Around San Carlos & Guaymas in Photos

Tortuga Restaurant in Off the Edge

To see more photos, click here.

The beach at Miramar is the perfect place for a walk and some bird watching.

– then back along the beach. Click for more information on horseback riding in San Carlos.

Fine Dining in San Carlos

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In addition to Blackie’s Restaurant, there are several excellent choices in San Carlos for fine dining. I recently had the pleasure of dining at both Bonifacio’s Cotton Club and at La Conquista. Both restaurants are tastefully decorated, offer a unique assortment of dishes and do a great job at presenting their culinary delights.

Both restaurants are perfect for special occasions, like birthdays. To help us celebrate, La Conquista brought a free, beautifully presented dessert tray. And at Bonifacio’s, bring three friends, and you eat for free on your birthday.

At Bonifacio’s, I enjoyed a delicious tuna steak for 125 pesos. It was served on an avocado and mango salad, wrapped in a red pepper slice and topped by a savory sauce. My dining companions were equally pleased with the brisket, steak fajitas and fried fish (a lake fish from Sinaloa).

Bonifacio’s is located on the beach between Paradiso and the Soggy Peso. It is the perfect place to watch the sun set while listening to live music and enjoying fine dining.

La Conquista serves a fantastic La Conquista salad, complete with fresh fruit, nuts and cheese for 112 pesos. If you’re looking for a slightly spicy dish, and like olives, I recommend the Fettuccine a la Raviata with shrimp (122 pesos). A less caliente, but equally tasty sauce is the Frutti di Mare (132 pesos).

La Conquista is located on Beltrones, across from the beach.

Whether or not it’s a special occasion, you can make it a great night out by choosing one of these excellent restaurants.

When it Comes to Signage … Less is More!

I have listened to the argument on both sides of the city signage issue and my choice is clear. No matter how much you think that those billboards and clutter of signs might help to advertise your business, they harm the environment as a whole and that in turn harms everyone’s business. Internet advertising and word of mouth are a much better way to market your business. And, that big billboard you plan on putting up just might backfire with the environment savvy public.

I live in the beautiful Mexican resort community of San Carlos, Sonora. The views of rugged mountains, desert landscapes, and the Sea of Cortez delight my every day. When I see that a business owner has erected another sign that spoils the views for the rest of us, well…let’s just say I become a touch vocal.

Businesses are worried that unless they have a huge billboard or other signs around town that clients will be unable to find them. The fact is that people do not find your place of business because of a huge sign; they find your business because you have provided directions using street names and other cues.

In my mind, unrestrained signage is no different than any other form of pollution. A new sign blocking a view of Mother Nature is like a pile of trash on the side of the road. It is a distraction and a form of disrespect for the environment and to our communities.

There are many movements across the world that are calling for visual pollution laws because many people are tired of having their architecture or views disturbed by signage.

A friend forwarded this YouTube video to me today and it paints a word picture with great impact. When people start paying attention and realize the impression that visual pollution gives to visitors, they might come to understand that visual pollution is harmful to our environments. The next time you are considering advertising your business or service, consider the impact of your choice and remember, when it comes to signage … less is more!

by Janey McLean
SanCarlosJaney.com,
homes, design, lifestyle in Mexico

What’s Happening in the Water?

Johan Broere’s Dive Report

First let me catch up from last week. Locally the waters were a little mucky from the windy days but at the Island the visibility was just great. I had an opportunity to go for a couple of overnight trips up the coast. There is still a lot of firewood on the beaches and the nights are getting warmer. Between Ensenada Grande and San Pedro Island we enjoyed some orca’s. The babies were practicing their belly flops and tail flapping. We also put the knee-board out in a pod of about 300 dolphins. The temperature at the Island was 66-68 degrees F and we had 40 feet visibility.

In the last couple of days the algae has been growing. The deeper we went, the thicker and colder the soup. At 60 feet, it was 66 degrees F and 5 feet visibility. In Lalos Cove, at 20 feet it was 72 degrees F and 15-20 feet visibility. In the very shallow water, it was 75 degrees F and 20 feet visibility. At the east side of the Cove, the kelp reaches 15 feet tall. There are lots of fish in there and it is sure nice now that the water is warmer. I found several Jawfishes throughout the Cove. One was in as shallow as 7 feet.

Come on down and enjoy, Johan.
Dive San Carlos

Margarita Mafia

A Message from Terry Challis, President of Castaway Kids:

I encourage everyone to join the “Margarita Mafia”. Why? You may or may not be a “trop rock” fan, but we have a couple of trop rocker residents who are generous beyond the norm – Mark Mulligan and Sam Rainwater. Each year this organization has a vote for the Trop Rock performer who gives the most to charities. Of course, we have 2 performers we’d like to vote in, but in order not to split the vote, we have decided (with Mark’s approval) that we should all vote for Sam Rainwater in thanks and recognition for all the donations of any monies he makes in Mexico through his music & related products, plus his company’s matching funds which have been key to enabling our organization to continue construction of housing for people who would otherwise be homeless. The Rainwaters and Suntronics also sponsor students through our Adelante Estudiante program. In addition to this, the proceeds he makes in the U.S. go to Troop Packages for U.S. soldiers overseas. It only costs $15 plus shipping for the T-shirt they’ll send you. It just takes a couple of minutes, go to www.margaritamafia.com. Click on the tab in the upper right-hand corner that says, Join Us, and it walks you through the process. You will receive an e-mail when it is time for their W.A.V.E. Awards. Let’s all vote for Sam Rainwater until he gets recognized. Then we’ll start to work on our founder, Mark Mulligan.

Castaway Kids’ last general meeting of the season will be held this Saturday, May 15, at La Palapa Griega at 10:00am. Everybody is welcome.

What’s Playing at MMCinemas?

Some of the movies now playing:

Iron Man 2. Robert Downey Jr returns as Tony Starks, aka Iron Man in this continuation of the Marvel comic classic. This time, he battles Mickey Rourke as the evil Ivan Vanko. Also staring Don Cheadle, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Samuel Jackson. Click here for a preview.

Legion (Legión de Angeles). Denis Quaid stars in this action fantasy flick. Click here for a preview.

Motherhood (Mamá Está Loca) with Uma Thurman. Click here for a preview.

Clash of the Titans (Furia de Titanes) with Sam Worthington (as Perseus), Liam Neeson (as Zeus) and Ralph Fiennes (as Hades). Plot: The mortal son of the god Zeus embarks on a perilous journey to stop the underworld and its minions from spreading their evil to Earth and the heavens. Watch a preview.

Most “Hollywood” movies for adults are in English with Spanish subtitles, but check before you go. Cost — Adults $47 pesos, $37 pesos on Wednesday. And, the first movie each day is only $42 pesos.

For a full listing and show times, click MMCinemas. Under Selecciona, choose “Sonora” and “Guaymas”. On the next page, where it says “todos los complejos”, chose MMC Guaymas – then click “buscar”.

Happy Hours

• Bonifacio’s. Half price appetizers from 12:00pm – 2:00pm and 4:00pm – 6:00pm.

• Captain’s Club. Every day from 3:00pm to 5:00pm with 15 peso Corona, Pacifico, and Chope. 35 peso Margaritas and 25 peso well drinks. Closed on Tuesdays.

• Ruby Wine Bar. 4:00pm to 7:00pm. Corona and Pacificos are 10 pesos each and well drinks are 20 pesos each (including margaritas).

• Fiesta Hotel & Bar Coral. 1:00pm to 7:00pm. 15 peso beer.

• Evie’s. 4:00pm to 6:00pm, Monday to Saturday. 2×1 national drinks.

• Pool House Sport Bar. 4:00pm to 9:00pm, Tuesday to Sunday with Tecate 12.50 pesos, 1 lt cerveza 35 pesos. Free pool during happy hour.

• Club Nautico. The bar opens at 12:00pm with Happy Hour from 5:00pm to 7:00pm. 11.50 pesos ($1 USD) cervezas.

• Pancho Villa. 4:00pm to 7:00pm with all beers only 15 pesos and 2×1 margaritas. Big screen TVs in the sports bar.

• Tequila’s. 3:00pm -6:00pm.

• Banana’s. Monday to Friday, 4:00pm – 6:00pm: 15 pesos national beer 25 pesos well drinks. Every Sunday is “Bloody Mary Sunday” with 25 peso Bloody Mary’s all day long. Everyday: 45 peso margarita and 55 peso pina colada.

• Marina Cantina. 11:00am -5:00pm, Monday through Friday, 12 peso beer (Pacifico, Pacifico Light, Modelo, Modelo Light, Corona, Corona Light). And, Ten Peso Tuesdays with 10 pesos beer (Pacifico, Pacifico Light, Modelo, Modelo Light, Corona, Corona Light) all day long (11:00am until closing) — no food purchase necessary!

• Paradise Bar. Thursday, all day, 25 peso national drinks. Everyday, get a 10 bottle bucket of Sol for 150 pesos, or bucket of Tecate for 200 pesos.

• Mar de Cortez at Pilar. 4:00pm – 6:00pm with 20 peso beer, 20 peso margaritas and 70 peso pitchers of beer.

Who’s Who in Entertainment?

Contol A

Late night-beach lounge-mellow music and las estrellas. Yes the stars are within reach while you listen to the Contol Acustico Band: Don’t miss out on this new group that performs at Club Nautico every Saturday night at 11:00pm and Bonifacio’s Cotton Club late Friday evenings at 10:00pm and Sunday afternoons from 1:00pm until 6:00pm at the Cotton Club.

Members include: Alberto Serna-Saxaphone. Alberto was raised mostly in the States, however his favorite singer is Luis Miguel. His cool horn blowing inspiration comes from Eric Marienthal, an all-time great sax player in North America. Mariel Sandoval-Voice. He was born in Veracruz, however his inspiration is Led Zeppelin. Mariel does some amazing George Michael’s (in English) and all the Jazz favorites south of the border. Gabriel Perez-Guitar. He ties this band together with a piercing electric guitar that follows the interludes of saxophone. Last but not least, the lovely Nailea Martinez icing the cake with romantic vocals en Espanol. Her goal is to later learn piano and organ, but at the moment prefers to sing ballads. Favorite songs and inspirations are “Fly Me To The Moon” and “My Immortal” (Evanescense).

Go and see these Stars this weekend.

For information on other local musicians, click here.

Who’s Who in Entertainment is written by local musician Eric Holland.

Wednesday Movie

Crazy Heart

This week, members of Ocean Camp or the Yacht Club can enjoy “Crazy Heart”. Come watch Jeff Bridges in his Oscar winning performance for best actor in 2010. Also starring Maggie Gyllenhaal, Colin Farrell and Robert Duvall

This program is for members of the San Carlos Yacht Club, and members of Ocean Camp San Carlos, A.C.  If you are not a member, Ocean Camp membership cards will be available at the door beginning at 6:00pm. A valid membership card and contributions to the Cinema Projector replacement fund will be requested.

Doors open at 6:00pm for hamburgers. Movie starts at 7:00pm. FREE popcorn.

Watch a preview

What’s Happening This Week?

Wednesday, May 12

Entertainment

• Movie at the Yacht Club, featuring “Crazy Heart”. Doors open at 6:00pm for hamburgers. Movie starts at 7:00pm.
• Danny Moreno. 4:00pm – 7:00pm, Froggy’s.
• Eric Holland. 5:00pm – 8:00pm, La Palapa Griega.
• Elba Santiago & Steve Smersh. 6:30pm- 9:00pm, Pilar restaurant / bar.
• Omar Arriaga Piano & Guitar Music with Guests. 6:00pm – 9:00pm, Captain’s Club.
• Cash Ross. 6:30pm – 9:30pm, Bonifacio’s Cotton Club.
• Karaoke. 7:00pm – 11:00pm, Bananas.

Clubs & Organizations

• AA – Meeting. 6:00pm, at the Grupo Tetakawi AA meeting place on the road to Loma Del Mar next to the Bomberos (Fire Station). Call 226-0954 for more info.

Thursday, May 13

Entertainment

• Cash Ross. 6:30pm – 9:30pm, Bonifacio’s Cotton Club.
• Sandra’s Mariachi. 6:30pm – 8:00pm, Evie’s Iguana Bar.
• Eric Holland. 5:00pm, La Palapa Griega.
• Karaoke with Alfredo. 7:00pm in Bar Coral at Hotel Fiesta.
• La Familia. 7:00pm – 11:00pm, Bananas.
• Karaoke. 9:00pm, Club Nautico.
• Karaoke. 9:00pm – 3:00am, Froggy’s.
• Silencio de Blanca. 11:00pm, Pancho Villa.

Clubs & Organizations

• San Carlos Men’s Breakfast Club. 9:00am, Embarcadero at MarinaTerra.

Friday, May 14

Entertainment

• Bobby & Leslie with The Twins. 6:00pm – 8:00pm, Evie’s Iguana Bar.
• Eric Holland. 6:30pm – 9:30pm, Bonifacio’s Cotton Club.
• Danny Moreno. 5:00pm to 9:00pm, Ruby Wine Bar.
• Omar Arriaga, Piano Sunset. 5:00pm – 8:00pm, Hotel Fiesta.
• Lorena Robles. 5:00pm – 8:00pm, La Palapa Griega.
• Manuelitos. 7:00pm – 11:00pm, Captain’s Club.
• Grupo Sexto Sol, Paradise Bar.
• La Banda. 9:15pm, Tequilas.
• The Twins. 9:00pm – midnight, Bar Coral in Hotel Fiesta.
• Luna. 9:00pm – 2:00am, Froggy’s.
• Control A. 10:00pm to 2:30am, Bonifacio’s Cotton Club.
• De Javu. 11:00pm, Pancho Villa. Mariachi at midnight.

Clubs & Organizations

• Tecalai Library. 9:00am – 1:00pm. Works on a “leave one, take one” basis. Or, if you don’t have a book to leave, you can make a small donation.

Saturday, May 15

Special Event

• Castaway Kids’ last general meeting of the season will be held at La Palapa Griega at 10:00am. Everybody is welcome. NEW

Entertainment

• Omar Arriaga, Piano Sunset. 5:00pm -8:00pm, Hotel Fiesta.
• Danny Moreno. 5:00pm -8:00pm, La Palapa Griega.
• Ron Daizley. 6:30pm- 9:30pm, Captain’s Club.
• Bobby & Leslie: “unplugged” with The Twins. 6:00pm – 8:00pm, Evie’s Iguana Bar.
• Cash Ross. 6:30pm – 9:30pm, Bonifacio’s Cotton Club.
• Lorena Robles. 7:00 – 10:00pm, La Conquista.
• Manuelito y Los Retro Rockets. 7:00pm – 11:00pm, Bananas.
• Grupo Sexto Sol, Paradise Bar.
• La Banda. 9:15pm, Tequilas.
• Omar Arriaga with Elba Santiago. 9:00pm – midnight in Bar Coral at Hotel Fiesta.
• Luna. 9:00pm- 2:00am, Froggy’s.
• De Javu. 11:00pm, Pancho Villa. Mariachi at midnight.
• Control A heats up the dance floor with live salsa, pop, rock and dance tunes from 11:00pm to 2:30am at Club Nautico.

Sunday, May 16

Entertainment

• Control A. 1:00pm – 6:00pm, Bonifacio’s Cotton Club.
• Trio Los Cautivos. 6:00pm – 8:00pm, Evie’s Iguanas Bar.
• Open Mic. 6:30pm – 9:00pm, Captain’s Club.
• Danny Moreno. 7:00pm – 10:00pm, Froggy’s.
• Acoustic music from Luna. 7:00pm -11:00pm, Froggy’s.
• Omar Arriaga. 9:00am – 12:00pm, Fiesta Hotel. Enjoy piano music on the beach deck and a breakfast buffet.
• Jorge Pomp presents “unplugged” Trova, Sunday’s starting at 9:00pm, Club Nautico.

Clubs & Organizations

• Church Service. Chapel by the Sea non-denominational Christian Church. 8:30am.
• Church Service. San Carlos Community Church, 9:00am.
• AA – Meeting. 6:00 pm, at the Grupo Tetakawi AA meeting place on the road to Loma Del Mar next to the Bomberos (Fire Station). Call 226-0954 for more info.

Monday, May 17

Entertainment

• Lorena Robles. 6:30pm – 9:30pm, Bonifacio’s Cotton Club. With ballroom dancing and drink specials.
• Trio Los Cautivos. 6:00pm – 8:00pm, Evie’s Iguanas Bar.
• Silent Movie Night with Omar Arriaga.7:00pm – 8:30pm, Captain’s Club.
• Weekly Texas Hold-Em Tournament at La Palapa Griega. Sponsored by Sonora is Safe. Registration is at 5:00pm and play starts at 5:30pm, with a break at 6:30pm for dinner. Everything on the menu is 50% off for the players, except drinks. Buy-in is 250 pesos. For more information, call Mel at 622-105-7212.

Tuesday, May 18

Entertainment

• Danny Moreno & Omar Arriaga. 4:30pm – 6:30pm, Soggy Peso.
• Efrain and Martin Giacoman. 5:00pm -8:00pm, Fiesta Hotel.
• Eric Holland. 6:30pm – 9:30pm, Bonifacio’s Cotton Club.

Clubs & Organizations

• Computer Club. 9:15am at Tequilas — early birds meet for breakfast at 8:30am. For more information contact Phyllis at 226-2153.

Sports

• The Nifty Niners – the ladies 9 hole golf group. 9:00am. Visitors, residents and golf members are welcome to join us at the San Carlos Country Club. For more info, email us at scniftyniners@yahoo.com or call 226-1519.

Save these Dates: (see next week’s newsletter for more information on these fun-filled events):

• May 22nd, starting at 6:00pm. Grand Rodeo with live music, bull riding, horse show and more at the Escala Nautica in Guaymas.
• May 27 to 30th. Fiestas del Pitic in Hermosillo with live music, theater, ballet and more. En el Bicentenario ¡vívelas con alegría!
• May 28, 29 & 30th (Memorial weekend). The Ladies International Fishing Tournament. Sponsored by Club Deportivo de San Carlos. Register May 28th at 5:00pm. Awards dinner May 30th at 5:30pm.
• May 28 – 30th. Regata Internacional, Tucson Sailing Club.
• May 29 – 30th. 12 Horas Salvando Vidas mountain bike race, Choyas Voladoras.
• June 4 – 6th. The Rescate/Yacht Club Fishing Tournament.
• July 1 – 4th. 63rd International Billfish Tournament.
• July 30 – Aug 1st. Hooked on San Carlos fishing tournament organized by Sonora is Safe.

If you’re asking yourself, how do I get my events & happy hour added, the answer is simple: Just email us and we’d be happy to list your events for free.

What’s Up San Carlos is published by David Irons and Christa Thomas

Special thanks to Sue Fehrle, Eric Holland, Bryan Replogle, and Janey McLean for their help with this issue.