Special Events
Diane Powers’ Casa de Bandini Celebrates 10 Years in Carlsbad
0
June 28-30 Celebration Includes Tequila Tastings, Food and Drink Specials
Diane Powers’ Casa de Bandini Mexican Restaurant has called Carlsbad “casa’ for 10 years! To celebrate a decade of delicious Mexican cuisine, stunning outdoor dining and beautiful Latin American-inspired ambiance, the restaurant is offering discounts on favorite dishes that were on the original menu when Casa de Bandini first opened in 1980. These long-term favorites include Enchiladas Suizas, Carnitas a la Michoacan and the Cheese Crisp Special. Throughout the weekend, guests will also enjoy discounts on house margaritas and tequila tastings from various vendors, including Casamigos.
Casa de Bandini was originally opened by Powers in 1980 in San Diego’s Old Town State Historic Park. Powers took inspiration from Juan Bandini – a Peruvian who immigrated to San Diego as one of early California’s first Dons – and Mexico’s early period of elegant living and dining to fill Casa de Bandini with beautiful art collections from Peru and magnificent gilt gold mirrors.
When it came time to relocate in 2005, Powers spent four years searching for the perfect place that would become Casa de Bandini’s new home. She found it in The Forum in Carlsbad and many long-time diners will recognize the large, hand-wrought iron chandeliers and antique leaded-glass window panels in the dining room, all original from the first location. The Mexican Cantera stone fountain centered in the Talavera tiled pool was first found in Mexico by Powers in the late 1970s and was the focal point in the patio she designed for the original Casa de Bandini.
“So many guests say they are incredibly thankful that they’re able to enjoy the experience of Old Town in North County,” said General Manager Gilbert Gastelum, a longtime Powers’ employee.
At the center of an incredible dining experience is the quality ingredients Casa de Bandini uses for its award-winning dishes and daily handmade corn and flour tortillas. Wednesday through Sunday evenings, diners also enjoy the added pleasure of being serenaded by Casa de Bandini’s famous mariachi group, Cielito Lindo. Originally from Mexico City, the group has been part of the Bandini family since 1995.
Casa de Bandini is located at 1901 Calle Barcelona in The Forum shopping center in Carlsbad. It is part of Powers’ Bazaar del Mundo Restaurant Group, which also includes Casa Guadalajara in Old Town, Casa de Pico in La Mesa and Casa Sol y Mar in Del Mar Highlands. For more information, visit www.casadebandini.com.
Celebrate Valentine’s Day at Casa de Bandini!
0Bring your Valentine to a warm, romantic dinner at Diane Powers’ Casa de Bandini in The Forum Carlsbad. Choose between Mariscos de Corazón, roasted sweet red peppers filled with sautéed shrimp, crab and melted cheese; Carne Asada Tampiqueña, seasoned, flame grilled and served with a cheese enchilada, beans and guacamole; or Pollo Valentino, butterflied chicken breast with chipotle mashed potatoes, black beans and avocado. End the meal with decadent chocolate cake and caramel flan served with zesty chipotle raspberry sauce. For $9.95, add a “Margarita Valentina” – a sweet and sour blend of tequila, triple sec and passion fruit puree. To make a reservation, call 760-634-3443.
Transform Holiday Parties into Delicious Fiestas at Casa de Bandini
0
Dazzle guests with a festive party to remember and have Casa de Bandini take care of the details! When you let us host your party, your guests will enjoy our traditional Mexican food, strolling mariachis and world-famous margaritas. Whether you are throwing a holiday gathering or a casual company lunch, we have a variety of delicious menu packages that cater to your needs. Or, have it your way with a menu custom designed to fit your one-of-a-kind event!
Diane Powers’ Casa de Bandini is a top North County destination for authentic and award-winning Mexican cuisine, showcasing friendly service and the very best in Mexican culture. We have a gorgeous dining room and charming patio space available to host whatever special occasion you are celebrating.
Casa de Bandini welcomes guests from near and far with its vibrant atmosphere and fabulous décor. The fiesta begins when you walk through the door – your party will be welcomed with vivid colors, hand-painted artwork and hand-crafted furnishings. Our environment makes every occasion extra special, spotlighting fun entertainment, delicious cuisine and refreshing cocktails. Diners can sip on frosty giant birdbath margaritas while enjoying regionally inspired Mexican fare, alongside Mariachi music played by our very Cielito Lindo.
We take pride in serving the best traditional and regional Mexican cuisine – all of our recipes are made from scratch using only the finest ingredients. From freshly made tortillas to a selection of 14 homemade salsas and sauces, Casa de Bandini offers a wide array of choices for all tastes.
For those with special dietary needs, Casa de Bandini provides special gluten-free, vegetarian and healthy dining options.
We also offer “Fiestas To Go,” making party planning easy by offering our delicious cuisine for pickup or delivery. For more information or to book a reservation, call 760-634-3443 or email iloreto@casadebandini.com.
Treat your guests to the true spirit and taste of Mexico at Casa de Bandini!
Join Casa de Bandini for Easter Brunch!
0Make Easter Sunday a fiesta at Diane Powers’ Casa de Bandini in the Forum Carlsbad with a beautiful brunch buffet!
A Super Sunday Fiesta at Casa de Bandini!
0Plans for the Super Bowl? Come join the fiesta at Casa de Bandini in The Forum Carlsbad!
San Diego Restaurant Week, January 17-24
0Casa de Bandini is gearing up for San Diego Restaurant Week. Come visit us between January 17-24 for delicious deals on festive meals. Check out our special menus below.
Honoring Día de los Muertos at Casa de Bandini
0
Día de los Muertos, also known as Day of the Dead, is a Mexican celebration to remember past family and loved ones. Despite its title, the celebration is a vibrant and colorful tribute to the lives of those who have passed.
Celebrated annually on November 1 and 2, Casa de Bandini will continue the tradition of paying homage to the deceased with an elaborately decorated alter, and offer traditional Day of the Dead dishes such as Chicken Mole Enchiladas.
The festivities will also continue down at Bazaar del Mundo in Old Town. As part of the annual “Tour of Altars,” produced by the Old Town Chamber of Commerce, the Bazaar del Mundo shops will be transformed into a walkable trail of altars, complete with traditional sugar skulls, handmade papier-mâché decorations and guest artists selling Day of the Dead-themed jewelry, handbags, accessories, prints and cards to promote the holiday. Exotic sounds will be provided by Latin American folk group Tinku.
Children and families can enjoy a sugar-skull decorating class on Saturday from noon to 6 p.m. and face painting both days. Hot chocolate, mini churros and coloring sheets will be available for the children, while historical handouts will be provided to adults.
The event will take place Saturday, Oct. 31, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sunday, Nov. 1, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. On Monday, Nov. 2, the Bazaar del Mundo Shops will highlight its alters and offer treats and children’s crafts through closing at 5:30 p.m.
The event is in conjunction with Old Town’s Día de Los Muertos three-day event, from 2 to 9 p.m. Oct. 31 to Nov. 2, which includes “Tour of Altars,” a candlelight procession, face painting and mask decorating throughout Old Town at participating sites.
Parking tips: park for free across the street at Caltrans all day Saturday and Sunday, or take the trolley.
Genuine Latin American Folk Art, Mata Ortiz Pottery and More – July 31 to Aug. 2
0
Bazaar del Mundo Shops’ annual Latin American Festival and Mata Ortiz Pottery Market returns to Old Town, July 31 – Aug. 2, to showcase one of the most extensive collections of genuine Latin American folk art, traditional clothing and textiles, colorful collectibles and dazzling jewelry this side of the border.
Mata Ortiz pottery, based on a centuries-old art form renowned for its detailed process and hand-painted geometric and ancestral symbols, will be the highlight of the event with several skilled potters showcasing their wares, including returning artist Jorge Quintana – a principal Mata Ortiz artist whose work has been displayed in museums all over the world.
Live demonstrations will be performed for eager festival-goers, as artists hack away at wooden stumps to reveal life-like animal figures, weave hand-pulled wool into intricate textiles and skillfully paint delicate designs onto hand-formed clay pots.
Other traditional crafts and sought-after handmade goods include: San Antonino embroidery, tinwork, Talavera pottery, Oaxacan wooden animal carvings, Guatemalan weaving, various colorful and symbolic wall art and sculptures, Huichol yarn and bead paintings and one-of-a-kind pottery from the farthest regions of Mexico.
TINKU, a Latin American folk band, will perform over 19 musical rhythms from throughout Latin America on authentic native instruments. Mouth-watering Mexican cuisine from neighboring Casa Guadalajara restaurant will be for sale, completing the cultural aesthetic, making visitors feel as though they’ve stepped into one of Mexico’s rural markets.
The event runs 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday.
Making Mother’s Day Memories
0
Mother’s Day is just around the corner! Why not show mom a little shopping-spree lovin’ to make her feel extra special this year? Diane Powers invites all mothers to come spoil themselves, while dads and kids shop for the perfect present, at the Bazaar del Mundo Shops in Old Town for a “Mother Lovin’ Shopping Spree,” May 9, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Whether she’s a fashionista, foodie, free spirit, or a little bit of it all, this Mother’s Day shopping party will host artists creating special gifts fitting the taste of all kinds of mothers. From themed cookbooks to handcrafted necklaces, there is sure to be the perfect gift for every mom.
And to say “Thank you!” for all those delicious home-cooked meals, treat mom to Mother’s Day brunch at Casa de Bandini on Sunday, May 10. Between the gifts and a well-deserved birdbath margarita, she’ll be smiling for weeks to come!
