Archive for Cedar Crest
The Greenside Cafe and the Hounds of Hello
by John Weckerle
Yesterday evening was one of surprises. The population of New Mexico Central headquarters dropped to one as the primates in the group headed out for dinner at the Greenside Cafe in Cedar Crest. After an incredibly slow drive along Frost Road (we really do need to install photon torpedoes in the vehicle), we arrived at the Greenside a bit before 6 p.m. We were seated immediately, and our drink order was taken. As we waited (not very long) for the beverages, I made casual mention to the other folks at the table of the fact that there seemed to be more people than one might normally expect at that time on a Thursday. The drinks came, and we placed our order, and chatted as more people entered the restaurant. Our server, Susan, described the specials in full detail. The others in the group were unpersuaded. They knew what they wanted when they walked in the door – a favorite is, after all, a favorite – and ordered the small version of the meatloaf (we have to wonder how many cows it takes to make the large portion). Your editor, who was persuaded, ordered the Thursday Steamers (clams in a white sauce over pasta) and a cup of the vegetarian soup du jour, a roasted tomato basil soup. The soup came along, as did more people through the door. The soup was delicious – a little thicker than some tomato soups, hearty, and properly proportioned. What we mean by “properly proportioned” is that a cup of soup was ordered, and it came in something that was approximately the size of a cup. We understand that some restaurants try to be generous with the soup, providing a vat of it when a cup is ordered – but when many of us order a cup of soup before a meal, it’s often because we want a bit of soup before the meal. Bring a vat when we order a bowl, and that is fine, but a cup is a cup. We appreciated that the Greenside understands this.
Cibola National Forest Enacts Stage 1 Fire Restrictions
USDA Forest Service Press Release
Albuquerque, June 17, 2010 – The Cibola National Forest, including the Mt. Taylor, Sandia and Mountainair Ranger Districts will implement Stage 1 fire restrictions starting Friday, June 18 at 8:00am. Cibola National Forest Supervisor Nancy Rose explained, “With the recent increase in temperatures, higher winds, continued dry conditions that are drying vegetation, the potential for Wildland fires has increased and we feel it is necessary to take these precautions.”
As always, fireworks are prohibited on all national forest system lands.
Beginning 8:00 am, Friday, June 18, 2010, the following restrictions apply to the Mt. Taylor, Sandia and Mountainair Ranger Districts.
Open Campfire Restrictions:
- Campfires, charcoal grills and stove fires are prohibited on national forest lands except in Forest Service developed camp and picnic grounds where grills are provided.
Restrictions:
- Pressurized liquid or gas stoves, lanterns and heaters meeting safety specifications are allowed. Please contact the Cibola National Forest for more details regarding where fires are allowed.
- Smoking is allowed within an enclosed vehicle or building; a developed recreation site; or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter and free of all flammable material.
Please call for more information, Mark Chavez, Cibola National Forest Supervisor’s Office at 505-346-3900, or one of the following district offices:
- Mt. Taylor Ranger District, 505- 287-8833
- Sandia Ranger District, 505-281-3304
- Mountainair Ranger District, 505-847-2990
Additional fire information for the Southwest Area is available at http://gacc.nifc.gov/swcc/index.htm.
New Orleans Woman Wins NM HGTV Dream Home
by John Weckerle
A former science teacher and Peace Corps volunteer from New Orleans, whose home was destroyed by Hurricane Katrina, has won the HGTV Dream Home located at San Pedro Overlook near Cedar Crest. The winner, Myra Lewis, won a $2 million package which included the fully furnished home, a 2010 GMC Terrain, and $500,000.
Information from the press release includes: »» New Orleans Woman Wins NM HGTV Dream Home
Leapin’ To The Lizard
by John Weckerle
Yesterday evening, we decided enough cabin fever was enough and headed out to the Lazy Lizard Grill in Cedar Crest, on NM 14 just south of Frost Road. The Lazy Lizard serves beer, wine, and a variety of meals and appetizers. Your editor ordered the Ringneck Pizza (fresh tomatoes, onions, mushrooms, olives, and mozzarella) with extra cheese, and others ordered the Mud Puppy (a French dip-style sandwich) and the Chicken Caesar Wrap. The very tasty pizza sported appropriately fresh ingredients and went very well with the glass of oatmeal stout I ordered. Leftover slices made an excellent breakfast this morning. High compliments were afforded to the Mud Puppy as well, and the Chicken Caesar – half of which came home because it was huge – also received kudos from the consumer. In the past, your editor has also enjoyed the Sandia Park calzone, the Horned Lizard sandwich, the Lizard Bread appetizer, and several of the salads. Prices are reasonable, especially in light of the generous portions provided. »» Leapin’ To The Lizard
East Side, West Side…
by John Weckerle
Greenside!
On the eastern slopes of the East West Mountains, on NM 14 just south of the Triangle Grocery, sits the Greenside Cafe. Needing a change of scenery, we popped over last week to grab a bite and relax a little. It was, as is usually the case, just what the doctor ordered.
I ordered the peanut noodles (with shrimp), and my wife ordered the soup of the day – red lentil – and steak quesadillas. Lucy let me taste the soup, and it was excellent – rich, subtly seasoned, and hearty. She also informed me that the steak quesadillas were very tasty. The peanut noodles – lo mein-style noodles with a Thai peanut sauce – were, as always, excellent; however, judging from the amount of sauce “left over” after the noodles were gone (yes, I finished them; the portions are admittedly huge, but I was hungry and not interested in dessert), the restaurant could save a few cents by putting a little less sauce on the noodles without compromising the experience. We each had a glass of the house Chardonnay, which was very tasty and served chilled, but not too cold. »» East Side, West Side…