Albuquerque gives Chipotle Mexican Grill hearty welcome

Are you planning to check out our first Chipotle? Or do you already have loyalties to another Mexican restaurant?

Albuquerque’s first Chipotle Mexican Grill opened Tuesday to long lines of patrons eager to try its fare.

The Denver-based chain of gourmet burrito and taco restaurants opened in the former Shoney’s restaurant on the southeast corner of one of the city’s busiest intersections, Menaul and Louisiana boulevards, immediately east of the state’s largest enclosed shopping mall, Coronado Center.

Chipotle’s (NYSE:CMG) website reports that the chain was started in 1993 by founder and CEO Steve Ells, whose first store was a former ice cream parlor. The company went public in 2006, after opening restaurants outside of Colorado.

Chipotle’s menu features salads, gourmet tacos and gigantic burritos with make-it-your-own options, such as rice, pinto or vegetarian black beans, “naturally” raised meat (braised carnitas or barbacoa, adobo-marinated and grilled chicken or steak) or guacamole, salsa and cheese or sour cream. Customers can order take-out online on its website.

The new restaurant, at 6810 Menaul Blvd. NE, is open Monday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Read more http://www.bizjournals.com/albuquerque/blog/2011/12/slideshow-albuquerque-gives-chipotle.html 

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Marine Toys for Tots – Donate or Request a Toy

Every year, the Marine Albuquerque Toys for Tots Foundation collects and donates thousands of new toys and distributes them to local children who otherwise might not have gotten any presents. If you find yourself in a rough spot this year, but still want your kids to have a nice Christmas, you can request toys for your family by following the instructions below. If you’re having a good year, please consider donating a toy so that other families can enjoy the holiday season too!

Requesting Toys

Those living in the Albuquerque, Rio Rancho and Bernalillo County New Mexico areas wishing to request toys for their children, will need to register through our friends at the Albuquerque Department of Family and Community Services.

Please contact them at 505-256-2070.

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED:

1. Valid Government issued ID

2. Birth Certificate (for each child 12 years old and younger)

• Child must be 12 years old on or before date registered to qualify.    
• Only the parents listed on the Birth Certificate will be allowed to register.
• If you are not the parent you must show Legal Custody Documents.

3. Current bill must be one of the following:

• Electric, Gas, Phone bill, Comcast, Direct TV or a Current Lease
• Bill date must be within 30 days of registration date.
• Bill must have the name and current address of the parent that is registering.
• Current Lease can not be expired and must have Parent/Legal Guardian listed
  as a tenant.

* * * The LAST DAY to register is 12/08/11 at John Marshall HSSC, 1500 Walter SE, Albuquerque, NM 87102 * * *

Donating Toys

Check out this link for a list of places in Albuquerque where you can drop off toys: http://albuquerque-nm.toysfortots.org/local-coordinator-sites/lco-sites/donate-toys.asp. Toys must be new and unwrapped to be accepted.

Read more: http://albuquerque-nm.toysfortots.org/local-coordinator-sites/lco-sites/request-toys.asp

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Criminals Target Holiday Shoppers

Please stay safe when you’re out shopping this year!

Police are warning all shoppers to be on high-alert this holiday weekend.

Officers said thieves are targeting shoppers, and parking lots are presenting the biggest problem. Thieves will approach women carrying a lot of bags, then distract them and take off with their purse.

Criminals are also targeting mothers and the elderly. Police arrested three men in connection to a recent purse-snatching at a Walmart on Albuquerque's west side.

Authorities said the woman was putting her child in the car when a man came up, distracted her and grabbed her purse

Police said it's important to be aware of your surroundings and stay focused if someone approaches you. They also recommend leaving your purse at home when you go shopping.

Read more: http://www.koat.com/news/29858969/detail.html#ixzz1fJ8Wtsid Photo from: http://karateworldkickboxing.files.wordpress.com/2010/11/shopping.jpg 

Other Holiday Shopping Safety Tips:

• Shop during daylight hours whenever possible. If you must shop at night, go with a friend or family member.
• Dress casually and comfortably.
• Avoid wearing expensive jewelry.
• Do not carry a purse or wallet, if possible.
• Always carry your Driver License or Identification Card along with necessary cash, checks and/or a credit card you expect to use.
• Even though you are rushed and thinking about a thousand things, stay alert to your surroundings.
• Avoid carrying large amounts of cash.
• Pay for purchases with a check or credit card when possible.
• Keep cash in your front pocket.
• Notify the credit card issuer immediately if your credit card is lost, stolen or misused.
• Keep a record of all of your credit card numbers in a safe place at home.
• Avoid overloading yourself with packages. It is important to have clear visibility and freedom of motion to avoid mishaps.
• Beware of strangers approaching you for any reason. At this time of year, "con-artists" may try various methods of distracting you with the intention of taking your money or belongings.

Read more: http://crime.about.com/od/prevent/qt/tips_shopping.htm

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TOP TEN REASONS to “SHOP SMALL” in OLD TOWN Albuquerque this year

Support your local economy this year when shopping for holiday gifts – come to Old Town Albuquerque! Why, you ask? Here are 10 reasons:

1.  FIND THAT  ONE OF A KIND UNIQUE ITEM – Old Town has special gifts for  everyone on your list that you just won’t find in a mall.  Shopping in Old Town is a truly delightful experience. Unique items from around the world, as well as those that are distinctly Southwestern, can be found in more than 150  shops, boutiques, galleries and artist studios.

2. CREATE JOBS & JOB SECURITY – According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, small businesses represent 99.7% of all employer firms in the U.S. economy. Small businesses employ 50% of all private sector employees and created 65% of the net new jobs over the past 17 years. Several  hundred people are  employed within Old Town.

3.  THE “OLD TOWN” AMBIANCE – Shopping in Old Town is always a beautiful experience, but it is especially enchanting when decked out for  the Holiday Season!  Unique historic architecture, the huge  Christmas Tree in Plaza Don Luis, the romantic Gazebo on the Plaza and the charming patios and courtyards will make your shopping trip an exciting adventure. LUMINARIAS (Farolitos) - Thousands of visitors and residents come to Old Town on Christmas Eve and during
the Holiday Stroll (Friday, December 2, 2011) to see the spectacular display of luminarias. Candles are set in a bed of sand inside the bottom of a paper bag. When lit, they create a golden glow. Thousands of luminarias line the Church, Plaza, streets and walkways of Old Town.

4.  EXPERTS YOU CAN TALK TO – Old Town’s Specialty Shops know their stuff!  Merchants have dedicated their lives to learning their trades.  Would you prefer ask the teenage department store cashier about the special gift you’re buying, or to ask the actual artisan who lovingly hand crafted the item?

5.  KEEP YOUR MONEY IN ALBUQUERQUE – Money spent in Old Town is more likely to stay within Albuquerque.  Old Town’s Merchants typically bank  with local banks, use services from local firms, buy advertising  space in local publications and support other Albuquerque businesses in all that they do.

6. YOU DESERVE A BETTER MEAL THAN CAN BE FOUND IN A FOOD COURT - Enjoy the spice & flair of our traditional cuisine at one of the dozen restaurants, cafes & coffee shops featuring everything from the All-American hamburger to  fine continental cuisine.  Need a double espresso or a chocolate pick me up so that you can shop till you drop? Take your pick from Old Town’s finest purveyors.

7. MAKE A DATE OUT OF IT! Take a break &  have some fun while out doing your shopping. Take a guided tour, explore a local museum, look at the  Christmas Lights or enjoy live entertainment that is sure to put a spring in your step.

8.  FRIENDS & FAMILY CAN VISIT WITHOUT HAVING TO SPEND HOURS CLEANING! Several Hotel, Motels and Bed & Breakfasts are within walking distance to Old Town.

9.  BE A PART OF THE HISTORY AND TRADITION! People have been spending the Holiday Season in Old Town for the past 305 years.  For over three centuries Old Town has been the crossroads of the Southwest. It is a Historical Zone of the City of Albuquerque and is still home to many families whose ancestors founded the town.  Shopping in Old Town is a celebration of what it means to live in the Southwest!

10.  CREATING GOODWILL - YOU WILL FEEL GOOD ABOUT THE MONEY YOU SPENT! You’ll feel great that you found spectacular gifts for the people you love; sold to you by people who not only LOVE what they do, but are legitimately grateful for your purchase and truly appreciate your business.  You supported Albuquerque’s economy!  Good for you!

Read more http://albuquerqueoldtown.com/uploads/Top_10_Reasons_to_SHOP_SMALL_in_Old_Town_Albuquerque.pdf

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Albuquerque residents oppose Westside Wal-Mart

How do you feel about the proposed Wal-Mart near Coors Blvd and Montano Road?

In a classic example of David and Goliath, a group of Albuquerque residents are taking on big box development on the Westside.

The protesters arrived dressed in boxes – some even covered themselves in grocery bags – for a rally against a proposed Wal-Mart in a vacant lot near Coors Boulevard and Montano Road.

"How many Wal-Marts do you need in one square mile? A rhetorical question,” state representative Bill O’Neil said. “I don't understand it, I don't think it's appropriate on any levels.”

The city recently approved zoning for mixed-use development in the privately owned property in front of the Bosque School.

“Having a big box store that close to the school is a problem traffic wise,” Tom Allen, a teacher at the school said.

Other protesters were concerned about the items that could be sold at the store.

“We are concerned that there would be a big box here that would sell fire arms and alcohol in such close proximity to a school,” Nancy Henson said.

The school even hired a land use lawyer to fight any possible development.

We contacted city councilor Dan Lewis, who represents the area, but he refused to talk to us.

He said attorneys told all city councilors to not discuss the issue because it could end up before the council – and in a lawsuit – if the development is appealed.

The developer sent his plans for development to the Environmental Protection Committee.

The group will hear his proposal in a December meeting.

KOB Eyewitness News 4 tried to contact Wal-Mart but no one was available for a comment.

A public meeting is scheduled for Monday, Nov. 21 at 6:30 p.m. inside the Cibola High School auditorium.

The Bosque School has created a petition against the current development plans.

It is available at the Middle School Administration Building until November 18.

Read more http://www.kob.com/article/stories/S2370412.shtml

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Agencies to use grants to ease traffic congestion near UNM, CNM

Any of you drive on Central? If so, you’ll be happy to see this…

For those of you who drive down Central near the university, you know exactly how backed up traffic can get. But, several government agencies are working on easing congestion in that area with the help of a big grant.

Every day about 74,000 people go through the Central Corridor near the University of New Mexico. It's the single most congested spot in Albuquerque. Now there's $880,000 in grants going straight into fixing the problem.

"Hands down, the largest major activity center in the city," said Albuquerque City Councilor Isaac Benton.

Traffic congestion along the Central Corridor near the university and the hospital is a nightmare, and with several UNM expansions in the works, traffic will continue to mount.

"UNM's plans for the North campus, the South campus, all of these effect the surrounding areas," Benton said.

The city of Albuquerque, Bernalillo County, UNM, CNM and the Mid-Region Council of Governments, or MRCOG, are all working together to fix the problem.

They're hoping more than $850,000 in grants will alleviate some of the issues, from parking to drivers cutting through residential streets to avoid the mess.

"I live near UNM and I can say driving in this area during peak hours is a challenge, during peak traffic times," said Bernalillo County Commissioner Maggie Hart Stebbins.

MRCOG will host meetings and offer web-based surveys for community input. Some of the money will go toward replacing or fixing up old busses, buildings and terminals.

"What we're trying to do is making it more convenient for people who want to drive, or have to drive, but also for people who want to use alternatives," Benton said.

The whole project will take about two years to complete. Some of the project is already in the works.

Read more (and watch the video) at http://www.kob.com/article/stories/S2356387.shtml?cat=516

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Albuquerque's Seasonal Favorites Delight Guests

Check out what all is happening in Albuquerque this holiday season!

Signs of the holiday season are already evident in New Mexico. Seasonal art and shopping events begin this weekend in Albuquerque. During November and December, visitors enjoy events throughout the region, which is magical during the holidays.
Albuquerque offers true Southwestern flavor during the season: from traditional cuisine to festive, flickering luminarias lighting the way throughout the city. The holiday website, www.ItsATrip.org/holiday, showcases diverse holiday shopping options, tasty holiday cuisine and events to celebrate the season. The website also offers hotel discounts, coupons, seasonal recipes and more.

Notable Holiday Season Events

No.v 4-6: 19th Annual Weems International Artfest
A multi-cultural art event displaying over 270 top artisans in every medium and price range; this year’s event features actor John Corbett displaying his visual artwork for the first time. www.weemsinternationalartfest.org

Nov. 25-27: 12th Annual Rio Grande Arts & Crafts Holiday Show
With cheerful music, artist demonstrations, Kids Creation Station, Holiday Cookie Walk and more, this show puts everyone in the spirit of the season. http://www.riograndefestivals.com/2011/november2011.html

Nov. 26-Dec 30: River of Lights
Thousands of twinkling lights transform the ABQ BioPark Botanic Garden into New Mexico’s largest walk-through holiday light show each evening of the holiday season. More than 90,000 visitors attend each year to see animated displays of zoo animals, Southwestern plants and holiday scenes.
www.RiverOfLights.org or http://www.cabq.gov/biopark/garden/annual-events/river-of-lights

Dec. 1: 16th Annual Nob Hill Shop & Stroll
Historic Nob Hill features a cheerful holiday tradition of shopping with extended hours, luminaria decorations, music and fun along historic Route 66. www.rt66central.com

Dec. 2: Old Town Holiday Stroll
Enjoy shopping, live entertainment, luminarias, family activities, Santa Claus and lighting a giant Christmas tree at Plaza Don Luis during this annual tradition.
http://albuquerqueoldtown.com/index.php?page=holiday-stroll

Dec. 2-24: “A Christmas Story”
The Albuquerque Little Theatre presents the beloved 1983 film classic on stage.
http://albuquerquelittletheatre.org/see-a-show/2011-2012-season/main-stage-series/

Dec. 3: Twinkle Light Parade & Holiday Arts Festival
A local artisans market, pictures with Santa, holiday music, dance performances, food vendors, face painting, and the "Official Lighting" of Civic Plaza all lead up to a lit parade through Downtown Albuquerque. www.cabq.gov/crs/twinklelight.html

Dec. 10-11: Winter Arts & Crafts Fair
Buy direct from Native American artists at the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center. www.indianpueblo.org

Dec. 12: Christmas at Kuana
The annual luminaria lighting event includes pueblo dancers, music and traditional Native American storytelling. http://www.nmmonuments.org/coronado-state-monument

Dec. 16: Las Posadas
Los Poblanos Inn & Organic Farm will be hosting Las Posadas, a traditional holiday event that has been celebrated in Mexico for centuries. The evening will include a traditional New Mexican feast featuring fresh organic ingredients from the farm.
http://www.lospoblanos.com/events-calendar/dining-events/

Dec. 17: Gildan New Mexico Bowl
College football post-season bowl game pits the Mountain West Conference against the Pac-12. This event will be nationally televised on ESPN. www.newmexicobowl.com

Dec. 24: Luminaria Tour
Drive through beautifully lit neighborhoods with thousands of luminarias lighting the way. The Albuquerque holiday tradition involves paper sacks filled with sand and a single candle to light up rooftops and walkways. http://www.itsatrip.org/events/details/luminaria-tour-16184/

Holiday Resources

For a complete list of events, visit www.ItsATrip.org/Holiday. The tastes of the season are distinctive in the region. Traditional New Mexican holiday recipes including biscochitos, tamales, posole and empanadas are available online. To put yourself in the holiday spirit, check out the “The Life of a Brown Paper Bag” video.

Read more http://www.chattanoogan.com/articles/article_212421.asp

Photo from http://albuquerqueoldtown.com/index.php?page=holiday-stroll

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