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Bob H
Elite Nomad
Posts: 5867
Registered: 8-19-2003
Location: San Diego
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Place to eat in Catavina?
Well, it's been a couple of years since we've spent the night in Catavina. We really would like to know a good place to eat (other than the La
Pinta).... any recommendations?
(and other than Santa Inez)... isn't there a cafe that serves food... is it any good?
Any comments are appreciated.
Gracias,
Bob H
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dtbushpilot
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Location: Buena Vista BCS
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There's a place across the highway from the La Pinta that was ok. I don't remember the name but you cant miss it. I don't recall much about the food,
must not have been remarkable. There is also a cafe at the Motel Linda (pink place) that was just ok. Don't know if it is open all day or not......dt
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Bajahowodd
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Since the whole area is off the grid, I would recommend eating at the hotel, now known as Desert Inn. They have a corporate image to uphold.
I say this with regret. But in such a remote region....eat at plenty of local establishments. but not here.
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thebajarunner
Ultra Nomad
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Location: Arizona....."Free at last from crumbling Cali
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Mood: muy amable
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check out this previous thread
http://forums.bajanomad.com/viewthread.php?tid=29696#pid2969...
We eat at the place across the street from La Pinta every time through there.
Never had a bad meal.
Service is acceptable and the food is always good.
Read through the entire thread, you will get some more ideas.
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Barry A.
Select Nomad
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Location: Redding, Northern CA
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The Desert Inn (old La Pinta) dining was/is always one of the highlights of our trips south---------we always had a great meal there, and were treated
like kings and queens. Then we would go out and camp out among the rocks, just north of town.
Great place.
Barry
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AcuDoc
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I always stop by Rancho Santa Inez for huevos con chirzo and a cervesa on my way south.
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Bajahowodd
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Santa Inez is a reasonble alternative to eating at the hotel. I've enjoyed innumerable meals at oceanfront venues off the grid, but catch of the day
just came in.
Anything in catavina, except for eggs, and some local produce and livestock, will be shipped in via truck.
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dtbushpilot
Ultra Nomad
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| Quote: | Originally posted by AcuDoc
I always stop by Rancho Santa Inez for huevos con chirzo and a cervesa on my way south. |
We do the same but for me it's a plate of carne tacos with frijoles. There's nothing like eating a crispy taco with grease dripping off my elbow.
Without a doubt the best tacos in Baja......dt
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Pompano
Elite Nomad
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Location: Bay of Conception and Up North
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We have always had a great meal and a great time at the hotel. Never a bad experience foodwise.
First when it was one of the El Presidente's in the 70's, then when it was one of the La Pinta's, and presently as one of the Desert Inns.
This in one of the best spots to stop, because of it's remoteness and uniqueness. We have made many new friends in the cantina, fellow travelers
sharing experiences....never fail to stop.
I just camped at Rcho Sta. Inez a month or so ago on the way south. A very comfy spot, congenial, and a good taco for sure, but the hotel can't be
beat for a sit-down meal and conversations.
I do what the voices in my tackle box tell me.
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Ken Cooke
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Casa Linda closed their restaurant in November. The people running the place were rude, so be warned. No hot water at Casa Linda, so beware - if the
restaurant is open, your chef cannot wash his/her hands properly.
The Desert Inn is mid-priced, but offers excellent service and food quality. The restrooms are clean, with hot water to wash your hands. Expect to
pay $10-$20 per person, just like in the United States.
'Restaurante' across the street from Desert Inn (formerly 'La Pinta') is your typical "Rice, Beans y Tortillera" place. The food isn't that
spectacular, but on a budget, you get what you pay for. Expect to pay $5-$10 per person - Exactly half of what Desert Inn would charge, but for
simple food and mediocre service.
The restroom situation at 'Restaurante' is very bad.
Bring your own hand sanitizer, use the restroom someplace else, when you get there, you will see what I mean.
'RESTAURANTE' is known simply as 'Restaurant' because the word is painted on the roof of the establishment. Expect budget pricing, but disgusting
restrooms and medocre food/service.
'Desert Inn' has a more upscale clientele, looks nicer inside, the food is prepared by more knowledgeable staff, the restrooms aren't filthy, and you
can wash your hands with warm water (muy importante para evitar la gripa fea).
David was able to get a steak that he enjoyed, the kids were able to both get shrimp scampy over pasta which they loved. Everyone was happy because
the food and the environment didn't remind us we were in the backcountry.
I'm not going back to 'Restaurante' simply because I can't risk getting sick if all it takes is an extra $10. Plus, the food tasted much better, and
there weren't people stinking the place up with their cigarette smoking, either.
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gnukid
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I stopped at Desert Inn a few days ago and we brought coffee bean to make coffee for the house. I was with viejtos with particular taste and the food
could not have been better and the service was the kindest and best service in Baja. I wouldn't skip it for the world.
Other options include having a picnic since its so scenic!
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Pompano
Elite Nomad
Posts: 8194
Registered: 11-14-2004
Location: Bay of Conception and Up North
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Mood: Optimistic
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| Quote: | Originally posted by Bob H
Well, it's been a couple of years since we've spent the night in Catavina. We really would like to know a good place to eat (other than the La
Pinta).... any recommendations?
(and other than Santa Inez)... isn't there a cafe that serves food... is it any good?
Any comments are appreciated.
Gracias,
Bob H |
Sorry, Bob...guess it's almost a unanimous vote for the Desert Inn. Perhaps you will experiment-eat at another area spot and let us know? Got
lomatil?
Look me up in Coyote Bay when you get here.
I do what the voices in my tackle box tell me.
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Bajahowodd
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Location: Disneyland Adjacent and anywhere in Baja
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I forgot to mention, unlike many from the great white North who spend winter traveling, as an educator, my expanse of free time is mostly in the
summer. Anyone who has been to Catavina in July or August will certainly appreciate the air conditioning at the La Desert Pinta Inn.
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Bob and Susan
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Location: Mulege BCS on the BAY
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why even stop in catavina???
you are ONLY another 6 hours to Mulege!!!
go for it!!!
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Bajahowodd
Elite Nomad
Posts: 9274
Registered: 12-15-2008
Location: Disneyland Adjacent and anywhere in Baja
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Stopping in Catavina is all about the time of the day, and not wanting to drive in the dark. Headed South from central Orange County, it's about as
far I can go. Although, sometime, if I get a late start, San Quintin or El Rosario is my overnight. Heading North, it all depends on where I started
that day. If it's getting late, I have to make the decision as the whether to stretch it to El Rosario, or stay over in Catavina. Gotta say this- The
night sky there, away from the hotel lights, is awesome.
Have to ask. Is there anyone who doesn't avail themselves of the Desert Inn restrooms when passing through? I'd bet they'd make a fortune with a pay
toilet operation.
[Edited on 1-4-2009 by Bajahowodd]
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bajajudy
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If I had seen the bathrooms at the place across from La Pinta, I would have never eaten there(up there in the top 2 of gross heads) BUT the food was
ok and the people in La Pinta didnt seem to mind when I walked across the street to avail myself of their spotless bathrooms.
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sourdough
Junior Nomad
Posts: 42
Registered: 11-14-2008
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Hotel Linda is the absolutely worst faciility we have stayed at on Highway 1. I do everything I can to make sure we don't hit Catavina near dark.
We'll hold at Guerrero Negro going north or El Rosario going south if we don't have at least 4 hours of driving time. It's Baja, why rush?
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Paulina
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Registered: 8-31-2002
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If we don't stop to see Oscar and Matilda at Sta. Ynez, then we stop at the mini market in Catavina on the east side of the road and buy goodies, pull
up the road and have our snack. It's been years since we've eaten anywhere else in that little town.
P<*)))>{
\"Well behaved women rarely make history.\" Laurel Thatcher Ulrich
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Bajahowodd
Elite Nomad
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Registered: 12-15-2008
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The lovely Hotel Linda is why during whale season, if one even expects to be stopping in Catavina, you must reserve ahead at the Desert Inn.
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wilderone
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" Is there anyone who doesn't avail themselves of the Desert Inn restrooms when passing through? I'd bet they'd make a fortune with a pay toilet
operation."
Are you kidding? I prefer the wide open country with a view, rather than a stinky, germ-ridden bathroom. Different kind of traveler than you,
obviously.
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