THIS VALENTINE’S DAY, MAKE HER HEART SKIP A BEAT (OR TWO) WITH JOHN THOMAS JEWELERS.
We’re unveiling our most extraordinary gift offer ever, created to make her feel cherished and unforgettable. Don’t settle for ordinary. Let us help you create the perfect moment this Valentine’s Day.
February Offers
• Spend $499 or more on any product in the store* and get a pair of lab diamond stud earrings worth $499, absolutely free
• Spend $750 or more on any product and get lab diamond studs worth $750, free
• Spend $1,000 or more and get lab diamond studs worth $1,000, free
• Spend $5,000 or more and get a pair of lab diamond studs worth $5,000, absolutely free
Kitchen and bath remodeling services including cabinet design and installation as well as natural stone and quartz fabrication and installation.
Love the people, places, and businesses that make our lives special.
I don’t know about you, but this time of year I am always torn. I find myself torn between resisting the commercialization of another greeting card holiday and indulging in all the sweet excuses to enjoy the season.
To do a Valentine’s Day date out or enjoy a cozy night at home? To buy a card or just say a kind word? I usually land somewhere a little in between. We’ll each arrive at different answers based on our preferences and personalities, but what we hold in common is an opportunity to make sure those around us know we love them. And regardless of how you choose to celebrate, we hope the pages of this month’s magazine will help you do just that as we celebrate and highlight what’s to love in your local community.
While we teeter between the chill of January Winter and the excitement of Spring, we hope you’ll be inspired to take a moment to come together with the people in your life. The ones in your home and on your street. In your neighborhood and your community.
“Love local” means your local businesses, those in your community - but it also means loving what is near. Those under your own roof included. So grab a coffee at Humble Coffee Company and head home for a game night around the fire with the family. Or indulge in an incredible dinner experience at Bien Shur while overlooking the Sandia's . There is always time for tea and memorable moments at The Ivy Tea Room too.
We’ve always believed what we can do together is so much more than what we can do apart. And we continue to see that demonstrated through the many stories told in these pages month after month.
Thanks for letting us be a part of the life you’re building, whatever that may look like.
Our hope is that we inspire you to love it just a bit more than you did before.
Happy February!
RICH
RINGROSE, PUBLISHER @ABQCITYLIFESTYLE
February 2025
PUBLISHER
Rich Ringrose | rich.ringrose@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Richard Lakin | richard.lakin@citylifestyle.com
STAFF WRITERS
Andrea Jacquin, Alexandria Gonzalez
STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Autumn Oglesby
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Alexandria Gonzalez, Richard Lakin
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Autumn Oglesby, Alfredo Zamora
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
CTO Ajay Krishnan
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF FRANCHISE DEVELOPMENT Erika Smiley
AD DESIGNER Rachel Kolich
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kathy Nguyen
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Hannah Leimkuhler
World-Class Retinal Care With An
Exceptional Patient Experience
C. Nathaniel Roybal, MD PhD is a vitreoretinal surgeon and native New Mexican who specializes in treating complex retinal disease. He and his team of specialists aim to provide timely, world-class surgical and medical retinal care to the people of New Mexico. Don’t let retinal disease rob you or a loved one of vision. Come visit our team so that we can work together to preserve and restore your vision.
DR. JAMIE ODDEN
ADDITIONS
We
KITCHENS
ROOFING
We are a family-owned company. Local to the Albuquerque area.
Barbara Franklin, FNP-C
Marisa Escobar, FNP-C
Picturesque photo from
Shun of
Lamb Shank with acorn squash risotto, toasted pepitas,
gremolata,
Fall in Love with Comfort You Can Count On
At Enchanted Mechanical, we know love isn’t just about grand gestures – it’s about the warmth and comfort of a well-maintained home. This February, we’re showing our love for the community through sponsorships and givebacks that help keep homes cozy and businesses running smoothly. We’re committed to providing top-notch heating and cooling services with integrity, pride, and teamwork. Our Marketing Director, Kaitlyn D’Arcangeli, loves meeting new people and building lasting relationships as part of our mission to serve and uplift our community and local businesses. Whether you’re heating up for winter or cooling down for summer, we’re here to ensure your comfort all year round.
Fall in Love with Reliable Comfort – Year After Year.
This February, Choose a Partner for Life... and HVAC that Keeps the Flame Burning LOVE YOUR HOME. LOVE YOUR COMFORT. LOVE YOUR COMMUNITY.
Home is where the heart is... and home inspired surroundings are what you and your loved one will experience here!
Assisted Living Care | Memory Care
We offer small, cozy community-living that fosters familiarity with an open kitchen, dining room, and living room. Each of our private bedrooms has its own ADA approved bathroom, and most importantly, we offer exceptional and individualized support for those that need some assistance with activities of daily living.
We have locations in NE height, SE Heights, Westside, Bernalillo, Bosque Farms, Rio Rancho, Edgewood, Santa Fe and White Rock.
scene
1: River of Lights: Angel Rio 2: River of Lights: Zach North and Kayla Williamson 3: River of Lights: Brandon Byers and Americus Easton 4: River of Lights: Patterson Yazzie 5: River of Lights: Natalia Barela 6: Andrew, Seneca, and Thor Washuta 7: River of Lights: Diego Jesus Simon
QUALITY, CUSTOMIZED SERVICE
All World Travel clients decide the level of involvement that’s right for them. If you enjoy research and planning, you’ll have a professional partner. If you prefer having your advisor handle all the details, they can do that, too.
A TRUSTED RESOURCE
Our advisors have years of industry knowledge, global relationships, and personal experience. A great advisor offers insightful recommendations to tailor each trip to your interests and budget.
ACCESS TO SPECIAL OFFERS & VIP BENEFITS
Advisors have access to the same (and often better) pricing that is available online, and can secure VIP amenities and extras that you can’t get on your own.
PEACE OF MIND
Rely on our advisors to make planning your trip more efficient and enjoyable, to save time and money, and to lend expertise that makes a world of difference. We work on your behalf before, during, and after every trip.
Executive Chef Sean Staggs
Chilean Sea Bass with quinoa, roasted mushrooms & fennel, crispy leeks, and bone marrow compound butter
BIEN SHUR
Bien Shur, situated on top of the 9th floor of Sandia Resort, is a fine dining restaurant that gives a unique experience, filled with upscale dining and breathtaking views that will leave you with a lasting memory.
The location gives Bien Shur the advantage of having gorgeous sunset views that you can’t experience anywhere else in the city. To the southwest, you’ll see the city landscape, and to the east, you’re given a close-up unobstructed view of the Sandia mountains. These picturesque views set up the perfect atmosphere to enjoy a delectable culinary experience.
CONTINUED >
A local restaurant that we love
ARTICLE BY ALEXANDRIA GONZALEZ PHOTOGRAPHY BY AUTUMN OGLESBY
Selection of fine wines
Beef Carpaccio prime Iowa filet mignon, crispy capers, pickled mustard seeds, arugula, crostini, and parmesan cheese
At the core of Bien Shur is the food. Executive Chef Sean Staggs, one of New Mexico’s most renowned chefs with over 20 years of experience, is at the helm of this scratch kitchen. With quality ingredients at his fingertips, Staggs creates dishes that showcase his refined skills, mature experience, and creativity.
But you won’t catch any hip trendy items on the menu. It’s not his style. Staggs’ expertise is a farmto-table approach where he uses the finest locally sourced ingredients. He is currently working with farmers from Sandia Pueblo to grow produce that will be used in his signature dishes. With his farm-to-table style, Staggs changes the Bien Shur menu seasonally to guarantee that only the freshest ingredients are used in each dish. Seasonal menu changes also ensure an ever-evolving array of food that will provide a new experience for regular visits.
Sandia’s slogan “close to home, far from ordinary” is seen throughout Bien Shur’s menu. Staggs’ dishes aren’t only bold and rich in flavor, but they are mature. His use of common ingredients brings a sense of familiarity when browsing the menu. But he uses his experience to combine the ingredients in a way that elevates them to something delectable and unique. This is evident in his favorite dish, the Smoked Half Chicken entrée, which comes with red chile mole, a cheese arepa, and sauteed kale. Whether it’s the Bison Short Rib Lollipop, the Wild Steelhead Salmon, or
Staggs’ dishes aren’t only bold and rich in flavor, but they are mature. His use of common ingredients brings a sense of familiarity when browsing the menu. But he uses his experience to combine the ingredients in a way that elevates them to something delectable and unique.
the Iowa Prime Filet Mignon, the dishes at Bien Shur are sure to impress guests. Their quality ingredients, bold flavors, and beautiful presentation make every meal unforgettable. To compliment your main course, you’ll be able to indulge in hand-crafted cocktails, such as the espresso martini, which is a fan favorite. Or you can enjoy a glass of wine from their impressive wine list, such as a Sonoma-Cutrer Chardonnay.
While the food and drinks take center stage, the heart of Bien Shur is a team that prioritizes cultivating a unique guest experience. There are so many carefully curated aspects of Bien Shur, from the views, live music, ambiance, service, drinks, and of course the food, everything comes together to create a special experience from start to finish. To pull something like this off, the team must work in harmony. From the front-of-house staff to the kitchen staff, the entire team understands that every detail is designed to create moments that make an impact on the overall culinary experience.
When celebrating a milestone in life, people want an experience they’ll remember forever. Therefore, Bien Shur provides more than just delectable food, everything is elevated, ensuring guests are taken out of their everyday life to enjoy their special moment.
Bien Shur is located at the Sandia Resort, 30 Rainbow Road. Their phone number is 505.798.3920.
SERVICE DONE
Robert’s Tree Service is a full-service professional tree company dedicated to meeting all of the Albuquerque community’s needs for exceptional tree service at reasonable prices. Our team has over 15 years of experience and brings decades of combined experience to each job. That expertise translates into the best possible care for your trees and the greatest possible return on your investment in professional tree services.
Luxury Bedding, Bath & Home Decor
Missoni | Libeco | Bella Notte | Sferra | Kevin O’Brien Home Treasures | Ardmore | Abyss Habidecor
Subscribe and get 15% off first online order.
pandorasantafe.shop • 505.982.3298 • pandora.santafe@gmail.com DeVargas Center 173 Paseo de Peralta, Santa Fe, NM 87501
Taking care of children
Casa Angelica
ARTICLE BY RICHARD LAKIN PHOTOGRAPHY BY ALFREDO ZAMORA
“There’s no other facility like this in the State of New Mexico. They require round-the-clock care for absolutely every activity of daily life.”
Jim Douglas, the administer of Casa Angelica, told us the origin story of the facility. He says,” Back in the mid-60s, a family in the South Valley gave birth to a child with pervasive needs and the family was looking for some help in raising the child. They approached the Canossian Sisters here on the Isleta Convent and they asked if they would help care for their child. The sisters said yes and that began the process of creating Casa Angelica. Casa Angelica was built for the purpose of serving children with pervasive needs, and since that time it's evolved into a premier site for care for children with severe and profound disabilities that are also medically fragile.”
The Canossian Sisters Daughters of Charity, Servants of the Poor was founded by St. Magdalene of Canossa, Italy in the early 1800s, and is now an international missionary congregation of women dedicated to providing care for the suffering worldwide. Here in Albuquerque, Casa Angelica was created in 1967 as a home for children and young adults with developmental disabilities, most requiring 24-hour care. Jim told us, “There’s no other facility like this in the State of New Mexico. They require round-the-clock care for absolutely every activity of daily life. We have 24-hour nursing, and our staff are highly specialized in the intense care that these children require.”
CONTINUED >
“Medicaid takes care of the basic needs of our residents... medication, housing, and food, but we have an auxiliary that raises funds for extras because we want to give them a life that is as fulfilling as possible.”
you can put wheelchairs on and the whole platform swings so it's safe and it's secure but yet the children get that opportunity that we all have had as kids to be on a swing set and to have that stimulation. We’re currently raising money for colorful shade structures so the children can sit outside and be sheltered from the hot sun.”
The auxiliary stages fashion shows, luncheons, and craft fairs throughout the year for fund raising.
Catholic Charities also contributes some funding, but as Jim says, “We don’t just serve people of the Catholic faith. We have a director of pastoral ministry that supports all faiths. Spiritual education is a part of the personal growth that we foster.”
Jim said, “Medicaid takes care of the basic needs of our residents...medication, housing, and food, but we have an auxiliary that raises funds for extras because we want to give them a life that is as fulfilling as possible. This year the auxiliary raised money to purchase what's called a We-Go-Swing and this is a huge apparatus that
Casa Angelica has six children that attend the Albuquerque public school system, and four days out of the week a teacher comes in to work with the children that are too fragile to leave the facility.
Casa Angelica is located at 5629 Isleta Blvd SW, and their phone number is 505.077.5763. Fund raising events are listed on their Facebook page.
LOVE WHERE YOU LIVE
ARTICLE BY ALEXANDRIA GONZALEZ PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF THE IVY TEAROOM
THE IVY TEAROOM
Tucked away in the Village of Los Ranchos is the Ivy Tearoom, where they’ve been creating a modern and immersive afternoon tea experience since 2015. Owner Andrea
Gonzales and her team aren’t just in the business of providing service, but rather they are “committed to innovation, hospitality, and creating lasting memories” for their guests.
A PLACE BUILT ON LOVE TO CELEBRATE LOVE
“AT THE IVY TEAROOM, GUESTS EMBARK ON A TWO-HOUR CULINARY JOURNEY FEATURING
THREE DELIGHTFUL COURSES PAIRED WITH THREE CAREFULLY SELECTED TEA VARIETIES.”
Gonzales said, “At the Ivy Tearoom, guests embark on a two-hour culinary journey featuring three delightful courses paired with three carefully selected tea varieties.” Their dynamic menu changes monthly to fit new themes, but guests can always expect to try a delectable assortment of tea blends, sandwiches, jams, and pastries.
In addition to their delicious tea and scrumptious food, they are known for their luxurious and aesthetically pleasing venue that serves as the perfect backdrop for any special occasion. Their building was built specifically as a tearoom featuring 10 suites, 3 cottages, and a large parlor. Gonzales said that her team often hosts celebrations such as birthdays, date nights, bridal showers, anniversaries, baby showers, friends’ get-togethers, social clubs, and corporate gathers.
The Ivy Tearoom “serves as a conduit for our guests to forge connections and create lasting memories,” said Gonzales. What makes the afternoon tea experience
unique is that it provides guests with the opportunity to step away from the stressors of everyday life, allowing them to be present in the company of their family and friends.
Ever since Gonzales took ownership of the Ivy Tearoom last year, she’s been “building upon the beautiful foundation laid by the previous owner.” Gonzales’ ownership was very serendipitous. Prior to owning the Ivy Tearoom, she was a licensed clinical social worker. During that time, her dear friend Sherri LewisBailey would often share stories with Gonzales about her experiences at the Ivy Tearoom where she was a regular. Lewis-Bailey often tried to get Gonzales to join her for tea. Unfortunately, Lewis-Bailey lost her battle with breast cancer in January of 2023. The memories of her friend and the cup of tea she never got to share lingered in Gonzales’ mind. Shortly after her friend’s passing, a thought popped into her mind –how fitting would it be to honor her
CONTINUED >
THE IVY TEAROOM “SERVES AS A CONDUIT FOR OUR GUESTS TO FORGE CONNECTIONS AND CREATE LASTING MEMORIES.”
— ANDREA GONZALES
friend’s memory by owning a tearoom of her own? Fate seemed to intervene because the very next day the Ivy Tearoom was put up for sale. Gonzales reached out to the then-owner, and they forged an instant connection by exchanging stories about Lewis-Bailey. They each realized that this business transaction was more than a mere coincidence – it was fate.
Being able to honor the memory of her dear friend through this venture has added an extra layer of meaning for Gonzales. She’s created a place built on love, which serves as the foundation for every moment that each guest experiences at the Ivy Tearoom. Gonzales said she wasn’t sure what to expect when taking ownership of the Ivy Tearoom, but she soon realized that this was exactly where she was meant to be.
The Ivy Tearoom is located at 8830 4th St NW, Los Ranchos De Albuquerque. Their phone number is 505.388.8691. Reservations can be booked on their website: theivytearoom.com
Albuquerque Handyman LLC understands that every home requires annual maintenance, and unexpected surprises can occur. We are dedicated to delivering dependable and skilled handyman services, along with first-class workmanship and excellent customer service. With just one call, our expertise comes to your doorstep, turning your “man chores” list into a completed checklist.
Our Services:
• Office Spaces Built for Success
• Restaurant Interiors Built to Impress
• State-of-the-Art Medical Offices Tailored to Your Needs
• Smart Investment Property Renovations for Maximum ROI
• Reliable Industrial Construction Solutions
• Transforming Your Home with Expert Remodels and Repairs
• Beautiful, Durable Decks for Outdoor Living
THE SCOTTSDALE LURE OF
The endless skies of blue are interrupted only by cacti rising majestically from the ground, arms reaching skyward, and palm trees, which are often adorned by lights that twinkle when the sun sets. There are vistas of open desert, rising mountains, and even the lush green of the locale’s many golf courses. And, of course, there are the vibrant shopping, dining, art, and event scenes, too.
Scottsdale is a city located in Metro Phoenix in Arizona, which as a whole is nicknamed “The Valley of the Sun” for its more than 330 days of sun each year—one of the reasons the area is a draw for visitors. With few rainy days, it’s easy to plan your daily activities without worry. Yes, though, the summer gets hot. But the rest of the year? Perfection.
Scottsdale is a mix of a resort destination, city, and suburbs, with more open desert the further north you venture. To the south is Downtown Scottsdale—also known as Old Town Scottsdale—which is a mix of old Southwestern charm
BY MICHELLE GLICKSMAN
(including the legendary cowboy saloon, Rusty Spur Saloon); modern eateries from famed chefs; lots of shopping at small boutiques and specialty shops; the Arts District , which is filled with art galleries; and even tasting rooms from Arizona wineries located along the famed Scottsdale Wine Trail
Nearby is Scottsdale Fashion Square , one of the nation’s premier shopping destinations. While you’ll find many usual retailers there, there are also more than 40 luxury brands, including Christian Louboutin, Bottega Veneta, and Louis Vuitton.
Heading north are open-air shopping destinations Scottsdale Quarter and Kierland Commons , which sit across the street from each other. Take the afternoon or evening to stroll through, exploring the shops, restaurants, and activity destinations such as the indoor mini-golf destination Puttshack . What else is there to see and do? Plenty.
FROM RELAXATION TO SHOPPING TO GOLF TO SIGHTSEEING, THIS DESTINATION HAS IT ALL
PLAY
Like golf? There are more than 200 golf courses in the Scottsdale area. Whether you’re a pro or just starting out, there is a course for you. One of the most popular in the area is the TPC Scottsdale as it is the locale of the WM Phoenix Open, the most-attended golf tournament in the world.
For most of the year, Scottsdale boasts warm temperatures, making spending a day splashing in a pool a perfect choice. Many local resorts have pool areas that feature fun extras such as water slides, lazy rivers, and even a cooled sand beach. And even if you’re not an on-site guest, you can often purchase a day pass to be on-site through ResortPass.com.
Of course, there’s also plenty of outdoor recreation in Scottsdale. Pinnacle Peak in North Scottsdale is a popular mountain to hike (as is the iconic Camelback Mountain, which is located in nearby Phoenix), and the Indian Bend Wash Greenbelt is a park and trail system spread over 11 miles. Kids love McCormickStillman Railroad Park , which boasts a small-scale train that circles the park and plenty of play areas.
A destination filled with numerous attractions is A rizona Boardwalk , a center that includes Butterfly Wonderland , OdySea Aquarium , Ripley’s Believe It or Not! , Museum of Illusions , and more.
CULTURE
The beauty of Scottsdale’s Sonoran Desert led famed architect, Frank Lloyd Wright (1867-1959), to build Taliesin West , his winter home and desert laboratory, in a mountainside in East Scottsdale. Today, there are daily tours of the UNESCO World Heritage site, and events are offered often.
However, Wright’s architecture isn’t the only art in the area. Beyond the Arts District in Downtown Scottsdale, there is public art all around the city, from sculptures to murals, so definitely keep your eyes open!
There are also museums such as Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West , a Smithsonian Affiliate, which showcases items from the Greater Western region, and the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art , affectionately known as SMoCA.
On Thursday evenings, there’s a free public ArtWalk in the Arts District, where galleries stay open later. Wander the streets and galleries, often against a backdrop of live music and even artist appearances.
NEARBY
While there’s so much to do, see, and experience in Scottsdale proper, there’s also much to see nearby. Make sure to experience the Musical Instrument Museum (affectionately known as the MIM), which is the world’s only global instrument museum. Desert Botanical Garden features an array of desert plants, and Phoenix Art Museum has an impressive collection of art. And, of course, the Phoenix Zoo is a perfect place for both kids and adults alike.
NATIONAL
SCIENCE AND HISTORY MUSEUM OF NUCLEAR
ARTICLE BY ALEXANDRIA GONZALEZ PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF THE NATIONAL MUSEUM OF NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND HISTORY
Museums that we love to visit
New Mexico plays a significant role in the story of the Atomic Age, and since 1969 the National Museum of Nuclear Science and History has been telling that story to its visitors. The Nuclear Museum, a congressionally charted museum and Smithsonian Affiliate, is dedicated to preserving and presenting the historical and technical context of the Atomic Age. Bernadette Robin, the Director of Communications, shared that it’s common for visitors to have preconceived opinions about this delicate subject, but that it’s the museum’s job to tell the story of the Atomic Age in an unbiased and objective way.
The Nuclear Museum is a beloved organization within the community because of its priority to make STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) education accessible, approachable, and fun. Robin said that everyone learns differently and has different interests, so the team is always trying to come up with new ways for people to experience the museum beyond its permanent exhibits. To help foster the next generation of innovators, the museum hosts the Science is Everywhere Camp where educators use hands-on experiences to teach kids about complex STEM topics. Families can also attend the museum’s Movie Under the Wings event where science or engineering-related movies are shown outside at the Heritage Park exhibit. The museum also hosts adults-only events such as Discovery After Dark and Science on Tap, where adults can participate in hands-on STEM activities and listen to talks given by STEM subject
Through permanent and changing exhibits, visitors are given a look into early atomic research, the development of weapons, as well as today’s peaceful application of nuclear technology. Visitors can learn about topics such as the Manhattan Project, the Cold War, the atomic pop culture, nuclear waste transportation, and more. The museum doesn’t shy away from historical nuclear events and accidents, but it also shows modern benefits such as clean energy and nuclear medicine. One of the museum’s most popular exhibits is Heritage Park, a nine-acre outdoor area that displays planes, rockets, missiles, cannons, and a nuclear sub-sail. Visitors can see a B-52B Stratofortress, F-16 Fighting Falcon, Mk17 Bomb, and more.
opportunity to change the trajectory of someone’s life,” said Robin. Whether it’s viewing the casings of Fat Man and Little Boy, watching a movie next to a B-52, or watching an experiment demonstration, visitors will leave the museum with a new experience and hopefully a new understanding of how nuclear science has shaped our world and how it continues to influence our future.
The museum is located at 601 Eubank Blvd SE, Albuquerque. For group tours: 505.245.2137, extension 103.
matter experts from within the community. These informal learning opportunities bring the community together while making STEM experiences enjoyable and memorable.
Robin says that the team also looks for opportunities to take the museum out to the community. The team will attend various local events such as school science fairs and Science Night hosted by the Albuquerque Isotopes. In 2009 the museum spearheaded the creation of Nuclear Science Week, which has now become an international, weeklong celebration of nuclear science innovations and achievements.
The Nuclear Museum team is always focused on presenting the past while looking towards the future. Through carefully curated exhibits to informal STEM education, “we have the
