Ensenada

Pedal to the Medal: A Photo Recap of the 34th Anniversary Rosarito to Ensenada Bike Ride

Shelli Read — Fri, 10 May 2013 18:38:19 +0000

Pedal to the Medal: A Photo Recap of the 34th Annual Rosarito to Ensenada Bike Ride

In 1979, a group of friends decided it might be fun to ride their bikes from Rosarito to Ensenada. Thirty-four years later, it’s a tradition. This year’s Rosarito to Ensenada Bike Ride was held last week, May 4th, with the usual high turnout of local and visiting riders for the 50 mile fun ride, and a finish line filled with supportive spectators.

As usual, route started along the coast in Rosarito, continuing for about 22 miles through quaint beach towns, with a few rolling hills and fantastic views of the Pacific Ocean.

Then the bikers proceeded inland for some serious hill climbs. At about mile 24 riders reached the base of El Tigre, a mesa that rises up some 800 feet.

The climb up El Tigre was 2 miles long at a 7.5% grade. The scenery then changed as the course plateaued through lovely countryside, albeit with some scenic rolling hills.

Next up was an 8-mile downhill stretch that led back to the coast, before the final “sprint” into Ensenada and the infamous Finish Line Fiesta, where all the finishers receive medals.

In addition to medals, finish line rewards included beer tents, dollar tacos, massages and live music.

The Rosarito to Ensenada course is rated “Moderately Difficult” by the Bike Ride Directors Association of America (BRDAA), and participants are given 6.5 hours to complete the ride.

Craig Rubelius, from Yucaipa, CA, said: “It’s a well supported event with water stops and the organizers are extremely friendly. The scenery is awesome, riding through the coast with the cool breeze in your face – you just can’t beat it! I would recommend this ride for everybody at least once.”

Rubelius, 51, has ridden this event three times and plans on coming back. He’s not the only one. The event has been so successful the organizers now hold two events every year.

The next Rosarito to Ensenada bike ride is scheduled for September 28, 2013.

What’s your favorite Baja event? Let us know at Baja.com.

Baja.com is a comprehensive online source of first-hand travel information for the Baja California Peninsula, supported by a full-service tour operator staffed by Baja locals (our “Baja Travel Savants”). We offer Baja travelers expert advice about local restaurants, hotels and vacation rentals, as well as guides, maps and articles about events, sports and activities. We provide bilingual customer support, information and sales seven days a week, 365 days a year. For more information, please call toll-free (US/CAN) 855-BAJA-411 or email us at info@baja.com.

Photos by Shelli Read.

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Picturesque Punta Morro Offers One of Ensenada’s Most Memorable Dining Experiences

Tom Gatch — Tue, 07 May 2013 16:04:02 +0000

Picturesque Punta Morro Offers One of Ensenada’s Most Memorable Dining Experiences

The picturesque dining room at Punta Morro Resort is located immediately adjacent to the pounding surf.

Situated on a rocky point near the northern end of Bahia de Todos Santos, the Punta Morro Resort has been considered an elite travel destination for decades. And, to compliment its reputation as a select property with picturesque accommodations and first rate amenities, Punta Morro’s onsite restaurant also enjoys the distinction of being a preferred dining venue that offers stunning coastal views and fine, gourmet cuisine served by an attentive staff.

The resort’s well appointed restaurant has been delighting the taste buds of discerning diners for decades.

The menu here is extensive, and features a tempting selection of classic as well as contemporary Baja-Mediterranean style dishes that are capable of satisfying even the most discerning palate. In addition to chicken, duck and locally grown quail, they offer a full array of red meats like quality cuts of Angus beef and New Zealand rack of lamb. But in this oceanic setting, one would be remiss to overlook their wonderful selections from the sea.

Of course a popular variety of fresh seafood such as lobster, abalone, crab, clams and oysters are regularly available, but one of their most lavish preparations is the Shrimp Stuffed with Cilantro-Salmon Mousse. Nonetheless, the grilled swordfish remains one of the quintessential favorites, and is regularly flown in from Cabo San Lucas at the southern end of the Baja California peninsula. Thick and succulent, the moist richness and lightly charred overtones of the fish are artfully offset by a mélange of petite garden fresh vegetables staged in a light and elegant wine sauce. A contrasting trail of brightly flavored raspberry puree offers the foil of fruity flavor, and adds to the decorative plating.

One of their specialties, the grilled swordfish, is a toothsome treat for seafood lovers.

The adjacent bar pours a plethora of domestic and imported liquors, premium wines and refreshing cervezas and offers a fantastic ocean view along with a warm, ambient atmosphere. On weekends, an extensive brunch buffet is on tap between 9:00 and 1:00pm and features authentic Mexican cuisine, which also includes a salad bar, omelets, pancakes, waffles, fruits, juices and an extensive array of mouth watering desserts.

The well marked exit for the Punta Morro Resort is located on the coastal Tijuana to Ensenada highway south of El Sauzal just before reaching the turnoff for the Hotel Coral & Marina. For additional information and reservations, call (646) 178-35-07.

Ensenada has been blessed with a number of exceptional restaurants that can cater to almost any gastronomic predilection; but if you are in search of a delightful upscale dining experience that is within a stone’s throw of the crashing surf on Baja’s volcanic coastline, you need look no further.

Baja.com is a comprehensive online source of first-hand travel information for the Baja California Peninsula, supported by a full-service tour operator staffed by Baja locals (our “Baja Travel Savants”). We offer Baja travelers expert advice about localrestaurants, hotels and vacation rentals, as well as guides, maps and articles about events, sports and activities. We provide bilingual customer support, information and sales seven days a week, 365 days a year. For more information, please call toll-free (US/CAN) 855-BAJA or email us at info@baja.com.

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Baja Beer Makers Tap Into Burgeoning Craft Brew Movement

Tom Gatch — Sat, 04 May 2013 01:53:55 +0000

Baja Beer Makers Tap Into Burgeoning Craft Brew Movement

Mexico’s heritage of brewing great beer goes back centuries, with most of the influence coming from Germany, which accounts for the pleasingly high hop profile in many of its beers. But, up until now, almost all of the country’s brews have been mass produced by large corporate entities such as Tecate and Modelo.

Baja is home to many popular brands of micro-brewed beer.

Over the past few years, however, Ensenada’s Baja Beer Fest has become one of the most significant events in northern Mexico showcasing artisanal breweries. This year’s judging panel was comprised of both professional micro-brewers from north of the border and by Mexican BJCP judges. The purpose of the international Beer Judge Certification Program is to promote beer literacy as well as the appreciation of ‘real beer’. The organization evaluates individual tasting skills by ranking and certifying BJCP applicants through a rigid examination and monitoring process.

A wide selection of tasty micro-brewed Baja beer was available at the 2013 Beer Fest in Ensenada.

Small micro-brewery operations continue to expand in the region, with over 100 now located in and around Ensenada alone. And over 40 of them offered up their wares at this year’s brew fest, along with a wide variety of food vendors who represented some of the city’s most popular eateries.

Just prior to the event, Baja’s secretary of tourism, Juan Tintos, expressed how important he feels Baja’s fledgling beer industry is in helping to entice even more visitors south of the border, and offered his enthusiastic support to the various breweries, business and organizations promote this annual event and make it possible.

For a fixed price of about $25.00 (U.S.) this year’s attendees were able sample products from dozens of vendors, including established regional brands like Cucapa (Mexicali), Kudos (Tijuana) and Zombie (Ensenada). There were also a few of the operations, such as Wendland and Old Mission Brewery, who also run their own adjoining restaurant.

The largest of these is the Old Mission Brewery, which relocated from Punta Banda to 645 Avenida Castillo in Ensenada’s downtown business district a little over a year ago. It is owned by master brewer Paul Woronicz and his wife, Karla, who also run the onsite wood fire pizza restaurant.

Paul Woronicz, owner of Ensenada’s Old Mission Brewery, kept spirits high throughout the afternoon with his hoppy creations.

The couple has spared no expense by importing the latest and most sophisticated brewery hardware all the way from Germany, as well as many of the specialized yeasts that are necessary to create the finest of hand-crafted beers this side of Bavaria. As a matter of fact, some critics opine that the superlative products made by this local biermeister may also be some of the finest on the entire Baja peninsula.

Nonetheless, the size of a brewery need not necessarily define the quality of its products. Some of the tastiest beers, ales and porters are often brewed by operations generating less than 50 gallons of product per year.

But for those who relish the rich flavors, colors and textures of finely crafted brews, there are very few opportunities available to taste as many variations on the theme in a single place as can be found at Ensenada’s annual Baja Beer Fest.

Baja.com is a comprehensive online source of first-hand travel information for the Baja California Peninsula, supported by a full-service tour operator staffed by Baja locals (our “Baja Travel Savants”). We offer Baja travelers expert advice about local restaurants, hotels and vacation rentals, as well as guides, maps and articles about events, sports and activities. We provide bilingual customer support, information and sales seven days a week, 365 days a year. For more information, please call toll-free (US/CAN) 855-BAJA.

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Las Nubes: Wines of the Clouds in the Valle de Guadalupe

Carla White — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 15:56:47 +0000

Las Nubes: Wines of the Clouds in the Valle de Guadalupe

Perched on a hill on the north side of the Valle de Guadalupe — Baja’s wine valley and the heart of Mexico’s wine industry — is the ethereal Las Nubes Winery. Even the name, Las Nubes, is other-worldly, meaning ‘the clouds’ and, indeed, the experience of visiting this airy aerie is somewhat magical, as are each and every one of the seven wines that Las Nubes produces.

Las Nubes winery in Mexico’s wine country.

Perched on a hillside in the Valle de Guadalupe, Las Nubes is open to the public for tours and tastings.

We were welcomed to Las Nubes by Adriana Sanchez, who showed us into the glass-encased, modern tasting room with its panoramic vistas, and beautiful impressionstic art decorating the walls. While we waited for enologist Victor Segura to arrive, Adriana explained that Las Nubes produces 6,200 cases of wine annually.

Adirana Sanchez introduces us to Las Nubes’ seven wines.

Adriana poured us a glass of Kuiiy (the Kiliwa word for ‘clouds’), a blend of 70% Sauvignon Blanc and 30% Chardonnay, and then we stepped out to the vast stone patio that is constantly swept by valley winds. Adriana pointed down to a man-made reservoir that Victor Segura and his team have created to capture water — rain, run-off, condensation — that will help support the production of grapes. According to her, the catch basin can hold up to 36,000 cubic meters of water.

This man-made reservoir captures nature’s water for use in grape and olive production.

Upon returning to the wine bar, Adriana shared with us her “new baby,” a rosado wine called Jaak, which means ‘wind’ in Kiliwa language. A combination of Grenache, Carignan and Zinfandel, this dry rose seemed perfect for the sunny, springtime afternoon. It was this we enjoyed while waiting for Victor Segura to arrive…which he did, momentarily.

Meeting Victor, one cannot help but note his youthful energy and sheer passion for his wines and the winery he has imbued with his personal conviction and engineering savoir faire. As he escorted us down to the cava, skirting the beautiful rolling winery walls of regional stone glowing in golden and lavender hues, he waved his arm to indicate the surrounding acreage of vineyards and brown earth.

“Everything about Las Nubes is about respecting the land, respecting the view, respecting the foods,” he said. He explained that in creating the wines for which Las Nubes is rapidly gaining its own high level of respect, everything from water and energy conservation to responsible farming techniques have been employed. And, knowing that ultimately the wines will be enjoyed with good food and good company, they have been designed to complement this experience.

In the Las Nubes wine cave, one can actually hear the malalactic process at work in the barrel.

Currently, Las Nubes — which encompasses 30 hectares of land, devoted to the production of grapes and Manzanilla olives — produces seven varietals, including what Victor calls the ‘happy girl’ wine Cumulus (Grenache, Carignan and Tempranillo), Nimbus (Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and just a bit of Tempranillo), Nebbiolo (all Nebbiolo), and the reserves — Selección de Barricas (Carignan, Grenache, Tempranillo and Cabernet Sauvignon) and Coleccion de Parcelas (Tempranilla, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Nebbiolo).

As we returned to the patio and tasting area, Victor pointed to the west of the property and the silver-toned olive groves. It is there, on May 18, that Las Nubes will host Vinedos en Flor, the Flowering of the Vines, a Provino event that starts off the wine season with a fiesta of campestre foods (regional dishes inspired by the bounties of the wine region) paired with wines from many of the Valle de Guadalupe’s wine producers.

From that venue in the heart of Mexico’s wine country, visitors to this area will gaze up upon the edifice that is Las Nubes winery, the place of the clouds, that blends into the earthy colors of the hills and the valley. And, if they are fortunate, they will return to sample these wines that so respectfully represent the character, depth and nature of Baja’s Valle de Guadalupe…and so accurately reflect the mission that Victor Segura holds close to his heart.

You can visit Victor Segura and Las Nubes winery on Facebook. The winery is located between the Bbayoff winery and El Porvenir in the Valle de Guadalupe, and is open daily for wine tasting.

Planning a trip to Mexico’s wine country? Find out about hotels and vacation rentals at Baja.com.

Baja.com is a comprehensive online source of first-hand travel information for the Baja California Peninsula, supported by a full-service tour operator staffed by Baja locals (our “Baja Travel Savants”). We offer Baja travelers expert advice about local restaurants, hotels and vacation rentals, as well as guides, maps and articles about events, sports and activities. We provide bilingual customer support, information and sales seven days a week, 365 days a year. For more information, please call toll-free (US/CAN) 855-BAJA-411 or email us at info@baja.com.

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Perfect Surf at Baja’s San Miguel for International Competition

Serge Dedina — Fri, 12 Apr 2013 15:09:04 +0000

Perfect Surf at Baja’s San Miguel for International Competition

by Serge Dedina

(Want to meet Serge Dedina and find out about WiLDCOAST SALVAJE? Check out the Baja Bash on June 15!)

More than 80 surfers from San Diego to South Africa enjoyed two days of overhead waves at San Miguel for the 3rd Annual Walter Caloca Open.

Sunday morning–San Miguel channeling Lowers.

We arrived at the parking lot of San Miguel just north of Ensenada early Saturday morning.

“The surf is pumping,” said my eldest son Israel.

From left to right: Me, my youngest son Daniel and friends Josh Johnson and his dad Daren Johnson.

Hooting, we rushed toward the water, as we observed an overhead set slam the point, peeling down the beach. No one was out.

We had about 90 minutes before the start of the junior boys heats. So we quickly donned our wetsuits, paddled out and enjoyed some quality point waves with just a handful of surfers who eventually joined us.

Josh Johnson

My sons and I were in San Miguel, a legendary point break just north of Ensenada, for the 3^rd Annual Walter Caloca Open. The Walter Coloca is organized by United Athletes of the Pacific Ocean(founded and run by Alfredo Ramirez) with the support of WiLDCOAST. This year the event included surfers from Mexico, Venezuela, South Africa and the U.S.

My eldest son Israel.

“With over 80 participants, sunny skies and amazing surf, this was the most successful event yet,” said Ramirez.

A combo swell brought 3-6’ perfect waves to contestants who pleased the large beach crowd with barrels, aerial maneuvers and the best of modern surfing.

The contest was founded in honor of Walter Caloca, a young Ensenada surfer who tragically passed away several years ago. Walter was loved by his peers and is remembered through a weekend of high caliber youth and adult surfing, music, raffles, a beach and arroyo cleanup and many other activities.

My youngest son Daniel.

On Saturday young surfers competed in junior boys and girls, bodyboard and stand up paddle divisions.

Winning the boys division was Imperial Beach local, Josh Johnson. Also in the final were Daniel Dedina (2^nd), Gavin Lache (3^rd) and Dakotah Hooker (4^th).

Junior boys finalists including from left to right: Gavin (3rd), Daniel Dedina (2nd), Dakotah Hooker (4th) and Josh Johnson (1st).

Miguel Torres was crowned champion of the very competitive bodyboard division, Mark “Kiwi” Field won the stand up paddle and Arias Chavira dominated the under 16 girls. A beach cleanup sponsored by Pawa in conjunction with Pronatura-Noroeste removed 440 pounds of trash from the beach and arroyo at San Miguel.

Beach cleanup Saturday.

At a Saturday evening surf fiesta, Ensenada nonprofit Surf-Ens, a driving force behind the recently established Bahia Todos Santos World Surfing Reserve that includes San Miguel, gave a presentation on the reserve.

The party took place at Boules, an art-filled restaurant with an Ensenada-Biarritz vibe overlooking San Miguel. Boules, owned by Javier Martinez, with its boules court and large patio overlooking the ocean, is about the nicest place I could think of to watch waves and enjoy a true international surf fiesta.

Surfers were greeted Sunday morning with flawless conditions. San Miguel did not disappoint with clean walls throughout the day. 44 men from four countries showcased an array of talent on perfect overhead waves for a chance to win the Open Mens division.

I was in the first heat of the morning for the Men’s Open. At 48, and as an average middle-aged surfer, I have no illusions about my prowess for competitive surfing. But the chance to surf great waves at San Miguel with just a few people in the water was an opportunity I did not want to pass up.

Luckily I was the first contestant to paddle out Sunday morning. As soon as I made it to the outside, a beautiful overhead set rolled through that provided ample opportunity for me to display my hopelessly outdated 70s-style (I was channeling Terry Fitzgerald at J. Bay).

That’s me channeling Terry Fitzgerald at J Bay in 1975.

However, the heat had not started, my set wave did not count, and I could not match it with any decent scores during the 20-minute heat that followed. Still, it was great to get out in the water and enjoy the company of my fellow competitors.

Israel

South Africa’s Brandon Roberts that took the win over a stacked group of finalists including Cody Sherman (2^nd), Jaime Noia (3^rd) and Rodger “Honey Duck” Eales (4^th). The women and longboard also surfed on Sunday and it was none other than local charger Naara Nunez and Miguel Arroyo winning those divisions respectively.

Daniel

So thanks Alfredo for another great event that shows why the ocean and surfing know no borders.

Daniel

Thanks to Zach Plopper for additional reporting.

Want to enjoy the perfect surf at Baja’s San Miguel in Ensenada? Find out more about the area and places to stay!

Serge Dedina is executive director of WiLDCOAST, an international conservation team that conserves coastal and marine ecosystems and wildlife. He is the author of Wild Sea and Saving the Gray Whale.

Baja.com is a comprehensive online source of first-hand travel information for the Baja California Peninsula, supported by a full-service tour operator staffed by Baja locals (our “Baja Travel Savants”). We offer Baja travelers expert advice about local restaurants, hotels and vacation rentals, as well as guides, maps and articles about events, sports and activities. We provide bilingual customer support, information and sales seven days a week, 365 days a year.

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Viñedos en Flor 2013 — the Flowering of the Vines in Mexico’s Wine Country, May 18

Carla White — Thu, 11 Apr 2013 20:04:52 +0000

Viñedos en Flor 2013 — the Flowering of the Vines in Mexico’s Wine Country, May 18!

by Carla White

Viñedos en Flor 2013 — the Flowering of the Vines

Starting in September, I begin to count the weeks and then the days until this annual celebration, Viñedos en Flor (the Flowering of the Vines), takes place in Mexico’s Wine Country, the enchanting Valle de Guadalupe, Ensenada. To me, this event officially kicks off the wine season, heralded by delicate little buds that sprout from newly unfurled leaves and vines rolling across the Guadalupe Valley like a spring-green carpet. There is no more beautiful time to visit the region — and, thanks to the rain this winter, wildflowers, wattles and lavender add vibrant color to the sun-baked hills that frame the valley. In 2013, there will be no better place to experience the abundant bounties of the wine country than at Viñedo Las Nubes (the Las Nubes winery), which is hosting this daytime, family-friendly festival, sponsored by Provino and benefiting the San Vicente shelter for homeless people and families.

I have forced family and friends to go to the Flowering of the Vines with me for a number of years (they thank me, later, and beg to return). Originally, it was more like a community get-together — a chance for winemakers and producers to welcome the grapes and to have a little party and wine tasting before the ensuing surge of intense attention and toil that are required to bring the vines to fruition and harvest them for the next four to five months. Even post-harvest, the work isn’t done until the product is in the bottle, often extending into October. However, as this Ensenada wine region has flourished, becoming world famous for its August Vendimia harvest festival (attracting tens of thousands of people to events throughout the entire month), the Viñedos en Flor has evolved into a more sophisticated, but equally fun and rewarding, event. It is, quite frankly, one of my favorites.

The event at Las Nubes is taking an innovative approach to showcasing ‘Baja’s Best’ in 2013, emphasizing the idea that everyone, young and old, shares the land and responsibility for cherishing the land and its products. This year, highlighting the fiesta will be ‘comida campestre’: casual family food, with the emphasis on fresh and local ingredients for which the region is gaining so much fame. Cheeses, artesenal breads, organic produce, olives and locally crafted olive oils — these products and more will create a savory and delicious accompaniment to the numerous wines that will be available at Viñedos en Flor. There will also be a variety of activities for all ages, including Pétanque (similar to bocce ball), and a host of great activities for children, including kite-flying, bike riding in the vineyards, football, and swings. Most intriguing for youngsters, and definitely the most fun for doting parents to watch, will be the art area where plastic artists Marco Miranda and Ángel Delgado will help children create imaginative projects.

Paralelo, represented in 2012, will again be a featured winery at Viñedos en Flor 2013 — the Flowering of the Vines

This year, more than 38 wineries/cavas are participating in Viñedos en Flor, the Flowering of the Vines. From some of Baja’s most highly acclaimed wineries — like Vena Cava, Emevé, Adobe Guadalupe, Bodega Santo Tomas, Casa de Piedra, Monte Xanic, Torres Alegre y Familia, Viñas Pijoan, Encuentro Guadalupe and many others — to newer artisan wine producers, the festival will offer visitors a chance to actually meet winemakers and learn more about how they achieve each wine’s uniqueness. For many who attend the event, there will be an eye-opening realization that Baja California is producing outstanding wine that can hold its own anywhere in the world.

I can guarantee that this will be a popular event. Last year, it was held at Viñedos Lafarga, on the southern side of Highway 3, Ensenada-Tecate; it was packed with happy festival-goers who delighted in the warm springtime temperatures, the savory smells of food being and copious cups of handcrafted wines. The 2013 event will rejoice the vines at Las Nubes (The Clouds), founded by Victor Segura and partners, on the 30+ hectares of land planted with wine grapes and olives on the northern side of the Guadalupe Valley, near El Porvenir. All I can say is get your tickets now!

What: Viñedos en Flor 2013 — the Flowering of the Vines

Where: Las Nubes winery, Street Emiliano Zapata s/n, El Porvenir, Guadalupe Valley

When: Noon, Saturday, May 18

Cost: $250 pesos (approx. $21), which includes a comemorative glass. Children under 18 years-old are free

How to get tickets or for more information: Tickets can be purchased online at www.provinoac.org. They can also be purchased at the Provino offices in Ensenada, Av. 20 de Noviembre 1138-2, Zona Centro. For more information, call Provino at +52 (646) 178-3038 or 178-2949. Email: info@fiestasdelavendimia.com.

Ensenada is on the Pacific Ocean, and only 20 minutes from Mexico’s wine country. Find out where to stay, when you visit the Valle de Guadalupe! And be sure to try some of the region’s best restaurants, including Corazon de Tierra, the seasonal Deckman’s en el Mogor, El Rey Sol and others.

Baja.com is a comprehensive online source of first-hand travel information for the Baja California Peninsula, supported by a full-service tour operator staffed by Baja locals (our “Baja Travel Savants”). We offer Baja travelers expert advice about local restaurants, hotels and vacation rentals, as well as guides, maps and articles about events, sports and activities. We provide bilingual customer support, information and sales seven days a week, 365 days a year.

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La Guerrerense (Ensenada) will represent Mexico in the 2013 World Street Food Congress

Carla White — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 21:54:25 +0000

Reprinted with permission of San Diego Red

La Guerrerense is ready to compete in Singapore at the 2013 World Street Food Congress!

Sabina Bandera and her La Guerrerense food truck will compete in the World Food Fair Congress.

The team from the “Mariscos La Guerrerense,” led by Sabina Bandera, will be in charge of representing Mexico in the World Street Food Congress 2013 that will be held in Singapore from May 31 to June 9. The news was released by the Sabina on Mariscos La Guerrerense’s Facebook page.

This achievement now adds to the international recognition that this seafood cart from Ensenada, Baja California has received.

La Guerrerense plates are amplified by amazing homemade salsas…watch out, World Food Congress!

On March 24 La Guerrerense participated in the San Diego Street Food Market, where attendees tasted yet one more good reason to visit Baja California.

Since being featured on the program “No Reservations” with Anthony Bourdain, this amazing seafood truck/cart — which is one of the best kept secrets of Baja California — has received world exposure. Now, no one is exempt from being bewitched by Sabina’s seasonings and acclaimed offerings.

Sabina Bandera has also earned international awards like first place in the LA Street Food Fest, and has also appeared in prestigious publications like “Where chefs eat.” La Guerrerense is also considered by Newsweek magazine as one of the best places to eat in the world.

Have you eaten at La Guerrerense, the food truck that will compete in the World Street Food Congress? If you want to try this world-famous food truck, you need to stay in Ensenada — perhaps at the lovely Posada El Rey Sol that is just down the street!

Sandiegored.com is designed as the first portal in Spanish that provides information/entertainment and news in SanDiego and the Tijuana / Baja California region. Our main objective is that you find all the information that you need in SanDiegoRed and BECOME your preferred portal. We are committed to working tirelessly to meet your expectations and deliver the best website in Spanish. Contact SanDiegoRed.com or call (858) 454-511.

Baja.com is a comprehensive online source of first-hand travel information for the Baja California Peninsula, supported by a full-service tour operator staffed by Baja locals (our “Baja Travel Savants”). We offer Baja travelers expert advice about localrestaurants, hotels and vacation rentals, as well as guides, maps and articles about events, sports and activities. We provide bilingual customer support, information and sales seven days a week, 365 days a year. For more information, please call toll-free (US/CAN) 855-BAJA-411 or email us at info@baja.com.

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The Story of Punta Banda: Wilderness, Blowholes and Pirates

Tom Gatch — Mon, 08 Apr 2013 20:30:33 +0000

The story of Punta Banda

Want to visit Punta Banda and other fascinating Baja locales? Find out about Baja.com’s custom tours!

By Tom Gatch

Situated adjacent to the peaceful southern shore of Ensenada’s Bahia de Todos Santos, the narrow, mostly barren finger of land known as Punta Banda assertively juts out into the Pacific Ocean, helping to form one of northern Baja’s most picturesque bays.

At the very tip, the churning waters near the La Bufadora blowhole surge up through the rugged, guano covered outcroppings and, after reaching their apex, dissipate into a cool mist of salty rain. In spite of a few scattered housing developments the peninsula remains predominantly covered by wild chaparral, cactus and sage.

In 1885, Punta Banda was established as the southernmost sector of what was originally referred to as Colonia Carlos Pacheco, a region that was also comprised of San Carlos and Ensenada. It was distinguished by the presence of a natural hot spring that surfaced near the sandy shore, and a few years after that a hotel and spa was built as an attraction to bring in visitors. But, because of its rural locale during times when most transportation was literally provided by horsepower, it only had a permanent population of fewer than 100 residents by the time World War I had ended.

The land at the Punta Banda’s outermost point is haphazardly strewn with rocky grottos and coves that were created by volcanic upheavals eons ago; and the clear water that invades their shallows often turns a mesmerizing turquoise color under the bright Baja sun.

During the middle of the 19^th century, it has been said that bands of pirates would hide in the secluded coves along the southern shores of the Punta Banda peninsula, and then sail out unexpectedly to take over freighters that were bringing gold and other valuables down the California coast toward their eventual ports of call on the east coast.

In the early 1930s, Charles Nordhoff, author of the book, Mutiny on the Bounty, owned a rancho near Punta Banda and hosted many Hollywood celebrities who enjoyed coming down to Baja for hunting and fishing, as well as the scenic beauty of the area. One of them was Clark Gable, who just a few years later won an Oscar for his performance as Fletcher Christian in the popular movie version of the story.

In a recent attempt to domesticate yet another portion of this wild land, Tiger Woods proposed the building of a massive golf course and residential complex that would sprawl over most of the primitive acreage north of La Bufadora cove. But, despite the fact that there were significant concerns and protests raised by environmental entities, it was declining economic conditions north of the border that ultimately spelled doom for the proposed luxury development.

Today, Punta Banda draws increasing throngs of new visitors who enjoy basking in the sun, lying in the sand, catching a few fish or getting a gander at the world’s second largest blowhole. But whatever the reason, it is nice to know that a pastoral playground like this is less than a one hour drive south of Ensenada’s downtown business district.

Hooked on Baja author & columnist Tom Gatch is one of Baja’s foremost writers with a focus upon outdoor and recreational topics in Baja and Southern California.

Tom Gatch and renowned Punta Banda artist and resident Scott O. Kennedy might have had a tot of rum one evening, when they created the legend of the Corsair, a jewel of a ditty that will now reside in the Baja.com treasure trove.

Punta Banda is an easy day-trip from Ensenada, and offers a chance to visit Estero Beach Hotel on one of Baja’s most beautiful estuaries and, of course, the famous blowhole. If you do it, post your photos on the Baja.com Facebook page!

Baja.com is a comprehensive online source of first-hand travel information for the Baja California Peninsula, supported by a full-service tour operator staffed by Baja locals (our “Baja Travel Savants”). We offer Baja travelers expert advice about local restaurants, hotels and vacation rentals, as well as guides, maps and articles about events, sports and activities. We provide bilingual customer support, information and sales seven days a week, 365 days a year. For more information, please call toll-free (US/CAN) 855-BAJA-411

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The post The Story of Punta Banda: Wilderness, Blowholes and Pirates appeared first on Ensenada.

Breakfast in Ensenada: Starting the Day Out Right!

Tom Gatch — Thu, 04 Apr 2013 20:31:55 +0000

Breakfast in Ensenada: Starting the Day Out Right!

by Tom Gatch

Mounting medical evidence supports the long standing belief that breakfast is perhaps one of the most important meals when it comes to maintaining your strength and stamina throughout the day. And this is particularly important when you are about to embark upon a busy itinerary discovering the many sights, flavors and activities that are on hand while visiting the coast of Baja Norte.

Breakfast in Ensenada might mean huevos divorciados: divorced eggs.

Unlike the busy, cosmopolitan urban hub of Tijuana, the Mediterranean-like port city of Ensenada situated less than 80 miles further south offers a relaxed and picturesque environment in which to relax and enjoy a delicious and fortifying breakfast.

Las Cazuelas is a landmark in Ensenada, offering traditional Mexican fare.

For those yearning for an authentic Mexican desayuno (breakfast), it is hard to beat Las Cazuelas (which means the casseroles or the pans). Conveniently located on Gral. Antonio Sangines just up the block from the Naval Base, this popular restaurant has long been a favorite of visitors and locals alike and features everything from huevos rancheros to chilaquiles, along with a few American style dishes.

Las Parrillas is a good choice for breakfast in Ensenada.

A bit further into the business district at the corner of Espinoza and Calle 6, Asadero Las Parrillas regularly caters to the local business crowd with tasty, substantial meals that epitomize the very essence of la cocina Mexicana.

Chiles rellenos is a popular and delicious choice for breakfast in Ensenada.

One of their breakfast specialties is Chilaquiles Bandera, which incorporates both red and green salsas to represent the colors of the Mexican flag. They also feature mouthwatering Chiles Rellenos prepared in the same style.

Cozy Café Orleans, near the cruise ship terminal, offers a creole touch to hearty American fare.

But for many, no matter where they actually happen to be, there is nothing quite like a hearty American style breakfast to get started out on the right foot. These folks will feel right at home when eating at Café Orleans on Avenida Costero about 5 blocks past the cruise ship terminal.

One look at their menu tells you why; chicken fried steak and eggs with biscuits and gravy, corned beef hash, eggs Benedict made with your choice of ham or shrimp, not to mention the pork chop and eggs. But on the other side of the menu, there is also a list of popular Mexican breakfasts that are available as well.

French pastries and rich coffee at El Rey Sol are just the thing to start a day of shopping in Ensenada.

If a hearty breakfast doesn’t happen to be on your agenda, you can always satisfy a craving for something sweet at Ensenada’s classic French restaurant, El Rey Sol, located on Adolfo López Mateos in the middle of the downtown tourist district. A cup or two of hot, gourmet coffee and one or two of their famous homemade pastries can easily hold you over until lunch time.

Ocean and golf course views make Bajamar a relaxing locale for breakfast.

But when the weekend rolls around, few meals offer the satisfaction of a Sunday brunch, and one of the most picturesque places in the region to enjoy this type of treat is overlooking the links at the Bajamar Hotel & Oceanfront Golf Resort, about 20 minutes north of town. In addition to a selection of fresh fruits and desserts, the Bajamar buffet also features an array of hot dishes and omelets freshly made to order.

The Hotel Coral offers a sumptuous buffet.

But for the biggest of appetites, the granddaddy of breakfast offerings has got to be the lavish Sunday brunch extravaganza that is presented weekly by the Hotel Coral & Marina that is situated at the edge of Ensenada’s Bahia de Todos Santos. Just beyond the eye-catching trays of fresh fruits, yogurts and cereals, a team of formally attired chefs stand ready to cook a custom-made omelet to your exact specifications. While you wait, you can ladle up a steaming bowl of savory menudo as you work your way down the food line past trays of saucy barbacoa de res, crispy carnitas as well as a variety of flavorful side dishes.

Want to find out where to enjoy other meals in Ensenada?

Hooked on Baja’ author & columnist Tom Gatch is one of Baja’s foremost writers with a focus upon outdoor and recreational topics in Baja and southern California.

Baja.com is a comprehensive online source of first-hand travel information for the Baja California Peninsula, supported by a full-service tour operator staffed by Baja locals (our “Baja Travel Savants”). We offer Baja travelers expert advice about local restaurants, hotels and vacation rentals, as well as guides, maps and articles about events, sports and activities. We provide bilingual customer support, information and sales seven days a week, 365 days a year. For more information, please call toll-free (US/CAN) 855-BAJA-411

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The post Breakfast in Ensenada: Starting the Day Out Right! appeared first on Ensenada.

Ensenada’s New Wine and Seafood Festival 2013: Be Part of Winemaking, Food and Aquaculture

Carla White — Wed, 03 Apr 2013 18:02:04 +0000

Ensenada’s New Wine and Seafood Festival 2013: Winemaking, Food and Aquaculture!

By Provino (in coordination with Baja.com)

Called the Festival de las Conchas y El Vino, this is undoubtedly one of the highlights of the year in Mexico’s wine country, Ensenada!

Join in for three days of activities (April 19, 20, 21) and get to know the wide variety of produce of the Baja California region through conferences, workshops, icebreaker-cocktail parties, culinary demonstrations, barbecues and day-trips to mussel and abalone cultivation farms. The wine and seafood festival is a chance to really experience and understand why Baja is achieving universal recognition in the world of high end cuisine. It also provides an opportunity, through themed dinners at outstanding restaurants, to meet chefs and see how fresh and local ingredients are used in Baja’s gastronomy. Make your reservations now…this books up quickly and so do hotels and vacation rentals in the region!

The Wine & Seafood Festival schedule includes day-trips to mussel and clam cultivation farms.

The closing event will be held at the luxurious Coral & Marina Hotel with a full-on festival where you will sample regional seafood and the best wines of the region.

Schedule of Activities for the New Wine and Seafood Festival

Day 1

Friday, April 19th

Geoduck (pronounced gooey-duck) clam farming workshop
To learn more about the management of geoduck clams.
Where: Main Conference Room – Academic Exchange Department-University of Baja California.
From 8 a.m.-3.30 p.m.

Day-trip to Erendira, Baja California to visit the abalone farms.
Starts: 10:30 am
Meeting point: Culinary Arts Faculty at the University of Baja California.
Cost: $270 pesos (includes transportation from Ensenada and lunch)
Tickets available in the Provino Comitee offices.

Ice-breaking event with local producers
Wine tasting and ceviche tasting by La Guerrerense (one of the most famous seafood purveyors in the world!).
Where: Coral & Marina Hotel
Cost: $220 pesos
Time: Starts at 7 p.m.

Day 2

Saturday April 20^th

Cooking demonstration and lectures by guest chefs and winemakers
Time: 10 am
Free Admission
Where: Culinary Arts Faculty at the University of Baja California.

Cooking demonstration by:
Chef José Luis Estevan, Restaurante Estudio Millesime, D.F.
Chef Felipe Gómez, Hotel Hotsson, León Guanajuato.
Chef Arturo Fernández, Restaurante Raíz, D.F.
Chef Cassandra Beretta, Hoteles Mayan, Nuevo Vallarta.
Chef Eduardo García, Restaurante Máximo Bistrot Local, D.F.

Winemakers lectures by:
Hugo D´Acosta, Casa de Piedra
Jose Durand, Sinergi VT
Christoph Gartner, Vinisterra
Thomas Egli, Casa de Piedra
Daniel Lonnberg, Adobe Guadalupe

Day-trip by boat to the Mussel farms
Time: 7 am
Meeting point: Ensenada Pier
Cost: $270 pesos

Visit to Maxmar Aquaculture Laboratory
Time: 10:30 am
Meeting Point: Viento Gastromic Complex in El Sauzal
Cost: $270

Day 3

Sunday April 21^st

Barbeque
Culinary workshop: Learn to cook with shells. Host Chef: Max Bonacci, Restaurant Take it Easy, San Diego
Time: 3 p.m
Where: Viento Gastromic Complex in El Sauzal.

New Wine and Seafood Festival
Wine Tasting and food samples
Time: Noon
Where: Coral & Marina Hotel
Cost: $400 Mexican Pesos
Free for kids up to 12 years

Cultivated oysters are one of the stars of the New Wine and Food Festival.

For a full schedule of activities visit the Provino website and follow us on Facebook www.provinoac.org @ FiestasdelaVendimiaOficial
More information: comiteprovino@gmail.com Phones (646) 178 30 38 and 178 29 49

To find out about Baja.com tours and other activities in Mexico’s wine country, visit Baja.com!

THEMED DINNERS AT BAJA’S TOP RESTAURANTS:

Laja Restaurant Chef Arturo Fernández, Restaurante Raíz, D.F.
Reservations:
Tel. +52 (646) 155 25 56
www.lajamexico.com

La Manzanilla Chef José Luis Estevan, Restaurante Estudio Millesime, D.F.
Reservations
Tel. + 52 (646) 175 70 73
www.rmanzanilla.com

La Contra Chef Eduardo García, Restaurante Máximo Bistrot Local, D.F.
Reservations:
Tel. +52 (646) 178 82 13 and 156 52 60
vinoslacontra@gmail.com

Corazón de Tierra Chef Elena Reygadas, Restaurante Rosetta, D.F.
Reservations:
Tel. +52 (646) 156 80 30
www.corazondetierra.com

Corazón de México (antes la Embotelladora Vieja) Chef Yvan Mucharraz, Hotel Capella Los Cabos y Chef Cassandra Beretta, Hoteles Mayan, Nuevo Vallarta.
Reservaciones: Tel +52 (646) 156 53 84 rsvp@corazondemexico.com

*Chefs and dates to be arranged

More info

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The post Ensenada’s New Wine and Seafood Festival 2013: Be Part of Winemaking, Food and Aquaculture appeared first on Ensenada.

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Day 1

Friday, April 19th

Day 2

Saturday April 20th

Day 3

Sunday April 21st

THEMED DINNERS AT BAJA’S TOP RESTAURANTS:

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Saturday April 20^th

Sunday April 21^st