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Laja

thebajarunner - 7-9-2006 at 06:05 PM

Baja Vida and I had late lunch there last week.
It was very very nice, just as advertised.
We were amazed to find a totally empty dining room, even though it was Fourth of July week. Not sure where all the Gringos were hiding.
We had the four course, fixed price meal, with a bottle of "Xin" Tempranillo, from the San Antonio de las Minas winery.
Appetizer was an exquisite yellow tail, marinated in "old lemon" and of course it was raw.
Main course was a very nice cod dish.
Dessert was a flan like no flan I have ever had... and I am not a flan fan, but this was terrific.
Be warned, it is pricey, tab for two was $1334 (m.n.) including tip.
And dinner (six course) is 50% more.
But, well worth the experience.

vandenberg - 7-9-2006 at 06:09 PM

There isn't a place in all of Baja, including Cabo, worth anything close to that kind of money. You're made of money?? And BTW, where is this place ?

thebajarunner - 7-9-2006 at 06:18 PM

if it is not worth it, why do you ask???
and yes, of course, it was worth it,
and no, I am not made of money,
just appreciate nice things...

Diver - 7-9-2006 at 06:30 PM

bajarunner,

Although I may not chose to afford this place, and then again I may, it's still good to hear about your experiences, good or bad.

I applaud anyone who posts a restaurant, hotel, campground or other review of anything Baja. I just like to hear anything about Baja !!

Thank you

If anyone gets to La Venatana, try the foil-wrapped whole fish-of-the-day at El Rincon. Standing over rice and veggies it's to die for ! With a nice bay view and COLD cervesas for under $20 US !!

.

Wow, that is pricey

Barry A. - 7-9-2006 at 07:07 PM

And I think I know why the dining room was empty-----I have never spent that much for dinner IN MY ENTIRE LIFE!!!

but then you say you enjoyed it, and that is all that truly is important.

Thanks for posting---------I am not sure where this LARA is, tho.

Think there is a misunderstanding on the dinner cost

Gypsy Jan - 7-9-2006 at 07:17 PM

Bajarunner's 4-course gourmet (with all organic ingredients) dinner with a very good wine cost a very reasonable US $120 approximately.

I have been fortunate enough to dine at Laja and the ambience, the view, the gracious service and, most importantly, the food is world class.

You would pay US $300+ for an equivalent experience in Europe.

$300 in Europe?????????

Barry A. - 7-9-2006 at 07:23 PM

I spent 5 weeks in Italy last summer and I never spent more than about $75 for two the entire time, and we had some really GOOD dinners.

Wow, where oh where do you guys eat???? (not that I want to share the experience)

Great Britain, France and Switzerland

Gypsy Jan - 7-9-2006 at 07:48 PM

...just the facts, and only the facts.

elgatoloco - 7-9-2006 at 08:35 PM

The chef at LAJA is well trained and it shows. We have had some of the best meals of our lives there. Can't wait to get back.

JESSE - 7-9-2006 at 09:02 PM

Laja is actually a bargain considering the quality and exceptional food, it is in the same league with some of the best restaurants in Napa. In my vote, Laja is perhaps, the best restaurant in Mexico, so consider that.

The same meal, with similar quality, a great chef, and good wine, would cost 100+us per person in any of the top 50 restaurants in the U.S. IF you can get a reservation.

Al G - 7-9-2006 at 10:08 PM

I do not know if I am sad or happy, because I have not considered Baja as a pricey place to dine. There is one thing for sure if a restaurant prices themself in this area ($60.00 a serving) they will not last long if they are not equal to the task.
That said $60.00 a person is not expensive considering in the city (San Francisco) many times I have paid more then $60.00 for a bottle of wine and once paid I think, close to $60.00 corkage charge. Most restaurants will be over $120.00 for a bottle of Silveroak from Napa. Expect to pay $20-25.00 for a glass of 18 year Glen Moraingue'.
I guess my point is price is only relevant to quality.
I don't do it often, but dinner for four at a good restaurant is often in $500.00 range.
\This has made me aware as I approach Retirement those day may well be over :lol:

All I can say----------

Barry A. - 7-9-2006 at 10:13 PM

----------is that I am flabbergasted!!!!!!!!!!! :yes:

longlegsinlapaz - 7-10-2006 at 07:41 AM

LMAO There are obviously about an equal number of guys here who must NEVER have taken a wife or special person out for a special evening!!! As Gyspy Jan inferred, there is a difference between "eating" and "dining". The occasion, quality of food, presentation, service, setting & ambience, the company you're in, and of course the cost are all factors.

You EAT at Mc Donalds or Denny's....you DINE at Canlis or Laja!! There's something sinfully indulgent about treating yourself to a truly special fine dining experience, and even more special is the statement it makes to the person you're with! Granted, not as long lasting in the stomach, but it creates special memories that echo forever! Much more satisfying than the Loreal "I'm worth it" line! It's obvious that some people will never experience the difference for themselves; some simply can't get beyond the dollar signs to the REAL difference between merely eating to quench your hunger versus fine dining to satisfy something deep inside.

David K - 7-10-2006 at 07:46 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Barry A.
----------is that I am flabbergasted!!!!!!!!!!! :yes:

Nothing beats a can of Spam in the San Pedro Martir, right Barry!?! :light:

My wife would disown me-------------

Barry A. - 7-10-2006 at 07:49 AM

---------if I spent that kind of money on a "dinner". :lol:

There is tons of room in between the extremes that you mention--------i.e. eating at "Wendy's", or eating at "Laja's", it seems to me. We love to eat (dine??) out, but feel that it is not neccessary to squander money that could be put to use much better use elsewhere.

It is all a matter of priorities, I guess. Since these extravagant restaurants exist, that is testimony to the validity of what you say, but we simply will not be partaking of their service. Live, and let live, I am thinking.

"Bon apatit", or whatever the saying is. :yes:

David-------

Barry A. - 7-10-2006 at 07:51 AM

----in the San Pedro Martir, I prefer venison!!!!

David K - 7-10-2006 at 07:53 AM

Good on yah Barry... naturally, it is killed outside park boundries! :yes:

A great meal at a very fair price can be obtained at the Halfway House, prepared by Chef Johnny!

[Edited on 7-10-2006 by David K]

Neal Johns - 7-10-2006 at 07:55 AM

I'm with you, Barry A. It has been well documented that in my younger days with The Friends of the Mojave Road, I ate out of cold cans with the labels worn off! Mystery glop.

I tried that on Marian after we got married and she rebelled. We compromised for our "going out for a fancy meal" on Big Macs. :lol:

Neal and David-----

Barry A. - 7-10-2006 at 08:03 AM

------nothing beats a can of kipper snacks with triscuits, when on the trail!!! :yes:

David, that dinner pictured is what I am talking about----------and the 1/2-way-house does a supurb job at a reasonable price-----my kind of place for exquisite dining, and my "special wife" agrees with me. :lol:

Neal-----

Barry A. - 7-10-2006 at 08:06 AM

-----by the way, WELCOME BACK from Australia-----may we expect a report soon??? or would it have to be in "Off Topic"? :tumble:

Hey Al G

DanO - 7-10-2006 at 08:59 AM

$120 for a Silver Oak? That's a bargain. Saw it on a wine list last night for $180 (I had a very tasty and far less expensive Malbec instead).

JESSE - 7-10-2006 at 09:55 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Barry A.
---------if I spent that kind of money on a "dinner". :lol:

Barry,

The 1st time i had dinner at Laja will stay with me for ever, i remember every dish, textures, taste, the way we where all in silence eating not being able to speak a word because the food was so good, and the experience so unique, i probably spent 70 bucks myself, but the experience was worth way more than that.

Eating at a restaurant like Laja is not just eating, the food is so good, so far better than anything found in 95% of all restaurants, that it becomes an ocassion. The closest i can describe eating at Laja is, remeber that time you ate something you found truly good, truly amazing?

Now imagine that everything that is served to you in Laja, the 5 or 7 courses, provoke the same reaccion from every bite, that is priceless.

bajabound2005 - 7-10-2006 at 09:58 AM

Laja can only be described as an exquisite restaurant. It would stand up to anything in NYC or San Francisco. We've dined there a number of times and each time was Nirvana. The prices are comparable to US restaurants of the same caliber. The location is the Guadalupe Valley in the heart of Baja wine country. It is well marked from either direction on the Ruta del Vino at KM 83 and is just west of Francisco Zarco. As for the empty dining room most people go there later in the day. On Wednesdays they are open 1:30 - 3:30 and on Fri, Sat and Sun 1:30 - 8:30. The currest prices are $400 pesos for the 4 course meal and $585 for the full 7-8 course meal, and it's worth every centavo. Tax not included in these prices, nor is the wine.

The chef, Jair Tellez and his wife, Laura Reinert, opened the restaurant in 2001 and are still there today. The restaurant name comes from the owners' first names (LA from Laura and JA from Jair. You'll see things on the menu like arugula salad with Fuyu persimmon; yellowtail carpaccio with avocado and preserved lemon; cauliflower ravioli; pan-roasted rock cod with lemon, raisins, capers and almonds; locally raised pork with creamy cauliflower, house-cured jam and blue potatoes; and Mandarin orange and pineapple sorbets with lemon verbena granita.

If it's in your budget and you love fine dining, you'll enjoy Laja. Website is www.lajamexico.com

Jesse and BajaBound--------

Barry A. - 7-10-2006 at 10:12 AM

-----you both paint a beautiful picture, and the prices you quote are deffinitely worth paying for that type of experience. But some were mentioning $300, or $500 for two-----now THOSE prices are way beyond rediculous, at least to me and Meredith.

Of course, it is all in what "turns you on". Maybe my tastebuds never developed, but "food" is not a high priority--------to me almost EVERYTHING taste great, including the lowly "kipper snacks", so probably it is a waste of money for me to go to a truly gourmet restaurant.

Nothing (NOTHING) beats a slab of fresh tuna grilled on the beaches of Baja 15 mins. after catching it, in my opinion, and eating it with good friends-------or a freshly grilled, medium rare New York steak------my mouth is watering as I write-----------

elgatoloco - 7-10-2006 at 10:38 AM

Jesse- we agree 100%. It is an occasion, and thank you againfor turning us on to LAJA way back when!

bajabound2005- Did you know that Laja is also what the stone they used to build the restaurant is referred to? When were you there last and did you see Laura?

High Dollar Munchos

Cypress - 7-10-2006 at 10:54 AM

Sorta lose my appetite when the cost of the meal exceeds the price of the raw ingredients by a factor of 10.

DanO - 7-10-2006 at 10:54 AM

Jesse's description reminds me of a lunch my wife and I had with 6 friends at the French Laundry up north. 9 courses, each with its own wine. We'd eat a course, talk about it, get up and go outside on the balcony for a breather, wander back in for the next course. We ate for 3 and a half hours. Every single thing about it was dead solid perfect -- the standard by which every other fine dining experience should be measured. You don't even want to know how much it cost. But I saved money on the next three meals, since I didn't eat again until dinner the next day.

By the same token, sometimes perfection comes free, or almost. Last week we were scouting for lobsters at Puerto Santo Tomas. One of the pangueros we know well who was coming in from his boat said he was sorry he didn't have any lobster, but he did have nice yellowtail he'd just caught and gave it to us for a couple of beers. Took it home, cut thin slices from the raw filets and fanned them on a plate, scattered some thinly sliced jalapeno over them, and drizzled them with lemon juice and a few drops of soy sauce. Fantastic.

bajabound2005 - 7-10-2006 at 11:34 AM

Laja is often referred to as the French Laundry of Mexico.

DanO - 7-10-2006 at 11:49 AM

OK, you got me. I'm going next trip down.

Bob H - 7-10-2006 at 12:35 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by elgatoloco
Did you know that Laja is also what the stone they used to build the restaurant is referred to?

Isn't Laja stone a type of flagstone?

http://www.old-stones.com/fotoshtm/paneles/m-099ing.htm

JESSE - 7-10-2006 at 01:16 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Cypress
Sorta lose my appetite when the cost of the meal exceeds the price of the raw ingredients by a factor of 10.

How much do you think Picasso or Monet spent on canvas and paint for their masterpieces? a few dollars maybe? and how much are the painting worth?

The value is not on the physical qualities of the food, but on the preparation methods. Anybody can buy the best beef, the best vegetables, and the best spices, but only a few know how to blend and prepare those perfectly, THAT is what you pay for.

Jesse-----

Barry A. - 7-10-2006 at 02:51 PM

-----I hope my wife does not read this thread, especially your post. She is a fantastic cook, but I can see her demanding big bucks after reading it. :lol:

I have always been uncomfortable having folks (waiters) scurrying around trying to make me happy------somehow it seemed demeaning for them-----I am probably wrong, but that is how I have felt in places like that.

On the other hand, 6 of us used to go down to Mexicali to a place called "Casa del Patron", and have their special 3 course dinner of Chateau Briand------there would be at least 3 waiters, and the whole evening would take about 2 1/2 hours, and yes, it was very special and delicious, BUT it only cost each of us about $26, in the early ' 80's, (which was a lot of money, or so we felt).

bajalou - 7-10-2006 at 03:22 PM

$26 in the early 80's = what $75-$100 today?

DanO - 7-10-2006 at 03:27 PM

Barry, you are indeed dead wrong to say that serving food to people is demeaning. It is a way many, many people make their living. In my younger days I was a waiter and made pretty decent money at it. In my experience, working in restaurants was fun and frenetic. Everyone worked hard and played hard after work as well.

The only thing that I didn't like about it was the occasional jerkoff who would make all sorts of special requests, complain the whole time you were bending over backwards to make sure their meal was perfect, and then stiff you on the tip. Those bastards were most numerous in the brunch crowd. At a place I worked at in New York, one of them left me a $5 tip on a $250 check. While he was waiting for his Cadillac to be brought up by the valet (powder blue with a white landau top, wouldncha know it?), and in front of his entire family, I tapped him on the shoulder, held up the fiver, and said,

"Excuse me sir, but I believe you left this on the table inside."

"Oh no, that's for you," he replied.

"Was there some problem with the service?"

"Oh no, I always tip people that amount."

"Fine," I responded, and then slowly tore the $5 bill into tiny shreds and dropped them on the ground in front of him. Then I said, "don't ever come back here again." (I had received clearance from the maitre'd to do this on my way out the door.) Had to be one of the most satisfying things I've ever done.

On the other hand, I had some great tippers. At the same place in New York, I waited on a Upper East Side family (blue blazers, shirts with family crests, "wasn't Muffy's party last weekend in the Hampton's just smashing?", etc.). Dinner for the group, there were 8 or 10 of them, I think, was a little under $700. The patriarch of the family, who was as old as parchment, handed me a $1000 bill (first one I'd ever seen, actually) and when I brought the change, he waived me off. Since the guy seemed pretty clearly to be senile, I discreetly caught his wife's attention as they were leaving and told her that he couldn't possibly have meant to leave that large a tip. She patted me on the hand, thanked me for being such a nice young man, and told me to keep it. My back waiter (I had to share tips with him and he'd begged me not to try to give the money back) let out a whoop from the back stairs that made everybody in the place jump. Much fun was had by all.

[Edited on 7-10-2006 by DanO]

Dano-------

Barry A. - 7-10-2006 at 04:34 PM

-----great story, and you certainly made your point :lol:

jimgrms - 7-10-2006 at 06:00 PM

barry i am with you spam guys or canned beans, but i really like the hi dollar wine the new stuff with the threaded caps not that cheap stuff with corks in the top

[Edited on 7-11-2006 by jimgrms]

Screw caps

DanO - 7-10-2006 at 06:31 PM

They're the wave of the future. Lots of Australian and South American producers are starting to use them, and they're turning up on some pretty decent California wines as well. I like 'em -- no cork for your corkscrew to crumble up into the wine (and the wine makes it into the glass a lot faster).

Paulina - 7-10-2006 at 06:46 PM

Dan O,

Great story. Thank you for sharing. You hit the nail on the head.

If you are not in the restaurant business, you just don't get it. You get what you pay for, and you pay for what you get. Period.

We will check that place out the next time we pass that way and pay gladly for what we order and for the service provided.

P.<*)))><

Paulina-----

Barry A. - 7-10-2006 at 07:11 PM

------my family has been in the restaurant business for some 40 years, and believe me, "I get it". ALL our restaurants have been total successes, in and around the San Diego area. WE STARTED, "HUNGRY HUNTER", "THE JOLLY OX", "TORTILLA FLATS", "THE OLD OX" both in Mission Valley and in Pacific beach, and others. None of these restaurants were "pricey", but they consistantly made money, and the feedback was great. We have sold them all.

We are totally OUT of the business, now.

Paulina - 7-10-2006 at 07:37 PM

Barry A.

Congratulations on your success. Our wish is that some day we could claim the same and be OUT of the business as well.

P.<*)))><

[Edited on 11-7-2006 by Paulina]

Neal Johns - 7-11-2006 at 08:24 AM

jimgrms, I don't even drink, but your screw top post was great!

jimgrms----------

Barry A. - 7-11-2006 at 08:43 AM

------------Wine????? Seldom touch that stuff.

I have heard that some really good wine does come in screw-top bottles, tho. Probably too expensive for me.

for the record

BajaVida - 7-11-2006 at 11:53 AM

what thebajarunner and I spent at Laja exceeded the cost of all other food for the week we were in Baja, but worth it all

we ate Dinty Moore stew a couple of nights before at San Pedro Martir

we are just regular guys :cool:

My Kind of People------yessssssssss

Barry A. - 7-11-2006 at 12:17 PM

:lol:

jimgrms - 7-11-2006 at 03:18 PM

Boones farm is good stuff at 3.50 a bottle

thebajarunner - 7-11-2006 at 04:13 PM

Yeah, and you can usually fit several straws into the top at once for a special vintners treat....

bajabound2005 - 5-13-2007 at 08:14 PM

We had la cena at Laja yesterday to celebrate Mothers Day and bajamigo's birthday!
What a TREAT! Here is what we had: Straight from their garden lettuce and herb salad (we noted some dill!); marinated sardines with tender arugula and japanese turnips; beet and santa rosa plum borscht; carrot and sage ravioli with snap peas; braised "botete" fish with pancetta, sauteed purple cauliflower and chinse asparagus; oven roasted lamb with fava beans; grapefruit and olive oil sorbets with lemon balm sorbet; spiced rice pudding with peaches and a strawberry cold soup.

While there for the umpteenth time we learned they actually grow most if not all of their own veggies and herbs. All the meat(s) come from neighboring growers; that botete(the fish)...we asked him (Jair) about that and he told us it was unusual fish...blah, blah, blah but when we got home and looked it up...holy crap!!! And we lived to tell about it. Not sure it was the same botete of Nomad fame!

The meal was exceptional as always; and Jair gave us a tour of the kitchen..and THE BAKERY - that's where alll the fab pan comes from. The baker gave us a baguette para llevar which was part of desayuno esta manana!

OK, the cuenta is big, mis amigos, pero worth every peso. So, I gave you the WHOLE menu, which we had at $690 pesos per person (and yes, we had a bottle of wine on top of that, that was another 50 bucks); if you do the 4 course (one from each) it's $520 pesos pp; but imho go for broke; it's only a few bucks more and you get it ALL! If you dont' want to do that; do the 4 course (if there are 2 of you) and each order the opposite thing...then you can taste everything!

Don't shy away from something because you think you don't like it; this is the benefit of a "TASTING" menu! It's just a taste ("but very satifying" and if you don't like it these guys will fall all over themselves to make you like somthing!

Oh, we enjoyed a bottle of Casa de Piedra - Piedra del Sol - which to our surprise was a Chardnonay! It was fab! And we got the last bottle!!!!

Buen provecho!

DENNIS - 5-13-2007 at 08:22 PM

BB ----

I've never heard of half that stuff but, it has to be good.
Bajamigo told me you guys like to visit New York for the occasional bacchanal so it sounds like you found something closer to home. Too cool.

bajabound2005 - 5-13-2007 at 08:25 PM

Dennis, next time you'll be our guest!

Tempranillo . Re: 1st post

Bajalero - 5-13-2007 at 09:32 PM

I 've still been looking for a bottle to try with no luck

Any one know where to find Xin?

Thanks

Lero

FARASHA - 5-14-2007 at 07:45 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Gypsy Jan
Bajarunner's 4-course gourmet (with all organic ingredients) dinner with a very good wine cost a very reasonable US $120 approximately.

I have been fortunate enough to dine at Laja and the ambience, the view, the gracious service and, most importantly, the food is world class.

You would pay US $300+ for an equivalent experience in Europe.

I LIVE in Europe (Austria) and we (spouse and me) are VERY choosy when it comes to FOOD, and a 4 course Dinner for a 300+ would mean to me - LOTS of expemsive Imporrtet wine with it - that expands the costs.
A 4 course dinner for 2 is for around 100 to 150 Euro available at an upperclass Restaurant.
In general I found it more expensive in US when it comes to REALLY good food.

Cheers >f<

JESSE - 5-15-2007 at 06:11 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by FARASHA

Quote:

Maybe thats the reason the best French restaurant in the world is in Yountville California, and not France.

bajamigo - 5-16-2007 at 08:28 AM

If you're talking about the French Laundry, I would say Laja compares quite favorably. And it's a lot easier to get a reservation.

Roberto - 5-20-2007 at 04:13 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by bajabound2005
... braised "botete" fish with pancetta ...

That's puffer, right?

bajabound2005 - 5-20-2007 at 04:32 PM

according to the internet, yes, but I don't think that's what it was.

Iflyfish - 5-20-2007 at 04:34 PM

Legs,

"As Gyspy Jan inferred, there is a difference between "eating" and "dining"." Now that was well said.

I have greatly appreciated the food of the Baja. I have had food off carts and in fine places like Tres Virgines or the Patio at Juan and Shari's. The tastes, of all this food, supurb!. All different and all memorable! Taste is what makes for great art and great food.

I don't eat Foie Gras every day, but once in a while, incredible!

Iflyfish