Hacienda De Vega   

Nestled in the quiet foothills of Old Escondido with beautiful old-growth trees surrounding the property, an old Spanish ranch home was renovated into a delightful eatery by Patricia Vega and her family. The indoor dining area, filled with imported Mexican furniture of stately, distressed pine chairs and tables, is comfortable and cozy. The restaurant showpiece, however, is the patio. Ironwork and leather-backed loungers dress the vast patio space, which looks onto a small pond with a waterfall. Lined with perennials, the patio is the preferred dining area for starry summer nights when the fire pit is lit. Live Latin music is brought in from time to time to serenade outdoor diners. The Vega's intent is to bring to San Diegans an experience of the true, non-Americanized Mexico, and thus the menu contains items that can surprise. Sabana Invierno ("winter quilt") is a soul-warming hearty plate of beef tenderloin, with beans accented with manchego cheese and tomatillo salsa. Rich pollo con mole and tequila shrimp deserve praise. Sunday carries the upscale Mexican fare into the breakfast arena with a wonderful brunch, an all-too-rare feature in the northeastern part of the county. Specialty margaritas are a must in this atmosphere, especially The Hacienda, featuring real tamarind juice. For a more daring palate, the bar can whip up a jalapeno margarita.