was nice to have that strong female role model, [to see] how she dedicated so much of her time to the community,” Condon says. “My mom has a reputation of being a kind person, all the impact she was able to make taking that approach.’ While at UNM, Condon participated in the Fred Harris Congressional Internship program, where face-to-face interaction with the former United-States-Senator-turned-college-professor convinced her that she should pursue her dreams, no matter the how long the odds might seem. That inspiration eventually led to a position as a congressional aide for U.S. Rep. Steve Pearce (N.M., 2nd District), which included a stint working in Washington, D.C. Condon gradually worked her way up the ladder from an entry-level position answering phones to scheduling to, finally, public policy. “That was where I really had the most

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fun while working in D.C. No matter what job it was, in D.C. it’s a little bit crazy, and it’s easy to get caught up in some of the politics that happen there,” she says. During that hectic time, Condon still felt a strong pull back to the Land of Enchantment, and Pearce allowed her to return home by serving as a field representative in the Los Lunas office. Not only was it good to be home, but Condon felt she could make more of a difference working in New Mexico than in the nation’s capital. “I felt that coming, my time was more valuable to helping people here and helping with local issues than it was to try and impact federal legislation,” she says. “I love New Mexico, and I see that a lot of my friends who are my age who have left the state, whether it was because they couldn’t find opportunities or they were just looking for something else. I wanted to be part of the narrative that was helping…make New Mexico somewhere that people wanted to live and stay.” Her tenure as a congressional aide also provided invaluable lessons that she still uses to this day. “The most important thing I learned while working for Congressman Pearce was the importance of listening to the community leaders and the citizens from around the state,” she says. “He really emphasized that it was our role to help people accomplish their own goals. We would be not representing them well if we were to assume what they needed or tell them what they needed.” Condon’s next move was a seemingly natural transition to become the director of public policy at the New Mexico Association of Commerce and Industry (ACI). Once again, she was charged with traveling the state and listening to members of the community and lobbying for or against potential legislation on their behalf. Condon credits Antoinette Vigil, the former economic development director for Sandoval County, for steering her toward SEA next. Vigil was aware of Condon’s work on pro-business policies and creating jobs with ACI and encouraged her to apply. Once Condon did a little research of her own, she realized it was an ideal opportunity for her career. What she didn’t realize was that the area would end up becoming an ideal home, as well. “I was really amazed when I first took this job how many companies exist here that I had never heard of before that are do-

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ing some really incredible things,” she says. “It was clear that the potential for growth and opportunity was in Sandoval County. “It was an added bonus once I moved out here that I really genuinely loved being in Sandoval County. Rio Rancho was the first place that I’ve purchased a home and decided to move to. There are amazing things, from the food, to the people, to walking along the Bosque. I would have to argue that we have the best view of the Sandias here. From the job and working with people to just living here in the community, it’s all been really incredible since taking my role at SEA.” Condon doesn’t have much in the way of downtime, either. She’s working on completing her master’s degree in public administration, and she plans on running for New Mexico State Senate District 9. “My newest hobby will be knocking on doors and going to listen to our community members, not only from the perspective of economic development, but just generally (as far as) what policies could be done at the state level to help them and keep them here in New Mexico.” —TRISTEN CRITCHFIELD

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BEHIND SCENES THE

YOUR SNEAK PEEK AT JOBS THAT FLY BELOW THE RADAR

Not Just For Tourists The transcendent food hall in Old Town is finally here, a continuation of the modern vision of ABQ from Jim Long, president of Heritage Hotels and Resorts. Welcome to Sawmill Market.

O PHOTO BY DON JAMES/ATM

n March 10, Albuquerque got its first artisanal food hall. Part of a grand design to revitalize a historic area that was once home to an 800-employee lumber mill, the Sawmill Market will be a firstof-its kind culinary concept for the state of New Mexico. This is just the latest stage in Heritage Hotels and Resorts President Jim Long’s mission to restore a piece of Albuquerque history. Long’s vision began with the restoration of Hotel Albuquerque, followed by the opening of Hotel Chaco—one of New Mexico’s premier hotels dedicated to celebrating Native American culture—and Spur Line Supply Co. (with the help of partner Tess Coats.) But the $20 million Sawmill Market will be the crown jewel of the area redevelopment. “We’ve spared no expense,” says Long. “It will be a nice variety of foods, all artisanal type of offerings. There will be a lot of opportunities for startup business, women-owned business, minority-owned businesses, some new companies, but also some of our established companies that have been in New Mexico for a while. No national brands. Just the best of what New Mexico has to offer.” The 34,000-square-foot market opened its doors in the old Paxton Lumber Co. building on the corner of Bellamah and Rio Grande and houses approximately 30

vendors, a variety of social spaces, an outdoor venue, and plenty more for families from near and far. Though Long promises a state-of-theart facility, he was also adamant during development that the history of the building be preserved. “We wanted to showcase the best… but also the aspect of the history of the building. It was the former Paxton Lumbers Building. So, we were able to retain the important quality and aspects of the building.” One of those preserved aspects is the intricate lumber ceiling. “The building

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has the most extraordinary ceiling that I’ve seen in a building in New Mexico,” explains Long. “It’s this magnificent timber ceiling with very massive beams and beautiful overlaid tongue groove lumber on top of that. So, it just creates this strikingly beautiful wood ceiling that you would not have expected to see in what appeared to be a very plain and simple building.” “Plain and simple” is even what Long initially saw when he acquired the building. So, he brought in a longtime collaborator and renowned urban developer Stefanos Polyzoides for advice. “Stephanos was the gentleman who convinced us that that building should be a food hall,” recalls Long. “We were not thinking along the same lines. We were actually thinking that that building probably didn’t have a use, that it should be torn down and replaced with something more contemporary. But Stephanos walked into the building and announced that this was ‘going to be a food hall’ and that it was going to be

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THE

BEHIND SCENES

Here is a list of some of the vendors to be found at the new Sawmill Market: . Blue Door Patisserie. . Botanic Bar . Cacho’s Bistro . Dr. Field Goods . Eldora Chocolate . Estella Floral Design . Flora Mexican Restaurant . Hawt Pizza Co. . Mercantile Café . Mercantile Wine Bar . Mr. Powdrell’s Barbeque . Naruto . Paxton’s (social space and taproom) . Plata Coffee . Tulipani . Simple Olive Oil . Spur Line Supply Co. . XO Waffle *Visit sawmillmarket.com for more details and updates.

the ‘heartbeat of the Sawmill District.’” Long says the whole team thought Polyzoides was “nuts.” But they soon came to agree with his vision. Again, sparing no expense, Long brought in Steve Carlin, the man who introduced the food hall concept to the United States. “We searched out the best in the country and that was Steve Carlin. And he came out to New Mexico... and he gave us the guidance that we needed to take the next step.” First, the team had to figure out exactly what a food hall is. After all, this would be the first one in the state. So Long and Carlin spent many a night discussing what the concept would look like. “A food hall is a social type of environment where food is the star, but so is the aspect of socialization, just from people watching to aspects of entertainment and everything is open. So, it’s very visual. Everything is visible from one area to another. Spaces are not divided with walls that separate them. The chefs are part of the action. They are visible, so the food is prepared often time right before you. It’s a different elevation of a food experience. It’s not necessarily someone just bringing you a plate of food,

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you are part of the food experience. It’s very unique.” With the dream solidified, it was time to get to work. Long continued to bring in the best and brightest. From national talents like Ashley Wilkens, a famed interior designer based in Brooklyn, New York to local restaurant icons Lauren and Jason Greene, founders of The Grove, to handle concept development, Long laboriously assembled the team he would need. Though everyone played their part exceptionally, Long says he never would have been able to pull this off without the help of the Greenes. “Lauren and Jason Greene have been a remarkable team to work on Sawmill District,” says Long. “They have been the concept developers on the project. So, they’ve really helped us find unique food talents in the state and they’ve brought their extraordinary skills and talents as trendsetters and culinary pioneers. They’ve been an extraordinary couple to work with on the project.” And now, after more than three years of development, the Sawmill Market is finally open to the public. Though Long is excited about every aspect of this proj-

ect, he says one thing he is personally very excited about is the outdoor spaces. The Market will have expertly crafted outdoor areas on all four sides, and the spot between the original building and the old lumber shed will be a spot called “The Yard,” which will include space for live performances, and games—like beanbag toss—for the whole family. This project isn’t just about food and drink, it’s about community. “I think this is the kind of place you are going to spend half your day,” says Long. But this is just the beginning of Long’s efforts to realize his dream. The next phase of the plan will involve building a 200-300-unit multifamily building. “Over time, the Sawmill District will evolve into Albuquerque’s most unique urban space,” Long explains. “It’s going to be a space that will be comprised of hotels, multifamily units, retail, entertainment venues, more restaurants, beautiful outdoor spaces, beautiful landscaping. It will be like no other space anywhere in New Mexico. And I think it will be New Mexico’s most spectacular place to live, to work, and to play.” —TAYLOR HOOD WWW.ABQTHEMAG.COM | APRIL 2020

PHOTO BY DON JAMES/ATM

WHO’S AT SAWMILL?

CREATIVES P. 194 | SHELFLIFE P. 196 | TIEMPO P. 198 | ABQ ON STAGE P. 200

CULTURE

THE BIG PICTURE Local photographer Bill Tondreau is known for his colorful, detailed panorama photos of the New Mexico landscape. His custom process and eye for scenic views make him one of the most sought-after artists in the state (pg. 194).

APRIL 2020 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

PHOTO BY REECE MARTINEZ/ATM

A PULSE CHECK ON ALBUQUERQUEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S ART, MUSIC AND THEATER SCENE

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

PHOTOGRAPHY WIZARD By splicing together dozens of separate images for each picture, artist and Oscar-winner Bill Tondreau creates jaw-dropping panoramas.

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PHOTO BY REECE MARTINEZ/ATM

any Albuquerqueans have experienced the majesty of the local landscape, from the Sandias’ granite cliff faces to a sun-dappled path beneath a cottonwood canopy. They pull out their phones to snap a picture and are sorely disappointed. Most photographers can’t capture the sight as their eye sees it. Duke City photographer Bill Tondreau can. His stunning images grace the walls of conference rooms and homes across the city, and, of course, the walls of Sumner & Dene gallery where his work is sold. Now 74, Tondreau has had a nearly lifelong love affair with photography and imagery. Tondreau’s mother introduced the Los Angeles native to photography. After his four siblings were tucked in, she would pull him out of bed to teach him photo enlarging. “At age 5 or 6, she introduced me to the miracle of images appearing out of nowhere in a pan of chemicals,” Tondreau says. “It was a magical, powerful thing that could invoke imagery. It could put my vision into a tangible form.” He experimented with photography throughout his childhood. After serving in the Vietnam War, he got a lucky break when he became the in-house photographer for the studio of Charles and Ray Eames, seminal designers who significantly shaped American modern design in architecture and furniture. “It was the modern equivalent of being hired into Michelangelo’s workshop,” Tondreau says. He worked in the studio for a decade. His most formative project took him across the country making pictures of co-

Bill Tondreau’s Creative Process

lonial American architecture. “That was where I started taking the kind of landscapes, the wide-angle scenics, that I continue to do today,” Tondreau says. Supported by the U.S. State Department and created in honor of America’s bicentennial, the exhibition gave Tondreau’s work a world-class premiere. His first exhibition appeared at the Louvre Museum and traveled to the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the British Museum, to name a few. Tondreau has a way of rising to the top in his endeavors. Before Star Wars: A New Hope was released, Tondreau discovered and began experimenting with cinematic motion control techniques. He set up a studio in his beachfront apartment in Venice, California, and started developing software to guide a robotic arm through natural, repeatable camera movements. When Star Wars, which used the same motion control techniques, hit the big screen, “it made my hobby into the hottest ticket in town,” he says. “I went from zero to the top of a heap that hadn’t really formed yet. It carried me for thirty years.” He won three technical Academy Awards for his work on Star Wars, Lord of the Rings, and King Kong. He appeared on stage at the Oscars in 2004 to accept his statuette for significant advancements in the field of motion control technology for motion picture visual effects. “There was no talking to me. I had a fat head for about

three weeks,” Tondreau says. After the ceremony, he went to Target and bought a towel to wrap around the statuette, a gym bag, and a deceptive pair of underwear to put over the top for good measure. He carried the Oscar around LA like that while playing tourist and continues to store it that way today in his Albuquerque home. Tondreau first visited Albuquerque in 1988, when he had to come to the Duke City to receive medical treatment. He relocated his company, Kuper Controls, here. In fact, he did much of his Academy Award winning work by himself out of the spare bedroom of his home. After the field moved on to more computer-generated effects, he sold his business in 2005. He’d been the person helping others create imagery for decades. Then, he was ready to “be the guy who pushed the button.” He bought a digital camera and began photographing all the places he’d explored while hiking. One day, when moving prints out of a building downtown, he fortuitously ran into Roy Sumner Johnson, of Sumner & Dene gallery. Johnson invited Tondreau to move the images right back into the gallery. Tondreau has been selling 30 to 40 prints a month there since. For Tondreau, a great image starts with the emotion he feels when arriving at the scene. That sentiment connects with collectors. “I get it now,” says Johnson of the images that fly off the walls. “He seems

APRIL 2020 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

to have found all those favorite hideaway places. The ones where kids play beside the acequias and people get engaged.” “When you were born at a place and lived there all your life, you stop seeing it,” Tondreau says. “I allow people to resee familiar places through the artist’s eye. I dress up Albuquerque in the mantle of fine art.” “People think all that color is Photoshopped,” says Johnson, referring to the software program that enables photographers to transform their images. “It’s not. It’s just a patient man that sits and waits.” Tondreau’s photographs can seem impossible in the way they capture the breadth of a view, the focus, and the light on a landscape. Viewers often compare his images to paintings. They do share similarities: Both Tondreau’s images and paintings are perfectly in focus everywhere, and all the brightest and darkest points of light are brought into the same range. It’s all part of Tondreau’s wizardry behind the lens and at the computer, where he stiches multiple images together into a finished piece. “The spells I weave create highly complicated photographs,” Tondreau says. “The thing that has always seduced me is the magic. I wanted to be a wizard, and I do my conjuring at the computer.”—ASHLEY M. BIGGERS

PHOTO BY REECE MARTINEZ/ATM

Between 18 and 72 images make up each one of Bill Tondreau’s Albuquerque scenes. “Machine Shop Looking East,” a photograph of the Rail Yards on permanent display at the Albuquerque Museum features 35 individual pictures, while a view like “Lights of Albuquerque,” an image from the West Mesa, involves dozens more. In the field, often just before sunset and after, he photographs a scene in a variety of ways. First, he pans the camera around a scene, enabling him to capture 180 to 270 degrees. At each vantage, he captures multiple images, with the focus placed on the far distance, the middle distance, and close up. Then, back at his computer, he uses software to stitch the images together to create a finished piece that more closely mimics the wide-angle and the color spectrum the human eye experiences. But even then, his images defy human vision. At times, a finished creation captures a span of time. For example, “Sandia Fantasia,” one of his signature shots, blends images taken over an hour-and-a-half. It shows the entire experience of a sunset, from the first light glinting off rocks, to the last rays in the sky. Composing the final piece also involved more than a hundred hours of worktime at the computer stitching frames.

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SHELFLIFE

TURN A PAGE WITH OUR LOCAL AUTHORS

BEWARE THE RED MENACE? I

ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE: Why did you choose the summer of 1953 as the setting for your book? LOIS RUBY: I chose it because that was

the summer leading up to the execution of Julius and Ethel Rosenberg. I was 11 years old at the time and very much concerned about what was going on because I was particularly conscious of injustices. It seemed to be that it was an incredible thing to happen that two people, a husband and wife, would be executed and leave behind children that were the same age I was. ATM: How is baseball important to the plot of Red Menace? LR: It’s a boy who’s between his 12th and

13th birthday and he becomes aware of what’s happening in the world around him for the first time other than baseball. Baseball’s been his whole life up to this point, but suddenly he becomes aware of all these things that are going on and that his own family is in jeopardy. He thinks if somebody else’s parents can be accused of being spies even if they aren’t and they can be found guilty even if they aren’t and they can be executed for something they apparently did not do, how could he be sure this would not happen to his family as well?

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RED MENACE

By Lois Ruby Carolrhoda Books 224 pages $17.99

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n 1953, American citizens Julius and Ethel Rosenberg were executed on charges of espionage on behalf of the Soviet Union. It was a case that rocked the United States to its core at a time when tensions toward the USSR and communism ran especially high. Red Menace takes readers back to that time through the lens of 13-year-old Marty Rafner, a fictional character who’d rather devote his energies to following his beloved Yankees than a country in crisis. However, Rafner knows the Rosenbergs personally, and he harbors concerns that his own parents could face a similar fate. Author Lois Ruby’s 21st book for young readers promises to both educate its audience about a bygone era while simultaneously providing enough intrigue to keep the pages turning.

ATM: How is this fictional version of that period different than the actual era?

young boy’s eyes?

LR: Of course, the main character is a

and the grandmother of three grandsons as well as three granddaughters. I have always sort of viewed the world of children’s literature through the eyes of my sons. Even when they were toddlers, I was writing stories. That’s kind of the way I look at the world.

fictional character. But all of the details around the questioning of people and the accusations that they were communists or communist-leaning, the details leading up to those two months toward the execution, all of those things are historically accurate. ATM: Why do you think Red Menace will appeal to young readers? LR: I think that it’s important in this case

because they don’t really know about that period of time when people lost their jobs or lost their freedom only because they were accused of being communist. I felt it was important to tell a story that would explain those kinds of things to kids. But I also knew that it’s a very heavy subject, so I put a lot of baseball in it because I thought kids could relate to that if they had a lot of trouble dealing with the serious themes of the book. The (main) character, Marty, writes memos to Mickey Mantle—that he never sends—in which he talks about how scared he is about what’s going on and about his own baseball team and how the team has really rejected him. ATM: Why is it significant to view this period of American history through a

LR: First of all, I’m the mother of three sons

ATM: How do you think readers will react to Marty Rafner, the book’s lead character? LR: I hope they’re going to like him. I

see him as a sweet, kind kid who’s in a real tough situation. I think readers, both boys and girls, would relate to Marty. He’s just a really nice kid. But he’s in a pretty scary situation. Of course, there’s also the element of the Korean War and a veteran who returns from the war with what we have now come to call post-traumatic stress [disorder]. The veteran is a neighbor of Marty’s and Marty becomes concerned with this veteran and trying to bring him out of his depression and the position that he’s in because Marty is a real sensitive kid. Ultimately, he does something very heroic with regard to this veteran. —TRISTEN CRITCHFIELD

WWW.ABQTHEMAG.COM | APRIL 2020

SHELFLIFE

NEW MEXICO’S SECRET HISTORY T

ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE: What were the most important terms of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo? RAY JOHN DE ARAGON: Article 10 of

the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo guaranteed rights to the lands that had been transferred when New Mexico was colonized by the early settlers. Those land grants that had originally been issued by the Spanish government were acknowledged by the Mexican Republic when Mexico earned its independence from Spain. The treaty, when it was ending the Mexican-American War, guaranteed that those rights would be honored. ATM: Why was the treaty unable to hold up following the conclusion of the Mexican-American War? RJA: Eventually what wound up hap-

pening is that Article 10 was removed. The American government felt that it did not need to acknowledge the transfer of lands…Some people in the government agreed and others did not, whether it was on one side or the other, the Mexican government or American government. I think at that point the Mexican government was ready to capitulate and end the war. One of the things that’s not really been cleared up is the size of New Mexico territory. Usually when people think about New Mexico, they think of it as a state. But at that time New Mexico territory includ-

NEW MEXICO’S STOLEN LANDS: A HISTORY OF RACISM, FRAUD AND DECEIT By Ray John de Aragon Arcadia Publishing 128 pages $23.99

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he conclusion of the Mexican-American War brought a period of tumult to New Mexico and those who lived in its territories. While the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo supposedly guaranteed previous Spanish and Mexican land grants as well ancestral land rights to Native Americans, those terms were violated following the war. The result was that many people were left without homes, leading to lives of poverty and despair due to the greed of those behind the organized property theft. In New Mexico’s Stolen Lands: A History of Racism, Fraud & Deceit, author Ray John De Aragon examines this period and how the Tierra Amarilla Courthouse Raid of 1967, led by Reies Lopez Tijerina, brought national attention to the injustices that were taking place. De Aragon tells the story of those who were affected and how the era still resonates to this day.

ed Arizona, parts of California, parts of Nevada, Colorado. And it even included parts of Texas. When the American forces came into New Mexico, they had no idea where New Mexico began and where it ended. The question of the size and extent of New Mexico was an issue for many years after the American government took over. When you think about why there were so many issues as to land claims and areas of land grants, it’s because part of the problem is that the boundaries were changing. ATM: What were the effects of the property crimes on those who were dispossessed from their homes? RJA: They were not only dispossessed of

their homes but they were dispossessed of their livelihood as well. Corrupt individuals took over the territory of New Mexico. A lot of these lands that were being taken over by corrupt officials and individuals that were coming in; they were after the rich farmland. The actual landowners were being deprived of being able to plant and harvest those fields. One of the things that affected New Mexico to a tremendous extent was the coming in of the railroad in 1879. Individuals that were wealthy or had connections and had to access to information as to where the railroads were going to

APRIL 2020 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

go through were trying to see how they could steal those lands. It turned into a total land grab. They had information that those lands were going to be worth a great deal of money. In some cases entire towns and villages were displaced when the railroad came. They sought to take those lands either by the point of a gun or through manipulation of process. Some individuals became extremely wealthy selling rights to lands that didn’t belong to them to the railroad officials who did not care who they purchased them from. These officials were issuing deeds to lands they didn’t own. It was an organized land theft. ATM: Why was the Tierra Amarilla Courthouse Raid important and what changed after it took place? RJA: What was important about that

was it brought the issue to national and international attention. At that period of time there were two civil rights leaders for justice…Dr. Martin Luther King and Cesar Chavez. Reies Lopez Tijerina in New Mexico rose to that level nationally. He was very outspoken about the poverty that existed in New Mexico. He traced the poverty to the dispossession of lands, of not only individuals but of entire communities. —TRISTEN CRITCHFIELD

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by mel minter

ABQ’S THRIVING LOCAL MUSIC SCENE

WORTH THE WAIT G

old lamé hotpants were not a typical part of the wardrobe for a young girl growing up in Bosque Farms back in the day. But singer/songwriter Kristy Hinds was not your typical Bosque Farms girl in at least one respect: thanks to an unlikely friendship between her horse-trading grandmother and Bo Diddley, who was living in Los Lunas, nine-year-old Hinds soon found herself hanging out with the rock and roll legend’s two daughters and playing the tambourine in the family band. “I do have drumming talent, so he must have spied that,” says Hinds. The experience opened up music as a career possibility for the youngster, who’d had piano lessons and had picked up a guitar along the way. “We were just doing these amazing things, and it just seemed like, ‘Well, that’s how life is. This is what we do. This could happen,’” she says. Happen it did. Her musical journey found its first success in the Northwest, and then, after a hiatus, it resumed in Albuquerque, where in February, she released an EP, Strange Religion, which has already garnered positive reviews. The EP’s three songs all feature Hinds’ signature sardonic sense of humor, her unflinching assessment of the zeitgeist, and her charming fearlessness. At age 19, finding herself without much direction after several semesters in college, Hinds suddenly got “a bolt-out-ofthe-blue lightning strike that told me I should go to Europe,” she says. “So I did that. I did a walkabout.” Visiting a cousin in Germany, she picked up his guitar and suddenly found herself with a mission: “I was going to go home and learn to play guitar,” she says. She started writing songs and attended the Dick Grove School of Music in Los Angeles before settling in Portland, Oregon. Portland was fertile ground for Hinds, who had various bands and gigged regularly. “I made recordings along the way,” she says. “Then, I assembled them and put them out as a single CD”—1998’s

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Kristy Hinds has spent a lifetime learning a wide variety of instruments.

PHOTO BY DON JAMES/ATM

BACK HOME

very well received album, Into the Fray. She also hooked up with some South Americans and, in partnership with the late Chilean percussionist Luis Opazo, formed Via Brasil. “We played jazz with crazy beats,” says Hinds. Hinds had a graphic design business that started doing very well at about the same time that she became pregnant with her daughter, Kai, so she put music on the back burner. A few years after Kai’s birth, Hinds found her New Mexico home calling. “It does take a village,” she says. So in 2004, they headed home. A couple of years ago, Hinds dad passed away, and his passing awoke her musical muse. “That kind of kick-started something, I think,” she says. “A deep emotional seed broke open, and a lot of creativity has come from that.” In her renewed focus on songwriting, she got some help from a ukulele, which had been lying around for a while. She finally taught herself to play it, and she dis-

covered that “it’s easier to tease a melody” from just four strings. “There are not as many strings to get between you and the music,” she says. Building a tune, whether on uke, guitar, or piano, gives Hinds the greatest satisfaction, but performing is not that far behind. So she found her way into the weekly jam session at Ben Michael’s Restaurant and found backing musicians for her EP. The EP’s reception has been validating for Hinds, and she’s writing more material. She has to, because she’s driven to comment by a “strong sense of justice” and the need to connect with others on a human level. “This is my point of view. I want to get that out and start the conversation,” she says, “because if people do sit down, they do find things in common, and they tend to like each other.” You can connect with Hinds at kristyhindsmusic.com, where you’ll find music, video, a bio, an events calendar, and more. WWW.ABQTHEMAG.COM | APRIL 2020

In August 2019, guitarist/vocalist/ songwriter Baz Francis, a native of Old Windsor, England, and a resident of L.A., found himself moving to Albuquerque when his wife, a linguist, landed an 18-month gig at UNM. At the time, Francis was in the process of putting the finishing touches on an album, All Around a Fairground, the premiere release from his pop rock band Mansion Harlots, recorded in four countries on two continents with two different producers over a twoyear period. The band had been formed by Francis and drummer Will Gray, a schoolmate, back in 1997 and disbanded in 1999 without releasing any material. “But there were some ideas that stuck. Some of these ideas never even got demoed. They were just in here,” says Francis, pointing to his head.

“As a songwriter, that to me is the best sign that it’s a good song idea if it stuck in your head for 20 years and you still like it.” Mansion Harlots reformed in 2017 and released the album in December 2019 on Magic Cat Records. It took them 22 years to do it, but the richly produced and well-crafted tunes were worth the wait. Sorry We’re Late but We’re Worth the Wait, incidentally, is the title of the first album from Magic Eight Ball, a power pop band that Francis put together after performing for several years as a solo artist. “Around the time that Magic Eight Ball was forming in the mid-noughties, there was this fashion of U.K. bands to kind of sing with this sneer, as if they weren’t trying, deliberately, to hit the right notes.” Francis was listening to everything from Queen to Andrew Gold to Everclear at the time, and his response to that sneer was “Why is this art form not given the

British transplant Baz Francis and his band, Mansion Harlots recently recorded their latest album All Around a Fairground.

respect it deserves?” His music took “a melodic route” and was performed with respect, and three albums and 15 years later, the band is still going strong. Francis’s success as rock-and-roller, with six albums as a solo artist or frontman to his name and tours on multiple continents, might not have been easy to predict. “I was the least rock and roll kid,” says Francis. “I was this fat, posh kid who loved soccer, who had lots of zits but not many friends. Scratch that—no friends.” He was 15 when he heard Manic Street Preachers singing “A Design for Life” on the radio. “It just knocked me sideways,” he says. Friendless Francis had plenty of time to practice on his guitar. Living in Albuquerque would not have been easy to predict, either, but here he is, and he’s finding the city quite simpática. “It was more of a cultural shock moving to New Mexico from L.A. than it was moving England to L.A.,” he says. “At first, I didn’t get it.” But he soon found the city “rather beautiful” and came to appreciate its “dry sense of humor.” Francis decided to film the new album’s first video, for the song “Panda Eyes,” in Albuquerque with local filmmakers Kevin Schulmeister and Jesse Walden of Yo Soy Productions, and he was tickled by the tips of the hat he got from passers-by as he spent the day in a giant panda head. “In L.A., I’d just be another guy in an animal suit,” he says. Francis has kept busy in Albuquerque. He performed here solo in February and, in March, released a Mansion Harlots single, “Happier Alone/Until We Work It Out Tomorrow,” as well as the solo EP KUNM Sessions/Albuquerque 2019. In early April, Francis heads out on the road for a two-month solo North American tour, but he’ll be back performing at the South Broadway Library on July 11. You can keep up with his projects all over the Internet. Start with Facebook pages for “bazfrancis,” “ilovemagiceightball,” and “mansionharlots.” On Soundcloud, look for “bazfrancis,” “magiceightball,” and “mansionharlots.” On Twitter, there’s @magiceightball8, and on Instagram, @bazfrancis8.

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

APRIL 2020 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

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BETTER LATE

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ABQ ON STAGE

by bradley fuller

BEHIND THE CURTAIN IN ABQ’S BUSTLING THEATER SCENE

The Play That Goes Wrong, as seen here performed on Broadway, opens its ABQ run at Popejoy.

DCRT OFFERS BEER WITH THE BARD Duke City Rep invites you to enjoy Shakespeare as it was done in Shakespeare’s day. DCRT concludes their 10th Season with another spring full of Bard Crawl: Othello. Albuquerque audiences have shown up in breweries for the last three years to see DCRT’s imaginative take on Shakespeare’s most famous works. Join them again this spring with a drink in hand as they tackle one of the bard’s most well-known tragedies. Bard Crawl: Othello chronicles the terrible force of love and the breakdown of a man who seems to have everything— power, position, and passion—only to find his world destroyed by the intense mind games played upon him by his trusted advisor. This Shakespearean classic ex-

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plores who we trust and the price we pay for choosing wrong. Duke City Rep invites you to enjoy Shakespeare as it was done in Shakespeare’s day. The Bard Crawl actors will gather in a different Albuquerque brewery each performance for a brave and bold retelling of Shakespeare’s timeless tragedy. Featuring DCRT favorite Frank Green as Othello, Jeff Andersen as Cassio, and introducing Sean Boyd as Iago. Additional cast includes DCRT company members Evening Star Barron as Desdemona, Amelia Ampuero as Emilia, and Danielle Robertson as Lodovico.

MUSICAL THEATRE SOUTHWEST CATCHES A BIG FISH

Fish, an adventure as big as life. Based on the celebrated novel by Daniel Wallace and the acclaimed film directed by Tim Burton, Big Fish tells the story of Edward Bloom, a traveling salesman who lives life to its fullest…and then some! Edward’s incredible, larger-thanlife stories thrill everyone around him— most of all, his devoted wife Sandra. But their son Will, about to have a child of his own, is determined to find the truth behind his father’s epic tales. Overflowing with heart and humor, Big Fish is an extraordinary musical that reminds us why we love going to the theatre—for an experience that’s richer, funnier and bigger than life itself. Head over to Musical Theatre Southwest April 3 through the 26 for Big Fish.

Starting off the month of April strong, Musical Theatre Southwest presents, Big WWW.ABQTHEMAG.COM | APRIL 2020

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SHAKESPEARE, SHERLOCK, AND A VERY ODD COUPLE

ABQ ON STAGE

AN ODD COUPLE AT ALT Albuquerque Little Theatre continues its historic 90th Season with the famous Neil Simon play, The Odd Couple. Directed by James Cady, this classic comedy opens as a group of the guys assemble for cards in the apartment of divorced Oscar Madison. And if the mess is any indication, it’s no wonder that his wife left him. Late to arrive is Felix Unger, who has just been separated from his wife. Fastidious, depressed, and none too tense, Felix seems suicidal, but as the action unfolds, Oscar becomes the one with murder on his mind when the clean freak and the slob ultimately decide to room together with hilarious results as The Odd Couple is born. The Odd Couple is filled with local talent including Micah Linford, Matthew Van Wettering, Jeff Dolecek, Dehron Foster, Taylor Hood, Parker Owen, Stephanie Grilo and Madeleine Stark. This Neil Simon production will be on the historic Albuquerque Little Theatre stage April 17 through May 3.

Modern fantasy story Big Fish, seen here being performed on Broadway, is coming to Popejoy.

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The National Hispanic Cultural Center has partnered up with the Vortex Theatre to bring Albuquerque Kiss of the Spider Woman by Manuel Puig in an English translation by Allan Baker. Directed by Marty Epstein, Kiss of the Spider Woman, is the story of a developing relationship between two men—a gay window dresser and a dedicated socialist revolutionary—who share a cell in an Argentinian prison during the rule of the military junta in the 1970s. What brings the two together are their shared humanity and the commonalities that they discover during their time in prison. Originally Puig’s best-known novel, Kiss of the Spider Woman was later adapted by the author for the stage and was subsequently made into both a film and a musical. While focusing on the relationship between the two main characters, it provides insight into this chaotic chapter in Argentina’s history, as well as the nature of dictatorships. Kiss of the Spider Woman will be preforming April 16 – 26 in Wells Fargo Auditorium at the National Hispanic Cultural Center.

Neil Simon, creator of The Odd Couple, received more Tony and Oscar award nominations than any other writer.

APRIL 2020 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

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VORTEX AND NHCC KISS THE SPIDER WOMAN

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ABQ ON STAGE Hound of the Baskervilles, as seen here on stage in Portland, Maine, comes to the East Mountains.

Bringing Broadway to the Duke City, Popejoy Presents The Play That Goes Wrong, a comedy for the ages. All ages. What would happen if Sherlock Holmes and Monty Python had an illegitimate Broadway baby? You’d get The Play That Goes Wrong, Broadway & London’s award-winning smash comedy! Called “a gut-busting hit” (The New York Times) and “the funniest play broadway has ever seen” (HuffPost), this classic murder mystery is chock-full of mishaps and madcap mania delivering “a riotous explosion of comedy” (The Daily Beast). Welcome to opening night of The Murder at Haversham Manor where things are quickly going from bad to utterly disastrous. With an unconscious leading lady, a corpse that can’t play dead, and actors who trip over everything (including their lines), it’s “tons of fun for all ages” (HuffPost) and “comic gold” (Variety) – sure to bring down the house! Showing April 16 – 19, with only 6 performances, The Play That Goes Wrong is sure to be a hit!

A SPOONFUL OF MARY POPPINS, JR. New Mexico Young Actors brings you a “little” Disney this April with Mary Poppins, Jr., April 15 – 19. Directed by Paul Bower, and choreographed by Michelle Eiland, Mary Poppins, Jr. is sure to please. You will have a

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supercalifragilisticexpialidocious time at No. 17 Cherry Tree Ln., London with the nanny who proves herself to be magically wonderful with the children of Mr. and Mrs. Banks. Don’t miss this award-winning Broadway musical! The NMYA perform at the KIMO theatre, and offer performances for school groups.

SHERLOCK IN THE EAST MOUNTAINS If you are in the mood for some dinner theatre, then you’ve come to the right place. The East Mountain Centre for Theatre is proud to present Hound of the Baskervilles. Directed by Nancy Sellin, and based on the story by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, the story follows Sherlock Holmes and his faithful sidekick, Dr. John Watson. Holmes’ most spine-chilling mystery is placed in a modern setting in this version – with suspense, humor, and terror. Sir Henry is heir to the vast Baskerville fortune, a legacy that comes with a family curse: death at the fangs of a horror that prowls the moor. Only Holmes can stop the beast. While mysterious lights signal Baskerville Hall and the hound terrifies the countryside, the sleuthing begins and suspicion falls on sinister servants, butterfly collectors, ladies in distress, and escaped convicts. Who wrote the letter that summoned the hound? Is Sir Henry’s romance with the lovely Kathy doomed? Is the supernatural at work?

ROVE OVER TO THE VORTEX Wrapping up the month of April, The Vortex Theatre presents, The Rover. The Rover is an unrestrained comedy about sexual exploration, set during Carnival in Naples, Italy. Masks, cross-dressing, mistaken identities, prostitutes, Spanish grandees, and English dolts—the play has a wide variety of characters who engage in fast-paced physical comedy. Playwright Aphra Behn is the first woman to be a professional writer in England, possibly in the world. Her 19 plays made her the second-most produced playwright during the Restoration (1660–1700), a period famous for women on stage, sexual liberty, and extravagant dress. Virginia Woolf said all women should let flowers fall upon her tomb “for it was she who earned them the right to speak their minds.” Directed by David Richard Jones, this production plays April 24 through May 17. Head to the Vortex website today for more info.

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THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG AT POPEJOY

WWW.ABQTHEMAG.COM | APRIL 2020

.Welcome Cocktail, Regent’s Punch

.Tea Service, Tea.o.graphy herbal & black teas

. Tea Sandwiches , Shaved roast beef with horseradish yogurt & blackened spring onion on rye toast rounds Mini croissant with red crab cream cheese & fresh micro greens Marinated zucchini ribbon & whipped brie on sourdough

. Savories , Waldorf chicken salad-stuffed cucumber with candied walnut Tarragon goat cheese with asparagus tips on butter cracker

. Scone , Pineapple orange curd & maple clotted cream

. Sweets , Victoria sponge cake | Eccles cake | Ginger orange bars paired with Gruet Demi-Sec

All pricing is inclusive of food, beverages, tax and gratuity. Menu is subject to change, no substitutions. Online reservations are required.

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Escape for an afternoon and come celebrate Mom amongst the annual blooms of the historic gardens at Los Poblanos. Gather on the Greely Lawn and enjoy a Regent’s Punch or Lavender Lemonade as the Tea Party begins. After a brief tea ‘101’ by our expert partner and tea specialist, Dana Blair of Tea.o.graphy, enjoy an exquisite tea service on owner and founder, Penny Rembe’s personal collection of fine china. Delight in sweet and savory treats on the Grand Portal while taking in the stunning East Lawn and Gardens and magnificent views of the Sandia Mountains. Finish the afternoon with a private walk through the grounds, making sure to visit the formal Spanish-style Greely Rose Garden, designed in 1932 by Rose Greely, a pioneer female landscape artist. And finally, wander into the Farm Shop to witness a live seasonal distillation and learn how we create our wonderful essential oils and hydrosols that are the foundation for our organic, artisanal products. We’ll treat you to a small lavender gift to take memories of the farm home with you.

MoThEr’S DaY MaY 1O, 2020 | 1 - 3 Pm LoS PoBlAnOs La QuInTa GrAnD PoRtAl Tickets and additional information available at lospoblanos.com

WWW.ABQTHEMAG.COM | APRIL 2020

Sarah Ellefson via The Perfect Hideaway

ShOp ThE FaRm.

A GaRdEn EsCaPe & AfTeRnOoN TeA

EATS P. 206 | EATS, ETC. P. 210 | FROM THE VINE P. 212 | MY FAVORITE RECIPE P. 218 | BITES P. 220

DISH

FRITO PIE FOR ALL The iconic Frito Pie—just corn chips, beans, meat and toppings—is both tasty and humble. But in the hands of APD police officer Vicente Martinez, the yummy dish has become a high-dollar fundraiser for charity (p. 218).

APRIL 2020 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

PHOTO BY REECE MARTINEZ/ATM

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

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Eats

PHOTO BY REECE MARTINEZ/ATM

DISH

CASA TACO

t’s startling, when you first realize it, but most of the ways we think about food—about its history and evolution—are a matter of myth. To get a sense of this, consider what people mean when they say a certain dish is “authentic.” The implication is that the food in question speaks to some deep and essential truth, a pure distillation of quality and tradition. Problem is, cooking and eating are both highly idiosyncratic affairs. What we mean when we say something is “authentic” or “traditional” is that it harkens back to some invisible signpost in our personal histories. The important thing—beyond the technical savvy to make something

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tasty—is not that it is authentic. Rather, the crucial ingredient is that it be made with passion. Now, that might all seem like some rather high-falutin philosophizing when it comes to understanding a taco joint. Fair enough. But take a look at Casa Taco and it doesn’t take long to realize that this line of thinking is key. Toss it out and James Pecherski’s mission suddenly turns indecipherable. Sure, you’ve still got tasty tacos, but past that, Casa Taco becomes impossible to pin down. “Fifteen, twenty years ago, a chef once told me, ‘whatever you do, do it with love,’” Pecherski recalls. “Because that’s

what it’s all about. When people talk about comfort food, they’re really not talking about anything specific, because what I may think of as comfort food could be Lebanese food. What you may think of as comfort food might be whatever you ate [growing up]. Food made with love comes in all forms.” This, perhaps more than anything, captures the spirit behind Pecherski’s culinary career—a circuitous arc that brought a Detroit-born cat of Polish and Lebanese descent to the American Southwest, where he now makes—among other things—tacos. “Short story long, I spent maybe ten years in the restaurant business WWW.ABQTHEMAG.COM | APRIL 2020

PHOTO BY REECE MARTINEZ/ATM

Santa Fe, Mexico and Elephant Butte Lake help define these tacos.

PHOTO BY DON JAMES/ATM

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PENINSULAR PORK A grand culinary hybrid, Casa Taco’s Yucatan pork tacos spring from a base of al pastor—that vertically spit-cooked pork Lebanese immigrants brought to Mexico in the late 1800s. Pork cushion meat is cooked with achiote, chili, garlic, salt, and pepper, julienned and deep fried in an Asian fusion callback.

FROM MENU TO RESTAURANT Back at the Paradise Grill in Elephant Butte, Casa Taco was just a name for a category on the menu. Only later did it gain its full significance as the name for an original New Mexican restaurant chain. BEST OF THE CITY In 2019, readers of this very magazine voted Casa Taco into the top spot for Best Specialty Taco. Impressive, but understandable. Where else in town can you can Jamaican jerk chicken in a delicate, puffy taco shell?

APRIL 2020 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

PHOTO BY REECE MARTINEZ/ATM

TRADING PLACES Pecherski’s Lebanese mother used to cook for Pecherski and his friend/ sous chef. Years down the line, Pecherski opened a Southwest/Mexican-inspried taco shop and his buddy opened a Middle Eastern/ Mediterranean-inspired joint in Santa Fe.

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DISH CASA TACO

PHOTO BY DON JAMES/ATM

5801 Academy Rd NE, 821-8226 111 Coors Blvd NW, 200-2816 casa-taco.com

from high school on, went to Arizona State University, got about two years in, and I was like, ‘screw this—I need to do what I love,’ so I transitioned over to Le Cordon Bleu Culinary School.” Application. Acceptance. Graduation. From there, it was straight into the workforce, cooking under renowned chef Jimmy Schmidt. After that, he headed southwest, working as executive sous chef at the Coyote Cafe for James Beard Award-winner Mark Miller. Then it was east to Florida, followed by a jaunt up the coast to Hilton Head Island in South Carolina. Between those gigs in Florida and South Carolina, Pecherski took a bit of a detour. “I spent quite a bit of time in Mexico, doing research before I even opened up my initial restaurant,” he explains. Alreadly, Pecherski’s time at the Coyote Cafe had given him a taste for the fluid, organic cultural fusion of the American Southwest. But the trip to Mexico instilled a fuller appreciation for the rich, culinary diversity of a nation too many of us boil down a place where people wrap things in tortillas. Pecherski, accompanied by a pair of pals, took a bus south from El Paso to Mexico City, then jagged north by minibus to San Miguel de Allende. From

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there, they hopped from town to town, westward to Puerto Vallarta. “I tasted everything,” Pecherski says. “I gained like 15 pounds on that trip. I ate everything. As much as I could absorb, I did.” Of course, there’s no simple or direct road between those months in Mexico and the menu Pecherski has put together in Casa Taco. Creativity—in particular, James Pecherski’s variety— doesn’t work that way. It was a steady accumulation of influences and ideas, drawn piecemeal from the tutelage of top chefs, the blind appeal of personal preference, and the hard-won knowhow one gets from years of experience. Or, as Pecherski puts it, “I took the best of the best and made it my own.” That journey—the process of making it his own—had plenty of twists and turns in its own right. Casa Taco was born about 150 miles south in Elephant Butte, progeny of Paradise Grill—a venture Pecherski opened with partners in 2001. That relationship eventually turned rocky, so Pecherski took a five-year hiatus from the business before returning to purchase the whole thing. “We redid all the menu items, kind of rebranded ourselves, and here we are over ten years later,” Pecherski says. And so, a new Casa Taco was born. Pecherski brought Casa Taco to Albu-

querque in 2015, opening up on Academy Road. Three years later, he opened a second spot, just off the juncture of Coors and Central. Both shops offer a window into Pecherski’s signature take on the U.S. Southwest—a strange place where you could just about picture a classic John Wayne character lingering over a plate of Jamaican jerk chicken and Yucatan pork tacos. It defies expectations. It flouts tradition. But with the right kind of eyes—a food-lover’s eyes, perhaps, open and inquisitive—it might just be the place to find your new favorite taco. —ZANE BEAL

FEATURED DISHES JERK CHICKEN TACO PLATE $7.50

Two Jamaican jerked chicken tacos in soft steamed corn tortillas, topped with mango, pineapple, and habanero salsa. Served with rice and beans.

ACAPULCO FISH TACO PLATE $7.50

Tilapia, seasoned and grilled, placed in a soft corn tortilla under serrano vinaigrette Cole-slaw. Two tacos served with rice and beans.

YUCATAN PORK TACO PLATE $6.90

Spiced julienne pork, cooked crispy, served in a corn tortilla with a tangy cucumber habanero salsa. Two tacos with rice and beans.

WWW.ABQTHEMAG.COM | APRIL 2020

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Eats, Etc.

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

111 Hermosa Dr SE 268-0017, soobakfoods.com

Soo Bak cooks up incredible Korean-style tacos, like the crispy fire chicken

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ohn Katrinak, owner and chef at Nob Hill Korean joint Soo Bak, didn’t get into the food business by following any ordinary or official channels. “My falling in love with food was kind of two stories,” Katrinak says. The first starts in Germany, where Katrinak was born to a military family. Living in Berlin, he’d hit the doner kebab stands with his father, sampling Turkish eats by way of the Deutschland. Later on, down the road, his family moved to Virginia, just outside D.C. There, Katrinak spent time cooking with his Korean grandmother. She didn’t speak English and Katrinak didn’t speak Korean, so cooking served as the unique vernacular of their relationship. Eventually, Katrinak’s path brought him to Albuquerque, where he opened a food truck. After a few years, he paid the truck off and set off on a four-month culinary sojourn. “I was looking at L.A., Seattle, Portland—big food cities,” says Katrinak. “I realized when I was in Portland that they already had what’s called koi fusion. Two or three weeks after I left for those 4 months, I decided to come back to Albuquerque.” Three years down the line, Katrinak finally found the perfect location, and Soo Bak was born—the former home of Nob Hill Autobody. “I wanted to be in a place that was open, nicely located,” Katrinak explains. “We actually just used to park the food trucks in here.” Shifting out of the food truck has allowed Katrinak to really expand his menu. Back in the food truck days, he was limited to three varieties of kimchi. Now, Soo Bak offers eight. “We do things like a soy crunch [kimchi], which is pickled chayote squash, onions, some jalapeños, and fish sauce, apple juice, soy sauce, and vinegar,” says Katrinak. “It’s crunchy and sweet and savory and salty.” “For me, food is a big catalyst for people to sit down together and enjoy each other’s company,” Katrinak says. His goal—beyond putting Albuquerque in contact with delicious, innovative takes on Korean cuisine like fire chicken and tempura avocado tacos—is to build a locus of community. —ZANE BEAL

WWW.ABQTHEMAG.COM | MONTH 2020

PHOTO BY DON JAMES/ATM

SOO BAK

Chicken chettinad— like all of Curry Leaf’s dishes—gives ABQ a taste of India

or some reason, a lot of us like to boil the cuisines of entire countries down to a handful of dishes. For India, this tends to involve using curry, tikka masala, and tandoori chicken as stand-ins for the culinary traditions of the whole country. But India is massive. It has a population of over 1.3 billion people, in an area covering slightly less than 1.3 million square miles. When you consider the fact that culture doesn’t really respect international boundaries, the problem only becomes more acute. Fortunately for the citizens of Albu-

querque, we have access to Curry Leaf. According to their ownership, Curry Leaf is the only restaurant in New Mexico to offer both North and South India cuisine. See, patterns of immigration have been such that most of the Indian food Americans have been exposed to has been North Indian in origin. At Curry Leaf, owner Narendra Kloty seeks to remedy this by offering a selection of dishes from throughout the Indian subcontinent. “The major difference is that South India has dosas and North India has tandoor—tandoori items—and breads that

APRIL 2020 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

some version of Santa Fe Bite has been in operation for over six and a half decades. A project of partners Chris Wagner, Jaclyn Gomez, and Tomas Baca, the newest iteration brings that legendary burger south to the Duke City in a diner-style restaurant that captures those classic Route 66 vibes. —ZANE BEAL

SANTA FE BITE-ABQ 3407 Central Ave NE 369-1621, santafebite-abq.com are baked in the tandoor clay oven,” Kloty explains. “Also, South Indian food tends to be hotter than North Indian cuisine.” This means that, while you can get familiar (and delicious) favorites like tandoori chicken at Curry Leaf, 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. While the menu isn’t comprehensive (that would involve a menu roughly as long as War and Peace), Kloty has strived to emphasize diversity. “In a good Indian restaurant, [curry] should be different in chicken, lamb, goat, seafood, veggies,” Kloty says, by way of example. “Then, it should also be different if you are cooking, your mother is cooking, your sister-in-law is cooking—whoever is cooking, they are going to have a personal touch to it, too. That is the beauty of curry.” That’s also the beauty of Curry Leaf: putting people in contact with a culinary experience that can’t be boiled down to any one thing. —ZANE BEAL

CURRY LEAF 6910-C Montgomery Blvd NE 881-3663, curryleafrestaurant.us

PHOTO BY REECE MARTINEZ/ATM

Wagner explains. “By 10, usually 10:30, we have the meat that was processed that morning. So, it’s about as fresh as it can get.” From there, it’s all down to taste and appetite. Santa Fe Bite-ABQ offers their burgers in a 5-ounce, 10-ounce, and—for the insatiably hungry among us—16-ounce size, all expertly cooked to taste. Santa Fe Bite-ABQ—sandwiched between Guild Cinema and Pho 55, right off central in Nob Hill—is heir to a long tradition of tasty burgers. Originally opened as Bobcat Bite back in 1953,

PHOTO BY DON JAMES/ATM

n New Mexico, green chile is practically a religion. Spelling it with two i’s and without the e is sacrilege. It’s something to be revered and respected, deployed wherever and whenever possible. Here, the green chile cheeseburger is a high sacrament—so much so that national fast food chains pay deference to the tradition in the drive-thru. At Santa Fe Bite-ABQ, the green chile cheeseburger is treated with the reverence it deserves, presenting a precision crafted recipe according to time honored methods. The details, in fact, are so carefully crafted that even the grilling surface needs to meet certain criteria. Absent a turn on the surface of a custom cast iron grill, it’s just not a Santa Fe Bite burger. “It has to be cooked cast iron,” says co-owner Chris Wagner. “It’s beef from a particular source, and it’s fresh, never frozen ground chuck and sirloin [and] it has to be on a certain bun.” This is New Mexico-sourced beef served on a homemade bun. “Whatever night we order, the [next] morning, it’s processed,”

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Nob Hill gets a taste of the legendary Northern New Mexico green chile burgers.

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

The Craft Beer Awards is one of the fastest growing beer competitions in the world.

BEER AWARD SEASON! Albuquerque breweries turned up and won big at the Best of Craft Beer awards and the Los Alamos Stout Invitational. Plus, a look at Explora’s “Science of” series. ABQ GOES BIG AT THE CRAFT BEER AWARDS One of the fastest growing beer competitions in the world took place February 7-9 in the craft brew hotspot of Bend, Oregon and the Land of Enchantment came strong. The Best of Craft Beer awards, now in its 7th year, awards brewers from around the world (this was the first year that the competition was open to international breweries) for bold recipes and flawless execution, two things New Mexican brewers excel at. The 2020 awards featured 2,237 entries representing 375 breweries from 49 states, provinces, and countries. 285 medals were awarded by 99 judges (fellow brewers, Beer Judge Certificate Program judges, and industry professionals) in 95 different categories. This year New Mexico took home 12 medals, with Albuquerque and its surrounding areas carrying the banner and earning 10 of the 12. The medals included four bronze, five silver, and three gold.

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AND THE WINNERS ARE:

(Note: Brewery name, City Award Category - Beer Name)

BRONZE Quarter Celtic Brewpub, Albuquerque - Australasian, Latin American or Tropical-Style Light Lager - Pedro O’Flanagan’s Mexican Lager Ex Novo Brewing, Corrales - Berliner-Style Weisse or Berliner-Style Weisse with Fruit or Flavor Added - Cactus Wins the Lottery WWW.ABQTHEMAG.COM | APRIL 2020

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Lauter Haus Brewing Co., Farmington Munich-Style Helles - Sgt. Lauter Three Rivers Brewery, Farmington – Other Historical Beer Styles - Common

SILVER Flix Brewhouse, Albuquerque - Baltic-Style Porter - Darth Malt Ex Novo Brewing, Corrales - Bohemian-Style Pilsner - Easy Come, Easy Go Flix Brewhouse, Albuquerque - English-Style Dark Mild Ale or Brown Ale - Dr. Brownstone Quarter Celtic Brewpub, Albuquerque - Other Lager - Pedro O’Flanagan’s Dark Mexican Lager Ex Novo Brewing, Corrales - Scotch Ale or Wee Heavy - Sons of Scotland

GOLD Ex Novo Brewing, Corrales - Australasian, Latin American or Tropical Light Lager – The Most Interesting Lager in the World Flix Brewhouse, Albuquerque - German-Style Maerzen or Oktoberfest/Wiesn – Oktoberfest Quarter Celtic Brewpub, Albuquerque - Irish-Style Red Ale - Crimson Lass

Winter is a perfect time of year for stout beers. There’s just something about the rich flavor, the dark coloring, and the full body that makes a person feel warm and cozy through the cold season. Plus, stouts are notorious for their sweet undertones, which recall the flavors of the holiday season and are a signal of a high alcohol content (with beer, normally, the higher the alcohol content, the sweeter the brew tends to be). In order to showcase the artistry and unique experimentation of New Mexico brewers, four years ago, popular Los Alamos brewery Bathtub Row Brewing Co-op launched the Los Alamos Stout Invitational. On February 15, breweries from all over the state showed up to pit their best stout beers against the best in an all-out Battle Royale! Okay, so maybe it was less “death match” than a great chance to get together

Irish-themed brewery Quarter Celtic took home three medals from the Craft Beer Awards.

APRIL 2020 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

PHOTO BY DON JAMES/ATM

ABQ BREWERIES SWEEP TOP LOS ALAMOS PRIZES

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VINE with other industry pros, try some experimental suds, and have a ton of fun. Despite the lax and fun nature of this annual competition—”tradition” is probably closer to the mark than “competition”— every brewery in the Invitational brought their best. After three rounds of judging, Albuquerque brewers came away with all three medals. Not really a surprise, considering the majority of the breweries in the state are located in the Duke City. But still, it’s nice to see the great ABQ brewing tradition make a strong showing. Winners were selected by beer lovers who attended the blind tasting. This year’s participants included: Blue Corn Brewery, Blu Dragonfly Brewing, Boxing Bear Brewing Co., Canteen Brewhouse, Flix Brewhouse, Nexus Brewery, Palmer Brewery, Red Door Brewing Co., Red River Brewing Co., Rio Bravo Brewing Co., Rowley Farmhouse Ales, Steel Bender Brewyard, Three Rivers Brewery, and Tumbleroot Brewing. AND THE WINNERS ARE:

BRONZE

Boxing Bear

SILVER

Rio Bravo Brewing

GOLD

Flix Brewhouse

Flix Brewhouse won big this year at both the Craft Beer Awards and the Los Alamos Stout Challenge.

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Explora! is a well-known place for parents to bring their offspring. It’s hands-on, it’s fun for all ages, it’s educational (but don’t tell the kiddos that), and it’s good for ensuring a good night’s sleep. From waterworks like fountains and whirlpools, to optical illusions, to outdoor interactive building equipment, to science summer camps, Explora! has plenty to offer in the way of kid-friendly fun. But the interactive science museum also likes to keep mom and dad in mind. Sure, the inner child loves the everyday displays, but Explora! also offers a series of events just for the adults. We are talking about their “Science of…” series. Alternating between the Science of WWW.ABQTHEMAG.COM | APRIL 2020

PHOTO BY REECE MARTINEZ/ATM

EXPLORING THE SCIENCE OF… AT EXPLORA!

Beer, the Science of Wine, and the Science of Spirits, the “Science of ” series is a chance to leave the kids home and get out for a fun and interactive evening at Explora! “It’s really a chance for adults to engage with [Explora!] again now that they’ve grown up,” says Tory Hajny, Rentals and Adult Programs Coordinator. “We started this five years ago because we wanted to engage adults in our community using something that they already love.” The first event that Explora! put on was Science of Beer. “It was so popular that we expanded the ticket sales,” says Hajny. “Then last year, due to popular demand, we decided to add wine and spirits.” For the Science of Wine, Explora! sells 800 tickets and regularly sells out. For beer and spirits, they sell 1,000 tickets and sell out “quickly.” The events include live music, food trucks, expert talks, and experiments. Hajny says Science of Wine is designed to have a slower, more relaxed atmosphere (hence the 800 tickets instead of 1,000), which allows guests to enjoy the table of five local wineries, the tasting station, and the wine experiments at a more leisurely pace. “We do things like show how good a conductor wine actually is,” says Hajny. “We send electricity through it. Then we have a tasting station to show how different food items can affect the taste of wine. We do things like explain what ‘legs or tears’ are and how they happen.” Guests at these events can also just sit and listen to expert lectures. For example, the February event featured a talk from an expert at Southwest Grape and Grain, as well as speeches from two of the participating local wineries. Oh, and we don’t want to forget to tell you the best part: there are sampling stations and a cash bar. Please make sure to Uber home! “Science of ” is a three-part series that takes place once every year. The Science of Wine happened in February, but you still have a chance to hit the Science of Beer (August 21) and the Science of Spirits (October 23.) Tickets for the “Science of ” series can be found at holdmyticket.com or by visiting the Explora! website at explora.us. —TAYLOR HOOD

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SPIRIT SPOTLIGHT

PRETTY BOY FLOYD Housed in an angular concrete building formerly occupied by a bank, it’s only fitting that the brains behind Safe House Distilling would decide to name a few cocktails after infamous bank robbers. Pretty Boy Floyd, for example, earned a nasty reputation for gunning down lawmen and relieving banks of their inventory at the height of the Great Depression. It’s not clear what other commonalities Safe House’s Pretty Boy Floyd might share with the criminal, but it sure is nice to look at. Somewhere between mulberry and pink lavender, this cocktail rests on a base of Teller Vodka. Head distiller Chris Leurig infuses the spirit with lavender and blueberry, allowing the ingredients to macerate over the course of a week. From there, the cocktail is assembled with a splash of almond-flavored orgeat, a squirt of lemon, and a dash of soda, served over ice with a blueberry garnish. This yields a smart interplay between floral notes and the mild sweetness of fresh blueberry—a drinking experience about as close to a stroll through a lavender field as you can get without going outside. —ZANE BEAL Pretty Boy Floyd, $8 Safe House Distilling, 616 Gold Ave SW, safehousedistillingco.com

sweet

kick

earthy

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PHOTO BY REECE MARTINEZ/ATM

sour

DISH

Favorite

with

Vicente Martinez

rito pie may be a staple throughout the Duke City, but there’s only one six-figure version. That distinction belongs to Vicente Martinez, whose Frito pie dinners have raised more than $100,000 during his 11-year tenure with the Albuquerque Police Department. Not only do Martinez and his wife, Lisa, oversee meal preparation, but they pay for the fundraising dinners out of pocket in order to help numerous families in need. It started when Martinez learned a fellow officer had a young nephew suffering from cancer. The boy and his mother were flying to New York with help from the Ronald McDonald House. But while the trip was paid for, they had no money to cover expenses once they arrived in the Big Apple. Martinez, a meat cutter for 17 years prior to his law enforcement career, made ribeye sandwiches for the inaugural event and raised approximately $1,500 in only a few hours’ time. After a couple fundraisers, Martinez realized he needed something that made more sense both financially and in terms of labor. The Frito pie, a family recipe born in the South Valley when his mother would make it for basketball games at Rio Grande High School years prior, was a natural fit. Word quickly spread regarding Martinez’s benevolence—and his cooking prowess. “People would come up to me and say, ‘Have you heard such and such is having a hard time?’” Martinez says. “That’s how this flourished and came about.” Martinez didn’t take a traditional path to law enforcement. As a teenager he had dreams of an FBI career, but around the time he graduated high school, his father underwent a triple bypass and was unable to continue working. Martinez then entered the labor force, taking jobs at

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Nelson’s Meats and Sam’s Club to help his family pay the bills. Eventually, the allure of a police career was too great. “You just never know what’s gonna happen next, who you’re gonna meet,” Martinez says. “There’s tons of good people in Albuquerque. You always hear about the bad and the crime and all this other stuff, but there’s a lot of good people out there that appreciate everything that we do. We meet tons of good people every single day. That’s what keeps me going.” Martinez served as a field officer for 10 years before transitioning to a position in backgrounds, where he works with the department’s prospective cadets. “I really enjoy it just because I didn’t come from a law enforcement family. I didn’t know the details and all the stuff about being a police officer,” he says. “It’s pretty cool because I get to use some of my insight, some of the things I’ve learned and plenty of the mistakes I’ve made. I get to use that to help these other people become police officers.” Helping people is already kind of Martinez’s thing. He can’t even begin to count the number of Frito pies he’s produced over the past decade. Every event is meaningful, but there are some that stand out, like the one in 2016 that raised $6,000 for the family members of five fallen Dallas police officers and Albuquerque 911 dispatch operator Nancy Anaya, who eventually succumbed to cancer. It’s an endeavor that, while rewarding,

can certainly take its toll. For a time, Martinez and his wife were hosting one or two fundraisers per month—and that was with only one income in the household. “I would work some extra hours of overtime if we had some of these things going on,” Martinez says. He eventually set a goal to reach $100,000 in money raised, and at that point, he and Lisa vowed to finally bring an end to the Frito pie dinners. But once that figure was reached last year he found people still needed help. There was always a good excuse to simply say, “One more.” As of now, Martinez doesn’t have a set date for the next Frito pie fundraiser, but he can virtually guarantee that the tradition will continue. Sometimes, fate can’t be denied. “Someone’s always reaching out,” he says. “We don’t have anything planned for the immediate future. it just depends on the individual, the circumstances. “We actually gave all our supplies away. And someone brought all the supplies back. We have it all back at the house. My wife said, ‘You know you’re not done.’” —TRISTEN CRITCHFIELD

WWW.ABQTHEMAG.COM | APRIL 2020

PHOTO BY REECE MARTINEZ/ATM

Albuquerque Police Department Officer

DISH Frito Pie for a Crowd Ingredients

Directions

25 pounds of ground beef

The night before, the stem and seeds are removed from the chile pods. A good soak is given to the red chile pods until soft and blend. Fresh garlic is added (remove the skin on the garlic) to the chile as the chile pods are blended. When it is thick and there are no visible seeds or peelings, it’s ready (it usually takes a couple of blendings.) The goal is to make approximately 2.5 gallons of blended red chile, which is then refrigerated overnight.

25 cups of pinto beans 3 bags of “hot” chile pods 3 large boxes of Fritos 2 bags of shredded cheese 2 bags of lettuce 1 bag of chopped onions 9 lbs of chopped Roma tomatoes Garlic to taste Salt to taste Garlic salt to taste All-purpose flour as needed Quantities listed are for bulk food warehouse purchase.

The day of the fundraiser, the beans are put on to boil at 2 a.m. After about 5 hours of cooking the beans (and when they are soft) the ground beef is browned, and then all-purpose flour is mixed in to thicken it. Once the ground beef is cooked, it’s added to the blended red chile and brought to a boil, with occasional stirring. After the beef and red chile have begun to boil, seasonings like salt and garlic salt are added to taste, and those flavors are allowed to set in over a gentle boil. Once all is cooked, the Fritos are put into a bowl, smothered with the chile beans, and topped with lettuce, cheese, onions and tomato. ENJOY! This recipe makes two full 22-quart roasters of spicy goodness.

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BITES

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

ALQUDS MEDITERRANEAN GRILL & GROCERY

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

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

AL’S BIG DIPPER

magazine. Restaurants may or may not so call before visiting.

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

ALDO’S NEW YORK STYLE PIZZERIA $

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

66 DINER

1405 Central Ave. NE, 247-1421, 66diner.com This blast from the past specializes in burgers, chicken fried steak, liver and onions, and blueplate 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 Drive NE, 255-5080, abccakeshop.com Specializing in custom cakes and cakes for all occasions, this bakery focuses on freshness and flavor. Everything is made from scratch, including the cupcakes, cookies, pies, Danishes, pastries, and other desserts.

THE ACRE

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

ABUELITA’S NEW MEXICAN KITCHEN $

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

AJIACO COLOMBIAN BISTRO

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

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

accept reservations or major credit cards,

5 STAR BURGERS

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

AN HY QUAN VEGETARIAN RESTAURANT

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

ANNAPURNA’S WORLD VEGETARIAN CAFÉ

ANNIE’S SOUP KITCHEN

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

ANTIQUITY RESTAURANT

$$$$

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

ARTICHOKE CAFÉ

$$$

AMADEO’S PIZZA AND SUBS

Three locations, 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.

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

AMERASIA/SUMO SUSHI

ASIAN NOODLE BAR

AZUMA SUSHI & TEPPAN

800 3rd St. NW, 247.1619 / 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

Two locations, amoreabq.com After relocating to Albuquerque from Naples, Italy, Gabriel and Kimberly Amador missed Neapolitan pizza. The husband and wife team, certified by the Association of Neapolitan Pizzaiuoli (APN), opened Amore, bringing a slice of Italy to Albuquerque. A Neapolitan brick oven fires delicious pizzas, such as the Margherita and the Zia, for 60 to 90 seconds at 905 degrees Fahrenheit. Local beer and wine compliment the pies perfectly.

ANATOLIA TURKISH MEDITERRANEAN GRILL

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

318 Central Ave. SW, 224-9119, asiannoodlebar.com Every kind of noodle awaits at this Downtown eatery, from spicy sesame udon noodles to chicken pho with cilantro, jalapeños, and lime. Slurping has never been so tasty. Two locations, azuma-sushi-teppan-abq.com From flame-flipped teppan grill items to a substantial sushi selection, the menus at Azuma Sushi & Teppan have something for everyone. The green chile-infused New Mexico Roll and Filet Mignon Steak please palates daily and are perfect when washed down with an imported Japanese sake, soda, or beer.

B2B BISTRONOMY

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

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BITES

Have you ever had Laotian cuisine? If you’ve had the pleasure of catching the Saep Fire food truck, then you know how delicious Laotian food is, but you also know how well chef Tony Chaleunphonh can serve up some spicy grilled meat. Chaleunphonh’s restaurant, Happy Chickenzz, was born out of a desire to share top-notch Loatian fried chicken with the Duke City. You can get the El Vado Chicken Sandwich, the wings in one of six finger-licking flavors, or just order chicken potstickers or vegetable egg rolls on the side. But the best move here is to go with the Spicy Hot Box: six chicken wings tossed in Happy Chickenzz’s signature Cluckin’ Hot sauce, paired with a side of spicy papaya salad, and a little steamed rice. When they call it a “hot box,” they’re not messing around. The Cluckin’ Hot wings definitely live up to their name, with a pleasant sweetness to them on the end which rounds out the spice. But the sleeper hit here is the spicy papaya salad, Happy Chickenzz’s take on the Thai staple. Strips of green papaya tossed with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, carrots, and cucumbers are coated in a pleasing and heat-packed dressing dotted with flecks of Thai pepper. —KELLI TRAPNELL Happy Chickenzz 2500 Central Ave SW (El Vado Motel courtyard) 242-3377, happychickenzzabq.com

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Hot Box, $10.99

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THAT’S A SPICY HOT BOX

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BITES BACKSTREET GRILL

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

BACON JAM

2930 Candelaria Rd NE 916-0864, baconjamrestaurant.com A bacon-inspired 50s diner, Bacon Jam has a menu packed with both classic diner fare and bold, innovative takes on traditional staples—often, as the name implies, with bacon playing a pivotal supporting role.

BARELAS COFFEE HOUSE

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

THE BARLEY ROOM

5200 Eubank Blvd. NE, 332-0800, barleyroom.com All sorts of mouth-watering pub fare come to life here, from potato skins to mini shrimp cocktails. Check the menu for food and drink specials aplenty.

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BASIL LEAF VIETNAMESE RESTAURANT $$

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

BEN MICHAEL’S RESTAURANT

2404 Pueblo Bonito Court NW, 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., Bosque Farms, 869-2210 Since 1972, Benny’s has obliged countless stomachs with delicious New Mexican treats, which include red-chile smothered enchiladas and deep-fried burritos. Don’t let the Benny Burger—a double-meat, double-cheese beauty—intimidate you. And, don’t forget to save room for that vanilla ice-cream shake.

BLACK BIRD SALOON

28 Main St., Los Cerrillos, NM 438-1821, blackbirdsaloon.com Black Bird Saloon is not just a popular Northern New Mexico eatery (located in Cerillos, NM), it’s also a time warp back through the building’s long and varied history. Items like the Miner’s Hand Warmer Breakfast Burrito or the Tumbleweed Salad stick out like a turquoise on a tourist.

BLACK MESA COFFEE COMPANY

Albuquerque International Sunport, 220 Sunport Blvd. SE, 842-4305, With two Sunport locations, flight delays are easier when you’re close to Black Mesa. The house coffee and vanilla latte are sure to perk you up preflight. The made-to-order turkey sandwich will fill you up far more reliably than the bag of pretzels you’ll get on the plane. Baked goods, including the popular banana bread, are made in-house daily. Five menu items, including brownies and cookies, are gluten-free.

BLADES’ BISTRO

$$$

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

BLAKE’S LOTABURGER

BLEU CAFÉ

Various locations, lotaburger.com Blake’s became an Albuquerque establishment more than 30 years ago, and almost immediately garnered kudos for its out-of-this-world green chile cheeseburgers (the restaurant has since scored spots on National Geographic’s “top hamburgers in the nation” list and Albuquerque The Magazine’s Best of the City list). Everything is made from scratch as soon as it’s ordered—and not a second before. At Del Norte Sports and Wellness, 7120 Wyoming Blvd. NE, Suite 8B This in-gym café offers fresh food from scratch— paninis, burgers, wraps, burritos, protein shakes– to both gym-goers and the general public. Healthy and tasty? Check!

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BLUE GRASSHOPPER

Two locations, bluegrasshopper.freesite.website Somewhere along the craft brew evolutionary line, beer snobs were born and hipsters took over. Not so at Blue Grasshopper. The pours are indeed solid, but the ambiance is better: welcoming, warm, and loaded with live music virtually every night of the week. Great pub food, too.

BOCADILLOS $

200 Lomas Blvd. NW, Suite 110, 243-3995, bocadillos505.com Slow-roasted meats are the highlight of the Food Network “Chopped” winner, Marie Yniguez. Open for breakfast, lunch, or dinner on Wednesdays– Saturdays, pop in for a burrito or sandwich filled to the brim with pork, chicken, turkey or corned beef.

BOSQUE BREWING CO.

Various locations, bosquebrewing.com Another favorite on the ever-growing ABQ brewery scene, Bosque Brewing Co. is the product of three NMSU grads’ love for brew. With 10-12 of Bosque’s own sudsy creations on tap every day, the brewery is teeming with options to pair with seasoned fries, daily specials, or an array of other appetizers, soups, salads, and sandwiches.

BRICKYARD PIZZA

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

BRIXENS $$$

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

BUDAI GOURMET CHINESE

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

BURGER BOY

THE BURRITO LADY

12023 New Mexico 14, Cedar Crest, 281-3949, burgerboynm.com Everything in this tried-and-true staple is made from scratch: enchiladas, breakfast burritos, tacos and burgers (of course!). Fans are especially enamored with the green chile cheeseburger. 938 Eubank Blvd. NE, 271-2268 The Burrito Lady—otherwise known as Consuelo Flores—cooks every one of her huge burritos herself, made-to-order. That means you should be prepared to wait (the line here can often go out the door). It’s worth it—ask for your burrito smothered if you want to really heat things up.

CAFE 6855

6855 4th St NW, Los Ranchos de Albuquerque 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.

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Bun, Roll, or Bowl? That’s the question you’re greeted with when you set foot in Mogu Mogu, and the first sign that your lunch just became an epic food journey. Put simply, Mogu Mogu offers a fresh take on Japanese food. The whole concept for the restaurant is based on the efficiency of a Japanese family kitchen: meals should be as healthy as they are simple, and as quick to prepare as they are delicious. In this mouth-watering, choose-your-own-adventure, you pick whether you’d like your protein, base, and veggies on a bun (Bahn Mi-style), in a roll (Sushi-style), or in a bowl (Donburi-style). You can get your meal keto, paleo, vegan, vegetarian, whatever you need. Lost for choice? Try the perfectly roasted, flaky salmon in a donburi made of fresh zucchini noodles, topped with green onion, cabbage, edamame, pickled veggies, and crispy noodles. Toss on a creamy sesame sauce and you’ve got yourself lunch to shout about. —KELLI TRAPNELL Mogu Mogu 4001 Masthead St NE 200-9141, eat-mogumogu.com

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Salmon Donburi with Zucchini Noodles and Avocado, $12.45

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PHOTO BY DON JAMES/ATM

CHOOSE-YOUR-OWN-JAPANESE-CUISINE

CAFÉ BELLA COFFEE

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

CAFÉ CUBANO

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

CAFÉ LAUREL

1433 Central Ave. NW, 259-2331, cafe-laurel.weebly.com The casual American café, open for breakfast and lunch, serves soups, sandwiches, burgers, salads, New Mexican favorites, and breakfast items in a bright airy atmosphere complete with local beers on tap. Peruse the daily selection of sweets and the full coffee bar for dessert (or breakfast).

CAFÉ LUSH

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

LA BAREN RESTAURANT

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

CAKE FETISH

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

CAMPO AT LOS POBLANOS

$$$

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

CANVAS ARTISTRY

CASA DE BENAVIDEZ

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

CASA TACO

2 locations casa-taco.com Both Casa Taco locations offer a window into owner John 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

CENTRAL GRILL & COFFEE HOUSE

230 6th St. SW,243-7070 Recognized on the Food Network’s “Diners, DriveIns & Dives,” and ranked No. 45 on the Travel Channel’s “101 Tastiest Places to Chow Down,” Cecilia’s Café offers tasty New Mexican treats, such as their Fireman’s Burrito or homemade chicharrones in a cozy atmosphere. 2056 Central Ave. SW, 554-1424, centralgrillandcoffeehouse.com This local favorite on Route 66, adjacent to Old Town, offers a bevy of breakfast and lunch options that will comfort your belly and your wallet. Here, you’ll find traditional New Mexican favorites, serious sammies, and solid caffeine with a staff famous for their classic Southwestern hospitality.

CERVANTES NEW MEXICAN RESTAURANT $$

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

CESAR’S MEXICAN & GREEK

CHEBA HUT

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

Two locations, cheeseandcoffee.com There’s more than just cheese and coffee here— think homemade soups, sandwiches, salads and specials. At lunch, the line often goes out the door, so it’s worth getting there early.

CHEZ AXEL

$$$

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

8032 4th St. NW, 898-3311, casadebenavidez.com One of the original New Mexican eateries in the North Valley, this expansive property boasts a lush patio, fabled margaritas and authentic eats, including a trademark on the sopaipilla burger.

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CHOCGLITZ & CREAM

CHRISTY MAE’S RESTAURANT

10660 Unser Blvd. NW, 898-4589, chocglitzandcream.com Certified fair-trade chocolate and a chocolatier with 45 years of experience means you’ll find some of the best sweet-tooth satisfying offerings (including ice cream flavors such as raspberry red chile and Mexican coffee). 1400 San Pedro Drive NE, 255-4740, christymaes.com “Hearty” and “homestyle” are the key words here, a hands-down favorite of early-dinner lovers. Oldfashioned staples are the standards, so look for chicken salad, potpies, country-fried steak with homemade mashed potatoes, and beef stew.

CHURCH STREET CAFÉ

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

CINNAMON SUGAR & SPICE CAFÉ

COCINA AZUL

CODA BAKERY

CONCHITA’S CAFÉ

Two locations, 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. Three locations, cocinaazul.com The newest location of the Old Town favorite serves up the same tried and true home-cooked recipes you’ve come to love. Don’t miss location specific specials and local brews amid New Mexican staples. 230 Louisiana Blvd. SE Suite C, 232-0085 Wrap your hands around one of Coda Bakery’s unique, Vietnamese-inspired sandwiches. Beyond its popular lineup of sammies, Coda Bakery also puts a distinctive twist on Vietnamese street food, using from-scratch recipes, including the bread, its deli meats, and its desserts. 400 Gold Ave. SW, Suite 119, 339-6774, conchitascafe.com What began as the food truck, Conchita’s Creations became a downtown café with breakfast, sandwiches, and salads. New Mexican favorites shine here, just like abuela made them—including tacos, Frito pie, and burritos.

THE COOPERAGE

$$$

CORN MAIDEN

$$$

7220 Lomas Blvd. NE, 255-1657, cooperageabq.com Consistently fabulous prime rib, steak and seafood—plus unlimited trips to the soup and salad bar—make this restaurant a local favorite. 1300 Tuyuna Trail, Santa Ana Pueblo, 771-6060, tamaya.hyatt.com For a special dinner or celebration, look no further. Boasting a view of the Sandia Mountains, this restaurant will leave you breathless as you enjoy three-course meals with sweet potato granny smith apple soup, lavender salted shrimp or the classic crème brulee.

CORRALES BISTRO BREWERY

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

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BITES THE COUNTY LINE BBQ

CRACKIN’ CRAB

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

Three locations, 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

D.H. LESCOMBES WINERY & BISTRO $$

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

DION’S $

Various locations, 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.

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

CRAZY FISH SUSHI BAR AND RESTAURANT

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

THE CROWN ROOM

$$$$

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

CURRY LEAF

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

THE DAILY GRIND

DELICIAS CAFÉ

DG’S DELI

4360a Cutler Ave. NE, 883-8310, dailygrindabq.net This family-friendly restaurant serves breakfast and lunch, including huevos rancheros and a huge assortment of baked goods. On Friday and Saturday, look for spontaneous specials, such as stuffed French toast or steak and eggs. 6001 San Mateo Blvd. NE, 830-6561 Named after the city in Chihuahua, Mexico, Delicias delivers traditional fare of the region, like caldo de res (beef stew), gorditas, carnitas, flautas, and horchata. 1418 Dr Martin Luther King Jr. Ave. NE, 247-3354, dgsdeli.com With 31 cold sandwich options and a wide variety of grilled hot sandwiches—ranging in size from mini to jumbo—there’s something for everyone here. Try the Green Chile Philly or the Lobo Club.

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BITES DOG HOUSE DRIVE IN

DURAN’S CENTRAL PHARMACY

DONUT MART

EAST OCEAN CHINESE SEAFOOD RESTAURANT $$

1216 Central Ave. SW, 243-1019 An ABQ landmark since the 1940s, the eat-inyour-car Dog House serves grilled footlongs and halflongs topped with red chile, cheese, onions, and more. Enjoy your dog with a side of chilicheese fries and a thick shake. Various locations, 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 Street NW, 345-0595 Southern transplants who make their way to ABQ have a new spot for traditional seafood boil. From dry rub to a spicy, buttery fusion sauce, your tastebuds will dance with delight when you feast on this eatery’s collection of crawfish, rock shrimp, crab legs, and more.

DUGGAN’S $

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

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

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

EL BRUNO’S RESTAURANTE Y CANTINA

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

EL CAMINO DINING ROOM

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

EL COTORRO

EL PATIO DE ALBUQUERQUE

111 Carlisle Blvd. NE, 503-6202, elcotorroabq.com Made to order gourmet tacos are on full display among classic Mexican street food like elotes and ceviche. A full salsa bar lets you spice up your meat, fish, vegetarian, or vegan tacos. Taco Tuesdays feature $2 tacos and bottled Mexican beers. 142 Harvard Drive SE, 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 #10 Green Chicken Enchiladas have won rave reviews for years, as have the tasty salsa and pillow-soft sopaipillas.

EL PATRON

Two locations, 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, 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.

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BITES

THE ART OF THE ENCHILADA

The Jealous Fork 6904 Menaul Blvd NE, Suite D 312-5506

EL SABOR DE JUAREZ

Roasted Poblano with Brisket, $10.50

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

EL SARAPE

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

ELOY’S NEW MEXICAN RESTAURANT $

1508 Wyoming Blvd. NE, 293-6018 Opening 36 years ago, Eloy’s New Mexican Restaurant’s claim to fame is their consistent food and service, offering the same recipes that made them famous all those years ago. Try the No. 1 Eloy’s Deluxe Dinner, with a little bit of everything.

EMBER’S STEAK & SEAFOOD

$$$

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

FANO BREAD COMPANY

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

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Since its grand opening in Uptown in 2019, The Jealous Fork has been building on its reputation as the little sister of Fork and Fig by offering unbeatable Mexican food with a novel concept—build your own enchiladas. This aspect of the restaurant is popular with just about everybody with taste buds and a sense of culinary daring. And for good reason. No matter the combo, every order at The Jealous Fork comes with three outstanding enchiladas. So, what do you have to work with as a newly minted enchilada artiste? Well, you start by choosing The Wrap, which can be a house-made corn tortilla, flour tortilla, or a tortilla made from a mix of corn and flour. Or you can get crazy and have your enchiladas come stuffed into whole, roasted poblano peppers. It takes the dish straight to the next level. You’ve got your poblanos. Now what? It’s on to meat, sauce, cheese, and extras. One of the most popular choices is the brisket, which goes perfectly with the pasilla chile and green chile sauce. Add in some Monterrey Jack and Oaxaca cheese. Throw on some cilantro or diced onion. Now stand back and admire your creation, because you now have in your possession the perfect Jealous Fork meal. —KELLI TRAPNELL

FAN TANG

FARM & TABLE

$$$

FAREAST FUZION SUSHI BAR & LOUNGE

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

THE FARMACY

FARINA ALTO PIZZERIA & WINE BAR $$

FIESTA’S MEXICAN RESTAURANT AND CANTINA

FLAMEZ BISTRO

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

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

FARINA PIZZERIA

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

8917 4th St. NW, 503-7124, farmandtablenm.com This North Valley eatery’s ever-changing menu features seasonal produce, which often comes from the restaurant’s own farm. If the produce doesn’t come from the farm, it’s sourced from a slew of local vendors. Enjoy grass-and-alfalfa-fed steaks and produce-focused dishes that use local kale, chard, okra, chile, and tomatoes. 3718 Central Ave SE, 227-0330 The Farmacy takes the idea of organic and local ingredients, and presents them in a way that tastes like comfort. The Farmacy provides a tasty menu of eight breakfast items, as well as eight sandwiches for lunch.

4400 Carlisle Blvd. NE, 881-0478 Fiesta’s Restaurant & Cantina has been familyowned and operated since 1986, making it an Albuquerque go-to for quality New Mexican cuisine. With its family dining area, outdoor patio, lively bar and banquet room, Fiesta’s has something for everyone. 9821 Montgomery Blvd. NE, 275-0522, flamezabq.com There’s a lot more to this burger joint than the beef. High-end, artistically inspired bistro fare, delightful appetizers, and burger bowls (with greens, sans buns) are only some of the fun finds at this neighborhood fave. Buffalo, salmon, turkey, lamb, get your protein boost here.

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FLIX BREWHOUSE

FLYING STAR CAFÉ

FORQUE KITCHEN AND BAR

FORK & FIG

3258 La Orilla Rd NW B-1 445-8500, flixbrewhouse.com Flix is a one-of-a-kind concept; a movie theater that serves full meals and an in-house brewed beer menu in its stadium-seating “dining rooms.” The dream is real, Albuquerque–you can catch the latest blockbuster in theaters while knocking back a pint and having dinner brought to you. Various locations, flyingstarcafe.com With handmade desserts to die for, artisan breads, and a menu filled with everything from eggs to enchiladas, the Flying Star offers plenty of options for every meal (and snack time) of the day. 330 Tijeras Ave. NW, 842-1234, albuquerque.hyatt.com Forque’s multi-level, tastefully decorated dining room features floor-to-ceiling windows and makes it easy to forget you’re dining at a Downtown hotel. The elegant presentation extends to the regional cuisine, which is prepared in the restaurant’s open kitchen by executive chef Eli White and his staff. 6904 Menaul Blvd. NE, Suite C, 881-5293, forkfig.com Upscale, but surprisingly down-home, Fork & Fig dishes offer up a streamlined menu of favorites, including burgers, sandwiches, and salads, with surprising artistry along the way. Sweet potato tots, anyone?

FOURTH AND ROMA CAFÉ

FRANK’S FAMOUS CHICKEN AND WAFFLES

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

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

FRENCH-ISH $$$

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

FREIGHT HOUSE KITCHEN + TAP

200 S Camino del Pueblo, 588-2143, fr8house.com Sister restaurant to Range Café and Standard Diner, Freight House offers smoky sweet menu items from the smoker with a homemade touch. Expect pub food with a unique twist and a rotating selection of local beers.

FRIENDS COFFEE & SANDWICH SHOP $

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

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FRONTIER RESTAURANT

2400 Central Ave. SE, 266-0550, frontierrestaurant.com Famous for its legendary Frontier Rolls, hot-offthe-iron tortillas, burgers, New Mexican favorites, hash browns, fresh-squeezed orange juice, and more, the Frontier is Albuquerque’s melting pot— it’s a guarantee you’ll see someone you know there.

FU YUANG KOREAN & CHINESE RESTAURANT $

3107 Eubank Blvd. NE, Suite 16, 298-8989 Fu Yuang breaks away from tradition with its take on Korean and Chinese cuisine, but keeps it simple. Freshly made with high-quality meats, you’ll get perfectly-portioned dishes made without MSG, less oil, and all natural ingredients.

GARCIA’S KITCHEN

Various locations, 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 $$ Various Locations, gardunosrestaurants.com Garduño’s consistently earns enthusiastic kudos for its mouthwatering enchiladas, burritos, salsa, and knock-your-socks-off margaritas. And, with three locations around town, you’re always near a fiesta.

GECKO’S BAR AND TAPAS

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

GINO’S NEW YORK STYLE PIZZA

GIOVANNI’S PIZZERIA

GOLDEN CROWN PANADERIA

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

GRASSBURGER $

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

GREENSIDE CAFÉ

$$$

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

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BITES THE GRILL ON SAN MATEO

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

THE GROVE CAFÉ AND MARKET

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

GYROS MEDITERRANEAN

106 Cornell Drive SE, 255-4401, egyros.com Tried-and-true Greek recipes, such as traditional Kota Reganato (oven-roasted chicken with oregano, garlic and lemon), fresh Greek salads, Patates, and, of course, sweet baklava, served in a friendly, laid-back collegial atmosphere.

HADLEY’S TEA

7600 Jefferson St. NE, Suite 9, 821-4832 With about 200 different teas—half of them available in loose-leaf form—Hadley’s Tea is a tea lover’s oasis. Every tea that lines Hadley’s shelves is made with all-natural ingredients. A cucumber and cream cheese sandwich, otherwise known as the “tea sandwich,” is the perfect companion for your Lady Londonderry or strawberry green tea.

HANNAH & NATE’S MARKET CAFÉ

4512 Corrales Road, 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.

HARTFORD SQUARE

218 Gold Ave. SW, 265-4933, hartfordsq.com Perhaps the only Albuquerque establishment that changes the menu weekly based on local produce options, this is a clean, smart, urban café that feeds suits and millennials in droves. Also serving up local coffees from Michael Thomas roasters, dine anytime and support the farm-to-table movement.

HELLO DELI

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

HIGH POINT GRILL

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

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HIGH NOON RESTAURANT AND SALOON

$$$

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

HOLY BURGER

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

HORSE AND ANGEL TAVERN

HOT PINK THAI

5809 Juan Tabo Blvd. NE, 299-0225 Whether you want a simple sandwich for lunch, appetizers and a beer in the afternoon, or steak and enchiladas at midnight, this Heights tavern is the place to be any time of the day. 2626 San Pedro Drive NE, 872-2296 For dine in or takeout, at lunchtime, you’ll get $1.50 off dishes over $10 and a free vegetable egg roll. Favorites include pumpkin curry, pad thai, and drunken noodles. Most dishes are customized with your choice of protein and spice level, from no chili at all to Thai hot.

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HOT TAMALES

HURRICANE’S CAFE

I SCREAM ICE CREAM

1520 Rio Rancho Blvd. SE, 962-0123, hottamalesnmrestaurant.com This Rio Rancho restaurant serves bona fide New Mexican with hand-blended red chile and fireroasted green chile: Green Chile Stew Omelet, Hot Tamale Bowl, and Fajitas are just a few of the spicy dishes. 4330 Lomas Blvd. NE, 255-4248 With Route 66 serving as the city’s heart, it’s always good to hop over to a good ol’ fashioned diner. Pick out a classic dish, such as pancakes or omelets from the lengthy breakfast menu, or chow down on a burger, enchilada, or chicken fried steak. Of course, you can take a stab at the hearty Disaster Burrito, but you’d better make plenty of room if that’s on your agenda. 2000 Carlisle Blvd. NE, 268-0139 The cozy dessert shop is filled with toys, gadgets, board games, and—oh yeah—34 flavors of ice cream and 28 different toppings. Each scoop comes with a free mix-in, and there are fresh mini doughnuts available on weekends.

IL VICINO

Various locations, 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.

INDIGO CROW CAFÉ

$$$

4515 Corrales Road, Corrales, 898-7000, indigocrowcafe.net This café is cozy, thanks to the fact that it’s housed in an old adobe building. When it’s cold, patrons warm up by the indoor fireplace; when it’s warm, they enjoy meals such as lobster ravioli, tarragon chicken salad, and New Mexico chicken fried steak under the stars on the outdoor patio. Reservations are recommended.

IRONWOOD KITCHEN

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

JAPANESE KITCHEN

$$$

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

JAVA JOE’S

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

JC’S NEW YORK PIZZA DEPARTMENT $$

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

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JIMMY’S CAFÉ ON JEFFERSON

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

JINJA BAR AND BISTRO

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

JOE’S PASTA HOUSE

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

KABAB HOUSE: AUTHENTIC PERSIAN CUISINE $

KOLACHE FACTORY

8001 Wyoming Blvd. NE, Suite B3 856-3430, locations.kolachefactory.com The Kolache Factory franchise out of Texas focuses on Czech style Kolaches that were traditionally a warm, semi-sweet pastry filled with sausage, cheese, or fruit and originated in Eastern Europe dating as far back as the 1700s.

LA CRÊPE MICHEL

LA OJA RESTAURANT

400 San Felipe St. NW, Suite C2, 242-1251, lacrepemichel.com Heavenly soups, sandwiches, and crêpes await you at this charming French restaurant: whether filled with salmon, asparagus and Swiss cheese or zucchini, eggplant, and tomato, you’ll find a crêpe to whet your appetite. Reservations are recommended. 201 Marquette Ave. NW, inside DoubleTree Hotel, 247-3344 La Oja Restaurant blends New Mexico and California cuisines, resulting in unique tastes that combine fresh seafood with local flavor. It’s MexiCali cuisine with a twist.

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

LA QUICHE PARISIENNE BISTRO

KAKTUS BREWING CO.

LA SALITA

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

KATHY’S CARRY OUT

LAGUNA BURGER

471 South Hill Road, Bernalillo, 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.

5850 Eubank Blvd. NE, Suite 17, 242-2808, laquicheparisiennebistro.com Long considered an authentic French staple of downtown ABQ, La Quiche has comfortably settled into the Heights and the baked goods will comfort your lazy weekend brunch cravings with true Parisian cuisine from the mainland.

823 Isleta Blvd. SW, 873-3472 This carry out has been a South Valley favorite for 38 years. Look for the chicharron burrito with egg, fresh hand-cut fries, and the daily special—you just might land on a seems-too-good-to-be-true deal, such as three tacos for $3.

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

KATRINAH’S EAST MOUNTAIN GRILL $$

LAS RISTRAS

KELLYS PUB

THE LAST CALL

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

3222 Central Ave. SE, 262-2739, kellyspubabq.com On any given night, the patio at Kellys, converted from an old gas station, is filled with a diverse array of customers. Kids eat free on weekends, and dogs are welcome, too. It’s sporting a new brick oven pizza menu you should definitely check out.

KIMO’S HAWAIIAN BBQ

3239 Girard Blvd. NE kimosabq.com, 582-2797 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.

$$$

4940 Corrales Rd. #400, Corrales 433-4192, lasristras.com Though New Mexican fare is a huge part of Las Ristras’ menu–all the usual suspects from tacos and chile rellenos to burritos and bowls of fresh posole are in evidence–they are joined by some of the most dynamic steaks on the Rio Grande.

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

LAVA ROCK BREWING COMPANY $$

2220 Unser Blvd. NE 836-1022, lavarockbrewpub.com The casual brewpub on Unser currently has 7 of their own beers available on tap, with several other local guest taps as well. Standard bar fare gets gussied up here, like the housemade hot sauces on the wings and the fries loaded with green chile and queso.

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Buy your UNM event tickets online, by phone or in-person at our new location at 800 Bradbury Dr SE or UNM Bookstore Ticket Office.

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LAZY LIZARD GRILL

12480 North Highway 14, Sandia Park 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, 266-6118 Le Bistro Vietnamese Restaurant is just as much a bakery as it is a restaurant, specializing in traditional Vietnamese cuisine.

LE CHANTILLY FINE PASTRIES

LE PEEP

8216 Menaul Blvd. NE, 293-7057, lechantillybakery.com This French-style bakery features breakfast pastries, muffins, strudel, cookies, and tarts— not to mention delicious quiche, croissants, sandwiches and cakes. Try homemade soups such as creamy chicken and artichoke, then satisfy your sweet tooth with a tower of chocolate decadence. 2125 Louisiana Blvd. NE, 881-7272, lepeepabq.com With a menu spanning breakfast skillets, omelets, and flapjacks to a comprehensive and creative selection of lunch sammies, soups, and otherwise, Le Peep offers an enlightened take on American staples with a New Mexican twist.

LE TROQUET

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

LEVEL 5 AT HOTEL CHACO

$$$

THE LIBRARY BAR & GRILL

LIMONATA ITALIAN STREET CAFÉ

2000 Bellamah Ave. NW 318-3998, hotelchaco.com The food here needs be good, because first and foremost, it competes with the view. Like the name implies, Level 5 sits on the 5th floor of Hotel Chaco and offers a near-360 degree view of the city. 312 Central Ave. SW, 242-2992, library-abq.com Featuring more than a great party, the Library offers drink specials and half-priced appetizers during happy hour, as well as salads, hamburgers, sandwiches, wraps, and specialty items. 3222 Silver Av SE, 266-0607, limonatanobhill.com Channel your inner Italian at this street foodinspired café, where the breakfast and lunch menus feature perfect pastries, craveable cappuccino and trattoria-inspired lunches. The chef makes every dish from scratch and insists that everything about the restaurant, from the menu to the atmosphere, be done just as it would in Italy.

LITTLE BEAR COFFEE

LOS COMPADRES RESTAURANT

2632 Pennsylvania St. NE 917-8902, littlebearcoffeeco.com Located near Uptown, Little Bear is not just serving up quality brew, but also providing an outpost for the neighborhood and coffee community. 2437 Central Ave. NW 452-8091, compadresabq.com Family recipes like the No. 16 Taco Plate, tacos with carne y papas (beef and potatoes) and the restaurant’s Menudo, have kept locals coming back for more than 15 years.

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BITES LOS CUATES

LOYOLA’S FAMILY RESTAURANT

Various locations loscuatesrestaurants.com Popular since it opened over 25 years ago, Los Cuates serves its own ancho-chile salsa and tons of delicious New Mexican dishes in humongous portions. 4500 Central Ave. SE, 268-6478 loyolasfamilyrestaurant.com You’ll find both American and New Mexican goodies here, from fried chicken, roast beef and sandwiches to tasty local favorites such as burritos and posole.

LUIGI’S RISTORANTE AND PIZZERIA $$

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

LUNA MANSION

$$$

110 W. Main St., Los Lunas, 865-7333, lunamansion.com Said to be haunted, the Luna Mansion is an adventure in dining, featuring a wide selection of steak and seafood in a unique, historic atmosphere in Los Lunas.

M’TUCCI’S ITALIAN

Various locations, 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

Two locations, macsnm.com Taquitas, onion rings, guacamole salad, and an original “steak in the rough”—slivers of beef served with French fries, coleslaw, a roll, catsup, and a fresh green scallion… these are just a few of the reasons Mac’s has been in business for so many years.

MANZANO GRILLE AT THE CANYON CLUB AT FOUR HILLS $$

911 Four Hills Road SE, 299-9555, canyonclubgolf.com This newly remodeled property was rejuvenated thanks to its own club members, and now boasts modern décor, floor-to-ceiling windows, and a relaxed and inviting atmosphere. Members can enjoy creative dishes like Pork Alexander, New Mexico Eggs Benedict with green chile Hollandaise sauce, or the Turkey Lurkey, including green chile and Pepper Jack cheese in the dining room or al fresco on its large, shaded patio overlooking the mountain vistas. Dining-only memberships available.

MARIO’S PIZZA

MARISCOS ALTAMAR

Various locations, mariospizzaabq.com Gourmet pizzas, big bowls of pasta, custom calzones and New York-style sandwiches are the norm at this tasty Italian eatery.

MARY & TITO’S CAFÉ

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

MATANZA CRAFT BEER KITCHEN

3225 Central Ave. NE, 312-7305, matanzanm.com The New Mexican classic feast gets a sophisticated touch at the eatery serving up favorites such as carne adovada, to a wide range of salads, flatbreads and a cult-favorite brunch. One hundred taps feature local beer and wine.

MAY CAFÉ

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

Two locations, 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.

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MAZAYA CAFÉ

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

MICHAEL THOMAS COFFEE ROASTERS $

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

MILLY’S $

Two locations, 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.

MIMMO’S RISTORANTE & PIZZERIA $$

3301 Coors Blvd. NW 831-4191, mimmosabq.com Mimmo’s serves authentic Italian food in a casual family atmosphere, with everything made on premise: the sauces, pizza dough, lasagna, noodles and meatballs. An all-you-can-eat lunch buffet is offered every day of the week.

MODEL PHARMACY

3636 Monte Vista Blvd. NE 255-8686, modelpharmacy.com Fill a prescription, buy some jewelry, then tuck into old-fashioned fountain classics like rickeys, ades, milkshakes, phosphates, and egg creams. Leave room for lunch: Model has grilled sandwiches and homemade soups.

MONICA’S EL PORTAL RESTAURANT $

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

MONROE’S RESTAURANT

Two locations, monroeschile.com More than 50 years after they opened their doors south of Old Town, Monroe’s continues to serve reliable New Mexican favorites to a local fan base, and service around here is a team effort, so no glass goes unfilled.

MONTE CARLO STEAKHOUSE

$$$

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

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MONTE VISTA FIRE STATION

3201 Central Ave. NE, 255-2424 Once an actual working fire station, this secondfloor restaurant now offers traditional bar food, wings, and nightly specials. Choose from tasty chicken wings and burgers, or order from the restaurant downstairs—they’ll bring your steak to you.

MR. TOKYO

11200 Montgomery Blvd. NE, 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, 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.

NARUTO $

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

NAMASTE

Two locations, 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.

NEXUS BREWERY

NICK AND JIMMY’S RESTAURANT AND BAR

Two locations, nexusbrewery.com If the made-to-order fried chicken and waffles and mac and cheese has you drooling, reach for one of Nexus’ brewed in-house beers.

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

NOB HILL BAR AND GRILL

$$$

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

NOMAD’S BBQ FOOD TRUCK

206-7654 Authentic, smoky goodness, Nomad’s BBQ sammies—including pulled pork and hotlink varieties—are succulent and feature its homemade sauce. This roving BBQ hut definitely knows how to do a quality turkey leg and rib tips, too.

OAK TREE CAFÉ

$$$

4545 Alameda Blvd. NE, 830-2233, cafeoaktree.com This hometown café has served a lot of locales over the past 30 years, and the current venue on Alameda is great at the basics, including burgers, sandwiches, and salads, made fresh, in-house every day.

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BITES OHANA HUT

5740 Night Whisper Rd NW, 508-4439, ohanahut.com Family owned and operated Ohana Hut means “Family Hut”. It specializes in Hawaiian, Japanese, and Korean flavors to create an Asian fusion menu with a New Mexican twist.

OLD TOWN PIZZA PARLOR

108 Rio Grande Blvd. NW, 999-1949, oldtownpizzaabq.com This comfy, funky, family-owned restaurant serves tasty pies, huge calzones, and portions of pasta that won’t ever leave you hungry.

OLO YOGURT STUDIO IN NOB HILL

3339 Central Ave. NE, Suite C, 718-4656, oloyogurt.com Nothing is as sweet as a guilt-free treat. In the same building as Staples in Nob Hill, Olo features a Candyland-esque interior, complete with 10 flavor choices and a salad-bar-sized toppings bar.

O’HARE’S GRILLE & PUB

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

O’NIELL’S PUB

Two locations, oniells.com O’Niell’s boasts the same neighborhood feeling, many of the same staffers, and virtually the same menu (including the “weird sandwich,” the “burger in paradise,” and homemade fish and chips). Added: an outdoor patio and more beer choices.

O RAMEN

ORCHID THAI CUISINE

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

ORTEGA’S MEXICAN RESTAURANT

3617 Wyoming Blvd. NE, 298-0223 Rudy and Edna Ortega were never selfish with their old family recipes—they’re all over the menu at Ortega’s. The green chile relleno and when in season, red chile relleno, please palates year round. Of course, don’t leave without ending your meal with a delectable dessert, like the ice-creamstuffed strawberry sopaipilla.

THE OWL CAFÉ

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

P’TIT LOUIS BISTRO NOB HILL

3218 Silver Ave. SE, 314-1110, ptitlouisbistro.com The quaint French bistro features a small patio, yellow umbrellas, and white tablecloths—it’s pure Paris fashion, circa 1920, with the authentic French cuisine to match it.

PACIFIC PARADISE TROPICAL GRILL AND SUSHI BAR $$

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

PADILLA’S MEXICAN KITCHEN

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

PAISANO’S ITALIAN RESTAURANT

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

THE PALETA BAR

Various locations, thepaletabar.com A hidden Albuquerque gem, The Paleta Bar has taken a tried-and-true, frozen Mexican dessert to new heights. Since 2017, this paleta wonderland has been slinging refreshing Mexican popsicles in endless combinations of flavors.

PAPA FELIPE’S MEXICAN RESTAURANT $$

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

PAPA NACHOS

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

PARS CUISINE

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

PELICAN’S RESTAURANT

$$$

Two locations, 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 prime rib.

PEREA’S TIJUANA BAR

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

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PERICO’S $

Various locations, 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, 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 $$

Two locations, 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

PIZZERIA LUCA

PLANTY SWEET

POKI POKI CEVICHERIA

POLLITO CON PAPAS

Various locations, pizzanine.com Chicago-style pizza at 10 locations around the city, along with the option of gluten-free crust—that’s what Pizza 9 brings to the, er, table. Don’t forget the wings, salads, breadsticks and calzones to complement any meal. 8850 Holly Ave. NE, 797-8086, pizzerialuca.com With imported Italian flour, cheese, and pepperoni, Pizzeria Luca offers authentic Italian cuisine. The restaurant has a subway-inspired interior and features delicious and affordable lunch specials. 2506 Washington St NE 433-7111, plantysweet.weebly.com Planty Sweet is the city’s first 100% vegan and gluten-free bakery and dessert shop and the quality of the products available is hard to deny. Not only do their artisanal baked goods taste fantastic, they are impeccably presented, each crafted to please the eye as much as the taste buds. Two locations, 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, twelve sauces, and 22 toppings make for endless combinations atop rice, chips, or a salad. Two Locations, 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, 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.

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POP FIZZ

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

PRAIRIE STAR RESTAURANT

PRISMATIC COFFEE

288 Prairie Star Road, Santa Ana Pueblo, 867-3327, mynewmexicogolf.com Taking a drive past Bernalillo is a pleasure when you know the visit will include amazing made-fromscratch dishes such as herb-grilled ribeye with chipotle cheddar gratin and New Mexico bisonraised tenderloin. Reservations are recommended. 1761 Bellamah Ave. NW, 205-1590, prismatic.coffee This third-wave coffee shop in the sawmill district features a small menu of expertly crafted coffee and the perfect coffee companion, stroopwafels. Beans are roasted and sold in-house with a rotating selection of stroopwafel fillings made fresh.

PUEBLO HARVEST CAFÉ AND BAKERY

$$$

2401 12th St. NW, 724-3510, puebloharvestcafe.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.

PUPUSERIA Y RESTAURANTE SALVADOREÑO $

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

QUARTER CELTIC BREWPUB

QUARTERS BBQ

Two locations, quartercelticbrewpub.com Irish brews like the Crimson Lass and Rye’t Side of Dublin are paired nicely with Celtic pub fare with a New Mexico twist. Must-tries include the classic fish and chips, ruben, shepherd’s pie, and poutine with green chile. 801 Yale Blvd. SE, 843-6949, thequartersonyaleblvd.com Feeling hungry? How about 187,000 pounds of ribs and 15,000 pounds of Alaskan King Crab a year, an attached packaged liquor store, a secret sauce recipe, and customers hungry for more? Try the pork spare ribs or hot links.

RANCHERS CLUB OF NEW MEXICO $$$

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

THE RANGE CAFÉ

Various locations, 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.

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Since its creation in New York City in the mid to late 1800s, eggs benedict has undoubtedly been a brunch classic—and for good reason. Traditionally made, it has all the trappings of a well-rounded breakfast: poached eggs and salty meat, hollandaise sauce, and an English muffin as a solid foundation. As one of Uptown’s busiest breakfast spots, it only makes sense that Sunnyside Up ABQ would have their own delicious take on the dish. They call it the Hiker’s Benedict, and it does not disappoint. Two perfectly poached eggs sit daintily atop a toasted English muffin, and that’s about the last thing “dainty” about this meal. Sprinkled over the eggs are handfuls of cubed ham, roasted cremini mushrooms, and chopped tomatoes and asparagus. To finish it off, the sandwich is coated in classic dill hollandaise and crowned with a few sizzling strips of crispy bacon. The result is a decadent breakfast sandwich that will replenish your energy after a long hike. “Before we were Sunnyside Up, we were the Egg and I, and we were able to keep some of the recipes,” says Brittany Bilak, co-owner of Sunnyside Up ABQ. “The Hiker’s Benedict is one that we kept because people like it so much.” —KELLI TRAPNELL Sunnyside Up ABQ 6909 Menaul Blvd NE, Suite A, 888-3447, sunnysideupabq.com

REBEL DONUT

Two locations, rebeldonut.com Not only can you find their set flavors, including their raised glazed, chocolate cake glazed, rebel red velvet, birthday cake, and toasted coconut, but you can also order custom-made donuts or choose to experiment with their daily creations.

RELISH GOURMET SANDWICHES

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

RICHARD’S MEXICAN RESTAURANT $$

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

RICHIE B’S PIZZA

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

Hiker’s Benedict, $10.29

RIO BRAVO BREWING COMPANY

ROCKIN’ TACO

1912 2nd St. NW, 900-3909, riobravobrewing.com The pub and grill is bright and airy with high ceilings and a modern industrial style, mixed with the cozy rustic feel of a neighborhood bar, with 32 taps, including their award winning La Luz Lager. 3600 Cutler Ave NE, 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, 843-9418, romabakeryanddeli.com You’ll find more than fresh-baked cookies and pastries at this bakery—feast your eyes (and taste buds) on grilled sandwiches and eight fresh deli salads and soups.

ROSEMARY $$

4565 San Mateo Blvd. NE, Suite A 361-1842, rosemaryabq.com This plant-forward restaurant offers a soothing atmosphere, creative menu, and amazing food. Any menu item can be adapted to meet personal preferences and dietary restrictions.

RUDY’S COUNTRY STORE AND BAR-B-Q

Two locations, rudys.com Texas-style slow cooking over oak is what makes Rudy’s brisket, ribs and sausage so mouthwatering—not to mention the “sause.” Every serving comes with paper towels, unlimited sliced onions and pickles, and bread to mop up the leftover BBQ.

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PHOTO BY DON JAMES/ATM

EGG-CELLENT ENERGY

RUSTIC BUBBLE TEA CAFE

RUSTIC ON THE GREEN

RUTILIO’S NEW MEXICAN FOODS

840 Juan Tabo Blvd Suite B, 505-1813, rusticbubbleteacafe.com Rustic Bubble Tea Café has all of the fundamentals of a bubble tea shop down, of course–the hint is in the name, after all–but what sets the independent Albuquerque startup apart is the Vietnameseinspired menu that accompanies their decadent beverages. 3600 Cutler Ave NE, 315-1148, rusticburger505.com Rustic simplicity is the key for this burger joint at Green Jeans Farmery, serving up five equallycraveable burger options and two different kinds of fries from its minimalist menu. Don’t let the simplicity fool you: this unique eatery does gourmet burgers that has fans coming back for more, including its Day of the Dead burger with a secret “Diablo” puree and the Divine Intervention, topped with bleu cheese and caramelized onions. 455 N. Main St., Belen, 864-0093 Belen Mayor Rudy Jaramillo’s carne adovada is what put Rutilio’s on the map. This hangout serves their perfect pork with rice and beans, stuffed inside burritos and sopaipillas, and layered inside enchiladas and quesadillas. Add Rutilio’s breakfast burritos and classic New Mexican combos, and guests are sure to find something worth campaigning for.

SADIE’S OF NEW MEXICO

Various locations, sadiesofnewmexico.com A staple in New Mexican cuisine, Sadie’s features enchiladas, carne adovada ribs, tacos, burritos, and of course, world-famous chips and salsa. Reservations are recommended.

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BITES SAHARA MIDDLE EASTERN EATERY

2622 Central Ave. SE, 255-5400, saharamiddleeasterneatery.com Delectable Middle Eastern plates served up Manhattan-deli style. The chicken shawarma plate, complete with greens, pita, hummus, and 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

Two locations, saigonrestaurantnm.com Vicky Truong’s secret to 12 years of success has been consistency. Truong maintains an extensive menu that caters to every type of eater. From summer dishes such as noodle bowls to winter mainstays like beef noodle soup, Truong will make sure you find your favorites.

SAKURA SUSHI & GRILL

6241 Riverside Plaza NW, 890-2838, abqsakurasushingrill.com Favorites at Sakura are the Stone Pot Bibimbap (which is cooked at the table in a stone pot), the Tiger Roll, the Short Rib, the Baked Lobster Roll, the Sushi Tacos, and the impressive list of sake imported from Japan.

SALATHAI $

3619 Copper Ave. NE, 265-9330 Made-from-scratch, fresh, ingredients and keeping it simple are owner Pitak Pitakkan’s rules to cook by. Pitakkan cooks every menu item himself so don’t go to Salathai in a hurry. Pitakkan’s grandmother taught him to make curry and his curries are a longtime customer favorite.

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SAL-E-BOY’S PIZZERIA

1706 Southern Blvd. SE, 892-5454 Whole-milk mozzarella paired with homemade pizza dough and fresh tomato sauce… Brooklyn would be proud. This neighborhood pizza joint is a casual in-and-out; you don’t sit and eat here, just take it with you. Don’t forget to try a calzone.

THE SALT YARD

Two locations, thesaltyardnm.com A multi-concept bar and restaurant, The Salt Yard is equipped with games, dozens of televisions, great food, drinks, and plenty of space to stretch your legs. This unique location is a great place for parties, trying the newest beer and tequila (Blue Agave Republic is now a part of it), or just watching the game.

SAMURAI GRILL AND SUSHI BAR

$$$

9500 Montgomery Blvd. NE, 275-6601, abqsamurai.com What’s your pleasure, sushi or teppan? Here, you can have either expertly crafted right in front of you. It’s also where you can get fresh sushi favorites such as the California roll, the dragon roll, and a veggies-and-sushi “Viagra salad” special.

SANDIAGO’S MEXICAN GRILL AT THE TRAM

40 Tramway Road NE, 856-6692, sandiagos.com As if the view from Sandiago’s wasn’t enough— at the base of the tram, it offers a view of the city like no other—the restaurant has the food to match: unique coastal Mexican cuisine, New Mexican favorites, and blood orange margaritas. Reservations are recommended.

SANTA FE BITE-ABQ

3407 Central Ave NE 369-1621, santafebite-abq.com At Santa Fe Bite-ABQ, the green chile cheeseburger is treated with the reverence it deserves, presenting a precision crafted recipe. The details, in fact, are so carefully crafted that even the grilling surface needs to meet certain criteria. Absent a turn on the surface of a custom cast iron grill, it’s just not a Santa Fe Bite burger.

SANTIAGO’S NEW MEXICAN GRILL

1911 Eubank Blvd. NE, 292-8226 It’s in the sauce—Papa Jim’s Taco Sauce, at least—which comes with items such as burritos, tacos, and salsa. This Santiago Scramble—a pile of scrambled eggs, cheese, corn tortillas, chorizo, and hash browns—is great morning fuel. The tamale and enchilada take-and-bake casseroles will please any partygoer. And take a jar of that taco sauce home—after all, you can.

SAVOY BAR & GRILL

$$$

10601 Montgomery Blvd. NE, 294-9463, savoyabq.com Resembling a California wine-country bistro, Savoy Bar & Grill is one of Albuquerque’s premier fine-dining establishments. Specializing in food and wine pairing, Savoy’s menu is a toast to the art of balance of food and wine.

SCARPAS BRICK OVEN PIZZA

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

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SEARED $$

119 San Pasquale Ave SW 999-8414, searedabq.com During the day, the space is Cheese & Coffee, but at night, it gets a makeover and becomes Seared, a fine dining establishment serving up steak, pork loin, and Atlantic Salmon among other things.

THE SEASONAL PALATE

7600 Jefferson St. NE, Suite 2, 369-1046, theseasonalpalate.com From a food truck to a brick-and-mortar location, The Seasonal Palate specializes in simple, yet artful creations, including crowd favorites like the Buffalo Burger, Shrimp Po’ Boy, and Asian Salad. Now with an expanded menu, expect beer and wine options in the future, along with prepared togo dinner options.

SEASONS ROTISSERIE AND GRILL $$$

2031 Mountain Road NW, 766-5100, seasonsabq.com As the name suggests, Seasons varies its menu in accordance with what’s going on throughout the year, using the finest, freshest ingredients. Depending on what time of year you venture in, you’ll find butternut squash ravioli, grilled Atlantic salmon, and bleu cheese-crusted beef filet. Reservations are recommended.

SERGIO’S LA DOLCE VITA

SHARK REEF CAFÉ

SHARKY’S FISH & SHRIMP

2740 Wyoming Blvd. NE, Suite 8, 554-2602 Fresh, made-from-scratch cookies, donuts, breads, pastries, cakes, and cannoli are on the mouthwatering menu at this Italian bakery. 2601 Central Ave. NW, 848-7182 To conclude your tour of the Albuquerque Aquarium, grab a seat at this full-service restaurant whose 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. 5420 Central Ave. SW, 831-8905 Slip on your flip-flops and enjoy some Baja– inspired seafood, tacos, and carefree beach house ambiance in this roadside outdoor eatery. Sharky’s won acclaim as the little food truck that could, and this brick-and-mortar locale delivers the goods.

SHOGUN JAPANESE RESTAURANT

3310 Central Ave. SE, 265-9166 When your order of sushi comes around the bend on its floating wooden boat, you couldn’t be happier, whether you’ve ordered the “Super Crunch” (shrimp tempura roll), or the “TNT Roll” (fish, zucchini and onion, baked with spicy mayo and smothered on a California roll).

THE SHOP BREAKFAST & LUNCH

2933 Monte Vista Blvd. NE, 433-2795 Breakfast and lunch at The Shop guarantees a plethora of flavors and textures that are tough to find in the Duke City. Combining down-home Southern staples with Mexican and New Mexican traditions, you’re bound to discover a new appreciation for bacon and eggs.

SIAM CAFÉ

5500 San Mateo Blvd. NE, Suite 101, 883-7334, siamcafeabq.com With its array of freshly-made curries—all made with coconut milk and a wide variety of luscious spices—this restaurant scores high marks with Albuquerqueans who love Thai food.

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SIXTY-SIX ACRES

2400 12th St. NW 243-2230, sixtysixacres.com If you had to boil Sixty-Six Acres down to two words, they would be “casual” and “classy.” Featuring craft cocktails and a wealth of locally sourced, globally-inspired dishes, Sixty-Six Acres is the ideal spot to grab a relaxed, refined meal.

SLAPFISH $$

$$$

320 Osuna Road NE, Suite D, 242-3752, stjamestearoom.com Albuquerque’s long-standing, go-to teahouse, this enveloping, intricately detailed, and authentically British tearoom provides old-fashioned conversation and honest service.

STANDARD DINER

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

320 Central Ave. SE, 243-1440, standarddiner.com There’s nothing standard about this diner. With a gourmet twist to many of your favorites, Standard Diner offers appetizers, daily entrée specials, and desserts by an in-house pastry chef, as well as their special Standard Burger made with Snake River Farms Kobe beef.

SLATE STREET BILLIARDS

STARR BROS. BREWING

STEVE’S ICE CREAM AND JAVA

STICKY RICE

2003 Southern Blvd SE #139, Rio Rancho 994-0363, slatestreetbilliards.com Come for the pool, stay for the nachos, and the burgers, and the wings. Rio Rancho’s favorite pool hall also offers has great Happy Hour pricing and plenty of special events.

SLATE STREET CAFÉ

515 Slate Ave. NW, 243-2210, slatestreetcafe.com Slate Street Cafe is a sleek, contemporary eatery that combines big city ambience with inspired, modern cuisine. From the smoked salmon frittata to build-your-own bruschetta to mouthwatering Ahi tuna, their culinary flair will tantalize and delight from breakfast through dinner.

SLICE PARLOR

Two locations, sliceparlor.com Made-from-scratch pizza dough that is hand stretched daily and cooked on a pizza stone. Have a slice of the old faithful pepperoni pizza; try the Pesto Pizza or the House Calzone. Don’t forget to enjoy the local artwork hanging on the walls.

SOO BAK

111 Hermosa Dr SE 268-0017, soobakfoods.com Serving up a style of food known as “koi fusion”, Soo Bak offers a wide variety of delicious entrees including eight different varieties of kimichi. Try the Soy Crunch Kimichi, which comes with pickled chayote squash, onions, some jalapenos, and fish sauce, apple juice, soy sauce, and vinegar.

5700 San Antonio Dr. NE, Suite B1 492-2752, starrbrothersbrewing.com With dishes ranging from American favorites to Southern fare, Starr Bros. Brewing is more than an award-winning brewery. It’s turned heads with Poutine Burqueño, a New Mexican take on the Canadian, greasy-spoon classic. The house burger, with high-quality beef and homemade green chile aioli, is a customer favorite. 323 Romero St. NW # 16, 242-8445 In addition to a dozen ice cream flavors and an array of sherbets, the ‘chill’ side of the menu boasts delightfully smooth malts and fountain drinks. For those looking for a good cup of Joe, Steve’s also delivers–offering a broad selection of coffees and a full set of espressos. 7600 Jefferson St. SE, Suite 5, 797-1288 Likely the only authentic Laotian sticky rice to be found anywhere in ABQ, this simple menu offers moist, slow roasted chicken and a few frills at prices you can’t beat with a chopstick. The family meal is a steal.

STRAIGHT UP PIZZA

2801 Eubank Blvd. NE, Suite G, 796-9343, straightuppizza.com Offering New York style pizza with a New Mexican edge, Straight Up Pizza serves the Northeast Heights with specialty pizzas, unique toppings, and a plethora of options for any pizza connoisseur.

SPINN’S BURGER & BEER

STUFYS $

SQUEEZED JUICE BAR

SUSHI & SAKE

SUSHI KING

4411 Montaño Road NW, 899-6180, spinnsrestaurant.com Every burger served at Spinn’s is made with never-frozen, fresh-ground Angus beef. Try the restaurant’s signature Armadillo Burger. Spinn’s fries are cut and fried when you order them. Various locations, squeezedjuicebars.com Incredibly innovative, modern mixed juices, smoothies, and other healthy delights for people on the move and looking for exercise recovery. Three to five pounds of fruit are squeezed into every drink, and it’s all extract, no fillers, and sure to brighten your day.

STEEL BENDER BREWYARD

8305 2nd St. NW 433-3537, steelbenderbrewyard.com The 275-seat brewery has an industrial vibe with cozy undertones. But the Los Ranchos brewery stands apart from competitors based on its wide selection of house made beers and its gourmet menu.

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ST. JAMES TEAROOM

Three locations, stufys.com Tasty stuffed sopaipillas are on the menu of this customer favorite, which has been around since 1968. Each sopaipilla is made with a custom machine invented by the owners, then stuffed with savory fillings. 4214 Central Ave. SE 797-8000, abqsushiandsake.com With specialty sushi rolls, select Korean favorites, and a family-friendly atmosphere, Sushi & Sake specializes in Asian food with a Korean flair. Also look for non-sushi options, such as teriyaki chicken. Various locations, sushikingnm.com With three locations around Albuquerque, Sushi King proves day-after-day that it is king of the sea, boasting a large variety of specialty sushi rolls, Japanese curry dishes, and monthly menu revisions to keep the options fresh and appealing. Reservations are recommended.

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SUSHI XUAN

417 Tramway Blvd NE #3, 200-2477, sushixuannm.com You’ll find more than tasty sushi here. Diners dig into Chinese, Vietnamese, and Thai dishes, too. Sushi Xuan has multiple shipments of fresh fish during the week, and only uses Japanese Kokoro rice, and organic veggies whenever possible.

SUSHIYA $$

2906 Juan Tabo Blvd. NE, Suite D, 275-4777, nmsushiya.com This family-owned and operated restaurant strives to serve up sushi the way you’d find it on the southern California coast. A clean and comfortable atmosphere pairs well with friendly service and some of the thickest cuts of sashimi in the city.

SWISS ALPS BAKERY

TACO SAL

3000 San Pedro Drive NE, 881-3063, swissalpsbakery.com Desserts rule, but the sandwiches hit it out of the park. Endless flavors of pastries, tiramisu, and over a dozen cookies line the bakery case. Everything is scratch made including the many varieties of bread and authentic Bavarian style pretzels available on Saturdays. Paninis, grilled, and cold sandwiches round out the sweets with a full espresso bar. 9621 Menaul Blvd. NE, 298-2210 This family-owned and operated restaurant offers tasty, traditional New Mexican (burritos, chile rellenos, enchiladas, tacos, huevos rancheros and more) with its very own chunky salsa, made with real green chile.

TAJ MAHAL CUISINE OF INDIA

TALKING DRUMS

1430 Carlisle Blvd. NE, 255-1994, tajmahalabq.com Taj Mahal is filled with all of your Indian favorites, from fresh naan (try the garlic version) to tasty saag paneer. The line goes out the door for the popular lunch buffet. 1606 Central Ave. SE 792-3221, talkingdrumsabq.com Talking Drums restaurant is serving up some unique African and Caribbean fair inspired by a form of communication expressed through specific drumbeats. Though most of the items are traditional, keep an eye out for some New Mexican flare.

TEOFILOS $$

144 Main St. NW, Los Lunas, 865-5511, teofilos.com The restaurant’s generations-old made-fromscratch recipes will draw you to Los Lunas, along with the warm chips, chile rellenos, crème cake, enchiladas, and more, all handmade from scratch.

THAI BORAN

3236 La Orilla Rd. NW, 492-2244, thaiborannm.com Steeped in spicy tradition, Thai Boran has quickly gained traction as one of the top Thai restaurants Albuquerque has to offer. Thai Boran, which means “Old Thai”, features 53 items on its menu, including five soups, six curries, and five unique dishes off the “Chef’s Collection” section.

THAI CUISINE 2

4201 Central Ave. NE, 232-3200, thaicuisinenm.com thaicuisinenm.com/home2 Housed in perhaps the most curious A-frame along Route 66, this is the second-coming of a muchbeloved Westside Thai staple, and judging by the fandom, it’s simply better. Be wary of the heat in these dishes, and if you’re vegan/vegetarian, be very, very thankful.

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BITES THAI KITCHEN

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

THAI SPICE

7441 Paseo Del Norte NE, 503-1521, thaispiceabq.com An extensive menu features authentic Thai favorites like Pad Thai or Thai fried rice. Lunch special includes an egg roll, entrée, and coconut milk tapioca pudding punctuated with an origami rose–topped straw.

THAI TIP RESTAURANT

THAI VEGAN

1512 Wyoming Blvd. NE, Suite E, 323-7447 The folks at Thai Tip make grocery store runs three times a day to ensure they have enough fresh ingredients for their delicious rice, Thai-style noodle dishes, stir-fries, and salads.

THUNDER ROAD STEAKHOUSE AND CANTINA AT ROUTE 66 CASINO HOTEL

TINGLEY BEACH CAFÉ $$

14500 Central Ave. SW, Laguna Pueblo 352-7888, rt66casino.com Nestled inside this busy casino, you’ll find dishes that are a confluence of cultures at Thunder Road: made-from-scratch salsas, fresh tortillas, Pastel de Tres Leches Cake, Yucatan Tacos, Smoked Baby Back Pork Ribs, and much more.

TIA BETTY BLUE’S

1248 San Mateo Blvd. SE, 268-1955, tiabettyblues.com 1940s influence is sprinkled throughout this gem, from the décor to the food. The chile, red or green, is nice and spicy, just like your grandma made it. New Mexican breakfast and lunch items dot the menu (including many gluten-free and vegetarian options), but often have a unique twist, like ranchero blue corn waffles piled high with eggs, carne adovada, and chile. The coffee is fresh, and numerous specialty beverages are poured up daily.

TIA B’S LA WAFFLERIA

Two locations, 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.

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

THEOBROMA CHOCOLATIER

TIA JUANITA’S

12611 Montgomery Blvd. NE, 293-6545, theobromachocolatier.com More than 20 years of experience goes into every morsel of European–inspired chocolate and sweet treat at this 505 sweet-tooth savior. Streamlined and polished, Theobroma has the look of a franchise, but everything is hand-crafted and produced on-site.

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Albuquerque International Sunport, 2200 Sunport Blvd. SE, 842-4280, fresquezcompanies.com Headed on a flight out of ABQ? Stop here for your New Mexican food fix: breakfast burritos, green chile chicken enchiladas, carne adovada. You can even take your green chile to go with the restaurant’s special “thermal bags” for travel.

1800 Tingley Drive SW, 248-8524, cabq.gov For runners and bikers along the Bosque Trail, or for the fishermen that frequent Tingley Beach lakes, the Tingley Beach Café is a well-kept secret for snack seekers, offering fare such as hamburgers, hot dogs, French fries, pickles, and more.

TOMASITA’S $$

4949 Pan American Fwy NE, 344-1204, tomasitas.com Serving family recipes and making traditional dishes with local ingredients, Tomasita’s has been one of the state’s most popular local spots since Georgia Maryol opened it in Santa Fe in 1974.

TOMATO CAFÉ

TORINOS’ @ HOME

7900 San Pedro NE, 821-9300, tomatocafe.com A buffet-style, all-you-can-eat, sit-down restaurant where you create the menu: thin-crust pizzas, pastas, meatballs, steamed broccoli, and Italian green beans cooked over an open flame are just some of the treats. 7600 Jefferson St. NE, 797-4491, torinostrattoria.com Now under the ownership of Daniel and Jenna John, Torinos’ still offers fresh Italian favorites— and you can look forward to the addition of new seasonal specialties to the menu, too.

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TROMBINO’S BISTRO ITALIANO

TSAI’S CHINESE BISTRO

TULLY’S ITALIAN DELI

5415 Academy Road NE, 821-5974, bistroitaliano.com The former Trattoria Trombino cooks up Italiano autentico, with huge dishes of pasta with homemade sauces, grilled meats and fish, and veal marsala. The cool atmosphere lends relaxation, turning any meal into a vacation. Reservations are recommended. 2325 San Pedro Drive NE Ste 1E, 508-2925, tsaischinese.com Tsai’s offerings range wide across the traditional (diners especially recommend favorites like the Shrimp Kung Pao or Orange Beef) but those looking for something new to try should make for the Chef’s Specials. 1425 San Mateo Blvd. NE, 255-5370, tullysdeli.com This Italian deli serves two-dozen subs for dine-in or pick-up lunch. A fully stocked market features Italian pantry goods from pasta to olive oil. Don’t forget a box of pastries, cookies, biscotti, cake, or a famous cannoli on your way out.

TURTLE MOUNTAIN BREWING COMPANY $$

905 36th Place SE, Rio Rancho, 994-9497, turtlemountainbrewing.com turtlemountainbrewing.com Known for its handcrafted ales and lagers, which are brewed on the premises, this is more than just a place to enjoy a few drinks. It’s also a great place to enjoy wood-fired pizzas and calzones in a relaxed, laid-back atmosphere.

TWO BOYS DONUTS

6400 Holly Ave NE, Ste H 302-0102, twoboysdonuts.com Regularly stocking more than 30 flavors of donut, Two Boys has particular favorites—like their blueberry cake donut with maple icing and cinnamon sugar—and also brews up Villa Myriam coffee, giving you everything you need for a fullcourse wake-up.

TWO FOOLS TAVERN

3211 Central Ave. NE, 265-7447, 2foolstavern.com A taste of the Emerald Isle: fish and chips, bangers and mash, bread pudding, Guinness on tap, and live Celtic music on Sunday afternoons.

UPTOWN SPORTS BAR

URBAN HOTDOG COMPANY

6601 Uptown Blvd. NE, 884-4714, uptown-sportsbar.com A huge sports venue with wall-to-wall televisions and all the extras—solid American fare alongside a wide selection of local and national beers.

Various locations, urbanhotdogcompany.com With about 20 choices—and even a vegetarian option—this restaurant has become a dog-lover’s go-to. Look for Chicago and NYC classics, plus adventurous temptations like the Crafty Dog (topped with mac ‘n’ cheese and bacon).

VERNON’S HIDDEN VALLEY STEAKHOUSE $$$

6855 4th St. NW, 341-0831, thehiddensteakhouse.com This unmarked restaurant requires a secret password to gain entrance. Once inside, you’ll discover a world of perfect steaks and gourmet seafood, paired with an unbeatable loungey atmosphere. Reservations are recommended.

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VIC’S DAILY CAFÉ

3600 Osuna Road NE, 341-9710, vicsdailycafe.com With a full range of breakfast items, New Mexican favorites, and comfort food, this is a one-stop shop for tasty options like breakfast burritos, meatloaf, and coconut cream pie.

VICK’S VITTLES COUNTRY KITCHEN $

8810 Central Ave. SE, 298-5143, vicksvittles.com Rustle up your posse and head to Vick’s for heaping helpings of Texas-New Mexico fusion and breakfast served all day. Country comfort meets southwestern flair in an environment that welcomes suits and cowboys alike. Prepare to be stuffed.

VIET TASTE

5721 Menaul Blvd. NE, 888-0101, pwbportal.us/viet-taste-abq With more than 100 menu options—noodle and rice dishes, eight varieties of Pho, coconut shakes, and many more—this restaurant is true to its name, offering a real taste of Vietnamese cuisine.

VIET PHO

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

VILLAGE PIZZA

Two locations, villagepizzanm.com Family owned and operated, Village Pizza offers salads, nachos, calzones, pasta, and of course, signature pizzas, along with an all-you-can-eat buffet.

VINAIGRETTE $$

1828 Central Ave. SW, 842-5507, vinaigretteonline.com Getting in touch with your “green” side has never been as hip as it is at Albuquerque’s newest goto salad bistro. Vinaigrette offers a menu full of unique salads made with fresh produce from owner Erin Wade’s farm in Nambè. Items like The Nutty Pear-Fessor and the Asian Chopped Salad don’t sacrifice deliciousness just because they’re healthy. Expect one of 17 vinaigrette dressings to be perfectly paired with your salad.

VINTAGE 423

8000 Paseo Del Norte Blvd. NE, 821-1918, vintage-423.com Decorated with plush booths, black and white photos of vintage cars, a glass wine cellar wall, and an outdoor patio with couches and fireplaces, Vintage 423 is a go-to location for good eats and happy hour—all year long.

WECK’S $$

Various locations, 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.

WHICH WICH

Various locations, whichwich.com A national brand with local twists, list your favorites on the bag and await a sammie that edges the competition. The UNM location is a student mainstay.

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WHOLE HOG CAFÉ

WISEPIES PIZZA AND SALAD

Two locations, 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.

Various locations, wisepiespizza.com WisePies serves up steaming hot pizza pies for wise guys and gals throughout New Mexico with plans for future expansion into other states. Their pizza and salads are fast and inexpensive… not to mention delicious.

YANNI’S MODERN MEDITERRANEAN $$

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

YASMINE’S CAFÉ

THE YELLER SUB

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

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

ZINC WINE BAR AND BISTRO

$$$

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

ZORBA’S FINE GREEK CUISINE

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

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â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;TIL YOU DROP P. 254 | THE PAWS BUTTON P.260 | PASSENGER WINDOW P. 268 | PHOTO CONTEST P. 271 | 25 THINGS P. 272

COLLECTING CULTURE Palms Trading Company began as a grocery and beer garden, but interest from local tribal artisans soon saw this family business evolve into an extensive collection of Native jewelry, arts and crafts. (p. 256).

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

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We Find It FOR YOU QUESTION

ANSWER

Ah, the weather is starting to warm up. I think this year I’ll spruce up my front yard. Are there any cool, unique items that will really make my yard pop?

New Mexico is the land of artists, so of course! From small artisan shops, to well-known Albuquerque gardening centers, our city is bursting with creative accents for the front yard.

GIANT GARDEN GNOMES The truly massive selection of fountains, statuary, birdhouses, sculptures, pottery, and plants at Osuna Nursery (501 Osuna Rd NE, 345-6644, osunanursery.com) is everything your yard desires. You can find anything and everything landscaping here, and I mean everything. Want a human-sized turquoise and yellow T-Rex for your front lawn? They’ve got one. Need a gargantuan, ten-foot-tall set of windchimes? Osuna’s your place. The incredibly helpful staff can help you narrow down your choices once you set foot inside, but if you want our advice, take home a garden gnome or two. These guys are artful, expressive, and just lifelike enough to be cute and not creepy. And hey, according to legend, they’re also supposed to protect your home from danger, like very short bouncers. Nothing wrong with that. Giant Yard Gnomes, $379.99

Just like the mythical animal it’s named after, Jackalope (6400 San Mateo Blvd NE, 349-0955, jackalope.com) is an unexpected combination of multiple wonders and curiosities. Part upscale furniture store, part folk art vendor, part plant nursery, this store is wellknown around town as the yard art destination. Even driving by on San Mateo, you can see the rainbow assortment of clay pots stretch from one end of the store’s lot to the other. When it comes to outdoor pottery, Jackalope reigns. You can find traditional, carved terra cotta planters in the shapes of turtles and goats, or large planter pots with little spaces for smaller, additional plants all along the sides. It’s no wonder that Jackalope’s chimenea collection is full of choice pieces—we love the painted gecko chimenea in a brushed gray. It has just enough detail to be thought-provoking, in a shade that will go perfectly with your house’s existing decor. Painted Gecko Chimenea, $249.99

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GRAY GECKOS GALORE

‘TIL YOU DROP

YARD YUCCA Step into the little shop that is Aguirre’s Imports (5609 4th Street NW, 203-7883) and you’ll find all manner of authentic Talavera, metal art, and pottery, among other wonders, all curated by the shop’s two owners, Gilbert and Magda Aguirre. But it’s the hand-painted metal art plants that draw your eye. Climbing roses as tall as your hip or shoulder wind from green stems into colorful flowers. Prickly pear cactuses and sunflowers frozen in bloom peek out from every corner of the shop. But our favorite find here are the pleasingly geometric metal yucca, perfectly sized at about two and a half feet tall and wide for a front porch or for beside your door. Pair a realistic green with a fun turquoise or a rustic, unpainted yucca for a playful, yet stylized look. Best of all? You can’t kill them by over or underwatering. Win-win. Hand-Painted Metal Yucca, $142.50

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Shop Talk

Palms Trading Company 1504 Lomas Blvd NW, Albuquerque, NM 87104 505-247-8504 palmstrading.com

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alms Trading Company has evolved significantly since its inception in 1933, but one thing hasn’t changed as the years have passed: This is still a family business through and through. Peter Berger, who currently serves as the store’s general manager under his father, owner Guy Berger, briefly considered choosing a different career path, but it wasn’t long before he felt the undeniable pull of the family business. “When we were in college at first it was, ‘I’m gonna do my own thing.’ But if you stay here for an hour…you can’t find another place like this,” Peter says. “It’s more fun than anything. I think that’s the big

thing. It’s just one big family gathering every day.” According to its website, Palms now boasts “the largest combined jewelry and arts and crafts inventory in the world.” But before it became renowned for its dazzling collection of Native American pottery, jewelry, rugs, Kachinas, fetishes, and much more, Palms Trading Company was a beer garden and grocery store founded by the Del Frate brothers—Guy Berger’s uncles, Guido and Angelo—and located on the corner of Rio Grande and Central. Over time, Native Americans from the surrounding pueblos of Acoma, Jemez, Santo Domingo, Santa Clara, and San Ildefonso would come to the shop to trade WWW.ABQTHEMAG.COM | APRIL 2020

PHOTO BY DON JAMES/ATM

The longtime Albuquerque shop is about more than art and jewelry. It’s about family and passing down a legacy through the generations.

handcrafted jewelry and art in exchange for their groceries and other necessities. The family eventually accumulated quite the collection of goods in a back-storage room of the shop. It was also becoming clear that the food and liquor business wasn’t as lucrative as it used to be due to the influx of chain stores infiltrating the area. Angelo, ended up selling the goods he had bartered from the Native American customers for approximately $15,000 across the border in Arizona. “At that point Angelo says, ‘What the hell are we doing in the grocery business?’ So, we liquidated everything,” Peter explains. “He sold his liquor license and APRIL 2020 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE

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went out to all the pueblos and started buying everything that he possibly could. That was kind of the birth of what we do now.” It wasn’t until the 1980s that Palms relocated to its current location on 1504 Lomas Blvd NW in downtown Albuquerque. Guy Berger bought the business shortly thereafter. In keeping with the family ties theme, what is now the back corner of the store was once a home that belonged to Peter’s great grandmother. Palms has been a family tradition for three generations and shows no signs of slowing down in that regard. It doesn’t hurt that a strong bond has been forged with those who have walked through the doors over the years, either—as Palms has retained quite a bit of the social aspect it had starting out as a drinking establishment decades ago. “Everybody gets along and we have a good time. I think it’s that in combina-

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tion with when the customers come in…. This place has always been like [Cheers], and it started as a bar,” Peter says. “We’ve tried to keep that. I think that’s why it’s really fun to work here. This isn’t a commission-based [establishment where] we have to sell stuff. “Folks come in, we have a good time, we chat. We’re able to teach folks about all the stuff going on in the pueblos, how things are made. The flip side of that is working with the artists that do this stuff. I’m personally not very artistic at all, so for me it’s just cool to watch these guys.” Peter estimates that somewhere between 2,000 and 3,000 New Mexican-based artists showcase their wares at Palms. Some are well established, while others are just getting their feet wet. Jewelry is the biggest selling item at the store, but shoppers—many of whom venture from out of state—will find a variety of

eye-catching keepsakes on the shelves during any given visit. Peter, for example, was immediately drawn to the shop’s collection of Native American fetishes, which are collectible stone carvings that come in a variety of animal forms. Now he says his collection numbers more than one hundred. It’s just one example of the connection one can make with a local artist when perusing the inventory at Palms. “Guy coined it best: We view the artists as our lifeblood,” Peter says. “Without them we can’t do this. I don’t know if it’s the same view they have toward us, but there’s definitely a mutual respect about it. We’ve been doing it for long enough to where a good majority of them have that trust in our name. That’s a huge thing.” —TRISTEN CRITCHFIELD

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PHOTO BY DON JAMES/ATM

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THE

PAWS BUTTON

Doggie Airbnb

o you are finally getting that vacation you’ve always wanted. Your bags are packed. The kids are excited. The plane tickets are in your hip pocket. Just one problem: your wonderful, loyal, loving doggie. He sits there staring up at you with those big brown eyes, asking “Are you taking me with you? And, if not, are you ever coming back?” It’s tough to leave your furry best friend behind, especially when you don’t have a doggie sitter. But now there is a new, modern solution. Uber has done it with taxi service. Airbnb has done it with hotels. Now Rover is doing it with pet sitting. Operating in 34,000 cities around the world, Rover opened shop in Albuquerque in 2015 and is the brainchild of founders Greg Gottesman and Philip Kimmey. They offer peer-to-peer pet services including in-home dog boarding, pet sitting, dog walking, or even just dog daycare (for those pups who suffer through their daily separation anxiety by tearing up your shoes and pooping on your vintage area rug). But dog sitters aren’t a new concept, so what makes Rover

KEEPING TABS ON ABQ’S FURRY FRIENDS

so special? Well, it’s also an award-winning technology company that offers an interface similar to Airbnb. Here’s how it typically works. Go on rover.com and find a sitter in your area. Contact them through the site and set up a meetand-greet to make sure pet, owner, and sitter are all comfortable. Then drop off your pet when you leave town and rest easy. Similar to Uber or Airbnb, Rover is a network of independent contractors who work with the company to make contacts, handle finances, and do most of the logistical work. “The formatting of the website is clear, and the interface is super easy,” says Maria Nkonge, an Albuquerque customer and sitter who has been using Rover for the last two years. “They send reminders like ‘Have you responded to this person yet?’ or ‘Don’t forget to give your guest his medication,’” she says. Nkonge began working with Rover when she took a trip to visit family in Florida. “I was leaving, and I just never liked the idea of a kennel. I started Googling and found Rover. I’ve been with them ever since,” she says. It wasn’t long before

Nkonge considered becoming a sitter herself. “I had a great experience and thought, ‘Hey, I want to become a dog-sitter.’” But there was another reason for Nkonge’s desire to join Rover. “My dog, Barrington, is 12 years old and I got to that point where I thought about getting another dog, but I didn’t want him to feel like he was being replaced,” she says. Rover offered the perfect solution. Nkonge says she sits for about 15 dogs a year, but she has a lot of repeat customers, so Barrington has become friends with many of his house guests. But they don’t stay forever, and it isn’t long before he gets Maria all to himself. “So, he loves it,” Nkonge says. “But we always do a meet-and-greet first to make sure the dog and Barrington get along,” she quickly explains. For Nkonge, Rover is all about companionship for herself and her best friend. For others, like Deborah McCann, a local retiree, it’s about staying busy, joining a community, and making a little extra money on the side. “Rover just serves to supplement my income,” McCann says. “It keeps me busy. It’s part work and part

Maria Nkonge

Nkonge lets her guests know they are good boys.

Deborah McCann’s guest makes himself at home.

social life.” But it’s not all business with McCann. She loves animals but didn’t want to commit to taking care of a dog full time. She’s a grandma and says she likes doing all the fun stuff and then giving the grandkids back to mom and dad for all the hard stuff. Even so, she says she still needs to get her grandkid-fix and the same goes for dogs. “My favorite is that it’s so fun for me to see the different personalities. All of these dogs are so loving and caring and they are so playful,” she says. “They are good company and I get my love fix, and they go home. It’s a plus all the way around.” Like Nkonge, McCann says she does meet-and-greets with owners and makes sure everyone is comfortable together. She gets any special instructions she may need, and chats with the pet parents for a bit. “I have a lot of repeat customers,” she says. “The first time is always hard for mom and dad, but then they become comfortable and the dogs become more comfortable also. It’s really a great solution.” For McCann, Rover is a great way to make extra money without having to rent out a room in her home or drive around all day. She charges $35 dollars a night and says the price can range from $25 up to $40 depending on the sitter, the owner, and the pet’s needs. (Nkonge charges $25.) Rover does take a percentage, but they also facilitate payments and cover insurance for their sitters. “They don’t take much,” says McCann. “And if anything were to ever happen while dog-sitting, they cover it.” Rover currently lists over 1,000 pet sitters in the Albuquerque area, many of whom are happy to care for your other pets as well (cats, birds, iguanas, giraffes, etc.). To find a good pet sitting match for your furry best friend, visit them at rover.com or download their app. —TAYLOR HOOD

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THE

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PAW S B U T T O N

Round-up

Dispelling Myths and Saving Horses April at the BioPark is absolutely packed. But that makes sense considering the weather is getting better. Start by spending your April Foolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day with the crew at the Zoo, who will be dispelling some common animal myths. Then hit up the great fishing at Tingley Beach, have dinner with the apes at the Zoo, and learn about penguins as the month wraps up. But the BioPark isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t the only place having fun in April. Watermelon Mountain Ranch is participating in a nationwide adoption event.

April 1 | 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Animal Myths Discovery Day

It can be hard to separate fact from fiction, especially when so many of the common myths involve animals. What better place to learn the facts and dispel these animal myths than your ABQ BioPark Zoo? Learn the truth about common animal myths with our hands-on discovery stations. Event held at: ABQ BioPark Zoo (903 Tenth SW, cabq.gov)

April 1-4 | Various Times

Third Annual Tamaya Horse Rehabilitation Fundraiser

April 4 | 6:45 a.m.-4 p.m. Annual Fishing Derby

Cast your line to see what you can catch at Tingley Beach during the Annual Fishing Derby! The Central Pond will be stocked with over 5,000 rainbow trout, including 200 tagged fish. Catch one of the tagged

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Drop a line in the water at the Annual Fishing Derby at Tingley Beach is April 4. WWW.ABQTHEMAG.COM | APRIL 2020

COURTESY PHOTO

The Tamaya Horse Rehabilitation Program, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization located at the Stables at Tamaya, will host a series of activities to bring awareness to the plight of unwanted horses in New Mexico and raise funds for its ongoing efforts to rescue and rehabilitate animals in need. The 2020 fundraiser is a fourday event that teaches the importance of the horse rehabilitation process. Each day features different activities including a youth volunteer day at the Stables, the Help a Horse Auction, a community rodeo and the Horseshoes and Heels Gala. Event held at: Hyatt Regency Tamaya Resort & Spa (1300 Tuyuna Trail, Santa Ana Pueblo, 867-1234, hyatt.com)

THE

PAWS BUTTON trout and win a prize. Fishing licenses are required for anglers 12 and older. Game and Fish representatives and/or ABQ BioPark Security will be monitoring for license compliance. Event held at: Tingley Beach (1800 Tingley Drive SW, cabq.gov)

April 17 | 6 p.m.-9 p.m.

Destination Dinner: Great Ape-ril

Enjoy a unique meal among the great apes! Evening activities will include a roof top feed for the gorillas by zookeepers, an opportunity for guests to feed the hippos, and a behind-the-scenes training session viewing at chimpanzees. The evening will conclude with dinner outside the chimpanzee habitat and a silent auction. Event held at: ABQ BioPark Zoo (903 Tenth SW, cabq.gov)

April 25 | 10 a.m.-2 p.m. World Penguin Day

The ABQ BioPark is home to macaroni, king, and gentoo penguins. On World Penguin Day, visitors will learn about these three species as well as the other 14 penguin species. Through handson discovery stations, they will investigate the threats facing wild penguins and learn about what they can do to help. Included with regular admission. Event held at: ABQ BioPark Zoo (903 Tenth SW, cabq.gov)

April 25 | 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Tour for Life

The Watermelon Mountain Ranch in partnership with Northshore Animal League is hosting this fun, family-friendly adoption event. The event is part of a national campaign that will see adoption drives happening in more than 50 U.S. cities. Attendees will be treated to food, drinks, giveaways, and a chance to find their new furry best friend. Event held at: Watermelon Mountain Ranch (3251 Westphalia Blvd NE, Rio Rancho)

Please send an e-mail with the date, time, and event description to editor@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.â&#x20AC;&#x201D;all MAY events must be submitted by March 10, etc.). Space for this section is limited, all submissions are on a first-come-first-served basis.

Visit the penguins at the ABQ BioPark Zoo for World Penguin Day is April 25.

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PHOTO BY DON JAMES/ATM

INCLUDE YOUR EVENTS IN THE ROUND-UP!

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PET OF T H E MONTH

PET OF THE MONTH ATM readers’ furry, fuzzy, feathered, or scaly best friends. This month's winner: Phantom.

he masked, broken-hearted title character from the classic musical Phantom of the Opera is a lonely, joyless, tortured spirit. And though tenyear-old Phantom shares his name, he is anything but. In fact, the only thing the two seem to have in common is a mask. Phantom was rescued last June by the New Mexico Horse Rescue. Abandoned and alone, he was brought to his new home at the Walkin’ ‘N’ Circles Ranch in Edgewood where he quickly became a beloved part of the family. “Since arriving at the ranch, Phantom has thrived. Just six months ago, he was very underweight and fearful of his new surroundings,” says Walkin’ ‘N’ Circles Ranch Vice President Lauri Michael. “But he has since learned to trust humans again and has even begun a training program with a local horse trainer, so he can be well skilled for a new owner.” Though he hasn’t found his forever home yet, he is well loved by the more than 100 volunteers at the Edgewood rescue. Michael says he is also a popular figure with the 40 other horses who currently call Walkin’ ‘N’ Circles home. Far from the lonely character in the opera, who spends his time playing a comically-oversized organ in the bowels of his ancient opera house home and pining for love lost, Phantom has a huge personality and brings joy and laughter to his ranch family. He enjoys his rides through the pristine forest surrounding the ranch and can often be found trying to convince the other horses to play. For information on Walkin’ ‘N’ Circles and to find out more information about Phantom, visit their website at wncr.org. —TAYLOR HOOD

Is your pet ATM’s next Pet of the Month? Send a photo and short story about why you think your pet belongs in these pages to petofthemonth@abqthemag.com.

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PIECE OF T H E PAST

KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE 1941 was a defining year for America. The Second World War was raging in Europe and the South Pacific—and not going at all well for the Allies. Despite a strong “isolationist” segment of the population, U.S. intervention was beginning to seem inevitable. President Franklin D. Roosevelt, now entering his 3rd term, was working behind the scenes to build up the American military, while doing all he could to help the floundering British stave off a German invasion of the United Kingdom. Tensions were high and war was on the horizon. As part of that somewhat-under-the-radar military buildup, a small but important air strip in the New Mexican desert was leased by the U.S. government and commissioned for strictly military use. At the time, the airport’s name was changed from Oxnard Air Field (after James G. Oxnard, a New York air travel promoter) to Albuquerque Army Air Base. But by February 1942 the Army had changed the name again to Kirtland Army Air Field in honor of Colonel Robert C. Kirtland, one of the military’s earliest aviation pioneers. However, Kirtland Army Air Field (eventually Kirtland Air Force Base) has roots that stretch back much further than 1942. The original strip of land was developed into an airport in 1928 by two Santa Fe Railroad employees, Frank G. Speakman and William L. Franklin, who built two runways—5,300 feet long and 4,000 feet long—on the East Mesa. The lone air strips in the area, their runways brought in everything from cargo, to travelers, to mail and quickly became an air hub and crossroads of the Southwest. (Oxnard bought Franklin’s interest later that year.) As the war heated up in 1941, the U.S. government, who had been transporting troops via Oxnard Field for years, eventually leased the land and Kirtland was born. Throughout the war years, Kirtland was an important and much-recognized piece of the American war effort. The base was awarded numerous awards and citations for training entire crews of B-17 and B-24 bombers. In 1945, the base was also engaged in training combat crews for the B-29—the “Superfortress” bombers that carried the Hiroshima and Nagasaki A-Bombs and were popularized in films like Memphis Belle.

Kirtland Air Force Base as it looked in 2018.

Kirtland Army Air Field in 1942.

In 1946, as post-war rebuilding commenced, Kirtland Army Air Field was removed from combat training and placed under the Air Materiel Command (a version of which it remains under to this day). Its new role would be weapons testing and flight equipment modification. In 1949 it became the headquarters of the Special Weapons Command. And in 1952, the Air Force took over operation of the base. As the decades stretched on, Kirtland only grew in importance. In 1971, Manzano

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and Sandia Bases were brought under Kirtland control—forming the massive military complex known as Kirtland Air Force Base. Today, Kirtland AFB is a hub of scientific and technological research. It occupies 51,558 acres and employs over 23,000 people, including more than 4,200 active duty and 1,000 Guard, plus 3,200 part-time Reserve personnel. It is the third largest installation in the Air Force Materiel Command and the sixth largest in the Air Force (out of 59 active bases.) —TAYLOR HOOD

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THE BIG-I LANDSCAPE PROJECT

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ter of integrating his vision into the rest of the landscape.” Located in a tight spot without easy access for passers-by and designed for viewing rather than exploring, the Big-I Landscape Project is often just a pleasant area drivers cruise by without much thought. But Miller says the MRWM team planned every small detail, down to the tiniest of rocks. “Because it was not only the center of Albuquerque, but center of New Mexico, we really wanted to blend themes,” he says. “There were three major themes that we incorporated. One was on the slopes, where we made more of a foothill canyon landscape and changed the colors as it went from top to bottom, just like the rock layers in a canyon. The second was

an agricultural theme, which is a big one in New Mexico. It has kind of orchards like in the Hondo River Valley. Then the third one is more of a progressive, modern theme related to the arching patterns in the rocks. Those take the form of the flyover ramps overhead and bring them down to the ground.” The beauty of the colors and patterns can be seen throughout the day, but MRWM also wanted to make sure the landscape offered similar attraction at night. The large wall-like sculptures scattered throughout the area light up with Philips Color Kinetic LEDs that give off a spectacular luminescence, lighting the way through the crossroad. —TAYLOR HOOD

WWW.ABQTHEMAG.COM | APRIL 2020

PHOTO BY DON JAMES/ATM

t the center of the city, under the bridges that make up the interchange between Interstate 40 and Interstate 25, is a hidden gem of the Albuquerque landscape. Completed in 2010, the Big-I Landscape Project was designed to beautify an area of the city that represents a crossroads of American travel. In 2005, the City of Albuquerque awarded the construction contract to local landscape architecture firm Morrow Reardon Wilkerson Miller (MRWM) and planning began for what would become the largest landscaping project ever pursued by the city. According to Principal Landscape Architect Greg Miller of MRWM, the undertaking was no small feat. The firm had completed large scale projects in the past—such as Community Stadium, Alamosa Skate Park, and Four Hills Village Park, among others—but this project was in another league where size is concerned. Stretching across 100 acres of slopes, rocks, and varied terrain, the Big-I Landscape Project presented unique challenges. “The slopes and access definitely made for some challenges,” says Miller. “Then the sheer size of it. That was one of those things where, with the size and the budget, it was going to be difficult for a single firm to complete the project in a single construction phase.” To meet these challenges head on, Miller and MRWM presented the city with a “Master Plan” consisting of four separate phases. Though breaking it down into smaller pieces solved some of the problems, Miller says it immediately raised other concerns. “Most people probably can’t see it, but I definitely see it—where one phase ends and another begins,” Miller says. But MRWM committed themselves to working with their different teams to make sure that the artistic voice of the entire project matched. “We worked with Santa Fe artist Greg Reiche,” Miller says. “We looked at the city Public Art Program and landed on Reiche. He had a lot of experience with projects of this size and with the kinds of materials we wanted to use. Then it was just a mat-

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ADVERTISING REGISTRY 3 Advertising..................................................................... 44 66 Diner..........................................................................228 About Seniors Complete Moving Services, LLC..............176 Above & Beyond Events.................................................. 105 ABQ Auto Deals, LLC..................................................... 120 ABQ Ax.............................................................................111 ABQ Childcare.........................................................149, 160 Admiral Beverage 1.......................................... 203, 238, 244 Aesop's Gables..................................................................178 Affordable Dentures......................................................... 173 Alameda Greenhouse.......................................................215 Albuquerque Business First............................................ 107 Albuquerque Florist..........................................................98 Albuquerque Isotopes Baseball.....................................16-17 Albuquerque Plumbing Heating & Cooling................... 129 Albuquerque Public Schools..............................................73 All World Travel..........................................................39, 108 American General Media...................88, 101, 108, 185, 248 Animal Humane Association.......................................... 261 Annunciation Catholic School........................................ 146 Artichoke Cafe/ Farina/ Farina Alto................................229 Assistance League........................................................... 102 Avamere at Rio Rancho....................................................176 Blackbird Coffee House...................................................233 Blue Rose Photography................................................... 236 Bosque School..................................................................95 Brixens............................................................................226 California Closets.............................................................82 Career Enrichment Center & Early College Academy......163 Casa Rondeña Vineyards & Winery................................. 112 Casa Vieja Event Space......................................................89 City of Albuquerque: Parks and Recreation Department.... 150 Clark's Pet Emporium.......................................................46 CNM................................................................................. 53 Cocina Azul......................................................................215 Coe & Peterson, LLC Commercial Properties................... 91 Cornucopia Adult & Family Services...............................174 Cosmetic Dentistry of New Mexico: Dr. Byron Wall........2-3 Courageous Transformations..........................................110 Cross of Hope Lutheran School...................................... 148 Crystal Springs............................................................ 78, 87 Cumulus Media.............................................................. 189 Curry Leaf....................................................................... 232 D.H. Lescombes Winery & Bistro...................................222 Dance Theatre Southwest................................................145 Daniel's Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning......... 14-15 Dave's Valley Grill............................................................ 223 Davis Cleaners..................................................................84 Dia de los Takos..............................................................225 Diva's Perfect Productions............................................... 149 Downs At Albuquerque Incorporated........................... 10-11 Dr. Jayne Buttner..............................................................152

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Duke City Software.........................................................245 Ethan Allen Furniture....................................................... 25 Everguard Roofing / Solar.................................................96 Exhibit Solutions of New Mexico.....................................28 Fairwinds Rio Rancho..................................................... 168 Feelgood Festivals...........................................................227 Fish Factory..................................................................... 150 Floorscapes...................................................................... 151 Inn of the Mountain Gods c/o Foundry Group . .............79 Gathering of Nations........................................................86 Gilbert L. Sena Charter High School...............................161 Glam Nail Bar & Spa.......................................................246 Greystar Overture/The Tiber Group...............................172 Guild Mortgage.................................................................99 Haltom Orthodontics........................................................21 Hans Wittler's Automotive...............................................50 Heartstrings Theatre Troupe.............................................97 Heritage Hotels & Resorts, Inc......................................... 27 High Point Grill.......................................................110, 232 Hollow Spirits Distillery................................................. 223 Hooters Albuquerque Locations.....................................239 Hotel Paso Del Norte........................................................ 85 Houston Wholesale Cars LLC........................................ 8-9 Hummingbird Music Camp........................................... 148 Huntington Learning Center.......................................... 162 Hyatt Tamaya Resort.......................................................106 iHeart Media..................................................................... 93 Jungle Jam....................................................................... 146 KOAT-TV........................................................................ 166 Kubota Tractor Inc..........................................................IBC La Z Boy Furniture...........................................................6-7 Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry................................................ BC Legacy Academy.............................................................. 164 Lesmen's Pro Audio.........................................................250 Los Poblanos Inn/ Campo............................................. 204 Los Ranchos Gun & Tackle Shop.................................... 234 Lucky Boyz Limo............................................................ 266 Luigi's Ristorante & Pizzeria........................................... 221 M & Company Hair & Color Lounge.............................259 M'tucci's Italian...............................................................224 Mark Pardo Salon & Spa....................................................37 Indian Pueblo Cultural Center.......................................... 23 Meals on Wheels..............................................................172 Media Matched c/o Haverland Carter.......................175, 175 Media Matched c/o Quanz Automotive...................80, 128 Merry Maids.....................................................................4-5 Mesa Tractor.................................................................. 240 Mike's Jerky.................................................................... 209 Mike's Quality Painting..................................................12-13 Montessori One Preschool............................................. 146 Mountain America Credit Union.................................... 124 Mr. B's Paint & Body, Inc..................................................127

Mrs. Clean....................................................................... 104 National Museum of Nuclear Science and History.........145 New Mexico Highlands University................................. 165 New Mexico Sports & Wellness........................................ 74 New Mexico Tourism Department............................ 114-117 Osuna Nursery.................................................................. 47 Paixao Nail & Beauty Bar................................................ 255 Peopleworks.................................................................... 170 Perez Collision Center.................................................... 126 Por Vida Tattoo & Body Piercing..................................... 118 Professional Bull Riders, Inc.............................................113 Professional Coatings.......................................................131 Radiology Associates of Albuquerque...............................51 Rail Runner..................................................................... 168 Reliable Nissan........................................................ 122, 123 Resort Lifestyle Communities - Coronado Villa............. 169 Retreat at home................................................................177 Route 66 Casino Hotel.........................................1IFC, 1, 92 Route 66 Cleaners..........................................................239 Rudy's Country Store & BBQ.........................................226 Sacred Garden................................................................... 52 Sagecore Technologies......................................................49 Salt and Board................................................................. 236 Sandia Area Federal Credit Union.....................................35 Sandia Automotive..........................................................125 Santa Ana Star Casino Hotel............................................94 Santa Ana Star Center......................................................103 SC3 International............................................................265 Share Your Care................................................................174 Siembra Leadership High School............................. 154-155 Slate Street Billiards.........................................................231 Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits...................................217 Southwest Women's Oncology......................................... 19 Southwestern HR Consulting...........................................81 Sparky's............................................................................ 121 Stribling Chiropractic.....................................................247 Strictly Repairz.................................................................251 SunCare Spray Tan & Skin Care Salon............................. 83 The Cleanery...................................................................249 The Entrepreneur‚Äôs Source......................................... 107 The Grove Cafe & Market............................................... 237 The Law Offices of Adam Oakey........................................ 31 The Montebello on Academy........................................... 171 The Watermark at Cherry Hills....................................... 170 The Fertility Center of NM LLC........................................ 45 University of New Mexico Athletic Department............252 UNM Anderson School of Management..........................48 UNM Children's Campus................................................147 UNM School of Medicine.........................................156-159 UNM Ticketing............................................................... 235

WWW.ABQTHEMAG.COM | APRIL 2020

PHOTO CONTEST

LIGHT IN THE DARK By: Santiago Ruvalcaba Prado

antiago Ruvalcaba Prado has been enamored with the The Land of Enchantment since moving to New Mexico from Playa del Carmen, Mexico, in August 2018. Despite having traveled the world with his career in the hospitality business, the scenery in his new home is simply hard to top. “The landscapes, sunsets, sunrises, and dramatic skies of New Mexico have captivated me since day one,” says Prado, who

currently works at Hyatt Regency Tamaya. Prado’s Instagram account (@supershanti) offers a glimpse of the beauty that New Mexico has to offer, and his shot from the Three Sisters Volcanoes Trail especially stands out. “This picture was taken while driving on the Atrisco Vista Blvd. The sky was so dark but at the same time full of light and life,” Prado says. “I got out of the car with

my camera and started walking on one of the many trails. I must have taken at least 100 pictures in 30 minutes, but the contrast of these small red desert flowers with the dramatic New Mexican skies is something I believe is worth sharing.” —TRISTEN CRITCHFIELD

Enter ATM’s photo contest and see your photo featured in our PHOTO OF THE MONTH! Submissions should include one high-resolution digital file sent by email. All photos sent to ATM will be property of the magazine and will not be mailed back to sender. All entries should include your name and phone number. Please include a bio and a brief description of how the photo was taken. Email entries to: photocontest@abqthemag.com

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By comparison, the Mississippi has a peak average discharge rate of 749,282 cfs.

15. The river’s riparian zone (the area along the banks) comprises less than one percent of the New Mexico landscape, but provides a major route of travel for hundres of migratory bird species.

With

16. The Rio is currently home

The Rio Grande It’s the lifeblood of our city. Its water feeds the Bosque, creating an oasis in the high desert. The Middle Rio Grande is also one of the most important bird migration sites in North America, according to the Audobon Society. But the river isn’t just about nature, it’s also a great place to play! Albuquerqueans can find everything from hiking, biking, and jogging along the Rio Grande’s banks, to rafting, paddle-boarding, and kayaking through its waters. It’s an extremely diverse river, varying greatly in altitude, depth, and water flow. But while we may see the river as a mainstay of our lives, there are a few things you may not know about the Rio. —TAYLOR HOOD

1. It’s the 4th-longest U.S. river, behind the Missouri River, the Mississippi River, and the Yukon River.

2.The Rio Grande stretches

approximately 1,885 miles, from Colorado to the Gulf of Mexico.

3. The river’s watershed (the

area of land that is drained by the river) is approximately 335,000 square miles—an area equal to 10 percent of the lower 48 states.

4. The U.S./Mexico border is made up of 1,250 miles of the river.

5. In 1944, the neighboring countries ended their territorial dispute over the Rio Grande and signed a treaty.

6. Other cultures have had their own names for the Rio Grande, including Rio Bravo (as it is called in Mexico), Keresan (Big River), Tewa (Big River), Tiwa (Big River), and Towa (Great Waters).

7. While New Mexico is most

closely associated with the Rio Grande, it also flows through several U.S. and Mexico states: Colorado, Texas, Chihuahua, Coahuila, Nuevo Leon, and Tamaulipas.

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8. Several rivers feed the Rio Grande: Red River, Embudo River, Santa Fe River, Pecos River, San Juan River, and Rio Chama.

about 20 percent 9. Only of its water makes it to

the Gulf of Mexico, thanks to irrigation dams like Elephant Butte and Cochiti.

10. In the 1800s, the Rio Grande was a major transportation route for steamboats. Some were even used to transport troops to Mexico during the Mexican-American War.

11. It has been listed as one

of the “Most Endangered Rivers” by American Rivers, a river ecosystem conservation group, most recently in 2018.

12. In 2001, a sandbar formed that prevented the Rio from reaching the Gulf of Mexico for two years.

13. The river is roughly 3 million years old. It formed when water draining out of the San Juan Mountains of Colorado carved the Rio Grande Valley.

14. The Rio Grande’s peak

average annual discharge rate is 1,167 cubic feet per second.

to four protected species: The Southwestern willow flycatcher, Rio Grande silvery minnow, the western yellow-billed cuckoo, and the New Mexico meadow jumping mouse.

17.

New Mexico has been locked in a battle with Texas for years over management of the Rio Grande. The case has been sitting in the U.S. Supreme Court since 2013.

18. The city of El Paso cur-

rently pays New Mexico for use of the Rio Grande’s water.

19. In 1964, the water flow was stopped at the Cochiti Dam in order to dry the riverbed and allow construction of Interstate 40.

20. The Rio has two designat-

ed National Wild & Scenic River stretches (through northern New Mexico, and along the Mexico-U.S. border).

21. The river includes the Rio

Grande del Norte National Monument and Bandelier National Monument, plus Big Bend National Park.

22. The Rio Grande cuts

through the Northern Rio Grande National Heritage Site, which encompasses approximately 10,000 square miles of land in Northern New Mexico.

23. The rock band Duran Duran scored a hit with their 1982 song ‘Rio,’ which includes the lyrics ‘Oh Rio, Rio dance across the Rio Grande’.

24. Though much of the riv-

er is barely deep enough for a small boat, it can reach depths of 60 feet near its headwaters.

25. Famed actor and cowboy

Will Rogers once referred to the Rio Grande as, “the only river I know of that’s in need of irrigating.”