If there is one way to describe the atmosphere at Bike In Coffee at Old Town Farm, a restaurant located near the Rio Grande in Old Town, it would be familial. Everyone knows one another, from the customers to the owners to the Executive Chef, David Reyes. His journey to become a chef is a self-described “accident,” stemming from his years of cooking for his family.
“I grew up in Mexico in a big family and my mom had to go to work,” Chef David said. “I started cooking for my younger brothers, mostly basic food.”
The basic food turned into Chef David experimenting with seasonings and other ingredients to make it more interesting. He didn’t plan to keep cooking long-term.
“When I moved [to the United States], my idea was to do something different like construction,” Chef David said. “But all of my roommates said ‘man you’re good, you should cook more for us.’”
From there, he started working at the sushi counter at Whole Foods, and eventually made the jump to working in restaurants.
“When I looked back I was like ‘Wow, I actually love doing this,’” Chef David said. “I can cook every day all day.”
He’s been with Bike In Coffee since 2018. Like so many others visiting the restaurant, Chef David knew it was a special place.
“Anybody that comes into this farm falls in love,” he said. “It’s just a great ambience and people are so nice…I know every single employee and I know a lot of the customers. I love to go outside and just talk to them for ten minutes. That’s my job and I love it.”
@visitalbuquerque Have you ever eaten at Bike In Coffee? If not, it is high time for a visit. Their menu is filled with garden that are sure to delight. 💚 #trueabq #albuquerque #newmexico #bikeincoffee ♬ original sound - Visit Albuquerque
Chef David uses as many ingredients from the farm in his cooking as possible. The menu changes every couple of weeks, but sometimes it changes each weekend.
“I love to eat, too, so I think about what I want to cook for myself, for my family and for my friends,” he said. “I do that for every single menu item.”
But it’s not just a one-man show. Chef David credits his employees for helping create and produce delicious food at Bike In Coffee.
“When I’m not here, I don’t have to worry,” he said. “I have a great team back there and I care about them so much.”
You’ll become a part of that family of employees and customers the next time you pay Bike In Coffee a visit. Keep your eyes peeled and you might even spot Chef David, ready to welcome you to a local dining experience you’ll love.