BajaNomad - Who are the greatest culinary spots in Baja, and why?

Who are the greatest culinary spots in Baja, and why?

JESSE - 11-3-2009 at 12:21 AM

Hehehe! this should keep us busy for a while now that the Holidays are coming. :spingrin:

mulegejim - 11-3-2009 at 07:24 AM

When you say "culinary spots" I assume you mean something a cut above the average good spot with a menu and setting that will make it a go to destination. In the Mulege area I would have to mention Ray's Place - great host, food and setting. There are other very good spots, however, for me Ray's is just a cut above.

vandenberg - 11-3-2009 at 07:38 AM

My wife's kitchen qualify :?:

And....not just to make browny points

DENNIS - 11-3-2009 at 07:41 AM

This boils down to a run-off between the Bacon Wrapped Hot Dog stands. "Iron Chef Baja" ....let it begin.

grace59 - 11-3-2009 at 07:57 AM

For me this would be anywhere in Baja where you have: Sunshine, Sea view, Good company, Cold Beer and Fish Tacos! What more to life is there?

shari - 11-3-2009 at 08:07 AM

I vote for Juan's breaded abalone platter in Asuncion...it just does not get any better than that....although Juanita's kitchen serves up a killer pollo milanesa.

oldlady - 11-3-2009 at 08:08 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by vandenberg
My wife's kitchen qualify :?:

And....not just to make browny points

Hours and prices, please.

BajaRae - 11-3-2009 at 08:12 AM

I have one in San Quintin, just before the Corona/Pacifico place, the name is Don Quixote's (hope I spelled that right). It is run by Sergio, who was the Manager/waiter at the Old Mill for years. They are open morning to night, some really good dishes and nice people. :biggrin:

bajabass - 11-3-2009 at 08:19 AM

California Hot Dogs in San Quintin. The best I've ever had. Taqueria Trailero in El Sauzal. Great tacos, and all the fresh green onions, cucumbers, and radishes, YUM. For those of you on the East Cape, Baja Crossroads Country Club, awesome ceviche. The owners are nice people, and you sit on the beach and feast! Ask my step-son, born and raised in Ensenada, Burger King on Reforma. :?:

k-rico - 11-3-2009 at 08:20 AM

I just got back from 2 weeks at Santispac and almost every day I ate a dozen or so raw clams from the back of a local fisherman's pick-up truck just after he got back from a day on the water (Daniel, he's actually a diver/spearfisherman, great guy, a gorilla of a man). He'd swing by my campsite after he recovered his boat and drink my cold beers as I ate clams.

The smell of gasoline from the tanks and the outboard in the back of the truck, the old smelly wetsuit, and the fresh blood from hacking up the fish he speared on top of his cooler added to the ambience.

The clams were so fresh they quivered when you added salsa, limon, and salt.

The big fat ones were especially good, real chewy. yum!

[Edited on 11-3-2009 by k-rico]

santispac_oct_2009_clams.jpg - 41kB

mulegejim - 11-3-2009 at 08:50 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by BajaRae
I have one in San Quintin, just before the Corona/Pacifico place, the name is Don Quixote's (hope I spelled that right). It is run by Sergio, who was the Manager/waiter at the Old Mill for years. They are open morning to night, some really good dishes and nice people. :biggrin:

I just ate there for the first time on my way back from Mulege last week. It was very good.

Paula - 11-3-2009 at 09:15 AM

Well... hmmmmm.... let me think....

Oh! There are some really good restaurants in La Paz :light:

mulegemichael - 11-3-2009 at 09:27 AM

i agree with jim; tough to beat ray's here in mulege...or dany's carnitas on saturday morning

Skipjack Joe - 11-3-2009 at 09:30 AM

The tacos at Rancho St. Inez. We like the meat she uses.

MitchMan - 11-3-2009 at 09:40 AM

K-rico, yeah Man! You got it right.

One of the reasons I go to Baja is for the raw clams. I don't know about these days, but 12 years ago there was (is) an oyster bed and great sources of pismo clams in San Quintin. I used to stay at the "Old Mill" and take a drive to the clam beds and buy a completely full gunny sack of live Pismo clams for $20 USD. You would sit outside on a wooden park bench and table, open your own clams with a dirty fish filet knife, drip hot sauce and fresh lime juice all over a freshly opened clam, clean away some of the guts, and chow down while getting a buz from bottled beer in 90 degree heat. That is living at its height for me.

Today, while in La Paz, I make sure that I go to a street stand just 20 ft off the Malecon across the street from the Nuevo Pekin every contrived chance I get to stand up and eat raw fresh chocolate clams one at a time as the guy cuts the clam open for me. Hot sauce, lime juice, raw clams and cold beer in 90 degree heat, that's my worldly reward.

[Edited on 11-3-2009 by MitchMan]

elizabeth - 11-3-2009 at 09:55 AM

If you are thinking about way out of the ordinary...and not just for Baja...I can think of a couple of places.

I've eaten at your place, Jesse, and found it to be a remarkable meal.

My other remarkable meal was at Laja in the Valle de Guadalupe. A little pricey, but well worth it. And a meal of the quality my friends and I had there along with the wines would have cost 4 times as much in the US. All the produce was grown on site or locally, and the meat and fish were both local and extremely fresh.

Having said that, I also have very well cooked and satisfying meals in less high scale places...just not as strikingly memorable.

Baja&Back - 11-3-2009 at 10:41 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by k-rico
I just got back from 2 weeks at Santispac and almost every day I ate a dozen or so raw clams from the back of a local fisherman's pick-up truck just after he got back from a day on the water (Daniel, he's actually a diver/spearfisherman, great guy, a gorilla of a man). He'd swing by my campsite after he recovered his boat and drink my cold beers as I ate clams.
[Edited on 11-3-2009 by k-rico]

Not to Hijack, but, good ol' Daniel !! One of the very nicest people we know in Baja. If you want to go panga fishing from Concepcion, ask for him. He's the best!! Really inexpensive. Lives at Burro. Everyone knows him. :tumble:

PS: we vote for Ray's place, too.

PPS: Definitely going to try Jesse's just before Xmas. Expect us, Guy!!

[Edited on 11-3-2009 by Baja&Back]

[Edited on 11-3-2009 by Baja&Back]

JESSE - 11-3-2009 at 10:42 AM

Just to clarify somethings, i believe greatness can be achieved in a little cart on the street as well as in a white tablecloth restaurant. This is not about your favorite place, but about an overall great place to eat. For example, Tacos enchilados and Tacos Yaki in Tijuana are two places i would consider great.

tjBill - 11-3-2009 at 10:46 AM

If your looking for upscale gourmet try Tijuana's restaurant row on Sanchez Taboada Boulevard in the Zona Rio.

JESSE - 11-3-2009 at 10:49 AM

So considering my last post. Heres my list of great spots not to miss in Baja:

Tijuana: Tortas Washmobile, Tacos Salceados, Villa Saverios, Tacos Enchilados, La Diferencia.

Rosarito: Otto's grill, El Nido, Several Restaurants at Puerto Nuevo.

Ensenada: Laja, Manzanilla, Muelle Tres, That Seafood c-cktail cart near the main street, El Morro, Mustafas, El Rey Sol.

I am working on the rest of Baja.

JESSE - 11-3-2009 at 10:51 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by tjBill
If your looking for upscale gourmet try Tijuana's restaurant row on Sanchez Taboada Boulevard in the Zona Rio.

I would say Saverios and Changs could make it. I havent tried the new restaurant where Trez used to be, and Cheripan and La Querencia are not very good.

Paula - 11-3-2009 at 11:05 AM

Jesse, will Tres Virgenes be open on christmas? We'll be in La Paz or Todos Santos that day, meeting our daughter, and hope to have a great dinner. I don't think we;ve ever had Christmas dinner out before!

I'm looking forward to hearing about great food you've found in Loreto.

bajabass - 11-3-2009 at 11:09 AM

Oh, forgot the tamale shop next to the Pemex, just north of G.N. Those things are drooling over delicious! :bounce:

Ken Bondy - 11-3-2009 at 11:12 AM

It's been a long time since I was there and I don't know if it still exists, but we had a wonderful meal and great service at a little place south of Ensenada called "Mariscos Sinaloaense". It's been years now and I've never forgotten it.

DENNIS - 11-3-2009 at 11:23 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Ken Bondy
It's been a long time since I was there and I don't know if it still exists, but we had a wonderful meal and great service at a little place south of Ensenada called "Mariscos Sinaloaense". It's been years now and I've never forgotten it.

Still there, Ken, if we're talking about the same place...in the middle of nowhere between Ensenada and Maneadero. It has a grass [?] roof?

I think we talked about this a couple of years back....maybe.

[Edited on 11-3-2009 by DENNIS]

JESSE - 11-3-2009 at 11:27 AM

Add to the list the Panaderia in Tecate wich name i forgot, best Pan dulce in Baja.

Paula - 11-3-2009 at 11:47 AM

Oaxacan tamales from Eulodia at the Sunday tianguis in Loreto.

conchas or pitahaya fresh from the oven at El Boleo in Santa Rosalia

Oops! I forgot the why part--

Eulodia uses hoja santa in her green chile, and the bread at El boleo is much better than in Loreto

[Edited on 11-3-2009 by Paula]

DanO - 11-3-2009 at 11:50 AM

Tacos Fenix, Ensenada. Absolutely sublime.

In Guadalupe Valley, we had a fantastic dinner a few years ago while staying at Adobe Guadalupe. Best (and only) salmon dinner I've ever had in Mexico.

I second Jesse on Mustaffa's and El Rey Sol.

Also, El Palomar in Santo Tomas isn't really known for great food, but I've spent a few lazy afternoons there over a platter of excellent grilled quail. Ask for it if it's not on the menu. Greasy fingers, soccer on the TV, trucks jake braking outside, and a few cold ones to wash it all down. Hard to beat, really.

Ken Bondy - 11-3-2009 at 11:54 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by DENNIS

Quote:

Thanks Dennis, palm-frond "palapa" type roof, right on. I think we did talk about it a while back, glad it's still there.

++Ken++

PS just happen to have a picture of that roof:

[Edited on 11-3-2009 by Ken Bondy]

Baja&Back - 11-3-2009 at 11:59 AM

Domingo's Staekhouse (used to be El Nido) in Loreto. Best steaks in Baja, and Domingo is our idea of a perfect Latin Gentilhombre.

Ken Bondy - 11-3-2009 at 12:07 PM

Here was the crew when it was still El Nido in Loreto. Any of these guys still there?

Heather - 11-3-2009 at 12:10 PM

There are 3 places in Cabo that we always have on our list.

1.) Pollo del Oro; family run, you'll see grampa behind the counter (or sitting next to it) and his daughter at the cash register. Same waiters that have been there for 15+ years. Great chicken, ribs, tortilla soup, and the potato salad...yummy!

2.) Tacos El Paisa in San Lucas (around the corner from the Pollo). Outside seating, but the papas rellenos are wonderful!

3.) Baja Cantina down at the marina is a great ambiance. We usually have the pizza or go for breakfast.

We know we've been in Cabo after hitting up those 3 locals!

805gregg - 11-3-2009 at 12:40 PM

La Flor de Michoacan in Rosarito. There is a guy in San Quintin on the ocean side of the hwy that cooks carnitas in a large copper pot right out in the open, stirs it with a boat oar. Excellent, a must stop.

DENNIS - 11-3-2009 at 12:43 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by JESSE
Add to the list the Panaderia in Tecate wich name i forgot, best Pan dulce in Baja.

Oh yeah??? I'll go against that with the fresh Frituras de Manzana at TUTTI DONAS in Ensenada any time.
Let's hear it for TUTTI.

DENNIS - 11-3-2009 at 12:46 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Ken Bondy
Here was the crew when it was still El Nido in Loreto. Any of these guys still there?

Well...the short one is a grandfather and....how long since you were there? :lol:

My fav's

tripledigitken - 11-3-2009 at 12:50 PM

El Nido's in Rosarito, Loreto and San Felipe. Villa Saverio's, the now closed La Especial, Cien Anos, La Lena and Chici Jai's all in Tijuana. El Patron and Equipali's in Mulege. Tres Virgenes in La Paz.

El Nido's for quail and steaks, Villa Saverio's stuffed poblano's with cabeza, la Especial for their Carne Asada, Cien Anos for their Mushrooms in Marrow sauce, La Lena for their steaks, Chici Jai for their Paella, El Patron for their Scallop c-cktails, Equipali's for their Sonoran Rib-Eyes, and Tres Virgenes for their Braised Shanks and well thought out wine list.

All restaurants have great service and friendly hosts in common.

Now I just need to head south and re-taste all of the above!!!!!

Ken

Ken Bondy - 11-3-2009 at 12:53 PM

"Well...the short one is a grandfather and....how long since you were there?"

Dennis - it's been long enough for the short one to be a grandfather

All seriousness aside I think that was taken in 2004. ++Ken++

bajaguy - 11-3-2009 at 12:55 PM

La Flor de Michoacan in Rosarito................

Went by there last Wednesday night at about 8PM for the annual carnita fix.......closed....don't know if for the night or what???

Paula - 11-3-2009 at 02:17 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Ken Bondy
"Well...the short one is a grandfather and....how long since you were there?"

Dennis - it's been long enough for the short one to be a grandfather

All seriousness aside I think that was taken in 2004. ++Ken++

Actually, the short one is still way too young to be a grandfather but he is much taller now, and the guy on the right would be the shorter one now. Francisco, on the left, stopped working there 2 or 3 years ago, and drives a taxi now. I'm not sure about the one in the middle

JESSE - 11-3-2009 at 03:02 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Paula
conchas or pitahaya fresh from the oven at El Boleo in Santa Rosalia
[Edited on 11-3-2009 by Paula]

Thats definately in the not to miss list.

Heres that Panaderia in Tecate

JESSE - 11-3-2009 at 03:06 PM

http://www.elmejorpandetecate.com/es/history.php

Bajahowodd - 11-3-2009 at 03:10 PM

A few observations. And perhaps a question or two. As for El Rey Sol in Ensenada, we've had some really fine meals there. However, there has been a time or two when we were disappointed. It may have something to do with who's in charge in the kitchen. Also in Ensenada, I continue to have a soft spot for Las Cazuelas on Sanguines. Just a comfy family oriented place.

Curious about the El Nido thing. As Ken pointed out, there were three- Rosarito, San Felipe and Loreto. However, the Loreto location changed names about three years ago and is known as Domingo's Place. As far as I could tell, nothing changed but the name. Does anyone know if it is the same owners?

Finally, in the Cabo area. one of our favorite restaurants in all of Baja closed about two years ago. It was La Republica. That said, the development of Los Cabos has resulted in alot of turnover in restaurants. The more hotels built, the more on site restaurants. Even more and more all-inclusives. And the taxi union did the restauranteurs no favors either with what they charged to get to town. Through the years, with all the turnover, there's one guy who seemed to have the secret code- Gunther Richter. He opened Peac-cks about 20 years ago. It was originally called Pavo Real. His next place was Mi Casa, which has grown into something huge. He and his wife operate 5-6 restaurants in Los Cabos today. Not a bad meal to be had at any of them. In fact, To this day, I still really enjoy the original, Peac-cks. And maybe BajaJudy can answer this- long time favorite in San Jose, Damiana, was closed for the summer of 2009. first time I can recall that happening. Did they ever reopen/

And I have to say that anyone who visits La Paz will be doing themselves a disservice if they don't have dinner at Jesse's. Excellent food, presentation, ambience and service.

JESSE - 11-3-2009 at 03:33 PM

Well, Rey Sol is a very old restaurant, and old restaurants seem to sometimes have consistency problems.

El Nido is owned by Lupe Perez, the brother of Domingo. He still owns the original in Rosarito as well as Pelicanos. I don't know about San Felo. Loreto seems like it was owned by both brothers, or at least Lupe let Domingo use his name but something happened and obviously Lupe didn't allow his brother to use El Nidos name anymore. From what i can see in the menu, Lupe also is not selling any Venison or Lamb to Domingo, so they probably had fight.

Damiana is closed due to the downturn. But they will be back.

[Edited on 11-3-2009 by JESSE]

Baja&Back - 11-3-2009 at 03:37 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bajahowodd

Curious about the El Nido thing. As Ken pointed out, there were three- Rosarito, San Felipe and Loreto. However, the Loreto location changed names about three years ago and is known as Domingo's Place. As far as I could tell, nothing changed but the name. Does anyone know if it is the same owners?

Domingo had the Loreto Nido franchise for years and bought it out 2 years ago. Same people. Same great food & atmosphere.

BTW: On a nice evening, ask for patio seating. It's magical.

Now I'm looking forward to it in Dec. [drool] :bounce:

DENNIS - 11-3-2009 at 03:41 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by JESSE
Well, Rey Sol is a very old restaurant

Here is some El Rey Sol lore:

http://www.elreysol.com/site/history.htm

KurtG - 11-3-2009 at 03:45 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by JESSE
http://www.elmejorpandetecate.com/es/history.php

The best whole wheat bread and bolillos! Really is "El Mejor."

Bajahowodd - 11-3-2009 at 03:47 PM

Thanks for the link, Dennis. BTW, I am actually on Jean-Loup Bitterlin's e-mail list. For what it's worth.

DENNIS - 11-3-2009 at 03:54 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bajahowodd
Thanks for the link, Dennis. BTW, I am actually on Jean-Loup Bitterlin's e-mail list. For what it's worth.

I'm sure it means a lot to him. :lol:

Just kiddin'.
I remember when he owned "The Ensenada News And Views." A local English language monthly. Fun to read since a lot of it was put together by a few of the local rounders and you knew everybody they wrote about.
Jeeeezo...that was twenty plus years ago.

Restaurant Medio Camino

Gypsy Jan - 11-3-2009 at 04:09 PM

Chef Jonny grew up in his parent's hotel/restaurant playing in the kitchen, using vegetables as his toys.

He has cooked for every President of Mexico, except Fox.

With his experience and family input, he is accomplished in the many various regional cuisines of Mexico (Guadalajara, Oaxaca, Puebla, D.F. and Veracruz).

He teaches master classes to chefs and says he has 16,000 recipes in his personal collection.

Sunday evening, we dined at Medio Camino - Fresh San Felipe shrimp scampi with mirepoix over linguine. Chips and salsa, toasted garlic bread, Caesar salad and cheescake for dessert.

How much? About $10.00 per person.

DENNIS - 11-3-2009 at 04:18 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Gypsy Jan
He has cooked for every President of Mexico, except Fox.

Good Lord...How old is this guy?

Sorry Dennis, My Bad

Gypsy Jan - 11-3-2009 at 04:26 PM

The last four I think.

Jonny is mid-50's by my very unreliable estimate.

[Edited on 11-3-2009 by Gypsy Jan]

Bajahowodd - 11-3-2009 at 04:31 PM

Where can I get a dynamite plate of Mancha Manteles? :?:

DENNIS - 11-3-2009 at 04:44 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bajahowodd
Where can I get a dynamite plate of Mancha Manteles? :?:

Here...Make your own.

http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Mancha-Manteles...

Bajahowodd - 11-3-2009 at 04:59 PM

A wonderful dish from the South. I've only had it at two restaraunts in Baja, Mi Casa and Felix, which is run by Spencer Moore, who had Food Network exposure, but little else. Dennis, you are the Wiki of Nomad.

DENNIS - 11-3-2009 at 05:16 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bajahowodd
Dennis, you are the Wiki of Nomad.

I use Google for everything, even my dictionary. I had a dictionary site but, when I typed in a word, it had to be spelled right or it gave you nothing. Type in a misspelled word with Google and it will give you the correct spelling as well as everything else.

JESSE - 11-3-2009 at 05:26 PM

Anybody had fajitas at the old Bol Corona or a steak dinner at the old Cafe la Especial?

tripledigitken - 11-3-2009 at 05:41 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by JESSE
Anybody had fajitas at the old Bol Corona or a steak dinner at the old Cafe la Especial?

I have had many steak dinners at Cafe la Especial. Probably my first taste of Carne Asada as a teenager was enjoyed there. As well as their taco's at the top of the stairs, at the time in the late 60's they were 25 cents each made with 2 tortillas a whole green onion and a slice of marinated carrot.

ftd told me they closed earlier this year.

Ken

airmech - 11-3-2009 at 08:45 PM

Let's see...the first place on the right in the riverbed at San Quintin has a great agua chile, Chinas' tacos in BOLA, Tres V's (yes I do La Paz), that place between the highway and the road in Rosarita for carnitas.
Gypsy where the heck is Medio Camino??

Hi airmech

Gypsy Jan - 11-3-2009 at 08:52 PM

Restaurant Medio Camino is halfway between Tijuana and Ensenada on the free road, in Baja norte.

JESSE - 11-3-2009 at 09:55 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by tripledigitken

Quote:

Originally posted by JESSE
Anybody had fajitas at the old Bol Corona or a steak dinner at the old Cafe la Especial?

Ken

I also had my first Carne Asada dinner there. Remember there was actually a waiting list because it was so busy? Big Carne Asada and French Fries.

There is another newer Cafe La Especial from the same family near Zona Rio. They have the same classic dishes, ask FDT.

BajaNuts - 11-3-2009 at 11:33 PM

I gotta throw out a wild herring here...........(not LITERALLY>>>>

a little place outside of La Paz in the El Comitan neighborhood...

Attilio's Touristico Villaggio~

http://villagelapaz.com/indexin.html

awesome cabrito! but it's not on the menu every day. And other entrees... wonderful ambiance in the open air kitchen. Limited menu, gracious, fresh, limited selections but good wines......[Hmmm more about that later :lol:

]

Folks will email to Attilio asking when cabrito is on the menu so they can come for dinner.

True story-
our first dinner in La Paz was at Attilio's.

We were fried from travel and didn't have a good grasp of the language. Attilio presented a baking pan with meat, potatoes and sauce that looked scrumptious! and it was scrumptious!...

only after a little bit of "pantomime" did we understand that it was GOAT.... not the "sheep" we had suspected that we were enjoying...

http://villagelapaz.com/indexin.html

Mexitron - 11-4-2009 at 05:41 AM

Junior's Taco Cart in San Vicente---kitty corner from the big gas station...we always stop there, best tacos around! (As I was typing "kitty-corner" I wondered if that was the correct spelling--so I wikied it since "kitty" doesn't seem to make an sense in reference to "corner". Well, "Kitty-corner" is correct but older spellings are "cater-corner" and the original usage came from the french "quatre" for square......always amazes me how languages morph over time)

Skeet/Loreto - 11-4-2009 at 12:33 PM

On the Tecate-Ensenada Road about 8 miles from the Ensenada Road on the left side of the Hwy at this small village there is a Great Resturant that serves excellent Food plus all kinds of Pies. You can buy the Pies for Take out also. Sorry I forgot the name.

Loreto-- El Nido or what is now called "Domingos". Serves Sonora Beef.

Wingnut - 11-4-2009 at 01:11 PM

My favorite restaurant in Cabo San Lucas is Edith's. A little pricey and cater's to the tourist trade but the food is way above top notch. My favorite is Pescado Veracruz. Grilled Dorado in a tomatoe and vegetable based sauce that is to die for. Steaks grilled over open mesquite fire are delicious also.

Baja Cantina is good if you are on the marina, but the Tanga Tanga has some of the best fish tacos for a little street side bar that are fantastic. Course it helps if you've had a bucket or two of beers to go with them.

And Mexitron, regarding "Cater-corner" being called kitty corner it's an morphed usage of what it really sounded like in English. Not being able to get the word "quatre" out most people called it cate-corner dropping the R and emphasing the E. Thus from "Catee-corner" came "Kitty-corner"....

DENNIS - 11-4-2009 at 01:15 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Skeet/Loreto
On the Tecate-Ensenada Road about 8 miles from the Ensenada Road on the left side of the Hwy at this small village there is a Great Resturant that serves excellent Food plus all kinds of Pies. You can buy the Pies for Take out also. Sorry I forgot the name.

I forget the name too but, it's in San Antonio de Las Minas, across and south of Mustafa's.

Bajahowodd - 11-4-2009 at 01:26 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by JESSE
Anybody had fajitas at the old Bol Corona or a steak dinner at the old Cafe la Especial?

The thing about fajitas is that it was first documented being served in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas, and is really not Mexican.

I've got two other faves. In Cabo, Mocambo puts out really dynamite seafood. Overlook the fact that it has the ambience of a barn with fluorescent lighting. And in Cabo, and La Paz, just love Carnitas Los Michoacanos. By 'em by the kilo. when last I was there, I seem to recall that they had 50% off on Tuesdays.

Skeet/Loreto - 11-4-2009 at 01:42 PM

In La Paz many years ago my favorite was Bismark !! where I could get Turtle soup. For the past 10 years I have liked the Bismark !! Stand located about 4 blocks East of Sept. 15th. They serve some great Seafood c-cktails.

Also like the Chinses Cafe above the Lattee place a block South of the Malacon.

Also in La Paz when you are coming into town and just as you pass the CCC on the right the first Street is Jalisco's. There is a stand right in fron of the little hardware store that has Fish Tacos out of this World.

bajabass - 11-4-2009 at 02:42 PM

I thought it was Mogambo, but it is excellent.

Bajahowodd - 11-4-2009 at 02:47 PM

There's a link to their menu on this page. Some items are a little pricey, but it is a tourist area, although they are not strictly located where the tourists hang, and their clientele is more locals than tourists.

http://www.loscabosguide.com/dining/mocambo.htm

Oggie - 11-4-2009 at 06:59 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by DENNIS

Quote:

I forget the name too but, it's in San Antonio de Las Minas, across and south of Mustafa's.

I think it is called the Corre Camino Cafe. Roadrunner in spanish

JESSE - 11-4-2009 at 07:02 PM

Does anybody remember Pedrin's in Rosarito?

knuckles - 11-4-2009 at 08:27 PM

Yeah.. La Flor de Michoacan has been a favorite for many years.

But for special nights we like Bistro Le Cousteau in Rosarito. The food is awesome, good presentation, price and consistancy. The nightly specials are always the best and save room for dessert. Profiteroles !!! (I may have spelled that wrong but they are really good)

Knuckles, I Second Your Recs

Gypsy Jan - 11-4-2009 at 09:23 PM

For Flor de Michoacan and Le Cousteau in Rosarito.

They are both long standing, established restaurants (in the case of Flor de Michoacon, since 1952), with very good food.

Flor de Michoacan is very reasonably priced, very much a place patronized by locals.

Le Cousteau aims for a more upscale Mediterranean style, but it is very reasonably priced when quality vs. price is the subject. We had an abalone appetizer there that was amazing.

monoloco - 11-4-2009 at 09:28 PM

Palanque Birria in Constitution.

tripledigitken - 11-5-2009 at 02:01 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by JESSE
Does anybody remember Pedrin's in Rosarito?

Wasn't there a Pedrin's in Tijuana across from the Jai Alai Palace? It was a decent Seafood restaurant. I don't remember one in Rosarito though.

bajabound2005 - 11-5-2009 at 07:53 AM

I think you mean Leonardo's...they did a major facelift a few months ago. Now it's "Meson Leonardo's".

Quote:

Originally posted by DENNIS

Quote:

I forget the name too but, it's in San Antonio de Las Minas, across and south of Mustafa's.

DENNIS - 11-5-2009 at 09:15 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Oggie
I think it is called the Corre Camino Cafe. Roadrunner in spanish

That sounds familiar. Kathleen says it changed to Meson Leonardos?
It's really getting yuppy out there.

The place has/had a reputation for great apple pies but, I always thought they were over rated 'cause the apple was cut into real small pieces. They may have been canned.
Anyway, I'll stop next time through. Maybe I should bring a tie.
What? Oh yeah...I don't have one.

Dennis forget the apple pie

Keri - 11-5-2009 at 04:59 PM

Try the pear cheesecake, yummy :yes:

k Airmech, Medio Camino is also called the halfway house it is between Rosarito and La Mision.k

[Edited on 11-6-2009 by Keri]

Alan - 11-6-2009 at 08:32 AM

Tres Virgennes is still my favorite for that perfect meal. I go every chance I get and have yet to be disappointed. (I do miss the Tournedos with the Jalapeno sauce on the menu) Keep up the great work Jesse.

That said. There are several places where I have had memorable meals in Baja, each for vastly differing reasons.

Marina Azul at Costa Baja - close but still not Tres V
Carne Asada Torta at stand across from Club/Bar Miramar in San Felipe
Shrimp omelets at George's in SF

snowcat5 - 11-6-2009 at 08:47 AM

Hi Jesse , Great idea for a thread. I stopped in G. Negro last week, for a night. Stayed at Carocoles- it was OK but a little expensive and many comings and goings thru out the night. Cowboy's rooms/stay is nicer but was already full at 3 pm. Ate at Santo Remedio restaurante. It was very good. I had what was recommended buy owner Noe Garcia; Halibut steak with scallops served in a sea shell, with soup, salad, several sides and fish patte' on fresh bread. The meal and a beer was about $15. US- the best meal I have had in that dusty town. I was the only customer- the food was fresh and professionally presented and served. There is a nice bar there, too, and Noe is planning on opening a few motel rooms at the restaurant soon. A few days later I stopped in at Tripui and had an excellent dinner of scallops for dinner- about $15. also. Stayed in the Tripui hotel- they wanted over $100/night but negotiated to about $70- high priced but good quality beds and pillows. Tripui was quiet and clean a the Sierra Gigantica is magnificant to wake-up to in the morning. All new construction seems to have stopped on the Puerto Escondido port area.

Bajahowodd - 11-6-2009 at 05:54 PM

Not so certain that Guerrero Negro is dusty as it is salty. I have wondered for many years why it has not seemingly grown with the whale tours. Obviously such places as Caracoles and Cowboy have advanced the availability of beds. But frankly, I have often wondered if the folks running the salt facility weren't actively trying to curb growth.

JESSE - 11-6-2009 at 10:09 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by tripledigitken

Quote:

Originally posted by JESSE
Does anybody remember Pedrin's in Rosarito?

Wasn't there a Pedrin's in Tijuana across from the Jai Alai Palace? It was a decent Seafood restaurant. I don't remember one in Rosarito though.

Yes, i remember that one. But there was a second one in rosarito near the red cross.

tripledigitken - 11-6-2009 at 10:53 PM

Jesse,

I seem to remember that Pedrin's owners were the same or related to La Costa Restaurant is that right?

Ken

JESSE - 11-7-2009 at 12:34 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by tripledigitken
Jesse,

I seem to remember that Pedrin's owners were the same or related to La Costa Restaurant is that right?

Ken

Yes, similar style, but Pedrin's was Italian if i remember.

David K - 11-7-2009 at 07:50 AM

Before Jesse moved there, the restaurant that was recommended to us by Nomad 'Tucker' was the Mar Y Peña... We ate there with Tucker in 2001... was very good. Are they still in business? Photo of Tucker and I at the Mar Y Peña restaurant:

[Edited on 11-7-2009 by David K]

C-Urchin - 11-7-2009 at 11:10 AM

My best spot is Cafe Milano in La Paz. Exquisite food, beautiful elegant place in an old building downtown, Jazz on weekends. Owner is from Italy.

bent-rim - 11-8-2009 at 07:18 AM

My dining experiences are intertwinned with memories of trips to Baja. No particular order.
1. Alfonsina's 1972-Whatever was caught that day+endless rice, beans and tortillas.
2. Mama Espinoza's for the first time. Ever since- Mas or Minos
3. Taco Stand in San Vicente where one lady made tortillas as the other lady cooked the meat..
4. Carnitas at Asadoro Ramon in Mulege before he passed away.
5. Anything I've ever had at El Candil in Mulege+the best Margarita's.
6. El Nido in San Felipe or Loreto.

bonanza bucko - 11-8-2009 at 07:51 AM

Our kitchen on the beach at Alfonsina's when I (with female supervision) make Yugoslavian Chipoino....you know when there is enough garlic in it if you can smell it 100 yards down the beach. The recipe starts with 2 gallons of "Dago Red" wiine....etc.

I'll give it to you if you are nice.

Food? Who cares....Wherever these senoritas are serving.

Pompano - 11-8-2009 at 08:12 AM

The Gull - 11-8-2009 at 09:22 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by tripledigitken
Jesse,

I seem to remember that Pedrin's owners were the same or related to La Costa Restaurant is that right?

Ken

The La Costa at San Antonio del Mar was my favorite between the table side Caesar's salad and the Mexican coffee prepared with flames and everything right at your table. The seafood and game was better than El Nido.

mulegejim - 11-8-2009 at 12:56 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Pompano

Roger, is Zulema still working or just enjoying her new "BMW".

vandenberg - 11-8-2009 at 01:20 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by bonanza bucko
Our kitchen on the beach at Alfonsina's when I (with female supervision) make Yugoslavian Chipoino....you know when there is enough garlic in it if you can smell it 100 yards down the beach. The recipe starts with 2 gallons of "Dago Red" wiine....etc.

I'll give it to you if you are nice.

Bucko, is Chipoino an authentic Slavonian dish or are you trying for Cioppino, a delicious shellfish dish originated in San Francisco on the wharf ? Made it here a few times, but without the real Dungeness crab hard to duplicate. :no:

Pompano - 11-8-2009 at 05:49 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by mulegejim

Roger, is Zulema still working or just enjoying her new "BMW".

Jaime, the coconut telegraph told me yesterday that Zulema is working part time at the El Candil in Mulege these days. I haven't seen the BMW around, but I HAVE seen the WMD. :yes:

mulegejim - 11-8-2009 at 05:58 PM

In Los Barriles try Tio Pablo's - great steaks and salad bar. Not exactly sure how to post a picture so hope this works.

http://picasaweb.google.com/mulegejim/MulegeAndEastCapeOctob...

bonanza bucko - 11-9-2009 at 09:24 AM

For Vandenberg:
The way I spelled chioppino is an example of why it ain't PC to post here half bagged on a vodka
(vohdkah?) martini.
The version I make, without listening to female supervision, contains all the normal stuff plus hot Italian sausage and pasta shells. It also required lots!!! of garlic. I start cooking it at 0800 and I need to smell the garlic about 100 yards down the beach or I add more.....cook the sauce all day.

The other important ingredient is at least a gallon of Dago Red....well, two gallons because you really need to have a second one on hand starting at 0800 with all the cooking.....well, three gallons because you need some for dinner.

We eat this stuff on New Year's Eve at about 1600 when the sun is going down at a picnic table out on the beach....nice to wipe yer hands on a swimming suit and dry them in the sand.

Geeze....I gotta go plan the next trip...I'm homesick just thinking about this. :spingrin:

Bajahowodd - 11-9-2009 at 05:04 PM

I was poking around travel websites and ended up clicking on the Moon travel site. They have a Baja drive guide heading South from TJ. They list highway info, places of info, Accomodation info and restaurant info. I was pleased to see that the Moon folks actually gave Jesse a separate and solo page for La Paz Alta Cucina. Kudos.