What were you doing on Nov. 4, 1971?
Diane Powers remembers exactly where she was, since that was the day she opened the Bazaar del Mundo in Old Town San Diego.
Today, she is celebrating 55 years of business with her first restaurant, Casa de Pico, a dining tradition built on handmade tortillas, mariachi music, and memorable gatherings.
In her own corner of Old Town, she opened colorful shops full of Mexican arts and crafts for locals and tourists. Today, we are celebrating both the restaurant’s longevity and its lasting place in the San Diego food scene.
After losing her lease in Old Town, Powers (affectionately called the “mother of modern Old Town”) set out to create restaurants throughout San Diego for locals to enjoy the colorful rooms with their Mexican-inspired décor and festive ambiance.
Casa de Pico relocated to La Mesa in 2005 and set the standard for fun family dining with an immersive experience; strolling Mariachi musicians serenade guests as they dine and colorfully dressed women hand-make tortillas in the front of the restaurant.
She also moved the Bazaar del Mundo to the outskirts of Old Town. This vibrant quartet of shops features Ariana’s hand-painted fashions, Artes de Mexico’s Talavera pottery and Oaxacan carvings, Guatemala Shop’s woven textiles and Haitian art, and the Kitchen Shop’s vibrant ceramics and spices.
The Casa de Pico menu is extensive, with breakfast, lunch and dinner menus including appetizers, soups and salads, chef’s picks, seafood specials, tacos, burritos, enchiladas, healthy dining options, and kids’ menus.
The current chef’s favorites are the Pico Chimichanga, Chiles Poblanos, Cheese Crisp Special, Pollo Fundido, Chile Verde, Chile Colorado, and Ropa Vieja. All of these dishes come with rice and beans and piping hot, freshly made tortillas.
“Our corn tortillas have an authentic and delectable taste that brings back fond memories of childhood for some of us. They offer a unique earthy flavor with a slight hint of sweetness. Their flavor and texture make them incredibly addictive,” Powers said.
It’s always fun to try the house specials, which include carnitas, Carne Asada Tampiqueña, Steak Picado, Especial de Flautas, Tamales, and La Especial de Juan.
For many diners, a Mexican meal would not be complete without a Margarita. With many options, a unique one is called the Smoky Mezcal, featuring IZO Mezcal, pineapple juice, and a Tajín rim.
“Fifty-five years of success doesn’t just belong to one person. This belongs to an amazing team- cooks, servers, shopkeepers, and their children and families – whose loyalty and passion have helped us create memorable dining experiences and a piece of San Diego history,” Powers said.
Celebration festivities start on Wednesday, Nov. 4, and continue through Saturday, Nov. 7. See their website for schedules of events during this celebration.
Casa de Pico is located at 5500 Grossmont Center Drive, in the Grossmont Shopping Center. Hours are Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. until 9 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays 11 a.m. until 10 p.m., and Sundays 10 a.m. until 9 p.m. Call 619-463-3267 or visit casadepico.com.
