Temecula, CA February 2026

Love, Local

Valentine’s Day has a funny way of getting simplified—cards, candy, and reservations made a little too late. But the story behind St. Valentine is a little more interesting. He was a priest who believed love wasn’t just a feeling. It was a choice. A commitment. Something you showed through action, even when it wasn’t convenient. He secretly married couples at a time when it was forbidden, not because it was romantic, but because it mattered.

That idea still holds up.

Real love isn’t loud. It’s consistent. It’s choosing something again and again, long after the novelty wears off. And in many ways, that’s exactly how communities are built.

Temecula didn’t become what it is by accident. It was shaped by people who chose to plant roots here. Families who built businesses before there were guarantees. Neighbors who showed up, supported one another, and stayed. The charm of this place isn’t just the scenery. It’s the people behind the storefronts, the handshakes, the familiar faces that turn a town into a community.

Loving local works the same way. It’s not a trend or a slogan. It’s the small, everyday decisions. Where you grab coffee. Who you trust with your health, your home, your celebrations. Those choices quietly shape the place we live, just as much as any new development or ribbon cutting ever could.

That’s where Temecula City Lifestyle comes in.

This magazine exists to reflect the people who make this community what it is. To tell their stories, share their work, and create a space where local businesses and residents connect in a meaningful way. We see ourselves not just as a publication, but as a place where the community gathers to look around, and appreciate what we’re all building together.

Like you, we love Temecula, and the people who chose it, continue to choose it, and invest in it every day. Because love, whether it’s for a person or a place, is ultimately about commitment. And we’re proud to be committed to this one.

SEAN ARNETT, PUBLISHER

February 2026

PUBLISHER

Sean Arnett | sean.arnett@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Desiree Allen | desiree.allen@citylifestyle.com

SALES DIRECTOR

Sean Arnett

PUBLICATION DIRECTOR

Desiree Allen

INTERNS

Jenna Brockman, Emma Mangan, Ariana Vinh

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Desiree Allen, Hannah Cole

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Nathan Box, Alex Tapia

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

President Matthew Perry

COO David Stetler

CRO Jamie Pentz

CoS Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Matthew Endersbe

LAYOUT DESIGNER Amanda Schilling

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Marina Campbell

city scene

WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

business monthly

Valentine’s Card Making Class with Pina Nast

Tuesday, February 10 | 6:00 PM

Looking for a Valentine’s experience with heart? Join Akash Winery for an afternoon of wine, creativity, and connection. Guests will craft handmade cards using vibrant alcohol inks — no art skills needed. Tickets include one beverage, all supplies, and guided instruction. Enjoy live patio music and tacos from Brew Boyz while you create. Bring your sweetheart or your best friends — it’s the perfect blend of festive, fun, and totally unique.

BUILT TO LIFT:

HOW PHP POWERS COMMUNITY WITH HEART

February may be known for hearts, chocolate and Valentine's Day, but this month is also a good time to recognize the people and places that keep our community healthy and moving. At Progressive Health + Performance (PHP), commitment is built into their culture. It’s about helping people get stronger—physically, yes, but also through relationships, accountability, and community.

ARTICLE BY HANNAH COLE

PHOTOGRAPHY BY NATHAN BOX

It might be a high-five between workouts. A shared win. Or a fundraiser that brings businesses and our community members together to lift up

veterans who’ve served our country. Sometimes, a bold new collaboration that helps more people heal, grow, and move forward — together.

At PHP, “performance” isn’t just about athletic goals. It’s about helping individuals move better, feel stronger, and stay resilient through every season of life. The difference is in the culture: coaching with intention, recovery with care, and a commitment to meet people where they are—whether they’re chasing a personal best or simply trying to feel good getting out of bed.

BUILT TO EMPOWER, BUILT FOR COMMUNITY

PHP isn’t your average training facility. Yes, you’ll find tailored programming, hands-on coaching, and a space designed for real progress. But the foundation is service—showing up, staying consistent, and building trust over time.

That kind of steady support is what turns clients into regulars, and regulars into community.

LIFTING BEYOND THE GYM

You see that same commitment in action during PHP’s annual Heroes Movement Charity Golf Tournament — a day of community and purpose that raises support for Heroes’ Movement, a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit helping veterans strengthen their physical and mental well-being through movement-based training and athletics . The organization partners with gyms nationwide so veterans can train at no cost, helping bridge the gap between physical therapy and feeling strong again—with connection and camaraderie built into the process.

At PHP, community isn’t a buzzword. It’s a backbone. And that belief in doing more together is what fuels every new connection they build.

BIG MOVES WITH MURRIETA HOT SPRINGS

In January, PHP officially launched a new partnership with Murrieta Hot Springs Resort. This means PHP coaching, group classes, and training will now be available at the resort! Members will also receive special rates on resort day passes and memberships, making it even easier to integrate wellness into their everyday lives.

WHEN WE LIFT EACH OTHER

Every story at PHP is rooted in connection — clients lifting themselves up, teammates cheering each other on, a coach remembering your name (and how your knee’s doing). It’s personal. Intentional. Local. And that’s what Love Local is really about.

So this February, while others are toasting champagne, we’re raising a mug (protein shake optional) to the everyday acts of leadership, love, and generosity happening all around us — and to the local teams, like PHP, that make them possible.

NACHO

ARTICLE BY HANNAH COLE

GAMEDAY AVERAGE

The MVP snack for Super Bowl Sunday!

Entertaining made easy—Brandi Milloy’s twist on nachos.

When it comes to game day eats, nachos always make the starting lineup. But TV host, food expert, and entertaining guru Brandi Milloy is taking this classic crowd-pleaser into MVP territory with her Sweet Potato Nachos — a sheet pan twist packed with bold flavor, crispy texture, and fully customizable toppings.

Instead of chips, Brandi uses roasted sweet potato rounds as the base — golden on the edges, tender in the middle, and just the right amount of sweet to balance the savory layers on top. Add in seasoned ground beef, melty cheese, and all the toppings your crew loves, and you've got a next-level bite that’s as fun to build as it is to eat.

HOST LIKE A PRO: DIY NACHO BAR EDITION

These nachos are perfect for casual entertaining — especially if you’re hosting a Super Bowl party or weekend hangout. Set up a DIY nacho bar with bowls of colorful toppings like avocado, jalapeños, sliced tomatoes, and red onions, and let guests pile their favorites high.

You can go classic or creative: think pickled onions, queso drizzle, cotija crumbles, or even a fried egg on top. The sweet potato base gives you a great canvas to play with — and guests will love making their plate their own.

THE INGREDIENTS THAT BRING IT ALL TOGETHER

Brandi’s recipe keeps it simple, flavorful, and full of pantry-friendly staples. All of these ingredients are available at Smart & Final — including their Temecula location at 32937 Temecula Pkwy. It’s a one-stop shop for all your game day essentials, from fresh produce to high-quality meats and snacks that feed a crowd.

BRANDI’S SWEET POTATO NACHOS

SERVES: A hungry game day crew

INGREDIENTS:

• 2–3 sweet potatoes, washed & sliced into ¼” rounds

• Olive oil, salt, and pepper

• 1 lb. Sun Harvest organic ground beef

• 1–2 tbsp. First Street taco seasoning + ¼ cup water

• 1 cup First Street Mexican cheese blend

• Tomatoes, red onion, avocado, jalapeños, lime wedges

• Cilantro (optional)

• First Street Original Sour Cream

Game day starts here: Sweet Potato Nachos, sheet-pan style.

DIRECTIONS:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Arrange seasoned sweet potato rounds on parchment-lined baking sheets. Spray lightly with olive oil. Roast for 15 minutes, flipping halfway.

2. Brown ground beef. Add taco seasoning and water, simmer on low.

3. Gather roasted sweet potatoes on one sheet, top with beef and cheese. Bake for 3–5 minutes until melty.

4. Add fresh toppings, a scoop of sour cream, and serve immediately — or let everyone build their own!

Pantry-friendly ingredients, big payoff— perfect for feeding a crowd. First Street and Sun Harvest ingredients mentioned in the recipe are available exclusively at Smart & Final, located at 32937 Temecula Pkwy.

SUNDAYS AT HAVANA KITCHEN in Old Town Temecula

ARTICLE BY DESIREE ALLEN PHOTOGRAPHY BY ALEX TAPIA

There’s something undeniably comforting about the way Havana Kitchen wakes up with the town. The soft shuffle of chairs, the scent of espresso in the air, sunlight spilling across familiar tables like a warm invitation.

It's where meetings turn into friendships, and morning walks end with warm croissants and café con leche.

It’s a hub for small moments that matter: a quick coffee catch-up, a solo journal session by the window, a couple lingering over breakfast in no rush to leave.

For a growing circle of locals, Sundays begin here — where stories are passed across tables, good books are opened with purpose, and community finds a place to gather, one cup at a time.

It's Cuban roots bring not only bold flavors, but a deep sense of soul — a living history served warm, pressed, and perfectly seasoned.

ROOTED IN STORY

Long before Havana Kitchen became a cornerstone of Old Town, it began in a grandmother’s kitchen — where one Cuban-American child learned the language of culture through food. The aroma of slow-simmered dishes, the clink of family cutlery, the sound of shared laughter across generations — these memories weren’t just nostalgic. They were foundational. They became the blueprint for something more.

Established in 2006, Havana Kitchen began as a humble operation in a small industrial space in Murrieta. A handful of tables. A lot of heart. But word spread fast. The food spoke for itself, and the atmosphere made people feel like they’d found something rare — something real .

In 2012, a loyal customer extended an offer that would bring Havana Kitchen to the heart of Old Town Temecula. And it was there that the café truly blossomed — becoming not only a restaurant, but a cultural landmark in the local community. A space rooted in memory, flavor, and family.

THE FLAVOR OF CULTURE

Of course, Havana Kitchen is more than just a coffee shop. It’s a love letter to Cuba — written in empanadas, café con leche, and pastelitos. From rich soups to pressed sandwiches, plantains to flaky pastries, every dish tells a story passed down through generations.

The flavors are bold but balanced. The cooking is both precise and soulful. It’s a menu born of a culture shaped by many — Spanish, African, Chinese, French — and blended into something vibrant, resilient, and unmistakably Cuban.

HAVANA KITCHEN BRINGS Cuban tradition TO OLD TOWN TEMECULA WITH soul-soaked recipes and warm , INTENTIONAL SERVICE.

But more than satisfying hunger, this food nourishes something deeper: memory, belonging, identity. It invites guests not only to eat, but to experience.

From the music to the murals, from the pastry case to the pressed sandwiches, Havana Kitchen is a celebration of heritage and hospitality—Cuban flavor brought to life in the heart of Old Town.

So whether you’re stopping in for a weekday breakfast, picking up coffee after a morning walk, or meeting a friend for an easy catch-up, Havana Kitchen offers a place to slow down and settle in. You’ll find it in the steam rising from a fresh espresso, the first warm bite, and the familiar rhythm of Old Town just outside the door.

So this month, as we celebrate Love Local, consider this your invitation to start the day somewhere with soul—right in the heart of Old Town.

FINDING A TOUCH OF GLAM IN EVERYDAY DESIGN

HGTV star shares her secrets to make a home look both beautiful and livable.

Tamara Day, star of HGTV’s Bargain Mansions, describes her style as “laid-back luxe.”

“I am a mom of four, and I like pretty, shiny things,” Tamara says. “The two don’t always mix well. I design with lifestyle and family in mind but with that touch of glam.”

This mixture of practicality and flare can be accomplished throughout the home on a budget, Tamara says.

When it comes to the kitchen, she says replacing the backsplash is one of the most cost-effective ways to refresh the room. Additionally, she says paint is the most inexpensive option to update cabinets, and there is a de-glosser on the market that will reduce the labor involved by helping paint adhere to cabinets.

“You can get a whole new kitchen with some fresh paint,” Tamara says.

In the bathroom, Tamara suggests putting up new light fixtures and wallpaper for a fresh look. She suggests using wallpaper on just one wall to create contrast.

“Wallpaper transforms everything and puts in a hominess factor,” Tamara says.

To give a new feel to the living room, Tamara suggests using decorative pillows as well as displaying design books and layering with a candle or other interesting object to create a sentimental focal point. She also suggests investing in good, quality sofas

and rugs because less expensive options will not typically withstand the amount of wear and tear they receive from a family.

Overall, Tamara says there is a balance between mixing expensive and inexpensive items and materials around the home, all without having it looking cluttered. She says every space needs something that is thrifted.

Tamara finds many people enjoy elements of different types of styles and have a hard time defining their personal style. To help narrow down to a preferred look, she suggests taking a hundred room images and sorting them into piles of likes and dislikes. She says when someone completes this exercise, they typically find a theme to their preferences.

MAKING COLOR, TEXTURE AND PATTERN STAND OUT

Tamara has a natural eye for using great colors and textures in design. What is her approach to making a room look great?

HERE ARE TAMARA’S TOP TIPS:

Find a base color with pops of other colors.

“Every room needs a touch of black and a pop of color,” Tamara says. “The black will anchor it, but the color will give it life.”

If the home is urban, she suggests more bold pops. If it is a traditional home, use a mixture of colors. Additionally, she suggests using one basic color throughout a home with pops of other colors as opposed to having a different color in each room.

Consider wallpaper.

“Wallpaper can be scary for a lot of people, but there are so may wallpapers out there that are removable,” Tamara says.

Tamara says wallpaper adds texture and warmth, and she includes it in most of the homes she designs.

Layer with baskets, blankets and greenery. All three make a room feel cozy and add color and interest to a space.

CHOCOLATE and WINE

The Key to a Successful Wine and Chocolate Pairing Lies in Finding the Right Combination of Flavors and Characteristics.

Pairing wine and chocolate together can be a delightful sensory experience that can elevate the flavors of both. While the concept of pairing wine with food is well-known, pairing it with chocolate may seem unconventional at first. However, when done correctly, it can create a harmonious balance where the flavors of the wine and chocolate complement and enhance one another.

Wine and chocolate have a lot of similarities to each other. Both contain flavanols (antioxidants) and polyphenols (compounds found in plant-based food) that are good for you and have anti-inflammatory properties. These characteristics affect flavor so it’s somewhat challenging to pair wine and chocolate together. The more polyphenols, the more pronounced the bitter taste.

For example, if you sip a delicious dry red wine alongside a hunk of dark chocolate, the wine will start to taste bitter and sour. The taste imbalance is coming from the heightened levels of flavanols (different types of tannin) found in both chocolate and wine that end up clashing against each other on your tongue.

While it might sound counterintuitive, a good rule of thumb is to pair a wine that is “sweeter” than the chocolate itself. “Sweet” doesn’t refer to dessert wines alone. In the wine world, the term “sweet” is often used to denote ripe, fruit-forward flavors in a wine. These characteristics provide a nice balance to the bitter flavors of cocoa.

Both wine and chocolate can have intense, dry flavors. In order to find the right balance, it’s best to choose wines that are a little bit softer and juicier than the chocolate you’re pairing it with.

We’ve done the footwork to find several wines that partner well with chocolate. Here are our guidelines for matching chocolate with wine and a few of our favorite wine and chocolate pairings. We hope you’ll try them and then get inspired to experiment and create your own.

ARTICLE BY HALEY WILLIAMS PHOTOGRAPHY BY CASSANDRA CASTANEDA

CREATING THE PERFECT PAIR

DARK CHOCOLATE

Bitter to semi-sweet dark chocolates, that are 50 to 100% cacao, have intense, bitter flavors, and earthy to fruity undertones. Match the intensity without adding more dryness by pairing these chocolates with full-bodied, yet fruit-forward wines.

Pairs well with:

Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Port, Merlot, Shiraz, Barolo

MILK CHOCOLATE

Milk chocolate is typically creamier and sweeter with flavors of brown sugar, vanilla, and cream. It requires a wine that is light to medium in body, with a ripe fruit character.

Pairs well with:

Pinot Noir, Merlot, Sweet Riesling, Ice-Style Wine

WHITE CHOCOLATE

White chocolate has a sweet, buttery flavor with notes of cream and honey. Sweet white and rosè wines help cleanse the palate of the rich flavors from white chocolate, as does sparkling spumante like Moscato d’Asti.

Pairs well with:

Sweet Riesling, Moscato, Semi-Dry Sparkling Whites, Gewurztraminer

CAPTURING LIFE’S GREATEST ADVENTURES

Lifestyle photography for the Temecula Valley and Beyond! Let us capture the special moments in your family’s life! The big game, that special performance or a day at the beach. We’ll capture your Star’s Big Moment!

SHAWNASARNOWSKIPHOTOGRAPHY.COM

DIS COVER THE VALAIS REGION OF SWITZERLAND, WHERE ALPINE TRAILS, THERMAL SPRINGS, AND LOCAL TRADITIONS CREATE RESTORATIVE TRAVEL.

AN ALPINE ESCAPE

In Switzerland’s Valais region, wellness and adventure are always part of the same itinerary. Morning could bring a high-alpine hike, afternoon a soak in mineral-rich springs, and evening a table set with traditional cuisine, always including delicious wine and cheese. For travelers, the best part will be finding the perfect balance between exploring the outdoors and relaxing with wellness-infused activities in the heart of the Swiss Alps.

A CAR-FREE ALPINE ADVENTURE IN ALETSCH ARENA

An easy train ride from Zurich lands visitors in the Aletsch Arena, a high-alpine region on the south side of the Bernese Alps, home to three villages: Riederalp, Bettmeralp, and Fiescheralp. Known for its ski slopes in winter and hiking in summer, the area is entirely car-free, making walking and local buses the main modes of transportation through its quaint chalet-lined streets.

One of the main attractions of the ski-in/ski-out area is the Aletsch Glacier, the longest glacier in the Alps. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the 12-mile glacier is visible from several vantage points, shaping every experience in the area.

WHERE TO STAY

ARTICLE BY GABI DE LA ROSA

Located in the heart of Bettmeralp, Hotel Panorama provides no-fuss accommodations steps away from the picturesque Chapel Maria Zum Schnee. The hotel’s restaurant offers delicious regional cuisine, including raclette paired with Swiss wine. A good bottle of Pinot Noir or Gamay is also easy to come by because the Valais region of Switzerland is one of the largest wine-producing areas in the country, with vineyards dotting the steep slopes of the Rhône Valley. In addition to wine and cheese, eating cholera, a covered vegetable pie invented in the region during the cholera epidemic, is a must.

WHAT TO DO

Begin at Viewpoint Moosfluh, the closest and lowest vantage point of the Aletsch Glacier. From there, trailheads lead to Villa Cassel, once the home of a British financier and now a museum focused on history and conservation. The hike passes through a thousand-yearold forest with views of both the glacier and the Matterhorn.

Walk over Goms Bridge, a nearly 1,000-foot-long suspension bridge that connects two hiking areas over the Rhône River. For a final look at the majestic glacier, take the cable car to Viewpoint Eggishorn. At nearly 10,000 feet above sea level, it offers panoramic views of the Matterhorn, Mont Blanc, Jungfraujoch, or the “Top of Europe,” and the most comprehensive view of the Aletsch Glacier.

THERMAL WATERS AND MOUNTAIN VIEWS IN LEUKERBAD

After miles of hiking in the Aletsch Arena, it is time to relax and recharge in the mountain village of Leukerbad.

WHERE TO STAY

Hotel Restaurant Quellenhof Leukerbad is steps away from many of the area’s best thermal pools. The hotel also has a restaurant serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner with several regional specialties.

WHAT TO DO

Since the 1500s, the area has been a well-known destination for wellness and healing due to over 65 natural hot springs that

flow into the alpine village. Several public bathhouses welcome visitors year-round, including Leukerbad Therme, the largest thermal wellness resort in Europe. The family-friendly wellness center includes ten pools and a range of hot and cold plunge options. Walliser Alpentherme & Spa and Therme 51 also offer public access to the mineral-rich waters.

A hike through Dala Gorge provides beautiful mountain views while traversing a 2,000-foot suspension bridge over the Dala River. Hikers can also experience a 100-foot waterfall before the forested hiking trail leads back to Leukerbad.

The village is considered one of the most traditional and beautiful alpine settings in the country. It lacks the pretentiousness of Switzerland’s larger metropolitan areas and offers a storybook atmosphere with a friendly small-town feel. Walking through

Leukerbad reveals gorgeous chalets, small shops, bakeries, and restaurants worth exploring.

WHERE TO EAT

No trip to Switzerland is complete without fondue. Dating back to the 17th and 18th centuries, fondue, which translates to “melt” in French, is a national dish consisting of a blend of Gruyere and Emmental cheeses. One of the oldest family-owned restaurants in Leukerbad, Restaurant Sternen offers traditional fondue along with a variety of mix-ins and dipping options. Pair the fondue with Valais wine for a celebratory meal. Restaurant Waldhaus is one of the most elevated restaurants in the village and is another family-run establishment offering a seasonal menu and over 70 different grappas to choose from.

HISTORY AND ALPS MEET IN MARTIGNY

A short train ride takes visitors to one of the largest cities in the Valais region of Switzerland. The city is a crossroads between Italy and France, with a history dating back to Roman times. Visitors can tour Roman ruins, including a well-preserved amphitheater, ancient settlements, and Roman baths.

WHERE TO STAY

Martigny Boutique Hotel is minutes from the train station and is one of the few establishments in the city employing people with disabilities. The light and bright hotel provides a comfortable base for exploring the city.

WHAT TO DO

Take the steepest funicular in the world, the Mont-Blanc Express, on a scenic ascent through the Alps. The funicular connects to a smaller train that leads to the Trient Valley on the French-Swiss border, where, at the top, a full day of activity begins. Hiking, biking, zip-lining, or traversing the Emosson Dam, which straddles France and Switzerland, are all options. The crystal clear blue waters of Emosson Lake are perfect for a picnic or a break between adventures.

Back in Martigny, Barryland, the only theme park in the world dedicated to St. Bernard dogs, offers a look at the history of the dog, bred by monks in the 17th century for alpine rescue work. The Barry Foundation, founded in 2005, continues to preserve the breed and educate visitors about it. Guests can watch the dogs train, play, and interact as they learn about their role in the region.

Roman influence remains visible across the city, including at Les Bains Publics at Hotel Borsari, where visitors can soak in cement wine barrels located in the hotel’s spa. The baths sit on the site of a former wine tank factory and offer a circuit of hot and cold pools in a historically inspired, wine-colored setting.

FEBRUARY 2026

events

A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS

MONDAYS

Sunset Sips – Mercato Mondays

Mercato di Vienza, Europa Village Wineries & Resort 41150 Via Europa | 6:00 PM

Wind down your Monday with Sunset Sips at Europa Village’s Mercato di Vienza. Enjoy scenic vineyard views, live music, and perfectly paired wines in a relaxed, European-style marketplace setting. It’s the ultimate way to ease into your week — one glass at a time.

FEBRUARY 6TH

TemecuLOVE Market

Promenade Temecula, 40820 Winchester Road | 10:00 AM

Celebrate all things love and local at the TemecuLOVE Market! Enjoy handmade gifts, floral bouquet bars, sweet treats, family fun, photo ops, and more. With DJ music, sensory play, and surprise visits from the Roaming Heart Man, this is the perfect way to shop small and spread love.

FEBRUARY 17TH

Diana Ross

Pechanga Resort 45000 Pechanga Pkwy | 8:00 PM

Legendary icon Diana Ross takes the stage at Pechanga Resort Casino on February 17 for a one-night-only performance. Expect timeless hits, powerhouse vocals, and a night of pure magic. Whether you're a longtime fan or love live music, this Valentine’s weekend show is not to be missed. Tickets: pechanga.com

ONE NIGHT. THREE EXPERIENCES.

Enjoy three distinct destinations that come together to create one seamless night out. Arrive for dinner at Archive, Temecula’s newest elevated dining experience serving steak, and seafood. Hide away for cocktails and conversation at Thompson & Twain speakeasy, then follow the music to Crush & Brew and dance the night away - all connected, all without ever moving your car.