… if a close friend or relative, someone you really liked, was thinking of moving to Albuquerque and coming through for an overnight visit and wanted to check it out by driving around:
Where would you drive them?
And, special bonus question, where would you go to dinner?
[Update: Originally posted Tuesday.]
if they aren’t use to mexican food, El Pinto. The ride alone gives them a good feel for the rural-ness of the city.
and if they are use to mexican food, the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center. Cannot beat the blue corn pancakes, Tiwa Taco, or simple oven bread. Old Town walking tour would be up next.
Well, if it was my relatives who were coming, you should hide.
El Pinto does have good atmosphere and the drive is interesting enough to get a feel for (part of) the city. But I would most likely drive them through central downtown, walk around the plaza a bit, then take them to eat at Yanni’s, a personal favorite.
NewMexiKen has had mixed success at El Pinto lately. One great experience, and two bad ones since spring.
For dinner at sunset, nothing beats Bien Shur with its rooftop views from the top of Sandia Casino. And, for a drive, Tramway from the Tram to Fourth (past El Pinto), Alameda to Rio Grande and all the way south on Rio Grande to the Plaza, then Central through downtown. Oh, and somewhere along the way, possibly on Alameda, I’d cross the river, then park nearby so we could watch the Rio Grande flow by from the bridge.
But I’m just adding my point of view here in hope a few more local readers will offer theirs.