Old Town Temecula is home to many new and established restaurants. There are cafés, hot dog stands, and eateries in every price point, and for every taste. Whether you are in the mood for a barbecue, or Italian, or an upscale night out, you will find something you like.

I recently discovered a newer restaurant that feels like it has always been at home in Old Town. The Gambling Cowboy is a steak and chophouse overlooking Front Street. When my husband Steve and I were coming off a long week, we knew we wanted the pampering and luxury of a traditional steakhouse and that was just what we got.  The Gambling Cowboy fits right into Old Town. The décor is a warm, comfortable mix of Victorian and cowboy. The colors are dark and rich, and reminded me of an old time photo set come to life. Florals and sumptuous fabrics add the perfect touch of femininity to the horse and cowboy theme. As we looked at the menu, we discovered it was classic steakhouse, but with a little spice.

We decided to treat ourselves to two appetizers. Our server suggested

Brie Sachets, three small bundles of Brie wrapped in phyllo dough, sitting in a spicy raspberry chipotle sauce. They were rich and delicious and quite spicy. The shrimp cocktail I ordered tasted bright and clean, and a mound of freshly grated horseradish augmented the flavorful cocktail sauce. “Why don’t we eat shrimp cocktail every day?” I asked Steve, trying not to be too obvious as I took the last shrimp. I had forgotten how much I love it.

For our dinners, we stayed true to our preferences, steak for Steve, fish for me. Steve ordered the Chateau steak, which is similar to a filet mignon, but with a little coarser grain, and a more pronounced beefy flavor. It was a steak lover’s steak. It came with a large baked potato with all the accompaniments, including large chunks of bacon. I had Salmon Picatta, served with large steamed artichoke hearts. The picatta sauce was rich and had a pleasant lemon blossom flavor. Everything on the plate was well-seasoned, even the bright green steamed asparagus.  I was full and so happy with my meal; still, my husband recognized “the look” in my eye.

“How do you have room for dessert?” he asked, amazed, in spite of the almost 20 years he’s known me. Of course I had room for dessert. I had caught sight of something on the menu called a Brownie Martini. It was a brownie, and vanilla ice cream, topped with a toasted meringue served in a martini glass. Even if it was only a few bites, I knew I had to try it.

The Brownie Martini was as delicious as it was pretty. The vanilla flavors were strong, and the chocolate brownie played a supporting role. It was worth every extra calorie.

Because we were there so early, well before the dinner rush, we were able to meet and talk to the owner of The Gambling Cowboy, Rene Ehmcke.  The energetic brunette told us how she came to have over 20 years experience in the food and restaurant business.

Rene started as a newsroom producer in Bakersfield California over 20 years ago. Her love of food and cooking led her to open a small catering business on the weekends. One day a newsroom assistant came up to Rene in a panic; she had forgotten to hire a caterer for an important business lunch being hosted by the studio that very day. Rene told the assistant she could cater it.

“I went shopping and put a great meal together,” she said with a dimple-studded grin.

After that, Rene says she knew her heart was in the kitchen. It didn’t take long for her to quit her job at the newsroom and begin catering full time. She stayed in the food industry for many years, eventually moving to Temecula as a representative for a food wholesale company. She wanted to open a restaurant, and as soon as she saw Old Town, she knew that was where it had to be.

“The energy in Old Town is just so great,” she said enthusiastically. “Nighttime brings crowds for music and wine. It’s a similar feel to some parts of downtown San Diego.”

Rene began looking for a location for her restaurant. As soon as she and her parents walked in to the former Penfold’s location, they all felt it was the right place.

“We looked around and realized this was the perfect place to bring a little fun to fine dining,” she says, gesturing around the lovely room.

The Gambling Cowboy is definitely fine dining, but it doesn’t have to be saved for a special occasion. On Sundays, The Gambling Cowboy offers “Dollar an ounce Prime-Rib” and a Tuesday through Thursday dinner for two for only $39.95. There is also an extensive happy hour menu.

We enjoyed the whole experience of eating at The Gambling Cowboy. It is one of many great restaurants in Old Town. The next time you are wondering where to eat, I recommend going to Old Town Temecula.  You may find a new favorite.

The Gambling Cowboy: 42072 5^th St. Old Town Temecula

Phone: 951-699-2895