What’s Cookin’ in the ID? Local Business Brings Spice & Space to ’Hood

by Shannon Yvonne Moreau

Something’s cooking in the International District. If you drive down Gibson Blvd. near the VA, you might’ve seen the sign for Magic Cookery and Naples Drizzle. Owners Cheryl Coleman and Davey Parker opened for business during the pandemic, in November 2020.  

Naples Drizzle: Specialty Oils & Vinegars 

Naples Drizzle is their line of specially crafted hot chili oils and balsamic vinegars. Magic Cookery is a commercial kitchen available for rental to food producers. When Coleman and Parker initially got their start in California, access to a commercial kitchen helped them take off. Here in Albuquerque, they decided to pay it forward and open one of their own. With their knowledge and experience, they help other entrepreneurs achieve their dreams. 

Magic Cookery: A Dual-Function Kitchen 

“Magic Cookery is a dual-function [kitchen],” says Coleman. It’s a fully equipped commercial kitchen that other food businesses can rent and use to make their own goods. That includes food trucks, caterers, and bakers. The other aspect is a food producer. Magic Cookery makes burritos for Kirtland Air Force Base and other customers such as Vickie’s Snack Shop at Sandia National Laboratories. 

Origins of Naples Drizzle 

Naples Drizzle started it all. During a trip to Italy, they first tasted “chili oil” on pizza and were inspired to bring the spicy pizza condiment to the US. They launched their first chili oil in 2016 at The International Pizza Expo in Las Vegas. 

“Yes, it’s a thing,” Coleman says with a laugh. “And, yeah, it was wonderful. Food everywhere.” 

Now, Naples Drizzle not only produces the original Pepperolio—“Pizza's best friend”–—but also an Asian-style hot sauce, olive oil dippers, and various balsamic vinegars. 

“The balsamics are true reductions,” says Coleman, explaining that there are no added sugars and thickeners. 

Note: I tried the Naples Dipper blended with Pepperolio on a ciabatta roll—utterly divine. 

International District Business Challenges 

Opening a business in Albuquerque’s International District came with challenges. The security fence they installed around the building was not in their business plan. It became necessary, though, after repeatedly finding used needles in planter boxes and people passed out by the dumpster.  

Finding Opportunity in Adversity 

The unplanned fence ultimately became a selling point, though, allowing customers to come in after hours to cook. Neighboring business owners have been informative and helpful. The owner of nearby Sacco Automotive told Coleman about community meetings. She started attending and learned about what’s happening in the area. “A lot of the business owners were complaining about [the newly opened Gateway Center]. I'm thinking, ‘give them a chance. Let's get some of these people who need help off the street.’” 

The other benefit to opening here: “At the time, the price [for the building] was right,” says Coleman.

Visit Naples Drizzle & Magic Cookery 

Many of us will want what Naples Drizzle is serving, though. Check out their oils and balsamic vinegars in their physical store or online. If you’re a caterer or food producer looking for a commercial kitchen space to rent, contact Magic Cookery via their website or phone. 

Naples Drizzle website: naplesdrizzle.com 

Naples Drizzle location: 5701 Gibson Blvd. SE 

Naples Drizzle on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/page/EE145CBF-EC3B-4423-A57B-2527930BC4BA  

Magic Cookery website: magiccookery.com   

Magic Cookery phone: (505) 717-1428