Bear Creek Taste of the Town

September 30, 2010 By Corie MauecloseAuthor: Corie Maue Name: Corie Maue
Email: corie@tasteoftemecula.net
About: After working in the restaurant industry for over 15 years, Corie left that world to start a nationwide notary and loan signing service, DocPros, Inc. Nationwide Notaries. Although DocPros keeps her busy, Corie's passion remains with all things food and wine. After living and working in the San Francisco Bay Area, Honolulu, South Orange County she and her family settled down in the Temecula Valley 10 years ago and are here to stay. You can see Corie at most of the Taste of Temecula Lunch Meet Ups and will probably bump in to her at the Temecula and Murrieta Farmer's Markets on any given weekend.See Authors Posts (15)

Soro's Mediterranean Grill - Photo by Corie Maue

One of the best things about the Temecula Valley is that we know how to support a good cause: by throwing a party! Bear Creek’s first Taste of the Town event was the inspiration of organizers Charlotte DeHasa and Nicole Gilmore and they did a great job of coordinating with some of the best restaurants and wineries in the area to put on a benefit for the Boys and Girls Club of Temecula.

Local restaurants offered tastes of their most popular menu items in appetizer sized portions. Some of the stand out flavors were the Jalapeno Lime Salmon from D’Canters Wine Bar & Grill, the Creamy Chicken Masala from Raviolis! Osteria and the Filet Mignon Ravioli from Crivello Ristorante Italiano. Also offering delicious bites were: the Bear Creek Golf Club, Havana Kitchen Cafe, Soro’s Mediterranean Grill, Temecula Olive Oil Company and the Tilted Kilt. Baron’s Marketplace was a major sponsor, providing reusable grocery bags to each guest as well as offering a wonderful cheese assortment for the tasting. Truly Madly Sweetly Bake Shop was a huge hit with mini versions of their beautiful and addictive handmade desserts.

Trago Tequila Photo by Corie Maue

The patio of the club house was gorgeous, as usual, with views of the lush golf course and cooling breezes. Several wineries came out to support the cause and offer tastes of their crowd-pleasing wines. Stuart Cellars, Robert Renzoni Vineyards, Keyways, Monte de Oro, Leonesse Cellars, Boorman Vineyards Estate Winery and Danza del Sol were there pouring favorites and making friends. Also present and offering tastes was Trago Tequila. The award-winning Silver, Gold and Anejo Tequilas are well worth a sip and can be found at several of the participating restaurants.

Mark Sage Band - Photo by Corie Maue

The Bear Creek Golf Course Club House is a perfect venue for this type of event. Food, wine and live music courtesy of the Mark Sage Band made the gathering feel more like a cocktail party than a fundraiser which is just the way we like to Eat, Drink and Be Merry. Cheers to Bear Creek for bringing people together socially to benefit a worthwhile cause and cheers to the local businesses who came out to support the community.

From: TasteofTemecula.net by- Corie Maue

Soro’s Mediterranean Grill announces new Fall Menu

Soro’s Mediterranean Grill announces new Fall Menu

Temecula, CA, September 22, 2010.

Soro’s Mediterranean Grill. 28464 Old Town Front Street, Temecula, CA 92590. 951-587-8082

Papa Soro calls it “Mediterranean Cuisine”; guests simply call it “magnificent!” Soro’s Mediterranean Grill located in the heart of Old Town Temecula,CA announces their new Fall-Winter Menu. The restaurant’s new menu includes classic versions of old world flavors combined with new world presentation and flair. “We wanted everything on the new menu to include the many flavors and recipes from all of the Mediterranean area- France, Italy, Asia, India and the Middle East.” Exclaims owner Dylan Soro.

For starters, the new menu includes such tasty items as the Greek Nachos, pita chips (instead of the traditional tortillas chip) with melted cheese, onions, green pepper, olives, pepperoncinis, feta cheese and topped with their house made Tzatziki. Another new item to start off your meal, order Soro’s Ceviche, tender red snapper, shrimp and veggies in their house made zesty lime sauce. On the lighter side, guests can enjoy an entrée salad such as the Anti-Mezza or Cali Fiesta Salad. All the dressings are house made and only fresh ingredients are used to prepare the dishes.

Soro’s signature Pita sandwiches and pizzas are sure to be a hit. The traditional Greek Gyro served with freshly made pita, tomatoes, onion and house made Tzatziki or the Chicken Kabob- chicken breast sautéed in sesame paste, garlic and spices with a yummy sesame sauce are superb. “Our Signature Entrée items are what we are most proud of, as it is a reflection of my well traveled past,” notes Papa Soro. Try new main entrée items such as the Curry Pasta, Blackened Salmon Linguini or the Shish Kabob. Soro’s Favorite is beef tenderloin sautéed with mushrooms and onions in a brown burgundy red wine sauce. Served over rice with hommus and freshly baked pita. The combination plates are a good way to go as you get a nice variety of items, the Mixed Plate includes Shish Kabob, Shish Tawook, Dolma and Falafel. Soro’s also offers a wide variety of vegetarian dishes and has a nice children’s menu.

New to the restaurant is a huge wine list! With over 150 wine and champagne selections not only from the local Temecula or Napa areas, but from Italy, Spain, France, Greece, Argentina and Israel. Pairing suggestions are also available as many wines are available by the glass and all are available by the bottle.

The outdoor patio is the perfect location to dine during a warm Autumn afternoon or Fall evening offering a terrific view of Old Town Front Street or the landscape of potted plants and fountains. Indoor dining offers a terrific ambient lighting and a more intimate dining experience. Located at 28464 Old Town Front Street, Temecula, CA. Open daily 11am until 8pm; open late on Friday and Saturday nights until 10pm. Private parties are always welcome for wedding rehearsals, anniversary, or birthday celebrations. Special holiday party menus are also available.

Make a reservation online at www.sorosgrill.com or by calling 951-587-8082.

Taste of the Town

Come see us this weekend, September 19, 2010 for the First Annual Taste of the Town, Murrieta, CA

Bear Creek Golf & Country Club
22640 Bear Creek Dr N, Murrieta, California

The first annual Taste of the Town will be held this Sunday the 19th at Bear Creek Country Club located in Murrieta, California from 2-6 p.m. We will be pairing our savory food with some of the valley's most delicious wines. Lively will be provided by Mark Sage Band.

Local wineries such as: Boorman Vineyards, Keyways Vineyards & Winery, Leonesse Cellars, Monte de Oro Winery, Robert Renzoni Vineyards and Stuart Cellars will pair the vino with food from Bear Creek Golf Club, Crivellos, D’Canters, Havana Kitchen Cafe, Raviolis. Temecula Olive Oil Company, the Tilted Kilt, Truly Madly Sweetly, and of course, Soros Mediterranean Grill.

Advanced tickets may be purchased by emailing Bearcreektasteofthetown@yahoo.com or by calling 951-677-1434 Advanced tickets are $30.00 pp; at the door are $40.00 pp. Proceeds will benefit the Temecula Boys and Girls Club.

September Fedora Night

This Wednesday, September 15th is Fedora Night at Soro's Grill!

Don't miss out on all the fun as the featured wines this month will be amazing. Come wearing your favorite Fedora Hat, enjoy a glass of wine, live music and a great cigar!

All guests who attend will receive a sampling one of our special wines - so taste before you buy. Select from the Argentina 07' Malbec from Rodolfo - which goes great with the Kabob Plate. Or from the smooth Sexto 07' Terra Alta from Spain or the Spanish Rojo Mojo- 09' Shiraz (which is Papa's favorite).

Specials begin at 6:00pm, with a wonderful selection of hand rolled cigars, live entertainment by the sultry Jessica Jean and delicious food.

Be sure to make a reservation today! or CALL 951-587-8082.
Located at 28464 Old Town Front Street, Temecula, CA

Fedora Hat Night dates announced

Fedora Hat Night dates announced

We just added the new dates for our upcoming Fedora Hat Night!
We had so much fun for our first one, we are adding new dates through the end of the year. On the third Wednesday of the month come and enjoy great hats, gowns, music and of course delicious food.
Don't miss the cigars for sale and cigar roller that we have added.
Be sure to make a reservation so we know how many people will be joining us. Event begins at 6:00pm.

Wednesday, August 18
Wednesday, September 15
Wednesday, October 20
Wednesday, November 17
Wednesday, December 15

Temecula Event: Special Fedora Night at Soro's on Wednesday, July 21st

Cruise down to Old Town for a fun-filled night with exceptional food, great service, and live music at Soro’s Mediterranean Grill on Wednesday, July 21st. The first-time ever “Fedora Night” will be held beginning at 6pm, giving customers a chance to dress up and enjoy the meal with wine pairings with classical dishes from the past. If you’re wearing a Fedora for the ‘guys’ and long dresses for the ‘dolls’ (or not) be ready to enjoy the music from the 30’s and 40’s complementing a wonderful feast alongside friends and family.  “We want customers to feel comfortable and welcomed in a fun atmosphere, this is what really matters”, says Dylan Soro, the co-owner of Soro’s Grill.

The Fedora actually came into existence in the late 1800’s, and was, at first, a female accessory. In the 20’s it made its way into men’s fashion and has since then been worn by both men and women- no wonder Soro’s decided to host a night in its honor. “It’s a chance to bring everyone together, you know, wining and dining, the old-fashioned way”, says Papa Soro, co-owner and father of Dylan. Guaranteed Papa and Dylan will be enjoying the night while sporting their favorite Fedoras and Zoot Suits!

Popular classics like the elegant rack of lamb will be served along with regular dinner menu selections including the flavorful Shrimp Scampi and savory Soro’s Favorite Beef will be on had to be enjoyed. Staff will recommend wines to be paired with the classic dishes in order to complement the entire night and create a reminiscent atmosphere. Choosing from a delightful dessert menu, customers can order the Turkishmisu or Soro’s Hot Ice Cream, both pleasant surprises to end the night with a sweet twist.

Soro’s Grill takes pride in welcoming every customer with open arms to the family while providing cuisine that appeal to different pallets. The fusion of Mediterranean flavors is what sets Soro’s apart from other restaurants in the area. If you’re in the mood for unique and delicious food, stop by for Fedora Night and become a part of the family. Make a reservation today by calling 951-587-8082.

Soro’s Mediterranean Grill opens NEW outdoor patio just in time for summer

Soro’s Mediterranean Grill. 28464 Old Town Front Street, Temecula, CA 92590. 951-587-8082

Soro’s Mediterranean Grill, located in the heart of Old Town Temecula is proud to announce the opening of their newly enhanced covered patio. Complete with deep shade for warm summer days and white twinkle lights and candles for evenings to create the perfect ambiance for lunch or dinner.  The patio cover, in a beautiful shade of rustic red was the brainchild of Dylan Soro, co-owner of Soro’s Grill with his business partner and mentor, Papa Soro. The patio is surrounded by a lush array of potted and hanging plants and an old world fountain bubbling in the background. The patio heaters for chilly evenings, linen covered tables and wrought iron chairs play into the comfortable atmosphere of the patio.  The welcoming new patio is the perfect location to enjoy lunch or dinner, people watching, getting together with friends or on intimate date for two. “We like guests to feel like you are a guest in our home,” explains Dylan “always a warm smile, hearty hand shake and hugs when you arrive.”

The new summer menu items will suit the new patio perfectly. They were selected to incorporate the fresh flavors that Soro’s has already become famous for, and to be consistent with the traditions of the Mediterranean spirit of Greece, France, Italy, Turkey, Spain, Syria and Egypt. “There are so many great herbs, produce, meats and recipes to choose from!” exclaimed Papa Soro. “Many of our recipes are tried and true from a restaurant I owned back in Detroit 20 years ago.”  The secrets are hidden in his mind, and taught to son Dylan (since he was 9 years old working with Papa in the kitchen) and available for you to enjoy.

Soon to be a favorite is the tableside Flambéed Saganaki. Flames abound as the aged cheese is pan seared to perfection, a hearty shout of “opa” is yelled and the flames are extinguished with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. This yummy Greek dish is accompanied with fresh pita bread.  Other new dishes will include a magnificent Shrimp Fusion Salad, Greek Gyro plate, Chicken Scampi (with a Soro’s twist of course), Chicken Picatta, and a baked Lamb Shank.  Open daily. Located at 28464 Old Town Front Street, Temecula. Call for reservations 951-587-8082.

If you’d like more information or to schedule an interview, please contact Mindy Smith – Mindy Smith Consulting Group; mindysmith07@gmail.com - 951-453-7673.

The Temecula Insider Restaurant Review: Soro's Mediterranean Grill

You might remember the building as the former location of Sweet Lumpy’s BBQ however when you step into Soro’s you immediately forget the peanut shell floor and welcome the Mediterranean garden vibe that Papa & Mrs. Soro along with their son Dylan have created. Whether it is your first time at Soro’s or you’re a regular, the wait staff, hostess and ESPECIALLY Papa Soro will greet you like you are family and ensure your visit is as memorable as the food is delicious.

When we sat down at our table Papa Soro immediately joined us, brought out an amazing bottle of wine to accompany our meal and asked if there was anything in particular we wanted to order. We told him that we would eat anything he prepared for us and he disappeared, bringing back a huge selection of his favorite items on the menu. We started off with the Fattoush salad made with toasted pieces of pita bread combined with mixed greens and other vegetables tossed in the perfect amount of dressing. Then tried three flavors of homemade Hummus- traditional, red bell pepper, jalapeno cilantro, all served with straight-from-the-oven pita bread.

This was by far the BEST hummus I have ever had and when I told Papa Soro this he proceeded to plant a big one on me. Accordingly to our waiter, we are now part of the family. We tasted pickled turnips and cabbage as well as Falafel served in a pita, topped with hot and tahini-based sauces. From there we enjoyed Shrimp Curry and a favorite at Soro’s, the Filet with mushroom burgundy sauce, which melts in your mouth! We finished it off with Stuffed Grape Leaves and Basmati rice. At several times during the meal our waiter asked if we were finished or wanted a box for what we hadn’t eaten but by the end, we had pretty much polished off the platter!

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Temecula Insider’s Tip: The outside seating has a great view of Old Town Temecula and its patrons. You must try Papa Soro’s fresh made pita chips and hummus and take a box of pita chips home for your next meal or party. Be sure to compliment the portrait on the box, it is Papa Soro’s mom and her recipe.

Soro’s is located at 28464 Old Town Front Street on the corner of Front St. and 6th Street, across from Starbucks and next door to Temecula Wine & Beer Garden. Contact Papa Soro at (951) 587-8082.

From The Temecula Insider

winesdines: Soro’s in Old Town Temecula – Come To Papa!

Waleed Joseph Soro brings a lifetime of experiences with him to Old Town Temecula. He joined his dad in the restaurant business in Baghdad, Iraq when he was thirteen years old. “Papa” is Syrian and speaks Aramaic (“the language Jesus spoke”) Arabic, some Spanish, French and Italian (“restaurant language”) as well as English. The first thing you’ll notice about Papa is his infectious laugh. “There is not one person that comes here I don’t shake their hand.” There are hugs and kisses for the women.

Papa has a story to tell, several of them in fact, and one day he will write a book. The story begins with his parents running from the mountains during wartime. It follows their move from Iraq to Syria to Lebanon. Papa applied to come to the United States in the 1970s when war erupted in Lebanon. He took sanctuary in Greece for eight and a half months enjoying “nothing but good times, but I couldn’t wait to come here. When I got here I kissed the ground, I swear you.” From New York he moved to Michigan where he became a state champion in ballroom dancing. One night a woman came into the club where he was dancing. He asked his waiter friend “Who’s that beautiful blonde over there? She looks like Marilyn Monroe. Take her a bottle of champagne and tell her it’s from me.” The attraction was mutual and instant and he and Sherry have been together ever since.

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Soro’s Mediterranean Grill is at 28464 Front Street in Old Town Temecula. (951) 587-8082.

From winesdines

Inland Restaurant Review: Soro's Mediterranean Grill

Well, for the last six months one establishment has been in the top five of all searches related to Taste of Temecula, and for the last two months has been the number one search...by a long shot!

Google does not lie, people are searching diligently for Soro's Mediterranean Grill, and our mission is to uncover why. We are especially curious as to what has changed in the last few months to make it the top-ranked search.

When I asked Dylan Soro about why his restaurant was scoring so high in the rankings his response was hardly self-effacing " When you eat here, you will know why." Well this Canadian loves a good challenge, and you Mr. Soro, you have thrown down the gauntlet. I'll leave my Chef whites at home, but I'll be wearing my most serious food-eating attitude. We can make this article short, and just say I was spanked.

Everything started quietly enough, I met Dylan Soro, and had a conversation with him about the growth of his business from a McDonalds to a BBQ shack, to a Mediterranean Restaurant. They started with Styrofoam plates, went to plastic, and to glass and finally, now they are concentrating on using whatever plate the food looks best on.

The culinary emphasis is based around the Mediterranean, although there is a brilliant play of spices going on there that had this Chef scratching his head on almost every other course. There is some love and some genius going on in the kitchen.

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Soro's is located in the old location of Lump'y BBQ, which itself has moved next to the new City Hall just down the road. While the location is the same, little of the former BBQ restaurant has remained, with Soro and Dylan exerting more influence every month transitioning this former fast-food meca to a fine dining establishment. In the ultimate showdown Soro challenged me to cook a 5 course dinner with him in the next month...I am certainly game, and it sounds like a lot of fun. Wine List Wine list was way beyond expectations, someone has spent a lot of time choosing here, and you will be pleasantly surprised.

When I go back, I know what I am going to order; "Soro cook for me", and then everything will be right in the world. Soro's Medterranean Grill is located at 28464 Old Town Front St. in Temecula. For information call (951) 587-8082.

By Taste of Temecula via InlandSocal.com
-- Article by Crispin Courtenay
-- Photos by Natalie Mills