BajaNomad

Where to buy fresh lobster in Rosarito area?

skipowell - 12-27-2010 at 08:21 PM

Hubby's birthday tomorrow and I need to get some lobsters for the dinner I am throwing for him after he plays golf with the boys. But... he usually does the shopping for seafood so I need help. Is it safe for me to go to Popolta by myself or should I just go to Vince's little market? If I was to go to Popolta can anyone tell me exactly where to go?
Thanks for any help!!
Lori

Dave - 12-27-2010 at 10:58 PM

I don't that you would find anyone in Popotla upfront about selling lobster since it's illegal and PESCA has "eyes on" the area. Your best bet is Vince's.

You might find a restaurant in Puerto Nuevo that would be willing to sell live or frozen lobster, though. And for anything bigger than a thumbnail, be prepared to pay a premium.

Woooosh - 12-28-2010 at 10:28 AM

I don't even shop for the local critters. If you live in Rosarito you can have live Maine lobsters overnighted to Chula Vista for pickup for less than you'd buy their local clawless distant cousins at Vincents. I didn't know they were illegal to buy from the Popotla boats in December, which is lobster season, why is that? Sorry.

http://www.mainelobsterdirect.com/Catalog/lobsters.cgi/10011...

[Edited on 12-28-2010 by Woooosh]

durrelllrobert - 12-28-2010 at 10:36 AM

turn right at dirt road nex tto fence on south side of fox studio and follow it to water.

susanna - 12-28-2010 at 10:49 AM

Is there a problem bringing it across the border if they catch you?

Sherman - 12-28-2010 at 11:09 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by susanna
Is there a problem bringing it across the border if they catch you?

Yes, if you do not declare them. I don't know about the Feds, but California wants you to have a receipt for the purchase. There is a minimum size for Spiny Lobster in CA, and it is illegal to import any regulated species into CA that does not meet the size requirements or is otherwise prohibited. This means to me, that they should be whole and in measurable condition, ie., not just the tails. Enforcement is spotty, and many of our own F&G employees do not fully understand the sometimes complex regulations.

Woooosh - 12-28-2010 at 11:31 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Sherman
Quote:
Originally posted by susanna
Is there a problem bringing it across the border if they catch you?

Yes, if you do not declare them. I don't know about the Feds, but California wants you to have a receipt for the purchase. There is a minimum size for Spiny Lobster in CA, and it is illegal to import any regulated species into CA that does not meet the size requirements or is otherwise prohibited. This means to me, that they should be whole and in measurable condition, ie., not just the tails. Enforcement is spotty, and many of our own F&G employees do not fully understand the sometimes complex regulations.

Maybe better to just hit the Ortega's Restaurant in San Diego. Same Ortega's family, same Baja lobster and no hassles.

Dave - 12-28-2010 at 12:12 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Woooosh
I didn't know they were illegal to buy from the Popotla boats in December, which is lobster season, why is that? Sorry.


In Mexico, catch and sale of lobster is a highly regulated industry. Authorized sales and end use is supposedly documented. ;D

I've bought lobster "off the street". However, it's usually handled like a drug deal. :rolleyes:

sancho - 12-28-2010 at 04:57 PM

I have had a running debate for yrs. about
the Calif Spiny lobster not being a TRUE
lobster, that is lacking claws. That the
Baja local lobster are technically salt water
crayfish. Any opinions?
In the past, I remember hearing that a percentage
of No Baja seafood, lobster, are flown up to Ensenada
from Cedros Isle?
Back in the day, 71' ish, surfing Cuatro Casas, near
Camalu, lobster from the local fisherman 75 cents
US a piece

[Edited on 12-29-2010 by sancho]

SteveD - 12-28-2010 at 05:36 PM

We were able to buy live lobsters at the fish camp at Popotla last January. Vendors had them in large ice chests full of salt water. Went there again last month. Only a few small dead or dying lobsters in gunny sacks. And they wanted $34/kilo!

Woooosh - 12-28-2010 at 06:43 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by sancho
I have had a running debate for yrs. about
the Calif Spiny lobster not being a TRUE
lobster, that is lacking claws. That the
Baja local lobster are technically salt water
crayfish. Any opinions?
In the past, I remember hearing that a percentage
of No Baja seafood, lobster, are flown up to Ensenada
from Cedros Isle?

I'm with you on that, they aren't closely related. Spiny lobster meat is not as sweet and the Maine lobster meat- and then you have the claw meat (which can be great or not so great). They do deep fry Spiny lobster, so who could really tell the difference after putting the meat through that? Deep fried lobster, rice, beans and tortillas isn't a culinary adventure, it used to be a simple pleasure on-the-cheap. No more. I'll still take all of it anyone doesn't want though :)

woody with a view - 12-28-2010 at 07:18 PM

the area that shall not be named.....2 months ago. the boys told us that 1000 kilos from the co-operativo were taken to ensenada for the chinese buyers. therefore, even the cost of local SD lobster has risen....

and if i told you that we paid $20 for these 5 you wouldn't believe me....:P

rsz_baja_oct_10_142.jpg - 31kB

Woooosh - 12-28-2010 at 07:24 PM

http://www.sandiegored.com/noticias/2702/It-s-now-easier-to-...

It’s now easier to reach Baja Cal. lobster meal
ROSARITO BEACH – It’s now easier and faster to reach your favorite lobster meal in Puerto Nuevo.

Baja California officials announced that they have finished work on a key bridge connecting to the town famous for its lobster deals, south of Rosarito Beach.

Since Saturday, the bridge located in the tiny town of El Morro now has four lanes instead of two. It’s the last part of the expansion of the road that connects the fishing village of Popotla, just south of Rosarito Beach, to Puerto Nuevo.

In August, the state began the project to expand the two-lane bridge, one of the most traveled thoroughfares in the area, especially by surfers and other tourists from Southern California.

Bottlenecks were common at peak times and holidays.

The expansion, which cost around $252,000, will greatly ease the flow of traffic, said Alfredo Torres, an official with the state agency that deals with infrastructure and urban development.

People who wanted to go to Puerto Nuevo frequently opted to take the toll road because they considered it safer. Now they have an option that’s free.

With the completion of the expansion project, the old free road from Popotla to Puerto Nuevo now has four lanes of white-top cement, signage and new access to parking areas. The last part of that project was the expansion of the bridge at El Morro, a tiny town with 86 inhabitants where thousands of people cross daily from Tijuana to Ensenada.

The free road crosses Fox Studios, the cultural and tourism center of Calafia and Las Dunas (the dunes), among other popular sites.

That road is closer to the area’s businesses, hotels and restaurants, but above all to the beautiful scenery that routes offers.

Omar.millan@sandiegored.com

krafty - 12-28-2010 at 09:34 PM

I'm with you Wooooooosh, or is it Wooooosh? When we have our mi familias visiting we always go to Puerto Nuevo-same place all the time that knows us, and have a fantabulous meal-I am from the East Coast, I know they are not Maine Lobstas, but DANG, no complaints.And the owners eyes light up when they see us!

SteveD - 12-28-2010 at 10:16 PM

"With the completion of the expansion project, the old free road from Popotla to Puerto Nuevo now has four lanes of white-top cement, signage and new access to parking areas. The last part of that project was the expansion of the bridge at El Morro, a tiny town with 86 inhabitants where thousands of people cross daily from Tijuana to Ensenada"

I thought the cement road started just south of Puerto Nuevo and ended at the sand dunes. The road from Popatla to Puerto Nuevo is a patch work of the original road and some new asphalt with pot-holes that resemble the surface of the moon!

bigzaggin - 12-29-2010 at 10:34 AM

Quote:
The free road crosses Fox Studios, the cultural and tourism center of Calafia and Las Dunas (the dunes), among other popular sites.


Calafia is a "cultural and tourism center???" Please explain. I thought it was just a place for so-so surf and overpriced lunch.

Woooosh - 12-29-2010 at 11:04 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by bigzaggin
Quote:
The free road crosses Fox Studios, the cultural and tourism center of Calafia and Las Dunas (the dunes), among other popular sites.


Calafia is a "cultural and tourism center???" Please explain. I thought it was just a place for so-so surf and overpriced lunch.

Yeah, I chuckled at that one too. Maybe they are trying to creative a dot-to-dot cultural experience tour down the peninsula to jump-start tourism.

wessongroup - 12-29-2010 at 11:08 AM

Superfamily Palinuroidea,  Family Palinuridae,  Spiny Lobsters. First walking legs as such, not P-nchers or claws. Genera Jasus, Linuparus, Palinurus, Panulirus, Puerulus

Infraorder Astacoidea, Superfamily Nephropoidea, Family Nephropidae, the Clawed Lobsters. One pair antennae. Genera Homarus, Metanephrops, Nephrops, Nephropsis

http://tinyurl.com/33ca5ex

Woooosh - 12-29-2010 at 11:13 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by wessongroup
Superfamily Palinuroidea,  Family Palinuridae,  Spiny Lobsters. First walking legs as such, not P-nchers or claws. Genera Jasus, Linuparus, Palinurus, Panulirus, Puerulus

Infraorder Astacoidea, Superfamily Nephropoidea, Family Nephropidae, the Clawed Lobsters. One pair antennae. Genera Homarus, Metanephrops, Nephrops, Nephropsis

http://tinyurl.com/33ca5ex

The Maine lobster is also cannibalistic. If you don't empty your lobster pots every few days the ones you caught will fight and eat each other. Usually they just tear a claw off each other which makes them "culls" with less value. Everyone wants a pretty lobster...

[Edited on 12-29-2010 by Woooosh]

DianaT - 12-29-2010 at 11:25 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by woody with a view
the area that shall not be named.....2 months ago. the boys told us that 1000 kilos from the co-operativo were taken to ensenada for the chinese buyers. therefore, even the cost of local SD lobster has risen....

and if i told you that we paid $20 for these 5 you wouldn't believe me....:P


Yea,
I believe you. While our area is reasonably well patrolled, there are some lobster fishermen willing to take the risk and trade the lobster in their co-op traps to other fishermen, and some are willing to risk more to sell both fresh and cooked lobster to gringo tourists. Legally all the lobster belong to the co-ops.

Now, since the fishermen do receive a few for their own use, we have been given lobster as gifts and we know people who have bought lobster directly from the co-op, but the co-op made them promise that it would be used right away.

So does the co-op in Rosarito sell any direct to the public??

Woooosh - 12-29-2010 at 02:49 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by DianaT
Quote:
Originally posted by woody with a view
the area that shall not be named.....2 months ago. the boys told us that 1000 kilos from the co-operativo were taken to ensenada for the chinese buyers. therefore, even the cost of local SD lobster has risen....

and if i told you that we paid $20 for these 5 you wouldn't believe me....:P


Yea,
I believe you. While our area is reasonably well patrolled, there are some lobster fishermen willing to take the risk and trade the lobster in their co-op traps to other fishermen, and some are willing to risk more to sell both fresh and cooked lobster to gringo tourists. Legally all the lobster belong to the co-ops.

Now, since the fishermen do receive a few for their own use, we have been given lobster as gifts and we know people who have bought lobster directly from the co-op, but the co-op made them promise that it would be used right away.

So does the co-op in Rosarito sell any direct to the public??
TextText

I've never heard of that, unless the "co-op" is the people who sell lobster from the trunks locked in back rooms of the shacks in Popotla.

woody with a view - 12-29-2010 at 06:32 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by bigzaggin
Quote:
The free road crosses Fox Studios, the cultural and tourism center of Calafia and Las Dunas (the dunes), among other popular sites.


Calafia is a "cultural and tourism center???" Please explain. I thought it was just a place for so-so surf and overpriced lunch.


before the condos grew out of the beach we used to park on the point. i don't know about so-so.... it was our favorite place in the summer hurricane season. we got off work at 3.30 and headed south. in the water by 5pm MAX and surf until 7-730. back home by 9pm....

those were the days......

[Edited on 12-30-2010 by woody with a view]

rsz_calafia_hurricane__olivia.jpg - 18kB

bigzaggin - 12-30-2010 at 09:24 AM

When I was a kid we also used to park out on the point and surf the reef around the back, which I was introduced to as "Mushrooms" or "Mushroom Rock." Just plain "mushy" might have been more apt, but it had its good days and I distinctly recall how sad I was the first time someone told me I couldn't park out there...an experience we all know well.

Not soon after, I started looking south...

woody with a view - 12-30-2010 at 07:35 PM

the foto above is Mushrooms, circa 1985-ish...

onetime they had some fancy contest at Gus Cota's place. some called it k-38, but since ol' Gus was an ex-Point Loma guy we prefered to call it Gus'.

well, that weekend there was an epic so-hemi swell and i can still remember watching Joey Buran and Tom Curren threading their way thru the Mushrooms (rock boils!) from WAY behind the peak.

i hated to share the waves with those pro wankers, but looking back, we thought WE had the place wired! to think that those guys had probably never surfed it before, and they were doing 2-3 turns in front of the boils just blows the mind....

bigzaggin - 12-30-2010 at 11:14 PM

That's an EPIC story. I think my first EVER Baja trip was in '84 (I was like, 12) and the guy I was with took me to surf Popotla. And we "camped" at Mushrooms...just rolled his 4Runner out there and crashed in it. I don't even remember thinking there was a chance I could have been robbed. I guess at that age, you're dumb enough to trust everyone.

Sometimes I'm tempted to see how much magic remains in far northern baja...but then I just drop my head and motor on to El Rosario.

[Edited on 12-31-2010 by bigzaggin]

woody with a view - 1-2-2011 at 07:16 AM

nowadays, i'm afraid to even look out the windows until the hills of maneadero. that's why we cross at 4am, right about sunrise ensenada is in the rear view mirror.