Review: Cool Water Fusion - Albuquerque, New Mexico

I've been eying the reviews of Cool Water Fusion for months now, but there hadn't been a good opportunity to hit it up yet. We knew that we had to go on a day when we had a little more time, but who knew when that would be. Then the day finally arrived...Meredith and I finally had the chance to visit a few Friday's ago. Chuck was on vacation or had the day off, and wasn't able to go with us.

We arrived around 11:00am, and were the second set of customers there. We were greeted and seated right away. Which was a good thing because there was only one waitress. Eventually another one showed up, but not for about another half an hour.

 

When we ordered the bruschetta of the day, the waitress told us that they doesn't usually serve appetizers for lunch. I think she noticed our immediate disappointment, because she went back to the kitchen to ask if they could accommodate our request. Luckily the kitchen said yes, and we were brought the most delicious bruschetta that I have ever eaten. It had braised pork, corn, red onion, cilantro, and a nice fresh aioli to top it off.

For my entree I chose the Croque Madame Sandwich, which also featured the braised pork along with swiss cheese. It was served on top of a poppy seed bun with bechamel sauce and an egg. It came with house made potato chips. All of the flavors blended together beautiful but the bechamel sauce really made the sandwich. It was rich and creamy, and so so so good!

Meredith had the Cajun Chicken Sandwich - blackened chicken, pepper jack cheese, sauteed bell peppers and aioli. It was also served with house made chips. I had a small bite, and it was really good too. The chicken was spicy, and very moist. Meredith enjoyed it, but she snacked on my sandwich a lot so it may not have been the most exciting choice. 

The prices were fairly reasonable, and the restaurant was clean and stylish. The service was great, and not to slow; I saw that a lot of people had this complaint. 
  
I'd definitely go back. I'd like to check it out for dinner next time. 

Review: Thai Tip - Albuquerque, New Mexico

On our quest to hit up just about every Thai restaurant int he city, Meredith and I went to Thai Tip on one of our lunch club Friday's. Chuck actually recommended it, but he couldn't come with us on this particular trip.We got there early, around 11:15am and were the first to arrive. We were seated right away, and greeted by our waiter almost immediately. From what I gather, the man who waited on us is the husband of the Chef. Her name is Tip, hence the name Thai Tip. I caught a quick glimpse of her through a crack in the kitchen door when I visited the restroom. She was moving a mile a minute, and I was very impressed with that.

 

Meredith ordered a Thai iced tea to start. It was tea sweetened with with heavy cream. It was heavenly. For an appetizer we ordered the mini egg rolls. They were filled with cream cheese and crab; like a crab rangoon but in egg roll form instead of won ton or dumpling form. These were amazing! I probably could have eaten 20 of these...it was ridicules.

 

 

I ordered the Silver Noodles with beef and vegetables for my entree, and Meredith had the Massaman Curry. I actually preferred Meredeth's dish over mine...I mean mine was pretty good, but the texture of the silver noodles was a little too slimy for my taste. I've had rice noodles before, but not like this. Besides that the flavor was good, and the spiciness was excellent.

The Massaman Curry was excellent. There was a hearty amount chicken, yukon gold potatoes, and peanuts. The coconut flavor was rich and creamy, but not overwhelming. It was served with a plate of heart shaped rice; a very nice touch! Meredith said that it was probably the best Thai that she's had in Albuquerque...so far.

I thought that service was pretty good. We were served fairly quickly, and the waiter was very attentive. The prices were a little on the high side for lunch, however you are given pretty generous portions. I'd go back...most definitely!

Thai Tip does not have a website, so here are the details: 
1512 Wyoming Blvd NE
Albuquerque, NM 87112
(505) 323-7447