BajaNomad - I keep hearing what's wrong with Baja. Lets talk about what's right about Baja!

I keep hearing what's wrong with Baja. Lets talk about what's right about Baja!

Ken Cooke - 9-27-2008 at 01:45 PM

The coastline is 2nd only to Colombia's. The food is the best in the world. The air is clean. There are so many places to visit and discover. That's what I see is right about Baja.

Cypress - 9-27-2008 at 01:56 PM

Baja is warm in the winter, well above freezing. :spingrin:

BajaGringo - 9-27-2008 at 02:01 PM

Baja has made me feel like I belong here. I have lived and worked on many different parts of this planet but I couldn't imagine living anywhere else now...

Jack Swords - 9-27-2008 at 02:03 PM

The people...met some of the most caring folks I have ever known.

Ceviche!

Ken Cooke - 9-27-2008 at 02:06 PM

Although the Peruvians invented Ceviche, it actually tastes 100x better when in Baja!

Diver - 9-27-2008 at 02:47 PM

The effects of recent yesterday's aroma therapy left me contemplative;

On the one hand, I feel bound to reply to a post that beckons "What is right about Baja ?".
On the other hand, I feel resistant to join in "Ken's" post after reading his recent attempts at immature humour, childish taunting and ridiculous insults in off-topic.
On another hand, is any post really the property of the poster ?
And on yet another hand, does any of it really matter ?
And yet further on, are we living in a "tiny" fishbowl managed by a giant ?
Hmmmm..........

I know what I like about Baja and why I love the place.
It's an inside feeling ...... well, and an outside feeling ..... and .... well, you know. :biggrin:

Skeet/Loreto - 9-27-2008 at 02:54 PM

The People.
The Sea of Cortez
The Sunsets.
The Sunrises.
The Fish.
The Beaches.
The Mountains.
The Animals.
The Sky.
The Clouds.
The Storms.
The Gentile Wind across the Water.
The Whales.
The Dolphin.

Sharksbaja - 9-27-2008 at 02:58 PM

Humble and hard working. Priorities and simple values.

Wide open deserts, beaches and mountains, the stars and the sky.

Refreshing and revealing, it soothes this savage beast.

shari - 9-27-2008 at 03:03 PM

Baja has been good to me...it gave me my precious Sirenita and a katrillion other wonderful meaningful things...taught me to be a better human being..taught me patience and understanding and how to make good tortillas! It is in my heart soul and I couldn't dream of living anywhere else....oh yeah...dogs dont have to be on leashes!

Mango - 9-27-2008 at 04:25 PM

The shade found

the barren desert reveals an oasis.
the shade found, has been found before.

signs on a rock, markings of the past.
not the first, not the last.

life scurries on, stars rise
mysterious magic, found again.

Skipjack Joe - 9-27-2008 at 05:42 PM

The price of gas.

BajaGringo - 9-27-2008 at 05:48 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Skipjack Joe
The price of gas.

The price of gas = 3 bean burritos

:tumble:

Shark18 - 9-27-2008 at 05:58 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Skeet/Loreto
The Gentile Wind across the Water.

Oy vey! Such a goyishe kup.

:lol:

4baja - 9-27-2008 at 06:01 PM

warm beers taste better down there!

Woooosh - 9-27-2008 at 06:32 PM

the candy

dao45 - 9-27-2008 at 07:01 PM

Like the acceptance combined with gentle humor

PabloS - 9-27-2008 at 07:09 PM

Carnitas, pan dulce, tequila

[Edited on 9-28-2008 by PabloS]

mulegemichael - 9-27-2008 at 07:11 PM

All the different descriptions are great, but there's still something about Baja that we can't quite descr?ibe in words....isn't there?...I mean, I just thought I could sit down and describe how baja has influenced my life and sat down at the computer and didn't know where to start...I was overrun with images, and feelings, and memories...where do we start?

ArroyoTaxi - 9-27-2008 at 07:55 PM

Good: Carnitas, Limes, Locals, Weather, Parties, Beaches.
Bad: Litter, Car Fumes, Bad Driving, Cheesy Music, Barking Dogs, Ron.

2-tie-dye-4 - 9-27-2008 at 07:56 PM

"We're just two lost souls living in a fishbowl, year after year", wish i was there. If you know what song that is, you're dating yourself, hee hee jee jee, Baja rox. My worst day of fishing was better than my best day of working, old cliche but still works. I think that those of you who are a bit ornery right now just haven't had a Baja fix lately. I've been back home for a week and I'm crashing, need to go back.

ArroyoTaxi - 9-27-2008 at 08:01 PM

Cont...

Good: Fresh Tortillas, Avocados, Grins, Salsa, Fiestas, Huevos Rancheros, Wind. Goats.
Bad: Dog Poo on the beach every fing morning, People who kick sand over their dog poo, Bad building practices. Horrendous Duvet covers. Clunky cheap uncomfortable furniture, Exterior House Paint Colors.

2-tie-dye-4 - 9-27-2008 at 08:01 PM

PS. I haven't read all the posts yet, but saw the topic of dissing Baja. I was surprised to read that. Unless they are talking about border towns, and in my experience, a border town is a border town, all the way around the planet. Not a fair representation of the culture within. And I've been around the planet, it's the same everywhere.

My Ocean View is Waves and Birds

Gypsy Jan - 9-27-2008 at 08:15 PM

No loud noisy jet boats or whatever they are called. In the morning the seagulls and pelicans fish for breakfast alongside the resident pangeros tending to their traps.

Smog less sunsets (of course, sometimes, the off-shore overcast interferes with the green flash - quietly)

The people - the hard working locals who we interact with and share a genuine friendship, who invite us into their lives.

The people again, the casual encounters with locals who, when you treat them with courtesy and your shabby Spanish, are so impressed and grateful that you care to communicate with them.

The military, who are trying to contain a very dangerous situation - when stopped, I roll down my windows and say, "Buenas Dias" - they wave me through with a smile and when I say, "Gracias", the smile gets bigger.

Shark18 - 9-27-2008 at 09:45 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by 2-tie-dye-4
PS. I haven't read all the posts yet, but saw the topic of dissing Baja. I was surprised to read that. Unless they are talking about border towns, and in my experience, a border town is a border town, all the way around the planet. Not a fair representation of the culture within. And I've been around the planet, it's the same everywhere.

San Diego is a border town and it is a pretty good representation of the culture of America.

Which planet have you been around?

Skipjack Joe - 9-27-2008 at 10:37 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by mulegemichael
I just thought I could sit down and describe how baja has influenced my life and sat down at the computer and didn't know where to start...I was overrun with images, and feelings, and memories...where do we start?

Go back in time, Michael.

Back to your first visits. Back to that feeling of enchantment you had in the beginning. More than likely, that's where to look.

I don't respond any more because this question has been asked many times, in many forms. Repeating the reasons seems to diminish them somehow.

Besides, I've had a few beers tonight.

it's all rights!

woody with a view - 9-28-2008 at 06:42 AM

100_0264 (Medium).jpg - 28kB

mulegemichael - 9-28-2008 at 06:53 AM

Ya know, Skipjack, you're right. So I went back, some 40 years, to my first REAL trip to Baja. I hitchhiked down the west coast from Washington State with a buddy after I got out of the Navy. We somehow ended up at Punta Banda; that's where we first threw our sleeping bags down in the sand. Not a soul in any direction then. Liked it so much we built a driftwood shelter on the beach and were still there 10 months later....digging clams with our hands, spearing fish with homemade "spearguns", raiding the cornfields for our "veggies", sitting around the fire with the locals not understanding a word that was said, helping set and pull the beach nets for a fish for dinner, hiking to maneadero and buying 10 cent loaves of bread at the bakery there, getting up before sunrise everyday so that we were the first ones on the beach to harvest any "valuables" that might have washed up overnight. I've got a feeling PB isn't like that anymore...but the memories are still there.

Skeet/Loreto - 9-28-2008 at 07:32 AM

Michael: Very well said; Please pardon me from a Copy of your experience:

1967 reading the Sea of Cortez by Ray Cannon thinking is the Fishing that Good??Taking my little Cessna South for the first time, landing at a small dirt Strip,taxi to the back of a little Motel, having a Totouva Dinner with Garlic.
On To the South watching the Fish Pilups,the Giant Rays as large as a
Room playing on top of the Water. Landing at the Old Sportsman Strip after shooing away the Donkeys, Going fishing the First time with Alvaro Murillo who became and is still my Best Friend after all these years. Watching him raise his family of 5 Girls now raising 10 Grand Kids{Nito;s, Nita;s}.
Building Rancho Sonrisa on the Beach with Rodrigo, Bianco, Mundo all who became Friends as they shared their life with Us.

Heading out at 4 in the Morning for a Day of Fishing, living with the Good Folks of San Nicholas for 4 years, diving for "White Lobsters, catching an 800 Lbs Shark, and most of all learning from the People that "It don't make no Nevermind".. Not to Worry--Mannana is good enough for Me!!

David K - 9-28-2008 at 07:45 AM

Boojum Trees and Bighorn Sheep... and all the other countless magical events that one can only experience in Baja!

[Edited on 9-28-2008 by David K]

617 025.JPG - 39kB

Skipjack Joe - 9-28-2008 at 08:02 AM

Thank you for the Pt. Banda memories, Michael, as it got me going in the same direction, also about 40 years ago.

I first came on it with a Fritz party boat. I'll bet they no longer exist. Couldn't have been older then 16 back then. They had gathered squid the night before and we had live bait. My God, how those calicos love it. The squid would run out and the line just peeled off, as those jumbo calicos chased them down. And if you got tired of them you just let it sink to the bottom and big sheephead were just as greedy. We caught sheephead in the 15lb range.

I remember it well. It was a grey misty morning and the surf was pounding the rocks just beyond the longest cast. One of my best trips ever. Catalina had been fished out by then and Pt. Banda was so special.

So, a great thing about baja: the fishing

P.S. Great picture, Woody! It certainly captures the essence of your dream. I'll bet it's those visions of waves that keep you coming back again and again.

[Edited on 9-28-2008 by Skipjack Joe]

Santiago - 9-28-2008 at 09:17 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by ArroyoTaxi
Exterior House Paint Colors.

Oh for goodness sakes - now the newbies are getting their licks in. 5 gallons of 'Italiano Rose' coming your way, dude.

You must not get out much

Dave - 9-28-2008 at 10:44 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Ken Cooke
The food is the best in the world.

Ken Cooke - 9-28-2008 at 01:10 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Dave

Quote:

Originally posted by Ken Cooke
The food is the best in the world.

In the past year, I have been to Miami (overnight stay), Colombia 4X, Peru, El Salvador, Tecate, Tijuana, San Felipe, Gonzaga Bay, LA Bay, Cataviña, El Rosario...I haven't gotten out much lately? :?:

In Barranquilla, Colombia - Blanca made my traditional Colombian meals each day at the hotel's restaurant.

Fruit stand in Cartegena, Colombia - November '07

Ron Medellin Rum won the rum taste test over Bacardi & Captain Morgans!

I've been taste-testing foods all over the hemisphere, and whats served between Ensenada and Tijuana is world-class. Trust me. :yes:

Sorry, but trust needs to be earned

Dave - 9-28-2008 at 01:46 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Ken Cooke
I've been taste-testing foods all over the hemisphere, and whats served between Ensenada and Tijuana is world-class. Trust me. :yes:

I live between Ensenada and Tijuana. 99% of the food here is crap. Two notable exceptions are Laja and Slivestre.

In Ensenada: Muelle Tres or Manzanillo. Heard good things about El Olivo but haven't tried it yet.

Several good restaurants in TJ.

But between TJ and Ensenada is slim pickins...even for peasant food.

Let us know if you make it to France or Italy. :rolleyes:

I was in France - the food wasn't that good.

Ken Cooke - 9-28-2008 at 01:53 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Dave
I live between Ensenada and Tijuana. 99% of the food here is crap. Two notable exceptions are Laja and Slivestre.
But between TJ and Ensenada is slim pickins...even for peasant food.
Let us know if you make it to France or Italy. :rolleyes:

Los Arcos in Tijuana was incredible. At Playas there are a couple of great Mariscos restaurants that I fell in love with. Puerto Nuevo has a couple of great restaurants - with an incredible ocean view. Personally, I have not felt let down by the food in Northern Baja.

Ceviche originated in Lima, Peru. With the shrimp deep-fried with its' head/antennae still attached, I just did not enjoy it. The flavor was nothing in comparison with that of what I have enjoyed in San Felipe, Tijuana, or Puerto Nuevo.

I did have some great Mariscos in San Salvador in July '07. But, upon returning to Playas de Tijuana, I knew the food was better tasting, even though the view was of a busy street - not a lush, Tropical courtyard. Sorry, but the food in Baja speaks for itself.

Ken Cooke - 9-28-2008 at 02:01 PM

Quote:

If you chose to move to Northern Baja, and you have a palette for European cuisine, why didn't you stay in the United States??? Not being sarcastic, just wondering how you can stay if you dislike the food there, that's all...

tjBill - 9-28-2008 at 02:59 PM

My favorite thing about Baja: so close to the USA but so different

Iflyfish - 9-28-2008 at 03:20 PM

Nature and surprises! The People and a slower pace. Did I mention Yellow Tail, hospitality and good friends?

Iflyfish

Desertsurfergal - 9-28-2008 at 04:15 PM

I love the adventure of travel and finding new places to surf, recipies, and meeting new people and interacting with new friends. Baja has a way of slowing myself down and really taking in the beauty around me.

hippiehooters - 9-28-2008 at 06:47 PM

What is good about Baja? My experience has always been positive...
Loreto, and most of the people that live here...are wonderful...
The Sea of Cortez, especially in the fall...for it's beauty and it's bounty...October, the weather has cooled off but the water is still warm...add a full moon & good company, what more do you need?
Fresh squeezed orange juice, tortilla's fresh from the "factory", hand-made ice cream, Sonora beef, fresh BBQ'd hickory smoked chicken.
Sunrise over the Cortez, and Sunset over the Mountains.
No mortgage, low taxes, and new trash cans on the beach.
In 15 years, I've never encountered a "bandit" of any kind, or had any of the "bad" things happen that I've read about here (and elsewhere). I've been up & down the peninsula, through as many as 5 checkpoints on any given day, without a problem. No corrupt cops, no mordida, no dishonest gas station attendants... ...

I live in Baja because...

Dave - 9-28-2008 at 09:36 PM

My villa in Provence needs painting. :rolleyes:

Quote:

Originally posted by Ken Cooke
If you chose to move to Northern Baja, and you have a palette for European cuisine, why didn't you stay in the United States??? Not being sarcastic, just wondering how you can stay if you dislike the food there, that's all...

Never said I dislike Mexican cuisine. Simply responded to your claim that Baja has the best food in the world. That food between TJ and Ensenada is world-class.

I know better.

BajaGringo - 9-28-2008 at 10:00 PM

Trying to argue whether one place or another has better food is like trying to argue what kind of music sounds best. It's all relative and based on your own personal taste (and taste buds).

If the food you're eating tastes like the best food in the world to you, then it is. If it you have a different experience then that is your experience, not his.

Not something to argue over...

Ken Cooke - 9-28-2008 at 10:16 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by BajaGringo
Trying to argue whether one place or another has better food is like trying to argue what kind of music sounds best. Not something to argue over...

I agree. It's all up to ones' tastebuds. :bounce:

BajaGringo - 9-28-2008 at 11:00 PM

Looks delicious. Would taste great with a cold Pacifico...

Skipjack Joe - 9-28-2008 at 11:32 PM

No one ever cooked better than ma. And she traveled all over. :yes:

Diver - 9-28-2008 at 11:43 PM

I gotta agree with Dave; whereas I love Mexican food. the best in the world is found in places like NY and Miami and LA and Tokyo and Kansas City. :?:

Ken- don't do that!

bajadave1 - 9-29-2008 at 04:55 AM

The ceviche pics are awesome! it's 5:30 AM, and my mouth is watering.

:bounce:

David K - 9-29-2008 at 10:02 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Dave
My villa in Provence needs painting. :rolleyes:

Quote:

Never said I dislike Mexican cuisine. Simply responded to your claim that Baja has the best food in the world. That food between TJ and Ensenada is world-class.

I know better.

There used to be a place just south of Puerto Nuevo called the Nueva York Deli... some world class food was served there! :bounce:

Dave, any future plans?

Thanks, but...

Dave - 9-29-2008 at 10:23 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K

There used to be a place just south of Puerto Nuevo called the Nueva York Deli... some world class food was served there!

David, it was a deli. We served a good sandwich but hardly world class. That distinction should be reserved for the Michelin top 50.

Quote:

\
Dave, any future plans?

Yep. Working on a new place. Will let you know when.

David K - 9-29-2008 at 05:04 PM

Tongue in cheek on the world class deli.... it was very good, please accept the complement!

I think we all look forward to your new project!

DianaT - 9-29-2008 at 05:42 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Diver
I gotta agree with Dave; whereas I love Mexican food. the best in the world is found in places like NY and Miami and LA and Tokyo and Kansas City. :?:

With all due respect, I am going to disagree with you--think you can take it oh sushi chef? :lol:

The best Mexican food, IMHO---oh heck, this is not an opinion, but absolute fact :lol:

---is on the mainland of Mexico. One of the great things about traveling the mainland is going from region to region and experience the regional wonders---all cooked with a little of this spice, and a little of this spice.

From the incredible use of chipoltes in Zacatecas to the multiple regional mole, the variety of Pozoles, and different Sopa de Ajo, the black beans of southern Mexico, the citrus and anchote flavors in the Yucatan, and the Caribbean influenced cooking in Vera Cruz----did I ever tell you how much we have enjoyed eating our way all the way through Mexico?

We love Baja, enjoy the food, but for the most part we find the food quite ordinary and repetitive----we love Baja for other reasons---

Oh, we also love the the Tres Hermanos Restuarant at the Verduzco Hotel in Bahia Asuncion----very good fish tacos and other good basic food, fresh salsa that is NOT made for gringos, and the nicest people around.

But seriously, the food on the mainland is so different, and so good. As a side note, there are some regional specialties I won't try---John is more daring and will at least taste it---guess what Iguana tastes like? One guess only :lol:

Could continue with FACTS :lol:

about what we found in Central and South America, but I am getting too hungry!

Diane

Diver - 9-29-2008 at 05:54 PM

I am wounded by your dissagreement to the point of whipping up some fresh shrimp tacos ! :lol:

But I will try harder with our next joint sushi feast ! :yes:

I do have to admit that Gloria's meals at Tres Hermanos are quite good and beyond that, they are "comfort" food to me as are many Mexican meals.

(FYI - I believe Dave is from Kansas City, therefore the coment.)

Skipjack Joe - 9-29-2008 at 06:45 PM

Gloria is a sweetheart. She's always treated us like family. Even though I doubt she remembers us from year to year.

The same is true of the lady who made breakfast burritos near Cielito Lindo. She's a gem. A mamacita in the latin tradition - who watches and cares as you eat.

We've met many fine people during our travels.

So here are two more positives about baja I've never brought up. Two exceptional people.

Ken Cooke - 9-29-2008 at 06:49 PM

When mentioning Mariscos as being "World Class" I'm talking about from the Americas. Colombian, Salvadoran, and Pervian Ceviche can't compete with Northern Baja Ceviche...Just my opinion, though.

DianaT - 9-29-2008 at 07:23 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Skipjack Joe
Gloria is a sweetheart. She's always treated us like family. Even though I doubt she remembers us from year to year.

The same is true of the lady who made breakfast burritos near Cielito Lindo. She's a gem. A mamacita in the latin tradition - who watches and cares as you eat.

We've met many fine people during our travels.

So here are two more positives about baja I've never brought up. Two exceptional people.

Ah Gloria, such a warm person and she shook her finger at us and lectured us when she saw John adding some salt----not good for our health!

Don't know if you are aware, but her husband, Simon died very suddenly this last year. Simon was always there --- need something from the store and off Simon went. It was a very sad occasion and it has not been easy for Gloria.

She is such a special person who as a very young teenager helped raise her 10 brothers and sisters after their mother died. The youngest brothers in the family think of her as their mother.

And, after taking care of all 70+ memebers of the family reunion when her daughter was married, she was not happy when we did not show up for the day after the wedding meal----we thought she had her hands full.

Gloria is high on the list of what is right about Baja. Also, her son, Memo has suspended his studies in La Paz for a year to help out his mother----another what is right about Baja.

Diane

[Edited on 9-30-2008 by jdtrotter]

Diver - 9-29-2008 at 07:39 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by jdtrotter Don't know if you are aware, but her husband, Simon died very suddenly this last year. Simon was always there --- need something from the store and off Simon went. It was a very sad occasion and it has not been easy for Gloria.

I was not aware.
He was there for almost every meal last February.
Very sad to hear of his passing.

I was in town without the family and went to eat with Gloria every afternoon.
I always left very full and smiling (fat and happy !)!
I wish her well.

BajaNuts - 9-29-2008 at 07:53 PM

my first try to post pics so here goes............
what I saw in the morning...

what I saw in the evening....

hope this works :spingrin:

BajaNuts - 9-29-2008 at 07:54 PM

HMMM.....well...... the pics are there, I hope it gets back to what's good about Baja..........

BajaGringo - 9-29-2008 at 08:02 PM

Many of the Baja restaurants have created menus that are very bland to be "compatible" with the tourists that frequent the coastline. I have not had my best meals in Baja at any of the fancy, high dollar places that frequent the road south and tempt the Gringos traveling along the way. I have found several small, simple and out of the way places that serve food in often humble settings, the menu on a chalkboard or back of a notepad. The owner is probably cooking and his wife minding the register as well as waiting/bussing tables. There are a couple of local places that are outstanding and friends who were at surprised at the simple "ambiance" at first now always ask to go back when they are down visiting.

World class? By whose definition? I have lived and worked in many countries from Argentina to Brazil to Singapore and I have found that the best food in the world is the food that tastes best to you in the world where you live day to day. What good does it do you to argue that some fancy schmanzy high franc dive in Paris that is world famous might really have the best escargot in the world if that is what floats your boat? Are you going to fly there this weekend simply to satisfy your urging for some snails smothered in butter and garlic with some overpriced wine to prove your point?

Enjoy the menu where you are eating tonight. It is your "world" right now and I have found that the company I share and the view I get to enjoy during the meal are just as important (sometimes more) as whether or not it ever made Elmer Dills top ten list. Dining is more of a social / state of mind experience for me than simply satisfying the urge when hunger calls or critique every bite to see if the chef did it "just right".

But that's just me, what do I know?

YMMV

BajaNuts - 9-29-2008 at 08:07 PM

PS- poeple hang pictures on their walls of things they want to remember. Even though I saw the previous 2 pictures on the same day, only one will go on my wall. And the other one will not deter me from coming ever coming back. Who knows....maybe someday fulltime sunsets??????????

Ya can't let the stingers keep you from the sunsets!

Ken Cooke - 9-29-2008 at 08:13 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by BajaGringoWorld class? By whose definition? YMMV

World class as not throwing up/passing out on your long walk back to the hotel. Not being exposed to cooking oil that won't digest. Chicken that isn't rancid/needs to be spat out. I've feasted on Mariscos platters at Calafia, for example that left me wanting to return for more. I traveled throughout Lima, Peru looking to write a string of reviews for travelers, but food-poisoning won, and I completely struck out. It seemed like a good idea at the time, though.

DianaT - 9-29-2008 at 08:19 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by BajaGringo

Enjoy the menu where you are eating tonight. It is your "world" right now and I have found that the company I share and the view I get to enjoy during the meal are just as important (sometimes more) as whether or not it ever made Elmer Dills top ten list. Dining is more of a social / state of mind experience for me than simply satisfying the urge when hunger calls or critique every bite to see if the chef did it "just right".

But that's just me, what do I know?

YMMV

Well, the view from our favorite place in Bahia Asuncion is nothing---but in every other way your description fits---it is about the people and their space.

But the different tastes on the mainland are just so incredible

Diane

[Edited on 9-30-2008 by jdtrotter]

BajaGringo - 9-29-2008 at 08:36 PM

I know what you are talking about Diane - when I worked in Mexico City years back I drove all over the mainland. Ate in some places that made me wish there were a way to record the complete dining experience down like we do moments with photos. I still long for this little hole in the wall place on the road to Cuernavaca where I would always stop and the menu changed a bit every week.

Making me hungry right now...

What's right about baja?

rogbag - 9-29-2008 at 08:52 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Ken Cooke
The coastline is 2nd only to Colombia's. The food is the best in the world. The air is clean. There are so many places to visit and discover. That's what I see is right about Baja.

They let me in the country.
They let my girlfriend in the country.
They have tacos.
They have cold beers.
What's not to like?

Paulina - 9-29-2008 at 09:06 PM

What's right about Baja?

Baja makes Dern feel like he can do his own laundry, and isn't critical when he doesn't get his whites their whitest.

P<*)))>{

BajaGringo - 9-29-2008 at 10:20 PM

It's all a matter of perspective Paulina.

:spingrin:

Paulina - 9-29-2008 at 10:21 PM

Exactly. Baja accepts us for who we are.

P<*)))>{

mulegemichael - 9-30-2008 at 06:56 AM

diane....what's your favorite place to eat in asuncion?

DianaT - 9-30-2008 at 08:09 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by mulegemichael
diane....what's your favorite place to eat in asuncion?

Tres Hermanos---the little restaurant at the Verduzco Hotel. Small, nothing fancy, no menu and quite good.

Diane

Mango - 9-30-2008 at 01:38 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by jdtrotter

Quote:

Originally posted by Diver
I gotta agree with Dave; whereas I love Mexican food. the best in the world is found in places like NY and Miami and LA and Tokyo and Kansas City. :?:

With all due respect, I am going to disagree with you--think you can take it oh sushi chef? :lol:

The best Mexican food, IMHO---oh heck, this is not an opinion, but absolute fact :lol:

I agree. Baja has good food; however, I also much prefer the food on the mainland. To me it's just more varied and does indeed change greatly from region to region. While I love fish tacos.. I enjoy a good steak, pollo con mole, soups, locally grown coffee, flan, etc.. from time to time.

I still have yet to find an excellent taco stand in Mexicali. Most tacos stands, in Mexicali and elsewhere I have been in Baja, just do one type of taco well, and the rest are sub-par or not available. In Baja, this has less to do with the cooks; than it does with the lack of variety and availability of good fresh ingredients(besides fish).

The best food I ever had anywhere.. was chicken tacos con mole served to me on pink tortilla paper through the window of a train in a remote town in the mountains of Oaxaca. I love ambiance, and nice restaurants.. but street food is often the best.

For me "Hole in the wall" often equals "Hole in one" The good thing about this rule.. is Baja is in play and research continues.

And Diver.. if you think world class food only comes in world class cities.. look no further than Mexico City. It has more great restaurants, museums, theaters, parks, metro, people, cooks, and culture than you could ever imagine.

Personally, I love Cafe Tacuba because of its location, ambiance, and good food. I've had better food; but, it's still a great place to eat when in DF.

Wiles - 9-30-2008 at 03:00 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Paulina
What's right about Baja?

Baja makes Dern feel like he can do his own laundry, and isn't critical when he doesn't get his whites their whitest.

P<*)))>{

Paulina,

You should know better than to air your dirty laundry in public.

Take it to Off-Topic

Paulina - 9-30-2008 at 07:29 PM

Alex - 9-30-2008 at 11:42 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Dave

Quote:

Originally posted by Ken Cooke
I've been taste-testing foods all over the hemisphere, and whats served between Ensenada and Tijuana is world-class. Trust me. :yes:

1. What the hell do you mean by "peasant" food?

2. All the places you listed [by the way its Manzanilla] are all 'world class' if that means offers a higher culinary experience. You didnt even talk about Tijuana restaurants.

3. I back up Ken cien % with the Mariscos of North Baja. They have no equal. Next time you go to Ensenada go to La Gurrenense order some Tostadas de Erizo, bacalao and some huaraches and chocolates, washed down with an agua de cebada. You will start crying and loose memory of your tarte tatin and quiche over in Francia.

gnukid - 10-1-2008 at 12:11 AM

La Pa'

No

Dave - 10-1-2008 at 01:21 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Alex
2. All the places you listed [by the way its Manzanilla] are all 'world class' if that means offers a higher culinary experience.

'World class' means the very best of the, "higher culinary experience." World class restaurants are extremely rare. If I accepted your definition then I wouldn't have a problem with Ken's description.

Brianinloreto - 10-1-2008 at 09:08 PM

Great genuine people enjoying the simple thinghs in life - hopefully it rubs off on the rest of us.

BAJACAT - 10-5-2008 at 12:27 PM

NOMADS HELPING NOMADS
Date 02/17/08 MATOMI TRIP
ROY "THE SQUARECIRCLE" Helping me put in a spare right hafter I blow up a tire going up THE MATOMI arroyo..

Sallysouth - 10-6-2008 at 07:57 PM

Just a little bit off the topic here Bajacat, but a good thought!

BAJACAT - 10-6-2008 at 08:03 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Sallysouth
Just a little bit off the topic here Bajacat, but a good thought!

Not realy Sally, you have people talking about food,about laundry,I just think friendship betewen nomads is something right about BAJA..

Ken Cooke - 10-6-2008 at 09:51 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by BAJACAT
I just think friendship betewen nomads is something right about BAJA..

I completely agree. Baja is the perfect place to make lasting friendships!!

Wondering ?

MrBillM - 10-6-2008 at 10:30 PM

The two gals look like they're wondering how long before they can shower.

Ken Cooke - 10-6-2008 at 10:37 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by MrBillM
The two gals look like they're wondering how long before they can shower.

That's actually funny! Thanks for brightening my day, Bill! :lol:

LOSARIPES - 10-7-2008 at 03:03 AM

Pitahayas
Pan dulce
Cerveza
Panocha de gajo
Ciruela del monte (aka ciruelas del mogote)
birotes recien hechos
Natas (de leche hervida en casa)
El malecon (LaPaz)
Tortillas de harina
Almejas en escabeche
Ceviche
Frijoles de la olla
Machaca
Chopitos frescos
Queso de apollo
A doctor and a lawyer in the "hood"
The gossip lady next door
most fat chicks
Fresh fish
Tacos, tortas, pozole
Mangos from the backyard tree
Getting off with a "mordida"
The ladies in church
Siestas
Roosters waking me up
The ocean, waves, sunrise, sunset
The manana attitude
The gringas
2 languages
The taxi driver chat
the early morning "mercado" buz
Tequila w/lime-salt
Dried shrimp
a vita de fresa and an ojo de buey
Guayabate de San Bartolo
The old folks and their stories and lies
living/loving/fishing/camping/letting it go.... blending,
merging....contemplating..... breathing
accepting... not afraid to go....
only in Baja...... forever....

LOSARIPES - 10-7-2008 at 03:08 AM

amen

ArroyoTaxi - 10-7-2008 at 08:26 PM

The Baja Pony Express

dorbaja - 10-8-2008 at 07:35 PM

Vino from the Guadelupe Valley
BEACHES
Dirt roads to somewhere
Espanol
Opportunities
Adventures
Street food
Great restaurants
La gente
MUCHO MAS...