Miguel’s Cocina: A Family Tradition of California Mexican Food
Why This Story Matters Miguel’s Cocina is part of one of San Diego County’s enduring family restaurant companies. Its story connects Mexican-inspired cooking with the Morton family’s decades-long commitment to local hospitality. Meet the Family The Morton family entered the restaurant business in 1969 with the opening of the original Brigantine seafood restaurant in Point Loma. Inspired by Mexican and Baja recipes shared by family and friends, the Mortons opened the first Miguel’s Cocina in Coronado in 1982. The concept grew carefully across San Diego County while remaining part of the family-owned Brigantine restaurant group. Today, Mike Morton Jr. serves as president and CEO of the company. Coming to Carlsbad Miguel’s Cocina opened its Carlsbad location on April 2, 2012, on Avenida Encinas near the coast. The restaurant introduced Carlsbad diners to the company’s familiar combination of Mexican comfort food,…
Casa de Bandini: A Colorful Celebration of Mexican Hospitality
Why This Story Matters Casa de Bandini brings together Mexican cuisine, festive hospitality, music, and a design inspired by early California history. Its Carlsbad dining room continues a restaurant story that began in San Diego’s Old Town decades ago. Meet the Founder Restaurateur and designer Diane Powers created the original Casa de Bandini in Old Town San Diego State Historic Park in 1980. Powers is also the creative force behind Bazaar del Mundo, a family of shops and restaurants known for colorful surroundings and a celebratory interpretation of Mexican and Latin American culture. The restaurant’s name honors Juan Bandini, an influential early Californian remembered for the gracious gatherings held at his historic family home. The Journey to Carlsbad After the restaurant’s Old Town lease ended in 2005, Powers spent several years searching for a new home. Casa de Bandini reopened…
Restaurants I Recommend Most in Carlsbad
One of the questions I get asked all the time is: “Where should we eat while we’re in Carlsbad?” After years of living here, exploring our dining scene, getting to know restaurant owners, and introducing visitors to local food through Carlsbad Food Tours, I have plenty of answers. What I recommend depends on…