Because it is situated immediately adjacent to the Canadian border, Michigan has earned a reputation for having notoriously harsh winters that are known for their ability to ruthlessly chill both the bodies and souls of the state’s stalwart inhabitants.

After decades of this kind of existence, however, it is not uncommon to find a copious number of longtime residents who could eventually take no more of it, pulled up stakes and moved to far warmer climes much further south. Back in the late 1990’s, such was the case with Linda Mentley, a well respected real estate broker of upscale properties in a prosperous suburb just outside Detroit.

During one particularly frigid spell, Mentley came to the conclusion that it was time for her and her husband, Fred, to make ‘the big move’ themselves. After discussing their decision extensively with family and friends, they set their sights upon the Florida Keys in a region around Islamorada that was named for the beautiful violet sea snails that profusely populated the area in years past.

Once settled in their new sub-tropical home, the Mentley’s embarked upon the adventurous path of restaurant ownership; something that Linda, with her longstanding reputation as an amateur gourmet chef, had always wanted to try. But first, they had to find a great name that would draw the attention of potential patrons in this highly competitive industry, which has an even higher mortality rate. After much thought, they ultimately came up with what they felt was a true winner, ‘A Pink Flamingo in Paradise ’!

The Florida Keys are renowned for their abundance of tasty seafood delights, particularly the popular cousin of the prized Baja abalone, the conch. So when Linda Mentley combined this bountiful treasure chest with her natural talents in the kitchen, it was no surprise that the restaurant began to draw a steady stream of tourists and locals who became hooked on their fine cuisine served in an casual, unpretentious atmosphere.

Several years later, one of her restaurant employees she was good friends with decided to move to Phoenix. After a few months of correspondence, she admitted to Linda that the scorching Arizona summer was not to their liking and that she and her husband, who was once a cook at the Pink Flamingo in Paradise, were going to pay a visit to the Pacific coast of Baja California Norte. Not long afterward, Linda and Fred Mentley received another letter from their friends and former employees telling them that they had discovered a new kind of ‘paradise’.

Recalls Linda, “She said ‘you gotta come out here, you gotta come out here …it’s really laid back, just like the Keys used to be!” This intrigued Linda to the point where she simply had to plan a trip to the area to appraise its potential for herself. After flying out to San Diego, she got herself a small house near Playas Rosarito and began to explore potential opportunities.

In addition to its sunny and dry Mediterranean-like climate, Linda noticed that Baja also offered her a virtual plethora of seafood that could easily supply her needs if she were to establish another restaurant there. But, beside all of this, and the conspicuous lack of a hurricane season, a few of the things that impressed her most about Baja were the warm smiles of its people and their equally warm, family oriented culture.

After returning to Florida, Linda Mentley popped the question to her husband, brother-in-law and their 97 year old mother, “Would you all like to move to the Baja?” Their answer was a quick and resounding ‘Yes!’ Shortly thereafter, ‘Baja Mama’ and her entourage arrived and settled on the southern shores of Bahia de Todos Santos, just a few miles south of Ensenada next to the old Baja Beach & Tennis Club.

This past Labor Day weekend, Baja Mama’s celebrated their 4-year anniversary of bountifully serving their guests; a milestone that was also toasted by the long list of devoted patrons that they have acquired over those years. Although the menu generally focuses upon exquisitely fresh local seafood, Linda does her best to incorporate a variety of comfort foods such as rich and crusty, baked macaroni and cheese, tender pot roast, steaks and chops on a rotating basis.

While their prices are reasonable year-round, those who dine there between the months of October and April can enjoy the benefit of ‘Early Bird’ specials that offer a basket of warm bread, salad bar and an entrée that is usually served with vegetables and rice, pasta or potato for well under $8.00.

In addition to serving dinner, Baja Mama’s puts on an incredible Sunday brunch buffet that has become a regional legend in its own right. Beyond the eye-catching mound of fresh fruits and the decadent desserts, there is a table laden with salads, casseroles, egg dishes and a revolving array of goodies that vary somewhat each week. The adjacent counter is usually festooned with a platter stacked high with light, freshly baked biscuits aside a huge serving dish of some of the VERY best gravy and savory sausage chunks this side of South Carolina.
Yet beyond, lies the clincher …a large bus tray that is nearly overflowing with sweet baby steamer clams adrift in garlic butter. Hot coffee and orange juice are included in the feast, while champagne and cocktails are available at a nominal cost. The kitchen also encourages guests to create their own 'made to order' omelet from a host of fresh ingredients.

The price for all of this is an amazingly low $10.00 per person.

The latest addition to Baja Mama’s is the recently opened mini-cantina, ‘Mama’s Bar’, which features drink specials and the same spectacular oceanfront view that customers of the restaurant have been enjoying for years.

One thing is certain, if you happen to be looking for an out of the way place to enjoy marvelous food at reasonable prices in a warm and friendly environment that is just a stone’s throw from waves crashing on the beach …perhaps the time has come to visit your Baja mama.

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Baja Mama’s
Punta Banda playa norte
(Turn left at sentry house wall)
RESERVATIONS: 646-154-2204