Friday, July 11, 2008

Hot Stuff in Albuquerque


Albuquerque's legendary El Pinto Restaurant, a culinary institution since 1962, does everything in a big way, from its 1,020-seat restaurant with multiple adobe-wrapped patios, to the 3,000 cases of salsa it produces daily. El Pinto also has distinguished itself as the only restaurant invited to serve food at the White House. In fact, their salsa has been the official food during several Cinco de Mayo celebrations held there.

"Salsa Twins' and El Pinto owners, Jim & John Thomas, have crafted their salsa and green chile sauce on-site, since 2001, winning 30+ awards as well as mentions on ESPN Sports Center, MSNBC, and the Food Network. The sauces and salsas have become so popular that they're available in more than 30 states.

For a great souvenir from your visit to El Pinto, try a jar of their salsa at home. It's even more special when you order a case of jars that have been personalized. Within seconds after spooning this hot salsa onto your favorite tortilla chips or nachos, the nose sweats and back-of-throat burn begin. Big tomato and pepper chunks and bits of cilantro echo flavors from the restaurant. Sip a margarita to tame the heat, and you're back amidst the cottonwoods and chile ristras.

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