561409 Tue Sep 30 17:02:52 -0700 2008 5 6 Southwest 0 4073124 Hello SW 'hounds!! I am making my annual trek to NM to visit my parents and need some advice. I have searched through the SW boards and have come across a few suggestions, but I need to make sure that these restaurants are still (a) open, and (b) still serving great food!! My *MUST DO* places (so far) are: The Artichoke Cafe (SE corner of Central and Edith), Jennifer James 101 (Menaul Blvd), and Nob Hill Bar & Grill (Central Ave) I have read so many facinating posts on Jennifer James, plus both NHBG (former chef of Ambrozia, correct??) and TAC's menu seem absolutely wonderful. Is there anything off all menus that I have to try? In an older thread for ALBQ I read that the lobster corn dogs of Ambrozia were a "must order," given that the chef is now at NHBG, does the food still reflect his/her past greatness? Here are a few of my *maybe's*: Le Provence Slate Street Cafe Zinc Wine Bar & Bistro Sophia's El Toro Loco (which I had heard may be the only Non-New Mexican-Mexican food restaurant, is this true??) I know that the majority of these restaurants are more on the upscale side, but I like to spoil my parents (and myself, of course) when I visit. Here is what I need recs for: *Ribs - wet or dry, preferrably pork, great southern side dishes *Mexican food - I will apologize right now: sorry NM, but I do not like your New Mexican food or chiles. I am a CA girl through and through, my grandmother was born and raised in Mexico and cooked for me all the time - so, even after years of visiting my parents (CA transplants in NM), I still haven't acquired a taste for the national cuisine. I would like any advice on places that do serve great margarita's as well (I have had Garduno's marg's, but where else?) *Cocktails - inventive, unusual, creative, interesting. Dives, college, upscale, local bars or restaurants. Happy hour or not. I'm a bartender, so I am always on the lookout for a great bar scene and drinks!! *Desserts *Any and all breakfast / lunch / dinner destinations that can't be missed!! I only have one request, please no chains / franchises. I like to support the local community!! Thanks in advance!! Tue Sep 30 17:02:52 -0700 2008 87968 cocktailqueen77 1 4073137 cocktailqueen77....thanks for posting! I will be spending all of next week in ABQ..and am looking for some great dinner spots.....Jennifer James is already on my list....they rest of my week is wide open. If you are looking for a dive...try the Frontier......the best warm green chili salsa I've ever had! http://www.frontierrestaurant.com/ It's on my list for late night chow! Tue Sep 30 17:09:29 -0700 2008 4073124 16764 ciaogal 2 4074661 Thanks ciaogal!! I hope you will post on your experiences!! Wed Oct 01 11:07:55 -0700 2008 4073137 87968 cocktailqueen77 1 4075774 Try NHB&G for cocktails only - their food has gone downhill since Ambrozia days. Absolutely try to get to Sophia's for any meal. Ditto Jennifer James (though only dinner is served). Slate Street is good, Frontier is a great breakfast spot with good people watching, La Provence is good for bistro fare. Mexican..... hm, ok. You can get pretty good stuff at El Norteno, and AMAZING breakfasts at a crummy little diner (and I mean that in the nicest possible way) called La Nortenita - homemade corn tortillas and yummy huevoes mexicanos and menudo. Mariscos La Playa is recommended for their shark tacos. Other "must do"? Great sweets can be had at Chocolate Cafe in Nob Hill, and at any Flying Star, though they are not cheap. A big part of the not cheap reason is that they use great ingredients - imported butter, organic eggs, etc etc. The coffee there has gone way downhill and now "officially" sucks. Good coffee can be had at Grove CAfe & Market, and at Michael Thomas Coffee. Good espresso can be had at the new Cafe Giuseppe's in Nob Hill, and at Ecco Gelato (but have the gelato at Giuseppes and NOT at Ecco - its too bland). For decent food but a fabulous view try Sandiago's at the base of the tram. Don't blow any money on the restaurant on the top. Hmm... I think I'm done for now. Wed Oct 01 19:38:46 -0700 2008 4073124 14632 tenacity 2 4076840 Thank you tenacity!! I'll switch NHB&G to the cocktail list, and add your Mex recs!! Thu Oct 02 09:18:26 -0700 2008 4075774 87968 cocktailqueen77 1 4077122 Abuelita's New Mexican Kitchen [about 25 minutes north of ABQ] on the way to Santa Fe 621 S CAMINO DEL PUEBLO BERNALILLO, NM (505)867-9988 Barelas Coffee House - (505) 843-7577 1502 4th St SW Casa de benavidez - north valley [ 20 minutes ] 505/898-3311 8032 4th St. NW, Cervantes - (505) 262-2253 5801 Gibson Blvd Se [near airport] Duran's Central Pharmacy [old Town; don't let name fool you] 505/247-4141 1815 Central Ave. NW El Modelo Mexican Foods (505) 242-1843 1715 2nd St Sw El Pinto [20 minutes north of ABQ; on way to santa Fe] (505) 898-1771 10500 4th St NW Il Vicino Wood Oven pizza - Nob hill/University area [also various locations] (505) 266-7855 3403 Central Ave NE Range Cafe - multiple locations (505) 293-2633 4200 Wyoming Blvd Ne B2 Yanni's - mediterranean/greek [Nob Hill/Univ area] (505) 268-9250 3109 Central Ave Ne Desserts - Flying Star, multiple locations including Central in Nob Hill Cocktails: All along Central in downtown area, for places to have some adult beverages; also along Central in Nob Hill Seasons Rotisserie & Grill [Old Town] -jazz some nights 505/766-5100 2031 Mountain Rd. NW, BBQ - Quarters; Yale near airport Madd Maxx's in Rio Rancho on 528, across from Intel Rudy's on San Mateo just north of i40 [and also Coors on westside] Dickey's on southbound frontage road of I 25 south of Jefferson There is a really nice, upscale shopping center that just opened and there are some nice restaurants there, though they are all chains I believe. Uptown on Louisiana, just north of I 40. Hope these help some. Deb Thu Oct 02 11:07:11 -0700 2008 4073124 42664 DebitNM