📍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.
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 MartĂnez 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.
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.
📍La Salina, Ensenada — Saturday, June 7, 2025
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 ObregĂłn, 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.
If you thought Ensenada’s port had seen it all—piña coladas, mariachi send-offs, and sunburnt cruise tourists clutching giant margaritas—think again.
On Monday, June 2, Royal Caribbean’s “Ovation of the Seas”, one of the world’s largest cruise ships, officially became the biggest floating city to ever dock in Baja California. And it did so with flair, ease… and roughly 4,284 passengers and 1,500 crew members ready to stretch their legs (and swipe their cards).
Bigger Than Your Airbnb
Let’s break it down: this ship is 347 meters long (that’s more than three football fields), weighs over 168,000 tons, and is taller than a 16-story building. It’s got rock climbing walls, a skydiving simulator, and robotic bartenders—because who needs human hands when you’ve got sea views and a rum punch?
Ovation’s arrival is not just a tourism flex. It proves that Ensenada is now equipped to handle some of the biggest cruise liners on Earth, thanks to recent upgrades to its docking infrastructure by API Ensenada and SECTURE.
#Ovation of the Seas” docked in Ensenada on Monday, June 2, 2025—officially the biggest cruise ship ever to visit Baja California
Cha-Ching for the Local Economy
Let’s talk numbers. A ship like this drops serious pesos into the city—restaurants fill up, street vendors cash in, and tour buses do overtime. According to officials, each passenger spends an average of $75–100 USD during port calls. Multiply that by 4,000 and—yeah, let’s just say La Bufadora had a good day.
A Warm (and Foggy) Baja Welcome
Despite some light marine haze, the port crew pulled it off like pros. There were welcome committees, security briefings, and enough souvenirs on display to outfit a small country. Local artisans, food stalls, and city tours were ready and waiting.
Why It Matters
Tourism in Baja isn’t slowing down—it’s scaling up. With more megaships like this one already on schedule, Ensenada is carving out its name as a serious West Coast cruise hub, not just a sleepy tequila stop.
And hey, if you spot a floating city out your window this week, don’t panic—it’s just Ovation of the Seas reminding us that sometimes, size does matter.
This morning, if you were cruising along Ensenada’s blvd. costero and saw a long line of teachers with signs, chants, and serious determination—no, it wasn’t a school field trip gone rogue.
It was a coordinated protest involving thousands of CNTE (Coordinadora Nacional de Trabajadores de la EducaciĂłn) members, all demanding something pretty basic: a paycheck that actually covers their monthly expenses.
What’s This All About?
Teachers across northern Baja California are asking for a salary adjustment. Right now, many of them earn 7,000 pesos a month—that’s around $400 USD. Their demand? 14,000 pesos per month, just to keep up with rising costs in this high-expense region.
Their argument is simple: border cities like Ensenada, Tijuana, and Mexicali are far more expensive than many other parts of Mexico. From housing to groceries to school supplies, teachers here are getting crushed by inflation, and the paycheck just doesn’t cut it.
As CNTE reps told El Imparcial, this isn’t just about salaries. It’s about ending systemic inequality between education workers in the north and those in less expensive southern states.
đź“· Photo captured by the Gringo Gazette North team. Teachers Take the Streets in Ensenada Today
But Did They Block the City?
Not even close. And that’s important.
Unlike other protests that cause full shutdowns—or spark a flood of “¡Ya pónganse a trabajar!” Facebook comments—today’s protest in Ensenada was respectful and intentional.
Teachers formed a human chain along one lane only, letting traffic continue on the boulevard. No smoke bombs. Just messages, chants, and signs meant to be seen and heard without stopping the city cold.
Even at the toll booths in Rosarito and Ensenada, they made their point in true Baja fashion: they let drivers through without paying.
Yes, you read that right. Protest with a FastPass. Who knew civil disobedience could save you cash?
Why It Matters
This isn’t just a fight about teacher pay—it’s about regional fairness.
When national pay scales ignore the cost-of-living differences, the people on the frontlines of education suffer. These teachers aren’t asking for riches—they’re asking for the dignity of being able to buy groceries, pay rent, and support their families.
And they’ve made it clear: they don’t want to hurt the public. They’re targeting a system that, in their view, has left them behind.
Think of it as civil disobedience with a lesson plan.
What’s Next?
The CNTE says this protest is indefinite until the federal government responds. But so far, schools in the northern zone haven’t shut down. Most classes are running with modified schedules or online alternatives.
So if you spotted the protest this morning, maybe honk and wave next time. These teachers aren’t blocking your way. They’re clearing a path toward something better.
📍 Spotted on Blvd. Costero, Ensenada – May 28, 2025
From Ensenada to Italy: Isaac del Toro Paints the Giro Pink
If you needed a reason to scream “¡Viva Ensenada!” today, here it is. Isaac del Toro, a 21-year-old cyclist from Ensenada, Baja California, is wearing the pink jersey at one of the most prestigious races in the world: the Giro d’Italia.
Not familiar with the Giro? Imagine the Tour de France, but with more pasta, sharper hills, and Italian fans shouting things you don’t understand but somehow love. It’s one of cycling’s three “Grand Tours,” and Isaac is currently leading it.
That’s right. Not participating. Leading. And not just by a little.
From Baja to the Big Leagues
Isaac didn’t just show up. He’s earned every second of that lead. With mountain legs of steel and a calm head on chaotic roads, he’s currently 1 minute and 20 seconds ahead of his nearest rival, Britain’s Simon Yates. Not far behind is his own UAE Team Emirates teammate, Juan Ayuso.
The race started on May 9 in Albania (yes, Albania), and will end June 1 in Rome. Between those two cities? 21 grueling stages and over 3,500 km of pure madness: cobblestones, climbs, descents, and enough drama to fill an Italian soap opera.
What Makes This Huge?
Simple. No Mexican has ever worn the pink jersey this long. Ever.
Not in a sport dominated by Europeans. Not in a race where altitude, weather, and road gradient are designed to break you. Isaac isn’t just surviving—he’s thriving.
And if you think this is a lucky break, think again. Back in 2023, he won the Tour de l’Avenir, aka “The Tour de France for future stars.” That was the first time a Mexican even came close to winning it. Now, he’s got a shot at making history on an even bigger stage.
The Team Is All In
Photo courtesy of @TeamEmiratesUAE on X: The UAE Team Emirates–XRG lineup at the Giro d’Italia 2025, where Ensenada’s Isaac del Toro continues to shine in pink.
UAE Team Emirates isn’t playing it safe. They’ve gone all-in on the Ensenadense. The team director, Joxean Fernández Matxin, didn’t mince words:
“Isaac has shown he’s the strongest in the race. He’s earned that jersey.”
Isaac, always the calm one, says he’s in the best shape of his life. And it shows. He’s already survived vicious climbs, brutal pace attacks, and the pressure of leading one of cycling’s toughest events.
But nothing quite matched the moment his mom appeared at the podium, full of tears and pride, waving a massive Mexican flag and probably making every viewer sob into their espresso.
A Win for Baja and Beyond
For us in Baja California—especially Ensenada—this isn’t just about sports. It’s a global mic drop. We export wine, we export sea urchins, and now we export world-class cyclists.
And let’s be real: how often does someone from your hometown lead a historic Italian race while draped in pink?
So whether you’re a casual fan, a Sunday cyclist, or someone who just likes seeing Mexicans win on the world stage, Isaac’s ride is one to follow.
The Final Push
With a week left in the Giro, nothing is guaranteed. The Alps are coming. So are the attacks. But if there’s one thing we know about Isaac del Toro, it’s this:
He doesn’t just ride—he climbs, he calculates, and he conquers.
We’ll be watching, cheering, and maybe, just maybe, learning how to pronounce “maglia rosa” properly.
“Terruño, Identidad y Vocación” (Which basically means: This land was made for wine—and we’ve got the talent to prove it)
This June 13 and 14, Ensenada will bloom—literally—with the 19th edition of Viñedos en Flor. It’s where wine, art, food, and social causes come together in the prettiest season of the year.
Hosted by the Provino Committee, the event will unfold at Rancho San Gabriel. Organizers describe it as a family-friendly festival filled with education, sustainability, and, of course, wine.
A Program with Purpose
On Friday, June 13, the event begins with Conferencias en Flor at CEVIT Auditorium at CETYS University in Ensenada, Baja California. Sessions run from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., in both English and Spanish.
Speakers will explore topics like water conservation, migration, and land care. The lineup includes voices from the Berry Good Food Foundation, Capacity is limited to only 100 seats.
Tickets cost $950 pesos and include a wine glass and unlimited tasting. Kids under 18 enter for free. 🍇 Buy tickets here 🍇
Eat, Sip, Give
Chef Miguel Bahena leads the food section, joined by chefs who work by donation. In addition, organizers are seeking fruit and vegetable donations to support local, seasonal cooking.
Furthermore, dishes will highlight regional flavors and pair beautifully with the wines. You’ll eat well, drink better, and support a great cause—all in one bite.
Besides, a farmers market will showcase bread, cheese, honey, lavender, and more. Every product comes straight from the Ensenada valley.
Meanwhile, kids get their own fun:
Art workshops for ages 3–11 (Prisma Academy sponsor)
The event’s signature fundraising moment is the “Artists & Kids” art auction. Proceeds will support schools, sports fields, and the Porvenir Fire Department, which received 96,000 pesos last year.
This year, organizers expect to raise over 735,000 pesos. This isn’t a commercial festival—it’s a community effort.
Who’s Running the Show?
The logistics are managed by Daniel Sánchez Olivares, who’s been coordinating the event for six years. His wife, Gaby Melchum of Hacienda Guadalupe, is also rumored to be lending her magic touch.
Viñedos en Florisn’t just about sipping under the sun. It’s about roots—of vines, people, and purpose. And like a good vintage, this event just keeps getting better with time.
Mayor Claudia Agatón Muñiz kicked things off at 2 PM. After that, the celebration rolled non-stop until 10 PM.
Meanwhile, three stages kept everyone moving. TakĂłn MachĂn, Grupo Claytons, and Mariachi Ensenada played throughout the afternoon. Then, at 8:30 PM, Elefante brought the house down.
In addition, families enjoyed a kids’ zone, folkloric dancers, and DJ sets.
When someone recommended “Yatai” to us, I expected a fancy restaurant tucked away in Ensenada’s downtown. Maybe soft jazz. Maybe a waitlist. Instead, I found a carreta—yes, a literal street cart. But don’t let that fool you. This cart packs more fire (sometimes literally) than many fine-dining kitchens.
Yatai, which in Japanese means “mobile food stall,” is led by chef David Lara and Marco Antonio Salinas. Although it may appear modest, what’s happening behind the counter is far from ordinary. Chef David trained in Mexico, but his culinary compass points straight to Japan. In fact, he’s even performed ronqueos—the knife skills required to break down a whole bluefin tuna. It’s not just impressive; it’s sacred in Japanese seafood culture.
Chef David Lara shows off his yanagiba—Japan’s blade of choice for slicing sashimi with surgical precision and serious style
One Meal, Many Surprises
My husband Oliver and I chose Yatai to celebrate our wedding anniversary. At first, we weren’t even sure we’d found the right place. After all, you don’t expect high-end omakase under a tarp. But there it was—and as soon as we sat down, the team welcomed us with a complimentary sake. A small detail, but a thoughtful one. And yes, it was real Japanese sake (they even showed us the bottle).
We ordered the omakase—a Japanese tradition where the chef decides what you’ll eat. It translates to “I leave it up to you,” and when you leave it to Chef David, you’re in expert hands. He watched us as we tasted, quietly noting our reactions to guide the next course. That night, I discovered I like sea urchin more than I ever thought possible.
For our third experience, we brought Chef David and Marco to our home for a larger family gathering. Since Yatai only has six seats and we were a group of ten, this setup made more sense. That time, we had tuna from Bluefina. Every dish felt intentional, fresh, and beautifully executed. Here’s what we enjoyed during that experience:
Seaweed salad
Oyster with negitoro (minced tuna belly + green onion)
Kampachi nigiri
Akami nigiri (lean tuna)
Chutoro nigiri (medium fatty tuna)
Truffled tuna tartare
Seared salmon nigiri
Toro nigiri with truffle paste
Spicy onion hand roll
Truffle hand roll
Miso soup
Eel with foie gras
Yes, you read that last one right. Eel. With foie gras. It sounds insane—but it tastes like silk and smoke with a hint of “this is your new favorite dish.”
The Secret Is in the Ingredients
While the presentation wows, it’s the ingredients that make Yatai unforgettable. Every element is fresh, often local, and carefully selected. Take the oyster, for example. It came from BahĂa Falsa in San QuintĂn—a great origin on its own. But the way it was prepared? That turned it into the best oyster I’ve ever eaten. The tiny flower on top wasn’t just decoration. It was flavor. It was purpose.
Then there’s the value. In a town where food prices keep climbing “Valle-style,” Yatai remains grounded. Chef David delivers top-tier ingredients without the high-end ego. And when you’re feeding a family of six like mine, that matters.
A Gringo Gazette North special ops unit (armed with chopsticks, forks, and questionable self-control).
Chef David isn’t just slicing fish—he’s crafting memories, quietly building something special under that awning. So if you find yourself lucky enough to land a seat at Yatai, don’t ask for the menu. Just let go. Trust the chef. Let the food speak.
After all, not every treasure sparkles on the outside. Some smell like seared toro… and taste like love.
Welcome to Sabor Patrol—the section where we hunt down everything worth tasting in Baja and beyond. No five-star rating scales. No white tablecloth snobbery. Just real stories, unexpected finds, and flavor with zero filter.
Whether it’s sushi served under a tarp or ribeye that makes grown men cry, we’re chasing the unforgettable—one bite at a time. Sometimes it’s sizzling. Other times it’s hidden behind a handwritten menu taped to a cooler. Either way, we’ll find it.
Of course, not everything lives up to the hype. If it’s overrated, we’ll let you know—gently. (Maybe.)
