It’s not typical of me to do multiple foreign trips in the same year. However, when I discovered I had $400 in United fare credits I had to use by the end of the year, that gave me an excuse to do so. Viva Mexico!

It had been over 21 teas since I was last in Cabo and since it was both a short trip as well as being in my fare credit limit, seemed like a perfect time to return. Hola, Sammy.

After leaving the airport, my first stop was a place featured a few years ago on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives where I lusted over the octopus tacos show in the segment. Since it was just outside of the main drag of Cabo, it made sense to go there straight from the airport.

A funky little spot with colorful art and a series of ceiling fans to cool off the main room, it was a perfect way to reintroduce myself to the charms of Cabo when avoiding the tourist traps.

By this point, having been up since 5am, I was starving and shorty after ordering, the tacos arrived. I had selected 2 of the char grilled octopus tacos and an el pastor as suggested by my server. The main event was as good as hoped for – with the smoky flavor of the grill penetrating the tender pieces of octopus enveloped in a truly exceptional flour tortilla. Outstanding.

The el pastor was straight off the trompo with large slices pineapple to give that signature savory sweet combination. Another winner, especially with another exceptional flour tortilla.

In desperate need of a siesta, I headed to the Airbnb I had rented in the heart of the Marina. It turned out to be even more charming than the photos and surprisingly roomy for a small one bedroom.

I’m a sucker of an old skool seafood restaurant and when looking at nearby options for my Día del Pavo Baja style, Neptune Seafood Restaurant stood out because of its alluring open air concept with outdoor seating high above the crashing surf.

I decided to give a Baja based Chardonnay a shot and was pleasantly surprised. Nothing award winning but quite nice. As a starter, I chose the Crustacean Crema – a soup made of up shrimp, lobster and crab with chunks of lobster. This was delicious. Deep in flavor but surprisingly not to heavy at all made even better by the mini baguettes to sop up the last bits of the soup.

For my main course after my usual garlic negotiations, the chef decided to make me a pan roasted filet of local white sea bass along with white quinoa in a balsamic glaze and grilled asparagus. The fish was perfectly cooked with a gloriously crispy skin and the sides paired nicely. An excellent dish.

I initially considered a dessert but quickly realized I was actually pretty full. Plus, this hadn’t been a cheap mean already so it was time to go although I had to snap a pic of this pirate ship bar that apparently was only open during the day.

I took a quick Uber back to the Marina but it was so nice out, I decided to stay a quick stroll.

Quick being the operative word as the long day caught up with me. Tomorrow was planned to be another day of exploration, this time beach-side so I needed the sleep.

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