BajaNomad - Where's The BEEF ??

Where's The BEEF ??

Diver - 5-14-2008 at 03:15 PM

We have known a few folks in Baja that have gotten really good beef.
They either get whole loins or have the quality beef sliced thicker than Baja norm.
Although we get used to the thin, tough beef we often get down south, a nice thick, tender, juicy tenderloin or chop for the grill would be awsome.
Where do we get the good stuff in Baja ??
Anywhere is fine as we travel Baja for months each winter.

bajajudy - 5-14-2008 at 03:28 PM

Here in San Jose, we get Sonora beef that is excellent. Frutas y Verduras has it, as does Mega. A nice filet mignon will run you about $4. The same steak would be $15 at Andronicos in Berkeley.
I usually do the finger thing and say....como esto. Or you can say dos pulgados for 2 inches thick. One of the hardest words for me to learn was grueso...thick. You will almost always have to say mas grueso because the butchers are not used to cutting the meat so thick.

Diver - 5-14-2008 at 03:39 PM

Another reason to venture south of the San Jose airport ?! :lol:

Thanks Judy, it's on my list !

Wondering if other Nomads keep lists or files of Baja info that they collect over the years like I do ?? Names, places, locations, phone numbers....

bajabound2005 - 5-14-2008 at 03:57 PM

In Ensenada, Carniceria San Nicolas on the Reforma directly across from what was the Gigante next to Office Depot, but is now Soriana next to Office Depot. The owner is Jose Gomez and he boasts "res cortes americanos". He'll cut and age beef to order. Open Mon - Sat, 8 am - 6 pm. Phone is 646 176 1190 and he speaks English.

Paulina - 5-14-2008 at 05:54 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Diver

Wondering if other Nomads keep lists or files of Baja info that they collect over the years like I do ?? Names, places, locations, phone numbers....

Yes, we keep a baja journal of every trip. The toughest part is when the journal gets full, transfering the info into the new one. By the time we've done that, it's taken up a good chunk of space. I usually use the back pages for the quick reference stuff like people's names.

Right now Dern is traveling with two journals, the old one and the brand new one because I haven't completed the transfer of that top secret-I'd-have-to-kill-you-if-I-told-you-baja - info yet. (I almost felt like iflyfish there for a second)

Regarding the meat situation, when we lived in PB we used to buy our meat from "Politos". Polito's shop is on the East side of the highway just as you enter Maneadero. If I remember correctly, his father had a meat cutting history from Oxnard, so they know the American cuts of beef. He would let us know when a whole cow was being delivered and he'd cut us tri-tips and thick, thick rib eyes. We really missed those cuts of beef before we met Polito. He speaks English as well. We also heard great things about Carniceria San Nicolas but were always too lazy to drive in that far!

P<*)))><

oldlady - 5-14-2008 at 06:11 PM

In La Paz, I go to the "Bravo Market" at the corner of Bravo and Prieto.
There are several butchers there, I always go to the same one. All the meats I buy they have been great. I get the whole filet, 88 pesos a kilo, usually runs me about 200 pesos. My husband, the grillmeister, cuts them to desired thickness, usually 8 steaks. I use the "tails" for stroganoff or sumptious burgers. Never had a guest complain.

oladulce - 5-14-2008 at 08:01 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Diver
Wondering if other Nomads keep lists or files of Baja info that they collect over the years like I do ?? Names, places, locations, phone numbers....

I've got a collection of mini spiral notebooks in the glovebox that I've used for roadlogs for each trip (we got tired of asking each other "think we can make it to Playa Perla before dark?" etc).

I keep track of daily travel times, gas expenditures, time the sun sets at various times of the year (so we know whether to push on to the next stop or not).

These roadlogs have evolved to include the current peso exchange rate at the time, cost of diesel/gallon, and price of a six pack of Tecate, and the pressure we deflate the tires to before we start on the dirt road. :rolleyes:

I also jot down campground costs, restaurant reviews (our own), Atm locations, and the names of new people we meet.

Like Paulina says, the bummer is when you fill up a book you don't want to loose the info from the previous ones so I keep them all in the glovebox. "#1" transpeninsular driving trip was in 1990 and I think the next will be "#54" so there's lot of info, and and lots of memories. Luckily the books are small and I try to write very tiny, which is hard when you're bopping down the road.

Articles, nomad restaurant suggestions, mechanic's business cards, good welder recommendations etc are kept in a folder with the maps in the back seat.

[Edited on 5-15-2008 by oladulce]

Roberto - 5-14-2008 at 08:16 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Diver
Wondering if other Nomads keep lists or files of Baja info that they collect over the years like I do ?? Names, places, locations, phone numbers....

Nope ... trying my best to keep it an adventure every time. That's getting harder, and harder, and harder ....

oldlady - 5-14-2008 at 08:16 PM

Oladulce,
I'm impressed!

oladulce - 5-14-2008 at 08:29 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by oldlady
Oladulce,
I'm impressed!

I don't know how impressive it is Oldlady- I'm just a geek and it's a LONG 21-24 hr drive so it gives me a project. Probably look like Columbo with my silly notebook.

Diver - 5-14-2008 at 10:32 PM

I keep a word doc going that I can add to as I get new info.
I print this list when I head south.
When we are south, we keep a log and just bring the past years' books in the box with the maps and guidebooks.
How many of us have thought of writing our own guide books ?!!

Thanks for all the butcher recommendations !!

Martyman - 5-15-2008 at 08:54 AM

The only thing i write down is where i stashed my weed.

Iflyfish - 5-15-2008 at 08:58 AM

In the US I look for Safeway, Rancher's Reserve, Rib Eye or Tbone, buy them the day after the big sale, vacuum pack em and freeze. Carry with us in MH. The best!

Iflyfish

vandenberg - 5-15-2008 at 11:03 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by oldlady
In La Paz, I go to the "Bravo Market" at the corner of Bravo and Prieto.
There are several butchers there, I always go to the same one. All the meats I buy they have been great. I get the whole filet, 88 pesos a kilo, usually runs me about 200 pesos. My husband, the grillmeister, cuts them to desired thickness, usually 8 steaks. I use the "tails" for stroganoff or sumptious burgers. Never had a guest complain.

Is this just recently??
We 've been getting out fillette at Ley's, but they're all the way up to $ 169.00 a kilo, a far cry from your $ 88.00 and Judy's $ 4.00 US. It's our favorite kind of meat. Goes a long way with no waste.

And we've also found Aramburo the best source of Rib roast.

[Edited on 5-15-2008 by vandenberg]

oldlady - 5-15-2008 at 11:16 AM

I don't think all that recently....I've been going there since September, but from the looks of the sign behind the counter with the schedule of prices I would say it has been up there for a long time.
Last time he also took out a big hunk of rib eye and I had him cut it into to two steaks for us. Great. I am also pleased with the Carne Molida. Very lean, which a real gourmet probably does not prefer, but also very fresh.

Pescador - 5-15-2008 at 12:44 PM

If you ever come south to Santa Rosalia, try the Cachania Store and they have some great beef there. They also carry the Su Carne brand of Arrachera which is a marinated beef that comes from Sonora and it is one of our favorites. We take quite a few packages home every year.

Russ - 5-15-2008 at 02:19 PM

OK Jim, I thought Cachania was Santa Rosalia. Now I'm confused (1st time). Give me a hint. Up or down street, 1/2 way up, 2,3or4 streets over, building color? I've been going to El Maye (sp) and there meat is only okay. I have learned to make a good malenesa though. Word is there is a new market that has Sonora beef but I haven't found it yet. Help!

Pescador - 5-15-2008 at 08:02 PM

Cachania is the word for Santa Rosalia but is also the name of the red fronted store that is owned by the same people who own the El Muelle restaurant. It is between 7th and 8th on the third street south of Main street or Obregon or the next westbound street south of main.
Also they tell me Moreno's as well as the new Delia store has some sonoran beef, but I think the cuts at Cachania are the best.

Russ - 5-15-2008 at 09:00 PM

Thank you I'll try it.

Pescador - 5-16-2008 at 07:12 AM

Russ, that is a terrible description. Let's try this: Turn left on Obregon which is the street by the train engine, go up Obregon to 6th St, turn left, go south two blocks, Turn right on Emilio Carranza, on your right just before 8th is a red fronted store called El Cachania.

[Edited on 5-16-2008 by Pescador]

Don Alley - 5-16-2008 at 08:20 AM

Ley in Constitucion... we get some good filet mignon there, about 125 a kilo, and sometimes a good rib eye. Some of the thin Mexican cuts are good too and relatively inexpensive, <90 kilo.

City Club...I've bought some really good T-Bone there at a good price, <100 per kilo. Their rib eyes are good too but pricey so I usually pass. Also decent pork chops.

Soriana La Paz...hit and miss, some good beef for a good price, but sometimes tough.

Dali...this is next to the Damiana Inn on Madero in Loreto. Expensive frozen steaks. Rib Eyes 128 a kilo. Would you believe Kobe beef? 350 kilo. I haven't tried it.

Last night I had a Shoe Leather Steak from CCC. So-so flavor, must cut into tiny bites. Good for developing jaw muscles.

UnoMas - 5-16-2008 at 08:34 PM

My take on buying beef in Baja is a total crap shoot! I have bought from the Fruitas & Verduras, Mega & Sorianas in San Jose. Also bought from Ley, Sorianas, CCC And the meat market on Bravo and Prieto in La Paz. I have come to the conclusion that if you buy the whole filet at the market on Brave in La Paz it is always o.k. Sometimes better than others but over all it will work. As far as the others, may look like a great steak, lot's of marble and such but can hardly chew it, or very tender. Price of the filet around $100. pesos per Kilo, less than $5.00 per pound.
If you really want the best you must bring it with you. When is the last time they advertised Mexican beef up North where you shop? :light:

Roberto - 5-16-2008 at 08:43 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by UnoMas
If you really want the best you must bring it with you. When is the last time they advertised Mexican beef up North where you shop? :light:

You have obviously never had top quality Sonoran Beef. It's as good as anything you can get in the U.S. The cuts are usually different (except it catering to gringos), but a steak house in Sonora is something to experience. :wow:

P.S. And, if you're up for a new experience try "tripitas". I won't say anything more.

UnoMas - 5-16-2008 at 09:02 PM

Roberto,
The places I have purchased or ordered Sonoran beef just never quite lives up to the Hype, of course being Mexico you can't be sure it is Sonoran because it say's so on the package or the menu. Being a carnivor such as I am, I take my chances.

Roberto - 5-16-2008 at 09:16 PM

Yes, I would wager that MOST places in Baja that advertise Sonoran, are not in fact serving it, or if they are, it's not the higher grades.

Mexicans long ago caught on to how sensitive americans are to labeling and advertising, but without the legislature to back it up.

Paulina - 5-16-2008 at 09:33 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by UnoMas
If you really want the best you must bring it with you. When is the last time they advertised Mexican beef up North where you shop? :light:

Not too long ago our local market advertised "Baja filets", a grilling favorite...Real Mexican beef? I doubt it, but it was advertised as such.

P<*)))><

UnoMas - 5-16-2008 at 09:59 PM

Giving it away....... :lol:

Russ - 5-17-2008 at 05:21 AM

The best fillet, IMHO, on a consistent basis (never a bad or chewy one) has been at the smaller CCC in La Paz. However in the last four years the price has doubled. We have people going to La Paz stop there first and order ten or so whole fillets and have them frozen to be picked up the morning we return. We've a name for these tender cuts but it would be totally inappropriate to post it here because it refers to a donkey part and it ain't a pretty picture. :lol:

capt. mike - 5-17-2008 at 11:20 AM

are there any Wendy's in mexico? :lol:

Cypress - 5-17-2008 at 01:58 PM

Beef? What about some decent seafood at a reasonable price? :?:

bajamigo - 5-17-2008 at 02:28 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Cypress
Beef? What about some decent seafood at a reasonable price? :?:

de Garo in Ensenada, at 6th & Miramar. Great prices, always fresh. The hours are uncertain, because the guy closes the store when the fish is sold out. It puts the Black market in Ensenada to shame.

BTW, it's a terrific area to shop in. If you forget to pick up something at Trader Joe's, chances are you'll find it in one of the stores on this street. They kind of surround the Santo Tomas winery.

Cypress - 5-17-2008 at 02:40 PM

bajamigo, Thanks for the info.

DENNIS - 5-17-2008 at 02:43 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by bajamigo

BTW, it's a terrific area to shop in. If you forget to pick up something at Trader Joe's, chances are you'll find it in one of the stores on this street. They kind of surround the Santo Tomas winery.

Calle Miramar has a little [ or large ] something for everybody. Don't make the trip without visiting La Potranca or El Politico Alegre, just to name two. There are many many more. It's the best street in town for gourmet food as well. I once had not one but two tacos made of cooked cow brain mixed with raw eyeballs, all mixed up like very hard to describe but, the word slimey comes to mind.
Well, you had to be there.

Where's the Beef?

Pompano - 5-18-2008 at 08:46 PM

I must have got a Ralph's member card a long time ago. On a trip down to Baja from Up North, I suppose. You collect these member cards from all kinds of stores...The old Price Club, Costo, Sam's Club, etc, etc...and we used to make some terrific savings when shopping large amounts for 6-8 months in Baja. Nowadays, we bring very little, except for specialties.

However, I was in a Ralph's the other morning, buying cold chicken and cole slaw for our Baja road trip, when I saw this ribeye special in the meat section. Whoa...too good to pass up. $10.99/lb regular price.....$3.77/lb member's price. I saved $25.48 on one package alone...and over $75.00 on the whole steak purchase.

Good basic marketing psychology, right? The sound that keeps you coming back is the cashier's...'You saved $____ today.'

Well..alrighty, then!

Enough savings to pay for the entire Baja Road diesel expense.

....or...a half/tank in the USA... :?:

editing note: I just remembered buying beef in Cachinia/Sta. Rosalia back in the 70's when I lived at the Casa Grande at Pta. Chivato. Old Doc and I would buy beef from a butcher friend for what came to...59 cents a pound....any beef cut, made no difference if it was sirlion, flank, shoulder roast, hind quarter, hamburger, hoof, lips, etc...anywhere on the critter for 59 cents/lb. What a hoot. We taught our buddy how to cut T-bones and rib-eyes...pretty chewy stuff, though.

Anyway, I grilled a couple of these Ralph's ribeyes today and they were very tasty and tender. So..in answer to the question...HERE'S the beef! I have NO idea where the beef came from..but for sure it wasn't prime Dakota-eye. :smug:

.

[Edited on 5-19-2008 by Pompano]

- 0 ribeyes.jpg - 49kB

Bajajorge - 5-19-2008 at 08:13 AM

Heading south on Hwy 5 just outside Mexicali there is a carneceria on the right side of the highway just south of the toll road overpass. Big yellow sign, good stuff.

vandenberg - 5-19-2008 at 10:38 AM

Quote:

. Whoa...too good to pass up. $10.99/lb regular price.....$3.77/lb member's price. I saved $25.48 on one package alone...and over $75.00 on the whole steak purchase.

Good basic marketing psychology, right? The sound that keeps you coming back is the cashier's...'You saved $____ today.'

.

Anyway, I grilled a couple of these Ralph's ribeyes today and they were very tasty and tender. So..in answer to the question...HERE'S the beef! I have NO idea where the beef came from..but for sure it wasn't prime Dakota-eye.
.

[Edited on 5-19-2008 by Pompano]

Pomp,
If you take off the club sticker, it looks like they belong in the expired bin. :no:

Pompano - 5-19-2008 at 11:11 AM

Nope, Vandenburg....Not at all. I think you are looking at the plastic wrapper on the frozen steaks. They could be Aged, though...as with most good steaks. :rolleyes:

But...to each his own. I take it you will not be 3 for dinner?

BURP!...sorry, too late.

[Edited on 5-19-2008 by Pompano]

shari - 5-19-2008 at 12:38 PM

Diver...big news...ASuncion now has a new meat store that carries top quality gringo beef!!!!!!! Can´t wait to try the ribs this weekend...boy we sure are moving up in the world...first a masseuse, cell service and now gringo meat!!!!

DENNIS - 5-19-2008 at 01:22 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by shari
Diver...big news...ASuncion now has a new meat store that carries top quality gringo beef!!!!!!! Can´t wait to try the ribs this weekend...boy we sure are moving up in the world...first a masseuse, cell service and now gringo meat!!!!

Not to mention idiot tweekers for entertainment. :lol:

postholedigger - 5-30-2008 at 10:38 AM

In Ensenada I've patronized the Carne Mart on the Reforma. Their prices were negotiable and their staff was very helpful and friendly.