Casa de Pico: Thriving in La Mesa
Perhaps you’ve had a chance to read the beautiful profile of Casa de Pico owner Diane Powers in today’s San Diego Union Tribune. If you’d like to see the online version you can read it at http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2011/aug/08/no-regrets-for-bazaar-del-mundo-maven/ The article details the challenges Diane faced with her enterprises in Old Town, San Diego. More important, it captures her winning spirit, her professionalism and her ability to persevere. Everyone who visits her restaurants: Casa de Pico in La Mesa, Casa de Bandini in Carlsbad, Casa Guadalajara in Old Town or her Bazaar del Mundo shops right next door to Casa Guadalajara are very thankful that she kept these businesses alive when they were being threatened. She then, along with the help of her husband Brent, relocated three of the four businesses, including Casa de Pico, and they are flourishing and visitors are as happy as ever.
Casa de Pico was relocated to La Mesa, CA, which is east of downtown San Diego and is referred to as being in “East County” in 2005. After a short hiatus, Brent spotted the opportunity to re-open “Pico” in the Grossmont Center in La Mesa. The trademark multi-colored umbrellas adorn the patio and are a welcome sight to anyone that enjoyed Pico in Old Town. There is plenty of patio seating, a very large and beautifully decorated dining section, a Cantina area where Happy Hour is held from 3-7 Monday-Friday, and another outdoor patio area just off of the Cantina.
The Casa de Pico management team of Julie Bell Gastelum and Lino Rodarte move heaven and earth to make sure that every visitor has an enjoyable experience. Parties of all sizes can be accommodated. It’s amazing what they’ve been able to do when large parties show up without reservations. They’re not turned away, Julie and Lino find a way to make it work and have the guests have a memorable evening.
Casa de Pico serves lunch and dinner daily, breakfast meetings are also held there and any group wanting to meet over breakfast is welcome. Parties of all kinds are held regularly at Pico: birthday’s, wedding rehearsal dinners, baby showers…we welcome the chance to make your event special.
Did we mention our Guacamole was voted the best in San Diego last month in a blind taste test? San Diego Magazine awarded us the honor and we know you’ll love it when you have it with chips or with any of our entrees. Come and enjoy all we have to offer. We’re located at 5500 Grossmont Drive at the Grossmont Center in La Mesa. You can reach us by phone at 619-463-3267. For a more detailed introduction to Casa de Pico visit our website at www.casadepico.com.
We look forward to seeing you soon!
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about 1 year ago
Great article! I was so sad to see Casa de Pico leave old town, but I’m glad that I am able to enjoy the same food and atmosphere in nearby La Mesa. Also glad that Casa Guadalajara and the shops were able to remain in Old Town. Thank you Diane!
about 1 year ago
Thank you for the kind words Eileen. It’s the appreciation from our loyal customers like you that make it all worthwhile. We appreciate you.
about 1 year ago
We discovered Casa de Pico in Old Town on our honeymoon in 1994. Every year we come to San Diego and every time we are in town, we visit Casa de Pico at least 5 times—we just love it! When you moved, we didn’t know where you were so for two years we mourned the loss. Then, last summer, we found you in La Mesa. At last! Casa de Pico is without a doubt the best Mexican reataurant anywhere (I was in the restaurant business for twenty years all over the world and all over America so I think I know about restaurants!) We will be there this year the third week in September—see you then!
about 1 year ago
Hello Marshall!
We are very happy you found us and truly appreciate your kind words. We have a very dedicated staff that does a wonderful job of making a visit to Casa de Pico a very enjoyable and memorable experience. We look forward to seeing you in September…safe travels!