Okay, after visiting Albuquerque twice in the last 2 months, I was hopelessly addicted to New Mexican cuisine. BTW, it is a world of difference from Mexican cuisine okay? I was dreading coming back home to Vegas and having severe NM food jones. The 550-mile drive was also a bit severe just to get a fix.
Imagine my surprise when I stumbled upon this place!!! Oh man oh man :-))) Sheer delight when asked by cashier whether I wanted Red or Green (the only question that matters in NM) and I replied "Christmas!", she gave me a knowing wink & asked a follow-up, "Smothered?" & I nodded 'YEAH!' like a grateful puppy dog. As if I needed further affirmation, the place was filled with diners in red (t-shirts, sweatshirts etc) with Los Lobos emblazoned on. Apparently, this is the only NM cuisine place in town and I am as happy as a high desert wolf when the moon is full.
Carlito's totally rocks. Everybody who likes extra zing in their food, come on down here!!!