TEMECULA, CA – Pechanga Resort Casino has reintroduced its signature restaurant, the Great Oak Steakhouse, following an intensive seven-month remodel. From the front façade to the back kitchen, the entire 8,000 sq. ft. space has undergone a refresh.
Designers sought to keep the feeling of the former restaurant by bringing the details of the American arts and crafts design movement into 2023 and beyond. Inside the dining room, warm and rich gold, brass and earth tones woven with complementary soft colors draw the eye up to accent lighting and bold chandeliers. A 30-ft. long by five-ft. tall stained glass, textured façade looking out to the casino – designed and executed entirely by hand by a local, San Diego glass artist – serves as the restaurant’s first nod to the tribe’s sacred Great Oak Tree. Situated next to the photo-realistic glass rendition of the tree stands a 12-ft. tall, backlit slab of white onyx.
Once inside the restaurant, guests can begin their evening early at the new bar and lounge located off the main dining area. The lounge offers menu choices such as Wagyu beef tartare or oak grilled oysters. Guests may choose among 16 seats at the bar and 36 seats within the lounge. The menu features 15 cocktails, many created with locally and responsibly sourced ingredients. Additionally, new to the Great Oak Steakhouse is an extensive wines-by-the-glass program. Nearly any wine bottle on the menu may be poured for a single glass for guests.
An exciting menu features eight steak cuts, as well as Wagyu selections, cooked to order by Chef Manuel Inocencio, an 11-year culinary veteran of Pechanga and his team. All steaks are 100 percent prime, premium family-farm raised, Black Angus beef. Steak, poultry, fresh fish and seafood, vegetables and side dishes are prepared by Inocencio’ s acclaimed team. Pechanga procures much of its ingredients from local farms.
Parties of six to ten can reserve the Chef’s Table. A semi-private dining experience situated between two glass enclosed walls, encasing 288 bottles of red wine, the Chef’s Table offers an eight-course culinary experience with wine or cocktail pairings. The Chef’s Table also offers a view into the exhibition kitchen.
