WHAT'S NEW IN ALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO

Indian Pueblo Cultural Center to Host RV Guests During Balloon Fiesta
New for the 50th anniversary, the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center will be offering a limited number of exclusive dry dock RV camping sites in the beautiful Avanyu Plaza, located in 12th Street’s thriving business and cultural district, in the heart of Albuquerque. Exciting add-on packages, which include coupons to all of the businesses at IPCC and Avanyu Plaza, are also available.

New Hotels & Renovations

Hyatt Regency Albuquerque Rebrands to The Clyde Hotel
The hotel is named after Clyde Tingley, who served as chairman of the Albuquerque City Commission, which was the equivalent title of mayor in 1925. Nine years later, Tingley was elected as New Mexico's 11th governor. The rebrand stretches beyond a name change for The Clyde Hotel, which is owned by Heritage Hotels & Resorts. Heritage's rebrand pays homage to Clyde and his wife Carrie with their photos on a timeline that outlines Clyde's life and political career. Heritage also renovated the on-site restaurant, Carrie’s – named after Carrie Tingley. A refresh of the lobby and ground-floor public spaces is underway, with plans for guest-room renovations in the coming months. The project will take approximately two years to complete, and guests will be able to enjoy the Clyde story as it unfolds.

New Boutique Hotel Coming to Nob Hill
Owned and operated by Albuquerque native Sharmin Dharas, who grew up on the property (then known as the University Lodge), which was previously run by her parents, Hotel Zazz is turning an old hotel into a bold one. The fun and quirky aesthetic will be a full sensory experience, inspired by Meow Wolf, and will incorporate elements of chromotherapy with dazzling bright colors to re-energize guests. Hotel Zazz will feature murals from local artists, as well as painted paths from internationally recognized artists (to be announced). Some highlights of the property will include an interactive lobby experience that changes from day to night, 99 points of selfies to Instagram every moment of your stay, and a speakeasy designed by the girl who grew up on the property and knows all the good places to hide. Hotel Zazz is on track to open in October 2022. 

Albuquerque’s Imperial Inn Motel to Get a New Look
Located near the East Downtown neighborhood, the Imperial Inn Motel has moved forward with a massive renovation that will transform the space into a major retail and residential space. The $7.6 million renovation is the result of a partnership with Palindrome Communities, based in Oregon. Completion is expected in late 2022.

Culinary News

Indian Pueblo Kitchen Welcomes New Executive Chef, Davida Becenti
Chef Davida Becenti is of Diné (Navajo) and Polynesian descent and served in the United States Marine Corps. She has worked in the culinary industry in a variety of positions for 26 years and did chef training through the University of Hawaii’s Kaua’i Culinary Arts Program. Chef Davida believes that Indigenous cuisine is all about Mother Earth, as she nourishes human beings and all living things. She is passionate about giving back—whether it’s helping troubled youth, supporting the LGBTQ community, or fundraising for causes at her children’s school. She has that same kind of passion with her food, treating everyone that she cooks for as a beloved family member. Chef Davida wants each dish at the Indian Pueblo Kitchen to leave a lasting impression and is most proud when people say that their experience has been enriched by her cuisine. 

New Exclusive Speakeasy Opens in Nob Hill
Tucked behind M’tucci’s Bar Roma is a black door labeled “bakery.” Behind that door is Albuquerque’s newest ’20s-themed speakeasy, Teddy Roe’s. Teddy Roe’s is reservation-only, and has a membership program that includes perks like “Members Mondays.” Membership is $1,000 per year and limited to 125 people. Each member will receive a coin, engraved with their membership number, which they can present at the door.

Tavern Specializing in Comfort Food Opens at Avanyu Plaza 
The center, located near 12th Street and Interstate 40, is continuing its roll out of new businesses with the opening of the 12th Street Tavern, a sports bar featuring American comfort food with a New Mexican twist, along with signature drinks and local craft beers on tap. The 4,500-square-foot 12th Street Tavern joins other Avanyu Plaza eateries like Laguna Burger, Sixty-Six Acres and Dominos Pizza. Monique Fragua, the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center's chief operations officer, said the center had been looking to create a restaurant for years and was looking for concept not found in the North Valley. That’s how they landed on opening a bar themed around New Mexico sports and sport stars. Avanyu Plaza is destined to be a business and cultural corridor like no other, right in the heart of Albuquerque. The property is owned by the 19 Pueblos of New Mexico and located across the street from the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center.

Los Poblanos and Campo Welcoming New Leadership
Campo at Los Poblanos is thrilled to announce that Liz Gallery has been appointed Culinary Director and Chris Bethoney has been promoted to Head Chef. Together with the rest of their Culinary Leadership Team, whose members have been at Los Poblanos for between four and 14 years, they are grateful to have such a talented and dedicated group of individuals who continue to shape Rio Grande Valley Cuisine at Los Poblanos. This transition marks a new chapter and a firm commitment to their established team. They are delighted to be operating at full capacity serving family and friends enjoying each other’s company in this one-of-a-kind setting.

Gather in Nob Hill For a New Dual Concept Restaurant
The first of the new slate of restaurants to open was Gather, inside the former Nob Hill Bar and Grill location at 3128 Central SE. Social House 3128, the second restaurant concept at the same address –though physically separated – opened a few weeks later. The menu for both concepts is created by executive chef Joe Anguiano, whose culinary background dates back to his childhood growing up alongside his family’s tortilla factory in Los Angeles. Gather is a cocktail-forward, small plate and shareable items concept with a space designed around a long community table with private booths and bar top seating. Social House 3128, which borrows its name from the restaurant’s address, will have a more entree-focused menu with “gastropub” inspired items and an extensive, but affordable, wine menu.

Sushi Chain Hissho Sushi Partners with Albuquerque-founded Hatch Chile Co.
From burgers to mac and cheese, Hatch chile can go on anything, including sushi. Hissho Sushi is partnering with Albuquerque-founded Hatch Chile Co. to fuse Japanese and New Mexican flavors with their Hatch chile chicken roll. The roll includes green chile, corn, avocado, cream cheese, crispy fried onions and grilled chicken, in addition to the normal ingredients like sriracha, rice, nori and spicy mayo. The roll is available at Sprouts grocery stores around the country.

Tiny Grocer ABQ Partners with Sandwich Shop in New Location
Tiny Grocer ABQ is relocating to a not-so-tiny space. The new location will combine Old Town Herbal, Tiny Grocer ABQ and Tuerta, a sandwich shop, under one roof. Tiny Grocer will sell the products of about 60 different farmers and artisans. 

Nob Hill Welcomes New Wine Bar, Central Bodega
The Central Bodega Wine Bar and Kitchen in Nob Hill opened on August 13. The restaurant pairs Spanish, French and Italian cuisine with its list of 60 wines, and features local ingredients that will change based on the season. The owners of the restaurant want to see Albuquerque thrive and grow, and share their passion for wine with the community. 

Old Town Cafe Fills Empty La Placita Location
What was once Casa de Armijo, is now Old Town Cafe, a restaurant made to feel like a home away from home. The dining room features a wall of license plates from different states, something that the owner, Michelle La Meres, hopes customers will recognize and enjoy. Old Town Cafe will feature a menu with New Mexican comfort food such as fry bread, frito pie and an array of pastries.

Pandemic Boom Leads ABQ Baker to Expand
Roxy’s Cake Studio is opening a new location on the north side of the Coronado Center. Roxy’s studio gained a huge following during the pandemic when many grocery store bakeries shut down, leaving customers with fewer options. The new location offers customers a delicious selection of cupcakes, cake pops, ready-made cakes and other delectable treats.

Mother-Daughter Duo Open Dessert Shop on West Side
While placing an order for some macarons for her daughter last year, Tami O’Bryan realized that the company she was ordering from was actually a franchise and decided to reach out for more information. Since reaching out, O’Bryan and her daughter, Victoria Ruggles, have opened their own Le Macaron store. The store opened on April 3 in the RiverSide Plaza and offers more than just macarons. Customers can enjoy eclairs and Napoleons, coffee drinks and mini macaron cakes.

Food Truck, Wing it Up, Launches Store Front Location
Alejandra Leal and Brittany Muller spent the last three years working out of their food truck, serving the community something different than traditional food truck foods; they decided to go with wings. From food truck to store front, Leal and Muller’s hard work has led to them opening their first location. Wing It Up officially opened May 14, on the intersection of 4th Street and Gold. 
 
Sandia Resort & Casino Opens Remodeled Bien Shur Rooftop Lounge
The Sandia Resort & Casino’s newly remodeled Bien Shur Rooftop Lounge is open Friday and Saturdays from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m.
 
NY-Style Bagel Shop Now Open in Near El Vado Motel
New Yorkers David Kaufman and Peter Faulk, are bringing authentic New York food to New Mexico; Kaufman’s Coffee and Bagels opened on June 18. The new bagel shop, near El Vado Motel, offers a variety of flavors from classics like sesame seed and poppy seed, to some more niche flavors such as green chile cheddar and parmesan black pepper.

El Vado’s Cakery Paves Path For The Shakery
Amanda Jones is shaking things up by opening her second business at El Vado Motel. The Shakery is bringing delicious shakes, ice cream and other fun Willy Wonka-esque drinks to the area, creating exciting dessert options that appeal to both kids and adults.

Blue Door Patisserie Opens Second Location Downtown
As a recent recipient of funding from the American Rescue Plan Act, Blue Door Patisserie used the grant to establish another location at 900 Park Ave. SW. The restaurant, which serves French cuisine currently in Sawmill Market, utilized the funds to help renovate the interior of the new space as well as provide living wages and benefits to staff.

M'Tucci's Opens New Bar Roma in Old Kelly's Brewpub Location
Nob Hill welcomed a new concept, M’Tucci’s Bar Roma, earlier this summer. Five members of the M'Tucci's team went to Italy in 2021 to draw inspiration for this project. As a result, the restaurant incorporates finer details like high archways, lights and wall fixtures into the Nob Hill location.

Attractions & Facilities

National Hispanic Cultural Center
The National Hispanic Cultural Center is a world-class center for Hispanic arts and culture featuring an art museum, a state-of-the art performing arts complex, a library and genealogy center, a restaurant and gift shop. Enjoy art online and temporary and permanent exhibitions throughout the year and celebrate Hispanic traditions through various festivals and celebrations including Cinco de Mayo and Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead). The NHCC is part of the Department of Cultural Affairs. Recent news and current exhibits:

• NHCC opened their New Mexico Mutual Welcome Center, which offers a central location where visitors to NHCC’s 20-acre site can get oriented, buy tickets for movies and live performances and learn about the center’s history.
• “Fronteras Del Futuro: Art In New Mexico And Beyond” features artworks that explore the intersections of art, science, technologies (both ancient and modern), cosmic-musings, future-oriented visions and more. The exhibition engages with themes that are relevant in New Mexico (and beyond) with contributions from artists in New Mexico, across the nation, and internationally. 
• Every few years, the NHCC Art Museum refreshes its exhibit of artworks that showcase the breadth of the permanent collection. As always, the artworks featured in “Aquí Estamos: New Selections from the Permanent Collection” are global in scope and reflect the complexity of the Hispanic experience demonstrating that there is no one way to create art that exemplifies what it means to be Hispanic, Chicana/o, Latinx and/or Latin American.

New Mexico Museum of Natural History & Science Adds New Exhibits 
The New Mexico Museum of Natural History & Science is an innovative, hands-on experience that explores New Mexico's unique natural history. New exhibits include:

• “Chocolate: The Exhibition” is a traveling exhibit that engages the senses and traces the evolution of chocolate from a small, bitter seed found deep in the rainforest to the continent-spanning delicacy it is today. During the nine-month run of the exhibition, visitors will see expert chocolatiers share their chocolate curiosities, explore the chemistry of chocolate and cast chocolate fossils. The museum is planning an extensive series of chocolate educational offerings. Look for adult nights, a stimulating chocolate lecture series, additional family days, in-exhibit demonstrations, hands-on classes and more! 
• “Mars: Science and Culture” shows unforgettable images taken by exploration spacecraft during the development of our understanding about the Red Planet.  Movie posters and memorabilia interspersed throughout the exhibit show the fanciful and sometimes frightening ways in which Mars has been perceived in popular culture and science fiction.
• “Back To Bones: New Mexico’s Link To The Past” shows how New Mexico is well-known for its rich fossil record spanning some 500 million years. Of particular note are the many unique fossil vertebrates that include fishes, amphibians, reptiles (turtles, dinosaurs and birds) and mammals. This exhibit displays some of the recent discoveries and iconic fossils from the Land of Enchantment that were collected by the New Mexico Museum of Natural History & Science.

ABQ BioPark Welcomed New Baby Orangutan This Spring
ABQ BioPark zookeepers walked in to a pleasant surprise one Sunday morning in May —a new baby orangutan! Sarah, 38, gave birth to a healthy baby. This is her fourth offspring, including 9-year-old Pixel, who was with her when she gave birth.

Los Poblanos Hosts Outdoor Music Series
Los Poblanos is welcoming local musicians each Thursday evening this summer and fall. Paired with beautiful New Mexican weather and creative cocktails from the Rio Grande Valley Rescue Truck, you just may want to visit every week. No reservations are required. Musicians will be playing outside around the silos. Seating is first-come, first-served.

New Owners Bring Luxury to Former Albuquerque Budget Theater
A former Albuquerque budget theater has received a luxurious face lift by cinema owner, Stetson Snell. What was previously known as the Movies 8 location will be unrecognizable, making the theater's new name, Icon Cinema, the perfect fit. The new movie rooms are equipped with electric leather recliners with electric headrests, privacy pods, and movie goers at the San Mateo location will receive unlimited refills of popcorn, slushies and sodas. Icon Cinema opened April 28. 

Development

Spirit Takes Flight at the ABQ Sunport
Spirit's daily non-stop service between Albuquerque and Las Vegas began in August. This is the Albuquerque International Sunport’s first new domestic airline partner since 2016.

Anniversaries

Mariachi Spectacular de Albuquerque Celebrates 30 Years
The Mariachi Spectacular de Albuquerque celebrates 30 years this year of a classic New Mexican tradition. It began in 1991 as a Mexican-style rodeo concert. Since then, the event has become one of the premier mariachi festivals with internationally-recognized artists, workshops and concerts.

​​Blake's Lotaburger Celebrates 70 Years of Service
Blake’s Lotaburger first opened its doors on July 9, 1952, and quickly became a New Mexico staple with its fun burger options such as the green chile cheeseburger. Since opening, the restaurant has turned into a chain, opening 72 locations in 70 years.