The appropriately named Journey at Pechanga golf course in Temecula is just that; a journey. One that takes you through the historic tribal lands of the Pechanga Band of Luiseño Indians, over dramatic elevation changes and along panoramic views.
But every journey must conclude. This one, however, shouldn’t end without a stop at Journey’s End, a dining experience with views of the golf course, and enticing food and drink.
The first thing you’ll notice about Journey’s End is the space. During warm weather months which, let’s be honest, are most in Southern California, the large outdoor patio becomes an ideal place to dine. But while the views and impressive interior are what will first catch your attention, it is the food that will stay with you long after your meal.
Open for breakfast, lunch and happy hour, Journey’s End boasts an eclectic menu that still has all the traditional foods golfers enjoy. The most popular menu item is probably the Seared Ahi Salad, a hearty-sized lunch salad that features a perfectly prepared piece of ahi on field greens with toasted sesame seeds, bean sprouts and a killer ginger wasabi soy dressing.
“That’s probably my favorite item on the meny,” said Chef Jerome O’Reggio. “I like my dishes simple with standout flavors, and the ahi definitely has that.”
Knowing that the restaurant should cater to the golfer, it truly is the salads that highlight Journey’s End’s lunch menu. In addition to the ahi, a new tenderloin salad comes with blue cheese crumbles and a white balsamic vinaigrette; and a fresh spinach salad is sprinkled with strawberries, feta cheese, bacon and candied pecans. Both salads are light enough so that you’ll feel great when hitting the links. They also look fantastic when they arrive at your table.
“Taste is so important, but the presentation must be elegant and inviting as well,” said O’Reggio. “We all eat with our eyes first.”
If you’re in the mood for more traditional, hearty lunch options, Journey’s End also offers all the standards, including a club sandwich, tuna salad and cheeseburger made, when possible, with local ingredients. We’d also be remised not to point out the fish tacos that come with a chipotle ranch, and the ribeye steak sandwich. And if you’re dining with a group, go ahead and order the vegetable crudité as an appetizer to share. The vegetables and flatbread are always fresh, and the hummus is house made.
Don’t have time for a full meal during your time at Pechanga? The happy hour at Journey’s End runs from 3 p.m. until dusk, which in the summer months can mean as late as 7 or 8 p.m. With $6 snack options that include loaded nachos, beef sliders, hot wings (buffalo or sweet Thai) and pot stickers, and drinks starting at $3 for wine and $4 for beer, the outdoor patio is the place to enjoy an after-golf social hour.
If you have an early-morning tee time, breakfast at Journey’s End is also superb, with a build-your-own omelet option, a great corned beef hash, and breakfast favorites such as pancakes, waffles and huevos rancheros. And if you happen to be there on a Sunday, the brunch menu incorporates all the best options from the breakfast and lunch menus to give you options galore!
Journey’s End is open for breakfast, brunch and lunch every day from 7 a.m. – 5 p.m. Journey’s End Lounge is open for cocktails and appetizers from 11 a.m. – dusk daily. Learn more at pechanga.com/golf.
