My Best of 'Burque'

Recently I've been looking for guest writers to add some extra pizazz to Gum & Carrots, spice it up a bit, give new perspectives. And I feel this one definitely succeeded. Today's post is by my awesome friend Kristin who works at the Alibi. Enjoy! ~HBop

This week the Alibi came out with it's 'best of' issue and since HBop asked me to do something for her blog I decided I wanted to share my favorite places in the city. I spend most of my workday researching ABQ businesses so I think I have some authority to boast my opinion. My list is simple and doesn't include a lot of what the Alibi's list does.

Let's start with food...

Best Restaurant:
I really like Il Vicino, why? Because you pay first and the pizza is delicious! I wanted to be able to list a New Mexican food place as my number one but the only place I like in ABQ is Church Street and even then the food isn't that good, but the atmosphere is awesome!

Best Sushi:
I really like Sushi King. Every time I've been there the food has been fresh and that’s all that really matters.

Best Smoothies:
Vitality Juice, they are sooooo healthy it’s almost gross.

Best Fish Tacos:
I don't know why this is a category but Carom Club, yes!


Best Cupcake:
I like Cake Fetish...but I had a good red velvet at The Grove.


Grocery Store:
Ghetto Smiths, why because it is my neighborhood grocery store and I sort of like the idea that I could get shot at any moment, it's thrilling!

Shopping...

Best Boutique:
Definitely 2 Time Coutoure, but I think people should be aware that Cutie Pie, a new thrifty boutique on Central, has some good clothes too.

Best Sex Shop:
Self Serve, this place is so friendly and you can get good condoms really cheap! They sell them with a really low mark-up.


Best Thrift:
Absolutely Buffalo, I'll never stop shopping there! Yes there are too many hipsters running the place but oh well.

Best Shoes:
None in ABQ. There are a couple of places that are cool like Ruby Shoesday and Ground and Vision but they are too weird and overpriced!


Best Jewelry:
IMEC is the best. Yes the owner is an ass but whatever his jewelry is awesome.


Nightlife...

Best Bar:
hmm...take a guess...


Best Dancing:
I don't know I wish I did! I've heard Sauce and Raw is getting better and they have Salsa night on Wednesday's I just need to go.


Best Patio Bar:
Gecko's for sure, mmm they have good food! You just can't go during the winter because it is too smokey when you are trying to eat.


Best New Bar:
People should check out The Tavern. I work with them and the place is pretty cool.


Last but not least...

Best Place to Exercise:
Maple Street of course! I need to go and do the Strip Tease dance class but I'm not about to pay $20. The only problem with Maple Street is the space is too small, but there is something to be said for it because the energy is more intense, you just can't move around very much.


Best Salon:
Heart and Soul. It is a great space and it's where I found my 'salonmate' Mario. Yes he charges $50 but that price includes psychotherapy, no not scalptherapy, psychotherapy.


Best Place to Go on a Date:
The zoo!

There it is! My Best of List!