Two New Great Spots in Ensenada and That Aren't in Valle de Guadalupe

So this past weekend I took a quick trip to Ensenada. It's only 62 miles south of the border and the ride is always a delight, with spectacular views on the way to the "Cinderella on the Pacific" (as locals call their city).

My mission? Have a delicious meal, like the ones Ensenada and Baja residents brag about so much lately, but not from those hip and fabulous restaurants in the wine valley, but have an actual Port of Ensenada dining.

I've always believed that Ensenada is more than just the Valle de Guadalupe. Not that there's anything wrong with Valle, as it's popularity and worldwide plaudits are well deserved, both for its tourist and culinary attributes, not to mention its vitiviniculture offerings.

What is true, is that a lot of what Ensenada is famous for is actually located a bit north of the port itself, in El Sauzal.

Right after the San Miguel toll booth from the scenic road, you'll notice a surge in signs for new craft breweries and restaurants, and that's where my first spot was in.

The First Spot: La Carnada

My first stop was going to be for a refreshing craft beer at Baja Brews Colectivo and Jardín Cervecero, but right before getting there, something caught my attention.

It was at a new location shared by the recently inaugurated ViniCo, a wine collective that houses several brands to taste from and a small bar with an excellent mixology offering, called the "El Viento No" cantina, although I'll talk more in depth about it in a piece latter on.

The garden is what your sight latches on to upon entering, a spectacular vista right by the ocean, and that's where another small place stands out, caled "La Carnada".

A delicious aroma filled the air thanks to the lit grill, while multicolored dishes are served in delicate presentations. I didn't doubt to ask for something.

They have an extensive menu, with several options from octopus tacos to oysters, aguachiles and a vegan food section. The whole thing left me undecided about what to order, as it all looked excellent.

La Carnada tiene opciones para todos, no olvides ver las opciones veganas
La Carnada tiene opciones para todos, no olvides ver las opciones veganas

But I had to order something, so the first dish was the braised octopus, a tuna tostada and a veggie aguachile (to share). Surprise! The quality of every ingredient didn't go unnoticed in the dish as a whole, with both the preparation and presentation worthy of those pricey restaurants elsewhere or in Valle, but here the prices are just and adequate.

La Carnada, as I mentioned before, is located on the scenic highway to Ensenada in the El Sauzal community, inside ViniCo. Check out their Facebook page for more information.

The Second Spot: La María Café

After that, I finally my way to the Port, where the weather called for something refreshing and I had already gulped down a pair of craft beers, so I wanted a different thing. That's when I discovered the second place, the also recently opened "La María Café".

They're a a coffee bar with a wide selection of grains brought directly from other regions of Mexico, garnished with a Mexican folkloric decor and the whole place is charming.

Located on Calle Segunda (Second Street), between streets Floresta and Guadalupe La María Café offers, like its slogan says, "México en un sorbo", which means "Mexico in sip". Again, charming.

With coffee grains from all over Mexico, the baristas brew options for every taste and palate. For this summer warmth, we tasted a coffee made with grains from Oaxaca with horchata extract, on the rocks.

El lugar es confortable y la atención muy buena
El lugar es confortable y la atención muy buena

The personalized and kind attention is soothing to the first patrons after their opening day. The space is decorated with traditional Mexican colors and a large mural celebrating Mexican culture.

The prices well below existing franchises and with grains that one doesn't usually find in other establishments.

So that's how La María Café became the second discovery on this quick trip to Ensenada. Two different concepts, but both worthy of your time next time you head to Ensenada.

And both establishments, relatively new, are added to the list of options to discover in Baja's jewel of Ensenada.

Keep reading at San Diego Red and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

Translation by: Jose Sanchez/SanDiegoRed

Comments

  • Facebook

  • SanDiegoRed

 
 
  • New

  • Best

    More of The Real Baja

    Recent News more

    Subir
    Advertising