I had the pleasure of attending the soft opening of Fortun’s in Old Town La Quinta, right before Thanksgiving and have been back several times since. A year and a half after starting the remodeling of the old Desert Sage, the transformation is complete. I’ve got to say, the wait was worth it!
Great Bar In An Open Setting
Owned by Steve Fortun, with the kitchen led by Chef Keith Otter, the new space is right on the money for what today’s patron wants in a restaurant here in the desert. Namely, a large bar, lots of high-tops, and an open concept. They also turned what used to be a driveway in the front, into a spacious outdoor patio area which doubles the seating.
The bar features an ice strip to keep your libations cold and plenty of televisions turned to various sporting events. Besides the open kitchen, there’s a second area with a spit where the meats are roasted along with the pineapple that they feature in some of their cocktails.
Fortun’s Menu Has Something For Everyone
The menu is a good mix of Salads, Pastas, Burgers, Sandwiches, House Smoked BBQ, Brick Oven Pizzas and Entrees of Fish, Chicken, Beef and Pork. Nothing on the food menu is over $30.
They have a nice selection of wine and beer and a laundry list of Signature Cocktails, from Hand-crafted Margaritas to Bloody Mary’s.
My friends and I sampled Oysters Rockefeller, Calamari Steak Appetizer, Shrimp Scampi with Fried Artichokes and Drunken Clams from the Appetizer menu and everything received a thumbs-up all the way around.
I’ve had the Oven Roasted Turkey Cobb Salad, the Thai Noodle Salad, and the Shredded Pork Tacos. My friends tried the Caprese Salad, Tavern Cheese Burger with Tater Tots, Pan Seared Scottish Salmon, Rotisserie Chicken, Enchilada’s Suzas and the Pepperoni Pizza. Everything was tasty and we all look forward to trying more items.
The staff is very friendly and seems glad to be there. They are attentive and personable.
The Details And Memories
This space has a place in my heart, as it’s where Bill and I got married. Even though the look has totally changed, it still feels like home. I’m sure that Bill and Steve Fortun, the original owner, are together in Heaven, glad that we are all enjoying it.
Fortun’s is open between 10 AM and 11 PM and has Happy Hour until 7 PM.
78085 Avenida la Fonda, La Quinta
760-564-8744
http://www.fortunskitchen.com is coming soon but you can look them up on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/fortunskitchen/