oxxo
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The new Baja entrepreneurs
The changing face of Baja, both good and bad, has been discussed over and over on this Board. But what place isn't changing...California, Arizona,
Canada, etc.? Our recently completed road trip to Los Cabos and back gave us an insight into the current character and personality of the entire
pennisula. Frankly this was our first trip by car to Los Cabos and we were pleasantly overwhelmed. We have been to Baja many times in the past but
it was always by plane. We have driven into the mainland of Mexico many times over the last 40 years, but this was our first drive down the length of
Baja. We had no idea about all the "oohs and aahs" around every bend in the road, and no I am not talking about the 18 wheelers coming toward you.
This is a road trip we will be repeating often in the future. We're hooked!
We are very encouraged by what we have seen accomplished by the Baja nationals. We saw hard working, friendly, industrious people who are very
positive and upbeat. They are building a Baja (separate from American land developers) that will provide a future for their children and grand
children. Yes, they are suffering a few growing pains and some things still don't work quite right, but they are making progress by using the same
principles that built the U.S., that is a good work ethic and a large dose of entrepreneurial spirit.
I would like to recognize some of these new Baja entrepreneurs and congratulate them on a job well done. These folks not only have learned how to
cater to American tastes but they are popular with local Bajamians as well. I have seen a healthy mixture of both locals and tourists using their
services. They are covering all the bases. From a business stand point, "they get it."
First is Antonio with his Baja Cactus Motel. I have not met Antonio (he has been in Tijuana a lot) but his desk manager Manuel fills in admirably in
his absence. Antonio has a great concept and his motel will remain popular as long as he continues to maintain his high standards. I would love to
see this motel develop into a chain up and down the length of Baja. La Pinta Hotels could use some competition and it wouldn't take much. Good luck
Antonio, keep up the good work.
Next is Jesse at Las Tres Virgenes restaurant in La Paz. I did meet Jessie and it is impossible not to like him. He is perfect for the hospitality
industry because he is such a congenial host. The night we met him he was resplendent in his fire engine red chefs tunic with the Mexican flag
emblazoned on the collar. He has developed an innovative menu with mouth watering food. Just to show how particular he is, I asked him to make a
Mojito for me. He said he couldn't find any good fresh mint at the market that morning, so no fresh mint, no Mojitos that day! I asked if the crab
for the enchiladas was fresh and he said very fresh but you have to eat them fast because they cool off so quickly. (Jesse, that was no problema for
me!) That's what I call particular! Some have posted that La Paz doesn't have any good restaurants. But if that WAS true, it has all changed now.
There is a new player in town that has put La Paz on the culinary map. I think Jesse has one of the best restaurants you will find anywhere and I
mean anywhere. I don't need to wish Jesse luck, it looks like he is already overwhelmed with business.
Finally is my building contrator in San Jose, Pedro Amaro. Pedro is not a member of this Board and I doubt anyone here has heard about him. This
guy is a stickler for details. He tears things out and does them again if HE is not satisfied. Whenever I do find something I want changed (it is
always minor) it is completed by the end of the day. When we make an appointment to meet at 9 am, he is there at 15 minutes to 9! Pedro has told me
that he is now turning down work. He says that he can't do a job right if he has too much work. This guy is a breath of fresh air in the building
trades. Is he the least expensive guy? No. Is he good at what he does? Yes! Good luck to the rest of you because I plan to keep him busy for
quite a while.
As an American entrepereneur, I am very proud of the new, young Baja entrepreneurs. These guys have what it takes and they will continue to be
successful. They ARE the face of the new Baja and I am confident in them and the society they are building. I am very positive about the future of
Baja with guys like this leading the way.
!Felicidades mis amigos!
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longlegsinlapaz
Super Nomad
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Registered: 11-18-2005
Location: La Paz
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oxxo
Thank you for such a refreshingly positive post!!! Somehow we seem to take the time to post negativity more often than the good!! And there IS a lot
of good about the Baja! 
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DianaT
Select Nomad
Posts: 10020
Registered: 12-17-2004
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Very nicely written---great endorsements. I think the idea of a Baja Cactus Chain is great and I hope that soon, we will be testing out the food at
Jesse's place.
Thanks
Diane
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k1w1
Junior Nomad
Posts: 76
Registered: 8-28-2006
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mande
viva baja cabrones
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Barry A.
Select Nomad
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Registered: 11-30-2003
Location: Redding, Northern CA
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Mood: optimistic
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oxxo-----
Excellent post, and very refreshing to hear. I love all your very positive opinions and observations!!!
Thank you so much for showing the "good" side, for a change.
Viva Baja
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David K
Honored Nomad
Posts: 65304
Registered: 8-30-2002
Location: San Diego County
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Mood: Have Baja Fever
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Good observations... Now you know why some of us are 'down' on Cabo... As so many think that is what Baja is! So wrong because there is so much more
to Baja... as you finally have seen (some of).
Make sure you do some side trips... lot's!
Here's two for starters...
L.A. Bay is 42 miles off Mex. 1 and San Ignacio is only 2 miles... both are paved and both shouldn't be missed.
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Bajalover
Nomad
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Location: The Cottage at Ocotillo Hills
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Mood: Strongly - Missing Baja
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oxxo
Great description of what Baja is. We need more of that. Makes me want to jump into my truck and visit Baja NOW!
Sometimes you really do question; why you are and where you are.
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surfer jim
Super Nomad
Posts: 1891
Registered: 8-29-2003
Location: high desert
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Enjoyed the post....and I will throw in one of my favorites....the guys who sell gasolina from the back of their trucks along the side of the
road.....too bad they couldn't open their own stations as I am sure they could do well....
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Norm
Junior Nomad
Posts: 82
Registered: 9-2-2006
Location: AUBURN CA
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Mood: GOOD!!!!!
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WE ARE HEADING OUT THIS WEEK END !!!
CAN SOME ONE LET US KNOW HOW TO FIND THE LAS TRES VIRGENES & JESSE ? HE WENT OUT TO LOOK AT OUR HOUSE NEAR THE AIRPORT AT THE LAST BIG BLOW!!
WE JUST WANT TO MEET HIM & SAY THANKS !!
NORM & SUE
P.S. ~~ THIS WAS A VERY NICE POST TO SEA !!!!
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David K
Honored Nomad
Posts: 65304
Registered: 8-30-2002
Location: San Diego County
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Mood: Have Baja Fever
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Here's what Jesse posted in his thread:
I would like to invite all nomads that live in the vecinity or are visiting us on their way to or from the North or South to stop by. A bottle of wine
is on the house for any bajanomad.com member.
Our adress is:
Corner of Calle Madero and Constitucion 1145
About a block west of the Aramburo supermarket, and right across from the books books library.
Tel (612) 165-6265
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baja829
Nomad
Posts: 167
Registered: 2-24-2006
Location: South Campos, San Felipe, BN
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Mood: BAJA HAPPY
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Great positive post - what those of us who live here permanently know, and those who live elsewhere, find it hard to believe!
Put your post with the one on education today and a few others, and we have faith in where Mexico and its people are trying to go -- against all odds
at times -- but it is working. The GOD AND MR. GOMEZ style still exists, and when no one is hurt, could be a sitcom, but postive changes are at hand
constantly up and down BC. Such a good feeling to be a part of watching it happen and a very small part of helping it happen, as most BajaNomads do!
Adelante!!!!
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ePBWhiz
Newbie
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Location: Idaho
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Mood: Wishin I was fishin
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Ahhh fresh air
oxxo Thanks very much for your positive post! I am planning for my first drive to Cabo in May, and I was bogged down in the negativity and security
concerns....this story is like a breath of fresh air, and rejuvenated my desire to go - pronto!
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Minnow
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Mood: Embarrased Harry Reid is a Nevadan
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Hmmmm? I didn't know Jesse was the owner of the restuarant. I thought he was the waiter, as posted by another. I also remember a nomad offering to
help Jesse open a place in La Paz should the place he was working at in TJ not make it. So, I am guessing Jesse took option numero dos. If I am not mistaken that was FDT.
Antonios parents own the gas station, and the motel, not antonio. Antonio is a very nice guy and is certainly very involved with things. The place
is definately designed to cater to GRINGO sensabilities. I prefer something more off the beaten path. I do stop there for gas though.
So, I am thinking almost anyone with a job in baja might qualify as entremanuer of the year according to your criteria OXXO.
Proud husband of a legal immigrant.
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k1w1
Junior Nomad
Posts: 76
Registered: 8-28-2006
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tehe
| Quote: | Originally posted by Minnow
entremanuer |
that's kinda funny
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aldosalato
Nomad
Posts: 183
Registered: 10-20-2002
Location: La Paz
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The legend behind the first Nomad restaurant............
http://forums.bajanomad.com/viewthread.php?tid=21053#pid1868...
[Edited on 1-18-2007 by aldosalato]
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David K
Honored Nomad
Posts: 65304
Registered: 8-30-2002
Location: San Diego County
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Mood: Have Baja Fever
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Antonio is the owner... his entire family is involved... His father handed over operations to Antonio once Antonio completed college and it was
Antonio who made all the changes from renaming it Baja Cactus (Motel El Rosario previously) to all the new building... It is the entire Muņoz family's
operation, but Antonio Jr. is the boss.
Also, Jesse is the co-owner with Aldo of the new restaurant from everything that he has reported here... The Tijuana restaurant was one he was a
manager at...
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Minnow
Banned
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Thanks for the clarification David. I have met Antonio, he seems like a very nice man.
That is so Cool that Jesse and Aldo hooked up here. From reading the recent posts about his place it seems like a winner.
Proud husband of a legal immigrant.
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oxxo
Banned
Posts: 2347
Registered: 5-17-2006
Location: Wherever I am, I'm there
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Mood: If I was feeling any better, I'd be twins!
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| Quote: | Originally posted by Minnow
So, I am thinking almost anyone with a job in baja might qualify as entremanuer of the year according to your criteria |
Well, I think you might have missed my point, but the fact of the matter is, yes, all the people of the Baja deserve credit for building a dynamic and
vibrant society. It is as diverse from the Mexico mainland as it is from the U.S. They all appear to be working together to build a unique
socio-economic structure with an exciting character and personality.
We are not immune to insecurities, but we never felt threatened on our road trip down the Baja. The people we met along the way were happy, helpful,
and enthusiastic. Even the soldiers at the checkpoints were respectful and went about their job with efficiency.
I was remiss in neglecting to mention Aldo's role in Las Tres Virgenes restaurant. I did not meet Aldo, but he deserves equal credit for the success
of this fabulous restaurant.
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BajaCactus
Senior Nomad
Posts: 663
Registered: 5-22-2004
Location: Km. 55, carretera transpenisular, El Rosario, B.C.
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Mood: Helpful
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Thank you...
Oxxo ... thank you very much for your nice and encouraging words... it has been very rewarding to run the family business for several years now, but I
think that we are the lucky ones, since we get to meet so many nice people and make good friends... like all of you.
You see, few years back I decided to put my career aside just a little bit to relieve my dad from the responsibility of a full time job.
He worked so hard all his life to give us, his family, a good decent life that I believe he deserves to have a nice and relax time now... and I get to
have fun on the way...
Besides... I think that sooner or later we all understand that life is much more than money and profit... agreed, we all have to make a living... but
at the end, profit and material things are not what makes living worth while... friendship, family and love... amongst others, are the true treasures
in life.
Again, thank you so much and I hope to meet you sometime.
Antonio M.
BajaCactus
"Where the Baja is so much more than a dream...
[Edited on 1-18-2007 by BajaCactus]
BajaCactus
"Where Baja is so much more than a dream..."
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David K
Honored Nomad
Posts: 65304
Registered: 8-30-2002
Location: San Diego County
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Mood: Have Baja Fever
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So very well said, Antonio!
Here are you and your dad, when we met...
[Edited on 1-18-2007 by David K]
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