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A Blunt List of Albuquerque’s Top Cannabis Shops

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Smell that? That’s right, allergy season has arrived — but wait, what’s that strong undertone? It’s here, the most notorious and long-awaited day of the year, 4/20. You didn’t think we’d leave you high and dry, did you? To ensure our readers of the best April 20th, we leave you a blunt list of Albuquerque’s top dispensaries. Not on board the marijuana train? Then we will THC-you later!

By Ana Gutierrez

Bloom

Image by The Bloom Brand via https://www.facebook.com/thebloombrand1/

Are you a firm believer that 4/20 isn’t just on April 20th? Do you casually toke at 4:20 p.m. on the dot? Bloom is just the brand for you. Their mission is to promote the inherent benefits of cannabis essential to a highly-functional and aspirational lifestyle of enterprising minds. With thesehigh expectations in innovation, they are sure to bring an exquisite taste and highest grade of oil concentrate to the table, ensuring all daily tokers a “refined experience.” It’s the future of vaping! With  10 unique strains and 10 fruitful flavors, the revolutionized cartridge will promise you a crisper taste than that bowl of chips you’ll be having afterward. They are here to stay and continue to find new ways to alter the future of vaping, giving 4/20 a whole new meaning.

Find your nearest Bloom Brand on their website: https://thebloombrand.com/

High Desert Relief Dispensary

Image By High Desert Relief via https://highdesertrelief.org/

“From seed to sale” is how High Desert Relief says they’re committed to ensuring only the best quality medical cannabis for their New Mexican patients. They offer a wide range — from their tasty chocolate edibles to their banana cream indica flowers and hybrid squashed juice. With the utmost professional standards, the homegrown medical cannabis receives no pesticides, produces a low carbon footprint, and is hydroponically grown with love. Not only can you get some quality re-leaf, but so can the environment. That’s what I call a green thumb!

High Desert Relief Dispensary: 4840 Pan American Fwy NE H, Albuquerque, NM, 87109

Bud Stones Smoke Shop

Image by Bud Stones Smoke Shop via Facebook

Are you ready to take your National Cannabis Day experience up to level 420? Bud Stones Smoke Shop is the place for you! Take your best bud and experience what it’s like to be in Snoop Dogg’s mind — bongs on top of bongs, pipes to make a plumber question his profession and incense to maintain your activities a little more discrete. Not to mention the sincere and incredible customer service you won’t find anywhere else, but also you’d have to be high not to come here and that’s only because you can’t (and shouldn’t) drive while under the influence.

Bud Stones Smoke Shop: 405 Montaño RD NE #5, Albuquerque, NM 87107

Sacred Garden

Image by Sacred Garden via https://sacred.garden/blog/

What better place to buy some green than at Green Jeans? Continuing the legacy of founder Zeke Shortes, Sacred Garden hopes to bring natural relief and healing to the state of New Mexico. Providing a wide range of quality medical cannabis in all forms, Sacred Garden has your needs: salves for muscle pains, delectable in-house edibles and beverages, tinctures, bath bombs, and any accessories needed.

Sacred Garden – Green Jeans Farmery: 3600 Cutler Ave NE #12, Albuquerque, NM, 87110

Minerva Canna

Image by Minerva Canna via https://www.facebook.com/Minerva-Canna-370350603401289/

You’ve heard about “wake and bake,” but instead of feeling like an apple pie, why not eat a baked apple pie? Get a little fancy and treat yourself to cheesecake, or a few assorted chocolate truffles. Minerva Canna and their head baker, Bethany Orbison, are right in priding themselves in serving up only the best of the best when it comes to edibles in Albuquerque. Not only do the staff at Minerva Canna serve up sweetness in their treats, but in their genuine hospitality to all their patients.


Minerva Canna | Medical Dispensary:  7103 4th St. NW Bldg. M, Albuquerque, NM, 87107


Musician Richard Mittelstet releases the song “Albuquerque!”

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By Nichole Harwood

Musician Richard Mittelstet released the song “Albuquerque!” on Feb. 23 along with an accompanying music video highlighting what he loved about the Duke City.

His description praised Albuquerque describing it as not only the birthplace of his daughter and home for four years but as a quiet diverse city with much unity and love.

With as much passion and love that has been injected into the lyrics, a casual listener of the song may, however, may find it surprising that Mittelstet had not always felt so strong about Albuquerque.

Mittelstet’s journey to discovering Albuquerque and his love for the city began when his wife was accepted into the University of New Mexico. After receiving the acceptance letter the two quickly packed their bags for the Duke City.

Mittelstet didn’t know what to expect of his new home for the next four years. Everything he ever remembered hearing about Albuquerque was blanketed in negativity and he was uncertain what the future held in store for him.

It didn’t take long, however, for that uncertainty to transform into wonder. Rather than battling with a bleak and dangerous environment Mittelstet instead found himself immersed in a city filled with culture, diversity and a thriving music scene.

“There was so much art and artistic people out there going to different open mics and just getting out and sharing their gifts while being able to just express themselves,” Mittelstet said.  

As a musician, Mittelstet found himself inspired by the culture of Albuquerque quickly finding venues to play in and even establishing a regularly scheduled performance at Java Joe’s.

Outside of his growth as an artist, Mittelstet found renewed interest in hobbies he had long left behind including biking and hiking. With his home located near Old Town, Mittelstet and his wife would often walk among the local shops together taking in the art and the culture of the city.

“There is so much talent in Albuquerque and New Mexico in general,” he said. “So many gifted artists and it was great to be immersed in that.”

As his time in Albuquerque neared its end Mittelstet was struck with inspiration on October of 2016 and staring at the city that was his home for many years Mittelstet wrote a song to encapsulate what he loved about it.

“Sometimes the songs just fall out of the sky and that one definitely did,” he said. “Albuquerque is the only city I have written a song for.”

With footage being shot in May of 2017 for an accompanying video the song titled “Albuquerque!” was released. A musician’s goodbye to a city that had helped him grow in his musical career and as an individual.

Now residing in his new home in Richfield, Minnesota Mittelstet said he still treasures many of his memories from his time in Albuquerque. One that stood out among the rest involved events put together by friend and fellow musician Seth Hoffman who has also released his own song serenading the Duke City titled “Albuquerque Nights.”

Hoffman, Mittelstet said would host an open mic for musicians regularly attracting a mix of professional and amateur musicians. The venue would encourage new musicians to play and the crowd would be receptive to a variety of musical styles performed, he said.

“I would just love that because he would just invite everybody and anybody,” Mittelstet said. “He would make an environment of just peace and love.”

While Mittelstet no longer reside in Albuquerque his time in the Duke City is one that he will never forget as he continues to move forward as a musician.

“When I go out and play in front of people I feel fulfilled. It’s what I am supposed to be doing. So that’s what I’m hoping for in the future,” Mittelstet  said. “The opportunity to play music for as many people as I possibly can.”

Five Local Shops for Quick Holiday Gifts

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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

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

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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

 

 

Sweet Cup opens for business in Albuquerque!

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Cup, Sweet Cup!

Anyone who lives in New Mexico can tell you that the sunsets here are indescribable. Pink and orange never seemed to look so good until the sun painted them together in the horizon. Rays of light beaming in every single direction, bright enough to blind a driver on their way home. Cotton candy clouds begin to blanket the sun as it sets behind the cherry-colored Sandia Mountains. An experience only New Mexicans are lucky enough to experience.

Now imagine being able to drink that sunset; taking in orange and pink layered flavors, with cherry-colored pearls floating up and down the horizon, and finally topped with a sky blue cloud of cotton candy. Well you can, at Albuquerque’s very own Sweet Cup Espresso and Boba Bar.

Boba tea is a Taiwanese drink that primarily focuses on black, green, and milk based drinks. Traditionally, it is served with tapioca pearls called “Boba”, meaning “big pearls”. Being that it is not widely known in the United States, Sweet Cup took the initiative to add some familiarity by adding coffee into boba tea. “It’s seriously super delicious! We wanted everyone to experience 

something unique,” says Robert Punya, owner of Sweet Cup.

Sweet Cup not only offers a wide variety of drinks, but also have a selection of mouth watering pastries and breakfast options. One of which includes musubi, a popular lunch food from Hawaii that is composed of spam in between two blocks of rise wrapped with nori. While you’re at it, scoop up a strawberry croissant sandwich for your boss to explain why you’re late to work; you just couldn’t decide with all the incredible options at Sweet Cup!

Try everything in sight, just don’t forget to Instagram it! Sweet Cup doesn’t only make their drinks taste delicious, but look delicious, too. Tweet a photo of your milk tea topped with a mini donut. Instagram your ombré sunset colored drink topped with Sweet Cup’s famous whipped cream cheese and cereal. Couldn’t pick a single tea? Take a Snapchat of their duo cup! Whatever you do just don’t forget to tag them @sweetcupabq to brag to your friends where you get your aesthetically pleasing and scrumptious breakfast.

If that’s still not enough to get you try something new and delectable, you get 10% at Sweet Cup when you dine-in at their father company, Poki Poki Cevicheria. Equally as delicious and colorful. Join their FiveStar rewards, and get a free boba tea after you buy ten boba tea drinks, which should not be hard considering how often you will go here.

Sweet Cup is the new up and coming, so why wait? Invite all your friends and family to the Grand Opening on November 17, 2018 from 9 a.m to 9 p.m and be the friend who knows what’s hip and happening.

November 13, 2019 by Ana Gutierrez

Born to Box : Jason Sanchez

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Jason Sanchez was born into a legacy of boxers. With the current boxing record of 12-0 with 6 knockouts under his belt the native New Mexican is planning on adding to his family’s lengthy legacy in boxing this Oct. 31 in Panama City.   

By Nichole Harwood | Photos by Marissa Perez

Sanchez grew up surrounded by boxers and as a child he watched his two older brothers Jose Luis Sanchez and Alan Sanchez rise as professional boxers after they followed in the footsteps of their father Jose Sanchez Sr. who boxed as an ameuter.

Together Sanchez and his family have worked together to establish a legacy while chasing the dream of one of the family becoming a world champion. They have grown and stuck together even through tragedy as on April 23, 2015 Sanchez’s older brother Alan Sanchez passed away.

With his remaining brother and father Sanchez and his family persevered and together opened up Sanchez Brothers Boxing just this summer on June 1.

“Sometimes I can feel him (Alan Sanchez) here,” said Sanchez’s mother Eva Sanchez.

Despite the loss the family has continued forward positively and the opening of the gym was a large accomplishment for Sanchez and his family who said they worked together to contribute to its opening.

“It felt really good,” Sanchez said. “We all worked on the gym together, we painted it and now that it’s open it just feels great.”

In honor of the oldest Sanchez brother the gym held its first 1st Annual Alan Sanchez Memorial Boxing Show Sept. 29 which featured an ameteur boxing competition.

Now Sanchez a father of two himself and a teacher at the family gym, said his family and gym are relentless in supporting him in his career.

“I’ve always been there for their fights and they have always been there for mine,” Sanchez said.

While Sanchez is the latest link in his family’s boxing legacy he said he would support his two children if they pick up the helms and go forward as well.

“It would cool- I would let them do it,” Sanchez said.

Having gone professional just five years ago Sanchez said the transition from ameuter to professional came with difficulties as Sanchez said it wasn’t easy to get fights in the first few years. Despite this he overcame and in the last year has seen an increase in opportunities to fight, he said. Due to his opponents identity being a mystery often until a few weeks before the fight Sanchez is always training hard for his upcoming fights.

Sanchez’s brother Jose Luis Sanchez will be fighting at the National Hispanic Cultural Center Oct. 20th with Sanchez’s fight following in Panama quickly after. His upcoming fight will mark a special occasion as it will be the first fight Sanchez will participate in since the opening of Sanchez Brothers Boxing. Sanchez’s has always had a supportive family but now he will be going into the October fight with both his family and gym who are behind him constantly encouraging him and cheering him on.

“It feels good to have a team behind me,” Sanchez said.

With Sanchez and his brother helping to train members before training themselves the gym welcomes those of every age. Currently Sanchez Brothers Boxing oldest member is 45-years-old while the youngest member is only 5-years-old.

While still a young gym Sanchez himself has felt pride in his gyms team members as just recently a few children from the gym participated in there first fights, winning them.

“It was pretty cool, them winning their first fight and we were able to help them out,” Sanchez said.

Sanchez himself intends to win his upcoming fight and continue to push forward towards his dreams. Sanchez’s passion for boxing stems not only from his desire to win the world title but also from watching each family member contribute to boxing.

“Always training around my brothers and my dad and then finally opening up this gym that along with everyone here including the kids motivated me to be someone,” Sanchez said.

ABQ-Live Feature: Prismatic Coffee

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Super Rare Coffee Arrives to Albuquerque

October 5, 2018 by Ana Gutierrez

“Who run the world?” Coffee. It is nearly impossible to walk thirty feet without seeing someone with a coffee in their hand, despite it being 4 o’clock in the afternoon. It is, without a doubt, that the world’s second largest import runs the world in the hot fashion.

Consider twice before purchasing your usual 99-cent coffee from your local gas station, and make it a point on your morning commute to stop at Prismatic Coffee, and grab a cup of one of the world’s rarest coffee bean, the Bernadina Geisha. The limited time only bean was discovered as recent as 2017 on El Salvadorian soil, and is accompanied by a rich, complex, and layered taste. Selling at $9 a cup, or $40 per six ounce bags, it is highly encouraged to be tasted or bought soon, for prices will soar next year it becomes available.

Quality. Exclusive. Special. Those three words are why Prismatic Coffee should be on your daily every day routine. The beverage is made fresh and to order in every cup. Guaranteed in every mug is an exclusive, specialty coffee bean that will change the way you see the beverage. That is the founders’ and crew’s only mission: to change people’s perspective on coffee. To be able to present the drink to a customer, them take a sip, and say, “You know what, this doesn’t need anything, it’s perfect.”

That is what co-owner and founder, Grey Smith has enthusiastically stated as he took a break from roasting a Colombian coffee bean. In what he likes to call, “Third Wave Coffee”, Prismatic is one, if not the only, coffee shop in Albuquerque that produce high-quality coffee  from top of the line equipment, and consider it to be an artisanal beverage rather than a commodity. Similar to many establishments in West Coast America, such as San Francisco, or Seattle, Washington, who are known for craft coffee. When asked to describe his establishment in a few words, Grey thoughtfully said, “Local, passionate, uncompromising, craft, and contemporary”. Those words are not absent when walking through the shop and immersing yourself within the atmosphere, a warm feeling of being welcomed into a home of like-minded people.

Don’t hesitate, rather than letting coffee run your life, run coffee the way you want. Next time, instead of settling for a mediocre cup of Joe for $4.99, get served quality by your fellow Burqueños for the same price.

 

Photos and video by ABQ-Live photographers Gabriel Aro and Lilli Manzanares

2018 Aki Matsuri Japanese Fall Festival

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Recently, Albuquerque celebrated Japanese tradition and the welcoming of autumn with its annual Aki Matsuri festival on Sunday, September 23rd at Veteran’s Memorial Park. The event was hosted by New Mexico Japanese American Citizens League (NMJACL) and provided plenty of vendors showcasing custom crafts, delicious food trucks, and plenty of entertainment, from traditional folk dances to a ramen eating contest.

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ABQ SOMOS 2018

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On Saturday, August 25th, downtown Albuquerque was transformed into a festival for an evening dedicated to the music and arts. This annual event featured multiple local and national acts, musical performances, crafts, and artwork. Enjoy the photo galleries of the highlights from SOMOS!

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