After a quick talk with the owners of El Bruno’s Restaurante y Cantina in Cuba it is revealed that the original location of Garduno’s on 4th Street in Albuquerque will be the second location for the beloved El Bruno’s.

For years El Bruno’s has been a welcome stop for all who travel the 550 (formerly the 44) between Bernalillo and Chaco Canyon, Durango, and Farmington. The chile is pleasantly hot, the food FAST, and the atmosphere relaxing like the rest stop it should be. No, it is not the absolute killer best New Mexican I have ever had, but it is really really good and better than anyone could hope for on that stretch.

It will be interesting to see if having the restaurant so close by will make Cuba not as interesting, or if the food will change, or even if I will finally visit one of the forgotten restaurants in Cuba that are probably pretty good and horribly neglected all these years.

In a hugely overhyped headline, one of the Van Rixel Brothers, of the chocolate company The Chocolate Cartel is reportedly “in trouble” over pot in their chocolate.

KRQE’s story may get views (and I’m not even going to link to them), but it is so far off the mark I’m a little pissed. They are not in trouble and it seems much of the controversy is at the behest of this story.

So, what are they doing? They are trying to trademark a name: “Bhang: The Original Cannabis Chocolate“, and beginning to manufacture the medical marijuana product in California for sales in California only. That’s it. I was only freaked out thinking they’d stop selling their heavenly truffles and gelato here in Albuquerque, but for now that seems to be not in danger. Whew.

Carry on, cannabis boys. Hopefully everything will work out – it looks like the patent office is starting to have second thoughts about allowing the whole trademark process in the first place. Sheesh. Make me some hemp truffles, too, eh? Those are legal here in NM.

I heard about this almost too late, but you can still get your nominations in.

Pick your favorite local restaurant that needs a little love.  Maybe they have the best breakfasts ever but that fading decor could use some sprucing up, or maybe its the kitchen items that need some expansion.  Doesn’t matter – just show some love and send the city’s “rock this restaurant” project to your favorite haunt for some TLC.

Nominate soon – they were supposed to stop accepting on 8/31, but have extended that temporarily!

http://rockthisrestaurant.com

Food festivals are gaining traction in this lovely Land of Enchantment.  The latest shindig to hit the calendar is the Taste of New Mexico, held in from October 7th to October 9th downtown on the Civic Plaza.

The weather should be fantastic for sampling foods from local restaurants and (hopefully) some interesting information on New Mexican cuisine in general.  Says the press release, “Albuquerque and Bernalillo County will stage a “Taste of New Mexico” promotion to support the restaurant industry. On Oct. 8-9, 50 restaurants will offer the public sample tastes and products at One Civic Plaza Downtown.”

I hope the chile will be hot, the blue corn vibrantly indigo, and the tortillas fresh and steamy, so help me New Mexico.

Wow, it’s getting crazy around here, both with the impending triple-digit temps as well as a slew of events and activities all over our lovely Duke City.

Last weekend was the Wine Festival, and despite the gorgeous weather, it just seemed a little lackluster this time around.  Less wineries, less yummy samples . . . or was it just me?

Never mind that, this weekend tons is going on for you to eat, sample, savor, and relish.

The Saturday Downtown Grower’s Market is starting up, and you can get your fresh produce, cheese, eggs, and honey in the delightful Robinson Park.

Sunday there is the third annual Local Food Festival and Field Day. At the Gutierrez-Hubbell House at 6029 Isleta SW, from 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.  Taste goodies from local chefs and food producers, gardening workshops, and live musical-ly stuff.

Enjoy the steamy weather, and keep eating local food – it’s good for the tummy.