May 31st, 2009

Filed under: food trends — Andrea Lin @ 1:47 pm

Saving the native varieties of chiles is part of the mission of the Chile Pepper Institute in Las Cruces, but particularly I love Chimayo chiles, maybe even more than Hatch.

They are delicious and worth keeping around – even if consumers will need to pay higher prices because they are more difficult to farm and manage.

Saving The Chiles – article posted a few days ago online. Decent reading if you’re new to the chile preservation subject.

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May 20th, 2009

Filed under: breakfast,northeast heights — Andrea Lin @ 8:33 pm

I don’t mean the run-of-the-mill, daily kind of craving where you’re just sort of in the mood for some chips or you think that some cheese would taste good right about now.

Rather, I mean the completely out of the blue, laser-focused urge that hits you like a slap from Goliath leaving you panting and gasping for sustenance. The kind of craving that usually originates from a systemic overload of output and imbalance of input – diet deprivation. Not dieting per se, but just something that you do not eat often and could fill a nutritional need once in awhile.

So it was tonight in my yoga class that I was inspired by Federico’s. Barely 10 minutes remained in class and I was more dehydrated and depleted than usual. My feet were cramping and I wasn’t feeling particularly hungry, but WHAMMO and all I could think about was a big fat stuffed tortilla in my grubby paws. The last time I have had a burrito – not just taking bites but really inhaling a burrito from start to finish – must have been at least 2 years. But just the same I was struck by how good an idea it sounded.

I decided that if I still felt that way as I approached the Juan Tabo exit, I’d go for it. The next 30 minutes I started playing together the combinations in my head, trying to figure out which ingredients would hit the spot and put me in a happy zone. Eggs? Hell yeah. Something rich? Mmm, yes. And something fresh…. I have it!

Ultimately, I invented a breakfast burrito and damn if it isn’t amazing. This is it: eggs, guacamole, pico de gallo. All swaddled in that ginormous indescructable yet still tender tortilla, I did yet another completely bizarre thing for me – I ate IN THE CAR.

This is what food can be. Sustaining, timely, happy-making. If its another few years before I have the same craving, fine. Maybe next time it will be something different. But tonight it had to be that glorious burrito and it HAD to be eaten immediately, fear of drippage tossed aside into the night air.

Federico’s Mexican (open 24 hours – a rarity around here!)

“The Tenacious Burrito”, as listed on the receipt:

1 Bean burrito, minus beans, plus huevos, plus guac, plus pico. $4.19 and well worth it.

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Mother’s Day at Albuquerque Restaurants: Biggest Guide Ever!

May 6th, 2009

Filed under: announcement,breakfast,holiday,mother's day,restaurant events — Andrea Lin @ 12:13 pm

Well, we need a guide and there really ain’t much out there, so I’m here to help, as best as I can. Here in Albuquerque, or Burque as it can be know, or the Duke City, you are ready to take Mom out and possibly the rest of the family as well.

Where should you go? Who has specials, and who is going to be crazily overrun with crowds and waits? THAT’S what other guides won’t tell you, but I will.

All prices are for ADULTS – kids are much cheaper, usually under $10.

2009 Mother’s Day Restaurant Guide

My picks for the places that will not be crowded and you’ll have a grand time? Anything with more foreign words in their name and menu than English. Go for Vietnamese, Thai, Mexican (not necessarily New Mexican), Salvadoran, or Chinese. You will have a wonderful meal, support a small and local restauranteur, and have fun, too. Please call to make sure they’re open!
Chopstix
Thai Tip
Pho Linh
Cafe Dalat
Pupuseria El Salvadoreno
La Nortenita
Lupe’s Antojitos
Bangkok Thai and Asian
Ming Dynasty
Thai Crystal
Cafe Trang
Guicho’s Mexican (I love Guicho’s, especially the lamb on Sunday!)
….anything at all (especially Mexican) in the South Valley. Mexicans love Sundays, love their Moms, and love for you to come visit.

Now, for those that are loudly advertising their featured Mom’s Day Events:

(this first group is likely to fill and are some local favorites, so call for reservations!)

Savoy Bar & Grill:

Brunch Specials starting at 10:30 a.m., plus a 3 course Tasting Menu for $21 – (505) 294-9463

Artichoke Cafe:

Extended hours with lunch starting at 2 p.m., specials include fried avocado, seafood crepe, and chef’s special duck! (505) 243-0200

Slate Street Cafe:

Downtown! Per Myra Ghattas, “We are open and serving our regular Sunday Brunch on Mother’s Day!” That would be from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. with things like lamb and killer goat cheese frittatas. (505) 243-2210

Standard Diner:

Buffet Brunch $24.95, including flowers for Mom and goodies like crab benedict, omelet bar, stuffed french toast, the works. 9:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. (505) 243-1440

Scalo Northern Italian:

Nob Hill’s classic. Definitely call ahead for reservations: (505) 255-8781

Zinc Wine Bar & Grill:

Brunch starting at 10 a.m., specials like gazpacho and chicken fried eggs benny, plus a dinner tasting menu seating at 6 p.m. for $38. (505) 254-9462

Seasons Grill:

Pre Fixe Brunch at 11 a.m. for $29, special menu in the main dining room as well. (505) 766-5100

Nob Hill Bar and Grill

11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.; 3128 Central SE Always a Sunday brunch at Nob Hill, but Sam Etheridge will make it super special for the Mom in your group. He’s good for inventive food and unique flavors. (505) 266-4455

St. Clair Winery and Bistro

10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.; 901 Rio Grande NW (505) 243-9916; $26.95
Buffet Brunch featuring prime rib, maple ham, shrimp, roasted chicken, a pasta station and fresh seafood.

(out of the way joints that *might* not be overrun, call for info)

Greenside Cafe

Cedar Crest: Buffet Brunch $15.95 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. with pastries, omelets, smoked salmon, biscuits & gravy, etc! (505) 286-2684

Blade’s Bistro

When: 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Where: 221 Highway 165, Placitas
There’s a new place to eat and drink in Placitas with a seasoned chef and real potential.
$22.95 (505) 771-0695.

Ezra’s Place and Sophia’s Place:

I’ve been informed both North Valley establishments will have special brunch menus on Sunday, and their food is always ridiculously good. The service is up and down, so sip your coffee and chill while Dennis makes your delectables. (505) 344-3935 for Ezra’s and (505) 345-3935 for Sophia’s

Vernon’s Hidden Valley Steakhouse:

Three separate four course meals with seatings at 3 p.m., 5 p.m., and 7 p.m.; 6855 4th St NW; adjacent to Calico Cafe in Los Ranchos – (505) 341-0831

Taj Palace:

Lunch Specials starting at Noon – 10 p.m., honor your Mom with some of the best Tikka Masala in town (505) 296-0109‎

Pars Cuisine:

Four separate Mother’s Day seatings at 11 a.m., 2 p.m., 4:30 p.m., and 7 p.m. 4328 The 25 Way NE (near Jefferson & I-25); (505) 345-5156‎

Paul’s Monterey Inn:

Lunch & Dinner Buffet Specials starting at Noon – 8 p.m., specials include Prime Rib and one of the most family-friendly dining rooms in town – (505) 294-1461

Calico Cantina and Cafe

8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.; 6855 4th Street NW. Featuring triple berry pancakes, fish, enchiladas, and a steamship round of beef. (505) 890-9150
$24.95, includes beverage.

Prairie Star Restaurant and Wine Bar

hours unknown; Up North of town in Bernalillo. Four courses for $39. (505) 867-3327

Corn Maiden Restaurant

11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.; Tamaya Resort in Bernalillo; $60. Probably one of the most chichi options, with pepper frittata, lemon grass soup, sea scallops and lamb medallions.
Reservations are a must; (505) 771-6037.

Other Options – Huge Venues

Aggregated listings that I found on the ‘net. These are hotel or casino or “big” places that I don’t particularly endorse for crowd reasons, but they are options nonetheless:

Chimayo Chiles Forever