Wecks after the Balloon Farewell Ascension

We rose at 4:30 am this morning to make it out to Balloon Fiesta Park for the dawn patrol launch at 5:45 am. The plan was to watch the balloons for a couple hours and then go back to the room and sleep for a few more hours. Due to chill in the air before the sun warmed us up, and knowing I was going back to nap later, I wanted to have something warm to drink (46 degrees out), but no caffeine. Thankfully, we found a food vendor who had hot chocolate! Walking out onto the launching area, it was a sight to see these 8 balloons fill up with air at the same time, glow a couple times ceremoniously, and then lift off one by one before the sun rose. Brought a tear to my eye! They rose and glowed for us again and then flew around for all to see.

Walking around the grounds, we watched for a couple hours as hundreds of balloons lifted off into the predawn sky as the sun rose over the mountains. An experience I will never forget. The air was still chilly and hot chocolate was long gone, so we left the park and headed for breakfast - starved!

The Hubby (my restaurant finding genius) found a restaurant close by (Weck's) to have breakfast and for a Sunday morning at 9am, a 30 minute wait seemed just fine. The food must be worth it I thought. We waited inside and as usual I watched the staff work. One manager was at the hostess stand and one was in the dining room and from what I saw, this place had communication down to a science. They sat people within the quoted time, food still came out quickly, and as we enjoyed our HUGE pancakes, our server took amazing care of us. Tables were turned within 2 minutes and the dining room manager was one of the best I have seen in a while.

This place is so staying on the list of where to have breakfast/lunch while in Albuquerque for the next time we come to the balloon fiesta - which is hopefully next year!

Albuquerque's Frontier Restaurant

Being a University teacher and student stopping by a local eats place for lunch across the street from the University of New Mexico was delightful. All the unique personalities made me not want to eat, but people watch! The line to order food went so fast, we had to step out of it so we could decide what to order. Hungry from the long drive and late lunch, we shared the small order of chicken nachos, small order of chicken enchiladas, and the greatly talked about fiesta burger. All this for only $14! I thoroughly enjoyed the freshness of the enchiladas and nachos, while the Hubby loved everything. If a place like this was across from my university, I might be there everyday! Didn't take any pictures - maybe next time.

The Big Texan Steak Ranch

On a surprise vacation planned by the Hubby, we went halfway to our destination and stayed overnight in Amarillo. For dinner, he decided we should stop at The Big Texan Steak Ranch and experience watching brave souls who try to consume the 72oz steak dinner. Ever seen the John Candy movie, The Great Outdoors? He goes to this restaurant and the deal is if he can eat the entire dinner, 72 oz steak, shrimp appetizer, bread, and salad, he gets it for free. If not, the cost is $72.00. In the movie, he gets all the way done and nearly sick he declares victory...until the waitress tells him he has the eat the fatty part too...yuck.


Arriving at the restaurant, it's as 'gimicky' and 'touristy' as they come. We put our name on the waiting list and not too bad for a Friday night off-season - only 15-20 minutes. We wandered past the gift store, candy shop, bar area, and room for a private event out into the Beer Garden. Great place with picnic tables, huge fire pit, large chair (perfect for snapping a picture of the Hubby), and even a pretty elaborate maze for the kids to get lost in. I'm sure during a higher travelling season, even the outside would be packed. Tonight it was quiet (a bit of a chill in the air to me) and we got to wander around in peace.


 Inside the dining room area was booths along the walls and tables filled the middle complete with cow patterned table cloths. Moose heads and deer heads hung on the wall as well as other furry animals. The grill for the kitchen was open for everyone to watch them grill the steaks and it was fabulous to watch them work like a well-oiled machine.

 We were seated upstairs in what was supposed to be a 'closed section'; in other words, a server was not assigned to those tables. However, in great hospitality fashion, the manager greeted us as soon as we sat down and got us started on a 4 part beer sampler. Did you know they brew their own beer there? I asked about tours and the server said there was talk of expanding the brewery to allow for tours, but currently there was nothing like that available. We tried the Chocolate Bock Lager, Oktoberfest, Texas Red Amber Ale, and the Raspberry Wheat. All unique in design and taste, we enjoyed them thoroughly.


Dinner consisted of a shared 20 oz t-bone, salad, fried okra, and yummy yeast rolls. Our server, Megan, was a treat and never left us asking for anything. The manager also kept checking on us and we were able to have a more intimate experience due to us sitting by the rail upstairs by ourselves. From being the restaurant business for so long, I couldn't have asked for a better time. I got to hear server banter, kitchen banter, talking shop with the manager, and enjoying the food and atmosphere the whole time.

We did get to see the end of someone trying to eat the 72 oz steak - he ate all but 20 oz, not too bad! As we were finishing up, another brave soul stepped up onto the stage to give in a try. There is a special place where the steak is consumed on stage in front of the grills so everyone can watch you. By the time we left, the guy was almost half way done with his steak and it had only been 20 minutes. Wonder how he did?

Looking forward to being in Amarillo again and stopping by the Big Texan for a great dinner and show!