whiteoak:

imnutzo,

Just got back.  Try the Santa Ana Casino.  I liked it better than Sandia.  More space, less smoke.  Course I didn't win at either but I did enjoy Santa Ana more.

Agreed, Bill.  While I won more at Sandia, Santa Ana Star was a little more spacious.  One thing that stood out at both -- the LOCAL flavor.  I can't you how people sat down at my tables (I was playing Texas Hold 'Em Bonus) and were greeted BY NAME by the dealers.  When the locals play at a certain casino, you know that casino is doing something right. 

Hey Mike, I had the same experience you had at the Santa Ana.  I played the same table you did (I think it is the only one of Texas Hold 'em outside of the Poker Room) and the dealer seemed to know all the people that sat down and played.  I loved that game as I played for over 4 hours and only lost $25.  Didn't play the bonus or I would have probably lost a lot more.

I also like the idea you had for Deb in regards to informing local officials of how helpful she has been.  I am glad Deb has been as diligent as she has about answering questions that we have as bowlers.  I actually started the "Ask Deb" area when I noticed her answering questions way back before this year's tournament started.   I give Deb all the credit for keeping up with all the inquiries people have had.

It would be great to recruit a local person from each location the tournament is at that would be willing to answer questions because local knowledge is SO beneficial to any person coming from out of town.  Hopefully, Matt will look into that for future years.

Hey, Zima -- hope you bowled better than I did. 

Hopefully, indeed, Matt sees this as an opportunity for some local folks.  I cc'd him on my email to Mayor Chavez.  I guess we'll see. 

I know there have been a couple of posts on this already, but I was curious if the remodeling/construction was done on the Raddison Hotel yet or not.  I don't go until the Fourth of July weekend (A LOOONNNGGG time from now).  Thanks for your help.

I know you mentioned a good pizza place before. Hate to ask you again but I think me and Dad would have a good time in the room our first night in with a good pie and a glass or three of wine and shootin' the breeze. Not the chain guys, although a few of those can be ok. I'll be at Lomas and Louisana if that matters. Bowling the 15/ 16th and looking forward to good times.

Pass the beer nuts...dave

davebh:

I know you mentioned a good pizza place before. Hate to ask you again but I think me and Dad would have a good time in the room our first night in with a good pie and a glass or three of wine and shootin' the breeze. Not the chain guys, although a few of those can be ok. I'll be at Lomas and Louisana if that matters. Bowling the 15/ 16th and looking forward to good times.

Pass the beer nuts...dave

Hi, Dave!

Friend of mine, Pat Patterson, gave the skinny on the pizza scene in ABQ.  Here's what he posted ...

-------------------------------------------------------

PIZZA:

Giovanni's (San Pedro near Kathiryn): Excellent NY style pizza.

NYPD (Central Blvd and 1st/2nd street-a stones throw from the Convention Center):  Excellent NY style pizza.

Pie Shack (Eubank/Indian School Rd): Excellent West Coast style pizza, Giant Calzone's and Chipotle Wings.

Dion's (A local favorite, several locations): Very good pizza and sandwiches(top-notch).

Pudge Brothers Pizza (Several Locations): Massive Pies.

-------------------------------------------------------

I can vouch for Pudge Brothers and Dion's.  Both make a good pizza, with Pudge Brothers being the more traditional and Dion's offering more exotic versions along with the normal options.  I haven't tried the others, but NYPD is on my list for the next time we're in town and want a good pie.

Hope this helps!

Deb

Deb Special Request

Would you happen to know where a fellow can buy his Teddy Bear collecting Wife a ABQ N.M Teddy Bear....this could be a bear with a tee shirt that say ABQ....

No Bear,,I best not come home...LOL...

And are there any "hot rod" Cruise In in the local area.

As a Classic Mustang Owner it would be nice to see some of the local "Iron"

Any Drive In or Parking lot get togethers you know of where the local "car Guys" hang out as my schedule has changed I'll be in on the 17th of May

 Sam

PS..

I believe Deb should get an honorable mention for her service to her fellow USBC Bowlers for going above and beyond the call of duty to assist us in having an excellent adventure to ABQ and the Open.

Hi Deb sorry to get back to you so late the wife and I went to Las Vegas right after the tournament and spent 7 more days there.

I just wanted to say it was a pleasure meeting you and thank you for taking time to come and see us. I also want to thank you for everything you done for the bowers in the ask Deb column. The information was you provided was invaluable so again thank you for your time and good luck with the bowling paper you are publishing. God Bless...

Deb I sent Mayor Chavez and email explaining your great service to the city of Albuquerque I hope that in some way he can recognize you for your service to the city.

Regards

Mike...