The Casa de Pico Blog

Enjoy live mariachi music, folkloric dancers, authentic Mexican cuisine and frothy margaritas during the Cinco de Mayo celebrations at Diane Powers Bazaar del Mundo Restaurants: Casa Guadalajara, Casa de Pico, Casa de Bandini and Casa Sol y Mar.

Through her award-winning restaurants and Bazaar del Mundo Shops, Diane Powers continues to honor her love of Mexican culture. The embodiments of all things “fiesta!”, the Bazaar del Mundo restaurants will feature inspired “Cinco” fare, such as “Cincoritas,” delicious strawberry, kiwi and lemon-lime margaritas decked out in the colors of the Mexican flag; and “Enchiladas Banderas,” a savory sampling of chicken, cheese and beef enchiladas served with three different sauces – rojas, verde and blanca (red, green and white).

Additional offerings and entertainment vary by location:

Casa Guadalajara, Old Town:
4105 Taylor Street, San Diego, 619-295-5111, www.casaguadalajara.com
May 5–6: Head to the “Two for Cinco” street taco bar in the Garden Room and enjoy drink specials in the lively Cantina, including cans of Tecate and Dos Equis for $5.50. Mariachis and ballet folklorico dancers will perform throughout the restaurant.

Casa de Pico, Grossmont Center, La Mesa:
5500 Grossmont Center Drive, La Mesa, 619-463-3267, www.casadepico.com
May 5–6: Celebrate with carnitas tacos and Corona beer buckets! Additional drink specials will be offered both days, including hourly margarita specials featuring Tres Generaciones, Cabo Wabo and Don Julio tequilas. Mariachis, troubadours and ballet folklorico dancers will provide live entertainment throughout the restaurant.

Casa de Bandini, The Forum, Carlsbad:
1901 Calle Barcelona, Carlsbad, 760-634-3443, www.casadebandini.com
May 4­­­–5: Spice up your fiesta with the Carnitas Taco Sampler and wash them down with Casa de Bandini’s new Cazadores Palomas. Sip on specialty cocktails with drink specials by the hour, offered Friday and Saturday. The fiesta wouldn’t be complete without live mariachi music and dancers.

Casa Sol y Mar, Del Mar Highlands Town Center, Del Mar:
12865 El Camino Real, 858-792-4100, www.casasolymar.com
May 4–5: Festive Cantina specials include “Tour of Mexico” beer buckets or Hornitos tequila flights for $20. Enjoy with the choice of a taco sampler, cantina tostada or jalisco wings. Music and folkloric performances will take place throughout the weekend.

Sometimes confused with Mexican Independence Day (September 16), the Cinco de Mayo holiday celebrates the Battle of Puebla, in which vastly outnumbered Mexican forces defeated the Imperialist French Army on May 5, 1862.

Cinco de Mayo celebrates the Battle of Puebla, in which Mexican troops prevailed over French forces on May 5, 1862. Mexico’s soldiers, greatly outnumbered, defeated the army that was thought to be the most powerful in the world at the time. Though it did not stop the French from taking control of Mexico, the victory boosted the nation’s morale and determination to fight the invasion.

In honor of the holiday, Diane Powers first launched Old Town’s Cinco de Mayo festival in 1983. Today, she continues her tradition of celebrating Mexican culture with lively revelries at her Bazaar del Mundo Restaurants.

Specials on food and drinks include: the festive “Cincorita” margarita – strawberry, Midori (melon flavored liqueur) and lime in layers of green, white and red, paying homage to the Mexican flag; and cheesy Enchiladas Banderas – a savory sampling of chicken, cheese and beef enchiladas served with three different sauces – verde, blanca and roja.

And, it wouldn’t be one of Powers’ distinguished events without strolling Mariachis and Folkloric dancers!

Also visit Powers’ Bazaar del Mundo Shops in Old Town for festive and authentic Cinco de Mayo attire and decorations for your own home or party.

Join us Thursday through Saturday, May 5–7, for live entertainment, promotional giveaways, delicious food and drink specials, and a fiesta unlike any other!