With Cinco de Mayo just passed, San Diego restaurants geared up into the fiesta by offering fun specials surrounding the holiday and highlighting their unique styles. Whether it’s a refreshing margarita, .55 street tacos or the first annual Guacamole festival, these up-and-coming restaurants are ready to show off their Mexican cuisine!
Don Chido – Gaslamp Quarter
Set to open mid-May, downtown San Diego’s newest Mexican eatery, Don Chido, celebrated Cinco de Mayo by opening up their patio and serving .55 cent tacos for the 5/5 holiday!From 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. on May 5th, Chido’s patio opened to enjoy freshly grilled .55 cent carne asada street tacos, chips, guacamole and homemade agua fresca drinks and guests were able to learn more about the anticipated opening from Chef Antonio Friscia himself! Set to open later in May, Don Chido will showcase a menu of regionally influenced, handcrafted Mexican cooking that will feature locally sourced and quality fresh ingredients from a kitchen led by Chef Antonio Friscia.
Venga Venga Cantina and Tequila Bar – Chula Vista
Recently opened by world-renowned restauranteur and celebrity chef Richard Sandoval in Otay Ranch Town Center, Venga Venga Cantina and Tequila Bar delivers authentic and top-notch Mexican cuisine in a beautifully designed space.Venga Venga is pulled out all of the stops for its first Cinco de Mayo in San Diego with cinco days of celebrations. On May 1st, Venga Venga’s1st Annual Guacamole Festival launched with an exploration of the different regions of Mexico that featured 5 unique combinations of guacamole, and special bebidas, including the Kiwi Margarita and Tamarind Agua Fresca. The following evening, at Noches de Venga there was dancing and raised glasses in Venga Venga’s spacious bar and lounge area with a late night menu, with eats starting at $6. Saturday featured late night live international beats and dance music and $1 margaritas. With the weekend began Bottomless Brunch on Sunday, with an endless selection of Venga Venga’s authentic brunch menu, including table side guacamole, tacos, molletes, and much more. For the set price of $35 per person, there were bottomless Mimosas, Micheladas, Bloody Marias and House Margaritas. Cinco de Mayo featured a full on experience with the traditions of Mexico at Venga Venga, as the restaurant celebrated with live mariachis and one of the finest selections from the restaurant’s over 100 tequilas and mescals.
Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa – Rancho Santa Fe
Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa celebrated Cinco de Mayo at The Pony Room withhalf off margaritas, Mexicanbeers, tacos, tortilla chips and enchiladas all day.A favorite among locals and visitors alike, the luxury resort’scasual and comfortable atmosphere at the equestrian-style bar serves rustic American cuisine with simple, farm-freshdishes includingSkirt Steak Carne Asada Tacos, Mahi Mahi Fish Tacos and Shelton’s Farm Red ChickenEnchiladas.In addition to 150 variations of tequilas, festiveCinco de Mayo libations include the resort’s 25thanniversary cocktail,The Silver Pony,made with Tres Agaves Blanco, Cointreau lemonade, Serrano-infused syrupand garnished with a lemon twist. With an Old World design aesthetic, enlarged windows, al fresco dining amongfireplaces, guests can enjoy breathtaking views at The Pony Room.
Chandler’s – Carlsbad
One of Carlsbad’s most sought after restaurants, Chandler’s Restaurant & Lounge, enjoys stunning ocean views and signature sunsets while sipping a sweetMargarita Ice Cream Floator indulging in a spoonful ofChocolate Flan.Bringing innovation and style to the local restaurantscene, Chandler’s offers eclectic, seasonal menus and the coastal regional cuisine ofinternational chef Pascal Vignauinspired bylocally-grown fresh products. Threeoutdoor seating areas, two sharing a fire lounge area, allow guests to enjoythe best of California weather.
The Commons Bars – Gaslamp Quarter
In Downtown’s Gaslamp Quarter, The Commons Bar took off the Cinco de Mayo Celebration with an all day celebration that featured an array of specials including their signature Skinny Scorpion margaritas, $4 Dos XX, and $1 street tacos.
Posted by Cassandra Fekjar
05/12/2014
