Nathaniel Tetsuro Paolinelli

The International District in Albuquerque, New Mexico, is the city's most ethnically diverse neighborhood. Once bustling with motels and diners serving travelers along Route 66, the area has transformed into array of authentic ethnic restaurants and businesses have taken their place. It’s the only place in Albuquerque where you will find a concentration of Asian American owned businesses. If you don’t live in the area, you might not be aware of these hidden gems. Small businesses are adundent in the area, and as someone who grew up in a small business, I felt compelled to showcase the people behind these establishments.

District Portraits is my contribution to the Symbiosis Artist Residency, which aims to foster community connections and create public art in the International District. As a photographer of Japanese and Italian heritage who grew up in a small family business, I set out to create portraits of Asian American small businesses in this vibrant neighborhood. Despite representing only 1.9% of New Mexico’s population, Asian Americans own 3.9% of the state’s businesses, many of which thrive in this community.

I listened to inspiring stories of their journeys to America, their paths to Albuquerque, and the motivations that drive their success as business owners. These individuals are some of the hardest-working people I’ve ever met, and it was an honor to have them share their time with me. Through this photographic project, I aim to raise awareness of their businesses within our community and inspire others to explore the unique offerings of these places. Each portrait celebrates the hard work, passion, and cultural heritage that define these vital spaces in our city.

Suphannee “Noi” Hazel is the owner and head cook of Pad Thai Cafe, located in Albuquerque's International District. Originally from Udon Thani in northeastern Thailand, Noi has lived and worked in the area for over 40 years. At 19, she married an American stationed at the U.S. Air Force base in Udon Thani. The couple later moved to Omaha, Nebraska, before relocating to Albuquerque due to her ex-husband's transfer to Kirtland Air Force Base.

Despite spending more time in the U.S. than in Thailand, Noi has maintained her passion for Thai cuisine. In 1985, she opened her first restaurant, Pattaya Cafe, one of only two Thai establishments in Albuquerque at the time. After parting ways with her business partner, she worked for several years at Ta Lin Market.

Eight years ago, Noi opened Pad Thai Cafe next to Ta Lin Market, where she specializes in spicy Isan-style dishes. At 73 years old, she remains energetic and dedicated, shopping daily for fresh vegetables, meat, and fish from her trusted local sources.

Additionally, twice a week, she prepares traditional Isan-style meals for Buddhist monks at the Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep temple, located nearby.

Pad Thai Cafe
110 Louisiana Blvd SE
(505) 266-0567
padthaicafeabq.net

John’s Pharmacy stands as a beacon of care in Albuquerque's International District. Founded by John Ma, a graduate of the University of New Mexico College of Pharmacy, this independently owned pharmacy is more than just a business—it’s a commitment to the community. Originally from California, John moved to Albuquerque during high school and gained invaluable experience in retail and independent pharmacies before opening John’s Pharmacy in 2019.

As a bilingual pharmacist, John provides essential services to the Vietnamese population in the area, making his pharmacy a vital resource. He is joined by his younger brother, Jeremy Ma, and a dedicated team of six staff members. Among them are Tommy Trinh and Megan Nguyen, both Albuquerque natives, who chose to work at John’s Pharmacy to ensure their community receives the care it deserves.

In recent years, many major retail pharmacies have departed from the International District, leaving a void in accessible healthcare. This has only heightened the importance of John’s Pharmacy in an already underserved area. John could have established his business anywhere, but he chose the International District because he genuinely cares about the community and is dedicated to making a positive impact.

So the next time you need a prescription filled, visit John’s Pharmacy and support a local business that truly makes a difference.

John’s Pharmacy
9134 Central Ave SE
505-299-6169
http://johnspharmacyabq.com

Kim and Day Nguyen are the husband-and-wife team behind Pho Linh. Day hails from Da Nang, Vietnam, where he faced significant challenges growing up as a biracial child after the war. His early life included hardships, and at the age of four, he began working by collecting firewood. The American Homecoming Act of 1989 provided him preferential immigration status as a child of a U.S. father, enabling him to immigrate to the United States at the age of 24. He first settled in Boston before moving to Texas and eventually Albuquerque.

During a return trip to Vietnam, Day met Kim, who later became his wife and moved with him to New Mexico. Twenty years ago, they opened Pho Linh in a old diner location at the historic Desert Sands Motel. Initially, they were the only two employees, working seven days a week without breaks. Unfortunately, in 2016, an arson fire destroyed the motel, leaving their restaurant without utilities and forcing them to walk away without compensation.

A few years later, Pho Linh was revitalized when they found a new location in the International District. Day personally handled the remodeling of the space, bringing new life to it. Kim sponsored her younger sister, Thuc, who traveled from Vietnam to join the family business. Thuc and her husband Steven are expecting their first child soon.

Today, Pho Linh is one of Albuquerque's most popular Vietnamese restaurants, renowned for its exceptional food. The establishment operates as a family-run business with two sisters, their two husbands and four other extended family members. Day and Kim manage the kitchen while Steven and Thuc oversee front-of-house operations. Despite the small space, their teamwork and efficiency ensure that every order is meticulously prepared and presented.

Pho Linh
9100 Central Ave SE
(505) 266-3368
pholinhabq.com

Nestled in the heart of the International District, Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep is a vibrant Thai Buddhist temple that serves the Southeast Asian Buddhist community. This sacred space is a gathering point for people from Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia, providing a deep connection to their homelands.

While photographing Noi at The Pad Thai Cafe, I met a monk collecting alms from her restaurant. Jirakulo Dhamma, originally from Korat, Thailand, embraced the monastic life at the age of 48. After spending two years in London, he arrived in Albuquerque just seven months ago, eager to support and engage with the community. We had a thoughtful conversation, and the following day, I was fortunate enough to have lunch at the temple.

The temple hosts ceremonies and Buddhist holidays that showcase the rich cultural heritage of Thailand through traditional rituals, dance, and cuisine. I attended the Royal Kathina Ceremony, where I witnessed firsthand the profound significance of this temple to the community. Throughout the morning, religious ceremonies unfolded, while behind the temple, tents offered some of the best Southeast Asian street food I’ve encountered. Vendors displayed traditional clothing and jewelry, creating a vibrant atmosphere that celebrated the region’s cultural richness.

I had the privilege of meeting many people and listening to their stories, and these are just a few of them. If you are looking for a rich cultural experience, I highly recommend visiting the temple during its next public ceremony. It's a truly enriching opportunity to connect with the vibrant traditions and warmth of the Southeast Asian community here in Albuquerque.

Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep
320 Louisiana Blvd SE
505-268-4983
facebook.com/watbuddhamongkolnimit

The Symbiosis Artist Residency is organized by Friends of the Orphan Signs and funded by a grant from the City of Albuquerque Department of Arts & Culture, Public Art Urban Enhancement Trust Fund. The artwork will be displayed on a Route 66 motel sign.

Here’s some of the photos in color.