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).

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.

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

Although they’re under wraps on discussing just what the heck happened, general comments indicate the blame is being directed at a former executive who said they were doing things correctly but apparently were not.  If that’s at all the case, we have yet to find out.

This institution has been around for over 40 years and fed, entertained, and margarita’ed you and your family and your visiting out of town friends many times over.  If you still love their food and the crazy atmosphere, pay a visit and show your support by keeping the green flowing in while they try to stay on top of their debts.

My personal favorite has always been the Chile Rojo, a huge bowl of red with sirloin tips and a half dozen other garnishes.  Red meat + red chile = happy me.

Not one of their workers has yet to be laid off, despite an obvious cash problem.  Kudos to Gardunos for that.

Good, glad you’re interested.  Now, you might have to drive down to Mesilla, this is true, but there are lots of great eats in the area, from Chope’s in La Mesa, to Little Diner in Canutillo, to some amazing grub in a car wash in El Paso.

In Mesilla, a little cafe tries to petition the Guinness people to add them to their list:  Peppers Cafe builds a bigger burger.

Calico Cafe is tucked up in the near north valley and offer some amazing comfort food and killer brownies, if you’re into that kind of thing.

Give it a whirl, and do your best to stay off KASA’s email spam list after that.  Heh heh.

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.

Albuquerque is not innundated with celebrity chefs who ply their patrons with equistively expensive, life-changing tasting menus.  There are but a few restaurants in town who even do prix fixe dining, usually limiting things to 3 or 4 courses in the $40-75 range.  These are the establishments who I can think of that offer prix fixe at least some of the time:

Jennifer James 101

Seasons

Scalo

Greenside Cafe

Savoy

Nob Hill Bar & Grill

Prairie Star

Yet, there is New York.  A young lad with cash to spare is a nut for Per Se, and spent a stolen bathroom break trying to secure a reservation, ultimately succeeding only after enlisting multiple family members to dial concurrently. 

His long post about the experience (his third at Per Se) is the reason I adore New York and foodies in general.  Can we get some inventive, playful, thought-provoking food here, too?  The only thing that comes remotely close is the Community Table events at Jennifer James 101.  If you have not been, I highly recommend joining their email list to get the scoop on upcoming menus.

Call to grab a seat and have a fantastic family-style meal with wine and probably more pig than you’ve et in quite some time.  The menu is below, call 884-3860 for a reservation and come hungry!

Tuesday:: Bacon, Glorious Bacon (today)  $35 +tax +grat  6pm  Seats left!!

Bacon-popped popcorn

JJ’s darn-near-world-famous Deviled eggs w/ sweet & spicy bacon

Bacon-wrapped blue cheese-stuffed figs

Classic B(acon)LT sandwiches

Bacon mac&cheese

Spinach w/ bacon vinaigrette

Swedish bacon fat cookies

Bacon & chocolate chip ice cream

Trust in your chef is a grand thing – just know that whatever Jennifer and Nellie are going to cook, it will be awesome, no matter what it is.  I love that.

Here’s the email I received this week from them: