NEW MEXICO CHEFS INTRODUCE INDIGINOUS CUISINE ON CHOPPED: Santa Clara Pueblo’s Ray Naranjo and Fruitland’s Justin Pioche made the Land of Enchantment very proud during an April 21st edition of The Food Network’s “Chopped” program. In an episode titled “Indigenous Inspiration,” the chefs created meals using mystery ingredients.  In addition to the two New Mexican chefs, the competition featured Mariah Gladstone (Blackfeet/Cherokee) and Jessica Walks First (Menominee).  Each chef was required to prepare a three-course meal across appetizer, entrée, and dessert rounds, with one chef eliminated each round.  Chef Naranjo was the second chef eliminated despite having prepared a delectable dish praised by the judges.  When the smoke cleared and judging had concluded Chef Pioche was declared winner of the competition and $10,000 in prize money. I’ve had the opportunity to enjoy Chef Pioche’s outstanding cuisine several times and consider him one of the very best chefs in the Land of Enchantment.  In conversations with him, I’ve found him to be very insightful and erudite.  It was a pleasure to see those traits on display for the entire country to hear.   It was heart-warming to hear him credit the inspiration behind his cooking:  “My mom and my sister have always been my rock.”  In years of visiting family owned-and-operated restaurants, I’ve never met a closer family than the Pioches.  They are truly inspiring.

AMERICA’S BEST HOT DOG COMES FROM ALBUQUERQUE:  In the spirit of college basketball’s big dance, The64, an interactive online platform that hosts bracket-style competitive voting tournaments launched a national competition in search of America’s best hot dog.  Two Duke City purveyors–Urban Hot Dog Company and Clowndog Hot Dog Parlor were among the contestants.  The winning purveyor of hot dogs was determined through an 18-day tourna ent with six rounds of voting. The outcome was solely in the hands of the public (which did not have to show proof of identity to cast their votes).  When all votes were tallied and the dust had settled, the Urban Hot Dog Company was named America’s Best Hot Dog.  If you’re familiar with some of the other hot dogs in the competition, you know just what an amazing feat it is for Albuquerque voters to stand up for our favorite local purveyor.  Impressively, Clowndog made it to the second round of 32 restaurants.

IN DEFENSE OF PRODIGIOUS PASTRAMI PORTIONS:  If you don’t already have a subscription ($10 per month) to Downtown Albuquerque News (DAN), you owe it to yourself to subscribe.  DAN,  “Just quality journalism, delivered by that lowest of high-tech methods: email.” is an outstanding source of all the local news that’s fit for consumption.  Which brings to mind pastrami.  In its daily round-up of news tidbits, DAN mentioned Gil’s Thrilling review of Kaufman’s New York in Albuquerque.  My review outed Kaufman’s pastrami sandwich…”for being merely “New Mexico good.” It was perhaps one-fifth the size, he noted, of the pastrami one offered by Katz’s Delicatessen, the New York City icon where Harry – but especially Sally – once enjoyed a famous cinematic meal.”  Perhaps in response to my review, Kaufman’s is now offering beefier pastrami sandwiches–the “Metropolis,” which features eight ounces of meat for $24.99, and the “Big Apple,” which carries a full pound and goes for $40.

NEW MEXICO’S ICONIC FOOD: Only in Your State recognizes that “Across the country, every state has at least one dish so deeply rooted in its culture that it becomes a defining symbol of the place itself. From the East Coast to the West Coast and beyond, these iconic foods tell stories of history, immigration, agriculture, and local pride—often becoming just as recognizable as the destinations they come from.  In a feature describing “15 Iconic Dishes That Put Their States on the Map” the Land of Enchantment was lauded for our sacrosanct and official state vegetable: “New Mexico’s iconic dishes are defined by their unmistakable use of red and green chiles, earning the state its signature “Christmas” style. Favorites like enchiladas, green chile stew, and sopapillas highlight a blend of Native American, Spanish, and Mexican influences. The result is a bold, spicy cuisine that’s unlike anywhere else in the U.S.”

NEW MEXICO BOASTS TWO OF ROUTE 66’S BEST RESTAURANTS: The 100 year anniversary of the commissioning of Route 66 is replete with official Centennial celebrations, events, and a revival of “Mother Road” nostalgia are occurring throughout 2026, particularly between April and November.  The historic 2,448-mile highway spanning from Chicago to Santa Monica meanders through the Land of Enchantment which can proudly boast of two restaurants highlighted in Only In Your State’s list of “13 Must Visit Restaurants Along Route 66.”    Albuquerque’s iconic 66 Diner and the Indian Pueblo Kitchen join such legendary restaurants as Ted Drew’s Frozen Custard and The Big Texan Steakhouse.

ALBUQUERQUE MAKES DISGRACEFUL LIST:  A 2026 Real Estate analysis of overall food scene quality, variety, and consistency, listed U.S. cities considered “underperformers compared to top culinary destinations.”  Among the ten cities garnering this notoriety was Albuquerque (with the caveat “outside of local cuisine”).   Aargh!  This divisive list was obviously compiled by someone who depleted Walter White’s entire supply of “Blue Sky.”

HAVE YOU EVER HEARD OF FRITO PIE?: It’s been established that the Frito pie actually originated in the Lone Star State.  While Texas may lay claim to having invented this delicious dish, it’s the Land of Enchantment that has perfected it.  In its compilation of “10 Regional Dishes You’ve Probably Never Heard Of”  The American Facts listed the Frito pie as one of “America’s most wonderfully weird regional specialties.”   No mention was made of Texas.  Here’s what the feature had to say:  “This isn’t plated food—it’s literally served in a torn-open bag of Fritos corn chips, topped with red or green chile, cheese, and onions. You eat it with a plastic fork while standing at a high school football game or state fair.  The dish embodies New Mexico’s chile-obsessed culture, where “red or green?” is practically the state motto. The Fritos get soggy in all the right ways, absorbing the spicy chile while maintaining just enough crunch to remind you they’re there.”

March, 2026

NEW MEXICO REPRESENTED IN JAMES BEARD FOUNDATION FINALISTS LIST;  The James Beard Foundation (JBF) has announced its 2026 finalists.  Only two of the Land of Enchantment’s purveyors of food or adult beverages made the list.  Albuquerque’s Bow & Arrow Brewing Company is a finalist in the “Outstanding Bar” category, while Steve Riley of Mesa Provisions, also in Albuquerque, was named one of five finalists in the “Best Chef – Southwest” category.  Chef Riley was a semifinalist in the best chef category in 2024.

NEW MEXICO BOASTS OF ONE OF 13 TOP PIE SHOPS IN AMERICA: Pi Day is an annual, worldwide celebration of the mathematical constant \(\pi \) (pi).  Pi Day is held on March 14 (3/14) because 3, 1, and 4 are the first three significant digits of the number. Founded in 1988 by physicist Larry Shaw at the Exploratorium, it celebrates the ratio of a circle’s circumference to its diameter, often marked by eating pie.  In 2009, Pi Day was designated an official US holiday albeit a holiday for which employees don’t get the day off.  Pi Day should always be celebrated by a slice (or ten) of pie.  In commemoration of Pi Day, Only In Your State published a feature highlighting the 13 Top Pie Shops in America.  Only one New Mexican eatery made it to the lucky thirteen and it’s not a Pie Town eatery.  It’s The Range, a beloved Bernalillo and Albuquerque staple.  Only In Your State’s savvy recommendation” “The Green Chile Apple Pie at The Range Café offers an original spin on a familiar recipe, featuring crisp apples mixed with roasted green chiles and crunchy pine nuts. This unexpected combination perfectly represents New Mexico’s unique tastes. With several locations and a laid-back, Southwestern-style vibe, this café is a regional favorite.”

NEW MEXICO WELL REPRESENTED IN THE BIG HOT DOG DANCE:  Every year, many of us test our knowledge of this year’s version of college basketball by filling in tournament brackets listing our picks of the 64 teams invited to the “big dance.”  Invariably, many of us are dispatched early because some small school team upsets a collegiate powerhouse (or the Lobos).  In the spirit of college basketball’s big dance, The64, an interactive online platform that hosts bracket-style competitive voting tournaments launched a national competition in search of America’s best hot dog.  Two Duke City purveyors–Urban Hot Dog Company and Clowndog Hot Dog Parlor were among the contestants.  The winning purveyor of hot dogs was determined through an 18-day tournament with six rounds of voting. The outcome was solely in the hands of the public (which did not have to show proof of identity to cast their votes).

NEW MEXICO BOASTS ONE OF THE WORLD’S BEST COMFORT FOODS: Comfort foods have the unique ability to evoke memories from childhood.  The very best comfort foods serves a nourishment for the soul and the body.  American media would have you believe we all grew up enjoying mac and cheese, grilled cheese sandwiches and mashed potatoes.  Hence every list of comfort foods includes these and similar offerings.  Growing up in Northern New Mexico, all my comfort foods included red and (or) green chile.  It made me happy to read Matador’s list of “Comfort Foods From Around The World” even with the attrocious spelling of “chili.”  According to the list, “chili verde” is a comfort food for those of us who live in Mexico and the Southwest.  According to Matador: “It’s a spicy and intensely satisfying stew with a rich smoky flavor from the green chilies and can be made with pork or vegan. It’s also super versatile — eat it on its own, with a side of fresh flour tortillas for dipping, or smother it on a burrito or scrambled eggs.”

NEW MEXICO MAY BE LAND-LOCKED, BUT WE’VE GOT PRETTY GOOD SEAFOOD:  Critics and food essayists like to apologize for New Mexico’s “landlocked” location as the excuse for the Land of Enchantment not having the same type of superb seafood as coastal states.  While it’s true that our enchanted state may not offer the same just-off-the-boat seafood soirees as other states, many of our restaurants have fresh seafood flown in daily.   When Yelp compiled its list of the “Best Seafood In Each State,” Yelp didn’t default to one of the state’s seafood restaurants.  Instead, its choice for New Mexico’s best seafood was Albuquerque’s Sa! Thai.  Here’s what Yelp’s forward-thinking writers had to say: “Sa Thai satands out for its fresh seafood offerings, including craveable dishes like fish pla lad prik (crispy fish in spicy sweet chili sauce), shrimp -packed jungle noodles, and rich curries or stir-fries with your choice of shrimp or fish.  Yelpers love the bright, casual vibe, attentive service, and the ability to customize heat level–making this a satisfying stop for seafood fans and food lovers alike.”

NEW MEXICO’S TOP DESSERT:  Food.com which self-glosses as the “favorite community of home cooks” compiled a list of the “Best Desserts in Each State.”  If you’re thinking sopaipillas with honey or the biscochito (New Mexico’s official state cookie), you’d be wrong.  Food.com believes the Land of Enchantment’s top dessert is natillas, a “grandmother approved desert with Spanish flair.”  Best of all, Food.com provided a “ready in 20 minutes” recipe.

FEBRUARY, 2026

SANTA FE AMONG AMERICA’S BEST FOODIE TRIPS:  After many an excursion across the fruited plain, what often remains the most memorable is the meals we experienced.  Yes, even more than sites and culture.  Yahoo Travel writer Denny Jensen is a foodie after my own heart…or is that stomach?    That’s evident in the “Six Best Foodie Trips in the US,” a list I’ll study next time we venture out.  One of the six dining destinations on the list is Santa Fe.  Most of the article focused on New Mexican cuisine, but no foodie trip to Santa Fe would be complete without a lesson at the Santa Fe School of Cooking, “which offers a variety of demonstration and hands-on classes, including traditional New Mexican, contemporary Southwest and Native American dishes. The school also offers food tours of the area.”

NEW MEXICO’S BEST SOUL FOOD RESTAURANT RESIDES IN ALBUQUERQUE:  For denizens of the Land of Enchantment, “soul food” is any dish made with red and (or) green chile.  For the rest of the country, soul food is a traditional African American cuisine originating from the Deep South, deeply rooted in history, creativity, and survival.  Let’s face it.  New Mexico just doesn’t have many soul food restaurant options meeting the conventional definition of soul food.  The few soul food restaurants we have, however, are terrific.  MSN compiled a list of the “Best Soul Food Restaurants in the U.S.“.  New Mexico’s representative on the list is a great one.  Here’s what MSN has to say about Frank’s Famous Chicken and Waffles:  “Frank’s Famous Chicken and Waffles is Seth Rogen-approved, but he isn’t the only one who’s in love with the soul food joint. Based in New Mexico, hungry customers are infatuated with the establishment’s chicken and waffles, along with a variety of other side dishes, including red beans and rice, fried okra, coleslaw, and candied yams. It’s hard to go wrong here.”  If you’re curious about the Seth Rogan reference, the movie icon visited Frank’s in 2016.

NEW MEXICO’S BEST KNOWN FOOD:  That’s easy, right?  The Land of Enchantment is widely known for our sacrosanct red and green chile.  Food and Wine, which self-glosses as “the global authority on food and drink culture” should know better.  In a feature listing the “Best Known Food In Every State,” the so-called “global authority” decided New Mexico is best known for our “green chilis and enchiladas.”  Chilis?  What the heck are chilis?  To compile its list, Food and Wine surveyed about 5,000 people.  Respondents indicated California offers the best cuisine overall. Respondents from each state were asked to list the flavors and dishes they believe represent their state.  Californians highlighted Mexican cuisine, burgers, and shrimp tacos as three specific points of pride. Although The Golden State took the top prize, it was closely followed by New York, Texas, Louisiana, and Florida as other states renowned for food.

GAS STATION OFFERING BOLD FLAVORS:  When you think gas station food, you either picture such snacks as chips and candy.  Every once in a while, you might find a gas station offering hot dogs that resemble Egyptian mummified animal waste.  Dailywise, an AI generated application available on the Apple Store published a feature indicating “Some of New Mexico’s Best Kept Culinary Secrets Are Tucked Away Inside a Gas Station.”  The gas station with “bold flavors and hometown charm” isn’t in Santa Fe or Albuquerque.  It’s a spot near Raton that’s turning heads – and filling bellies and it’s inside an Alta Quick Shop at a Conoco station.  It’s called Alfonso’s Mexican Food.  According to Dailywise, at Alfonso’s you’ll “find hearty portions, homemade tortillas, and a menu packed with everything from chile rellenos to vegan-friendly plates. The service is fast, the staff is warm, and the food tastes like someone’s abuela is cooking in the back.”

GLOBETROTTING WRITER NAMES SANTA FE’S BEST RESTAURANTS:  On The Travel Abstract written by Megan (no surname provided), the blogger explains that “Currently, I work 36 hours a week and utilize weekends and 5 weeks of vacation to fit in as many experiences as possible.”  Would that it was possible for  me to share in that pursuit.  Not the 36 hours a week of work.  Just the travel.  One of her recent sojourns was to Santa Fe where she compiled a list of Santa Fe’s Best Restaurants.  If forced to choose a lunch and dinner option, Megan listed Sazon and Cafe Pasqual’s as stand outs in her mind. It’s hard to debate other restaurants on her list.

NEW MEXICO’S BEST SOUP:  Auguste Escoffier, the famous French chef, restaurateur and culinary writer who popularised and updated traditional French cooking methods, proclaimed “Soup puts the heart at ease, calms down the violence of hunger, eliminates the tension of the day, and awakens and refines the appetite.”  Every culinary culture in the world has a beloved soup for which it is renowned.  So does every state.  Only In Your State compiled a list of the “50 Best Soups Across The Country,” listing the one soup for which each state is known and where you can find it.  According to this compilation, the Land of Enchantment’s best soup comes from High Noon in Albuquerque’s Old Town.  Predictably, that soup is green chile stew.  Here’s what the feature had to say:  “This historic and (maybe) haunted restaurant in Old Town is known for its steaks, but don’t sleep on its sole soup dish—green chile stew. High Noon does the classic New Mexico dish justice with tender pork, roasted green chile, potato, tomato, and onion served with a tortilla.”

IS DINERS, DRIVE-INS AND DIVES A DEATH KNELL FOR NEW MEXICO RESTAURANTS:  The Food Network’s most popular recurring series has long been Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.    According to Wikipedia, “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives has been on the air for over 18 years, having originally premiered on the Food Network on April 23, 2007. Hosted by Guy Fieri, the show began as a special in November 2006 before becoming a regular series, and has since produced over 45 seasons and hundreds of episodes. The popular show has showcased some 36 of New Mexico’s finest restaurants.  It has long pained me to see just how many of those restaurants featured on “Triple D” have closed down.  Statistically, approximately 18-20% of restaurants featured on the show have closed, with over 224+ closures documented by 2024.   By my count, eleven of New Mexico’s restaurants featured on Triple D have closed.  That’s almost one-third of them.

JANUARY, 2026

NEW MEXICO WELL REPRESENTED IN JAMES BEARD FOUNDATION AWARD SEMIFINALIST LIST:   The Land of Enchantment had another strong showing in the 2026 James Beard Foundation Awards nominations.  Eight New Mexico names have moved beyond the nomination stage into the semifinalist category, several reprising previous year’s nominations.  “Best Chef – Southwest” nominees were Steve Riley of Albuquerque’s Mesa Provisions, Graham Dodds of the NOSA Restaurant & Inn in Ojo Caliente and Danny Caballeros of Ardovino’s Desert Crossing in Sunland Park.   Chef Riley also made the JBF semifinalist list in 2024.   The Burque Bakehouse, a 2024 semifinalist in the “Outstanding Bakery” category earned another semifinalist nod.   Albuquerque’s Bow & Arrow Brewery is a semifinalist in the “Outstanding Bar” category while Albuquerque’s Daydream Run Bar earned a semifinalist honor in the “Best New Bar” category.  The next stage will see the semi-finalist list whittled down on March 31st.   Survivors will then head to the James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards Ceremony on Monday, June 15, 2026 in Chicago. Please note that Michelin is also now scouring potential honorees in New Mexico’s food scene.

LET A JAMES BEARD AWARD FINALIST PREPARE YOUR MEAL:  If you’ve never had a meal prepared for you by Chef Justin Pioche, you’ve missed out on one of the best dining experiences you could ever have.  In 2023, Chef Justin was a finalist for the James Beard Foundation’s “Best Chef – Southwest” honor.  Though he did not win the award, he gave the culinary world notice that his unique approach to food inspired by and deeply-rooted in his Navajo heritage is going places.  You won’t find Chef Justin and the Pioche family operating out of a permanent brick-and-mortar location.  Instead, a dining experience with the chef is centered around LorAmy, a pop-up dining series in which Chef Justin presents a varying seasonal menu (usually around eight courses), inspired by his Navajo culture. Unexpected palate-pleasing twists and turns titillate and wow diners  as the Pioche family puts their hearts on a plate.  A LorAmy dining experience is slated in Farmington for February 28, 2026 at 6PM.  To make reservations, please call 505-258-2907.  You’ll not only fall in love with Chef Justin’s innovative cuisine, you’ll marvel at how well he and his family work together.

NEW MEXICO IS A PLACE TO LOVE:  In the inaugural episode of Season 9 of Samantha Brown’s Places to Love, the effusive hostess treks through the original Route 66 as it meanders through the Land of Enchantment.  During every episode of the Emmy award-winning PBS series, Samantha explores destinations to love by focusing on their unique cultural experiences and passionate people.  Unlike many travel shows, she immerses herself in those cultural experiences.  Places to Love also includes visits to restaurants to love.  Gallup was one of the Route 66 destinations along her journey.  In Gallup she dined at  Earl’s Family Restaurant, enjoying a humongous fry bread taco.  Though it didn’t make the final cut, Samantha also visited Albuquerque’s legendary Mary & Tito’s.  My friend (and Mary’s doting grandson) Jordan Knight admitted to being a bit starstruck at the perpetually smiling hostess.  I would probably be drooling.

ALBUQUERQUE EATERY A MUST-STOP ALONG ROUTE 66:  On 11 November 2026, Route 66 celebrates its 100th anniversary,  To commemorate this momententous occasion, major celebrations, festivals, and events planned across the eight states it traverses throughout the year.  USA Today’s “10 Best” joined in the parade of well-wishers with it’s feature on the best restaurants along Route 66.  The only honoree from New Mexico’s segment of Route 66 was (most fittingly) Albuquerque’s 66 Diner.  Here’s what 10 Best had to say: “Opened since 1987, the fittingly named 66 Diner takes customers back in time to the 1950s, with a retro atmosphere complete with a working soda fountain, jukebox, and servers dressed in period attire.  Based at what was once a Phillips service station, this diner serves classic road food like burgers and shakes. That’s in addition to New Mexico-themed specials like the green chile chicken bacon mac and cheese and the Pile Up, a heaping pile of pan-fried potatoes with chopped bacon or sausage, green chiles, eggs, cheese, and green chile sauce. The diner also has a gluten-free menu.”

NEW MEXICO’S BEST SANDWICH ACCORDING TO ONLY IN YOUR STATE:  Actor Danny DeVito is a tough guy to impress.  During a trip to Italy, he didn’t seem overly impress by one of Lo Stivale’s most famous sites: “I’ve been to the Leaning Tower of Pisa. It’s a tower, and it’s leaning. You look at it, but nothing happens, so then you look for someplace to get a sandwich.”  At least he has his priorities right.  Who among us doesn’t look for sandwiches when we need succor or to sate our hunger?  Only In Your State recognizes that “There are few foods as universally loved—or endlessly customizable—as the sandwich, and across the U.S., this simple concept has been elevated into an art form.”  In recognition of the sandwich, it compiled a list of the 50 Best Sandwiches in America–one sandwich per state.  According to the list, New Mexico’s best sandwich comes from Albuquerque’s Cheese & Coffee.  Here’s what Only In Your State had to say: “What started as a cheese and coffee shop has since evolved into Albuquerque’s favorite sandwich shop. With two locations (one in Uptown and one in Downtown), you won’t be far from either location whether you’re a local or visitor. Scratch soups and speciality sandwiches feature local bread and produce, including the state’s famous green chile.

SANTA FE RESTAURANTS AMONG AMERICA’S MOST ROMANTIC:  Two of Santa Fe’s very finest restaurants have been named among OpenTable’s Top 100 Romantic Restaurants in the U.S. for 2026.  Helmed by James Beard Foundation “Best Chef – Southwest” chef  Fernando Olea, Sazon offers a memorable dining experience unlike any other.  Open Table described Sazón this way:  “Originally from Mexico City, Chef Fernando Olea, formerly Chef of Epazote, has been enthralling diners in Santa Fe since 1991. Chef Olea creates sophisticated flavors using Old Mexico’s indigenous and culinary traditions alongside ingredients from around the world. His menu is deliberately small, featuring fresh and locally sourced produce and meats when possible.”  Also making the Most Romantic Restaurant list was Geronimo.  Here’s what Open Table had to say: “Geronimo has established a reputation as THE place to dine in Santa Fe. Tradition and innovation merge at this Canyon Road legend, where simplicity and understatement reign. New Mexico’s only Mobil 4 star and AAA 4 Diamond rated restaurant. Winner of TripAdvisor’s Top 10 Restaurants in the United States.”

SAVORING ALBUQUERQUE’S BEST SOUPS:  According to analysis released by Legal Sports Report $1.71 billion will be legally wagered in the United States on the Super Bowl.   With only two teams to wager on, the odds are high that your chosen team will win.  Such is not the case when the Roadrunner Food Bank’s Souper Bowl comes around every year.  At the Souper Bowl, almost fourty of the Duke City’s finest restaurants compete for the distinction of being named Souper Bowl Champion.  The Souper Bowl is the Roadrunner Food Bank’s largest fund-raising event and my very favorite culinary event of the year.  This year, nearly 1,500 people enjoyed soups and desserts, participated in raffles and listened to live music.

SANTA FE SAVORS SOUP, TOO:  In Santa Fe, The Food Depot held its 30th annual Souper Bowl, the most delicious fundraiser of the year! At Souper Bowl, attendees got to taste a variety of soups from two dozen talented chefs while supporting The Food Depot’s hunger-relief programming.   The following were determined to be the event’s most sumptuous soups:

Best Cream and Best Overall: Cowgirl BBQ’s Shiitake Mushroom Soup by Chef Ismael Garcia-Gomez – The Cowgirl BBQ
Best International: Dr. Field Goods Bar and Grill’s Butter Chicken Soup by Chef Josh Gerwin – Josh Gerwin
Best Seafood: Delancey Street Catering’s Green Chili Clam Chowder by Chef Richard Wheeler
Best Vegetarian: The Dirty Dragon’s Dragonfruit Soup by Chef Lauren Roberts