by Carol Kramer
What a treat we had for Mother’s Day weekend this year. We went down to our condo at La Jolla del Mar in Rosarito Beach with our daughter, Jen, and her boyfriend. Saturday night we went to dinner at Charly’s south of Rosarito. It had been recommended by several of our members. Decor was “fun Mexican,” the house-special shrimp quesadillas were fabulous and the prices were more than reasonable. Dinner with drinks for four people was only $60.00.
On Sunday we began the day with the legendary buffet at La Fonda. Oh my!!! There was a wide variety of dishes; made-to-order omelets, huevos rancheros, chicken mole, tamales, paella, and endless bloody marys and margaritas. We were conservative drinkers since we knew the wine country was still to come. After finishing our meal with the superb apple empanadas with cinnamon sugar on top, we set off for the Guadalupe Valley.
Boy, how the Valley has grown. We passed the Liceaga winery with hopes to return (unfortunately we ran out of time and will look forward to that on our next trip). Our first stop was the Museum of Vine and Wine, a gorgeous new building on Mex 1 at km 81. Cost of entry was 50 pesos (or $4.00 US) per person. For that we got a tour by English speaker Miguel. It included a history of wine in general and the specifics of Valle de Guadalupe where 90% of the wine from Mexico is made. A wine tasting on the patio overlooking the beautiful valley and vineyards was hosted by Chateau Camou. www.museodelvinobc.com
Up the valley we stopped at L.A. Cetto. The gardens were full of people sipping wine and visiting. The tasting was fabulous and resulted in several purchases of wines. We checked out the Encuentro Guadalupe, the hotel with rooms and cabins dotted up the hillside. Another place to return to.
Our next stop was Monte Xanic and their tasting of eight different wines. This winery is in an idyllic setting with a small lake in front. There are rumors that a restaurant will soon open.
We made it to Rancho Cortes, the cheese factory, just before they closed. We were able to sample eight different cheeses and purchase several to take home–at least back to our Mexican condo. As we left, the cows were being herded up to the barn to be milked–YES, more cheese.
We went back to Rosarito by way of the “old” Mex 1 through La Mision. A dinner at Tapanco topped of a most enjoyable day–it’s great being a Mother.
Charly’s Restaurant
Sunday brunch at La Fonda
Paella
Museo del Vino
Views of the Guadalupe Valley from the museum
LA Cetto
Monte Xanic
Cheese at Rancho Cortes