Tag Archives: Mexico

ViNOMA

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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.

Fall 2015

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Journal del Pacifico Fall 2015 cover by Kaia ThomsonIt was a long, hot summer with lots of changes, but Journal del Pacifico, your ultimate guide to Baja California arts, culture and adventure, is back and ready for an exciting new season!

Once again, in our Fall 2015 issue, Bryan Jáugerui of Todos Santos Eco-Adventures has written a fascinating article on the importance of mangroves to our fragile coastal ecosystem and how they are threatened by developments. Bryan and her husband, Sergio, will also be speakers at this season’s Todos Santos Writers Workshop in January 2016, “Earth Needs Writers!” See our article in this issue for more information.

The multi-talented Kaia Thomson provided many of the photos for species living amongst the mangroves, this issue’s dramatic cover shot, plus a little fun with area rock formations. She also took the stunning lunar eclipse photos from September 2015 for “El Cielo.”

Mangrove Collage by Tori Sepulveda and Students

Mangrove Collage by Tori Sepulveda and Students

We’d also like to thank the art class of Tori Sepulveda for their lovely collage of the mangrove lifecycle, which was created just for this article. The artists who created this collage were: Tori Sepulveda, Monica Devine, Carol Bailey, Susan Willison, Joanne Spinoza, Christina Douglas and William Dubroraw.

Michael Cope of Galería de Todos Santos shares his experience over the past 20+ years painting and running a gallery in Southern Baja in this issue’s Art Talk.

Also in this issue, Bruce Bennett of Allende Books in La Paz reviewed the bilingual photographic book Tendiendo Redes / Tending Nets by La Paz photographer Alejandro
Rivas Sánchez.

We’d like to welcome Snell Real Estate to Todos Santos. You can find their offices on the newly repaved calle Juárez in Galería La Poza.

Rancho Pescadero is excited to announce their Guest Chef Weekends, a series featuring top culinary talents offering cooking classes, special dinners and more. The series starts November 12-15, with Renee Erickson, author of A Boat, a Whale and A Walrus and Chef/Owner of The Walrus and the Carpenter, The Whale Wins, and Barnacle in Seattle, plus three new projects opening this fall. In March 2016, Jessica Koslow of the Los Angeles restaurant Sqirl and the soon-to-open Sqirl Away, will be the Guest Chef. Following Knowles, in April will be Executive Chef/Partners Thomas McNaughton and Ryan Pollnow of Ne Timeas Restaurant Group in San Francisco (flour + water, Central Kitchen, Aatxe, Café du Nord, salumeria). In May, the resort will host Greg Denton and Gabrielle Quiñónez Denton of OX Restaurant in Portland; the couple will be releasing their first cookbook Around the Fire in March 2016.

This November, Pescadero Surf Camp presents Desert Moon—a new hotel right on the Cerritos beach surf break—the perfect location for relaxation and sports activities.
Each of their large rooms with kitchenettes has an ocean view.

Just up the road, FreeSouls offers an amazing culinary experience at Cerritos beach, featuring wood-fired pizzas, fish, lamb, steaks and homemade desserts. Not to mention
the rooftop, ocean view Mediterranean bar and heated swimming pool.

Need a ride? Todos Santos Private Transportation provides professional airport transportation, private car service, transportation for wedding parties, and shopping
services to La Paz or Cabo at daily and hourly rates.

Shut Up Frank’s, Todos Santos’ first sports bar, is under new management. John Brown, with over 40 years bar and restaurant experience, has partnered with Frank Henley. In
addition to the locals’ favorite menu items, John has added his family recipe for Southern fried chicken, homemade meatloaf, world-famous chili, chili dogs and chili cheese
fries—as well as many new specials to come during the season.

Start your NFL Sundays with 2×1 Bloody Marys at Chill N Grill. They’ve also added tasty grilled French bread pizzas topped with pepperoni, veggies and cheese to their menu. Check their facebook page for upcoming live music events. Like their Halloween Party, Friday, October 30th.

Hosting a party or celebrating an upcoming event? Baja Pastry Girl makes custom desserts, cakes, ice cream and pastry with locally sourced and organic ingredients. Her
specialties include pumpkin pie, apple pie, three-berry pie, key lime pie, cheesecake, ginger rum Bundt cake, pumpkin cream pie, fudge, holiday cookies, macaroons, red velvet
cake and fruit tortes. Baja Pastry Girl needs three day notice for an order—call or email now!

New this season, The Todos Santos Speaker Series. This series features six different speakers covering Baja California natural science subjects. Author Graham
Mackintosh, starts the series on December 4, at the Centro Cultural “Prof. Nestor.” Upcoming speakers include: Dr. Jon Rebman, author of the 3rd edition of Baja California
Plant Field Guide; Stephanie Rousso of ProFaunaBaja; and “Indigenous Rock Art of The Baja Cape Region” with Anibal Lopez. Advanced tickets are available at El Tecolote
Bookstore.

ATV Adventures in Las Playitas (north of Todos Santos) provides ATV rentals, fishing and horseback riding. Call their cell (612) 156-4213 for more information.

January 2016, Peter Buck and friends will be back for the 5th Annual Todos Santos Music Festival in partnership with The Palapa Society of Todos Santos, A.C. featuring
the strongest musical lineup to date. See our exclusive stories next issue, Holiday 2015/2016. For more information and VI P tickets visit: http://todossantosmusicfestival.com/

We were saddened by the sudden passing of local graphic artist, Jan Piere on October 5. Jan was a frequent Journal del Pacifico advertiser, creative, strong willed and a
memorable person in our pueblo.

Festival 2015

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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!

Happy Holidays 2014 / 2015!

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Holiday 2014/2015 cover of Journal del Pacifico cover by Cedric VolonOur Holiday 2014 /2015 issue is out and we’re ringing in the New Year with lots of new faces and new places…

We’re getting lots of compliments on this year’s special cover by Cedric Volon of La Sonrisa de la Muerta gallery in Todos Santos.

Dooney Real Estate Group, part of the Los Cabos division of Sotheby’s International Realty, is opening their new office Todos Santos office in Gallery La Poza on calle Juárez.

Bistro Mágico is back! For their third season, they’ve moved around the corner to the garden patio of the Ezra Katz Gallery at the three way stop in downtown Todos Santos. They serve up lots of fun multi-ethnic healthy cuisine for lunch, and Monday night special theme dinners. Visit bistromagico.com for details. Also available for private parties and catering.

La Gitana Mezcal Bar in the Todos Santos historic district serves mezcal like you’ve never tried it. Mezcal is a distilled alcohol made from the maguey plant. The word mezcal comes from Nahuatl word mexcalli which means “oven-cooked agave.” Try it straight or in one of their specialty drinks, and you’ll agree with the saying, “para todo mal, mezcal, y para todo bien también” (for everything bad, mezcal; for everything good, the same!)

Chez Laura, on Hidalgo between Rangel and Cuauhtémoc, is the affordable French restaurant in Todos Santos. Enjoy a chilled glass of white wine and appetizers in their lovely garden setting, or order from their entrée menu. Wine by the bottle and a selection of beers are also available and remember to save room for their delectable desserts!

Restaurnat Mi Pueblito, Todos Santos, Baja, MexicoRestaurant Mi Pueblito serves traditional Mexican Cusine in the heart of downtown Todos Santos. Stop in for their great food and try one of their killer margaritas!

Have your friends overstayed their welcome? For affordable accommodations send them to Perro Surfero on the otro lado of Todos Santos. Owner Mauricio, “Mao” also offers Crossfit classes on the San Sebastian beach. See our groups section for my details.

Turtle hatchling releases are happening at sunset several times a week at the bocana in Las Tunas. Look for the Tortugueros Las Playitas logo, #15 on our otro lado map.

The Museo de La Ballena y Ciencias del Mar is yet another good reason to spend a day or two in La Paz. Bryan Jáuregui of Todos Santos Eco Adventures spoke with the museum’s executive director, Francisco J. Gomez, for this issue’s story. Bryan and Kaia Thomson also have shared more interesting whale facts and photos in this issue. Todos Santos Eco Adventures is offering a new “glamping” experience on Isla Espiritu Santo with walk-in safari-style tents that feature raised cots with mattresses, sheets and pillows, fabulous food, sun showers, and terrific adventures such as standup paddle boarding, kayaking, hiking and swimming with sea lions. Spend the night or the week. It’s great fun for families and groups of friends.

La Sirena Eco Adventures and Explora Baja in the Todos Santos Surf Shop also offer different packages to see whale sharks, sea lions, visit Isla Espritu Santo in La Paz, day trip whale watching in Todos Santos and overnight trips to see the gray whales up close and personal in Mag Bay—it’s once in a lifetime experience!

The fourth Todos Santos Music Festival returns for two weeks in January with an exciting new lineup and some of our favorites from past years. In this issue, Doug Newcomb interviewed Peter Buck about the festival and how it has grown and changed. One of the new bands in this year’s festival will be Drive-By Truckers. La Paz musician Terry Townson asked band member Patterson Hood a few questions about his musical background, the band’s new album and their link with R.E.M.

El Mirador restaurant, overlooking the Pacific Ocean, is serving Sunday brunch and full moon dinners. For more information or reservations, call, email or check at the front desk at Guaycura Boutique Hotel.

Casita Anita, behind the El Tecolote Bookstore, is having Fixin’ Fridays–Bring in your broken or unwanted jewelry to be repaired and/or refurbished. Check with Anita about upcoming jewelry making classes.

Dana’s Diner and Cantina in El Pescadero has moved to a larger location and have not only expanded their menu, but also have a fully stocked bar, a Monday through Friday Happy Hour and feature live music.

Metaphysical Odyssey into the Mexican Revolution: Francisco I. Madero and His Secret Book, Spiritualist Manual is C.M. Mayo’s new book, and it knocks the huaraches off the official story of Mexico’s 1910 Revolution. On December 2, Mayo spoke about Madero’s secret book, which she translated into English for first time, at Mexico City’s National Palace. Look for more about that on her webpage www.cmmayo.com.

Happy Holidays to all!