Holy wow has a ton of stuff being going on in the Albuquerque restaurant scene. I try to keep my ears to the ground and hopefully get some tips from friends, but often I’ll just spot something and re-post here – easy for you to find later!

First and most importantly, let’s talk coffee. Cafe Giuseppe has changed ownership. I’m frankly terrified of any reduction of espresso quality, so I’ll have to go check ASAP to make sure the same folks are employed and/or any new baristas know what they’re doing with those gorgeous old style Italian machines.

Four Aces lost their King. Saul Paniagua has left Four Aces Grill on 4th Street. This is breaking and I haven’t heard yet what happened and where he might be headed next. His menu was fantastic. Bravo, Saul, and hope to see you soon.

New management means kitchen changes at St. Clair Winery & Bistro – Chef W. James LaDuke is no longer in St. Clair’s kitchen after some menu rejiggering and new cuisine philosophy. He cooked great food for many years there, so I hope to see him in a new post as soon as possible. (Any fine dining spots looking for a chef? Get in touch with me or James!)

And, last AND certainly least:  Chipotle is on the way.  Did you hear a big resounding “MEH” from me?  Yes, yes you did.  They’re even hiring management, so anyone that wants an hourly “seasonal” job in one of the toughest industries in this country, go for it.

I had mucho love for Frattelli’s Pizzeria. Shortly after I reviewed them they closed, which made me both unhappy and frustrated with the situation (landlord/tenant dispute). Not only that, I could no longer get the amazing NY Pizza that they churned out for legions of Rio Rancho fans.

This summer, another Pizzeria opened in the same space (near as I can tell from the address): Bambino’s Pizzeria.

No one has yet posted reviews, though one guy apparently loves it and has posted a tantalizing photo of some massive slices:

With more reviews and more feedback, time will tell if this place is decent or even (hope, hope) the same folks as Frattelli’s. So, has anyone been? Good stuff or just oversized triangles of aspiration?

I have made a resolution. The time has come to stop whining and sniping about restaurant websites that leave me unsatisfied, mystified, or just plain pissed off.

New feature coming your way: Albuquerque restaurant websites that make me wince.

No one will be spared.

First up: my favorite chef in town. Ouch.

I have mostly laziness to blame for not talking up the best new radio show in this city in a really long time: Break the Chain on 1550 KIVA AM.

I have been a guest once (soon to be twice), and it is always a great time and a FAST hour.

The previous guests have all been excellent resources and interesting personalities.  I hope that this continues and we are able to keep hearing the voices of local restaurant owners, those interested in food, and even those who have a stake in farming, business and the future of our food supply.

Here’s the impressive guest list so far:

Gil Garduno (Albuquerque food blogger)
Cheryl Jamison (author and New Mexico foodie treasure)
Kate Manchester (editor of Edible Santa Fe)
Fran and Kevin Hopper of Local IQ
Nicole Villareal of Nicky V’s Pizzeria and Larry McGoldrick (food blogger)
Ari LeVaux (Alibi food fanatic and writer, TWICE)
Billy Baldwin of Billy’s Long Bar, Horse & Angel Tavern, AND Stone Face Tavern
Maxime and Daniela of Torino’s @ Home (the best Italian joint in the whole darn city)
Chris Morales of Golden Crown Panaderia
Cheri Frost (food blogger and traveler)
Saul Paniagua of 4 Aces Grill
Matt Rembe of Los Poblanos
Tim Harris of Tim’s Place Cafe
John Calvin of Casa Rondena Winery
Omar and Tony Neshiewat of Times Square Deli Mart and Sahara Middle Eastern Eatery

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 . . .”