June 30th was the date for a musical and food experience to please almost anyone. The cost was only $8 for admission. Music provided by Big Shot Rob & The Reloaders, Michele Lundoon, Fay & Ernesto Rosas and several others started at 2 pm. The venue was the Riviera Cultural Center in the shaded amphitheater, across the street from CEARTE, the cultural center in Ensenada. Food and drinks were available at a reasonable cost of $3 for a glass of Santo Tomas wine or $2 for a beer in a large plastic cup. The food ranged from pizza,hamburgers and fries, veggie burgers, plates with marlin mousse and crackers. The cost of most of the plates was around $5. So one could have a marvelous time, not leave the grounds and spend less than $25.
An alternative choice for food, only a few blocks walking distance from the festival is Criollo Taperia, a wine and tapas bar. Selections averaged $6, including choices such as albondigas with a cream sauce or a cheese fondue. Located at First Street and Alvarado, inside Plaza Blanca on the 2nd floor. Next to hotel "El Cid". Open Wednesday through Sunday, from 1 p.m. Wi Fi available. Cash only. Great wine list from the store "La Contra". Constantly changing menu using local ingredients. Phone is (646)156-5369.
By the time most people were full of good fare and drink, the dance floor filled up. Dancing continued to the excellent sounds coming from the musicians and singers until 10 pm.
For those who do not wish to make the drive home in the dark, a good choice of hotel is Costa Baja. Located a half block from the Riveria, it was the hotel associated with the festival, putting up all the musicians. The cost of an ocean front room with a king sized bed was $59. Clean and quiet, it is a good value.
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