Tag Archives: Kate Turning

GastroVino Baja Food & Wine Festival

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Gastrovino Baja Food & Wine Festival 2017 adby McCandless K. Sutton

The gastronomical paradise of Todos Santos encompasses the abundance of the Baja California peninsula in every way possible. We revel in our beloved backdrop of mountains, beaches, sunsets, and the energizing catalyst they provide for such a vibrant multi-cultural community. And then there’s the food and wine, of course.

The land of the chiles, mangoes, avocados, bananas, basil and limes blends with the abundance from the sea—the snapper, shrimp, scallops, oysters, clams, sierras, tuna and more. Combine this bounty with Mexico’s best wines and you have a perfect pairing in paradise. Crisp bubblies, refreshing whites, versatile rosés and a diverse range of structured reds all will be on display for your palate’s pleasure at the 6th annual GastroVino, Baja Food and Wine Festival!

On Sunday, May 7, in the Todos Santos plaza, Mexico’s best winemakers will be on hand explaining about and showing off their wonderful creations. Some of Baja Sur’s best chefs will be featuring their culinary creations, including Tadd Chapman, Dany Lamote and Javier Plascencia. Five of Todos Santos’ notable artists will paint live in the plaza on Sunday: Jill Logan, Tori Sepulveda, Robert Wood, Brian McGuffey and the one and only Carlos Díaz Castro. The musical entertainment is sure to impress with the rocking soul of the beautiful Samantha Rae Band, of La Voz México fame, coming to town.

It is hoped that thousands of dollars will be raised at the 100% benefit silent auction for the Palapa Society of Todos Santos’ programs and for the restoration of the children’s park, el Parque del Misión de San Juan, which is by the original Jesuit mission in barrio San Juan at the north entrance to Todos Santos. Last year over $8,000 USD was raised and over the past five years, the GastroVino Festival has raised $32,500 USD for a variety of local organizations, including los bomberos, Hogar del Niño, the Internado, DIF and more. This year, a wide variety of artwork, dinner certificates, hotel getaways and more will be auctioned.

GastroVino Champagne Girl by Kate Turning

GastroVino Champagne Girl by Kate Turning

Friday night’s kick-off event on May 5, the Blanco Ball, will be a wonderfully elegant evening featuring dancing wine nymphs, sexy souvenirs, great music, lots of bubbles, premium wine raffles, a white carpet with fashion photographers, a delicious selection of tapas, and winemakers mingling and discussing their various nectars.

The GastroTour takes place the evening of Saturday, May 6, and allows for a gastronomical adventure around the centro histórico of Todos Santos. A winemaker is paired with the chef of each restaurant to create the best maridaje possible. After receiving your commemorative glass and a map you’re encouraged to follow tour leaders or head out on your own downtown food and wine adventure.

Also during the day on Saturday, the BCS Wine Tasting Challenge takes place and is hosted by the head winemaker of Freixenet México from Querétaro. GastroVino artwork photographer Kate Turning and husband Steve Jacobi will be defending their shared-crown as reigning Blind Tasting champions!

The 6th Annual GastroVino Festival is sure to be the best yet and the gastronomical paradise of Todos Santos will be showcasing why Baja California Sur is an international destination for Baja food and wine lovers. ¡Salud!

See Events in the Spring 2017 issue of Journal del Pacifico for more information. Tickets for all events are available at: La Bodega de Todos Santos and El Tecolote Bookstore in Todos Santos, GotBaja store in La Paz, and Pez Gordo Gallery at The Shoppes at Palmilla. For more information visit: Facebook: Gastrovino Baja Food & Wine Festival / Gastrovino Fest Baja or www.gastrovino.mx

Spring 2017

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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.

Winter 2017

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by Janice Kinne, publisher

The Baja Sur weather is great, our Gray whale visitors have returned and we have a lot of interesting stories on Baja California Sur residents and adventures. I was looking at the front page of our website recently and watching all the fabulous covers go by. This issue, Winter 2017, is certainly one of our most popular already! Luz Gallery in Todos Santos provided the stunning vintage octopus print.

Once again, Bryan Jáuregui of Todos Santos Eco Adventures has written a fascinating article on the octopus. Kaia Thomson of Todos Caballos has shared her photos of octopus you can find in the Sea of Cortez and the Pacifico Ocean, marine biologist, Paula Angeloni of Explora Baja and the Todos Santos Surf Shop translated the article into Spanish.

We also have three captivating profiles from the growing community of El Pescadero. The founders of Carlito’s Place restaurant, Carlos Cham; the Residences at Freesouls’ Marc Jouille; and Mark Catania and Peter Arbuckle of Pueblo Pescadero. You can read about their varied backgrounds, what brought them to Pescadero, their visions for their own restaurants and developments and the El Pescadero community.

The community also came together to build the Todos Santos skate ramp and our feature story. Jason Jacobs of Adventure 19 and Aaron Balducci of La Katrina Surf Shop funded the brand new skate ramp in our town park. Right after the ramp was open, a group of Todos Santos skateboarders showed off their moves for photographer Kate Turning. She shared her vintage skateboard poster-look photos for our story. You can see more of Kate’s work at Galería de Todos Santos.

Anne McEnany of the International Community Foundation has shared the story of the Alliance conserving the San Ignacio lagoon and of her encounter with the gray whales that helped give birth to that Alliance.

The Journal del Pacifico running team is excited that after a two year absence, the Palapa Society of Todos Santos A.C.’s Carrera de Todos Santos will take place this March 25th. This year, in addition to the popular 5K, a 10K race has been added. Read about the other improvements this year and get ready to race!

Whatever facet of stand up paddling is your passion, whether it’s touring, fitness, surfing or family recreation, SUP Outdoor is your gateway to nature, fun, and adventure. And now, SUP Outdoor paddleboards are available in Todos Santos. For more information, visit their website, call (612) 111-8040 or email: kate@lxvoutdoor.mx

Bésame Mucho Bazaar and El Edén restaurant will be opening in a new location in Todos Santos soon. They invite you to come and discover a unique experience that will entice you to come back for more!

Did you know that Que Rico Specialty Foods on calle Militar is now open Saturday from 11 am to 5 pm?

Chill n Grill in Todos Santos has new hours this month. They will be open Monday through Saturday, 4 to 11 pm with All You Can Eat Pizza nights on Wednesday.

St. Jude’s Medical Center on calle Militar in Todos Santos provides medical consultations, hospitalization, laboratory and ambulance services, and 24 hour emergency care. They have also added a pharmacy to their location.

Now in Todos Santos, La Perla Mosaico Artesanal is a project that intends to rescue the tradition of handcrafted hydraulic cement tiles and bring it to your home or business. Their pride and dedication is expressed in every one of their tiles. Choose from one of their more than 60 designs or ask them to design one especially for you..

Miguel’s Restaurant in Todos Santos is known for their chiles rellenos, seafood and traditional Mexican dishes. They also serves refreshing margaritas, cold beer and have a full bar.

Do you have health and fitness goals this year? Aldo’s Gym in Todos Santos and La Paz can help you out! They have free weights, resistance training and certified instructors and trainers.

We are sorry to say that Mi Pueblito 3 in Pescadero has closed. Don’t worry though; you can still enjoy their tasty Mexican meals at both locations of Mi Pueblito on calle Hidalgo in Todos Santos.

We see you with again with our Spring 2017 issue covering April and May. Deadline is March 10. For more information, visit our website at: journaldelpacifico.com

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.