Meet Mona Ghattas, RPh.

The humble soda fountain blossomed into a full-service restaurant, the pharmacy expanded services from prescriptions to vaccinations and blood testing, and a large gift shop full of uniquely New Mexican goods now welcomes visitors at the door (they even have dressing rooms!).

“I came on as President in 2010, after my father stepped down,” Mona explained, “but I really grew up here in Duran’s, since I was five years old.”

Mona has many fond memories of Route 66 and Duran’s, but drinking milkshakes at the counter afterschool came to mind. When her children were old enough, she brought them into the restaurant to recreate the scene.

“Those milkshakes were the best,” Mona sighed, “we got rid of them during the Covid-19 pandemic, but we’re bringing them back for the Route 66 Centennial.”

Her go-to shake? A classic chocolate malt. You can always eat dessert first, but Mona recommends a plate of enchiladas drenched in red chile to nourish your New Mexico cravings.

Enchilada tray from Duran's, with red and green chile. Photo courtesy of Duran Central Pharmacy.

“With a hand-rolled flour tortilla on the side, with butter!” she emphasized, “Depending on your tolerance for heat, you can do red and green chile on your enchiladas – green tends to be a little more mild.”

Mona and many fellow Burqueños would consider Duran’s a hidden gem of Albuquerque’s Route 66 – and they will let you know. If you come to stay and play in Duran’s neck of the woods, you will be in great company all around. Mona holds her West Downtown and Old Town neighbors in high esteem.

“The Dog House is a longtime favorite. We went there all the time back in high school. When Duran’s would shut down for vacation, we would just go hang out at the Dog House – it was a popular place.”

The Dog House Drive In at night.

Monte Carlo Steakhouse, a historic Route 66 restaurant (c. 1970) just west of the Rio Grande bridge, is another one of Mona’s favorites. Her recommendation? “If you’ve never been there, go and get the green chile cheeseburger. Or a big steak, of course.”

What is your top recommendation for a first-time visitor?

“Duran’s, of course!” proclaimed Mona, “But really, there are so many great things to see in Albuquerque. It’s tough to pick just one.”

It depends on your style, she explained. “Outdoorsy? The hiking trails in the Sandia Mountains are fabulous, as are the trails in the Bosque. The Sandia Peak Tram is spectacular if you’re not afraid of heights. The Botanic Garden and Zoo are wonderful for families.”

Mona’s appreciation for the outdoors naturally comes with a preference for Albuquerque's most mild season: “Fall is the best time of year here. People always talk about the foliage on the East Coast – but I think we have the best color-changing foliage right here. Then there’s the smell of chile roasting in the air…” 

There’s nothing quite like the cottonwoods and aspens turning shades of orange and gold over the landscape. The cherry on top of Albuquerque’s autumnal season is witnessing hot air balloons floating across the sky.

“For someone who has grown up here, the Balloon Fiesta still amazes me.”

What is Albuquerque’s best-kept secret?

Mona believes Albuquerque has an arts and culture scene that rivals that of Santa Fe’s. From incredible, standing ovation-worthy performances at Popejoy Hall and the historic KiMo Theatre to the Old Town Plaza art galleries and Albuquerque Museum, there is a vibrant and industrious cultural heart in the Duke City. Mona noted Albuquerque’s flamenco scene as being truly one-of-a-kind.

“The city as a whole is the best-kept secret. We have it all here. Every time I bring up Albuquerque to someone I meet out-of-state, they always have some amazing story to share.”

____

Duran Central Pharmacy is located at 1815 Central Ave. NW in West Downtown. For more information about business hours and pharmacy appointments, visit their website: https://duransrx.com/.