{"id":62725,"date":"2023-02-24T00:01:04","date_gmt":"2023-02-24T06:01:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.nmgastronome.com\/?p=62725"},"modified":"2023-06-13T12:07:44","modified_gmt":"2023-06-13T18:07:44","slug":"tortilla-kitchen-albuquerque-new-mexico","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.nmgastronome.com\/?p=62725","title":{"rendered":"Tortilla Kitchen &#8211; Albuquerque, New Mexico (CLOSED)"},"content":{"rendered":"<div style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<figure id=\"attachment_62733\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-62733\" style=\"width: 750px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-62733 lazyload\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 750px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 750\/563;border: 4px solid black; margin-top: 3px; margin-bottom: 3px;\" data-src=\"https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/TortillaKitchen01-scaled.jpeg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"750\" height=\"563\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/TortillaKitchen01-scaled.jpeg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 2560w, https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/TortillaKitchen01-300x225.jpeg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 300w, https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/TortillaKitchen01-1024x768.jpeg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 1024w, https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/TortillaKitchen01-150x113.jpeg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 150w, https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/TortillaKitchen01-768x576.jpeg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 768w, https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/TortillaKitchen01-1536x1152.jpeg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 1536w, https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/TortillaKitchen01-2048x1536.jpeg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 2048w, https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/TortillaKitchen01.jpeg?size=384x288&lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 384w, https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/TortillaKitchen01.jpeg?size=512x384&lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 512w, https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/TortillaKitchen01.jpeg?size=640x480&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-62733\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The Tortilla Kitchen Opened Its Doors in January, 2023<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: small; font-family: Verdana;\">A sure sign Spring has arrived In rural New Mexico is the annual ritual of cleaning the acequias, the community operated ditches used to irrigate fields, gardens and lawns. Early in the morning, property owners or their designated paid representatives would convene at appointed spots to begin the effort. Work crews typically consisted of grizzled veterans, most of whom acted as \u201cmayordomos\u201d (bosses) and young bucks like me with strong backs. Not surprisingly, distribution of work was\u2026shall we say, quite inequitable. The old-timers would order us around, shouting out instructions like elderly drill sergeants. Most of us youngsters didn\u2019t mind. During frequent breaks we got to hear some of the most ribald and raunchy stories from highly respected elders. One I\u2019ve never forgotten is when a thrice-married viejito was asked by a colleague \u201c<em>Do all women look alike<\/em>?\u201d \u201c<em>I\u2019ll tell you honestly<\/em>,\u201d he responded \u201c<em>not even their tortillas look alike<\/em>.\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: small; font-family: Verdana;\">While the question was designed to elicit a response about a certain female, er\u2026anatomical part, my take-away had everything to do with tortillas. My mom was (and still is) the very best tortillera in the Penasco valley. Her tortillas were on the thin side with beautiful pinto pony char spots. We couldn\u2019t wait to slather them with butter. My Grandma Andreita\u2019s recipe, on the other hand, called for yeast which made her tortillas thick and fluffy. Grandma Piedad\u2019s tortillas were somewhere between thick and thin. All the women in my life prepared perfect tortillas irrespective of thickness. Sadly, the art of tortilla-making was not inherited. Nor apparently can it be taught. Neither my sisters or my Kim have mastered that art. Their tortillas resemble the outline of states\u2014misshapen contours and wonky profiles. The malformed masa\u2019s appearance would be forgivable if the results were delicious. Instead, they\u2019re either crispy and cracker-like or as elastic as saltwater taffy.<\/span><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_62734\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-62734\" style=\"width: 750px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-62734 lazyload\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 750px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 750\/563;border: 4px solid black; margin-top: 3px; margin-bottom: 3px;\" data-src=\"https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/TortillaKitchen02-scaled.jpeg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"750\" height=\"563\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/TortillaKitchen02-scaled.jpeg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 2560w, https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/TortillaKitchen02-300x225.jpeg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 300w, https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/TortillaKitchen02-1024x768.jpeg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 1024w, https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/TortillaKitchen02-150x113.jpeg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 150w, https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/TortillaKitchen02-768x576.jpeg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 768w, https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/TortillaKitchen02-1536x1152.jpeg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 1536w, https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/TortillaKitchen02-2048x1536.jpeg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 2048w, https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/TortillaKitchen02.jpeg?size=384x288&lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 384w, https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/TortillaKitchen02.jpeg?size=512x384&lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 512w, https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/TortillaKitchen02.jpeg?size=640x480&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-62734\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The Sprawling Dining Room<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: small; font-family: Verdana;\">The time-honored, traditional art of making tortillas on a sizzling cast-iron comal is truly one of the defining elements we love most about New Mexican food. Alas, with the widespread availability of plastic-wrapped, store-bought pretenders, the art of kneading dough and shaping orbs for preparation on a griddle is slowly being lost. That\u2019s why we were so excited when the Tortilla Kitchen opened its doors in January, 2023. We weren\u2019t the only ones. On the weekend following an Albuquerque Journal article announcing the restaurant\u2019s launch, prospective guests queued up for an available table an hour or more. That\u2019s about 58 minutes longer than I like to wait for a seat so we postponed our next visit until Tuesday when we were escorted to an available table within minutes of our arrival. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: small; font-family: Verdana;\">It\u2019s not just New Mexicans who have been beguiled by the flavor and diverse uses for the sacrosanct tortilla. According to Kemin Food Technologies, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.kemin.com\/content\/dam\/kemin-food-technologies\/kftna-photos\/downloads\/tortilla_whitepaper.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>tortillas have gone mainstream<\/strong> <\/a>under spacious skies with \u201c234.39 million tortilla consumers in the U.S in 2018. 122.48 million people in the U.S. consumed one to eight or more bags of tortilla products per month. The tortilla production industry reached $5 billion revenue in 2018.\u201d As in Mexico, the key growth driver in the tortilla industry is soft corn tortillas. Flour tortillas have 43% of the market share\u2026much more than that in the Land of Enchantment. Most tortillas made in the United States are \u201cmanufactured,\u201d not made at home or in tortillerias. There\u2019s a significant difference.<\/span><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_62735\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-62735\" style=\"width: 750px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-62735 lazyload\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 750px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 750\/563;border: 4px solid black; margin-top: 3px; margin-bottom: 3px;\" data-src=\"https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/TortillaKitchen03-scaled.jpeg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"750\" height=\"563\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/TortillaKitchen03-scaled.jpeg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 2560w, https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/TortillaKitchen03-300x225.jpeg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 300w, https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/TortillaKitchen03-1024x768.jpeg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 1024w, https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/TortillaKitchen03-150x113.jpeg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 150w, https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/TortillaKitchen03-768x576.jpeg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 768w, https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/TortillaKitchen03-1536x1152.jpeg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 1536w, https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/TortillaKitchen03-2048x1536.jpeg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 2048w, https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/TortillaKitchen03.jpeg?size=384x288&lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 384w, https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/TortillaKitchen03.jpeg?size=512x384&lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 512w, https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/TortillaKitchen03.jpeg?size=640x480&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-62735\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">A Tortillera in Action<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: small; font-family: Verdana;\">That difference is discernible the second you step through the doors at Tortilla Kitchen where the inimitable aroma of tortillas on the grill greets you like a warm hug. \u00a0It&#8217;s a sensation generations of New Mexicans have grown up with. \u00a0Take a gander across the spacious dining room and there against the west wall is a tortillera flattening a ball of dough then rolling it into six- or seven-inch orbs which she gently slaps the orbs onto a hot griddle. \u00a0Step closer and you&#8217;ll hear a faint sizzle followed by a perceptible bubbling across its surface. \u00a0In a few seconds, the bottom of the tortilla will be replete with brown splotches. \u00a0The tortillera then flips the tortilla over and bakes it until the other side is browned, too. \u00a0All the while, the aromas grow increasingly mouth-watering.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: small; font-family: Verdana;\">You won&#8217;t be seated long before your server will ferry over a small covered basket. \u00a0Open it up and two steaming flour tortillas are presented. \u00a0It&#8217;s better than an amuse bouche because it&#8217;s several bites of warm, glorious made from scratch tortillas with no preservatives just beckoning for warm butter to be slathered onto them. \u00a0These tortillas are about six inches around, about an inch or so smaller than the tortillas you can purchase by the dozen. \u00a0Packets of butter are available on every table. \u00a0You&#8217;ll make quick work out of these tortillas, one of the best ploys for whetting the appetite and tempting diners to order a dozen to take home.<\/span><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_62736\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-62736\" style=\"width: 566px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-62736 lazyload\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 566px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 566\/700;border: 4px solid black; margin-top: 3px; margin-bottom: 3px;\" data-src=\"https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/TortillaKitchen04-scaled.jpeg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"566\" height=\"700\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/TortillaKitchen04-scaled.jpeg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 2069w, https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/TortillaKitchen04-242x300.jpeg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 242w, https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/TortillaKitchen04-828x1024.jpeg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 828w, https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/TortillaKitchen04-121x150.jpeg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 121w, https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/TortillaKitchen04-768x950.jpeg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 768w, https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/TortillaKitchen04-1241x1536.jpeg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 1241w, https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/TortillaKitchen04-1655x2048.jpeg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 1655w, https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/TortillaKitchen04.jpeg?size=384x475&lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 384w, https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/TortillaKitchen04.jpeg?size=512x633&lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 512w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 566px) 100vw, 566px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-62736\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Two Complimentary Tortillas Delivered To Our Table Within Minutes of Us Sitting Down<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: small; font-family: Verdana;\">The Tortilla Kitchen is the brainchild of Mike and Gloria Montoya, both of whom are likely to visit your table at some point during your meal. \u00a0Mike, a burly gentleman with Popeye arms is a retired fireman who enjoyed the communal experience of cooking with the brotherhood of firemen. \u00a0In launching a restaurant, he has a larger venue to continue cooking. \u00a0The recipes come from Gloria, a petite and beautiful woman with a bright smile. \u00a0She&#8217;s so tiny that you might wonder if the tortillas are any good as in &#8220;<em>how can anyone so petite prepare tortillas that good without weighing 300-pounds<\/em>.&#8221;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: small; font-family: Verdana;\">Everything is made from scratch at the Tortilla Kitchen and you can order from either the breakfast or lunch menu all day long. \u00a0Well, at least until 2PM when the restaurant closes. \u00a0New Mexican favorites adorn the menu&#8211;everything from enchiladas and burritos to carne adovada and chicken fried steak. \u00a0Several &#8220;plate&#8221; dishes will heighten your challenge to decide just what you should order. \u00a0You might be surprised just how tempting Tortilla Kitchen Weenies and Eggs (tortilla with two eggs, sliced weenies, papas and your choice of red and (or) green chile. \u00a0It took all I had not to order that tempting dish.<\/span><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_62737\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-62737\" style=\"width: 750px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-62737 lazyload\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 750px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 750\/537;border: 4px solid black; margin-top: 3px; margin-bottom: 3px;\" data-src=\"https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/TortillaKitchen05-scaled.jpeg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"750\" height=\"537\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/TortillaKitchen05-scaled.jpeg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 2560w, https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/TortillaKitchen05-300x215.jpeg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 300w, https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/TortillaKitchen05-1024x734.jpeg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 1024w, https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/TortillaKitchen05-150x107.jpeg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 150w, https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/TortillaKitchen05-768x550.jpeg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 768w, https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/TortillaKitchen05-1536x1101.jpeg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 1536w, https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/TortillaKitchen05-2048x1467.jpeg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 2048w, https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/TortillaKitchen05.jpeg?size=384x275&lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 384w, https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/TortillaKitchen05.jpeg?size=512x367&lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 512w, https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/TortillaKitchen05.jpeg?size=640x458&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-62737\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Chips Con Queso<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: small; font-family: Verdana;\"><strong>17 January 2023<\/strong>: Starters include salsa, guacamole or con queso with chips as well as a quesadilla, taquitos or chile cheese fries. \u00a0All were tempting, but on a rainy, windy morning it had to be <em><strong>con queso with chips<\/strong><\/em>. \u00a0There&#8217;s nothing like heat to beat heat on a cold day. \u00a0The con queso isn&#8217;t very piquant, but it&#8217;s flecked with New Mexico&#8217;s sacrosanct green chile and it&#8217;s served warm. \u00a0The chips are lightly salted triangles of crispy corn. \u00a0Each chip is formidable enough for either scooping up or dipping into the molten queso. \u00a0Con queso good very well with the house coffee, an <a href=\"https:\/\/www.benekeith.com\/food\/products\/ellington-roasting-company-arabica\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Ellington<\/strong><\/a> brand with a smooth flavor.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: small; font-family: Verdana;\"><strong>17 January 2023<\/strong>: As tempting as virtually everything on the menu may have been, sometimes variety is what you crave. \u00a0Variety is a term that certainly applies to the <em><strong>Tortilla Kitchen Grande Plate<\/strong>\u00a0<\/em>(tortilla with two eggs, papas, bacon, sausage, two pancakes or French toast and your choice of red (and) or green chile). \u00a0New Mexican food goes especially well with pancakes. \u00a0Neither the red or green chile are especially piquant, but possess other attributes New Mexicans love about our sacrosanct chile. \u00a0The green chile, an autumn blend, has a smoky flavor while the red has a characteristic earthiness. \u00a0The papas are terrific, cubes of tubers you can dip into the chile or enjoy on their own.<\/span><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_62738\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-62738\" style=\"width: 750px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-62738 lazyload\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 750px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 750\/563;border: 4px solid black; margin-top: 3px; margin-bottom: 3px;\" data-src=\"https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/TortillaKitchen06-scaled.jpeg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"750\" height=\"563\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/TortillaKitchen06-scaled.jpeg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 2560w, https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/TortillaKitchen06-300x225.jpeg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 300w, https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/TortillaKitchen06-1024x768.jpeg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 1024w, https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/TortillaKitchen06-150x113.jpeg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 150w, https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/TortillaKitchen06-768x576.jpeg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 768w, https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/TortillaKitchen06-1536x1152.jpeg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 1536w, https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/TortillaKitchen06-2048x1536.jpeg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 2048w, https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/TortillaKitchen06.jpeg?size=384x288&lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 384w, https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/TortillaKitchen06.jpeg?size=512x384&lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 512w, https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/TortillaKitchen06.jpeg?size=640x480&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-62738\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Tortilla Kitchen Grande Plate<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: small; font-family: Verdana;\"><strong>17 January 2023<\/strong>: In Northern New Mexico where I grew up, winter had two distinct smells. \u00a0One was the warm, earthy, reassuring fragrance of firewood on the stove. \u00a0The other was my mom&#8217;s pancakes, griddled orbs of pure love slathered with butter and pure maple syrup. \u00a0The Tortilla Kitchen&#8217;s pancakes reminded me of my mom&#8217;s pancakes, giving me a warm feeling all over. \u00a0These are pancakes only moms and the very best cafes and diners can serve. \u00a0The Grande Plate came with two of them, each nearly as large around as the tortillas. \u00a0We discerned something uniquely special about these pancakes, but couldn&#8217;t get Gloria to share her secret recipe. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: small; font-family: Verdana;\">Since a change in prescription, my Kim has been unable to tolerate anything more piquant than ketchup. \u00a0She tells me her taste buds are ruined now that she can&#8217;t enjoy chile. \u00a0My Chicago born-and-bred bride may not have grown up with chile, but she&#8217;s made up for lost time. \u00a0She loves and prepares outstanding chile for us. \u00a0Lilly, our on-the-spot server assured my Kim that the carne adovada isn&#8217;t especially hot. \u00a0When New Mexicans like me say that, it&#8217;s usually with the same veracity as someone from the government telling you they&#8217;re here to help, but Lilly was spot on. \u00a0The carne adovada wasn&#8217;t especially piquant and it had the chile marinated flavor that makes carne adovada my Kim&#8217;s favorite New Mexican dish. \u00a0The <em><strong>carne adovada plate<\/strong><\/em> comes with two eggs, papas and a small mound of carne adovada.<\/span><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_62740\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-62740\" style=\"width: 750px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-62740 lazyload\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 750px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 750\/534;border: 4px solid black; margin-top: 3px; margin-bottom: 3px;\" data-src=\"https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/TortillaKitchen08-scaled.jpeg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"750\" height=\"534\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/TortillaKitchen08-scaled.jpeg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 2560w, https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/TortillaKitchen08-300x214.jpeg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 300w, https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/TortillaKitchen08-1024x729.jpeg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 1024w, https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/TortillaKitchen08-150x107.jpeg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 150w, https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/TortillaKitchen08-768x547.jpeg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 768w, https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/TortillaKitchen08-1536x1094.jpeg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 1536w, https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/TortillaKitchen08-2048x1459.jpeg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 2048w, https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/TortillaKitchen08.jpeg?size=384x273&lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 384w, https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/TortillaKitchen08.jpeg?size=512x365&lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 512w, https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/TortillaKitchen08.jpeg?size=640x456&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-62740\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Pancakes<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: small; font-family: Verdana;\">Characteristic of family owned and operated New Mexican restaurants, service at the Tortilla Kitchen was warm and friendly. \u00a0We interacted with several of the wait staff as well as Mike and Gloria Montoya, the affable owners. \u00a0Most of our interactions were with Lilly, a very sweet young lady with a strong customer orientation that reflects the restaurant owners&#8217; attitudes toward their guests. \u00a0Lilly took great care of us, imparting advice and recommendations when we asked for them, and keeping our glasses filled. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: small; font-family: Verdana;\">One of the things you&#8217;ll notice about the Tortilla Kitchen is that its walls are somewhat spartan. \u00a0Walls aren&#8217;t festooned with bric-a-brac or family paraphernalia. \u00a0You will, however, notice two familiar framed posters that adorn the walls of many a New Mexican kitchen. \u00a0Both are painted by New Mexican artist <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.edwardgonzales.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Edward <\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.edwardgonzales.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Gonzales<\/a><\/strong>. Both are of kitchen scenes that will resonate with everyone who grew up in Northern New Mexico and spent countless hours in their abuelita&#8217;s kitchen (probably enjoying tortillas).<\/span><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_62739\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-62739\" style=\"width: 750px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-62739 lazyload\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 750px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 750\/563;border: 4px solid black; margin-top: 3px; margin-bottom: 3px;\" data-src=\"https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/TortillaKitchen07-scaled.jpeg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"750\" height=\"563\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/TortillaKitchen07-scaled.jpeg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 2560w, https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/TortillaKitchen07-300x225.jpeg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 300w, https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/TortillaKitchen07-1024x768.jpeg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 1024w, https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/TortillaKitchen07-150x113.jpeg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 150w, https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/TortillaKitchen07-768x576.jpeg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 768w, https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/TortillaKitchen07-1536x1152.jpeg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 1536w, https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/TortillaKitchen07-2048x1536.jpeg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 2048w, https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/TortillaKitchen07.jpeg?size=384x288&lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 384w, https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/TortillaKitchen07.jpeg?size=512x384&lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 512w, https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/TortillaKitchen07.jpeg?size=640x480&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-62739\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Carne Adovada Plate<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: small; font-family: Verdana;\"><strong>24 February 2023<\/strong>: \u00a0In New Mexico chilaquiles without chile are akin to a day without enchantment. \u00a0 \u00a0Elsewhere, the absence of chile doesn&#8217;t seem to cause much of a stir. \u00a0Wikipedia describes the dish as being made with red or green salsa. \u00a0Another will tell you fried corn tortilla chips are simmered in a brothy sauce. \u00a0A brothy sauce? \u00a0Where&#8217;s the rope Texans used to hang the cook who dared bring salsa from New York City to a cowboy cook-out? \u00a0Alas, because she can no longer tolerate the piquancy of New Mexico&#8217;s sacrosanct chile, my Kim has to order some of her favorite New Mexican dishes without chile. \u00a0Chilaquiles sans chile just isn&#8217;t chilaquiles! \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: small; font-family: Verdana;\">It&#8217;s possible, in fact, that what you see pictured below is more reminiscent to you of pretty boring nachos: tortilla chips topped with shredded cheese and two fried eggs. \u00a0That might not even appeal to you as good nachos. \u00a0New Mexicans enjoy chile on almost absolutely everything. \u00a0To be honest, the chips and shredded chile weren&#8217;t bad. \u00a0That&#8217;s what you might expect on nachos. \u00a0It was the runny egg that just didn&#8217;t hit the right notes for me. \u00a0Without red or green chile, Beethoven would have a heckuva time hitting the right notes.<\/span><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_63044\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-63044\" style=\"width: 525px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-63044 lazyload\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 525px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 525\/700;border: 4px solid black; margin-top: 3px; margin-bottom: 3px;\" data-src=\"https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/TortillaKitchen09-scaled.jpeg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"525\" height=\"700\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/TortillaKitchen09-scaled.jpeg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 1920w, https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/TortillaKitchen09-225x300.jpeg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 225w, https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/TortillaKitchen09-768x1024.jpeg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 768w, https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/TortillaKitchen09-113x150.jpeg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 113w, https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/TortillaKitchen09-1152x1536.jpeg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 1152w, https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/TortillaKitchen09-1536x2048.jpeg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 1536w, https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/TortillaKitchen09.jpeg?size=384x512&lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 384w, https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/TortillaKitchen09.jpeg?size=512x683&lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 512w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 525px) 100vw, 525px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-63044\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Chilaquiles<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: small; font-family: Verdana;\"><strong>24 February 2023<\/strong>: Much more up my alley was a <em><strong>chicharron burrito<\/strong><\/em>\u00a0(burrito wrapped in a made-from scratch flour tortilla, chicharron, beans, cheese, your choice of red or green (or both) chile and two sides. \u00a0Neither the red nor the green chile have much heat and there&#8217;s a tad too much thickener on the red chile for my liking, but both still manage a good flavor that will help start any day the right way. \u00a0The chicharrones are plentiful. \u00a0Just about bite sized, they&#8217;re replete with crackling pork flavor albeit slightly more fatty than I would have liked. \u00a0Still, a little chile cures all ails. \u00a0A lot of chile has restorative powers.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: small; font-family: Verdana;\">My sides were a bowl of green chile stew and papitas. \u00a0The green chile stew was served in a rather small bowl, but it was quite good. \u00a0It would have been even better with a tortilla on the side. \u00a0The papitas were crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside with just the right amount of salt. \u00a0They were even better dipped into the green chile stew.<\/span><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_63045\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-63045\" style=\"width: 750px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-63045 lazyload\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 750px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 750\/592;border: 4px solid black; margin-top: 3px; margin-bottom: 3px;\" data-src=\"https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/TortillaKitchen10-scaled.jpeg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"750\" height=\"592\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/TortillaKitchen10-scaled.jpeg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 2560w, https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/TortillaKitchen10-300x237.jpeg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 300w, https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/TortillaKitchen10-1024x808.jpeg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 1024w, https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/TortillaKitchen10-150x118.jpeg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 150w, https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/TortillaKitchen10-768x606.jpeg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 768w, https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/TortillaKitchen10-1536x1212.jpeg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 1536w, https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/TortillaKitchen10-2048x1616.jpeg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 2048w, https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/TortillaKitchen10.jpeg?size=384x303&lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 384w, https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/TortillaKitchen10.jpeg?size=512x404&lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1 512w, https:\/\/b4385483.smushcdn.com\/4385483\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/TortillaKitchen10.jpeg?size=640x505&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-63045\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Chicharron Burrito<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: small; font-family: Verdana;\">The Tortilla Kitchen has the look and feel of a restaurant that&#8217;s been around for a long time&#8211;like a home away from home. \u00a0It gives you that sense of comfort and familiarity with which you grew up. \u00a0It makes you feel good.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: small; font-family: Verdana;\"><strong>Tortilla Kitchen<\/strong><br \/>\n6650 Holly Avenue, N.E., Suite C4<br \/>\n<strong>Albuquerque, New Mexico<\/strong><br \/>\n<strong>LATEST VISIT<\/strong>: 24 February 2023<br \/>\n<strong>1st VISIT<\/strong>: 17 January 2023<br \/>\n<strong># OF VISITS<\/strong>: 2<br \/>\n<strong>RATING<\/strong>: 21<br \/>\n<strong>COST<\/strong>: $$<br \/>\n<strong>BEST BET<\/strong>: Chips con Queso, Carne Adovada Plate, Flour Tortillas by the Dozen, Tortilla Kitchen Grande, Chicharron Burrito<br \/>\n<strong>REVIEW #1315<\/strong><br \/>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>A sure sign Spring has arrived In rural New Mexico is the annual ritual of cleaning the acequias, the community operated ditches used to irrigate fields, gardens and lawns. Early in the morning, property owners or their designated paid representatives would convene at appointed spots to begin the effort. Work crews typically consisted of grizzled veterans, most of whom acted as \u201cmayordomos\u201d (bosses) and young bucks like me with strong backs. Not surprisingly, distribution of work was\u2026shall we say, quite inequitable. The old-timers would order us around, shouting out instructions like elderly drill sergeants. Most of us youngsters didn\u2019t mind. During frequent breaks we got to hear some of the most ribald and raunchy stories from highly respected elders. One&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":63045,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_exactmetrics_skip_tracking":false,"_exactmetrics_sitenote_active":false,"_exactmetrics_sitenote_note":"","_exactmetrics_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[440,540,2583,262,112,141],"tags":[2217,896,2623,2619,1883,1630,2620,999,856,2617,2622,1864,998,2618,2052,2616,1082,949,1340,2621],"class_list":["post-62725","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-albuquerque","category-breakfast","category-closed-in-2023","category-closed","category-new-mexican","category-new-mexico","tag-breakfast-and-lunch-all-day","tag-burritos","tag-carne-adovada-plate","tag-cast-iron-comal","tag-chicharron-burrito","tag-chilaquiles","tag-complimentary-tortillas","tag-con-queso","tag-enchiladas","tag-gloria-montoya","tag-grande-plate","tag-green-chile-stew","tag-guacamole","tag-lilly","tag-made-from-scratch","tag-mike-montoya","tag-pancakes","tag-salsa-and-chips","tag-tortillas","tag-weenies-and-eggs-plate"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.4 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Tortilla Kitchen - Albuquerque, New Mexico (CLOSED) - 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=62725\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Tortilla Kitchen - Albuquerque, New Mexico (CLOSED) - Gil&#039;s Thrilling (And Filling) Blog\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"A sure sign Spring has arrived In rural New Mexico is the annual ritual of cleaning the acequias, the community operated ditches used to irrigate fields, gardens and lawns. Early in the morning, property owners or their designated paid representatives would convene at appointed spots to begin the effort. Work crews typically consisted of grizzled veterans, most of whom acted as \u201cmayordomos\u201d (bosses) and young bucks like me with strong backs. Not surprisingly, distribution of work was\u2026shall we say, quite inequitable. The old-timers would order us around, shouting out instructions like elderly drill sergeants. Most of us youngsters didn\u2019t mind. During frequent breaks we got to hear some of the most ribald and raunchy stories from highly respected elders. 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