It's a Paisano's!

Some people have the notion that if you have tried one Italian restaurant, you have tried them all. It is safe to say that after our experience at Paisano's Italian in Pechanga Resort & Casino, they are not all the same and this Italian restaurant in Temecula Valley isn't one you should pass up. Upon entering, you immediately forget that the restaurant is completely surrounded by slot machines and poker tables and lose yourself in its relaxing atmosphere, reminiscent of a quaint Tuscan village. Paisano's menu expands further than just pasta and pizza with its Antipasti's prepared tapas-style, fresh fish, veal Milanese and braised short ribs to name a few favorites.

The restaurant is situated in an intimate way yet can still accommodate large parties either in the main dining area or in the private party room which is perfect for birthday parties, bachelor/bachelorette dinners, office gatherings and much more. Guests can also watch the chef's work in the exhibition kitchen which makes the overall mood a little more fun and casual than a dim and romantic. The staff was incredibly attentive and knowledgeable with the menu and the extensive wine list which included many Italian varieties.

We were greeted by Chef Shawn Thaden almost as soon as we arrived and his friendly, outgoing personality made us feel like we had known him for many years. For appetizers, he took the liberty and brought us several customer's favorites as well as a few of his specialties including, Carpaccio Coriander Crusted Filet, Truffles and Arugula, Calamari with Pesto Aioli, Pancetta Wrapped Shrimp with Balsamic Vinaigrette and Arugula Pesto, Artichoke Hearts, Prosciutto with melon, Seafood stuffed Portobello Mushroom, and Chianti Braised Short Ribs. I know that seems like a full meal but that was only the beginning!

From there we each ordered our own entrée, Veil Milanese, Chicken Parmesan, Lasagna and Chef Shawn's special Seafood Pasta. Each dish was prepared beautifully and tasted amazing. At this point we all felt stuffed and so satisfied with our meal when the staff brought out a dessert platter with the Chef's favorites: three different Crème Brule flavors, tiramisu, a fruit tart, and (as Chef claims) the most amazing cheesecake you will ever have. We have to admit that he was absolutely correct! The ricotta cheesecake is not one to ever pass up when dining at Paisano's Italian. Well just like anyone would do in our shoes at this point in the meal, we stretched out, took a deep breath and managed to find the available space in our stomachs to eat every last bite of our dessert platter... boy, was it worth it!

Most people would have called it a night and crawled in to bed after consuming as much as we did that evening but not us. After an amazing dinner being catered by a talented Chef and wonderful staff, we headed upstairs to the Eagles Nest to dance the calories away!

Paisano's Italian is located inside Pechanga Resort & Casino at 45000 Pechanga Parkway. For more information you can contact them at (951)770-8506 or visit them at http://www.pechanga.com/Dining/PaisanosItalian.aspx. Paisano's Italian is open for dinner Sunday through Tuesday from 5pm to 10pm, closed Wednesday and Thursday, open Friday and Saturday from 5pm to 11pm.

Written by Ashley Garing, The Temecula Insider