Mama Espinoza's

Can't do it

we've never had a bad meal there ~
and you can't beat the hugs and kisses from Auntie Rolli

Goat, that is some really good information... thanks..

That's to bad, never been there nor had the pleasure of dinning there.
We are so lucky to have so many fine restaurants in Loreto. For a little town on the Baja, it sure kicks $ss.

Antonio never had plans for a restuarant, he has begun construction of a mini market next to the Pemex that will have a taco stand inside... Perhaps hot (locally caught) lobster, abalone, and caracol del mar burritos could be served???

Last time I had lobster at Mama Espinoza's, was for Thanksgiving Dinner, 2004... it was great!!:



Antonio (BajaCactus), Tony Miranda (Diamante Del Mar project),
and I at Mama Espinoza's Restaurant.



Baja Turkey!

Quote:

Originally posted by David K Quote: Originally posted by Hook I'm dying to know what they are charging for the lobster burritos these days. I remember them being 12.00 US probably 6-8 years ago. And they were bad. Took about a half hour to get them and they were lukewarm. Whatever happened to Antonio's plans to open a restaurant? Or, am I having a senile moment? Antonio never had plans for a restuarant, he has begun construction of a mini market next to the Pemex that will have a taco stand inside... Perhaps hot (locally caught) lobster, abalone, and caracol del mar burritos could be served??? Last time I had lobster at Mama Espinoza's, was for Thanksgiving Dinner, 2004... it was great!!: Antonio (BajaCactus), Tony Miranda (Diamante Del Mar project), and I at Mama Espinoza's Restaurant. Baja Turkey!

Weird, I've ate there like 100 times over the last 10-15 years and I have never had a bad meal. I had to stay there for 3 days this past winter due to bad weather, and ate there for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Each was great! I stick to the fish taco's and huevos ranchero's though... ???

Of course, I am not a picky eater, and rarely do I dislike a meal.

[Edited on 4-20-2011 by BooJumMan]

Several small restaurants and many taco stands... sometimes change their name or close/ open on next visit.

Mama's is fine for breakfast and next door to Baja Cactus, a plus.

#27 on map (Primo's) La Bocana Beach Restaurant renamed the Sinahi Restaurant (in front of the Sinahi Motel and RV Park) used to do a nice breakfast and served great melon (cantelope) juice for breakfast (order a pitcher). Last time, no Primo around and order error, novice waitress... not good (but we understand things change). In 2005, they had great shrimp dinners... as Bob H will tell you!

#38 Always good, far end of town and across for the nice Turista Motel is Ed & Yolanda's 'Baja's Best Restaurant. Breakfast or dinner... They have a nice bed & breakfast there.

#32 For dinner (or lunch): Tacos La Mision run by El Rosario's artist Hugo Lopez... his art on display at the small taco restaurant that serves awesome STUFFED BAKED POTATOES.

With so many changes just keep an open mind and keep reporting good and bad restaurant experiences...

Here's a map I made a few years ago pointing the eating places out in El Rosario:





[Edited on 4-20-2011 by David K]

No worries my friend! The 'V-8' Lobster sounds great!

Maybe someone should do them the favor of telling them That would give them a chance to improve and be more successful. It is after all Mama Espinoza's place and she is so loved, it's a shame that the restaurant is no longer held in high regard by so many. I think also nowadays people expect more than they did years ago, I do anyway. One reason is cost, it's not cheap to eat there or many other places. When you can get an excellent taco at stand for so cheap it's hard to justify paying WAY more for mediocrity.

Quote:

Originally posted by goldhuntress Maybe someone should do them the favor of telling them That would give them a chance to improve and be more successful. It is after all Mama Espinoza's place and she is so loved, it's a shame that the restaurant is no longer held in high regard by so many. I think also nowadays people expect more than they did years ago, I do anyway. One reason is cost, it's not cheap to eat there or many other places. When you can get an excellent taco at stand for so cheap it's hard to justify paying WAY more for mediocrity.

Use photobucket.com, click 'customize your upload options' before loading photos from your PC to Photobucket, and pic a size no bigger than 800 pixels.

Below are three we took in July of 2009... Mama signing the book about her life SHE says IS the accurate one and gives her birth year as 1910!



Another book, an autobiography by Anita, gives the more recognized year as 1908, along with her siblings:









[Edited on 4-21-2011 by David K]

One day in March 2011 during my regular two week visit, I was sitting talking to her when she told me "My son let me knit for you some pantuflas to take home with you because they will be the last ones my dear." She then said "It's almost Goodbye Charlie." It took her almost one entire week to finish them because she cannot see with one eye and has trouble seeing with the other. As you can imagine they were not as pretty as she once made them. I will treasure them like gold. Please stop in and see her when you are in town. She loves talking to people. Tell her that her son David sends his love.

MAMA ESPINOZA'S LAST PANTUFLAS

All good things die eventually

I have heard about this place many times from the BN and friends that have visited there. I also have read about it too in the book "Baja Legends".

Many years have pass since the original founder was in the kitchen ........so to speak. Passing ownership or management to another person....whether it's a family member or business partner or outsider........usually ruins the business with their alternatives on how to run the business.

Price of wholesale food will deem the death of a restaurant too ......sometimes. Instead of raising the price on the menu to retain their quality of food.....they will buy cheap substitute that shows up fast on the out going platter to the tables.

I have witnessed this several times.....watching my own clubs go to Hell within months of selling them.


To show example here:

Back in the late 50's....Mum and dad would pile us kids up in the Ford Country station wagon......and head for Knott's Berry Farm. We would feast at the restaurant after having to stand in a very long line....waiting to get in.

All home made stuff. No less. Holy Gods!

Years later....2001 or so.....I took my Nicky and Jeanette there for dinner. Boxed biscuits, chicken was gummy and chewy, potatoes were instant (?), canned gravy....and the berry pie was real trash. This joint was so changed!

Yes.....even in Baja.....time ends all.

I have the name!

Thanks For Getting It

perhaps you are gourmand but not a gourmet

Steeped in Baja History and average Mexican food.

Still a Landmark to be seen.

[Edited on 6-29-2011 by greengoes]

Last time I ate there I peeed out the wrong hole for 12 straight hours the following day from El Rosario to Mulege in the worst storm I've ever had to drive through.

Quote:

Originally posted by greengoes Steeped in Baja History and average Mexican food. Still a Landmark to be seen. [Edited on 6-29-2011 by greengoes]

mama espinoza's

As I have testified here in the Nomad court, I got horrible food poisoning from eating Crab Burritos (Jaiba) and had to lay up for three days at the Baja Cactus. The day after, I passed out in the room. I thought I was going to die. The staff there was quite concerned and looked in on me often.

I have also heard from reliable sources that my crab experience is not all that uncommon at Mama's. However, a few years later, I do go in there but I will never eat any kind of seafood. They are OK for breakfast and for dinner if you eat chicken or maybe Chile Rellenos.

The purpose for this posting is not to dissuade people from going in. But I do have a responsibility to warn people of their food handling, refrigeration, or shelf time. I want people to know what to avoid and what to expect. Then, go in and enjoy it for what it is.

I have met Mama and talked with her twice. I really respect the good that woman has done in her life. I am in awe of her and the sense of history the restaurant represents. Of course, the management of the restaurant is many years past her guidance. She basks in the memories and the good Karma she has earned. Buy one of her books.

The place had taken a noticeable turn upward in quality of food and service when her grandson, whom I met, took over. Unfortunately, the last time I was in, the daughter was again managing it. The service was slow, no personality, and the food was too pricy for the so-so quality they were once again serving. I am not sure if she trades off with the grandson or whether she is there full time again.

The main reason I go in is because it is conveniently located near The Baja Cactus Hotel, and that is worth a lot after driving all day and being tired. So...I complain but still go in.

Exactly!

"The main reason I go in is because it is conveniently located near The Baja Cactus Hotel, and that is worth a lot after driving all day and being tired. So...I complain but still go in. "

Last time I eat there the Errachera (sp) was OK but the rellenos looked good but were not consumable. I think the grease they were cooked in was really bad. The next day we headed north and had a few extra emergency stops and she had a painful stomach. She only tried a couple bites and I had a taste with out swallowing and was OK.

Quote:

Originally posted by Russ Exactly! "The main reason I go in is because it is conveniently located near The Baja Cactus Hotel, and that is worth a lot after driving all day and being tired. So...I complain but still go in. " Last time I eat there the Errachera (sp) was OK but the rellenos looked good but were not consumable. I think the grease they were cooked in was really bad. The next day we headed north and had a few extra emergency stops and she had a painful stomach. She only tried a couple bites and I had a taste with out swallowing and was OK.

Quote:

Originally posted by toneart .... The place had taken a noticeable turn upward in quality of food and service when her grandson, whom I met, took over. Unfortunately, the last time I was in, the daughter was again managing it. The service was slow, no personality, and the food was too pricy for the so-so quality they were once again serving. I am not sure if she trades off with the grandson or whether she is there full time again. The main reason I go in is because it is conveniently located near The Baja Cactus Hotel, and that is worth a lot after driving all day and being tired. So...I complain but still go in.

Quote:

Originally posted by David K Quote: Originally posted by toneart .... The place had taken a noticeable turn upward in quality of food and service when her grandson, whom I met, took over. Unfortunately, the last time I was in, the daughter was again managing it. The service was slow, no personality, and the food was too pricy for the so-so quality they were once again serving. I am not sure if she trades off with the grandson or whether she is there full time again. The main reason I go in is because it is conveniently located near The Baja Cactus Hotel, and that is worth a lot after driving all day and being tired. So...I complain but still go in. X2 this! In 2009, when the grandson was in charge, it was a new place, fast service and good food... If Roli (Mama's daughter) is in charge again, then that would explaing the change. Roli is a sweetheart, but obviously not the best restaurant person. Good thing there are dozens of other restaurants and taco stands in town!

Lo posado posado (the past, it is past)

a true baja aficioando! (sp) hahaha too funny

Not sure if we are just lucky or our taste buds have all died but I travel through El Rosario a couple of times a month and always stop at Mama's to have lunch along the way; sometimes alone but usually with friends / business associates.

Can't think of a single time we had a bad meal...