Now seems like a good time to point out how easy it is to grind your own burger in the food processor. Grill season is starting, pink slime is everywhere and, for once, wouldn't it be nice to have a burger that isn't basically mystery meat? While most households don't have meat grinders, your old La Machine or Cuisinart can get it done like a champ.

Let’s make it very clear that the 32nd Annual National Fiery Foods and Barbecue Show is not for the faint of palate. This is a serious food show for heat-seekers, not meek-eaters. Again, this year Sandia Resort and Casino is the place to find the finest in hot stuff from around the country. The festival runs all weekend starting Friday, Feb. 28 at 4pm. Tickets are $16 for adults, $5 for those 11 through 18, and free for those under 10 and under. Be sure to get a picture of your youngster with Chile the Kid instead of letting them burn their face off with some crazy hot salsa. For more information on this all-ages event and advance tickets, see fieryfoodsshow.com.

Get Out There

It’s summer in Burque and myriad patios await your presence. Snap the kids out of their bought air-and-video game trance for an outing that culminates in the joyful consumption of healthful and delicious paletas—no, really!—or invite some colleagues and comrades out to smash the swanky local rooftop bar scene with you. If you’re looking for a more pastoral vibe, get your farm-to-table on in Albuquerque’s resplendent North Valley. Here are a handful of our favorite patios in The Duke City. Don’t neglect to slather on some sunscreen and install a rideshare app (such as Uber, Lyft or zTrip) on your smartphone ... in case you over-hydrate.

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