Q: I was in Albuquerque and ate at a fine restraunt after taking a tram ride up a mountain. Do you know the name of this restraunt and would you recommend it?
A: If you ate at the top of the mountain then you must have been at High Finance--it's the only restaurant up there. If you at at the base of the tram it was probably Sandiago's.

Both have excellent views!
Q: Where can I find a wide assortment of places to eat near the intersection of candelaria and tramway
A: Try these dining maps: www.itsatrip.org/maps/dining-maps. For restaurants near Candelaria and Tramway, select "Eastside" and it will populate a good list of places to eat in the area. 
Q: I am looking for cooking lessons... any suggestions?
A:
I definitely recommend checking out Blue Plate Special. They offer individual and group classes with hands-on, interactive lessons. Happy cooking!

Q: Greetings Gwyneth! Other than High Finance, where is a great place to have Thanksgiving dinner that offers spectacular views of Albuquerque and/or the Sandia Mountains?
A: Thanksgiving is tough, Selena, because many restaurants close for the holiday in order to allow the employees to be with their families.
Because it's on top of Sandia Crest, High Finance does have great views. Although it doesn't have a great view, I recommend you try the Rancher's Club for a marvelous Thanksgiving dinner.
Q: I am attending a lesbian wedding in Albuquerque in August, and I am not sure if there will be potluck food or not?? Which do you think is the most appropriate to bring, red or green???
A: Well, Anne, I'll tell you what my mother always told me: Never wear white shoes after Labor Day, but feel free to bring red or green to a lesbian wedding potluck! Seriously, I think a pot of green chile stew or a big tray of red chile beef enchiladas would make a welcome addition to any gathering. Just make sure there's plenty of it!
Q: We are visiting New Mexico for the first time this summer. I’m really interested in trying new kinds of food—is there a particular Native American dish you can recommend trying while I’m there?
A: For an authentic taste of Native American fare, head to the Harvest Pueblo Cafe´ at the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center for a sample of fry bread, posole (hominy stew with chile) and other traditional feast day foods. Go to www.indianpueblo.com for more information.
Q: What is the difference between New Mexican cuisine and Mexican cuisine? Is there a difference?
A: In short: yes, there is a difference. New Mexican cuisine (from the state of New Mexico) is very different from Mexican cuisine (from Mexico, the country).  New Mexican cuisine is the happy marriage of Native American foods—like blue corn and squash—with chile peppers, wheat flour, pork and other ingredients the Spanish settlers brought with them from Europe and Mexico.  As a rule, New Mexican food uses a lot of cheese, beans and chile, while Mexican food tends to use a lot of spices, salsas, grilled meats and seafood.  If you’re in Albuquerque and interested in comparing, you’re in luck! We have plenty of restaurants that serve both.  
Q: I’ll be in Albuquerque in August. I’m really not into Mexican food or spicy dishes—I’m more of a red wine, red meat kinda gal. Are there any non-New Mexican restaurants you can recommend while I’m there?
A:
Rest easy, when your hunger pangs call for something besides green chile chicken enchiladas, Albuquerque has thousands of other intriguing restaurants to choose from. We've got brick oven pizzerias, pit-smoked barbecue joints, Vietnamese cafe´s or prime steakhouses. You want vegetarian, Mediterranean, Italian, Spanish, Greek or Chinese? We've got it.  For a great list of restaurants in the area go to: http://www.itsatrip.org/dining-nightlife/restaurants/default.aspx 
 
Red wine, red meat, huh? My kinda gal! One of my favorite places to get a nice glass of red wine and enjoy a good steak is Zinc Wine Bar & Bistro (http://www.zincabq.com) in Nob Hill.  While you’re there try the duck egg rolls as an appetizer…delicious! Also try: Antiquity Restaurant in Old Town, Gruet Steakhouse at the Monte Vista Firestation (www.gruetsteakhouse.com), Scalo Northern Italian Grill (www.scalonobhill.com), Seasons Rotisserie & Grill (www.seasonsabq.com) and countless others…

Q: We have read about doing a Progressive Dinner is the best way to experience different kinds of Albuquerque restaurants. Are there ORGANIZED Progressive Dinners or do we have to do it on our own??
A: Unfortunately, I don't know of any organized progressive dinners. However, you might try spending some time with our interactive dining map, which allows you to create a customized map of different restaurants based on your individual preferences and location. 
Q: We will be in Albuquerque next weekend. I just looked at the weather and it’s supposed to be gorgeous! Can you recommend a good place to go and sit outside on patio to enjoy the weather and maybe a margarita?
A:
There is nothing better on a hot day than a breezy patio and a cold drink! Luckily, because Albuquerque is blessed with such amazing weather, patios are a pretty common amenity.  We have so many fantastic options, it’s hard to choose just one, but some of my favorite patios include: 
O’Niells Irish Pub (www.oniells.com), El Pinto (www.elpinto.com), Church Street (www.churchstreetcafe.com), St. Clair (www.stclairvineyards.com), Casa de Benevides (898-3311) and Calico Cafe´ (www.calicocafellc.com)

Q: Last time I was in Alb waiters kept asking me “red or green?” I know they were talking about chili, but that’s all I know. I’m coming back and would love to know what exactly chili is, and what the diff is btwn the red and green.
A:
A chile, not to be confused with chili (which is commonly found in Texas and is made of meat, beans and red chile powder) is a New Mexican staple.  As you’ve probably already discovered, chile is hard to escape when you come to New Mexico—even the fast food chains like McDonalds and Pizza Hut carry green chile for their hamburgers and pizzas. 

So, what is chile? Chiles are peppers and they come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes; the most common chile here in New Mexico is the Anaheim Chile. What’s the difference? Well, all chiles start out green—red chile is simply a ripened green chile that has been dried and ground into a powder which is then made into a sauce.  Green chile can be served whole, chopped or in a sauce.  

The question inevitably arises: Which is hotter? And the answer is: Neither. Depending on the variety, growth and harvest conditions, the level of spiciness between red and green chile can vary significantly. Just ask your server which is hotter that day and you should be safe. 

So, the next time your server asks you the question, “red or green?” you’ll know how to answer.  Say "Christmas" if you want both red and green chile, and don't be afraid to ask for the chile on the side if you're not sure. But whatever you do, don’t skip it! It’s a taste that’s unique to the area and if you give it a chance, you’re sure to love it by the time you leave. 

Q: Help! I grew up in Albuquerque on N.M. chiles and now live in upstate rural New York. There does not seem to be anywhere short of the internet and high shipping costs to get good chiles here. Any suggestions?
A: You're right - some of those websites do charge an arm and a leg for shipping, and unfortunately, Farmers Market doesn't ship.  I would try Chile Traditions, I think it looks like your best bet. Good luck!   
Q: I am looking for a dinner theater to attend while in Albuquerque is there one in town? (dates 2-12 through 2/14) Thanks a bunch!
A: Albuquerque specializes in theater and dinner, but not usually together. No knights on horseback and steak on a stake here. The only true dinner theater offering I can think of is the Mystery Cafe in uptown.  Other than that, we've got plenty of fabulous local theater venues with restaurants nearby!
Q: If you were to choose one restaurant in Albuquerque witch one would be you'r favorite?
A: That's a tough question. If you want to know which restaurant serves food could you probably not find anywhere else? Someplace that is totally unique and really captures the flavor of New Mexico, I'd recommend the Pueblo Harvest Cafe at the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center.
Q: Do you have suggestions of publishers for home cooks interested in writing cookbooks?
A: The easiest way to get your cookbook published is to use a self-publisher. You can find plenty of options on the Internet. You can also use a service like TasteBook if you just want to publish a cookbook for yourself or a small group.

Good luck!
Q: Hello! We are celebrating a family birthday with a girls spa getaway weekend planned for Mothers day weekend. Can you recommend a great Mothers Day brunch or dinner that offers music? We are a party of 10!
A:
Sounds like a fun trip! There are several restaurants offering something special for Mother's Day weekend. Here are my recommendations: 
  • St. James Tearoom - I'm not sure if they are offering live music, but they are offering a special menu plus a floral porcelain cup & saucer, a hand-embroidered napkin... all beautifully wrapped with a big bow! 
  • Shark Reef Café at the Botanic Garden - treat all the moms in the family to a delicious brunch while you enjoy views into the Aquarium’s Shark Tank and smaller jewel tanks. Call 404-848-7182 to reserve your table. Later on in the day there is also a Mother's Day Symphony Concert at the Rio Grande Zoo, which should be fun too!  
  • Corn Maiden & Santa Ana Cafe at Hyatt Tamaya- offering a special menu accompanied by Native American flute music.  
All of these places should be able to accommodate a party of 10 as long as you make sure and call ahead. Have so much fun! 
Q: Coming to albuquerque in september what are some all the locals favorite restaurants?
A:
While it is difficult to speak on behalf of all the locals, here are a few of this local's favorites: 
Q: Will be in Albuq,staying at the MCM on Menaul before joining a group.Are there restaurants on Menaul for dinner, and safe sidewalks?Can you rec one? 2) We don't eat spicy food or cheese. Will restaurants honor our needs?
A: You'll be staying right around the corner from one of Albuquerque's best steakhouses, The Rancher's Club. I recommend you walk over there and enjoy a drink in the comfy bar before digging into a juicy rib-eye. Be sure to order the Caesar salad, which is made tableside.
Q: I'm bringing approx 50 high school kids for a visit to UNM in July. Lookimg for a moderately priced restaurant that can seat approx 50 for dinner.(July 13th)
A: I think your best bet is El Pinto. They can accommodate large parties and work with big groups frequently. Contact them directly to work out a menu and budget that suit your needs.  
Q: Visiting Albuquerque next week for the first time. 2 things. First of all, I have a sweet tooth. Where are the best bakeries, and more importantly, the best biscochito cookies?? And the best place to see views of the city and surrounding mountains.
A: If you want to take a break for a cup of coffee and some sweets, try Flying Star Cafe. There are locations all over the city, and their baked goods are fantastic.

The best biscochitos are made at Golden Crown Panaderia, a tiny little bakery near Old Town. Take some home with you!

While you're in Old Town, you might want to have a drink on the upstairs patio at Seasons, which offers lovely views of the mountains and downtown.
Q: My family eats at a wonderful new New Mexican restaurant (Cocina Azul) on 12th and Mountain. Have you eaten there and if yes, do you like the food? We love the red and green chile on anything!
A: I have tried Cocina Azul. I'm a big fan of the posole, which is some of the best I've had. Try it next time!
Q: Just moved to Alq and love it! But...where is the food really really spicy and authentic? Where is the mole?!!! I've had it all over Santa Fe but I live here.
A:
Great question! Albuquerque is FULL of authentic New Mexican restaurants that serve fiery red and green chile. Try Los Cuates, Monica's El Portal, Sadie's, Casa de Benavidez or Church Street Cafe for a good introduction.

We also have several restaurants that serve mole, the national dish of Mexico. Because mole is not something that is widely made by native New Mexicans, you'll usually need to look for it in Mexican restaurants. How to tell the difference? Mexican restaurants do not usually serve red and green chile; they do usually serve things like barbacoa and desebrada, seafood cocteles, fish tacos, sandwiches called tortas—and mole.
 
If you are looking for some authentic mole, look no further than Albuquerque's National Hispanic Cultural Center. The cultural center's restaurant, La Fonda Del Bosque, is sure to satisfy your mole cravings!  
Q: I wanted to know what is the best BBQ place in Albuquerque? Something along the lines of a hole in the wall, a place only locals know. Thanks.
A: Good question!

Unlike Texas, New Mexico is not known for its barbecue. The familiar beef brisket and sauce-slathered ribs are not a part of our state's native culinary tradition. But we do love barbecue! And we have some great places to get it.

I'm particularly fond of Rudy's, where you absolutely must try the pulled pork. It's some of the best I've had.
Q: I am visiting Alb this weekend, and I have never been here before. My boyfriend and I are big chips/salsa eaters with a large margarita. I like quesadillas and he likes enchiladas with eggs. Where do you suggest?
A: El Pinto is a great place in Albuquerque's North Valley where you can get great margaritas and a perfect basket of chips and salsa. They even make jar their own salsa so you can take some home with you!
Q: Honestly...in your personal opinion...what are a couple of dining spots NOT TO BE MISSED in old town ABQ? Staying at Hotel Albuquerque at Old Town (Heritage Hotel) THANKS.
A: If you're staying in Old Town then you're within walking distance of two great treats: Seasons and The Candy Lady.

I recommend dinner downstairs or happy hour on the roof of Seasons. If you get there early or late ask about fancy cocktail specials in the rooftop bar.

The Candy Lady sells delicious locally-made sweets that you'll want to bring home to friends.
Q: I'm looking for a chilli cook-off or an organisation that organises them in New Mexico, more specifically on Route 66 for an endurance challenge across the USA?! Many thanks
A: We do have a couple of cookoffs scheduled for this summer, including the Southwest Regional Cookoff and New Mexico State Chili Cookoff, held at the Route 66 Casino near Albuquerque August 7-8, 2010.
Q: Does Albuquerque have any food tours?
A: Great question! Sadly, though, the answer is no. As of right now there are no organized food tours specifically focused on Albuquerque's cuisine. As an alternative, you might try using this interactive dining map to create your own food tour. You might also consider checking out the New Mexico’s Green Chile Cheeseburger Trail. 
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