In a 1995 episode of Seinfeld, Kramer attempted to deduce George’s ATM code: “You’re a portly fellow, a bit long in the waistband. So what’s your pleasure? Is it the salty snacks you crave? No, no, no, yours is a sweet tooth. Oh you may stray, but you’ll always return to your dark master, the cocoa bean.” America is, like…
Month: February 2009
Tomasita’s – Santa Fe, New Mexico
The decade following America’s Civil War was one of burgeoning expansion westward with railroads leading the way. Railroads helped open up the Wild West which included the then territory of New Mexico. They transported wool, hides, piñon, lumber, coal, chile and other agricultural products. They served as “connectors” between villages, towns and pueblos. They bridged cultures and transcended distance, traversing through…
Sweet Tomatoes – Albuquerque, New Mexico (CLOSED)
In the early 1980s, Albuquerque native and Tokyo Olympian Buster Quist (whose brother Terry I worked for at the time) launched within the Coronado mall, one of the Duke City’s very first salad bars. The salad bar concept was a few years ahead of its time and the restaurant venture went belly up—a condition portly Americans have, not coincidentally, experienced…
Almost Gourmet Soul Food – Albuquerque, New Mexico
NOTE: Although the Almost Gourmet Soulfood restaurant is now closed, owner Genice Monroe remains in the catering business, working out of a commercial kitchen in the city. She is working on a Web site from which you will be able to order the fantastic soul food you fell in love with at her restaurant. Call Genice at (505) 353-0799 for…
Charlie’s Burgers & Mexican Food – Bernalillo, New Mexico (CLOSED)
Ashley’s Convenience Store on the ill-fated corner of Camino del Pueblo and Avenida Bernalillo achieved the type of notoriety which will be forever associated with a tragedy visited all too often upon New Mexico’s streets. In November, 2006, a driver already inebriated during a U.S. Airways flight, purchased alcohol at the convenience store before resuming his journey home and causing a…
Dahlia’s Central Mexican Cuisine – Rio Rancho, New Mexico (CLOSED)
Because Mexico spans several climatic zones and a diverse topography, its cuisine varies from region to region. As such, it’s grossly unfair to stereotype Mexican food. It’s true that until recent years, most of the Mexican restaurants in the Albuquerque’s area featured the cuisine of the border state of Chihuahua, Mexico, typified by menus offering refried beans, enchiladas, chiles rellenos…
Nana’s Trattoria & Pizzeria – Albuquerque, New Mexico (CLOSED)
What’sa matta you, hey! Gotta no respect, whatta you think you do, Why you looka so sad? It’s-a pretty bad, it’s-a not-a nice-a place, Ah, shaddap you face! Joe Dolce will just have to forgive me for the liberties I took with the lyrics to his worldwide 1980 number one song Shaddap You Face. Slightly altered, those lyrics express my…