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This is one of my favorite editions to put together because food is such a powerful connector. It’s not just about what’s on the plate—it’s about the stories, traditions, and communities behind every bite. And here in Temecula, those stories are rich and worth celebrating.
This month’s cover story honors Hispanic Heritage Month with a spotlight on the farmers of Old Town Temecula’s Farmers Market. From vibrant protea fields to homemade salsas, fresh berries, and more, these growers remind us that food represents history, culture, and resilience—all in one.
Inside, you’ll find an issue packed with flavor AND full of reasons to explore, taste, and share!
I hope my love for Temecula’s food culture shines through in these pages. Our region’s culinary scene is growing in exciting ways, and whether you’re savoring something new at the market or dining at a local favorite, there’s always more to discover. Drop me a note and tell me what you’re tasting this season—I’d love to hear your favorites.
Here’s to food, community, and stories worth savoring.
DESIREE ALLEN, MANAGING EDITOR @TEMECULACITYLIFESTYLE
October 2025
PUBLISHER
Sean Arnett | sean.arnett@citylifestyle.com
MANAGING EDITOR
Desiree Allen | desiree.allen@citylifestyle.com
SALES DIRECTOR
Sean Arnett
PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
Desiree Allen
INTERNS
Emma Mangan, Ariana Vinh
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Ava Sarnowski, Chris Comella, Desiree Allen
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Shawna Sarnowski, Nathan Box
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF SALES Andrew Leaders
AD DESIGNER Matthew Endersbe
LAYOUT DESIGNER Amanda Schilling
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Megan Cagle
Temecula was honored to welcome students from our Sister City, Daisen, Japan. 2: The Daisen Student Breakfast celebrated global friendship and the lasting bond between Temecula and Daisen. 3: A morning of shared connection.
Join Voices for Children on October 4, 2025, celebrating 45 years at Starry Starry Night — biggest event of the year. Enjoy great food, live music, dancing, and moving stories from CASA volunteers. Every dollar raised supports our CASA program in San Diego County, bringing hope and stability to children in foster care.
The Vineyard Rose Restaurant at South Coast Winery Resort & Spa has earned the 2025 Wine Spectator Award of Excellence—its third consecutive honor. One of only four Temecula restaurants recognized, The Vineyard Rose was praised for its 150-label wine list and 1,800-bottle cellar, featuring South Coast’s award-winning varietals alongside global selections. Guests enjoy Executive Chef Jonathan Alcala’s seasonal California cuisine in a Tuscan-inspired dining room overlooking 63 acres of estate vineyards.
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ARTICLE BY AVA SARNOWSKI | PHOTOGRAPHY BY SHAWNA SARNOWSKI
LOCAL GROWERS SHARE THEIR TRADITIONS, FLAVORS, AND FAMILY LEGACIES AT OLD TOWN TEMECULA’S WEEKLY MARKET.
Every Saturday morning, before the sun fully crests over the hills, Old Town Temecula begins to stir with life. Vendors pull back the canopies of their stalls, baskets of produce are lined up in neat rows, and the aroma of roasted coffee mingles with the sweetness of fresh fruit. It’s more than a farmers market— it’s a gathering place where stories are exchanged as often as recipes, and where culture is passed down through every crop, bouquet, and jar.
This month, as we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, the spotlight shines on the many Hispanic growers whose journeys bring them here each week. For them, farming is not only about food but also about identity, perseverance, and sharing pieces of home with their community.
Old Town Temecula’s farmers market thrives because heritage and community grow side by side, keeping traditions alive through every flower, fruit, and flavor shared.
Flowers with a Legacy
Resendiz Brothers Protea Growers will be celebrating its tenth anniversary as participants in the Old Town Temecula Farmers Market. Rosie Resendiz launched their presence at the market with the goal of sharing California-grown, freshcut flowers with the local community. They offer an extensive selection of protea, pincushions, banksia, kangaroo paws, Leucadendron, filler flowers, and foliage.
“Over the years, we’ve cultivated a loyal customer base who return regularly for our one-ofa-kind custom bouquets. I take great pride in personally designing these arrangements while customers shop, ensuring each bouquet is tailored to their preferences. I’m grateful to my father, whose dedication to growing these beautiful South African and Australian flowers makes it all possible,” Resendiz said.
Ismael Resendiz’s career within the floral industry began when he and his brothers immigrated to California in 1977. Their background had been in farming in different parts of Mexico. Ismael took on a temporary position as a farmhand at Zorro Protea Farms, discovering his passion for flowers and plants. With time, he became the manager and employed members of his family. Two experienced protea growers, Howard Asper Sr. and Dr. Peter Sacks, would also teach them all that they knew.
Dr. Sacks and Ismael would then become partners of a ten-acre property, now known as Rainbow Crest. It is a small community in Northern San Diego County, often considered a part of Fallbrook, containing the perfect soil conditions and climate for expanding growing grounds. Today, it houses some of California’s most beautiful proteas, pincushions, and Leucadendron. Though Zorro Protea Farms would close its doors, the Resendiz’s passion endured as they founded their own business, Resendiz Brothers Protea Growers. Their goal has remained unchanged for years, to provide the freshest floral products for every customer. For the holiday season, they feature a festive selection of handcrafted arrangements, including pumpkin displays, cornucopias, holiday centerpieces, and wreaths. Each one is made with farm-fresh flowers.
From San Luis Obispo County, another accomplished farmer sells her produce at the Old Town Temecula Farmers Market. When her son veered from his initial plans of attending college and instead joined the army, his absence weighed heavily on her heart. To combat her sadness, she followed through on his suggestion to start something that she liked. Her business began with selling blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries. During the Covid19 pandemic, she expanded her line of produce to include flavorful zucchinis, tomatoes, and eggs. She grows strawberries in her yard, which she uses to create her own jams. Her customers confirm the quality of her tomatoes, claiming they lack the acidic taste and thick outer skin sometimes found in store-bought produce.
Mushrooms for the Mind and Body
Mythic Mushrooms has been in business for four years, visiting the Old Town Temecula Farmers Market every Saturday. They are an indoor farm based in Hemet, one that also grows everything they offer. From blue or pink oysters, lion’s mane, chestnut, shiitake, brown beech, and pink trumpets; each of their flavors has great health benefits. In addition, they sell mushroom powders.
The benefits of using mushroom powders have been life-changing for Jackie, one of the creative minds behind Mythic Mushrooms. Having dealt with anxiety and depression for many years, she spoke about her frustrations with the medications she had been on. She confirms the credibility of the mushroom powders, revealing that they aided her in feeling like herself again.
“Some of them, like lion’s mane, are great for ADHD. Mothers will come and get those for their kids. We try to keep everything affordable; that way, people can get the medicine they need because there aren’t a lot of mushroom farmers out there. Watching them grow is amazing,” Jackie said.
The process can be extensive, but once blocks are colonized and cuts are made to bags, fresh mushrooms will be ready to harvest in two weeks. They often double in size after one day. Just a teaspoon is needed per serving, and they offer bags containing between fifty and sixty servings. Adding it to coffee, tea with honey, smoothies, or soup once a day is enough to experience the benefits.
CONTINUED >
Luis Alberto remembers growing up with fresh salsa every day. After moving out of his parents’ home, he was disappointed by the limited options available in most stores. While he initially began his business by cooking tortillas, he would soon create his own salsas. His flavors are guaranteed to include herbs that many have never tried before. Be it roasted mango, creamy jalapeno or cherry tomato, each one is a delicious treat. Their chips are sprouted corn, stone-ground, and cooked in coconut oil, resulting in a noticeable crispness.
It was during his time in college, working as an orange seller at farmers' markets, that he saw a window of opportunity for his own business endeavors.
Today, “Acapico Salsa” can be found at ten locations every week, including the Old Town Temecula Farmers Market. For five years, Alberto has watched the lives of his customers unfold with each visit, going from college graduates to having families of their own. “It’s a community event; that’s what I love the most about it,” Alberto said.
Each of these stories is a reminder that the farmers market is more than a venue for commerce—it is a living reflection of culture, family, and perseverance. For many Hispanic farmers, the soil is a link between past and future, between the places they came from and the communities they now nurture.
As Hispanic Heritage Month reminds us, celebrating heritage means honoring the hands that plant, harvest, and share. It means tasting a tomato that carries a mother’s resilience, admiring a bouquet born from decades of dedication, or savoring salsa rooted in memory and invention. At Old Town Temecula’s farmers market, heritage isn’t just remembered—it’s alive, thriving, and served fresh every Saturday.
THE UNSUNG HERO OF YOUR HEALTH GOALS
ARTICLE BY CHRIS COMELLA -
Protein. It’s not just for bodybuilders. Whether your goal is weight loss, muscle gain, or simply avoiding that mid-morning crash, protein plays a critical role in helping you get there. Yet many people underestimate both how powerful it is and how much they actually need. Spoiler: it’s more than you think.
PROTEIN: THE APPETITE WHISPERER
One of protein’s superpowers is appetite control. Higher protein intake boosts satiety hormones like GLP-1, peptide YY, and cholecystokinin (don’t worry about pronouncing them—just know they’re on your side). These hormones signal your brain that you’re full, helping you eat less without white-knuckling through hunger. In simple terms, protein keeps you satisfied longer and can naturally reduce how many calories you eat in a day.
MUSCLE GAINS (AND WHY IT MATTERS EVEN IF YOU’RE NOT “BULKING”)
Muscle isn’t only about looks. Lean muscle burns more energy, even at rest, which means a higher resting metabolic rate. The more muscle you carry, the more calories your body uses even when you’re lounging on the couch. Protein, paired with strength training, delivers the amino acids your muscles need to grow and recover. You won’t “accidentally bulk up,” but you will build a stronger, more efficient body that resists aging and feels capable.
WHERE TO GET YOUR PROTEIN FIX
Protein doesn’t just come from chicken breast or shakes. Mix up your sources for variety and nutrition:
ANIMAL PROTEINS
• Turkey
• Lean beef or bison
• Chicken
• Salmon, sardines, tuna, trout (bonus: omega-3s)
• Egg whites (Tip: a 2:1 egg white-to-whole egg ratio gives ~15g protein to 5g fat.)
DAIRY SOURCES
• Milk
• Yogurt
• Cheese (yes, in moderation)
PLANT-BASED PROTEINS
• Beans
• Chickpeas
• Lentils
Rotating your protein sources keeps meals interesting and ensures you’re getting a broad mix of nutrients.
HOW MUCH PROTEIN DO YOU ACTUALLY NEED?
This depends on your goals, body composition, and lifestyle. There’s no one-sizefits-all, but here are useful starting points:
• Weight Loss: 30–35% of daily calories from protein, or ~0.7–1 g per kilogram of lean body mass.
• Muscle Gain: Closer to 40% of daily calories, or ~1.5 g per kilogram of your target lean mass weight.
Keep in mind these numbers and formulas are merely guidelines, not commandments. Your lifestyle, mindset, discipline level, and even your grocery budget all play a role in what’s realistic and sustainable for you. The key is to be open to experimentation. You might need to try a few different approaches to find what feels best. Talk to your nutrition coach, be willing to test out new foods, and don’t be afraid to adjust your protein intake based on how your body responds.
THE BOTTOM LINE
Protein isn’t just for athletes or “fitness people.” It’s a fundamental nutrient that supports appetite control, muscle maintenance, and overall metabolic health. Whether you’re trying to lose weight, build strength, or simply feel more energized throughout the day, protein needs to be a bigger priority on your plate. And if you’re still not sure where to start, that’s what we’re here for. Let’s create a plan that works for you. No fad diets, no extreme restrictions, just smart strategies that fit your lifestyle.
“Quick Protein Boosts. Start with Greek yogurt or a protein smoothie, snack on eggs or roasted chickpeas, and pair beans with lean meats for extra staying power.”
Where flavor, memory, and design come together in kitchens built for real life.
ARTICLE BY DESIREE ALLEN PHOTOGRAPHY BY NATHAN BOX
Whether it’s the clink of wine glasses during golden-hour appetizers or a quiet Sunday morning over coffee and sourdough, the kitchen is where flavor, memory, and design collide. For Box Construction, crafting a kitchen isn’t just about finishes — it’s about creating a space that supports the rituals of cooking, entertaining, and living well.
In their recent custom projects, from a modern Meadowview home with art deco flair to a warm Murrieta kitchen filled with texture and intention, Box Construction shows what it means to design for both beauty and function. These aren’t kitchens styled for the moment. They’re built to be lived in — to hold family dinners, celebrations, and everyday moments with ease.
Melissa and her team approach every project with detail-driven intention, from hidden spice racks and pop-up outlets to custom cabinet organization that makes prep seamless. Touches like coffee stations, wine bars, and artisanal tile extend both convenience and personality. Natural stone, hand-painted finishes, and hardware with evolving patina add layers of meaning.
As fall brings roasted vegetables, red wine, and hearty gatherings, Box Construction proves a kitchen can be more than practical. It can be the heart of a home — where stories unfold and connection thrives.
Box Construction creates kitchens that go beyond function — spaces that nourish connection, celebrate the seasons, and turn daily routines into memorable moments. From hidden spice racks to artisanal tile, Box Construction redefines what a kitchen can be: practical, personal, and built to last a lifetime.
At Lorimar Vineyards & Winery in Temecula, flavor is more than a pairing — it’s a celebration. Whether it’s a crisp salad drizzled with balsamic, a toasted panini with fries, or a table brimming with flatbreads, burrata, and roasted vegetables, Lorimar knows that great wine is best enjoyed alongside food worth lingering over.
From robust reds to refreshing whites, Lorimar’s wines are crafted to complement their scratch-made menu. A glass of Syrah finds its perfect match in a savory panini, while a chilled Chardonnay elevates the freshness of seasonal greens. Each bite is intentional, each sip designed to heighten the experience.
The energy at Lorimar is as inviting as the wine itself. Guests can enjoy golden afternoons on the patio, casual tastings with friends, or lively evenings filled with music, laughter, and shared plates. Whether it’s a sunny pour on the lawn or a festive night under twinkling lights, the atmosphere blends vineyard elegance with warm hospitality.
What sets Lorimar apart is its devotion to pairing culinary creativity with winemaking artistry. This is food made for wine lovers and wine made for food lovers — a true balance of craft. From burrata with garden-fresh tomatoes to artisanal flatbreads topped with basil and balsamic, every dish feels like a discovery.
At Lorimar Vineyards, the table is always set for connection. Come for the wine, stay for the food, and leave with memories of flavors that linger long after the glass is empty.
Savor flatbreads, burrata, roasted Brussels, paninis, and seasonal salads — each crafted to pair perfectly with Lorimar’s Syrah, Chardonnay, and Cabernet. From lawn tastings to live music nights under string lights, every visit blends bold flavors, fine wine, and unforgettable vineyard vibes.
ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES
There’s something deeply satisfying about a well-made sandwich—especially when it comes together with minimal effort but delivers big on flavor. As the season changes and appetites grow heartier, fall is the perfect time to get creative with ingredients tucked between slices of crusty bread or buttery rolls. Whether you’re looking to upgrade your lunch routine, enjoy comforting flavors and bold textures, or impress guests with a no-fuss meal, these easy-tomake sandwiches strike the perfect balance between simple and sensational.
INGREDIENTS
• 2 slices crusty bread (sourdough, ciabatta, French bread)
• 6 oz roast beef
• 2 slices provolone cheese
• 2 tbsp butter (for toasting)
INSTRUCTIONS
• 2 ½ tbsp mayonnaise
• 1 tbsp horseradish sauce
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• Arugula
• Cherry tomato
• Caramelized onions
Toast the bread. Butter one side of each slice and toast in a skillet until golden. Heat roast beef briefly in a pan. To make the spread, mix mayo, horseradish sauce, and Dijon. Spread on the toasted bread. Layer roast beef, cheese, and broil briefly to melt. Add arugula, tomato, and caramelized onions if using. Top with the second slice of bread.
INGREDIENTS
• 1 grilled chicken breast
• 2 slices pepper jack cheese
• 2 slices cooked bacon
• 1 tbsp fruit jam (fig, raspberry, or jalapeño recommended)
INSTRUCTIONS
• A handful of fresh arugula
• 3–4 cherry tomatoes (halved)
• 1 tbsp garlic aioli
• 1 brioche bun (toasted)
Lightly butter the inside of the bun and toast in a skillet or oven until golden brown. Spread a layer of garlic aioli on the bottom bun. Add the sliced grilled chicken breast. Place the pepper jack cheese over the hot chicken to slightly melt it. Layer on the crispy bacon slices. Add halved cherry tomatoes and a small handful of arugula. Spread the jam on the top bun. Enjoy!
INGREDIENTS
• 3 oz goat cheese
• Fresh arugula
• ¼ cup caramelized onions
• 1 pear, thinly sliced
INSTRUCTIONS
• Honey, to taste
• Butter for toasting the bread
• Rotisserie chicken breast thinly sliced
• Sourdough bread, buttered (optional)
Spread goat cheese on one side of the bread. Top the cheese with arugula, caramelized onions, sliced pears and chicken breast. Drizzle with honey. Top with remaining slice of sourdough bread. Use a griddle or panini press to heat the sandwich.
INGREDIENTS
• French bread loaf, halved lengthwise
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• ¼ cup olive oil
• 1 tsp thyme or rosemary
• Salt, pepper, chili flakes (optional)
INSTRUCTIONS
• 8 oz fresh mozzarella, sliced
• 1 cup arugula
• 2–4 tbsp pesto (thinned with olive oil)
• Balsamic glaze
• Optional: 4 slices prosciutto
• Fresh basil
Toss cherry tomatoes with olive oil, garlic, herbs, salt, and pepper. Roast at 375°F for 20–25 minutes until soft and caramelized. Brush bread with olive oil. Toast in the oven at 375°F for 5–7 minutes until crisp. Layer mozzarella slices on the toasted bread. Add fresh basil. Return to the oven for 3–5 minutes, just until melted. Optional: Top with roasted tomatoes, arugula, and prosciutto (if using). Drizzle with pesto and balsamic glaze.
ARTICLE BY DESIREE ALLEN
In the heart of Temecula Wine Country, artist Isabel Lemus has found a way to blend sustainability, creativity, and community through her unique art brand, Cork Divine. Featured in the May 2024 Ladies Issue of Temecula City Lifestyle, Isabel has quickly become known for transforming humble wine corks into striking works of art that capture the spirit of wine culture and the region itself.
Each piece is handcrafted and shaped into hearts, wine bottles, glasses, and even silhouettes of California. These designs do more than decorate — they tell a story. Every cork holds the memory of a toast, a celebration, or a quiet evening; Isabel reimagines them as timeless keepsakes.
Recently, Isabel created custom cork sets for Temecula City Lifestyle, crafted with care and offered as thoughtful mementos for local wineries. Displayed on tasting room counters or shared with wine club members, these creations leave an immediate impression — they are personal, inventive, and rooted in the very product that defines Temecula.
For Isabel, Cork Divine isn’t just about artistry; it’s about connection. Her pieces remind us that wine is more than a pour in a glass — it’s an experience, a memory, and a community. With every cork she reimagines, Isabel continues to celebrate Temecula’s wine country in a way that’s fresh, beautiful, and deeply meaningful.
LEARN MORE:
• Perfect For: Winery displays, wine club gifts, tasting room décor
• Why It Matters: Sustainable art that celebrates wine country memories
• Local Connection: Handcrafted in Temecula, inspired by community and celebration
GALLERY • GIFT SHOP • ART SCHOOL
E x p l o r e t h e a r t s i n e v e r y f o r m h a n d s - o n c l a s s e s ,
i n s p i r i n g e x h i b i t i o n s , a n d p u b l i c a r t w o v e n t h r o u g h o u r
c h a r m i n g v i l l a g e
F a l l b r o o k C e n t e r f o r t h e A r t s i s h o m e t o :
F a l l b r o o k A r t C e n t e r : S e e & B u y
F a l l b r o o k S c h o o l o f t h e A r t s : L e a r n & S h o w
A r t i n P u b l i c P l a c e s : T o u r o u r T o w n
J u s t a s h o r t d r i v e f r o m T e m e c u l a !
V i s i t u s o n l i n e a t w w w . f a l l b r o o k a r t s i n c . o r g
1 0 3 S M a i n A v e , F a l l b r o o k , C A 9 2 0 2 8 • 7 6 0 7 2 8 1 4 1 4
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Lifestyle photography for the Temecula Valley and Beyond! Let us capture the special moments in your family’s life! The big game, that special performance or a day at the beach. We’ll capture your Star’s Big Moment!
SHAWNASARNOWSKIPHOTOGRAPHY.COM
OCTOBER 2025
HAPPY HOUR: MONDAY - FRIDAY
Ponte Vineyard - Happy Hour
35001 Rancho California Road, Temecula, CA 92591
Join us down in The Cellar, a refined hideaway and Temecula Wine Country’s premier full-service bar. Indulge in signature cocktails, craft beer, and a full dining menu. Our stage features live entertainment on Friday and Saturday evenings from 7 – 11 p.m.
EACH FRIDAY & SATURDAY IN OCTOBER
Haunted Corn Maze at the Carlsbad Strawberry Company
1050 Cannon Road, Carlsbad CA 92008
The annual Haunted Corn Maze is now open! Every Friday and Saturday in October from 7-10 pm, come feel the fright and fun with every twist and turn within this maze —all in support of environmental education! If you are brave enough, help scare for a cause and make this fundraiser unforgettable
SEPTEMBER 16TH - OCTOBER 18TH
Center's
103 South Main Ave, Fallbrook
Experience the beauty of the Southwest at Fallbrook’s Inaugural Southwest Artistry Exhibition. Featuring regional artists, unique mediums, and cultural influences, this showcase celebrates creativity and heritage. Stroll the galleries, meet the artists, and immerse yourself in an inspiring blend of tradition and contemporary expression. A must-see event for art lovers and the community alike.
OCTOBER 1ST - 31ST
Big Horse Corn Maze
33320 Temecula Parkway, Temecula
Get lost in fall fun at the Big Horse Corn Maze, Southern California’s largest! Wind your way through towering corn stalks, enjoy festive activities, and celebrate the season with family and friends. Perfect for all ages, the maze is a Temecula autumn tradition you won’t want to miss.
OCTOBER 13TH
Bear Creek Golf Club 22640 Bear Creek Dr N, Murrieta, CA 92562 | All Day
On October 13, 2025, the SAFE Family Justice Center hosts its Swing for SAFE Charity Golf Classic at Bear Creek Golf Club in Murrieta. Enjoy a full day of golf while supporting families affected by abuse. Sponsorships and foursomes available. Visit the event link or contact mollysoliman@safefamiliesca.org to reserve your spot.
OCTOBER 14TH
Tea in the Garden Series
Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa | 12:00 PM
Come in tour finest high-tea attire and immerse yourself in the "Mad Hatter's Tea Party" at Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa. On October 14, starting at 12 pm, the next Tea in the Garden will be hosted featuring custom-blended teas, tea-infused cocktails, a themed menu, and Wonderland inspired delights. Tickets are priced at $81.88; Don't miss it!
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