Thorntons BBQ Class

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Today I visited Thornton Winery for their annual BBQ class. While I am well aware of the fine wines and champagnes that this Temecula winery produces, I had never had the occasion to 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 handbook 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 many of Thornton Winery fine Temecula wines while the entertaining and informative Chef Steve Pickell filled our stomachs.

The chef led our two hour class how to prepare five different foods. 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 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 dish to come off the BBQ? Our next course was grilled corn on the cob and braided short rib sliders with BBQ sauce made from scratch. Each of us quickly wrote notes and snapped photos so we would not overlook any of the chefs tips. Finally, a dish that no one would expect from any upscale restaurant -- grilled sugar donuts. This dish was as tasty as any of the others.

Sitting next to me was 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 way 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 hotdog wis vertical stripes and second how to prepare de hotdog wis horizontal stripes. This chef then corrected himself and said â€“ 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 casual affair. Finally, I thank Chef Pickell for his Balsamic Vinegar, red wine and sugar idea.

Many people seem to underestimate Temecula wineries and their cooking talent. I recommend that people take the time to plan 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 mind 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.

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About The Author: 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.