The_NM_TX

  New Mexico is a state that like many others loves their craft beer, and the variety of places to go continues to grow. Not only do a lot of these breweries produce a variety of high-quality beers, but also high-quality foods. One of the first places I discovered in Albuquerque was actually in Los Ranchos where if you blink you will drive right by it. But keep an eye out because it is totally worth the visit for a bite or pint. Of course, the I am talking about Steel Bender Brewyard, a brewery that embodies a strong sense of the community around them. When you first drive up you find yourself in disbelief of how large this building is. With the massive branded silo that lets you know you found the right place. The inside is just as big with its large bar, and ample seating, but the place to sit is on its patio. With small tables for intimate groups, or large picnic tables for big groups the patio is far enough back that the traffic isn’t a bother, and guests can relax with a pin...

If there is one thing that is consistent with hiking in Albuquerque it is that you will always have a great view of the Sandias. But what about actually hiking the Sandias? I know you can drive to the top of it, and the tramway gives you great views, but I finally got the itch to hike up close and personal with it to see it’s beauty from multiple views. Thankfully right near the tramway is a trail that gives you not only great views, but a long moderately difficult hike, and the escape to nature that hikers love. Right near the Sandia I was lucky to discover the Piedra Lisa Trail. About 30 to 45 minutes outside of Albuquerque the drive to this hike is not long at all, and as the Sandia becomes closer in the car the more excited you get to finally make it to the trailhead. The road to get to the parking lot was long, but thankfully the parking lot was large so finding a spot was very easy. There are multiple trail options, so despite the number of cars there I did not see many people an...

  When I first moved to New Mexico one of things I was most excited about was the food. And why not? Tacos, burritos, red and green chile, this state is a melting pot for foodies full of traditional dishes. One food I was not expecting to find is the most All American food there is, the hot dog. Not only did I find a great hot dog, but at a restaurant serving up so many hot dogs with flavor profiles all around the country all out of a food truck, and a brick and mortar in Albuquerque. Hands down a must try restaurant is Urban Dog.  Located in a very nondescript shopping center in the Cottonwood area it would be very easy to drive by, and not realize you missed anything. But if you stop you will be treated to a delicious meal. Upon walking in the space is relatively small, with a very industrial feel. The kitchen is open so guests can enjoy watching their meals get prepped, and the urban artwork is all over the walls. The menu is very large and can seem overwhelming. Hot dogs f...

  I always knew the food in New Mexico was great even before I moved down here. What I did not know was how many of these foods are annual holiday traditions. Bizcochitos, tamales, and red chile sauces are a staple of New Mexican holidays, so naturally being new down here I wanted to learn about these classical foods. After making bizochitos, and not having the time or recipe to attempt tamales I decided to make Red Chile Sauce. So, after some searching around, I found a recipe that seemed very approachable, and next was acquiring the ingredients. The first step was preparing the dried New Mexican chiles, so out to the patio to take down the previously made ristra and get to work. So, after some struggle, and a lot of spilled seeds in the kitchen I had the peppers done. I was surprised just how much time really went into preparing the peppers for this sauce. Now I know why this is a holiday tradition where it is made in bulk. Well after prep, and lots of clean up it was finally t...