{"id":207,"date":"2026-09-08T03:29:01","date_gmt":"2026-09-08T09:29:01","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.nmgastronome.com\/?p=207"},"modified":"2026-09-09T18:39:09","modified_gmt":"2026-09-10T00:39:09","slug":"the-artichoke-cafe-albuquerque-new-mexico","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.nmgastronome.com\/?p=207","title":{"rendered":"The Artichoke Cafe &#8211; Albuquerque, New Mexico"},"content":{"rendered":"<div style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<figure id=\"attachment_90920\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-90920\" style=\"width: 850px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-90920 lazyload\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 850px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 850\/481;border: 4px solid black; margin-top: 3px; margin-bottom: 3px;\" data-src=\"https:\/\/b4385483.assetcdn.net\/2.0\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/Artichoke16b.png?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"850\" height=\"481\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/b4385483.assetcdn.net\/2.0\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/Artichoke16b.png?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 1280w, https:\/\/b4385483.assetcdn.net\/2.0\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/Artichoke16b-300x170.png?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 300w, https:\/\/b4385483.assetcdn.net\/2.0\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/Artichoke16b-1024x579.png?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 1024w, https:\/\/b4385483.assetcdn.net\/2.0\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/Artichoke16b-150x85.png?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 150w, https:\/\/b4385483.assetcdn.net\/2.0\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/Artichoke16b-768x434.png?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 768w, https:\/\/b4385483.assetcdn.net\/2.0\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/Artichoke16b.png?size=384x217&lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 384w, https:\/\/b4385483.assetcdn.net\/2.0\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/Artichoke16b.png?size=512x290&lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 512w, https:\/\/b4385483.assetcdn.net\/2.0\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/Artichoke16b.png?size=640x362&lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 640w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 850px) 100vw, 850px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-90920\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Albuquerque&#8217;s Artichoke Cafe for the Finest in Fine Dining<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">&#8220;<em>These things are just plain annoying.<\/em><br \/>\n<em>After all the trouble you go to, you get about as much actual &#8220;food&#8221; <\/em><br \/>\n<em>out of eating an artichoke as you would from licking 30 or 40 postage stamps. <\/em><br \/>\n<em>Have the shrimp cocktail instead<\/em>.&#8221;<br \/>\n&#8211; <strong>Miss Piggy<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Miss Piggy, that shrill and garrulous walking side of bacon, may not appreciate the humble artichoke much, but among both health conscious and discerning diners, the artichoke has long been a healthful and delicious dining option. Considered a &#8220;super food&#8221; for its high antioxidant, fiber, potassium, phosphorous, iron, calcium and magnesium content, artichokes have long been used in the treatment of gall bladder and liver conditions because it improves liver functions and is recognized for its ability to lower blood pressure. It&#8217;s also been known, in some cases, to help with migranes and to give skin a healthy glow.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_90922\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-90922\" style=\"width: 850px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-90922 lazyload\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 850px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 850\/638;border: 4px solid black; margin-top: 3px; margin-bottom: 3px;\" data-src=\"https:\/\/b4385483.assetcdn.net\/2.0\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/Artichoke17.png?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"850\" height=\"638\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/b4385483.assetcdn.net\/2.0\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/Artichoke17.png?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 1280w, https:\/\/b4385483.assetcdn.net\/2.0\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/Artichoke17-300x225.png?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 300w, https:\/\/b4385483.assetcdn.net\/2.0\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/Artichoke17-1024x768.png?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 1024w, https:\/\/b4385483.assetcdn.net\/2.0\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/Artichoke17-150x113.png?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 150w, https:\/\/b4385483.assetcdn.net\/2.0\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/Artichoke17-768x576.png?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 768w, https:\/\/b4385483.assetcdn.net\/2.0\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/Artichoke17.png?size=384x288&lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 384w, https:\/\/b4385483.assetcdn.net\/2.0\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/Artichoke17.png?size=512x384&lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 512w, https:\/\/b4385483.assetcdn.net\/2.0\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/Artichoke17.png?size=640x480&lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 640w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 850px) 100vw, 850px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-90922\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Main Dining Room Looking onto Second Level Dining Room<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>In 16th Century Europe, eating an artichoke was considered scandalous behavior for women because the artichoke was considered an aphrodisiac (as was the humble tomato).\u00a0 During the &#8220;Renaissance,&#8221; artichokes were reserved exclusively for men (especially aristocrats like Henry, VIII). Catherine de Medici, bride of King Henry, II of France, denounced that social more, introducing the artichoke along with traditional Italian foods and cooking to the French kitchen. Catherine was passionate about artichokes, consuming them in large quantities. Henceforth the French elevated the artichoke to the stature of a gourmet ingredient. It was treated as such when introduced to the American colonies.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_90924\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-90924\" style=\"width: 850px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-90924 lazyload\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 850px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 850\/638;border: 4px solid black; margin-top: 3px; margin-bottom: 3px;\" data-src=\"https:\/\/b4385483.assetcdn.net\/2.0\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/Artichoke17b.png?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"850\" height=\"638\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/b4385483.assetcdn.net\/2.0\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/Artichoke17b.png?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 1280w, https:\/\/b4385483.assetcdn.net\/2.0\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/Artichoke17b-300x225.png?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 300w, https:\/\/b4385483.assetcdn.net\/2.0\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/Artichoke17b-1024x768.png?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 1024w, https:\/\/b4385483.assetcdn.net\/2.0\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/Artichoke17b-150x113.png?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 150w, https:\/\/b4385483.assetcdn.net\/2.0\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/Artichoke17b-768x576.png?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 768w, https:\/\/b4385483.assetcdn.net\/2.0\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/Artichoke17b.png?size=384x288&lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 384w, https:\/\/b4385483.assetcdn.net\/2.0\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/Artichoke17b.png?size=512x384&lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 512w, https:\/\/b4385483.assetcdn.net\/2.0\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/Artichoke17b.png?size=640x480&lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 640w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 850px) 100vw, 850px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-90924\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Second Level Dining Room<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>It&#8217;s only fitting that one of Albuquerque&#8217;s most highly regarded fine-dining gourmet treasures pay tribute to the artichoke by festooning its name on the marquee. When the Artichoke Cafe opened in 1989, the artichoke was hardly ubiquitous on Duke City restaurant menus, many of whom seemed to believe vegetables stopped and ended with green chile (technically a fruit from a botanical standpoint). In its nearly four decades of serving the city, the Artichoke Cafe has helped pioneer culinary trends diners now take for granted. That includes concepts such as seasonal menus, sustainable foods, a wine bar and&#8230;foundational business values.<\/p>\n<p>The Artichoke Cafe operates on foundational business values focus on three distinct pillars: <strong>Community and Connection<\/strong>: The restaurant strives to be a welcoming neighborhood gathering place where guests &#8220;feel like family&#8221; and experience the warmth of being invited into a home. <strong>Culinary Excellence<\/strong>: Their core mission is to always deliver the best possible product by utilizing the freshest, finest, and locally grown ingredients. They fuse classic French and Italian techniques with New American innovations. <strong>Attentive Service<\/strong>: Their leadership emphasizes creating an elevated, extraordinary dining experience that remains relaxed, warm, and highly attentive without feeling stuffy.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_90930\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-90930\" style=\"width: 750px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-90930 lazyload\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 750px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 750\/721;border: 4px solid black; margin-top: 3px; margin-bottom: 3px;\" data-src=\"https:\/\/b4385483.assetcdn.net\/2.0\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/Artichoke20.png?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"750\" height=\"721\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/b4385483.assetcdn.net\/2.0\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/Artichoke20.png?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 1280w, https:\/\/b4385483.assetcdn.net\/2.0\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/Artichoke20-300x289.png?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 300w, https:\/\/b4385483.assetcdn.net\/2.0\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/Artichoke20-1024x985.png?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 1024w, https:\/\/b4385483.assetcdn.net\/2.0\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/Artichoke20-150x144.png?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 150w, https:\/\/b4385483.assetcdn.net\/2.0\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/Artichoke20-768x739.png?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 768w, https:\/\/b4385483.assetcdn.net\/2.0\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/Artichoke20.png?size=384x369&lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 384w, https:\/\/b4385483.assetcdn.net\/2.0\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/Artichoke20.png?size=512x492&lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 512w, https:\/\/b4385483.assetcdn.net\/2.0\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/Artichoke20.png?size=640x615&lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 640w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-90930\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Fabulous Foccacia<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>From the onset, the Artichoke Cafe has been a trend-setter, launching in the East Downtown (EDO) district long before it was the burgeoning residential and business district regarded by real estate experts as an established yet continuing up-and-coming urban core district.\u00a0 In 1989, the district was actually considered failing. You can&#8217;t underestimate the impact the Artichoke Cafe has had on the area nor that it has rightfully earned the sobriquet &#8220;<em>heart of EDO<\/em>.&#8221; In fact, there&#8217;s no disputing the veracity of any of the other slogans the Cafe has used: &#8220;<em>the saucy little bistro at the heart of creative cuisine<\/em>&#8221; and &#8220;<em>where artisan cocktails meet creative cuisine<\/em>&#8221; among them.<\/p>\n<p>The 5000-square foot, 120-seat establishment is the brainchild of proprietors Pat and Terry Keene. Pat serves as the restaurant&#8217;s executive chef, a vocation for which she was formally trained in New York City while Terry has more than 30 years experience in restaurant management. While that marital pairing was certainly made in heaven, the restaurant is reputed to serve heavenly pairings of fine wine and exquisite cuisine. As a non-imbiber of adult beverages, I can&#8217;t speak for the wine, but <em>The<\/em> <em>Wine Spectator<\/em> certainly can, perennially listing it in its annual dining guide.<\/p>\n<figure style=\"width: 650px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 650px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 650\/560;border: 4px solid black; margin-top: 3px; margin-bottom: 3px;\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.nmgastronome.com\/abq\/finedining\/Images\/Artichoke05.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"650\" height=\"560\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" class=\"lazyload\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">French Onion Soup Gratinee with crostinis and Gruyere<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>The Cafe&#8217;s walls are adorned with art whose beauty pales in comparison to the the truly artistic cuisine, whose artists are merely stick figure novices in comparison to the classically trained masters who create in the kitchen. From the complimentary bread basket to desserts, this restaurant exudes four star first class with a culinary repertoire which melds the finest in creative American, Italian and French cuisines. <span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">Be aware, however, that it&#8217;s easy to fall in love with an entree that may not be available because of a seasonal menu rotation or because it&#8217;s available only as a special<\/span>.<\/p>\n<p>Returning to two of the three pillars of the restaurant&#8217;s foundational values, the Culinary Excellence pillar has been exemplified by chefs who have gone on to stellar success in other restaurant ventures throughout the city.\u00a0 Most recently, Chef Tony Netherly moved on to launch <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nmgastronome.com\/?p=84931\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Tony&#8217;s Pizzeria<\/strong><\/a>, one of the most highly regarded pizzerias in the city.\u00a0 Before him, there was Chef David Gaspar de Alba who shines at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nmgastronome.com\/?p=51397\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Oni Noodles<\/strong><\/a>. Chef Cristina Martinez is the executive chef at El Monte Sagrado in Taos. Chef J. Martin Torrez is working as a sous chef at the Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado Santa Fe. Chef Israel Rivera (better known as &#8220;Izz&#8221;) is the executive chef and owner of Albuquerque&#8217;s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nmgastronome.com\/?p=36354\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>The Shop<\/strong><\/a>.\u00a0 You get the picture.\u00a0 A chef stint at the Artichoke Cafe is a virtual predictor of future success.\u00a0 In terms of the third pillar (Attentive Service), you need to look no further than Simone, an effusive and savvy server and one of Albuquerque&#8217;s very best waitresses.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_90926\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-90926\" style=\"width: 850px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-90926 lazyload\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 850px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 850\/625;border: 4px solid black; margin-top: 3px; margin-bottom: 3px;\" data-src=\"https:\/\/b4385483.assetcdn.net\/2.0\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/Artichoke18.png?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"850\" height=\"625\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/b4385483.assetcdn.net\/2.0\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/Artichoke18.png?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 1280w, https:\/\/b4385483.assetcdn.net\/2.0\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/Artichoke18-300x221.png?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 300w, https:\/\/b4385483.assetcdn.net\/2.0\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/Artichoke18-1024x753.png?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 1024w, https:\/\/b4385483.assetcdn.net\/2.0\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/Artichoke18-150x110.png?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 150w, https:\/\/b4385483.assetcdn.net\/2.0\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/Artichoke18-768x565.png?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 768w, https:\/\/b4385483.assetcdn.net\/2.0\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/Artichoke18.png?size=384x282&lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 384w, https:\/\/b4385483.assetcdn.net\/2.0\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/Artichoke18.png?size=512x376&lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 512w, https:\/\/b4385483.assetcdn.net\/2.0\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/Artichoke18.png?size=640x471&lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 640w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 850px) 100vw, 850px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-90926\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Fried Artichoke Hearts<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Perhaps more telling of our high regard for The Artichoke, when given a choice of restaurants at which to celebrate our 41st wedding anniversary, my Kim&#8217;s first and only choice was The Artichoke Cafe.\u00a0 We hadn&#8217;t visited this eDo institution in ten years.\u00a0 Not surprisingly it more than lived up to expectations.\u00a0 We even got to meet Chef Chris who replaced Chef Tony Netherly.\u00a0 Chris has already placed his stamp on the restaurant menu, telling us more than 80-percent of the menu is uniquely his own.\u00a0 Some standards (such as the French onion soup gratinee) will remain as it wouldn&#8217;t be the Artichoke without them.\u00a0 It also wouldn&#8217;t be The Artichoke without complimentary bread, something very few restaurants (even in the fine-dining arena) offer nowadays.\u00a0 The Artichoke&#8217;s <em><strong>focaccia bread<\/strong><\/em> served with real butter is inspired. The Artichoke\u00a0bakes its own bread in-house rather than outsourcing it to an external commercial bakery.<\/p>\n<p><strong>28 December 2011<\/strong>: Also quite inspired is the <strong><em>French Onion Soup gratinee<\/em><\/strong> with imported Gruyere. It&#8217;s easily among the very best French Onion Soups in Albuquerque, so good even French-hating xenophobes would appreciate a steamy bowl of aromatic beef broth in which sweet onions and rich, nutty, and savory Gruyere cheese swim merrily with spongy, soft crostinis. Considered a \u201cpeasant food\u201d by virtue of its humble, economically borne origin, French onion soup has risen to the level of much coveted, highly sought after gourmet favorites.\u00a0 At The Artichoke, French onion soup gratinee is an artform.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_90928\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-90928\" style=\"width: 850px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-90928 lazyload\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 850px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 850\/812;border: 4px solid black; margin-top: 3px; margin-bottom: 3px;\" data-src=\"https:\/\/b4385483.assetcdn.net\/2.0\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/Artichoke19b.png?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"850\" height=\"812\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/b4385483.assetcdn.net\/2.0\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/Artichoke19b.png?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 1280w, https:\/\/b4385483.assetcdn.net\/2.0\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/Artichoke19b-300x287.png?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 300w, https:\/\/b4385483.assetcdn.net\/2.0\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/Artichoke19b-1024x978.png?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 1024w, https:\/\/b4385483.assetcdn.net\/2.0\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/Artichoke19b-150x143.png?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 150w, https:\/\/b4385483.assetcdn.net\/2.0\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/Artichoke19b-768x734.png?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 768w, https:\/\/b4385483.assetcdn.net\/2.0\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/Artichoke19b.png?size=384x367&lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 384w, https:\/\/b4385483.assetcdn.net\/2.0\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/Artichoke19b.png?size=512x489&lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 512w, https:\/\/b4385483.assetcdn.net\/2.0\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/Artichoke19b.png?size=640x611&lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 640w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 850px) 100vw, 850px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-90928\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Charred Corn Panzanella<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><strong>8 September 2026<\/strong>:\u00a0 The Artichoke Cafe isn&#8217;t just a clever, catchy name pulled out of a marketer&#8217;s mind.\u00a0 You&#8217;ll always find an artichoke dish on the menu.\u00a0 Consider yourself blesssed if <em><strong>fried artichoke hearts<\/strong><\/em> (served with a sauce of lemon aioli, mint and Parmigiano Reggiano) are among the &#8220;Smaller&#8221; offerings on the menu.\u00a0 Unlike fried artichoke hearts you may have had previously, these are lightly coated.\u00a0 You&#8217;re not eating a lot of batter and a little artichoke heart.\u00a0 These are artichoke hearts even diners who believe they won&#8217;t like them will fall in love with.\u00a0 Best of all, there&#8217;s no peeling off annoying artichoke leaves.\u00a0 Every part of the fried artichoke hearts is edible and absolutely delicious.\u00a0 The interior of the artichoke hearts are soft, tender and juicy with a slightly sweet and mild yet mouth-watering flavor.\u00a0 The sauce is a wonderful complement.\u00a0 Because artichokes naturally absorb surrounding flavors, fried artichoke hearts take on the taste of the sauce,<\/p>\n<p><strong>8 September 2026<\/strong>:\u00a0 In my 39 years on Terra Firma, only two panzanella dishes have ever tantalized my pedantic taste buds.\u00a0 Only one&#8211;from Chef Javier Monta\u00f1o then at the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nmgastronome.com\/?p=52167\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Vara Winery &amp; Distillery<\/strong><\/a>&#8211;came from New Mexico.\u00a0 The other transformative panzanella dish came from the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nmgastronome.com\/?p=65458\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Italian Daughter<\/strong><\/a> in Scottsale, Arizona.\u00a0 So, what makes a memorable panzanella? A great panzanella balances crisp, sturdy bread with intensely flavorful, salted tomatoes and typically a sharp vinaigrette that ties the bowl together without turning the salad into mush.\u00a0 The Artichoke&#8217;s <em><strong>charred corn panzanella<\/strong><\/em> transforms its fabulous foccacia into toasted croutons, still crunchy and firm.\u00a0 \u00a0This treasure from the smaller plates menu also features finely chopped tomato, corn, cucumber, herbs, pickled shallot and extra virgin olive oil.\u00a0 \u00a0The pickled shallots and cucumber blending with the extra virgin olive oil are the likely catalysts which mimic the dressing we thought for sure we were enjoying. Every element on this outstanding panzanella worked harmoniously with every other element, creating an onchestral concordance.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_90932\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-90932\" style=\"width: 777px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-90932 lazyload\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 777px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 777\/800;border: 4px solid black; margin-top: 3px; margin-bottom: 3px;\" data-src=\"https:\/\/b4385483.assetcdn.net\/2.0\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/Artichoke21b.png?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"777\" height=\"800\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/b4385483.assetcdn.net\/2.0\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/Artichoke21b.png?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 1243w, https:\/\/b4385483.assetcdn.net\/2.0\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/Artichoke21b-291x300.png?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 291w, https:\/\/b4385483.assetcdn.net\/2.0\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/Artichoke21b-994x1024.png?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 994w, https:\/\/b4385483.assetcdn.net\/2.0\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/Artichoke21b-146x150.png?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 146w, https:\/\/b4385483.assetcdn.net\/2.0\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/Artichoke21b-768x791.png?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 768w, https:\/\/b4385483.assetcdn.net\/2.0\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/Artichoke21b.png?size=384x395&lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 384w, https:\/\/b4385483.assetcdn.net\/2.0\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/Artichoke21b.png?size=512x527&lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 512w, https:\/\/b4385483.assetcdn.net\/2.0\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/Artichoke21b.png?size=640x659&lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 640w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 777px) 100vw, 777px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-90932\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Pan-Seared Monk Fish<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><strong>8 September 2026<\/strong>:\u00a0 Did I mention what a wonderful server Simone is?\u00a0 In addition to taking great care of us with sage recommendations, she convinced me to order The Artichoke&#8217;s special-of-the day when I was eyeing a risotto dish.\u00a0 That special was a <em><strong>pan-seared monkfish<\/strong><\/em> with a cannelini brown butter puree, red wine and butter sauce, sauteed mushrooms and onions and fried fennel. If you&#8217;ve never ordered monkfish, think lobster. Monkfish is a bottom-dwelling fish (not entirely unlike catfish) known for its giant, <a href=\"https:\/\/northumberlandseafood.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/Monkfish-front-2-rs-1.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>hideous head<\/strong><\/a>.\u00a0 \u00a0It&#8217;s also known for its sweet, firm meat that some say tastes like lobster.\u00a0 In fact it&#8217;s often called &#8220;poor man&#8217;s lobster.&#8221;\u00a0 Sadly, some restaurants occasionally substitute less expensive fish like monkfish for lobster, especially in mixed, fried, or heavily sauced dishes where the texture and flavor are harder to identify.<\/p>\n<p>Having lived in Massachusetts where lobster was relatively inexpensive compared to landlocked states to which lobster is flown in, I&#8217;m not easy to fool.\u00a0 When I order monkfish, it&#8217;s because I want monkfish and don&#8217;t want a simile lobster.\u00a0 Chef Chris knows what he&#8217;s doing with monkfish and doesn&#8217;t try to mask its firmness or make it taste like lobster.\u00a0 The cannelini (large, white Italian kidney beans often used on pasta fagioli) and brown butter puree could easily be mistaken for delicious mashed potatoes. Then there&#8217;s the red wine and butter sauce with a delightful purplish hue and vibrant fruity notes.\u00a0 Pan-fried to a delicate crispness, the monkfish proved worthy of Simone&#8217;s effusive recommendations.\u00a0 Despite that recommendation, however, I would probably not have ordereed it had it not been deboned.\u00a0 Some chefs keep the central backbone in place to help the fish hold its shape and impart a richer taste while roasting or pan-searing, but traumatizing experiences with fish bones have turned me off them.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_90934\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-90934\" style=\"width: 850px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-90934 lazyload\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 850px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 850\/638;border: 4px solid black; margin-top: 3px; margin-bottom: 3px;\" data-src=\"https:\/\/b4385483.assetcdn.net\/2.0\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/Artichoke22b.png?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"850\" height=\"638\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/b4385483.assetcdn.net\/2.0\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/Artichoke22b.png?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 1280w, https:\/\/b4385483.assetcdn.net\/2.0\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/Artichoke22b-300x225.png?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 300w, https:\/\/b4385483.assetcdn.net\/2.0\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/Artichoke22b-1024x768.png?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 1024w, https:\/\/b4385483.assetcdn.net\/2.0\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/Artichoke22b-150x113.png?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 150w, https:\/\/b4385483.assetcdn.net\/2.0\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/Artichoke22b-768x576.png?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 768w, https:\/\/b4385483.assetcdn.net\/2.0\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/Artichoke22b.png?size=384x288&lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 384w, https:\/\/b4385483.assetcdn.net\/2.0\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/Artichoke22b.png?size=512x384&lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 512w, https:\/\/b4385483.assetcdn.net\/2.0\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/Artichoke22b.png?size=640x480&lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 640w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 850px) 100vw, 850px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-90934\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Bone-In Pork Chop<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><strong>8 September 2026<\/strong>:\u00a0 With no pescatarian leanings whatsoever, my Kim loves steak but also enjoys pork, the &#8220;other white meat.&#8221;\u00a0 Her carnivorous bent was sated by The Artichoke&#8217;s <em><strong>bone-in pork chop<\/strong><\/em> (served with orzo, endive and a cherry reduction).\u00a0 The bone-in chop is a thing of beauty, a carnivore&#8217;s dream.\u00a0 It&#8217;s got beautiful diamond-shaped grill marks that bespeak of meat resting on hot grill grates without moving during the first part of cooking. \u00a0The dark lines occur because of the Maillard reaction, a chemical reaction between amino acids and sugars when hot metal touches the meat.\u00a0 Not only is the chop a thing of beauty, it is absolutely delicious.\u00a0 Prepared at medium, it&#8217;s among the most tender cuts of meat we&#8217;ve enjoyed in quite a while.\u00a0 Surprisingly good was the orzo.\u00a0 Though it looks like rice, it&#8217;s actually a small type of pasta shaped like a grain of rice.\u00a0 Orzo has very little flavor of its own, but inherits the flavors off sauces very well.<\/p>\n<p><strong>8 September 2026<\/strong>:\u00a0 Six dessert options are the best way to finish your meal.\u00a0 While all six are reputedly delicious, Simone waxed especially eloquent about the <em><strong>triple chocolate cake a la mode<\/strong><\/em> (pecan-cocoa nub praline, dulce de leche).\u00a0 The three layer cake is magnificent&#8211;like edible art.\u00a0 The pecan-cocoa nub praline combines buttery, sugary Southern-style candy with rich cocoa flavor and crunchy toasted pecans.\u00a0 The dulce de leche ice cream is rich with a deeply caramel influence.\u00a0 The chocolate is adult chocolate meaning it&#8217;s not cloying, but deeply robust and slightly bitter.\u00a0 It&#8217;s my kind of chocolate.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_90936\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-90936\" style=\"width: 850px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-90936 lazyload\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 850px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 850\/750;border: 4px solid black; margin-top: 3px; margin-bottom: 3px;\" data-src=\"https:\/\/b4385483.assetcdn.net\/2.0\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/Artichoke23.png?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"850\" height=\"750\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/b4385483.assetcdn.net\/2.0\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/Artichoke23.png?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 1280w, https:\/\/b4385483.assetcdn.net\/2.0\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/Artichoke23-300x265.png?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 300w, https:\/\/b4385483.assetcdn.net\/2.0\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/Artichoke23-1024x903.png?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 1024w, https:\/\/b4385483.assetcdn.net\/2.0\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/Artichoke23-150x132.png?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 150w, https:\/\/b4385483.assetcdn.net\/2.0\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/Artichoke23-768x677.png?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 768w, https:\/\/b4385483.assetcdn.net\/2.0\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/Artichoke23.png?size=384x339&lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 384w, https:\/\/b4385483.assetcdn.net\/2.0\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/Artichoke23.png?size=512x452&lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 512w, https:\/\/b4385483.assetcdn.net\/2.0\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/Artichoke23.png?size=640x565&lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 640w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 850px) 100vw, 850px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-90936\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Triple Chocolate Cake a la Mode<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>The Artichoke Cafe is one of the Duke City&#8217;s premier dining destinations, a fact not lost among the city&#8217;s movers and shakers who make it their destination of choice for &#8220;power&#8221; lunches and dinners. Whether or not you consider yourself a &#8220;player&#8221; in the arena of business, politics or any other enterprise, you&#8217;ll feel right at home at the Artichoke Cafe, truly one of the city&#8217;s very best restaurants of any genre.<\/p>\n<p><strong>The Artichoke Cafe<\/strong><br \/>\n424 Central, S.E.<br \/>\n<strong>Albuquerque, New Mexico<\/strong><br \/>\n505 243-0200<br \/>\n<strong><a title=\"The Artichoke Cafe\" href=\"http:\/\/www.artichokecafe.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Web Site<\/a><\/strong> | <a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/TheArtichokeCafe\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Facebook Page<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<p><strong>LATEST VISIT<\/strong>: 8 September 2026<br \/>\n<strong># OF VISITS<\/strong>: 9<br \/>\n<strong>RATING<\/strong>: <span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><strong>Outstanding<\/strong><\/span>\u2013A stand-out; delivers a memorable dining experience through a harmonious blend of exceptional food, attentive service, and consistent quality<br \/>\n<strong>COST<\/strong>: $$$ &#8211; $$$$<br \/>\n<strong>BEST BET<\/strong>: Triple Chocolate Cake a la Mode, Pan-Fried Monkfish, Bone-In Pork Chop, Charred Corn Panzanella, Fried Artichoke Hearts<\/p>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>&#8220;These things are just plain annoying. After all the trouble you go to, you get about as much actual &#8220;food&#8221; out of eating an artichoke as you would from licking 30 or 40 postage stamps. Have the shrimp cocktail instead.&#8221; &#8211; Miss Piggy Miss Piggy, that shrill and garrulous walking side of bacon, may not appreciate the humble artichoke much, but among both health conscious and discerning diners, the artichoke has long been a healthful and delicious dining option. Considered a &#8220;super food&#8221; for its high antioxidant, fiber, potassium, phosphorous, iron, calcium and magnesium content, artichokes have long been used&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":90934,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_exactmetrics_skip_tracking":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[440,134,561],"tags":[6031,5111,6041,6038,6039,6037,6029,6030,6034,6033,6032,6036,6040,6028,6042,6035,6043],"class_list":["post-207","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-albuquerque","category-fine-dining","category-rating-outstanding","tag-attentive-service","tag-bone-in-pork-chop","tag-charred-corn-panzanella","tag-chef-david-gaspar-de-alba","tag-chef-israel-rivera","tag-chef-tony-netherly","tag-community-and-connection","tag-culinary-excellence","tag-east-downtown-edo","tag-foccacia","tag-foundational-business-values","tag-french-onion-soup-gratinee","tag-fried-artichoke-hearts","tag-open-in-1989","tag-pan-fried-monkfish","tag-pat-and-terry-keene","tag-triple-chocolate-cake-a-la-mode"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v28.7 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>The Artichoke Cafe - Albuquerque, New Mexico - Gil&#039;s Thrilling (And Filling) Blog<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nmgastronome.com\/?p=207\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"The Artichoke Cafe - Albuquerque, New Mexico - Gil&#039;s Thrilling (And Filling) Blog\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"&#8220;These things are just plain annoying. After all the trouble you go to, you get about as much actual &#8220;food&#8221; out of eating an artichoke as you would from licking 30 or 40 postage stamps. Have the shrimp cocktail instead.&#8221; &#8211; Miss Piggy Miss Piggy, that shrill and garrulous walking side of bacon, may not appreciate the humble artichoke much, but among both health conscious and discerning diners, the artichoke has long been a healthful and delicious dining option. Considered a &#8220;super food&#8221; for its high antioxidant, fiber, potassium, phosphorous, iron, calcium and magnesium content, artichokes have long been used&hellip;\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.nmgastronome.com\/?p=207\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Gil&#039;s Thrilling (And Filling) Blog\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:author\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/nmgastronome\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2026-09-08T09:29:01+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2026-09-10T00:39:09+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.nmgastronome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/Artichoke22b.png\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1280\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"960\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/png\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Gil Garduno\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Gil Garduno\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"12 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.nmgastronome.com\\\/?p=207#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.nmgastronome.com\\\/?p=207\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Gil Garduno\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.nmgastronome.com\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/c99d4053deafdbc2fbe92af0710cbab8\"},\"headline\":\"The Artichoke Cafe &#8211; 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