I have been to Albuquerque, New Mexico a couple of times now and each time I am overwhelmed by the beautiful landscapes and the amazing food (hello green chile burritos!). This time I was in New Mexico for an exciting reason: my sister’s graduation from the University of New Mexico (UNM). Here are some of the highlights from my trip.
Congratulations University of New Mexico Class of 2012!
The UNM graduation was a wonderful celebration and we were so happy to see my sister graduate. The ceremony was held in the huge basketball arena, affectionately called The Pit. The honorary speaker was Sam Donaldson who gave an engaging and captivating talk.
The Frontier Restaurant
The Frontier Restaurant, located directly across the street from UNM, is a favourite local restaurant and the unofficial hangout for UNM students. It’s a serve yourself kind of restaurant with lots of seating and there is usually a line-up of locals (although, the staff are quick and helpful to ensure you don’t have to wait too long for your grub). This restaurant serves up the best burritos (my favourite is the breakfast burrito!), sweet rolls (cinnamon buns), freshly squeezed orange juice and lemonade. There are variety of items on the menu and almost everything can be smoothered with the delicious green chile salsa available in large cauldrons for customers’ enjoyment!
Breakfast Burrito: egg, hash browns, cheese, green chile AND smothered in green chile salsa
Sweet Roll
Best Cafes: The Range Cafe, and The Flying Star
If you need a break from burritos and green chile you can venture to the Range Cafe or the Flying Star for a casual cup of coffee or tea, a bite to eat, and/or some dessert.
The Range Cafe: Death by Lemon Cake
Cervantes
To celebrate my sister’s graduation we enjoyed a scrumptious New Mexican meal and some margaritas at this gem of a restaurant. After selecting our meals we were confronted with one very important question: do you want red chile sauce or green chile sauce on your order? I wanted to try both, so I replied with a typical New Mexican response ” Christmas” meaning both red and green chile sauce. The food was great, although quite hot with the chile sauce. Overall, Cervantes has the best salsa in New Mexico from my experience!
Chicken Enchiladas
Taco Salad
Chile Rellenos: roasted, stuffed, breaded chile pepper smothered in chile sauce
Sandia Mountains
On mother’s day we took a stroll on a trail in the Sandia Mountains and marvelled at some million dollar adobe style homes.
Million dollar adobe home for sale
Official Cookie of New Mexico: Biscochito
A biscochito is a butter cookie flavoured with cinnamon and anise. One of the best places to find these delightful cookies is at the Golden Crown Panaderia. Upon entering this cute neighbourhood bakery, the friendly staff offers all customers a sample of their famous cookies. It is also worth mentioning that this bakery has the best green chile bread in town (it sells out quickly everyday so call in advance if you want to secure a loaf). The green chile pizza is another fan favourite!
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As you can tell I definitely got my green chile fix along route 66!!
Wave Hello World 