The_NM_TX

  The last time I talked about food trucks it was about my experience with really unique Indian food, and enjoying some classic burritos. But it has been way too long since I have visited some, and talked about them. Thankfully I have recently been able to try a couple new food trucks that offer delicious, and very original menu items that can be found throughout the Albuquerque area. Here are some thoughts of some new food trucks I have recently tried.  Stuffed Lust: This is a great food truck that takes classic ingredients and combines them with delicious sopapillas. The first time I tried them was at Ex Novo, and it was worth every bite. The menu is way more than sopapillas, they also offer a variety of tacos, nachos, and tostadas all featuring their great flavors. The Original Gangster with pork is a must try, and obvious why it is the signature dish of this truck. While they let you choose your meat I opted for pork. The sopapilla was full of beans, and delicious brais...

  One of the things I love about living in New Mexico and particularly in the Albuquerque area is the abundance of great craft beer. I loved it when I lived in Colorado, and that trend continued down here. While I love the larger breweries and their multiple locations, one thing I have always loved even more is driving around and finding the smaller breweries and tasting rooms. The ones that serve only out of their tasting rooms, package only small amounts, and have a very local, neighborhood customer base. That is exactly what I found recently in a great brewery that also happens to be veteran owned at Bombs Away Brewery.  Driving to this brewery off Eubank it is very easy to drive by and miss, but once you pull into the small parking lot the military theming of this brewery is instantly present. Guests walk in through a patio with large tables, a large American flag on the wall, and a vintage military truck that doubles as its sign. Inside this large tap room, the military...

  Anybody that has read this blog for a while now knows that one of my favorite pastimes is exploring all the great museums. Lucky for me the museums here are so vast and encompass all sorts of different subjects. On recent explorations I was fortunate enough to be able to add even more museums to the list of great places I have visited. One is all about one of the most iconic racing families known to the sport, and the other is dedicated to the color and state stone that is so beautiful to New Mexico.  Unser Museum: When it comes to famous people in New Mexico one name that stands out is the Unser’s. To have a street named after you is one thing, but outside Los Ranchos is a museum about their legacy that was designed by Al himself. Greeted by a classic car outside and a steering wheel door handle, the Unser Museum is a dream for car lovers, and educational for all. The cool thing about this museum is that it is shaped like a wheel with each spoke representing a different ...

  It is hard to believe that 2022 is already in the rear-view mirror and that it is already 2023. Looking back at the last year it was full of so many great memories, and experiences. When the year began, I never thought I would get my first taste of Route 66, explore countless unique museums, see some of the oldest buildings in the country, and see more hot air balloons at one time than I ever thought possible. In addition to experience there was so much great food and beverage and enjoying the landscape of New Mexico I never knew existed. But as the calendar turns and I have a full 12 months ahead of me it is time to sit down and think about what I want to see and accomplish in 2023. While I know the list will grow here is some of my 2023 bucket list.  New Landscapes: It was early last year that I went out of my way to find the Toadstool Hoodoos and I was fascinated by them. I felt like I was transported to another planet, and it only scratched the itch to see new landscap...

  While I was living in New Mexico during the 2021 holiday season I was still so new to the state that I didn't get too full enjoy it. I got to see some of the decorations in Old Town, and tree lightings around but to get to fully experience what New Mexico eluded me for the year. All I can say is thankfully 2022 was different. Officially settled into the state I was looking forward to December more than most years, and while it was busy, I was lucky enough to be able to make the most of it. I know there are some things that I missed that will have to wait, but what I did made for a great time, and some might even become yearly traditions. Here are a few of my favorite holiday activities from the past month.  River of Lights: It had been years since I attended a holiday light display, so I decided why not attend River of Lights to see if it was worth it. The answer is it was totally worth it. The way the Botanical Gardens was transformed was beautiful. The walking paths were...

  Anybody that knows me knows that I love college football, and that is especially true when it comes to the bowl games. Usually, I just watch them on TV, but thankfully now I am fortunate enough to live in a city that hosts a game. So as soon as the games were announced this past year, I was more than excited to get to attend my first New Mexico Bowl, but also my first college bowl game ever. Even more lucky is that it featured a great game between BYU and SMU and was moved to a night game.  In the days leading up to the game the energy and excitement was already building. From the arrival of the teams to the pep rally in Old Town Plaza fans were flocking to Albuquerque to watch the 17 th edition of this bowl game and enjoy the festivities leading up to it. Of course, come Saturday night it was all about the game at University Stadium. Outside the stadium hot air balloons were on display along with other activities to enjoy before the game. Despite the cold weather the exc...

  When I first moved down here there were a lot of places I knew I wanted to explore and find. Now that I’ve lived down here longer that list only continues to grow with each passing week. One of the surprising areas I enjoy visiting is all the local coffee shops. Each Saturday I know that I am going to find a new coffee shop with a unique environment, and a unique menu with flavor profiles unique only to New Mexico. Recently I found a couple that not only serve good coffee, but also some great food options for breakfast, and even lunch.  Café Bella: Tucked away in a strip mall on Golf Course Rd. in Rio Rancho this small café has a huge menu, and delicious offerings to choose from. The inside is very spacious with ample seating. There is artwork on all the walls, and rustic wood coffee counter. There are both sweet and savory food options for breakfast and lunch, in addition to Tacos and Rides on Friday night. Now, I have only been here for breakfast so here is what I recom...