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Green or Red?

hford
Explorer A
If you are from New Mexico, you probably know the answer to that question.  For me, the first time I heard the question "Green or Red?" I was a little perplexed. I get the awesome opportunity to represent Southwest Airlines in Albuquerque, NM.  I LUV the people, I LUV the sights, and I LUV the food!  New Mexico is known for its chile and New Mexicans eat it with everything…green chile pizza, green chile spaghetti, and I even enjoy green chile with my hot dog.  My personal favorite is green chile but sometimes I'll order it "Christmas style" with both red and green chile. Next time you are traveling through Albuquerque, make sure to enjoy a taste of green (or red) chile. What style or flavor of food is your area of the country known for?  What do you suggest?  
32 Comments
Phil_Willman
Adventurer C
GREEN! GREEN! GREEN! GREEN! GREEN! GREEN! GREEN! GREEN! Sorry Hollee...got carried away there for a minute..... As a native New Mexican, I spent many years feasting on that wonderful cuisine which is found nowhere else. I LUV that fact that green chile is in everything! It's wonderful! I really miss it here in Big D. Thankfully Southwest provides the freedom to make the occasional trip out to get a "chile fix." In fact, I think I feel the withdrawals coming on right now! Gotta go!!
Frank_Kachurak
Explorer C
Pierogies, Potato pancakes, halushki, halupki -- typical firefighter bazaar food. Generally if it's deep-fried or smothered in butter and salt, it makes the list. Granted, you can't overeat this kind of food, but when I visit home in the summertime, nothing beats this kind of treat! If your aren't familiar with bazaars, they are events similar to a community carnival, and are generally held by churches, fire companies, etc. I'm originally from Northeastern Pennsylvania where firefighter's bazaars are a way of life!
Eric15
Explorer A
Every year i love to stock up on Hatch Green Chili's from New Mexico. They have a store here Called Central MArket that gets ton's of them when they are ready for Harvest. So i guess that would be Green for me.
Dave_Fautheree
Explorer C
@Phil, Did you know that the Dallas area Kroger's now carries El Pinto brand Green Chile Sauce (made in Albuquerque)? It makes wonderful Green Chile Stew and great topping on many other foods. I got hooked on green chile when I was stationed at Kirtland AFB. I also started crewing for hot air balloons in Albuquerque. The first thing I did when I went to the Red Rock Balloon Rally in Gallup this past December was go to a restaurant and order green chile. Mmmm!
Phil_Willman
Adventurer C
Thanks Eric and Dave! I heard once that Central Market brought chile in, but somehow forgot. Geez, how could I let that happen??! And I didn't know Kroger carried El Pinto stuff, I'll have to stop by for sure. I've ordered Green Chile Salsa online from Sadie's, and that's most excellent too! Dave, I gather you still crew? I crewed for a couple years for a pilot from Virginia, man was that a blast... I never did get out to the rally in Gallup, even though my mom lived there for a few years. Saw the great pictures though - just breathtaking. BTW, at which restaurant did you eat in Gallup? I remember getting great Navajo Tacos out on the west end of town, and eating awesome breakfast at a restaurant/hotel about midway through town - real western theme...can't think of the name though....rrgh
Tanna
Explorer C
I grew up in NM and I now live in the midwest. I do miss the green chiles. There is nothing else like them. Of course now were I live green chili is green bell peppers. Not even close :)! I plan to enjoy some great green chili the next time out in NM.
Pamela_Kay
Explorer B
Hatch for me too! They are the best!
Tommy_Blog2
Explorer B
I live in Hermosa Beach, CA ( about 6 miles south of LAX ). Here, in this area (and maybe all of Los Angeles) you can't start your day without a smoothie from Jamba Juice or Robek's. It's a way of life out here. Forget starbucks in the morning. Fruit smoothies are the way to go (and so much better for you!) Tom
Dave_Fautheree
Explorer C
@Phil, Yes, I still crew, but am on a short hiatus until my pilot's new balloon is finished being manufactured. We sold the balloon, named "Carried Away", and transferred it to the new owner's trailer after the Sunday morning flight of the Red Rock Balloon Rally. That was bittersweet. The flying was awesome. We flew all three mornings of the event, all in sub-zero or single-digit temperatures with winds around 3 knots. Our fuel burn was minimal even with 1 1/2 hour flight times. You can't beat a NM clear/cold/calm morning for ballooning! You can see our Gallup pictures and a nice mpg video clip at the new owner's web site www.carriedawaywithballooning.com I ate at the restaurant in the western themed hotel - the El Rancho. It was our rally hotel. Very good food. I also ate at the Panz Alegra, which is between Earl's and the El Rancho on Route 66 coming from the east. Panz Alegra had wonderful Carne Adovada! Dave
Francisco_Delga1
Adventurer A
GREEN CHICKEN ENCHILADAS........................!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I LOVE NEW MEXICAN FOOD AND THEIR CHILE. GOSH I MISS HOME.. I WILL BE THERE SOON. MY MOM USUALLY SHIPS CHILE TO ME SO I CAN GET MY FIX. NEW MEXICO IS TRULY THE LAND OF ENCHANTMENT AND THE LAND OF CHILE. IF YOU GO TRY BARELA'S COFFEE SHOP WHICH IS LOCATED NEAR DOWNTOWN. HOMEMADE TORTIALLAS AND CHILE. CAN'T BEAT THAT. GO NEW MEXICO AND I WILL SEE YOU IN A COUPLE OF WEEKS... USS BLOG BOY
Micah1
Explorer A
I have always wanted to tour Albuquerque. Here in the Smoky Mountains, everything is always green and never very dry. Albuquerque's landscape is 180 degrees from my home. It seems gorgeous simply because it is so different. After reading BlogSouthwest so much, Albuquerque seems to have a vibrant culture. By the way, do you know why so many people fly to Albuquerque? I know it's part of the Southwest effect, but more passengers fly between Knoxville, TN and Albuquerque than between Knoxville and Austin, TX; Buffalo, NY; Portland, OR, Providence, RI; Raleigh/Durham, NC, Salt Lake City, UT; or San Antonio, TX while still paying a hefty $292.79 one-way! Looking at numerous other cities, you'll notice that more people fly to Albuquerque than other larger cities. Why is that? The Southeast is known for its delicious Krispy-Kreme doughnuts. They are a tradition. My neighbor enjoys them grilled. When her daughter was having a slumber party at her home, she served grilled doughnuts to all the guests. One of the guests had just moved from Indiana and Krispy-Kreme was a foreign idea. She thought they would taste disgusting. After a lot of hestitation, she finally aquiessed and tasted one bite of a Krispy-Kreme doughnut. She was an instant fan of Krispy-Kreme and ate eleven for breakfast.
Jeramy_Brian1
Adventurer B
My area of the country is known for inn n out burger. It is the best place to eat a burger and fries in the world. They have locations throughout CA, AZ and NV. If you ask for your double double and fries to be made "animal style", they will add grilled onions, extra sauce and cheese to everything.
Leah3
Adventurer B
Where I live, there are several Panera Bread Company restaurants. My parents & I love (LUV) to eat there, & our favorite one we go to most is down the street from my apartment! 🙂 I have several favorite restaurants. There are also Krispy Kreme doughnut stores here, but I've never been. Believe it or not, I'm honestly not a big fan of eating. Still, though, I especially like foods with the word Southwest in them, such as a Southwest-style Chicken Panini sandwich! 🙂
Francisco_Delga1
Adventurer A
Micah and Jeremy, Micah people fly to Albuquerque because of the culture and the beautiful landscape. When the sun sets our beautiful mountains turn bright red we refer to them as the "Sandia Mountains". Heck if you want to drive up to the peak it would only take you thirty minutes. Or perhaps you could drive north to Santa Fe and experience the food, the music the relaxation. By the way we do have good fishing. Now as far as INN AND OUT BURGERS ARE CONCERNED... THEY ARE OVER RATED..... I LIVE IN SAN DIEGO NOW, THE BURGERS ARE GOOD BUT NOT THAT GOOD. BACK IN ALBUQUERQUE WE HAVE BLAKE'S... THE BEST IN THE WORLD.. KRISPY KREME ...:( DUNKIN DONUTS ARE BY FAR THE BEST...... SORRY GUYS.. I HOPE TO SEE YOU IN ABQ ONE DAY.... USS BLOG BOY
Leah4
Frequent Flyer B
Ooooh! I've not been to Dunkin' Donuts in a long time! When I lived in another town for a while a little over three years ago, I believe I saw one there. Yum! Another one of my favorite places is CafÃ
blusk
Aviator C
When in ABQ, if you want a great hamburger with chiles go to Owl Burgers! Blog Boy
Jeramy_Brian1
Adventurer B
USS BLOG BOY: If you're not a big fan of inn n out, you should drive up to pasadena and try rosco's chicken and waffles. Fatburger is also very good. I like to get the king burger with a fried egg on it and relish with fat fries. Also try el gallo giro out in fontana (mexican food). Their cuban sandwich is VERY delicious.
Phil_Willman
Adventurer C
Blog Boys, Don't forget Rex's Hamburgers when in ABQ! They're awfully tasty, especially with an Oreo Shake to wash 'em down. And though the Owl in ABQ is good, it doesn't compare to the original Owl Cafe in San Antonio, NM - about an hour or so south on I-25 and well worth drive. Big, greasy burgers loaded with fresh green chile....my mouth is watering just thinking about it. And for something completely different...has anyone else had the fish tacos at Malibu Seafood on the coast highway near Pepperdine U? Happened to be there one time and ate great food while watching dolphins cruise by in the surf. Quite a sight for a desert-dweller from ABQ!
Jeramy_Brian1
Adventurer B
Has anybody ever eaten at chico's tacos in el paso? I've heard that their tacos are outstanding. I might just fly over there on Southwest Airlines and try it for myself...
Leah4
Frequent Flyer B
I was wrong when I said I saw a Dunkin' Donuts when I lived in Enid, OK for a while; it was Winchell's, but I've not been there for a long time. I did see a Dunkin' Donuts when I was down in Peru. 🙂
Phil_Willman
Adventurer C
Thanks Dave! I was thinking something to do with a ranch.....and thanks for the ballooning link. That was great! I spent a couple hours looking through the pictures from that and the kisses of fire website. Just gorgeous! I really miss being out in NM during the fall. Jeramy, I haven't eaten at Chico's, but one of my coworkers grew up in ELP. I'll talk to her and get back to the blog with the scoop! Leah, Dunkin' Donuts in Peru? Wow! I think ABQ might still have a Winchell's somewhere, and there was a Shipley's Donuts there for quite awhile, but I don't know if that's a chain or if it was just a local name. And for anyone around the DFW Metroplex, take a cruise up north on 75 to McKinney. Go down to the square and visit the Londoner Pub. They make a Tower of London burger that is HUGE, and tasty besides. Plus, you can have a frosty cold Newcastle or Black and Tan while you feast. Just say when and I'll meet ya there!
blusk
Aviator C
Phil, Next time I am in my home state, the Land of Enchantment, I'll have to check out the original Owl. While we are on the topic of regional hamburgers, Burgerville USA in the Portland, Oregon area has some amazing onion rings made with Walla Walla onions. Why hasn't anyone mentioned White Castle--I could do with a bag of sliders right now. Since Hollee's post had to do with regional produce, there is nothing better than Indiana corn. Hungry Blog Boy
Jill5
Explorer C
Green Chili please! Especially when it comes on an enchilada dinner at Los Dos Molinos in Phoenix. 8646 S. Central, Phoenix, 602-243-9113 When in Milwaukee, check out frozen custard at Kopps http://www.kopps.com/main.htm Pizza and deep fried eggplant - a must Calderone Club 2498 N Bartlett Ave Milwaukee 4149645720 Best tankard of Weissbier in Milwaukee Von Trier 2235 N. Farwell Ave. (414) 272-1775 If you're ever near Madison, WI, you are required to stop by the student union at the University. THE coolest place in the world. The beer tastes the best hear and if you're not into beer, the chocolate milk rules the galaxy. http://www.union.wisc.edu/terrace/
Francisco_Delga1
Adventurer A
Sorry JILL...... Nothing compares to New Mexico and our green chile.. Phoenix does not have good New mexican food.... i will have to forgive you... USS BLOG BOY
Leah4
Frequent Flyer B
Yes, that's right Phil! I didn't eat there when I was visiting. I wish I'd taken a picture of the sign.
Jeramy_Brian1
Adventurer B
Has anyone eaten at primanti's in pittsburgh? I hear that they have GREAT sandwiches...
Phil_Willman
Adventurer C
Jill, thanks for all the great info! That deep fried eggplant sounds wonderful. And on the topic of Phoenix, a place called Oregano's has some of the hottest, yet best-tasting, wings I've ever had. A buddy of mine and I tried the hot "Wings of Fire," and boy were they! We literally felt like we were eating fire, but the taste was out of this world. Super spicy curry in a honey glaze. yum! And Brian, it's beginning to sound like we need to organize some blog field trips..... 🙂
Phil_Willman
Adventurer C
Jeramy - I have the scoop on Chico's for you. My Coworker told me she went all the time growing up, and always found the food good "in a cheap sort of way.... like when you're craving a really good greasy burger." Sounds good to me!
Jeramy_Brian1
Adventurer B
If anyone is in the phx area, there is a great bbq place by the chandler mall. It's called Famous Dave's. They have EXCELLENT ribs!!!
Jeramy_Brian1
Adventurer B
Phil- Thanks for the info buddy. It looks like I'll be taking a flight to ELP very soon...
hford
Explorer A
Thanks for all the great suggestions... I do love In-and-Out burger. I had it for the first time in PHX last spring. I'll be back in a few weeks and I'll have to go again. Since Krispy-Kreme came up a few times...has anyone tried the new wheat low-cal donut? I just wonder how it is... Green Chile is great! For those living in Texas, you can also try it at Chuy's. They have a Hatch Green Chile fest in the fall with a number of items made from Hatch Green Chile.
Pete_Scaltrito
Explorer C
Speaking of Albuquerque, aside from green (or red) chile, I've been all around the country, and I think the best B B Q is at The Quarters. Their sauce is amazing! There's one near the ABQ Sunport on Yale Blvd, about 1/2 mile north of the airport exit, one in the NE heights on Wyoming & Montgomery, and one on the West side, State Road 528 , near the Cottonwood Mall. Try it, you'll like it..... Yes, the Owl Cafe does have great green chile (greasy)cheeseburgers and real ice cream shakes & malts! I think I need a fix....