Valentine's Day at Casa De Bandini!
Make Your Valentine's Day Sizzle with a Fiesta of Flavors at Casa de Bandini!
As the sun dips below the horizon in Carlsbad, casting a golden glow over lush gardens and bubbling fountains, there's no better place to spark romance than at Casa de Bandini. Picture this: you and your special someone, hand in hand, stepping into a world where vibrant colors dance across tiled patios, the gentle strum of guitars from strolling musicians fill the air, and the tantalizing scent of fresh cilantro and roasted chiles promises an evening of unforgettable delight. This Valentine's Day, we're inviting couples to immerse themselves in the passion of Mexican cuisine with our exclusive holiday menu, crafted to ignite the senses and celebrate love in every bite.
At Casa de Bandini, romance isn't just a theme—it's woven into our very foundation. Our story begins with the visionary Diane Powers, a San Diego native whose passion for spirited design and Hispanic culture transformed the landscape of Southern California dining. Her legacy still shines brightly today in her restaurants, including Casa de Bandini. Originally housed in a historic Old Town San Diego home built in 1829 by the charismatic Juan Bandini—an Italian-Peruvian immigrant who embodied the hospitality of early California.
In the early 1980s, Diane revitalized this iconic spot, infusing it with gardens, fountains, and hand-picked Mexican and South American artifacts. Thirty years later, she relocated it lock, stock, and barrel to The Forum Shopping Center in Carlsbad, creating a sprawling oasis replete with colorful umbrellas, intricate tilework, and lush greenery that transports guests to a romantic hacienda. No matter the location, Casa de Bandini continues to capture the hearts of generations of cuisinistas from around the world. For more on our storied past, explore the [history of Casa de Bandini]
(https://www.casadebandini.com/about-us).
You and your sweetheart can experience it for yourselves this Valentine's Day with our special four-course menu, which draws inspiration from the season of love, blending traditional Mexican flavors with fresh, romantic twists. And it won't break the bank! Your menu options were all lovingly created by Diane Powers and are offered all Valentine's Day weekend for $65 for two people.
Start your evening with Diane's signature appetizer: the Concha de Guacamole. Imagine a crisp flour shell artfully filled with fresh, creamy, house-made guacamole, sprinkled with cheese and served alongside our warm Casa tortilla chips. The first dip delivers a burst of ripe avocados blended with zesty lime, a hint of cilantro, and just the right touch of spice—setting the stage for a night of shared indulgence.
For the entrées, choose two to savor together, each designed to complement the other's flavors in perfect harmony. The Señor Bandini pays homage to our namesake with carne asada Tampiqueña steak, topped with roasted California chile and grilled onions, plus a sautéed shrimp enchilada, and a shredded beef taco, served with refried beans, a side of guacamole and your choice of corn or flour tortillas, this dish is a symphony of textures: tender, smoky steak mingling with the subtle heat of chiles and the comforting warmth of beans.
If you're craving something lighter yet equally engaging, opt for the Ensalada de Fresa. A spring mix and chopped romaine salad tossed in a champagne vinaigrette, adorned with chopped Carlsbad strawberries, sweet craisins and candied pecans, then topped with slices of flame-grilled chicken breast and garnished with strawberries and cotija cheese. The sweetness of ripe strawberries dances with the tangy vinaigrette, creating a refreshing contrast that's perfect for whispering tender bon mots into your partner's ear. (Yes, this was written by a real person.)
For those seeking a bolder adventure, it's the Spicy Chipotle Salmon & Shrimp. Imagine a wild salmon steak crusted with chipotle chile, paired with skewered flame-grilled wild shrimp, all served on seasoned mashed potatoes and garnished with a sweet chipotle honey glaze and achiote seasoned vegetables. The smoky heat of chipotle envelops the flaky salmon, while the succulent shrimp adds a romantic sweetness, evoking the passion of a fiery sunset. Incredible!
No intimate feast is complete without a decadent finale. Choose one dessert to share: our Chocolate Flan with raspberry sauce, where silky chocolate custard meets the tart brightness of raspberries; the Tres Leches Cake, a light sponge cake soaked in sweet milk and topped with whipped cream and cinnamon for a melt-in-your-mouth experience; or the Traditional Caramel Flan, a timeless classic with its creamy texture and rich caramel drizzle. Each spoonful is a loving gesture, sealing the evening with sweetness.
As you dine under twinkling lights amid our enchanting courtyard, let the ambiance transport you. The sound of water trickling from antique fountains, the vibrant hues of hand-painted murals, and the lively energy of those celebrating around you, all contribute to an atmosphere that's authentically Mexican and romantically yours. It's more than a dinner—it's a memory in the making, rooted in Diane Powers' enduring vision of cultural celebration and hospitality.
Whether you're reigniting a long-time flame or fanning a new spark, Casa de Bandini is your destination for Valentine's Day magic. We operate on a first-come, first-served basis, ensuring a spontaneous and exciting experience for all. Visit us this Valentine's Day weekend (February 13, 14, & 15) and let the flavors of love unfold. For directions and more details, head to [casadebandini.com](https://www.casadebandini.com/). ¡Te esperamos con los brazos abiertos!
