Albuquerque Lunch?

[maillard]

I'll be driving through Albuquerque in a few weeks and was looking for lunch recommendations. I'd like to try regional specialties, though I suspect I may be limited in that by my dislike of cheese. I'm interested in trying chicharrones, empanadas, tamales, and anything else that is cheeseless... Since this is a lunch stop, somewhere not too far from I-40 would be best, but if the tastiest food is a bit further away, I'm definitely willing to take the time to get to it.

Thanks!

[Erich]

Mary & Tito's Cafe is blocks from I-40 (take 6th St exit, go N one block on 6th to Menaul - restaurant is on W side of 4th just N of Menaul) and is probably where you can get the best carne adovada that's available for sale in a restaurant. Ask for them to hold the cheese.

[maillard]

Oh my, carne adovada is clearly exactly what I need to eat in New Mexico. Thank you for pointing that out to me. :) How is it served?

And Mary and Tito's sounds good, I just read a few reviews of it. How does it compare to Perea's?

[paoconnell]

Typically carne adovada is served with tortillas on the side, to wipe up the red chile. Some places will serve sides of browned potatoes (papas) or maybe shredded lettuce and tomato. Mary and Tito's is better than Perea's, if for no other reason than they make their red chile by hand (not from chile powder).

[JolYumz]

As a correction to paoconnell's comment "Mary and Tito's is better than Perea's, if for no other reason than they make their red chile by hand (not from chile powder)."
Well the owner of Perea's makes all the food from fresh ingredients including chile pods. He daily roasts and grinds the red chile. I just thought that this was an important fact to point out.

[jhenner]

The breakfast burrito at Milton's is a must. Have it with the red sauce. I also love Bumblebee's green chili stew with lamb.

[jhenner]

This is to Link to a Place

[NMculinary]

Not too far off the Big I, where Interstates 40 and 25 cross, El Modelo has some of the best New Mexican food in Albuquerque. My favorite is the burrito carne desebrada. It's only a take out, but you could combine your stop with a visit to nearby National Spanish Heritage Cultural Center. You can order any item without cheese.

[maillard]

Just wanted to report back that I made it to Mary & Tito's for lunch and had the carne adovada. It was completely delicious. Thanks so much to everyone who replied with suggestions!