Tecate Taco Shops

Taqueria Los Arcos, Tecate

 

by Angelenobry

If you are ever 30 min from Tecate, Mexico hop over the border for some tacos. I used my Hidden Baja tour guide to refer me to two taco stands:
• Taqueria Los Amigos (on the North East corner of Hidalgo and Rubio)
• Taqueria Los Arcos (on the south side of Juarez just east of Rubio, there is a bus stop right in front of it)

I ordered two Carne Asada tacos from Los Amigos. They are compact and wound tightly into individual paper and aluminum foil wrappings. Burst of flavor. Right-sized.

Next we went to Los Arcos. Here I ordered a Carne Asada, an Adobado Pork, and a Cheese Quesadilla.

The Carne Asada was more tender and moist then Los Amigos. The Adobado Pork was even more outrageously delicious. The cheese quesadilla couldn’t compete with those two other stars but finished me off so I was not hungry the rest of the drive home back to Los Angeles.

Taqueria Los Amigos, Tecate

Editor’s note:  Los Arcos and Los Amigos are a few steps east from the Park, a few blocks south of the border.  Rubio is the street framing the east side of the Park.  Seems like I’m usually rushing through Tecate.  Will have to stop and smell the tacos next trip.  Any other favorite food/beverage stops in Tecate???

Walking Baja

With a grant from National Geographic, follow 2 amigos as they walk and paddle the 1000+ mile journey to discover California’s other half – Baja.  Follow on Facebook.

This map shows their Spot GPS tracking location as of March 9th.   Additional info on the areas they are hiking with commentary from the peanut gallery and fans can be found at Baja Nomad.

Border Wait Time Application

San Ysidro Average Wait Time Graph

Thanks to our friends at Baja Bound Insurance for this news, a new and reliable application is now available to predict and self-report border wait times.  Other sites and reports on border wait times have had all of the efficiency and reliability of the Department of Motor Vehicles.  snicker.

Giving this its own page for ez access(see page listings above posts).  Yippee, Skipee!

By Jack E. George and Baja Bound Staff

Thanks to the ingenuity of a group of students attending the University of California, San Diego, they have created a mobile app, “Best Time to Cross the Border.” The university students have built the app to determine traffic patterns along the United States border for travelers entering the U.S. from Mexico (or Canada). The program allows you to have some control over your wait time at the border by deciding the best time of day to cross. The app, which is for Android or iPhone, provides drivers with real time border wait information. It is also integrated with Google maps.

Features of the mobile app:

• Current wait times for passenger lanes – regular lanes, Ready lanes, and SENTRI
• Information available for California, Arizona, New Mexico and Texas crossings
• Current U.S. border wait times – as reported by Customs and Border Protection
• iReport feature – User reported wait times in real time
• Typical wait – average historical wait time for this day and time over the past 3 months
• Number of lanes open at every port
• Last update – Information is updated hourly
• View the best times to cross the border via historical graphs
• Set your default start screen to your most used border crossing
• The free app is downloadable from Google Play for Android and iTunes App Store for iPhone

website

Baja Off Road Adventure

One of the many things that draws people to Baja are the endless roads that lead away from civilization toward isolated beaches and coves.  Baja off road adventures can be found within minutes of Mex hwy 1.

The above photo is the south side of my neighborhood, Colonia Puerto Escondido, on the Punta Banda peninsula, 10 miles south of Ensenada.  The view is from west to east and shows 2 scars that were cut as trails in 2008 that lead down to the hidden beach.

Not much engineering went into the planning of this trail as there are actually 2 failed attempts to bulldoze the trail above the successful cut.  It is a fun hiking trail with some 30+ degree grades and soft soil sections that provide plenty of resistance for huffing and puffing uphill.

But, that soft soil also is not very kind to Baja off road adventurers attempting to climb this hill in anything other than a very strong 4 wheel drive vehicle.

 

This 1989 Ford 2 wheel/rear wheel drive pickup is likely the worst vehicle choice for this hill.  It was abandoned over a week ago.  It’s final resting place is about 80 feet above the end of the trail.  Unless someone figures out a creative tow vehicle setup, this will become part of the “yard art” of Punta Banda.  Sad news is that although it is an ’89, it is in very good condition.  Windows are open and no tags are displayed.

Valle de Guadalupe VIP Tour

2012 November VIP Tour, click map to open interactive version

by staff grape juice guru, Vino Bandito

The Valle de Guadalupe VIP Tour on Turkey Eve, 21 Nov 2012, included 7 wine tasters, 3 vehicles, 5 wineries and great grape juice during a 12 hour tour. (clicking on photos below will enlarge to 800 x 600).

I was desperate to find wineries available on a Wednesday during the off-season month of November.  Most wineries are only open for wine tastings on weekends this time of year.  My email inquiry not only was answered, it was showered with this special event opportunity.  Thanks to new friends Sitara, Ariana, Abby and Alejandro for welcoming Stephanie, Rich and me to explore Baja’s wineries with them.

#1   

Vinicola Retorno was our first stop at 10AM.  We were a few minutes late and bit fuzzy from Tuesday evening’s refreshments.  Retorno, located in San Antonio de las Minas, is a 1 hour drive from my house.   Rallying my team from their sleep comfort was not easy.

Us three gringos were also short on food this beautiful, sunny morning, so the first sips of wine were a challenge.  We were better prepared for a coffee and bagel tasting than vino.  But, I finally settled into the very earthy Zinfandel.  Black cherry bursts quenched my thirst and gave me some fruit to heal my wounds from the previous night.

Adrian and Anna, our hosts, opened their straw bale bodega especially for us and just before Adrian had to race away to conduct a wine-making class.  Retorno is a tiny winery, producing a few hundred cases annually and full of Adrian’s love for his artisan wines.  I highly recommend Retorno on your tour of the Valle de Guadalupe to experience a unique setting and wine making philosophy.

#2   

Cuatro Cuatros Winery, a 13 mile drive to the west was our next stop.  We were lucky to catch our host, Juan Carlos, for a complete tour of this sprawling property of 1,700 acres.

That included a van ride out to the coast to view the waves of the Pacific lapping at the cliffs and beaches along the stretch known as Salsipuedes on Mex Hwy 1.  Our VIP friends in the group enjoyed the helicopter’s view.  If you go to Cuatro Cuatros, be certain to reserve a tour of the property.

Also learned a bit more about differences in wine barrels and the Sequin Moreau brand.  I had no idea that you can pay up to $1,000USD per barrel.  This wine-making is not a cheap date.

After the property tour, we settled into the canvas covered restaurant and bar for a wine tasting and much needed food.  One of the chefs prepared a terrific cheese, meat and bread platter to satisfy those of us still recovering from la cruda.

The cabernet blend we enjoyed included cabernet franc, tempranillo and merlot.  This was a very complex character that had some strong fruit along with tannins.

#3   

Next stop was the spaceship known as Alximia.  Manuel, our host, explained the winery’s philosophy of scientific combination of the elements of earth, water, air and fire in producing his quality wines.

The spaceship description fits, because Manuel is also an astronomer.  The dome shaped building includes adobe walls and water collectors to save what little rainfall exists in the Valle de Guadalupe(above right photo shows two holes in the roof, just above the column that is a pipe leading to Alximia’s water tanks.

The three story bodega leads to the cellar, dug out of the ground.  Middle photo shows the upper floor balcony.  Above right photo shows the earth walls of the wine cave.

I enjoyed a Sangiovese blend known as Aura, including petit verdot and zin grapes.  Sangy is one of my favorites, because the typically light fruit, spice and acidity work so well with pastas, salads, soups and stews that dominate my kitchen.

Found it interesting that Manuel studied at University of Colorado Boulder, as I lived most of my life in Denver and my two guests on this wine tour live in Colorado Springs.

#4   

Nubes(“clouds”)  and our host Victor provided the most detailed tour of the day.  The bodega is located just south of the town of El Porvenir and is set in the hills viewing south over the wine valley.  See the expansive tasting room view of the valley, upper right photo.

Upon entering the tasting room, a unique glass window is set in the floor that views the cueva of barrels below.  Photographers, please take note: If you are traveling with attractive females in short skirts, take care on the camera angle here.

The bottle of “Cumulus”, a blend of Garnacha, Cariñena y Tempranillo was the most delightful wine of the day.  This is very much a rhone style blend, which I freely admit is my favorite.  Others think I’m just in a rut.

But, I also enjoyed Nubes’ Sauvignon Blanc with its apple fruit.  Yes, I’m forcing myself to try more white wine and Sauv Blancs are leading me away from big Chards lately.

Victor shared with us that the cloud themed wine was a result of the partners first visit to the property when discussing the purchase.  It was a particularly foggy, cloudy day, highlighting the beauty of the hills and the wine valley.

A fun discussion broke out due to the detailed information on Nubes bottles back label.  Front labels are like your business suit or card as an introduction.  Back labels provide the more discerning customer more details about the wine’s origin and character.  Victor also has a plan to introduce a QR code to provide even more information about his wine for potential buyers.

When Victor discussed the most popular grape in the region, Nebbiolo,   I was mildy embarrassed that I did not know that Italian word’s meaning.  How about you???

#5   

We ended our day at Corazon de Tierra restaurant with Vena Cava wines.  Roberto, our host, took immediate care of our thirst and hunger.

Artisan cheese, toasted earthy bread and Corazon’s famous beet green pesto provided a quick taste treat, Big Blend wine buffer and aphrodisiac all rolled into one grand appetizer plate.

One change-up move I made was sampling Corazon’s hoppy IPA and strong Pilsner beer offerings.  Wine Valley Blasphemy?  Hey, I like beer and usually drink it liberally in the evening before dining Euro style as late as 1oPM with my vino.  Bravo for Corazon’s willingness to embrace different beverages.

Chef Diego Hernández and team prepared a 5 course dinner for us(8 courses if counting the appeteazer, amuse buche and sorbet).  As usual, we were seated overlooking the garden from which all of the vegetables grow before they walk into the kitchen and onto our plates.

The prix fixe menu tonight included a terrific salad, grilled black cod and a boneless quail.  A chocolate brownie completed the gastronomic reverie.

A sensible person would have reserved a room and crashed at La Villa del Valle’s Hotel.  But, we still had some Ensenada grocery shopping to prepare for Thanksgiving dinner.

Got home to Puerto Escondido for a light and frugal Petite Sirah to complete the day’s mood and memories at 10:30PM.

Big thanks to Sitara, Alejandro and our winery hosts for their energy, inspiration and dedication to their art and their business.  Hasta Pronto!

Cabo Comfort

Hotel Finisterra’s 3 tiers of pools with pool boy cocktail service from the Palapa bar set in the sands of the beach was quite comfy and relaxing.

Finisterra claims that their Palapa is the tallest in the Pacific.  Did not know about the palapa competition, but, oooh, ahhh.

We avoided the hotel food in favor of local spots Las Mariscadas and Mariscos Mazatlan.

Ocean side room was clean and comfy.  My overall impression was that this was a quiet oasis.  Never saw a crowd and the expansive pool area never had more than a handful of guests.  Stayed there 3 nights at end of October.

Hair dryer was broken and sliding glass door to patio needed fixing.  Shhh, don’t tell anyone about the only working ice machine, first floor, approx 100m east from the east elevator stack.

The margueritas served poolside had their fair share of tequila.  If Mexico would ever change its chauvinistic tradition of camareros instead of camarerAs(waitresses), the poolside service experience would be heightened.  Heck, I might still be there!

photos by staff photog, Papa Razzi

 

 

Tecate SCORE Baja 1000 2012

Tecate Score Baja 1000 2012

http://dirtnewz.com/live-event-coverage/live-2012-tecate-score-baja-1000/

 

 

November 9 Tijuana Border Crossing Photos

Approaching old Tijuana Crossing Gates

This was my maiden voyage through the New Tijuana Border Crossing(aka “El Chaparral”).  [click photos to enlarge]  Interstate 5 south approaches the old(pre-November 2012) Tijuana crossing as normal.  It was a very sleepy scene during my noonish Friday, November 9, 2012 crossing.

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Right turn bend at old Tijuana gates

The right hand turn could be tricky during traffic or if you are towing something.  I decided to draft behind the pickup with lumber, hoping that would provide “cover” for me.

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Tijuana Border Corridor West

From early reports, I thought this corridor would be an old alley full of vendors and characters.  It’s approx 1/4 mile long stretch of new concrete.

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Red/Green Gates at Tijuana Border Crossing

The new Red/Green light gates have attendants providing direction.  Guessing that there were 12 gates.  Got a reprimand from the attendant and warning to put away my camera.  Maybe he was having a bad hair day.

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1,2,3,4 primary inspections stations after green/red light gates at Tijuana Border Crossing

Without my camera, did not photo the 4 primary inspection areas, just after the red/green light gates.  I was red lighted and hand-signaled into the #2 primary inspection area.  They gave me the signal to pull into space #3.  I was carrying lots of luggage from my Cabo San Lucas trip, groceries in Von’s bags, a case of beer, 2 bottles of wine and an expensive home water pump.

Construction materials and electronics have historically required a duty payment.  Having spent my life’s savings during the Cabo trip past 2 weeks, I was interested in a “duty free” import border crossing.  Inspector opened my Pontiac VIBErator’s back hatch, 10 second inspection seeing wine and beer, asked me where I lived.  Then he asked me to open engine hood.  I was in and out of primary inspection in 1 minute.

Exiting Secondary Inspection Area at Tijuana Border Crossing

I kept my camera “holstered” due to my nervous attitude about the water pump.  Secondary area is located directly after primary.  Secondary had approx 20 spaces for cars and it was full during my drive through.  Fun seeing the media, right side of this photo.  Guessing that they were waiting for the afternoon rush for a 3 day gringo holiday for Veteran’s day.

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Tijuana Border Crossing Ramp to “Playas, Rosarito, Ensenada”

Much better sign and ramp to head west to Highway 1, Playas, Rosarito and Ensenada”.  I remember my first attempt in 2006 Tijuana.   The old merge 2 lanes right, and my U.S. trained “Exit sign is placed BEFORE the exit”, onto the tiny ramp toward “Scenic Road” failed me in 2006, providing me with a free tour of downtown TJ.

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Tijuana Border Crossing over Rio to Scenic/Toll Road

Tijuana’s “Revolucion Arch” looks like a neighborhood kids’ project rising out of the barrio instead of some iconic international symbol.

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2012 Tijuana Border Crossing merges with old route headed west toward Scenic/Toll Road

 

After the 180 degree loop from east to west over the Tijuana River, you merge back with the old route on your way to the toll road.  Though the entire new TJ border project has a few more turns in it than the previous edition, it has much better signage and is well-designed.

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The spots of the 9 photos above are plotted on the New Tijuana Border Crossing map below.

photos courtesy of our intrepid staff photographer, Papa Razzi.  

New Tijuana Border Crossing 2012

This week was my first time through the new Tijuana Border Crossing(aka “Chaparral” Port of Entry).  Thanks toBajaNomad forum for info, video, map and discussion.  My first crossing south to TJ on Nov 9 story/photos here.

The new entry into Mexico from San Ysidro to Tijuana opened 1 November 2012.  The geographical change is not a big deal.  The number of vehicle inspections when crossing into Tijuana is way up.  Early reports are that more than half of vehicles are getting a brief inspection, leading to more than 1 hour delays during rush hour.

If you are headed south to Rosarito or Ensenada via the scenic/toll road, gotta hustle to RIGHT LANE immediately after the inspection chamber.   That right lane get you to ramp and bridge that will turn you west to the familiar route to get to Highway 1, Playas de Tijuana and your fun southbound.

Getting 2nd hand reports on duty being charged for food.  Will look forward to solid first hand reports on the filtering and duty paid for other products.  Bajadock’s Pub wine importing is very interested in the “adjustments”.

End of Baja Adventure 2012

Ended our Baja Adventure 2012 the way we began.  Lunch was at Poco Cielo in La Mision.  We are ready for a vacation from our vacation.

Did over 2,600 miles and lots of pot holes.  Three notable road hazard areas were a few miles of construction at San Vicente, the road west from Vizcaino toward Tortugas/Asuncion(dangerous pot holes Km 40-60 just east of the Asuncion turnoff) and a land slide south of Todos Santos.  I’m guessing the landslide will be clear by now on hwy 19.

Missed our intended visits to Magdalena Bay, Bahia de Los Angeles and Punta Chivato.

The military check points were 50% full inspection of vehicle including documentation of my name, city of residence and “de viene/ a donde” whereabouts.  They guys are gentlemen and have a terrible job.  They usually spent an additional minute or two with us, as my copilot still catches the boys attention.  Her fluent Spanish keeps them engaged even longer.  My memory says 8 checkpoints in all if we include the one northbound after the Rosarito toll booth.

On the way south, we were reprimanded at Guerrero Negro for bringing apples, not asked for visa and charged 20 pesos for NOT spraying the famous agriculture defense spray.  The 3 guys there were very chummy with us.  On our northbound trip at noon, nobody as at the GN checkpoint.  No visa, no nada.

The Pontiac VIBErator did its job at well over 30mpg and approached its 34mpg ceiling when we weren’t pushing the needle.

Lightened our load by more than 1 case of wine and several cases of Tecate, Indio, Dos Equis and Pabst.  The small and large coolers also did their jobs well.  Little cooler was for the portable beverage supply to accompany dinner.  Big cooler saved some dining leftovers, fruits/veggies and staged each evening’s happy hour with daily ice refresh.

Our stemmed crystal wine glasses made it all the way without crashing.  I gave the over/under on one of those wine glasses’ demise at 5 days.

Yellow butterflies were plentiful.  We also had our share of hitch-hiking flies.  Used a bio bug repellant to keep away mosquitoes and other flying pests.  That repellant also worked well when sprayed onto tables at taco shops.

This little taqueria in South Tijuana on Free Road, Tacos La Araña,  serves grand carne and adobado tacos.  It is located 2 miles north of the North Rosarito exit from Hwy 1 on to the Free Road.  Hours are 1:30 – 11:00, closed Monday.  Dined there yesterday to confirm that no taco shop on our adventure south could match it.

Looking forward to testing the new Chaparral border crossing tonight on my way from San Diego back to Ensenada.  CHEERS!