In New Mexico, an alacena is...
...a cupboard-like space built into an adobe building, with perforated doors of some kind to enclose it. It's usually located in or near the kitchen or dining room, and would historically store food and/or materials for cooking or dining. In New Mexico the Spanish word refers to this specific place, and means "cupboard" and also sounds like "to dinner". For me, the alacena is a metaphor locating something within me, something built in that I want to share. It's a place where my New Mexican identity, history, culture and memory intersect and evolve. Come over for dinner!