The Tandem Tasters love places like the 205-acre Pala Mesa Resort and Golf Course located in the foothills of the North San Diego/Temecula wine country in
As we drove into the welcoming entrance, we already knew we would enjoy our stay. The green grass and flowering trees reminded us of a country manor in the lake region of
Whether you call this property an inn, golf resort or country lodge, Pala Mesa has it all. The concierge was most helpful to two newcomers to the area.
Conveniently located from major highways and within 10 minutes to Fallbrook, The resort has many hidden treasures. We took walks along the flowering garden paths to the gazebo, surrounded by fragrant summer roses. Other paths lead to the refreshing outdoor pool and a hilltop view of the
In the early evening we wondered down the hill to celebrate after a long day of driving and food judging. We discovered an unusual “happy hour.” This happy hour is not for drinks, but for two for one handcrafted sushi. The ahi and other fresh fish arrive daily from near-by
We devoured a traditional creamy
Maralyn’s Mojito was muddled with freshly grown mint and my lime gimlet was a perfect choice to sip with sushi.
At the end of our long workday, it was heaven to enter our quiet and spacious haven. The fine weather encouraged us to watch the twinkling stars from our own private balcony. Then, the aha moment was of climbing into spacious and super comfortable beds with the finest of linens and quilts to soothe our weary bones. We slept all through the night—a true test of a fine hotel is a great bed with wonderful pillows. Pala Mesa passed the test.
E-mail: Reservations@PalaMesa.com
International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association
Books By Hills Success Log Global Log
Finalist in the Writing and Publishing category of the 2009 Next Generation Indie Book Awards, “$uccess, Your Path to a Successful Book”
Author: Brenda Hill
As a longtime food writer for Where Magazine New York City, Brenda Hill, along with her writing partner, Maralyn Hill (no relation), writes and publishes books about chefs, food and international travel. They co-authored "Our Love Affairs with Food & Travel" and joined French Master Chef Herve Laurent in writing "Cooking Secrets: The Why and How" Brenda has been active in the California Writer's Club, IFWTWA, and the Santa Barbara's Writers Conference. Brenda Hill and her partner Maralyn Hill conduct marketing and writing seminars. Maralyn and I will be heading back to Rancho La Puerta in July to give our presentation on writing and marketing your book, as well as bringing back some freshly picked off the farm nutritious and tasty recipes.
