What makes a great cocktail bar? The vibes, the drinks, and, of course, the bartender. Mary Francis Cheeseman has been serving customers in Albuquerque at The Copper Lounge and Los Conejos for four years.  As a certified sommelier, she brings a unique aspect to her role as a bartender and storyteller.

Street Food Institute has been helping launch food entrepreneurs around the state since 2014, and they are preparing for a big move in late 2024 to the historic Barelas neighborhood. In this episode, we are chatting about the tenacity and growth of this mighty nonprofit. Featuring executive director Tina Garcia-Shams.

We are checking in with the creative minds behind Albuquerque’s Apothecary Lounge. Not only are the bar’s 360-degree views of the city stunning, but their creative cocktails are fanciful and tasty. Featuring Jake Larragoite, the hotel’s director of food and beverage, and lead server Nora Garcia.

These rock stars empower food entrepreneurs to innovate, grow, and support the local food economy. Featuring Hilary Kilpatric and Andrea Abedi, the founders of The Kitchen Table Santa Fe.

We are speaking with a farmer, a vintner, and a coffee roaster dish on what makes The Farm Stand a little slice of heaven in Corrales. Featuring Elan Silverblatt-Buser of Silver Leaf Farms, Rick Hobson of Milagro Vineyards, and Zach Smith of Candlestick Coffee Roasters.

We get the scoop on all the delightful flavors being whipped up at an ice cream shop in Midtown Albuquerque. Featuring Dimitri Eleftheriou of Heidi’s Jam Factory and Ice Cream Shop.

This week, we are talking with the kings of comfort food and getting into the good, the bad, and the ugly (and yes, maybe we even shed some tears). Featuring Mike Mondragon of Mighty Mike’s Meats and Mike White of High Point Grill & Taproom and 505 Food Fights.