It’s time for another mini-vacation out-of-town for golf and chow.  This is our second time at this property but we’ll add some different restaurants this time.  Any notes I’ve taken were lost so there will be even less commentary than usual.

Oaks course: Gray squirrel eating a nut in a tree

I hardly ever see gray squirrels in California.  I’ve been into wildlife since I was a child and was very much into squirrels as a young boy so this is a visual treat.  We spotted him on the Oaks course.

Creek course

I find this course to be mostly flat with quite a few trees and pretty open fairways.  For me it’s a bit of a snoozer compared with the Oaks and Stonehouse courses.  I got a fantastic deal on a brand new 2017 TaylorMade driver so I’m testing it out today for the first time.  My first few tee shots are pretty golden.

Oaks course

You’ll see a little more up and down on this course with a more interesting layout.

Oaks course

Welcome to a sloping “drop city” as you approach the green.  The trees in the way add some challenges.  Mr. squirrel nut was found in the tree on the left.

Oaks course:  Mr. Gray Squirrel

I was hoping watching cute rodentia on the course would relax my grip and golf swing.  Not so much…

Oaks course

Guest room: 2nd floor

The room feels bigger than last year with a lot more floor space.  That might be a first floor versus second floor issue or more likely it’s the two queen beds factor.

Guest room: bathroom

Temecula Creek Inn:  Guest room:  Coffee bar

The colors and styling is Craftsman Mission style which I support completely.  Keurig systems aren’t my favorite but in-room java I’m always a fan of.

Temecula Creek Inn:  Pool and Spa

The resort features a modest pool and spa as well as a small fitness center located in a small guest room of another building.  It features thin mats, dumbbells, a variety of cardio equipment and limited Nautilus type machines.

Oaks course: View from our balcony

Umi Sushi & Oyster Bar: Dining room with Vegas flair

Tasty fish is coming our way.

Umi Sushi & Oyster Bar: Pork bun sandies

I can almost never turn these down.  Tasty pork with soft bread, jalapeno, chopped peanuts etc.  YUM!

Umi Sushi & Oyster Bar: Salmon sashimi

The portion isn’t impressive but the pieces are fatties and very buttery, fresh and nice tasting.

Umi Sushi & Oyster Bar: Baked oysters

We destroyed this and were hoping for more.

Umi Sushi & Oyster Bar: Tataki tuna

My oh my…perfect color and presentation.

Umi Sushi & Oyster Bar:  Robata street corn

This tasted even better than it looks.  The variety of beans were a nice touch although unexpected.

Coldstone Creamery: Coffee ice cream with almonds

I had a craving for this since it’s been a lot of years since I’ve had it.  Although, I’ll admit that I prefer a bolder coffee flavor and not so milky and creamy.  Regardless, it was pretty good for what it was.  It’s a nice middle ground between soft serve ice cream and traditional very hard ice cream.

Cork Fire Kitchen: Blood Orange Wit beer by Refuge Brewery

I enjoy this beer on a hot day but it’s not quite as refreshing as you would hope.  Like a Blue Moon ale I could use more orange flavor and sweetness.  If it were up to me, my fruity beers would have 50% natural fruit juice and 50% beer.  There is an import German grapefruit beer, Schofferhofer Hefeweizen Grapefruit (available at Total Wine & More) that gets the recipe right on.  As is, this beer is good but could use a bit less bitter and more citrus flavor and sweetness.

Cork Fire Kitchen: Fried Calamari

The calamari was very good as were the fresh dipping sauces of cilantro sauce (left) and avocado aioli (right).  There was a lot of meat and a moderate amount of fried coating outside.

Cork Fire Kitchen: Stone fruit and arugula salad with grilled scallops

We added these HUGE scallops which were absolute perfection.  The Serrano ham was aromatic and tasty and the super fresh greens come from their garden or that of local growers.

Cork Fire Kitchen:  Close-up of scallops

Stunning!

Temecula Creek Inn:  Stonehouse course

This is the best course of the three with a more interesting layout and there is very little flatness to speak of.

Stonehouse Course:  Gray squirrel sighting #2

Run squirrel, run…

There goes squirrel nut…

The jumping squirrel caught in an airborne shot.

Stonehouse course

Stonehouse course

This is the most interesting hole out of all three courses.

Stonehouse course

Stonehouse course:  The actual stone house…

I believe they use it for weddings and receptions.

Stonehouse course:  Hole 9

Since it’s summer the courses were all in pretty decent shape but nowhere near exceptional shape.  My ranking for the three courses are as follows:  #1 is Stonehouse; #2 is Oaks; #3 is Creek.  If you’re seeking an affordable place to stay and golf this place is a very nice option.

Hit em’ straight!

THE END!!!