Today I attended Thornton Winerys annual BBQ class. While I am well aware of the award winning wines that this fine Temecula winery produces, I had never had the occasion to visit their restaurant or attend one of their cooking classes. I now know what I have been missing.
When we arrived, each of us found on the table a detailed itinerary describing the ingredients and preparation guidelines for each of the dishes. Even more exciting for many of us were the five wine glasses stacked in front of our place setting. Of course, the courteous staff kept our glasses filled with their fine Temecula wines while the charming and informative Chef Steve Pickell filled our stomachs.
Chef Pickell taught our two hour class how to prepare five amazing dishes. He started with a very fresh grilled panzanella salad. I have never considered salad as a food to prepare on the BBQ, yet it was thoroughly enjoyed and most had seconds. Next came the hearty grilled flatbread with caramelized onions and sausage. Once again, few of us expected a flat bread dish to come off the BBQ? Our next course was grilled corn on the cob and braided short rib sliders with BBQ sauce prepared from scratch. Each of us continuously wrote notes and took photos so we would not forget any of the chefs tips. Finally, a dish that no one would expect from any gourmet restaurant -- grilled sugar donuts. This dish was as tasty as all of the other dishes.
Beside me sat a very humorous but slightly pompous chef from a the most prestigious hotel restaurant in Dana Point. He told me that when he heard his wife had signed him up for this BBQ class out in Temecula for his birthday, he had low expectations. He said -- I kind of expected that the presenting chef would sound kinda French and tell us that he would teach us his two BBQ secrets. First, how to prepare de hota-doga wis de vertical stripes and second how to prepare de hota-doga wis horizontal stripes. This chef then changed his tone and said – I totally underestimated this winery's cooking talent. I learned that I will become a regular buyer of Thornton wine! I saw 5-star service during what could have been serviced as a casual affair. I also thank Chef Pickell for his Balsamic Vinegar, Thornton red wine and sugar idea.
Many people seem to underestimate Temecula wineries and their cooking talent. I suggest that people take take a trip to Temecula for either a wine tasting party or a special meal at Thornton and the other Temecula wineries. Like this visiting chef, we expect that you will change your tone about the Temecula wine valley and have a highly rewarding visit. You might start with one of Thornton Wineries upcoming classes with Chef Pickell or the weekly jazz concerts. In such a small venue under the stars, no one will get a bad seat. You can reach Thornton Winery for restaurant or concert reservations at (951) 699-0099.
David Cragg is the manager of ten Temecula Winery web sites including Temecula-wineries.net. David Cragg, covers the exciting Temecula Wineries and their ever popular Temecula wine.
Click the XML Icon Above to Receive Wine Articles Via RSS!
