Arnoldo Recommends; a Todos Santos, Baja guide

Mar 7

A sweet little guide to Todos Santos from the unofficial mayor of C. Centenario.

Los Adobes; for locals only - just kidding all are welcome for delicious affordable seafood, a 10-minute walk from todos proper you’ll love the fresh, local, reasonable (ie; you can’t eat like this anywhere in Ontario for even 1/8th of the price) seafood-forward dishes.
Tre Galline - Arnaldo’s go-to lunch & dinner spot, this hidden gem of Todos Santos serves the most beautiful Italian-Mexican fusion, and the chef also happens to looks like his gringo son-in-law. Arnoldo and I sampled the carpaccio, spinach (like Popeye eats) + queso stuffed chicken, and almond crusted fish - all gluten free!!
El Santo Chilote Taqueria - while he didn’t mention this place by name, per se, everyone in the know eats lunch here. The tacos are cheap, and plentiful, and they’re a gut-‘safe’ local taco spot with or without your well-wandering digestive travel packs.

La Cetto Reserva - vino tinto o blanco, Arnaldo doesn’t discriminate and to be honest, there aren’t a ton of other local options. We sampled both colores and they were equally lovely, better than anything in the <$15 bin at your local LCBO. You can find this brand at most groceries that also sell local wines for around $10 - 20 CAD equivalent / bottle.
Mezcal Señorio Joven - smooth, definitely smokey, and you get a free shot with the purchase of any shot glass at Arnoldo’s tienda El Centenario.
Vino from Las Tinajas Viñedos - apparently they’re not quite ready for tourist groups yet but we’re keeping a close eye on their next steps and will let you well-wanderers know as soon as they’re ready for tastings. Arnaldo opened the most beautiful local Baja moscato for dinner one evening (see Tre Galline above; it paired perfectly with the gluten-free almond-crusted fish). Typically this popular style of wine comes from a region in North Western Italy but with it's beautiful aromas of pear, orange & honeysuckle this Baja stunner stood up to any pretentious European wine, and we personally can’t wait to sample the rest of their offerings.

GastroVino Baja Food & Wine festival - unfortunately this year’s fest coincides with Alnardo’s wife’s birthday so he’ll sadly be unable to attend (Tijuana calls!). Nevertheless, Arnaldo recommends that all Vinophiles head down south for Baja’s fairly new but still impressive food & wine festival. The Baja Food and Wine Festival takes place in Todos Santos April 22 - 24th and we’re already planning our next trip down for this must-attend event. Local chefs offer their finest dishes accompanied by a selection of beautifully unique Mexican wines. As an added bonus, this event has already raised $60,000 in support of charitable causes through their ticket sales and silent auction.
Visit El Centenario & say to hi Arnaldo: he’ll give you a shot of tequila (with a $5 purchase of the cutest shot glasses in Baja) and provide you with the kindest, most thoughtful, Baja-proud local Todos suggestions.

Arnaldo’s taste in music is unparalleled. These are his favourite songs, you’re welcome:

Sarah White

Eat Well - ‘Easy’ Pozole