If you thought Ensenada couldn’t get any tastier… think again. Cocina la Baja returns next weekend with 24,000 reasons to loosen your belt and hit the coast.
This isn’t just a food festival—it’s the seafood showdown of the year, mixing chefs, students, scientists, and shellfish in one big Baja-style feast. Set your reminders now: the flavor storm lands on Saturday, July 12 at Estero Beach, starting at 2:00 p.m.
Tacos, Tuna, and Talent
This isn’t your average fish taco party. We’re talking about a culinary lineup of fishermen, aquaculture producers, and top Baja chefs, all dishing out the best of what the sea has to offer. From oysters and clams to smoked marlin and bluefin tuna—you’ll need both hands, an appetite, and probably a nap after.
A panel of expert judges and festival-goers (yes, that includes you) will crown the most popular dish with the People’s Choice Award. So come hungry, come opinionated.
Students Face Off for Seafood Bragging Rights
Before the main event, things heat up on Friday, July 11, with the Reto Culinario—a student cooking challenge at UABC El Sauzal. Culinary students from all over Baja will battle it out with guidance from real producers, local chefs, and academics.
And yes, there’s a trophy: the Minerva Pérez Castro Award, honoring one of Baja’s loudest champions for seafood, sustainability, and future foodies.
Winners of Cocina la Baja 2024. Photo courtesy of SEPESCA.
It’s a Festival with a Message
Beyond the flavor, Cocina la Baja is about knowing your food—where it comes from, how it’s raised, and why it matters.
You’ll find booths from CONAPESCA, EDF México, Pronatura Noroeste, and even Baja Aquafarms, sharing cool facts about species like bluefin tuna and Baja’s underwater ecosystems. Expect hands-on exhibits for kids in the Mangrove Pavilion, live cooking demos, and lots of info you didn’t know you wanted.
Yes, it’s family-friendly. Yes, it’s ocean-friendly. Yes, there will be ceviche.
How to Get In
Tickets are still available on Eventbrite (https://cocinalabaja2025.eventbrite.com.mx), or swing by SEPESCA BC, La Q BajaMed, or UMAI Progressive Asian Food to grab yours in person. And heads up: this thing fills up fast.
So if your July plans don’t yet include standing on the beach with a cold drink and a plate of grilled octopus in your hand… you might want to fix that.
🟣 No Bad News. Just good seafood, good vibes, and the best bites in Baja.
Ensenada usually serves up wine tastings, scenic strolls, and seafood towers—but this weekend, it’s all about touchdowns and flag-grabbing glory.
From July 3 to 6, the Tochella Flag Festival has taken over the Raúl Ramírez Lozano Sports Complex—better known to locals as Ciudad Deportiva de Valle Dorado—and turned it into a full-blown flag football battleground. With 380 teams from all over Mexico (and a few from the U.S.), this thing is officially huge.
Not Just a Game—It’s a Movement
Mayor Claudia Agatón Muñiz called Tochella one of the biggest sporting events in the region, right behind Baja’s legendary off-road races. And she’s not exaggerating—between players, coaches, and their families, thousands rolled into town for the four-day showdown.
“For us, events like this are a win-win,” said Agatón. “They promote physical activity, but they also boost the local economy—from street vendors to hotel owners.”
Flags, Footwork, and Fresh Kicks
This isn’t a friendly neighborhood scrimmage. Tochella features 5-on-5 matchups with real stakes, elite divisions, and serious talent—like the kind that can juke you out of your sandals before breakfast.
Games have been running from 6:00 a.m. until sundown, with finals set for today, Sunday, July 6. And while the action on the field is intense, the off-field vibe is pure festival: DJs, food stands, merch booths, and even sneaker-cleaning stations.
If you’ve ever wanted to watch a touchdown while eating ceviche and bobbing your head to reggaetón, this is your moment.
Meet the Minds Behind the Madness
The mayor gave a well-earned shoutout to the brains behind Tochella:
Luis Fernando Gutiérrez Acosta, Defensive Coach and World Champ with Mexico’s Women’s National Team.
Iván Méndez, U-20 national team player and world silver medalist.
Luis Moreno, the organizer who helped make all this happen.
Agatón also said her administration is committed to improving the sports complex’s courts, aiming to make Ensenada a prime destination for international tournaments.
Still Time to Catch the Action
Haven’t been yet? No problem. Entry is totally free, and today’s finals promise some of the best flag football you’ll see this year. Whether you’re in it for the sport or the snacks, Ciudad Deportiva is the place to be.
Want to follow the brackets or check who’s still undefeated in the Femenil D1 division?
Check out @tochella_flag_festival on Instagram—it’s got everything from game schedules to crowd highlights.
🟣 No Bad News. Just high-fives, highlight reels, and a whole lot of heart.
Turns out, a little beach cleanup goes a long way.
This Tuesday, July 1st, Playa Hermosa in Ensenada wasn’t just sun and sand—it was gloves, trash bags, and a team effort. State Secretary of Fisheries and Aquaculture (SEPESCA BC), Alma Rosa García Juárez, showed up with her crew for a cleanup event organized as part of the National Week Against Sanitary Risks.
And they weren’t alone. Red Cross volunteers also joined the effort, rolling up their sleeves to help clear the coast.
From Sand to Seafood
Alma Rosa didn’t just show up for a photo op. She’s been vocal about how clean beaches create a ripple effect—benefiting everything from marine life to food safety.
Her team reminded everyone that clean sand means cleaner water, which is key for aquaculture. That’s especially true for shellfish like oysters, mussels, and clams—aka the pride of local seafood culture. When the water’s dirty, so is the product. Nobody wants plastic-flavored ceviche.
Floating trash and microplastics don’t just look gross—they release toxins, upset the pH of the water, and open the door for harmful bacteria. The result? Bad news for both fish and fishermen.
Trash-Free = Tourist-Ready
Beyond the seafood, there’s tourism. Because let’s be honest: no one’s booking an Airbnb next to a trash heap.
Baja’s already blessed with great weather. Add a sparkling coastline, and you’ve got a spot that sells itself. Clean beaches attract more visitors, boost local business, and keep the “Baja magic” alive.
This isn’t just about looking good—it’s about living better. As Alma Rosa said, a clean ecosystem reflects a healthy, inspired community.
Global Goals, Local Wins
There’s also the bigger picture. Beach cleanups tie directly into the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda—specifically climate action and marine life preservation. Who knew tossing a bottle in the right bin could help save the planet?
During the Playa Hermosa cleanup, Alma Rosa met with local leaders including COFEPRIS, the Baja State Health Department, and Ensenada’s ecology team. Their message was clear: clean beaches are a shared job—with shared benefits.
And with Red Cross volunteers pitching in too, it’s proof that Baja cares—from its officials to its citizens.
#Photo courtesy of SEPESCA BC, taken during the July 1st cleanup at Playa Hermosa—because protecting the ocean starts with cleaning up the shore.
What You Can Do
Don’t ghost your garbage. Take it with you.
Support recycling efforts. Even if it’s not glamorous.
Join the next cleanup. It’s cheaper than therapy and better for the ocean.
Clean beaches mean better seafood, healthier oceans, and a brighter Baja. Let’s keep the coast clear.
In Valle de Guadalupe, some wineries try way too hard to seem important. Symmetria doesn’t have to. It doesn’t shout—it speaks in soft sips, kind gestures, and balanced bottles. And once you try it, you’re in.
We first crossed paths at a Provino press event a few years ago. That’s when we met Lola, a modest-looking bottle that hit different. Fresh, smooth, balanced. A year later, at the Muestra del Vino in 2024, we tasted it again. Still magical. That’s when we realized: Symmetria wasn’t a fad—it was a quiet revolution. The only problem? We had no idea where to find them again.
The Secret Ingredient: Balance
So what won us over? Their wines feel grounded—balanced enough to show skill, but never flashy. You can tell a barrel was involved, but it doesn’t try to dominate the room. Just enough to whisper “I’ve got your back”, not “I’ve got something to prove.”
Everything made sense after talking to Mauricio and Denise Soler, the couple behind the label. He’s the winemaker with a mission. She’s the force behind every label, sale, post, and good vibe. Their story started in Valle, but it wasn’t at Symmetria—it was when they became a couple around Monte Xanic. From the beginning, this was Mauricio’s dream, and Denise was right there building it with him, step by step.
From Vision to Vineyard
Their journey began in 2005, when the Soler family purchased a 5-acre property in the heart of the valley. Symmetria officially launched with the 2014 harvest—but long before that, Mauricio was already mapping out something bold.
While others followed tradition, he took a different route. Instead of studying winemaking locally, he enrolled in the Enology and Viticulture program at U.C. Fresno. After graduating, he gained real-world experience in the U.S., taking on key roles at several top wineries:
Artesa Winery (Cellar Worker/Lab Tech)
Roederer Estate (Enologist/Assistant Winemaker)
Maui Winery (Winemaker)
Longoria Winery (Associate Winemaker)
Each stop added depth. After years of learning and unlearning, Mauricio returned to Baja to pour it all into Symmetria. And now? He’s earned a spot on the “Wineries/Winemakers To Watch” list—and deservedly so.
A Logo with a Story
Their name comes from the Greek word for “balance,” but with a Baja twist. Their wines are global in style, but proudly local in roots. And their logo? A hummingbird for Denise’s grandmother, and a deer for Mauricio’s father. Two symbols, branded on every barrel, that tell the story of family, nature, vision, and love.
Fancy Words and Ice Cubes
During our chat, they shared a tasting room story that still makes them laugh. A sommelier once said, with full flair, “This wine has notes of sotobosque.” We all cracked up. I chimed in with, “You mean like when people say ‘terruño’ instead of dirt?”
(Just so you know: sotobosque means forest undergrowth. Not a character in Star Wars.)
And if someone asks for ice in their wine? No scandal here. They just smile and say, “How many cubes would you like?” No snobbery. Just enjoyment.
Pairings, Myths, and Grapes with Personality
We asked what pairing the wine snobs might hate—but they secretly love. Their answer?
Sparkling wine with pork rinds. No shame. Just crunch and bubbles. And they’re clear on the order of things: food first, wine second.
Favorite grape to work with? Chenin Colombard.
Most rebellious? Zinfandel. “It’s wild,” they laugh. “But fun.”
And the best part of the process? Mauricio jokes: “Drinking it!”
But truthfully, they love every step. Like that time at Tre Galline, when they opened a ten-year-old bottle of their own and found it full of memories. For them, wine is a time capsule you can pour.
So how much of winemaking is magic, and how much is nature?
“95 to 99% is nature,” says Mauricio. “The rest? Just patience.”
Oh—and they’re also working on a Nebbiolo that sounds like it might steal the spotlight. But we’ll save that for our next visit.
The Road Ahead: Growing with Soul
When asked what’s next for Symmetria, Mauricio was clear:
“We want to grow—but with intention. We don’t want to be a massive winery. We want to stay soulful. If someone comes back in 20 years, they should feel exactly what they feel today.”
Denise added:
“And we want to keep learning. You never fully master wine. Each year teaches something new. We want to grow as a family and as a team.”
That kind of mindset? You can taste it. They don’t bottle just to sell. If a wine doesn’t live up to their standards—it doesn’t go out. Period.
Your Next Favorite Bottle
Here are a few bottles to keep an eye out for:
Eje – perfect for surviving awkward family dinners.
Luminaria Blanc de Noirs – already rocking 91 points in the Guía Peñín.
Lola – the hug-in-a-bottle you didn’t know you needed.
Wanna Try It?
📞 619 659 4707
📧 denise.g19@gmail.com
Visits are personal, small, and cozy—best for groups of up to 10. Bigger group? Let’s talk. And yes, they speak perfect English.
Spoiler alert: A Sauvignon Blanc is coming—and it’s shaping up to be as juicy as a harvest-day rumor.
Symmetria exports 70% of their sparkling wines to the U.S. (Arizona, California, Nevada, Minnesota…), but you can also order online through La Competencia Imports.
And if you happen to see a roadrunner on the way there… don’t ignore it. For Mauricio and Denise, it’s a sign that something good is quietly fermenting.
Ensenada’s cruise port got a bit of extra sparkle yesterday with the arrival of the Navigator of the Seas, one of Royal Caribbean’s most iconic vessels. Towering 15 decks above the ocean, this floating resort brought over 3,000 passengers to our charming port city—and we were there to capture it. (Scroll down for our exclusive 360° photo and video!)
The Navigator of the Seas belongs to Royal Caribbean’s Voyager Class and first launched in 2002, though you’d never guess it by looking at her. A major renovation in 2019 gave the ship a full facelift—think laser tag arenas, a blow-dry bar, brand-new waterslides, and a totally revamped pool deck. It’s a resort on water, complete with a three-story main dining room, an ice skating rink (yes, really), and enough food options to keep you full from sunrise to sunrise.
Step into our immersive 360 experience and see the Navigator from the sky like never before. And don’t miss the video to see the excitement unfold in real time:
At over 1,020 feet in length and a gross tonnage of 139,999, this ship is no small visitor. She’s designed to carry more than 4,000 guests at full capacity and operates mainly out of Los Angeles, sailing short trips to the Mexican Riviera, including Cabo San Lucas and—lucky us—Ensenada.
Locals may have noticed the buzz near the Malecón as excited tourists disembarked, flooding the shops, grabbing fish tacos, and hopping onto wine tours to Guadalupe Valley. The ship’s arrival is a clear sign that cruise tourism is alive and well in Baja. Port officials told us the Navigator is scheduled to return multiple times throughout the season, injecting a welcome boost to the local economy.
With ships like this docking in our backyard, it’s safe to say: Ensenada is cruising into the spotlight.
Just a short drive south of Rosarito and 35 kilometers north of Ensenada, tucked between the waves of the Pacific and the rush of the transpeninsular highway, lies a coastal gem many travelers zoom right past: Estero La Misión. It may not have the celebrity status of Bahía de los Ángeles or the Instagram sparkle of La Bufadora, but what it does have is something far more rare these days—life. Wild, migratory, riparian life.
This natural estuary is one of the last of its kind on the Baja California peninsula. It’s a permanent mirror of water flanked by reeds, salt-tolerant shrubs, and low riparian growth, home to an astonishing diversity of species. More than 90 kinds of birds either stop here during their long migrations or live here year-round. Some are casual visitors; others, like the black-necked stilt or the snowy egret, consider it home base. Beneath the water’s surface live fish, amphibians, and a long list of invertebrates, while mammals and reptiles lurk in the surrounding brush.
A modest but well-maintained hiking trail runs along the estuary’s northern edge, tracing the water’s path through private ejido lands and into what’s becoming increasingly suburban development. Locals and nature lovers walk the trail with their leashed dogs, binoculars, and cameras in hand, hoping to catch a glimpse of something wild before the tide—or progress—takes it away.
But the estuary isn’t just a haven for birds and fish. It’s also an archaeological site and a historical waypoint. Long before modern Baja homes dotted the cliffs or RVs pulled into beachside parks, this was sacred ground for the Kumiai people, whose cultural ties to the area go back over a thousand years. Around 2010, archaeologists unearthed the remains of “La Mujer de Humo,” or the Woman of Smoke, a pre-Hispanic skeleton that added new depth to the story of the peninsula’s earliest inhabitants.
In the late 18th century, Dominican missionaries arrived and established Mission San Miguel Arcángel right next to the estuary, taking advantage of the fertile lands and fresh water. Though the mission buildings are now mostly adobe ruins, they serve as a reminder that this area has always depended on its wetlands—not just for biodiversity, but for survival.
That dependence is now on shaky ground. Baja California has long struggled with drought, but in recent years, it’s become a full-blown crisis. Between the irregular rainfall and over-extraction of water upstream, Estero La Misión is under pressure. Less fresh water flows in from inland sources, altering the delicate salinity balance that many species depend on. The estuary becomes more saline, more stagnant, and more vulnerable to invasive species. Its natural ability to filter pollutants, buffer against coastal erosion, and mitigate flooding weakens as water levels drop.
It’s a quiet emergency. You won’t see news crews camped out by the reeds, but the signs are there: smaller flocks, shrinking shoreline, fewer frogs singing at dusk. The ripple effects are subtle at first, but they stretch wide—from marine health to agriculture to the spiritual connection many locals feel to the land.
Community groups like Pro Esteros A.C. and Terrapeninsular have stepped in, advocating for the wetland’s protection and monitoring its health. There’s growing interest in turning the trail and surrounding area into a stronger ecotourism attraction, which could bring both visibility and funding. But the long-term survival of Estero La Misión depends on something far more boring than guided bird tours: water policy. Sustainable urban growth. Responsible farming upstream. Actual rain.
In the end, the estuary is a litmus test. If we can’t protect a place so biologically rich, historically deep, and spiritually meaningful—what does that say about the rest of our coastal treasures?
So next time you’re headed down the coast, slow down near kilometer 35. Walk the trail. Listen to the birds. And remember: the real magic of Baja isn’t always in the headline spots. Sometimes, it’s quietly rustling in the reeds.
📍Ensenada, Baja California — Saturday, June 14, 2025
We recently received a note from Anne Porter, a member of Democrats Abroad in Baja, letting us know about a peaceful rally happening this Saturday in Ensenada. It’s called “No Kings / No Tyrants”, and while we didn’t organize it—and it’s not our story to tell—we figured it was worth sharing for anyone curious or interested.
The event is part of a global day of action coordinated by Democrats Abroad. According to the organizers, the rally is in response to recent actions taken by former President Trump’s administration that they feel challenge democratic norms.
The Ensenada version of the rally will take place at Parque Revolución from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM. It’s fully permitted, peaceful, and open to both U.S. citizens living in Baja and any locals who want to show support for civil rights and democracy—whatever that means to them.
👉 ¿Y Baja qué?
We don’t endorse rallies, parades, protests, or piñata parties. But we do love community. So if this speaks to your values, or if you just want to see what democracy looks like with a Baja breeze, go check it out. If not, no worries—your Saturday tacos or Vineyards in Bloom await.
16-Year-Old Still Missing After Entering the Ocean in Ensenada | Photo: Ensenada Fire Department
What started as a regular Monday beach day turned into an emergency rescue at Estero Beach, Ensenada.
At 3:58 PM on June 9, a distress call was made: four teens entered the ocean near Ex Ejido Chapultepec—only three came back. A search immediately began for the fourth, who hasn’t resurfaced.
But here’s what many don’t know: Estero Beach isn’t as friendly as it looks.
This spot is infamous for powerful ocean currents. It’s where estuary and sea meet, creating swirling waters that pull swimmers out fast. Locals and authorities have repeatedly warned: don’t swim far, and never go deep.
According to SEMARNAT, unfamiliarity with ocean conditions and poor judgment—like ignoring lifeguards or signs—are leading causes of drownings.
Sadly, this beach has seen similar accidents before. And while lifeguards do their best, nature doesn’t negotiate.
Authorities haven’t yet released the teen’s name, but efforts to locate him continue.
Get ready to loosen your belts and sharpen your forks—Cocina La Baja 2025 is almost here, and it’s not just another food festival. It’s a full-on flavor storm with a side of community pride. Taking place July 12 at Estero Beach in Ensenada, this isn’t your average “eat, snap, repeat” event. It’s where the sea, land, and kitchen come together in one giant, delicious hug.
We got the inside scoop straight from the salty crew themselves—ChefOliver Seki (a.k.a. Heart & Flavor Ambassador), Oceanographer Rogelio Cano Cetina (General Coordinator and Sea Whisperer), Chef Hugo Lara (Gastronomic Soul), and media mouthpiece Enrique Montiel, who invited us to dive in. Literally.
From left to right: Oceanographer Rogelio Cano Cetina (General Coordinator of Cocina La Baja), Chef Hugo Lara (Gastronomic Ambassador), Chef Oliver Seki (Heart & Flavor Ambassador), PhD. Luisa Rosas (Managing Editor and writer at Gringo Gazette North), and Oliver Quintero (Publisher, Gringo Gazette North). Interview held at Seki Japanese Baja Cuisine.
It’s Not Just Food—It’s a Love Letter to Baja
What makes Cocina La Baja so special? Simple. It’s all about product, producers, chefs, and the people. You won’t find pretentious menus or imported fluff. Just fresh Baja seafood, local legends in the kitchen, and zero room for ego. Every bite tells the story of a fisherman, a family, a tide that turned.
This year’s star ingredients? Golden sea bream, oysters, abalone, sea urchin, and even edible algae. If it lives in the Pacific and pairs well with a Sauvignon Blanc (and it does), you’ll probably taste it.
45 Chefs. 45 Producers. One Giant Culinary Fiesta
That’s right—this year features 45 restaurant-producer dream teams. No one pays for a spot, but everyone earns it. Participants commit to fair trade, sustainability, and promoting Baja’s sea treasures.
There’s even a “People’s Choice” competition, so yes, your opinion—and appetite—matter.
Speaking of seafood drama, rumor has it the tuna gets a full ronqueo (butchering show) courtesy of Baja Aqua Farms, and sushi legend Cesar Martínez might be slicing up some nigiris. Add a virtual reality station, cornhole, DJ beats, and a performance by Ensenada’s own Rondalla, and you’ve got a perfect Saturday.
What About the Environment?
Glad you asked. Cocina La Baja isn’t just chewing—it’s thinking. Expect biodegradable materials, zero-waste commitments, and speakers from Pronatura Noroeste and COMEPESCA talking real sustainability. There’s even a marine workshop for university students with protein raffles, because yes, science can be tasty.
And because this is Baja, it’s pet-friendly. You can bring your dog, just don’t expect a seafood bowl or water dispensers.
More Than a Festival—It’s a Movement
Born in 2016 as a non-profit government project (originally called Baja Seafood Export), Cocina La Baja has grown from 200 attendees to an expected crowd of 3,000 this year. Tickets are limited to 1,500 but trust us, it’ll feel like the whole peninsula showed up.
This is the second year the event honors the late Minerva Pérez Castro, a fierce voice in the local fishing community. Her legacy lives on in the Premio Minerva, celebrating innovation and commitment to Baja’s maritime identity.
And yes—we’ll be there too, proudly counted in that 3,000-strong crowd. Find us near the oyster stand or the wine bar.
Don’t Miss It
So, if you’ve got 950 pesos, an empty stomach, and a love for food that tells a story—Cocina La Baja is where you need to be. No VIP lounges, no fluff. Just Baja being Baja.
We’ll see you at Estero Beach. Come hungry, leave a believer.
What started as a quiet early Friday morning turned into smoke, sirens, and a frustrating crawl. Around 2:30 a.m. Friday, a cargo trailer flew off the scenic Tijuana–Ensenada highway near km 72 in La Salina. The impact ignited the truck, lighting up the cliffs like a bonfire gone very wrong.
Firefighters from Station Obregón, along with a rescue team, responded quickly. While putting out the blaze, they discovered a charred body inside the cab. No ID confirmed yet. The cause? Still unclear. The aftermath? Brutal.
📸 Photo and video by the GGNorth team
Drivers on Friday experienced delays of 5 to 15 minutes—an eternity when you’re trying to make it to brunch or beat the Market rush. Locals called it “business as usual” for this bumpy stretch of paradise.
👉 And What About Baja?
This isn’t the first time this stretch of highway makes headlines. Between rockslides, closures, and now flaming trucks, it’s becoming more of a scenic gamble than a scenic route. Is it time to invest in a safer plan? Or just carry extra patience (and gas)?
#Breaking #GGNorth #NoBadNews
Stuck in traffic? Caught it on camera? Share it with us—we’re all in this lane together.
