Category Archives: baja mexico

Spring!

Posted on by

Happy La Semana Santa (Holy) week!

Journal del Pacfiico Spring 2014 cover by Emanuela Gardner, Baja, Mexico

Journal del Pacfiico Spring 2014 cover by Emanuela Gardner

A recent visitor to the Todos Santos / Pescadero area was amazed at the quantity of “really good restaurants“ here and we are inclined to agree. In this issue, we interviewed several local chefs and restaurateurs and found it a lot of fun and tasty! We hope that you enjoy the chef and restaurant profiles in, this, our first annual Baja “Restaurant Issue.“ For the complete text of the interviews, visit: http://journaldelpacifico.com/blog/features
¡Buen Provecho!

There is no better way to sample the wines of Baja and the gastronomical delights of Todos Santos than at the GastroVino Festival. This year’s 3rd annual Festival includes wine pairing dinners, wine tasting and a bubbly brunch. Don’t miss the main festival that takes place in the plaza pública on May 24, featuring wineries, wine tasting, delicious morsels from area restaurants, live music and more!

There’s more than good wine in Southern Baja—you can learn about the great coffee and fresh baked goods at Baja Beans Roasting Company and the artisanal spirits being brewed at The Distillery in this issue’s profiles as well.

Porfirio Zuñiga displaying a hand-caught sand bass. Photo: Carlos Aguilar, Baja, Mexico

Porfirio Zuñiga displaying a hand-caught sand bass. Photo: Carlos Aguilar

Fresh, quality fish and sustainable fisheries can go hand in hand. A report by Oceana uncovered the staggering amount of wasted seafood and marine life, known as bycatch, in several U.S. fisheries. This is a concern for communities and chefs in Baja as well. This issue, Bryan Jáuregui of Todos Santos Eco Adventures writes about two men’s quest to educate fishermen and restaurants and help make Baja’s fisheries sustainable with a program called SmartFish.

May 1, Restaurante Tre Galline is moving to share location with Caffé Todos Santos. Don’t worry! You can still get a great cup of coffee and a hearty Caffé Todos Santos breakfast or lunch, then come back for an elegant Italian dinner, pizza or scrumptious dessert in the evening.

Gallo Azul is now open in the stunning new blue building on Zaragoza, just a half a block up from the park in Todos Santos. Gallo Azul serves pizzas and salads, has a full bar and art too!

Artist Steve Thurston has opened his new Gallery 365 on calle Militar in Todos Santos. Pop in if you see the door open. This season it will be open “By Appointment or By Chance.”

You’ve probably noticed the colorful Dana’s Diner in Pescadero, next to the Pemex. Next time you’re passing through, stop in and enjoy old style hamburgers, hot dogs, veggie burgers, with French fries, onion rings, jalapeno poppers and more. Full bar with live music coming soon.

Baja isn’t all art, wine and great food. Many authors also make their home here. Karl Eysenbach’s book, The Story of the Century, set in in Baja and Los Angeles with romance, intrigue and suspense, is available at El Tecolote Bookstore in Todos Santos.

Do you have aches and pains in your body? Do you need relief from an injury or pain, new or old? Look into Yamuna Foot Fitness and Body Rolling taught by certified instructor Emily Gable at Estudio Baja located across from Shut Up Frank’s in Todos Santos. Roll out your knots, open your joints and elongate your spine!

Certified Ayurvedic practitioner, Valma Brenton can assist you with natural well-being through yoga, Ayurveda and sustainable living. Call or email for a consultation.

Hummingbirds, photo by Kaia Thomson, Baja, Mexico

photo by Kaia Thomson

May 11, take part in the first annual Hummingbird Festival, to be held at the Centro Cultural in Todos Santos. It’s sure to be fun with art, music, food and guest speakers. There is also a hummingbird photo contest. Check out our article, in the Spring 2014 issue for more details.

FANLAP, Fundación Ayuda Niños La Paz A.C., is an non-profit organization that helps keep children in school in La Paz. They operate a dining room and library in Colonia Laguna Azul, one of the poorest neighborhoods within the jurisdiction of La Paz and raise funds to keep children in school.

According to the latest NOAA/CPC report, there is a 50% chance that equatorial waters in the Pacific will warm sufficiently to meet the criteria for an El Niño (warmer than average sea-surface temperatures). As a result, NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center has issued an El Niño Watch for summer 2014. Make sure to protect your windows, doors and home interior with Baja Hurricane Screens. See their ad for more information.

We will see you soon with our Summer/Verano issue—the deadline is May 1.

Festival 2014 issue

Posted on by
Celia with Festival 2014 issue of Journal del Pacifico, Todos Santos, Baja, Mexico

Celia with Festival 2014 issue of Journal del Pacifico

We’ve been busy delivering the Festival issue of Journal del Pacifico–it’s hard keeping the new issue in stock! People are loving the Manta Ray feature story by Bryan and Sergio Jauregui and stunning photographs by Kaia Thomson and Iker Algorri.

 

Festival de Cine de Todos Santos program cover by Gloria Marie Von Jansky, Baja, Mexico

Festival de Cine de Todos Santos program cover by Gloria Marie Von Jansky

The 11th annual Festival de Cine de Todos Santos begins Thursday, February 20 and will fill the town with famous Spanish and Mexican actors, distinguished Spanish diplomats, daring international directors, budding local film-makers, and dozens of great movies. And you won’t even have to work very hard to get to it; this year the festival will show films not only in Todos Santos, but Pescadero and La Paz as well.

Carnaval takes place February 27 through March 4 on the malecón in La Paz.

The festival spirit continues with the Todos Santos Historic Home Tour on March 16 and the first Greenfest in Cabo March 27 through 29.

March 17th, Shut Up Frank’s will have their Lucky 17th Annual St. Patrick’s Day party with green beer and homemade Corn Beef and Cabbage with all the sides.

A lot is going on in Todos Santos’ historic district. Guaycura Boutique Hotel will be opening their new Beach Club at the restored lighthouse on Todos Santos’ southwest beach. They are also making changes to the restaurant at the hotel and will be having live music every other weekend at the Sky Lounge and Tapas bar.

At the Todos Santos Inn, La Copa Cocina is open and serving a delicious variety of small plate dishes—perfect for sharing while enjoying the jazz music of “Pepe and Friends” at the upstairs bar, Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights. La Copa Cocina is open from 5 to 10 pm, closed Wednesday.

Artique Boutique is open! Alexis carries unique women’s clothing, swimsuits, jewelry and accessories. Check out her store, located in Plaza Antiqua at the three way stop on Juárez street—now with a special on many items!

IndiO Spirit Native Culture Arts, across the street from the Guaycura Hotel, has museum quality and custom leather art, paintings, clothing, accessories and more. While there, inquire about their Turtle Island Healing Lodge and upcoming seminars.

People stop in Todos Santos to shop at the two organic / fresh food stores, ¡Que Rico! and Pura Vida. ¡Que Rico! stocks a variety of specialty products like organic meats, cheeses, homemade spreads, breads and more. Their new facebook page is QueRicoFoods.

Not only does Pura Vida carry those hard to find organic, health and local products, they also serve healthy fare at the restaurant. If you’re interested in buying this family minded venue with a commitment to community health, contact Joella Coronado.

MerciTodo is the Todos Santos’ “notions” store with materials, thread, ribbons and many of your sewing needs. They also custom make curtains, pillows and many more home furnishings.

If you’re driving south, stop at Vicbi’s on the way out of Todos Santos for natural homemade ice creams like mango and pitahaya. They are also open early with coffee, burritos and other food for the road.

Baja’s first and only Float Spa, Joy of Floating, is located next door to Baja Beans Roasting Co. in Pescadero. Relax in the luxurious warm Epsom salt tank and emerge rejuvenated. Flotation therapy is a luxurious escape and an extremely powerful tool for strengthening the immune system and improving health.

Birding in Baja California Sur cover, Baja, MexicoIf you missed the well attended Todos Santos presentation and book signing for Todos Santos Eco Adventures’ and Kaia Thomson’s photographic book, Birding in Baja California Sur, on February 16 at the Guaycura Hotel, you’ll get another chance to attend March 8 at La Encantada in La Paz. The book is available at El Tecolote Bookstore in Todos Santos and Allende Books in La Paz.

We’re starting on our Spring “Wining and Dining” issue soon. Deadline is March 1. Contact us for more information!

Valentine’s Weekend

Posted on by

Whatever you’re looking for, we’ve got it here!

IndiO Spirit, Todos Santos, Baja, MexicoThis Friday, February 14th, from 5 to 6:30 pm, IndiO Spirit in Todos Santos will host a “Valentine’s Day Sunset Sound Meditation for Worldwide Day Of Sound Healing–A Harmonic Heart Realignment for All.” Immerse yourself with the transformative vibrations of the planetary tones of the Acutonics Healing System with The Ohm Gong, Tibetan Bowls, Bells, Chimes and Tuning Forks—for balance, harmonic healing and reconnection with the divine harmonies and rhythms of the universe.

 

Across the street at the Restaurant at Guaycura Boutique Hotel you can enjoy a Valentine’s weekend for two, February 14, 15 and 16th, starting at 1 pm daily, the chef will be preparing a romantic “prix fixe” meal for two using only the freshest local ingredients.

For cool listening to hot jazz, there’s no better place than La Copa at The Todos Santos Inn. This Friday, from 7 to 11 pm, “Pepe and Friends” will welcome Grammy award winning artist, Terry Townson. Share a delicious variety of chef Patricio’s small plate dishes from La Copa Cocina with your loved one.

Amigos de El Pescadero will be holding a Valentine’s Day Fundraiser, February 14, at 6 pm, at Mariscos El Pescadero Restaurant on Highway 19, Pescadero. Raffle tickets for whale-watching trip to Magadalena Bay for 2. Raffle tickets are 10 pesos and can be purchased at Pescadero Life Booth at Baja Beans Sunday Market or online: www.PescaderoLife.com. Amigos de El Pescadero is a non-profit multi-cultural, community organization that undertakes projects that benefit the community, such as infrastructure improvements, neighborhood security issues, and support to health programs.

Birding in Baja California Sur by Kaia Thomson and Todos Santos Eco Adventures, Todos Santos, Baja, MexicoSunday, February 16th, at 4:30 pm, will be a Presentation and Book Signing for Todos Santos Eco Adventures’ and Kaia Thomson’s stunning Birding in Baja California Sur. Books will be available for purchase. You won’t want to miss this one!

Birding in Baja California Sur is available at El Tecolote Bookstore in Todos Santos and Allende Books in La Paz.

Holiday 2013 issue

Posted on by

Journal del Pacifico Holiday 2013 cover by Kate Turning, Baja, MexicoWe’ve been busy delivering the new issue of Journal del Pacfico in Todos Santos and La Paz. People are raving over our rocking cover by Kate Turning with model Yannick Rondero and makeup by Martin Juan Carlos of W. Salon in La Paz.

The third Todos Santos Music Festival will take place at the Hotel California in mid-January with one concert in the town plaza. For more on the festival, check out our feature story by Doug Newcomb with photos from last year by Vivian Johnson.

Creative energy is flowing in Southern Baja! You can find many local authors in print now. This month we have an interview with Elizabeth Day about her book, Living with Gusto. Out now is Pamela Cobb’s Tales of Tiny Town which features her popular essays that have appeared over the years in the Journal del Pacifico. And the beautiful new photo collection Birding in Baja by Journal del Pacifico contributor Kaia Thomson, will be out for Christmas—see her hummingbird photos in this issue. All are available at El Tecolote Bookstore in Todos Santos and Allende Books in La Paz.

The array of visual arts is stunning. Galería El Triunfo is open, again, for the season with the works by Gabo and Karin Schubert. Swing over to San Antonio on your way and visit Liz’s art studio at Rancho La Venta. Multi-media photographer Emanuela Gardner has an opening January 9, at Hotel Casa Tota.

Galeria Logan will host an art opening with new works by Jill Logan and Doug West on January 18. And you can find Jill Casty’s sculptures in glass at Art House in La Paz, Galería de Todos Santos or Pez Gordo in San José del Cabo. Gloria Ruenitz’s new works can be seen at Galería de Todos Santos and Pez Gordo in San José del Cabo.

Nomad Chic has opened in their new location just down from El Tecolote Bookstore and Juice Bar. Nomad Chic is proud to be the exclusive location in Todos Santos and USA online for Acuarela Swimwear. Look at our events listing for their upcoming informal and “pop-up” modeling dates.

We received a lot of positive feedback on our featured restaurant reviews in our previous issue, Fall 2013. You can find another selection this issue, including Rumi Garden. Speaking of food… Wind and “C” will be open December 13, at the same location as last year—Los Cardones B&B at Cerritos Beach in Pescadero.

We can’t wait for the new restaurant at La Copa in the Todos Santos Inn to open in mid-December. Chef Patricio is planning a delicious menu using fresh, local ingredients. And Landi’s Restaurant has opened in its new location next to the Teatro Márquez de León in the historic district of Todos Santos.

If you’re looking for antojitos (literally “little cravings”) Carnitas Uruapan is the place to go. They serve authentic Mexican favorites such as sopes, huaraches, chiles rellenos and more.

Estudio Baja is located downtown between Miguel’s Restaurant and La Cabaña in Todos Santos. Studio rentals are available for your movement classes or workshops, and a treatment room for massage/energy work is also available for rent. It’s a tranquil atmosphere with wall of mirrors, bathroom, fans, and beautiful wood floors in a convenient downtown location. Stop in and check out their Yamuna Body Rolling and Foot Fitness. This practice uses gravity from your body weight to move over specialized balls that roll out tension in your muscles. It’s like giving yourself a deep tissue massage!

Chocolates La Laguna is the place to find handmade Christmas goodies. Lots of stocking stuffers along with a line of liqueur chocolates including damiana truffles and large chocolate bars. They have something affordable for everyone!

La Bodega de Todos Santos has a wide selection of Baja wines for the holiday season as well as t-shirts, olive oil and other gift items.

The Gardening Guru will be holding a demonstration and seminar/workshop on Thursday, January 31, at Baja Beans in Pescadero. You can find out more information by clicking on the link or stop by her stand at the Baja Beans, La Esquina or Los Cabos Pedregal Farmer’s markets.

Tiny Tienda, on the otro lado, in Todos Santos is now open. You can find items ranging from organic shampoo and deodorant to organic fertilizer to local artwork and cards. Photographer Laurie Pearce Bauer’s art prints are available for sale. Look for the sign on the tree in Las Tunas.

Dr. David Martinez at MartVet in Todos Santos, can help you with all your pet needs—consultations, vaccinations, surgeries, grooming, health certificates and pet supplies. See his new ad this issue for more information.

One of the charities sponsored by the Todos Santos Music Festival this year is the Hogar del Niño A.C.—a non-profit, safe home for children who are abandoned, mistreated, or orphaned. It is a registered charity, recognized by the Mexican government as a sanctuary for at-risk children. The loving care these children receive is funded entirely by donations. The average number of children at the Hogar is usually 25, and they range in age from 3 to 16 years. A special wine pairing benefit dinner will be held at Rancho Pescadero on December 18. Look for details in our events section. To make a tax-deductible holiday donation, click on “Donate” on the website http://hogardelnino-baja.org/ or go to http://padrinoproject.com/ and click on “Become A Padrino.”

Have you made a New Year’s resolution to stay fit or get fit? Gimnasio Powerzone offers individuals and families monthly, three-month and annual memberships.

¡Feliz Navidad y Prospero Año Nuevo!