The Golden Dragon is a fine dining restaurant with a intimate full service bar and lounge, a dining room with booths and tables and a private room for small parties as well. This is a restaurant with a very large menu with choices for al a carte selections as well as complete dinners. For such quality and service prices are surprisingly modest. There is also an outstanding wine list.
The Golden Dragon offers classic Chinese dining with a serene atmosphere and decor, outstanding cuisine and attentive attention from a well trained staff, many with years of experience at the restaurant.
Certainly the Southern California Restaurant Writers believe so since the restaurant has received the Gold Award for Excellence an unprecedented 29 years in a row and was one year named Restaurateur of the Year.
It has been family owned and operated by the Wang family since the day it opened in 1975. Yuau-Der Wang and his wife, Chi-Yun are still active in the business they founded so many years ago. Now, however, they have their son, John, as restaurant manager overseeing day to day operations. But most evenings you can still count on Mother Chi-Yun to be on hand to greet customers.
Our dinner, it could be called a banquet, opened with special egg rolls with mushroom, shrimp, chicken and vegetable and the shrimp toast. Next came the hot and sour soup with shrimp and wontons. Entrees which arrived family style included Lucky shrimp with a garlic white sauce, string bean beef, Walnut chicken with glazed walnuts and honey sweet sauce, a specially prepared roasted eggplant and the house fried rice with shrimp, pork, mushroom and shredded vegetables. Besides traditional Chinese sweets the restaurant also now features some western desserts .
Golden Dragon is located at 2023 Harbor Blvd., in Costa Mesa with ample off street free parking. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner seven days a week, lunch starting at 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. Dinner from 4:30 to 9:30 p.m. On weekends the restaurant is open all day from 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. For reservations call 949 542-7162.
Friday, August 16, 2019
Thursday, August 15, 2019
I do not play golf anymore but I still love going to golf and country clubs for the beauty they offer with their manicured greenways and spaciousness.
One of my favorites is the Tustin Ranch Golf Club. The Tustin Ranch Golf Club is public but with all the amenities of a plush private country club. And its restaurant under Executive Chef Sara Guddione offers an exciting contemporary cuisine with exquisite restaurant service. There is the Pine Tree BBQ Patio for special events, the Players Lounge with its own bar and most popular of all its Sunday Brunch.
This Brunch, and we recommend advance reservations, is from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and bring your appetite. We missed seeing Sara on our recent visit for the Brunch but did get to chat with Executive Sous Chef Christian Estruda. And as usual Patty was there as our server with that wonderful smile.
The restaurant is open for dinner Monday thru Friday. The Players Lounge is open from 6:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. seven days a week with a full menu.
The Tustin Ranch Golf Cub is located at 12442 Tustin Ranch Road, Tustin, CA. 92782. For more information call 714 734-2106.
One of my favorites is the Tustin Ranch Golf Club. The Tustin Ranch Golf Club is public but with all the amenities of a plush private country club. And its restaurant under Executive Chef Sara Guddione offers an exciting contemporary cuisine with exquisite restaurant service. There is the Pine Tree BBQ Patio for special events, the Players Lounge with its own bar and most popular of all its Sunday Brunch.
This Brunch, and we recommend advance reservations, is from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and bring your appetite. We missed seeing Sara on our recent visit for the Brunch but did get to chat with Executive Sous Chef Christian Estruda. And as usual Patty was there as our server with that wonderful smile.
The restaurant is open for dinner Monday thru Friday. The Players Lounge is open from 6:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. seven days a week with a full menu.
The Tustin Ranch Golf Cub is located at 12442 Tustin Ranch Road, Tustin, CA. 92782. For more information call 714 734-2106.
Tuesday, August 6, 2019
Not being local in Temecula we had to do some searching but when we did find Toast Restaurant it proved well worth it.
For here was a restaurant that has brought originality and excitement to breakfast and lunch. This shows in design as well as with the menu. Booths are elevated slightly above dining room floor level creating unusual decor.
The menu takes ordinary breakfast items to a new creative level with Benedicts listed as Reuben, Smoked Veggie or Crab Cake. French Toast is offered as Tiramisu, Apple Pie or Creme Brulee. I chose the Tiramisu which arrived with a unique presentation as addition to its flavors. My dining partner chose the Lox & Loaded which was well named since it was presented on a large board heaped with cured fresh salmon, bagel, dill spread, capers, red onion, spinach & tomato. I dipped in to help her finish it.
There is an “Other Stuff” menu with items like beer and bacon flight, or radical stack with pork belly, ham, burger patty and assorted add ones. B.Y.O.. omelettes or burritos are offered a with choice of six cheeses or seven meats and shrimp.
For later in the day there is a large list of sandwiches as well as a Ahi Poke Bowl, Korean short rib or shrimp ceviche.
Toast is located at 31093 Temecula Parkway in Temecula for breakfast and lunch daily and closes at 3 p.m. Telephone 951 252-2500.
For here was a restaurant that has brought originality and excitement to breakfast and lunch. This shows in design as well as with the menu. Booths are elevated slightly above dining room floor level creating unusual decor.
The menu takes ordinary breakfast items to a new creative level with Benedicts listed as Reuben, Smoked Veggie or Crab Cake. French Toast is offered as Tiramisu, Apple Pie or Creme Brulee. I chose the Tiramisu which arrived with a unique presentation as addition to its flavors. My dining partner chose the Lox & Loaded which was well named since it was presented on a large board heaped with cured fresh salmon, bagel, dill spread, capers, red onion, spinach & tomato. I dipped in to help her finish it.
There is an “Other Stuff” menu with items like beer and bacon flight, or radical stack with pork belly, ham, burger patty and assorted add ones. B.Y.O.. omelettes or burritos are offered a with choice of six cheeses or seven meats and shrimp.
For later in the day there is a large list of sandwiches as well as a Ahi Poke Bowl, Korean short rib or shrimp ceviche.
Toast is located at 31093 Temecula Parkway in Temecula for breakfast and lunch daily and closes at 3 p.m. Telephone 951 252-2500.
Monday, August 5, 2019
At Rose Haven Heritage Garden Temecula offers the perfect retreat from the busy life-style most people have today. With its thousands of roses of many varieties, a reflection pool, gazebo and Children’s Garden it is a wonderful place to relax and retreat from today’s busy world.
This Garden has an interesting history since its founding in 1991. On three and one half acres it was started as a meeting place for Rose growers to exchange concepts and cuttings.
It is not city owned but operates with many volunteers and maintained with donations. It is open every day of the year, from sunrise to sunset, and visitors are always welcome. There is ample off street parking and no admission charge. It was named a certified wildlife sanctuary in 2011 by the National Wildlife Federation and is a member of the American Public Gardens organization.
Rose Haven Heritage Garden can be found at 30592 Jedediah Smith Road and Cabrillo Avenue in Temecula.
While wine is so much a part of the Temecula scene Craft Beers have also achieved a significant presence not only in the city but in the region.
Seldom do we ever visit the area without duly visited one of these Craft Breweries. This time it was Refuge Brewery which first opened its doors in 2012 with the idea of bringing the “ideas and concepts of Old World Belgian breweries” to Temecula. The name Refuge came about from the history of how beer brewing monks had to flee France during that country’s religious revolution and begin anew in Belgian.
This is a family business with Curt Kucera first starting some home brewing in his garage. Both his sons, Jake and Chad, also became interested and shaped their education to brewing, Jake responsible for brands, logos and such and Chad who completed a Master Brewer program at Doemens Academy in Munich, Germany.
Acting as our Hostess and Guide was Diane Kucera who is Events Director. The Tasting Room which is adjacent to the actual brewery offers the decor and atmosphere of a neighborhood bar and lounge. Being in charge of events gives Diane opportunities to stage both ticketed and non-tickets programs offering live music and food trucks. One feature is live glass blowing and there is also a Brewer’s Club.
As for the brews they still maintain the Belgian method of brewing and the result is unique beers that often earn awards.
Refuge is a true success story with it now earning the title as the largest brewery in Temecula and all of Riverside County. In addition a major expansion was completed in 2018 at the brewery.
Refuge Brewery is located at 43040 Rancho Way in Temecula, Ca. 92590. Telephone 951551-6659. Tasting Room hours are Monday-Thursday 3 to 9 p.m.; Friday 12 to 9 with a Happy Hour 3 to 5:30 p.m.; Saturday 12 to 9 p..m. and Sunday 12 to 7 p.m.
Our visit to the SugerPlum Zoo and Chocolates proved that there was more to see on the Temecula back country than vineyards and wineries. This is a petting zoo perfect for children and adult photographers. Once we had met Lori Rager, one of the owners, we were soon making acquaintance with Zeus, a Camel that showed less interest in me than me in him. In my dream world I am always riding a camel through the Arabian desert. We were also much taken with Aurora, a Zebra that looked like he had done much sleeping behind open shutters.
It was a very warm day and we could sympathize with Daisy, a Juliana Pig that just wanted to sleep and more of the same.
Of course before we left we had to try some of the chocolates too.
Sugarplum Zoo & Chocolates is located at 39695 Berenda Road in Temecula. There is an admission fee for both adults and children.
On the web atwww.sugerplumfarmoftemecula.com. Tele. 951 239-8694.
This Garden has an interesting history since its founding in 1991. On three and one half acres it was started as a meeting place for Rose growers to exchange concepts and cuttings.
It is not city owned but operates with many volunteers and maintained with donations. It is open every day of the year, from sunrise to sunset, and visitors are always welcome. There is ample off street parking and no admission charge. It was named a certified wildlife sanctuary in 2011 by the National Wildlife Federation and is a member of the American Public Gardens organization.
Rose Haven Heritage Garden can be found at 30592 Jedediah Smith Road and Cabrillo Avenue in Temecula.
While wine is so much a part of the Temecula scene Craft Beers have also achieved a significant presence not only in the city but in the region.
Seldom do we ever visit the area without duly visited one of these Craft Breweries. This time it was Refuge Brewery which first opened its doors in 2012 with the idea of bringing the “ideas and concepts of Old World Belgian breweries” to Temecula. The name Refuge came about from the history of how beer brewing monks had to flee France during that country’s religious revolution and begin anew in Belgian.
This is a family business with Curt Kucera first starting some home brewing in his garage. Both his sons, Jake and Chad, also became interested and shaped their education to brewing, Jake responsible for brands, logos and such and Chad who completed a Master Brewer program at Doemens Academy in Munich, Germany.
Acting as our Hostess and Guide was Diane Kucera who is Events Director. The Tasting Room which is adjacent to the actual brewery offers the decor and atmosphere of a neighborhood bar and lounge. Being in charge of events gives Diane opportunities to stage both ticketed and non-tickets programs offering live music and food trucks. One feature is live glass blowing and there is also a Brewer’s Club.
As for the brews they still maintain the Belgian method of brewing and the result is unique beers that often earn awards.
Refuge is a true success story with it now earning the title as the largest brewery in Temecula and all of Riverside County. In addition a major expansion was completed in 2018 at the brewery.
Refuge Brewery is located at 43040 Rancho Way in Temecula, Ca. 92590. Telephone 951551-6659. Tasting Room hours are Monday-Thursday 3 to 9 p.m.; Friday 12 to 9 with a Happy Hour 3 to 5:30 p.m.; Saturday 12 to 9 p..m. and Sunday 12 to 7 p.m.
Our visit to the SugerPlum Zoo and Chocolates proved that there was more to see on the Temecula back country than vineyards and wineries. This is a petting zoo perfect for children and adult photographers. Once we had met Lori Rager, one of the owners, we were soon making acquaintance with Zeus, a Camel that showed less interest in me than me in him. In my dream world I am always riding a camel through the Arabian desert. We were also much taken with Aurora, a Zebra that looked like he had done much sleeping behind open shutters.
It was a very warm day and we could sympathize with Daisy, a Juliana Pig that just wanted to sleep and more of the same.
Of course before we left we had to try some of the chocolates too.
Sugarplum Zoo & Chocolates is located at 39695 Berenda Road in Temecula. There is an admission fee for both adults and children.
On the web atwww.sugerplumfarmoftemecula.com. Tele. 951 239-8694.
Sunday, August 4, 2019
On the Rancho California Wine Trail we visited Avensole Winery which has an interesting history. Vince Cilurzo and Bud Van Roekel, two of Temecula’s pioneer vintners, first planted the vineyards that now surround Avensole. The Lytton Family acquired the hilltop property and vineyards in 2014, then known as Van Roekel, and renamed it Aversole. These vineyards are more than four decades old and now consistently produce award winning wines. Since 2012 these vintages have received 21 awards.
The restaurant was designed by Susan Lytton, already an experienced interior designer. The result is that one enters a hilltop, park like area offering wide vistas in every direction. There is a complete bar and lounge and then an extensive patio for dining. The menu shows salads, flatbreads like chicken pesto and avocado toast, sandwiches and lunch and dinner daily specials. The mains include salmon, half chicken and shrimp linguini.
Our lunch in this scenic ambiance included stuffed mushrooms, a Avensole burger with caramelize onion and mozzarella cheese, as well as the fish & chips.
Week days the restaurant is open for lunch only. On Saturday and Sunday there is also dinner service and live entertainment.
Avensole Winery is located at 3467 Rancho California Road, Temecula, Ca. 92591. Telephone 951 252-2003, web www.avensolewinery.com..
Then it was back on the De Portola Trail.
Another winery that was new to us was Somerset Vineyard & Winery. But when we arrived there it all looked familiar to us from an earlier time.
The mystery was soon cleared up for on our earlier visits it was named Keystone. Now it was Somerset and we were greeted by Owner Kurt Tiedt.
Arriving at Somerset one passes a most elegant garden with flowering roses and in the distance vineyards. Kurt explained that here the emphasis is on the Rhone styles varietals that originated in the south of France. And promptly we met three that have already won awards. They were Somerset 2018 GRV, a white Rhone blend, Somerset 2018 Viognier and Somerset 2018 Roussanne. Then there were blends like 2017 Le Merridio that included Grenache, Consault and Mourvedre or 2013 El Maestro with Grenache, Syrah and Tempranillo.
The picturesque Somerset Tasting Room is surrounded by greenery covered patios perfect for picnics, tastings or just enjoying the countryside setting.
On weekends things become even more active with live entertainment, special events including food trucks, and dancing.
Kurt invited us on a tour that included the barrel room and then the winery itself with its gleaming stainless steel equipment.
Somerset Vineyard & Winery is located at 37338 De Portola Road, Temecula, Ca. 92592, Telephone 051 751-6892, web www.somersetvineyard.com.
The restaurant was designed by Susan Lytton, already an experienced interior designer. The result is that one enters a hilltop, park like area offering wide vistas in every direction. There is a complete bar and lounge and then an extensive patio for dining. The menu shows salads, flatbreads like chicken pesto and avocado toast, sandwiches and lunch and dinner daily specials. The mains include salmon, half chicken and shrimp linguini.
Our lunch in this scenic ambiance included stuffed mushrooms, a Avensole burger with caramelize onion and mozzarella cheese, as well as the fish & chips.
Week days the restaurant is open for lunch only. On Saturday and Sunday there is also dinner service and live entertainment.
Avensole Winery is located at 3467 Rancho California Road, Temecula, Ca. 92591. Telephone 951 252-2003, web www.avensolewinery.com..
Then it was back on the De Portola Trail.
Another winery that was new to us was Somerset Vineyard & Winery. But when we arrived there it all looked familiar to us from an earlier time.
The mystery was soon cleared up for on our earlier visits it was named Keystone. Now it was Somerset and we were greeted by Owner Kurt Tiedt.
Arriving at Somerset one passes a most elegant garden with flowering roses and in the distance vineyards. Kurt explained that here the emphasis is on the Rhone styles varietals that originated in the south of France. And promptly we met three that have already won awards. They were Somerset 2018 GRV, a white Rhone blend, Somerset 2018 Viognier and Somerset 2018 Roussanne. Then there were blends like 2017 Le Merridio that included Grenache, Consault and Mourvedre or 2013 El Maestro with Grenache, Syrah and Tempranillo.
The picturesque Somerset Tasting Room is surrounded by greenery covered patios perfect for picnics, tastings or just enjoying the countryside setting.
On weekends things become even more active with live entertainment, special events including food trucks, and dancing.
Kurt invited us on a tour that included the barrel room and then the winery itself with its gleaming stainless steel equipment.
Somerset Vineyard & Winery is located at 37338 De Portola Road, Temecula, Ca. 92592, Telephone 051 751-6892, web www.somersetvineyard.com.
Saturday, August 3, 2019
When it comes to food, for us the Italians have it all. But then we might be slightly prejudiced since my Mother was born in Italy.
Which brings us to our recent dining experience at Pechanga Resort’s Paisano’s Restaurant. Located in the Casino Paisano’s opens each evening at 5 p.m.
Once you step into the entrance design, decor and ambiance show that you are in Italy, and one look at the menu told us we were going to have a special dining experience. While admiring all of this we ordered and sipped a cocktail and studied the extensive wine list.
One thing we instantly noted that some local Temecula wines were included and that the list was predominately California with only a small number from Europe.
Veal has always been one of the mainstays of classic Northern Italian cuisine and this menu showed all the traditional favorites, Parmigiana, Marsala, Milanese and to our delight, Osso Buco. When the waiter arrived he, all too soon, had my order for this dish which is braised veal shank, mushroom herb risotto and sun dried tomato pesto. Traditionally it is served with the bone upright on the plate and that is the way ours arrived. Adding to the flavor of the meat was the porto bella mushrooms surrounding the bone.
Another favorite, Calamari Frtto was listed with the Antipasti, and we soon had this in front of us, shared with my dining partner. Other Zuppee Insalate included Caprese and Caesar salad. There are many choices on this menu. Signature dishes included prime filet, braised beef short ribs or pappardelle pasta. My dining partner chose one of Chef Bruno’s daily specials, which was large shrimp and scallops over a pappandelle pasta.
Our wine was Beringer Knight’s Valley 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon. And a noble vintage that we thoroughly enjoyed.
The list of Pastee Risotti showed a Rigatoni with vodka sauce, linguine & clams and a Frutti de mare pasta with a whole variety of seafood while Secondi di Carne has three chicken entrees, the veal dishes and a ribeye steak. Secondi di Pesce offered Cioppino or Branzino, grilled Mediterranean sea bass.
From the dessert menu that offered Tiramisu and Galati Misti we chose the Vanilla Cheesecake with Panacotta and Hazelnut ice cream.
Service matched the surroundings and cuisine with knowledgeable waiters. .
Paisasno’s is open Sunday - Thursday from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Friday and Saturday from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. Telephone 951 770-8066.
Which brings us to our recent dining experience at Pechanga Resort’s Paisano’s Restaurant. Located in the Casino Paisano’s opens each evening at 5 p.m.
Once you step into the entrance design, decor and ambiance show that you are in Italy, and one look at the menu told us we were going to have a special dining experience. While admiring all of this we ordered and sipped a cocktail and studied the extensive wine list.
One thing we instantly noted that some local Temecula wines were included and that the list was predominately California with only a small number from Europe.
Veal has always been one of the mainstays of classic Northern Italian cuisine and this menu showed all the traditional favorites, Parmigiana, Marsala, Milanese and to our delight, Osso Buco. When the waiter arrived he, all too soon, had my order for this dish which is braised veal shank, mushroom herb risotto and sun dried tomato pesto. Traditionally it is served with the bone upright on the plate and that is the way ours arrived. Adding to the flavor of the meat was the porto bella mushrooms surrounding the bone.
Another favorite, Calamari Frtto was listed with the Antipasti, and we soon had this in front of us, shared with my dining partner. Other Zuppee Insalate included Caprese and Caesar salad. There are many choices on this menu. Signature dishes included prime filet, braised beef short ribs or pappardelle pasta. My dining partner chose one of Chef Bruno’s daily specials, which was large shrimp and scallops over a pappandelle pasta.
Our wine was Beringer Knight’s Valley 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon. And a noble vintage that we thoroughly enjoyed.
The list of Pastee Risotti showed a Rigatoni with vodka sauce, linguine & clams and a Frutti de mare pasta with a whole variety of seafood while Secondi di Carne has three chicken entrees, the veal dishes and a ribeye steak. Secondi di Pesce offered Cioppino or Branzino, grilled Mediterranean sea bass.
From the dessert menu that offered Tiramisu and Galati Misti we chose the Vanilla Cheesecake with Panacotta and Hazelnut ice cream.
Service matched the surroundings and cuisine with knowledgeable waiters. .
Paisasno’s is open Sunday - Thursday from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Friday and Saturday from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. Telephone 951 770-8066.
Friday, August 2, 2019
Once again we were on a visit to Temecula to explore its wine country and again it started with check in at Pechanga Resort Casino. With the completion of the North Tower there are one thousand sixty rooms making it the largest Casino in California. One of the things we immediately noticed was how Pechanga has evolved into a family oriented Resort. Parents with small children were everywhere and the pool and outdoor areas are especially popular for all ages.
Our room on the fourth floor included a private cabana outside with two club styled chairs and a table perfect for relaxation at any time, day or night.
However we were soon on our way for a full day of exploring what was new on Temecula’s De Portola Wine Trail. What we discovered was that it should now be called De Portola Wine and Food Trail.
This was our first visit to Robert Renzoni Vineyards and their extensive tasting room and restaurant. It commands a hilltop with striking views of surrounding vineyards. Here we met Phillip Randall, general manager, who acting as our host led us through a tasting of some most interesting wines, many from Italian varietals. These included Sangiovese, Barbara and Montepulciano which has such a commanding presence in northern Italy.
The family has an history with the beverage business extending over 100 years, first as an importer and later as a wholesale liquor dealer serving upper New York State. Then the family decided to move to California and purchased the scenic property on De Portola Road.
So it was that we sat at Mama Rosa’s Trattoria, on the outdoor patio, to enjoy our outstanding pizza while viewing the vineyards that were to be seen in every direction. This Trattoria features a full menu of Italian specialties to accompany the vintages
Robert Renzoni Vineyards is located at 37350 De Portola Road in Temecula, Ca. 92592, For hours call 951 302 8466, web www robertrenzonivineyards.com..
Our room on the fourth floor included a private cabana outside with two club styled chairs and a table perfect for relaxation at any time, day or night.
However we were soon on our way for a full day of exploring what was new on Temecula’s De Portola Wine Trail. What we discovered was that it should now be called De Portola Wine and Food Trail.
This was our first visit to Robert Renzoni Vineyards and their extensive tasting room and restaurant. It commands a hilltop with striking views of surrounding vineyards. Here we met Phillip Randall, general manager, who acting as our host led us through a tasting of some most interesting wines, many from Italian varietals. These included Sangiovese, Barbara and Montepulciano which has such a commanding presence in northern Italy.
The family has an history with the beverage business extending over 100 years, first as an importer and later as a wholesale liquor dealer serving upper New York State. Then the family decided to move to California and purchased the scenic property on De Portola Road.
So it was that we sat at Mama Rosa’s Trattoria, on the outdoor patio, to enjoy our outstanding pizza while viewing the vineyards that were to be seen in every direction. This Trattoria features a full menu of Italian specialties to accompany the vintages
Robert Renzoni Vineyards is located at 37350 De Portola Road in Temecula, Ca. 92592, For hours call 951 302 8466, web www robertrenzonivineyards.com..
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