El Norteno

(Picture of the Day-totem in Sitka) This trip was incredible. I think I've got pictures to post until our next trip, and beyond. It's good to be home, though. And we've been plenty to see here, as well. The Balloon Fiesta came and went. I got no pictures because they never wandered over this way. The winds were not cooperative this year.

But we've discovered a new restaurant here in Albuquerque. It's called EL NORTENO. Not actually new, it has been in another part of town for many years. But now they've opened a new one in a better part of town. Yummy! I didn't get a picture, but I can give you perfect directions. It's just north of the corner of Constitution and Wyoming, right where Le Cafe Miche was. So if you live in Albuquerque or are going to visit Albuquerque--don't miss this place. A clean, bright and cheery place, with great service and wonderful food at good prices. Am I dreaming? Nope! That's El Norteno.

El Norteno's food is Mexican, not New Mexican, and simply scrumptious. They serve chips with TWO salsas One is a regular red salsa and the one is a delicious avocado salsa. To die for! I ordered the menudo and it was perfect. Spicy, but not too hot. Served with a pile of herbs and chopped onion. Chock full of--well, you know! Now, stop wrinkling your nose! Menudo is the breakfast of champions here in NM! I love it and eat it as often as I can get it freshly prepared. My husband ordered a beef burrito and he pronounced it great. A huge burrito, not made with hamburger like most are, but with roasted beef. Big chunks of roasted beef! The servings were plentiful, and provided enough food to take home for another meal.

We're lucky in Albuquerque--mountains on one side, the river, the volcanoes. And many good restaurants. And another really good Mexican restaurant is just icing on the cake. See you at El Norteno.