On one day next weekend (September 25th), bRgR will donate 10% of all sales to Creative Albuquerque, a group fostering the growth of creative types all over town. In short, they want urban “enlightenment”, and bRgR is just the sort of place to help out, what with that so-bizarre-its-cool wallpaper and chandeliers.
Here’s what Creative Albuquerque says about themselves, “Creative Albuquerque’s mission is to grow the creative economy to ensure a more dynamic and prosperous city.”
Here’s what I say about bRgR: ”. . . you could imagine yourself at an eatery in Denver until you spot the Chile Bliss burger ($6), accented with smoked cheddar for extra punch . . .”
bRgR is located at 301Central Avenue NW (corner of Third and Central). Walk from wherever or just park downtown – free on Sunday!
I am constantly trolling for local food and restaurant mentions, and they range from openings to (unfortunately) shootings.
This week one of my favorites touches a huge pet peeve of mine – incompetent sign makers. I see so many horribly misspelled signs that I wonder how these places stay in business. But Bandido’s Hideout across from UNM is making use of their screw-up to get more people engaged and in the door. Good work, guys!
Next month will be the annual Equestrian Cup event – think of it like the Albuquerque the Magazine Best of The City party, except it’s outside and there are horses! Basically it’s hobnobbing with tons of local go-getters, eating samples of food by some of the best restaurants in town, and enjoying the show. It is put on by the 20/30 Club, a group of business-active folks in their – you guessed it – 20s and 30s. Tickets are $50 but you can afford that, especially since it goes to support the All Faith Receiving Home’s Children’s Safehouse.
I keep tabs on news that filters up about new spots, chef departures, developing concepts and try to bring them in one non-paywalled placed, because I love you. Actually, I really like gossip, so let’s see what I have this week:
McGrath’s in the Hyatt. Ever eat there? Yeah, maybe once and you didn’t choose to. What did you eat? Who knows. It was fine. Finally the uninteresting is shoved out and a new contender steps in. It’s called Forque and whether or not they intend to compete with Lucia, it is always a good sign when new places open, especially in a down economy. Looks like steak . . . and stuff. Duck, ok, and some South American influences like chimichurri (one of the greatest condiments ever).
More hotel renovations: the downtown Hilton, home of the Rancher’s Club, is now rebranded as Crowne Plaza. Rancher’s Club stays, but the casual restaurant will be reopened as “innovative New Mexican” and called Stonestreet Restaurant.
East Mountain diners have one less spot to have drinks with dinner – the Backside Alehouse has been fighting for a liquor license but recently lost their legal fight, and as a result they will close down completely. Big bummer for the 10,000+ residents out there.
Cupcakes are soooo 2004. What is even more quaint than the cute but lowly little cupcake? Yes, indeed, we have a new pastry/baking/sweets spot in town, this one focusing on that most retro of baked goods: the Bundt Cake. It’s called Nothing Bundt Cakes and is a franchise based out of Las Vegas.
And, don’t forget the FREE – I will be giving away a YEAR of “Bundtlets”, individual cutesy cakes, one per month. Just comment below and you’re in the running – I’ll give away the certificate this weekend! If I get a crapload of comments I’ll decide who deserves the cake the most. If I get just one, well…. you get it!
I’m not going to attach the press release because it’s kind of PR overload, but here are the details you need:
Today, 8/17: ribbon-cutting ceremony
Friday 8/19: Animal Humane NM benefit – go on this day and help out critters to the tune of 20% of anything you buy!
Saturday 8/20: First 50 customers get free cake, AND more benefits for Animal Humane. Yay!
Another Saturday, another episode of Break The Chain, Ryan Scott’s laudable attempt to bring more dish to the local restaurant scene by interviewing the movers, shakers, and armchair foodies to talk about everything food in Albuquerque.
This week was Matt Rembe, owner-operator of Los Poblanos Inn and Cultural Center (not Los Poblanos Organics - that’s another entity, as I’ve been informed in the comments). That’s a mouthful! I’ve gotten weekly boxes from Los Poblanos Organics before from Monte Saarsgard and his bunch of talented crew. Their produce has always been wonderful, even if they occasionally take flak for utilizing California as a source when locally grown options are thin.
The show should be up on the archives page by now – check back and listen at your leisure! I recommend you listen while the show is live – you can comment, ask questions, or call in to be a participant.
bRgR Gives 10 Percent of Burger Enlightenment to Local Creatives
On one day next weekend (September 25th), bRgR will donate 10% of all sales to Creative Albuquerque, a group fostering the growth of creative types all over town. In short, they want urban “enlightenment”, and bRgR is just the sort of place to help out, what with that so-bizarre-its-cool wallpaper and chandeliers.
