Happy Fall

May this autumn bring you a harvest of fun times and laughter with family and friends!

Sip on Some of the Area’s Finest Caffeinated Beverages at Espresso Fino

At Espresso Fino in Albuquerque, you’ll find some of the area’s best coffee and espresso drinks that even the most seasoned coffee connoisseur will appreciate. Pop in for a classic drip brew coffee, a frothy cappuccino, or a strong cortado topped with impressive latte art. You’ll even find milk alternatives, like almond milk and coconut milk for dairy-free guests. Orange cranberry scones and breakfast burritos pair perfectly with your first coffee of the morning, while the café’s other sweet treats make great pick-me-ups at any time during the day.

There’s ample seating throughout the cozy shop with free Wi-Fi for customers, as well as charming patio seating that makes the perfect spot for a relaxing afternoon in Albuquerque. With a friendly staff of knowledgeable baristas and a quirky, eclectic interior decor, this is a great hangout for area coffee lovers!

Espresso Fino
222 Gold Avenue SW
Albuquerque, NM 87102
(575) 779-6078
www.espressofinoabq.com

Poki Poki Cevicheria: Hawaii by way of Albuquerque

Located in the Brick Light District and the only restaurant of its kind in Albuquerque, Poki Poki Cevicheria is an Asian-Latin fusion restaurant that specializes in Hawaii poké bowls.

A truly unique dining experience, Poki Poki Cevicheria allows you to customize your own perfect poké bowl. Start with your choice of fresh fish, like spicy tuna, salmon, or shrimp, which can be served over your choice of rice, salad, or fries. Choose your level of heat with a variety of authentic sauces, like the Pineapple Mojo or Red Pepper Leche, and finish it off with fresh toppings like avocado, edamame, pineapple mango salsa, and fresh herbs. You can also leave it up to the experts and grab a pre-made bowl, like the Spicy Bowl made with white rice, spicy tuna and salmon, passion fruit sauce, crab, avocado, cucumber, jalapeno, lime, onion crisps, pico de gallo, and dressed with chipotle mayo and sriracha.

Poki Poki Cevicheria offers a quick, fresh, and delicious option for lunch or dinner, or any time you’re craving a handmade meal with fresh ingredients and robust flavors. Visit the website for the full menu of creative dishes.

Poki Poki Cevicheria
2300 Central Ave SE
Albuquerque, NM 87106
(505) 503-1077
www.pokipokinm.com

These Chili Recipes Help Warm Chilly Evenings

All it takes is a homemade dinner of something warm and comforting to get you into that cozy fall feeling. Here are a few chili recipes that you’ll love to make on those chilly autumn evenings.

Pumpkin Chili [oliviascuisine.com]
While you’re likely used to seeing pumpkin in every cookie, coffee, and pie as soon as summer is over, this recipe for pumpkin chili will show you a new and exciting way to use everyone’s favorite fall gourd. It can be made on the stovetop or in the slow-cooker if you’re pressed for time, and it becomes even more festive if you serve it inside of a small, hollowed pumpkin.

Slow-Cooker Chocolate Chili With Three Beans [bhg.com]
If chocolate in chili seems too good to be true (and maybe a little bit strange), you’ll become a believer once you taste this unique recipe. Best of all, you can make it in the slow-cooker, so you’ll come home from a long day at work to a warm, home-cooked meal.

Slow-Cooker Turkey Chili [allrecipes.com]
A healthy turkey chili cuts down on fat and calories compared to the traditional beef version, and this one is also very easy to make. Just toss all of the legumes, veggies, and spices into the slow-cooker and you’ll have a hearty and nutritious meal in just over four hours.

Icon Cinema: Where Cushy Recliners Meet All-You-Can-Eat Popcorn

Calling all film buffs! Albuquerque’s Icon Cinema is the only theater of its kind in New Mexico, offering a unique and luxurious cinema experience right here in town. Grab some all-you-can-eat and drink popcorn and soda, and take a seat in one of Icon Cinema’s famous electric VIP recliners or sound vibrating experience chairs. You’ll find all of the latest top films at Icon Cinema, with special 3D viewing options available. This is a good spot to enjoy a great movie with the kids or with some friends. It’s also the perfect spot for your next date night.

Visit the Icon Cinema website for current and upcoming films and show times, as well as specials and discounts, like Senior Monday!

Icon Cinema
Four Hills Shopping Center
13120-A Central Ave SE
Albuquerque, NM 87123
(505) 814-7469
albuquerque.iconcinemas.com/index.cfm

Happy Labor Day!

Have a relaxing day with fun and laughter!

Don’t Overlook Brunch at Zinc Wine Bar & Bistro

Part French bistro, part speakeasy, Zinc Wine Bar & Bistro is a unique dining destination in Albuquerque. Here, the focus is on French fare with an American twist; local meats, cheeses, and produce are sourced locally whenever possible. Dinner is served seven days a week, starting at 5 p.m. The baked brie and almond bruschetta are popular appetizers, especially when followed by a bite of the crispy duck confit eggrolls. If you're craving something a little heartier, go for the herb crusted pork tenderloin, the zucchini and quinoa fritter cakes, or the seared sea scallops.

Underneath the main restaurant, you'll find Zinc's "speakeasy," which boasts a lounge atmosphere and is a good place to meet friends for tapas and a post-work cocktail. You'll find over 20 wines by the glass here, complemented by a lengthy list of signature cocktails and bar bites that are served until midnight.

Don't miss Zinc's weekend brunch, which is served 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays.

Zinc Wine Bar & Bistro
3009 Central Avenue
Albuquerque, NM 87106
(505) 254-9462
www.zincabq.com

Explore the Flavors of Asian Cuisine at Sushi Xuan

Experience authentic Asian cuisine in Albuquerque at Sushi Xuan. Translating to “spring," Xuan implies a time of freshness and vibrancy, which is perfectly captured in the vibrant flavors and colors of their food.

Enjoy handmade sushi, sashimi, and traditional dishes, all made with fresh meats, seafood, produce, herbs and spices. Start with shrimp tempura, spicy crispy rice, or Japanese egg rolls, followed by teriyaki, orange chicken, or sizzling beef, all made with varying levels of spice to fit everyone’s palate. Try classic sushi favorites and special rolls like the popular Sushi Xuan Roll, made with lobster salad, green chili tempura, tuna, avocado, cucumber, crab, and chef special sauce. Pair your meal with a cold draft beer, wine, or a traditional sake.

Stop by for lunch or dinner, for a perfect break from work, or a great night out with friends or a special date.

Sushi Xuan
417 Tramway Blvd NE, Unit 3
Albuquerque, NM 87123-2162
(505) 200-2477
www.sushixuannm.com

Go For the Green: How to Mount a Staghorn Fern

Photos, posters, artwork… Some things lend themselves to framing and mounting—but what about houseplants? Epiphytes, like the popular staghorn fern, are perfectly suited to the framing treatment as they draw water and nutrients from the surrounding air (read: no soil required!). Store-bought mounted ferns can be costly, but you can easily create your own at home with a few supplies and a little elbow grease. Here's how:

1) For this project, you'll need a mounting surface, typically a wood board or plaque or a shallow crate. You'll also need clear fishing line, a picture-hanging kit, sphagnum moss, nails, and, of course, a staghorn fern.

2) Lay your mounting surface on a table, then hammer four nails into its front, in the shape of a square.

3) Wet your moss, then wring out extra moisture. Create a moss "bed" for your fern in the area between the four nails. Position your fern upon the moss, then wrap fishing wire around the nails and across the fern to affix it to the board.

For the rest of the tutorial, click though to How To Mount a Staghorn Fern on Apartment Therapy.

Unwind and Unplug at Tingley Beach in Albuquerque

Located only minutes from downtown Albuquerque and near the Rio Grande, Tingley Beach is a must-visit destination for those looking for some relaxation or outdoor recreation activity. Here, you'll find a wide range of outdoor activities, from fishing and boating to picnicking and hiking. Enjoy a quiet relaxing day of fishing in the catch-and-release or kids' pond, or take to the trails for a walk, run, or bike ride. Cool off with a pedal boat ride, or do some unique bird watching.

Grab a bite to eat the Tingley Beach Café, where you’ll find snack bar items, burgers, cold drinks and more. Charcoal grills are also available to enjoy a picnic outside. Visit the website to learn more about all that Tingley Beach has to offer the Albuquerque community!

Tingely Beach
1800 Tingley Dr SW
Albuquerque, NM 87104
www.cabq.gov/culturalservices/biopark/tingley

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