BOB: Community Pick

 

Carmine Russo

Instructor, CNM Culinary Arts Program
cnm.edu

What do you teach at CNM, and how long have you been doing it?

I teach Global Cuisine classes in the Professional Cooking II program and have been working at CNM since 1991. My CNM title is Instructor. My ACF title is Chef de Cuisine and Culinary Educator.

What ingredient or spice could you not live without?

Ooooooh ... only one? Impossible to answer, but I guess I’ll say onions.

What's a Russo Family favorite meal?

Mostaccioli with tomato-basil sauce and homemade turkey meatballs (or pork chops, or Italian sausage), preceded by a tossed salad with mixed greens, tomato, cucumber and avocado, lightly tossed in extra-virgin olive oil and a nice red wine vinegar ... perhaps accompanied by a glass of wine.

What are the strengths of the local food scene?

Right now it is the diversity of restaurant choices and a strong Asian (especially Thai and Vietnamese) showing.

What could the local food scene use more of?

Improved New Mexican cuisine and consistency. We have so many New Mexican restaurants that aren’t bad, but they aren’t great, either, and oftentimes food and service are uneven from visit to visit at many restaurants in general. ... And more quality BBQ joints!

Best Casual Restaurant Service

Viet Taste, Saigon Far East

Best Fine Dining Restaurant Service

Corn Maiden, Seasons

Best Butcher/Meat Counter

Keller’s Farm Stores

Best Specialty Grocery Store

Talin Market

Best Grocery Store

Whole Foods Market, La Montañita Co-op

Best Outdoor Growers' Market

Los Poblanos

Best Culinary Arts School

Inexpensive and nationally accredited! CNM Culinary Arts Programs.