Category Archives: GastroVino Festival

Spring 2016

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Spring 2016 cover of Journal del Pacifico, photo by Kate TurningWe’re very excited about our delicious Spring issue, that starts with the “Santo Tequilito” cover by Kate Turning, which is part of her “Every Day Miracles—Common Saints” series. Kate also designed and photographed the images for this year’s GastroVino Baja Food & Wine Festival, which takes place April 22 – 24 in Todos Santos. See our articles in this issue for more details about this fun festival that celebrates Baja wines and local gastronomy.

GastroVino Food & Wine Festival 2016Kate’s photograph “Santa Terra” graces our feature story on Gourmet Living. We’ve put together a list of where you can buy locally sourced and organic and tasty foods including baby greens, vegetables, fruits, berries, eggs, hummus, yogurt, cheeses, olives, meats, sausages, wines, homemade breads, chocolates and desserts… plus imported goodies like nut butters, rice, crackers… it made us hungry just writing the story!

If you’d rather eat out, Baja California Sur is the land of “farm to table.” Local restaurants serve up bounty from the land and sea in delicious Mexican, French, Italian and International fare.

If you love wood fired pizza, Gallo Azul Pizza Bar in Todos Santos is now open seven days a week. They also have evening special events like movie and salsa nights.

Chez Laura, the affordable French restaurant in Todos Santos, now serves a lunch special of soup, salad and quiche for $120 pesos, from 12 to 5 pm.

Chill n Grill, in Todos Santos, is now open for Monday Fun Day—grilling up your favorite steaks, arrachera, chicken wings, stuffed potatoes along with garden salads and, of course, happy hour from 4 to 6 pm.

Todos Santos’ newest restaurant, La Generala, one block off the main drag of Degollado, invites you to try their taco buffet, the only one in town. Open seven days a week, they also serve breakfast, offer steak, seafood, Mexican dishes and house made delicious deserts.

La Cocina de Cleo can be found on the road to Las Playitas in Las Tunas on the otro lado of Todos Santos. It is a small, family run restaurant that serves up traditional Mexican dishes and cold beer, Monday through Saturday, 8:30 am to 7 pm.

In Pescadero, you can enjoy gourmet dining near the beach. FreeSouls offers a culinary experience at Cerritos Beach, along with a rooftop saltwater pool and live music on many evenings.

Enjoy bounty from the sea at the elegant Rancho Pescadero, or take a weekend cooking class. They are holding their last culinary weekend of the season, with guest chefs Greg Denton and Gabrielle Quiñónez Denton, which takes place May 26 to 29. See events for more information.

Dana’s Diner Sports Bar in Pescadero has the best burgers, coldest beer, TexMex and live music. Call or stop in for details.

Emma’s Deli in Todos Santos and Joe’s Deli Mart in Los Barriles offer some of those hard to find foods items and tasty deli sandwiches. The family will also be opening a store in La Paz soon!

Jill Casty Wall Sculpture, "A Moment's Splendor"

“A Moment’s Splendor”

Artists love Baja California Sur for the light. Many say that it reminds them of Italy. In this issue’s Art Talk, Alan Casty talks about the serendipity of a shared Italian experience that brought the glass sculptures of artist Jill Casty and the Guaycura Boutique Hotel together. Jill’s bold, brilliant works are now displayed at Galería de Ida Victoria in the San José del Cabo historic art district and at Sorstis Restaurant in La Paz.

Galería de Ida Victoria’s framing service has revamped, remodeled and restocked. They have a huge selection of in stock materials—the combinations are endless! And the service is even faster.

De Madera Framing Service, by Jaime Pedraza, now offers professional framing and canvas stretching in Todos Santos.

Tony’s Arte, Decoración y Muebles, just off calle Militar in Todos Santos, has a large inventory of rustic Mexican furniture, hand painted ceramics, pottery, art, crafts and more.

Looking for somewhere to stay? Osprey San Pedrito has the most spectacular views on San Pedrito beach. Their spacious one and two bedroom suites have full kitchens. Rent one or more for large groups.

Cerritos Beach Inn is offering a special price on all rooms–including ocean front–April 15 to October 15. Just $99 USD or 1,700 pesos per night!

Villa Bugambillias Luxury Apartments on the otro lado of Todos Santos are now available for rent! The fully furnished one and two bedroom apartments are conveniently located near La Esquina café and Estudio Cuatro Vientos.

Dance, laugh and exercise with Zumba with Jan at Estudio Cuatro Vientos. No experience is needed. Check out our Groups listings or Facebook for class times and see why people love Zumba!

Farmacia San Benito is a new drugstore in plaza San Antonio in Pescadero, just off the highway. They stock a variety of name brand and generic medicines.

Clarananda Natural Living Retreat offers natural well-being through meditation, yoga, Ayurveda and sustainable living. Contact Valma Brenton for more information.

We also hope that you enjoy this issue’s feature stories on a few of the wildlife species found on our peninsula’s wild coasts and ocean. Please help conserve and protect them! We will see you again with our Summer issue. Deadline is May 10.

ViNOMA

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ViNOMA Love and Wine Festival, Todos Santos, Baja, Mexicoby Mac Sutton

Early February is here, when all human hearts begin to seek out, to align and to enjoy each other’s loving company. Valentine’s Day is for more than expressing your love and gratitude for your soulmate, it is to remind friends of their warm energy and to bask in the beautiful Baja Sur environment and all its treasures.

Just as all holidays bring varying sorts of cheer, this 12 to 14th of February, Todos Santos and La Paz are hosting the ViNAMO, Love and Wine Festival. This, gastronomy and music infused, celebration features the accomplished Mexican enologist, Don Alvaro Ptanick, voted winner three years in a row for Best Red Wine at the prestigious GastroVino, Baja Food and Wine Festival held in Todos Santos every spring.

ViNOMA Food and Wine Festival, Todos Santos, Baja, MexicoOne of Mexico’s best premium wine producers, Vinos Shimul, pride is based on its utilization of authentic Italian varietals such as Sangiovese, Nebbiolo, Dolcetto and hints of Petite Syrah. One of Don Alvaro’s most prestigious wines is the Kórima, which means “to share” in the native Baja tribal language of the Cochimíes, and is dominated by Mexico’s very own native varietal, Misión. Brought over by the missionaries in the beginning of the 17th century, along with the Misión olive, this is as Baja expressive as Baja California wine gets.

The weekend’s festivities kick off with the Concierto de Corazones in the romantically illuminated Huerta of Todos Santos on Friday evening, featuring rock guitar and violin virtuosos, Shimul’s Flying Guitars, in a Battle of Guitar wizardry. Two exquisite pairing dinners follow at Restaurante Sorstis in La Paz with Chef Alessandro on Saturday the 13th, and on Sunday the 14th with Chef Angelo, Madda and Costantino at Ristorante Tre Galline in downtown Todos Santos. Between the Italian-infused, Baja-based cuisine and the Italian-varietal, Baja California-grown wines this is sure to be a MexItalian adventure for your palette’s pleasure.

For more information, visit: www.vinamofest.com. Tickets are available at El Tecolote Bookstore and La Bodega de Todos Santos.

Festival 2015

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Journal del Pacifico Festival 2015 cover by Kate Turning

Journal del Pacifico Festival 2015 cover by Kate Turning

Once again we’re receiving rave reviews on our stunning cover for the Festival 2015 issue of Journal del Pacifico, designed by the über talented Kate Turning. Kate has also designed this year’s Film Festival poster and t-shirts, featuring the same model.

The 12th Annual Festival de Cine Todos Santos takes place this March presenting the best in Latin films and shorts. Films will be shown in Todos Santos, La Paz and Pescadero.  This year’s exciting lineup is a tribute to Mexican women directors and actors and the Baja environment, see our articles on the festival, one of the stars and the current Youth in Video project, “No a la Mina.”

A healthy lifestyle and well-being are on everybody’s minds these days. Bryan Jáuregui of Todos Santos Eco Adventures has written about a small group of local women making big changes to their families’ diets and health in the Greenhouse Greats of Pescadero.

We’re also highlighting some other methods available locally for improving your well-being including the Joy of Floating, Deedee’s outstanding massage therapy, Yamuni body rolling with Emily Gable, and Baja Yoga & Ayurveda with Valma Brenton. After reading our article, we’re sure that you’ll want to try at least one, we sure did!

El Tecolote Bookstore is sponsoring “Words and Wine” at La Bodega de Todos Santos. Wednesday, February 18, at 5 pm, meet award-winning author Bruce Berger as he reads from his latest book ‘The End of the Sherry,’ a beautiful memoir chronicling the life and times of Bruce as he copes with the Franco dictatorship in Southern Spain as a young, 20-something American.

Pura Vida Health Foods has opened a second location in downtown Todos Santos behind the Ezra Katz gallery. They are also working hard on re-opening their original location behind the Pemex.

Guayabas Juice Bar is open across from the Guaycura Boutique Hotel in the Todos Santos historic district. Their delicious juices, smoothies and grilled paninis are all made from local and organic produce. The courtyard patio also has free wi-fi.

Leading up to this year’s Academy Awards, Gallo Azul Art & Pizza in Todos Santos is having movie night every Tuesday. Check out their Facebook page for this week’s movie and make your reservations.

March 17th, Shut Up Frank’s will be holding their 19th Annual St. Paty’s Day party. Frank has been making authentic corned beef and will be serving it up with all the fixings. They’ve also added sliced turkey, pastrami and beef sandwiches on homemade bread to their regular menu and have new pizza oven.

El Arco Eléctrica & Plomería’s friendly staff can help you with all your construction and repair needs at two convenient locations in Todos Santos and off Abasolo in La Paz.

La Paz Cruisers Supply provides necessary equipment for cruising boats. They are located at the Marina Palmira in La Paz. While you’re there, check out their Eagle Images Gallery.

Mi Pueblito the colorful traditional Mexican restaurant in the Todos Santos historic district has become a popular spot with locals. Keep you eye out, they will be moving across the street, next to La Bodega de Todos Santos, in the next couple of months.

Cantamar Restaurant, next door to Carnitas Uruapan, on calle Militar in Todos Santos serves up the delicious Mexican breakfasts and lunches and features different daily specials. Don’t worry, you can still order Carnitas Uruapan’s savory pozole next door.

Mini Super Munchies is located in Pescadero near the beach and Rancho Pescadero. You can find everything you need without having to go to town, including micro brews, wine and food to go.

Cafélix’s new Pescadero location is now open 7 am to 7 pm, and Wednesdays until 3 pm. Look for the brick building on the main highway south of the Pemex.

Brody’s Pizza on the road to Los Cerritos is open again and serving up Italian style pizza, fresh salads and spaghetti.

Need a ride from the airport or an area tour? The bilingual and knowledgeable, “Neto” of California Tours provides reliable transportation and area tours to Todos Santos, La Paz, El Triunfo and more!

You can see the entire issue online by clicking here.

Deadline for our Spring/Primavera 2015 issue of Journal del Pacifico is March 6th. Look for our feature stories on the GastroVino Festival and exciting changes at Rancho Pescadero. Contact us for more information or click here for our ad prices and sizes.

Saludos!

Spring!

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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.