Last weekend I stayed in Temecula and attended the International Gourd Festival at Welburn Farms. This is an annual event for my family and has been since 2000. During our stay, we always venture out to see what's new since our last visit. This year we found a gem right in the heart of Old Town.
We travel frequently both internally and abroad and have NEVER returned to the same restaurant two nights in a row, preferring to try as many establishments as possible during our stay. We broke that unspoken rule when we found "Arriba" a new Caribbean restaurant in Old Town. We located it on the internet via the visitor's center. We thought it sounded like something different and decided to give it a try.
We were so pleasantly surprised upon entering to find bright colors, delicious aromas, and an immediate feeling reminiscent of our time in Costa Rica. The menu is fantastic and reflects Caribbean, central American, and Mexican influences. The service is fast, friendly, and the food is fresh, flavorful, and beautifully presented.
The chef and owner, Fernando, came out to explain some of the dishes to us and tell us about some of his own favorites. We were to find that he has only been open for six weeks. Usually, a new restaurant is going thru growing pains, but that was not evident in the quality of the food nor the seemingly effortless flow of the staff.
Needless to say, we were all back the next night and tried all of Fernando's recommendations. Fernando's wife waited on us and thanked us for returning to visit. How special that she noticed! Bottom line, Arriba is a restaurant where the menu is unique and the service is impeccable. You feel like you've given yourself a treat, even tho the prices are modest. This establishment is a rare gem that should be supported, recognized, and definitely encouraged to make it for the long term.
Thanks for reading my comments. Give Fernando our regards.
Janet Meadows-Peel
David G. Peel
Carrie Meadows-Hartmann
Chris L. Hartmann
