Casa de Bandini

[SDGourmand]

Casa de Bandini will be taking Yellow Tail Coyote's spot in the forum in Carlsbad. Looking to open in June. From what I've heard they own a few other mexican restaurants in the San Diego area. Is anyone familiar?

[littlestevie]

It opened yesterday and boy was it packed. The hostess told us it would be an hour to an hour and a half wait at 6:30ish. we found a place on the bar patio and ate there. It was pretty much the same as the old old town menu, but with a few additions. I saw some of the old staff, and really for opening nite and that crowded, it really ran well. The food is what it is, not super authentic but flavorful and so much better than el torito. and my s.o. and I had a fun time. I think Buca which is right next door is going to see a drop in business.

[MomOfTwoShelties]

Went for lunch today. The atmosphere is very nice - the restaurant has been updated and expanded since it was Yellow Coyote. Our food was ok - nothing special. We actually like the food at El Torito better. The wait staff seemed a bit distracted - we ordered fajitas, and had to ask twice for tortillas. We had to dig on the platter to find the chicken and beef - it was overpowered by veggies (and light on the meat). Not worth the $14.95, that's for sure. Disappointing - we were waiting for this restaurant to open since we saw the Casa De Bandini sign hanging on the side of the place. We won't be going back, unfortunately. Because it's new, it's going to see a lot of traffic, but I wonder how many repeat diners they'll get. We'd much prefer to go to El Torito, Chevy's - even On the Border before we go back to Casa de Bandini. Sorry, Diane.

[SDGourmand]

Just got done having lunch here. The food is nothing special had the app sampler was no different than el tortito and the chimichanga was not crisp in the least bit. Completely soggy. Fried ice cream seemed to just be rolled in corn flakes. Service was awful. I won't be returning for the food maybe for a drink but I doubt that.

[pbry]

Food is decent, I go there for the hand made tortillas.

[jasal]

Once again the North county has shown that its palate is as sophisticated as all the Bucca de beppo's and El toriito's that abound there. Casa de bandini Are you kidding me? it's 1960's calmex food. I understand the service started to go at yellow coyote it''s a shame becasue the food as was presented as late as 3months ago was still phenomenal. I can't believe the family who tried so hared to keep it afloat wouldn't have heard comments for improvement there. Real shame an authentic food joint closes and another margarita and nachos factory is to open

[pantani]

I live close by and am glad to see it changing. Went to yellow coyote once and the food was just awful and high prices.

[DiningDiva]

Casa de Bandini was an anchor of Diane Powers Bazaar del Mundo concept in Old Town. It, along with everything else, was displaced 3 or 4 years ago when the State decided it wanted a bigger cut of the profits (Old Town *is* a State Park) and awarded the contract to Delaware North.

Casa de Bandini was going to relocate to downtown in the old police building development but that, apparently, never got off the ground. Casa de Pico was relocated to Grossmont Center in La Mesa where it does a thriving business. Casa de Guadalajara is still in Old Town as it was located outside of the State Park borders.

The Casas all offer Americanized Mexican food, giant margaritas and mariachis that will play It's a Small World for the kids. They're fun, you don't go for the food (which isn't awful, it's just not authentic), you go to have a good time with your friends and family.

[littlestevie]

I would totally concur with DD on the Diane Powers restaurants. It will be fun. It is not going to take the place of Bety's, Karina's or Juanita's, it is a different niche. The El Torito across the street however might have some problems. eh no big loss there. My s.o. saw the Bandini sign on the Yellow Coyote building and was estatic. (old Bandini was our !st date in SD many many moons ago). The building was always beautiful and it will now be better run.

[jennyo]

Any news on when Casa de Bandini will open? Am going to be visiting North County this weekend and was hoping to stop by for a nostalgic giant margarita. I have tried to call but their message does not state an opening date. Probably not a good sign.

[SDGourmand]

I'm in the forum at least once a day. Construction seems to still be going on but from the looks of it, it's finishing up.. They anticipated a June opening. Only time will tell.

[Pablo]

Or the ABC:
http://www.abc.ca.gov/datport/LQSData...

[Pablo]

Opening June 30.

[tadeo]

Casa de Bandini will be opening in carlsbad on the 30th of June. The phone line is already open 760-634-3443, you can call after 11 and they will answer all your question.

[Beach Chick]

well said DD..
I am a huge fan of Diane Powers and she will turn anything around and I look forward to having some Marg's..aquarium style along with some good Mex Food!