Mina's Dish

Side Dishing

Mina Yamashita

Holy Cow owner Chris Medina

Albuquerque is busting at the seams with new eating spots. I salivate whenever I see a chain-link fence with a wind-whipped banner shouting, “Opening Soon!” But on the hunt for recently opened eateries, I also found an established treasure or two.

Mina Yamashita

The Corrales Bistro Brewery’s roasted garlic platter

4908 Corrales Road

897-1036 •  cbbistro.com

Fritz Allen opened the Corrales Bistro Brewery five years ago next door to his Hanselmann Pottery shop in the Corrales Artisan Center. A friend and I stopped in for brunch, diving into roasted garlic and feta bread dippers—replete with crumbled feta, olive tapenade, balsamic dipping sauce and toasted pita. The menu is full of inventive appetizers, salads, wraps, sandwiches and burgers. Hand-cut fries and an assortment of sides complete the mix, with good brews to wash it all down. Robin Medina, manager, is a lively hostess. Stop by for the almost-daily live music and you’ll feel right at home.

Mina Yamashita

Hayashi

6321 San Mateo NE

884-0694

The long-vacant Bennigan’s at Academy and San Mateo is the new home of Hayashi Hibachi steak house and Japanese restaurant. Jay Scholz, operations manager, has big plans for the restaurant, which features hibachi-grilled entrées, sushi, teppanyaki tables and an East-meets-West menu. There are two pages of sushi rolls alone, including dozens of rolls with familiar ingredients—not necessarily raw fish—and items for the experienced sushivore. A seared, black pepper salmon appetizer was beautifully prepared—sashimi with just a little sear. In addition to their regular seating, look forward to a sake and dinner tasting on Tuesday, Aug. 9, at 7 p.m. at $39.99 per person (limited to 20, reservations required).

Mina Yamashita

Holy Cow burger

700 Central SE • 242-2991

The defunct Bob’s Fish and Chips on Central has been reborn as the newest burger joint in town. Owner Chris Medina tells me that just-minted Holy Cow’s opening brought in 110 hamburger-craving diners. My experience with the natural Holy Cow burger on a brioche bun won’t be my last. An ahi tuna sandwich, veggie club, no-cow eggplant burger and dinner salads offer plenty of choices for bovine-averse diners. Beer and wine, plus shakes, malts and floats, are available with your Holy burger.

Mina Yamashita

Wings and Things’ spinach calzone oozes with flavor.

6219 Montgomery NE • 830-2979

Formerly Tickles & Snooks Wings ‘N Things, this eatery has a lot more than wings—just the place to satisfy a snack attack. Under new ownership for the past two months, the restaurant is set up for casual dining. There are two wing places at San Pedro and Montgomery—this one hidden in the northeast corner of the strip mall. The big surprise is New York-style pizza and calzones with handmade dough: The spinach and feta calzone is a chewy delight. You can sauce the wings in one of more than 30 flavors (the curry is great). There are also burgers, fish and chips, falafel, tabouleh, and baklava. FYI: The wings are big. Plan on at least 15 minutes of cooking time. Not a bad idea to call ahead.