May 2, 2014 • www.myvalleynews.com • The Valley News
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TASTE from page A-1 “The increasing variety is probably the biggest thing,” Katan said. “There’s a diverse group of restaurants that’s just amazing; there’s sushi, there’s African food, there’s Indian food and the major wineries are here, too.” Many of the restaurants and wineries that attended the event were there for the very first time. Mama’s Cucina Italiana represented Pala Casino at the event and Lead Chef Luciano Cibelli was whipping up a variety of culinary creations to tantalize taste buds such as lobster ravioli. In addition to the pasta, Cibelli concocted a three item dessert menu which consisted of classic European treats like pana cotta, crème brulee and macaroons. The restaurant’s menu was keeping their booth at the festival extremely busy as people flocked to get a taste of classic Italian cooking, according to Cibelli. The festival didn’t just provide a chance for established area businesses to show off their culinary chops, it also allowed the new kids on the block to show what they’re made of. Panini and Hops, a restaurant which had its grand opening the same day as the festival, was sharing its menu of several different panini choices. Owner Sam Macaluso said he was inspired to start a restaurant because of a trip he took to Hawaii. He was looking in his fridge, he said, and there were a loose scattering of ingredients that included chicken breast, pear, pesto and ciabatta bread. “So I decided to make a sandwich and got a brick and took it out to the barbeque outside and pressed it,” Macaluso said. “And everyone in my family was like, ‘what did you put in this?’ and that’s how we created the Pesto Chicken which is on our menu.” But in spite of its high end culinary appearance, the event was still very much about area students and finding ways to help and honor them. There were a number of presentations that took place, but in one of them students were awarded for
Pala Resort’s Mama Cucina Italiana restaraunt’s chef team at the 2014 Taste of Temecula.
From left, Gail Taylor, Ray Meers and Charlene Meers, dance to the live music of the band Entouraj during the 4th annual Taste of Temecula.
their effort to be environmentally conscious. American Residential Services’ Think Green Competition asked students from grades four through twelve how people could be more green and eco-friendly in their daily lives. Area students Paisley Trent, Matthew Schore and Miranda Schulz all took home awards for their green project or proposal. Now with the conclusion of the event, Katan said he’s already starting to plan for next year. “We start as soon as this one ends,” he said. “We’re already making contacts today.” To comment on this story online, visit www.myvalleynews.com.
The Jolly Express shuttles families in front of the Temecula Civic Center during the 2014 Taste of Temecula on Saturday April 26, 2014.
Executive chefs for Mama’s Cucina Italiana at Pala Resort, Luciano Cibelli (left) and Robert Camerota, participate at the 2014 Taste of Temecula.
Guests attending the 2014 Taste of Temecula were introduced to a wide array of local food, wine and brew patrons.
Chris and Karen Lambert of Temecula enjoy some of the offerings from the many local vendors at the Taste of Temecula on Saturday Shane Gibson photos April 26, 2014.
2014
Installation & Awards Evening
PROM NIGHT!
May 31, 2014 6-11 p.m.
Dinner, entertainment, dancing, awards and more! at Pechanga Resort and Casino, 45000 Pechanga Parkway, Temecula.
MENIFEE VALLEY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE CALENDAR OF EVENTS FOR MAY 2014 May 3 – 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Community Shred Day at 1654 Illinois Avenue Unit 3, Perris May 10 – 4-7 p.m. Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting for Marco’s Pizza, 27701 Scott Road, Menifee. May 13 – 9-11 a.m. SCORE Workshop Marketing and Promotion-Finding your Niche in room 805 at MSJC 28237 La Piedra Road, Menifee. May 14 – 5:30-7:30 p.m. Chamber Mixer at Miller-Jones Mortuary, 26770 Murrieta Road, Sun City. May 20 – 9-11:30 a.m. SBDC Workshop State Payroll Tax Workshop at the Menifee Valley Chamber of Commerce Conference Room, 29737 New Hub Drive. Suite 102, Menifee. May 21 – 7:30-8:45 a.m. “COFFEE” at Cherry Hills Club, 28333 Valley Blvd. Sun City. May 28 – 8 a.m. Ambassador Meeting at the Chamber office, 29737 New Hub Drive. Suite 102, Menifee. May 28 – 11:45 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Student of the Year at Storm Stadium, 500 Diamond Drive, Lake Elsinore. May 31 – 6-11 p.m. Back to the Future Prom Annual Installation Dinner and Awards at Pechanga Resort and Casino’s Grand Ballroom, 45000 Pechanga Parkway, Temecula. Tickets and Information: (951) 672-1991.
Visit us at
menifeevalleychamber.com