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.

 

ViNOMA

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.

Happy New Year

"Baja's first Rock Band" Journal del Pacifico Holiday 2015/2016 cover by Dennis McGhee, Baja, Mexico

“Baja’s first Rock Band” Journal del Pacifico Holiday 2015/2016 cover by Dennis McGhee

Happy New Year from Journal del Pacifico! We’ve received a lot of compliments on our Holiday 2015/2016 issue cover featuring the hand painted skull by artist, “Indian” Dennis McGhee.

The 2016 La Poza Lagoon calendars are available at El Tecolote bookstore in Todos Santos and Allende Books in La Paz. These beautiful calendars help support the efforts to save La Poza lagoon and feature photography by Claude Vogel, Kaia Thomson, Alvaro Colindres and others.

The 5th annual Todos Santos Music Festival with Peter Buck and friends takes place January 14 to 16, and January 20 to 23. General admission is available for all shows. There is also a special acoustic dinner show at Rancho Pescadero on January 19. Contact Rancho Pescadero for tickets and more information. You can read the entire feature including artist’s bios online at journaldelpacifico.com

The new La Morena Restaurant Bar, located on calle Juárez in Todos Santos, just down the street from Galería Logan and Snell Real Estate, is open for breakfast, lunch and tapas. They serve espressos, ristrettos, lungos, lattes, frappes, chais, smoothies, paninis, healthy salads as well as tacos and other entrees. In the evenings, enjoy an appetizer with wine, served by the bottle or by the glass. Cold beer, margaritas, cocktails or a cool martini are also on the menu.

La Bohemia Hotel Pequeño on calle Rangel in Todos Santos, is having an open house every Thursday and Saturday from 4 to 8 pm with delicious treats from Mama’s Kitchen and special cocktails and wine 2 for 1 from 4 to 6 pm.

Landi’s Restaurant, next to Teatro Márquez de León on the plaza, is open Tuesday through Saturday, 12 to 9 pm, serving delicious traditional Mexican dishes. They are also open 9 am to 2 pm for their special Sunday brunch.

If you’re looking for a sweet treat for the holidays, or anytime, Chocolates La Laguna in Todos Santos, has champagne truffles, pumpkin spice truffles, and white chocolate bark with cranberries.

México Gourmet in Todos Santos has a variety of Mexican made edibles including spices, jams, jellies, moles and salsas, and is well known for its large stock of mescales. Stop in for a tasting!

Étnica, across the street from La Copa and The Todos Santos Inn in downtown Todos Santos, has beautiful Mexican clothing, accessories and fabulous tooled leather purses, wallets, boots and more.

Casita Anita has moved. The new, spacious location is on calle Militar in Todos Santos, next door to Gallery 365. Her new location has a whole new look that includes more room for Pepita Nelson Fashions.

Santa María Boutique has a large selection of 100% cotton fashion clothing for men, women and children at their two locations in Todos Santos—in Plaza Adriana across from the Centro Cultural and Plaza Los Faroles, just ½ block from the Hotel California.

You can take control of your water and your health. Water Ways Baja is your home town drinking water resource. Residential or commercial, all systems are custom designed based upon contaminants in your water and your needs. Water test results are in writing from independent certified water laboratories.

Unwind and rejuvenate your spirit at Casablanca b&b on the La Poza hill in Todos Santos. Guests enjoy their elegant accommodations, delicious meals or the chance to simply relax by the pool.

Restaurant Miguel’s across the street from Shut Up Frank’s, has long been famous for their chilies rellenos, fresh seafood and traditional Mexican fare. Now they are open for breakfast again, 8 am to 10 pm, Tuesday through Saturday.

The new rooftop Riptide Bar at Desert Moon Hotel at Cerritos beach is open. Stop in for an adult beverage and a great view any time from 9 am to 10 pm.

There’s something for everyone to fall in love with at Cerritos Beach Inn. Located just steps from the swimmable beach and surf break at Cerritos beach in Pescadero guests can also enjoy ocean, mountain and desert views and whale watching. There are brand new ocean front and desert view suites, as well as a restaurant and pool. Cerritos Beach Inn is also available for wedding and special events.

MiniSuper Munchies in Pescadero is much more than a gourmet store. There is a book exchange, lending library, community bulletin board, and pop up dinners with local chefs. Check with Emily on their weekly events.

There’s always something going on at Dana’s Diner on the highway in Pescadero. Daily happy hour, NFL football, guest chef nights, live music and karaoke nights. Call or stop in and check with Dana for more information.

Want coffee? Baja Beans Roasting Company in Pescadero is now open every day from 8 am to 4 pm.

Brody’s Pizza on the road to Cerritos beach is open 1 to 10 pm and serves Italian style wood oven pizza, pastas, salads and cold beer! Home delivery is available too.

The 7th Annual 2016 Todos Santos Open Studio Tour will be held over two days: Saturday and Sunday February 6 and 7 from 10 am to 4 pm. It’s a great way to explore the world of the artists, who live and work in this artists’ colony. Tickets for the Todos Santos Artist’s Studio Tour are good for both days and can be purchased online at www.brownpapertickets.com or in person at El Tecolote Bookstore beginning February 1. Maps and wristbands can be picked up at Cafélix both mornings of the Studio Tour. All proceeds will benefit the Children’s Art Programs of the Palapa Society of Todos Santos A.C.

We’d like to especially thank our translators that make it possible to publish many of our feature stories in English and Spanish: Paula Angeloni, Elena Ascencio Ibáñez, Kat Bennett, Isabel Jáuregui and Vivianne Jáuregui Mariño. ¡Gracias!

We’ll see you in February 2016 with our Festival issue. The deadline is January 12. Reserve your space today!