They say that good deals and great ideas happen over food, which is why a professional lunch can have many opportunities. FemCity Albuquerque will host author Jessica Eaves Mathews at a connection luncheon tomorrow at Savoy Bar and Grill (10601 Montgomery). At the event, Matthews will discuss her book, Wonder Women: How Western Women will Save the World, with the public and, true to the book’s mission, aims to empower and motivate local women. The book frankly discusses politics, the national debt and economic issues rooted in the customary approach to business. After a drawn out government shutdown and an only increasing national debt problem, maybe some practical local solutions and a change of mind would do the community a little good. The connection lunch begins at 11:30am. FemCity Albuquerque members can buy tickets for $45 and others can purchase them for $55. Tickets include an elegant lunch—complete with a glass of wine—and a raffle. For more information on the event or Femfessionals Albuquerque, visit femfessionals.com or FemCity Albuquerque's Facebook page. Savoy Bar and Grill • Fri Nov 1 • 11:30am • $45 for FemCity members, $55 for non-members • View on Alibi calendar
Dia de los Muertos is just around the corner, so you'd better get going on those sugar skulls if you want to properly honor the spirits of the departed. Lucky for you, this year's Marigold & Harvest Festival features a skull decorating workshop to help ensure that returning loved ones are well impressed by your beautiful ofrenda. While you're at the festival, you can also learn about composting, play games with the kiddos and watch the Decorated Bike Parade. Catch the free festivities at Farm & Table (8917 Fourth Street NW) tomorrow from 10am to 2pm. An autumnal good time is guaranteed. Farm & Table • Sat Oct 19 • 10am-2pm • FREE • ALL-AGES! • View on Alibi calendar
One of the finest events I’ll ever experience began with the following words:
“Thank you for making your reservation at The French Laundry. Your reservation is confirmed.”
The e-mail arrived within minutes of my call to place the reservation. Thomas Keller’s French Laundry claims three Michelin stars and a Grand Chef Relais & Châteaux among countless other accolades. You must reserve exactly two months to the day ahead of your lunch or dinner date. Fellow Burqueño Mike Wing and California friends Edouardo “Edo” Maragliano and his wife, Patty Ting, would join me for lunch.
It’s been an eventful year for Albuquerque’s top chef, but she hasn’t forgotten the basics
By Mina Yamashita
Jennifer James 101
It’s no small feat to make the James Beard Foundation semifinalist list for best chef in the Southwest, but there she is—Albuquerque’s Jennifer James lit up the roster in 2010. To put this in perspective, New Mexico had only three nominees this year, including James Campbell Caruso of La Boca and Eric DiStefano of Coyote Café, both in Santa Fe. There were only 20 nominees in all of Colorado, Arizona, Nevada, Texas and New Mexico.
It’s hard to know where to begin—David Tanis, world-class chef; David Tanis, author; David Tanis, will ’o the wisp. In fact, you can meet all three—taste his menu, read his book and watch him wander into the sunset when he continues his nationwide book tour to promote his new Heart of theArtichoke and other Kitchen Journeys (Artisan).
Because I had to be out the door in 45 minutes, the hostess at Seasons recommended I sit at the dining room bar, where I took the bartender’s recommendation on a Silver Coin margarita, and focused on the menu.
