by Jacque Oldfield
Daily Lobo
If you're looking for a laid-back alternative to the chromatic bar scene, check out "Smooch's," on the corner of Buena Vista Drive and Central Ave.
Prosaic exposed wood ceilings and a massive antique beer cooler lend a casual cantina atmosphere to the place -- picture "Cheers," set deep in New Mexico.
It was bound to happen, as with all good secrets, Smooch's has recently been discovered by the local music scene. The draw of weekly bands has turned this once quiet beer-and-burger joint into rock-central.
Open to all ages, Smooch's will break out the sidewalk furniture and hold 17 shows in March. Former disc jockey turned restaurant owner, Larry "Smooch" Ashley, encourages UNM musicians to use the venue.
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"We support all genres of music," Ashley said.
He added that he is ready for the warm weather and the hectic multi-band schedule.
"We are just finishing up with back-to-back shows. We'll take a night or two off, then we're going at it again. We've got to pay the rent."
Smooch's currently features 34 different varieties of imported and domestic beer none over $3 a bottle, and wings so hot they burst into flames on contact. Hence, beer, sodas, tea and bottled water are also available.
Like many Albuquerque success stories, Smooch's is a family venture. Ashley recalled how he and brothers Ken and Ryan started out, "We just hustled the streets, selling tapes at flea markets from El Paso, to 'Vegas, to Denver."
The brothers' goal was to someday have their own CD shop. They opened "L.A. Underground" in 1997. Catering mainly to the University area hip-hop scene, L.A. Underground offers music, video, clothing and, according to Ashley, "lately, we've been selling a lot of vinyl." The "Hit and Run Smoke Shop" was added in 2001 by expanding to an adjoining storefront.
The Ashleys then diversified their budding empire further with Smooch's, which opened its doors in the summer of 2002.
"He, [Ashley] hasn't taken a day off in six months. Since he's single, he can do that" said Cindy Ashley of her brother-in-law, "Smooch." Cindy now tends the very bar she helped build.
Getting Smooch's off the ground took both family effort and the thankless toil of long-time friends.
"It took about three months of real intense labor," Ashley said. "The place was in pretty bad shape. It needed everything, floors, painting, everything."
Friends turned out in mass to help with the renovations.
"It was really incredible, I just couldn't believe it," Ashley said. "Whenever they could, they just showed up and did everything. They put their own stuff on hold, you know? It was unbelievable. And nobody ever asked for anything in return. Really, we all made it happen."
As for the future, Ashley is confident.
"The entire restaurant business is down right now. For us it's been sometimes slow but steady. We won't fold. We are here to stay."
