Community tables at JJ101 is one of those local things that I “want” to do more. I “try” to make time to go. And yet it rarely happens.

This coming month the quotes are coming off and I’m going, dammit. Why? Single ingredient themes.

Here’s a few choice items from the list:
coconut
stone fruits
banana
tomatoes
soy
peanuts
coffee

She kind of had me at tomatoes, but banana sounds pretty interesting, too. Will there be plantains? Some old-school banana pudding with vanilla wafers? I could totally see them do that with the comfort food tendencies that are borne from their midwestern background.

After all, this is the restaurant that brought us Grandma’s peach pie, fantastic fried chicken, bacon fat popcorn, and Nellie’s own amazing coconut pie. Whoa. I just realized I might need to go to the coconut night as well. I’m having a thing for macaroons lately since being thrust back into the world of Orangette with the blog and reading her book and all.

As per the usual setup, it is $35/person with a table wine included, but tax+tip not included.

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

The owners of the newly updated and finally tasty again Luna Mansion in Los Lunas were taking a nice little respite in Chile when the earthquake hit.

After a long bout of fear, a ton of agog staring at the damage around them, and thanking the stars for their fortune, they are back in town and ready to spread some generosity – a special dinner Thursday night to benefit the relief effort.

NOW is the time to check out Luna Mansion all over again, for the food (and this event if your schedule is free).

I’m shocked and appalled that I have not yet blogged about this!  Coming up in just one week, Albuquerque Restaurant Week will showcase a ton of local favorites, special menus, and no-fuss pricing for complete meals.  Most restaurants – which are scattered all over town for your dining convenience – are using the $25/person model, with only two squeaking in for $25/couple (Flying Star and Sandiago’s at the Tram).

Are all of those meals screaming bargains for the $25?  Not necessarily.  That’s not the point, though you will find some respectable discounts relative to just ordering the same food off the menu, especially at places like Prairie Star, Lucia, and Casa Vieja, where your $25 meal would be in the 35+ range or so.

But again, that’s not the point – many of these restaurants are showcasing their most recent creations and I think there are just a few that have crafted an entirely new set of flavors just for this event.  Who’s doing that?  I’ll do the research and report back – stay tuned!

There are even some special events and dinners outside of the “regular” $25 specials, so make sure you take a peek at those.

So, what is the point? Simply, it is to get you all out eating at our local establishments.  Inspire passion and appreciation for those hard working cooks and chefs who put out food that would be respected in any major city, food that gets you fumbling for your phone so you can try to take a blurry photo or text your best friend to convey the wonderfulness that is happening in your mouth and on your plate.

Get out, enjoy our restaurants, and eat glorious food.  Perfect.

Hard to believe that the holidays are HERE.  AGAIN.  Whatever happened to 2009?  (Heck, what happened to every thing since 2001???)

Soothing your spirits is key, so head up to the heights on Saturday for some candles, lights, holiday specials from local retailers, and delicious Tea from A Tea Co (otherwise known as Kung Fu Cowboy Tea).

They serve hot teas as well as delectable sandwiches, soups, and pastries, with a Gluten-free option every single day.  Neato!

Scottsdale Village Champagne and Lights - 4pm – 7pm