Blog Entries
Folk Art & More at the Latin American Festival & Mata Ortiz Pottery Market, August 2-4
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There is no need to travel to the deepest regions of Mexico in order to experience some of the world’s most vibrant Latin American folk art and Mexican pottery – just visit the Bazaar del Mundo Shops’ Latin American Festival and Mata Ortiz Pottery Market, August 2 to 4, in OldTown,San Diego.
The colorful marketplace hidden beneath a colorful array of umbrellas with artists from Mexico, Guatemala, Peru, Ecuador and other Latin American countries, showcases one of the most extensive collections of genuine Latin American folk art, traditional clothing and textiles and colorful collectibles and radiant jewelry this side of the border. Guests can peruse authentic, hand-painted Mata Ortiz Pottery, colorful Mexican folk art and vibrant artisan jewelry.
The Festival exhibits San Diego’s largest collection of authentic Mata Ortiz pottery, a centuries-old art form renowned for its detailed process and hand-painted geometric and ancestral symbols, with several skilled potters showcasing their wares, including 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 custom crafts and sought-after handmade goods include: San Antonio 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.
Musical entertainment will be provided by TINKU, a Latin American Folk band performing over 19 musical rhythms from throughout Latin Americaon authentic native instruments. Mouth-watering Mexican cuisine from neighboring Casa Guadalajara restaurant will be for sale.
Admission is free. The event runs 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday.
Welcome, Casa Sol y Mar!
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Help us welcome Casa Sol y Mar to Diane Powers’ Bazaar del Mundo Restaurant family!
Casa Sol y Mar – the fourth restaurant in a family of fine Mexican eateries dispersed throughout San Diego– opened in May. The restaurant is located in the bustling Del Mar Highlands Town Center at 12865 El Camino Real, and is elaborately designed to reflect the true spirit of Mexico.
“Our philosophy is to offer great value and a delightful Mexican dining experience,” said Powers. “This includes memorable flavors, abundant selections, high quality and fresh ingredients, and a spirited, authentic environment that captures the essence of Mexican traditions.”
Guests will sense the warmth and enchantment of Mexico as they enter through the beautiful wood and glass doors and find themselves standing beneath a high glowing ceiling and breathtaking iron chandelier. The interior of the restaurant is artfully painted in a fiesta of gold, crimson, and orange jewel tones, sparkling from wall to wall with Mexican folk art, festive embellishments, and glazed Mexican accent tiles in red, emerald, and orange hues.
The delicious menu is comprised of traditional Mexican dishes with an emphasis on flavor and freshness, including a large selection of regional entrees made from scratch, and award-winning seafood recipes that have been in the Bazaar del Mundo family for decades. The menu also features newly created small plates and appetizers, as well as entrees with a contemporary twist. Homemade dressings, salsas, guacamole and sauces are made fresh daily, along with hot corn and flour tortillas. There is also an extensive children’s menu, appetizing entrée salads and countless gluten-free, vegetarian and healthy dining selections.
In the lively cantina, guests enjoy giant frosty margaritas, sip fine Mexican beers and consume tasty appetizers and entrees. The cantina features flat screen TVs and reclaimed wood tables framed with black hammered iron and custom bar stools upholstered with bright wool fabrics hand woven by artisans in Oaxara, Mexico. In addition, Casa Sol y Mar offers a collection of top shelf, premium and specialty tequilas including Reposado and Anejo-aged in white oak casts for more than a year. Check out the Cantina menu here.
The Bazaar del Mundo Restaurants are famous for cheerful, strolling Mariachis who serenade guests Wednesday through Sunday evenings – completing the cultural experience.
Bazaar del Mundo Restaurants Win Gold Medallion Award
0We won! The California Restaurant Association has awarded the Bazaar del Mundo Restaurants – Casa Guadalajara, Casa de Pico and Casa de Bandini – the 2013 Gold Medallion Award for the Best Mexican Restaurants in San Diego.
Take a Virtual Tour at Casa Guadalajara
0Sitting on the corner of Juan and Taylor at the north entrance of Old Town, Casa Guadalajara welcomes guests from far and near with its charming presence and fabulous decor. You may dine outside in our beautiful courtyard with its splashing fountains, indoors in our gorgeous dining room or in the romantic setting of our garden room. Our Award winning cuisine, delicious margaritas, exceptional Mexican folk art, the lively sounds of our Mariachis, and our gracious staff will provide an experience to satisfy all your senses. Whether you are looking for a romantic dinner for two or a large celebration, Casa Guadalajara is the perfect place for that special occasion.
Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with Flair at Casa Guadalajara
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Diane Powers first launched Old Town’s Cinco de Mayo festival in 1983, and today she continues her dedication to the exposition of Mexican cultures with lively celebrations at her Bazaar del Mundo Restaurants.
Weekend-long specials on food and drinks include: the festive “Cincorita” margarita – strawberry, Midori (melon flavored liqueur) and lime in layers of green, white and red, paying homage to the Mexican flag; cheesy Enchiladas Banderas – a savory sampling of chicken, cheese and beef enchiladas served with three different sauces – verde, blanca and rojas (green, white and red).
It wouldn’t be one of Powers’ distinguished events without strolling Mariachis and Folkloric dancers!
Also visit Powers’ Bazaar del Mundo Shops in Old Town for festive and authentic Cinco de Mayo attire and decorations for your own home or party.
Join us, Saturday & Sunday, May 4 to 5 – with live entertainment from noon to 9:30 p.m.
About Cinco de Mayo: Cinco de Mayo celebrates the Battle of Puebla, in which Mexican troops, led by General Ignacio Zaragoza, prevailed over French forces on May 5, 1862. Mexico’s soldiers, greatly outnumbered, defeated the army that was thought to be the most powerful in the world at the time. Though it did not stop the French from taking control of Mexico, the victory boosted the nation’s morale and determination to fight the invasion.
Vote for Casa Guadalajara in San Diego Magazine’s Best Restaurants 2013!
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Casa Guadalajara Restaurant Week Extended: Check Out Our Menus!
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Casa Guadalajara’s Gift Card Is The Perfect Stocking Stuffer!
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The Perfect Gift or Stocking Stuffer
Happy Holidays from Diane Powers and All of Us at Casa Guadalajara!
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Cielito Lindo: A Very Special Part of the Casa Guadalajara Family
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Cielito Lindo Plays at Casa Guadalajara
Imagine it’s 1920. You live in abject poverty, and the Great Depression just north of the border of your home in Mexico is looming. Your father suddenly passes away, and now it’s just you and your brother. And you are 12 years old.
A sad story, isn’t it? Not for Filemon Rodriguez. He and his brother used what resource they had, a harp in their living room, and taught themselves how to play music by ear. No lessons, just learning by playing the same songs over and over. The boys scratched out a living by playing music in the streets. Not only did they scratch out a living, but a family profession that is now in it’s third generation was born.
Filemon went on to have a family of his own: 4 boys and 3 girls. One of his sons, Luciano Rodriguez, became a professional musician. His band, Cielito Lindo, has been playing at Casa Guadalajara since 1996. Their repertoire includes over 2000 songs. And it all started with his father learning to play on a harp to feed his family.
Casa Guadalajara is known as one of the finest San Diego Mexican Restaurants. Our food and our margaritas are legendary. We consider Cielito Lindo to be just as important an ingredient of our success. Visit our website at http://www.casaguadalajara.com and click on “Entertainment” at the top of the page. You’ll be taken to the schedule of Cielito Lindo. Make it a date to come, have dinner and hear this amazing group of talented musicians with such a rich heritage of playing their music with passion. It’s part of what makes Casa Guadalajara the most unique mexican restaurant in San Diego.
