Chris Zalesiak – Burger 21 & Melting Pot – Albuquerque,NM- NMRN013
Release Date: 03/16/2021
Greg McAllister - Algodones Distillery - Algodones - NMRN038
New Mexico Restaurants Now
At Algodones Distillery we honor that philosophy and hand craft spirits that reflect their time and place. Using traditional pot stills, artesian well water and our bosque location for aging, we source and distill local ingredients from blue corn to juniper, piñon and more into "The Spirits of New Mexico". All Algodones products are available at our 2 Tasting Room locations - Algodones and Ruidoso - and in may fine retailers, bars and restaurants statewide. If you don't see us on the shelves or behind the bar be sure to have the manager ask for us. Be our guest(s)!...
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Scott Feuille - Taylor Garrett Spirits - Albuquerque - NMRN037
New Mexico Restaurants Now
Taylor Garrett Spirits was borne out of an aviator’s vision to produce a unique line of spirits using breakthrough aging technology while honoring the traditions of the world’s great Master Distillers. We are a veteran-owned company located in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and founded by Scott Feuille, a retired Naval Aviator and commercial airline pilot. Having traveled the globe and tasted some of the finest spirits the world has to offer, he’s always been fascinated by the skill and traditions of the great American distillers. With a passion for distilling and in pursuit of the perfect...
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Ed Pulsifer - La Fonda - Santa Fe - NMRN036
New Mexico Restaurants Now
Celebrating 100 Years of Hospitality! Step into the past and experience the splendor of the American Southwest at La Fonda on the PlazaTM, the only Santa Fe New Mexico hotel situated on the historic . Start your vacation in Santa Fe and experience the allure of old world charm at one of the best Santa Fe hotels, where tasteful, modern conveniences blend with the warmth of authentic New Mexican style.
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Bahjat Shariff - Twisters - Albuquerque - NMRN035
New Mexico Restaurants Now
Founded in 1998, Twisters has grown to 17 awesome locations centralized in New Mexico and is now expanding into Colorado with 2 restaurants! Twisters is a fast casual dining experience specializing in New Mexican foods with our famous red and green chile as well as American favorites! Twisters was started with the idea that customers wanted quality food at fast food prices with quick service in a pleasant environment. Our goal is to always exceed our customers’ expectations in value, quality, and service.
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Jason Vinson - Yo Mama's Grill - Socorro - NMRN034
New Mexico Restaurants Now
This year’s winners started early in the NM restaurant industry. One partner started as a dishwasher straight out of high school at Cattle Baron and eventually moved up to management at other restaurants. Years later, he’d share his superpowers by traveling to struggling restaurants from Oregon to Florida and help to turn them around. In 2015, a lifelong dream was realized when a partnership was formed to open their own restaurant in Socorro, New Mexico.
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Mark Kiffin - The Compound - Santa Fe - NMRN033
New Mexico Restaurants Now
This year’s Superhero Chef has spent 45 years completely dedicated to the passion and craft of the table. For him, food is not about trying to create a new trend but perfecting what you are doing every day. He was awarded James Beard Best Chef of the Southwest in 2005 and just celebrated his 20th anniversary. Under his leadership, The Compound has won many awards. NMRA is proud to honor 2021’s Chef of the Year, Mark Kiffin of The Compound.
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Mike White - High Point Rustic Kitchen- Albuquerque - NMRN032
New Mexico Restaurants Now
This year’s Restaurant Neighbor Superhero spearheads the charity Kitchen Kids Inc. He is also the director of the 505 Food Fights, a food competition that promotes our industry and has raised tens of thousands for charity. His own personal and physical challenges have been no match for his superpowers of empathy and tenacity. Congrats to 2021 Restaurant Neighbor Winner Mike White of High Point Grill and Rustico Italian Kitchen.
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Tai Ayers - Ohori's Coffee - Santa Fe - NMRN031
New Mexico Restaurants Now
2021’s Manager of the Year winner has been in the industry for years. She has shown extraordinary management skills in listening and training staff, provides a safe environment for staff and customers and continues to run a thriving local business in a truly difficult time. At the same time she was juggling new rules, she was expanding Ohori’s online presence and capabilities and a local delivery program. This “Management Superhero” showed powers of empathy, leadership, and outreach.
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Yashoda Naidoo - Annapurna's - Albuquerque, NM - NMRN030
New Mexico Restaurants Now
Annapurna is the place for a healing cuisine. To accomplish this mission of serving a healing cuisine as prescribed in the Ayurvedic tradition, our restaurants maintain certain principles and philosophies that are very unique in the food industry. Our food is made by hand in our kitchens from fresh produce, locally grown and organic.
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Robert Vick - Vick's Vittles - Albuquerque, NM - NMRN029
New Mexico Restaurants Now
Vick's Vittles Country Kitchen is well known across Albuquerque for its excellent selection of southwestern and country food. Vick's Vittles also has a conference room with 40-50 seats available for parties and special events. We also offer catering services.
info_outlineThe Melting Pot is a premier fondue restaurant featuring an interactive dining experience. Founded in 1975 in Maitland Florida, The Melting Pot in Albuquerque was established in 2002 by local owner Christine Zalesiak. The melting pot is renowned for offering a unique variety of cheese fondue, entrees, cooking styles and chocolate fondue plus a full bar and extensive wine list. Loyal fondue fans range in age from children to grandparents. Their mission is to provide the Perfect Night Out for our guests and the Melting Pot is known in Albuquerque as “The Place to Celebrate”. Whether its your birthday, date night out, holiday or graduation , they promise you will create memories over their fondue pots. The Melting Pot is an annual recipient of award including: ABQ Mags Best of the City in Romantic restaurant, Best place to overindulge, Best dessert.
After 16 years of honing her craft at The Melting Pot, Chris opened a totally different concept called “Burger 21” in October of 2018 at the Corner Shops at Winrock Town Center . She saw the need in the booming ABQ Uptown area for a gourmet burger restaurant that focused on fresh ingredients and made-to-order offerings.
Burger 21 is a restaurant concept that is changing consumers' expectations of the “better burger” category. The burgers are chef-inspired creations made to order with premium ingredients and innovative recipes. They also feature fresh salads, crispy fries and chicken tenders and to-die-for handspun shakes. Plus, Burger 21 offers extensive Gluten-Free, Vegan and Vegetarian options. Our goal is to give our guest a gourmet experience in a modern atmosphere without the gourmet price.
The Burger 21 vibe is best described by our creative "B-isms" – which range from “B-saucy” and “B-different” to “B-shaken” and “B-involved” – our B-isms are prominently outlined on the back of the menu, as well as displayed on the walls of the restaurant. Burger 21’s “B-isms” boldly state the brand’s values and what customers can expect from the food and service in its restaurants. And why “21” ? They started with 21 burgers, of course !