will be in ABQ from 10/10-10/15. Will it be hard to get a table at dinner time? Wife is on business and I have time to spare during the day. Have car and will travel. Where to start? Live to eat!

Welcome to the Land of Enchantment!

What kind of food do you all like, and what is your budget? There have been several threads lately on restaurants and things to do in Albuquerque and Santa Fe.

Since the Balloon Fiesta is in gear, there are more folks than usual in town. Reservations would probably be a good idea at places that take them.

Lee Ann

Not worried about $.Looking for local flavor (when in Rome!). A nice place to take the wife for dinner(s). I like to be where the locals are and to people watch.

For your daytime travel: The Sandia Peak Tram is a must - http://www.sandiapeak.com/

New Mexican food: Sadie's or Garcia's, both on 4th Street in the North Valley.

Nice dining: Artichoke Cafe on Central near downtown; Yanni's or Scalo, both on Central in Nob Hill; Le Cafe Miche on Wyoming in the Northeast Heights.

People watching: Frontier or Olympia Cafe on Central near UNM. Both are local institutions, and Frontier makes a great breakfast burrito.

Check www.local-iq.com and www.alibi.com for more recommendations.

Lee Ann