Maria Bonilla

Chef


El Fandango


Maria Bonilla - El Fandango

The food at El Fandango is comforting, the ambience is relaxing, and the graciousness and amiability of the entire staff is contagious. The term “family affair” takes on new meaning at this restaurant – each member of the wait staff is attentive and welcoming; and the management and owner of El Fandango share blood relation.

Event Manager Marco Puente and grandson of the owner, Connie Puente, grew up in the restaurant that’s been in the family for over thirty years. Marco’s enthusiasm and commitment to his grandmother’s culinary vision is inspiring. A natural entertainer, Marco immediately welcomed us into his world with a brief history of his role in the business. He explained that while he spent much of his childhood in the restaurant, he lived in New York until recently working as an actor. This spring, a family tragedy brought him back home to San Diego, and has helped him realize a new-found appreciation for his family’s work.

Marco was enlisted to help his grandmother reinvigorate the El Fandango experience, and bring new life to the period-inspired restaurant. Upon our first meeting, it was immediately apparent how much his contributions are paying off. Smiles are found in abundance around the entire restaurant, and it seems his jovial touch has extended to the menu as well. A new Tequila Tasting menu is now offered on Friday and Saturday evenings from 5-7:00pm, and serves up three tequilas with a selection of appetizers for $25. I’m guessing he has many other plans up his sleeve to ensure El Fandango continues to be a celebration of food and fun.

When we were finally introduced to Connie at the end of our meal, we had already built up her image in our minds as a truly captivating being – her doting grandson had taken care of that. Incredibly, even Marco could not fully capture the stunning presence Connie exudes. Her easy confidence and warm nature put us at ease, and made me an instant fan. She joined Head Chef Maria Bonilla with us for a brief interview, and wowed us with her natural grace. When asked what’s in store for El Fandango, Connie noted that she’s already thinking about how to make the menu even better. She explained, “Every year I upgrade the menu and take out things that might not have attracted too much attention.” She continued, “I’m going to add a couple salads: one is made with jicama and the other one is with skirt steak and pepita sauce.” Laughing joyfully, she concluded, “I’m already excited to try that one myself.” So are we.           

Chef Maria Bonilla has been in the El Fandango family “por tanto años,” around twenty five years, and has refined her art of presenting authentic and time-honored dishes of Mexico to a contemporary audience. She studied at a culinary college in Guadalajara before taking the helm at El Fandango, and continues to utilize traditional ingredients and techniques in her kitchen. For example, cilantro is a staple in Mexican cuisine and has a happy home on Chef Maria’s menu. Oregano, California chilies, and poblano chilies are also prized ingredients. Her commitment to serving high quality, authentic flavors is particularly present in her Chicken with Mole’. This dish is not only time consuming, but it is a true labor of love that demands meticulous attention to the flavor, spice, and texture of the chocolate-based paste. While many restaurants leave mole’ off the menu altogether, Chef Maria plates it thoughtfully with care.

To know the fine people behind El Fandango is know family. Chef Maria warms the tummy and heart with her comforting cuisine, and Marco is a welcomed reminder that, yes, family does come first. And for Connie, what can I say? I’m still a bit in awe of her.           


Restaurant Info

  • 2734 Calhoun Street
    San Diego CA 92110
  • Restaurant: El Fandango
  • Address: 2734 Calhoun Street, San Diego CA 92110
  • Cross Street: Mason Street
  • Location: Old Town |
  • Cuisine: Mexican | Sunday Brunch |
  • Cost: $$ | Inexpensive | $25 - $50
  • Category: Casual Dining
  • Reservations: Recommended
  • Dress Code: Casual
  • Meals Served: Breakfast | Brunch | Lunch | Dinner |
  • Parking: Street | Public Lot |
  • Payment Options: VISA | Amex | MasterCard | Discover |
  • Corkage Fee: N/A
  • Phone: 619.298.2860