“We have two different finger foods and we balance one group with white wine, and the other is paired with red.

“Our chefs usually pair the wine, so we have a selection of Asian, Italy, and steakhouse flavors,” Pinto said. Many of the food items are exclusive only to the festival and are not served on the regular menus like bourbon glazed salmon, port-wine braised short ribs with horseradish mashed potatoes and Wagyu meatballs.Īndre Pinto, executive chef of Pechanga Resort Casino, said he and the other chefs curated menu items that would pair well with the beverages served. The food spread will be provided by the casino’s restaurants: Paisano’s Italian, Journey’s End, Kelsey’s,1882 Cantina, Pechanga Café, Temptations Food Court, Garde Manger Kitchen, Blazing Noodles and the Pechanga pastry kitchen. Tickets include a souvenir wine glass, unlimited two-ounce samples of wine and spirits and unlimited finger food offerings. The single-day event features a combination of chocolates and other eats along with a wide selection of local wines. Wine drinkers and foodies with an affinity for sweet and savory treats can indulge in an array of flavor pairings as the Wine Festival & Chocolate Decadence returns to Pechanga Resort Casino in Temecula Saturday, March 4.