BajaNomad - Some Baja cafe experiences

Some Baja cafe experiences

mulegemichael - 9-28-2009 at 06:37 AM

we second rogers recommendation; malarrimos all the way...yeah, i got so sick from eating at caracoles thought i was gonna die..never again..

Bajaboy - 9-28-2009 at 06:48 AM

Very informative report.....except for the biased CNN comment. I'd be curious as to what channel you'd recommend for the management? CNBC?

wessongroup - 9-28-2009 at 06:57 AM

Seems like a really good deal for a place to stay... thank you very much

David K - 9-28-2009 at 07:23 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bajaboy
Very informative report.....except for the biased CNN comment. I'd be curious as to what channel you'd recommend for the management? CNBC?

Like the beer poll and the vote for Pacifico, there is one news service that gets over twice the viewership of the #2 service.... It is unbiased in that it isn't a mouthpiece for the current administration... They report and then you decide! :light:

Bajaboy - 9-28-2009 at 07:28 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K

Quote:

Originally posted by Bajaboy
Very informative report.....except for the biased CNN comment. I'd be curious as to what channel you'd recommend for the management? CNBC?

Odd how everyone that seems to watch that other "news" channel seems to say the same exact thing. Unbiased my burro. To form an unbiased opinion I suggest getting your news from a variety of sources and don't believe a word of it.

David K - 9-28-2009 at 07:30 AM

Good Idea! Go for it!!

Beachgirl - 9-28-2009 at 07:42 AM

Hey Rog, I am with you all the way! Plus, when we were heading down and stayed there feeling pretty blue about what we were going to have to face in Mulege, their lovely gentlemen musicians played all my favorite old songs. I wiped a tear off my face and remembered how wonderful my life is with my husband, my family, my friends. The steaks we ordered were out of this world, the c-cktails came in handy...medicinal you know....just wish we had stayed there on the way back. Mulegemichael was dog sick, no kidding...then he caught my cold!

Pacifico - 9-28-2009 at 07:45 AM

First to stay on track with this thread, I agree that Malarrimo's is a decent hotel in G.N. - I've only stayed at one other hotel down the street before when Malarrimo's was full. Don't remember the name, but was somewhat of a dive....

As far as the news channel debate, I agree that that you have to take everything with a grain of salt and make up your own mind. There is so much propaganda out there on both sides of the fence. The truth is probably somewhere in the middle....I do like Fox however - they have good looking female anchors!!! :lol:

jorgie - 9-28-2009 at 08:11 AM

Roger , the gift shop !!! now you have given it away . Thought that was gonna be kept a secret .................... :?:

Santiago - 9-28-2009 at 08:49 AM

I had a hot tip from a major baja babe that across the street (south side) is new place called "Cowboys" that is good. Will try it out next time. If I recall the story, the owner started out with a taco stand on the location and over the years has built a motel and restaurant. It looked real nice from the outside. Anyone stay here?

tripledigitken - 9-28-2009 at 09:24 AM

Roger,

Couldn't agree more with you on Malarrimo. Since my first stop there in the 80's and the Abalone meal, which I can remember as if it was yesterday, it has been a favorite stop in Baja for us.

Another note on Malarrimo. A few years ago we had a breakdown north of GN. We ended up having the truck towed into the Mallarimo. They arranged for the tow and the mechanic to fix it. They really came through for us in a time of stress. Great people.

We too have always moteled there except when they were full up.

Scallops and Clams.......................delicious!

Ken

Bajahowodd - 9-28-2009 at 11:22 AM

Cowboy and Caracoles are just about the same, value and accomodations. In my opinion, if you aren't going to stay, or cannot stay at Malarrimo, they are the second best choices. Most everything else in town falls into the "emergency-only" category. As for the 'taco stand", Asadero Cowboy has been there for years. they built the hotel behind it and updated the front to blend. The restaurant is usually packed with locals. They have a big selection of grilled stuff at very low prices. As for the Caracoles restaurant, I can understand someone not wanting to return to the scene of the crime. But truth is that you can get food poisoning anywhere you eat. I've only eaten breakfasts there. I have a problem with their "turnpike coffee shop" ambience when it comes to dinner. That said, their breakfasts have been among the best I've had in Baja.

BTW- Caracoles hotel has three larger semi-suites available for about $10 more. They are nicer than the standard rooms.

[Edited on 9-28-2009 by Bajahowodd]

mtgoat666 - 9-28-2009 at 02:19 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K

Quote:

Originally posted by Bajaboy
Very informative report.....except for the biased CNN comment. I'd be curious as to what channel you'd recommend for the management? CNBC?

dk,
Do ratings equate to impartiality? Have you considered that they are biased specifically to pump up the ratings?

Why would you want a mexican hotel to broadcast the Fox news channel that is run by US GOP for broadcast in US? At least CNN has a latin american edition they broadcast in Mexico.

DK, as you are spokesperson for Baja Cactus, I wonder if you know news channels are on the tele at Cactus? :lol:

BTW, I admit to being totally biased, and I like my news to have a counterclockwise spin. When I do watch news, I watch the Obama channel (MSNBC) and PBS. Yes we can!!

[Edited on 9-28-2009 by mtgoat666]

rts551 - 9-28-2009 at 02:26 PM

Never Again. Ate at Caracoles last Sunday before the race and ended up horribly sick for a week. Doc thinks it might have been salmonella from the eggs.

Bajahowodd - 9-28-2009 at 02:33 PM

Sounds like Raul may have a problem.

Pacifico - 9-28-2009 at 03:37 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by rts551
Never Again. Ate at Caracoles last Sunday before the race and ended up horribly sick for a week. Doc thinks it might have been salmonella from the eggs.

I will be avoiding that place!!! Those who don't learn from history are destined to repeat it.......

Bajahowodd - 9-28-2009 at 04:10 PM

I dunno. It was a couple or three years ago that we spent two weeks down and up Baja. We ate at everything from street stands, to trendy restaurants ( are you listening, Jesse?) So, after the end of week two, we were just North of Santo Tomas, when we engaged in a conversation about how we really had no deadline to get home. We agreed to detour into Estero Beach as walk-ins. ( Remember, 2-3 years ago, walk-ins would be a problem. As luck would have it, they had an ocean view room available. We decided to spend the night thereby extending our trip. Couple a margaritas later at their bar, Ms. Odd decided to order some sushi. (yes. for the uninitiated, Estero Beach Hotel has a sushi bar.) I'm not a big fan of sushi myself. when the plate of assorted sushi arrived, Ms. Odd pointed out what she didn't like and encouraged me to eat it. Being the obedient hubby, I did. Phew! Several hours later, I was sick as a dog. Any of you guys ever have to experience sitting in line at the border while suffering a major case of the trots? Point being, that even as reputable a place as Estero Beach can screw up from time to time. i just don't want to see caracoles become blacklisted, unless they really have no regard for the health of their customers.

Pacifico - 9-28-2009 at 04:43 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bajahowodd
I dunno. It was a couple or three years ago that we spent two weeks down and up Baja. We ate at everything from street stands, to trendy restaurants ( are you listening, Jesse?) So, after the end of week two, we were just North of Santo Tomas, when we engaged in a conversation about how we really had no deadline to get home. We agreed to detour into Estero Beach as walk-ins. ( Remember, 2-3 years ago, walk-ins would be a problem. As luck would have it, they had an ocean view room available. We decided to spend the night thereby extending our trip. Couple a margaritas later at their bar, Ms. Odd decided to order some sushi. (yes. for the uninitiated, Estero Beach Hotel has a sushi bar.) I'm not a big fan of sushi myself. when the plate of assorted sushi arrived, Ms. Odd pointed out what she didn't like and encouraged me to eat it. Being the obedient hubby, I did. Phew! Several hours later, I was sick as a dog. Any of you guys ever have to experience sitting in line at the border while suffering a major case of the trots? Point being, that even as reputable a place as Estero Beach can screw up from time to time. i just don't want to see caracoles become blacklisted, unless they really have no regard for the health of their customers.

I think plenty of people will still eat there. Maybe not as many Nomads... I just couldn't enjoy that place knowing a couple different parties have gotten sick there. It would always be in the back of my mind. I doubt everyone who eats there gets sick....but I can guarantee that I won't get sick there! :no:

Bajahowodd - 9-28-2009 at 05:06 PM

Places like LA county have sophisticated programs to inspect restaurants and other facilities that serve food. Their letter grade system has become a template for other jurisdictions. Obviously, so such system exists in Baja. But since, from time to time, I've seen posters remark that this or that restaurant has made them sick, I was wondering if it would be of any benefit to start a thread dealing with such experiences in the past twelve months. Reason I limit it to a year, is that I would guess that any establishment that has a long term problem, would not still be in business.

Pacifico - 9-28-2009 at 05:09 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bajahowodd
Places like LA county have sophisticated programs to inspect restaurants and other facilities that serve food. Their letter grade system has become a template for other jurisdictions. Obviously, so such system exists in Baja. But since, from time to time, I've seen posters remark that this or that restaurant has made them sick, I was wondering if it would be of any benefit to start a thread dealing with such experiences in the past twelve months. Reason I limit it to a year, is that I would guess that any establishment that has a long term problem, would not still be in business.

Great idea!!!!

David K - 9-28-2009 at 05:27 PM

Don't most states (not just L.A. County) have health inspectors of restaurants? VERY RARE to see a 'B' rated restaurant... I think they have a limited number of days to get back to their 'A' rating (here in California).

Bajahowodd - 9-28-2009 at 11:21 PM

I'm thinking maybe Pompano feels his thread was hijacked. Sorry, but the gift shop(s) are very conspicuous. David K- Of course there are health inspections most places in the states. However, LA County was a pioneer with the letter grade system, and the plaque that had to be placed in a conspicuous location. To this day, for instance, Orange County does not use the letter system.

shari - 9-29-2009 at 07:15 AM

Santiago...wasnt it ME who told you about Cowboys??? :tumble:

tee hee"
the owner Chavelo is a friend of mine and when he was making his first sign for the taco stand, he asked me how to say vaquero in english so I wrote it down for him...I laughed when the first big sign went up that proudly said..."Cow Boy" tacos!! Chavelo used to be the jefe out at the lagoon and has come a long way to attain his dream.

I have had the unpeasant experience of getting sick at a variety of excellent baja restaurants....including my favorite one in GN, La Cazuelas...and the upscale Santo Remedio too...but keep going back as I think at times it is an isolated affair...one bad shrimp or scallop can do it....unless of course I hear of repeat offenders. But never got sick at a decent taco stand!

vacaenbaja - 9-30-2009 at 05:49 PM

I once got DEATHLY ILL after eating at CASA MAR in
Ensenada. I never had a problem there in the past. Maybe it was the
"Seafood Special" that I had ordered. I was like a King on his throne
all night long. Anything that could leak or secrete did,sometimes all at once.
Chills headache etc. At check out the maids came in and then made a hasty
retreat. A real biohazzard. Did I go back and eat at the Casa Mar. In time
yes. Luck of the draw I guess.
I had some seafood poisoning while in La Paz once after eating at one of
the better seafood establishments. Had me in bed all nigh until past checkout time. I had nausea and a spliting headache. Drove to Loreto
where I was to fish the next morning with a icepack on my head.
I go to the house of a friend of mine who is a local . They have a large well watered garden do to the fact that they have a well. My friends wife keeps a large number of medicinal plants and made me up something with what looked like aloevera or cactus and some other herbs. I doubfully drank the
concoction down, and in a while felt much relieved. I was able to fish that next morning too. Worked better than any modern drug that I could have purchased. You can get ill from even the best eatery.

Bajahowodd - 9-30-2009 at 11:13 PM

Quote:

You can get ill from even the best eatery.

Exactly. Unless it becomes a chronic problem, which will probably lead to going out of business anyway, one needs to get back on the horse.

I think folks also have short memories regarding Mexico's public hygiene. Not all those many years ago, electrification was only a dream outside the largest cities. Electrification brought refrigeration. Purified water developed into widespread use. I really am amazed at how seldom I even think about ordering a salad or eating raw seafood. 30 years ago, NEVER would have happened.

bree09 - 9-30-2009 at 11:46 PM

Seems like a good place to me. Will definitely make a visit soon.

Regards,
Bree
prêts travaux

Crusoe - 10-1-2009 at 06:08 PM

MEXICAN HYGENE.....In the year 2000 at Christmas time while camping at Tecolote and having fun in La Paz, and while walking on the Maleceon we needed to find a public restroom. It was high noon, and the good lady at the Visitor Center told us the only thing available was to use the facilitys at the bus station 3 blocks to the east. So finding the rest room temporarely closed we were told to go alongside the building between it and the fence. After finding my way back there I had to get in line in the hot sun as I was watching a line of Mexican men crapping on the ground all over amongst the dogs and flys, only about 50' from the public sidewalk, but hidden by some banna trees.My wife says "we are not going to eat anywhere around here. Lets get back to Tecolote." Hey its just Mexico!! Yikes.. ++C++

Pompano - 10-1-2009 at 06:25 PM

Sometime around 1972 or 3, we were looking for lauching places around what is now San Lucas Cove campground. There was a solitary fish taco hut there at the time and we were famished. We ate those tacos con mucho gusto..and all three of us almost died later that day. I still recall that day whenever I smell old grease...

Then there was the time we ate chocolates (clams) during a red tide. That was as bad as a ruptured appendix.

I have a favorite Baja book given to me by Tom Miller..Eating Your Way Through Baja. We met while at a Lake Chapala roadside cafe years ago. He autographed it.."May Montezuma's Shadow never cross your path." Unfortunately I have stumbled across that shadow way too many times. :rolleyes:

Ken Bondy - 10-1-2009 at 07:41 PM

I once brought back amoebic dysentery from Brazil. I won't describe in detail how unpleasant that was. But after over a hundred flying trips and four driving trips to southern Baja I can enthusiastically report that I have only been sick a few times, and those passed quickly, so to speak.

Pompano - 10-1-2009 at 08:40 PM

I would give good money to replace an old Tom's Baits t-shirt I once had. It read ...."Today's Bait - Tomorrow's Sushi"