Spring 2016

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.

Festival 2016

Festival 2016 cover of Journal del Pacifico by Lucas BennettThis issue, Festival 2016, the husband and wife team of Lucas Bennett and Zoë Dearborn from Art for Life contributed the feature stories on Estudio Cuatro Vientos and photos for our cover and Pescadero surf hotels.

Also in this issue, Bryan Jáuregui of Todos Santos Eco Adventures shares the legend of “El Mechudo” with Sea of Cortez and diving photos by The Cortez Club.

Looking for a special place to dine in Los Cabos? It doesn’t get any better than the De Cortez Contemporary Grill in the Hacienda Sheraton del Mar. Enjoy the moment with
a delicious dinner overlooking the Sea of Cortez. Call the concierge for reservations at 52 624 1456113 ext 4087.

Blue Moon Productions presents “Alice Down the Rabbit Hole” a new spin on an old tale. Performances are on the weekends of February 26 & 27 and March 3, 4 & 5 at Teatro Luna Azul on the otro lado of Todos Santos. Tickets are available at El Tecolote Bookstore.

Join in the fun at Shut Up Frank’s 20th Annual St. Paty’s Day in Todos Santos. The party starts at 4 pm with Frank’s own corned beef, marinated for one month in a special
brine and turned every three days until it’s just perfect. It’s the most delicious corned beef ever! Shut Up Frank’s is now open 7 days a week with different daily specials.

Miguel’s Restaurant is just across the street, serving delicious chiles rellenos and seafood specialties and is now open every day.

In the Spirit, located on Juárez near Topete in Todos Santos, is a new clothing store with the subtle fusion of the bohemian way and modern style. The shop features an
artist collective, beachwear, jewelry and accessories.

New hours and new live music nights at Chill N Grill in Todos Santos. Now open Tuesday through Saturday with open mic nights on Tuesday, and live music alternating
weekly between Friday nights with “JamaRama” and classic rock on Saturday nights. Call for this week’s details and get out and dance!

Nomac Chic, Todos Santos, Baja, MexicoNomad Chic, with locations in Sonoma, California and on calle Juárez in Todos Santos, is an evolving collection of apparel, jewelry, furniture and home accessories from around the globe. They specialize in products by independent designers that you won’t find in most stores; designers that are giving back to their communities.

Rumi Garden, on calle Degollado in Todos Santos, is a popular Asian restaurant with a variety of organic friendly entrees including many vegetarian and vegan dishes. Their
lovely location also hosts Open Readings, once a month, and live music on select evenings. They also offer free delivery in Todos Santos and el Pescadero with a minimum
order of three entrees. Call or stop in for details.

Monica Avila is back in Todos Santos in her new office located on calle Del Huerto. With over 25 years’ experience, Monica is bi-lingual, and can help you with notary and legal
services, trusts and contracts.

Chez Laura, the affordable French restaurant in Todos Santos, now has a “happy hour” with wine and tapas for 60 pesos, from 1 to 5 pm. Relax and enjoy in a lovely garden
setting.

Freesouls Cerritos, Cerritos Beach, Baja, Mexico

Freesouls Cerritos, photo by Janna Kinkade

We’d like to congratulate Freesouls, at Playa Cerritos, on their one year anniversary this Valentine’s Day. As of press time, this beautiful location was close to serving their
10,000 customer. Stop in to experience fine but relaxed dining overlooking Cerritos beach.

The Joy of Floating offers a true weightless experience inside of a floatation tank filled with warm Epsom salt. Veronica, with 20 years’ experience working with chiropractors, acupuncturists, and osteopaths, also offers effective and thorough bodywork. “I can now lift my arm!” one client with a skiing injury said after her first float. The spa is located in Pescadero next to Baja Beans. Appointment recommended.

Gypsy’s Beach House Rentals has been providing surfers and travelers accommodations in Baja since 1967. They have a selection homes and villas for short or long term rentals in the Cerritos, Pescadero and Todos Santos area.

Pueblo Pescadero is a thoughtfully planned, affordable and sustainable community of recreational homes currently under construction in Pescadero. Their master planned
community provides a collection of one, two and three bedroom freestanding casas.

Need a ride from your hotel to the beach or to your favorite restaurant? Rudolfo of Brody’s Pizza at Cerritos beach is now offering Taxi Los Cerritos. Call +52 612 157 9049.

Be sure to stop by the Galería de Todos Santos and Pez Gordo Gallery at Shoppes at La Palmilla to see new sculptures in glass by Jill Casty. You can also see the “fantasia”
photographic works by Emanuela Gardner at the Galería de Todos Santos.

Enjoy all the festivals this February and March in Baja California Sur! The deadline for our next issue, Spring 2016 is March 10.

 

Holiday 2013 issue

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!

Jill Casty Sculptures

Swirling Grace by Jill Casty, La Encantada, La Paz, Baja, Mexico

Swirling Grace by Jill Casty

This coming Saturday, April 21, La Encantada Galería and wine bar in the historic district of La Paz, will hold the inauguration of the first show in Mexico of the unique work of the American artist Jill Casty. Jill’s joyful sculptures of brilliantly colored fused glass combined with a variety of metals have been presented in galleries and exhibitions throughout California and in eight cities in Italy. In a previous stage of her career in the United States, she created monumental standing sculptures (up to 30 feet tall) for cities and dozens of large-scale sets of mobiles and other forms of aerial art for both commercial and civic locations.

These current works are wall-hanging pieces, like bold and dramatic paintings or collages, or standing pieces, for floor or table-top. One series has sets of up to nine glass fusions, the color-rich expressiveness of the layered textures of the glass interacting in ensembles with the metals. A second series includes single glass fusions combined with sculptural metal surrounds or affixed to stone or metal bases. Some of these “solos” explore a new horizon, bold and large single images of flowers, abstracted as harder-edged glass “paintings.”

As critics on two continents have defined the central quality of the sculptures, they are a joyful celebration of the grace and beauty that still can be found in the turmoil of the modern world—a lyrical expression of the harmony that can be maintained between the natural world and the world of modern materials and technology.

The show starts at 7:30 p.m. La Encantada is located on Belasario Dominguez between 5 de Mayo and Constitución, one block up from the malecón. To see more of Jill Casty’s work, visit: http://www.jillcastyglassart.com/