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 America on 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.
