BajaNomad

Mama Espinosa

Howard - 10-17-2013 at 03:11 AM

Traveling Southbound to Loreto last Monday I had a guest with me that has never been that far South. I gassed up at the Pemex in El Rosario and figured, what the heck, lets try Mama's so he could suck up some of the history of the place.

What a pleasant surprise! Great service, great food, I had crab enchilada's and he had a pretty basic breakfast. Rollie, (sic) Mama's daughter, was very accommodating and said that Mama's 107th birthday was Wednesday but no party because someones Uncle just passed away.

Anyway, after all the negative reports I was very happy that all was well with nothing but good things to report on this trip there.

woody with a view - 10-17-2013 at 04:50 AM

the combination plate has always been good. it's hard to screw up the national dish.

Mexitron - 10-17-2013 at 05:28 AM

Wow, 107 years young, amazing. She almost qualifies for the character in "Journey of the Flame", nearly spanning three centuries.

Russ - 10-17-2013 at 06:04 AM

Sorry to report that of the 3 time I tried the combination plate all three were lousy and some items weren't eatable each time. I now stay in San Quitin.
Quote:
Originally posted by woody with a view
the combination plate has always been good. it's hard to screw up the national dish.

Mulegena - 10-17-2013 at 06:25 AM

What a life this lady has lived!
Sorry I've never met her as she doesn't come down to the restaurant often now.
I always, always stop there traveling north or south; always good, nourishing food.

There is a painting of Mama Espinosa that was posted on Facebook with a philosophical saying
in Spanish.

I'll paraphrase in English here:
Hard roads bring good people but good, easy roads can be open to the bad.

Something like that. I don't know if this is a quotation attributed to Mama but it was paired with a pleasing painting of her in her mature years. It would seem to imply a sentiment that she might hold having been a part of the development of the peninsula and witness to the building of the trans-peninsular highway.

Anyone else see it? Can you post it here, please?

rts551 - 10-17-2013 at 08:11 AM

now you guys did it! 50 posts on how old she really is coming up!

DENNIS - 10-17-2013 at 08:14 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by rts551
now you guys did it! 50 posts on how old she really is coming up!



How.......old..........is.........she?

49 more to go.

ncampion - 10-17-2013 at 08:17 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Howard
Traveling Southbound to Loreto last Monday I had a guest with me that has never been that far South. I gassed up at the Pemex in El Rosario and figured, what the heck, lets try Mama's so he could suck up some of the history of the place.

What a pleasant surprise! Great service, great food, I had crab enchilada's and he had a pretty basic breakfast. Rollie, (sic) Mama's daughter, was very accommodating and said that Mama's 107th birthday was Wednesday but no party because someones Uncle just passed away.

Anyway, after all the negative reports I was very happy that all was well with nothing but good things to report on this trip there.


We usually stop there on our way both North and South. Always enjoy the atmosphere and the food is always good. I think one time we got some "not so fresh" fish in the fish soup, but that's not bad for a decade of traveling up and down multiple times a year. Good luck to Mama..........

David K - 10-17-2013 at 08:23 AM



Bad Roads Bring Good People...
Good Roads Bring ALL Kinds of People.

Mama (Anita Grosso de) Espinoza in her own autobiography 'Reflections' c1994 gives the birth years for all 10 Grosso siblings. Anita was the youngest, born in 1908.

rhintransit - 10-17-2013 at 08:25 AM

finally tried again this past trip north. was pleasantly surprised at the food. of course the great blended margarita might have had something to do with that!

mtgoat666 - 10-17-2013 at 08:27 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Russ
Sorry to report that of the 3 time I tried the combination plate all three were lousy and some items weren't eatable each time. I now stay in San Quitin.
Quote:
Originally posted by woody with a view
the combination plate has always been good. it's hard to screw up the national dish.


there is a much better restaurant east of mamas, north side of the road, across the street from the baseball field (between the llantera and the police station). dont know the name, just look for baseball field and you'll find it :bounce:

Ateo - 10-17-2013 at 08:35 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by mtgoat666
Quote:
Originally posted by Russ
Sorry to report that of the 3 time I tried the combination plate all three were lousy and some items weren't eatable each time. I now stay in San Quitin.
Quote:
Originally posted by woody with a view
the combination plate has always been good. it's hard to screw up the national dish.


there is a much better restaurant east of mamas, north side of the road, across the street from the baseball field (between the llantera and the police station). dont know the name, just look for baseball field and you'll find it :bounce:


I think that is Restaurant Mi Casita. It's an orange building right?

BajaParrothead - 10-17-2013 at 08:43 AM

Yes it is. It's a mother and daughter in the restaurant and dad runs the llantera.

mtgoat666 - 10-17-2013 at 08:44 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Ateo
Quote:
Originally posted by mtgoat666
Quote:
Originally posted by Russ
Sorry to report that of the 3 time I tried the combination plate all three were lousy and some items weren't eatable each time. I now stay in San Quitin.
Quote:
Originally posted by woody with a view
the combination plate has always been good. it's hard to screw up the national dish.


there is a much better restaurant east of mamas, north side of the road, across the street from the baseball field (between the llantera and the police station). dont know the name, just look for baseball field and you'll find it :bounce:


I think that is Restaurant Mi Casita. It's an orange building right?


perhaps
Quote:
Originally posted by David K
Perhaps Primo's La Bocana Beach Restaurant... maybe renamed Sinahi Restaurant after his motel/RV Park, next door?


nope

BajaRat - 10-17-2013 at 11:23 AM

Mammas makes a great cheese burger........ now I'm hungry.
We asked her one time for some pearls of wisdom and longevity, she said rice, beans and sunshine. :cool:

Bob H - 10-17-2013 at 04:24 PM

Audrey and I met Mama 17 years ago. She was only 90 then!!

Bajahowodd - 10-17-2013 at 04:58 PM

So, the restaurant continues to be the subject of controversy with respect to the food and the service.

We have never expected much there, and were not disappointed. Visiting this restaurant is more about the history o Baja, and less about the food and service.

So whatever happened to her (?) step son/ Adopted son(?) David? He used to post frequently here.

Udo - 10-17-2013 at 05:32 PM

Our favorite dish at Mama's are the crab soup (small serving is just right) and crab chile rellenos.
Used to be that Mama's was known for lobster EVERYTHING, but the crab is now their signature ingredient.

David K - 10-17-2013 at 05:58 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Bajahowodd
So, the restaurant continues to be the subject of controversy with respect to the food and the service.

We have never expected much there, and were not disappointed. Visiting this restaurant is more about the history o Baja, and less about the food and service.

So whatever happened to her (?) step son/ Adopted son(?) David? He used to post frequently here.


ELINVESTIG8R ... I don't seem him on TalkBaja.com much either.

Happy Birthday Mama Espinoza

David K - 10-17-2013 at 11:04 PM

According to her, she is 105 now (in October, 2013). What a life... and Baja is so much part of it!





Other books put her age at 103 this year... including the one she told me was 'correct' in 2009...





I think her list of all 10 siblings birth years in the first book is most convincing, written nearly 20 years ago.

Hope she is happy as long as she is on this world!

beachbum1A - 10-18-2013 at 06:41 AM

Mama Espinoza (and El Rosario) have a brief description on the March page of the new "Journey Down Baja" calendar for 2014.

BajaBlanca - 10-18-2013 at 08:24 AM

Perhaps because this is such a small community, or life is pretty much lived on a day to day basis without much rat race but it seems that quite a few elders live to the 100's, more than elsewhere.

Feathers - 10-18-2013 at 08:40 AM

We had dinner at Mama Espinoza a few weeks ago... the Chile Rellenos were DELICIOSO! Best I've ever had in Baja... including my own.

Despite the no-pet note posted on every door, the adjacent Motel IS pet-friendly... for 100 pesos. :)

[Edited on 10-18-2013 by Feathers]

rts551 - 10-18-2013 at 08:52 AM

Thanks DK. I knew you could not resist. good effort for a day or so, though.

in 2012, the UN estimated there to be only 316,600 centenarians worldwide

durrelllrobert - 10-18-2013 at 09:11 AM

Country Latest estimate (year)
Andorra 7 (2002)
Estonia 42 (1990
Ireland 87 (2006)
Austria 232 (1990)
Slovenia 233 (2012)
Portugal 268 (1990)
New Zealand 297 (1991)
Uruguay 519 (2011)
Finland 566 (2010)
Czech Republic 625 (2011)
Norway 636 (2010)
Singapore 724 (2011)
Hungary 799 (2009)
Denmark 889 (2010)
Switzerland 1,306 (2010)
Belgium 1,559 (2010)
Peru 1,682 (2011
Netherlands 1,743 (2010)
Sweden 1,798 (2010)
South Korea 1,836 (2010)
Poland 2,414 (2009)
Argentina 3,487 (1990)
Australia 4,252 (2011)
Mexico 7,441 (2010)
Canada 7,569 (2011)
Spain 8,080 (2010)
Germany 8,839 (2006)
Italy 12,756 (2010)
United Kingdom 13,361 (2012)
France 20,106 (2013)
Brazil 23,760 (2010)
China 48,921 (2011)
Japan 51,376 (2012)
United States 53,364 (2010)

LancairDriver - 10-18-2013 at 09:33 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by rts551
Thanks DK. I knew you could not resist. good effort for a day or so, though.


Pretty convincing evidence presented however. Maybe not PC with the Nomad censors on the occasion though.:lol::lol: 105 or 107 is remarkable in a pre Obama care era in any case.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MAMA!

Skipjack Joe - 10-18-2013 at 09:49 AM

107 years old!

They say she rode with Pancho Villa.

rts551 - 10-18-2013 at 10:48 AM

At her age, she can declare any birth year she wants!

BajaRat - 10-18-2013 at 11:06 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by LancairDriver
Quote:
Originally posted by rts551
Thanks DK. I knew you could not resist. good effort for a day or so, though.


Pretty convincing evidence presented however. Maybe not PC with the Nomad censors on the occasion though.:lol::lol: 105 or 107 is remarkable in a pre Obama care era in any case.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MAMA!


What does Obama have to do with Mamma Espinosa :rolleyes:
Life style, diet, genes, what life deals us and how we respond to it seems a little more rational............
Step away from the window, I won't let the boogie man come............. Shhhh go back to sleep, go back to sleep :lol:

LancairDriver - 10-18-2013 at 05:47 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by BajaRat
Quote:
Originally posted by LancairDriver
Quote:
Originally posted by rts551
Thanks DK. I knew you could not resist. good effort for a day or so, though.


Pretty convincing evidence presented however. Maybe not PC with the Nomad censors on the occasion though.:lol::lol: 105 or 107 is remarkable in a pre Obama care era in any case.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MAMA!


What does Obama have to do with Mamma Espinosa :rolleyes:


Life style, diet, genes, what life deals us and how we respond to it seems a little more rational............
Step away from the window, I won't let the boogie man come............. Shhhh go back to sleep, go back to sleep :lol:


Get up to speed with the times Rat. Read the 2000 plus pages in affordable care act.(aka Obama care) It's all about preventive health care. Could make you live longer. Get it?

liknbaja127 - 10-18-2013 at 07:58 PM

We always stop and eat there for years. The food is always good.
We had a chance to meet here 2 years ago, we were in her living room
with her daughter, the lady was awesome! We spent 15 min. with her,
she told us she speaks 4 different languages, she also sang Yankee Doodle Dandy to us. One more great Baja experience!

huesos - 11-16-2013 at 01:00 PM

It is hard to believe that she is still there. I first ate at her house in 1971. You want to talk about longevity, someone should study her diet and exercise regimen. As I recall, there was whenever possible, fish on the menu. The menu always consisted of whats for lunch today.

Lobster burritos were always my favorite

Whale-ista - 11-16-2013 at 10:14 PM

The melted butter, the fresh flour tortillas...my mouth waters (and cholesterol goes up) just imagining them.

This spring my group arrived a few days after lobster season had ended.sigh... Looking ahead to 2014, Lipitor at the ready.
Quote:
Originally posted by Udo
Our favorite dish at Mama's are the crab soup (small serving is just right) and crab chile rellenos.
Used to be that Mama's was known for lobster EVERYTHING, but the crab is now their signature ingredient.

Food

thefishaholic - 11-17-2013 at 09:03 AM

We stopped in Oct and again had a great meal and got to share what we know of Mama's history with a couple we met in SD and were showing them the way South.

Had Chile Rellenos with eggs on top. Yumm.

Mama

buggableone - 12-11-2013 at 10:21 AM

We just ate there last month. Twice in about a 3 week time span. Went the 2nd time hoping it would be better. NOT!

First clue, the taco chips were round and from a bag. Not freshly made like a lot of places serve.

Figured Mama was no longer in this world and not cooking any longer.

chuckie - 12-11-2013 at 10:37 AM

Doesnt seem like there is anything about Baja you like eh?

DianaT - 12-11-2013 at 10:42 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by buggableone
We just ate there last month. Twice in about a 3 week time span. Went the 2nd time hoping it would be better. NOT!

First clue, the taco chips were round and from a bag. Not freshly made like a lot of places serve.

Figured Mama was no longer in this world and not cooking any longer.


She is still around, but has not run the restaurant for many years. While she is still a Baja Icon, today the restaurant has many fans and many who will no longer eat there.

David K - 12-11-2013 at 11:06 AM

It obviously isn't consistent... but so many businesses in Mexico are the same. One trip will be fantastic, and the next time there is a different cook or waitress and the experience is not the same.

We have eaten at Mama's a few times, and it has been good (usually breakfast). Most of the times in El Rosario we go to other places, such as Ed's Baja's Best B&B Restaurant/Bar (across from the Turista Motel on the far end of town) or Hugo's Tacos Mision (casual indoor dining, giant burritos and stuffed baked potatoes).

For sure Mama's is designed with tourist's in mind... like a museum inside with fossils and photos and off road racing memorabilia. There is a gift store inside, too.

Breakfast in July, 2009:



Mama signing one of the books about her life to me:



She (above) was almost 101 per her autobiography (born August 1908) or almost 99 per the book she is signing here (born 1910)... the youngest of 10 children.

[Edited on 12-11-2013 by David K]

vgabndo - 12-11-2013 at 11:59 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by mtgoat666
Quote:
Originally posted by Ateo
Quote:
Originally posted by mtgoat666
Quote:
Originally posted by Russ
Sorry to report that of the 3 time I tried the combination plate all three were lousy and some items weren't eatable each time. I now stay in San Quitin.
Quote:
Originally posted by woody with a view
the combination plate has always been good. it's hard to screw up the national dish.


there is a much better restaurant east of mamas, north side of the road, across the street from the baseball field (between the llantera and the police station). dont know the name, just look for baseball field and you'll find it :bounce:


I think that is Restaurant Mi Casita. It's an orange building right?


perhaps
Quote:
Originally posted by David K
Perhaps Primo's La Bocana Beach Restaurant... maybe renamed Sinahi Restaurant after his motel/RV Park, next door?


nope


You are absolutely correct Goat, there is no Sinahi RV Park in El Rosario, I have stayed at the Sinai RV Park a couple of times, but that couldn't be the same place. The spelling czar would have pointed that out.:lol::lol::lol:

David K - 12-11-2013 at 12:40 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by vgabndo
Quote:
Originally posted by mtgoat666
Quote:
Originally posted by Ateo
Quote:
Originally posted by mtgoat666
Quote:
Originally posted by Russ
Sorry to report that of the 3 time I tried the combination plate all three were lousy and some items weren't eatable each time. I now stay in San Quitin.
Quote:
Originally posted by woody with a view
the combination plate has always been good. it's hard to screw up the national dish.


there is a much better restaurant east of mamas, north side of the road, across the street from the baseball field (between the llantera and the police station). dont know the name, just look for baseball field and you'll find it :bounce:


I think that is Restaurant Mi Casita. It's an orange building right?


perhaps
Quote:
Originally posted by David K
Perhaps Primo's La Bocana Beach Restaurant... maybe renamed Sinahi Restaurant after his motel/RV Park, next door?


nope


You are absolutely correct Goat, there is no Sinahi RV Park in El Rosario, I have stayed at the Sinai RV Park a couple of times, but that couldn't be the same place. The spelling czar would have pointed that out.:lol::lol::lol:


That is how the owner 'Primo' spells it: SINAHI.

If I find a photo I will add it, I did find an email from Antonio (BajaCactus) in 2005, regarding the Festival there, note how El Rosario native and businessman spells it:

Here is the email from Antonio tonight (May 24, 2005) that says it better than me retyping the details...
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Quote:

Bro...

I have been very, very busy organizing a ton of stuff...so, again, I need your help, if you have the time, to distribute the festival image (which I am attaching now) to any and all web sites you consider appropriate. Any place you think it may help to promote the Festival.

The reason for me to ask this is that I am seeing coming a lot a time for me to be spent in El Rosario in the next weeks...and as you know, I do not have Internet there.

The name of the festival is "Baja Rosario Festival 2005"... the activities we are organizing you already know.

Anyone who wish to attend and reserve a room in El Rosario, may contact me directly at festival@bajacactus.com... I have made arrangements with the local motels for me to control all the reservations for those days (it is easier).

We have the BajaCactus Motel with 24 rooms (18 already reserved), Las Cabańas motel with 17 rooms (4 already reserved) and Motel Sinahi with 16 rooms.

Motel Sinahi also has RV's park with capacity for 24 motorhomes.

If someone would like a camping site at La Bocana, they can also contact me at festival@bajacactus.com (I do not have the rates for there yet... but it will be something like $5-$10 us dlls a night... not sure yet)

Rates on this three motel are between $ 25 dlls - $ 35 dlls a night.

I also have arrange for motel rooms in San Quintin, so if anyone wishes to stay there instead they can do it at festival@bajacactus.com ... GOT IT?... festival@bajacactus.com... jejejeje

Time to be a BajaCactus ambassador again Bro...if you do not have the time just let me know and I will ask my wife or someone else to assist me... NO PROBLEM...!!!

If you need any other info.. just let me know...

Pompano - 12-11-2013 at 12:40 PM

This place? Ate a good lunch there in 2009 when this photo was taken.


David K - 12-11-2013 at 12:48 PM

Thank you Roger, you saved me the time looking for SINAHI photos. This also confirms that Primo converted his 'La Bocana Beach Restaurant' to the 'Sinahi Restaurant'... to match the 'Motel Sinahi' name, which he acquired a few years ago.

Primo had the restaurant for many years but the motel and RV park behind it was someone else's. Whoever the old owner was, Primo kept the name SINAHI the same. Remember in Spanish, the H is silent... so it still sounds like Sinai (SEE-NAH-EE).

[Edited on 12-11-2013 by David K]

Pompano - 12-11-2013 at 12:55 PM

This café may ring some bells, too. Along with a great taco lunch, I can recommend the adjacent tire shop. Hope this helps & Good Travels, all.

Ateo - 12-11-2013 at 01:44 PM

La Casita has great tortas and homemade French fries.

David K - 12-11-2013 at 03:34 PM

You and Perry talk about it... I report and you decide! LOL

Mexitron - 12-11-2013 at 04:20 PM

Sin' ahi or, 'without tuna' :lol:

mtgoat666 - 12-11-2013 at 05:07 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Pompano
This café may ring some bells, too. Along with a great taco lunch, I can recommend the adjacent tire shop. Hope this helps & Good Travels, all.



i recommend Mi Casita, always a great meal

Bajahowodd - 12-11-2013 at 06:02 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Mexitron
Sin' ahi or, 'without tuna' :lol:


Originally titled the Bocana Beach Restaurant. Food on par with Mama's, but that doesn't mean much.

We have had breakfast there, and at Mama's, and at Baja's Best.

Not much difference. At the end of the day, I really don't believe there is a restaurant in El Rosario worthy of making an overnight stop just to eat there. Much prefer slogging on to the San Quintin area where there are many better restaurants.

Lee - 12-12-2013 at 01:30 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Bajahowodd
Quote:
Originally posted by Mexitron
Sin' ahi or, 'without tuna' :lol:


Originally titled the Bocana Beach Restaurant. Food on par with Mama's, but that doesn't mean much.

We have had breakfast there, and at Mama's, and at Baja's Best.

Not much difference. At the end of the day, I really don't believe there is a restaurant in El Rosario worthy of making an overnight stop just to eat there. Much prefer slogging on to the San Quintin area where there are many better restaurants.


That's exactly how I feel. Jardines or the restaurant at San Quintin Villas. Nicer rooms too. Only an hour between the two.

Neal Johns - 12-12-2013 at 02:29 PM

I remember Mama when she was born. :(

David K - 12-12-2013 at 03:01 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by vgabndo
Quote:
Originally posted by mtgoat666
Quote:
Originally posted by Ateo
Quote:
Originally posted by mtgoat666
Quote:
Originally posted by Russ
Sorry to report that of the 3 time I tried the combination plate all three were lousy and some items weren't eatable each time. I now stay in San Quitin.
Quote:
Originally posted by woody with a view
the combination plate has always been good. it's hard to screw up the national dish.


there is a much better restaurant east of mamas, north side of the road, across the street from the baseball field (between the llantera and the police station). dont know the name, just look for baseball field and you'll find it :bounce:


I think that is Restaurant Mi Casita. It's an orange building right?


perhaps
Quote:
Originally posted by David K
Perhaps Primo's La Bocana Beach Restaurant... maybe renamed Sinahi Restaurant after his motel/RV Park, next door?


nope


You are absolutely correct Goat, there is no Sinahi RV Park in El Rosario, I have stayed at the Sinai RV Park a couple of times, but that couldn't be the same place. The spelling czar would have pointed that out.:lol::lol::lol:


Will I get an apology, retraction, or non of the above?:?::lol:

Bajahowodd - 12-12-2013 at 05:56 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Lee
Quote:
Originally posted by Bajahowodd
Quote:
Originally posted by Mexitron
Sin' ahi or, 'without tuna' :lol:


Originally titled the Bocana Beach Restaurant. Food on par with Mama's, but that doesn't mean much.

We have had breakfast there, and at Mama's, and at Baja's Best.

Not much difference. At the end of the day, I really don't believe there is a restaurant in El Rosario worthy of making an overnight stop just to eat there. Much prefer slogging on to the San Quintin area where there are many better restaurants.


That's exactly how I feel. Jardines or the restaurant at San Quintin Villas. Nicer rooms too. Only an hour between the two.


Even less time than that, depending upon the military checkpoint at the top of the hill. And several other good restaurants beyond those you mention. The Old Mill comes to mind.

DENNIS - 12-12-2013 at 06:49 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Neal Johns
I remember Mama when she was born. :(




Ohhhh, my.......


Neal...you are a relic of alta calidad.

Then and Now...

Pompano - 12-12-2013 at 07:08 PM

Mama's back in the day.



Modern Mama's




A Baja Road Legend

El Rosario over 50 years ago!

David K - 12-13-2013 at 12:13 AM

Thanks to Howard Gulick for his photos (and Lower California Guidebook):

1960 Mama's:



Note gas pump and Union Oil Products sign (before Pemex got there)

1956 'Baja Cactus':



Standard Oil Gasoline Pump... see Mama's place next door, just like today!

DJL - 1-9-2014 at 08:50 PM

Spent the night at the Cactus on Jan.2nd , food was great at Mamas' ,but dinner took over 2 hours because the waitress forgot to place the order (they were not that busy ... but kids on a Friday Night and all ... ) !!

The nice Elderly Lady there was very apologetic (not to mention more than a little peeed at the three kids working tables ...) and treated Candida and I like we were long-lost relatives . Very , very sweet Lady -

I'd stop in again !

D.~

LancairDriver - 1-10-2014 at 12:14 PM

This was taken shortly before the road was put in.

image.jpg - 28kB