ALBUQUERQUE, New Mexico — Like many tourists, we arrived at Cecilia’s Cafe in downtown Albuquerque at the recommendation of Guy Fieri, the celebrity TV chef from the Food Network. He’s the bleached-blond, spiky-haired guy from “Diners, Drive-ins and Dives” who seeks out offbeat, down-home restaurants.
The streets are empty on Saturday morning, so there’s no problem finding metered parking outside the building (once someone’s house) at the corner of Sixth Street and Silver Avenue (505-243-7070).
Though Cecilia’s has been here for nearly a decade, the furnishings (pink-and-turquoise leatherette booths, and red-and-white gingham cafe curtains) seem from a bygone era. With about 10 tables, a wood-burning stove and cooking aromas wafting from the open kitchen, it’s cozy and comfortable.
Cecilia Baca is as humble and down-to-earth as her namesake. “Knowing how to cook comes naturally when you’re the oldest of nine,” she says. She arrives at work by 4:30 each morning, making dishes that reflect her own cultural heritage, a mix of Spanish, Irish and Mexican influences. Her sister Mary Alice fills in as our waitress.
We ask about the differences between Mexican and New Mexican cooking. “It’s mainly the spices,” Baca explains. “Mexicans use more cilantro and cumin, while I use garlic salt, onion and, of course, our local chili peppers.”
Since it was featured on Fieri’s “regional classics” show (airing in 2008), this neighborhood favorite has become legendary to foodies on social media. Yet, Cecilia’s still upholds its reputation for tasty, authentic New Mexican cooking.
