M'tucci's Father's Day
/Happy Father’s Day from all of us at M’tucci’s. Treat Dad to a special day by doing something special with him or for him. We’ll have Weekend Specials with Fathers in mind, so give him a break from the grill and come see us.
Some of us at M’tucci’s would like to share memories and stories about our Dads:
Jeff Spiegel, Founder of M’tucci’s:
My Dad, Art Spiegel, worked until he was 86. He died at 92 in 2000. He and the family came to NM in 1949.
He managed people’s money including that of wealthy folks and public entities including NM tribes and The NM Public Employee Retirement Association. He was always following in his mother’s footsteps, dedicated to improving the lives of others in NM.
Above all, though, he was fiercely loyal. His three kids could do no wrong in his eyes and he ALWAYS backed us to the hilt in everything. I’m not saying that everyone in NM liked him. He never held his tongue and everyone always knew what he thought. He thought there were good guys and bad guys. He supported the good guys and really went after the bad guys.
He started, was on the boards of, or ran at least 10 not-for-profit organizations in NM: including United Fund, Museum of Anthropology, Santa Fe Institute, Presbyterian Hospital, NM Council on Crime and Delinquency, and the Governor’s Organized Crime Commission, among others.
He could get blood from a stone when it came to raising funds for what he believed in. He annoyed people on that front too, because he was relentless.
When I told him that I was going to go into the restaurant business in New York City, his first comment was, “what are you, crazy? After that, he never said anything negative again, and supported me to the utmost and got everyone he knew to do the same.
Art Spiegel at 80
Robin Dibble, GM at M’tucci’s Moderno:
“My dad, we call him Pops. I have never called him by any other name to his face that I can remember. Pops is a pretty funny guy and I definitely get a chunk of my humor and wit from him. He always has something to say, even when he shouldn't say it...some might say that sounds like me as well! Pops taught me many things in life. He used to say things like, "I brought you into this world and I can still take you out"... joking about murdering your kids was more "tongue and cheek" in the 80's. He loved to embarrass me when my friends came over and walked around the house in his undies, and not the long boxer shorts kind, they were much more "form-fitting". That was a sight to be seen, and then hopefully quickly forgotten! All jokes aside he was always there to pick me up when I stumbled. We went through some pretty tough times in my younger years when my mother battled cancer and ultimately lost that fight. We were all devastated and Pops was lost. She was the rock of our family, and we didn't know what to do without her. However, Pops always rose to the occasion, and did what he had to do to get us through the dark. He showed me that everything in life is precious, and we should never take that for granted because tomorrow is never a guarantee. He taught me that it's never too late to try something new, and life will go on whether you're ready or not. He taught me that material possessions don't matter in the long run and everything we need is always right in front of us, and nothing more. I'll leave you with one of the MANY quotes he loves. "Don't sweat the petty things, and don't pet the sweaty things!" Cheers to you Pops and Happy Father's Day! - Love, Buddy R
Michael Lewis, Marketing Manager:
My Dad was always known around town as “Gadget” instead of George. After college he returned to his hometown to work with his father and uncle at Lewis Brother’s Funeral Home, which was passed on to my brother and stayed in the family for more than 100 years. I’m sure the job had a lot to do with his outlook on life, which was to live each day as if it would be your last. He once said, “I’ve buried too many young men.” He taught me to never dwell on your problems, but to solve them, or move on. The most valuable thing he did for me was to give me the freedom to fail. When I wanted to quit college after the second year and move to Florida and then a year later to Aspen, CO, his advice was “you’ll never know if it’s the right decision if you don’t try.” He took advantage of my residence there to learn to ski in Aspen at the age of 48. Except for a short time in the Navy at the end of WWII (the Japanese surrendered on his 18th birthday), he spent his entire life in his hometown of 3,000 in NE Missouri. However, he loved to travel and passed that along to me. One of the greatest trips of my life was when he took my brother, David, and me on a 3-day canoe trip into the Quetico Wilderness of Minnesota/Canada when I was 15. Thirty-three years later, he joined me for a canoe trip to the same area while I was on assignment for National Geographic. We skied in the Alps, snorkeled in Mexico, road-tripped through Spain and went on safari in Kenya. He lived a very full 91 years and remained funny, cantankerous, and in love with his daily Manhattan cocktail until the end.
Fred Gallegos, Manager @ M’tucci’s Italian:
My Dad ,Ben Gallegos, Retired from the State of New Mexico in 2000. He worked for the Prison system in Santa Fe, Los Lunas (where I grew up), and he opened the women's prison in Grant, New Mexico.
Needless to say he was a stern man and there was a lot of discipline growing up so we did not always see eye to eye until I was a father myself. He taught me a lot growing up, my love of cars and the outdoors comes from him.
He is one of those people that can fix anything and taught me if I can do it myself I should.
Thanks Dad
Howie Kaibel, Minister of Culture:
My father, Howie Jr., passed away in 2016 from pancreatic cancer, here in Albuquerque, after spending his entire life in Minneapolis. He spent his youth as an activist for the Civil Rights movement, working to protect and expand voting rights. He would later become an Administrative Law Judge and a Public Defender, ultimately taking a pay cut to represent and defend people who didn't have the means to afford attorneys, work he considered the most important of his life. The relationships of dads and sons are often complicated, messy, and ultimately unresolved, and we had our share of these things, but I do find that when I do important work in the world, "good trouble" as John Lewis put it, I think of my dad, I feel him inside me, he did impart a legacy in his own way. I'm glad he had an opportunity to meet my kids, before he left. Here he's pictured with my youngest, Iris, in his favorite football jersey which he wore, sometimes, for weeks on end. Happy Dad's Day, Bappa.
Taña Martinez, Catering Director:
My late father Vicente, was such a goofy, funloving guy with a passion for cooking and a love for helping others. His love for his family was unmatched and his dedication to serving his community was admirable.
This Father's Day is going to be hard, but I know that he's at peace and we will meet again, one day. Forever missing you Dad
I'm fortunate to have my step-father Robby, who has been a huge part of my life since I was 12 years old. He's an entrepreneur of sorts and loves tinkering in his garage with his latest toys. He loves me and my sisters and our children wholeheartedly. I give thanks to him for accepting us and raising us as his own. His heart is as big as his belly. We love you so very much Papa!
Kaylene Malczewski, Bar Manager @ M’tucci’s Twenty-Five:
Growing up my dad was my step dad, technically still is. Today he is my dad. He’s the one who’s shown up. He’s the one that’s been there. He didn’t have to, but he stepped in and became a dad to a little girl that was learning what a real father was. We haven’t always seen eye to eye, but he’s one of my favorite people on this planet. I appreciate him so much! More than he’ll ever know.
Chris O’Sickey, GM/Partner @ M’tucci’s Italian:
I have been blessed with three great father figures in my life, Dad, Step-Dad and Father-In-Law. Each one of these amazing men have helped me throughout the years to understand the importance of family, work, integrity and fun. Everyday seems to be a different life lesson that approaches me and I cannot help but think of these guys and how they would deal with it and look upon me with the decision I have made. Throughout the years, they have turned into the sounding board for goals and aspirations but also great friends that I can turn to or hang out with to remind me of the joys in life. Each one of them has had a major influence in my life as a father myself and how I want my children to look at me as they grow up and look back on the lessons they have learned. I cannot begin to express how great these men have been in my life and how grateful I am that they are still here for me to call or text when life gives me the message. Thanks Dads! Happy Father's Day!
Shawn Cronin, Company Chef/Partner:
My dad will always be the person that influenced me the most. He went through war, heart disease, cancer, lost half his hand in his second table-saw accident, got vertigo for life on a botched medical procedure and had to use a walking stick for the last 20 years of his life and still kept laughing.
He was the youngest of 3 in the projects on the east coast, raised by a single mother that worked 2 to 3 jobs to try and feed the family. He stole a car to impress a girl and after being caught decided that joining the army would be better than jail.
He spent 20 years in the army, 2 of those years in Vietnam. He was a bit of a paradox, being an E8 Master Sergeant in the army and being a hippy that didn't trust the government.
He had 5 kids, me being the only boy, but always took the time to teach all of us independence and basic life skills (my sister can change a tire faster than you can.) Above everything else, he always asked us to always think and ask questions. He always wanted us to challenge everything and take nothing at face value.
He always lived life his way and made sure we did the same. One of my favorite memories was being 13 and he asked me to watch the best of George Carlin with him. There is a small chance that I picked up a few choice words from that moment.
He battled cancer twice and his 6th heart attack (yes 6) finally killed him in 2021 but his crazy laugh, his tenacious drive and his ability to make people think will always be remembered. Love you dad.
Ken following the tradition of a beer or three with Shawn before a medical procedure.
Nob Hill Music Series
M’tucci’s Bar Roma is one of the venues for the summer music series. Two upcoming shows:
Weekend Specials
M’tucci’s Italian
Ravioli - Lobster, Goat Cheese & Ricotta Filling, Shrimp, Capers, Caramelized Onion, Grilled Local Garlic Scapes, Lemon Butter Sauce, Lemon Zest, M’tucci’s Breadcrumbs $29
14 oz. Ribeye - Salt Water Potatoes, Grilled Asparagus, Grilled Lemon, Balsamic Reduction $42
Pan-Seared Black Cod - Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Sautéed Arugula, Grilled Artichokes, Lemon Caper Butter Sauce $33
Braise - Honey Herb Lamb Leg, Creamy Risotto, Sun Dried Tomato, Tropea Onion, Kale, Grilled Local Garlic Scapes, Blackberry Mint Gastrique $31
Weekend Cocktail
Blackberry Bourbon Smash - M’tucci’s Barrel Bourbon, Fresh Lemon Juice, Simple Syrup, Muddled Blackberries
M’tucci’s Moderno
14 oz Hand Cut Ribeye - Salt Water Potatoes, Sautéed Broccolini, Salsa Verde $42
Pan-Seared Ocean Trout - Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Sautéed Broccolini, Roasted Artichoke, Lemon Caper Butter Sauce, Prosciutto Powder $27
Frutti di Mare - Baby Scallops, Clams, Shrimp, Mussels, Spicy Marinara & House Made Linguine $23
Weekend Cocktail
Banana Hammock - Goslings Rum, Howler Head Rum, Fresh Lemon Juice, Cinnamon Caramel Syrup, Graham Cracker Rim, Flamed Marshmallow & Banana Chip
M’tucci’s Twenty-Five
Sackett Farms Pork Tenderloin - Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Grilled Asparagus & Mushrooms, Marsala Sauce $23
Pan-Seared Grouper - Garlic Whipped Potatoes, Braised Greens, Artichoke Hearts, Lemon Beurre Blanc Sauce $35
Veal Porterhouse - Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Charred Broccolini, Smoked Blackberry Bone Marrow Compound Butter $36
Weekend Cocktail
Old Havana - Bumbu Rum, Toasted Coconut Rum, Fresh Lime Juice, Simple Syrup, M’tucci’s Sparkling Wine Float
M’tucci’s Bar Roma
Frutti di Mare - Washington State Mussels, Pink Patagonia Shrimp, House Made Linguica Sausage, Calabrian Chile, Vodka Cream Sauce, House Made Linguine $25
Pan-Seared Tuna - Garlic Whipped Mashed Potatoes, Sautéed Arugula, Roasted Artichokes, Lemon Caper Butter Sauce $27
Weekend Cocktail
Violette Margarita
Live Music for June & July
M’tucci’s Bar Roma - Wed 6:30-8:30
6/17 Jazz Traveler (Saturday Nob Hill Music Series - Noon - 2:00)
6/21 Justin Nuñez
6/24 Jazz Brasiliero (Saturday Nob Hill Music Series)
6/25 Gilbert Uribe( Only Sunday in June)
6/28 Shane Wallin
7/5 Shane Wallin
7/12 Delaney Davis (feature)
7/19 Lani Nash
7/26 Shane Wallin
M’tucci’s Twenty-Five - Thursday 6:30-8:30 * Friday 7:30-9:30
6/16 Nathan Fox
6/22 Cali Shaw
6/23 Gilbert Uribe
6/29 Amy Faithe
6/30 Alex Long
7/6 RJ Perez
7/7 Javier Ortega
7/13 Eryn Bent
7/14 Delaney Davis (feature)
7/20 Matt Jones
7/21 Alex Long
7/27 Chessa Peak
7/28 Cali Shaw
M’tucci’s Moderno - Thursday 6:30-830 *Friday 7:30-9:30
6/16 Chessa Peak
6/22 Eryn Bent
6/23 Cali Shaw
6/29 Lani Nash
6/30 Alex Maryol
7/6 Matt Jones
7/7 Justin Nuñez
7/13 Delaney Davis ( feature )
7/14 RJ Perez
7/20 Jacob Chavez
7/21 Matt Jones
7/27 RJ Perez
7/28 Lani Nash
Thanks for reading. See you next Friday. Ciao!
