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From bartender to builder
Baja has many oceanfront eateries, but Splash Baja hits different. The waves smack the rocks, plates land heavy with oysters, and the vibe never feels staged. Nico and Agapo Santos, two brothers with more grit than glamour, built it that way.
Agapo came from Chihuahua chasing law school, only to ditch statutes for sauté pans. He learned high-end American gourmet in kitchens that served venison, buffalo, and even kangaroo. Nico meanwhile poured drinks, charmed tourists, and learned English fast enough to sling jokes at the bar. Together, they traded steady jobs for Bahía Cantiles in 2007, survived a brutal recession, and kept standing when others folded.
That survival streak sparked their next chapter: a raw patch of coast where waves hit the windows. Locals said, “Who eats there?” The Santos brothers said, “Everyone will.” They named it Splash—short, catchy, and exactly what the surf was doing.
An anniversary worth toasting
On September 21, Splash marked its 16th anniversary. While Mexico throws its big party on the 16th, this family-run spot waits a few days to raise its own glass. For regulars, it’s a reminder that while fiestas come and go, some traditions—like oysters and rib-eye by the sea—stick around.
Built block by block
The first menu was stripped to basics: ceviches, tacos, aguachiles, shrimp cocktails. Prices were local, not tourist-trap numbers. Americans already knew the brothers’ hospitality, so curiosity carried them in. Soon enough, Splash had both crowds—weekend locals in flip-flops and Californians with fresh passports.
Growth wasn’t sudden. They bought land in pieces, poured cement when money allowed, and upgraded one slab at a time. Pandemic closures pushed them to improvise an outdoor bar so people could sip beer with take-out. Guests loved it, so the “temporary” fix grew legs.
Today, the property spans more than 1,600 square meters facing the Pacific. It’s a sprawl of patios, decks, and dining rooms where the sea soundtrack never stops.
Adriana brings the sweet side
Every family needs the next generation to shake things up. Enter Adriana, Nico’s daughter. She trained at the Culinary Art School in Tijuana, polished her skills in Barcelona, and brought back a pastry toolkit sharper than a new chef’s knife.
She started with desserts. Think silky tiramisú, caramel-cracked crème brûlée, and glossy tartlets that look like edible jewelry. Sure, there’s still chocolate cake and cheesecake, but Adriana lifted the end of the meal into a new lane. Her long-term dream is a café-bistro with a pastry focus. For now, she feeds the sweet tooth of Splash’s crowd.
Why people stay
Food matters, but Splash’s secret sauce is people. Nico takes care of his crew. Staff stick around, and regulars notice. Ask Sr. Claudio, one of the veterans, why he still loves working here. He’ll grin and give you a story. That culture shows in the service—efficient, warm, sometimes a little chaotic, always real.
The menu mirrors the family’s journey. You’ll find Mexican comfort—chiles rellenos, enchiladas, tacos. You’ll find American grill standards—rib-eye, porterhouse, big sandwiches. There’s Italian too: wood-fired pizzas, fresh pastas, and even a Governor’s Pizza loaded with shrimp. And yes, the mariscos still headline.
The legacy in motion
Splash didn’t just grow; it dragged a sleepy strip of Primo Tapia onto the food map. Neighboring restaurants like El Encanto and Los Portales? Their founders once trained at Splash. Instead of resenting it, the brothers see it as proof they built something bigger than a restaurant.
Future plans include a sushi bar with proper cuts—tuna, salmon, urchin, caviar—the kind of thing a coast like this deserves. Until then, Splash keeps doing what it does best: feeding Baja with heart, hustle, and salt spray.
So next time you roll south, pull off at KM 52.5 of the Libre Rosarito–Ensenada. Sit close enough to feel the spray. Order oysters, steak, and dessert. Don’t forget to ask Claudio why he’s still smiling. And if it’s September 16, raise your glass. You’re not just toasting Mexico—you’re toasting Splash.
The Valle de Guadalupe knows wine, paella, and opera. However, it has never seen masks, fire shows, and aerial spirals—until now. Castillo Ferrer is launching the first edition of Renacimiento Mascaradas this October 4, creating a carnival of elegance with a Baja twist.
For years, Castillo Ferrer celebrated harvest with different themes. One year it leaned Mexican, another went patriotic in September. Because of that inconsistency, organizers decided it was time for one identity. As director Luis Alonso Altamirano said, “This is our renaissance.”
The word Renacimiento honors Italy’s 15th-century masquerades. Yet it also marks the vineyard’s revival of concerts, paused after the pandemic. Before that, Castillo Ferrer hosted acts like Tigres del Norte. Now, the stage returns.
The party runs from 4 p.m. to midnight. Guests will enjoy grape-stomping, live music, and circus-style spectacles. Meanwhile, acrobats, jugglers, fire artists, and stilt walkers will keep the night electric.
Artistic director César Cervantes even promises Baja’s only aerial spiral performance. In other words, Cirque du Soleil finally meets Cabernet.
Violinist Luis Henry will welcome guests with a DJ-violin duo. Later, he joins a string orchestra mixing Bach, Vivaldi, Coldplay, and boleros. Because nothing says Renaissance like waltzing to “Clocks” under vineyard lights.
The event is formal. Women wear dresses, men suits. Ties are optional, but jackets are required. Every ticket includes a mask, although guests can bring their own—yes, lucha libre counts.
General admission costs $900 pesos. VIP tickets are $1,700 pesos, with extras like a glass and bottle of wine. Tickets are available on PrimeraFila.mx, City Express Tijuana, or at the winery box office.
Organizers expect around 1,000 guests, though the venue can hold 2,000. Because no one should risk driving after Tempranillo, PB Tours will run shuttles from Ensenada and Tijuana.
Renaissance masquerades blurred social lines. Everyone mingled freely, hidden behind masks. This festival aims for the same spirit. Finally, Valle de Guadalupe gets its own masked ball.
So prepare your gown, shine your shoes, or grab that lucha mask. Castillo Ferrer promises mystery, music, and midnight firelight this October 4.
On September 26, 2025, the vineyards of Corona del Valle in Ensenada swapped their usual symphony of cork pops and clinking glasses for something a little different: the buzz of insurance talk. The Mexican Association of Insurance and Bonding Agencies (AMASFAC) held its 21st Regional Pacific North Congress, drawing in agents from all over Baja California, plus colleagues from Sonora, Sinaloa, and beyond.
This wasn’t just another corporate mixer. It was a full-scale meet-up where Mexico’s most trusted insurance agents traded strategies, heard inspiring talks, and—of course—did some serious networking. Bernabé “Bernie” Hernández, president of AMASFAC’s Tijuana section and our good friend from Bernie’s Insurance, personally invited us to attend and cover the event.
Ana Gabriela León Vegas, president of AMASFAC Ensenada, summed up the purpose of the gathering perfectly:
“These events are designed to keep us informed and updated in the insurance field so we can do better business. Most of the agents belonging to AMASFAC attend, and we are recognized by society, our colleagues, insurance companies, and institutions as the most reliable insurance agents.”
For anyone shopping for coverage, that’s the key point—when you deal with an AMASFAC agent, you know you’re working with a licensed professional recognized at the national level.
Throughout the day, attendees discussed industry changes, customer experience, and the everyday realities of selling trust in uncertain times. Panels and presentations touched on everything from motivational stories to practical agreements with hospitals—yes, even free parking at Hospital Ángeles in Tijuana made the list of perks negotiated for clients.
It wasn’t all spreadsheets and policy talk. There were lighter moments too—like the gifting of fancy chocolates, jokes among colleagues, and remembering leaders who left a mark on the organization. The atmosphere was more family reunion than dry convention, proving once again that AMASFAC isn’t just about policies, it’s about people.
For Ensenada, hosting the congress meant putting the region on the map as more than a wine destination. The Corona del Valle backdrop made sure every conversation came with a side of vineyard views. Between the barrels and the PowerPoints, the message was clear: the insurance sector in Baja is alive, well, and working hard to stay relevant for the clients who depend on it.
Baja California once again proved it isn’t just about fish tacos or tequila shots. And yes, we already told you: wine is the backbone here, not some side note. The 2025 MICHELIN Guide came to town, and the chefs of Baja walked away carrying stars, plates, and the kind of bragging rights usually reserved for French grandmas with secret recipes.
The Michelin system can feel like a mysterious club. So let’s clear it up. A red star is the classic award. It says the food is worth a special trip. If a restaurant has one star, go. When it has two, change your route. With three, call your banker.
Meanwhile, the Green Star is relatively new (2020). It rewards restaurants committed to sustainability. Think kitchens where the fish isn’t confused about its passport, and the vegetables don’t rack up frequent-flier miles.
Finally, there’s the Bib Gourmand. It isn’t a star, but it matters. It celebrates restaurants that serve incredible food without demanding your mortgage papers at the door.
Here’s the fun part. All five of Baja’s red stars landed in the Valle de Guadalupe. Yes, every single one. Therefore, if you’re not convinced the valley is the capital of Baja dining, you’ve officially missed the memo.
These restaurants aren’t just making plates of food. Instead, they’re serving flavors as layered as the valley sunsets, with dishes that dance between ocean and vineyard.
The valley also swept the sustainability awards. Olivea, Lunario, Conchas de Piedra, and Deckman’s en el Mogor all grabbed a Green Star. That means they’re not only plating art. They’re farming responsibly, fishing thoughtfully, and cooking with the planet in mind.
For diners who prefer to spend pesos on wine instead of entrées, the Bib Gourmand list is a gift. For example, Ensenada classics like Sabina and La Conchería, valley gems like Merak and Villa Torél, and the unstoppable Doña Esthela prove you don’t need a fortune to eat like royalty.
In addition, Carmelita Molino y Cocina in Tijuana joins the list. It shows the border city can serve soul-warming plates with just the right hit of smoke and spice.
Michelin went even further with 21 recommended restaurants. These range from street tacos that can silence a room (La Principal, El Franc) to high-end temples like Misión 19 and Manzanilla. Meanwhile, valley names such as Primitivo, Latitud 32, Envero, and Bruma Wine Garden reinforce the obvious. If you want the best of Baja, head to the valley.
Tourism secretary Zaida Luz López pointed out that these recognitions aren’t just for chefs. Instead, they represent farmers, fishers, vineyard workers, and communities who open their doors and pour their hearts into every plate.
Moreover, the stars ripple far beyond the dining rooms. They strengthen local producers, attract international visitors, and boost an entire tourism chain. In other words, it’s not just about dinner—it’s about an economy that grows when the food is this good.
For visitors, the message is simple. Baja California now stands shoulder to shoulder with the great culinary regions of the world. You can book a table in the valley, sip a glass of Nebbiolo, and enjoy a dish that carries a Michelin star while still watching the chef wave at a neighbor’s goat. Try doing that in Paris.
The 2025 MICHELIN Guide made it official: Baja California is a heavyweight on the global dining stage. The Valle de Guadalupe dominates with stars, Ensenada offers classics at every price, and Tijuana proves it’s more than street tacos.
So, whether you chase sustainability, fine dining, or the perfect taco, Baja has it all. Michelin has spoken—and this time, the accent is pure Baja.
Think Valle de Guadalupe is only wine tastings and sunsets made for Instagram? Think again. Behind the vineyards, there’s a network of entrepreneurs working to keep the valley alive and open for business.
Meet Emprendedores del Valle Guadalupe (EDVG), a civil association of more than 270 businesses. That includes wineries, cafés, hotels, restaurants, and yes, even hardware stores. Their mission is simple: push the valley forward with collaboration, events, and teamwork .
Wine might headline the valley, but this group goes much further. They connect with UABC and CEVIT for studies on tourism and restaurant trends. They also stay close to local authorities, which helps members deal with permits and regulations.
Membership isn’t one-size-fits-all. Small businesses with fewer than ten employees pay a lower fee. Bigger operations contribute more. In return, everyone gets access to studies, support, and a valuable business network.
Their star project is the Viñadas calendar. It spreads events throughout the year so visitors don’t just come in harvest season.
In 2024, the association hosted ten events. For 2025, the goal is fifteen. At the moment, they’ve already staged eight. The next stops are Indómito, El Cielo, Casa Entre Vés, and Don Tomás Viñedo .
Each event feels different. Some are cozy pairing dinners for 50 guests. Others explode into massive fiestas with music, food stalls, and almost a thousand visitors. Businesses decide if they’ll pour tastings, charge a fee, or just showcase bottles. The variety keeps locals and tourists guessing.
December will even feature a community Christmas parade across the three valley delegations. This time, the spotlight isn’t only for tourists. Locals will be invited to join in, proving the valley is more than a destination—it’s a living community.
The association also tackles less glamorous work. Members pool money to patch potholes. They adopt stretches of road for cleanup. They even run a photography contest where shots from cell phones compete with professional cameras.
These projects may not sparkle like wine, but they keep the valley clean and inviting. They also remind locals that their home matters just as much as the visitor experience.
Unlike some groups that treat media like intruders, Emprendedores opens the door. They know promotion matters.
Unlike some groups that treat media like intruders, Emprendedores opens the door. They know promotion matters. As Karla, the group’s Public Relations lead who is always knee-deep in logistics and present at every event, explained: ‘If no one promotes our efforts, the impact is lost.
That mindset makes coverage easier and gives journalists a chance to tell the valley’s wider story. It’s a refreshing approach in a region that thrives on visibility.
When most people think of Valle de Guadalupe, a few big-name wineries come to mind. Yet more than 200 smaller players wait in the wings. Many are family-run projects with fewer than ten employees.
EDVG wants these businesses discovered. They want more wines poured, more menus tried, and more stories told. By encouraging cooperation instead of competition, they make sure the valley doesn’t rest on just a handful of brands.
So next time you sip under the stars, remember: there’s a whole team behind that glass. From the Viñadas calendar to the patched roads beneath your car, Emprendedores del Valle de Guadalupe is quietly—and sometimes loudly—keeping Baja’s wine country fresh, fun, and worth coming back to.
Some nights in Baja California, the sirens are just background noise—an unholy lullaby. But on September 20, that lullaby turned into something harsher.
Armed groups hit the offices of the Fiscalía General del Estado (FGE) in both Tijuana and Ensenada. The attackers stormed the Ensenada branch around midday, firing at the building and setting vehicles ablaze. At the same time, at least two installations in Tijuana were struck. Four state facilities hit in near-synchrony—that’s not local anger, that’s choreography.
Security forces scrambled to lock down the sites. Guards now surround the buildings, patrols circle the blocks, and staff have been displaced while walls are patched and bullet holes filled. But the reinforcement feels like an admission: these buildings are vulnerable, and the people inside are targets.
The Fiscalía is the state’s backbone for prosecutions, the symbol of law and justice. To take a swing at it is to shout: we’re not afraid of you. Attacking police or rival gangs is one thing. Attacking the prosecutors is another. It erodes the public’s already fragile confidence, reminding everyone that even the watchdog bleeds.
And let’s be blunt—when things are quiet, it often means there’s an understanding, spoken or not, between the Fiscalía and the people it’s supposed to be chasing. Calm can be camouflage. So when bullets suddenly rake across government walls, it may be a sign the deal fell apart, or that negotiations were never on the table.
This isn’t a first for Baja. The region has seen its share of blockades, arsons, and warnings from the U.S. Consulate telling staff to shelter in place. But there’s a line that many believed criminal groups would not cross: striking the state directly. That line is gone.
For those living here, expat or local, this is the new equation. Not just fear of stray violence, but the creeping sense that institutions themselves are fragile. It seeps into daily life—how you think about safety, insurance, business, even where you walk after dark.
They say violence speaks when silence fails. And so, just days after the attacks, the Fiscalía of Baja California announced three arrests tied to the bombings and arson at their offices. The captures followed coordinated raids and a trove of field evidence, according to state officials. These aren’t wild guesses: prosecutors say they now have “sufficient proof” to hold the suspects under investigation. The message, unspoken but clear: retaliations exact consequences—if you want to hit the state, expect to be hit back.
Rumors in Baja move fast, but sometimes fugitives move faster — at least until the cops slam the brakes on their fun. That’s exactly what happened last week in Tijuana, where a young woman from Texas turned a quiet patrol into a headline.
At first, it looked like an ordinary afternoon. However, officers from Baja California’s Citizen Security Force spotted a black 2015 Ford Explorer cutting across traffic on Avenida Paseo de Santa Fe. The SUV swerved, braked suddenly, and forced other drivers to dodge out of its way.
Because of her erratic moves, officers turned on their lights and sirens. Eventually, the driver pulled over. She introduced herself as Arielle “N,” a 24-year-old from Lyford, Texas. At that point, she seemed like just another American lost in Tijuana traffic. Yet, the real story started when police ran her name.
Immediately, the C5 system revealed a jackpot of trouble. In fact, Arielle had not one but three active warrants in Texas. And no, they weren’t for speeding tickets.
Her record included:
Consequently, what should have been a simple traffic stop turned into an episode fit for television. Forget a rap sheet — this was practically a Netflix mini-series.
As if the warrants weren’t enough, officers also checked the SUV. Soon, they confirmed it had been reported stolen in Garden Grove, California. So, let’s recap: a Texas fugitive, driving a stolen car from California, caught in Tijuana traffic. Honestly, it sounded less like a police report and more like bad tourism marketing.
After confirming everything, officers followed procedure. They cuffed Arielle, read her rights, and turned her over to the authorities. Still, the story doesn’t end there.
Because this arrest has all the ingredients for a viral hit, it could easily inspire a new chapter of the Caza Gringos podcast. Or better yet, maybe Gringo Hunters will grab it for a new episode. Imagine the title: “Warrants, Weapons, and a Stolen Ford Explorer.”
Therefore, if someone from @CazaGringosPodcast or @GringoHuntersShow is scrolling right now, we’ve already done the marketing. Just remember to mention the Gringo Gazette North when the cameras roll.
Meanwhile, authorities stressed that Baja is no playground for fugitives. They reminded everyone to report crimes at 911 or 089. As a result, locals and visitors alike can help keep the drama on screen, not on Avenida Santa Fe.
For years, some folks north of the border thought they could cross into Mexico and disappear. No rules, no problems, no consequences. However, that myth is collapsing fast. As this case proves, ya pasa (translation: “it already happens” — meaning crime catches up with you here).
So, if Arielle’s little road trip doesn’t convince you to check your paperwork before driving south, nothing will. At least you’ll know which podcast to tune in to afterward.
If you were planning a quick errand downtown this morning, good luck. Ensenada’s police officers are once again trading patrol duty for protest duty, and they’re not showing up quietly.
At 9 a.m. today, September 23, officers from the Municipal Public Security Directorate are expected to gather at City Hall. Their demand is simple: give back the money that was deducted from their paychecks.
This isn’t their first rodeo. Just last month, the same group blocked Reforma Avenue, turning the city’s main artery into an accidental parking lot. Cars didn’t move, tempers flared, and coffee got cold in cup holders all across town. You can read our full coverage of that traffic nightmare here: How Protest Cripples Ensenada Traffic—Act Now.
Back then, the officers agreed to clear the streets after city officials promised to fix the issue. Spoiler alert: nothing changed. The five affected officers are still waiting for reimbursement. And patience, much like Reforma during a protest, has run out of lanes.
The call comes from Por la Dignificación Policial y su Comunidad A.C., a group that insists police deserve not only respect but also their full pay. According to their statement, deductions were made under the mysterious category of “otros descuentos.” For the record, that’s not a fun line item on a paycheck.
The group points out that these deductions directly impact families. From groceries and rent to medical care and school supplies, every peso matters. And when officers struggle at home, the entire community feels it.
The call for today’s protest isn’t rumor—it comes directly from Por la Dignificación Policial y su Comunidad A.C. On September 21, 2025, the group published a signed letter on its official Facebook page, confirming the City Hall protest and restating their demands.
The letter is official, but not every detail inside has been independently verified. While the deductions are well-documented, claims about specific broken promises, deadlines, or refund agreements have not been confirmed by municipal authorities.
Why It Matters
The group stresses that fair pay is not only a matter of justice but also of public safety. Police families depend on these salaries to cover food, housing, transportation, and healthcare. Officers argue that when they struggle at home, the entire community feels the impact.
While today’s action won’t officially target Reforma Avenue, our recommendation is simple: avoid Reforma if you can. Previous protests have shown how quickly things can escalate, and traffic on that road can freeze faster than your morning coffee.
What’s Next?
So far, city officials have offered no fresh solutions. Whether today’s protest forces change—or just another round of promises—remains to be seen.
And Baja what? If the people sworn to protect our streets can’t even protect their own paychecks, what does that mean for community trust?
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