Wednesday, August 13, 2008
The Truth About El Pinto Restaurant
I took a party of 9 to El Pinto in the North Valley the other night. The truth about this "world famous" Albuquerque institution is that it is more ambiance than substance. The grounds and dining patio are wonderful. However, the food is really over-priced for what it is (ordinary at best). I've been coming here since the mid 70's and it has grown to hold almost a thousand diners. Everyone seems to recommend it to visitors. Even the President has dined here. The enjoyment of being with good friends in a beautiful setting on a lovely summer night combined with good Margaritas, great chips and salsa allowed us to overlook a long wait, disappointing food and slow service. We had more time to enjoy each other. That said, I don't think I'll be back.
Saturday, August 2, 2008
Antiquity Restaurant
We went to Antiquity for Dan's birthday last night. Four of us had a wonderful time, enjoyed great service, and had a darned good meal.
For starters we had New Mexico's own Gruet sparkling wine with appetizers, which included Oysters Rockefeller, beautiful fresh and briny raw oysters, and stuffed mushrooms.
In the past we have had a hard time passing up the Chateaubriand here. This time, although we all stuck with beef, we (variously) had Steaks au Poivre (extremely tender medallions),the Henry IV (on a bed of artichoke leaves, topped with an artichoke heart & Bernaise sauce), and a petite Filet Mignon. A nice bottle of Zinfandel accompanied these very well.
We spent two wonderful hours and a bit over $300 enjoying ourselves immensely. Our server was attentive without being intrusive and the owner was a gracious host. The ambient noise can get a bit loud, particularly in the room with the big table, but we were having too much fun ourselves to really notice.
I consider the menu here to be kind of "Rat Pack" retro...which I, obviously, love.
You can check out the menu yourself at: http://www.themenupage.com/antiquityrestaurant.html
After dinner we strolled the short block to the plaza. The night was soft, a band was playing in the gazebo, and people old and young were dancing in the grass. What a great night!
For starters we had New Mexico's own Gruet sparkling wine with appetizers, which included Oysters Rockefeller, beautiful fresh and briny raw oysters, and stuffed mushrooms.
In the past we have had a hard time passing up the Chateaubriand here. This time, although we all stuck with beef, we (variously) had Steaks au Poivre (extremely tender medallions),the Henry IV (on a bed of artichoke leaves, topped with an artichoke heart & Bernaise sauce), and a petite Filet Mignon. A nice bottle of Zinfandel accompanied these very well.
We spent two wonderful hours and a bit over $300 enjoying ourselves immensely. Our server was attentive without being intrusive and the owner was a gracious host. The ambient noise can get a bit loud, particularly in the room with the big table, but we were having too much fun ourselves to really notice.
I consider the menu here to be kind of "Rat Pack" retro...which I, obviously, love.
You can check out the menu yourself at: http://www.themenupage.com/antiquityrestaurant.html
After dinner we strolled the short block to the plaza. The night was soft, a band was playing in the gazebo, and people old and young were dancing in the grass. What a great night!
Saturday, July 26, 2008
Sunday, January 6, 2008
Our World Famous Patio Garden
We spent yesterday hauling 14 years accumulation of stuff from out back of the store. The wonderful secret patio that "just grew" over the years is going to be razed along with our storage building. It is going to be rebuilt by our landlord. Hopefully the stately old elm will not be harmed and another peaceful haven will built around its trunk.
Sunday, December 30, 2007
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