It was bound to happen, no?  I have spent a long time defending the Flying Star, comparing them to a kid with pajamas that are too small – they simply had an amazing run of growth and tried to keep as many people happy as possible.

This occurred during a time that ingredient costs were skyrocketing AND they were renewing their commitment to local producers, organic meats, and free-range anything-they-could-afford.

So, folks rebelled.  ”Eight bucks for coffee and a slice of PIE?!!!”  ”$10 for a vegetarian noodle bowl???  You gotta be f’ing with me.”  No longer the divey hipster hangout, Flying Star won new enemies where it used to have fans.  And I stuck up for them, knowing how hard it is to run a sustainable (read: profitable) restaurant.  And they are/were still packed – so obviously it hasn’t killed their entire patron base.

I also compared them to the Grove Cafe & Market, posing the pragmatic situation thusly:  If the Flying Star were to start BRAND NEW right now with its menu and prices as they currently exist, they would be just like the Grove.  And that leads me to my point – I had my moment at the Grove the other day, when I ordered a cappucino and a cookie.  A rather smallish cookie.  I paid SIX BUCKS, and had an immediate negative reaction, asking the cashier just how much that cookie was, anyway ($1.99).  It was the cappucino at $3.50, which came delivered as a latte, that sent the total up to the sky.

So…. now what?  The Grove’s coffee is still far better than Flying Star’s, but Cafe Giuseppe rules all plus they know that a single cappucino should be about 5 ounces total, not 12.  Oh, and they have gelato that is better than anything outside of Silver City in the whole state.

Believe it or not, prior to this blog post (and hopefully not for long afterward), you would get zero Google results for the phrase “low fat torta de huevo”.

Given how delicious and traditional the dish is around spring, you’d think someone found a work around for those of us who prefer (even if not always practice) to avoid deep-fried foods.

What is Torta de Huevo?  Simple yet involved, delicious and rich, perfect for days you’re not so much into meat and such.  Take separated eggs, beat the whites to peaks, beat the yolks to frothy, fold together and fry in little patties.  Drown it all in red chile sauce.  Done.

So, the key is how to reproduce the crispy texture that frying imparts, without deflating what is essentially a souffle.  My bet?  Broil the puppies, or REALLY gently pan-sear in a good non-stick.  Or both – pan sear then chuck the whole pan in the oven with no flipping required until it is done.

Haven’t tried this yet, but I know it will work, and if a local restaurant also wanted to try it, that would be super cool.  Let me know!

I am so all about the local eateries.  They have character, they have style, they have . . .

The Travis.

Grandma Warner’s K & I Diner has been in business off and on (mostly on) for over a generation, and when I made the drive down Broadway it took me through years of Albuquerque history on my way to a fantastic diner meal surrounded by old farm and kitchen paraphrenalia tacked on the walls.

I had an enormous pancake, yellow with flavorful cornmeal, and a side of carne adovada, perfect for dredging in my pancake-pseudo-cornbread thing.  But the legendary Travis is a whole ‘nother deal.  A smothered burrito completely encased in a pile of french fries.  I think that Man vs. Food guy should come on down for the Travis challenge.

Now, with nearby businesses closing, the K & I is threatened by lack of lunch traffic.  (Burritos Alinstante is under similar gloomy forecasts – I’ll feature them later….)  If you haven’t been, NOW is the time.  Take the extra few minutes to head south down Broadway and you’ll be in for a real treat.  Albuquerque eating at its most homey, colorful, and tasty.

You will not be disappointed, and Grandma Warner will be proud to keep the doors open for many more years to come.

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.

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:

Embassy Suites Hotel

When: 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Where: 1000 Woodward Place NE, at Lomas and I-25
$34.95 for adults, $27.95 for seniors (60+), and $14.95 for children 6-12. Reservations are highly recommended; call 245-7100.

Garduno’s on the Green

When: 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Where: Balloon Fiesta Park
Live entertainment, patio seating, and for mom, free mimosas with purchase after noon.
$16.95 for adults, $8.95 children 12 and under. Reservations are recommended; call (505) 797-9222.

Hilton Albuquerque Champagne Brunch

When: 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Where: 1901 University NE
$29.95 for adults, $25.50 for seniors, and $14.50 for kids.

Hyatt Regency Albuquerque

When: 10:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Where: Hyatt Downtown, 330 Tijeras
$34.95 for adults, $24.95 for seniors, $14.50 for children, and kids six and under are free.
Call (505) 843-2684 to make a reservation. The Hyatt offers validated self parking.

Isleta Casino & Resort

When: 7:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Where: Isleta Casino and Resort
Prices are $17.95 for adults, and $9.95 for children.

Marriott Pyramid North Sandia Grill

When: 10:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Where: 5151 San Francisco NE
$34.95 for adults, $27.95 for seniors, $16.95 for children 5-11. Children under 5 are free.
Reserve by calling (505) 821-3333; seating times available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Santa Ana Cafe

When: 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Where: Tamaya Resort
Reservations can be made by calling (505) 771-6037.
$45 per person, 12 and under half price.

TIWA Steakhouse

When: 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Where: Isleta Casino and Resort
$28.95 per person, and children’s selections are $9.95.