El Pinto Restaurant is the Best New Mexican Restaurant Declares Albuquerque the Magazine's Reader Poll

Nov 22, 2013

El Pinto Restaurant is declared the Best New Mexican Restaurant in the vigorously contested Best of the City restaurant category.

The annual Best of the City Awards conducted by Albuquerque the Magazine were released November, 21 2013 at the Best of the City magazine release event held at Sandia BMW. First place award winners along with the top five finalists were revealed for the December/January 2014 issue of Albuquerque the Magazine. Hundreds of thousands of votes were independently tabulated ranking the best of the best in Albuquerque, New Mexico through this popular survey.

El Pinto Restaurant and Cantina is Best of the City in three coveted categories: Best New Mexico Restaurant, Best Guacamole, and Best Patio Dining. Additionally El Pinto was recognized as a top five finalist in six categories: Best Green Chile, Best Margarita, Best Chips and Salsa, Best Chile Relleno, Best Sopapilla, and Best Food Product Made Locally recognizing El Pinto salsa.

“The hard work of our staff making fresh and nutritious New Mexican cuisine each day is rewarded with this honor,” explains Jim Thomas co-owner of El Pinto. He continues, “This award validates our vision to provide the freshest, most organic, locally sourced New Mexican food that is antibiotic and pesticide free. Albuquerquians know El Pinto is the best spot for fresh, nutritious, and great tasting New Mexican food.”

This past summer El Pinto began gardening on the property to grow herbicide and pesticide free heirloom tomatoes for salads, sandwiches, and salsa. Future phases include year-round growing of various vegetables and lettuces inside a greenhouse currently under construction on the El Pinto restaurant property.

Another initiative for nutritious food is the sourcing non-GMO corn for chips and tortillas while using high quality naturally trans fat free rice bran oil for frying. Chips are finished with nutritious and nutrient rich Celtic Sea Salt.

“Our best seller is traditional chicken enchiladas,” states John Thomas, co-owner, “The chicken we serve is antibiotic and hormone free. The tortillas are non-GMO. The red chile is grown without herbicides or pesticides in Hatch, NM. Even the egg on top is free range organic from Taos, NM.” John finishes, “Enjoy at El Pinto the finest chicken enchiladas in the state.”

El Pinto Restaurant and Salsa Co. continues to expand in its 51st year with an emphasis on serving nutritious, locally raised, and organic foods. El Pinto Restaurant has grown from a few tables in one room started by John and Jim Thomas' parents, to become the most famous restaurant in New Mexico with beautiful patios, natural wood burning fireplaces, and healthy New Mexican cuisine. El Pinto Salsa has recently expanded with the addition of the convenient single serving cup which reduces product waste and increases consumer satisfaction. The restaurant and salsa manufacturing facility are co-located on property in the North Valley of Albuquerque, New Mexico.

About El Pinto Restaurant & Salsa Co:

Established 50-years ago, El Pinto is a quintessential icon for New Mexican cuisine. Conveniently located in the North Valley of Albuquerque just off I-25, the serene patios located under beautiful cottonwood trees provide an iconic experience. El Pinto is known nationally for its fire-roasted green chile and fresh flavorful salsa distributed across the nation in local grocery stores. The salsa and green chile factory is located on the same grounds as the restaurant. For an authentic taste of New Mexico, visit El Pinto for its fresh iconic food, traditional margaritas, and award winning chile. www.elpinto.com