Casa de Pico takes the honors of ‘Best Restaurant in 2021’

What begun out in 1971 as a humble Mexican cafe with considerably less than 20 tables has blossomed into one particular of San Diego County’s most colorful and spacious eating locations.

Casa de Pico just lately gained the title of “Best Restaurant in 2021” by the East County Chamber of Commerce. Situated originally in Old Town’s Bazaar del Mundo in San Diego, the spirited Mexican restaurant moved to Grossmont Middle in 2005 after proprietor Diane Powers shed her lease at the bazaar.

That exact 12 months, she moved her other Aged City restaurant, Casa de Bandini, to Carlsbad even though keeping in put close by Casa Guadalajara.

Casa de Pico offers just one of the major outdoor patios in La Mesa for having and consuming. It seats 115 company. Within, fiesta-design and style décor flows attractively during a variety of dining parts, such as a vivid, windowed segment resembling a solarium. The assets in whole has a 500-seat capability.

The cafe received its honor previous thirty day period at Sycuan Casino Vacation resort through the East County Chamber’s once-a-year awards gala. The function also celebrated the organization’s 110th anniversary and the swearing in of five new board associates.

The chamber has 550 small business users. For the awards approach, every member is allowed to nominate a different small business (or their possess) throughout 14 categories. The nominees are then tallied and sent to the membership, allowing for each member to cast a a single-time vote inside of every single group.

The “Best Cafe (or catering)” possibility is the only classification pertaining to the foods field.

It is the first time Casa de Pico gained this honor,” mentioned Stephanie Deppensmith, the chamber’s situations, internet marketing and program coordinator. “They have been an unbelievably valued member to the chamber. They have great meals and aid the East County business enterprise neighborhood.”

The famed Southwest stir fry recognized as fajitias are a best draw at Casa de Pico. The sizzling dish was added to the menu in the early 1990s with the assist of longtime staff Lino Rodarte, who experienced explored several recipes for fajitas in kitchens through Texas throughout a cross-place push.

In accordance to Powers, the enchilada Suizas and the carne asada and shrimp combo plate are the restaurant’s other huge sellers.

Even though she extra, “We locate that everybody has their favored goods, and we are constantly screening our food stuff to make certain we’re generally giving the very best, and that all our dishes are created with the freshest, in-season ingredients.”

Past winners of “Best Restaurant” within just the chamber have included Chick-fil-A in Santee (for 2020) and Brigantine Seafood Restaurant in La Mesa (for 2019).

Powers is moved by the recognition, declaring “We are really appreciative to have received this award. I want to thank the members of the East County Chamber of Commerce and our faithful nearby following. La Mesa citizens have always been incredibly supportive which motivates us to function tough and present an excellent, warm expertise.”

Casa de Pico is located at 5500 Grossmont Middle Push. For extra info phone 619-463-3267, or check out casadepico.com.

Frank Sabatini Jr. can be attained at [email protected].

(Image courtesy J. Walcher Communications)