Flora Farms

Who knew a place like this existed in Mexico?! Flora Farms is an organic farm nestled on ten acres of land in the foothills of San Jose del Cabo. It is a trek to get to, but entirely worth it. The land has been farmed for ten years but only recently have they opened the Field Kitchen, Farm Bar, and Flora Grocery to the public. It is quickly becoming one of the most popular places to visit in the area, and a common party venue. Their kitchen makes everything on location, by hand, and sources as much as possible from their own farm. The grounds are beautiful, and as I walked around, I was finding new treasures - an ice cream stand, a mini-spa, a pop-up clothing store, a wine and coffee bar, an outdoor movie theater, a pond, and so much more. There was even a small farmer's market and grocery area. I wish we had more time to explore the property (and maybe a bigger appetite to taste more of their goodies!). I went for lunch on a sunny Tuesday and I think my family thought I was crazy as we were driving up the dirt road but they did thank me later ;-). Next time, I want to schedule a tour of the farm and learn more about their operation. If you guys go let me know you think!

Amen to that

Fun map of the farm as a place setting

Menu

Seating at the restaurant

Outdoor setting

Little Bread factory for the restaurant

Mini-store

Farmer's market style vegetables

"A thankful heart is the greatest virtue" - Cicero

Grilled fruit sangria

Daily Specials

Heirloom Tomato and Burrata 

Gluten free flatbread

Fennel Sausage Pizza from their woodfired oven

Chicken cutlets, lemon, wine with herb mustard spatzle

Catch of the day - seared tuna with fresh veggies from the farm

Gluten Free Beet Pasta

Ice cream stand

Sign outside the cafe area

The Resort at Pedregal - El Farallon

On the night of my birthday in Cabo, we made reservations at El Farallon. It is located in one of the most beautiful hotels I have visited, the resort at Pedregal, located on the cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Both the views and the hotel itself were breathtaking. The restaurant is also located right on the cliff and is completely outdoors, with the waves crashing right underneath you. El Farallon actually means "a rock that comes out of the ocean." It's a very serene atmosphere, although you do have a chance of getting splashed a little! We got to our reservation early to take a tour of the hotel and enjoy the accompanying Champagne Bar while the sun was still up. The restaurant's concept is somewhat of a set menu. On our way to our table, we stopped at a counter displaying the fresh catches of the day. The waiter explained the six different fish offerings for the day, along with a few other steak and seafood options. Each was priced around $50-55. This includes everything in your meal (more explanation to come). My family and I each chose our own fish fillets. Next, there was a list of sides they were offering today. With each fish comes two sides of your choice. After making our selections, we were seated at our table.

The service was excellent. We were each given blankets since the weather was a bit chilly. The first course (all included with the cost of the meal) was a tortilla soup, poured at the table. Next was a tasting of three appetizers for the table - ceviche, grilled seabass skewers, and a palmito salad. Our main courses arrived shortly after, each of our plates hosting our fish fillets with our choice of two sides. Three different sauces were brought for the table. Everything was so light and fresh, I didn't feel stuffed after all this food. Our meal was topped off with amazing churros, with chocolate and caramel dipping sauces, made specially gluten free for my mom, my brother and I. I can't wait to go back!

View from the entryway of the hotel

List of sides for the day (in both English and Spanish)

Main course options

Our choices of fresh fish and seafood

The restaurant on the cliff, overlooking the water

A peak into the kitchen

Bowl for the tortilla soup, before the soup was poured

Trio of appetizers

Sauces for the fish

Totoaba fish with grilled zucchini with arugula pesto 

and marinated wild mushrooms with balsamic and vinegar

Red Snapper with white beans and homemade chorizo

Parrot fish with grilled asparagus and marinated mushrooms

Churros (no explanation needed!)

My parents, my brother and I enjoying the beautiful setting

Cabo San Lucas

I rang in my 25th birthday in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico last month with some of my family! Cabo is one of my favorite vacation spots. With it being such a short flight from San Diego, it has been our go-to beach vacation for years. I love that you can get a taste of a different culture, eat some amazing chips and guacamole, drink margaritas, and lay out all day. My newest discovery this trip, was a true Caesar Salad. This salad was originally created by an Italian named Caesar Cardini, who owned restaurants in San Diego and Tijuana. His famous recipe is made table side, containing raw egg yolk in the dressing. Watching the waiter at The Office (a Cabo institution right on the sand of Medano Beach) set up and prepare the salad table-side, had my mouth watering. I tried to film parts of his prep, seen below. Additionally, here are some snapshots from our trip. More posts to come :-)

View from the hotel 

Chips & Margaritas

The Office Rambo getting a little too silly

View from the rooftop bar of the Thompson Cape Hotel

Delicious Octopus Skewers with Chorizo Mayo (At Manta Restaurant, Thompson Hotel)

Caesar Salad Prep

Separating the Egg Yolk

The final product - Shrimp Caesar