JBF Awards 2010: Mary & Titos Cafe (Albuquerque, NM ), Americas Classic Award

Mary & Titos Cafe
2711 Fourth St. N.W., Albuquerque, NM
Owners: Mary Gonzales and Antoinette Knight

Carne adovada—long-braised pork in red chile sauce—might be the most characteristic of New Mexicos robust and deceptively simple dishes. New Mexicans argue the merits of various carne adovada preparations statewide, but aficionados nearly always rank Mary & Titos tops. The Gonzales family serves the fork-tender meat as the centerpiece of a plate, in overstuffed burritos, and also as a filling for enchiladas and empanadas.

Native New Mexicans and husband and wife team Mary and Tito Gonzales started their adobe cafe just north of downtown Albuquerque in 1963. Tito was the original cook and creator of the recipes. When he passed away, Mary hired more cooks and continued to run the front of the house, oversee the business, and raise their family.

From the worn but clean booths, tables, and a handful of counter stools, diners gaze over family and patron photos, the kids and grandkids sports trophies, and other mementos of family accomplishments.
Now past 80, Mary still comes in daily to greet old friends and new, while her daughter Antoinette manages the cafe. Other daughters help out too, and various grandchildren wait tables when theyre not in school.

—Cheryl Jamison, Cookbook Author and Food Writer

Category:

Nonprofits & Activism

Tags:

• 2010
• James
• Beard
• Foundation
• Awards
• America's
• Classics
• Mary
• Tito's

[pueblopintado]

AHHH i love that place!!!! got the best new mexican food ever. Yes the chile is sooo good. homecooking to the T. Mary and titos is the best.

[Khaluless]

Pachacuti says the gods will begin the new age with your great chow-

[TheDesertWest]

Mary and Titos has the best red chili in the state ... That means the best red chili in the world!

I love the carne adovada pizza, "Christmas" with red and green chili!! I want one right mow ... Hey Patricio!