A Little Summer TLC

By definition, this is not a restaurant review. However, considering that this is something I've been eating all weekend (and for weeks on end in past summers), I think it's worth mentioning. For me, summer is incomplete with fresh caprese salad on focaccia.

It's fresh tomato season, and this is one of my favorite ways to take advantage of the red, juicy babies. If you're a gardener with your own ripe tomatoes, I recommend waiting until the very last minute to pick them for this dish...because slightly sun warmed tomatoes are on par good sex and amazing wine. Instead, amass your other ingredients first, and then save the tomatoes for the very end. If you aren't a gardener- no worries- the grower's markets are rife with ruby treasures. I only ask that you not buy the tasteless monstrosities from the grocery story- that totally defeats the purpose.

Focaccia is much easier to find these days, though if you want a mini culinary adventure, head over to TLC Bakery on Osuna west of Jefferson. Their focaccia is topped with fresh herbs and olive oil, and is delicious. Plus, you can pick up bread for the next month and freeze it. While it's not a fancy bakery, the goods are fresh and tasty. You can also round out your trip with a visit to Whiting Tea and Coffee two stores down.

Aside from really ripe tomatoes and focaccia, you'll need fresh basil (please don't try to substitute the dried stuff...that's totally worthless), fresh mozzarella (the kind packed in water that looks almost like a lump of white dough), olive oil, and a bit of salt and pepper. Then you're set to assemble summer in a sandwich. Slice tomatoes and mozzarella, drizzle with olive oil, and salt and pepper them, slice some focaccia, and create a sandwich of the cheese and tomato, with a layer of basil. If you need a little more moisture in the sandwich, use more olive oil.

Now, pour a glass of your favorite vino and indulge in one of my summer treats.

To Eat with Friends (AmerAsia)

If you're looking for somewhere fun to go for lunch with friends, look no further than the glorious wonder of AmerAsia. Specializing in Dim Sum lunches, AmerAsia has been a family tradition since before I was born. I kid you not, I probably learned my love of scallion pancakes and mu shu in the womb. I will always have a special place in my heart for the Cornell establishment with its rolling lunch carts.

There are now two AmerAsia restaurants, one on Cornell and Lead, and the other on 3rd and Lomas. I still have yet to eat dim sum at the newer location. It shares space with Sumo Sushi (which is good and I will review eventually), but I haven't been in for lunch. Instead, I'm usually on campus around lunch time, meaning the Lead location is closer. Plus, I have a soft spot for the tiny hole-in-the-wall that I've known all my life. I'm pretty sure lunch is served from 11:30-1:30. I hear that dinner is also served now, but isn't dim sum. Therefore, I haven't tried it. Give me a holler if you've done dinner there and it's worth a taste, otherwise, I'll stick with what I know is the best.

Dim sum is basically the Chinese version of tapas. A server will wheel around a small food cart around the restaurant with all of the food on it and you point out what you want to eat. Served on small plates (and by said plates), you get dumplings, pot stickers, etc., and then share the food family-style. This is why it's a good idea to come with a friend- you get to sample more! And since the plates are small, you don't have to feel too guilty. I have heard stories that, back in the day, my parents and a friend liked to go there and try to break their previous records of how many little plates of food they could eat. Considering my father was an ex football player, the plates really stacked up. At the end of your meal, they will come and tally the plates and charge you accordingly.

Here's my list of must-haves:
* Noodle salad- it has carrots, celery and ginger, and is delicious in it's simplicity. I never forgo this.
* Goldens- these have to be ordered specially and made fresh. Just tell the server you want goldens and she'll know what you're talking about. They are sweet fried dumplings filled with a chicken paste...which I know sounds wrong but is amazing. I never miss these either.
* Chicken and peanuts- are sort of like cold pot stickers...but so much better.
* Pork and ginger- a fairly traditional pot sticker that's big on ginger taste.
* Scallion pancakes- pretty straightforward: chinese pancakes with scallions. Yum!
AmerAsia has tons of other offerings that are all good. If five choices aren't enough, add the beef and garlic, the mu shu, the puffy white dumplings called bowsa (sp?), and the spicy rice. There are also some curry dishes, hot spare ribs, noodles, and a few other dumplings.

If you feel that your choices just aren't spicy enough for your liking, every table is equipped with a jar of homemade hot sauce. Warning: this sauce is hotter than hell (even I don't mess with this stuff much)- if you get any on your fingers and then rub your eyes within 48 hours, you are in for a terrible experience. And if that isn't warning enough, consider this- when we used to bring it home to eat with leftovers, it immediately had to be transferred to a glass jar...because if left alone, it burned through the plastic container. No joke.

For dessert, be sure to order a plate of Crispies. They are won ton wrappers covered with powdered sugar. The sugar gets all over everything and they make a fabulous end to lunch.

So if you're looking for a delectable adventure, head over to AmerAsia. And bring me Goldens.

So Much for that Idea

If you were planning on taking my advice and heading to the Martini Grill for a drink, you're out of luck. Word has it that the establishment owed something exorbitant in back-taxes and was recently shut down. Well, so much for my love of the Martini Split and waffle fries...

Ice Cream for Breakfast (The Range)

There are very few places in town (at least that I know of) that serve ice cream on the breakfast menu. The Range is one of these places. That alone should inspire you to head over there.

There are three Range locations: one in Bernalillo (the home store), one on Wyoming and Montgomery, and one on Menaul and University. Therefore, location should never be an issue. I remember back in the day when there was only one restaurant, and we used to pilgrimage to Bernalillo on Sunday mornings for brunch. Since then, the other stores have opened and the Bernalillo one has expanded to include a very nice wine bar. While the wait for tables sometimes is lengthy, the service is usually quite good at all locations and the food is prompt.

The Range serves all meals and I think closes at 9 pm. If you're planning on a Range dessert trip (I highly recommend it), keep in mind that they're not open terribly late. Their menu encompasses a wide range of foods, mostly based on traditional American or New Mexican ingredients. This means that you can get spaghetti or enchiladas, a burger or huevos rancheros, chocolate ice cream or pinon caramel ice cream. The possibilities are huge. Here are my specific recommendations for meals though:
Breakfast- This is when you can order ice cream. Or, at least, a bowl of hot oatmeal topped with fresh berries, walnuts and cinnamon ice cream. Really the ice cream just stands in for traditional cream and sugar on the oatmeal, but what a difference it makes. Called "Home on the Range," it's guaranteed to please. If you're looking for something more protein-filled, both the huevos rancheros and the range round-up are tasty. I also had a period where I was obsessed with the "Kitchen Sink" omelet which envelopes- among other things- bacon, ham, cream cheese, avocado and tomato...it's an amalgamation of delicious. Their coffee drinks are a nice complement, but beware of the fact that they don't carry skim milk.
Lunch/dinner- The burgers are large and juicy and topped with all sorts of good things. I would warn that their definition of "fries" with the sandwiches are actually large potato slices that are better with the breakfast items. I like their salads and appetizers when I'm not terribly hungry, but if I'm there for a satisfying meal, I tend to get their enchiladas or burgers.
Dessert- ALL of the desserts are divine and, with the exception of the ice cream, homemade. The Life By Chocolate Mousse cake is outstanding, and because it combines four different mousses, it's not as rich and cloying as the traditional mousse cake. I also recommend their seasonal pies, the apple puff pastry, and the brownie sundae. I think it's safe to say that anything you pick off the dessert menu will be tasty.

The Range tends to be my good ole' standby when I'm hungry and tired. But you'll find that, tired or not, it's a good place to go.

Frozen Delights (Paleteria Michoacana)

Totally different, but equally delicious as gelato is a fresh popsicle from a paleteria (aka Mexican popsicle store). Though they generally seem to serve more of the Hispanic population in Albuquerque, they really should not be missed. There are a few in the area, but the best (or at least the only one I've tried and was immediately addicted to) is Paleteria Michoacana on Zuni east of San Mateo. It's next door to the recently burned down El Norteno. Now, don't ask me how to pronounce the name of said paleteria- just go there.

You'll first stumble past displays of cd's and dvd's for sale outside the door. For the sake of culture, I suggest taking a moment to check out these wares...you never know when you might need a Menudo cd. Once you actually get inside the store, you will be presented with one of two options. It will either be packed to the gills with families or it will be fairly mellow and empty. If crowded, you'll need to make your way up to the number machine on the front counter. If not, just walk on up and order.

There are many varieties of popsicles to choose from, including safer (or less adventurous) options such as lime and wilder options such as tamarind or chile mango. I tend to gravitate toward clean, one-flavor popsicles, but I'll try anything and the mixed flavors have proved tasty. Beware of any option containing chile though- those suckers pack some serious heat. I'm enamored with the watermelon and banana popsicles...and a friend tells me that the strawberries in cream is to die for. My mother likes all things nutty, and ordered the pistachio popsicle dipped in chocolate. She liked it, but I thought it was a little too weird for my palate.

Paleteria Michoacana offers food other than popsicles, including some Mexican specialties that are far beyond me. Unfortunately for this review, I have always visited for an after-dinner treat, and have never tried their substantial food. I also noted that they have liquados, which are like smoothies made with sweetened condensed milk. I have yet to try one (I haven't had one since Belize), but am always swayed by the treats on sticks. Next time, I promise to try one and make an addendum to my review. In the meantime, head over to the paleteria and spend summer's end with a frozen treat. You'll be happy as a clam!

A Love Poem (Berry Ocean)

I originally intended to write a poem about Berry Ocean. Possibly a sonnet, more likely an ode. Then, as the task became daunting, I thought maybe a haiku. But, alas, no poem was ever composed by yours truly. Probably because nothing rhymes with gelato. That, and every time I think of Berry Ocean, I start to salivate a little and I become too distracted to do much of anything. It's amazing that I'm even writing this, because the focus that's required is almost too much to handle.

Berry Ocean, on Wyoming and Montgomery, makes the best gelato in Albuquerque. As there are now a few gelaterias gracing the city, this is an important distinction. All other venues are either lacking the flavor or the smooth texture of Berry Ocean gelato. Not to say that I don't eat gelato elsewhere (I do), but given a choice, I'll trek to B Ocean.

First, a brief explanation of gelato: the Italian version of ice cream that's made with milk instead of cream. Therefore, it's a less fattening, denser result that's often creamier and more satisfying than traditional ice cream. Scoop sizes and bowl sizes tend to be smaller, but fear not, you'll be just as satisfied with the smaller portion because it's so rich.

Berry Ocean has a slew of flavors to choose from, and they are liberal with their sample spoons. I think that flavors tend to rotate in and out, but they have staples that are always present. You can pretty much count on the basic chocolate and vanilla as well as chocolate hazelnut, strawberry, and some sort of citrus. I always try new flavors, but my seasonal favorites are pumpkin in the fall/winter (I kid you not, it's basically frozen pumpkin pie) and watermelon, passion fruit, and MPSP in the summer (MPSP stands for mango, papaya, strawberry and pineapple). The owner makes them from scratch with really fresh ingredients. I have also loved the ginger chai flavor as well as green tea. Some flavors tend to be a bit subtler than others, but they're all amazing. Even the green chile mango is good, with just enough heat to keep it interesting.

Berry Ocean also makes fresh frozen yogurt, with an actual yogurt taste many of us aren't used to. Topped with fresh fruit, it's divine. I think that Berry Ocean is also one of the only Illy coffee retailers in the city. This is coffee abundantly available in Europe, and it makes for a mean espresso drink. They also use it to flavor some of the gelatos- the caramel latte gelato is pure awesomeness.

I highly recommend making the trip to the heights just for gelato. The staff is wonderful (and ever supplying me with tastes of new things), the gelato is pure magic, and you can even feel virtuous about choosing it over plain old ice cream. Now, I need to wipe the puddle of drool off my desk...

Interlude

This does not, perhaps, relate to eating out in the sense of dining at another establishment. Instead, I use eating out to mean dining outside. More specifically, a tip for when you dine outside, especially if you're planning to sit on a bench.

Alexa's Tip of the Day: Check the intended bench for possible splinters BEFORE sitting down. I did not heed this advice and consequently have splinter butt. I would have rather sat down on bird poo than have splinters poking the backs of my legs and butt for the rest of the day. Damn you, al fresco dining, damn you!

What to Do at 3 am? (Taco Cabana)

You may laugh when I say this, but Taco Cabana, in its pepto-bismol-pink glory, is one of my favorite places to eat. Especially because their food is fresh, flavorful, and available in the middle of the night. And, again, I must stress the importance of chile in hangover prevention. It's a must. Plus, it's just too damn tasty.

Taco Cabana isn't fancy. In fact, I tend to order at the drive-thru and take it home to eat. But eating there isn't bad either. Somewhat like the Frontier system, you just have to wait for them to call your number. And eating there gives you the benefit of their salsa bar where you can mix and match salsas and other toppings to create your signature taste. That in itself is dinner amusement at its finest.

Whether you choose to eat in or take it out, the food stands tall. Named for their tacos, Taco Cabana serves many different varieties, as well as other common New Mexican fare. I love pretty much anything with chile, so I've been happy with everything I've ever eaten there. I have been on an enchilada kick lately, but sometimes I just need a chicken soft taco. They make their mini tortillas fresh, so I always go for the soft tacos over crunchy. The tortillas are brimming with fresh chicken (or other meat of your choice), cheese, lettuce and tomato. That means that all food groups are covered- you have your grain, protein, dairy, vegetable and fruit (how sweet is that???). Another bonus is that they are dirt cheap. This means you can expand your waistline without depleting your wallet. And hey, if you're a cheap date, come here...at least the food will be quality and defy the price.

Taco Cabana may look a bit tacky, but the food is delicious. And at 3 am, with only a $5 bill in your pocket, what more could you ask for?

The Morning After (Frontier)

When I was your age, Frontier used to be open 24/7. A thing of beauty it was, yellow farmhouse roof aglow like a beacon across Central. It used to call to us at all hours of the night/morning, singing songs of chile and grease and hot tortillas. Now the siren song is muted somewhat by the newly imposed "close time." And those of us who have stayed at the bar too long suddenly have nowhere to go. There is no longer a place for preventative hangover action. Frontier now only serves as a hangover cure.

I hate their new hours, I really do, but not enough to discount the establishment from my list of tried and true remedies. Therefore, you'll have to suffer a bit til morning (or keep partying until 5 am) before you can benefit from the medicine Frontier offers. By medicine I mean breakfast burrito and fresh oj. Or the huevos rancheros. Or pretty much any other breakfast menu item (so much the better if it includes chile). I've also experienced hangover curing in the form of their burgers. And their tortilla soup. And the sweet rolls that come swimming in a pool of butter/margarine (sounds terrible, but is spectacular). Come to think of it, I think the whole menu might be medicinal.

Now, for those of you who aren't Frontier fans, hear me out. It takes a couple of tries to get the Frontier swing of things and to have a truly remarkable experience. (Though, I realize that if you're eating at Frontier hungover, you probably don't care about any of this.) Here are a couple of tips to make your trip better:
1) Pay attention to the line. When you're the next person to be called up, scan the counter to spot the next available register. You want to be on your toes, because if they are forced to turn on their green lights and the obnoxious automated voice that directs you to "please follow the flashing green lights for the next available cashier," you're in trouble. Not only will the people behind you scoff, but the cashier will be annoyed, and mark you off as a tourist. You're best to hop to it the minute you see someone ahead of you carrying their drinks away.
2) Know what you want ahead of time. If this is your first experience, have the breakfast burrito with bacon and a large orange juice. If you're a practiced veteran, branch out. But don't wait til you're at the counter to decide.
3) Beware of making substitutions. While they're allowed, the kitchen tends to dislike them, and will find a way of subtly telling you so. So don't mess with the fixin's, don't ask to substitute something, and never, ever get a burger without the salad dressing it comes with. Trust me here, folks. Besides, the dressing makes the burger phenomenal.
4) Watch the number screens carefully for your number. When it comes up, do not jump up and yell, "I won!" It's not original. Instead, go back to the counter and be sure to bring your receipt to give to the nice person handing you your food. Don't hold up the line if at all possible. Silverware is behind you and also in each room, chile and ketchup have their own condiment counter in the main dining room, and napkins are amply available all over the restaurant.
5) Enjoy!

Frontier should practically guarantee a hangover cure, and if you follow my tips, it will probably guarantee a return visit. Oh, and before you leave, pick up a dozen tortillas to take home. They're the best in Albuquerque.

While We're Drinking... (Nob Hill Bar and Grill)

If dark ambiance and rockin' music isn't on your list of wind-down needs, perhaps you'd be more interested in a well-lit, mellow sort of place. The Nob Hill Bar and Grill newly opened on Central where Graze and Gulp used to be (I want to say that street is Wellesley, but I'm not positive) and is another good option for a Friday night drink. Part posh restaurant and part hip bar, NHBG will satisfy your need for some flavor as well as a little bit of relaxation.

Firstly, I must wax poetic about their drinks. Or, more accurately, their daiquiris. Unlike the traditional blended drinks that are tropical and usually far too sweet, NHBG offers the muddled variety. So your drink is fresh and simple and delicious. I'm a sucker for all things watermelon, so when I discovered their watermelon daiquiri (which is, unfortunately, seasonal), I almost wet my pants. True story. The strawberry is damn good too, and more seasonally available. They also offer all sorts of other bar specials, including a very decent mojito.

As for their restaurant menu, it's a little pretentious and pricey. It offers more fusion food, and dishes that are pretty, rather than taste focused. That said, the food is actually quite good, and while I hate paying too much, it was pretty worth it when I ate there. Try the steak salad or a burger (but NOT the one with 39527 toppings that's something like $25...that's just ridiculous).

When I visit NHBG, it's usually for drinks and maybe dessert. Their dessert menu is divine and they have Bailey's flavored whipped cream that tops one or two of the choices. That in itself is worth a trip to NHBG.

With a much lighter ambiance, helpful wait staff, and no blaring music, you'll find Nob Hill Bar and Grill a great place to relax and rejuvenate with a little alcohol. (Tomorrow I'll try to remember to discuss my tried and true hang-over cures...)

Bring on the Drinks! (Martini Grill)

You know those times at work, when you're practically glued to your computer screen, madly typing away, answering phone calls, and thinking, "Dear Jebus, I need a drink?" Yeah, I've been having those days all week. So, being Friday, I need to discuss prime drink destinations. The best place for a creative drink is Martini Grill on Central near Washington.

A word of warning (actually, two): you must provide an id to even walk in the door and the interior is extremely dark. Don't expect to be able to see your drinking companions...because you won't be able to. Reading the menu is even harder, though slightly doable if you hold it over the candle conveniently lit on the center of your table (or, if you're super cool like my mother, you'll whip out the sexy l.e.d light attached to your key chain to illuminate your choices). And you'll definitely want to read it- they offer a whole slew of martini concoctions. I am not a straight martini drinker, but I do love all of their non-traditional offerings. The martini split (a banana split-like mix) is often my choice, though I also greatly enjoy their bellinis. No matter what your taste is, you're likely going to be able to find a martini that suits you.

To go with the alcohol, Martini offers delicious sandwiches and waffle fries with tasty dipping sauces. Their burgers are outstanding, so I always tend toward ordering those. They also have good salads, but I'm not sure that they do as much to sop up the excess alcohol in your system. Instead, I recommend going for a little grease and imbibing a little. If nothing else, get an order of fries so you can try out all the dips. Each order comes with your choice of four- be sure to order a spicy one to balance things out.

Because this place is a bar that's open late, get there a little early for food and while you can still hear your dining companion. Past 10 pm pretty much guarantees a lot of noise and possibly some song and dance. Also, later nights mean lesser service. That said, Martini Grill is a good bar as well (albeit, somewhat slower), if you're not looking for a dinner experience.

Either way, Martini Grill will satisfy your need for a good stiff drink.

Interlude

I'm sitting here, thinking about tasty food, and my stomach is growling. But, sadly, my stomach and I are currently on a diet. This is not to say I'm not eating out, but I'm not going for the treats as often. What does this mean for my food blog? Nothing.

I'll still be slowly adding places. Granted, these will be my tried and true staples. You'll just have to wait til my triglycerides stop rebelling, and then I'll hit up the new places for new treats and tasty goods. Until then, I'll just be writing about what I already know, and I'll be attempting not to lick the screen as I do so.

Role Model (Model Pharmacy)

A sad but true fact about me: I'm easily bribed. My mother figured this out early on and exploited it for her own purposes. Granted, those purposes actually ended up benefiting me, but still. At any rate, when I hit the whiny and apathetic age of six, she decided it was high time to implement a bribery/reward system for doing well in school. Now, don't get me wrong, I had nothing against school. I was just bored and therefore not inclined to do work. You're all wondering, what on Earth is the point of this little story? Well, it introduces us to the fine establishment, the Model Pharmacy on Lomas and Carlisle. It's home of the most amazing milkshakes and banana splits, aka: bribery. For every straight-A report card in elementary school, I got a trip to Model Pharmacy for an ice cream treat.

To this day, I still tend to refer to the place as Jack's, after the name of the owner and head pharmacist. That's right, Model Pharmacy is a soda shop/lunch place/pharmacy/high end soap and perfume store. Oh, and they also have a large stationary/card selection. Thus, MF is the perfect place to hit on your lunch break for some food, your rx of the day, and Aunt Fanny's birthday card.

The Model Pharmacy is a hoppin' little lunch place with sandwiches, salads, and soup choices. You can't go wrong with the ham and brie sandwich, and they also make a mean chicken salad. Sandwiches come with your choice of chips or a side salad- the chips are fine, but there's something so simple and yummy about their vinaigrette that always leads me to the salad side. But who am I kidding, I don't come to the Model Pharm for the lunch, I come for the treat.

Model Pharmacy has one of those real old-fashioned soda counters where you can sit and enjoy your shake. They offer pretty much any flavor combo you'd care for, but nothing beats a good old chocolate. MF also has floats and ice cream sodas, as well as the depression-era drink, the egg cream (no actual egg involved). There's usually one or two fresh baked cobblers to choose from, and they absolutely call for a la mode. And then there are the real show stealers, the banana splits. These things are big enough to happily feed two (if you're in the sharing mood...if not, I don't judge) and come with three scoops of ice cream sitting atop a banana, three toppings, nuts, whipped cream and a cherry. Divinity on a spoon. Try one and you'll see why I had good grades as a young child.

So hit up Jack's, er, the Model Pharmacy for a little lunch and a huge treat. While you're at it, say hello to Jack. :)