UNM Food is hosting the third annual La Po Goes Local dining event – a special evening that celebrates the flavors of New Mexico with locally sourced ingredients and heritage inspired recipes.

The event is happening on Johnson Field on Wednesday, Oct. 23 from 5 to 8 p.m., and will be made from local providers such as La Montanita Co-op, Bueno Foods, Young Guns Chile Farm, Charles Johnson Co. and many more. Meal plan holders will be admitted for a meal swipe. Non meal plan holders may purchase tickets to attend at Mercado or La Posada for $9.50 + tax.

Guests will enjoy a variety of items from a gourmet taco and salsa bar, tamales and sides all topped with New Mexican green chile roasted on site by Bueno Foods. A dessert station will include fall favorites such as apple empanadas and pumpkin pie or decorate your own balloon-shaped sugar cookie. 

The meal will be accompanied by entertaining sights and sounds complete with a hot air balloon from Rainbow Ryders (weather permitting) and live music.  

“Our dining program features a legacy night in the fall and one in the spring as a semester highlight and special thank you to our meal plan holders. It is our chance to give our customers a really unique experience,” said Amanda Gerard, operations manager for UNM Food.

The University of New Mexico food service provider, Chartwells, works with local food distributors to incorporate locally sourced products into the menu at La Posada on a constant basis. The event highlights the partnership between UNM Food and local vendors. 

“La Po Goes Local is such a wonderful celebration of the sights, smells and flavors of fall in Albuquerque. We wanted to offer our resident meal plan holders the opportunity to see a hot air balloon, take pictures and enjoy a great meal,” added Gerard.

UNM Food will also debut a donation bin at La Po Goes Local in partnership with LoboRESPECT Advocacy Center to benefit the Campus Lobo Food Pantry. Attendees may bring an item from the list of accepted donations to the event. Thereafter, the bin will be located in La Posada.