Gastrovino 2019

Gastrovino Baja Food & Wine Festival ad in Journal del Pacifico, Baja, MexicoThis May 17, 18. and 19, GastroVino, southern Baja’s increasingly popular food and wine festival returns for its eighth season with plenty of surprises to inspire and delight the Baja food and wine community. For those who are unfamiliar with the festival, GastroVino celebrates the spectacular quality of Mexican wines and the equally delectable appeal of local cuisine via pairings, dinners, tours, and more. It’s also an important charity event, having raised over $15,000 USD last year alone for local nonprofits.

GastroVino’s illustrious founder and muse, Perla Garnica, has presided over the festival for eight consecutive years. “I’m particularly excited to see how much it’s growing,” says Garnica enthusiastically. “Every year the number of attendees grows, we raise more from the silent auction, and we are able to make an even bigger impact on how we give back to the community.”

Garnica, along with creative director and famed art photographer Kate Turning, and their devoted team of volunteers, have dreamed up perhaps the most exciting theme yet. Journal del Pacifico is pleased to share the exclusive reveal of this year’s theme for GastroVino 2019:

CIRCUS OF THE SENSES
As in previous years the festival will take place in the town of Todos Santos, a charming oasis that has increasingly become home to a diverse community of spirited residents, who contribute to its impressive array of culinary and artistic offerings. Whereas the event was originally designed to bring recognition to the 150-year tradition of winemaking in northern Baja, it has evolved into a multi-dimensional celebration.

For those who haven’t been to the festival in prior years, expect the town to buzz with activity for two days as winemakers, chefs, artists, and musicians throughout the peninsula join together to share their gifts. The venerable carnival that takes over the town each year is precisely what inspired this year’s theme.

“In a way, it feels like the circus is coming,” explains Kate Turning. “All of these amazingly gifted people come together in such a unique and special way. It’s not just about eating and drinking; there are artists, musicians, and dancers who have become an integral part of the event. Last year, we had a number of chefs actually cooking on site, in the plaza. There were incredible aromas wafting through the air as music played and people laughed and cavorted about. It’s truly a feast for the senses and that’s really what we wanted to explore for this year’s theme.”

When the team sat down to develop the poster art, they tried dutifully to develop a concept that explored a meaningful balance between food and wine. “We wanted to acknowledge the marriage of those two elements in a more intentional and celebratory way.” The founder, Perla Garnica, elaborates, “In fact, the Spanish term used to describe a wine and food pairing is the word ‘maridaje’ which actually means marriage.” Art is a powerful undercurrent of the culture of Todos Santos, so for this year’s poster, Turning curated a collaboration with local resident and sought-after tattoo artist, Tomato N Sal and his team. It took them four hours to artfully paint the chili pepper and grape tattoos—emblematic of two perfectly intrinsic elements of Baja wine and cuisine. The skewer was a literal reference to the increase in chefs who cook on site with locally sourced ingredients. There is a decidedly inclusive nature to the open kitchen. The smells and flavors that ensue create a culinary spectacle for all to enjoy.

The overall imagery and tone of the event’s artwork evokes a magical realism that typifies not only an important theme in Latin American culture but also a longtime trademark of Turning’s work. “I wanted it to cultivate a sense of mystery and enchantment, like antique circus posters of the gilded age,” says Turning. “Perla represents the figure of the ringleader, a concept that is both literal and figurative. The ringleader holds all the magic and the secrets.”

And yet, it is no secret that the GastroVino Festival has become one of the most anticipated events in southern Baja. This year promises more winemakers, more chefs, and more fun.

The celebration kicks off on Friday, May 17 from 7 to 11 pm, with a VIP Sunset Cocktail at El Mirador Ocean View Restaurant. Meet and greet the winemakers of GastroVino Baja Food & Wine Festival, while you savor the culinary creations of guest chefs Frankie Terzoli and Marina Garnica. Live music by Grammy award winner Terry Townson, Hollywood composer Bill Levine on the piano and DJ Marymoon. Tickets are 100 USD / 1,900 MX. Limited capacity, so please by your tickets online (gastrovino.mx) or at Guaycura Boutique Hotel Beach Club & Spa.

Saturday, May 18 at 6 pm, hit the town with the GastroTour. Attendees will be given a map of the historic town center and will be invited to visit over ten distinct restaurants. Each visiting winemaker is matched with a local chef and together they design the perfect gastronomic pairing to feature during the tour. The evening ends with live music and a chance to mingle with other gastronomic adventurers at the famed Hotel California. Tickets are 400 pesos in advance, $500 pesos at the door.

On Sunday, May 19 from 2 to 6 pm, the Todos Santos plaza principal will transform into a Circus of the Senses for the main event from 2 to 6 pm. Over 20 restaurants will be serving some of their best dishes while guests will have the opportunity to taste wines from over 15 of the most popular Baja producers. Live painting and performance art will bring the festival to life with appearances by Fabula Danza, international DJs, and the jazz band of Pepe Soza. Tickets are 700 pesos in advance. The evening continues with the afterparty on the sky lounge of Hotel Guaycura at dusk, with live DJ music.

Every year, GastroVino features a silent auction to raise funds for local charities and this year’s event will once again be devoted to the Padrino Children’s Foundation. Attendees can expect to bid on artwork, jewelry, gastronomic accessories, and once-in-a-lifetime travel experiences.

From oenophiles and foodies, to travelers and culture-seekers, there is truly something for everyone at GastroVino 2019. Come raise a glass, join the circus, and see what makes this event one of the most beloved celebrations in the region.

Tickets are available online and at El Tecolote Bookstore and Amor d’vino in Todos Santos, The Wine Market in Cabo San Lucas, Pez Gordo at The Shoppes at Palmilla in San José del Cabo, and Doce Cuarenta in La Paz. For more information, visit: www.GastroVino.mx or https://www.facebook.com/FestivalGastroVino/

Spring 2017

Journal del Pacifico Spring 2017 cover by Kate Turning

Journal del Pacifico Spring 2017 cover by Kate Turning with model Divier Guive

Our last issue, with the textured octopus cover and story, continues to receive rave reviews. Also the feature articles, in that previous issue, on some of Pescadero’s innovative businesses has brought new customers to their doors. One happy client recently told us that all of her business comes from her ad in our publication (we love to hear that).

We are sure that you will enjoy this issue with its glamorous Kate Turning designed cover, the fascinating feature story by Bryan Jáuregui of Todos Santos Eco Adventures on Baja medicinal plants with stunning photos by Kaia Thomson and more!

Gastrovino Baja Food & Wine Festival 2017 ad
The popular GastroVino Festival takes place from May 5th through to 7th uniting the best Baja wines with the best Baja cuisine, music and art. It’s always a fun-filled weekend that brings hundreds of visitors to enjoy the tastes, sounds and sights in the Pueblo Mágico of Todos Santos. See our feature article and events for details. ¡Salud!

Check out our story about the grand opening of the new Palapa Society of Todos Santos library, Biblioteca Elena Poniatowska, named in honor of the Mexican-French-“grande dame” of Mexican literature. The Palapa Society will be hosting book groups in English and Spanish to introduce the community to some of her most famous works.

Besáme Mucho Bazaar is now open in their spectacularly restored location on the plaza in Todos Santos. This high end bazaar features carefully selected, one of a kind jewelry, fashions, decorations and gift items that you won’t find anywhere else.

The Tasting Room and Distillery in Todos Santos feels like an old mission in a vineyard setting. They have draft beer, wine and spirits. The beautiful events center with a world class kitchen has weekly pizza nights, dinner and a movie, guest chef dinners, a bocce court and lots of parking. It is available as a music venue or for special events including weddings. Locals and visitors have been enjoying the plant-based Noche de Super Salud events there. Check out our events section for more details.

Corazón de Té, waffle house and tea room, on the otro lado of Todos Santos, has tasty breakfast and lunch waffles, sandwiches and soothing and aromatic teas. Owner Abigail Amezquita has shared the art of tea with our readers in this issue.

Looking for an Easter or spring treat? Chocolates La Laguna, behind the El Tecolote Bookstore, has chocolate mendicants, pistachio truffles, chocolate covered candied orange peel and more scrumptious handmade delicacies. Yum!

The Centro de Salud in downtown Todos Santos is closed for construction. The temporary Centro de Salud is located on Cuauhtemoc street, on the same block as Carnitas Barajas.

Gypsy’s Beach House Rentals has low season special rates on a variety of homes in Pescadero and Todos Santos.

Tony’s Arte, Decoración y Muebles in Todos Santos has a large variety of home decorations and furniture including carved wood, colorful ceramics and cement pots and planters.

The popular Asian restaurant Rumi Garden is open through the end of May and then will be closed for the summer.

Did you know that you can support the Padrino Children’s Foundation and help children in need in Todos Santos when you buy something at Amazon via Amazon Smile? Sign in to smile.amazon.com, choose ‘Select a charity,’ ‘pick your own charitable organization’ and type in ‘Padrino Children’s Foundation’ and click on ‘Select.’ 0.5% of your purchase will be donated to the non-profit by Amazon. For more information visit: http://padrinocf.org/en/ or email: info@padrinoCF.org,

Dr. Carlos Young on calle Militar in Todos Santos, has ultrasound, electrocardiogram, lab services and more.

Delight in the ocean and huerta views from downtown Todos Santos at the Sky Lounge in the Boutique Hotel Guaycura and enjoy 2×1 margaritas and beer from, 2 to 4:30 pm, when you mention that you saw it in Journal del Pacifico!

You can read the entire Spring 2017 issue online here. We’ll see you next time with our Summer issue. Deadline is May 10.

Holiday 2016/2017

Journal del Pacifico Holiday 2016/2017 cover by Bruce Herman

Journal del Pacifico Holiday 2016/2017 cover by Bruce Herman

Feliz Fiestas from Journal del Pacifico! In our Holiday issue, we have some great feature stories as well as lots of exciting things happening with our advertisers.

Once again, Bryan Jáuregui of Todos Santos Eco Adventures has provided us with a feature story, this time about the largest animal on Earth, who is also a visitor to our Baja waters. Richard Jackson and Carlos Gajon Bermudez shared their stunning Blue Whale photos, some taken within three miles of Loreto.

Many thanks to Bruce Herman for all the beautiful traditional Mexican photographs that are on our front cover and throughout this issue. If you’d like to see more, be sure to stop in the Luz Gallery on calle Topete in downtown Todos Santos.

Just around the corner, México Gourmet has moved next door to Chocolates La Laguna, behind the El Tecolote bookstore. Now it’s even more convenient to stock up on handmade chocolates from La Laguna and spices, seasoned salts, vanilla, organic coffee and more at Mexico Gourmet!

Discover the true flavors of Mexico at El Refugio Mezcalería, Todos Santos’ first mezcal bar. They serve artisanal agave distillates and cocktails, along with prehispanic foods such as pozole, mole, and traditional dishes from Guerrero and Oaxaca. Visit their Facebook page for happy hour specials and events, or contact them to schedule a private mezcal tasting.

Local, organic fresh veggies and herbs are now available from Sueño Tropical Farm at Pura Vida Health Food Store in Todos Santos.

Rumi Garden, the popular Asian cuisine restaurant in Todos Santos is now open again for the season. Stop in for their daily lunch specials, vegetarian, vegan and organic friendly dishes.

Cositas para la Casa has just opened on the otro lado of Todos Santos. It is based on a vision of all locally handmade products for the home, all the way up to but not including furniture. Stop by and see the mastery in knitting, sewing, crocheting, and embroidery.

La Cocina de Cleo is open again on the otro lado serving up Mexican breakfast and lunch and staying open late for dinner on Friday and Saturday evenings.

Looking for a place to stay on the otro lado? Casa Las Tunas has charming cabañas and rooms with full kitchens, in a beautiful garden setting. It’s close to town and the beach too!

Day passes and memberships are now available for the lovely El Faro Beach Club & Spa. For information, please call Boutique Hotel Guaycura at (612) 175-0800.

Sra. Alma, with 15 years’ experience as a pharmacist, has now opened Farmacia San Benito in Todos Santos. She and her husband, Raul also own the Farmacia San Benito in Pescadero. Both locations stock brand name and generic medicines, controlled and oncology prescriptions and an extensive selection of orthopedic, personal and items for babies.

Congratulations to Cerritos Beach Inn on their first year anniversary. They are now offering home delivery on to go orders in the Pescadero and Cerritos area.

The all new, Oasis Bar & Grill on the highway in Pescadero is getting rave reviews on their menu. If you are looking for that classic American meal you need to check this place out–their Reuben sandwich is delicious!

Mini Super Munchies, near Rancho Pescadero and the beach, is a delightful corner market filled with local products, delicious snacks, beautiful crafts, wine, beer, and much more. Make sure to check their Facebook page for special guest chef and music nights!

Dra. Alejandra Peña Salguero has expanded her offices near the Pemex in Todos Santos. Dra. Alejandra is a completely bilingual, community primary care physician, available by appointment. The Padrino Children’s Foundation office is also at the same location. The Foundation and Dra. Alejandra are working to provide medical services for economically disadvantaged children in Todos Santos and the surrounding area.

Two exciting Palapa Society of Todos Santos events are coming up—their Open House for the all new Palapa Learning Center in early January and the return of the Palapa Carreras de Todos Santos 5k/10k in March—It’s bigger and better!

Todos Santos Music Festival message from Peter and Chloe BuckYes it’s true; there will not be a Todos Santos Music Festival this January. After five years, Peter and Chloe Buck are taking a break this winter. The Journal del Pacifico is proud to have been a founder member of this amazing festival. But don’t worry; there are still a whole lot of live music events happening throughout Todos Santos and Pescadero—at La Esquina, Chill N Grill (check out their new location), Restaurant Mi Pueblito 3 and more! Check out our events listings in our current issue for more information.

Pick up a copy today or  view the entire issue online. Make sure to reserve your space early for our next issue, featuring the incredible places to live and stay in Pescadero! Deadline is January 10, 2017.

Summer 2016

Journal del Pacifico Summer 2016 cover by Keenan ShoalHappy summertime in Baja California Sur!

In the Summer 2016 issue of Journal del Pacifico we discover many of the fun things to do in Baja Sur when the water is warm and the days are slow. You can find out more information about all activities mentioned right here in the Summer 2016 issue.

Keenan Shoal, of Amerimex Realty, shared photos from around Baja California Sur for our cover “View from La Poza,” our Summertime Fun in Baja Sur article and throughout the magazine.

In our feature story, Lawyers, Guns and Money: Gold Mining and Biodiversity in the Biosphere Reserve, Bryan Jáuregui of Todos Santos Eco Adventures explores the incredible diverse eco system of the Sierra de La Laguna Biosphere and international group of scientists working to aid in the effort to save it from the threat of gold mining. Also Kaia Thomson shares The Desert Food Chain in story and photographs.

Ricardo Madrazo tells the story of how Baja Sur TV came about in response to a need for citizen based media to cover important stories that are of interest to citizens and residents of Baja California Sur.

Want to learn more about the area? Kat Bennett of Allende Books lists some great area guide books to help you on your way. All are available at Allende Books in La Paz and El Tecolote Bookstore in Todos Santos.

SunRider Tours, on the malecón in La Paz, will help you get started on your summertime adventure. Take a day trip scuba diving, snorkeling, whale shark watching or swim with the sea lions. They also offer La Paz and Todos Santos city tours.

We are pleased to welcome Anne Hebebrand to the growing community of Baja California Sur artists. You can see her works at Galería de Todos Santos and Pez Gordo gallery in the Shoppes of Pamilla.

La Morena Restaurant /Bar / Coffee Shop in Todos Santos is open Monday through Saturday at 8 am serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. They have Wi-fi and accept Visa / MasterCard.

Gallo Azul Pizza Art / Bar in Todos Santos has a backyard bocce ball court, an indoor pool table and have added new pizza specialties and pasta dishes to their menu.

Dine on the patio at Landi’s Restaurant & Gallery, on Todos Santos’ town plaza, and enjoy the “sabores de Mexico” while watching the sunset.

The El Mirador Ocean View Restaurant has a special paella dinner every Sunday from 2 to 8 pm, and live music from 5 to 8 pm. The Sky Lounge at the top of Guaycura Boutique Hotel has live music Saturday nights from 7 to 10 pm. For more information, visit the Guaycura Boutique Hotel.

Mi Pueblito 3 is now open in Pescadero, across the highway from Dana’s Diner. In addition to their Mexican specialties, they are also serving pizza and have live rock music every Saturday night.

Cerritos Puesta del Sol has new luxury, fully-appointed, condominiums for sale or rent just steps from the Cerritos Beach.

Check out the summer happenings at Cerritos Beach Inn, August 1st to October 1st: $99 for any room, daily food and drink specials on burgers, hot dogs, steaks, chicken and shrimp. Cool down in their pool and relax on the loungers!

Desert Moon Cerritos Beach Hotel is offering local discount rates AND 3 for the price of 2 beers or margaritas all day, every day in the Rip Tide Bar through November 1st.

Hotelito in La Cachora, Todos Santos, Serendipity on the ‘otro lado,’ Hacienda Todos Los Santos in downtown Todos Santos and Rancho Pescadero also offer special summer rates from June to September.

Como El Sol in Pescadero, offering solar energy products, has moved to a new location. They can be found on the road heading to downtown Pescadero across from Romex.

Baja Serena / Yoga Los Arcos, El Pescadero, BCSCertified yoga instructor, Mayra Torres, teaches yoga classes at Baja Serena / Los Arcos in Pescadero. She offers special monthly pricing if you sign up for 3 or 5 classes per week.

People are raving about the whole house water treatment systems from Water Ways Baja. Now you can have safe, healthy drinking water throughout your home, or just at your kitchen sink.

Summer is also a great time to check out the waves in San Juanico, Baja California Sur. La Oficina can help you with vacation rentals, real estate and construction services.

Do you miss your Baja Beans Roasting Company fresh roasted coffee when you’re not in Baja? You can order beans on Amazon to be shipped in Canada and the USA!

Chill N Grill in Todos Santos will be open all summer long and also on Sundays starting September 11 for regular season NFL games.

Core Yoga will return to Cuatro Vientos Thursdays, starting in October. Many instructors take vacations between July and September, so be sure to check with them on their summer class schedules.

We hope that you enjoy your summertime in Baja California Sur! We’ll be back with our Fall issue of Journal del Pacifico. Deadline is September 19. Ciao!