Some like it Hot(ter)
Our area is filled with creative and innovative people searching to improve the world as we know it.
This year, Giovanni from The Bare Necessities had an idea to share his love for spicy peppers in a delicious yet punishing form. The inaugural Bare Hot Chili Challenge came to fruition this past week. Eight brave people signed up to compete in a“pleasurable super damn hot experience but with gourmet food and sauces.” By the end, however, only one remained.
The challenge consisted of snacks marinated in special sauces, cooked, then sprinkled with powdered chili peppers and served as beautiful dishes, each increasing in Scoville units (spiciness). Giovanni ensured that all the sauces and peppers were locally sourced, including the famous Carolina Reaper.
This event is a great example of collaboration within our community. It involved the Palapa Grill Restaurante, Muy Rico Alimentos Catering, Ecojoy Adventures and, of course, The Bare Necessities.
Giovanni is looking forward to the Challenge growing and evolving year by year to share “collective pains” and allowing “people from different walks of life … (to) test themselves.” Congratulations to this year’s winner Michael Linklater, who overcame a wide vary of peppers including jalapenos, red and green serranos, yahualica, moruga scorpion and the Carolina reaper.
For more information, contact Giovanni on Facebook at The Bare Necessities in Barra.
January goings on
Galeria Amiga presents the paintings of Russell Rosander through February 8. Contact Jeanne McGee at 360-647-8137 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more information.
Cultural Awareness Classes are held Thursdays, 5 p.m. at the Costalegre Community Church in Villa Obregon. This week’s guest is Cihuatlán Mayor Fernando Martínez Guerrero. Future topics include “The Ancient Cross in the Barra Church” with Luis Davila, and “The Colima Volcano” with Jupiter from Admire Tours.
A surfing tournament in Barra is hosted by Northswell this weekend, Saturday, January 19 and Sunday, January 20.
Staying current
The local chapter of Niños con Cancer is collecting plastic bottle caps (all sizes). Contact me at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to arrange to have your donation picked up or dropped off at my house.
United for Barra meets Tuesdays, 9:30 a.m. at the Sunset Bar. This meeting is in Spanish but volunteers will help with translations at the end of the meeting.
The Rotary Club meets at Cabo Blanco in Barra on Wednesdays, 9 a.m.
What’s up in February
The Buena Onda Yoga & Wellness Festival is scheduled Friday to Sunday, February 15-17. Contact Kalina for tickets at 315-112-4602. Until the end of January, three-day passes cost 900 pesos.
Cruise-In Week takes place February 18-25. Contact Linda Bello Ruiz on Facebook or 707-331-3684 for information.
The cultural experience trip to the Purepecha community in Michoacan is from March 7-10. The cost is about US$300US per person. Contact Linda Bella Ruiz.
Music Scene
BARRA DE NAVIDAD
Backstage Bar/Blue Wave Cafe – Av. Veracruz by the Church: Thursdays and Fridays 8 p.m.; Saturdays 7 p.m.
Barra Galeria de Arte & Restaurant – Av. Mazatlan 75: Open Tuesdays and Thursdays
Besame Mucho – Calle Jalisco 13B: Sunday 7 p.m.
Bogavante Hotel – Av. Miguel Lopez de Legazpi: Wednesdays and Thursdays 7-10 p.m.
Cabo Blanco – Av. Armada: Thursdays 1 p.m.
El Maglitos Restaurant – Av. Veracruz 17.
Lucy’s Paradise – Av. Veracuz at Yucatan: Fridays and Saturdays 8:30 p.m.
Marlena’s Restaurant – Av. Veracruz 167: Mondays 7-10 p.m.
Punta Navidad – on the lagoon: Wednesdays 7:30 p.m.
Sr. Froy’s La Casa Mia Restaurant – Calle Filipinas 66: Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays 7 p.m.
Simona’s Restaurant – Av. Veracruz 12: Tuesdays 7-10 p.m.; Saturdays 6-9 p.m.
Time Out Bar – Av. Miguel Lopez de Legazpi 224: Mondays 6-8 p.m., Tuesdays 9 p.m.-midnight; Fridays 9 p.m.-midnight; Saturdays 9: 30 p.m.-12:30 p.m.
VILLA OBREGON
La Oficina – Av. Revolution 41: Fridays Open Mic 8 p.m.; Saturdays with Lalo 8 p.m.
Styx Bar – Av. Obregon (their old location): Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays 8 p.m.
MELAQUE
Albatros Restaurant – Av. Cabanas 36: Tuesdays to Sundays 7 p.m.
Bistro Escondido – Las Palmitas 2 De Maria, west end on Las Palmas: Wednesdays 7 p.m.
Esmeralda’s Restaurant – Av. Gomez Farlas 461: Wednesdays and Thursdays 5 p.m.
Garcias Restaurant – on the beach: Mondays 7:30-10:30 p.m.
Hotel Laguna del Tule: Thursdays 7-10 p.m.
La Salamandra – Calle Abel Salgado 382: Fridays 7 p.m.; Sundays 7:30 p.m.
Macondo Café - Jardin in Melaque: Tuesdays 7 p.m.; jazz Fridays and Saturdays.
Poeminimo – Jardin in Melaque: Fridays and Saturdays 9:30 p.m.
Tito’s Place Restaurant Bar – Calle Las Palmas 27: CHUY on Saturdays 4-7 p.m.
Viva Maria 1910 – Calle Las Palmas 7: Fridays 7-10 p.m.