Temecula

Wine Pick of the Week – Doffo 2008 Malbec

September 2, 2010 By Chris Baptiste Leave a Comment

Doffo Winery is perhaps the best-kept secret in the Temecula Wine Country. Owner Marcello Doffo and his family (wife Zulma and their children Damian and Brigitte) produce some of the most flavorful, full-bodied and fruit-forward wines in the area – if not all of California. Following the philosophy that great winemaking begins in the vineyard, their attention to detail – extra pruning of the vines, thinning the grape clusters, restriction of water – helps to insure that their grapes are some of the richest and intense-tasting in the area. They even play classical music in their vineyard to help … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Featured, Wine of the Week, Wineries, Wineries Tagged With: Chris Baptiste, Doffo Winery, Malbec, Temecula, temecula valley, temecula wine country, Tom Plant, Wine Pick of the Week

Raviolis! Osteria Now In Murrieta!

August 29, 2010 By Chris Baptiste 1 Comment

Chef Giuseppe di Gristina, one of the Temecula Valley’s most beloved & respected food “artists,” and his family, have just opened their second restaurant – Raviolis! Osteria. Located on Murrieta Hot Springs Road in Murrieta (right between the 15 and 215 freeways), the Osteria compliments their original restaurant in Lake Elsinore – Raviolis! Italian Bistro. If you’re seeking amazingly fresh, unique, and delicious Italian dishes, Chef Giuseppe has created the perfect, irresistible menu. The Osteria (Italian for “a place where the owner hosts people”) had their grand opening … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Caterers, Dining, Featured, Happy Hour, Meet-Ups, Restaurants Tagged With: Chef Giuseppe, Chris Baptiste, Juanita Gates, Juanita Juarez, Murrieta, Raviolis, Raviolis Osteria, restaurant, Temecula

Wine Pick of the Week – La Serenissima Cab Franc

August 27, 2010 By Trasier Schuyler 1 Comment

La Serenissima Cab Franc - Photo by Trasier Schuyler

I first met Tony Tiso at The Wine Co. in Temecula where he was doing a private tasting for the owner. In my usual style, I looked pathetic enough to score a small taste of Tony's family wine. It was just enough to get me jonzing for more. Over the past year I have met up with Tony (or his father Dr. John Tiso) at various restaurants or local private estates. I have become increasingly fond of the wine from this small, old world boutique winery and finally got my chance to visit Tony at his home/winery in Warner Springs. It’s a beautiful estate just 15 minutes past Vail Lake – well, at least … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Featured, Wine of the Week, Wineries Tagged With: La Serenissima winery, Temecula, tony tiso, Trasier Schuyler, Wineries

@ Thai BBQ

August 24, 2010 By Bethany Rogers 1 Comment

Photo by Mike Chava Tucked in a narrow slice in a smallish shopping center is a Thai restaurant that should not be missed. At Thai BBQ is an authentic family owned eatery. Jason Sithichai and his sister, Trisha Alvarado have followed in the footsteps of their parents, who have owned Thai Original BBQ in Cerritos since 1986. Jason saw a need in the burgeoning Temecula Valley for quality ethnic restaurants. The restaurant is truly family owned and operated. Jason, 29, describes himself as the “chef, busboy and janitor.” His 31-year-old sister still teaches full-time, as does his fiancé, Christine. They … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Dining, Featured, Meet-Ups, Restaurants Tagged With: @ thai bbq, bethany rogers, Temecula, temecula dining, Thai Food

Intrepid Cycles

August 23, 2010 By Chris Baptiste Leave a Comment

Imagine riding into Sturgis, South Dakota for their annual motorcycle rally sitting on a bike that is a unique, one-of-a-kind, custom-made motorcycle -one that not only sets you apart from everyone else at this world-famous event, but is the only bike of it’s kind in the entire world. The kind of two-wheel machine that would easily make you the coolest kid on the block, yet had the horsepower, smooth handling, and hot looks to compete with anything and anyone on the road. If you’re that person – or simply want to be that person- then step into Intrepid Cycles. Webster’s Dictionary defines … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Shopping, Sport & Recreation, Stores, Things to Do Tagged With: Chris Bapitste, motorcycles, Temecula

French Wine at Wine on a Dime

August 17, 2010 By Corie Maue Leave a Comment

I have always wanted to learn French, and thanks to Wine on a Dime, my education has begun. Each Wednesday, Wine on a Dime offers a wine or beer tasting from 5 – 7 pm for just $10 (or $12.50 at the door), and last week featured wines from France. Owner Michelle Campini greeted each thirsty “student” with a glass of Champagne, while Jeff Nelson from Henriot poured subsequent sips from a table nearby. I diligently practiced my pronunciation of Henriot (On-ree-o) while sipping and wandering the store. Champagne Henriot Brut Souvrain NV is a non-vintage Brut Champagne and must be identical no … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Featured, Wine Bars Tagged With: French Wine, Temecula, Wine on a Dime, wine tasting, Wineries

It’s All Greek to Me!

August 12, 2010 By Angie Myer Leave a Comment

The Greek Place Restaurant I absolutely love the flavors of Greek food, so this restaurant was a true pleasure for my palate. Throw in a little belly dancing, flaming cheese, and remarkably gracious service, and it was a feast for the senses! Vassiliki Batzakidou (“Vasso”) opened The Greek Place three years ago on the north-east corner of Winchester and Jefferson. She had found success with her first restaurant of the same name in Idyllwild, and left her son in charge to bring her authentic Greek culinary skills and warm Greek hospitality to Temecula. Her obscure location (behind the car … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Featured, Restaurants Tagged With: Appetizers, Belly Dancing, Falafels, Greek Food, Lamb Chops, restaurant, Stuffed Grape Leaves, Temecula, Vanilla Pudding

Texas Loosey’s Chili Parlor and Saloon

July 31, 2010 By Corie Maue Leave a Comment

I clean up pretty nice, but I have never been accused of being a girlie-girl. This little fact came in handy as I sauntered into Texas Loosey’s to try out the chili and other saloon fare. Texas Loosey’s has a great casual atmosphere and a full menu of what my good friend aptly calls “man food.” No less than 20 appetizers tempted us, so we decided to take the plunge on the Rodeo Sampler. This thing is a monster and would easily feed four or more hungry folks in the mood for a snack: Buffalo hot wings, Riblets, Tex-a-Skins, Zucchini Sticks, Twister Onions and Cheese Sticks, all served with a … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Restaurants Tagged With: Buffalo hot wings, Bull Pen Burgers, Corie Maue, Otis Mattis, Riblets, Ron Walton, Temecula, Tex-a-Skins, Texas Loosey’s, Twister Onions and Cheese Sticks, Vail Ranch Steakhouse, Zucchini Sticks

Video: Yogurt Point in Temecula

July 21, 2010 By Loren Scott Leave a Comment

Scott and Julie Chon own and operate Yogurt Point, a self-serve frozen yogurt shop in Temecula. This video, shot and edited by Loren Scott for Taste of Temecula, highlights some of the cool (pun intended) things you'll find at Yogurt Point. … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Specialties Tagged With: Loren Scott, Temecula, Video, Yogurt Point

Mangia Mangia at Bella’s Pizza Villa

July 20, 2010 By Corie Maue Leave a Comment

According to owner LaDonna Olson, their casual Italian dining establishment, Bella's Pizza Villa, is "the real back east deal." And in this writer's humble opinion, LaDonna and husband Bill are also the 'real back east deal' in the best possible sense of the word. They are from the south side and southwest suburbs of Chicago and spent their early years in and out of family-owned restaurants and pizzerias. After working in the family business for so many years, they always knew they would have a little pizzeria of their own someday. Well, lucky for us, the Olson's moved to California in 2002, … [Read more...]