SUGARPLUM ZOO | tonyonthetown

SUGARPLUM ZOO-RESTAURANT-CHOCOLATES

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Sugarplum camel

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WHAT

DAY

IS IT ?

ZOO

VVVISIONS OF SUGARPLUMS WILL DANCE IN YOUR HEAD

By Tony Reverditto

I know so many of our residents have been cooped up for months and are looking for a safe and entertaining outing. Well, nearby in Temecula there is a wonderful heartwarming diversion called The Sugarplum Zoo. Over three years ago, Greg and Lani Rager started off with a mission to combine two of their great loves; chocolates and animals! After providing their chocolates to some of the finest five star hotels in the country, they opened the most adorable chocolate boutique on the property so all of their guests could enjoy their decadent handmade creations! The shop also includes their own honey, jams, handmade soaps and colorful farm fresh eggs from their on-site chickens.

This little gem is just a short drive away and located in the heart of wine country creating the perfect therapeutic getaway for those quarantine blues. Lani, has a heart of gold and gave us a tour of the grounds which includes an interactive petting zoo with close-up looks at such animals as a camel, llamas, zebra, and dwarf horses. There’s even a tour guide pig, a zonkey (a zebra-donkey mix), exotic birds, some rescues and many other farm and exotic animals to make friends with. Lani explained that they are in the process of updating and expanding the zoo on the scenic grounds in the coming months.

One of the expansions took place in September which included Sun City’s own Gracie’s Lunchbox opening a Bistro Café dining experience called “Lunch at the Zoo” at the Sugarplum Farm. Gracie’s owner, Ally Cazarin, and her loyal assistant Heather serve delicious fresh lunches on their patio, Thursday’s thru Sunday’s from 11:00 am to 2:30 pm. They are also creating a charming indoor dining room that will also be available for special events, parties, meetings and the like.

The menu is a little different that her location in the Sun City Plaza, as it also has homemade pizzas and pretzels. The “personal” pizzas are incredible, they are at least 10” wide and I had the Classic Pepperoni and my guest had the Seasonal Veggie, both had homemade crust and sauce and were yummy. Ally serves 4 of her beloved sandwiches; Turkey & Provolone, Roast Beef & Cheddar, Ham & Swiss and a Grilled Veggies & Pepper Jack topped with lettuce and tomato. The menu also includes two different Charcuteries, a Soft Pretzel version and a Mediterranean, both adorned with cheese, meats, fruit, veggies and nuts. There are salads, sides and a kid’s lunchbox also available. Hands down, the food is excellent and a wonderful addition to this new concept at the zoo.

If you plan on visiting Monday thru Wednesday, you can place a food order the day before and your meal will be there when you arrive.

The Sugarplum Farm is a fun-filled time for kids of all ages; so it would be a joy for you, your kids and grandkids! All

safety protocols in place.

VISIONS OF SUGARPLUMS WILL DANCE IN YOUR HEAD

By Tony Reverditto

I know so m