Off to savour some sun

El Arco, tip of the Baja Pennisula where the pacific Ocean meets the Sea of Cortez

Well, it is official!  We are off to Cabo!  Our once two week trip planned last year was interrupted by my husband's company, currently in the midst of a financing.  However, with skill, diligence and down right nagging, my husband brought good news home that a vacation was back on!

I am so excited to get back to our other home for a week - it's a great time to relax, rejuvenate and get out of the snow!  For those readers NOT based in Edmonton, it has snowed constantly here in Edmonton - every day since the new year, and what a perfect time to get away and enjoy watching the whales play in the ocean from our deck, bustle about in the local mercados and enjoy some much needed couple time!!

Streets of San Jose del Cabo

So, there are a few places of interest on my list this time for our trip to San Jose del Cabo.  We always try to uncover a few new gems on each visit, and this time, we want to get off the beaten path a bit and explore some establishments that are not overly touristy (which is hard to do in Cabo San Lucas), spend a few hours in some local Cantinas and my husband longed to try Pollo Carbon (BBQ Chicken, a popular street food) for many years - maybe this is the trip!

First up, is a popular eating spot called Taqueria El Fogon, known for its outstanding tacos al pastor (slow roasted pulled pork tacos), which I love!  Best of all, it is not frequented by a high volume of gringos (Americans) but a healthy mix of locals and expats!

Typical condiments for your table

There is another bar/restaurant I am interested in seeing, called El Meson del Ahorcado, meaning literally, the hanged man's restaurant.  Spot it by the effigy of a hanging cowboy dangling from the gallows.  Nuf said.

I also found a spot that produces fresh, traditional Mexican sweets, called Frutilandia.  Here in San Jose del Cabo, they offer specialties like pepitorias (brittle sesame and peanut bars), candied limes, jamoncilla (milk fudge) and a local specialty, biznaga (candied cactus).

Continuing on this sweet note is a local bakery, operated by a French chef, called French Riviera, that offers traditional french wares (similar to what we find at the Duchess Bakery in Edmonton) as well as a selection of Mexican specialities.  Although not authentic Mexican, I love visiting this Bakery to pick up one of my favorite pan dulce (sweet bread) called rollo de chocolate (chocolate croissant).  Fantastic food, nice atmosphere and very unique!

Corner view of the French Riviera

And of course a trip to Mexico means an opportunity to add to our collection of Anejo Tequila (aged Tequila, similar to a single malt scotch).  We found a few great shops in the main plaza last year with fantastic selections but missed the opportunity to experience "the" tequila store in all of Los Cabos - Los Barriles de Don Malaquias.  Here, you can find the most unique bottles of tequila with over 300 varieties and what I know will be a catch for my husband - over 24 tequilas open at all times for tastings!  Now, I hope the place comes with a shovel to assist getting said husband back into our rental car, because I have a feeling I might need help!

The tasting table

A small selection

All in all, we are both looking forward to visiting a country we love, getting away from the snow for a week and further experiencing a culture, food and people that warm our hearts!  Viva Mexico!