The Inn at Rio Rancho & Toro Bar and Grill

Thanksgiving at the Inn

2010-11-26T16:17:00.003-07:00

Once again, as has become a tradition at the inn, we have thrown a Thanksgiving feast of epic proportions! An all-you can eat buffet of all the traditional favorites expertly prepared and served by the staff of The Toro Bar & Grill, this years feast was a memorable, gut-busting experience. Of course there was turkey, that all-American holiday favorite, sizzling at the carving station, each slice as succulent as the last, but that was not all that the Toro prepared! They set up carving stations for prime rib and ham too, not to mention popcorn shrimp, chicken cordon bleu, salmon and tilapia! And that, fair readers, were just the entrees. Sides were abundant and of all types: creamy mashed potatoes smothered in made-from-scratch gravy; fruit displays brimming with oranges, apples, bananas and more; sauteed vegetables of all kinds; sweet potatoes; soup, stew and chowder; stuffing (how could you have Thanksgiving without it?); fresh baked pastries and artisinal breads; and, of course, a massive desert display replete with fruit pies, cakes and brownies, cookies and that holiday treat that veritably shouts Thanksgiving, Pumpkin Pie. The whole smorgasbord was so large that we had to move it into our ballroom to fit it all! I think it's far to say that everyone in attendance was well fed. For those of you who were able to join us on this day of thanks, we'd just like to say thank you for coming and for allowing us to share in your holiday. For those of you who missed this extravaganza, we will be back at it again next year, and yes, we do accept reservations. Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at the Inn!

Live Music at The Toro Bar and Grill!

2010-09-10T21:42:00.005-06:00

Hello All! Just a reminder that the Inn at Rio Rancho's on-site restaurant features live music every weekend! From classic rock to cutting edge groups, we present a variety of great bands to listen to while you enjoy your favorite tequila (mine's Aha Toro!) in a margarita or one of our famous dishes (see previous posts for some of the delicious entrees). This Saturday, September 11th, The Toro Bar and Grill is proud to present "Hustlers," a local band that promises "heavy energy" and "Bottomless, propelling rhythm." They recently won the Battle of the Bands at the Hard Rock Cafe and Casino and are set to blow the doors off the Inn! Stop by and check out their musical stylings and find out who our next big act will be! Remember, it's always exciting at the Toro Bar and Grill, a distinguishing benefit of a stay at the Inn at Rio Rancho! (And if you enjoy our tequila a little too much, you can always spend the night...)

Summer Nights

2010-08-11T18:02:00.005-06:00

Ah, Summer Nights in Rio Rancho... The sweltering heat of the day is finally dissipating, the sun has just set and the sky is gleaming in eldritch blue. The skies in New Mexico are easily some of the most beautiful in the country, and it pays to have a great view of them. In our courtyard, here at the Inn, we have a stunning atmosphere to relax and enjoy the end of the day. Whether poolside with Aha Toro margarita in-hand, relaxing in our gazebo over a glass of red wine, or simply enjoying the lush grass in our lawns, the courtyard is a wonderful place to be as the sun sinks gracefully below the horizon and the stars begin their winking debut in the silky firmament of New Mexico night. This is a gorgeous shot from near one of our Business Plus rooms on the south side of our property facing the pool. The night is a great time to try and spy some of the interesting fauna we have in our courtyard, from bunnies and ground squirrels to the occasional owl and our Cooper's Hawks (our courtyard is a protected habitat for the Cooper's Hawk, in case you hadn't heard). Summer in New Mexico is a magical time and in those hours between day and night, in twilight's silent glow, where better than the Inn at Rio Rancho to enjoy the fading light as a gentle wind whispers low?

New Lunch Menu!

2010-07-08T20:38:00.005-06:00

Fantastic news! The Toro Bar & Grill has just updated their lunch menu and I was lucky enough to be given a sneak-peak taste of one of their upcoming dishes. The fine looking meal you see above is their new Chile Chicken Panini- a savory chicken sandwich on grilled pita bread and garnished with spicy pico de gallo. The first taste was a rush of flavor- the chicken retained all of its juices, though it was grilled, and when coupled with the fresh pico it veritably exploded on the palate. The texture is one thing I'd like to elaborate on, because it was simply divine. The Pita bread, which is lightly grilled, was ever so slightly crispy on the edges before the teeth sank into the soft, pillowy goodness we all know pita for. Then a delightful spread of juices as the pico and chicken enter center stage of the taste bud theater. The chicken was so tender that it melded with the cheese and pita bread into a soft, delightful, melt-in-your-mouth experience complimented by the buttery spice of the chipotle mayo. So as not to go all soft and gooey on you, though, the chefs had the good sense to add all that crispy, juicy pico de gallo which adds a strong southwestern flavor to the dish and adds a complexity to the texture that the teeth enjoy as much as the tongue. The flavor is pure southwestern home cooking with just enough heat from the chile to tell you you're in green chile country, but mild enough to be approachable by even the most sensitive of tongue. (i.e. the heat is noticeable, but not overpowering). And just in case you're still hungry, it comes with a plateful of fries and a pickle. I've been a long supporter of the Toro tortilla burger, but I think this new lunch menu has a few entrees that are vying to be my favorite. This, ladies and gentlemen, is definitely one of them.

In Plain Sight

2010-06-28T16:16:00.004-06:00

What a wild experience! In March of 2010 the Inn at Rio Rancho had the privilege to host the staff and crew from USA Network's "In Plain Sight" TV series! It was an incredible couple of days and an unforgettable experience. For the staff here at the Inn it was a rare opportunity to see the filming process first hand, to experience the fabled "Magic of Hollywood" right in our own hotel, and to meet with some first class professionals as they practiced their trade. On the first day of shooting it was as though our front lobby had been transformed into a frenetic hive of cables, cameras, lights and, of course, tons of people. It was amazing to see how many people are actually required to film a show like "In Plain Sight," it was much more than I had anticipated when we first told that they would be using our property. But there they were, several dozen ominous looking suits, harried script writers, meticulous costume designers and actors all zipping about the lobby on various errands and tasks. It was impressive to see how they managed to keep things organized among so many different people, with special respect to the director and producers for their hard work in that regard. Over the next few days they filmed in the Toro Bar and Grill, our on-site restaurant specializing in tequila, the kitchen, and the presidential suite and never once, in the time that I spent with the crew, did I ever see their enthusiasm flag or their excitement waiver. Indeed, they seemed to be as excited about the show as we were, maybe more. It could just be me, but seeing people that dedicated to and inspired by their job engenders a contagious sense of avidity and I was bragging about the experience for days. When the episode finally aired on USA Network on May 12th it was so surreal to see so many familiar sights in such an alien environment, that is, on my TV screen with dynamic characters inhabiting the spaces I see every day. The best scene, for me, was in the kitchen of the Toro Bar, because I remember so clearly the repetitious call for silence, the declaration that "we're rolling" and the "Eaagh!" as one character was attacked. Again. And again. And again. To finally see the finished scene was quite a treat. To all the crew of In Plain Sight, thanks for making my day, heck my month, by coming here and inviting us to watch the magic happen. To the fans of the show, come on down and see the actual locales where the scenes were filmed, maybe spend the night in the Presidential Suite and enjoy the amenities of one of our best rooms, now famous thanks to USA!

Solar Street in the Main Ballroom

2010-04-09T16:24:00.005-06:00

Solar Street. The Inn at Rio Rancho Main Ballroom. They both conjure images of fun, music, and good times, but when they get together it's a kind of magic. Here's Solar Street rocking the Ballroom at our St. Patrick's Day party. They played all night and the dance floor was jumping the whole time. Good good times.

The Matthew Project II Rocks Toro Bar and Grill

2010-04-09T16:21:00.003-06:00

The Matthew Project II is a band we've seen before at Toro Bar and Grill and remains one of our favorites. In this video they tease the crowd by starting to play a request and then stopping in favor of another song. We love having them play in the bar, and can't wait for the next show.

Food Review - Toro Mahi Mahi

2010-02-25T17:44:00.004-07:00

Hello again everyone. It's time for another edition of my absolute favorite feature here on this blog, the Toro Bar and Grill Food Reviews. Those of you who know me will know why this is my favorite feature, and those who don't know me can most likely guess. It's the food! The fantastic food. A top notch meal prepared just for me by a talented chef... the anticipation, the smells, the sights and sounds, I'm telling you, it's willpower alone that allows me to photograph these dishes before chowing down. Our chef is a true master, and being in the kitchen while the food is being prepared adds an extra level of enjoyment for me. Today's dish is currently our Toro fish of the day, the Toro Mahi Mahi. The Toro Mahi Mahi is perfect for the health conscious customer and is a great dish for the whole family during Lent. The fish is grilled to perfection and served on a bed of baby spinach. Spanish rice, corn, and pico de gallo accompany the fish, and it's topped off with fresh limes. I made good use of the limes, squeezing an ample amount of juice onto the fish before taking my first bite. The fish was incredible and the sides fit with it wonderfully. I feel like if I myself were a chef and had the vocabulary to really express everything that's going on in this dish I could do it more justice, but in layman's terms, it was the bomb. Totally the bomb. It almost rocked my socks right off. Come on down to Toro Bar and Grill today and give the Toro Mahi Mahi a go. You'll thank me if you do.

More Great News for Art Lovers!

2010-02-17T12:02:00.002-07:00

The Inn at Rio Rancho and Asto Museum of Art are hosting another free, open to the public art show right here in the heart of Rio Rancho. Join us this March to see one of a kind works by world renowned artists. Opening reception February 27th 6 pm to 9 pm. All are welcome.

Toro Bar and Grill - Kelly makes a Margarita

2010-02-04T13:38:00.001-07:00

Join Kelly from The Toro Bar and Grill as he shows us how to make a proper all-natural margarita the Toro way.

Spring Preview

2010-01-19T15:07:00.007-07:00

We had some very dramatic weather this afternoon here in Rio Rancho, NM. A huge mass of clouds rolled in and completely blocked our view of the mountains. When they moved on, the mountains were glittery with fresh snow and the sun was bright and warm. Winter is not over, but Spring is coming, and today we got a sneak peak.

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

2009-11-28T21:43:00.005-07:00

The holiday spirit was in the air today as we put up our decorations here at The Inn at Rio Rancho. We got the whole crew together and spent the afternoon turning the lobby and grounds into a winter wonderland, and, as if in response to our festive attitudes, the weather man said we can expect snow by morning. It's rare for the whole staff to be working together on the same project, and having everyone together created nothing but good times. Look forward to even more holiday themed posts as the weeks go by, and keep an eye out for a debut post from our newest author Sara!

Welcome Sara!

2009-11-19T09:27:00.002-07:00

Everyone can now look forward to posts from the newest addition to our blog family. Sara Heffern is the Banquet and Catering Manager here at The Inn, and we anticipate great updates from her and her staff in the very near future. Bienvenido Sara! Buena suerte!

Unbroken Journey

2009-11-19T08:19:00.004-07:00

It's time for the third of our art shows here at The Inn at Rio Rancho. The title of the show is "Unbroken Journey" and it will feature weaving and tapestry work by world renowned artists.

Our First Show was Such a Hit...

2009-08-25T05:37:00.002-06:00

That we're having another! That's right, stop by Rio Rancho's newest art venue and see this international exhibit. Wine and cheese reception September 4th 2009 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm. Click image to view full size.

Art at the Inn

2009-06-27T10:42:00.003-06:00

Come in and check out the Albuquerque area's newest art venue. The show opens on July 22 2009 with an opening reception on July 24.

Toro Bar and Grill - June Music

2009-05-29T19:00:00.002-06:00

Here is the band schedule for the month of June. Join us at The Toro!

The Inn at Rio Rancho New Commercial

2009-05-15T17:22:00.002-06:00

Inn at Rio Rancho & Conference Center from My50-TV on Vimeo.

Hey everyone, check out our new TV spot!

Toro Review: Special Guest

2009-05-11T12:44:00.004-06:00

Today's entry is the first of our "special guest food reviews". Sharla is one of our superstars here at the front desk at The Inn at Rio Rancho, and she volunteered to review another brand new dish on the spring menu. Let's see what she thought: -" The Primavera Melt, perfect for the vegetarian or someone just looking to eat healthier. This dish is a taste sensation for your palette. I was pleasantly surprised how wonderful it was. The zucchini, squash, and mushrooms were a great combination, and on top of the veggies I found sliced avacado with melted monterrey jack cheese. The avacados were great with the cheese and vegetables. The side of mashed potatos was an excellent compliment to the entire dish. All in all I would say that this is one of the best dishes that my taste buds have ever enjoyed. My compliments to the chef!"- Great review Sharla! Who will be the next special guest? It could be you.

Toro Review: New Menu Item

2009-05-07T17:20:00.002-06:00

It's been awhile, but it's at last time for another Toro Bar and Grill food review. James (our executive chef here at Toro) has put together some great new dishes to add to the Spring menu and I had the chance to try one for the first time today. I ordered the lunch portion of James' specialty tilapia. The fish is breaded then baked and served with seasoned rice and sauted vegetables. He also makes a dinner portion, but at 4.99, the lunch portion is a great deal, and perfect for a mid-shift meal. THIS FISH WAS AWESOME. Everything tasted and smelled so good I had a hard time holding myself back long enough to take this picture. I'm thinking about asking a couple of our regulars to write reviews of their own for this blog. That'd be cool right? See the food, hear what other guests have to say about it, yeah, sounds like fun. Stay tuned.

Hip Hop at Toro Bar and Grill

2009-05-06T15:06:00.004-06:00

Hip Hop night at The Toro! Come down this Saturday (May 9th) to see the best of local hip hop. Big thanks to our friends at Drama City Records and Karma Music check em out online and then come see the show. T-Dugz!

Night Owls

2009-05-03T05:22:00.005-06:00

I decided I would grab a cup of coffee and take a stroll through the courtyard in the calm quiet of the early morning. The soft chirp of crickets accompanied by the coo of a few of our resident owls made the predawn atmosphere truly serene.

Pool Party!

2009-04-30T17:12:00.007-06:00

Ahh... the joy of springtime. There are few sights I enjoy more than a swimming pool being filled for the first time after a long winter. The cool clean water, the fresh smooth paint, and the mildly sweet smell of chlorine all make for a truly glorious scene for all those who think of swimming pools as the ultimate in warm weather pleasure. We started preparing the pool for the 2009 season last week and made the last of the finishing touches today. Tomorrow is the big day. No more waiting. Get out the sunscreen folks because the 2009 swimming season has begun! Come and stay with us sometime. Whether you prefer to spend the day swimming under the big blue New Mexico sky, or to relax in the hot tub under a blanket of stars, The Inn at Rio Rancho has you covered. (Above: The pool being filled on 4/22/09 and several pictures I took myself earlier today after the final touches 4/30/09)

Private Party at The Toro Bar

2009-03-07T16:42:00.003-07:00

The Toro Bar was closed this afternoon for a private function. I was able to get in right before the party started to snap a couple of pictures. I'm a VIP. The party went really well, and for those of you who might be thinking of hosting a party of your own, I'm here to tell you that The Toro Bar and Grill is the place to be. The staff is always happy to go above and beyond, and Head Chef James pulls out all the stops when putting together custom menus. Today's party fare included roast beef, salmon, mixed fajitas, assorted appitizers, and hand made bread hot from the oven. Give us a call and tell us about your party, and don't forget that with several meeting rooms, and a Grand Ballroom, The Inn at Rio Ranco is ready to accomodate parties of all sizes.

Toro Bar and Grill: Irish pub for a day

2009-03-05T19:37:00.004-07:00

Have you noticed that strange festive mood that seems to be lurking in the air the past week? Do you find yourself singing the chorus of "Come out Ye Black and Tans" to yourself on your way home from work? Feeling frustrated because you have to add the words "...of Guiness" when you go down to the pub and call for "a pint"? Fear not, you are not alone. All good men and women feel this restlessness and anticipation as the 17th of March draws near. You've got the fever, but relief is not out of reach. The St. Patrick's Day party at Toro Bar and Grill is what Dr. Brad is prescribing. Side effects may include: drink specials, good times, great Irish food, and in some serious cases, even spontanious singing. This party is going to be a good one. Check out Jena's flyer HERE. Tell your friends.

From the Front of House... to yours!

2009-03-05T18:54:00.002-07:00

Hello from the front of house at the Toro Bar and Grill!! I would like to start by introducing myself, and telling you a little about my background before jumping straight in to telling you the exciting happenings here at Toro! I am very excited to have the oppurtunity to write for the blog, and every week I will be posting new events and updates for the Toro... Being new to Rio Rancho I am thrilled at the opportunity of filling the role for Front of House Manager here at the Toro! Crossing the world several times my travels have given me the opportunity of earning an international degree in architecture from Australia, hiking the Inca Trail in Peru, visiting exotic islands in Thailand, drinking whiskey with the Irish, and getting to know the European influence from the United Kingdom to Holland! All of these wonderful adventures leads me to bring an international flavor and exotic inspiration to the Toro Bar and Grill. My goals in the coming months are to bring in great live music every Friday and Saturday night, have international flavor and wine pairing with our weekly specials menu, create a fun and stimulating environment for all of our guests. Whether a wine connoisseur or someone after a tasty margarita, we can cater to all needs and styles! I look forward to seeing you all at the Toro and thank you for the oppurtunity to have a weekly post :) And please when you come in, mention that you heard about our bar and grill from this blog, mention my name, and you will get a 10% discount on me! Thanks Everyone, Jena

Welcome Jena!

2009-02-24T20:35:00.002-07:00

As some of you might have noticed, it has been almost a month since this blog was updated. Since then some amazing things have been happening around The Inn and Toro. We've been adding to our team and reorganizing our talent to deal with the beginning of what is promising to be a dynamite Spring season. One new addition is Toro's new front-of-house manager Jena. She's shaking things up around here and she's full to the brim with that old fighting spirit. She's even agreed to kick it with your good friend Brad here at The Inn at Rio Rancho Blog. That's right, this blog has a brand new author! With a powerful new ally in my corner, all of you can expect more updates, better Toro Music coverage, and even a few secret surprises Jena has yet to reveal. Let the age of Jena begin!

Live Music: The Matthew Project 1/30/09

2009-01-31T11:37:00.007-07:00

It was another great night here at The Toro Bar and Grill last night. The Matthew Project was here! The Matthew Project has played here many times before, but it's been a while since they rocked out for us. We were so happy to see them back again, and the crowd was thrilled as well. Above: James and George taking a break from party prep to pose for the camera. Below: The crowd dances and jokes while The Matthew Project gets ready for the next song. More videos on youtube.

Back by Popular Demand...The Matthew Project!

2009-01-30T17:35:00.003-07:00

The Matthew Project is back at The Toro Bar and Grill tonight! Come check them out. Music starts at 9 pm at the Toro Bar and Grill. I'll try to have pictures and video of the band later, so stay tuned for another post. Check out the band on myspace.

Sight Seeing at The Inn

2009-01-30T15:23:00.004-07:00

As many of you know, The Inn at Rio Rancho underwent a major remodel and makeover over the course of 2008. The results have been inspiring awe and disbelief in those who were familiar with the property before, and wonder in those guests seeing the lobby for the first time. It is really something to see, and there is a lot of it to see, but I have a favorite spot. Not all of our guests have the chance to really enjoy this spot, for the traveler is pulled in many directions and a quiet moment is often impossible. From the main entrance, facing the front desk, the "pyramid corner" is just to your right. Parents and children alike can enjoy the view of the pyramid, and posing for the camera in front of the pyramid with friends has become a regular happening here in the lobby. Viewing this spot from the other side, the guest seated in one of the rustic antique benches is treated to a great view of the Sandia Mountains through floor to ceiling windows. These mountains serve as a canvas for some of the most spectacular sunrises and sunsets I've ever seen(I've got some video with a few really great mountain scenes that I will post later). Anyone exploring the lobby who happens upon this little nook is in for a picturesque and relaxing treat.

Live Music at The Toro Bar and Grill 1/24/09

2009-01-25T18:23:00.009-07:00

Solar Street Band is the name of the group that rocked the house here at The Toro Bar and Grill last night. They play classic Rock 'N Roll from the 50s and 60s and a little country too. They've played here before and they always bring in a great crowd. Last night was no exception. The music was great, the bar was packed, and everyone had a blast. In the above picture, Jennifer is acting as stand-in for the lead singer before the party started so that I could try out different spots to put the camera. Thanks Jen, you're the best. I did not account for the lack of sunlight in the evening compared to when I was doing the test shots earlier in the day, so the videos ended up being just a tad dark. Solar Street Band opened for The Coasters this past October at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, check out the videos HERE and stay tuned for more live music info. The Toro Bar and Grill features live music every Friday night.

Toro Grill Review: Lunch

2009-01-23T19:23:00.004-07:00

I ordered some food off of the new $4.99 lunch menu today and I must say: I am impressed. I thought long and hard about what to order, but in the end I went with the "Soup and Sandwich" option. My sandwich of choice was the classic turkey and Swiss hoagie and it came with lettuce, tomato, and a pickle spear on the side. Now of course when it came time to pick a soup I did not hesitate for a moment. Since trying it for the first time some months ago, I have been obsessed with the green chili stew here at the Toro Bar and Grill. If I had my way, this stew would be on the table for every meal. The stew is made according to Chef Josh's secret recipe and is served with cheddar cheese and a tortilla. It is truly awesome, New Mexican cuisine at it's best. All this was served with the speed and friendliness I've come to expect from the staff of the Toro Bar and Grill, and at just $5.34 after tax, it's the best lunch deal in town. Stay tuned for more Toro Bar and Grill food reviews. Next time, we'll order from the dinner menu and let Head Chef James Garrigan really flex his culinary muscle.

Inn at Rio Rainbow

2009-01-23T16:36:00.002-07:00

I shot this video earlier today. One of my co-workers told me there was a cool rainbow in the sky and she was right! This rainbow was so vivid, and so close that it looked like you could throw a rock and hit it. I like to think that, seen from a distance, this rainbow was pointing and leading guests right to our fine hotel and restaurant. "The Inn at Rio Rancho: Where the pot o' gold is never far away!" The video quality is pretty poor, I shot it with my digital camera.

Great Lunch Deals At Toro Bar and Grill

2009-01-23T15:36:00.002-07:00

The Toro Bar and Grill is happy to announce the $4.99 lunch menu! This a great deal and will soon become a local tradition. I will be sampling one of these menu items in the near future and will provide a review and pictures for you to enjoy. With so many fine options to chose from, and at such a great price, the choice will not be easy.

Inn at Rio Rancho TV Spot

2009-01-16T17:47:00.002-07:00

Hello and welcome to The Inn at Rio Rancho Blog. This is a place for me and a few of my colleagues to keep our guests informed on up to the minute info regarding The Inn at Rio Rancho, The Toro Bar and Grill, and Rio Rancho NM. I'll be updating this blog as often I can, and you may notice posts from other authors as well. We'll have pictures and videos of local scenery, we'll have hotel updates/anouncements, and even some food reviews. I am Brad and we'll kick things off today with a little video. This is a TV commercial that is currently running on one of the local channels here in Rio Rancho. Check it out.

Info Post

2009-01-12T14:35:00.001-07:00

Located in the heart of the city, this destination resort is only 12 miles from Old Town Albuquerque and is less than half a mile from Intel.

Our spacious rooms feature cable television with free HBO, free local telephone calls, and free high-speed wireless internet access.

Lush landscaping, a heated outdoor swimming pool with hot tub, a picturesque gazebo, and memories that are sure to last await you and your family in our serene 2-acre courtyard. Come discover Rio Rancho's hidden garden.

All of our tastefully appointed rooms have king or queen beds with many conveniences.

Recreational facilities include a large swimming pool and spa amidst beautiful trees, lawns and colorful shrubs. The nearby Sandia Mountains provide a wealth of fishing, hunting, skiing, hiking, and picnicking. You can also ride America's longest aerial tramway up the face of the Sandia Mountains and dine in the clouds 2 miles up. Everything from impressive new shopping centers to ancient Indian ruins and petroglyphs are all just minutes away.

The full service Toro Bar & Grill are sure to satisfy the entire family. Stop in often for daily specials, guest discounts, live music, and daily happy hour.

With several conference rooms and a stunning grand ballroom, The Inn at Rio Rancho is the perfect place to hold your meetings, reunions, weddings, and formal dinners.

Do not miss Albuquerque's wonderful shopping or the charm of Corrales during your stay with us. Whatever the season, the city's mile-high altitude lets you enjoy your stay in a clean temperate climate that is perfect for year-round work or play.

Great new Website for Rio Rancho Inn

2008-12-02T18:14:00.001-07:00

Great new website for Rio Rancho Inn and Conference Center in Rio Rancho new mexico. Newly remodeled hotel and lodging.. Please visit our new website at http://www.riorancho-inn.com