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4500 Silver SE
Albuquerque NM, 87102
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This a unique location! Los Equipales is located in the an old bank building at 4500 Silver SE, right next to Highland High School. From the outside, it doesn’t look like a restaurant but the huge signs all over the exterior tell you it is. Even so, it looks closed from the outside and the wall around the restaurant is unwelcoming, despite all of this I chose to venture on in.
The interior is beautifully designed with warm colors, handmade chairs (los equipales), soft lighting and gorgeous tile. The walls are adorned with Mexican paintings and two bright parrots hang from the ceilings. The interior of Los Equipales is very welcoming, and I was greeted instantly and politely by the staff. This was more of a “fine dining” experience than I expected.
Continue reading ‘Los Equipales’
Happy St Patrick’s Day from Eat Albuquerque.
Eatabq.com quote of the day: Have fun, wear green, drink green beer, be safe, and the most important, Eat! Albuquerque.
Today Governor Richardson signs into law the Statewide Smoking Ban. The law bans smoking in restaurants, bars, stores and workplaces. The ban takes effect on June 15. According to the Free New Mexican, details:
“Smoking would be banned statewide in bars, restaurants, stores and workplaces if Gov. Bill Richardson signs a bill that cleared the Legislature on Friday.
If the proposal is enacted, New Mexico will become the 17th state — joining the neighboring states of Arizona and Colorado — with a law establishing a broad smoke-free policy.
Thirteen New Mexico communities, including Santa Fe and Albuquerque, have imposed smoking bans. The legislation would permit cities and counties to implement stronger bans, but local restrictions couldn’t be less than provided for in the bill.
The legislation provides some exceptions where smoking could continue, including retail tobacco stores, cigar bars, casinos, bingo parlors, private and fraternal clubs, one-person offices not generally open to the public, hotel rooms where smoking is allowed, sites for American Indian ceremonies and private homes, except when they’re used for commercial child or adult care.”
Finally I can go out to a bar and not have every cell in my body permeated with cigarette smoke.
321 Rio Grande Blvd NW
Albuquerque, NM 87104
505.247.9625
Situated in a old home across Rio Grande Blvd. from Old Town. Chef Monica Baca cooks with traditional recipes passed down trough the generations. The interior of this old building is set up in small dining rooms. As you would expect from a restaurant in Old Town, New Mexican art adorns the walls and entry. My wife has been wanting to try this place for a long time. She has heard good things about the food.
We went into Monica’s clueless on what to expect from this little charming restaurant in Old Town. I had the combination plate which came with a chile relleno, beef enchilada, beans and rice. The red chile had a surprising kick to it. I was expecting a more mild heat, especially coming from a place that caters to a lot of tourists. The relleno and the enchiladas were good but not great. My wife had the chicken tacos. The chicken came shredded, but lacked flavor. Thankfully it came with salsa and guacamole to add flavor the tacos. The prices were fair, $8.75 for the two idem combination plate and $6.55 for the chicken tacos. Next time I am going to have to try the breakfast items. We left satisfied, but knowing that there’s better New Mexican food restaurants in the area.
Although some staff is very informal and friendly, the servers seem rushed. We have gone twice and both times we had to sit a dirty table while the waitress goes to find a rag to clean the tables. Not a very good first impression especially being a weeknights and not very busy.
Pros: Nice hot red chile
Cons: Service
Taste:
[rate 7.5]
Service:
[rate 6]
Ambiance:
[rate 7.5]
Overall Reader Rating
[ratings]
An article in the Albuquerque Journal today announced that the Albuquerque Petroleum Club is closing. The Petroleum Club was a “members only” restaurant , bar and meeting space. A lot of Albuquerque’s business deals were made over lunch at the Petroleum Club. I once went to the Petroleum Club for a wedding. The windows extend from floor to ceiling, giving the club one of the best views in the city. The dining room is large and open. Maybe this is an opportunity for a public restaurant to capture this unique space.
Albuquerque journal | Via Duke City Fix
3636 Monte Vista Blvd. N.E.
Albuquerque NM, 87106
Lomas At Carlisle
255.8686
Two things I can tell you about this restaurant, it has a very good location and yet it is not easy to find. I lived within two miles from this restaurant for some time before I realized what it really is; a restaurant, store, and pharmacy all rolled into one. Much like the Cracker Barrel, you enter into a fully loaded store before being seated into the restaurant. The store is full of cosmetics, novelties, and of course pharmaceuticals. It is a very interesting place to visit and you can take a look at the store while you wait for your food. But let’s get down to this business, how is the food?
The menu isn’t very extensive, offering only lunch choices of salads and sandwiches. The first thing you’ll notice from the menu is that the entrees are not cheap. This is a mid-range priced restaurant with entrees averaging over 8 dollars. I suppose in that price you pay a little for the attached store and hometown shop feel. The menu is straightforward and you seem to get exactly what you expect. Also, the portions are not very large, especially for the salads, so the price seems a little too much at times. My recommendations here are the Brisket Roll and also the Grilled Ham with Roasted Peppers and Melted Brie. I also enjoy the Chicken Walnut Sandwich, but think it is better at some other establishments. This restaurant is also locally famous for its Shakes and Malts made from Dreyer’s Ice Cream. Their house dessert sits cooling on the bar like a freshly baked pie on a window sill. It is a great Fruit Cobbler that is even better a la mode.
I really appreciated the classic feel to this restaurant, like a colorful shop reminding us of a time past. Both the restaurant and store are divided into small areas so it does feel a little crowded between tables and aisles. But, there is always something to catch your interest here, especially if you wonder off into the pharmacy area. It is just a friendly and laid-back atmosphere that fits in with the University area. The place has a homely feel and is run by just a couple of servers, a cook, and a shop attendant/cashier. The times I have been here they have all been very loose and friendly, which is suiting for this type of establishment. It seems to me like a good place to visit for lunch to forget your busy life and just relax.
Taste:
[rate 6.5]
Service:
[rate 7.5]
Ambiance:
[rate 8.5]
Overall Reader Rating
[ratings]
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
I would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. We will be taking a couple of weeks off for the holidays. Expect some new reviews in early January.
Best wishes
Adrian
3851 Rio Grande, N.W.
Albuquerque, NM
345-3354
Johndhi’s BBQ, formerly known as Geezamboni’s, is an eclectic smokehouse situated at the corner of Rio Grande Blvd. and Griegos. The building seemed to be built in a small converted home with many small rooms and a large outdoor patio. The restaurant has old wood floors with colorful artwork adorning the walls. As you walk in you will see their selection of wines and micro-brews. Jhondhi’s menu includes BBQ, sandwiches, burgers, Greek items and more.
The BBQ is good with a strong smokey flavor to it. The barbecue comes smothered with their house barbecue sauce. The sauce is not my favorite, it is too tangy and overwhelms the meat. On my last visit I had the BBQ combo with curly fires and a ranch salad. I especially like their pork ribs and links which came with the combo. Jhondi’s true strengths are their sandwiches and burgers. They have a huge selection of sandwiches, my favorite has to be the Grilled Ruben. The Ruben is grilled rye with corn beef, topped with sauerkraut and dressing. My wife loved the Philly steak and the Monster pastrami sandwiches. The burgers are full of flavor, including the chile cheese burger which comes with your choice of three different cheeses. The sandwiches and burgers come with a choice of steak fries, curly fires, coleslaw, or baked beans. The portions are huge, but consisting of mostly the fries.
The service has been very good on all visits. The employees are friendly and willing to small talk. Some of the prices are a little high. BBQ meals start at over ten dollars and the combo I mentioned was $14.50. Most the sandwiches are $8.25 excluding the Monster Pastrami which was $9.25. The burgers on the other hand are relatively cheap starting at $5.75. That said, Jhondhi’s is a well rounded restaurant offering good food and good service. I will definitely be coming back to explore more of the menu.
Pros: Sandwiches, Burgers, Portions, Service, Charm
Cons: High Prices, BBQ Sauce
Taste:
[rate 7]
Service:
[rate 8]
Ambiance:
[rate 8]
Overall Reader Rating
[ratings]
