May 17, 2012

Need Some Party Drinks? Crack Open the Champagne!

champagne with lemon twist

No party is complete without the alcohol and if ever there’s a time to serve champagne New Year’s Eve is it!  Make sure your bar or freezer has plenty of ice and bubbly!  You’ll want have plenty of champagne flutes or at least wine glasses for toasting. Below are few of my favorite specialty champagne drinks:   Classic Champagne … [Read more...]

Champagne, Chocolate, and Cheese – What Could Be Better?

Chocolate

When the night is crisp and cloudy with a slight chill factor winding through it, a great place to warm up next to the artistic sounds of some great music while enjoying decadent chocolates from all over the world, champagnes from Napa, Spain, and France, and three cheeses that pair well with them can only be found at the Temecula Wine Company’s champagne, … [Read more...]

How Do We Celebrate Winter? With De Portola Wine Trail’s 2011 Winter Big Red Fest!

glass of wine

Ahhh, Winter…‘Tis the season of cozy nights by the fireplace, the gathering of good friends and family, and let’s not forget, Big Red Wine! To welcome the season, the De Portola Wine Trail of nine boutique wineries (Keyways Vineyard, Robert Renzoni Winery, Gershon Bachus Vintners, Oak Mountain Winery, Leoness Cellars, Danza Del Sol Winery, … [Read more...]

Wineries Rolled Out the Barrels and We Had a Passport to Fun

Bel Vino pouring from Barrel

Last Saturday was overcast and then it began to drizzle as I headed my car over to Rancho California Road.  But it was going to take a lot more than rain to keep me away from Temecula Valley Wine Country’s Harvest Celebration.  This was a wonderful opportunity to check out some new wines and each winery was also going to serve food pairings. Nothing gets … [Read more...]

Pizzeria Venti – A Family Restaurant With Heart

venti4

The first thing that’s noticeable about the new Pizzeria Venti Restaurant is how much the décor changed from when it Pizzeria Venti was Anthony’s Ristorante. The interior walls have been removed and large windows line the walls. It’s now bright, light and airy. As I walked up to the friendly faces behind the counter I couldn’t help but admire the … [Read more...]

ToT’s Lunch Meet-Up @ The Bank

Ian & Lisa of ToT. (Photo by Dan Viescas)

As “The Roving Wino,” I have had the pleasure of sampling some of the finest food and beverages at a variety of eateries. Recently I was recruited by Taste of Temecula to visit local establishments and do what I do best - eat & drink. My first assignment was to join their bi-weekly Meet-Up Lunch held at The Bank. Located in the heart of Old Town … [Read more...]

ToT’s Lunch Meet-Up @ Francesca’s

IMG_8505

What do you call a mid-afternoon party that’s open to everyone and full of great food and good cheer? You call it Taste of Temecula’s bi-weekly Wednesday Lunch Meet-Up. Last week it was held at Francesca’s Italian Kitchen and a great time was had by all. Normally Francesca’s only serves dinner but owners Alessio and Franscesca di Sabatino … [Read more...]

“And the Winner is…The Kids!”

Mmmm...Ahi Tuna w/ Wasabi Cream Sauce. (Photo by Juanita Juarez)

3rd Annual So-Cal Chef Open Benefiting Oak Grove Athletic Program & Gymnasium 
Monday, November 15th. Last Monday night brought out the golfers and the gourmands to enjoy the talents of local chefs and raise money for a wonderful cause. Held at the beautiful Journey at Pechanga Golf Course and Clubhouse, the event was a hole-in-one for all … [Read more...]

ToT Happy Hour @ D’Canters Wine Bar & Grill

D'canters

httpvh://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bVAPQP1U3uE Join Taste of Temecula for Happy Hour this Thursday, Nov. 18th @ D’Canters Wine Bar & Grill from 5:00-8:00pm. Enjoy $2 off wine by the glass and $1 off selected beer and well drinks. Appetizers are reduced to $5 or less and they’re extending their Happy Hour just for us! Instead of ending it at their … [Read more...]

Harry’s Pacific Grill – Where East Meets West

5103974036_25eaa3c74d-1

If you are looking for an exotic escape from your typical cocktails and dining, you need not look any further than right here in Temecula.  Harry’s Pacific Grill features Latin and Asian specialties as well as island favorites and California fusion cuisine.  Your journey starts the moment you walk in as you will receive warm and friendly service in an … [Read more...]