“Farm-to-fork” dining doesn’t get much better than at E.A.T. Marketplace, owned by the dynamic Leah di Bernardo, whose efforts have brought the Slow Food movement to Temecula. The corner spot is part artisanal market, part coffee shop (a cup of their famous “F-Bomb” coffee will set you up right for the day), and part full-service restaurant, and offers some of the cleanest, most thoughtfully prepared fare in Southern California, all made from ingredients sourced from local farms and suppliers.
28410 Old Town Front Street, Temecula, CA 92590, (951) 694-3663
While they don’t serve food, pay a visit to Thomson & Twain Prospecting Co., one of Temecula Valley’s several hidden speakeasies, for artisanal cocktails in an old time saloon setting. The next morning, a freshly baked croissant or plate of totally decadent French toast from Le Coffee Shop, Old Town’s authentic French Bakery, will get you back on track for the day ahead.