Holiday Merriment at Diane Powers’ San Diego Mexican Restaurants

Seasonal Offerings Include Pumpkin Pie Margarita, Enchiladas Navideñas and Traditional Turkey Tamales

Serving up festive fare and classic cocktails with a twist, Diane Powers’ award-winning Bazaar del Mundo restaurants – Casa Guadalajara, Casa de Pico, Casa de Bandini and Casa Sol y Mar – now present a unique menu that incorporates traditional holiday flavors into authentic Mexican offerings, available through the New Year.

These San Diego Mexican restaurants are beautifully decorated for holiday cheer with colorful Christmas trees dressed in handmade Mexican ornaments, Mexican paper flowers, donkey, bull and horse piñatas, painted tin ornaments, and lighted chili ristras. Strolling mariachis add to each restaurant’s cheerful ambiance. 

Holiday menus include: 

Casa Guadalajara, Old Town: Turkey Mole Tamales, a beloved Mexican tradition, filled with tender turkey, raisins, chopped pecans and apples, all topped with a rich mole sauce and sesame seeds. Served with achiote vegetables and black beans.

Other seasonal specials include: Enchiladas Poblanas, Enchiladas de Picadillo con Papa, Chipotle Cranberry Chicken and Crema de Elote con Pollo.

Casa Sol y Mar, Del Mar Highlands: Turkey Picadillo Chimichanga, a crisp burrito filled with turkey picadillo and cheese, topped with salsa verde and mole sauce, garnished with avocado, cilantro, red onion and sour cream, leads the list for the holiday season of Powers’ newest restaurant. 

Other seasonal specials include: Turkey Enchiladas Verdes, Turkey Mole Enchiladas and a holiday specialty dessert, Green Apple Skillet Burrito – a crisp burrito with green apple pie filling, served on a warm skillet with cinnamon sugar buñuelo strips and topped with vanilla ice cream, drizzled with warm caramel sauce. 

Casa de Bandini, Carlsbad: Enchiladas Navidañes, Chipotle Cranberry Chicken and Holiday Turkey Mole Tamales. Save room for delicious desserts including: Spicy Pumpkin Burrito with walnuts and raisins in a crunchy tortilla, served with vanilla ice cream and garnished with sugar and cinnamon cream; Pumpkin Flan enhanced with a bit of fresh pumpkin and holiday spices; and Pineapple Tamale with pineapples, pecans and raisins served with a pineapple compote and fresh whipped cream. 

Casa de Pico, La Mesa: A unique blend of holiday drinks include: White Chocolate Martini with Absolut Vanilla Vodka, Frangelico and Bailey’s with Mexican Ibarra chocolate sauce on the rim; Pumpkin Pie Margarita with Hornitos Gold Tequila, Pumpkin Spice Liqueur, orange juice, and a touch of Pumpkin Pie Spice; Black Cherry-Rita with Hornitos Reposado Tequila, Triple Sec, Black Cherry and Sweet and Sour; and, Noche Buena Margarita with a festive blend of a melon and strawberry margarita.

Seasonal entrees include Chipotle Cranberry Chicken, Enchiladas Navidañes and Holiday Turkey Tamales.

Through December 15, guests can buy a $50 gift card at any of the restaurants and receive a free $10 gift card; a $25 free gift card comes with the purchase of a $100 gift card.

All the Bazaar del Mundo Restaurants present a beautiful environment for family or corporate parties, especially while splendidly decorated for the season. Catering is also available. 

About Bazaar del Mundo

Diane Powers’ Bazaar del Mundo Shops and her family of restaurants are San Diego’s recognized destinations for international cultures and Mexican-spirited cuisine.

The Bazaar del Mundo Shops, which have been recognized as one of the best shopping environments in San Diego, create a lively and colorful entry to San Diego’s Old Town community while Powers’ award-winning restaurants – Casa Guadalajara, Casa de Pico, Casa de Bandini and Casa Sol y Mar – which make up the Bazaar del Mundo Restaurant Group, provide authentic Mexican flavor and ambience throughout San Diego County.

The Shops are comprised of colorful boutiques, each offering unique gifts from all over the world, home accessories and collectibles, handcrafted artisan jewelry, plus creative fashion, arts and crafts. The Kitchen Shop offers vibrant tabletop products and worldwide imported ceramics, as well as unique and quality crafts and folk art from Mexico.

The Bazaar del Mundo Shops, 619-296-3161, and Casa Guadalajara, 619-295-5111, are at the north entrance to Old Town on the corner of Juan and Taylor. Casa de Pico is located at 5500 Grossmont Center Drive, La Mesa, 619-463-3267. Casa de Bandini is located at 1901 Calle Barcelona, Carlsbad, 760-634-3443. Casa Sol y Mar is located at 12865 El Camino Real at Del Mar Highlands Town Center, 858-792-4100.