I've flown THROUGH ABQ before, but never originated. Anything special that I should know?

Security really is a breeze now with the new queue and the expanded number of x-ray machines. It will probably take you much longer to check your bags than it will to get through security.

Any restaurants we've just "go to visit"?

I would recommend the independent restaurants like Artichoke Cafe, Seasons, Zinc, Graze (not sure how it's going to be now that Jennifer James is leaving), etc. Most have very reasonably priced lunch menus -- I especially like Seasons for lunch. I've heard good things about Standard Diner and Slate Street Cafe. I wasn't very impressed by Ambrozia.

If you are looking for New Mexican food, my favorite is Los Cuates (there are a couple of locations). Stay away from El Pinto. It used to be "the place" to recommend for out-of-town visitors, but it has gone WAY downhill. Supposedly the grandsons took over, and they are ruining the place. The food quality went way down and the prices went way up (the price of a pitcher of margaritas literally doubled and tastes horrible now).

There are a lot of coupons for good places available (for a fee) at www.999dine.com