Every Saturday from July through October: Bazar Centro Artesanal in Ensenada.

Enjoy a colorful outdoor bazaar featuring local artists and their original works, Pai-Pai potters and Kumiai basket weavers, and a variety of vendors offering quality Mexican crafts, collectibles, antiques, books, regional foods, beverages and produce every Saturday from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. at Centro Artesanal on the corner of Blvd. Lázaro Cárdenas (Costero) & Av. Castillo, Ensenada.

Free admission. For more information or to participate as a vendor, contact Centro Artesanal administrator Adalberto Pérez Meillón, tel. (646)175-7848; e-mail: adalbertopm@hotmail.com

I couldn’t tell you if this article is entirely true, since most real estate agents in Baja report lower incomes and limited sales, and as you will read, it claims that La Elegancia has had a great amount of sales so far, but I wanted to share it with my readers anyway. Here it is, thanks to Baja Times:

La Elegancia continues strong sales despite current market conditions, reports its builder. According to the sales associate Imelda Ramirez, the sales team for the luxurious condominium community in Playas de Rosarito, B.C. has sold more than 70 of the 108 units in total.

La Elegancia condominiums offer you eight different floor plans with ocean front views, deli, movie theater, grown up pool on the 16th floor, Mexican contemporary architecture, gated community, 24/7 security, travertine throughout on the one, two or three-bedroom and many more luxury features that will guarantee you an exquisite lifestyle. Prices start in the mid $200,000s with in-house financing available.

The elegant condominiums contain top-notch appointments such as two different interior finishes to choose from, barber carpets, granite counter in the kitchen, stainless steel appliances such as: stove with hood, oven, microwave, refrigerator and dishwasher, laundry closet, double paned sliding doors, floor to ceiling windows and electric fireplace in the Junior Penthouses and main Penthouses.
La Elegancia is also Environmental friendly with energy-saving lighting, double glazed windows to trap heat or keep it out, bathroom dual flush and a water treatment plant features. La Elegancia is also one of the safest buildings in the area with: fire code walls, fire hose cabinets in each floor, closed circuit security system, sprinklers in all units and hallways, smoke detectors and fire retardant monokote on all walls.

La Elegancia has many entertainment options conveniently located nearby. Retail shopping, trendy boutiques and fine dining surround the community. The area is also well known for its great golf options just minutes away.

To visit La Elegancia take the Rosarito south toll road 17 miles, follow the signs to the sales office. The models and office are open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. from Monday to Sunday. For more information call (619) 754-4925 or e-mail Imelda Ramirez at imelda.laelegancia@g-mail.com or visit www.laeleganciarosarito.com.

A new Baja California radio show will air July 7th, under the name of “The Baja Connection with Patrick Osio”. It will try to set the record straight on what is actually happening in Baja, by reporting the truth about the peninsula.

The Baja Connection with Patrick Osio, premiers on KOOL 1040 AM radio on July 7, 2008. Renowned local columnist Patrick Osio brings a different perspective on Baja and how issues and events impact the binational communities. The 1-hour daily talk show will air Monday through Friday, from 6:00 to 7:00 PM with expert guests and listener interaction, discussing the economic interdependence of the San Diego-Baja California border region informing and exposing listeners to the vast opportunities while avoiding the pitfalls.

Patrick writes the award winning column, The Connection, for the San Diego Metropolitan Magazine, the premier business magazine covering the San Diego-Baja California region. Patrick is also the Editor of HispanicVista.com, an Internet public interest publication, which has won him recognition as one of the 50 most influential Hispanic journalists in the US.

The Monday through Friday, 6-7 PM radio program, will be devoted to discussions with recognized leaders in various sectors:

Monday — border infrastructure, transportation, manufacturing, trade and commerce, binational environment, education.
Tuesday — Baja Real Estate: Opportunities & Pitfalls - discussion on property buying, trust agreements, title insurance, mortgage financing, real estate developments, time share and fractioning.
Wednesday — Medical services: - how to check out doctors, dental, eye care, surgical services, vanity surgery, comparative costs, quality of treatments, US insurance coverage, assisted living and Alzheimer care.
Thursday – Tourism - Safety & security, border crossing and border security, US passport requirements, what to do, what to see, where to go, where to eat, bargain hunting, tours.
Friday – Retirement in Baja: - Who should – who shouldn’t, how to, best developments, costs, activities, services, and small business ownership opportunities for Americans, Mexican government requirements.

The debut Monday, July 7 program will tackle the border infrastructure: The long North bound border crossing times found by the San Diego Association of Governments study to cost the region in excess of $8-billion annually in lost commerce and idle time. In response, the expansion of the San Ysidro Port of Entry. The San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce Economic study indicating that adding East Otay Mesa Port of Entry would increment the regional economy by over $31-billion during its first 10 years. And, building a air-terminal annex on Otay Mesa with a bridge connecting to the Tijuana airport would help alleviate border waiting time, reduce border pollution and provide additional air service to San Diego.

The Baja Connection with Patrick Osio is being produced by long time media and radio personality, Hector Molina, as part of TransBorder Communications media production initiatives. The program will also be broadcasted live on the Internet and archived on various web sites for listening on demand.

Foxploration, the gorgeous film studios located in Rosarito, Baja, will be the setting for the upcoming Disney movie, The Chronicles of Narnia 3.

Disney’s The Chronicles of Narnia 3: Voyage of the Dawn Treader, is now preparing for an extending shoot in Rosarito Beach, specifically at the Baja Film Studio and in its filming tank. The production crew is expected to pump as much as $60 million into the local economy over the course of the four-or five-month shooting schedule. That gargantuan effort is set to start in November and is focused on underwater and beach scenes.

The sequel of a CS Lewis Lion, Witch and the Wardrobe adaptation, is now in theaters and has grossed more than $150 million since its May opening.

There are rumors that since the Grand Bahama studio where Pirates of the Caribbean II and III were filmed, has serious issues and its water filming tank is broken, Foxploration may be also be the recipient of the contract for the filming of Pirates of the Caribbean IV. This would mean an influx of money to the North of Baja like the area hasn’t seen since Titanic was filmed here.

The Foxploration theme park, built by 20th Century Fox in 1996 for the filming of Titanic, is now open five days a week, attracting U.S. visitors looking to tour the facility where Master and Commander, Pearl Harbor and Tomorrow Never Dies were also shot. During the filming of The Chronicles of Narnia: Voyage of the Dawn Treader, tours will be less frequent, but visitors to the park will get to meet the shooting crew and actors and witness the making of the movie.

The Fiestas de la Vendimia 2008 in Baja’s Valle de Guadalupe will start exactly in a month, so it’s time for all us wine lovers to get ready for this wonderful season.

The Fiestas de la Vendimia 2008 calendar of events is as follows:

IV INTERNATIONAL SEMINAR OF VITIVINICULTURE
Conferences on vineyard management and enological aspects in the production of quality wines.
Where: Hotel Coral y Marina
Sponsor: INIFAP, FundaciÛn Produce B.C.
Hosted By: Asociacion de Vinicultores de Baja California
Cost: $35.00 Dlls.
When:Thursday July 31, 2008 at 9am

18th WINE EXPERIENCE
A presentation of the wines, labels and vintages of Baja California, music, food tasting and art
Where: Centro Cultural Riviera
Sponsor: INIFAP, FundaciÛn Produce B.C.
Hosted By: Asociacion de Vinicultores de Baja California
Cost: $30.00 Dlls.
When:Friday August 1, 2008 at 7pm

GOLF TOURNAMENT
Golf tournament, “Four man scramble” , wine tastings at each hole, exquisite food sampling, award dinner with prizes, raffle & auction.
Where: Real del Mar Golf Club, Km. 19.5 Carretera Escénica Tijuana-Ensenada
Hosted By: Hotel Calafia y Asociación de Vinicultores de Baja California
Cost: $150.00 Dlls.
When:Saturday August 2, 2008 at 8:30am

16th INTERNATIONAL WINE CONTEST “ENSENADA LAND OF WINE”
Professional judges select the best wines in the competition
Where: Hotel Coral y Marina
Sponsor: Escuela de Enología y Gastronomía de la Universidad Autónoma de Baja California.
Cost: $30.00 Dlls.
When:Saturday August 2, 2008 at 9am

WINEMAKERS VISITS I
The winemakers host visitors at their wineries to taste and describe their wines
Where: Diversas Casas Vinícolas
Sponsor: Asociación de Vinicultores de Baja California
Cost: $35.00 Dlls.
When:Saturday August 2, 2008 at 9am

WINE + LOBSTER
Lunch in our San Antonio vineyard, with Puerto Nuevo-style lobster and wide selection of Chardonnays wines from several wineries of Baja California.
Where: Rancho San Gabriel Km. 95 Carr. Ensenada-Tecate
Sponsor: Bodegas de Santo Tomás
Cost: Call
When:Saturday August 2, 2008 at 1pm

ART ROUTE
tapas, music, Art. and wine. wines from several wineries of Baja California.
Where: Jardín Las Veredas en el Valle de San Antonio de las Minas
Sponsor: Gartes, A.C.
Cost: Free
When: Saturday August 2, 2008 at 5pm

GALA DINNER
Formal dinner and wine auction.
Where: Adobe Guadalupe Winery, Valle de Guadalupe.
Sponsor: Vinícola Adobe Guadalupe
Cost: $100.00 Dlls.
When: Saturday August 2, 2008 at 6:30pm

SONGS AND WINE IN TECATE
A sunset at the foothills of Sacred Cuchumá Mountain, music by the INNUENDO group of Mexicali, acompanied by hors-d’oeuvres and Barón Balché wines.
Where: Parque del Profesor. Calle Prolongación Cuchumá s/n, Tecate, B.C.
Sponsor: Corredor Histórico CAREM, A.C. y Vinos Barón Balché
Cost: $50.00 Dlls.
When: Saturday August 2, 2008 at 7pm

COUNTRY LUNCHEON
Lamb, house wine and live music.
Where: Puerto de Cruceros de Ensenada
Sponsor: Vinícola /Viña de Liceaga Winery.
Cost: $60.00 Dlls
When: Sunday August 3, 2008 at 1:30pm

SUNSET CONCERT
At our vineyard in Valle de Guadalupe, we present works from the classical repertoire, accompanied by fine cheeses and house wine.
Where: Monte Xanic Winery, Valle de Guadalupe
Sponsor: Vinícola / Monte Xanic Winery
Cost: $75.00 Dlls
When: Sunday August 3, 2008 at 6pm

A NIGHT AT CASA PIEDRA
Music and wine
Where: Casa de Piedra Winery, Carretera
Sponsor: Vinícola Casa de Piedra
Cost: $120.00 Dlls
When: Sunday August 3, 2008 at 7pm

SUNSET CONCERT
At our vineyard in Valle de Guadalupe, we present works from the classical repertoire, accompanied by fine cheeses and house wine.
Where: Vinícola / Monte Xanic Winery, Valle de Guadalupe
Sponsor: Vinícola / Monte Xanic Winery, Valle de Guadalupe
Cost: $75.00 Dlls
When: Monday August 4, 2008 at 6pm

WINE AND FOOD CASA DE PIEDRA-LAJA
Ingredient interpretation with Casa de Piedra vertical wine tasting
Where: Restaurante Laja
Sponsor: Vinícola Casa de Piedra, Restaurante Laja
Cost: Invitation only
When: Monday August 4, 2008 at 6pm

WINE, MUSIC AND SEMINAR
Wine tasting, acompanied with fine chesse and hors-d’oeuvres.
Where: Club Campestre , Tijuana, B. C.
Sponsor: Cofradía del Noble Vino de Tijuana
Cost: $45.00 Dlls
When: Tuesday August 5, 2008 at 7:30pm

LEGISLATIVE WINE MEETING
Where: Centro Cívico y Cultural Riviera del Pacifico.
Sponsor: Canacintra, AVBC, Canirac, Sistema Producto Vid.
Cost: No Cost
When: Wednesday August 6, 2008 at 10am

MALAGON FAMILY CELEBRATION
Horse show, live music (latin jazz and mariachi),authentic Mexican/American, tastings of all our wines.
Where: Viñedos Malagón, Calle Sexta #75, Ejido Francisco Zarco.
Sponsor: Viñedos Malagón
Cost: $90.00 Dlls
When: Wednesday August 6, 2008 at 6pm

COME TO OUR WORLD, WINE
In the natural Gardens a special musical concert of Jazz/Mariachi fusion, interpreted by the Las Vegas singing, Shadan. A gala dinner featuring El Olivo Restaurant “The Flavor of Colors,” accompanied by anniversary wineries.
Where: Jardín Las Veredas, San Antonio de las Minas
Sponsor: Restaurante el Olivo y Jardín Las Veredas.
Cost: $100.00 Dlls VIP - $125.00
When: Thursaday August 7, 2008 at 6pm

SINERGY
Wine presentation, wine and food pairing, music and contemporary art
Where: B&B La Villa del Valle, Valle de Guadalupe
Sponsor: Sinergi-vt, Vinos y Terruños, Agrifolia, Viñedos Malagón, G. Salinas Vinos y Tintos del Norte 32.
Cost: $110.00 Dlls
When: Thursaday August 7, 2008 at 6:30pm

JAZZ AT EL MAGOR
Jazz concert with house wines and mediterranean empanadas
Where: Vinícola / Mogor Badan Winery
Sponsor: Vinícola / Mogor Badan Winery
Cost: $50.00 Dlls
When: Friday August 8, 2008 at 5:30pm

NIGHT OF THE TRIOS
Romantic music under the stars, at the sound of Baja Caliornia’s best trios. Will be having representatives from Tijuana and Ensenada at the rhythm of old melodies, we will serve our collection of four different wines accompanied by a four course dinner.
Where: EMEVE Winery, camino a San José de la Zorra. Ej. El Porvenir.
Sponsor: Vitivinícola EMEVE/EMEVE Winery
Cost: $100.00 Dlls
When: Friday August 8, 2008 at 6pm

THE SOUND OF VINISTERRA
Pairing of food, wine and music presented by the Culinary Art School from Tijuana and VINISTERRA winery
Where: Vinisterra Winery, San Antonio de las Minas
Sponsor: Vinisterra Winery, San Antonio de las Minas
Cost: $85.00 Dlls
When: Friday August 8, 2008 at 6:30pm

VIÑAS PIJOAN - MANZANILLA ENCOUNTER
Tasting of Pijoan Wines with tapas from Manzanilla Restaurant
Where: Restaurante Manzanilla, Ensenada, B.C.
Sponsor: Restaurante Manzanilla, Ensenada, B.C.
Cost: $80.00 Dlls
When: Friday August 8, 2008 at 8pm

WINEMAKERS VISITS II
The winemakers host visitors at their wineries to taste and describe their wines
Where: Diversas Casas Vinicolas
Sponsor: Asociacion de Vinicultores de Baja California
Cost: $35.00 Dlls
When: Saturday August 9, 2008 at 9am

TAUROVINOMAQUIA
Bullfighting fiesta with the star from the Tauromaquia, music, food and house wines
Where: Rancho San Gabriel, San Antonio de las Minas Km. 95 Carr. Ensenada - Tecate
Sponsor: Vinicola Bodegas Santo Tomas
Cost: $100.00 Dlls
When: Saturday August 9, 2008 at 12pm
Contact: 011-52 (646) 174 08 29
Website: http://www.santo-tomas.com

II WINE EXHIBITION IN TECATE
Regional wines exhibition, cheese hors d’oeuvres and artisan bread from Tecate.
Where: Restaurante Asao, Tecate, B. C.
Sponsor: Asociación de Vinicultores de Baja California y Restaurante Asao.
Cost: $35.00 Dlls
When: Saturday August 9, 2008 at 1:30pm

RUSSIAN MEMORIES
Live music and wines
Where: Rancho Toros Pintos, San Antonio de Las Minas
Sponsor: Vinicola Bibayoff
Cost: $55.00 Dlls
When: Saturday August 9, 2008 at 4pm
Contact: 011-52 (646) 176 10 08

RUSTIC VINALIA
Music, food and wines
Where: Rancho Lafarga, San Antonio de Las Minas
Sponsor: Vitivinicola Tres Valles y Vioedos Lafarga
Cost: $50.00 Dlls
When: Saturday August 9, 2008 at 5pm
Contact: 011-52 (646) 178 80 52

PARALELO
Where: Vinícola Paralelo, Valle de Guadalupe
Sponsor: Casa de Piedra
Cost: $80.00 Dlls
When: Saturday August 9, 2008 at 7pm

II WINE EXHIBITION IN TECATE
Italian soirée at Villa Montefiori, opera music in the vineyard, italian cousine (Macchiavello Restaurant, traditional italian food) wine tasting, music.
Where: Vinícola Villa Montefiori, Toros Pintos, EJ. El Porvenir.
Sponsor: Villa Montefiori
Cost: $100.00 Dlls
When: Sunday August 10, 2008 at 6:30pm

NOCHE DE COFRADOA EN ENSENADA
Wine and food pairing contest, the best restaurants and the best wineries
Where: Puerto de Cruceros de Ensenada
Sponsor: Cofradia del vino de Baja California
Cost: $50.00 Dlls
When: Tuesday August 12, 2008 at 6pm

11th WINE EXHIBITION IN MEXICALI
Tasting of selected wines acompanied with hors-doeuvres, music, art and wine topic lectures
Where: Centro de Convenciones del Centro Estatal de las Artes de Baja California, Mexicali, B. C.
Sponsor: Cofradia del vino de Baja California, Capitulo Mexicali
Cost: $35.00 Dlls
When: Wednesday August 13, 2008 at 6pm

CELEBRATION IN THE VALLEY
A traditional fair with games, music, food and wines from different wineries
Where: Parque de Ejido El Porvenir
Sponsor: Asociacion de Vinicultores de Baja California
Cost: No cost
When: Thursday August 14, 2008 at 4pm

TANGO AND WINE, PASSION AND ART
The glamour of tango and the passion of wines in a single place
Where: Baron Balch’e Winery
Sponsor: Baron Balch’e Winery
Cost: $100.00 Dlls
When: Friday August 15, 2008 at 6:30pm
Contact: 011-52 (646) 680 27 04
Website: http://www.baronbalche.com

A DELIGHTFUL SUMMER EVENING IN TECATE
7 Seven gastronomic sensations, 7 Seven wineries; Seven course wine pairing dinner with seven different acclaimed wines (Adobe de Guadalupe, Monte Xanic, Roganto, Santo Tomas, Tanamá, Valmar, Vinisterra)
Where: Restaurante Asao, Tecate, B. C.
Sponsor: Restaurante Asao, Tecate, B. C.
Cost: $85.00 Dlls
When: Friday August 15, 2008 at 6:30pm

MEXICAN DELIGHTS IN VALMAR
Dinner, music and house wines
Where: Cavas Valmar Winery
Sponsor: Cavas Valmar Winery
Cost: $50.00 Dlls
When: Friday August 15, 2008 at 6:30pm
Contact: 011-52 (646) 178 64 05
Website: http://www.cavasvalmar.com

A DELIGHTFUL SUMMER EVENING IN TECATE
7 Seven gastronomic sensations, 7 Seven wineries; Seven course wine pairing dinner with seven different acclaimed wines (Adobe de Guadalupe, Monte Xanic, Roganto, Santo Tomas, Tanamá, Valmar, Vinisterra)
Where: Restaurante Asao, Tecate, B. C.
Sponsor: Restaurante Asao, Tecate, B. C.
Cost: $85.00 Dlls
When: Friday August 15, 2008 at 6:30pm

WINEMAKERS VISITS III
The winemakers host visitors at their wineries to taste and describe their wines
Where: Diversas Casas Vinicolas
Sponsor: Asociacion de Vinicultores de Baja California
Cost: $35.00 Dlls
When: Saturday August 16, 2008 at 9am

SANTO TOMAS STREET FAIR
A street fair with numerous artistic expressions, games, music, food and house wines
Where: Bodegas Santo Tomas, Ensenada
Sponsor: Bodegas Santo Tomas
Cost: No cost
When: Saturday August 16, 2008 at 2pm
Contact: 011-52 (646) 174 08 29
Website: http://www.santo-tomas.com

TANGO AND WINE, PASSION AND ART
The glamour of tango and the passion of wines in a single place
Where: Baron Balch’e Winery
Sponsor: Baron Balch’e Winery
Cost: $100.00 Dlls
When: Saturday August 16, 2008 at 6:30pm
Contact: 011-52 (646) 680 27 04
Website: http://www.baronbalche.com

ROMANTIC SUNSET
From A to Z, a romantic music concert with Susana Zavaleta and Armando Manzanero, house wines and hors-doeuvres
Where: Chateau Camou Winery, Valle de Guadalupe
Sponsor: Chateau Camou Winery
Cost: $165.00 Dlls
When: Saturday August 16, 2008 at 7pm
Contact: 011-52 (646) 177 22 21
Website: http://www.chateau-camou.com.mx

17th PAELLA COOKING CONTEST
A country contest for cooking rice paella style, sampling of paella and wines, dancing and music.
Where: Rancho San Gabriel, San Antonio de las Minas
Sponsor: Asociacion de Vinicultores de Baja California
Cost: $35.00 Dlls
When: Sunday August 17, 2008 at 12pm

Visitors to Mexico temporarily will have to use a nearby alternate route to get to the Rosarito-Ensenada scenic highway, also known as the toll road.

Road construction has created the need for the alternative to the normal entrance on the right hand side of the road, just past the airport exit and shortly after visitors cross into Mexico from the San Ysidro crossing.

A map and directions to the alternate entrance are below. Click on it to expand it:

The 20th Fish & Seafood Fair and Competition, “La Feria del Pescado, el Marisco y la Bebida Tropical,” is shaping up to become Baja’s live version of the popular food television program, Iron Chef.

Admission is free and food samples start at only $2 (US); the competition will take place on Sunday, July 13, 1 pm to 6 pm. Parking is free with validation and everyone is welcome.

Hosted by the Rosarito Beach Hotel and held in their oceanfront gardens, it promises to be a fun-filled and exciting event for the whole family all part of the annual International Seafood Fair.

“This is the perfect Rosarito event, combining sun, sea and great seafood,” said Rosarito Beach Convention and Visitors Bureau President Laura Wong. “That’s why it’s so popular every year.”

The best restaurants in the region will feature their top chefs who be competing to win first place for the best seafood/shellfish dish. This year’s competition will allow the contestants to bring their own ingredients rather than the organizers of the event supplying them with a “surprise” list of ingredients to cook from.

This will definitely “heat up” the competition as each chef will be an expert in preparing his or her own dish.

The first place dish will be judged for creativity, preparation and timing, taste, and presentation, all combining to determine who will be the “Iron Chef” of Rosarito Beach. Those who love to cook will enjoy this exciting competition that will pit chef against chef in a “cook-off” against the clock or “Kamikaze Cooking” at its best.

In addition to the competition there will be a folkloric dance presentation with Caribbean dances and live music.

For more information go to www.rosarito.org or contact Ron Raposa at ronraposa@hotmail.com, or by phone at 619-948-3740