SantaFeToday.com Santa Fe’s Hometown News
The Pizza Shop Around the Corner
“We’re still working on getting our beer and wine license,” the cashier at Tony’s Pizzeria says apologetically as we debate whether ordering a Mexican Coke this late in the evening is a wise decision.
Tony’s, located in the former Mesa Provisions space on Central, is packed to the gills on just its second night in business. A few servers have that unmistakable “opening week” glazed look, but overall the mood is celebratory. After months of living in the realm of dreams and planning, Albuquerque’s first “New Mexico-style” pizzeria is finally a reality.
And especially after Slice Parlor’s recent departure just a few blocks away, diners seem more than happy to welcome it to the neighborhood.
Fresh subway tile lines the bar, while framed family photos cover the walls, giving Tony’s a warm, neighborhood-corner vibe that already feels familiar.
Unfortunately, we’re told they’ve already sold out of their famous Frito Pie pizza — yes, that’s real — so we pivot to the mushroom pizza and a slice of Mexican pink cake, also known as cortadillo.
The funghi pie turns out to be a surprise. Instead of tomato sauce, it features a rich mushroom pâté base, topped with sliced mushrooms and a pile of fresh arugula on a chewy, blistered Neapolitan-style crust.
The pink cake is dense, sugary, and nostalgic — like something homemade for a kid’s fairy-princess birthday party.
We’ll definitely be back soon for that Frito Pie pie — and the rest of the menu.
Amuse-Bouche
High school students interested in farming and ranching can apply for the Growing Together Internship through the Taos Land Trust. Running from June 1 through July 31, the program offers paid hands-on agricultural training.
Cottonwood Gulch Expeditions is also offering the Blue Corn Trek, a 15-day summer experience exploring Southwest food systems. Participants will work with local growers, care for chickens, identify edible plants, and cook farm-fresh meals.
Looking for a fresh start? Award-winning Stargazer Kombucha is currently for sale. Interested buyers can email: stargazerkombucha@gmail.com.
Entrances & Exits
The new Avanyu Plaza location of La Montañita Food Co-op opens Monday, with a full grand opening celebration planned for next month.
If you’re nearby, stop by Itality — their nachos with pumpkin queso and pickled jalapeños have been generating serious buzz.
Down in Alamogordo, Joe’s Italian opened in December, offering classic Italian-American favorites like chicken cacciatore and eggplant parmesan.
Meanwhile, the former Humble Coffee location in Downtown Albuquerque now houses Kaufman’s New York Diner, serving matzoh ball soup, reubens, cheese blintzes, and, of course, Humble Coffee still on tap.
Occasions
If you missed Valentine’s Day plans, there are still plenty of local experiences worth checking out:
- Castle Coffee (ABQ): Morning floral pop-up with Fel Florals.
- Sidetrack Brewing: Yuzu vanilla stout paired with Wildflour Child pastries.
- Rolling Still (Taos Ski Valley): Fresh oysters flown in from the Pacific Northwest.
- As Above, So Below Distillery (Santa Fe): Love Bites party with live music, tiki drinks, and flash tattoos.
The Downtown Growers’ Market Winter Market continues at Fusion Theatre with local produce, mushrooms, pecans, and more.
This weekend also features the Valentine Market at the Rail Yards, offering live mariachi, food vendors, artisan goods, and unique local treats.
Upcoming events include:
- February 20: Vegan dinner and live music at Clay Pot Ethiopian.
- February 21: Traditional mochi-making demo at ABQ BioPark.
- February 28 – March 1: Two-day bloomy rind cheesemaking class at Barelas Community Kitchen.
Participants in the cheese workshop will leave with their own cheese mold, a freshly made wheel, and the skills to continue crafting cheeses at home.
