Manzano Season

APPLE SEASON IN NEW MEXICO

October is apple season, which means fresh apple cider, apple cider doughnuts, and plenty of reasons to visit New Mexico’s orchards.

Apples have a long history in our state. Spanish settlers brought apple trees to New Mexico in the 1600s, along with grapevines. In fact, the Manzano Mountains and the community of Manzano got their names from the abundance of apple trees growing in the area.

Today, orchards can still be found throughout New Mexico. Los Luceros has acres of producing apple trees, including some planted centuries ago. Nichols Ranch & Orchard in La Luz offers opportunities to pick your own apples and sells freshly pressed cider at farmers markets.

Manzano Mountain Retreat is also wrapping up its Apple Harvest Festival this weekend, giving families one more opportunity to enjoy the fall harvest.

And if you’re looking for locally grown apples, farmers markets are a great place to start. Growers like the Montoya family and Wagner Farms offer fresh apples, along with smaller growers who bring fruit from their own orchards.

But don’t wait too long. Many farmers markets are getting ready to close for the season.

And of course, we can’t forget the apple cider doughnuts. Rise + Roast has brought them back to its Albuquerque locations, while Whoo’s Donuts offers them throughout the year.

AMUSE-BOUCHE

Neighborhood organizations in downtown Albuquerque are raising money for Roadrunner Food Bank.

The annual fundraiser honors the late Barbara Garcia, who believed everyone deserves access to food. This year’s goal is to raise $20,000 for New Mexico’s largest food bank.

DELICIOUS THINGS

Witching Flour Bakery continues to impress with its creative pastries.

A recent standout was the yuzu kouign amann, a buttery, flaky pastry filled with cream. With its combination of crisp layers, rich filling, and citrus flavor, it’s the kind of dessert that leaves a lasting impression.

The bakery’s pavlova, topped with baked pears, was another highlight.

ENTRANCES & EXITS

Eldora Chocolate Gets a New Owner

Good news for Albuquerque chocolate lovers! Eldora Chocolate has been purchased by Daeus Bencomo and his partners at Lavaloha Chocolate, a cacao farm in Hawaii.

The new owners plan to keep some of Eldora’s employees and continue producing chocolate using cacao grown at their farm.

El Pan Bakery and Farm Opens in Nob Hill

A new bakery has opened at Central and Solano in Albuquerque.

El Pan Bakery and Farm is owned by Mateo Romero, a graduate of CNM’s culinary program. Romero grows and sources wheat from his family’s farm in Veguita.

The bakery offers sourdough bread, pastries, coffee, and locally produced goods.

Kap’s Coffee Shop & Diner Closes

After decades of serving Albuquerque, Kap’s Coffee Shop & Diner has permanently closed.

The longtime restaurant, located on Central between San Mateo and San Pedro, dates back to the late 1960s.

For now, the building will be available as a commissary kitchen. Owner Nicole Kapnison is also open to discussing owner financing with potential buyers.

Two New Asian Bakeries Open in Albuquerque

Albuquerque recently welcomed two international bakery chains.

Tous les Jours Bakery Café, a Korean bakery brand with more than 1,800 locations worldwide, has opened on Holly Avenue NE.

Meanwhile, 85°C Bakery Cafe has opened at Winrock Town Center, offering Taiwanese-inspired baked goods, tea, and boba drinks.

Potato Cat Bakery

For something independently owned and local, Albuquerque’s Potato Cat Bakery offers custom orders and pop-up appearances.

The microbakery also participated in Vinyl Sunday at Sidetrack Brewing on October 18.

Taco Cabana Goes Local

New Mexico’s Taco Cabana restaurants are moving toward local ownership.

After ending a 32-year franchise agreement, the restaurants are now operated by a local ownership group called RojaVerde.

The change is intended to strengthen the restaurants’ connection with their communities.

Sol Food Supper Club Opens in Corrales

There’s a new dining option at the Farm Stand in Corrales.

Sol Food Supper Club has taken over the former Happy’s Rainbow Foods space, serving Cajun-inspired dishes prepared by Icelandic chef Friðgeir Helgason.

The restaurant generally serves dinner on Friday and Saturday evenings, with creative menu items including jambalaya-inspired dishes and chicken and waffles.

Santa Fe Popcorn Celebrates Its Grand Opening

Santa Fe Popcorn will celebrate its official grand opening on October 31, from noon to 3 p.m.

Visitors can try new popcorn flavors, pick up favorites like green chile cheddar, and participate in a dog costume contest.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Milagro Vineyards

Milagro Vineyards recently introduced its 2023 Pinot Noir, produced during a year of unusually high temperatures.

The winery is also planning two winter wine dinners on November 11 and 12, featuring Chef Daniel Garcia.

Tender Fire Kitchen — Oyster Night

Tender Fire Kitchen hosts Industry Night every Monday, with a special Oyster Night scheduled as part of its upcoming offerings.

Bow & Arrow Brewing — October 21

Bow & Arrow will host a Pumpkin Painting Party on October 21.

Guests can enjoy the seasonal celebration along with the brewery’s Proper Pumpkin Beer.

Santa Fe Farmers’ Market — October 22

The Santa Fe Farmers’ Market Institute will host its annual Field of Stars fundraiser at the Farmers’ Market Pavilion.

The event celebrates the 2026 Farmer All Star Awards and features food, beverages, and an opportunity to support local agriculture.

Las Golondrinas — October 23–24

Las Golondrinas will host Santa Fe Spirits of New Mexico on October 23 and 24.

The event includes seasonal activities, food vendors, marshmallow roasting, and s’mores stations, along with ghost-themed entertainment.

Yappy Dog Farm — October 24

Yappy Dog Farm will host La Cena, a four-course farm dinner in collaboration with Sentli and La Guadalupe Yerberia.

The menu will feature locally grown ingredients, whole-animal cooking, handmade tortillas, and creative beverages using New Mexico apples and prickly pear.

Reservations are encouraged because seating is limited.

Grounded in Las Cruces — October 24

Grounded, the popular downtown Las Cruces coffee shop, pizza restaurant, and wine bar, has reopened.

Its upcoming events include Cultured: Through the Grapevine, a lecture series centered on natural wine, beginning October 24.

Keshet Dance Company — October 25

Keshet Dance Company & Center for the Arts will host a food and wine tasting fundraiser at El Vado in Albuquerque.

The event features food from Buen Provecho and a selection of wines, with proceeds supporting the nonprofit organization.

Farm & Table — October 26

Farm & Table in Albuquerque will host a special Chef’s Dinner led by Chef Jens Peter Smith.

The evening will feature collaborations with several local culinary professionals, including representatives from Mouse Hole Cheese Shop, Sentli, and Cottonwood Creamery.

Witching Flour Bakery — October 31

Witching Flour Bakery will celebrate its third anniversary with a special Halloween-themed pastry box.

La Boca — November 5

Santa Fe’s La Boca is celebrating 20 years in business!

The popular tapas restaurant will host an anniversary celebration on November 5, from 5 to 8 p.m.

It’s an opportunity to celebrate one of Santa Fe’s longtime dining favorites and enjoy the restaurant’s Spanish-inspired cuisine.

October is a great time to support New Mexico’s farmers, bakeries, restaurants, and small businesses.

Whether you’re picking apples, visiting a new bakery, or enjoying a special dinner, there’s plenty happening around the state this fall.