Corbeaux at a Glance
A stylish restaurant in Old Town Temecula serving creative French-Asian small plates with a quality service, presentation, and cuisine that have leveled up dining in this small town.
Owner, Regan Schneider of Matin du Bois Vintners
Executive Chef, Chris Gimeno
Our first visit to Corbeaux was two years ago, and we have been visiting at least every other month since. On most visits, my husband and I have been tucked in a cozy corner at the front of the restaurant, where we can take in the local bar activity and admire all of the eclectic design touches. With every turn of the head, there is something unique to admire at Corbeaux. Bold botanical fabrics decorate the banquet, actual botanicals hang off the walls, brass fixtures drip from the ceiling, and a mix of chairs, sofas, and barstools combine to form seating.
Regan Schneider, winemaker of Matin Du Bois Vintners, owns Corbeaux, so her label is the only local wine you’ll find on the menu. Their vineyard was planted in 1975, one of the oldest in Temecula, and their Old Vine Merlot is one to try. One of the restaurant’s features is a prix-fixe dinner that can be paired with wines or teas, so the team is well-versed in both wine and tea list, and can suggest pairings for each dish. Matin du Bois also has a growing line of lovely natural wines under their nude label on the menu. Several interesting bottles from California and European wine regions, craft wine cocktails and a small list of cognac and brandy round out the beverage list, and of course, a selection of teas from around the world.
Dinner entrees are plated like minor works of art and are designed for sharing. The ever-evolving seasonal menu is dreamed up by Chef Chris Gimeno, formerly of Michelin starred Orchard City Kitchen in San Jose and pastry Chef Kimberly Agnello. If not indulging in the prix-fixe menu, two items per person is generally the right amount, leaving you with a little room to share dessert. The creative menu is seasonal, but has included dishes like an artichoke salad with an inspired dusting of cocoa and surprisingly generous slices of hamachi dressed with calamansi, pickled cucumber relish, cherry tomato that were amongst the best I’ve ever had. The tender duck, perfectly paired with a magical coconut broth and dotted with chili oil seems to be a staple, as does filet in some form, most recently prepared with a raspberry-coffee crust and cured egg yolk.
The must-try dessert is the Cake & Cream. This dessert alone is reason enough for a repeat visit. A swoon-inducing slice of rich butter cake, seared to develop a beautiful caramelization on all edges, is perfectly paired with a miso popcorn ice cream that brought to mind the cornflake ice cream that made Christina Tossi’s Milk Bar famous. Little squares of strawberry gelee balanced the buttery richness.
Corbeaux also offers afternoon tea and brunch menus, and the graceful space successfully marries the feel of both tea room and dining room.
41923 2nd St Suite 105, Temecula, CA 92590
At the time of writing, à la carte items ranged from $7 – $46.
