Festival 2015

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!

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.

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!

Summer Issue

Journal del Pacifico Summer 2013 cover by Laurie Pearce Bauer, Baja, MexicoThe new issue of “Journal del Pacifico” is on the streets in Todos Santos and Pescadero and in select locations in Cabo. We’ll be distributing in La Paz in the coming week. Already we’re getting great feedback on the beautiful cover photo of an air plant by Laurie Pearce Bauer and our Spa and Eco Adventure feature stories–such as Baja Rock Art, Swimming with Sea Lions and Saving Sea Turtles.

The water is warm here in Baja California Sur and there’s a lot to do from eco-adventures to being pampered at a day spa. Those who know me may be more accustomed to seeing me leading a yoga class, out running or riding a horse on the beach, but for a change I tried out the White Sand Massage and Day Spa signature facial for a feature story in this issue. Photographer, Laurie Pearce Bauer, provided the photos for the story. ‘Tiny Town’ also tells the hilarious tale of the author’s decision to get a fresh new look.

ÉTNICA is a new store in the historic district of Todos Santos, across the street from La Copa / The Todos Santos Inn. They have beautiful handmade Mexican blouses, dresses, leather handbags, sandals, belts, shirts and guayaberas for men, unisex hats and espadrilles.

Santo Vino in the Hotel California will only be open for another week, so hurry in to get one of Chef Dany Lamote’s special creations. Citlalli Martinez Cano of Santo Vino wrote an article for this issue on wine pairing.

If you’re looking for some Baja wine, La Bodega de Todos Santos will be open Wednesdays and Saturdays from 2 to 8 pm through June and July. La Licoreria is open all summer with over 400 wine labels from the US, Mexico, Chile, Argentina, Germany, France, Italy and Portugal.

Joseph Arthur, one of the very talented artists from this past year’s Todos Santos Music Festival, has a new album out. You can listen here:
http://www.pastemagazine.com/blogs/av/2013/06/album-stream-joseph-arthur—the-ballad-of-boogie.html?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter

The children’s library at the Palapa Society of Todos Santos, Rincon de Cuentos, will be open at the same time as the adult library–Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 10 am to 1 pm. The children’s library is free and stocked with lots of great books.

There’s a new Mexican restaurant on the otro lado next door to Mercado Pinos, Restaurant Horizonte, serving breakfast and lunch daily from 8 am to 5 pm.

Royal Palm Property Management provides homeowners from Elias Calles to Las Tunas with professional and reliable service along with an exceptional vacation experience for travelers.

Efimiro Colectivo Mural at La Encantada, photo by Kat Bennett, La Paz, MexicoIf you’re in La Paz, stop in La Encantada to see the beautiful murals painted by young, Paceños artists. Kat Bennett of Allende Books shared her photographs, that show details of the murals, on page 42 of the current issue.

The Cortez Club in La Paz is fully equipped to take you on a variety of adventures in the world’s largest natural aquarium, the Sea of Cortez. Go SCUBA diving, snorkeling, kayaking, water skiing, windsurfing, wave running, sailing, a day of sport fishing or ‘Dancing with Sea Lions’!

Staying in an air conditioned room at Sr. Mañana in the historic district of San José del Cabo is a great way to start or end your visit to Baja Sur. Todos Santos and Pescadero have a variety of accommodations in different price ranges all with swimming pools! Check out Hacienda Todos Los Santos or Hotel Casa Tota in the historic district, Hotelito, just outside “downtown” on La Cachora road or Serendipity and Casa Rancho on the otro lado. In Pescadero you can relax on the beach or spend the day surfing at Rancho Pescadero, or hang out with fellow travelers by the pool at Pescadero Surf Camp. What could be better?

Thanks to our clients, contributors and our readers for making the second season of Journal del Pacifico–La Revista de Baja California Sur such a success! We’ll be back in the fall with more great stories about the best that Baja has to offer. You can follow us through the summer at journaldelpacifico.com and on Facebook at JournaldelPacifico.

If you can’t be in Baja to pick up the latest issue, you can always get the PDF online at: http://journaldelpacifico.com/blog/issues-online/summer-2013/