CyberEater Review

Casa De Pico – Old Favorite In New Location

 By David Rottenberg

David Rottenberg is the editor of Dining San Diego Magazine, a guide to many of the city’s favorite restaurants. He is also a member of the Southern California Restaurant Writers Association and the North American Travel Journalists Association. Dining San Diego Magazine is available free at major hotel and other visitor locations as well as at most major condominiums and large corporate offices.© 2006 David Rottenberg All Rights Reserved

Diane Powers may have been down but she was not out! She exhausted all of her legal remedies in trying to retain her lease of the Bazaar Del Mundo property in Old Town, to no avail. So, she did the next best thing. She regrouped, retrenched and rebuilt!

First, she added Bazaar Del Mundo Shops, a series of stores that carry the same merchandise that was popular at the old setting. They were built next door to her remaining Old Town restaurant, Casa Guadalajara on Taylor Street. Then she expanded to a new area of town, La Mesa, where many residents enjoy Mexican food. She took over an existing restaurant, gutted it and rebuilt her new flagship operation.

The result of her labors was the new Casa De Pico, named after an early governor of California, the same name she used in Old Town. With exquisite attention to detail, the new restaurant recreates the feel of elegant Mexican dining, whether on the roomy outdoor patios or in the beautifully decorated interior. Classic Mexican architecture, with arches in doorway, tile and other surfaces is combined with vibrant colors and classic furniture. Tivoli lights, fountains and plants give the restaurant an exciting ambiance. Most nights, mariachi musicians stroll through the premises to play at diners’ tables. The music of guitars and trumpets blends with the sounds of people talking, laughing and having a good time.

If some of the faces of the staff look familiar to her old customers, that’s because many of her old staff came with her to the new location. General Manager Lino Rodarte, for example, has been with the company for more than 27 years.

Powers also kept many of her old chefs so the look and taste of the cuisine is familiar. The menu incorporates the most popular items of the several old restaurants, including Casa De Bandini and Rancho El Nopal, so it features “the best of the best”.

One of the best ways to relax before dinner is with a classic Margarita, made with tequila.

The traditional drink, with or without salt, comes in three sizes – small , medium and WOW. My drink was a strawberry blend, that had great sweetness and color to it.

The menu lists a number of salads including Tostada Del Mundo, -- a crisp flour tortilla topped with beans, avocado, guacamole, cheese and sour cream. Chicken is available in tacos, sandwiches or “tortas”, and fajitas. Lovers of “mole sauce” will love the Chicken Mole Enchiladas. Shrimp is served in tacos, fajitas, as Tequila Lime Shrimp sautéed in tequila and lime and as coconut fried shrimp.

Fajitas are excellent ways to “do it yourself”. Chicken or beef come in sizzling platters, together with guacamole, rice and beans. Then, roll your own, combining the ingredients with handmade flour tortillas.

Traditional Mexican specialties include burritos, flautas, and enchiladas. The carne asada is a large slice of beef, grilled to perfection. The Macho Grande Combination includes carne asada, chicken taco, cheese enchilada, tamale and chile relleno. The latter, chile relleno, is a large pepper deep fried in a light batter that melts in one’s mouth.

There are good beers to enjoy with a meal, including Dos Equis (two x’s). But, after the entrée, nothing is better than a good cup of coffee and dessert. Kahlua Express blends Mexican style coffee (a chicory blend) with Kahlua liquer and whipped cream. Add Deep Fried Ice Cream or a traditional Flan and you’re in gustatory heaven.

Portions at Casa De Pico are large but prices are inexpensive, making it an ideal place for families and children. There are several areas in the restaurant that are ideal for groups and small parties.

Casa De Pico is a success. Diane Powers has done it again, creating delightful ambiance and great food in a convenient location. It is located within the Grossmont Shopping Center, an easy location to find and one with acres of free parking. It is located at 5500 Grossmont Center Drive. Phone 619-463-3267 for information and directions.

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