EL PASO
Greenery Market has a new wine consultant to help customers choose wines. Joe Hamburger comes to El Paso from Michigan, where he spent three years as a technical consultant for several Michigan wineries, helping with wine design, tracking varietal trends as well as designing labels and marketing/branding. In addition, he has taught wine courses to a culinary program in Grand Rapids as well as an introduction to wine and wine service at Grand Valley State University's Hospitality Management program and has conducted hundreds of professional and in-home tasting events, as well as teaching a Wine 101 class and specialized classes designed to help develop the palate and the wine lover’s knowledge.

Billy Crews has won the Wine Spectator Grand Award for their wine selection. According to Spectator, it is “Our highest award, given to restaurants that show an uncompromising, passionate devotion to the quality of their wine program.” There are only 76 winners in this category.

Pho Tré Bien, a favorite stop for El Pasoans who want some delectable Vietnamese Cuisine, has moved from their former location at 8838 Viscount to 6946 Gateway East. This situates the restaurant
just off of I-10 between Airway and Hawkins. The move results in easier freeway access, a nicer facility complete with a garden area and the same fabulous menu that keeps this place full to capacity
much of the time.

Trattoria Bella Sera (9449 Montana on the corner of Montana and Rutherglen) has opened with a variety of authentic Italian cuisine traditional to the city of Verona, which gives the fare a very unique taste. From lasagna to manicotti, pizza, soups and more, you will not only come away satisfied, but likely with enough leftovers for a second meal. And with lunch specials that change daily at a mere $6.99, it is definitely worth a try.

Dos Lunas Tequila has introduced a new member of the high-end tequila family—Dos Lunas Grand eserve. Aged in Spanish sherry oak casks for 10 years and bottled in hand-numbered Baccarat decanters, this is one serious drink.

LAS CRUCES
The Double Eagle Restaurant has been given the 2007 Award of Excellence recognizing their wine list by Wine Spectator magazine. Last year, the restaurant added specially designed and built storage space to bring the number of bottles on hand to more than 2,500.

Patrick and Jovanna Hanlon, of Picacho Hills Country Club, are opening an authentic Irish Pub in Picacho Plaza that will be named Brigid’s Cross and Snug Irish Corner, a cozy Irish-themed breakfast and coffee shop. Due to open in February, the pub is actually being designed by companies in Ireland, who will come to Picacho Hills to erect the pub and train the staff. Brigid’s Cross will feature Irish whiskeys, Guinness and other beers, as well as pub fare like corned beef, sandwiches and appetizers.

Risotto’s an Italian/Mediterranean, bistro-style restaurant located at 510 S. Telshor (next to the Mesilla Valley Mall) has opened its doors. The bistro features an open kitchen, which allows diners to watch and listen as their food is being prepared.
 

TJ Pauls’ (at 141 Roadrunner Parkway) a fine dining establishment with white table cloth and white glove (at night) service (that’s right, they don’t want any bare fingers touching the plates) has opened. Offering 80 different wines, a host of microbrews and a Modern Eclectic American menu, featuring Akaushi by HeartBrand Beef that is 100 percent natural, 100 percent Hormone Free.

SURROUNDING AREAS:
Juarez
Misión Guadalupe Juarez welcomes back Chef Sergio Remolina. Remolina, who trained in Paris, will offer the same contemporary Mexican cuisine Mision Guadalupe is known for.

Chef Alejandro Dimakis, formerly of Mision Guadalupe in Juarez will open a new Mexican restaurant and cantina called La Mezcalera. He hopes to open at the end of January 2008.