Baja Beauty
The Journey Continues
By Marlo Morrison/Photos by John Kropf

Continuing our travels through Baja California, we begin just across the border in Tijuana.

With much more to offer than most people realize, a short trip across the border will create a new sense of appreciation for this growing community. Many of us have experienced the typical day and, for some, night life on Revolution Blvd. Besides the shopping, street tacos and margaritas, lies the origin of the Caesar salad dating back to 1924. Yes, the salad that sounds Roman actually was created in Tijuana, Mexico.

Having an avid Caesar salad lover with us, it was unanimously voted #1. The salad is created from scratch at your table side, from the raw eggs to the garlic and anchovies. Excellent!

Located next door is Caesars Hotel, which you will see by the decor, was famous during the bull fighting area, accomodating top named bull fighters. Average in appearance, this hotel is rich in history. Having been declared a historic landmark, remodeling is limited to keep the ambiance unique.

A personal favorite restaurant, located just off of Revolution, is La Costa. On many occasion, we will drive specifically there for dinner to satisfy our seafood tastebuds. If you love calamari, you must have the calamari steak sauteed in garlic and butter.

In our many dining experiences, the food has always been exceptional, from the starter seafood soup to the main course to the one-of-a-kind desert cocktail. Before you make your way out of Tijuana, you must experience L.A. Cetto Cava or Winecellar. You can arrange for a tour of the wine making processing facility that has been producing since 1925.

Shaped like a wine barrel, the building's striking facade is made from old oak aging barrels.

L.A. Cetto bottles both red and white wines, many of them award winners, including petite sirah, nebbiolo, and cabernet sauvignon. The company also produces tequila, brandy, and olive oil.

Making your way out of Tijuana toward the south, the toll road is the suggested route for a majority of travelers. This two-lane divided highway is well maintained, monitored and the most direct route to most destinations. For those of you who have a concern about your car breaking down, there is no need to worry. With this being said, I mention another great reason why you should drive the toll road. Once you have paid your toll, you are covered for roadside assistance. Speaking from a personal experience, it works. There are many call boxes located at the side of the road, for this purpose. Just use the call button and you will find a friendly bilingual representative ready to help. Whether you have a flat tire, need gas or a tow, you won't be left in the dark. Make sure you retain your toll booth receipt as proof. There is one thing to know, the towing is only to the next toll booth area.

Rosarito

The next quaint city provides more choices for dining and acquiring those great shopping deals without a lot of the congestion.

Just three miles south of Rosarito and a mere 45 minutes south of San Diego is a bit of Hollywood called Foxploration.

Fox Studios Baja opened in 1996 and has filmed eight movies here, along with several television shows, commercials and video productions. You'll have an educational and entertaining experience with interactive exhibits like sound and visual effects, hands-on movie making and behind-the-scenes footage of recent Fox films.

Originally constructed for James Cameron's epic film, Titanic, where 95 percent of the film was shot, Fox Studios Baja is a completely self-contained production facility overlooking the Pacific Ocean.

Continuing south is La Mision, home of La Fonda Restaurant and Hotel that overlooks the beautiful Baja coast. Among its great seafood, La Fonda also features some tasty meat dishes, and if you're a fan of margaritas, La Fonda serves up a tasty but potent version.

Outside dining is most popular among its patrons, especially on a beautiful sunny afternoon. Don't be surprised if you find yourself soaking up the sun for a few hours.

Located just two miles north of Ensenada is the stunning Punta Morro Resort. Its restaurant offers the most beautiful fine dining setting featuring succulent seafood to compliment the breathtaking view of crashing waves just a few feet away. The perfect romantic getaway! Punta Morro also offers resort hotel accommodations for those who can get away for a few days.

Ensenada

Celebrating its 122nd anniversary, Ensenada has grown into the third largest city in the state and the second most visited port of call for major cruiselines. A convenient and safe 90-minute drive on the toll road, Ensenada offers everything from affordable hotels to resort style accomodations, simple to succulent dining, shopping for arts, jewels and leather and many adventures on land and sea.

Take a stroll along the malecon to experience the sights and sounds on the not-so-shy sea lions and the open-air seafood market (warning: not for the weak). You'll also want to observe the magnificent Mexican flag atop the 350-foot tall flagpole.

Ensenada's oldest French restaurant, El Rey Sol, established in 1947, has remained family owned for the entire 57 years. Jean-Loup Bitterlin Geffroy, son of the founder, oversees the restaurant as well as the adjacent Posada El Rey Sol. Posada (hotel) El Rey Sol, offers what one could describe as "contemporary spanish rooms". Comfortable, classy with a spanish flair.

Jean-Loup's world travels and cultural background add a touch of class to the entire facility.

Executive chef Candido Pacheco, with 46 years of service at El Rey Sol, has created many innovative dishes that have been honored with numerous the Grand Mexican Awards.

In addition to their impeccable menu, you must try their traditional French homemade pastries.

Wine Country

Leaving Ensenada to the northeast along Hwy. 3, begins the travels through the beautiful Baja California Wine Country.

Located in the northern part of Baja California, the valleys of Calafia, Guadalupe and San Antonio del las Minas are blessed with the ideal climate and characteristics for award-winning wine. Home to more than 15 vineyards, Valle de Guadalupe produces 90 percent off all wines distributed from Mexico.

L.A. Cetto, furthest north of the wineries and just 25 minutes from Ensenada, began its cultivation of grapes more than 75 years ago in 1926. Today, L.A. Cetto has 18 labels of award-winning wines transported to 32 countries.

In addition to these Baja wineries, you'll find the natural wonders of waterfalls and hot springs, museums and historic sites, as well as shopping, dining and lodging.

Tecate

Continuing east up the "Wine Road" for an easy 40 miles brings you to the small bustling border town of Tecate. Known in part for the brewery, its namesake, the Tecate brewery offers tours followed with a complementary cold beverage on the festive tasting patio.

The border crossing at Tecate is a lane or two wide, but usually has a wait time to cross to the USA of only a few minutes. The crossing will lead you directly onto California 94, which winds through some of east San Diego's remote countryside, bringing you to the 5 freeway.

This adventure of our local border cities can easily be done in a couple days, making for a great weekend getaway.

Our journey will continue, so until next time, adios!

Featured in South Coast Magazine Festival 2004