Category Archives: El Tecolote Bookstore

GastroVino Baja Food & Wine Festival

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Gastrovino Baja Food & Wine Festival 2017 adby McCandless K. Sutton

The gastronomical paradise of Todos Santos encompasses the abundance of the Baja California peninsula in every way possible. We revel in our beloved backdrop of mountains, beaches, sunsets, and the energizing catalyst they provide for such a vibrant multi-cultural community. And then there’s the food and wine, of course.

The land of the chiles, mangoes, avocados, bananas, basil and limes blends with the abundance from the sea—the snapper, shrimp, scallops, oysters, clams, sierras, tuna and more. Combine this bounty with Mexico’s best wines and you have a perfect pairing in paradise. Crisp bubblies, refreshing whites, versatile rosés and a diverse range of structured reds all will be on display for your palate’s pleasure at the 6th annual GastroVino, Baja Food and Wine Festival!

On Sunday, May 7, in the Todos Santos plaza, Mexico’s best winemakers will be on hand explaining about and showing off their wonderful creations. Some of Baja Sur’s best chefs will be featuring their culinary creations, including Tadd Chapman, Dany Lamote and Javier Plascencia. Five of Todos Santos’ notable artists will paint live in the plaza on Sunday: Jill Logan, Tori Sepulveda, Robert Wood, Brian McGuffey and the one and only Carlos Díaz Castro. The musical entertainment is sure to impress with the rocking soul of the beautiful Samantha Rae Band, of La Voz México fame, coming to town.

It is hoped that thousands of dollars will be raised at the 100% benefit silent auction for the Palapa Society of Todos Santos’ programs and for the restoration of the children’s park, el Parque del Misión de San Juan, which is by the original Jesuit mission in barrio San Juan at the north entrance to Todos Santos. Last year over $8,000 USD was raised and over the past five years, the GastroVino Festival has raised $32,500 USD for a variety of local organizations, including los bomberos, Hogar del Niño, the Internado, DIF and more. This year, a wide variety of artwork, dinner certificates, hotel getaways and more will be auctioned.

GastroVino Champagne Girl by Kate Turning

GastroVino Champagne Girl by Kate Turning

Friday night’s kick-off event on May 5, the Blanco Ball, will be a wonderfully elegant evening featuring dancing wine nymphs, sexy souvenirs, great music, lots of bubbles, premium wine raffles, a white carpet with fashion photographers, a delicious selection of tapas, and winemakers mingling and discussing their various nectars.

The GastroTour takes place the evening of Saturday, May 6, and allows for a gastronomical adventure around the centro histórico of Todos Santos. A winemaker is paired with the chef of each restaurant to create the best maridaje possible. After receiving your commemorative glass and a map you’re encouraged to follow tour leaders or head out on your own downtown food and wine adventure.

Also during the day on Saturday, the BCS Wine Tasting Challenge takes place and is hosted by the head winemaker of Freixenet México from Querétaro. GastroVino artwork photographer Kate Turning and husband Steve Jacobi will be defending their shared-crown as reigning Blind Tasting champions!

The 6th Annual GastroVino Festival is sure to be the best yet and the gastronomical paradise of Todos Santos will be showcasing why Baja California Sur is an international destination for Baja food and wine lovers. ¡Salud!

See Events in the Spring 2017 issue of Journal del Pacifico for more information. Tickets for all events are available at: La Bodega de Todos Santos and El Tecolote Bookstore in Todos Santos, GotBaja store in La Paz, and Pez Gordo Gallery at The Shoppes at Palmilla. For more information visit: Facebook: Gastrovino Baja Food & Wine Festival / Gastrovino Fest Baja or www.gastrovino.mx

Todos Santos Open Studio Tour

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8th Annual Todos Santos Open Studio Tour

by Jill Mollenhauer

Anne Hebebrand, Todos Santos Open Studio Tour, Baja, Mexico

Anne Hebebrand

Every year it’s the talk of the town. The Todos Santos Open Studio Tour draws hundreds of people curious to see working art studios, meet the artists, and perhaps have a personal dialogue with them. Stories are exchanged; laughter flows and smiles glow on the faces of those who find something that seems to have been made especially for them.

At its inception in 2009, the then one-day tour boasted a mere handful of amazing talent. For 2017 the number of participating artists has grown to over 40, necessitating its extension to a two day event.

Benito Ortega, Todos Santos Open Studio Tour, Baja, Mexico

Benito Ortega

The 8th annual Todos Santos Open Studio Tour will be held on the weekend of February 11 and 12, 2017, from 10 am to 4 pm both days. All proceeds benefit the children’s art programs of The Palapa Society of Todos Santos, A.C. Advance ticket sales begin January 28, 2017. Tickets will be $200 pesos each and can be purchased in Todos Santos at El Tecolote Bookstore on Calle Juárez, or ordered online at ts.studiotour@gmail.com. Tickets can also be purchased at Cafélix in Todos Santos from 9 am to 3 pm both event days. Maps are included with purchase and plenty of signs are posted to streamline the self-guided tour.

Gloria Santoyo Ruenitz, Todos Santos Open Studio Tour, Baja, Mexico

Gloria Santoyo Ruenitz

The choices of what to see are practically endless: paint, mixed media, encaustic, wood carving, metal sculpture, stone work, jewelry, fibers, photography and more. The hardest part might be deciding which studios to choose from and if it is possible to get to them all in two days. From the south end of town all the way through the north end of el Otro Lado, there are artist studios tucked away that hold treasures undreamed of.

To help plan your tour, browse the Facebook page Todos Santos Open Studio Tour to see some samples of the different work. Seasoned veterans of the tour often make a list of names to help plan a route, making sure to visit their favorite artists along with some new ones. Others prefer to just wing it, leaving it open to the serendipity of the moment.

Besides spending the day immersed in creativity, the tour is a chance to explore what it is like to be an artist in the beautiful pueblo mágico of Todos Santos. It is the personal interaction with the artists that makes this tour so special. What inspires them? What brought them here and why do they stay? How did they begin and what story do they have to tell?

Sculptor Benito Ortega was drawn to Todos Santos eight years ago by ‘a vibration in the air.’ Nine year resident, encaustic artist Gloria Santoyo Ruenitz stays because life is simple and she can spend the mornings lost in the passion of creativity. The positive energy of the light and the people is just part of what keeps painter/teacher Tori Sepulveda enthralled with Todos Santos, even after 10 years.

As a kid flipping burgers at the foot of the Newport Beach pier Peter Holden probably never imagined himself living and painting in Baja California Sur for over a decade. Did Anne Hebebrand envision herself  experimenting with diverse tools such as spatulas, rubber shapers, paint rollers, and palette knives on canvas when as a young girl she was a waitress at a Mexican restaurant?

Susan Doyle says, “My favorite part of painting is the point when you think it is awful and you’re about to give up and then some magical accident happens and it clicks.” For Nanette Hayles she loves all parts of the creative process but “getting ‘lost’ in a piece when time ceases” is her favorite. Steve Thurston says that the best painting is always the one he’s currently working on.

Landscape artist Marsha Dahlquist is entranced with street scenes and the challenge of painting architecture, while Jill Mollenhauer expresses emotions with vibrant colors and mixed media.

Whichever studios you visit, you are sure to find both talent and heart. Between the well-known galleries in town and the numerous hidden gems in the barrios there are delights and surprises waiting just for you.

Here are a few helpful tips to make it even more enjoyable: Some studios are clustered near enough that parking and walking is viable. Perusing the neighborhoods is a wonderful way to get a feel of the community. Or consider carpooling–everything is more fun with friends. Wear comfortable shoes and a hat and don’t forget the sunscreen! Cold drinks and delicious meals can be purchased in town and for even more fun, consider staying the night at one of the area boutique hotels.

For more information: ts.studiotour@gmail.com

Holiday 2016/2017

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Journal del Pacifico Holiday 2016/2017 cover by Bruce Herman

Journal del Pacifico Holiday 2016/2017 cover by Bruce Herman

Feliz Fiestas from Journal del Pacifico! In our Holiday issue, we have some great feature stories as well as lots of exciting things happening with our advertisers.

Once again, Bryan Jáuregui of Todos Santos Eco Adventures has provided us with a feature story, this time about the largest animal on Earth, who is also a visitor to our Baja waters. Richard Jackson and Carlos Gajon Bermudez shared their stunning Blue Whale photos, some taken within three miles of Loreto.

Many thanks to Bruce Herman for all the beautiful traditional Mexican photographs that are on our front cover and throughout this issue. If you’d like to see more, be sure to stop in the Luz Gallery on calle Topete in downtown Todos Santos.

Just around the corner, México Gourmet has moved next door to Chocolates La Laguna, behind the El Tecolote bookstore. Now it’s even more convenient to stock up on handmade chocolates from La Laguna and spices, seasoned salts, vanilla, organic coffee and more at Mexico Gourmet!

Discover the true flavors of Mexico at El Refugio Mezcalería, Todos Santos’ first mezcal bar. They serve artisanal agave distillates and cocktails, along with prehispanic foods such as pozole, mole, and traditional dishes from Guerrero and Oaxaca. Visit their Facebook page for happy hour specials and events, or contact them to schedule a private mezcal tasting.

Local, organic fresh veggies and herbs are now available from Sueño Tropical Farm at Pura Vida Health Food Store in Todos Santos.

Rumi Garden, the popular Asian cuisine restaurant in Todos Santos is now open again for the season. Stop in for their daily lunch specials, vegetarian, vegan and organic friendly dishes.

Cositas para la Casa has just opened on the otro lado of Todos Santos. It is based on a vision of all locally handmade products for the home, all the way up to but not including furniture. Stop by and see the mastery in knitting, sewing, crocheting, and embroidery.

La Cocina de Cleo is open again on the otro lado serving up Mexican breakfast and lunch and staying open late for dinner on Friday and Saturday evenings.

Looking for a place to stay on the otro lado? Casa Las Tunas has charming cabañas and rooms with full kitchens, in a beautiful garden setting. It’s close to town and the beach too!

Day passes and memberships are now available for the lovely El Faro Beach Club & Spa. For information, please call Boutique Hotel Guaycura at (612) 175-0800.

Sra. Alma, with 15 years’ experience as a pharmacist, has now opened Farmacia San Benito in Todos Santos. She and her husband, Raul also own the Farmacia San Benito in Pescadero. Both locations stock brand name and generic medicines, controlled and oncology prescriptions and an extensive selection of orthopedic, personal and items for babies.

Congratulations to Cerritos Beach Inn on their first year anniversary. They are now offering home delivery on to go orders in the Pescadero and Cerritos area.

The all new, Oasis Bar & Grill on the highway in Pescadero is getting rave reviews on their menu. If you are looking for that classic American meal you need to check this place out–their Reuben sandwich is delicious!

Mini Super Munchies, near Rancho Pescadero and the beach, is a delightful corner market filled with local products, delicious snacks, beautiful crafts, wine, beer, and much more. Make sure to check their Facebook page for special guest chef and music nights!

Dra. Alejandra Peña Salguero has expanded her offices near the Pemex in Todos Santos. Dra. Alejandra is a completely bilingual, community primary care physician, available by appointment. The Padrino Children’s Foundation office is also at the same location. The Foundation and Dra. Alejandra are working to provide medical services for economically disadvantaged children in Todos Santos and the surrounding area.

Two exciting Palapa Society of Todos Santos events are coming up—their Open House for the all new Palapa Learning Center in early January and the return of the Palapa Carreras de Todos Santos 5k/10k in March—It’s bigger and better!

Todos Santos Music Festival message from Peter and Chloe BuckYes it’s true; there will not be a Todos Santos Music Festival this January. After five years, Peter and Chloe Buck are taking a break this winter. The Journal del Pacifico is proud to have been a founder member of this amazing festival. But don’t worry; there are still a whole lot of live music events happening throughout Todos Santos and Pescadero—at La Esquina, Chill N Grill (check out their new location), Restaurant Mi Pueblito 3 and more! Check out our events listings in our current issue for more information.

Pick up a copy today or  view the entire issue online. Make sure to reserve your space early for our next issue, featuring the incredible places to live and stay in Pescadero! Deadline is January 10, 2017.

Summer 2016

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Journal del Pacifico Summer 2016 cover by Keenan ShoalHappy summertime in Baja California Sur!

In the Summer 2016 issue of Journal del Pacifico we discover many of the fun things to do in Baja Sur when the water is warm and the days are slow. You can find out more information about all activities mentioned right here in the Summer 2016 issue.

Keenan Shoal, of Amerimex Realty, shared photos from around Baja California Sur for our cover “View from La Poza,” our Summertime Fun in Baja Sur article and throughout the magazine.

In our feature story, Lawyers, Guns and Money: Gold Mining and Biodiversity in the Biosphere Reserve, Bryan Jáuregui of Todos Santos Eco Adventures explores the incredible diverse eco system of the Sierra de La Laguna Biosphere and international group of scientists working to aid in the effort to save it from the threat of gold mining. Also Kaia Thomson shares The Desert Food Chain in story and photographs.

Ricardo Madrazo tells the story of how Baja Sur TV came about in response to a need for citizen based media to cover important stories that are of interest to citizens and residents of Baja California Sur.

Want to learn more about the area? Kat Bennett of Allende Books lists some great area guide books to help you on your way. All are available at Allende Books in La Paz and El Tecolote Bookstore in Todos Santos.

SunRider Tours, on the malecón in La Paz, will help you get started on your summertime adventure. Take a day trip scuba diving, snorkeling, whale shark watching or swim with the sea lions. They also offer La Paz and Todos Santos city tours.

We are pleased to welcome Anne Hebebrand to the growing community of Baja California Sur artists. You can see her works at Galería de Todos Santos and Pez Gordo gallery in the Shoppes of Pamilla.

La Morena Restaurant /Bar / Coffee Shop in Todos Santos is open Monday through Saturday at 8 am serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. They have Wi-fi and accept Visa / MasterCard.

Gallo Azul Pizza Art / Bar in Todos Santos has a backyard bocce ball court, an indoor pool table and have added new pizza specialties and pasta dishes to their menu.

Dine on the patio at Landi’s Restaurant & Gallery, on Todos Santos’ town plaza, and enjoy the “sabores de Mexico” while watching the sunset.

The El Mirador Ocean View Restaurant has a special paella dinner every Sunday from 2 to 8 pm, and live music from 5 to 8 pm. The Sky Lounge at the top of Guaycura Boutique Hotel has live music Saturday nights from 7 to 10 pm. For more information, visit the Guaycura Boutique Hotel.

Mi Pueblito 3 is now open in Pescadero, across the highway from Dana’s Diner. In addition to their Mexican specialties, they are also serving pizza and have live rock music every Saturday night.

Cerritos Puesta del Sol has new luxury, fully-appointed, condominiums for sale or rent just steps from the Cerritos Beach.

Check out the summer happenings at Cerritos Beach Inn, August 1st to October 1st: $99 for any room, daily food and drink specials on burgers, hot dogs, steaks, chicken and shrimp. Cool down in their pool and relax on the loungers!

Desert Moon Cerritos Beach Hotel is offering local discount rates AND 3 for the price of 2 beers or margaritas all day, every day in the Rip Tide Bar through November 1st.

Hotelito in La Cachora, Todos Santos, Serendipity on the ‘otro lado,’ Hacienda Todos Los Santos in downtown Todos Santos and Rancho Pescadero also offer special summer rates from June to September.

Como El Sol in Pescadero, offering solar energy products, has moved to a new location. They can be found on the road heading to downtown Pescadero across from Romex.

Baja Serena / Yoga Los Arcos, El Pescadero, BCSCertified yoga instructor, Mayra Torres, teaches yoga classes at Baja Serena / Los Arcos in Pescadero. She offers special monthly pricing if you sign up for 3 or 5 classes per week.

People are raving about the whole house water treatment systems from Water Ways Baja. Now you can have safe, healthy drinking water throughout your home, or just at your kitchen sink.

Summer is also a great time to check out the waves in San Juanico, Baja California Sur. La Oficina can help you with vacation rentals, real estate and construction services.

Do you miss your Baja Beans Roasting Company fresh roasted coffee when you’re not in Baja? You can order beans on Amazon to be shipped in Canada and the USA!

Chill N Grill in Todos Santos will be open all summer long and also on Sundays starting September 11 for regular season NFL games.

Core Yoga will return to Cuatro Vientos Thursdays, starting in October. Many instructors take vacations between July and September, so be sure to check with them on their summer class schedules.

We hope that you enjoy your summertime in Baja California Sur! We’ll be back with our Fall issue of Journal del Pacifico. Deadline is September 19. Ciao!