BajaNomad

Grocery shopping in San Felipe

dizzyspots - 9-20-2012 at 09:29 AM

Headed to Gonzaga Bay 1st week of Oct...have always brought groceries and supplies from home. Thinking about shopping in San Felipe on the way down: a) cheaper? b) support the locals
Any thoughts/ preferences/stay aways?

Also: never bothered with FMT for travel to GB..need to?
Latest on bringing firewood in from the states? Had a secondary with USBP bringing stateside purchased firewood(still in the wrapper) back to the states and "questioned" w/o confiscation by Mexican border folks coming down last time?

Thanks in advance
Mike

bajaguy - 9-20-2012 at 09:37 AM

New CALIMAX in town for groceries.............

Get the FMM........be legal

Have a great trip!!!!! :bounce:

David K - 9-20-2012 at 09:40 AM

Southbound, never had wood taken, but it was packed in and not real visible.
Northbound: NO wood across border. Had secondary confiscate an unused bundle of grocery store wrapped fire wood we didn't use because of wind one trip. So burn it in Baja or stash it in the dunes for next time!

While technically any trip south of San Felipe or any trip over 3 days long both require an FMM (no longer FMT), I have been south of San Felipe a hundred times without one... along with most everyone else who camps on the east side of Baja (norte). I do have one now that is good for about 6 months from July, when we got one for our summer trip to La Paz/ Cabo... It was never checked anywhere... but we were legit!

Grocery store? Maybe some of the El Dorado residents or San Felipe folks can better answer you. I pack a tight truck, so we only stop for beer on a camping trip... and have some fish tacos along the way. Hard to pack away groceries for a bumpy drive while in the parking lot of a store.

David K - 9-20-2012 at 09:41 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by bajaguy
New CALIMAX in town for groceries.............

Get the FMM........be legal

Have a great trip!!!!! :bounce:


Calimax in San Felipe, donde?

bajaguy - 9-20-2012 at 10:00 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by David K
Quote:
Originally posted by bajaguy
New CALIMAX in town for groceries.............

Get the FMM........be legal

Have a great trip!!!!! :bounce:


Calimax in San Felipe, donde?





Shouldn't be too hard to find with their sign, don't know the exact location:

http://www.blueroadrunner.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=...

Also a Wal-Mart off-shoot, Bodega Aurrera is being built:

http://www.blueroadrunner.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=...

dizzyspots - 9-20-2012 at 10:09 AM

FMM in San Felipe...near the Malecon, same? place we used to get our Mex fishing license or can we get it in San Luis when we cross (early AM/0700)

David K - 9-20-2012 at 10:15 AM

A long time ago, it was reported they no longer issued them, must get them at the border when entering Mexico. It would be nice for those who decide after going to San Felipe, they want to run down to Percebu or Gonzaga for the day... and be 'legit'!:light:

dizzyspots - 9-20-2012 at 10:19 AM

The San Felipe webpage says FMM is for stays over 7 days...we'll be at Gonzaga Bay for 5...and it says NOT available in San Felipe..we are crossing at San Luis...

dizzyspots - 9-20-2012 at 10:22 AM

This will be our 7th trip...never been asked. On our 1st trip(2007) we crossed at Algodones..late...Semanta Santa..everything closed..went all the way to San Ignacio to play with the whales...was asked at Guerrero(sp?) Negro checkpoint..told them that Algodones was closed...they said OK and let us pass

sancho - 9-20-2012 at 10:56 AM

I would not count on grocries being much/any cheaper
in SF, the only thing we usually buy there are fruit
for a blender drink, tortillas, etc. It would be nice
after all these yrs. Mex Imm would have some definitive
regs on how far down, how many days one can be in
Mex without an fmm. Me, I'm kinda hinky about driving
in Mex, and a little pariniod about 'What If's', so I
always get the 180 tourist card, or the free 6 nt 7 day,
I don't care what Mex Imm says at the border or what
the SF site says, if SOMETHING whould go a little haywire
and one is asked for a Tourist Card, I wouldn't like to
be in the position of not being able to hand them one.
As pointed out no one CHECKS for a tourist card,
but no one usually checks for a Mex fishing license
either, unless you're in a Marine Reserve area

willardguy - 9-20-2012 at 11:19 AM

calimax grand opening was aug 30th, the store is on chetumal half way between the arches and glorieta. be sure to get your calimax discount card.
as far as a tourist card goes sancho is right,20 bucks for piece of mind. BE FORWARNED pesca has been checking fishing licensees in gonzaga bay all year, spread the word to the regatta group!

dizzyspots - 9-20-2012 at 11:39 AM

Word has been spread...mine is in hand!
RE: FMM if not available in San Felipe..and we are crossing at San Luis..where do we get one?

David K - 9-20-2012 at 11:43 AM

At the border (San Luis), INM office (each border has one)...

mcfez - 9-20-2012 at 12:00 PM

We like DJ Market. Meat counter ....and will custom cuts for you. Fresh produce. Many items of Americano favorites.

The owner is very keen about keeping the place clean and well organized.....family operation there, for years. When you are at the check out....a young school girl or boy will be bagging your goods. The kids are counting on tips.............be generous :-)

BTW......to bring down your own food.....is a hassle. prices in SF are no cheaper than a Safeway in the USA. Support the locals :-)

Down the street is a "hardware store (right) in case you need whatever....further down is the Fish Market .....in case McFez caught all the fish in Gonzaga Bay and left you none :-)

Feel free to use our place for a meeting point or rest stop...overnight. Plenty of parking for your tins......and there is outside power and water. Tell the security that I sent you.

dizzyspots....how many tins this year?



Off Mar Caribe Sur








[Edited on 9-20-2012 by mcfez]

David K - 9-20-2012 at 12:07 PM

Thanks Deno, that looks great... and good job on the map, showing it is on the Puertecitos highway route through town.

sancho - 9-20-2012 at 12:27 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by mcfez
We like DJ Market




[Edited on 9-20-2012 by mcfez]




I'm with you on the original small mkts., La Vaquita past
the traffic circle coming into SF is another, hope
the Calimax doesn't crush these

willardguy - 9-20-2012 at 12:36 PM

lol different stokes for sure but im with jim and lisa on this one.
At least you will feel more welcome, no cameras and monitors all over the place with that damn korean stairing there watching your every movment and then trying to give you chucky cheez coins for change!

[Edited on 6-7-2012 by Jim/Liisa]

lizard lips - 9-20-2012 at 01:15 PM

My good friend in San Felipe already closed his market as have many other mom and pop stores because of Calimax. Thats just the way it is. Walmart next!

mcfez - 9-20-2012 at 02:06 PM

Chinese......not Korean.

He is no worst than those undercover anti shoplifter agents at Walmart......or the hundred plus cameras.

Ever say "Hi" to ......................"that damn korean"? He is extremely friendly.....and is a great conversationalist. Give it a try :-)
Quote:
Originally posted by willardguy
lol different stokes for sure but im with jim and lisa on this one.
At least you will feel more welcome, no cameras and monitors all over the place with that damn korean stairing there watching your every movment and then trying to give you chucky cheez coins for change!

[Edited on 6-7-2012 by Jim/Liisa]




[Edited on 9-20-2012 by mcfez]

David K - 9-20-2012 at 02:43 PM

I am wondering how Jim/Liisa edited willardguy's post ???

dizzyspots - 9-20-2012 at 03:12 PM

Deno...total boat count as of this post sits at 8...a combo of sorts..with my little 12ft Valco all the way to a 21ft Grady White...hanging out at Berts
PS we usually meet up (yakyak2010 and another from SoCal) atthe Malecon..seems a bit cumbersome for 2 crewcabs and trailers any suggestions? gonna grab a bite etc, before heading south

[Edited on 9-20-2012 by dizzyspots]

willardguy - 9-20-2012 at 04:12 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by David K
I am wondering how Jim/Lisa edited willard guy's post ???
okay I apologize I screwed this whole thing up.I copied the DJ,s sucks post from jim and lisa's post about calimax coming to SF and pasted it here. I was agreeing with them, others have complained about the rotten produce and crappy exchange rate.
bottom line is shop where ever you feel comfortable, i'll go the brand new calimax with fair prices, clean isles and where they employ more san felipeians than all the little markets combined.
my apologies to jim/lisa, mcfez,and dizzyspots for screwin up a simple question!:rolleyes:

BajaBlanca - 9-20-2012 at 04:14 PM

the laws have indeed changed and I am surprised that the san felipe website has not been updated to reflect it. maybe you want to give them a heads up ....

all visas are now handled at the border and only at the border. The fine for not having one past the border is $100.

document checks can happen anywhere ... our guests have told us that they were askedf for their passports and visas by the MILITARY guy at a checkpoint and he wrote the info down. Will wonders never cease !

have a great trip !

mcfez - 9-20-2012 at 06:20 PM

2 crew cabs and trailers ....can be insane to meet on the Malecon...especially if it is a weekend. I posted a picture below of GREAT seafood joint on the Malecon. There MAY be parking for all of your crews......I certainly would not park "out of sight"....for your fishing gear and such........ might end up at the local Midnight Discount Store :-)

Go in there and tell the owner that Jack, Amy, and Deno sent you. The deep fried shrimp is killer............About ten bucks for the dinners.


El Nino in my opinion.....has fantastic steaks and pork chops. They have a rear parking lot....and DAMN GOOD security. Park in front too...ask the door man to watch the trucks ($5.00 does wonders). They have exterior video cameras BTW :-)

Get there before 5 p.m. and ask for the price special. Save a few bucks. Dinners are around fifteen bucks. No dress code...shorts are fine.



There is the Chinese Restaurant off the main drag that relocated from their old spot......last year. Plenty of parking too......but cannot say about the security of the trucks. I cannot see the place from Google. Perhaps a BN here will supply you directions. Food there is over sized platters of yummy stuff. About ten bucks per person.

Or................
Meet at my place where you can park on my house property....and/or another lot we have there. Walk ten minutes to Juanita's. across the highway. Secured location.....


My hat is off to the fine willardguy ! Txs for the cool post :-)
Quote:
Originally posted by dizzyspots
Deno...total boat count as of this post sits at 8...a combo of sorts..with my little 12ft Valco all the way to a 21ft Grady White...hanging out at Berts
PS we usually meet up (yakyak2010 and another from SoCal) atthe Malecon..seems a bit cumbersome for 2 crewcabs and trailers any suggestions? gonna grab a bite etc, before heading south

[Edited on 9-20-2012 by dizzyspots]




[Edited on 9-21-2012 by mcfez]

willardguy - 9-20-2012 at 06:39 PM

you guys are on vacation,right?:tumble:

dizzyspots - 9-20-2012 at 07:08 PM

We always use La Moreno...great food and service...we have always parked by that blue hotel in the background..no issues...just not sure we can fit THREE(3) trucks and trailers in line...or just head south to CowPatty's LOL crossing at 0700...thinkin 1100 or so...lunch on the Malecon is usually a good road trip break...


[Edited on 9-21-2012 by dizzyspots]

mcfez - 9-20-2012 at 08:17 PM

Very good spot for fishing :-)
Quote:
Originally posted by willardguy
you guys are on vacation,right?:tumble:

Jim/Liisa - 9-20-2012 at 08:31 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by willardguy
Quote:
Originally posted by David K
I am wondering how Jim/Lisa edited willard guy's post ???
okay I apologize I screwed this whole thing up.I copied the DJ,s sucks post from jim and lisa's post about calimax coming to SF and pasted it here. I was agreeing with them, others have complained about the rotten produce and crappy exchange rate.
bottom line is shop where ever you feel comfortable, i'll go the brand new calimax with fair prices, clean isles and where they employ more san felipeians than all the little markets combined.
my apologies to jim/lisa, mcfez,and dizzyspots for screwin up a simple question!:rolleyes:


You did fine by Me. Have you been to the new Calimax? I'm headed down next week. Mcfez the owners of DJ's are korean We know a couple, the wife is korean and they are best friends with the owners of DJ's and they are Korean...

mcfez - 9-20-2012 at 09:48 PM

Not Chinese? Last time I'll go to that store :-)
Quote:
Originally posted by Jim/Liisa
Quote:
Originally posted by willardguy
Quote:
Originally posted by David K
I am wondering how Jim/Lisa edited willard guy's post ???
okay I apologize I screwed this whole thing up.I copied the DJ,s sucks post from jim and lisa's post about calimax coming to SF and pasted it here. I was agreeing with them, others have complained about the rotten produce and crappy exchange rate.
bottom line is shop where ever you feel comfortable, i'll go the brand new calimax with fair prices, clean isles and where they employ more san felipeians than all the little markets combined.
my apologies to jim/lisa, mcfez,and dizzyspots for screwin up a simple question!:rolleyes:


You did fine by Me. Have you been to the new Calimax? I'm headed down next week. Mcfez the owners of DJ's are korean We know a couple, the wife is korean and they are best friends with the owners of DJ's and they are Korean...

willardguy - 9-20-2012 at 09:58 PM

the only difference is a squiggly line on a map! regardless DJ's does have the best flour tortilla's, i'll give em that!

Shell fish

mcfez - 9-21-2012 at 06:55 AM

willardguy...............you have a good place to buy shellfish? I've been looking without success.
Quote:
Originally posted by willardguy
the only difference is a squiggly line on a map! regardless DJ's does have the best flour tortilla's, i'll give em that!

sancho - 9-21-2012 at 11:47 AM

Mc Fez, should I use some of your salted squid connection
for fishing the Iguana/Rockidile? Shrimp season was said
to have opened yesterday, Thurs. Any ways to cook shrimp
over a Coleman stove? Best breakfast in SF? Going down
in Oct. gracias

[Edited on 9-21-2012 by sancho]

bajaguy - 9-21-2012 at 11:54 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by sancho
Any ways to cook shrimp
over a Coleman stove? gracias

[Edited on 9-21-2012 by sancho]





Olive oil, lots of garlic and white wine.....saute until done....serve over rice or noodles

David K - 9-21-2012 at 01:02 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by bajaguy
Quote:
Originally posted by sancho
Any ways to cook shrimp
over a Coleman stove? gracias

[Edited on 9-21-2012 by sancho]





Olive oil, lots of garlic and white wine.....saute until done....serve over rice or noodles


THAT SOUNDS GOOD!

mcfez - 9-21-2012 at 01:19 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by sancho
Mc Fez, should I use some of your salted squid connection
for fishing the Iguana/Rockidile? Shrimp season was said
to have opened yesterday, Thurs. Any ways to cook shrimp
over a Coleman stove? Best breakfast in SF? Going down
in Oct. gracias

[Edited on 9-21-2012 by sancho]


".........Any ways to cook shrimp over a Coleman stove"?

My standard cooking equipment is a single burner and a Hibachi . Lay foil down BEFORE charcoal or wood....easy clean up. For shrimp......I LOVE to make a small Hibachi fire from dead ocotillo wood. Exceptional flavor. Base fish with oil or butter before cooking. Trigger fish is great this way too.
http://tinyurl.com/cysxn82



Salted Bait concoction
http://forums.bajanomad.com/viewthread.php?tid=52244#pid6112...
Fifth post down

Bait is good for fish..........follow directions on the link provided. For use in a Topless bar such as the Iguana Club.....soak not in salt but $20.oo bills :-)



Chuy Place
Second street from the Malecone at the far end (old harbor)
Excellent Egg and bacon....damn good potatoes and killer bread. Good coffee. Open air windows :-) Easy parking.



[Edited on 9-21-2012 by mcfez]

Bajajorge - 9-22-2012 at 08:58 AM

Speaking of Chuy's Restaurant, try their Filete of Shrimp. Last I had it, it cost around $10USD, but worth every cent. It's several grande camarone woven together into a circle, with bacon, cheese, veggies etc. It's about the size of large hockey puck.

Sort of like Camarone Costa Azul, but round, all attached.