Albuquerque Chef Returns to NM with Tacos

April 17, 2019 by Nichole Harwood

Local N.M. restaurant owner introduces ‘Baja meets Burque’ and ‘808 meets the 505’

By Elaina Jameson

From the Northeast Heights of Albuquerque, N.M. to operating his new restaurant on San Mateo and Copper by himself, Dominic Valenzuela has had his eyes on the entrepreneur lifestyle since he was 11-years-old.

Valenzuela began by incorporating his passion for cooking and tacos to create Dia De Los Takos. Dia De Los Takos is a small restaurant inside of Albuquerque Indoor Karting, which opened on Jan. 7.

Valenzuela said the meaning behind the “K” in “tako” runs deeper than the way the word looks. “I didn’t want to stick to one style of cuisine,” Valenzuela said. “I thought the name was a good choice for showcasing the “taco” or “tako” and showing its versatility. “Taco” is Mexican and “tako” is universal,” Valenzuela said.

Courtesy Photo via https://www.facebook.com/diadelos.takos/

With a specialty in beer battered fish tacos, Valenzuela told ABQ-Live Dia De Los Takos’ cuisine is defined as “Baja meets Burque.” Customers can expect a unique experience when they eat at Dia De Los Takos. “We use the taco as a vessel to transport people’s taste buds to other regions of the world,” Valenzuela said.

Valenzuela accommodates for all preferences and diets, including vegan. He said he enjoys adding items to the menu as his ideas flow. “I like to offer a lot of vegan options — whatever I get inspired by as the seasons come,” Valenzuela said to ABQ-Live.

The responsibilities within a restaurant are nothing new to Valenzuela. He spent the last two years teaching sushi classes, operating a food truck and working as a chef.

Valenzuela said becoming “the most recognizable name in Albuquerque” and “establishing a hangout” are included in the future plans of Dia De Los Takos.

Dia De Los Tako’s special runs only on Tuesdays. Check out the quick service restaurant with fish tacos priced at $1.50. With burritos and salads on the menu in addition to tacos and smashed griddle burgers, there’s something for every appetite at Dia De Los Takos.

Dia De Los Takos will also have a membership program. For $40, customers can purchase an embroidered hat, which comes with two free tacos. When customers wear the hat to Dia De Los Takos, they will receive 25% off their purchase, excluding alcohol.

While Dia De Los Takos has four employees that have been training for about two weeks, Valenzuela’s restaurant mindset and creativity continue to grow. Operating under the same umbrella as Dia De Los Takos is Ohana Hut. Ohana Hut is an expansion that operates out of a food truck.

Customers at Ohana Hut will find collaboration of Hawaiian and New Mexican cuisine located at Marble Brewery on the Westside. Valenzuela described Ohana Hut as “808 meets the 505” with menu items such as ramen, fusion, sushi, fresh albacore fish from Fiji and seared ahi tuna from Hawaii. In the future, guests can look forward to sushi classes held in collaboration with Marble.

Something Valenzuela has done with his business that is different from his past experience is acknowledging the importance of media and advertising. Valenzuela plans to air his podcast every Monday, featuring a new chef each week.

Courtesy Photo via https://www.facebook.com/diadelos.takos/

Working with video producers, Valenzuela, and the featured chef will make a taco. The video will then be shared and the taco will serve as a special at the chef’s workplace. Earnings made from the taco will go to a charity of the chef’s choice.

Valenzuela reminded ABQ-Live he is open to new ideas and collaborations within the business community, which may include youth mentorship such as teaching classes, internships, job shadowing and featuring chefs who have the same interests as Valenzuela to be positive lights with each other in the restaurant community.

Stay up-to-date with Dia De Los Takos on Facebook, Lets Takobout it w/ Chef Dom, featuring Facebook Live videos and external links to episodes of Valenzuela’s podcast. Dia De Los Takos is also on Instagram, where you can find mouth-watering posts of menu items and the latest information about Dia De Los Takos and Ohana Hut.

Five Local Shops for Quick Holiday Gifts

December 10, 2018 by Gabriel Aro

The holiday season is here and if you’re like most people, you probably do your gift shopping last minute. Maybe you’re on a budget. Sometimes, you might not even have the slightest idea what to get for someone. Your choices start to become quite limited at any major retailer, but that’s where local shops begin to shine. These small business offer original and creative products you often won’t find anywhere else.

Need some recommendations where to look? We’ve compiled a quick list of some great places both online and here in Albuquerque for you to check out!

Creative Culture

Image by @creativecultureabq via Instagram

Know someone with a creative side? Creative Culture has you covered. The arts and crafts store boasts a unique selection of handmade and hard-to-get papers from around the world, alongside hundreds of different cards, supplies, workshops, and more. The store opened up just this past summer and has been a new hotspot for artists and crafters alike looking for something new. If you find yourself in the Nob Hill area, be sure to drop in and grab some exotic papers and maybe that holiday card while you’re there too!

Creative Culture ABQ 3001 Monte Vista Blvd NE

Stranger Factory

Image by @strangerfactory via Instagram

Don’t be a stranger… at least while you check out Stranger Factory. This art gallery showcases different pop surrealist to “lowbrow” artists’ original work and editioned releases. Here, you’ll find the latest gifts and novelties from the newest branch of the Circus Posterus collective, with art inspired by carnival fashion and folklore from around the world. Stop by and browse some one-of-a-kind curious gifts and apparel that will surely have you coming back for more.

Stranger Factory 3411 Central Ave NE

Metal the Brand

Image by @metal_the_brand via Instagram

If you’re all about being local, check out Metal the Brand; artwork and merchandise based around the New Mexico and “Burqueño” lifestyle, but with its own creative flair. From stickers to shirts, this online store and occasional vendor has original and clever gifts to choose from, whether it’s a new bumper sticker for a friend or an enamel pin for your own collection. Check out their website and Facebook page to see the full lineup of available products to truly support local.

Metal the Brand

FS2 Supply Co.

Image by @fs2supplyco via Instagram

Still looking for local? If you want to wear New Mexico with pride, you’ll find what you need at Fs2 Supply. Their love for New Mexico culture and history has driven them to create a brand that reflects that core idea. This online only shop is dedicated to sharing the 505 with everyone, carrying collections sporting the Zia Symbol to the state shape. Be proud to be a New Mexican with their wide variety of shirts, hats, and even water bottles and share that pride with others this holiday season.

Fs2 Supply Co.

Root and Feather

Image by @rootandfeathernm via Instagram

If you’re still doing all of your gift shopping online, open a new tab and search for Root and Feather on Etsy. This talented mother and daughter team creates stunning handmade jewelry that truly does show its local roots. On their site you will come across earrings, bracelets, necklaces, and rings all while keeping that New Mexico feel. Each item is made from either brass, copper, or aluminum and incorporates quartz crystals and colored stones into their designs. Supporting small businesses feels great and getting to share a handmade gift with another feels even greater.

Root and Feather

Upscale Fridays w/ Dj Ian Evan – Nob Hill Bar and Grill – 10.26.18

November 4, 2018 by Kori Kobayashi

Nob Hill Bar and Grill and Dj Ian Evan set the stage for an awesome night in Nob Hill with Halloween costumes, beats and drinks!

[Read more…]

Upscale Fridays w/ Ian Evan – 10.12.18

October 22, 2018 by Kori Kobayashi

Dj Ian Evan is throwing down Friday nights at Nob Hill Bar and Grill for his Upscale Friday Nights. Be there this Friday 10.26.18 for an upscale night in Nob Hill.

[Read more…]

This scoop is a spoon full of sugar

May 22, 2017 by Brianna Mortensen

Local Disney fans may be interested in the latest Albuquerque Little Theatre production. Beloved nanny, ‘Mary Poppins’ will be making an appearance in New Mexico. A cast full of professional performers has been working to reproduce this magical tale, with elaborate musical numbers from the original movie. The first show is at 7:30 pm on May 26, and will run until June 8. Tickets are on sale now. It’s going to be “supercalifragilisticexpealidocious!”

Image by: albuquerquelittletheatre.org

Testimonials from the Trapped: ABQ-Live Survived The Escape Room, Can You?

June 22, 2016 by Amanda Korfe

The ABQ-Live Interns took a trip to The NM Escape Room. They survived with a few tales to tell.

I walk in with three other people. I have no idea what to look for or where to start. There are locks everywhere and somehow we have to figure out how to unlock them. There are hidden clues throughout the room, and all we have to do is use these clues to solve puzzles. It sounds simple, right? But when you are being timed, suddenly the pressure to finish is on. As we find the rest of our group, we all come together to solve the puzzles we wouldn’t be able to solve alone. The Escape Room here in Albuquerque was the perfect way to give our group the push we needed to work together. I was surrounded by people I had only known for two weeks, some I had just met that day, but somehow we all came out acting like we had known one another for years. The Escape Room has great opportunities for team building and getting to know one another. Can you beat the time?

By: Amanda Korfe

I’m locked in a room with eight other people. A room filled with codes, locks, and puzzles. A friend of mine was working on a report that could possibly connect the Watergate scandal to the assassination of JFK. I have an hour to find the article and publish it. Can I do it? One clue leads to another but all of a sudden I’m stumped. The only way to make it out is by coming together with my group to solve the mystery and escape. The Escape Room in Albuquerque provided me with the chance work together and collaborate on ideas to solve clues with people that I had barely met. The tasks are simple, but when the clock is ticking and the next clue is nowhere to be found, emotions run high and suddenly everyone is in a scramble to find it.

By: Adrianna Vigil

Do you think you could handle the pressure? Get a group together and discover for yourself whether you can solve your way out of The Escape Room!

Uber Will Be Delivering Frontier Sweet Rolls and Burritos Tomorrow! What?!?!

December 8, 2015 by Josh Vanlandingham

Well we know what we are doing for lunch tomorrow. Uber will be dropping off the best two things in life besides my mother. Frontier Sweet Rolls and burritos right to your location. Has Christmas come early?

Winter is on the way, but we’ve got just the thing to warm you up. On Wednesday, December 9, you can get burritos and cinnamon buns from Frontier Restaurant delivered right to your door.

Open the app on Wednesday and request BURRITOS to get two green chile bacon breakfast burritos and two sweet rolls delivered to you for $18.

HOW TO GET YOUR FRONTIER RESTAURANT BURRTIOS ON DEMAND

Open the Uber app on Wednesday, December 9 from 11am to 2pm.
Slide to the ‘BURRITOS’ option and simply tap “REQUEST BURRITOS”
Meet your driver curbside and chow down.

MORE DETAILS

For $18, you’ll get two green chile bacon breakfast burritos and two sweet rolls
Maximum orders per request is 4 meals ($72 total).
Demand will be very high – check back often if your first request is unsuccessful. We’re delivering until 2pm (or until we run out), so stay hungry and try again.
Getting an order for a group? Request up to 4 meals per order and use our fare split option so you’re not footing the whole bill.

For more info:

https://newsroom.uber.com/abq/2015/12/burritos-in-minutes/

Back to the Future II hysteria!

October 21, 2015 by Josh Vanlandingham

Great Scott! Today is the actual date Michael J Fox’s Marty McFly and Christopher Lloyd’s Doc Brown traveled to in the hit 80’s futuristic film, Back to the Future II, now look at all the cool stuff we get!

Many corporate entities who were involved in the film have jumped on board, recognizing the now iconic date of 10.21.2015, and are releasing products that were featured.

Below are three of those products and one incredible user-made mashup of the Adult Swim hit show Rick and Morty, which has inherent similarities to the Back to the Future story.

While there is still no actual Hover-board (Come on science!), we do have self-lacing shoes and of course Marty’s sweet black Toyota.

1. Toyota has fully unveiled its 2016 Tacoma inspired by the pickup truck used by Marty McFly in Back to the Future Part II.

I was in love with the all black truck Marty had in his garage. I guess I wasn’t the only one!

For more information on the Tacoma: http://www.leftlanenews.com/toyota-unveils-back-to-the-futureinspired-tacoma-90014.html#ixzz3pFCGUVSR

2. Back To The Future’s Self-Lacing Nikes Are Finally Real!

Hopefully we can get this bad boys in different colors. I don’t know if I can rock the Denver Nugget blue for too long. Expected release date Spring 2016.