“People who love to eat are always the best people.”
– Julia Child
When Friends of Gil (FOG) get together, good food happens. So do good times and great conversation among some of the most passionate gastronomes in the Duke City area. El Norteño was the site of the most recent FOG dinner shared by nineteen. Guests included five of the ten most prolific commentators on Gil’s Thrilling (And Filling) Blog: Bob of the Village of Los Ranchos, Bruce Schor (with Lady Grayce), Jim Millington (with Janet, the Child Bride), Larry McGoldrick (with the pulchritudinous Chase girls, Barbara and Linda) and John Lucas (with fabulous Kay).
We were also graced with the presence of FOG newcomers Sarah and Rolk Dolk. No strangers to the hospitality industry, Sarah and Rol own and operate the Adobe Nido Bed and Breakfast which is very close to Old Town shopping, museums and downtown night life. Joe and Kazzie Guzzardi, the much loved proprietors of Joe’s Pasta House in Rio Rancho joined just as we were about to order dessert. As far as we know, the infamous Suzie Queue was not in attendance.
While some of the FOG hadn’t ever dined at El Norteño, others of us visit frequently. As one of the most long-lived and beloved Mexican restaurants in the Duke City, El Norteño has been a perennial winner of “Best Mexican” restaurant honors in various publications. Instead of a fixed price meal as we’ve had in previous FOG dinners, guests ordered from the menu. Larry McGoldrick, the professor with the perspicacious palate not only ordered the most tongue-twisting dish on the menu (Huachinango a la Veracruzana), he was able to pronounce it like a native.
Our thanks to Mary Ann Spencer for organizing a very fun and enjoyable event. The stunning Shawne volunteered to organize FOG IV which is tentatively slated for November. We hope many more of you are able to join us.
Bobo, I’m not sure I understand your reference to me in the previous post. Are you saying I’m a wet blanket and I’m put off by Prix fixe menus? Explanation please.
I wont be able to attend this great sounding FOG dinner. Seasons is a great place for it, thanks Jen. I will be at the nrxt be it a Holiday special or a ringing in of 2015.
OMG, Don’t know how I did it, but some how I completely spaced over Jen’s Feedback Header for The FOG Gathering. Thanks for the reminder Jim.
~ Alas…If we can’t go “Solo” in ordering, then for 2 bucks more, my pitch is for the Buffet 3 in order to get the “Beef” medallions…LOL. (Re other limiting choices the “Host” must make: Mine would be Salmon; Tiramasu; Caesar Salad is good…albeit for it to be prepared Table Side as in the Olden Days would be “Especial”!
~ Don’t wish to be a wet blanket nor to put anyone on the spot, e.g. like FGFABQ, but hopefully some Folks/Couples aren’t off-put by the Prix fixe required due to a group being “large”, especially if they ain’t into Salads/Desserts. If so, and pardon my being presumtive, please share.
~I’m flexible Jen (appreciative of your efforts) for whatever site you guide us to!
Folks, please review options here: http://seasonsabq.com/party-menus/ to respond before Oct. 24th !!! In the meantime please input!!!!
OMG, Don’t know how I did it, but I completely missed Jen’s Feedback Header for The FOG Gathering. Thanks for the reminder Jim.
~ Alas…If we can’t go “Solo” in ordering, then for 2 bucks more, my pitch is for the Buffet 3 in order to get the “Beef” medallions…LOL. (Re other limiting choices the “Host” must make: Mine would be Salmon; Tiramasu; Caesar Salad is good…albeit for it to be prepared Table Side as in the Olden Days would be “Especial”!
~ Don’t wish to be a wet blanket nor to put anyone on the spot, e.g. like FGFABQ, but hopefully some Folks/Couples aren’t off-put by the Prix fixe required due to a group being “large”, especially if they ain’t into Salads/Desserts.
I’m flexible Jen (appreciative of your efforts) for whatever site you guide us to!
Thank you for bumping this, Jim. I was going to do so this week. I’m going to need a head count and menu choice within two weeks of the dinner. Gil, does this next dinner need a fresh post on the blog to prompt responses, or should we carry on with this one? Thanks, everyone!
We have the room confirmed for 25-ish people on November 8th at 7:00. Yay!
Please take a look at their party menu options here. We would need an accurate head count, though. http://seasonsabq.com/full-menus/party-menus/
They said they would be happy to accommodate whatever changes we fabulous foodie friends would like.
I am amazed that nobody has responded to this but we (2 of us) can learn to love plated dinner menu 2 (it all looks low fat low calorie to me). Caesar Salad, Roasted Pork Loin Medallions & New York Style Cheesecake look good to me.
B-A-L,
Just when your hipness was in ascention you take 5steps backward. You had started to erase the negative hipness caused by PBR and your beloved Firebird and now that’s all gone away.
Pharell sang this summer’s feel good song, Happy, and wore his funky hat.
Come on Bobo, get that case of acute hipness back!
By the way the folks here in Manhattan Beach are just not attuned to the “hipness” of the Lighthouse, infering that it, like your hipness is descending.
One of those folks saying they thought it closed when Eisenhower left office.
I’m just saying……..
While I have no disrespect for The Batman Jen, and for Folks, like myself wondering what the heck a Pharell is, I propose that our very own Smokey Bear’s hat be the standard of excellence http://tinyurl.com/njmcdd4 (with this fedora http://tinyurl.com/punkv9x a strong 2nd or if you must be into ‘caps’, this would be right-on http://tinyurl.com/k3t7wrk) when drawing for a FOG experience!
Otherwise, looking forward to hearing the outcome re Seasons!
FGFABQ: The hat had a Batman insignia. Pharrell’s hat is too close to the Arby’s logo for me. 🙂
JohnL, you must be psychic. I left a voicemail with the manager today about reserving the event room for 20-25-ish people for November 8th at 7:00 p.m.. I expect to hear back tomorrow and will update either way.
I gathered that there were issues with previous events having a prix fixe menu, and having to make up the difference in expected payment when people didn’t show up when they had RSVP’d that they would. It would probably be safer to just order off their wonderful seasonal menu, don’t you think?
Super! Nov 8 at Seasons. Do we have a time yet and any ideas on the menu? jsu asking.
Thank you, Jen.
Great choice.
Now awaiting word from the Pregnancy Gods, daughter due Halloween.
If you have a limited number of FOGies I’ll just look forward to the next one and bring pictures of my new granddaughter.
One question, does the aforementioned hat resemble the one worn by Pharrell Williams?
There is always the possibility of an informal FOG III.V. I was thinking that there would be an opportunity for us to informally meet at one of these famed New Mexican outposts sometime in the interim – Pete’s in Belen, Bibo, El Paragua in Espanola; anywhere, really.
The hat has spoken. Seasons it is. November 8th.
Dennis, your event sounds wonderful! I’ll try to make it.
Barring being shot by a jealous husband (which seems very unlikely) we will be there. I promise to not be passive or effective any more. Thank you.
FYI We’ve attended several group meetings at Seasons in a private dining room on the ground floor. Some at 11am and others at 6pm.
Jen et al.—
Wherever the location, “only Hell or high water……”, wait- high water kept me away from FOG III– then,”only Hell will keep me from FOG IV”. I look forward to it—
As I was looking over my upcoming calendar, I realized that there might be an opportunity for a FOG III.5??
On September 12th, my theatre company, FUSION, will be holding its First Friday event. On the first Friday of each theatrical run, for the price of a show ticket, we open the doors at 5 pm, ply our patrons with NYPD pizza and Marble Brewing products, salads, and desserts, and then present the show at a special 6 pm curtain time. This upcoming production is a romantic comedy, OUTSIDE MULLINGAR by John Patrick Shanley (nominated for a TONY Award this past Broadway season). He previously wrote MOONSTRUCK (won an Oscar) and DOUBT (won a Pulitzer and a Tony Award). I can easily say that the cast of this production is the most accomplished I have seen in my 25 years in NM– two actors from DC, one from Santa Fe, and an Albuquerquean. The show runs 90 minutes without intermission, and there is much mingling post-show. It’s a lot of fun. The performance is being held at The Cell Theatre, 700 1st St. NW, just south of Lomas. We are seating only 65 for this event. Tickets are not yet on sale to the general public (this Tuesday or Wednesday), and the event will sell-out quickly once announced. We are only performing seven shows at The Cell before moving-on to the KiMO, The Lensic in Santa Fe and then the Rio Grande in Las Cruces. If interested, I have let the box office know that anyone who calls us at 505.766.9412 and mentions FOG, will be able to secure seats.
Not a true “foodie” event, but fun nonetheless—
Gastronomically yours,
Dennis
Gil’s review of Bibo: https://www.nmgastronome.com/?p=33159
Jen,
What is Bibo?
Thanks.
We’ve had some time to reflect. Brunch is still an option. A mini road trip has been suggested. So many factors, so many voices, all of which I would love to accommodate.
If we’re willing to drive a bit, why don’t we all get crazy and descend upon Bibo some early weekend afternoon (with some notice, for their sakes) for a wonderful burger and a beverage on a lovely, early fall day? The drive is bound to be scenic in November with the rains we’ve been blessed with this summer, and the overall experience, memorable.
If that’s too far, Seasons is close, easy and never disappoints. I’m cool with whatever. I just want to enjoy some lively company and good food, and I want to make sure everyone has a very positive experience.
Pho Bar on Southern, anyone?
The Spot in Corrales, anyone?
I love Jennifer James but I don’t think it’s conducive to socializing nor do I think we can be accommodated in one area even her community table.
Has brunch been kaboshed? Doesn’t Seasons have a private room upstairs?
Perhaps one of the Tamaya restaurants has an area where we could have brunch either off the menu or their buffet.
Just throwing ideas out there in case I’m available.
What about those Famous Huevos Los Ranchos we keep hearing about, B-A-L?
Continued: to Tokyo I won’t be joining Jim and the CB for what sounds like a tour of the culinary delights of that city.
I will though be eating the best sushi I have ever had, in California which if I’m correct is a coastal state.
I can only give a “maybe”.
I’m scheduled to become a grandfather for the first time on Halloween.
I will let you know.
While I’ll be closer
8th sounds Gr8 Jen…well, so far*.
While it’s not the Dog House (which was filled to the Gills (no pun intended) last night, JJ’s and Season’s sounds delicious**. Might Nexus be too ‘close’ per seating on a Sat. night? I think it would be a hoot to get my ‘rave’ for a 1/2 order of the Red Chile Ribs critiqued simultaneous/ in-my-face, by such an august mob on the Fiesta Patio. Alas, it being El Pinto, I know that’s not going to happen…LOL
Besides Zinc, I’d suggest Blade’s http://www.bladesbistro.com/, but feel a none Fri/Sat eve would be best in terms of possible noise level. Am fairly sure Grayce of FGFABQ could get Anja to get Kevin to do a weekend Special like some sort of filet (other than sweetbreads) a day earlier. Per Brunches, perhaps their Sunday Brunch at a later gathering, as am sure Jim’s Bride will be packing the 9th! Need FGFABQ to note if that would be too busy of late tho.
Alas, per Jen’s upscale bent per offerings/ambiance and not seeing anyone venturing there, I’d like to re-introduce/suggest Luna Mansion http://lunamansion.com/history/ for the pool of choices, which in the olden days was a quite popular place before it went off track for awhile per change of owners/chefs. Time wise, its only about 10 minutes more via the interstate than many places via streets in ABQ.
*Caution-Off topic, but speaking of ‘so far down the road’, please consider marking your calendars for the 15th Making Strides against Breast Cancer Walk at the new time of Sun. Oct. 26th. Registering starts at 8AM for a 5K walk, step-off at 9 from near the theater lot at Cottonwood Mall around the Bosque area to raise about 1/2 million that stays mostly in town. Thanks!!!
** See Comment this date re Seasons
I have been (somewhat passively, but effectively) strong-armed. In other words, there was a suggestion posted. How is the 8th for everyone?
Unlike Jim, I’ll happily forgo a planned trip to Mr. Tokyo (https://www.nmgastronome.com/?p=14087) to join the FOG for a sumptuous repast. Any time. Any place.
Jim, your “leaving for Tokyo” comment was inappropriate because the rest of us probably do not also have the opportunity to do so. Please be sensitive to the rest of this blog’s readers.
🙂 Have a BLAST.
Fear not, you can easily have the opportunity to do so too. The primary rule is to become old and feeble of mind and body. Then potential employers will ask, “Can Senile Geezer Jim contribute anything of value to this company?”
When they arrive at the obvious answer apply to Social Security for a monthly welfare check. You will have plenty of time to go wherever you wish.
The drawbacks are that you are actually old and feeble and time is logarithmic. Thus you know how the story ends and it approaches rapidly.
I was in HR and management forever. Believe me, I am very much in my element when trying (and failing) to please all parties, and then feeling bad, not only ahead of time because of dread, but afterward because of abject disappointment. Did you people never watch The Office??
I just aim for something somewhat acceptable, but dream of creating a memorable and sensorily pleasing experience for all. Indulge me, if only in your mind, for just one second. There. I have finally succeeded.
More suggestions?
It was suggested that the next FOGfest might be a brunch; you know, to switch things up a little. I have been charged with organizing it, and I welcome any suggestions for a venue that would be both somewhat intimate and special, yet could accommodate a group of our size. Live music might be nice, but not so loud that we can’t enjoy our wonderful conversations.
I’m thinking an early/mid-November weekend would be best to provide a buffer between this event and everyone’s holiday prep, though not November 2 because I am involved in the annual Day of the Dead parade and festivities.
For entirely selfish reasons I would suggest November 8 because we will be leaving for beautiful downtown Tokyo on the 10th. Realistically you have to ignore ALL attempts to make everybody happy (including me) because mass pleasing is impossible. Have fun.
For next FOG, how’s ’bout Jennifer James, Nexus, or Seasons?
Thanks to Mary Ann for arranging a great event.
Gil, I agree she’s fabulous but it’s Kay.
It’s all Jim’s fault. I was so traumatized when he called me “Dill” that my hurt transferred to my seventeen words per minute keyboard. Please convey my apologies to the fabulous Kay.
I don’t see how it could be my fault as my errors were perfectly logical for a food blog. Pickles are food and have Dills; fish are food and have Gills; nothing edible has Gils.
Food
Glorious
Food
A
B
Q
FGFABQ
You had either something more sinister, Jim, or a Dirty Mind.
I’ll give you my reasoning at the next FOG dinner.
You might call it a dirty mind. It involved Vieja Gloria.
Thanks to Mary Ann for a great evening.
All three of us had good food and good conversation.
Thank you to Jim M. for noting that Bob and I enjoyed our conversation and company. Where was Gloria when I needed her? Said it before, I’ll say it again, I like Bob. In person…….
I still think his grand total of comments should be lumped together to be admired by all. Perhaps not understood by all but admired for its grand total.
I also satisfied two long standing wishes. I finally got to enjoy the great food at El Norteno and I finally got to meet the Guzzardis. Joe and Kassie were as nice as they are great restauranteurs and Joe does a very respectable Yiddish accent.
It is terrific they would honor Gil and the FOGs by coming to our gathering after a work day as hands on owners when they certainly could have gone home and just relaxed. Thank you, Joe and Kazzie!
Looking forward to Shawne’s FOG4. I liked the Brunch idea.
Now I just have to figure out what FGFABQ represents. I had seen it before but never connected it with El Brute.
Well Gill, aka Dill, I have once again demonstrated my typing and proofing talents.
Not to worry, grasshopper. There are many more despicable things you could have called me…like late for dinner.
Insofar as the photo of you, as long as you sit next to the Child Bride, no one’s going to look at you anyway.
We really should do a point/counterpoint debate between El Brute and Bob of the Village People during our next FOG. My money is one El Brute to start with “Bob, you ignorant slut.”
Congratulations Dill,
To concentrate on the most significant miracle of FOG III your photos of me manage to be at such an angle that I don’t look like a fat slob. It I can’t achieve the actual results I will be happy with the illusion of being young and gorgeous.
On to what others might (correctly) believe are more important, the evening was a resounding success. El Brute and the Village person did not come to blows but actually seemed to get along. Everybody was happy to be together and enjoyed the food though I did not correctly pronounce “Huachinango a la Veracruzana” but the waiter said I got the “a,la & V” correct. I had not been to El Norteno in several months but will return. I am sorry that Joe and Kazzie did not have more time with us.
Thank you Mary Ann & we are all looking forward to stunning Shawne’s FOG IV.
What a fun and tasty night! Thanks for putting these dinners together, Gil. Your guests are wonderful people.
We missed you, Dennis, and hope everything turns out okay for you.
Gil et al–
Big water main break Downtown today is causing grief at both my business and home.
I’m a gonna try to get there tonight, but I have to ask you to reclassify me as a tentative.
I hope this doesn’t inconvenience anyone— Thanks–
Thanks for letting us know, Dennis. You’ll definitely be missed. We hope the water main break isn’t too severe and that you’re left unscathed.
We’ve had a conflict arise and won’t be able to make it. We’ll look forward to FOG IV.
Oops. I forgot some.
There will be four of us: me, Dazzling Deanell, and the pulchritudinous Chase girls, Barbara and Linda.
Three!
Kay and I will be there–so two. Don’t suppose Monica can be convinced to do Empanadas.
Although I responded by e-Mail let me officially say there will be 3 of us joining the group at FOG3.
Looking forward to it.
Thanks to Mary Ann!
I would like to come as one and therefore promise to leave my Curmudgeon persona up the street at the bar of let’s say El Patron where I ain’t been as yet.
Hi Gil, Joe & I would love to join everyone however; we wouldn’t be able to make it time for dinner. Would it be alright if we join you for dessert? We wouldn’t be able to be there until 8:00/8:30.
Kassie, it wouldn’t be a party without you. Please show up when you can. We’ll be very happy to see you both.
Gil
Looking forward to seeing everybody & having some fun!
Two, please!
Two of us! Looking forward to good food and good fun!
There will be two of us.
Count me in. I am inviting some other people but promise to be more efficient/ruthless in providing guest numbers in a timely manner.
Two of us! This will be our first FOG Dinner! WOOOO HOOOO!
If I haven’t lost count there will be two of us. I have lost much of my basic arithmetic skill since graduating with honors from kindergarten.
Two of us.
Count me in!!! Looking forward to it— no tortillas until the 7th!!