LORETO'S BEST RESTAURANTS

LORETO RESTAURANTS
By Cambria Dotterer

Chile rellenos, tacos and burrtios, oh my! In addition to the traditional Mexican fare, dining in Loreto offers the freshest seafood, meats and veggies from local farmers and fisherman. So dive in to some of these, our favorite eateries and recommended dining establishments in Loreto, from family run to fancy pants. 

1. MEXICO LINDO Y QUE RICO - Located on the main drag through town, Salvatierra, you can always find husband and wife, owners and chefs, Martina and Pancho greeting their guests and cooking the finest chili rellanos on the PLANET. Everything on the menu is made from scratch and served with love and heart. The atmosphere is somewhat casual and traditional with colorful cloth covered tables set on a vine covered indoor patio where local artists can also display their latest creations. A hot spot for both locals and visitors to Loreto. Open for lunch and dinner with excellent prices. Menu items range from $6-$15. Mexico Lindo y Que Rico is a must when in Loreto. 

2. EL REY DEL TACO - Recently featured on FOOD TV's "Chuck's Day Off", El Rey del Taco has been serving up the freshest fish and carne tacos at lightning speed for the past 25 years. Definitely a favorite with the locals and some "in the know" gringos. The tacos here are either fried or grilled, served with corn or flour tortillas and a buffet of toppings like homemade guac, killer salsa, cilantro and grilled jalapenos. Portions are large and the price is right. About $2.50 per taco. While only open for lunch, this eatery is packed everyday and still manages to provide great service. Another must while in Loreto and don't forget to order a fresh lemonade to quench your thirst. After lunch, be sure and visit the Palateria next door for a scoop of homemade ice cream or a coconut popsicle. Located on Benito Juarez in town one block west of Misioneros. Here's to another 25 and keeping the family tradition going. 

3. VISTA AL MAR - Located on the beach just south of Nopolo (Loreto Bay), belly up to the beach and the Sea of Cortez and order a cold one. While sitting and enjoying the view, you will probably see a "clam man" come right out of the ocean and drop off his fresh catch of Chocolate Clams to the kitchen. Traditional "Chocolate Clams",  named for the brown color of the shell, are the specialty here. Baked with garlic, butter and herbs, individually wrapped in tin foil and brought to your table, open these little treasure chests of flavor and enjoy. Since there is no electricity at Vista al Mar, be sure to get there before the sun goes down, or you will find yourself coming back the next day. 

4. MITA GOURMET - Located in the center of the historical town square of downtown Loreto, you will find Executive Chef, Juan Carlos, there daily creating his culinary masterpieces. From pasta carbonara to the catch of the day, the menu is expansive. If you don’t see anything on the menu or would like to add something to a dish, Chef Juan Carlos will create a special  dish to your liking. Open for dinner, Mita Gourmet offers a charming setting and a great place to people watch. Prices are a bit more than other locales in Loreto but well worth it. 

5. 19TH HOLE - Chef Juan Carlos's recent addition to his culinary empire, the 19th Hole is located just off the golf course in Nopolo. A similar menu to Mita Gourmet, but also open for breakfast and lunch. Thursday nights, you can enjoy live music such as acoustic spanish guitar and piano. Great food, service, drinks and atmosphere for that special night out. 

6. CAFE OLE- A true Loreto institution for breakfast. Cafe Ole is located just off the town square  between Salvatierra and the Hotel Posada de Las Flores. Here, the huevos rule, whether served mexicana style or smothered in ranchero sauce and cheese, all dishes are served with rice and beans, fresh corn or flour tortillas and salsa. If you are in the mood for pancakes and french toast, not to worry, they're as good as it gets.  Definitely a fave of the local expat community as well as the Loretanos. A great way to start your day. After your morning feast, you may not weigh the same but your wallet will. 

7. CAFE DE LOLITA - Making up fresh breads and desserts every morning, Cafe de Lolita is located in a tucked away spot just off the Malecon. Featured on the menu at this Loreto jewel are prosciutto and brie sandwiches, iced espresso, desserts to die for, iced pineapple rum punch, cucumber watermelon smoothies, and the list goes on. You can check them out on Facebook for their daily specials, and entertainment such as Cuban jazz or non traditional New Orleans music. A great change of pace and crazy good food. 

8. LA MISION HOTEL- Loreto's only 5 star! Super high end dinner menu, wine list and delicious breakfasts. If here for breakfast, opt for ordering off the menu instead of the breakfast buffet. La Mision is located right on the Malecon and is stunning both inside and out. If dining in the resto is not on the agenda, happy hour starts at 4 where you can order wood fired pizzas and 2x1 margies next to the pool. Offering one of Loreto's best views of the Sea of Cortez and surrounding islands. Whatever your taste, La Mision has you covered. 

9. GIGGLING DOLPHIN - On Ave Benito Juarez between Calle Davis and the Malecon. (Next to Dolphin Dive Center), the Giggling Dolphin is the face of low key Loreto. Traditional Mexican menu with homemade everything from Tortilla Soup to killer shrimp tacos. Super friendly wait staff and a cool bar made out of an old boat hull. Pop in for lunch at noon and dinner until 10 pm daily.

Happy Travels!

Sincerely,

LORETANAMAMA

Travel Safety Tips by GoMexico.com

Most people who travel to Mexico have a wonderful time and don't encounter any problems. However, as in other tourist destinations throughout the world, crime is a fact of life, and as a tourist you may be targeted for theft. In order to increase your chances of having a safe and pleasant vacation, follow these tips for Mexico travel safety.

Before you leave:

• Research your destination. The US State Department's Web site has information about Mexico as well as current warnings and public announcements regarding safety issues for travelers. World Travel Watch also offers frequently updated reports.
• As you're packing, think twice about taking valuables with you. If they're not essential, they're probably better off left at home. This will also make for lighter bags, allowing you greater ease of movement which can deter potential thieves.
• Scan your passport and travel documents and e-mail them to yourself. That way, if your documents are lost or stolen you can easily access copies from your e-mail.
• Take your bank or credit card's international telephone number with you (the 1-800 numbers used in the United States don't work in Mexico).
• Leave a copy of your itinerary with someone at home, but don't share details of your travel plans with others you meet while traveling.
• Buy a money belt (not a fanny pack) to carry your money and passport underneath your clothing. 
• Credit or debit cards are the most convenient way to access your money while traveling, but losing your card (or having it swallowed by a cash machine) can be a great inconvenience, so have a back-up plan. Take some travelers cheques (or a small amount of cash) just in case.

While you're there:

• Blend in as much as possible. Walking around with a camera around your neck and a guidebook in your hand advertises your tourist status and may make you a mark for thieves. Try to be discreet.
• Choose ATMs in malls, stores or banks if possible. Avoid using ATMs at night or in deserted places. When you withdraw money from an ATM put it away immediately.
• Carry only the cash you need for the moment in your pocket or purse. Carry your passport, credit card and extra money inside your clothes in a money-belt, or leave them in your vacation rental or hotel safe. When you need to get something out of your money belt do it in a private place.
• Exercise particular caution when in crowds, markets or on public transportation. Pickpockets can be very crafty and sometimes work in pairs - one person will distract you while another takes your wallet.
• Ask your hotel manager or another knowledgeable person if there are some areas of the city you should avoid.

Taxis

 There are official taxis (Taxis Autorizados) that you should take. Find out how to take an authorized taxi.

Check out the area by staying in a vacation home before you buy

Vacation Homes: Try Before you Buy!

Posted by: Lisa Mercer

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As baby boomers approach their twilight years, many consider purchasing a vacation home. While the idea certainly has its merits, it requires a careful analysis of the pros and cons. Before you let the fantasy of owning a vacation home seduce you into ignoring the stark realities, follow this checklist of things to do before you buy.

Rent First

Renting other people’s vacation homes or staying in friends’ homes probably inspired the idea of buying one in the first place, but keep in mind that the vacation experience usually occurs under ideal circumstances. A vacation rental of your own is worth the money if you plan to do one or more of the following:

• Use it at different times throughout the year

• Rent it when you’re not there

• Allow friends and family members to stay there

• All of the above

To determine whether any, some’ or all of these plans are in the cards, visit the area you love and rent vacation homes at different times throughout the year. Visit with friends and family members, and ask them their opinions. Note whether people are renting other vacation properties during the less touristy seasons.

High Season Destination, Off Season Ghost Town

In some towns, local businesses close their doors during the off-season. Note what services and amenities are available. Some vacation rental destinations thrive in all four seasons, while others turn into ghost towns during the off-season. While locals may enjoy the peace and quiet, a lack of grocery stores, medical services and community policing might reduce the attractiveness of your vacation rental.

Talk to the Locals

People often buy a vacation home because they enjoy the activities in a certain area, but these activities are subject to change. The inexpensive season passes that drew people to Summit County Colorado are now considerably more expensive. The economy may have had a negative impact on places that were once crime-free zones. If the safety of a given area has changed, do you feel comfortable leaving your vacation home unattended?

Other Factors to Consider

When you rent a vacation home, you can change your vacation destination each year and explore the world. Owning a vacation home may lock you into one destination. Are you comfortable with this idea? As you get older, will you still want to deal with the high temperatures on the Arizona golf courses? Will your heart be able to handle the high altitude destinations in Colorado and Utah? What is the real estate outlook for your targeted area? Factor in all of these issues before making you final decision, and remember, renting a vacation home leaves all of your options open!

Our annual trip to Loreto - September/October 2010

Pretty much every year since we took possession of our new home in Loreto Bay in September 2007 my husband and I have been driving down to Loreto from San Diego once a year for our vacation in beautiful Loreto - our heaven on earth. In 2008 we actually went twice which was such a treat. Usually we stay for 2-3 weeks but this year we stayed for five weeks and still were not ready to come back. People ask us what we do all day. We are actually pretty busy! Here is a typical day: have coffee and watch the news on the morning, make breakfast, clean up, going for a walk on the beach and golf course with my dog, check my emails, go boating or hang out on the beach and go paddle boarding, swimming, etc, make lunch, walk to the store to get necessary items such as pacificos and ice, go to town to the market or do some shopping, back to the beach, make dinner or have dinner with friends, do the dishes and call it a day!

On Sunday's there is a great Farmer's market in the arroyo where you can get wonderful freshly grown veggies, meats, cheese, and shrimp! The Farmer's market also has other types of "swap meet/garage sale" items too - which can be kind of handy if your coffee maker breaks and you need a new one or you need to replace some pots or pans. I do wish the farmer's market had more hand crafted on local artisan products.

This last trip, we took another couple with us who stayed with us for a week. My husband and his friend drove down from San Diego and I flew from LAX with his wife. The drive is a two day drive and I usually have to pump myself up for the drive with was surprised when I felt disappointed that I would miss the drive down. I realized what I would be missing not only the beauty of the landscape after El Rosario but the time that me and my husband share is a very special experience. The drive is somewhat of an adventure and it is a neat feeling that you do it together and work as a team with your husband for a successful trip. When I saw my husband’s face at the airport to pick me up I was SO HAPPY! We had a great time with our friends and this was the first time for our friend's wife to Loreto. It was great showing them all the treasures of Loreto and seemed they were leaving before we knew it.

Two days later, our very good friends and neighbors came down for another week. They have been hearing us talk about Loreto for years and we had a GREAT time with them. As soon as they got back they started planning their next trip to their new favorite place on earth.

After our second set of friends left, my mom came from Los Angeles for a visit and stayed for 7 days. She hasn't been to the Loreto Bay development since 2007 when there was a TON of construction, hundreds of workers, no landscaping, rebar and tile pieces everywhere so she was so happy to see the development in its current state. My mom said it turned out so much nicer than she could have ever imagined, so that made me happy. We all bought the home together in 2004 so needless to say have been through ALOT.

We did all the fun things in Loreto with mom, fishing, snorkeling, drinks at La Mission, lunch at Vista al Mar, Sunday Farmers market, a little shopping, swimming in the founder's pool, and kicking it beachside with lots of new friends under the palapas while gazing out upon the gorgeous Sea of Cortez. One thing my mom did not join us on was our first hike up into Tabor Canyon. This is a canyon across from the entrance to Puerto Escondido. The canyon is about a 1 1/2 hour hike with large bowls that were once filled with lots of water but this time of the year or possibly due to a very dry rainy season, only had a couple of small pools of water that were not suitable for dipping your big toe in. However, water or no water, the scenery was beautiful! The walls were so high and even though it was about 95 degrees it felt somewhat cooler because of all the shade provided by the very steep canyon. We met some people that had hiked Tabor canyon in April and they said it was filled with water and they were jumping off 15 foot cliffs into very deep pools. I saw the pictures to prove it!

After Mom left, we had no more guests! It was fun to have our friends and family visit but we were very happy to have some just me and my husband time for the rest of our stay in Loreto which was about two more weeks. We ended up meeting some wonderful new friends and it was dinner party after dinner party. Everyone we meet there is always very friendly and warm - expect for the man who yelled at me for having my dog off the leash on the golf course walking trail. He was a little over the top, but I put my dog back on her leash and went on my merry way. - After making sure he was okay and didn't have a stroke or anything due to his recent traumatic encounter with my lick your face off doggie.

Shiloh after an active day in the Sea of Cortez

One of my favorite places in Loreto Bay is on the tee boxes that are terraced right on the Sea of Cortez. It is an amazing look out where you can see from Isla Danzante to Isla Cornado. I wish I was there right now.

As the last two weeks came to a close, we realized that yes tomorrow is the day we are driving home. It is always a sad day for me and Loreto is the only place that I have ever visited that when I leave I cry. I am about to cry right now! I actually first came to Loreto when I was a younger girl of 13 in 1980 as an exchange student with Loreto's Sister City, Hermosa Beach. I remembering crying (all the students were crying) when we all got back on the bus heading home. At that time, Loreto didn't have an airport, so we all took a private bus and drove a 24 hour trip on the road through Baja. It was a great adventure that I will NEVER forget. I actually reunited with one of the girls from the family I stayed with this last time in Loreto. Her name is Kelli Davis and owns a real estate company in Loreto called La Giganta Realty. She is very knowledgeable and hard working. I would recommend her to anyone looking to buy or sell real estate in Loreto or needs help with immigration or corporations.

As we got on the road with our truck loaded with the dog pulling our boat, we pulled out onto Hwy 1 and drove past the bank at the entrance to Loreto, we saw our good friend Jorge and his son Chaly. We pulled over to say goodbye. It turns out that they were coming to our house to say goodbye so we were really glad to connect before we left. We have known Jorge since 2005 and many of you probably do too as he was always at the Kayak shack doing the kayak rentals. Now his son Chaly runs the shack and Jorge is in the office in town. We said our goodbyes and back on the road. When we left it was unusually cool which made for a great drive through the hottest part of Baja. That night we pulled into our hotel in Catavina - the Dessert Inn. The next day we were on the road again before sun up and made it El Rosario at about 7:30 am. We always stop at this great cafe called Baja's best for coffee and breakfast. We have gone there for 3 years in a row now. In 2007, when we pulled up to the cafe in El Rosario, it was still dark because we left the hotel SUPER early, I realized I did not have my purse and had left it in the hotel room 1 1/2 drive back. So we went back and got it. My passport was in my purse. At least we got it. We were both upset but my husband actually was pretty cool about it. Plus it was my birthday.

The rest of the drive was pretty good except for the roads they were redoing just outside of Ensenda and about the last 25 miles coming into Tecate. We usually cross at the Otay Mesa border crossing but decided to cross at Tecate as the border crossing is way more mellow. Not only were the roads dirt but it was raining very hard which turned the roads into a muddy sloppy mess. We reached the border at about 5 ish, got pulled into secondary as we always do so they can check out our boat, and got home at about 7 that night. We were both very happy to be home and our dog, Shiloh couldn't believe her eyes when she saw our house. We realized that living in Loreto is something we definitely will be shooting for. We love the simplicity of life there which lends itself to living your life in a way that focuses on what should be focused on, family, friends, and living without the distractions of too many choices.

Safe Travels,
Loretanamama
Experience Loreto at Casa de Playita