Thornton Temecula Winerys BBQ Class
Posted: Monday, June 15, 2009
by Dave Gregory
Temecula Wineries
Today I attended Thornton Winerys annual BBQ class. While I am well aware of the fine wines and ch
When we arrived, each of us found on the table a detailed guidebook describing the ingredients and preparation guidelines for each of the five foods they would prepare. Even more exciting for many of us were the six 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 friendly and informative Executive 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 doubt that I had ever considered salad as a dish to prepare on the BBQ, yet it was well received and most had seconds. Next came the tasty grilled flatbread with caramelized onions and sausage. Once again, I would never have expected a flat bread entrée to come off the BBQ? Our next dish was grilled corn on the cob and braided short rib sliders with BBQ sauce prepared from scratch. Each of us quickly wrote notes and snapped photos so we would not overlook any of the chefs advice. Finally, a dish that no one could have expect from any gourmet restaurant -- grilled sugar donuts. This dish was as tasty as all of the other dishes.
Sitting next to me was a very humorous but slightly pompous chef from a the most prestigious hotel restaurant in Dana Point. He shared with me that when he heard his wife had signed him up for this BBQ class way out in Temecula for his birthday, he had very 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 corrected himself and said – I totally underestimated this winery's cooking talent. I learned that I completely enjoy Thornton wine! I saw 5-star service during what could have been serviced as a very casual affair. Finally, I thank Chef Pickell for his Balsamic Vinegar, Thornton red wine and sugar idea.
Many people underestimate Temecula wineries and their cooking talent. I recommend 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 memorable 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 http://Temecula-wineries.net. David Cragg, covers the exciting Temecula Wineries and their ever popular Temecula wine.
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