In Gallup Yesterday

Above, the chile relleno lunch at Gordo's Cafe. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The majority of the time spent yesterday was in Gallup.

I went to USA RV Park to use their dump station to empty the motorhome's holding tanks in preparation to winterizing it. 

I then set an appointment for 2:00 to get an affidavit notarized for my ex-roommate Jessica. As I had a couple of hours to kill, I decided to have lunch. 

Above, about to put the RV in its garage a few winters ago. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

First, I went by Jerry's Cafe, but they were busy with a lunchtime crowd. Then, I headed over to Genaro's, but they were temporarily closed for cleaning. So, I ended up having lunch at Gordo's Cafe. I hadn't been there since 2018 when I stopped in for lunch when I was in town to finalize the purchase of my house in Jamestown. I had a cheeseburger then.

This time, I had a chili relleno. I like to try the rellenos in different restaurants to see how good, or not-so-good, they are. It wasn't bad. 

After lunch, I headed to the UPS Store for my notary appointment and mailing of the affidavit.  

Once that was done, I headed back home. Today, I will be winterizing the motorhome and put it in its garage. 

A Little Trek To Lupton, Arizona

Above, Tee Pee Trading Post yesterday. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Yesterday, I headed over to the Tee Pee Trading Post in Lupton, Arizona (40 miles away) to pick up some stogies. Lupton is at the New Mexico-Arizona border.

Since gasoline is at $3.049/gallon (with my Good Sam discount, I only paid $2.989.gallon at Flying J), it was a good time to go to Lupton.

I am waiting on an order of Olivas and it seems to be delayed, hence the trek. I was able to get $25 discounted from the total at Tee Pee Trading Post as I am a member of their discount program. 

After this, I headed into Gallup for an early dinner at Genaro's. I got the chile rellenos plate. I was able to finish the first one and part of the second one (the chile peppers they use are big, almost twice the size of the ones at Jerry's Cafe). I will finish the second relleno this morning for breakfast. 

Above, yesterday's chile rellenos at Genaro's. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

I noticed a work crew working on the railroad tracks as the site of April's train derailment on the way to Gallup.

I did stop at the market for a few things before heading back home. All in all, it was an enjoyable little ride.

Laptop Rebuild

Above, the rebuilt laptop. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

About an hour ago, I returned from home from Gallup after picking up my laptop from the shop and having dinner at Genaro's.

I basically had my computer rebuilt. It got a new hard drive, casing and screen. I was thinking about getting a new laptop, but this was way cheaper.

At Genaro's, I had the two chile rellenos. I ordered the two rellenos plate and ate one there and took the other home for tomorrow's breakfast. Their rellenos are much bigger than the ones at Jerry's Cafe, so it is not unusual for me to bring one home. 

I got home in time before any thunderstorms decide to come into the area. It was starting to get cloudy on the way home. 

Out and About Yesterday

Yesterday was enjoyable.

It started out with six of us met up for coffee/breakfast at Denny's down at the Flying J. We were joined by Nandoh Munoz who told us about his recent cruise down to Mexico.

Afterwards, since the temperature was in the upper 50s, I got the Jeep out and did some driving around the subdivision and, later, down to the corral at gate to Six Mile Canyon. It is closed until the end of next month. Still it was a nice bit of exercise for me and the Jeep. Ultimately, it got to around 60°.

Later, I headed into Gallup for dinner at Genaro's Mexican Restaurant. I had two chile rellenos. When I got there, the restaurant was packed and I had to wait about 15 minutes to get a table.

All in all, it was an enjoyable day.

A few photos:

 

Tamales!

Above, yours truly with the dozen pork tamales.

Ever since I can remember, it had been a New Year's Eve tradition in my family to have a party and have, among other dishes, tamales.

In Gallup, our "gaggle of geezers" group had been buying them by the dozen from Erlinda's Tamale Shop. But this year, Erlinda's decided to not sell in bulk but from a roach coach (lunch truck). 

So, several of us have been searching for a place to buy them in bulk (by the dozen).

Last evening, after Larry Lucier's phyical therapy session, we went to Genaro's restaurant for dinner.

While looking over the menu, I flipped it over to the back side and saw that they sell tamales by the dozen for $20.99/dozen. We notified the others in the group by text.

I decided to buy a dozen pork tamales to try them out. Since Genaro's has good food anyway, we figure that their tamales should be good ones.

I will try some later today.

NBC's "Christmas At Graceland"

Above, Elvis Presley's Graceland mansion. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

That time of year is fast approaching.

The Christmas holiday season is already apparent as stores and restaurants already have Christmas decorations out. We noticed Genaro's Café in Gallup already has theirs up last evening.

There's another thing that is coming up to celebrate the holiday: NBC's Christmas At Graceland on November 29.

According to Rolling Stone:

Graceland will be hosting an all-star group of performers this year in tribute Elvis Presley‘s legacy.

Lana Del Rey, John Legend, Post Malone, Kacey Musgraves, Alanis Morissette, Kane Brown, Lainey Wilson, and The War and Treaty will gather at Presley’s home in Memphis, Tennessee on Nov. 29, according to People. The NBC holiday special, billed as Christmas at Graceland, will begin at 10 p.m. ET/PT on NBC and Peacock.

This is the first time the legendary estate has hosted a televised concert, according to the outlet, and each artist will perform a song in tribute to Presley. Actress Riley Keough, daughter of Elvis and Priscilla Presley’s only child Lisa Marie Presley, will join the event.

To read more, go here. 

Gallup Restaurants: Good Luck This Weekend!

Above, it was a packed house at Genaro's last night. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

If one is in Gallup, New Mexico during Independence Day weekend and want to go out for a meal, good luck!

I went to Zen Steak and Sushi last evening and found that it was closed for the holiday. So, I headed from there to Jerry's Café. They were open, but had a waiting line that stretched outside on the sidewalk.

I then went to Genaro's. They were open, but would be closing at 5:00. Well, since I was there at 4:20, I gave my name and phone number to the hostess (in case I waited in the car) and waited for about 20 minutes for a table. The place was packed.

While waiting, I saw a sign that they would be closed until July 18. They usually take breaks like this every July and December. 

Generally, most restaurants in Gallup are closed on Sundays and some are also closed on Mondays. There are a couple that usually remain open those days that I am aware of: Silver Screen Café at the El Rancho Hotel and the El Sombrero Mexican Restaurant. There may be more. I don't know what their status is this weekend.

Even though I had my heart set on having sashimi last evening, at least I was able to have some chile rellenos at Genaro's instead.

Happy Independence Day, folks!

This Weekend's Company

En route back home from Colorado after he helped a friend move there, my friend Mitch has stopped in for a couple of days to visit.

We will likely head to Red Rock Park this morning to see ascension of the hot-air balloons at the Red Rock Balloon Rally. 

Last evening, we had dinner at Genaro's Mexican Restaurant in Gallup.

Above, last evening at Genaro's Mexican Restaurant.

Yesterday In Gallup

Above, from left, Russell, yours truly and Larry at El Sombrero Restaurant.

Yesterday, I was in Gallup as I had to take Larry Lucier to his physical therapy session. 

While he was doing that, I had other things to attend to, such as picking up a framed poster that had to have the glass of the frame replaced as it fell and cracked. 

Following that, I headed over to the Gallup indoor flea market on Coal Ave. to browse around. I didn't see anything that I would want, but it was a fun way to pass the time. 

After Larry was done, we headed over to the El Sombrero Restaurant on Historic Route 66 for dinner. This was the first time Larry and I have been there (and Larry has lived in the area 12 years). 

He ordered a burrito with green sauce and I ordered chile rellenos with red sauce. 

While there, we spotted one of our community buddies, Russell Azbill. He had just finished eating and was heading out. We called him over and he sat with us and we had a good conversation on wills, space program, autographs, guitars, guns and other topics. 

On the food, Larry was pleased with his, but I thought mine was just "okay". The rellenos were good but the sauce was disappointing. There was no kick to it. The chips and salsa that was brought after we sat down was mediocre. 

Thus far, this was the most disappointing Mexican restaurant in Gallup. The better ones that I have been to include Genaro's, Don Diego's, El Rancho Hotel's restaurant, Earl's, Cocina De Dominguez and Kiva Café (in Milan-Grants). There's one left in Gallup I have to try: Jerry's Café. It is a small restaurant and usually has a line of people waiting to get in. I've been told that Jerry's Café is one of the best in Gallup.

Clint Eastwood's "Cry Macho"

Yesterday, one of my Jamestown, New Mexico friends, Russell Azbill and I headed into Gallup to see Clint Eastwood's new move, Cry Macho at the Red Rock 10 Theaters.

This'll probably be the last time anyone can say, "Let's go see the new Eastwood movie!" After all, the man is now 91. He is showing his age, but I have to give him credit for still making movies. The man is amazing.

Above, Russell Azbill at Genaro's. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The story synopsis from Rotten Tomatoes:

From Warner Bros. Pictures comes director/producer Clint Eastwood's uplifting and poignant drama "Cry Macho." The film stars Eastwood as Mike Milo, a one-time rodeo star and washed-up horse breeder who, in 1979, takes a job from an ex-boss to bring the man's young son home from Mexico. Forced to take the backroads on their way to Texas, the unlikely pair faces an unexpectedly challenging journey, during which the world-weary horseman finds unexpected connections and his own sense of redemption.

It is not as strong an Eastwood movie as Gran Torino from 2008, but it was entertaining nonetheless. I haven't seen Eastwood's immediate prior movie, The Mule, yet. According to the end credits, it was filmed in New Mexico. About a year ago, one of the clerks at the Indian Market at Continental Divide told me that Eastwood was filming a movie at Red Rock Park. If that was the case, I didn't recognize Red Rock Park in the movie. 

Above, yours truly at Genaro's. Photo by Russell Azbill.

Eastwood's ex-boss is played by Country star Dwight Yoakam. Yoakam looked older and heavy in this movie. But he is 65 years old, so I guess he can be forgiven. I didn't know he could act.

Following the movie, Russell and I headed for Genaro's for some New Mexico-style Mexican food. We haven't been there for a while, so it was a treat having a meal there. 

As for Cry Macho, I'd give it a grade of A- to B+. Eastwood fans will enjoy it.

Before the movie started, a couple of trailers caught my attention. Moonfall looks interesting and, of course, No Time To Die, the new James Bond movie.

After dinner, as traffic was backed up on Interstate 40 and Route 66, we headed home through Six Mile Canyon. This was the first time Russell has ever been in the canyon and he enjoyed the ride.

Business In Gallup and Snow At the Continental Divide

Above, the mesas northeast of Jamestown covered in snow. These are at the Continental Divide. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

This afternoon, I went into Gallup to take care of a few things, including stopping at the bank and to check with my mechanic on a future project.

The bank couldn't help me as they only have drive-up service and I need to replace a debit card with a faulty chip. They said I can call customer service to do this.

The future "project" is the Jeep. I have a slow fuel tank leak (I have a gas can collecting the dripping gasoline). It stops when it goes below five gallons, so it is my guess is the leak is on the upper portion of the gas tank. I checked with my mechanic to see if he can handle the job of replacing the fuel tank. He said can and that the most difficulty is getting parts. I told him that I have sources for parts and that will not be a problem.

Above, the mesas a little further west of the top photo has no trace of snow. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

After those two stops were done, I went to try out a restaurant I spotted in the business complex that my computer repairer is located. I spotted it last week when I went to pick up my computer. It is called Cocina de Dominguez, a Mexican restaurant. Since there's no dine-in service in any restaurant in New Mexico at present, I ordered take out.

I decided to try their chicken chimichanga dinner. I am happy to report that it was good. Their red sauce is as hot as Genaro's and I was sweating profusely. It was a good think that I have some sour cream to "extinguish" it. I give the place a "thumb's up"!

One odd thing that I saw as I was headed to the freeway from home was that the mesas to the northeast of Jamestown were covered with snow, even though they were facing south (or the sun), which would cause the snow to melt faster than other sides. The point where the mesas were covered with snow is where the Continental Divide is. I have been told that there are weather changes at the Continental Divide, compared to other nearby areas. Now I've seen it for myself.

The mesas closer to Jamestown (or west of the Continental Divide) had absolutely no snow, een though they are all roughly the same elevation. I took the two photos that accompany this blog post illustrating the difference. 

Dinner At Genaro's

Above, tonight's meal at Genaro's in Gallup. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Tonight, I was craving Mexican food (well, I've been craving it for some time) and decided to head into Gallup to Genaro's.

It had been months since I last dined at Genaro's and I headed into Gallup for dinner.

Since my heart/artery issue of last year, I have drastically cut down on red meat. But, I figured I'd treat myself to beef enchiladas. I would like to have had their chili rellenos, but they're too loaded with cheese (gotta watch the cholesterol, y'know).

When I arrived, the dining room was only one quarter occupied, which was fine with me.

Above, inside Genaro's. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Genaro's is located on Hill Avenue west of downtown Gallup in a residential neighborhood. At least they have a parking lot. Many times I've been there and the lot was full and I had to park on the street. Tonight was my lucky night since there was plenty of parking.

Tonight was a "four napkin night" as I broke out in a sweat from the spicy enchilada sauce. New Mexico is known as the "Chili Capital of the U.S." If one visits New Mexico and goes to a Mexican restaurant and they ask, "Red or green?" they are referring to the sauce. Red is actually milder than the green.

Anyway, it was an enjoyable meal. Tomorrow, it is back to my "safe" food (fish or chicken).

Indulged

Above, Genaro's Cafe in Gallup. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

For the past few days, I've been craving chile rellenos.

The initial thought on chile rellenos months ago is that since there's no meat in them, they should be okay for heart patients to consume. Unfortunately, no. They're loaded with cheese.

However, when discussing food and cardiac diets during our morning gatherings at Denny's in the Flying J, most agreed that it's okay to have something that's not exactly "heart healthy" on occasion. They key they (most are also heart patients) agree on is moderation.

Since I have been adhering to a heart healthy diet, it is okay to have an indulgence once in a while. Also, as the doctor in Twin Falls, Idaho told me, "Changing your diet is okay, but the most important thing is to take the medications."

So, with all that in mind, I went to Genaro's Cafe in Gallup last night and had chile rellenos for dinner. Those were great!

Funny thing, the hot sauce (red) made my scalp sweat. I wasn't too aware of it inside the restaurant, but when I left the restaurant, the cold air hit the perspiration and it was freezing cold! (It was around 40° outside.) That was a waker-upper!

The Spring Is Back

Above, just before I was discharged from the hospital.

Ever since my July 27 heart attack, I have been very careful about what I am eating. Grocery shopping has become even more of a chore as I read all nutritional listings on the food labels.

I am especially conscious about watching for cholesterol, sodium, calories and other things that might be detrimental. I have not had any beef since July 27 and I have shed about five pounds since that day. My weight hasn't been this low since just after I graduated from California State University, Long Beach in 1979.

I have to confess that I was very tempted to go to Genaro's Mexican Restaurant in Gallup last night as I was craving Mexican food something fierce. I was getting tired of chicken and fish. But common sense and caution overruled me as I opted instead for a turkey breast sandwich on 9-grain wheat bread at the Subway in the Flying J. It saddened me to have to say "no cheese" when I was asked. I added, "doctor's orders." The only dressing in the sandwich was light mayonnaise.

As for beef, I will eventually have some, but it won't be a regular part of my diet. Just once in a while. I might barbecue a t-bone steak next week as a treat to myself.

It will be a month in three more days since the heart attack and am now feeling normal with the "spring back in my step". For a couple of weeks (or so) I was feeling hesitant and had some trepidation about doing anything. Those feelings are now gone. Still, I am reminded of what happened by all the medications I've been taking and the Life Alert gizmo I am wearing. I don't have to see the cardiologist until November.

I got word the other day that I now have medical coverage in New Mexico, which includes prescriptions. This will be a big help financially as just one medication I have to take (Brilinta) costs around $400 alone.

As a friendly reminder, I posted a blog earlier this month on the warning signs of a heart attack by the American Heart Association. The link to it is here.

Enchiladas Tonight

Above, enchiladas from Genaro's in Gallup. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Since it has been about a month since I last had Mexican food (New Mexico-style), I am thinking on heading to Genaro's in Gallup this evening for some enchiladas. Yes, I am craving Mexican food.

I suppose I can stand sweating like a fiend today since the enchilada sauce is hotter than hell. Thank God they have a nice big napkin dispenser on each table for patrons to wipe off the perspiration.

Red or green enchilada sauce? Well, I found a website that discusses the difference between the two New Mexico sauces.

They wrote:

Red or green?  That's the question you'll be asked in every New Mexican restaurant.  In fact, New Mexico is the only state in the USA that has an official state question:  "Red or Green?"  I learned that on my first trip through New Mexico, and, I was further told, "if you're not asked this question in a New Mexican restaurant, you're not eating New Mexican food."  While many of us out-of-staters (who love our Mexican and Texican fare) generically refer to this type of red or green chile pepper- or powder-based sauce as "enchilada sauce", and, mistakenly assume it's reserved for enchiladas, in New Mexico, you'll learn that almost everything gets smothered in it.  You name it, the dish gets sauced.  Can't decide?  Just answer "Christmas" -- they'll bring you both.

I don't think I am too daring to answer "Christmas" at the restaurant. Since I survived the red sauce the last time, I'll just go with that.

Small wonder that the New Mexico Motor Vehicles Department offers "Chile Capital of the World" license plates.

"Pacific Rim Uprising" and Chili Rellenos

Above, the Red Rock 10 Theaters in Gallup. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Thanks to yesterday's little snow squall, I was not able to go to Gallup to see the new Pacific Rim Uprising and go afterwards to Genaro's Mexican restaurant for chili rellenos.

Fortunately, today's weather was much better and the snow is completely gone. I headed to Allen Theaters' Red Rock 10 in East Gallup and saw the movie and went to Genaro's for my chili rellenos.

On the movie, it was okay, but there was too much time taken for setting up the second half. Sure, the battles were spectacular and the CGI was good but the story, to me, dragged.

I thought the first Pacific Rim was excellent (even better than Legendary's Godzilla). The best grade I can give Pacific Rim Uprising is a B.

Above, Genaro's Mexican restaurant in Gallup. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

At least I could give Genaro's chili rellenos an 'A' grade. When ordering, I was asked if I wanted red or green sauce. The waitress said the green sauce is hotter. So I went with the "mild" red sauce.

Above, the chili rellenos. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Well, if the red sauce was "mild", then the green sauce has to be hotter than a solar flare. I was sweating so much that I had to use about 5-6 napkins (thank goodness they have napkin dispensers on every table). The red sauce was great, but hot!

Now to just relax at home and digest the rellenos.

Enchiladas At Genaro's In Gallup

Above, the outside of Genaro's. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

"If you suffer from hemorrhoids, the sauce will surely weld them shut!" - Unknown.

Finally got my first taste of New Mexico Mexican food!

Since there is supposed to be a storm coming in tonight with snow in the forecast for tomorrow morning, I figured that tonight would be a good time to try out one of the restaurants listed in "The New Mexico Enchilada Trail" that I posted about last month.

The Gallup, New Mexico restaurant that was included in the list was Genaro's. I decided to give their enchiladas a try. I have to admit that once I got there, I was sorely tempted to get the chili rellenos instead. But I will try those on my next visit.

Here's what Only In Your State said about Genaro's:

The chicken enchiladas at Genaro’s are authentic and succulent. It’s hard to decide whether the red or green sauce is better here, so go for Christmas. Genaro’s is a bit of a diamond in the rough but you won’t regret giving this restaurant a chance. It’s located at 600 W Hill Avenue in Gallup.

I elected to go with beef enchiladas with red sauce. I wasn't disappointed! It was great and the sauce was so hot (in a spicy way) that sweat was dripping down my forehead and my scalp was saturated. I felt like I needed to rush home to wash my hair. It was THAT good! I can see why there's a big (and I do mean BIG) napkin dispenser at each table. Diners need them to wipe the perspiration off.

Above, my meal before it was totally consumed. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Along with the three enchiladas, the dinner came with hominy, refried beans and rice (not the usual dry Spanish rice).

Genaro's was established in 1975 and Gigi Garcia is the owner. The hours are 10:30 am to 7:30 pm Tuesday through Saturday (good thing I decided to go there today since they are closed tomorrow).

When I arrived, the restaurant was packed with people. The decor isn't much to look at since it looks like a mom & pop diner. But it's the food that's most important.

My grade: A.