Wish list

We came up with a list of things we think Albuquerque needs:

A MAJOR WATER PARK

Albuquerque is in need of a proper water park like Texas’ Schlitterbahn or Wisconsin’s Noah’s Ark, as opposed to those currently offered: one attached to a small amusement park, and another to a hotel.

A MAJOR AMUSEMENT PARK

Several hundred acres of Albuquerque’s plentiful park space should be devoted to a major amusement park. While the local Cliff’s Amusement Park with 24 rides offers hours of fun and plenty of convenience, the city could also use a park like Sandusky, Ohio’s Cedar Point or the Six Flags chain, which has well over 60 rides.

A MAJOR LEAGUE SPORTS TEAM

According to a 2015 analysis from American City Business Journals, Albuquerque has the economic capacity to support a Major League Soccer team. The city was rated as having a high likelihood of being able to support an NFL, NBA or NHL team, but not a Major League Baseball team.

FLEMING’S PRIME STEAKHOUSE & WINE BAR

Founded in Newport Beach, Calif., in 1998, Fleming’s is a high-end steakhouse chain with aged prime beef and classics such as lobster tails and pork chops. It’s also known for its Fleming’s 100, an award-winning collection of 100 wines by the glass.

THE CAPITAL GRILLE

At The Capital Grille, an on-site butcher dry ages the steaks between 18 and 24 days to maximize quality. This chain of upscale steakhouses is known for its dry-aged steaks and awardwinning wine list. Comprised of over 350 selections, the wine list includes some of the most soughtafter wines in the world.

RUBY TUESDAY

With restaurants in 44 states and 13 countries, you’d think at least one Ruby Tuesday would have made it to Albuquerque by now. The restaurant features chicken, pasta, pork ribs, soups, steak and seafood. However it’s more commonly recognized for its salad bar and hamburgers. It also offers a full bar that serves cocktails, beer and wine.

STEAK ’N SHAKE

Although the menu is completely absent of steak, Steak ’n Shake features steakburgers, as well as hand-dipped milkshakes and other entrees, side items and drinks. Their sit-down, drive-thru and front-window service results in a mix of fast-food service and diner-style sit-down service. As an added bonus, many Steak ’n Shake restaurants are open 24 hours a day. The Indianapolis-based chain has over 500 locations throughout the U.S. and is expanding internationally.

SHEETZ

You wouldn’t think of a gas station as being an award winner, let alone receiving an accolade for cuisine, but Sheetz won a Silver Plate Award from the International Food Manufacturers Association in 2001. This Pennsylvania-based chain of gas stations/convenience stores comes equipped with touchscreen menus featuring made-to-order sandwiches and hot dogs, as well as pizzas, panini-grilled sandwiches, breakfast items, salads and chili. And they’re all available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.