What started out out in 1971 as a humble Mexican restaurant with a lot less than 20 tables has blossomed into just one of San Diego County’s most colourful and roomy dining destinations.
Casa de Pico not long ago earned the title of “Best Cafe in 2021” by the East County Chamber of Commerce. Located at first in Aged Town’s Bazaar del Mundo in San Diego, the spirited Mexican cafe moved to Grossmont Heart in 2005 right after operator Diane Powers dropped her lease at the bazaar.
That identical year, she moved her other Outdated City restaurant, Casa de Bandini, to Carlsbad whilst holding in position close by Casa Guadalajara.
Casa de Pico features 1 of the major outside patios in La Mesa for taking in and drinking. It seats 115 visitors. Within, fiesta-design décor flows attractively through a variety of eating areas, like a dazzling, windowed part resembling a solarium. The home in complete has a 500-seat ability.
The restaurant gained its honor final thirty day period at Sycuan On line casino Vacation resort during the East County Chamber’s annual awards gala. The celebration also celebrated the organization’s 110th anniversary and the swearing in of 5 new board associates.
The chamber has 550 enterprise customers. For the awards process, each and every member is allowed to nominate another business (or their have) throughout 14 types. The nominees are then tallied and sent to the membership, allowing each member to cast a a person-time vote in just about every category.
The “Best Restaurant (or catering)” selection is the only group pertaining to the foods market.
“It is the 1st time Casa de Pico won this honor,” famous Stephanie Deppensmith, the chamber’s activities, advertising and marketing and plan coordinator. “They have been an very valued member to the chamber. They have fantastic foodstuff and help the East County enterprise group.”
The renowned Southwest stir fry known as fajitias are a best attract at Casa de Pico. The scorching dish was extra to the menu in the early 1990s with the assist of longtime staff Lino Rodarte, who had explored several recipes for fajitas in kitchens in the course of Texas all through a cross-country push.
In accordance to Powers, the enchilada Suizas and the carne asada and shrimp combo plate are the restaurant’s other major sellers.
Whilst she additional, “We locate that every person has their favored things, and we are continually tests our foodstuff to make positive we’re always providing the ideal, and that all our dishes are manufactured with the freshest, in-period substances.”
Past winners of “Best Restaurant” within just the chamber have incorporated Chick-fil-A in Santee (for 2020) and Brigantine Seafood Cafe in La Mesa (for 2019).
Powers is moved by the recognition, indicating “We are really appreciative to have gained this award. I want to thank the associates of the East County Chamber of Commerce and our faithful nearby pursuing. La Mesa people have constantly been really supportive which motivates us to do the job really hard and present an excellent, warm practical experience.”
Casa de Pico is positioned at 5500 Grossmont Centre Generate. For far more details phone 619-463-3267, or pay a visit to casadepico.com.
— Frank Sabatini Jr. can be reached at [email protected].
(Picture courtesy J. Walcher Communications)