TRAVEL CLUB
INSURANCE UPDATES: SENTRI Discount for Save The Date! Auto Insurance and new Homeowners Policies If you have a SENTRI pass, we now have a discounted DBTC Holiday FIESTA 365-day auto insurance policy for you! While we realize it s lls feels We’re pleased to announce that insurance underwriter like summer here in Southern ACE is now offering homeowners policies to Discover Baja California, and we hate that members. This opens up new op ons and different COSTCO has had the Christmas coverage for homeowners. trees up since August just as much as you do, we know you’d Please call our office at 800.727.2252 or email us at be disappointed if you missed [email protected] for more informa on or a quote. out on the annual Discover Baja holiday fiesta, so save the date! Via Internacional Expect delicious Mexican food, drinks and merriment. If you’re Now Reopened! interested in being a vendor, The new and improved please email us at Via Internacional in [email protected]. More Tijuana is now details to come soon! reopened in both st direc ons making for Sunday, December 1 easy access to the San (a ernoon/evening-ish) Ysidro border crossing. DBTC offices: 3264 Governor Dr. DBTC Insider Tip: Forms for Vehicle, Boat San Diego, CA 92122 or Motorhome Temporary Importa on Use this link to save yourself some me by comple ng the PESO EXCHANGE RATE: forms for importa on before stopping at immigra on. 13.1 to $1 U.S. dollar h ps://www.banjercito.com.mx/registroVehiculos/ Use for the following: If you transport boat parts between the U.S. and Mexico PEMEX PRICES: If you keep a boat at marina in Baja Magna: $3.38/gal If you’re traveling with a vehicle, boat or motorhome to Premium: $3.53/gal mainland Mexico Diesel: $3.51/gal ON OUR RADAR FOR OCTOBER
OCT 4-6 OCT 5 En juanarte Mariachi y Ballet en juanarte.org Folklorico Concert Tijuana cultural 6pm center, CECUT Rosarito Beach Hotel Fes val exhibi ng rosaritobeachmariachifolkloricofes val.com and selling art from The grand concert of the 3-day fes val local and foreign featuring the Mariachi Divas and Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlan ar sts
OCT 9-13 OCT 12 Tijuana Tequila Expo Tecate 121st Anniversary expo-tequila.com Benito Juarez park in Tecate Revolución Ave. th th Celebrate Tecate’s between 7 and 8 anniversary with arts and A family-friendly event cra s, Mexican food, live with food, informa on music and local ar sts. Fun about Tequila and for the whole family. Tequila tas ngs!
OCT 13 OCT 14 Puerto Nuevo Discovering Baja Meetup Lobster at Paradise Cove Fes val bit.ly/1dMVZ7S 12-6pm If you’re in Rosarito, join Lobster, drinks Jen and other Baja lovers for and shopping in a fun night of mingling, the lobster drinks, apps and Monday capital of Baja! night football
OCT 24-27 OCT 26 Baja Culinary Fest Discover Baja bcculinaryfest.com Guadalupe Valley Special fes val Wine Trip celebra ng Baja Med Join DBTC for a trip to the Guadalupe cuisine in northern Baja Valley for a day of wine-tas ng followed Special dinners, cooking by a lobster dinner with margaritas in classes, compe ons and Puerto Nuevo music. Please see our ar cle on the next page
Saturday, Oct. 26th
Come spend a day experiencing Mexico’s Napa Valley with Discover Baja and Baja Custom Tours!
Enjoy a day with us in Baja’s Guadalupe Valley Tour includes: as we explore some of the wineries and a rac ons that the region has to offer. We’ll Wine tas ng at two wineries – provide the round-trip transporta on, a tour L.A. Ce o and Las Nubes the new Museum of Wine and Vine, tas ngs at Behind-the-scenes tour at L.A. two wineries, tradi onal Mexican lunch at a local restaurant, a behind-the-scenes winery Ce o, one of the oldest and tour and a local wine guide to help explain largest wineries in Baja everything in English. Oh, and a full lobster Tradi onal homemade, sit-down dinner with endless margaritas in Puerto lunch in Guadalupe Valley Nuevo to top it all off. Guided tour of the new Wine $145 for Discover Baja members ($165 for and Vine Museum non-members). For More Informa on: h p:// bit.ly/15tV72I Local wine expert Lobster dinner with margaritas We only have a few spaces le so call or email today to book your spot! in Puerto Nuevo [email protected] or 800.727.2252 Round trip transporta on from Discover Baja offices in San Diego The DBTC Guide to: Dia de los Muertos Day of the Dead, or Dia de los Muertos, is a holiday celebrated throughout Mexico on November 1st and 2nd to remember friends and family members who have passed away. It’s a bright, colorful and flavorful celebra on. (If you can’t make it down to Baja but you’re in the Southern California area, there’s a wonderful Day of the Dead celebra on at the San Luis Rey Mission in Oceanside on Oct. 27 from 10-5). See our guide below, which explains some of the tradi ons of the holiday. ALTARS People build elaborate altars in their homes and in cemeteries to honor the deceased. Photos of the deceased, crosses and marigolds decorate the altars. “Ofrendas” (offerings) of gi s, food, sweets and alcohol are le for the spirit of the deceased.
Skulls made of sugar are SUGAR adorned with candy and PAN DE MUERTO are used to decorate Pan de Muerto is a sweet altars as well as serving bread eaten on Dia de los SKULLS as a delicious treat! Muertos. It is decorated with bone-like pieces.
José Guadalupe Posada illustrated the original CATRINAS “Calavera de la Catrina” (below) in 1910 as a parody of the upper- class. Since then, the Catrina calaveras have Altars are MARIGOLDS become a symbol for Dia decorated with de los Muertos. “flor de muerto” (marigolds) which are thought to a ract the souls of the deceased to the offerings. We’re pleased to announce the beginning of a new series by David Kier about the missions of Baja California. David published his first Baja guidebook at the age of 15 and has been wri ng and publishing ever since. In 2012, he teamed up with history authors Kurillo and Tu le to write ‘The Old Missions of Baja & Alta California, 1697-1834’. The book is available for purchase at the DBTC offices (call 800-727-2252). David maintains the website vivabaja.com to share his travels and more! You can follow along with the series to learn about the San Ignacio Mission history of all of the Baja California missions on the DBTC blog and in future newsle ers. By David Kier The following 70 years, 17 would be following Royal One of history’s greatest missions were founded by the direc ves. One of these was to endeavors was the Jesuits on the peninsula. They push the mission system into establishment of the mission also had built a ’Royal Highway’ the lands north of the peninsula system in Baja California. When called El Camino Real to and quickly establish missions it began in 1697, California was connect the missions and their at the harbors of San Diego and believed by many to be an satellite sub-missions, called Monterey (the bay of San island and as remote from Spain ’visitas’ which supported the Francisco was not yet as Mars is today from Earth. head mission, called a discovered). This new land was The goal was to occupy the land ‘cabecera‘. first called Nueva (New) for the king and convert the California and the peninsula With poli cal changes going on na ve popula on to Chris anity was known as An gua (Old) in Europe, the Jesuit success in and the European style of living. California. Before long, the the New World became names would change to Alta The Jesuit Order was given the suspect. Rumors of wealth (Upper) California and Baja task to establish these missions acquired in the new lands that (Lower) California. as they had been successful on were never proven, had caused the mainland of Mexico. their expulsion to be ordered in Just five years a er the Because all previous a empts 1767. All the Jesuits in California Franciscans arrived, they at colonizing the peninsula had were marched to Loreto, and in requested to be relieved of the failed, the Jesuits made special February, 1768 sailed to the Baja California missions, demands to have complete mainland where they would including the first one they had autonomy in the project. The walk across Mexico and join the founded at Velicatá named San king agreed, but the Jesuits other Jesuits in sailing back to Fernando. The Dominicans would have to finance the Europe. would take over opera on of opera on with private money. the Baja California missions and Benefactors came forward and The Franciscan Order would be establish nine more between donated to a ‘Pious Fund’ which next on the peninsula, but San Fernando de Velicatá and financed building the missions. without the autonomy and San Diego from 1774 to 1834.
Mexico had won its Baja California has a story to tell The Franciscans who learned independence from Spain in and many books from grand well of the mistakes made by 1821, but California was so intellectual masterpieces to their predecessors had greater remote, the Dominicans and small paperback guides have success in Alta California. This Franciscans were allowed to been wri en on the subject. success lasted un l Mexico’s con nue their efforts for many Changes in informa on on the seculariza on act (issued in years following Mexico’s missions have been made as old 1832) ended the mission system independence. Sadly, the texts from the padres are before the na ves were fully diseases and new life styles discovered. Informa on that converted to European ways. introduced by the Europeans fills in missing links to some of Most of the na ves returned to had devasta ng results on the the stories on the missions the mountains, and the na ve people, of the peninsula. helps modern writers to tell a missions fell into ruin. In 1848, By 1800, the mission system in more complete story or correct Baja California was in decline Alta California became past errors. and missions began closing for American territory and the Gold lack of purpose. By 1841, all but Rush filled the region with new More details on the missions one mission had closed or people from the East Coast. that were founded in California, became a parish church serving Baja California also had some Baja California and Baja the new residents of Baja short-lived gold rushes in the California Sur can be found in California, arriving from across following years, but the the book ‘The Old Missions of the gulf. In 1849, the last popula on impact was not as Baja & Alta California great. 1697-1834’. mission serving the na ve people closed at Santo Tomás. The history of Old California In the next installment, we will In 1854, Fr. Gabriel Gonzalez (Baja) is fascina ng, and the examine the first missions that resigned as the last Dominican missions are but one part of the were established in the land we president in Baja California. story. Each of the 27 missions in now call Baja.
El Rosario
San Borja Mission
Los Dolores Mission Photos by Jack Swords, Kevin Clough and David Kier Baja Cooking with Ann Hazard: Recipe for Pancho’s Tortilla Soup
We asked Ann Hazard, Baja aficionado and author, to share one of her favorite recipes and the story behind it. This one comes from her book, “Cooking with Baja Magic Dos.” ¡Buen provecho!
This delectable varia on of an old Mexican favorite comes to you straight from Restaurant Pancho’s in Cabo San Lucas. When I was asking the owner, Mary Bragg, what she was most famous for, she didn’t hesitate one second before telling me, “Why our Tor lla Soup. Of course.” My sister, Nina, promptly ordered some, and since both of us are connoisseurs of tor lla soup, we were curious to see if Mary’s would prove to be as memorable as she said.
She was right on. This soup is pure Baja Magic. While most versions I’ve run across use only one kind of broth, this one uses two … one pot of chicken broth and another of Mary’s salsa ranchera. Over the years (and a er making this many mes) I have combined the salsa recipe into the soup recipe for ease of prepara on. It is incomparable served over crunchy, just fried tor lla strips and garnished with Mexican crema, fresh avocado chunks and cilantro!
This is a true culinary delight. And if you ever get to Cabo, be sure and visit Pancho’s. We stop in for drinks or a meal whenever we’re in town (which is o en). The Mexican staff is entertaining, courteous and professional. Not only is the food delicious, but the restaurant’s half palapa and half open air ambience is vintage Baja. PANCHO’S TORTILLA SOUP Garnishes (this may take 2 skillets) and Serves eight to ten 12 corn tor llas, cut into strips sauté un l cooked, about 15 about ½ inch wide minutes. Soup ½ cup corn or canola oil About 20 minutes prior to 1 whole chicken 2 avocados cut into chunks serving, combine the chicken 3 quarts water 1½ cup Chihuahua or jack and stock with the vegetables 4 tbsp powdered chicken cheese, grated and heat thoroughly. bouillon (Mary uses Knorr Suiza) 1 cup crema media ácida or Deep fry the tor lla strips and 1 tbsp dried oregano sour cream drain on paper towels. Divide 4 bay leaves Fresh cilantro, in sprigs each among eight to 10 large Salt and pepper to taste soup bowls. Fill almost to top 5 poblano chiles, thinly sliced Cook chicken in water and with the soup. Then garnish 8 large, ripe tomatoes, thinly bouillon for one hour. Remove with a few chunks avocado, sliced chicken, debone and cut into some grated cheese, a float of 2 large, white onions, thinly chunks. Return to pan, add crema and a sprig of cilantro. sliced seasonings and cover. Serve immediately and prepare 3 cloves garlic, minced Place chiles, onion, tomatoes to gloat. Le overs are great the and garlic in large skillet with oil next day too.
From the DBTC Archives: October 1992 An oldie but a goodie, from two of Baja’s fishing legends. DBTC staff Peninsula Picks: Camping Spots Ah the great outdoors! There’s nothing be er than the smell of the ocean or the mountains and spending the evenings around the campfire with friends and family. Here are a few of our favorite camping spots on the peninsula.
October! I can’t think of a be er me of year to visit Meling Ranch with it’s quaking aspens and poplars turning their rich autumnal yellow and gold tones. And you can either camp outdoors or stay in rooms with pot-belly stoves to keep you warm at night. Either way, all the facili es (including the dining room-yum!) and ranch ac vi es are available to you. Con nue on up the paved road to the Parque Nacional Sierra San Pedro Már r to visit the observatory or hike through the invi ng pine and oak forest. This is a camping experience that will reward you with las ng memories. -Hugh
Campo Villarino in Ensenada is a beau ful spot right One of my favorite camping trips was on the beach. It’s close to La Bufadora, you can tent Gonzaga Bay with the family over Easter camp or bring your motorhome and there’s a mini one year. There was a full moon and we market right at the entrance to stock up on cerveza had the highest des of the year. -Carol and snacks. -Maythé Camping spots doesn’t get more beau ful than Concepcion Bay. -Jen
Rancho Ojai in Tecate is a great campsite for the whole family. There’s a pool, horseback riding, minigolf, basketball, volleyball, bikes and even a farm & corral. They have tent camping, cabins and an RV site too. -Monica DBTC Dinner Club: Las Olas in Point Loma Wednesday, Nov. 6th, 7pm We’re excited to announce Johnson) and they just fresh daily from scratch with that the next DBTC Dinner recently opened the Point wholesome ingredients. Club will be at the newly- Loma loca on at the Midway Las Olas Margaritas are opened Las Olas in Point Town Center. It’s a fun, famous, and many of the Loma. Join DBTC staff and family-friendly environment members as we enjoy an with great food. dra beer selec ons are from evening of good company, San Diego's own incredible The menu allows customers a breweries. food and drinks. You’ll be wide variety of op ons: Build responsible for your own bill, We hope to see you there! To your own seafood, chicken, but our group will receive 10 pork, or carne asada tacos, reserve your spot or for more percent off of all food and enjoy delicious favorites like informa on, please email alcohol for the evening! [email protected] roasted chili relleños stuffed Las Olas has had their north with fall-off-the-bone-tender For more informa on on Las county loca on since 1981 carnitas, or delight in seasonal Olas: www.lasolasmex.com/ (one of the co-owners is our grilled vegetable enchiladas. point-loma.php own DBTC member, Peter It's honest food, prepared CASITA IN TRIPUI - Beau ful, completely-furnished, turn-key house available in Tripui, south of Loreto. Space A-19, with parking and pa o in front and cactus garden in the back. Living area has two-ton air condi oner and four ceiling fans. Includes TV-VCR, Telmex telephone, landline with internet connec on. Bedroom has walk-in closet, and full bathroom with tub. Lots of storage, drawers, bookcase, leather sofa with end tables. Kitchen area has two refrigerators, chest freezer and gas stove top. Dining area has le table with six chairs. Mexican dishes and pots and pans included. Detached brick bodega with hot water heater, washer and dryer, sink, toilet and plenty of storage space. Just $95,000 USD. Local phone 133-0504, or US phone 619 467-5958.
This is a monthly online publica on of DISCOVER BAJA Travel Club. 3264 Governor Drive San Diego, CA 92122 Phone: 619 275-4225 or 800 727-BAJA Fax: 858 458-0722 www.discoverbaja.com email: [email protected] © 2013 DISCOVER BAJA, Inc. Unsolicited stories and photos are welcome, but should be accompanied by postage if they are to be returned. On-line submissions may be sent to [email protected] No part of this newsle er may be reproduced, except for personal use, without wri en permission from the publishers.