ABQ-Live

Albuquerque's Premier Source for Entertainment!

  • Home
  • PHOTOS
    • Photos
      • Nightlife
      • Events
    • Video
  • Events Calendar
  • Magazine
    • Around the web
    • Art
    • Bon Appétit
    • Music
    • Spirits
    • Athlete
    • Style
  • Model Team
    • Ashley
    • Destinee
    • Gogo Mel
    • Model Search Video
    • Past Team Members
  • Shop
  • About
    • Advertise
    • Sponsors
    • Contact Us
  • Promo
You are here: Home / Archives for Brenda Paiz

ABQ’s newest immersive dining experience is out of this world

December 6, 2018 by Brenda Paiz

An Albuquerque company has officially launched its interactive dining experience in the heart of downtown. Located next to Duel Brewery, 610 Central Ave. is the new home to StoryLab Interactive’s latest project – a dining experience that was truly out of this world.

Upon entering, guests are welcomed and immediately can pick up on the theme, which is currently called “Space Returns”. The dining experience starts off by encouraging guests to explore the open space and interactive art while making sure to get that prime photo for your Instagram (FYI- it will be your coolest Insta photo.)

The five course meal was not only delicious and thoughtfully presented but even the menu contained plenty of clever “space” puns and wordplay for each item (a “Rocket Salad” arugula dish and a “Starfruit Halo Halo” dessert, just to name a few).  The dinner was presented and served by Savor and with each course, a perfectly paired wine was served as well.

Service was impeccable as each dish was explained before we “dug in”.

Space-guided voices and different galactic scenarios continued as the remaining courses were served. At one point, guests were even presented with a squash bisque in what looked very similar to a “space bag” before using it as an exquisite sauce for the salmon and short ribs course.

The immersive dining experience provided a spotlight for where your plate sat and the lights responded to your moving hands – which made it impossible to NOT interact and appreciate what was happening with those around you.

The homegrown startup company will continue these dinners every Friday and Saturday night at 610 Central Ave. and tickets are required so be sure to grab tickets in advance.

Overall, the entire experience was unlike anything that this city has offered before. Sure, there have been interactive art exhibits but StoryLab Interactive has taken that to the next level by appealing to all senses with this unique dining experience.



 

For more information visit www.storylabinteractive.com or follow them/like them on social media @storylab.inc

 

Written by Brenda Paiz

Photography by Kori Kobayashi

 

 

Filed Under: Around the web, Bon Appétit, Featured Tagged With: Albuquerque, art, Central, Culinary, Dining, Downtown, entertainment, food, fun, local, new, New Mexico, StoryLab Interactive

Giddy Up: Local business offers therapeutic riding services for Albuquerque area.

April 30, 2018 by Brenda Paiz

We are all about small business here at ABQ-Live, and what’s great about our job is being able to highlight some of the local businesses here in town that you may not have heard of. We recently had the chance to learn about Enchanted Equine Adventures LLC, a local company that offers horseback riding as a form of therapy. Seriously! If you have never heard of therapeutic riding, don’t feel bad…neither had we. But after researching this Albuquerque-based company, we felt like it would be a disservice to our community to NOT share something so awesome. Did we mention there are horses involved?

Kendra J. Loring, owner and riding instructor at Enchanted Equine Adventures, talked to us about how and why she got into the business and how she plans on staying in it for years to come! 

 

Q&A

Can you give me a quick rundown and history of Enchanted Equine?

Enchanted Equine Adventures, LLC was founded in 2012 by me, Kendra J. Loring, with the support of my family. I have been horse crazy since I was a child. I grew up on Cape Cod, MA and pursued my love of horses through 4-H. I attended Johnson and Wales University and received a BS and AS in Equine Studies/Riding. After college, I spent many years in retail management learning how to run a business. I utilized all the ABQ small business resources available to find a way to start Enchanted Equine Adventures (EEA).

We began EEA with two horses adopted from the NM Horse Rescue at Walkin n Circles Ranch.  That number quickly became three, when we realized that one of the horses was pregnant. Acheron was born in July of 2013 and has become part of the program! We have a birthday party for him every summer at the end of our Horsemanship Program.  

Currently we have five horses and offer therapeutic riding, riding lessons, horsemanship programs and equine assisted activities to the ABQ market. We specialize in kids, seniors, veterans, first responders, homeschool kids, people with MS, anxiety and PTSD as well as kids and adults with disabilities.

 

Why did you decide to start this business?

I always knew I was going to have a horse business, but I just didn’t know how I was going to go about it. I learned about therapeutic riding after one of my siblings was diagnosed with MS. The more I researched it, the more I knew this was what I was meant to do. So I became certified to teach therapeutic riding by PATH (Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship) and started EEA. I knew this was the way for me to impact people’s lives and bring the joy I know horses provide to others.  

 

Did you have any road bumps while you were starting up?

The path EEA has taken did not lead to very many road bumps, every experience was a learning opportunity. I learned how I did want to run my program and I learned how I did not want to run it. I like to reach out and speak to others in my field and ask them tons of questions. I took lots of classes at the Small Business Development Center, WESST, Accion, the Hispano Chamber of Commerce. I educated myself as much as possible, with as many free resources I could find! I found people who I could ask business questions of when they arose in my work. I was determined to start the business without debt, so the only road bump I’ve had is no working capital available.

 

What does a day in the life of the horses and you look like?

We start our mornings with breakfast around 7am. The five horses live and eat together as a herd. I believe horses should be kept in the most natural environment possible.  Then we usually have lessons at 10 or 11am, so the horses get warmed up and ready for clients. Our clients come prepared to groom and tack the horse up before riding. Usually we ride in the paddock, but some days we go out on trail rides. A few of my clients have their own horses, so I go to them and teach them on their own horses. Some days, I ride with my clients. That’s fun, because both horses get a work out and I can show the client a few things that I would otherwise just explain in words. Every now and then we take a field trip to one of Bernalillo County’s public horse arenas and ride there.  In the summer, dinner for the horses is 7pm. But in the winter its 5pm. The seasons and the weather have a big impact on my business.

What skills, traits, and qualities do you think people can learn most with your services?

I think confidence is the number one thing that people walk away with after learning to ride a horse. Horses are prey animals and humans are predators.  So, asking a 1,000 pound rabbit to trust you and listen to you becomes quite an accomplishment. You cannot be timid with horses; I teach my clients the definition of “assertive” during our first lesson.

 

What’s your favorite part of owning this business?

The best part about owning this business is the horses. They are always fun to just hang out with and watch them. It is therapeutic for me, just to sit, watch them eat and be horses. I ride as often as I can which helps keep the horses in shape and keeps me grounded. My wife, Carla, and I love to take Henri and Cinnabar out on trail rides to relax.   

 

What kind of advice can you give people that might be nervous to start riding?

I would recommend that they volunteer at a program that utilizes horses. Being around them, cleaning up around them and brushing them will give anyone with anxiety a look into how horses interact.  The next step would be to start working with a horse in a round pen. This forces the human to be the leader, the horse becomes the follower and you develop a trusting relationship. After you have established a connection, I would work with a riding instructor who specializes in anxiety.

 

In the next 3-5 years, what is your goal for the business?

The next few years are very exciting for EEA. But the next step is to hire an assistant program manager to help with scheduling, organizing events, volunteer trainings, working horses and ranch maintenance. Soon we will be starting a new program for executives and one for First Responders.     

 

Are there any current or partnerships that you are working on?

EEA is always searching for new partnerships and opportunities. Currently, we have a working relationship with the Carrie Tingley Foundation, Big Brothers Big Sisters of New Mexico, the NM Horse Rescue at Walkin n Circles Ranch, Pegasus Law, Military OneSource, Accion, SCORE, 1 Million Cups ABQ, the CNM STEMulus Center, UNM Small Business Institute, Pegasus Therapy, Mandy’s Farm and FosterEd: New Mexico, among others. We are working on programs for the Girl Scouts of NM and 4-H.

 

If you want to learn more about therapeutic riding at Enchanted Equine Adventures, be sure to follow them on Facebook @EnchantedEquineAdventuresNM and Instagram @EnchantedEquine1 or visit their website at www.enchantedadventuresnm.com

Filed Under: Around the web, Featured

2017 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

October 22, 2017 by Brenda Paiz

 

 

The balloon fiesta is hands-down the best time of year! Hundreds of balloons fill the beautiful New Mexico sky for one of the most breathtaking whimsical mornings that you could imagine.

And ABQ-Live was there for the whole thing!

It’s hard to believe that at this time last week, we were waking up at 3:30am to beat the traffic into the park. Once we got in, we walked around and contemplated eating a funnel cake before 5am (LOL- it’s the balloon fiesta…it’s totally fine!)

As we walked into the balloon park, we couldn’t help but overhear where onlookers traveled from to see the world’s most photographed event! Some drove in from different parts of the country, others traveled from overseas and many we’re here from familiar places throughout Albuquerque for the umpteenth time.

We got to meet other media affiliates who were visiting just to cover this event. We learned a lot in that media tent while we waited for our names to be called for a balloon ride- which it wasn’t but fingers crossed for next year.  For example, we sat with a gentleman who gave us balloon fiesta “hacks” such as balloon cards and rare pins that are usually free. He gave us a history of ballooning (far beyond what they books will tell you) and loved this event as much as we did.

This year had a record turn-out and organizers say that it is the most photographed event…like ever!

And once you’ve been there, you understand why.

Enjoy the photos from this years event and tell us about your experience! Be sure to tag @abqlive in any photos that you may want featured on our social media platforms!







Filed Under: Featured, Photo Galleries

Local bar launches Anti-DWI program, partners with Uber

September 27, 2017 by Brenda Paiz

Albuquerque, NM – The Sandbar Brewery & Grill has partnered with Uber in hopes to make the streets of Albuquerque a bit safer with the announcement of The Mendez Program, their Anti-DWI program that launched last week. The announcement comes within two months of the bars grand opening. The trial program, which will be exclusively through Uber, will pay for guests’ ride home using the ride-booking service. Guests must Uber in after 9 p.m. and will have to Uber out with groups of three or more. The Sandbar will pay for up to $15 of an Uber ride, which covers the distance for most destinations within town.

The Mendez Program aims to fight the increasing number of DWI cases that Albuquerque has each year. The program, which serves as a tribute to victims of DWI cases, was named after brothers Robert Mendez, 27, and Sergio Mendez-Aguirre, 23, who lost their lives nearly two years ago after being struck by a drunk driver near I-25. The brothers and a third passenger, Grace Sinfield, 20, all died that night.

Since the soft launch of The Mendez Program, it has been well received from the residents of Albuquerque. ABQ-Live The Magazine has become the head sponsor for the program and is helping to spread the word of the new Anti-DWI campaign.

“Uber has helped to make Albuquerque a safer place, The Mendez Program only helps to enhance that,” says Josh VanLandingham, co-owner of The Sandbar Brewery & Grill. “If we can help people get home safely after enjoying themselves at our establishment, then we are going to do it.”

Filed Under: Around the web, Featured

Commander in Chef: Marc Quiñones named “Chef of the Year.”

September 12, 2017 by Brenda Paiz

Albuquerque, NM – Marc Quiñones, executive chef of Hotel Andaluz, was named New Mexico Restaurant Association’s “Chef of The Year” at the 2017 Hospitality Industry Awards on Monday night at Sandia Resort and Casino.

Hundreds of nominees and supporters gathered to celebrate and recognize the individuals and businesses that make up the hospitality industry in New Mexico. The coveted “chef of the year” award was established to recognize an exemplary chef in the state. According to the New Mexico Restaurant Association website, the recipient of this award must demonstrate leadership, creativity and culinary excellence in
addition to demonstrating outstanding guest service and mentorship inside and out of the kitchen.

Say Cheese: Chef Quiñones and wife Lisa Quiñones at the HIA awards at Sandia Resort and Casino

“I am just so completely humbled by all of this,” Quiñones said. “To be recognized as Chef of the year for the entire great state of New Mexico is something that I dreamed of and for it to come to fruition means everything to me. I believe whole heartedly that the
land of enchantment can compete with anyone on the planet when it comes to the culinary arts and I take great pride in being an ambassador for all that we have to offer. The children are the future and making their development a priority is of the utmost importance and something I am extremely passionate about. Community is what it’s all about and together we are stronger than ever!”

Quiñones, who is no stranger to the spotlight, has been in the culinary scene for over 15 years and was named executive chef of Hotel Andaluz earlier this year. Since his reign, Quiñones has rolled out several new menus for the Spanish themed restaurant located within the hotel, MÁS Tapas y Vino. Quiñones shared the experience of the award show with his thousands of followers on social media, all of whom were also showing their support on various social media platforms. Earlier this year, the Albuquerque Chef took third place in The Great American Seafood Cook-Off, representing New Mexico in the national cooking competition.

Hotel Andaluz is Albuquerque’s premiere LEED Gold boutique hotel. Located in the heart of downtown Albuquerque, Andaluz offers luxurious accommodations, outstanding dining at MAS Tapas y Vino and the Ibiza Urban Rooftop Lounge, and is a cultural epicenter for the city.

Filed Under: Around the web, Featured

STAND UP: Comedy night at Casablanca inside Hotel Andaluz

January 17, 2017 by Brenda Paiz

There was not a dry eye in the house last Thursday as Hotel Andaluz hosted their new free Stand Up comedy night inside Casablanca.  ABQ-Live sent out a couple staff members to cover the event and recap all of the hilarious moments for you!

The weekly Comedy show, which features different comedians from all over the country, is a free show that takes place every Thursday from 8-10pm inside Hotel Andaluz and brings diversity to the comedy scene here in the 505.

The night started off with Ron Lamprecht, a comedian from Minnesota, who discussed being “middle-class poor” and explained what exactly that term meant by using a clever analogy of cereals. Having grown up on bagged cereal, Lamprecht hilariously compared generic brands to name brands and how different they actually are. Being bad at sex and guy stuff, Lamprecht joked about his experiences in auto part stores and called it “the Pinterest for men” before explaining the importance of being a good father, so your daughter doesn’t end up giving hand jobs to the entire football team.

Lamprecht set the bar pretty high as an opening act with highly relatable content and audience interaction. It was going to be a tough act to follow, but funny girl Christie Buchele nailed it almost instantly.

Making the best of having a disability, Buchele talked about her cerebral palsy and called herself a “sexy gimp and rag-doll” because of her “not-so-straight walk” and limp legs. She discussed her childhood and what it was like growing up with a disability while being raised by single father, who thought that one day she might “un-cripple herself.” I think the funniest thing about Christie was the fact that she gave zero fucks while discussing topics that some people take too seriously. There were a few comments that were borderline inappropriate in any other setting, but for stand-up material, they were perfect and hit every time; there was not a dry eye in the house. Getting out of DUI’s, being a teacher and “not being able to fuck your students” made for hilarious and vulgar stories as well. Overall, Christie sends a message that if you are a good stand up comedian, you can take something as unfunny as your disability and turn it into gold: clever, hilarious gold.

As the night progressed and the comics continued to deliver endless laughs, headliner and Denver comedian, Nathan Lund took the stage. With a pretty impressive resume, my expectations were pretty high as Lund took the stage. Oddly enough, he immediately called out DJ Nobody special and joked about the importance of low-expectations after calling him “easy dick”. It was hilarious and even the DJ was laughing. Lund talked about 2016 and how people need to calm down when they refer to it as the worst year ever, reminding us that were some positive things that happened last year. A 34-year old with no health insurance and definitely not a go-getter, Lund joked about the lack of 69’ing in your 30s and how cuffed pants are not a good look on a fat dude. Nathan lives in Denver with his girlfriend and does not a have car, but he had to clarify that it was for financial reasons and not environmental reasons. Nathan Lund is a guy that we all know. We all have a Nathan Lund in our life, the funny guy that jokes about his chubbiness or bad health, and I think that’s what made him even more likable. From his stories of fingering and homemade pants to his obsession with Dean Koontz and Tom Hanks, this guy was all over the place. Nothing was off limits for Lund and that’s what made him so great.

Overall, Comedy Night at Hotel Andaluz was a great experience. All three of the comics brought something different and unique to the table and delivered hilarious jokes that had all of us entertained. Join us next Thursday from 8-10pm at Hotel Andaluz for comedy night, featuring a new lineup of comics and a night filled with lots of laughs.

[huge_it_slider id=”14″]

Filed Under: Featured, Local Events Tagged With: Casablanca, Christie Buckle, comedy, Comedy Night, Downtown, free event, funny, Hotel ANdaluz, Nathan Lund, review, Ron Lambrecht, Stand up

Here is why you should be excited for Albuquerque Comic Con 2017!

January 6, 2017 by Brenda Paiz

Who doesn’t love Comic Con? It’s one of the few times a year where like-minded people with very nerdy interests unite. Nerds rule Comic Con, and let’s face it, the nerdier the better! And this year Albuquerque Comic Con is going to be awesome!

If nothing else, 2016 did give us “Rogue One” and “Stranger things,” so we know the cosplay is going to be incredible. Oh, and speaking of “Stranger Things,”  Barb is coming straight from the Upside down to be one of many guests at this years event. Not to mention several other amazing guests to meet, ask questions and take pictures with including Bam Margera, Ryan Hurst, Austin St. John, Victoria Atkin, Ralph Macchio, William Zabka, Tom Sizemore and Kel Mitchell (yes, Kel from “Kenan & Kel”!) For a full list of guests and panels, visit albuquerquecomiccon.com

The cosplay contest and guests are reason enough to go to Comic Con, but luckily there are many other reasons to attend this year’s event: panels, photo ops, and a Foosball Shootout Tournament just to name a few. Artists and vendors will be gathering to showcase local art inspired by the many themes of Comic Con. Not to mention, rare and hard to find comic books and collectible items in mint condition are usually up for barter or trade.

The fun begins Friday January 13th where events will start and continue until Sunday January 15th. Usually, Saturday is the biggest day where most of the events take place but there will be events taking place each of the three days.

Take a look at some of the RAD photos we took at last years Comic Con, right here!

 

Here’s a rundown of what’s going to be happening next weekend!

 

Friday January 13th

4pm-8pm

Preview Night for all VIP ticket holders and 3 day passes or special Friday only badge.

Doors open at 4pm

Closes at 8pm

7pm Doubletree Bar Comedy with Lucas Corvatta and Special Guests

8pm-12am Doubletree Lower level Karaoke

 

Saturday January 14th

Doors open at 10am

Dealer Room shuts down at 8pm

After Hours events

9pm Karaoke Doubletree Lounge

DJ will be playing until midnight

10pm Hotel Andaluz Costume Bazaar

 

Sunday January 15th

Doors open at 10am

Event Shuts down at 6pm

Wind down Mixer Double tree bar 7pm-?

Filed Under: Around the web, Featured Tagged With: ABQ Comic Expo, comiccon

Advertisements

Contact us: info@abq-live.com

More News

Mulan (2020) Review

Dishonor to us all – ‘Mulan’ (2020) Review

September 5, 2020

Bill & Ted Face the Music

Party’s over, dudes – ‘Bill & Ted Face the Music’ Review

August 31, 2020

Evil Thing thumbnail

A breath of wicked fresh air – ‘Evil Thing’ Review

August 25, 2020

Popular Categories

Copyright © 2021 · News Pro Theme on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in