Exploration 1: The Frontier, Le Bistro, Chimayo*
I'm going to come clean...I haven't been cooking. I know, the shame! As much as I'd like to say that I haven't fell victim to holiday gluttony - that would be a lie. In addition, I knew before arriving into the Land of Enchantment that the battle to cook for myself was an uphill, if not, losing battle. My mom has been known to cook seldom as it is. I forgot that her new condo, as cute as it is, lacks a kitchen. I helped her moved into this new place last year and when I left there was a refrigerator, a sink, and a microwave. Not much as changed upon my return with the exception of a conventional oven.
But I suppose that this is part of the journey. This won't be my last time to New Mexico or my final trip anywhere. It's important that I learn to navigate restaurant menus, including recognizing sacrifices when menu options don't satisfy my appetite as it used to. I live in the most gluttonous country in the world, I really should doubt I'll starve.
However, I do have a recipe to share. One that I neglected in my last post (yes I know I didn't post anything Wednesday. Like I said, I haven't been cooking so I really found myself without any content. I apologize.) You might recall that before leaving Georgia I made a sincere attempt to either eat or use any remaining vegetables in the refrigerator. There was no way they were going to survive my 11 day absence and would have gone bad. Wasteful. We can't have that.
The morning of the 23rd, I ended up whipping up breakfast burritos as I found them an excellent option to use whatever remained. Burritos are much like salads, you could essentially throw anything together, wrap a tortilla around it and, well, it's a burrito! I took inspiration from the online recipe that is shared below. Surprisingly, I stayed pretty damn close to the original recipe. Everything it called for were things I had to get rid of.
I did add cilantro and cheese at the end. I also didn't bake the potatoes, opting for fried papas instead. Honestly, I thought it would expedite the cooking process, but in practice I don't think it made a difference. It still took about 25 minutes to fry the potatoes. If anything, I didn't have to wash quite as many dishes, which I suppose is something.
They were quite filling and very much enjoyed. I rate them as a 5!
I even had left overs, something that I was very thankful for because the next morning I found myself rushing to get dressed. My sister and I intended to leave the house around 6:15 to get me to the airport, come 6:35 we were just putting our shoes on. I warmed up the left overs and quickly enjoyed them. That held me over, successfully, until Christmas Eve dinner.
Just for the record, by the time I left Georgia everything that could spoil was used in one way or another. There were just a couple of squash I couldn't save in time, a sliced onion, and a bushel of cilantro.
That brings us to the Frontier. If you've never been to Albuquerque and you happen to visit, you must, above everything else, visit and eat at the Frontier. It's world famous and an icon when it comes to this part of the state. Situated directly across from the University of New Mexico along Albuquerque's main strip, also part of the famous Route 66 - Central Avenue, is the frontier with it's unforgettable barn architecture and bright colors of yellow and red.
I haven no idea what it started out to be, but today is as large as three store fronts. Inside the walls are littered with old southwest styled paintings and photos, most dominantly the face of John Wayne. When I attended school here, the Frontier was open 24/7. In that, like every UNM college student, memories of solo visits as well as friendly gatherings start rather early and extend, I'd imagine, through the entirety of anyone's time in Albuquerque. It's what we all share in common - that an chile.
Be warned, however, although the crime rate has gotten better of the years, Albuquerue still has it's moments. Last year when I was here, I was walking down the sidewalk near San Mateo and Central (there's a Wal-Mart on the corner) when I witnessed a man get shot. It was rather eventful, but I could go the rest of my life without seeing something similar. After I left the state in 2006, to my understanding the Frontier experienced some, well - unfortunate situations. I heard a guy walked in with a gun and held a number of people up. For security reasons, although extended hours, the Frontier does now shut down around 1 a.m. or about there.
The food is just as good, however. Normally there's a line that you find yourself in upon arriving. This is most desired, especially for your first visit as menus are not handed out. The menu can be found on the wall above a line of cashiers. After finding what it is that you want - they offer breakfast, lunch, dinner, and desert (a delectable cinnamon roll that is world famous) you wait for a green blinking light, indicating a cashier is ready for the next person.
After ordering, they had you a number, then you find your table. Again, there are three large rooms to this place so take your time, select wisely and don't worry about not hearing your number. In every room there's a digital sign. When you see your number come up - your food it ready. Go get it. Enjoy!
Also, the tortillas, even though are made on clever machine right in front of you - are home made and they are to die for! Yummm.
The orange juice, also made by machine, is also home made with fresh squeezed orange juice - right in front of you - also...yummm.
I could go on for days. Their prices are low and their food is good. Sure there's better, but if you choose right, there really might not be.
I went in the night after Christmas intending to get a cinnamon roll. After standing in life, however, and having not yet had chile, I gave in to the temptation and had a bowl of pesole (shredded pork is involved.) Oh my god! How delicious it was. My stomach and heart were so happy, we didn't give a crap about the meat being devoured. Totally worth it.
I still intend on having a Blake's-Lot-a-Burger cheeseburger, lathered in green chile. I know it will hurt, but I'm ready. I'm oh so ready.
The Frontier...a place that is near and dear to every Albuquerqueian's heart and even those who have had the opportunity to visit just once. I promise you, it will leave an impression.
Changing gears, I'd like to bring your attention to another restaurant. One that opened last year around the corner from my mom's condo - "Le Bistro." With it's brightly painted red walls, exceptionally clean and organized interior, is this Vietnamese restaurant that, like most Asian food, healthy and happy.
Like I said, last year I came this way for a month to help my mom move from her high rise apartment to where she is now. One night, while looking for a place to eat, we spotted it. One thing we share in common, is supporting locally owned business as we believe they are the textiles that weave, that have weaved, the fabric of America for centuries. We must not let them die to large cooperation. Patriotism lies in supporting each other, the local business - not in surrendering to capitalist giants.
In order, my favorite types of Asian cuisine are: Thai, Vietnamese, Japanese, Chinese. When done right, they offer complex and wonderful flavors. My favorite dish of the Vietnamese, pho. It's soup, but boy is it soup with a hearty punch. If you've never had it, try it - you'll love it!
Needlessness, I was very happy to see the place still had their doors open. From what I gather, my mom has made it regular habit to visit - the waitress seemed to be quite familiar with her.
As an added bonus to most Asian dishes - they can very effortlessly be made vegetarian. I had what I move, pho with vegetables and tofu. It was just as good as I remember. Although full, I wasn't miserable. Perfectly satisfied.
My mom has indicated she would like me to prepare dinner tonight. She seems to have taken interest in this path of vegetarianism that I've embarked upon. I will also say, for all the homes we've been invited into, they have been more than accommodating with my dietary requirements. Although, even had they not been, I would have still ate whatever available. Again, as much as preach about the benefits of not eating meat, it's a side effect. I've embarked upon this journey as a spiritual quest. Along those lines, if something is offered and it contains meat, it would be something of a sin to reject it. I am asked to receive it humbly and thankfully.
I'm not sure what I'll do tonight. I'm conflicted between trying something new or something I've already done with great success. She wants me to teach her a few things that she can fall back on, so I can't get too complicated. I'll figure it out.
In the mean time, we are headed to Chimayo, New Mexico this afternoon. Since my arrival in New Mexico I've heard about the famous location, located just North of Santa Fe. During Easter it is said to be the most visited location in North America, with thousands of people from across the world coming to pilgrimage tot his Holy site.
"Don't go during Easter," I remember hearing while "growing up."
As I recall the story going, back before New Mexico was a state, a farmer was preparing the land begin farming when he turned over a large rock that sat in the way. Immediately upon it's removal, a bright bean of light shot up from the ground and into the heavens, the farmer fell back in disbelief. He reasoned it was God and this place was Holy.
The community, as small as it was, erected a small church upon the location. When word got out of this miraculous event, people from all over began to travel to this location. Although the light was no longer visible, what was discovered is the dirt is said to be blessed, made Holy. For hundreds of years, now, people have attested to, after visiting this location, touching the dirt, aliment, sickness, injury have been healed without explanation. Some even say those who haven't been able to walk, suddenly have walked. There are smaller examples, one story I read before writing this was from a woman with arthritis in her knee. After rubbing some dirt on it, she has never again had problems with it.
University of New Mexico has analysed the dirt after so many claims came in, they wanted to see if there was a scientific explanation. None can be found and the most logic based people can state is that it's a result of the "placebo effect."
Perhaps. But we must keep in mind, the two ingredients necessary in any miracle are hope and faith.
The time has come, something of a calling, that I feel I might visit the world known location. Although not the traditional pilgrimage, I feel my personal pilgrimage is contained in a lifetime of experiences. It has taken much sacrifice to get where I am today - those close to me understand the reference. It's time.
I'd be lying if I said there might not be a thing or two I hope the dirt, God, can fix within me. In that, however, I do recognize that often times the struggle we face in life, it's our cross, we must carry it. It's where our nobility and our redemption are born. Life sometimes hands us situations and circumstances, aliments that we don't want. Life is organic though, we live and we all die - one way or another. Sickness and age are part of it. The sooner we accept this, the sooner we recognize our mortality and can begin to appreciate each day, each moment for what's it worth.
I should doubt there is no heavier regret that wishing you would have embraced life a little better, a little tighter than all the opportunity and moments missed, when faced with your final hours.
Because New Year's falls on Monday, I will not be writing. In the morning my schedule has been visiting the Jemez reservation, one of the near by Pueblo tribes to watch their New Year's day traditional dances. An event that is very beautiful and can ONLY be experienced in person. Afterward, venture a tad father north to a natural hot springs to play in the water before returning to Albuquerque.
So what that, I wish you all a Happy New Years. Next month is my final month with Exploration 1. Not sure what we'll transition to, but we are starting to review some options. I'll probably break for the month of February and then start back up come March.
Be safe, be well, and embrace life and all that it is worth.
But I suppose that this is part of the journey. This won't be my last time to New Mexico or my final trip anywhere. It's important that I learn to navigate restaurant menus, including recognizing sacrifices when menu options don't satisfy my appetite as it used to. I live in the most gluttonous country in the world, I really should doubt I'll starve.
However, I do have a recipe to share. One that I neglected in my last post (yes I know I didn't post anything Wednesday. Like I said, I haven't been cooking so I really found myself without any content. I apologize.) You might recall that before leaving Georgia I made a sincere attempt to either eat or use any remaining vegetables in the refrigerator. There was no way they were going to survive my 11 day absence and would have gone bad. Wasteful. We can't have that.
I did add cilantro and cheese at the end. I also didn't bake the potatoes, opting for fried papas instead. Honestly, I thought it would expedite the cooking process, but in practice I don't think it made a difference. It still took about 25 minutes to fry the potatoes. If anything, I didn't have to wash quite as many dishes, which I suppose is something.
They were quite filling and very much enjoyed. I rate them as a 5!
Just for the record, by the time I left Georgia everything that could spoil was used in one way or another. There were just a couple of squash I couldn't save in time, a sliced onion, and a bushel of cilantro.
I haven no idea what it started out to be, but today is as large as three store fronts. Inside the walls are littered with old southwest styled paintings and photos, most dominantly the face of John Wayne. When I attended school here, the Frontier was open 24/7. In that, like every UNM college student, memories of solo visits as well as friendly gatherings start rather early and extend, I'd imagine, through the entirety of anyone's time in Albuquerque. It's what we all share in common - that an chile.
Be warned, however, although the crime rate has gotten better of the years, Albuquerue still has it's moments. Last year when I was here, I was walking down the sidewalk near San Mateo and Central (there's a Wal-Mart on the corner) when I witnessed a man get shot. It was rather eventful, but I could go the rest of my life without seeing something similar. After I left the state in 2006, to my understanding the Frontier experienced some, well - unfortunate situations. I heard a guy walked in with a gun and held a number of people up. For security reasons, although extended hours, the Frontier does now shut down around 1 a.m. or about there.
The food is just as good, however. Normally there's a line that you find yourself in upon arriving. This is most desired, especially for your first visit as menus are not handed out. The menu can be found on the wall above a line of cashiers. After finding what it is that you want - they offer breakfast, lunch, dinner, and desert (a delectable cinnamon roll that is world famous) you wait for a green blinking light, indicating a cashier is ready for the next person.
After ordering, they had you a number, then you find your table. Again, there are three large rooms to this place so take your time, select wisely and don't worry about not hearing your number. In every room there's a digital sign. When you see your number come up - your food it ready. Go get it. Enjoy!
Also, the tortillas, even though are made on clever machine right in front of you - are home made and they are to die for! Yummm.
The orange juice, also made by machine, is also home made with fresh squeezed orange juice - right in front of you - also...yummm.
I could go on for days. Their prices are low and their food is good. Sure there's better, but if you choose right, there really might not be.
I went in the night after Christmas intending to get a cinnamon roll. After standing in life, however, and having not yet had chile, I gave in to the temptation and had a bowl of pesole (shredded pork is involved.) Oh my god! How delicious it was. My stomach and heart were so happy, we didn't give a crap about the meat being devoured. Totally worth it.
I still intend on having a Blake's-Lot-a-Burger cheeseburger, lathered in green chile. I know it will hurt, but I'm ready. I'm oh so ready.
Changing gears, I'd like to bring your attention to another restaurant. One that opened last year around the corner from my mom's condo - "Le Bistro." With it's brightly painted red walls, exceptionally clean and organized interior, is this Vietnamese restaurant that, like most Asian food, healthy and happy.
Like I said, last year I came this way for a month to help my mom move from her high rise apartment to where she is now. One night, while looking for a place to eat, we spotted it. One thing we share in common, is supporting locally owned business as we believe they are the textiles that weave, that have weaved, the fabric of America for centuries. We must not let them die to large cooperation. Patriotism lies in supporting each other, the local business - not in surrendering to capitalist giants.
In order, my favorite types of Asian cuisine are: Thai, Vietnamese, Japanese, Chinese. When done right, they offer complex and wonderful flavors. My favorite dish of the Vietnamese, pho. It's soup, but boy is it soup with a hearty punch. If you've never had it, try it - you'll love it!
Needlessness, I was very happy to see the place still had their doors open. From what I gather, my mom has made it regular habit to visit - the waitress seemed to be quite familiar with her.
As an added bonus to most Asian dishes - they can very effortlessly be made vegetarian. I had what I move, pho with vegetables and tofu. It was just as good as I remember. Although full, I wasn't miserable. Perfectly satisfied.My mom has indicated she would like me to prepare dinner tonight. She seems to have taken interest in this path of vegetarianism that I've embarked upon. I will also say, for all the homes we've been invited into, they have been more than accommodating with my dietary requirements. Although, even had they not been, I would have still ate whatever available. Again, as much as preach about the benefits of not eating meat, it's a side effect. I've embarked upon this journey as a spiritual quest. Along those lines, if something is offered and it contains meat, it would be something of a sin to reject it. I am asked to receive it humbly and thankfully.
I'm not sure what I'll do tonight. I'm conflicted between trying something new or something I've already done with great success. She wants me to teach her a few things that she can fall back on, so I can't get too complicated. I'll figure it out.
In the mean time, we are headed to Chimayo, New Mexico this afternoon. Since my arrival in New Mexico I've heard about the famous location, located just North of Santa Fe. During Easter it is said to be the most visited location in North America, with thousands of people from across the world coming to pilgrimage tot his Holy site.
"Don't go during Easter," I remember hearing while "growing up."
As I recall the story going, back before New Mexico was a state, a farmer was preparing the land begin farming when he turned over a large rock that sat in the way. Immediately upon it's removal, a bright bean of light shot up from the ground and into the heavens, the farmer fell back in disbelief. He reasoned it was God and this place was Holy.
The community, as small as it was, erected a small church upon the location. When word got out of this miraculous event, people from all over began to travel to this location. Although the light was no longer visible, what was discovered is the dirt is said to be blessed, made Holy. For hundreds of years, now, people have attested to, after visiting this location, touching the dirt, aliment, sickness, injury have been healed without explanation. Some even say those who haven't been able to walk, suddenly have walked. There are smaller examples, one story I read before writing this was from a woman with arthritis in her knee. After rubbing some dirt on it, she has never again had problems with it.
University of New Mexico has analysed the dirt after so many claims came in, they wanted to see if there was a scientific explanation. None can be found and the most logic based people can state is that it's a result of the "placebo effect."
Perhaps. But we must keep in mind, the two ingredients necessary in any miracle are hope and faith.
The time has come, something of a calling, that I feel I might visit the world known location. Although not the traditional pilgrimage, I feel my personal pilgrimage is contained in a lifetime of experiences. It has taken much sacrifice to get where I am today - those close to me understand the reference. It's time.
I'd be lying if I said there might not be a thing or two I hope the dirt, God, can fix within me. In that, however, I do recognize that often times the struggle we face in life, it's our cross, we must carry it. It's where our nobility and our redemption are born. Life sometimes hands us situations and circumstances, aliments that we don't want. Life is organic though, we live and we all die - one way or another. Sickness and age are part of it. The sooner we accept this, the sooner we recognize our mortality and can begin to appreciate each day, each moment for what's it worth.
I should doubt there is no heavier regret that wishing you would have embraced life a little better, a little tighter than all the opportunity and moments missed, when faced with your final hours.
Because New Year's falls on Monday, I will not be writing. In the morning my schedule has been visiting the Jemez reservation, one of the near by Pueblo tribes to watch their New Year's day traditional dances. An event that is very beautiful and can ONLY be experienced in person. Afterward, venture a tad father north to a natural hot springs to play in the water before returning to Albuquerque.
So what that, I wish you all a Happy New Years. Next month is my final month with Exploration 1. Not sure what we'll transition to, but we are starting to review some options. I'll probably break for the month of February and then start back up come March.
Be safe, be well, and embrace life and all that it is worth.
Comments
Post a Comment