The Fork

A Food Truck Scramble, a Tragic Fire and a Gastropub Pop-Up

By Rob DeWalt

Eternal Eats Wanted

Meow Wolf co-founder and CEO Vince Kadlubek put out a social media request recently seeking suggestions for a permanent food truck to service the hungry patrons of Meow Wolf’s recently opened (and still bustling) House of Eternal Return art-based attraction in the space formerly occupied by the Silva Lanes bowling alley. If I had my druthers, I’d want Bang Bite Filling Station on the premises, because it’s consistently good and fresh, and chef-owner Enrique Guerrero (more on him in a sec) gets pretty creative with his daily specials. If you have any suggestions or are an interested and serious mobile food vendor, you can contact Kadlubek at vince@meowwolf.com.

A Restaurant Family in Need

On Thursday, March 24, a fire in Eldorado completely destroyed the home of Arthur Martel, wife Erin and their two daughters. Luckily, everyone made it out of the house safely, including the family dog. Many folks may remember Arthur from his days as the general manager of Arroyo Vino; today, he's the co-owner of State Capital Kitchen on Sandoval Street. Erin's face may be familiar to those who dine at Harry's Roadhouse, where she is a server (she also picks up shifts at State Capital Kitchen). The couple lost everything in the fire, including a family vehicle parked near the home. A GoFundMe page has been established to help the family begin to pick up the pieces after their devastating loss.

A helping hand can usually be found when someone in the restaurant business is in need; the restaurant family around town never fails to step up to the plate and offer assistance. Case in point: The evening after the fire at the Martel home, Bang Bite chef-owner Enrique Guerrero and his team prepared meals for the State Capital Kitchen staff (from his food truck) before service, and then Guerrero stuck around to help with whatever the restaurant needed. It's heartwarming to know that the long tradition of looking out for each other in that crazy business continues unabated.

Here, Kitty, Kitty—and Coffee!

New Mexico's first cat café has finally set an opening date. Gatos y Galletas, located in Albuquerque on Central Avenue SE, opens its doors on Saturday, April 2, but tickets are required. If you're into cute kitties (all of which are up for adoption), yoga, lattes and vegan/vegetarian fare, your landlocked ship has come in.

Thunderous Feast

On Saturday, April 2, Buffalo Thunder Resort & Casino kicks off its inaugural Santa Fe Beer & Food Festival. Promising more than 40 craft and commercial brews and more than 20 food vendors, this could be the start of something good. Tickets are $20 per adult, and 25 percent of all ticket sales will benefit the Pueblo of Pojoaque Boys & Girls Club.

What a Ballast!

Loyal Hound's April 4 supper-club dinner in Santa Fe includes four courses paired with Ballast Point beers. Nashville hot chicken, local pork loin, rockfish tacos and brownies with vanilla ice cream paired with craft beers, and all for $45 before tax and tip? We're in.

Pop-Up, Fizz-Up

On Thursday, April 7, the Santa Fe Culinary Academy presents "Pub Night," a five-course, pop-up gastropub dinner featuring local craft beers. Pretzel rarebit (a take on a British favorite featuring one of beer's favorite snacks combined with cheese); crispy Brussels sprouts with walnuts, shallots and lemon; fried chicken roulade; and more are there for the taking at a reasonable $45 per person, before tax and tip.

Beer and Cheese, Because BEER AND CHEESE

On Sunday, April 17, the Santa Fe Reporter, Cheesemongers of Santa Fe and Albuquerque's Bosque Brewing Co. team up for a stellar beer-and-cheese pairing at Iconik Coffee Roasters. Four beers will be paired with four cheeses. Other delectable items, including fresh breads and charcuterie, will also be served. They'll even send you home with a commemorative glass! Advance tickets for this 21+ event are required.


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