Mother Nature consistently shows favoritism in a place like Temecula, California. Birdsongs are more chipper as friendly bumblebees hum around late-blooming summer flowers adorning garden beds lining worn brick walkways during a late afternoon stroll. A light breeze sings through the grapevines as leaves dance and chime in, harmonizing with her song. It’s the excitement of rising before sunrise to watch hot air balloons take off in the crisp morning air. The promise of a fast-approaching fall season kisses cold, rosy cheeks as you sit on a Saltillo tile patio bathed in early morning sun. Dew rests on the still-sleeping vines as one wakes up with a hot cup of coffee to quietly contemplate on a cool, still morning.

Every hour spent in a place like Ponte heals a little bit of my soul. Small memories make up a lifetime of love for a place like this. As summer slowly fades to fall, I made the seasonal trip to this healing location. Autumn will soon take the sea of green vines and replace the clean walkways with a satisfying crunch underfoot.

Ponte is—and always has been—a mesmerizing experience. A beautiful blending of Mother Nature and architecture so harmoniously intertwined, it’s hard to distinguish where one starts and the other ends. Thoughtful man-made decisions with nature in mind seem to ring true throughout every corner of the estate—a personal favorite touch of mine.

Match that with a calming presence that always encapsulates this beautiful property—like stepping into a daydream or wearing a well-loved favorite sweater. It’s a sense of coming home. The property exudes the feeling of a beloved family home, full of generational happy memories. In my case, there have been generational memories made here with my own kin.

The staff are thoughtful and lovely in their care and service. To top it all off, I somehow never have a hangover after a marathon of wine tasting here!

Upon arrival, we were just in time to check in and journey over for a late lunch at The Restaurant at Ponte (the hilarity of the name isn’t lost on me). We then sat under the picturesque patio with my favorite starter: a bread basket.

As a wine club member—thanks, Mom—the amount of perks you get is a little crazy. Complimentary appetizers at every meal, allotted amounts of wine tastings per month for you and guests, discounts in the wine shop on the property—the list goes on. Due to being wine club members, we had three appetizers!

Our complimentary bite-sized cucumbers, our bread basket, and then best of all, a dish I dream of consistently: the calamari.

Magical is a place where the food has a memory and a distinct flavor you wait months to re-remember, yet it always tickles the back of your mind anytime you reminisce about the dish. All of the dishes that come afterward are no comparison and somehow feel off-kilter to your palate.

Flavortism—a word I’ve just coined—still holds true to its namesake: a favorite flavor in a dish that’s made to your exact preference and liking. The calamari at Ponte is that dish for me. I wait literal months to experience the perfect breaded crunch, mixed with the tang of lemon, followed by a hidden pepper kick at the end. It is by far my favorite calamari I’ve ever had, and I’m now ruined for all future calamari dishes.

The dish consists of: spiced rice flour–dusted fried rings, strips, and tentacles; fried shishito peppers; paired with chimichurri aioli and spicy marinara sauces.

Mind you, after three appetizers, we were in no shape to both order a main. We settled on sharing a classic Margherita pizza. The pie was made up of delicious Roma tomatoes, mozzarella, tomato sauce, and micro basil. A fine carb coma should have awaited us after this meal—but we actually had a tasting booked.

I’ve never had a bad meal here, nor do I intend to. It’s probably one of my favorite casual restaurants due to the sheer ambiance and calm. My finest compliments to all the chefs and fellow staff that always make the dining experience a dream.

Until next time, The Restaurant at Ponte—never change! I’ll be dreaming of the next calamari plate in my future.