Saturday January 27th
10am-3pm
A day long event with pig roasting contest, horseshoe-pitching contest, tortilla-rolling contest, red chili cook-off and children’s activities.
I received an email from Luis informing me of this annual matanza in Belen. I was told that you pay $8 and its all you can eat. Pit roasted pig, tamales, chile, biscocitos, and more. I am going to have to take a drive to Belen this weekend.
Also if you know of any food related events in or around the city let me know. I can be reached through our contact form or by email at adrian@eatabq.com
5415 Academy, N.E.
Albuquerque, NM
821-5974
website
This is an Albuquerque born establishment from a family with strong loyalty to their Italian roots. The Trombino’s moved to New Mexico in the late 60’s and started in a restaurant called “Trombino’s Hamburgers.” Later in 1978, they created what it is today, their own style of Italian Restaurant and 35 recipes that reflect old-style Italian food.
For the most part the food here is very good and served in an elegant setting, much like the atmosphere. In this restaurant I tried Veal Marsala for the first time and was hooked. Now it’s one of my favorite Italian recipes and I have it whenever I can find it on a menu. The sauce has changed a little since then, but it is still good, just not quite as sweet. In this dish, a sweet marsala wine sauce is served over tender seasoned strips of veal, crimini mushrooms, and angel hair pasta.
Another favorite of mine is the Chicken Under a Brick which is a flavorful herb-crusted chicken breast, tender and moist on the inside, baked under the weight of a hot brick. This entrée is served with your choice of parmesan mashed potatoes or a spinach salad with a basil vinaigrette. I would also recommend some of their family favorites like eggplant Parmesan and Fritti Di Mare (clams, shrimp, scallops, and mussels steamed with white wine and garlic, then tossed with tomatoes and linguine pasta). Trombino’s is located next to one of the best fresh fish markets in the city, so it’s always a good choice to try one of their fresh fish selections whenever they’re available.
The servers in this restaurant are very knowledgeable about the food and wine (which is as important as the food for an Italian meal). I only received bad service one time here where the waiter was rude and did not pay enough attention to our table. I should mention that you won’t receive the most prompt service Trombinos, it is more of a relaxed atmosphere. That’s bad for those on a schedule, but good for those looking to take their time to enjoy the experience.
I really enjoy the atmosphere in this restaurant, the dining room is very elegant and relaxing while the bar area can really feel like a traditional Italian pub. For those looking for a romantic Italian spot, this is an excellent choice. I would also recommend to those looking to make a good impression to go during slow hours, you will have plenty of privacy to make the meal feel that much more special.
I would not recommend this restaurant for any of the more common Italian entrees due to the higher prices. However, there are some unique and flavorful dishes that use choice ingredients and are worth the higher prices. Ultimately, for the unique dishes, fresh seafood and high quality meats, wine, and relaxing atmosphere, Trombino’s is a great place to visit.
Taste:
[rate 7.5]
Service:
[rate 7]
Ambiance:
[rate 8]
Overall Reader Rating
[ratings]
As 2006 comes to a close, I am looking ahead to set some goals for 2007. One of my major goals is to eat more fruits and vegetables. I grew up in a family which ate a lot of meat, vegetables were a rare treat in my family. I found Los Poblanos Organics website and figured I would give it a try. Los Poblanos Organics has weekly boxes of organic fruits and vegetables. You could either pick up your box or have weekly home delivery. My theory is that each week when I am bombarded with fruits and vegetables, I will be forced to find recipes to cook. Also, it will encourage me try some vegetables that I would never have tried at the produce store. I have only received one box so far. Prices are ~26 picked up and ~31 for home delivery.
I chose to receive my box every other week instead of every week. The picture above is what I received. At first, when it was in the box, it looked a little weak. As I unpacked the box to take the picture, I was pleased with the variety and quality. I am trying to eat the most perishable items first and save the other produce for later in the week. I will keep everybody posted as the year goes on. What I received in my box:
- Fuji Apples
- Potatoes
- Bunch of herbs(rosemary, thyme and more)
- Head Garlic
- Kiwis
- Romain Lettuce
- Bunch of Spinach
- Turnips
- Frozen Pealed Green Chile
- Bunch of Carrots
- Popping Popcorn
Community Supported Agriculture, or CSA, is a special relationship that a farmer engages in with his or her local consumers. Members of the community sign up in advance for a “share” of all the fruits, vegetables, and flowers that a farmer will produce in a given season. Members of the CSA then either come to the farm once a week to pick up their “share” of the bounty, select to pick the box up at an area close to the member’s home, or can now select to have the produce delivered to their home or office.
Our CSA is now offered on a year round basis. Each member also has the flexibility to select how many weeks he/she would like to participate. Furthermore, if a full Harvest Box is too much food for a week, a member can opt to have a box prepared every other week. We are trying to make a CSA an educational, fun, and convenient way for you to support a local farm and enjoy top-quality produce.
Los Poblanos Organics
