BajaNomad

Puerto Nuevo

John M - 9-19-2012 at 05:31 AM

Is there a Baja Nomad favorite place for lunch?

We'll be there fairly early in the day, would we find something open around 10:00 a.m.?

John M

desertcpl - 9-19-2012 at 09:30 AM

Original Ortega's
Km. 44 Carretera a Ensenada
Puerto Nuevo, B.C. Mexico
US:
Mex:
Hours:

wessongroup - 9-19-2012 at 10:55 AM

Not in Puerto Nuevo, but just down the road a bit... "Splash" ... on the right

Haven't been in there for a time.. but, was very good and I'm sure you will get a few here than may add to it... not trying to highjack just give another place

Think its exact location has been posted here a couple of times ... :):)



[Edited on 9-19-2012 by wessongroup]

Hijacking permitted if....

John M - 9-19-2012 at 10:59 AM

..if it pertains to lobster meals in or near that area!

John M

David K - 9-19-2012 at 11:01 AM

Chela's , Top of 3 story building, down to your left, on one of the first side streets after entering village. Bob H and Audrey joined us there after the last Pyramid Booksigning (photos on Nomad and my website).

Locals eat there, so you know it's good! I only hope they are still in business... all you can eat guacamole and chips, too.

Edit: It was Doug, BajaNomad who showed me this place first!

[Edited on 9-19-2012 by David K]

In May, 2008 following Book Signing #6

David K - 9-19-2012 at 11:08 AM



We had a super good meal at Chela's (top floor view, first street to the left after entering Puerto Nuevo).

DENNIS - 9-19-2012 at 11:59 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by David K
Locals eat there, so you know it's good!

Really??? How do you know they're locals?
It surprises me that any discerning local would even drive into that snake pit.

Hire someone to watch your car if you arn't wearing your best walking shoes.


HEY....whatever happened to Dave?

David K - 9-19-2012 at 02:43 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by DENNIS
Quote:
Originally posted by David K
Locals eat there, so you know it's good!

Really??? How do you know they're locals?
It surprises me that any discerning local would even drive into that snake pit.

Hire someone to watch your car if you arn't wearing your best walking shoes.


HEY....whatever happened to Dave?


Snake pit? It's on the third floor! :lol:

Because they spoke Spanish and did not look like norteamericanos... They appeared to be businessmen. Talk to Doug if you have any more questions... this what I have seen over several visits up to 2008. Really miss Keri's book events... a good excuse to come south and eat! LOL

John, a for sure experience for lobster is Chef Johnny at the Half Way House! But, maybe watch for snakes??? LOL

DENNIS - 9-19-2012 at 03:09 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by David K
Snake pit? It's on the third floor! :lol:



I meant Puerto Nuevo.

Bajahowodd - 9-19-2012 at 03:48 PM

I thought I had read that the majority of restaurants in Puerto Nuevo had the same ownership.

That said, given the recent conditions, the entire area is way behind what they had a decade ago.

Udo - 9-19-2012 at 04:37 PM

My two centavos:


When we travel SOB and stay near Ensenada, we always eat at VILLA ORTEGAS Restaurant. Turn left at the bottom of the street (dirt road). Its the large restaurant with the large ship's rudder in front.

Why Villa Ortega?

Everyone appears to have the same recipe for rice, beans, tortilla soup, as well as tortillas. Most everyone fries their lobster. Villa Ortegas gives you the choice of "traditional" or steamed, we prefer steamed.
Also it has a waterfront atmosphere that is enviable. Sitting on a wooden deck, surrounded by a wind-breaking clear barrier, and the waves crashing below you.

Here are a few photos:






The view:



The kitchen:


Two of the whole lobsters available:



Plus great cancioneros:


My solution...switch back to the old Photobucket!

[Edited on 9-19-2012 by Udo]

[Edited on 9-20-2012 by Udo]

[Edited on 9-20-2012 by Udo]

willardguy - 9-19-2012 at 04:41 PM

I know you meant to say prop not rudder?:wow:

Udo - 9-19-2012 at 04:44 PM

You are correct...PROP!

It appears that my copy error on the photo links is that I have an "S" instead of an "i" at the beginning, but I am unable to change it from the link.

willardguy - 9-19-2012 at 04:56 PM

and a big prop at that! isnt there some kind of poorly done metal shark out front also? and does anyone know what the abandoned ruins south of the street were??

tripledigitken - 9-19-2012 at 04:59 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Udo
My two centavos:


When we travel SOB and stay near Ensenada, we always eat at VILLA ORTEGAS Restaurant. Turn left at the bottom of the street (dirt road). Its the large restaurant with the large ship's rudder in front.

Why Villa Ortega?

Everyone appears to have the same recipe for rice, beans, tortilla soup, as well as tortillas. Most everyone fries their lobster. Villa Ortegas gives you the choice of "traditional" or steamed, we prefer steamed.
Also it has a waterfront atmosphere that is enviable. Sitting on a wooden deck, surrounded by a wind-breaking clear barrier, and the waves crashing below you.

Here are a few photos:




One of the lobsters @ Villa Ortega's
http://s285.beta.photobucket.com/user/udowinkler/media/IMG_1...

The view:

http://s285.beta.photobucket.com/user/udowinkler/media/IMG_1...

The kitchen:
http://s285.beta.photobucket.com/user/udowinkler/media/IMG_1...

Two of the whole lobsters available:
http://s285.beta.photobucket.com/user/udowinkler/media/IMG_1...

My apologies...this new Photobucket is giving me fits. Can't post a photo any more. At least for now.

[Edited on 9-19-2012 by Udo]


Udo,
What are they charging for that dinner these days? (just the lobster plate)

Ken

Udo - 9-19-2012 at 05:17 PM

When we were there last weekend, Ken,their small lobster dinner was three small lobsters per person for $22.00 U.S.

In our case, we opted for the 6 lb lobster for $45.00 U.S. It fed both of us really well. Add Tortilla soup, rice, beans, tortillas, cheese-filled rolls, and some tostones. With four margaritas and a flan, the tab came to less than $60.00U.S.

QUETZALCOATL - 9-19-2012 at 05:29 PM

Side question?Does any one remember the name of the place where they rent pongas and serve food,its just south of Rosarito and some what north of PN. It has a dirt road running along a concrete wall to enter.I think it was called Pescador,anyway the food there is very reasonable and good,

willardguy - 9-19-2012 at 05:30 PM

popotla!

Udo - 9-19-2012 at 05:38 PM

When you do go, be sure you grab the first parking spot you find (somewhere along the road). You won't find anything closer to the water.

desertcpl - 9-19-2012 at 06:07 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by willardguy
popotla!



is this the drug drop off place

willardguy - 9-19-2012 at 06:19 PM

drop off drugs pick up up people buy illegal lobster drink ice cold tecates eat fresh fish thats probably not safe to eat watch hundreds of locals having a great time,priceless!

desertcpl - 9-19-2012 at 06:23 PM

so its a local thing,,, then gringos should not go down at night ??

willardguy - 9-19-2012 at 06:45 PM

I wouldnt, then again ive never been down there at nite so what do I know? nada. maybe someone else can chime in?

Villa Ortega

John M - 9-20-2012 at 05:26 AM

Ok Udo - we are planning on Villa Ortega - hope they open around 10

John M

QUETZALCOATL - 9-20-2012 at 05:41 AM

Thank Willard your right "Popotla", Ive been there at night and had no problems but maybe cause I picked up to many drugs and was to waisted to know better(just joking).Thanks again-you know your Baja.

Udo - 9-20-2012 at 07:22 AM

They'll be open, John...just be prepared to be beckoned by dozens of other restaurant's pitch men while going there.

Also, while there, stop at the liquor store on your way in. They have the least expensive prices in all of Baja.
Quote:
Originally posted by John M
Ok Udo - we are planning on Villa Ortega - hope they open around 10

John M

tripledigitken - 9-20-2012 at 07:48 AM

Udo,

Ortega's has been in PN a long time. Years ago they had several restaurants there. Is that still the case?

By the way, they have a very nice restaurant in San Diego.

http://www.ortegasbistro.com

Ken

Udo - 9-20-2012 at 04:23 PM

Yes, Ken, that is still the case.
The Ortega's own about half, or more of the PN restaurants. Thereby the duplication of recipes, let alone the hiring and re-hiring of one-another's chefs.
Quote:
Originally posted by tripledigitken
Udo,

Ortega's has been in PN a long time. Years ago they had several restaurants there. Is that still the case?

By the way, they have a very nice restaurant in San Diego.

http://www.ortegasbistro.com

Ken