Pechanga Opens 1882 Cantina

TEMECULA, CA — Pechanga Resort Casino opened a new restaurant this week that features flavors from Mexico, as well as Central and South America.

The 1882 Cantina opened May 5 and is located in the space once occupied by the Lobby Bar & Grill in Pechanga’s glass-enclosed atrium lobby.

"The dishes and specialty fare featured on the menu are traditional and recognizable from the most well-known culinary regions of Mexico and beyond such as Oaxaca, Baja California and Estado de Mexíco. Guests who appreciate crafted cocktails will also approve of the specialty beverage menu featuring 10 distinct mezcals, 30 tequilas, 10 varieties of margaritas, as well as other spirits with true ties to Latin American countries," according to a news release from Pechanga.

“We are incredibly thrilled to add this amazing Mexican restaurant to our collection of fine dining outlets,” said Andrew Masiel, president of the Pechanga Development Corporation. “It is the one culinary taste that has been missing from our assortment of restaurants. The rich and diverse flavors from the dishes at 1882 Cantina are stunning. We know our guests are going to be impressed.”

The menu, crafted by Pechanga chefs Andre Alto and Andre Pinto, features dozens of dishes, some of the ingredients grown locally in Southern California. Tortillas are being made by Esperanza’s Tortilleria in Escondido.

Why was the name 1882 Cantina selected? The year — 1882 — was one of the most important ever in the history of the Pechanga Band of Luiseño Indians, the Tribe explained in the news release.

"On June 27, 1882, President Chester A. Arthur issued an Executive Order re-establishing the government-to-government relationship between Pechanga and the United States and setting aside a mere 4,000 acres for the Pechanga Indian Reservation," according to the Tribe.

"The Pechanga People have lived in the Temecula Valley since time immemorial. Finally, 30 years after the conclusion of the Treaty at the Village of Temecula, the promise of permanent lands for the Pechanga People was fulfilled. The Treaty of Temecula would have given tribes about 12,000 square miles of Southern California. But as gold was discovered in California, the U.S. Senate did not ratify the Treaty of Temecula — along with 17 others. State actions led to California Native Americans being legally exterminated, enslaved, and oppressed. Millions of acres of land were forcibly taken by the State of California for the benefit of individuals and corporations," the Tribe continued.

"Our ancestors endured floods, fires, droughts, economic scarcity, disease, and invasions, struggling to survive to ensure a better life for future generations. Thanks to them, a new day has dawned in which our Tribe is realizing self-reliance and employing thousands of Californians. With confidence that our children and grandchildren will preserve our tribal sovereignty, our culture and traditions, we look forward to a bright future."

The 1882 Cantina is open 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Sunday, Monday and Thursday, and from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

For more information, visit www.Pechanga.com.