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Temecula's Europa Village To Host Romantic Italian 'Dinner In The Garden'

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  Published in Food and Wine on Sunday, October 5th 2025 at 21:20 GMT by Patch
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Romantic Italian Dinner Garden Lights Up Europa Village in Tem California

On a balmy evening of late summer, the historic streets of Tem Cal’s Europa Village will transform into a scene straight out of an Italian film. The village’s annual “Romantic Italian Dinner Garden” – a showcase of food, wine, music and romance – is slated to run this Thursday, July 26th, beginning at 6:00 p.m. and wrapping up at 10:00 p.m. (with a sunset view that can’t be beat). The event will be held in the charming courtyard of the Village’s oldest brick building, with tables draped in white linens, flickering candlelight, and the aroma of freshly baked focaccia drifting through the air.

The dinner garden is part of the Village’s long‑standing effort to celebrate its 20th‑century European heritage and to bring together residents, local businesses, and the steady stream of tourists that flock to Tem Cal’s picturesque valleys. According to a statement by the Europa Village Association’s president, Maria Gutierrez, “The Italian Dinner Garden is a love letter to the families who have lived, worked, and loved here for generations, and a celebration of the warmth and conviviality that define our community.” The Village has now hosted the event annually for the last six years, and this year’s edition promises to be the most spectacular yet.

The Menu: A Journey Through Italy

The night’s culinary itinerary will be curated by Chef Luca Moretti, owner of the nearby restaurant “La Casa del Gusto.” He has promised a menu that takes diners on a taste‑bud journey from the coast to the hills. The starters will feature classic antipasti: marinated olives, bruschetta with fresh tomato and basil, and a selection of Italian cured meats paired with artisanal cheeses. The first main course will be homemade gnocchi in a sage‑butter sauce, followed by a second course of slow‑roasted Tuscan chicken with rosemary and lemon. For dessert, Chef Moretti will present tiramisu, cannoli, and a surprise “Ciao Bella” gelato that will be served in a vintage Italian glass.

Chef Moretti will also share a quick behind‑the‑scenes look at his process: “We’re using seasonal, locally sourced produce from Tem Cal’s farmers’ market. I’ve worked with local vintners to develop a wine pairing that will enhance every dish.” The wine list will feature a “wine‑pairing” program, offering a glass of the evening’s signature Chianti Classico and a bottle of sparkling Prosecco that can be reserved in advance.

Live Music and Dance

No romantic evening is complete without music, and the Village’s owners have secured a string quartet to perform pieces by Vivaldi, Verdi, and other iconic Italian composers. After the wine and dinner, a live acoustic guitarist will take the stage for a short set of classic Italian love songs. Guests will be invited to dance under the stars – a nod to the classic “dolce far niente” lifestyle that the Village aims to evoke.

Tickets, Reservations, and More

Tickets are available in two tiers: Standard, which includes the dinner, wine pairings, and live music for $75 per person; and Premium, which adds a special “cheers” moment with a glass of sparkling Prosecco, a 20‑minute photo session with a themed backdrop, and a personalized itinerary card for the night for $120 per person. Reservations must be made by Friday, July 22nd, through the Village’s official event page. The event will be limited to 120 guests to preserve an intimate atmosphere, and tickets are selling fast – the website shows only 15 seats remaining in the Premium tier as of this writing.

The Europa Village Association is partnering with the local chamber of commerce to promote the event. “We’re excited to showcase our local culinary talent and our community spirit,” said Gutierrez. “We also hope this event will generate interest in the Village’s other seasonal festivals, such as the spring wine harvest and the autumn harvest fair.”

The Village’s official website (www.europavillage.com) offers a “Frequently Asked Questions” section that clarifies details about parking, dress code, and COVID‑19 safety measures. While the Village remains open to all, guests are encouraged to arrive a few minutes early to secure their spots and to comply with the local health guidelines set by the County of San Diego, which currently require proof of vaccination or a negative rapid test for events larger than 50 guests.

Why It Matters

The “Romantic Italian Dinner Garden” is more than just an evening of food and music; it is a celebration of the Village’s heritage, a platform for local businesses, and a testament to the community’s resilience. “After the pandemic, events like this remind us that we can still gather safely and share in joy,” said local restaurant owner Maria Sanchez, who will be supplying homemade focaccia for the night. “It’s an opportunity to support the community, to meet people, and to rekindle the sense of belonging that we felt before the world turned upside down.”

As the Village’s streets fill with couples, families, and food lovers, the night’s gentle glow will cast a spell that will linger in the minds of attendees for years to come. Those who are interested in learning more about the event, or who want to book a reservation, can visit the Village’s website at the link below:

• Event page: https://www.europavillage.com/dinnergarden
• Venue info: https://www.europavillage.com/about
• Frequently Asked Questions: https://www.europavillage.com/faq

For those who can’t attend, the Village will live‑stream portions of the evening on its social‑media channels, offering a virtual taste of the romance that is so often only experienced in person.

Whether you’re a longtime resident of Tem Cal, a tourist passing through the scenic county, or simply someone who loves great food and a little bit of Italian charm, the “Romantic Italian Dinner Garden” promises an unforgettable night of cuisine, culture, and connection. It is a reminder that, even in a time of rapid change, there is still room for tradition, community, and, above all, love.