Outdoor dining offers something different for dinner

The Garden Center Café & Grill offers diners scrumptious signature dishes in an intimate, garden-style setting. Vicki and Bill Porter have been owners of this well-known establishment for the past nine years, serving up savory memories.

For those who enjoy dining outdoors, the Garden Center Café & Grill provides an ambiance that is sure to please. Diners enjoy the outdoor garden with its lovely waterfall, fountain and seasonal flowers. “People tell us that their favorite part of the restaurant is our garden,” said Vicki.

The Garden Center Café & Grill takes on quite a transformation Thursday through Saturday evenings for dinner. Their light and airy breakfast and lunch setting is redecorated with blissful bistro flair for the evening hours.

“It is so different in the daytime than the nighttime,” said Bill. “At night, there are tablecloths, linens, candles and wine glasses on the tables.”

Dinner selections are impressive, beginning with Certified Angus Prime Rib. “And we always serve fresh fish with at least two varieties,” said Bill. “Our chicken is also fresh, not frozen.”

Vicki and Bill agree that the most popular dinner selections are the Prime Rib and the Stuffed Fresh Salmon, filled with spinach and mascarpone cheese.

The selective champagne and wine list is moderately priced and pairs beautifully with the entrees.

The cornerstone of Garden Center Café & Grill entrees begin with quality, fresh ingredients. Lunch and dinner menus rotate on a quarterly basis.

“We keep the favorite dishes on the menu but change others so our diners have something to look forward to,” said Vicki. “You don’t have to drive out of town to find something different, because you can find something different right here.”

According to the couple, some patrons dine at their establishment more than once a day. “It’s a fact that we have had customers who have had breakfast, lunch and dinner here on the same day,” said Bill.

Aside from delicious breakfast, lunch and dinner entrees, this establishment is known for its homemade desserts. Consider leaving belly room for Blueberry Bread Pudding, Almond Joy Cheesecake, Peanut Butter Cheesecake, Chocolate Cheesecake or Carrot Cake. “Our Ollalaberry Cobbler is one of our most popular desserts,” said Bill.

The Garden Center Café & Grill is a wonderful destination for wedding rehearsal dinners and private parties, said Vicki. “We host parties at the Café because people just love the heated covered patio at night.” The twinkling lights and sounds of trickling water promote a festive, elegant mood.

The Garden Center Café & Grill staff is solicitous and attentive. Many have worked for Vicki and Bill for years. “Most of them have been here forever and were here when we bought the restaurant,” said Vicki.

The couple’s son, Clayton, and daughter-in-law, Carina, have played an important part in the business as well.

The catering branch of the business buzzes with constant activity. “We typically cater for parties with anywhere from 40 to 250 guests,” explained Vicki. “We design the menu around whatever the event is.”

For more information, visit http://www.GardenCenterCafeandGrill.com or call (760) 728-4147. The restaurant is located at 1625 South Mission Road in Fallbrook.

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