Gwyneth Doland: Cuisine

Gwyneth Doland thinks that meaty chicharrones dipped in velvety red chile are the most delicious snacks ever created. And she should know: Gwyneth has been a chef, restaurant critic and writer who lives in downtown Albuquerque. After working in local Albuquerque restaurants and teaching cooking classes for a few years, she became food editor at Weekly Alibi in Albuquerque and editor of the statewide food magazine La Cocinita. She has also been food editor at the Santa Fe Reporter, and the editor of Fiery Foods and Barbecue magazine. Gwyneth is the author of four books on Southwestern cuisine: Seductive Salsa, Tantalizing Tamales, Cilantro Secrets and ¡Mole!

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Questions & Answers

Q: I am looking for a dinner theater to attend while in Albuquerque is there one in town? (dates 2-12 through 2/14) Thanks a bunch!: A: Albuquerque specializes in theater and dinner, but not usually together. No knights on horseback and steak on a stake here. The only true dinner theater offering I can think of is the Mystery Cafe in uptown. Other than that, we've got plenty of fabulous local theater venues with restaurants nearby!

Q: I am looking for cooking lessons... any suggestions?: A:
I definitely recommend checking out Blue Plate Special. They offer individual and group classes with hands-on, interactive lessons. Happy cooking!

Q: Greetings Gwyneth! Other than High Finance, where is a great place to have Thanksgiving dinner that offers spectacular views of Albuquerque and/or the Sandia Mountains?: A: Thanksgiving is tough, Selena, because many restaurants close for the holiday in order to allow the employees to be with their families.
Because it's on top of Sandia Crest, High Finance does have great views. Although it doesn't have a great view, I recommend you try the Rancher's Club for a marvelous Thanksgiving dinner.

Q: We are visiting New Mexico for the first time this summer. I’m really interested in trying new kinds of food—is there a particular Native American dish you can recommend trying while I’m there?: A: For an authentic taste of Native American fare, head to the Harvest Pueblo Cafe´ at the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center for a sample of fry bread, posole (hominy stew with chile) and other traditional feast day foods. Go to www.indianpueblo.com for more information.

Q: What is the difference between New Mexican cuisine and Mexican cuisine? Is there a difference?: A: In short: yes, there is a difference. New Mexican cuisine (from the state of New Mexico) is very different from Mexican cuisine (from Mexico, the country). New Mexican cuisine is the happy marriage of Native American foods—like blue corn and squash—with chile peppers, wheat flour, pork and other ingredients the Spanish settlers brought with them from Europe and Mexico. As a rule, New Mexican food uses a lot of cheese, beans and chile, while Mexican food tends to use a lot of spices, salsas, grilled meats and seafood. If you’re in Albuquerque and interested in comparing, you’re in luck! We have plenty of restaurants that serve both.

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