The rooftop edges over dramatically - at its most precipitous drop, one would fall maybe 10 feet if they weren't careful. There is no railing guarding the edge of the roof leading to the steps to the lower level. But one afternoon a gentleman showed up with his portable welder and began welding together a metal railing before ultimately installing it. We began chatting - his initial questions were about politics. Always a hook conversation … [Read more...]
ACRE, San Jose del Cabo, Baja California – May 2021
This 25 acre palm studded oasis founded by two Canadians sits on the edge of the Sierra de la Laguna foothills, a short drive from the center of San Jose del Cabo. Depending on the route one may pass through over narrow dirt roads - past primitive looking pens holding cows - a complete contrast in comparison to the well-kept and orderly grounds of the resort. ACRE (pronounced, ahh-cray) is known for its quiet setting among the naturally … [Read more...]
Whales & Wine: The Perfect Pairing
Every fall, more than 20,000 Pacific gray whales begin to migrate south from their feeding grounds in the Bering Sea to their breeding grounds in the warm waters of Baja California. They pass by Mendocino County twice: going south from November through February, and going north from February through May. With an average lifespan of 50 years, they swim an astonishing 10,000 miles each and every year. Calves are at least a month old before they … [Read more...]
Los Braceros: The Root of the Gourmet Kitchen
The octopus arrived at our table on a plate illustrated with the two hands of the many workers who helped produce this gorgeous dish. At Bracero Cocina de Raiz in San Diego, Baja cuisine advocate Chef Javier Plascencia invites guests to witness and celebrate the efforts of all the workers—including produce pickers, grapevine pruners, and fishermen—who help them produce such incredibly creative and flavorful dishes in a Mexican style completely … [Read more...]
Baja California’s Hidden Gem: Loreto
Loreto, located on the Sea of Cortez in Mexico's Baja California, was one of famous oceanographer, Jacques Cousteau's favorite places in the world. He first visited Loreto in 1980 and appropriately called it "The Aquarium of the World". Yet, it remains a hidden gem to many people even to their 'next door neighbors' in the United States. Loreto is merely a 2.5-hour flight from Los Angeles. Alaska airlines offers nonstop service from LAX, … [Read more...]
The Flavors of Puebla, Mexico
Tacos and enchiladas are tastes as familiar to Americans as burgers and fries. While I share a hunger for these Anglicized palate-pleasers, nothing beats the authentic cuisine that lies south of the border. When I crave the unadulterated tastes of Mexico, I dream of the flavors that I have savored in Puebla. In a country loaded with gastronomic riches, Puebla is a culinary oasis. What to Eat in Puebla Puebla is a safe and vibrant city … [Read more...]
JEOPARDY! Explore the World Sweepstakes
JEOPARDY! And Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic Announce the JEOPARDY! Explore the World Sweepstakes NEW YORK, October 21, 2013 --- JEOPARDY! and Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic have announced the upcoming JEOPARDY! Explore the World Sweepstakes set to begin this month as part of JEOPARDY!s season-long celebration of their 30th anniversary season. The Explore the World Sweepstakes will provide 30 extraordinary voyages for … [Read more...]
Second Annual Baja California Culinary Fest
Oct. 11-14 Foodie Extravaganza Highlights Region’s Quintessential Cuisine and Wines TIJUANA, Mexico, Aug. 22, 2012 – The second annual Baja California Culinary Fest will celebrate the region’s artisan fare and premium wines in cities throughout Northern Baja on Oct. 11-14. Featuring special dinners, interactive events, cooking classes, competitions and entertainment, the region’s bountiful ingredients will take center stage with special guest … [Read more...]
Wheels in the Baja
My friends call me "Wheels." My story begins in 1950, after polio left me 'confined" to a wheelchair but certainly not "by it." Inspired by the book Into A Desert Place by Graham Macintosh, my story unfolds into a road trip through Baja, California with my friend Jack. A quick adventure over 7 days and 2000 miles provides a lifetime of memories of a frontier land south of the border that in 1972 presented challenges to all travelers, especially … [Read more...]
Moon Baja
Moon Baja by Nikki Goth Itoi From the stunningly clear water glistening in the sunlight photo that is pictured on the front cover this book quickly draws you into the wonders of Baja California. From multicultural Tijuana just south of the US border all the way down to Cabo San Lucas on Baja's southern tip, this is the go to guide for this region of Mexico. Helpful sections in the beginning of the book warrant a look including the best of … [Read more...]