Cafe Champagne

Throughout the countryside of Temecula are numerous wineries, all bringing
something significant to the table. A couple are most memorable, one being the
Thorton Winery. This magnificent stone building set high on the hill produces
what would otherwise pass for some tasty champagne if it were made in the
necessary town of France. Besides Thorton's wonderful gift shop, they boast one
of the best restaurants in the area, Cafe Champagne. The sparkling wines they
serve here are a nice change after a day of wine tasting. The highly acclaimed
Chef, Steve Pickell has been touted one of the very best in the San Diego/Inland
Empire area and creates the most marvelous cuisine to compliment the each of
their sparkling wines. The menu pairs seemingly odd ingredients, but the results
are ingenious. The Warm Brie en Croute with Honey & Walnuts encases a round
of brie in delicate phyllo, baked golden and topped with warmed honey and
walnuts. I felt a bit lost when it first arrived, looking for crackers or something, a
fork was all that was necessary. One tug at the flaky layers and the creamy
cheese came oozing out, mingling with the honey and walnuts I couldn't believe
this was an appetizer and not dessert! It's been hard pulling myself away from
this dish, it's quite haunting. It was only professional reasons that I've tried
anything else, and I've been rewarded nicely, amazed with every bite of the
Grilled Filet Mignon topped with red flame grape halves and a warm Roquefort
Sauce. At lunch the Roasted Sweet Pepper Grilled Eggplant Sandwich was a
delight with an open-faced toasted baguette generous with goat cheese and
onions, drizzled with a basil pesto. Accompanying this was a simple
Mediterranean salad tossing arugula, spinach, feta cheese and Kalamata olives in
a light dressing. More mind boggling was the Warm Halibut Salad which my
husband ordered. At first I thought it was a frivolous choice when so many other
things sounded better. Described as "crushed tortilla crusted halibut, mixed
greens, crisp peppered bacon, orange sections and apricot vinaigrette", let me
tell you this it the best halibut dish I've ever had. The fillet was not only moist
and tender, but possessed a sweetness I couldn't believe. I just can't say
enough about the food here. Their prices are by no means cheap, but their food
warrants the cost, and I walk away every time feeling it was a fair trade.

Located at 32575 Rancho California Road in Temecula.

Telephone (951) 699-0088