You live in Albuquerque, and you visit your usual restaurants. Why not try a little detour this evening (or any evening, for that matter), by heading just another 15 quick minutes to a cooler and more refreshing neighborhood – Cedar Crest.

You head east on the freeway, and enter the canyon towards Tijeras, exiting there and heading north towards the Ski Area. Just 3 miles up the road you’ll see a cloister of new buildings – our gorgeous new grocery store, a yummy pizza joint, and . . .

The Greenside Cafe.

Started a year ago by Jay Wulf, one of the founders of the Range Cafe and a former partner at the Standard Diner, Greenside is a mecca for casually elegant meals in a truly relaxing setting.

The bonus for this evening only is that it is Jay’s 40th birthday! Stop in and wish him many more, for once you try his food you’ll hope he stays in the restaurant business for decades to come.

Of course, you can always plan a visit to the Cafe, they host wine dinners on a regular basis – the next one is April 12th, 17th, and 26th, featuring French wines and classic bistro dishes. Held at 6:30pm, it is only $58 per person for 4 course with wine pairings – a bargain. Call to reserve your spot: 286-2684.

Happy Birthday, Jay!