The Shop Breakfast and Lunch

The amazing team at The Shop Breakfast and Lunch sponsored our breakfast during our stay in Albuquerque. The food was amazing and the vibe in the restaurant was perfect!

Take a look at what we had for breakfast

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Staying at Studios Nob Hill, Albuquerque

Arriving at Studios Nob Hill in Albuquerque was a jaw dropping experience. I have stayed at many places around the world but Studios Nob Hill was so different. It literally felt as if it was a home away from home….but even better! Immediately upon walking in, one gets this “homely” feeling and you know that you are going to love this place. After staying at so many hotels, it was nice to just relax in an environment that was so welcoming. We loved the fact that the unit was self catering with a fully equipped kitchen, a flat screen TV with tons of channels as well as a laundry area…hello clean washing!

Award-winning designer, Gaye Roth, has helped Roy Solomon with a full renovation of this building in a contemporary retro style. She has designed and remodeled spaces for herself and others and believes that a fun, artistic, hip space will make a guest’s stay much more pleasant. Having traveled extensively, she knows what is needed in a space away from home.

As owner and manager of Studios Nobhill LLC, Gaye makes sure the property is eclectic, contemporary and comfortable in every detail. Her use of color has won attention and awards and has given her projects constant notice.

All 450 square feet of this beautiful studio has been fully remodeled and designed by local award winning designer. Silestone countertops and a fully equipped kitchen, hardwood floors throughout with slate floors in spacious bath. Shower with pebble flooring and accented with dalle de verre colored glass window. Contemporary furnishings by local artists and original art.

Eating at the amazing Amore Neapolitan Pizzeria

We are currently in Albuquerque, New Mexico and would have never imagined that we would find a little piece of Italy right here. Amore Neapolitan Pizzeria sponsored our dinner during our visit to Albuquerque. Their restaurant is located in Nob Hill. Nob Hill is a vibrant district bursting with eclectic shops, swank dining, and chic nightspots. Route 66 neon signs and  architecture combined with predominantly locally-owned shops, galleries and restaurants make Nob Hill a hip and fashionable area located just east of the University.

About the owners

Amore Neapolitan Pizzeria is owned and operated by Gabriel and Kimberly Amador. It’s a family restaurant that is certifiably, authentic Neapolitan — the only hand-made, hand-stretched, Neapolitan pizzeria in the state.

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The food

Gabriel started us of with a Caprese Salad which consisted of Fresh house-made mozzarella, fresh tomato, olive oil, basil and a balsamic reduction. It was so fresh and refreshing and the mozzarella was divine! The portions are so generous and you could definitely share this.

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For mains I had one of the speciality pizzas. I chose the Maestro “Roberto’s Burrata Pie” which had Pecorino Sardonic, Italian white truffle, porcini mushroom, grape tomato, house-made mozzarella, basil and olio. I don’t know where to even begin with this one. This was honestly the best pizza I have ever had. It was truly authentic Italian pizza. The grape tomatoes were so incredibly fresh and so delicious. The pizza is amazing and you definitely do want to share it with anyone…be greedy! It’s so worth it.

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My favourite part of the meal was definitely dessert! Gabriel made us this divine Dolce di Amore Dessert Calzones. It’s a airy pizza dough filled with your choice of filling and topped with confectioner’s sugar. I chose the chocolate hazelnut finished with confectioner’s sugar and fresh strawberries. It was different to what I would normally have for dessert but that’s only because I never knew this amazing dish existed. It was so good that I actually saved some for a midnight snack.

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On a side note, check out their awesome pizza boxes. I am in love with their logo and branding! Definitely the coolest place ever!

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Amore is truly a gem and I encourage everyone to visit this restaurant. The food is authentically Italian and you can just taste the quality. Gabriel is such an amazing person and just makes the vibe in the restaurant even better. He is definitely one of the nicest people I have met on this trip.

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Lunching at Bistronomy B2B in Nob Hill

Upon arriving in Albuquerque we visited Bistronomy B2B for lunch. Their food is served incredibly fresh with everything prepared in-house and all ingredients sourced locally! I tried the Pierre Wild Mushroom Burger with cheese and Cajun Fries. It was mind blowing! The flavours fused together so perfectly and the cajun fries was delicious. The dipping sauces, to go with the fries, was out of this world. 3 Dipping sauces included Smokey Ketchup, Curry Ketchup and Pesto Mayo (which was my absolute favourite).

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I love the personalized branded burger buns, which are also home made and served so fresh and delicious!

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The restaurant does not usually serve dessert but the chef treated us to some Almond and White Chocolate Macarons. I love macarons and these were so so so tasty! My only regret was not asking for some more.

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Meet the team behind Albuquerque’s Amore Neapolitan Pizzeria

Amore Neapolitan Pizzeria is Albuquerque’s first and only certifiably authentic, hand-crafted, wood-fired Neapolitan pizza. Amore Neapolitan Pizzeria is owned and operated by Gabriel and Kimberly Amador. It’s a family restaurant that is certifiably, authentic Neapolitan — the only hand-made, hand-stretched, Neapolitan pizzeria in the state.

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About Amore

“The idea was born of a chance meeting in 1999, between a Navy girl from Kansas and a guy from Seattle at a party on Pinetamare Beach in Naples, Italy,” Gabriel explains.  “As we fell in love, married, and started our family, Kimberly and I realized the romance and passion of Naples had to play a part in our dream of building something together as a family.” Amore Neapolitan Pizzeria is a combination of many things we love: a hand-made, healthier style of pizza, Naples, family and our pride in all things local.”

The Amadors are trained, certified and mentored by Roberto Caporuscio, Associazione Pizzaiuoli Napoletani President. APN certification is the highest certification for pizza chefs in Italy, and is only obtained in Naples, Italy or New York City. Gabriel and Kimberly traveled to NYC to work and train with the star chef at both of his establishments:Keste Pizza & Vino, and Don Antonio by Starita, respectively rated number 1 and 2 best NYC pizzerias by Zagats.

The Team

Gabriel Amador Gabriel Amador, A guy from Seattle.APN certified. Pizza chef. Daily operations. Kimberly AmadorKimberly Amador, A Navy girl from Kansas.APN certified. Pizza chef. Supplies.

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12 Amazing Sights we will see on our Road Trip

There are so many things we are looking forward to seeing on our road trip. I tried to narrow down one attraction for each of our pit stops. It was extremely difficult but here it is.

New York – Times Square

This is a famous New York attraction and looks incredibly exciting. It is the soul of NYC

Pittsburgh – Duquesne Incline

There is not that much that appeals to me in Pittsburgh; however this is cool

Indianapolis – Indianapolis Motor Speedway

Indianapolis is home to the Indi 500 and this is definitely not to be missed

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Nashville – Country Music Hall of Fame

What?! It is the home of Country Music

New Orleans – Mississippi River

Only because The Adventures of Tom Sawyer was my absolute favourite

Dallas – Mesquite Rodeo

We are looking forward to a real cowboy experience

Amarillo – Cadillac Ranch

Who doesn’t want to see a bunch of cars sticking out the ground?

Albuquerque – Sandia Peak Tramway

To be honest, Jacques is looking forward to this the most.

Flagstaff – Antelope Canyon

On route to Las Vegas, we plan on driving through Page to see Antelope Canyon

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Las Vegas – The famous Las Vegas sign

Call it cliche, but I am seriously looking forward to taking a picture with this sign

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Los Angeles – Universal Studios, Hollywood

Because this is just too damn cool to miss

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San Francisco – Alcatraz

I have a weird obsession with prisons and this is number 1 on my list

 

Free Visitors Guide for Albuquerque

One of the places we will be visiting on our great American road trip is Albuquerque and I couldn’t be more excited. Visiting Albuquerque allows you to experience the authentic Southwest. As one of the oldest cities in the U.S., Albuquerque boasts a unique multicultural heritage and history where Native American, Hispanic & Latino, Anglo and other cultural influences are a part of everyday life. If you are going to Albuquerque to experience the spectacular culture, abundance of activities and breathtaking landscape make sure you request a free Albuquerque visitors guide. I requested one a few days ago and was so surprised to see how quickly it arrived.  Let the planning begin.

Useful Albuquerque websites

www.visitalbuquerque.org |www.facebook.com/VisitABQ

*Pictures courtesy of Visit Albuquerque Facebook Page.