What Javier Plascencia Loves About Baja

Have you booked your tickets yet? The Baja California Culinary Fest is happening October 29 through November 2 and it's going to be one delicious party! It's a long weekend of seminars, demos, dinners, parties, and lots and lots of Baja wine. To get into the spirit of the weekend, we snagged some time with one of Mexico's proudest sons, chef Javier Plascensia. Here's what he had to say about what you should look forward to.

 

JP: This is the fourth year of the BCCF. Every year we have more local, national, and international chefs participating, bigger events, more coverage and people from all over the country visiting. We are definitely excited about this installment. This year we’re joining forces with The Ensenada Gastronomica Conference, who also brings amazing chefs down to Baja, their program is very extensive and well put together. It’s a very good match and gives both events that extra element. 

 

JP: I think that the inaugural dinner at Tijuana’s outdoor market, Mercado Hidalgo is going to be amazing! This is the culinary hub for most chefs and foodies. They’re opening their doors just for us. You can expect the best local chefs, beers, and wines Baja has to offer. Many of the local merchants of Mercado Hidalgo are also participating. It’s really not to be missed. 

 

JP: It’s been said before, but Baja is so privileged as far as weather, soil, and ocean is concerned. This is perfect for all of these amazing products we chefs are always going on about when we speak about Baja. I also think that as a borderland, we have very creative people working our kitchens (as well as other creative outlets). It’s a combination of this and having no set rules that make Baja such an exciting food frontier. 

 

JP: For locals, it’s obvious. Food, wine and beer are all giving Baja a place in the spotlight, and that’s good for all of us. I think it’s also really important for people to participate in what’s going on in their city or region. That goes for any type of creative event, of course. If you’re coming from California, it’s really important we erase those misconceptions people have of Baja. The Baja today has done a 180 from the news we used to hear. It’s also really important for people to discover the amazing food adventures one can have on this side of the border. Most people don’t even realize what’s going on here with all of the food trucks, restaurants, breweries, Valle de Guadalupe wineries we have just a couple of miles south of the border. It’s very important to mention what a difference the border wait times have gone through in the past few weeks! During the week it’s a breeze to cross!