Gastronomic Tour of Nogales Mexico (November)

Gastronomic Tour of Nogales Mexico

Trip Cost $100

If you are curious to learn what exactly is Sonoran food and how it differs from wider Mexican cuisine, this gastronomic tour of Nogales will clarify the regional characteristics of our vibrant southern neighbor while providing a background in cultural heritage. Visitors to Nogales, Sonora are often geographically limited to walking distance in the main tourist zones for dining options while visiting south of the border. This tour takes you off that beaten path and deeper into Nogales to the modern gastronomic zone of local Nogalenses.  This tour is your chance to taste and see for yourself.  Proceeds from BCA's gastronomic tour go to support Nogales, Sonora's Down Association Chef Skills program 

This NY Times featured daytrip includes

• a visit to the landmark symbol of Nogales - the statues known as Monument to Benito Juarez and the Mono Bichi,
• a short craft beer orientation and tasting at Argova Brewing Company  
• a dedicated stop for a mariscos taco and agua fresca at a Sonoran Sea of Cortez seafood restaurant
• a multi course meal at the modern central Mexican cuisine dining venue, La Llorona
• a visit the historic old plaza de toros bullfighting ring.

This is a unique opportunity for craft beer enthusiasts and those passionate for Latin American cooking. Experience Nogales beyond the tourist zone through its vibrant culinary scene while supporting borderlands nonprofit work! 

This trip is provided by the Border Community Alliance (BCA). BCA is about bridging the border and fostering community through education, collaboration and cultural exchange. This is done in the Nogales region of Southern Arizona/Sonora Mexico.

There will be an orientation meeting at the camera club (date and time to be announced), where you will have a chance to meet your fellow travelers and hear about the Mexican context today, ask questions and fill out the waiver form. To provide an intimate and safe experience, groups are limited in size to about 16, traveling together in a van with your guide. Your fee includes transportation, food, expert guidance, tax and tips. You may tip the van driver.  Returning to the US, participants know that they have had a significant learning experience.

What to wear and bring

·        Please remember to bring your passport!

·        While there is not a lot of walking, we suggest comfortable shoes. Men in Mexico do not generally wear shorts. Long pants or slacks are probably best for both men and women. No tank or halter tops or short shorts. You may want to bring an eco-friendly bottle of water and wear sunscreen.

·        You may want to bring money for purchasing snacks and souvenirs. US dollars are accepted or you can bring pesos. If you bring snacks with you or bring food back, fruit, veggies and meat are usually not allowed to come back with you over the border.  This is where you will need your passport. 

Waiver of Liability

·        When you arrive, you’ll be asked to complete a Waiver of Liability, if you have not already done so at the orientation meeting. A copy will be provided to you or you may wish to download and print from the link below. 

·        Waiver-of-Liability-CBT.pdf

Information from the Camera Club Field Trip Guide

Meet at the Camera Club parking lot at 9:45AM, and depart at 10:00AM. 

There is a $5 all day parking fee at Burger King. Pay Burger King when you arrive to obtain a parking pass.The carpooling mileage is less than 100 miles and parking is $5, so $15-$20 is appropriate to split among the riders for gas payment and parking to the driver, if you are car pooling. 

11:00 Meet Alex La Pierre (BCA Guide) at Burger King in Nogales AZ.

Walk across the border as a group with the guide Alex, to the awaiting luxury 20 seat van with professional driver.  Estimated return time to Burger King is 4PM 

FT Guide:  Sue Rock, philr@iname.com or 269-978-6852.  Contact Sue with any questions. 

To cancel your registration contact the Field Trip Facilitator at philr@iname.com.  Last date for refund is October 25.

In order to participate in this event, you must be a member of the GVR Camera Club and GVR.

Note: The BCA is a 501(c)(3) charitable non-profit organization. It has no religious or political affiliations. It depends on donations and grants for funding. Incorporated in the state of Arizona,the board members reside in southern Arizona.The advisory board consists of people from across the globe. BCA is based in Tubac, Arizona, a community forty miles south of Tucson and twenty miles north of the US/Mexico border.

Values: We believe in social investment, not charity.  We seek to listen and learn from each other, rather than presume we know it all. We respect the cultures and traditions of both Mexico and the US.We value working together with like-minded organizations and individuals on both sides of the border.We welcome participation in our programs regardless of one’s viewpoint of immigration.