I was returned back into the US because I had 2 small steaks, still in the original pack and frozen, between the US government and the Mexicans lets see how many tourist we can piss off;)
You shoulda just ripped'em open and ate 'em raw on the spot! Then, you could of growled at the Border Agents!!! GRRRRRRRR!!!
The whole food thing has gotten absolutely ridiculous, Art. I mean, I TOTALLY UNDERSTAND the rules for major commercial shipments of fruits, veggies, meats going across the border -- they should be inspected. But, a couple of frozen steaks or a ham sandwich bought at Safeway (wherever) is just insanity. Meanwhile, the drugs and illegals continue to flow over the border in fair numbers while our illustrious Border Agents are busy taking cooked chicken from diabetics and bacon/eggs from other travelers!
We go to RP about three to four times a year. Usually stay for three to five nights at a time. We usually eat every breakfast and dinners out except for one night.
Then we have dinner at "home" on the patio enjoying the water and the wine that one night.
We spend a pretty decent amount of money down there during our visits because my better half does the shops and likes to eat in the better places when on vacation.
I happen to like Sol Beer so that accounts for a big chunk of dough.
We are going back at the end of August and I guarntee you if they make me get rid of the steaks, et al, they will never see my sorry butt down there again. What a
shame they have to screw things up.
Just out of curiosity, anyone ever buy any steaks down there? If so, where and were they good?
Sonora beef is excellent.....I haven't looked for a while, but there are a couple of butcher shops in town. A few years back I bought rib eyes that were excellent. I'm sure someone (full time residents) will pipe up with locations.
We go to RP about three to four times a year. Usually stay for three to five nights at a time. We usually eat every breakfast and dinners out except for one night.
Then we have dinner at "home" on the patio enjoying the water and the wine that one night.
We spend a pretty decent amount of money down there during our visits because my better half does the shops and likes to eat in the better places when on vacation.
I happen to like Sol Beer so that accounts for a big chunk of dough.
We are going back at the end of August and I guarntee you if they make me get rid of the steaks, et al, they will never see my sorry butt down there again. What a
shame they have to screw things up.
Just out of curiosity, anyone ever buy any steaks down there? If so, where and were they good?
I always go to the butcher on N. Bravo diagonally across the intersection from the TelMex building. Ribeyes are incredible. I usually buy 4 @ 1"+ for about 18 dollares. New Yorks have been super also.
I used to go up to Ajo once a month and stock up on food. I have not even been to the border in over one year now. I have had to change the way I eat, and probably for the better. No more frozen dinners !! Much more fresh veggies and fruit. Chicken, fish and seafood of course.
The only problem I have had with Sonoran beef is that the butcher occasionally ruins the cuts by cutting more on the bias that perpendicular to the grain of the meat. Good flavor but tougher and stringy. That problem being worst at the Santa Fe Market. The carniceria mentioned above is superior. BTW, all of them will cut what you want how you want if you can communicate with them. Pork is a good example, the Mexican style found in the meat counter is thin cut and most of the US folk like it thick for grilling or stuffing. I have been told there is a place that sells Canadian beef off Josefa.
Two convenient places to shop for general stuff, water, paper goods, etc. when you arrive are the Santa Fe market and across the street, the Bodega Aurrera right on Benito Juarez. Super Ley is not far off Benito Juarez and there are many smaller markets you can explore. For superior bakery goods, La Cubanita, fresh Fruit the market on Sinaloa 3 blocks or so off Fremont. And of course fresh seafood of all types at the malecon !
I hope y'all will look on this as an opportunity to try cooking something different when you come here. After all it is a foreign country! Look at it this way. The time you spend shopping and packing in the US can be used on an adventure in Mexico, exploring some alternatives and trying out some new stuff. Odds are you'll discover something new you really love. I'd like to see the recipe / cookbook idea come alive but with recipies using only stuff you can find here. I'm interested in learning more about the cheeses available here for example.
Having said all that I do miss lamb chops, the hot italian sausages and some good extra sharp cheddar, but that will make visiting the US more fun and interesting.
Get my cheddar at Las Palmas meat there sometimes, he'll cut it the way you want it no problem. I never bring anything down from the states in the food vein anymore and I eat better now too!
Get my cheddar at Las Palmas meat there sometimes, he'll cut it the way you want it no problem. I never bring anything down from the states in the food vein anymore and I eat better now too!
You know what Roberto, Russ and all? You guys are great, and you have caused me to have a attitude adjustment. If I can figure out where the heck all those places are, I'm gonna
try out their goods. The heck with those border people. If I die I will come back and haunt this site forever. Any more information you can provide will be gratefully accepted. I assume the food is safe.
The last time I had Dysentery was on Okinawa before they made me turn in my musket.
Well, isn't it befitting that I would reach my 2000th post talking about food... LOL! The meat market is called Cedasa, kitty corner from the Tel mex tower. Las Palmas is about 1 block north of Benito Juarez on Constitucion on the west side of the street. I buy a few things here and there in PP but I like my potato bread, kettle cooked potato chips, cinnamon flavored coffee and liquid Coffee Mate. Americana chipilona! LOL! I had been thinking about going to the meat market for awhile and so now that's what I'm going to do. I already have a tortilla shop and a bakery that I use. I think that's a very good idea to have people list their favorite shops, markets, bakeries, etc. My problem is that I can't tell you an address, only how to get there. LOL! And welcome GV Jack! Another comedian! LOL! "Before they made me turn in my musket" LOLOL!
Hey this is really great information for all of us weekend visitors. There should be a separate post of what food you buy and where in Rocky Point.
Thanks,
I could go for that! Category "Where to buy food (Stuff?)" a thread for: General Groceries, Dairy & Carne (Meat), Fresh Fruit and Veggies, Mariscos (seafood), Baked goods & Tortillas, Local Recipies and how to prepare local foods, Health Care, Paint & Hardware, Dining Out, Auto/Boat parts & Repair, Miscelaneous. Is that too many? What else? Sort of like the set up for different parts of town. Is that a pain in the a** to set up and monitor?
If posters are kind enough to keep to category and give some info. about products available and directions and location, and we can keep reasonable on track and unHAPPY, it would be very useful, particularly with the changes that seem to be coming about at the border. This would work if for reference and not idle chatter that one would have to wade through to find out something.
Actually I think CEDASA is a supplier, brand name, of beef. I may be corrected on this but there used to be a CEDASA store that supplied restaurants with vacumn packed steaks over on Kino blvd. You will see delivery vehicles around town with that name. Last I was in that location on Kino they did not sell cuts , only large sections to the butcher shops. CEDASA is painted on the building you mention but you will often see logos like Coke, etc. etc. painted on shops here. I think it means "We Sell CEDASA Beef" painted on the wall.
LJ, good detailed directions would be more useful than addresses what with not too many street signs. You know, like "Turn right at the Burger King as you come into town, go two blocks and look on the left hand side of the street. or ' Las Palmas is On Constitution, the Street that Super Ley is on" etc.
Like evderyone else I spend a good chunk of money in Rocky Point, the idea is that I had 2 small steaks I was going to cook that evening, these were the Mexican Immigration, AND NO, i DID NOT HAVE ANY OTHER FOOD with me, The economy is bad everywhere, not just in Mexico, you would think they would not like to hurt it even more
Like evderyone else I spend a good chunk of money in Rocky Point, the idea is that I had 2 small steaks I was going to cook that evening, these were the Mexican Immigration, AND NO, i DID NOT HAVE ANY OTHER FOOD with me, The economy is bad everywhere, not just in Mexico, you would think they would not like to hurt it even more
I agree with those sentiments completely. I was trying to get an idea if this is a blanket 'any food' restriction or more narrow. I know of one restaurant here that will be pretty much out of business if they cannot import some stuff. They do stop and declare and pay but they bring in quite a bit of stuff.
From now on, if I AM going to bring some food across the border, I'm going to go with the old trick I used when I had to share a common lunch fridge with dozens of other random employees, in which I would take a few strategic bites out of whatever item I had. I guess one could also try opening the bag of chips or snacks, making it look half-empty, opening the container of milk and drinking a third of it, maybe putting it into a couple of oversized sports bottles, or, hell, maybe putting things in tupperwear containers instead of their original cans. I can't see them demanding what appears to be leftovers...
We have everything we need available here....why hassle with the ever moving target at the border. There is a demand for items here and that demand will be met regardless of the line in the sand. Sure you may pay a bit more for what you want but really its want you want........wherever there exist a demand (vacuum) there is a supply (positive or high pressure) and the vacuum is always - always fulfilled.
But back on point ........whatever you need or want is available here in your favorite beach town in Mexico all the time! Maybe you have to search, maybe you have to drive around and explore but good grief people this is life and it's a lot funner when you get to live the way you want and learn at the same time....get out there and see what there is to see and learn what there is to learn.
But back on point ........whatever you need or want is available here in your favorite beach town in Mexico all the time! Maybe you have to search, maybe you have to drive around and explore but good grief people this is life and it's a lot funner when you get to live the way you want and learn at the same time....get out there and see what there is to see and learn what there is to learn.
I DO like supporting the local community and mostly eat out and/or stop by the Super Ley or wherever as much as possible rather than bringing in items from the US, but on my short trips, it's nice to have some munchies or maybe tuna salad, etc. as a beach snack already prepared as to save time.
Hey not to get mad but screw them..we are letting their trucks in now and that is a big deal..
mexicoruss said:
We have everything we need available here....why hassle with the ever moving target at the border. There is a demand for items here and that demand will be met regardless of the line in the sand. Sure you may pay a bit more for what you want but really its want you want........wherever there exist a demand (vacuum) there is a supply (positive or high pressure) and the vacuum is always - always fulfilled.
But back on point ........whatever you need or want is available here in your favorite beach town in Mexico all the time! Maybe you have to search, maybe you have to drive around and explore but good grief people this is life and it's a lot funner when you get to live the way you want and learn at the same time....get out there and see what there is to see and learn what there is to learn.
We love the food down here and buy everything we need when we arrive. Everything is so much fresher and flavorful from the chicken and beef to every fruit and vegetable we ever buy. So nice to eat eggs, chicken, etc., without all the hormones, and corn-fed rather than the crap we get up north. Even a scrambled egg tastes like heaven down here!!!
We like to bring our own lunch meat and/or sandwiches for the boat with us. Sorry -- I've never seen GOOD Boar's Head deli quality meats and artisan sub rolls anywhere in Penasco for making Connie's killer fishing sandwiches! Spoiled, maybe. But, I look forward to that sandwich after being out on the water for hours!
Breakfast? Reggie's burros and donuts. Dinner? Who cares? We go out to eat.
I have always taken my own beef/chicken/lunchmeat with me, just because I wasn't sure how good the quality is down there and I wasn't sure where to buy it. The problem with that is that things either don't get eaten (because I don't feel like cooking) or they go bad before we eat them. I have gotten lucky.....of the nine times we've been down in the last year or so, they've never searched the cooler at the border and I have had no-no's in it each time!! I end up bringing more stuff back....it's ridiculous, so I'm not doing it anymore. I was impressed with Super Ley when I was in it last month....they certainly cleaned it up since Bodega opened!! And, while in Bodega, I checked out their meat department. Looks like any American meat counter (the packaged stuff), minus the big pig head that startled the bejeebers out of me when I saw it, LOL!!! You definitely won't see that at your local Fry's!!! Anyway, I'm going to try some of the places mentioned above for meat (not Bodega, even though it looked fine)..... I already go to the fruiteria on Sinaloa and La Cubanita (favorites), and I buy tortillas from the ladies on the beach (as well as Lupe's tamales!!). A place I was told that is very good for pork is called Cerrata's, which is on Josefa Dominguez, just south of Sonora Blvd.
I have always taken my own beef/chicken/lunchmeat with me, just because I wasn't sure how good the quality is down there and I wasn't sure where to buy it. The problem with that is that things either don't get eaten (because I don't feel like cooking) or they go bad before we eat them. I have gotten lucky.....of the nine times we've been down in the last year or so, they've never searched the cooler at the border and I have had no-no's in it each time!! I end up bringing more stuff back....it's ridiculous, so I'm not doing it anymore. I was impressed with Super Ley when I was in it last month....they certainly cleaned it up since Bodega opened!! And, while in Bodega, I checked out their meat department. Looks like any American meat counter (the packaged stuff), minus the big pig head that startled the bejeebers out of me when I saw it, LOL!!! You definitely won't see that at your local Fry's!!! Anyway, I'm going to try some of the places mentioned above for meat (not Bodega, even though it looked fine)..... I already go to the fruiteria on Sinaloa and La Cubanita (favorites), and I buy tortillas from the ladies on the beach (as well as Lupe's tamales!!). A place I was told that is very good for pork is called Cerrata's, which is on Josefa Dominguez, just south of Sonora Blvd.
That's a taqueria, La Carreta. Their specialty is Tacos al Pastor, which in Sonora is generally made of pork. Their lean pork is layered on a skewer along with pineapple and roasted on a brazier. The meat is then thinly sliced, grilled briefly on the grill, and placed on your choice of a corn or flour tortilla. It's a place I love for pork tacos.:thumbsup:
Oooh, Thanks Mondone. I've been jonesin' for some tacos al pastor! Now if I could just find a good torta.....I haven't found any good ones since the Tip Top loncheria burned down in the early 80's.... Remember that place, Gato and Sheryl? Yum, ham and white cheese and avocados and mexican mayo on those yummy bolillos.....
And Julie, I'm with you. The last 2 trips we brought food and ended up giving it to the neighbors or bringing it back. It's just too easy and almost as cheap to eat burritos from Reggies for breakfast or split a Sonoran papa for supper.....So, we decided we'd just bring what we can't find there, Powerade, Coffee mate, flavored coffee etc from now on. It'll be fun shopping in Super Ley and the little mercados!
And Julie, if the pig's head startled you, remind me not to tell you my roasted cow's head story. LOL!
I always try to support the local businesses, only bring down the Boars head products.
I usually shop at the Las Palmas Mercado, 5 blocks south of the Super Ley, much cleaner than the Super Ley and produce is fresher looking. I haven't been to the Super Ley since the BA opened.
The chicken actually tastes like chicken (before corporate america took over the food industry) The butcher there speaks great english and everyone is super helpful. Price wise it is middle of the road.
I need to try the Tortas, Thx, RockyPtJoe.
I think you are referring to Basy's. They are off of Revolucion and San Luis. The big church, San Judas Tadeo, is on San Luis just north of Revolucion and her torteria is just South. She has very good tortas.
Jim...i was referring to the Catholic Church on Simon Morua and between San Luis & Sinaloa ....that's the street that goes to Ace Hardware off Benito Juarez (and also to Ramon's). This is on the east side of Benito Juarez......the taco/torta place is on the south east corner at Sinaloa and Simon Morua. I'll check it out this weekend....and post the name of the torta place.
A post informed others of where to get different kinds of food sounds like a wonderful idea. There is also a new grocery store on the north end of town that recently opened up. My continued challenge is the simple fact that I eat ONLY ORGANIC fruits and vegetables and such a large variety of these items. I have eaten very, very healthy for years and do not eat red meat or pork and also am allergic to corn and wheat and no gluten. Finding gluten free items easily available and actually fresh (since so few people eat them and it is rare for a small place to have carry them due to it not being economical due to such little need for it) is still not a reality. I have some ideas of how to solve my personal situation, so hearing from others who eat only organic or even the people who only eat raw food would be great so I can share my results with you. Since my personal situation is rather extreme and not the usual, I am used to having to exert extra effort in achieving my goals and also having others not understand what I have to do. I have checked into organic farms here in Mexico and am waiting for a response. Best wishes to everyone in their own personal dietary selections.
Crossed into Mexico around noon today...got the Red Light....was asked for my passport and registration...the agent checked my registration against the door panel VIN....looked in a plastic bin in the back of the truck, but didn't even open the cooler (with food)! ???????????????
I think you are referring to Basy's. They are off of Revolucion and San Luis. The big church, San Judas Tadeo, is on San Luis just north of Revolucion and her torteria is just South. She has very good tortas.
The place for tortas across the street from the Catholic church on Simon Morua is called Tacos Poblamo....
So just to clarify - I have to declare bottles of Whiskey and any/all lunch-meat/bread chips I bring down to Rocky Point? Oh Joy, this sounds fabulous rule that will backfire and ultimately redirect potential visitors someplace else...
Lets say I have the following in a cooler & grocery bag - What Am I subject to declare?:
Carton of cigerettes
1.75 bottls of Jack Daniels
Bags of chips
Lunch Meat
Cheese
Eggs
Milk
12 pk of Coke & Diet Coke
case of beer
Also,
I always get the accident insurance for my SUV, but have the rules changed as far as insurance companies insuring car theft in Mexico?
So just to clarify - I have to declare bottles of Whiskey and any/all lunch-meat/bread chips I bring down to Rocky Point? Oh Joy, this sounds fabulous rule that will backfire and ultimately redirect potential visitors someplace else...
Lets say I have the following in a cooler & grocery bag - What Am I subject to declare?:
Carton of cigerettes
1.75 bottls of Jack Daniels
Bags of chips
Lunch Meat
Cheese
Eggs
Milk
12 pk of Coke & Diet Coke
case of beer
Also,
I always get the accident insurance for my SUV, but have the rules changed as far as insurance companies insuring car theft in Mexico?
Thanks!
Nothing has really changed,everybody talks about new rules and there are no new rules they are just enforcing old rules, we pulled into port in Cabo San Lucas from San Diego in 2004, the first thing the customs inspector latched onto were the steaks, eggs and lunch meats in the refrigerator, that was 7 years ago and the bags of used clothes have always been an item that couldn't cross. Liquior is 3 liters whether its beer or whiskey. Also on the US side Bob Chin from Lopez had his beef, lunchmeat and even hard boiled egss confiscated Sunday night.On the Mexican side if you dont get the light you dont have a problem, about a month ago i crossed a case of smoked baby backs and a case of angus burgers.
We pulled in to the US side a couple months ago and I declared some lamb I had in the ice chest, the customs ispector told me I couldn't enter with the lamb and then he said wait a minute and he called the agriculture inspector out and he told me lamb was fine, then he saw my dogs and mentioned also coming back dog food is not allowed.
I doubt the tourism industry will tank just because of a bag of chips and a couple of bags of groceries. As for insurance, there has not been a change. Theft coverage is available if you choose to purchase it. Deductibles are high on all insurance other than Liability. Be aware that off-roading voids a policy, as does driving under the influence.
I doubt the tourism industry will tank just because of a bag of chips and a couple of bags of groceries. As for insurance, there has not been a change. Theft coverage is available if you choose to purchase it. Deductibles are high on all insurance other than Liability. Be aware that off-roading voids a policy, as does driving under the influence.
People drive under the influence in Rocky Point:think:
So just to clarify - I have to declare bottles of Whiskey and any/all lunch-meat/bread chips I bring down to Rocky Point? Oh Joy, this sounds fabulous rule that will backfire and ultimately redirect potential visitors someplace else...
Lets say I have the following in a cooler & grocery bag - What Am I subject to declare?:
Carton of cigerettes
1.75 bottls of Jack Daniels
Bags of chips
Lunch Meat
Cheese
Eggs
Milk
12 pk of Coke & Diet Coke
case of beer
Thanks!
Why do you go to all the trouble to buy, pack, transport, unload and unpack all that stuff? You can buy it all here. You are coming to a foreign country, enjoy the differences.
They sell Jack in Penasco Roberto? Not starting a beef with you, just thought mexico sold no whiskey.
No don't start a beef, you cannot bring that across at all !!!
I'm pretty sure the Crucero Liquor store has it. I know you can buy it at the Santa Fe market, already premixed in a can of coke !! You can also stop at the border and buy it cheap. Alternatively have an adventure and go on a Tequila tasting venture. Bet you'll find one you like. Enjoy something different.
concerning your comment "if you don't get the light, you don't have a problem" when entering sonoita...... Not true for me the last time I re-entered Mexico. the guy at the Lukeville gas station had mentioned the new sign saying that people cannot bring in food or dog food to Mexico and i thought he was kidding. I crossed with 4 ice chests full of the special kind of food that I eat. I got the green light, breathed a sigh of relief silently and then slowly proceeded forward but had a guard flash a flashlight into my rearview mirror and so I figured this meant I had to stop. (it was at night so I saw the light, not sure how well that would have worked during the day) Which i did and he proceeded to ask me to open up the back of my class B motorhome (which is basically a large van with a tall ceiling). He just poked around a little and I did not mention the 4 ice chests and then he let me go. I am working on my special situation of eating certain food due to a health condition since Mexico does not have what will work for me nutritionally. i own a home in Penasco and tend to go there frequently.
Why do you go to all the trouble to buy, pack, transport, unload and unpack all that stuff? You can buy it all here. You are coming to a foreign country, enjoy the differences.
That looks like what I bring every time when I come, and the reason I bring it is so I dont get sick from some of the food I can buy in Mexico. Talking with experience.
I'm going to strangle you at the cheeseburger party for that comment Chari,lol, I said they sell no Jack Daniels in a real bottle in Penasco! They can mix what ever they want it a can and sell it!
What Playa? I'm almost sure I saw it in Brisas but am sure I saw it in the duty free store. I didn't pay any attention to the prices as I only drink Ron Bacardi Anejo in Mexico.
Hey Playa...how about that liquor store next to Cosmos2000...they used to have a "back room" with the "better stuff"?????
The back room is all wine, and the largest selection in Penasco. They definately have whisky. I have bought scotch there and think I recall Irish whisky as well. Don't know about Jack Daniels though but I recall a pretty good selection.
There's also a liquor store off Fremont....2 blocks before you get to the Pemex on the right side heading to Las Conchas. It's off Fremont on the side street, behind the little market/beer place....can't give you a street name or anything. I picked up some vodka there that I couldn't find anyplace else in town.