Vernon's Hidden Valley Steaks
Vernon's Hidden Valley Steaks seeks to recreate the feel of the old-fashioned speakeasy of the Prohibition Era. The entrance is hidden in the back of Los Ranchos Liquors, and entry is gained by lifting a flap set into the unadorned door and whispering, "Joe sent me." Once inside, diners are greeted with an elegant establishment sporting a flickering fireplace and tinkling live piano jazz. Sundays feature a live jazz combo covering the best-crooned tunes from the likes of Tony Bennett, Mark Murphy and Harry Connick, Jr. An expansive wine list accompanies the music and food, offering reds, whites, blushes and sparkling wines.
Specialty menu items include USDA prime center cut ribeye steak with walnut butter, Colorado double-cut lamb chops with mint jelly, pork medallions with cranberry port demi glace, beef tenderloin medallions with mushrooms, and cold water lobster tail with fresh vegetables.
Vernon's Hidden Valley Steaks
6855 4th St NW
Albuquerque, NM 87107
505-341-0831
thehiddensteakhouse.com
Cosmo Tapas
Cosmo Tapas mixes a wide variety of traditional Spanish mini-meals with plenty of modern twists, flavoring it all with live jazz, flamenco, samba and Andean music for both diners and dancers. While foodies nosh, couples stomp the ground and twirl to the rhythmic music, and guests who feel the urge are encouraged to abandon their tables and join in the swirl. Live, smooth jazz and blues are also offered on a regular basis.
Menu highlights include: crab-stuffed piquillo peppers with romesco sauce; Pacific calamari sauteed in citrus juices, cachaca and smoked chiles; skirt steak with herb vinaigrette; and hearts of palm salad with asparagus, mixed greens and coconut-lime dressing. Numerous empanadas are also featured with flaky crusts and warm fillings of meats, cheeses and vegetables.
Cosmo Tapas
4200 Central Ave SE
Albuquerque, NM 87108
505-232-0535
cosmotapas.com
The Barley Room
The Barley Room is a neighborhood grill featuring a full bar, pub grub, sandwiches and steaks with raucous live blues and rock music performed by local and touring bands every Friday and Saturday night. The atmosphere is very much like the cover of Bruce Springsteen's album "Born in the USA," with jean jackets, tight wranglers, headbands and intriguing facial hair in full effect. Nearly 75 bottled domestic and foreign beers are available, as are red and white wines, and the full bar showcases mixed drinks, shots and premium tequilas and bourbons.
Menu selections include blackened yellow fin tuna steak, grilled salmon, skewered shrimp and steak kabobs, green chile fettucine alfredo and a variety of burgers and salads.
The Barley Room
5200 Eubank Blvd NE Suite B5
Albuquerque, NM 87111
505-332-0800
barleyroom.com
Article Written By Eirik Ott
Eirik Ott is a professional performance poet, freelance writer, graphic designer, Apple Computer enthusiast and photographer. Since graduating from Chico State University with a degree in journalism in 2000, he has written for newspapers and magazines such as "The Reno Gazette-Journal," "The Austin American-Statesman," "Bust Magazine" and "Poets & Writers Magazine." He is based in Austin, Texas.
