D.H. Lescombes Winery & Bistro - Cottonwood Albuquerque — Restaurant in Rio Rancho

We love new experiences; as a Gemini, I NEED new AND wonderful experiences. Les Combes near Cottonwood Delivers! Besides the fantastic "$11.00 lunches", the place simmers with "Where have you been since we moved to Rio Rancho 25 years ago?" Having experienced their winery in Deming years ago, it is great to renew that experience. But let us delve into the details of "why?" First the food: batting a strong .725 (Babe Ruth never got close to that!) on food! Second, a perfect 1.000 for service! Today 20MAR25, William -- all the best qualities of a "server": extremely amicable with great " stories" of his life pre-NM (?), efficient, attentive, A&B service, making us feel like we were his only table. Earlier, Thalia (11MAR25), again very attentive, efficient, attentive, and a really great "server" (I hate that term!), very likable, with extra attentive "service", definitely A&B!, ... and last but not least: the Manager "on Duty" today 20MAr25: JV, what a jewel for Les Combes, extremely professional (one knows one is in a special eating establishment when he steps in for whatever needs to be taken care of (coulda been at the best 5-star restaurant in The Big Apple, or in The Big Easy.) Bottom line: Les Combes, so gratifying to have you move into that special location ... been waiting a long time for someone to do what you are doing. Worth the wait! My only disappointment: that I found out too late about your special dinner next month (April) before it was sold out! Summary: a major 10!! Welcome to Rio Rancho/ABQ! We love new experiences; as a Gemini, I NEED new AND wonderful experiences. Les Combes near Cottonwood Delivers! Besides the fantastic "$11.00 lunches", the place simmers with "Where have you been since we moved to Rio Rancho 25 years ago?" Having experienced their winery in Deming years ago, it is great to renew that experience. But let us delve into the details of "why?" First the food: batting a strong .725 (Babe Ruth never got close to that!) on food! Second, a perfect 1.000 for service! Today 20MAR25, William -- all the best qualities of a "server": extremely amicable with great " stories" of his life pre-NM (?), efficient, attentive, A&B service, making us feel like we were his only table. Earlier, Thalia (11MAR25), again very attentive, efficient, attentive, and a really great "server" (I hate that term!), very likable, with extra attentive "service". definitely A&B!, ... and last but not least the Manager "on Duty" today 20MAr25: JV, what a jewel for Les Combes, extremely professional (one knows one is in a special eating establishment when he steps in for whatever needs to be taken care of (coulda been at the best 5-star restaurant in The Big Apple, or in The Big Easy.) Bottom line: Les Combes, so gratifying to have you move into that special location ... been waiting a long time for someone to do what you are doing. Worth the wait! My only disappointment: that I found out too late about your special dinner next month (April) before it was sold out! Summary: a major 10!! Welcome to...

Easter Brunch Buffet at D.H. Lescombes Cottonwood: A Foodie’s Delight

If you’re seeking an unforgettable Easter brunch experience in Albuquerque, look no further than the D.H. Lescombes Winery & Bistro Cottonwood location. This year’s Easter Brunch Buffet was an extraordinary celebration of local flavors, creative culinary touches, and impeccable service--making it a must for food lovers and families alike.

The dessert station was a showstopper, featuring a dazzling array of bite-size, homemade treats. Each dessert was crafted with care and creativity, offering guests the chance to sample a variety of flavors without feeling overwhelmed. From decadent mini cheesecakes & macarons, to inventive fruit tarts and chocolate confections, every bite was a delightful surprise. The emphasis on unique, house-made desserts elevated the buffet from standard to spectacular, ensuring there was something to satisfy every sweet tooth.

Service can make or break a buffet experience, and Krista’s attentive, warm approach truly set the tone for the day. She anticipated needs before they were voiced, kept plates cleared, and offered thoughtful wine pairing suggestions for brunch. Her genuine hospitality made everyone feel like a VIP, adding a personal touch that made the meal even more memorable.

While the buffet featured many seasonal favorites, it was the off-menu specialties that stole the show. The orange marmalade baked ham, carved fresh at the station, was a revelation--juicy, aromatic, and perfectly balanced between sweet and savory. This creative twist on the classic Easter ham showcased the kitchen’s commitment to both tradition and innovation.

Equally impressive were the red chile enchiladas, a nod to New Mexico’s beloved culinary heritage. Rich, flavorful, and with just the right amount of heat, these enchiladas brought a local flair to the Easter spread, winning both longtime residents and visitors eager to taste authentic regional cuisine.

Set in the inviting Cottonwood space, the ambiance was festive yet relaxed--perfect for gathering with friends and family. Don’t miss the tremendous patio waterfall on the west side and the scenic view, of the Sandia’s, snowcovered today, on the east side. With a buffet price that included a generous selection of dishes and the option to enjoy signature wines by the glass, the value was outstanding for the quality and variety provided.

The Easter Brunch Buffet was a triumph of flavor, hospitality, and local pride. The wide variety of unique, homemade desserts, the standout service from Krista, and the inspired buffet selections--especially the orange marmalade baked ham and red chile enchiladas--made for a brunch that was both comforting and exciting. This is the place to celebrate Easter in Albuquerque if you crave a blend of tradition, creativity, and genuine New...

We have been to this location now two times after patronising the old town location several times. It seems much buisier at this location. We ate first for dinner and lunch with different results. First off dinner. Loved it! Wide variety of options and service was on point. No issues with staying on top of the drinks or the plates. It was busy with a reservation and although that paticular night there seemed to be an issue with things being dropped such as dishes glasses and trays on 4 seperate occasions we were able to converse with no issues. Clean establishment Food was good quality and matched the price. I would go back again in a heart beat. The second visit was Sunday brunch. It is doubtfull we would pay a return visit. A rarity that my wife and I agree on that decision. Standard selections of breakfast options. Quieter but the quality of the food was less than expected. Almost every breaded item (french toast, sopapilla, biscuits) were dried out as if they had been left in the serving trays too long. The french toast was rubbery biscuits hard on the bottom sopapilla was unflavorable and cunchy as opposed to flakey to the point where honey did not help. I was raised if you put it on the plate you eat it but that was not going to happen in this case. Neither of us tried the pastery items so no inputs there. The potatoes, meats, gravy and eggs were fine but no more than I would expect from any other restaraunt. The melon slices had a little more rind on them than I expected but that may be me. Service was a little off for water and plates. Several times we were not eating for that reason. Only complaint about the location is the lot size. As it is a dedicated lot (fenced in as opposed to the old town location parking is hard to find and many were parked out in the street or circling the lot. Not much you can do about that but be aware. I did find it odd though that they still had one of the two doors latched and watched as many indivduals (us included) pulled against the secured door even though they had been open...