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You are here: Home / Archives for Mexico

Mexico

Tasty West Coast Temptations

July 4, 2016 by Exploretraveler.com Leave a Comment

Mexican

             Hungry And Happy In Mexico

Our first stop is Mexico, and we are looking for tasty temptations. We visit an authentic Mexican restaurant for a delightful South of the Border speciality. Authentic Mexican Beef  Arrachera with Guacamole is the perfect dinner after a day of exploring. Arrachera beef is a savory Mexican specialty made from flank steak. The flank steak comes from the diaphragm of the cow. This meat is quite thick and can be a little bit tougher than other cuts, if not prepared correctly. It has a very strong flavor and is quite juicy. The secret of a delightful arrachera is in the marinade.

Beef Arrachera is never served alone on the plate. It will always be served with one or more garnishes. A favorite and maybe the most common is Guacamole. It is also served with grilled spring onions, roasted nopal, mixed salad, quesadillas, refried beans, Mexican rice, or fought chilies. Often onions and chilies are mixed in with the beef and the Guacamole is served on the side.

Throughout Mexico, Beef Arrachera is a favorite to throw on the grill when gathering together with family and friends. On your next trip to Mexico, be sure to sample an authentic and sumptuous  Beef Arrachera. It is delicious!  It will be one of the highlights of any trip, South of the Border.

Crab cakes

            Crab Cakes On The Beach

Traveling north, we find ourselves on the beaches of Southern California.  Almost every fish shack has the most tempting Crab Cakes. Some even serve Kosher Crab Cakes  made from from artificial Crab. These delicious Cakes are made from  fresh fish and certified Kosher. If you eat nothing else from the fish shacks,  you must try the crab cakes.  Once you’ve tried the crab cakes you will want to keep coming back for more. San Diego Crab Cakes are pretty much the most famous in the world. San Diego is notorious  for its crab. These terrific Crab Cakes more than live up to all of their publicity. They are an international favorite. They are fresh. These tasty temptations are delicious!

Treasures of the sea

                   San Diego’s Sea Urchin

Sea Urchins are generally  served fresh and raw on the shell.   They are freshly caught and still moving! They  taste almost like a buttery custard, Most importantly, they are extremely fresh. Visually, this beautiful Sea Urchin can look a bit overwhelming for a novice. It is worth the effort to try this San Diego delicacy.  The flavor is unlike anything else you have ever tasted. It’s nutty, buttery, and salty, all at once. The divers go out each morning to find the very best Sea Urchin. People come from all over the world, to eat the Sea Urchin when in season.

Oysters

           Oysters On The Half Shell

Whether you are at a fish shack on the beach, at the Fish Market, or at a Farmers Market, Oysters are a favorite West Coast delicacy. From the Southern California beaches all the way to Canada, Oysters are a sea food treasure. They are often served raw and to the novice appear a little slimy, but they taste delicious.  If you are  looking for fresh Pacific sea food, oysters are at the head of the line.

By far the raw oysters that are served on the half shell are the greatest all stars. But oysters are served several different ways. Oyster chowder is another star of the menu, especially in the Northwest. It can be called Oyster Stew or Oyster Chowder, but it is delightful on a cold windy day.

Another way to enjoy this fresh Pacific treasure is fried. Fried Oysters served with fresh lemon are another favorite Pacific Northwest treat. Often this is paired with cole slaw and fresh baked french bread.(photos/poppas-fresh-fish-company-san-diego)

bbq

                         Time For BBQ

BBQ is an all time favorite on the West Coast USA. Any reason is good enough to dig out the grill. There is never a wrong time to grill hot dogs with different relishes. Some serve them on a stick and others in a bun, but everyone loves a good grilled hotdog.  Major holidays, like the Fourth of July, are all time favorites for grilling some burgers and hotdogs. Usually they are served with chips, baked beans, and potato salad. Any day is a grilling day on the West Coast USA.

Grilled Shrimp

            Grilled Shrimp In Monterey

On the Monterey Peninsula it is all about shrimp. You will find fried shrimp, grilled shrimp, and even coconut shrimp. They love their shrimp in Monterey!

The first Bubba Gump Restaurant opened in Monterey, California. It was the year 1996, just after the successful movie came out titled “Forest Gump.”  The Bubba Gump restaurant is named after the film’s characters  Bubba and Forrest. In the film, Bubba desired to get into the shrimping business.  Forrest carried out his dream after Bubba’s death.

The Bubba Gump Restaurant is a fun place to have lunch or dinner. Taste and see how many different ways you can cook this tasty temptation!

   The Monterey Peninsula

As you travel on North to Oregon and Washington, the weather has changed. Nine months a year can bring cool and rainy days and the nights are quite brisk. Here in the Northwest the need to warm up, makes chowder the star of the menu.

Chowder

          Chowder And Sour Dough Bread

The farther north you go, the more varieties of chowder that appear on the menu. By the time you get to Seattle, you will see them all. Some of the favorites are Clam Chowder, Salmon Chowder, Corn Chowder, and Potato Chowder. On a cold rainy Northwest day, nothing beats a good bowl of Chowder.

A favorite destination in Seattle is Pikes Place Market. Within the market are fish markets, farmers markets , and lots of chowder cafes. Whether you come to the market to get your own makings for your favorite chowder, or drop by for a bowl, you will love the chowder houses throughout the market.

If you are looking for adventure, you need look no farther than your own back door. The coastal communities of the Pacific welcome you to join them for a regional favorite. So grab the family and head for the closest beach. Your lunch is waiting!

https://www.explore1stage.wpengine.com

This is also an authorized post on seemit under @exploretraveler at:https://steemit.com/treanding/@exploretraveler/exploring-more-of-the-backroads-of-washington

 

Filed Under: California, Mexico, Oregon, San Diego, San Diego, Travel Tips, USA, Washington Tagged With: BBQ, Beef Arrachera, California, Chowders, Crab Cakes, Mexico, Monterey, Oregon, Oysters, Pacific Northwest, San Diego, Sea Urchin, Seattle, shrimp, Tijuana, Washington

South Of The Border Adventures

June 16, 2016 by Exploretraveler.com Leave a Comment

South of the Border

                  South Of The Border

We have gone through the border crossing, and we are now…..South of the border. Our Mexican adventure has begun. Excitement is in the air! The beaches are amazing. Beautiful blue beaches call for further exploration. You can spend hours just walking the sand. This is the time to enjoy all that nature has to offer. If you are looking for unspoiled beaches, private resorts, or just private clean beaches, you will enjoy the beaches of Baja California. There are many motels, RV resorts, and condo’s waiting. Whatever you are looking for, you will find……. South of the Border!

Rosanito Beach

               Romantic Rosarito Beach

Rosarito is located just a short 20 minute drive  south of the border from San Diego, California. This romantic beach is perfect for a short getaway. Close to the border, with amazing scenery, Rosarito Beach has it all. Located between the Pacific Ocean and the beautiful foothills of Baja, it makes for some spectacular photography. This is one of the leading Baja resort towns. It is easily accessible to San Diego. Come spend the day on the beach. Enjoy a romantic dinner for two.  Join a  party in the evenings. Rosarito Beach is a special town, that has it all.

Rosanito Beach 2

   Endless Excitement At Rosarito Beach

Excitement is endless in this completely modern Mexican town. You will find beautiful 3 star to 5 star accommodations just a stone’s throw away from pristine beaches. Americans come to Rosarito seeking a peaceful place to retire in the many romantic and beautiful oceanfront retirement communities. Families come to vacation in some of the most beautiful condominiums in the America’s. The many adventurers  come to explore these exquisite beaches, just perfect for the adventure traveler. Still others,  flock to the many seaside restaurants for the perfect lobster, or the catch of the day. And then there are those who come to mingle with the locals. They love to practice their communication skills. One of their favorite pastimes is to sample the authentic Mexican cuisine. It is all waiting for you, in Rosarito, just South of the Border.

food

         Hungry And Happy In Mexico

Authentic Mexican Beef Arrachera with Guacamole, is only one of the exciting  temptations waiting for you in this Mexican community,  just South of the Border. There is no reason to go hungry in this land where the food is immensely delicious. So come on South, and relax! Enjoy the creations of some of our best local chefs.  Come hungry,  and leave happy!

Spending time with Friends In Tijuana

       Special Times Spent With Friends

Tijuana is the perfect place to spend that special time with friends. Whether you come as a group of friends or you meet new ones, shopping is fun and exciting. Few are the women, that can resist an exciting trip to Tijuana’s Leather Factory. Even the men get excited about shopping at the Leather Factory. Here you will find all those hard to find leather good you have been looking for. This is a shoppers paradise!

hats

         Shopping At The Leather Factory

Bargain shopping for quality handmade leather goods in Tijuana, Mexico is a delightful experience. Are you looking for that perfect purse? Here, you can choose from the hundreds of quality handmade leather purses. Need a new belt or the perfect hat? If it is leather, you will find it at the leather factory. Looking for something unique and original? Explore the selection of spectacular sheepskin coats, western styled vests, or  that special crocodile wallet. Need a new pair of boots? The boot selection is endless!

From the moment you leave the border, you will find leather everywhere . The Leather Factory is only one of the many shops that specialize in leather goods. Just seconds after you pass through customs, you will find everything leather. Everything from laptop cases to cases for your passport are available.

Boots are an exceptional bargain at prices about half of what you would pay in the states for the same item. Here you will find every kind of leather from alligator to ostrich, and every style you can think of. One of the leading bargains in boots are the  bulls-neck. You can often save $40.00 a pair over San Diego prices. Don’t be afraid to bargain, it is part of the fun. Bargaining is a way of life in Mexico. Tijuana is considered the leather capital of Mexico. The selection of leather goods is endless. The competition is fierce. The bargaining is the spice of life. Take a walk up and down Avenida Revolucion for some of the best inventory at spectacular prices.

Shopping

    Experiencing The Shopping Culture

Shopping in Mexico is not limited to the shops or major stores. You will find exciting adventure in the streets and byways. Wander the alleys, greet the people, and enjoy the real Mexican experience.  Try out your Spanish and they will try out their English. The two will meet in the middle. This is the art of International Communication. Don’t be afraid to speak, they will love you for trying! Reach out, and make a new friend! Shopping has no boundaries, and it is an art to be enjoyed!

Pottery

               Colorful Mexican Pottery

One of the unique and traditional items of Mexico is the bright and colorful pottery. This is a tradition that goes back thousands of years. Each pot is one of a kind. The individual pots are handpainted with beautiful designs. These clay pots are durable and will last for years. They make an exciting conversation piece for your patio or poolside. What amazing conversations will be generated! If you want to come home with something that is unique and different, then this amazing pottery is just the item.

culture

    Sweet Music Of A Man And His Violin

The music is sweet, as a man and his violin play in the Village of Puerto Nuevo, Baja California. A wonderful instrument in the hands of the master. Amazing what you can find in the byways and alleys of small Mexican towns. While there are locations for professional entertainment, here on the street…….. the music plays!

                           Places To Stay

Las Olas Resort And Spa, is a beautiful upscale 4 star condo resort right on the beach. It is close to the border and not far from the famous statue of Sagrado Corazon De Jesus. This is one of Rosarito’s top resorts. Beautiful 2 and 3 bedroom condos with a touch of island charm. They come complete with beautiful kitchens, nice sized living rooms, and beautiful marble bathrooms. You will even find a deep soaking tub, TV, and washers and dryers in each condo. The balconies wrap around the building providing for spectacular ocean views in every direction. Many of the condos even have their own private infinity pool.

The resort has a large outdoor pool and whirlpool. There is a complete exercise and spa facility. These facilities even have a cold plunge pool. Do you dare to take the plunge?

Las Olas Resort And Spa
Carretera Libre Tijuana Ensenada
km 35.5, Calafia
22710 Rosarito, B.C., Mexico
52 661 612 5227 (Phone)
http://lasolasresortspa.com
Reservations can be made on their website or by phone.

The utterly amazing Las Rocas Resort and Spa is another one of the beautiful 4 star hotels in Rosarito, Baja. Located at the top of the cliff, the view is spectacular. It is also close to the famous statue of Sagrado Corazon De Jesus and is a short drive from Los Arenales Beach.

At Las Rocas, you will find amazing rooms with magnificent views. TV, WiFi, and balconies come with all the rooms. There are no air conditioners, but nature provides nice pleasant breezes. There are suites available with romantic fireplaces for those cooler evenings. The suites are complete with kitchenettes with microwaves and small refrigerators. If you desire to stay in one of the  one bedroom penthouses, you will even have a private  Jacuzzi. Room service is offered in all their rooms.

Las Rocas Resort And Spa
Carretera Libre Tijuana-Ensenada
Km. 38.5, Puente El Morro
22710 Rosarito, BC, Mexico
52 661 614 9850 (Phone)
http://lasrocas.com/en/

You can make your advance reservations online or by phone. This is top quality resort at medium hotel prices.

The Tijuana Marriott Hotel is next to the Country Club and the Culture Center is near by. This 4 star hotel has everything that you would expect to find in a hotel of this class. The rooms are cozy and comfortable.  You will have Wi-Fi ( for an added fee), a flat-screen TV, a safe. Each room is complete with a beautiful marble bathroom. These are some of the standard amenities. Some rooms have balconies with views looking out over the beautiful golf course. Executive rooms have access to a private lounge. Here you will find free drinks, free breakfast, and free snacks. Cribs are provided to all rooms that have a need for them. Room service is also available.

There is a quality restaurant on site and two cocktail lounges. Both local and international cuisine is served. Guests can enjoy the outdoor pool and the beautiful picnic area. Lunches can be ordered to go. If you are looking for quality, you will find it, at the Tijuana Marriott Hotel.

Tijuana Marriott Hotel
Blvrd Agua Caliente 11553
Chapultepec Este
22420 Tijuana, BC, Mexico
52 664 622 6600 (phone)
http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/tijmc-tijuana-marriott-hotel/

Reservations can be made by phone or on their website.

The Grande Hotel Tijuana is an upscale 5 star hotel near the busy and exciting  Avenida Revolución thoroughfare. You will also be close to the Tijuana Cultural Center. Wifi and TV are free in all rooms. There are mini bars and desks in each room. You can upgrade for rooms that have complete living areas and kitchenetts. Room service is available in all rooms.

A breakfast buffet is available for an additional fee. There is also a casual restaurant, bar and night club. There is a nice outdoor pool, a fitness area, hot tub, and a spa. You will find everything that you would expect in a 5 star hotel.

The Grand Hotel Tijuana
Blvd. Agua Caliente 4558
Aviación, 22014
Tijuana, BC, Mexico
52 664 681 7000 (Phone)
http://www.grandhoteltj.com/

Reservations can be made online or by phone.

                        A Taste Of Culture

The Tijuana Cultural Center is home to the only IMAX cinema in Tijuana. The cinema has been part of the Tijuana Cultural Center since it opened in 1982. Daily it plays different cultural and scientific shows. It is currently adding about 4 shows a year. There is also an exhibit on the history of the Californias. It presents the history of both the State of California and Baja California. There is also a theater that is mostly used for private concerts and plays. There are many spaces for different short term exhibits, video rooms, cafe, and bookstore. The center is complemented by a beautiful garden with a coffee shop outdoors. The Tijuana Cultural Center is also home to many international films and exhibits.

This is the only cultural and arts center outside of the capital. There are many art and cultural classes, including some with certificates of completion. There are many summer courses, workshops, and hands on art classes. This is a cultural center for the people of Tijuana, as well as visitors, and is extremely popular.

Tijuana Cultural Center
Paseo de los Heroes 9350
Zona Urbana Río
22010 Tijuana, B.C., Mexico
664-687-9600  (Phone)
http://www.cecut.gob.mx/

The Tijuana Cultural Center is open daily from 9 am till 9 pm.

            Cristo del Sagrado Corazon

As you are leaving the United States of America in root to Ensenada, Mexico you must pass Rosarito. Just a few short miles south is El Morro. Look toward the mountains and you will see a towering figure of Jesus Christ. The figure is 75 feet tall and looking out toward the sea.  It is called Cristo del Sagrado Corazon (Christ of the Sacred Heart) statue. This is a major landmark. It is worth stopping to see this amazing piece of artwork.

Cristo del Sagrado Corazon
El Morro
Estado Baja California De Norte
(52661) 612-0200 (Phone)
http://www.rosarito.org/

You will also see a long Boardwalk along the beach at Rosarito. Here you will find miles of beautiful beach. The views from the Boardwalk are extremely beautiful. Take a little extra time, drive down the main street of Rosarito and see all the quaint little businesses set up in small tents. Get out and go for a walk. Enjoy the sights and sounds, and most of all, mingle with the people. The people are friendly and eager to have a conversation. They love to try out their English. They are happy when you try out your Spanish. A few words goes a long ways!

This is a short day trip from San Diego, or you can spend the night in 4 and 5 star hotels for the price of a small cheap motel in San Diego. Spend the day, or spend the night. Adventure is waiting…… South of the Border.

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Filed Under: Mexico, Travel Tips, World Travel Tagged With: Baja California, Cristo del Sagrado Corazon, Las Olas Resort And Spa, Las Rocas Reort And Spa, Mexican Pottery, Mexico, Rosarito, South of the border, The Grande Hotel Tijuana, The Leather Factory, The Tijuana Cultural Center, The Tijuana Marriott Hotel, Tijuana

San Diego City Sunshine Is Calling Your Name

March 25, 2015 by Exploretraveler.com Leave a Comment

San Diego
California Dreamin’ over San Diego in Southern California USA

San Diego City: Shed The Winter Blues

San Diego City sunshine has arrived. Stow away those boots and shed those sweaters. The long winter has gone! It is time to bask in the awesome sunshine. San Diego City has warm breezes that blow off the ocean and beautiful tranquil beaches. San Diego City is calling your name! It is time to answer the call of the beach. Store up your Vitamin D and add color to your skin.  Spring has sprung in San Diego! Come celebrate with us!

San Diego is over 4,000 miles of adventure. It is bordered by the Pacific Ocean on the West, Mexico lies to the South, The Anza-Borrego Desert  is to the North and the Laguna Mountains is to the East. San Diego has endless opportunities for adventure and fun! Spend the morning at the beach drinking in your Vitamin D.  Go for an afternoon hike in the East, where you can look down on the city that never sleeps. There are many hiking trails on the Eastern side of the city of Celebration and Fun.  Come discover adventure in the Windy City.

San Diego has a beautiful Mediterranean climate with well over 70 miles of beaches. The warm beautiful sunny days are perfect to explore the many neighborhoods that make up San Diego City. The warm gentle breezes keep you comfortable in the sun.

Just across the San Diego Bay is the town of Coronado. This quaint historical town has some of the most romantic beaches in the county. This little town is full of tiny shops and places filled with every kind of treasure you can think of. Some of the finest and most romantic hotels are in the town of Coronado. Spend the day biking the boardwalk that surrounds the island. It is 16 miles of adventure waiting for those with a little youthful energy. There are sail boats to rent if exploring the Bay sounds fun. Take your sunscreen though, as the sun gets hot on the water. For those who like to golf, there is a large public golf course. Whatever you call fun, you will find it in San Diego.

Every great city has a downtown and San Diego City has one of the finest. Come explore the many shops and parks within the city, including the San Diego Zoo. There are quaint shops and flashy gardens. San Diego City Historical District is living history.  Spend the day discovering the downtown urban delights of San Diego.

San Diego City is full of small sidewalk cafes. All through the downtown and in Coronado area you will see them dot the sidewalks. Take time to relax and sip a cool refreshing drink and have lunch. There are many opportunities to taste the Mexican delicacies that the area is famous for. And of course, if you desire the real thing, you can grab your passport and have dinner in Mexico or Baja California. Whatever you are looking for, you are sure to find it in San Diego.

Make today the day you discover all that San Diego City has to offer. Be sure to grab your passport just in case you desire to wander a little to the South. See you at the San Diego beach, we can grab a breakfast burrito like you can never imagine. These little stands are scattered throughout the beach communities. Relax, enjoy breakfast, and head for the beach. What fun there is in San Diego!

https://www.sandiego.gov/leisure

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Filed Under: San Diego, USA, World Travel Tagged With: Baja Califorina, Coronado, Laguna Mountains, Mexico, Pacific Ocean, San Diego, San Diego Bay, San Diego County, San Diego Historical District, The Anza-Borrego Desert

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