ALONG COMES MARY

During these times, I’ve had a lot of extra time on my hands to think. Think about new blog series, articles, ways to support during this “pause,” and so forth. As I’ve said before, I don’t want to give up on my website nor not support those who’ve been so incredibly hospitable to me. Thus, welcome to the first installment of Along Comes Mary’s Support Local series.

In Support Local, I’ll be featuring a city to highlight restaurants, bars, businesses, and the like that can assist you during these health safety closures. Although we’re not really able to travel at the moment, I hope to still attract both locals and visitors to each community. How? While the locals can participate in take out and delivery, those from afar can support with online purchases.

Today, I’m looking at the wonderful residents of Albuquerque, New Mexico. Stay tuned for a Taos edition. Our local businesses need us more than ever. Let’s utilize the big brand guys as little as we can. They’re thriving in sales during this time, while our favorite locals are at much higher risk to “close up shop” for good.

Support Local in Albuquerque

Take Out and Curbside Delivery

A must-try for breakfast hit up the Grove Cafe and Market for a weekend brunch in the comfort of your home (or casita). Extremely gluten-free and vegetarian accommodating, the Grove also makes a mean matcha latte or espresso drink.

The Grove is currently offering curbside take out, but their menu may change each day. You can contact them for the latest and to place your orders. They’re also offering 25 percent off goods in the market like their house-made granola, chocolate bars, and candles.

If you need your New Mexican comfort food fix, El Pinto is also offering take out orders. Known for their Easter buffet, it has not been confirmed what the plans will be there, but for now, let me recommend their cheese enchiladas “Christmas” style.

One of my favorite places in Albuquerque is Los Poblanos Historic Inn and Organic Farm. With one of the best menus in the city at Campo (“Top 10 Best Hotels for Food Lovers” -Bon Appetite), their farm-to-table restaurant, they have designed a terrific plan to get their dishes in your home with Campo Curbside.

Each evening, the culinary team at Campo will be serving prix fixe meals on a rotating schedule. Diners will simply place their order a day prior and await to pick up their feast, curbside, the following day. Each dinner serves four and they also are offering soups of the day and charcuterie appetizers.

While over at the cozy D.H. Lescombes, I love that they’re not only offering carryout and delivery through Uber Eats but groceries as well. Because who doesn’t go to the store only to grab take out on the way home? While quantities may be more limited due to demand, D.H. Lescombes carries essentials like eggs, milk, meat, and seafood. I’m impressed at the reasonable prices, and If the salmon I enjoyed at their Albuquerque bistro is any indication of what you’ll take home, you won’t be disappointed.

Sawmill District

While staying at Hotel Chaco (such an amazing stay; the spirits felt strong yet calming), I got a glimpse of the forthcoming Sawmill District in its final stages. New Mexico’s very first food hall, their opening, just on March 10th, has had to deal with this “hiccup” in the road, several of their eateries continue to offer curbside delivery and carry out. Visit their website HERE if you’re local, and let me know how it is. I cannot wait to at last visit myself!

Online Shops, Gifts, and Wine

If you’re like me, you’re probably washing your hands a lot. While this (hopefully) keeps the viruses away, it’s been a struggle on my skin. Enter Los Poblanos’ lavender lotion. One of their staple products, this organic cream is lightweight on my hands and truly saving them from dryness in between frequent scrub downs. If you’re a lavender fan, you’ll love the Farm Shop’s huge variety of relaxing and rejuvenating items. Best part? Free shipping on all orders through April 30th. This is the perfect time to say “thank you” to an essential worker right now with some love for their tired hands! Check out their great gifts sets.

What’s something you can’t wait to do once things get back to “normal”? Whether it’s a bucket list goal or repeat time, Rainbow Ryders is offering heavily discounted gift certificates to take flight in one of their hot air balloons. With Albuquerque, the “Hot Air Balloon Capital of the World,” enjoy a ride during a specified time frame later this year for $119, instead of $175. If you’ve been thinking of proposing, celebrating something, maybe celebrate yourself? Whatever the reason, it’s a great chance to support a small business like Rainbow Ryders; they’ve been flying for nearly 40 years.

I was so taken with the wines of New Mexico. Now seems like a great time to order some to enjoy at home. I recommend the 2017 Viognier and 2018 Pinot Gris from Albuquerque’s Sheehan Winery. While I also loved their Merlot, I feel like this time we’re in could warrant a “treat.” Consider their 2017 Grand Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, grown with grapes on the oldest vines in all of New Mexico. Notes of leather contribute to its tobacco and smokey nose, while sweet notes of cherry and even cocoa linger on the palette. If you place an order of three or more bottles, shipping is free, too!

Where in your community are you making sure to support? xo