Vía Mercado

Via Mercado, Tijuana

Chef Javier Plascencia brings yet another gem to the gorgeous Via Corporativo building in Tijuana. Meet Via Mercado Estilo Tijuana. You can not only eat to your hearts content, but there you can also find local cheeses, brews and wines from the Baja California region under one roof.

The interiors of the space are bright and inviting, and the smells are so intoxicating. It’s the lovely details such as the chandelier pictured below, and flatware lining the front of the counters in “La Fruiteria”, that truly express the time and effort that goes into the design and planning of the space.

The stool seating is intimate, and some of the most comfortable stools that I have ever sat in. It is exactly the type of eatery that I could see us spending some quality time over hearty dishes with close friends and family.

Via Mercado, Tijuana

Tacos de guisado are an ultimate form of comfort food. Whether it’s because of the cooler winter temperatures, or the fact that you just get a craving, it’s that “hug” that you get when eating this food that keeps you coming back for more. We ordered one of each of the guisados offered that evening at Via Mercado, and chose to have them in taco form. We enjoyed a taco de fideo seco, machaca de res, pancita en salsa roja, and carne con papas. You may also choose to use any of the guisados as a filling for a torta or burrito. It’s not easy to pick favorites, in these types of “taco situations’. but I did find myself going back for more bites of the Machaca. With that being said, each and every one was perfectly satisfying.

Via Mercado also offers comida corrida, with options varying from a Chile Relleno and Cremita de Zanahoria to meatloaf and a side salad.
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Valle de Guadalupe: Cavas del Mogor and Corazón de Tierra

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Cavas del Mogor, Valle de Guadalupe
It may not come as a shock to you, that we headed to El Valle de Guadalupe to celebrate Antonio’s birthday. We don’t necessarily need any type of excuse to pay a visit, but with such beautiful scenery, and amazing meals at our finger tips, how can you resist? I was just happy that it had stopped raining, after the previous day of the lovely hail and rain that we had. We got down to El Valle a couple of hours before our lunch reservation at Corazón de Tierra, so a wine tasting and visit to their Farmers Market could have not been more necessary. It’s such a shame staring at all of the gorgeous produce, just knowing that I wasn’t able to bring any home with me, but we did bring home a beautiful jar of olives. We finally got to tasting them last night, let’s just say there is no longer a need to buy jarred olives at the store any more.

Cavas del Mogor, Valle de Guadalupe

"Cavas

For 50 pesos the wine tasting of Cavas del Mogor that day consisted of one white, and two reds. With the blustery air blowing by, sipping the Chassellas de Badan had me picturing the hot summer days and a nice ceviche. The second red, a French and Mexican grape Syrah-Grenache blend, and the third their most popular Mogor Badan Red Bordeaux blend. Before the Mogor Badan tasting was poured into our glasses, we all got to head down to their cava. That is really an experience all on its own. The smells, and sights are just unbelievable. First thing that popped into both Antonio’s and my mind was, “Wow! Could you just imagine what a dinner party would be like here?” We can dream can’t we…

Valle de Guadalupe, Baja California
Corazón de Tierra, Valle de Guadalupe

The couple of hours at Las Cavas de Mogor passed by in the blink of an eye, and it was time to sit down at Corazon de Tierra for lunch. The views from your table seem to get even more magnificent with each visit, and the meal that we enjoyed, well there are not many words to describe it. I always leave in a blissful state, feeling so inspired after dining at this restaurant.

Corazón de Tierra, Valle de Guadalupe

The smoked tuna amuse bouche, was delicate and just the right way to begin the rest of the afternoon.

Corazón de Tierra, Valle de Guadalupe
An array of different lettuces, picked fresh from the garden outside, with pine nuts, and local cheese. Underneath the green leaves, was a tomato-olive puree. Every bite, I worked my way around the plate ensuring that I had each component on my fork. Oh, and those baby carrots, who knew such a tiny vegetable could be bursting with such sweetness.

Corazón de Tierra, Valle de Guadalupe
After each meal that my husband and I enjoy together, we can’t help but ask ourselves what was our favorite of the day. It was difficult to choose from so many outstanding dishes, but the Barnacles came slightly above the rest. The acidity from the lime juice covered barnacles, and the avocado puree was just heavenly. The barnacles had the perfect texture to them. You can’t finish that plate without eating the Purple flower that tastes exactly like an Oyster. If you have never tried one, please do when it ends up on your plate. We all looked at each other at the table, with such smiles on our faces.
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Plancha Baja Med Pop-up dinner by Chef Chad White

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Plancha Baja Med Pop-up dinner by Chef Chad White
When Chef Chad White talks about his passion behind his latest venture, Plancha Baja Med, it is almost contagious. His inspiration from his travels and experiences in Baja, is incredible to listen to. He mentioned various times, that his experiences are not only based on the food alone, but the people and surrounding ambiances as well. We could not agree more, and if you have been following us along on our Life and Food journey for awhile now, the photos and words can not even fully express that admiration.

He started these Prix Fixe pop-ups at the end of last year, and we have been following each and every menu, just drooling. It was time to stop seeing the action from behind the computer screen, and finally see it in person for ourselves.

He currently holds these pop up dinners at Carnitas Snack Shack, with a 6:00 pm and 8:30 pm seating offered. The space itself is just lovely. The warm wood accents, and candle lit long table, is more than inviting. Don’t worry about our abnormally cooler nights here in San Diego, because the heat lamps are up and running, as soon as you are seated. The long table serves as an intimate setting, which made it even more fun to hear about how every one had end up there, after hearing about these dinners. It’s also the look on their faces, while Chef Chad explains the menu, and each ingredient on it, just that look of intrigue. You won’t find creations like this anywhere in San Diego. Just as the website states, “This is a non specific dining experience that allows his imagination to run wild; cooking however, wherever, and whenever he wants.”

Before you sit down at your seat, Chef Jenn Felmley was there giving the run down on the select local craft beers that are offered for purchase.

The time had come, Chef Chad White stood at the head of the table, talking about the dishes, and each and every step that it took to prepare what we were about to experience.

Plancha Baja Med Pop-up dinner by Chef Chad White
The evening kicked off with a fresh oyster topped with Uni, Kieffer pickled avocado, and sesame-nori gremolata. I picked up the oyster, and in one tip back of the shell, my mouth was filled with an explosion of flavors and textures. The pickled avocado was really a nice addition to the buttery sea urchin, and natural sea flavors of the ocean.

Plancha Baja Med Pop-up dinner by Chef Chad White

The next course, Sous Vide beef tongue, eggplant meringue, dehydrated olive poblano tapenade, and a touch of Kale ash. A piece of the tender beef tongue, with that incredible meringue, and briny olive tapenade, was just fascinating.

Plancha Baja Med Pop-up dinner by Chef Chad White

The chatter was flowing after the table all had their first bite of the Pork belly. The aromas from the Al Pastor pork belly, onion smoked masa, black garlic, and charred pineapple took me right to my own little happy place. My mind was automatically transported back to one of our favorite taco stands in Tijuana. This dish is far more exquisite, but its those type of food memories that just seal the deal for the evening.
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Life As We Know it

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Simpson Bay, St. Maarten

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The holidays have come to an end, and we have started another new year. The year has been off to a great start so far, and I can not wait to see what is in store for us. We are settled back in at home here, but there are still mornings that I can’t help but stare out the window longingly, just imagining that it is the beach in Simpson Bay.
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St. Martin: The French Side

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We are staying as well as spending the majority of our time on the Dutch side of St. Maarten this week. I have been fortunate to have visited the island of St. Maarten numerous times, ever since I was a child. No matter how many times we have been here, the days fly by, and there always seems to be something that we didn’t get the chance to see or do. Our first stop was at the Loterie Farms, covered in a canopy of greenery, and different fruit trees all around you. You can pay to lounge at the gorgeous pool, sunbathing in their big lounge chairs. If you want a more adventurous day, try out the Zip Line, or even just grab some drinks and bites at their restaurant lounge.

Visiting the French side of St. Martin was high on the list, and almost as always for reasons revolving around food. This trip wasn’t geared towards the high end restaurants, we wanted to make sure and visit the Lolos in Grand Case.

After we parked, we followed the smoke in the air, as we walked up the small streets, that are parallel to the beautiful ocean. Each of the outdoor grill restaurants have wood easels out that display their menus to the tourists and locals alike passing by. The smell of ribs on the grill is sure to grab your attention, and if you didn’t think you were hungry before, stand there and try to resist heading to a table to grab a seat. Typically this string of Lolos offers the prices at one Euro to one Dollar, which is always nice.

We decided to settle for lunch at “Talk of the Town.” As soon as we got seated at our picnic table, the crowds started to fill up the empty seats surrounding us. As you walk to your table, you can’t help but gaze at the open grill filled with racks of ribs, and lobster tails. There is also a long table with pots filled with assorted side dishes. Take a glance at the menu, and choose from the variety of meat and seafood options, and those lovely sides that you just walked by. I can never resist starting off a meal, with an icy cold bottle of Ting (Grapefruit Soda), anytime that I am here.
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A Glimpse into our Caribbean Holiday.

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We have spent the last few days on the beautiful island of St. Maarten with my family. Celebrating Christmas on white sandy beaches, with crystal clear water is pretty surreal. We have spent the majority of our time on the beach, I mean can you blame us? Yesterday we made way to the Dutch side capital of Philipsburg for some light shopping and lunch.

There were cruise ships docked, leaving the beach and small eateries full. We stopped off at Fishermans Pub and Grill, for a little taste of some local eats.

My favorite of the afternoon was the “Jamaarten”. Chicken wings smothered in their own jerk sauce recipe, and then grilled to perfection. It came with a small side of their own housemade barbecue sauce as well. The little plate of wings had a nice heat, that still leaves my mouth wandering just thinking about them.
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