Sample a taste of Japan at Kokoro in Albuquerque. The menu is full of authentic Japanese fare. Instead of specializing in just sushi, Kokoro offers sushi in addition to the other delicious dishes. The curry, which comes with rice and miso soup, is amazing. Regulars say it's the best curry in town. Also try noodle dishes like ramen and soba. For a little bit of everything order one of the bento boxes. All meals are very reasonably priced. The cozy restaurant does get crowded. Closed on Mondays. 

Kokoro
5614 Menaul Boulevard NE
Albuquerque, NM 87110
(505) 830-2061
http://www.yelp.com/biz/kokoro-albuquerque

Wishing everyone a safe and happy holiday as we honor our nation's heroes.

Beer and pizza are old friends, and Il Vicino  improves on this happy relationship with its hand-crafted beer. Disarmingly industrial from the outside, inside Il Vicino offers a welcoming, family friendly atmosphere. While Il Vicino has an array of menu items, from pasta to calzones to a good selection of sandwiches, the pizza is the real star here. And with choices like these it’s easy to see why. For something with a kick try the Bianca. This pizza comes with spicy oil and capocolla ham, in addition to Portobello mushrooms and gorgonzola cheese. For a less fiery pie the Angeli is a good choice, with sweet balsamic marinara and roasted chicken. On the sandwich front you can’t go wrong with the Vespa, which comes with roasted chicken and sun dried tomato mayonnaise. You’d be remiss to pass up one of Il Vicino’s great beer selections, including the best selling chocolate cherry stout.