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Baja Lounge is a must try next time you’re in Bonita

Shu Wyann
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Baja Lounge is a must try next time you’re in Bonita

As a lover of Mexican cuisine in Chula Vista, I’m always searching for hidden gems that serve tantalizing, authentic meals. Recently, whispers of a remarkable food haunt named Baja Lounge reached my ears, piquing my curiosity and setting my taste buds aflame with anticipation. Nestled inconspicuously within a bustling strip mall located in Bonita area in Chula Vista, this humble taco shop may be easy to overlook amid a sea of storefronts. Yet, those who venture into its welcoming premises are rewarded with a symphony of vibrant flavors that boldly challenge the notion of judging a book by its cover, or in this case, a restaurant by its facade. Baja Lounge is a testament to the thrilling culinary adventures that await those daring enough to venture off the beaten path in their pursuit of gastronomical delights.

The vibe at Baja Lounge

As soon as I walked into Baja Lounge, I was greeted with a warm “homey” atmosphere. The staff is friendly and welcoming, popping open a cold beer for me as soon as I sat down. With spacious indoor seating and ample outdoor seating available, it’s a comfortable spot to kick back and enjoy some authentic Baja cuisine. One reviewer said, “This place has such a “home” atmosphere. I felt so comfortable as soon as I walked in.”

Be sure to give them a follow at their Instagram account here. They always post up yummy images of their food and drinks. Their website has online ordering, but we are not sure it is working so I would just call ahead if you want to get a to go order.

Baja Lounge in Chula Vista is a great spot
Check out the selections at Baja Lounge in Chula Vista. Photo property of @bajalounge on Instagram

My favorites at Baja Lounge

While everything I tried was fresh and delicious, a few items stood out. The beer-battered fish tacos were perfectly crispy with fresh, flaky fish inside. At under $3 per taco, they are a total steal. The birria and quesabirria tacos were also incredible – juicy, savory beef that lives up to the highest birria standards. And I can’t forget Baja Lounge’s heavenly salsa that I wanted to put on everything! Made in-house, it had the perfect blend of spice and flavor. As one reviewer raved, “The complimentary chips and salsa were amazing as well – clearly homemade.”

Baja Lounge in Chula Vista is a great spot
Baja Lounge in Chula Vista is a great spot for spicy shrimp tacos. Photo property of @bajalounge on Instagram

They have more than just tacos

While the tacos were the highlight, Baja Lounge has much more to offer on its extensive menu. Other hits included the ceviche, shrimp cocktail, and sizable burritos loaded with meat and extras. The chilaquiles are calling my name for a future visit! One diner reported, “The Cócteles were fresh and no complaints. The food it is always delicious.”

Make sure you check out the Baja Lounge next time you’re in the Bonita area

To sum it all up, Baja Lounge is an unassuming treasure trove of authentic Mexican cuisine in the Bonita area of Chula Vista. Its inviting ambiance, friendly staff, and extensive menu offering delectable delights are a testament to its dedication to providing an unrivaled dining experience. From the crispness of the beer-battered fish tacos, the savory allure of the birria, to the refreshing zing of the ceviche—each dish is a flavorful journey that leaves you yearning for the next bite. As a lover of Mexican cuisine, I can confidently say that the Baja Lounge is a must-visit for any food enthusiast looking to tantalize their taste buds with bona fide Baja fare.

Where should I go next? If you have a favorite spot that is hidden away or hasn’t gotten the love it deserves then let me know. Hit us up on all the social media channels and we just might visit there next.

My thoughts on the 2023 Chula Vista Lemon Festival

Kurt Bunch
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My thoughts on the 2023 Chula Vista Lemon Festival
  • The 26th Annual Chula Vista Lemon Festival in Chula Vista was a success with a larger turnout than last year.
  • The event drew famous vendors, including Toyota, Dunkin Doughnuts, CBS8 News, and Tesla, who showcased their products.
  • The food selection was vast, with a special mention of the woodfired pizza food truck and delectable lemonade. A Tequila tasting cart was also present.
  • For the 2024 Lemon Festival, suggestions include featuring low-riders and classic cars, more performances by community groups, and fun contests such as pie-eating or lemon-squeezing.
  • Community input is encouraged for future event planning, with a call to action to leave comments or engage on social media platforms.
  • Chula Vista Living will continue to update followers on upcoming community events.

What an amazing event yesterday. The 26th Annual Chula Vista Lemon Festival took place on Saturday, another great event in the community. So many people turned out for the festival. The weather was perfect, and it made for a fun lemon-filled day. I love attending this event every year. It has become a community staple in August and I can’t wait to see how much more this grows.

As you know, Chula Vista has a long history of being the lemon capital of the world a long time ago. Before there was the Chula Vista Center Mall or The Chula Vista Nature Center, there were lemon trees as far as the eye could see. This festival is a great way to honor that history and remind us of the roots of our city.

For those who missed out on the event this year, I wanted to give you an idea of what I liked and would love to see in future events. I will also post this question to Facebook, so if you went to the event, let everyone know what you thought of the event. Maybe the Third Avenue Association organizers will hear our ideas and implement them next year.

What I loved at the 2023 Chula Vista Lemon Festival

First, the biggest thing I loved to see was the turnout. The streets were filled with people enjoying the event. It was great to know that we are getting the word out and people are listening. Last year was tough and they didn’t get a huge turnout. This year it was 100% better, and everyone was having a good time.

I also loved they had so many vendors there. Up and down Third Avenue, you had so much to see and buy. I saw all kinds of vendors, and they were all busy. Even some of the more prominent name vendors, brands like Toyota, Dunkin Doughnuts, and CBS8 News, were out there. Even Tesla was out there showing off their cars. It’s great to see big names like this participating in and supporting Chula Vista events.

Live music is always a big part of the Chula Vista Lemon Festival; they had two stages this year. Everyone loves to grab a drink and listen to some good live music. Well, this year, they had two locations, each with a different genre of music. I wish they had more local artists, but we will go over that later.

The delicious food!! You can not go wrong at the festival with good food. There were so many options to choose from, along with the regular downtown restaurants. I went with this woodfired pizza food truck, and it was delicious. Of course you can’t go to the Lemon Festival without getting the freshly made Lemonade; so good. This year they even had a Tequila tasting cart which was super cool.

2023 Chula Vista Lemon Festival
One thing I love to see at 2023 Chula Vista Lemon Festival is the Chalk Art.

What I want them to have for the 2024 Lemon Festival

There are only a few things I want to see them have next year, and these are just suggestions. One of them is low-riders and or classic cars. I think this would be a big draw for people. Everyone loves to look at shiny classic cars. They don’t need to have a lot, just a single-car club out there showcasing their member’s cars. We have so many in the south bay that I’m sure would love to come out.

More community groups performing on the stages. In years past, the Lemon Festival was the premier location for many school and community groups to come out and perform in front of the public. There would be dance groups, Folklorico dancers, and more putting on a show. It didn’t take much to setup or get going, so they could easily have five groups taking turns performing. It’s also an instant crowd with family members coming out to see their kids participating in the festival. They could have this in between bands so there was still something to enjoy while they moved around the equipment.

The last thing I would love to see at the Chula Vista Lemon Festival would be a fun contest people could take part in. While there, I bumped into a good friend, and he missed the pie-eating contest they used to have. That was a fun contest that everyone would stop and enjoy. I heard there was a lemon-squeezing contest, but I didn’t see it. I know they also had a best dressed for the Lemon Fest, but that was not on the main stage; it was just a voting thing. I’m not even sure who won. Fun games or contests on one of the stages would be a perfect crowd-pleaser. If they did bring back the pie-eating contest, I might even give it a shot.

What were your hits or misses at this year’s Chula Vista Lemon Festival?

Now that you know my list, what would you like to see next year? Comment below and let us know your ideas. I’m sure the organizers are listening, so don’t be shy! Let’s make this next festival even bigger and better than before. You can check us out on Facebook, Instagram or even YouTube and let us know your thoughts.

Make sure you keep following Chula Vista Living. Many more events are coming, and I will keep you posted on them.

21st Annual Cruise For The Cause event was back for 2023

Kurt Bunch
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21st Annual Cruise For The Cause event was back for 2023

• The 21st Cruise For The Cause car show rolled back into town on Sunday at the Otay Ranch Town Center in Chula Vista.
• Founded in 2002 by DJ Xavier, known as “The X-man”, the event has grown to display hundreds of vehicles, including lowriders, trucks & customs.
• 450 cars registered and $20,000 raised this year; additionally, awareness was brought to causes such as donating blood & getting on the bone marrow registry.
• Event is a fundraiser for Emilio Nares Foundation–a local non-profit providing free medical transportation for children battling cancer–raising over $150K over its 17 years.

A recap of the 2023 Cruise for the Cause event in Chula Vista

What is going on Chula Vista. WOW, over the weekend the 21st annual Cruise For The Cause car show made its grand return on Sunday, showcasing an impressive array of stunning vehicles at the Otay Ranch Town Center in Chula Vista. I have been to past events and this year I think it was bigger. So many cool cars, motorcycles, bikes and even little lowriding RC cars. The sun was shining and the community turned out for a great event.

You may be wondering, who’s behind this awesome event? Well, none other than DJ Xavier, also known as the “The X-man”, has been the mastermind behind the scenes since 2002.

This year’s event was a massive success, with a whopping 450 cars registered and a staggering $20,000 raised! But wait, it gets even better. Cruise For the Cause isn’t just about showcasing beautiful cars; it’s also about giving back to the community.

2023 Cruise for the Cause event in Chula Vista.
There were so many cool cars like this at the 2023 Cruise for the Cause event at the Otay Ranch Town Center.

Through car registrations alone, funds are raised for an incredible cause—the Emilio Nares Foundation. This local non-profit tirelessly provides free medical transportation for children battling cancer. And let me tell you, they’ve been doing it for almost 17 years now, thanks to the ongoing support from the car show.

But that’s not all! The car show also helped bring awareness to crucial initiatives such as blood donation and joining the bone marrow registry. Now that’s what I call making a positive impact!

2023 Cruise for the Cause event has raised over $150,000 through out it’s history

In its entire history, Cruise For The Cause has raised an astounding $150,000 and counting in support of the Emilio Nares Foundation. Talk about a fantastic way to unite a community with a shared passion for cars and a mission to serve others.

2023 Cruise for the Cause event in Chula Vista.
Another beautiful car from the 2023 Cruise for the Cause event in Chula Vista.

So, if you’re a car lover looking to make a difference, mark your calendars for the next Cruise For The Cause event. Trust me, you won’t want to miss out on the incredible cars, the electrifying atmosphere, and the opportunity to help local children in need.

Make sure you keep on following us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to see all the cool events going on in the community.

Cruise for the Cause was back at the Otay Ranch Town Center for 2023

Kurt Bunch
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Cruise for the Cause was back at the Otay Ranch Town Center for 2023

Join us in exploring the highlights of the 21st Annual Cruise for the Cause Car Show, an extraordinary event pioneered by Magic 92.5’s renowned midday DJ, Xavier The X-Man. This spectacular gathering unfolded at the Otay Ranch Town Center in Chula Vista on Sunday.

The journey of this event traces back to 2002, inspired by Xavier’s experience during a ride-along. What commenced as a quaint assembly of low-riders has magnificently evolved into a grand showcase featuring hundreds of low riders, bicycles, custom cars, and an array of unique vehicles.

DJ Xavier The X-Man, a passionate radio personality deeply rooted in community service, envisioned a charitable cause combined with a love for vehicles. “As someone who’s dedicated to my community, I wanted to make a difference. The idea was simple – let’s use our passion for vehicles to raise funds that support children in need,” shared Xavier.

This community-centric event proudly supports the Emilio Nares Foundation, a commendable non-profit organization based in San Diego. They provide indispensable, free medical transportation services for children courageously fighting cancer.

Celebrating a significant milestone this year, DJ Xavier The X-Man announced that the event has successfully raised $30,000, marking a new achievement in their ongoing mission of hope and support. Join us in this video as we take you through the vibrant scenes of the car show and celebrate the spirit of giving back to the community.

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Chula Vista Lemon Festival 2023 is back in full

Kurt Bunch
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Chula Vista Lemon Festival 2023 is back in full

Every year, the Chula Vista Lemon Festival is one of the most anticipated events in the community. From the delicious lemon treats to the live music and family-friendly activities, there is something for everyone to enjoy. I love going to the event. Last year’s event was a little toned down, but this year, the Lemon Festival will be coming back bigger and better than before.

The District Manager of the Downtown Chula Vista Association, Dominic Li Mandri, expressed his enthusiasm for the return of the annual festival on Third Avenue. The Lemon Festival made a triumphant comeback last year following the pandemic, drawing in a remarkable number of attendees, reaching tens of thousands. It is truly remarkable to witness the community’s unwavering support for Downtown Chula Vista and their eagerness to commemorate its rich history. We eagerly anticipate the gathering of everyone again this year.

My family loves the Chula Vista Lemon Festival.

One of the things that makes the Lemon Festival so unique is the local vendors. From small Chula Vista businesses to lemon-infused treats and drinks, there is no shortage of ways to indulge. You’ll find everything from classic lemonade to creative concoctions like lemon lavender ice cream. You can also eat at one of the many food vendors. Last year I had the BBQ pulled sandwich, and that was delicious. It’s always one of my favorite Chula Vista events.

In addition to the delicious treats, the Lemon Festival boasts an impressive lineup of live music. Two stages will showcase a variety of genres, from rock to jazz and everything in between. Walking around the festival, you can enjoy the tunes while browsing arts and crafts vendors or entering games and prizes. The Chula Vista Downtown Association will usually host lemon-themed contests all day. Make sure you check out the schedule when you arrive.

Chula Vista Lemon Festival 2022
Chula Vista Lemon Festival is always a community favorite.

One of the highlights of the Lemon Festival is the opportunity to witness the creative talent of local chalk artists. These artists transform the pavement into vibrant murals that capture the festival’s spirit. It’s a unique and impressive display that adds to the festive atmosphere. Not sure if they will be there this year, but I hope so.

Make sure you follow me on Instagram and Twitter for updates and videos from the event. Below are some photos from last year’s event. 

The Lemon Festival celebrates Chula Vista’s history.

But the Lemon Festival isn’t just a celebration of delicious food and lively entertainment. It’s also a way to remember and honor the community’s agricultural heritage. Chula Vista was once filled with lemon orchards, and although many of those have been replaced with urban development, the memory of that history lives on. This festival is a way to pay tribute to the past while celebrating all the present’s good things.

We will see you at the 26th annual Chula Vista Lemon Festival.

This years event is August 12th, from 11 AM to 6 PM

The Chula Vista Lemon Festival is an event that truly captures the spirit of the community. It’s a time for families to come together and enjoy the simpler things in life: good food, music, and friends. After a year of uncertainty and isolation, this year’s festival is an opportunity to reconnect with friends and neighbors and celebrate all the things that make Chula Vista such a wonderful place to call home. Put August 12th on your calendar and come join in the fun – you won’t regret it!

Chula Vista 4th Fest and my honest opinion on the event

Kurt Bunch
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Chula Vista 4th Fest and my honest opinion on the event

Last night was the first time I have ever attended the Chula Vista 4th Fest event, which the city hosted at the Chula Vista Elite Athlete Training Center. I’m a Chula Vista OG, so I remember the days of going to the J St. Marina to catch the fireworks show. Those were amazing, and the whole day was filled with live music, games, and even vendor booths. Since they canceled that back in 2007, it was; we would typically head downtown and catch the Big Bay Boom at the Embarcadero. This year we decided to give it a try and stay local.

I knew the city had been hosting this event at the training center for a few years now. What made me and my family skeptical about it was we only really heard a little feedback from it. I couldn’t even find any photos or videos from the event. One year, the city hired a team to fly drones over the show, and even then, you have yet to see the video from them. We were going in with open minds and hoping for a good performance.

Getting into the Chula Vista 4th Fest

One thing I did hear leading up to the Chula Vista 4th Fest event was the super limited parking at the training center. The gates opened at 7 PM, and you have been get in line early if you want to get a spot. We lived on the west side of Chula Vista and decided to head up at 6 PM to get in line. We arrived at 6:30, and the line to get in was already before Hunte Parkway, about a mile from the front gate. Others were posting on Twitter that the line reached all the way back to Olympic Parkway which is crazy.

It was smooth once the gates opened, and we started making our way in. I want to give a big shout-out to the parking attendants & Chula Vista Police for controlling it. They did a super job. I found a spot close to the front, which was a big plus.

The last time I was at the Chula Vista Elite Athlete Training Center, it was called the Olympic Training Center. I knew they had plenty of open fields, so getting a spot wouldn’t be all that hard, well guess again. They only had the top section, and a little of the lower section opened up for seating. Why they didn’t open up more is beyond me. We were still pretty early, so I managed to find a good spot. However, if you got there later, finding a place on the grass was slim pickings.

The city did mention that they would have food trucks for the Chula Vista 4th Fest event. We decided to get food there and not bring it. That was a mistake. They only had four food trucks, and the lines to each of them were massive. I think there are still people in line to get their food right now. The taco truck had the longest line. There was also a Chick-Fil-A which was also long. Next year I hope they learn their lesson and get more food trucks.

Food at the Chula Vista 4th Fest event
I paid $20 for these tacos at the Chula Vista 4th Fest event

The fireworks show kicked off right at 9 PM, and it was great. I give them a big thumbs-up. The fireworks lasted about 18 minutes, and the crowd let off plenty of oh and ah’s during the performance. There was music playing from one of the local radio stations, but it was not in synch or anything. I think they shot them off at the track and field course, so it was right above us, which is nice.

As expected, getting out was a madhouse. Again, a big thank you to all the police and parking attendants for controlling the traffic. It took us some time to get out of there, but we made it back home.

The fireworks show at Chula Vista 4th Fest event were good
The fireworks show at Chula Vista 4th Fest event were good.

My conclusion and rating on the Chula Vista 4th Fest

If I were to give the Chula Vista 4th Fest event a star rating, I would give it a solid 3 stars out of 5. I’m taking off two stars, one for the traffic and the other for the small setup. This location is not built for hosting a 4th of July show. Let’s credit the city for putting it together; However, they need to move it. The fireworks will likely return to the J St. Marina once the big resort is built. That is just my guess. I can’t see Gaylord building a massive resort and not having fireworks on the 4th of July. That is what I’m hoping for, at least, fingers crossed.

So, did you go to the event? If you did, please let me know what you thought of it and if you will return next year. My wife has plans on going back downtown to watch the fireworks. If we were going to go back, I might go to Mountain Hawk Park and watch them from there.

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