Albuquerque International Sunport Unveils New Food Court

KOB Channel 4 News posted the following video of the new eateries at the Albuquerque Sunport.

It looks like travelers will get more choices for food while at the airport.

Unfortunately, the Rio Grande Brew Pub will not be back. According to sources, it is permanently closed. It was there that I discovered Alien Amber Ale.

Here's the video:

Trip Eatin' and Drinkin'

Above, the Old Spaghetti Factory in Phoenix. 

After a little trip to Phoenix, Arizona to attend the National Money Show, I am back home.

It was a good time to get out of cold and windy Jamestown, New Mexico for a few days. Mitch Geriminsky drove to Phoenix from Lake Havasu and met me at the airport.

Above, the Rodizio Grill in Mesa, Arizona. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Along with the National Money Show, we went to a couple of eateries. One was the Rodizio Grill, a Brazillian-style steakhouse in Mesa. I had never been there before, but it was enjoyable. Another place I hadn't been to was The Old Spaghetti Factory. I've passed by several of them, but never tried any out until now. I had the mushroom sauce, which was excellent.

Above, Rio Grande Brew Pub and Grill at the Albuquerque Sunport. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Before my flight from the Albuquerque Sunport, I went to the Rio Grande Brew Pub and Grill, where I discovered Alien Amber Ale, and had one.

Above, yours truly at the Rio Grande Brew Pub and Grill.

We had a good time at the show and will likely go again next year if it is held in Phoenix again.

Return Visit To The Rio Grande Brew Pub & Grill

Above, the Rio Grande Brew Pub & Grill. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

While waiting for my flight to Phoenix (and, from there, to Ontario, California), I treated myself to a nice tall glass of Alien Amber Ale at the Rio Grande Brew Pub & Grill in the terminal of the Albuquerque International Sunport. It was here that I discovered Alien Amber Ale while traveling to Las Vegas.

It is a nice pub (I haven't tried their food) with a nice assortment of beers, many of them local brews, along with hard liquors (for those who want a stiffer drink).

Above, my glass of Alien Amber Ale. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It has window seating for those who may want to watch the planes.

I would have to say that the Albuquerque International Sunport is one of the nicest airports I've been to. 

Holiday Travel

Above, the lobby of the Sunport International Airport. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Flying during the Christmas holiday will be a new experience for me. It is expected to be crowded at the nation's airports.

Fortunately for me, I will be flying out of a small city (Albuquerque) and arriving at an airport in California that is not LAX. Thank goodness! Also, I am getting more familiar with the set-up of the Sunport International Airport. If I have plenty of time on my hands once I get there, I might go have a glass of Alien Amber Ale while waiting for my flight at the Rio Grande Brew Pub & Grill.

Upon arrival at my destination airport, I will be taking a rental car to my cousin's in the Lake Elsinore area. Hopefully, the rental will be large enough to accommodate my suitcase, dubbed "The Monolith". I think this will be the first time using it since the Hawaii trip two years ago.

KOB 4 News reported:

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – People in New Mexico are packing up and heading out of town for the holidays. 

Sunport International Airport officials are projecting the busiest day to be the day after Christmas. 

“This whole travel period for the holidays is busier than we normally see throughout the year,” said Stephanie Kitts, a spokesperson for the Sunport. 

That means parking lots may fill up, walkways may be crowded and TSA lines may take longer. 

“We’re seeing a different traveler at the holiday. We’re seeing somebody who maybe hasn't traveled a lot and isn’t familiar with the rules they don’t know maybe that liquids and gels are restricted,” said Maggie Santiago with TSA New Mexico. 

Santiago said wait times will take longest during those peak flight times around 5 a.m. or 6 a.m. But at all times, it's best to plan ahead by two or more hours.

Hopefully, the RV parking lot at the Sunport International Airport will have plenty of room for The Beast.

To read more, go here. 

Roswell Alien Amber Ale

While waiting for my flight at the Albuquerque International Sunport, I decided to relax over an ale at the Rio Grande Brew Pub & Grill in the airport's terminal.

Above, my plane at the gate at the Albuquerque Int. Sunport. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

I spotted the draft beer spigot dispenser handle for Roswell Alien Amber Ale by the Sierra Blanca Brewing Company (Rio Grande) in Moriarty, NM, so I decided to try it.

I have to say that the ale is a very good one.

Above, the draft beer spigots. Roswell Alien Amber Ale is easy to spot. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Here's a little about the Roswell Alien Amber Ale:

The Roswell Alien Amber Ale was first brewed in 1997 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the alleged UFO crash in Roswell, New Mexico (at this time, Sierra Blanca was located in Carrizozo, New Mexico, about 70 miles from Roswell). The brewery uses nine different types of barley to create this smooth, malty ale and it has become the most popular of Sierra Blanca’s offerings. From its full mouthfeel and biscuity flavor, to its rich, creamy texture, the Roswell Alien Amber is a refreshing, sessionable beer you’re sure to enjoy!

If you happen to be in New Mexico, give Roswell Alien Amber Ale a try!