The Bite Marigold Splendor

#200 | Marigold Splendor

It’s only in recent years that we’ve come to fully appreciate the splendor of marigolds. And given the abundance — especially here in New Mexico — of marigold dinners, marigold workshops, marigold celebrations, and marigold processions, we’re clearly not alone in loving their color, scent, hardiness, and usefulness, whether woven into garlands or infused into flan.

Marigolds, or cempasúchil, are central to Día de Muertos traditions. In Mexico, these vibrant flowers decorate altars and graves and mark pathways believed to guide loved ones home. New Mexico’s embrace of these traditions has certainly helped elevate the marigold’s popularity — though maybe it’s simply the irresistible appeal of the flowers themselves that has fueled the rise of Day of the Dead festivities hosted by so many cities.

Some people come to Día de Muertos celebrations for the face painting. Some for the sugar skulls, aguas frescas, and tamales — and frankly, we would not be upset to see the tamale-sharing tradition take an even bigger role in celebrations north of the border. But for those who honor loved ones through food, few rituals are as meaningful as arranging a relative’s favorite dishes and drinks on a memorial altar. Preferably with a few marigolds nearby. And a tall glass of water.

Some marigold-themed events have already wrapped for the season, but this weekend is the crescendo. November 1 and 2 mark the official dates for Day of the Dead — though preparations and celebrations often stretch for days or even weeks.

This issue also marks our 200th newsletter — and it arrives just as our work has been honored with a national award for best newsletter by Edible Communities. If you love reading what we create and enjoy having it delivered freely, we’d be delighted if you shared it with a friend.

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Community Food

The ABQ Resilience Box has returned — a mutual aid project launched during the pandemic that allows people to purchase a box of produce and other locally made foods for themselves while also providing one for a neighbor who could use the help.

Although emergency funding was recently announced to temporarily support SNAP benefits in New Mexico through early November, the future remains uncertain. Local businesses in Albuquerque — including beloved spots like Golden Crown Panaderia and Cocina Azul — are stepping up to offer free or discounted food for kids affected by gaps in assistance. Food banks will be stretched as well, and anyone with the ability to contribute might consider a donation during this season.

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Delicious Things

“That lady knows how to make a sandwich.” That comment followed two devoured sandwiches at Marble Brewing earlier this week — the Filthy (featuring chicken-fried chicken) and the Duke City Reuben. Both arrived looking like meals for four, yet somehow still felt light in hand and in bite. Maybe it was the fluffy bread. Maybe it was the thoughtful restraint in ingredients. Whatever the case, they upheld one of the core rules of a good sandwich: you can hold it without the whole thing exploding. The mastermind behind these creations is Marie Yniguez of SRB Sangwich Shop.

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Entrances & Exits

Tender Fire Kitchen has built a dedicated following with pizzas served everywhere from El Rey Court to Ghost Ranch. Soon, they’ll finally have a permanent home — a brick-and-mortar restaurant at the former Santa Fe University of Art and Design. The opening is planned for late fall, and in true Tender Fire style, an open kitchen and patio seating are promised. Their final pop-up of the season takes place November 3.

A request once reached us from someone insisting Santa Fe needed better smoothies. Soon, the Dirty Dragon — a food trailer serving açaí bowls — will open, and perhaps that request will finally be satisfied. If you disagree and already love Santa Fe’s smoothies, feel free to defend them loudly.

Rolling Still Lounge in downtown Taos is closing after today. The owners say their focus is shifting toward building Rolling Still into a broader regional and national brand. Once their warehouse in El Prado is operational, it will open as a distillery tasting room. And those who have recently relocated to Georgia may soon find their green chile vodka closer to home.

Construction continues on Dawn Butterfly’s upcoming restaurant in Taos, a project many have hoped to see realized. More to come as it unfolds.

This week brought a roller-coaster update from Albuquerque’s High Point Grill & Taproom. A closure announcement — citing challenges like break-ins, rising costs, and chain-restaurant competition — was followed by a reversal: the closure is temporary. A promise has been made to return.

Meanwhile in Albuquerque, the Farmacy has closed permanently.

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Occasions

For more than three decades, Muertos y Marigolds has stood as one of New Mexico’s most prominent Día de Muertos celebrations. This year includes altars at the Gutiérrez-Hubbell House through November 9, a celebration at the Westside Community Center on November 2, a procession, food trucks, music, and even a car show.

Old Town Albuquerque also continues its celebrations this weekend with traditional dancing, candlelight processions, and community altars. Local food and drink options will be in full swing — including sangria and s’mores.

Santa Fe’s Día de Muertos on the Plaza — described as the city’s youngest tradition — features mariachis, a candlelight parade, and hearty burritos available from a popular local vendor.

Tamale workshops are kicking off for those ready to embrace the beautiful practice of tamale sharing.

Kids Cook! Fest happens November 8 at the ABQ Collective — with cooking demos, mini classes, raffles, and local food producers. The event supports programs bringing hands-on cooking education into Albuquerque public schools.

Looking for a post-Halloween stress outlet that’s also environmentally friendly? A Pumpkin Smash event takes place November 8 at a community garden in Albuquerque’s Southeast. The pumpkins will become compost rather than landfill waste.

Little Bear PM hosts its annual Natty Wine Fest in Nob Hill on November 14 with dozens of natural wines available to taste.

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Distillations

Our latest seasonal story brings a round of Halloween-inspired cocktails to life.

Rolling Still Lounge was highlighted last winter as one of five cozy bars in northern New Mexico known for inventive drinks, local brews, and relaxed ambience.

And if Halloween candy overload has struck, sometimes only ice cream can restore balance — especially when it’s made right here in New Mexico