BajaNomad

Calimax - San Felipe

mannings - 5-25-2014 at 06:16 AM

I have an iron stomach. I eat anything and everything and always have.

However, my kids have never left the U.S. (bleh) and I am trying my best to keep them from pain.

So that said, anyone with advice on Calimax in San Felipe? Specifically, fruits, cheeses, milk... all that I am assuming should be okay. Am I assuming correctly. (Barring the unusual, of course.)

Edit: changed title from "climax" to Calimax.

[Edited on 5-25-2014 by mannings]

woody with a view - 5-25-2014 at 06:17 AM

spell check!

they'll be fine.

chuckie - 5-25-2014 at 06:17 AM

What is your question?

mannings - 5-25-2014 at 06:20 AM

auto-correct... is dumb.

Anyway.. probably get more views but few responses... lol

bajabuddha - 5-25-2014 at 06:26 AM

Food isn't as bad as in the Olden Daze when we brushed our teeth with beer (a few noted Nomad exceptions still do). Just buy what looks and smells fresh. Most meat counters/markets take a little getting used to in Mexico, but you're still pretty safe. Don't be afraid of the smaller, more personable tiendas too. Good to get to know some local owners; ask around.

Also, any time you travel distances, say Chicago to Phoenix, there's some getting used to the local micro-organisms that take acclimating to. Don't lock your kids in a bubble; just enjoy, and keep the Pepto handy just in case. The best foods are usually at the smaller stands and farmer's markets.

Happy noshing!

mcfez - 5-25-2014 at 07:37 AM

There are several large stores in SF including Max that has all what your kids may like. American brand type stuff. The smaller stores has the same but in smaller selection. The only stuff that you wont find anywhere are the snacks (chips, cookies, soda). Every damn bag of chip in The Baja has chile powder in it :-) No fast food in sf thank the Gods......My kids and grandkids survived ....yours will too :-)

mannings - 5-25-2014 at 07:42 AM

Haha.. thanks Fez.

I too am thankful for no McDon'ts.

I've never concerned myself with eating anything, anywhere. Glad to know dairy is okay.. that's a biggie with 5 kids.

[Edited on 5-25-2014 by mannings]

mcfez - 5-25-2014 at 08:08 AM

The water is fine too :-)

Your concern for the kids: WEAR SHOES IN THE WATER. Sun tan lotion every two hours. Have a picture of the kids in your car in case one gets lost. Dont let them pet the sharks.

meme - 5-25-2014 at 08:18 AM

We frequently shop at Calimax but hubby walked into meat dept this week & it smelled soooooo bad he decided he just could not buy there that day. They really need to clean it much better. Others have told me this previously also.

mannings - 5-25-2014 at 08:25 AM

Good to know, meme. Thanks.

David K - 5-25-2014 at 10:02 AM

Peanut butter and jelly works on Bimbo bread just as well as on Wonder bread!

Calimax

J.P. - 5-25-2014 at 11:29 AM

We were so happy when the new Calimax went in It's a nice bright and clean store. But almost ever time I have gone there I wind up having to go to D.J.'s to get what I went after.:lol::lol:

sancho - 5-25-2014 at 01:06 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by mcfez
The water is fine too :-)

Your concern for the kids: WEAR SHOES IN THE WATER. Sun tan lotion every two hours.





Mc Fez. are you refering to stepping on an object or rays
or both? At an extreme low tide, in town SF, one can see
pieces of rebar, broken bottles, etc., just waiting for someones foot, not the same level of concern outside of
town

mcfez - 5-25-2014 at 02:27 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by sancho
Quote:
Originally posted by mcfez
The water is fine too :-)

Your concern for the kids: WEAR SHOES IN THE WATER. Sun tan lotion every two hours.





Mc Fez. are you referring to stepping on an object or rays
or both? At an extreme low tide, in town SF, one can see
pieces of re-bar, broken bottles, etc., just waiting for someones foot, not the same level of concern outside of
town


I wear water boots in most locations on the Cortez. Rays.....to barnacles. Now that sharp rock down by Black Mountain surely will give ya a bad day. The Sea of Cortez has many sandy beds for the rays...just a great idea to take precaution with the kids.

As far as re bar and all that other stuff....look at Tamales Bay some time! Junk is unfortunately all over the beaches....everywhere.

micah202 - 5-25-2014 at 09:38 PM

.
.....don't forget the magic of lime---lots of vitC,,,and very pro-active for stomach issues---especially 'neuvo gringo':)

meme - 5-26-2014 at 07:59 AM

Calimax has many other things you might need or want so it's a good enough store with the exception of a very bad smelling meat Dept. So I am not saying do not shop there, but also watch your change upon purchasing also. Some folks been having a problem getting correct change back. We like La Vaquita & D J Market also.

Hook - 5-26-2014 at 08:52 AM

My experience has been that fresh Mexican milk just doesnt last as long as US milk. I've had stuff go bad well before the "best before" date.

Since you are a ways from SF in the campos, see if the kids will drink the ultra-pasteurized milk in the one liter boxes that are not refrigerated. It has a slight off taste to many, including me, but it's not bad. Stuff will last for a month, at least, if refrigerated after opening. It has a long shelf life, too, when unopened.

J.P. - 5-26-2014 at 09:51 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Hook
My experience has been that fresh Mexican milk just doesnt last as long as US milk. I've had stuff go bad well before the "best before" date.

Since you are a ways from SF in the campos, see if the kids will drink the ultra-pasteurized milk in the one liter boxes that are not refrigerated. It has a slight off taste to many, including me, but it's not bad. Stuff will last for a month, at least, if refrigerated after opening. It has a long shelf life, too, when unopened.








I too always thought it was the Milk but after living here for a while I have discovered that a lot of stores turn off the Electricity at Night and the milk is not kept at the proper temperature thus it starts going bad in the store and some stores don't rotate their stock so you should always check the sell date. :yes::yes:

David K - 5-26-2014 at 10:27 AM

The box milk can be added to the ice chest an hour before using to pour onto cereal. Tell the kids it is how the astronauts do it on Mars (or will some day)!

nbacc - 5-26-2014 at 11:39 AM

Watch your change at DJs also

grace59 - 5-26-2014 at 12:27 PM

I think that the Calimax is OK...but I do like the smaller markets better. My favorite is La Vacquita...both La Vacquita and DJs have good meat. I prefer it to Calimax. Fresh fish from Ruben's or Mr. Fish is best. Also, there is a man who comes into San Felipe on Tuesdays and sets up a produce stand across the street from Calimax. Good produce there. Some of the produce in the stores can look a bit old and overripe at times.

mannings - 5-26-2014 at 01:46 PM

I know where DJ's is but where is La Vacquita?

mannings - 5-26-2014 at 01:59 PM

also... a decent pharmacy in San Felipe?

sancho - 5-26-2014 at 04:29 PM

I think there may be 2 La Vaquitas Mkt, I go to the 1
on Chetumal, which is the name of the main rd. coming
into SF from the no. from Mexicali. This small mkt is 2-3
blks. past the traffic circle right hand side. There is a restaurant also
under the La Vaquita name. 1 blk. no. of the
no. end of the Malecan, supposed to be good

[Edited on 5-27-2014 by sancho]

Kgryfon - 5-26-2014 at 09:18 PM

Always check the "sell by" dates on everything you buy in Mexico.

meme - 5-27-2014 at 10:26 AM

Some of the milk problem comes from the delivery trucks coming down here not being kept cold enough so it gets off to a bad start right away.
I hate the box milk yuck! No doubt my kids would never have drank it either as they are almost all milk addicts. Just buy what you can use soon & use as soon as you can in the summer time.
The newest Pharmacia on way into SF from north has the best prices of any I have found. Rugio is very good to help you & speaks english also, if language is a problem.

Good meat market

John M - 5-27-2014 at 12:01 PM

For the past several years we've found the meat counter at the back of the store at el Pelicano Market to be excellent. The butcher will cut anything he has for you. Great prices, we particularly like the rib eye steaks.

Coming from the north toward San Felipe the market is, we believe, 2.75 miles south of the road to Pete's Camp. The market is on the west side of the highway, small parking spaces in front. This makes it just at 2 miles south of the big Pemex.



El Pelicano 31 05.378N & 114 53.327W

John M



[Edited on 5-28-2014 by John M]

CortezBlue - 5-27-2014 at 05:39 PM

We shop at Calimax, La Vaquita and Pelicano and have never had any problems

grace59 - 5-27-2014 at 06:41 PM

Sancho is correct about the location of the La Vaquita market. It sits on a corner and there is a cow painted on the sign. Also, the meat at Pelicanos is good. They will also cut pork chops for you that are excellent. You just tell the butcher how many and how thick you want them cut. We have also purchased meat at Riviera Market...I like their Carne Asada...ask for it preparada (prepared)...grill and eat! Yum!

bajajeffrey - 5-27-2014 at 11:37 PM

We like DJ Market, did Calimax and found the meat uncovered with no sneeze guard, the store was modern but lacked selection.
La Vaquita is much smaller than both Calimax and DJ. But was once the go-to place.