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Dining Around The Desert

These Greater Palm Springs Area Resorts Offer the Best Amenities

Readers voted for their favorite businesses in 24 categories in our annual Best of the Best competition. Here are their picks for swanky stays.

Site StaffJuly 29, 2023Best Of, Hotels & Resorts

The Paloma Resort's putting green.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY THE PALOMA RESORT

PALM SPRINGS

Parker Palm Springs: Eat, sleep, dream, and treat yourself in a Jonathan Adler–designed fantasyland with endless options, including three large pools, a trio of restaurants, four clay tennis courts, a pétanque court, a croquet lawn, a lavish spa, and a fitness studio.

DESERT HOT SPRINGS

Azure Palm Hot Springs Resort and Day Spa Oasis: An oasis of relaxation, this property specializes in boutique luxury. Beyond the spa offerings, restorative cleanses, wellness classes, and mineral water, discover unique gifts and souvenirs at the curated shop and recharge with organic coffee at the on-site café.

CATHEDRAL CITY

The Paloma Resort: When it comes to unwinding, this resort promises it all, from tapas-style bites at on-site restaurant Sol y Sombra to spa services at Grounded at The Paloma. Follow your poolside libation with a massage for the ultimate experience, then cozy up in a suite decked in murals of desert plants.

RANCHO MIRAGE

The Ritz-Carlton Rancho Mirage: Perched more than 600 feet above the Coachella Valley, the sophisticated 244-room resort exudes unrivaled luxury, from the pair of pools with eye-popping views of the desert to the stunning two-story, 25,000-square-foot spa.

PALM DESERT

JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa: This wonderland of recreational activities includes golf, tennis, swimming, and wildlife experiences. You’ll ride a boat to reach your dinner reservation (really!), and if you’re after a little tranquility, the 38,000-square-foot luxury spa is just what the doctor ordered.

INDIAN WELLS

Hyatt Regency Indian Wells Resort & Spa: There’s something for everyone at this 45-acre resort that was originally built to host the city’s annual tennis tournament. Families love the pool complex, with a 450-foot-long lazy river and dueling waterslides.

LA QUINTA

La Quinta Resort & Club: Kick back and relish all this resort has to offer, from swimming, tennis, and golf to reinvigorating spa therapies such as a CBD candle massage, a pranayama breathing journey, a soak in a private garden tub, or a massage that begins with a wine tasting.

INDIO

Fantasy Springs Resort Casino: At Fantasy Springs Resort Casino, you can have it all: a day on the golf course followed by a swim, a fancy steak dinner at The Bistro, and a signature hot fudge sundae at Lique. Before you head home, visit Splurge, where you can spend your casino winnings on a memento to commemorate the trip.

READ NEXT: You can swim laps in healing mineral water at this Desert Hot Springs hotel.

From Sheri Dettman
In Dining Around The Desert, Lifestyles & Things To Do, Pickleball, Sheri's Palm Springs Area Blog, Tennis Anyone?

Dining Around The Desert: Broadway by Amar Santana, Laguna Beach

Michael and I recently headed down to Laguna Beach for my mom’s birthday. We had reservations at Broadway by Amar Santana as we’d watched him on Top Chef, we really liked his personality, and his cooking looked terrific.

A bit about the restaurant: Inspired by the theaters in New York City, award-winning Chef Amar Santana alongside restauranteur Ahmed Labbate creates an atmosphere where the food becomes the main show.

The restaurant’s menu is inspired by the creativity of Chef Amar Santana and his version of Modern Cuisine of The Americas. It features top-quality ingredients, focusing on local farms that can provide the menu’s seasonal requirements.

The interior reflects an industrial New York look with an open kitchen that is the center stage, with six coveted seats at the chef’s table overlooking the activity of the kitchen. Chef Amar Santana will personally create and prepare a multiple-course menu to those guests that choose to be adventurous with their cuisine.

It was packed and jumping at 6:30 pm on a Friday in July. We were seated immediately, the service was attentive, and the servers were extremely knowledgeable.

We had them open a nice bottle of wine that we had brought with us, and we let that breathe while we ordered appetizers to share.

We had a couple of Roasted Heirloom Beet Salads with whipped Feta, red wine shallot vinaigrette, watercress, and pistachios. I eat a lot of beet salads, and this one was unique due to the whipped Feta, which was great. We also shared the Housemade Focaccia with sundried tomato, parmesan, and whipped butter. We could have eaten multiple loaves! The kicker was the Crisp French Fries with chipotle aioli. The best fries ever.

For our second courses, I had the Herb Roasted Mediterranean Branzino with cauliflower puree, pickled clam shell mushroom, and truffle jus. Michael had the Thyme Basted Sonoma Duck Breast with an endive marmalade, duck confit stuffed apricot, sunchoke puree, and cassis duck jus. My mom enjoyed the Lamb Tagliatelle with slow-braised lamb ragout, mint pesto, fresh horseradish, and shaved parmesan.

For dessert, we shared the Oh Beehive, which is a lemon goat cheese mousse, honeycomb, elderflower, and honey ice cream, the Lemon Ricotta Fritters with lemon cream and rosemary honey, and the Chocolate Praline Crunch with salted caramel ice cream, and candied hazelnuts. On top of that, they brought the birthday girl a Bourbon Vanilla Bean Panacotta with strawberry sorbet, chocolate pearls, and tarragon.

Between courses, we spent time with Amar, who was a delight. He’s personable, down to earth, and the same as he appears on Top Chef. He and I discussed some chefs we had in common as I worked for Wolfgang Puck at the original Spago years ago, and Amar knows Wolf. He told us quite a bit about the experience of being on the show and its effect on his business, which is considerable. It truly made our evening, and my mom had a great time.

Absolutely everything was top-notch. It was a fun, tasty experience, and we’ll be back the next time we are in Laguna Beach.

BROADWAY BY AMAR SANTANA

328 Glenneyre Street

Laguna Beach, CA 92651

949.715.8234

949.715.8241 F

[email protected]

Hours and Services

We are currently open for dining Monday – Sunday. Our current hours are as follows:

SUNDAY – WEDNESDAY 5:00 pm – 9 pm

THURSDAY 5:00 pm – 9:30 pm

FRIDAY – SATURDAY 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm

We are open for Curbside Pickup and accepting online orders every day.

From Sheri Dettman
In Dining Around The Desert, Sheri's Palm Springs Area Blog

Dining Around The Desert: Luna’s Bar & Grill, Indio

A new restaurant located at the Canopy at Citrus in Indio

Michael and I have recently enjoyed several meals with some of our Griffin Ranch neighbors at a brand new spot right by the Ralph’s on Jefferson and 50th in the still under construction, Canopy at Citrus.

Luna’s Bar & Grill features a diverse menu with something for everyone without being overwhelming.

For appetizers, we’ve shared a Traditional Caesar, a Burrata Flatbread salad with field greens, fresh burrata, shaved prosciutto and a balsamic vinaigrette, and Crispy Calamari with a sweet chili dipping sauce. The Flatbread was great, and we’d have that again.

For my main course, I stuck with the Ahi Tuna Stack with avocado, cucumber, mango, soy vinaigrette, and sriracha aioli. Great presentation and very flavorful. Michael had the Boxer (Meat Lovers) Pizza with mozzarella, applewood smoked bacon, Italian sausage, pepperoni, and Canadian bacon and gave it excellent reviews.

Our friends had everything from California Sanddabs, Chicken Picatta, the Luna’s Burger with applewood smoked bacon, melted blue cheese crumbles, caramelized onions, lettuce, and spicy mayo on a brioche bun to Rigatoni Bolognese, and the Greek Gourmet Pizza with pesto, mozzarella, grilled chicken, artichokes, spinach, and caramelized onions.

Luna’s has a nice bar with a handful of signature drinks. I tried the Cucumber Martini, and our friends tried the Spicy Watermelon Margarita and the Blackberry Margarita. They have a nice wine list as well.

Everyone had nothing but good things to say about their meals, and it’s sure to become a local’s favorite. It’s reasonably priced, the service is attentive, and they put out a consistently fresh, tasty, and well-made product.

LUNAS BAR & GRILL
HOURS OF OPERATION
Lunch: 11:30am-3:00pm
Dinner: 5:00pm-9:00pm
Closed Monday and Tuesday
Take Out available 12:00am-9:00pm
* reservations are highly recommended.
Phone: 442-400-3827
Address: 49830 Jefferson St, Suite 100, Indio, CA 92201

From Sheri Dettman
In Dining Around The Desert, Sheri's Palm Springs Area Blog

Dining Around The Desert: The Best Places to Eat & Drink in Greater Palm Springs This Summer

The Coachella Valley’s rich and diverse culinary scene serves up delectable bites morning, noon, and night.

Site StaffMay 29, 2023Restaurants

Sherman’s Deli & Bakery.
PHOTO BY BRANDON HARMAN

Whether you’re after a loaded sandwich, a leafy salad, a fabulous brunch, or an upscale meal for a special occasion, you’ll find what you’re looking for right here in Greater Palm Springs. Here’s where to take a bite out of the local culture this summer.

AS SEEN ON TV.

If you love Food Network’s Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives, try some of the local delicacies that have been featured on the show. Sherman’s Deli & Bakery is an authentic Jewish deli with locations in Palm Desert and Palm Springs, where Guy Fieri tried turkey pastrami and latkes. At Chúla Artisan Eatery in La Quinta, he tried the owner’s family recipe for chilaquiles and a green chile Monte Cristo. Pablo’s Tacos & Beer in Indio earned the show’s stamp of approval for its tacos and Mexican street food, and Grill-a-Burger in Palm Desert was hailed for its Devil’s Revenge burger (with habanero-pepper relish and fried serrano chiles) and the cabbage-topped turkey Buddha Burger.

Beautiful Day.
PHOTO COURTESY BEAUTIFUL DAY

VEGETARIAN AND VEGAN.

If you’re on a plant-based diet, you’re in luck. Nature’s Health Food & Café in Palm Springs is a long-standing favorite, offering a fully vegan menu. Chef Tanya’s Kitchen in Palm Springs and Palm Desert will turn carnivores into plant lovers with diverse meat-alternative offerings, including a pastrami-style sandwich. Stop by Chef Tanya’s Kreamery, located next door to the Palm Desert location, for vegan ice cream. Delicious food and healthy choices come together in La Quinta at Beautiful Day, the latest concept from chef Justin Jenkins. Wildest in Palm Desert and Palm Greens Café and Lulu California Bistro in Palm Springs devote generous portions of their menus to veggie selections.

Spencer’s Restaurant.
PHOTO BY BRANDON HARMAN

FOR SPECIAL OCCASIONS.

Celebrate your special occasion in a special place. Le Vallauris Restaurant in Palm Springs serves elegant French cuisine in a beautiful garden setting with an extensive wine list. Spencer’s Restaurant, tucked at the base of the San Jacinto Mountains, offers a fine-dining experience featuring classic American cuisine; the large patio is climate-controlled. Workshop Kitchen + Bar in Uptown Palm Springs features a sleek, modern ambiance that earned a James Beard Award and pairs it with creative, farm-to-table dishes. Mastro’s Steakhouse, located on El Paseo in Palm Desert, is perfect for a sophisticated and indulgent dinner of prime steaks or fresh seafood; there’s live music nightly in the buzzy lounge. For a spectacular setting, head to La Quinta Cliffhouse, where you can enjoy cocktails and California cuisine perched atop a cliff while taking in stunning mountain scenery.

COFFEE WITH A TWIST.

For a summery spin on your caffeine fix, visit Café La Jefa in Palm Springs for a Mexican-style café de olla or nearby Ernest Coffee for a citrus-infused latte made with lemon bitters. At Sixth Street Coffee in Coachella, you can sample a cold brew lemonade, lavender rose latte, or horchata latte. If you like cuddles with your coffee, head to Frisky Business Cat Café in Palm Springs, where a menu of gourmet drinks pairs with adoptable kitties.

TREAT YOURSELF TO BRUNCH.

Indulge in a leisurely brunch at one of Greater Palm Springs’ popular cafés and restaurants. In the heart of downtown Palm Springs, French Miso Café is known for its French and Japanese cuisine, including brunch classics like eggs Benedict and Japanese specialties like a bento box. Nearby, Farm is a French-inspired local favorite where diners enjoy farm-to-table dishes made with locally sourced ingredients in a stunningly cozy setting. Wilma & Frieda, located in Palm Desert and Palm Springs, is always a good choice for brunch; the menu is all about comfort food with a twist, like the Chicken & Waffle Benny or the homemade “pop tarts.” Azure Palm Café in Desert Hot Springs prepares fresh options, including a Green Goddess Salad and Keto Quiche. For a truly luxurious bite, check out Norma’s at Parker Palm Springs for decadent dishes like the Zillion Dollar Lobster Frittata with caviar. J’s Deli in Palm Desert serves breakfast all day, from cheese blintzes to lox with latkes.

Farm.
PHOTO COURTESY VISIT GREATER PALM SPRINGS

SMALL PLATES, BIG FLAVOR.

Sample a variety of flavors with easy-to-share plates. Trio Restaurant in Palm Springs marries its contemporary and casual atmosphere with small plates meant for passing, including a selection of vegetarian and gluten-free options. Catalan Mediterranean Cuisine in Rancho Mirage serves delicious Spanish-style tapas, including house-marinated Spanish olives, grilled bread with roasted bone marrow, and the signature paella, made with seafood, chicken, and chorizo.

Morgan's in the Desert.
COURTESY LA QUINTA RESORT & CLUB

REGIONAL EATS.

Seek out local favorites to take in the full flavor of Greater Palm Springs. The colorful, lively El Jefe Desert Cantina at Saguaro Palm Springs serves Mexican street food such as cochinita pork and chicken tinga tacos and regional desserts like date bread pudding. In Rancho Mirage, Las Casuelas Nuevas serves traditional Mexican fare in a festive setting, and Coachella Bar in downtown Coachella draws locals for chavelas and Mexicali-style hot dogs wrapped in bacon. Excelling in fresh SoCal cuisine, Palm Desert’s Cork Tree uses locally sourced ingredients, and La Quinta’s Morgan’s in the desert promises contemporary-leaning favorites such as fig salad and soups made with local bounty.

Smokin' Burgers & Lounge.
PHOTO BY MOLLIE KIMBERLING

MADE FOR MEAT LOVERS.

If it’s protein you crave, these restaurants have mastered the art of grilling and glazing. Smokin’ Burgers & Lounge in Palm Springs serves 100 percent, never-frozen Angus beef patties with a variety of toppings, while Bubba’s Bones & Brews in Cathedral City specializes in pulled pork sandwiches slathered in sweet barbecue sauce. Sullivan’s Steakhouse in Palm Desert sets a swanky mood for entrées such as rack of lamb and dry-aged, long-bone ribeye. For a hibachi show, dine at Kobe Japanese Steakhouse in Rancho Mirage. (They serve A5 Japanese wagyu.)

SAMPLE THE BEST OF GREATER PALM SPRINGS.

Need help deciding what to try? Download the free Summer Eats Pass from Visit Greater Palm Springs to check in at participating eateries around the valley and become eligible to win $50 dining gift cards. Winners will be drawn weekly from June 13 to Sept. 4.

The Colony Club.
COURTESY THE COLONY PALMS HOTEL AND BUNGALOWS

POOLSIDE DINING.

What’s better than dining alfresco? Dining poolside! Sol y Sombra at The Paloma Resort in Cathedral City features Mediterranean-inspired cuisine served alongside sunbathers and stunning mountain views. The Colony Club at The Colony Palms Hotel and Bungalows in Palm Springs prepares an array of fresh and vibrant dishes along with classic cocktails. Meanwhile, Roly China Fusion offers poolside dim sum and Asian-inspired classics at Del Marcos Hotel in Palm Springs. At the Ace Hotel & Swim Club in Palm Springs, a funky and relaxed vibe is always on order; you can take a table by the pool to scope out the crowds over handcrafted cocktails and fresh eats from the hotel’s Amigo Room bar and King’s Highway diner. For a colorful and wonderfully chic experience, head to The Pink Cabana at the Sands Hotel & Spa in Indian Wells to enjoy French-Moroccan cuisine and drinks in a gorgeous setting.

Liz Ostoich.
PHOTO BY AARON JAY YOUNG

A DAY WITH LIZ

Restaurateur Liz Ostoich is known for offering fresh, gourmet eats and fabulous cocktails at her four Palm Springs hot spots: Farm, The Front Porch at Farm, Tac/Quila, and Clandestino.

MORNING:
After waking up at Korakia and enjoying a gourmet coffee on the patio with a view of the mountain, bike to Zin American Bistro, Grand Central, or Wilma & Frieda. Nothing starts the day like a colorful mimosa and eggs Benedict.

NOON:
Palm Springs Art Museum is a desert treasure. Its rotating exhibits honor modernists, California plein air, and local contemporary artists such as Phillip K. Smith III. Follow your museum visit with a modernism tour with Michael Stern of The Modern Tour and a treat at Great Shakes. Salted caramel is my favorite!

NIGHT:
After a well-deserved nap, enjoy walking downtown Palm Springs to scope out the many art and architecture installations and grab dinner at the trending Bar Cecil. I recommend it for the lively conversation and engaging staff.

ASK AN EXPERT

Is produce really less flavorful and nutritious than it used to be? Why?

So many of the farming operations have gone under a corporate structure. There’s a [saying] in agriculture: “For a tree or plant to produce its highest quality, the farmer’s shadow has to fall on the plant.” The only way that happens is the farmer has to be there. If there’s no shadow, there’s no quality. … I remember [saying], “I do not like dates.” Then, I changed my phraseology. I said, “You know, it’s not that I don’t like dates. I don’t like lousy dates.” I learned how to make them taste even better. I used my agricultural knowledge. There are many things you can do to get quality fruit, to nourish the tree. Our goal is to get our dates into the hands of as many people as possible. Because if you like dates, once you taste one of our dates, you tend to like them more.

— Sam Cobb, farmer and owner, Sam Cobb Farms in Desert Hot Springs

Gabino’s Creperie.
PHOTO COURTESY GABINO'S CREPERIE

SUMMER SALADS AND SANDWICHES.

If you want a quick and healthful lunch, place an order at one of these eateries. On the Mark Palm Springs, a gourmet market and deli, stocks an array of artisan cheeses, pâtes, and other picnic items and also makes sandwiches to order. Down the street, Gabino’s Creperieserves salads and savory crêpes from a walk-up window, while Townie Bagels tops their water-boiled bagels with lox and other sandwich fixings. In Indio, sandwich-focused TKB Bakery & Deli was named by Yelp as the No. 1 restaurant in America in 2018, beating out even Michelin-starred destinations.

SWANKY SPEAKEASIES.

Looking for libations somewhere off the beaten path? Greater Palm Springs is home to a few speakeasies and underground bars. The aviation-themed PS Air Bar inside the wine and liquor store Bouschet in Palm Springs features bartenders dressed as flight attendants, airplane seats for lounging, and flight-themed cocktails. Nearby Truss & Twine presents a modern, industrial-style spot with desert-inspired bites and imaginative sips, and Tailor Shop uses bitters, florals, and fresh ingredients to create contemporary drinks. At Parker Palm Springs, Counter Reformation wine bar offers a global menu, and Seymour’s, tucked behind a curtain in Mr. Lyons Steakhouse, sets a moody scene for its inventive concoctions.

The Penney & Parlour.
COURTESY THE PENNEY & PARLOUR.

TRENDY BARS AND LOUNGES.

Order a creative cocktail inspired by recipes from the 1940s, ’50s, and ’60s at GiGi’s Palm Springs, a Tulum-meets-Beverly-Hills restaurant at the base of the San Jacinto Mountains. The Penney & Parlour at Desert Island Country Club in Rancho Mirage features a library of rare spirits and a light-bites menu to enjoy while listening to a live pianist. For summer spritzes and craft cocktails, Little Bar in Palm Desert is another lively spot. (Try the key lime pie martini!) If whiskey is your jam, look no further than Blackbook, which stocks more than 450 bottles alongside beer, seltzers, and hard kombucha. Open late on El Paseo in Palm Desert, the elevated Libation Room lounge attracts an interesting mix of locals.

La Quinta Brewing Co.
COURTESY LA QUINTA BREWING CO.

DRINK LOCAL.

With three locations in Greater Palm Springs, La Quinta Brewing Co. serves a variety of award-winning beers. Coachella Valley Brewing Co. in Thousand Palms uses locally sourced ingredients for their brews, and Taproom 29 at Coachella’s Spotlight 29 Casino serves theirs at precisely 29 degrees. In Palm Desert, Desert Beer Company pairs a laid-back atmosphere with rotating taps. For a side of barbecue with your beer, head to Babe’s Bar-B-Que & Breweryin Rancho Mirage. If tacos are more your style, choose Luchador Brewing Company in Cathedral City. And if you’re more of a vodka or bourbon-whiskey person, pick up a locally distilled bottle of Racquet Club Spirits, available at stores around the valley.

Delicias Mexican Cuisine.
PHOTO BY MOLLIE KIMBERLING

MAD ABOUT MARGARITAS.

In the desert, margaritas are perfect after a warm, sunny day by the pool. Bar Chingona in Palm Springs offers three options: classic, watermelon, and diabla with habanero syrup. Sample more than one flavor with a tasting flight at Tac/Quila in Palm Springs (spicy cucumber, watermelon tamarind, pineapple passion fruit, and hibiscus pineapple) or Delicias Mexican Cuisine in Desert Hot Springs (prickly pear, watermelon, passion fruit, and pineapple guajillo). Azúcar at La Serena Villas in Palm Springs makes a mean blood orange margarita with tangy fruit purée and tequila reposado. And remember the lime margaritas. Those in the know head to Las Palmas Mexican Cuisine in Desert Hot Springs for the $4.95 weekend special.

READ NEXT: 12 frozen treats to try this summer in Greater Palm Springs.

From Sheri Dettman
In Dining Around The Desert, Sheri's Palm Springs Area Blog

Dining Around The Desert: The Desert with an Ocean, Cabo San Lucas

Just a short flight away, Cabo is an easy get-away from the Palm Springs area.

Michael and I went to Cabo San Lucas for my birthday the end of April and enjoyed some exquisite meals starting with the evening before we left at Mangiamo’s in Manhattan Beach with our friends Dean and Debbie. If you are ever in the area and want to have a wonderful meal in a quaint spot just 4 doors from the beach, you can’t go wrong at this restaurant that has been around since 1984.

Once in Cabo, our first dinner was at Pitahayas at Hacienda Del Mar. We sat overlooking the ocean and had the first octopus of the trip which was stellar!

Pitahayas Restaurant first opened its doors on May 21, 1995. Its unique culinary concept of Pacific Coast Cuisine featuring local and imported products, has positioned it as one of the most iconic restaurants in Los Cabos. Come and savor the variety of delicacies Pitahayas has to offer, while enjoying a beautiful sunset under the restaurant's magnificent palapa roof.

La Cava de Santiago, a wine cellar located underneath the Restaurant, offers over 400 different brands of wine from the main producers around the world.

The next evening was at the Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos-Pedregal at El Farallon. From the moment you arrive it’s an experience you won’t soon forget.

With the mountains on one side and the ocean on the other, El Farallon sits like a raw jewel at the edge of the world, refined yet wild. As the waves crash, you hear the hum of the open-air kitchen as Chef Miriam Jimenez expertly prepares the fisherman’s catch of the day. The warm night invites you in as you sit tucked amongst ancient rock, carved into the cliff. Dramatic and unforgettable, our sea-to-table menu is Cabo San Lucas’ most celebrated dining experience.

For night three we went back to one of our favorites, Flora Farms. I just love everything about this place. The food, the ambiance, the staff, it’s all great.

From Our Field to Your Table. Flora’s Field kitchen is about handmade food using our farm-fresh ingredients. The goal is to create a healthy family meal with a sense of place.

The original Flora Restaurant was in San Jose del Cabo. After 5 years in town, and the farm serving as the main provider for the restaurant, the owner decided she would rather bring the restaurant to the farm instead of the other way around. Flora’s Field Kitchen strives to only serve what they make, raise and grow.

The menu is seasonal, with some permanent classics. All meats served at Flora’s Field Kitchen come from the nearby 150-acre ranch where animals are humanely raised on diets that do not include hormones or antibiotics - and they do not offer beef on the menu as it is not sustainable and there is not enough water in Baja.

Night four brought us back to another favorite, Cocina del Mar and the Esperanza. Once again we enjoyed sitting above the crashing waves out on the cliff.

Cocina del Mar restaurant, bar and lounge is perched atop striking cliffs overlooking Esperanza’s two private beaches and will take you on a culinary journey through the Sea of Cortez and Cabo’s verdant farms. Enter a buzzing lantern-lit bar and lounge that invites you to linger over hand-crafted cocktails before sauntering down to dinner above a cascade of oceanfront terraces kissed by white-capped waves. An outdoor exhibition kitchen is alive with energy, a perfect spot to engage with chefs and explore bites of coastal Baja cuisine and regionally inspired cocktails beside a glowing wood fired oven.

Finally, we wound up the trip with dinner at Acre Resort Los Cabos.

The restaurant & bar are the heart and soul of ACRE, one of the best restaurants in Los Cabos. The first things to exist on the property, they epitomize their ethos: a deep respect for the surroundings and an unwavering free-spirited sensibility. Taste it in the farm-to-table cuisine, a marriage of global influences and local ingredients that evolves with the seasons. Savor it in their innovative cocktail program, where award-winning compositions are elevated by produce grown just beyond the confines of the bar.

The sumptuous space blurs the boundaries between inside and out, and swirls with staff passionate about good food, good drink, and a good time.

ACRE is both convivial and cosmopolitan, relaxed and refined – a vibrant dining experience in the foothills of the Sierra de la Laguna mountains, located in San Jose del Cabo.

You cannot go wrong at any of these restaurants. We found the service, food, and locations all the best of the best and wouldn’t hesitate to return to any of them the next time in the desert to the south of us!

From Sheri Dettman
In Dining Around The Desert, Sheri's Palm Springs Area Blog

Dining Around The Desert: Le Vallauris, Palm Springs

Established in the heart of Palm Springs in 1973, Le Vallauris located at the foot of San Jacinto Mountains has been the highest-rated restaurant in the Palm Springs Valley since its inception.

Michael and I celebrated our one-year anniversary at Le Vallauris as my team, Betsy Justice, Lisa Blodgett, and Kayla Cunard, had given us a very generous gift certificate for our wedding and we figured this was the ideal time to put it to use.

Executive Chef, Jean Paul Lair, and Co-Owner, Paul Bruggemans, have gone above and beyond to create a magnificent, romantic eatery unlike any other in town. Le Vallauris is the definition of French elegance, California cool and Mediterranean magnificence.

That atmosphere at Le Vallauris is second to none. Ornate Flemish tapestries and Louis XV furnishings adorn the indoor space, while mature lupe ficus trees and lush landscaping take center stage on the breath-stealing al fresco dinning patio. Indeed, Le Vallauris is a utopian secret garden tucked away in the middle of the desert. It’s a place perfectly suited for both intimate, romantic dinners and large, joyful weddings.

In keeping with tradition, the menu at Le Vallauris is written out by hand daily…just another one of the many touches that make it a cut above the rest. Chef Lair understands that a memorable restaurant requires more than just great atmosphere; inspired, delicious dishes is what brings people back to Le Vallauris again and again and again.

A fusion of Mediterranean, French and California cuisine, Le Vallauris’ menu is something to behold. Unlike some restaurants, Chef Lair’s menu is updated weekly and he only uses the freshest ingredients. Diners have their choice of the weekly prix fixe, a la carte and degustation menus. Yes, Le Vallauris does also offer a lunch menu. Whether you’re in the mood for a savory tartare or sweet vegetarian dish, your palate won’t be disappointed by Chef Lair’s offerings. The desserts? You’ll think you’ve died and literally gone to heaven upon tasting one of Le Vallauris’ sweet treats.

We started with a Roquefort Stuffed Bartlett Pear with walnuts, baby frisse, and Belgian endive and a Blue Crab salad with mango, fennel, tarragon, avocado, and citrus dressing.

Michael then had the Roasted Rack of Lamb with a mustard herb & bread crumb crust, au jus, ratatouille, and potato croquette and I had the Maine Lobster Raviolis in a basil bisque with claws and knuckles

For dessert, we had a Grand Marnier souffle that was exquisite.

There are certain restaurants that are good, but don’t leave a lasting memory. Le Vallauris is no such place. Between the gorgeous garden patio, magnificent menu, romantic setting, and well-considered wine list, Jean Paul Lair’s and Paul Bruggemans’ gourmet bistro is sure to leave a wonderful, lasting impression…even for the most finicky of foodies.

Le Vallauris is located at 385 W Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs, CA 92262.

Open 7 days a week from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and from 5:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.

From Sheri Dettman
In Dining Around The Desert, Sheri's Palm Springs Area Blog

Dining Around The Desert: New Restaurants in the Palm Springs Area (Fall 2022)

By Crystal Harrell on Sep. 12, 2022

Fall is quickly approaching, bringing cooler weather and the pungent notes of pumpkin spice and cinnamon with the changing season. With the arrival of fall also comes a slew of new restaurants in Greater Palm Springs that are sure to delight your taste buds for an unforgettable culinary experience. Whether you’re in the mood for an authentic Spanish meal or homestyle comfort food, look no further than the exquisite variety offered in the Southern California oasis. Check out the latest and greatest in new restaurants in Greater Palm Springs and get ready to experience this top culinary destination.

SOL Y SOMBRA

Sol Y Sombra

For a taste of Spain, Sol y Sombra is raising the bar for dining with a delicious paella menu and table sidebar cart. For groups of two to 200, Sol y Sombra’s exciting paella menu offers a version of Spain’s signature dish to please every palate, from seafood lovers to vegetarians. The bar is not the only place for a custom cocktail at Sol y Sombra , as the Tableside Bar Cart service offers custom cocktails featuring top-shelf ingredients, made tableside to order with house specialties including The Paloma Oro, a twist on the traditional featuring gold-flecked tequila and fresh-squeezed Oro Blanco grapefruit juice.

Sol y Sombra’s menu incorporates the desert’s agricultural roots, in which local ingredients like dates, grapefruit, and chilis star in an array of shareable tapas and dinner mains. Tapas options include classics like Croquettes stuffed with serrano ham and cheese, scallops or mushrooms; Papas Bravas with lemon yogurt aioli; and chicken or vegetarian Empanadas. In addition to three kinds of Paella, ‘big plate’ options include richly-flavored offerings such as luscious Braised Spanish Pork Shoulder; Seared Branzino with grilled lemon and fennel salad; and Catalan Rabbit and Sobrasada Stew flavored with chorizo and Aleppo chiles.

Information: Now open. 67670 Carey Road, Cathedral City, CA 92234

BEAUTIFUL DAY

Start your mornings off right when you have breakfast or lunch at Beautiful Day—a farm-to-table eatery that offers healthy, homestyle cuisine. Some highlights of its “Rise & Shine” menu include Granpa’s Waffle made with a buttermilk waffle, pecan maple emulsion, and whipped creme fraiche, or the Breakfast Burrito with farm eggs, crispy potatoes, cheese, and Hot Mami sauce in a Sonoran wheat tortilla. A lunch favorite is the Mushroom Shawarma sandwich, with griddles mushroom confit, pickled onion, shishito sauce, and parsley on homemade flatbread.

Information: Now open. 50949 Washington St Suite 1A, La Quinta, CA 92253

RUBERRY SALSA

Mole

Once a popular taco vendor that has finally started a brick-and-mortar business, Rubery Salsa is not your average taco shop. Although the classic staples are offered, like Chile Guerito Shrimp tacos topped with onion, cilantro, and Queso Fresco on a flour tortilla, Rubery Salsa also features their unique “fusion tacos,” blending Asian and Mexican cuisine. Try the Stir Fry Taco, with grilled chicken, peppers, onions, and cilantro topped with garlic chili oil, or the Wasabi Taco with chicken, mild wasabi sauce and ginger slaw.

Information: Now open. 73030 El Paseo Suite 103, Palm Desert, CA 92260

MOLÉ

Soon to be located on El Paseo in Palm Desert, Molé plans to deliver the best authentic Mexican food in Greater Palm Springs. Just like its Sedona, Arizona location, all recipes will be prepared from scratch daily, such as homemade tortillas, salsas, and even their signature molé sauces. Whether you’re passing through town to enjoy the views or a local resident, Molé aims to deliver an incredible experience that will remind guests how the real flavors of Mexico should taste. To indulge your senses, their beverage program has been designed to include a unique selection of wines, hand-crafted cocktails, and tequilas.

Information: Coming soon. 73160 El Paseo, Palm Desert, CA 92260

SHOREBIRD

Shorebird

Another restaurant that will open this fall on El Paseo in Palm Desert is the Shorebird Restaurant. This coastal eatery proudly presents a sophisticated, yet casual, spin on classic Americana flavors with influences from traditional seafood and steakhouses. Featuring a wood-fire grill and rotisserie, Shorebird’s signature dishes include Duroc Heritage Pork Chop with Brussels sprouts and brandy-poached apples, Faroe Island’s Salmon Mignon with a cauliflower purée, and Harris Ranch Prime Skirt Steak served with a red chimichurri sauce. For those looking for delicious, shareable plates, the Avocado Fries with a green goddess dressing, Twice Fried Chicken Wings with a chipotle gastrique, or items from the “Raw Bar " is great to start your meal.

Information: Coming soon. 73-061 El Paseo Suite 8, Palm Desert, CA 92260

WALDO’S RISTORANTE

Hoja Blanca

Founded by restaurateur Waldo Cesoni with the intention of becoming the destination point for a true Italian culinary experience, Waldo’s Ristorante pays homage to the essence of the great Italian American restaurants of the mid-20th century in New York. Waldo’s dinner menu is rife with signature, mouthwatering dishing like the trademark Puttanesca, with caper, anchovy, black olive, onion, and a hint of garlic combined in the most incredible penne sauce. For another culinary classic, try the Rack of Lamb, topped with burgundy wine reduction sauce and mint jelly on the side, served with mashed potatoes and veggies. Waldo's is set to open for dinner in October and lunch in November.

Information: Coming soon. 74970 Country Club Dr, Palm Desert, CA 92260

BAR CHINGONA

A retro airstream bar where craft cocktails meet Mexico City chic, Bar Chingona is a Greater Palm Springs destination for all things fresh, fruity, and fun. Choose from an exciting collection of classic cocktails and “margaritas chingona” boasting a variety of intoxicating flavors. Try the Brown Derby, a classic LA cocktail with Old Grandad bonded Bourbon, fresh grapefruit and lemon juices, honey water, up with a twist. If you’re feeling adventure, have a taste of the Chingona Diabla— a serrano-infused Tequila, with Ancho Reyes Verde, lime, tajín rim, and a Mexican lollipop on the side.

Information: Now open. 750 N Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, CA 92262

CHURRASCO BRAZILIAN STEAKHOUSE

Churrasco

With its new location set to open this fall, Churrasco Brazilian Steakhouse will treat guests to an unforgettable Brazilian steakhouse experience through chef-driven cuisine, a world-class full bar, and unparalleled hospitality. At Churrasco , guests are surrounded by an energetic and luxurious atmosphere. The Brazilian “Churrasco” has been a tradition for generations in Southern Brazil, where Gauchos (Brazilian cowboys) pierced large pieces of meat and slowly grilled them over open-flamed pits. Churrasco Brazilian Steakhouse carries on the churrasco tradition with rodizio (all-you-can-eat) dining where you can taste 15 all-you-can-enjoy meats (sliced tableside) and a fresh market table with sides and salads all for one set price.

Information: Coming soon. 450 S Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, CA 92262

FREDDIE’S KITCHEN AT THE COLE

Freddie’s Kitchen at The Cole is dedicated to becoming a local choice for great food, cocktails, and delicious wines at a reasonable price with personal attention. Serving French California cuisine with global flavors, this restaurant and bar were started by well-known Chef Frederic, who recently arrived from the small town of Mammoth Lakes Ski Resort. Fred was born initially in the Alsace region of France where he was classically trained and graduated with honors from Lycee Hotelier et Culinaire. He recently moved to Greater Palm Springs to open his restaurant. Dishes at Freddie’s Kitchen range from traditional Escargot a la Bourguignon and French Onion Soup to Braised Short Rib Rigatoni Bolognaise and Peppered Elk Medallions. For the sweet-hearted, Chef Frederick offers French Style Dark Chocolate Mouse and Tahitian Vanilla Bean Creme Brule.

Information: Now open. 2323 N Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92262

HOJA BLANCA

This new modern Mexican-inspired nighttime hotspot brings all the flavors south of the border right here to the oasis. Hoja Blanca features staples like Tostadas with hamachi, avocado, aioli, English cucumber, salsa macha, and peanuts, or Steak Tacos made with rib-eye, burnt eggplant, cilantro chimichurri, allium, and salsa tatemada. For an irresistible seafood option, try the Aguachiles with white shrimp, salsa negra, red onion, radish, english cucumber, grapes, salsa macha, and tostaditas.

Information: Now open. 750 N Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, CA 92262

I HEART MAC & CHEESE PALM SPRINGS

I Heart Mac and Cheese

With cheese lovers specifically in mind, the new I Heart Mac & Cheese is sure to appease your taste for all things salty and savory. This restaurant’s menu features signature items as well as build your own mac & cheese, grilled cheese sandwich options, and even a “tacoroni” option with your choice of mac and cheese flavor stuffed in a crunchy taco shell. Gluten-free and vegan (Beyond Meat) options are also available. For a hot meal that satisfies your cravings, have a taste of the Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese, made with your choice of pasta, broccoli, cauliflower, or quinoa as your base, with chicken, cheese sauce, marinara, parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese, and pesto. If you’re in the mood for something more decadent, try the Lobster & White Truffle Mac & Cheese, made with muenster cheese, and finished with lobster cream, white truffle oil, and scallions.

Information: Now open. 190 S Indian Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, CA 92262

From Sheri Dettman
In Dining Around The Desert, Sheri's Palm Springs Area Blog

Dining Around The Desert: Sol y Sombra, Cathedral City

You’ll find a Spanish-fusion tapas menu with locally sourced meats, spices, and produce and indoor-outdoor poolside service.

EMILY CHAVOUS FOSTERAUGUST 3, 2022CURRENT GUIDE, RESTAURANTS

Sol y Sombra’s pool bar at The Paloma Resort in Cathedral City.
PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY THE PALOMA RESORT

This article below is written by the author named above. My experience is noted here:

My team and I joined our friend Leslie for dinner at Sol y Sombra on their 2nd night of being open, so we considered that they might not have all the bugs worked out yet. We were right, but overall it was a good experience.

The hotel is tucked away on a side street but was easy to find, and there was a valet and plenty of parking on the street. When we arrived, we were greeted and seated promptly in the cute little dining room as it was quite hot outside. The atmosphere was very festive, and the lighting and ambiance reminded me of being in Spain and visiting the spice shops.

Once a server came over, and we could order cocktails, it took about 20 minutes to get them. This was the situation for the entire evening. Not sure if they just were not prepared, were understaffed, or what the problem was. That being said, the cocktails and wine were all quite good.

We ordered a variety of tapas and enjoyed all of them, especially the muscles and Croquetas de Jamon e Queso. The only disappointing item was the empanadas. For $13 we expected more than the three very small ones, about the size of a half dollar each, that we received.

For our main course, we shared a couple of orders of Seafood Paella. The rice was wonderful, and it was all cooked perfectly.

We will be back!

And now the article from Palm Springs Life...

What’s better than tapas and tequila with friends? Tapas and tequila with friends by the pool.

When a San Francisco–based hospitality group set out to transform a 1930s adobe in Cathedral City into the centerpiece of a 66-suite boutique hotel and spa, they tapped local chef and hospitality guru Chad Gardner as a partner to conceptualize and helm the on-site restaurant and bar.

Gardner, originally from the Bay Area and a Palm Springs resident for about 15 years, is responsible for such hot spots as 533 Viet Fusion, Roly China Fusion, and 1501 Uptown Gastropub in Palm Springs as well as Willie’s Modern Fare in Rancho Mirage and Dash and a Handful, a catering and events company. Each has its own personality. At The Paloma, the same holds true for Sol y Sombra — and the attached 14-seater Poca Sombra tequila speakeasy — where you’ll find a Spanish-fusion tapas menu with locally sourced meats, spices, and produce and indoor-outdoor poolside service.

We spoke with Gardner ahead of the official opening to get the scoop on this splashy new venture.

TASTES FOR ALL PALATES

“I’ve dabbled with Moroccan and Indian spices and Spanish saffrons throughout my career, so I really [wanted] to do a Spanish tapas restaurant. I’m one of those chefs that colors outside the lines, so you’re going to see different influences even though it’s Spanish. There’s going to be something for everyone, [including] vegetarian and vegan options.”

TABLESIDE LIBATIONS

“A mixologist will come around with a bar cart and mix different cocktails. So, if there’s something in particular that you want, you’ll give him or her some flavor profiles, and the mixologist will create a cocktail for you, right on the spot. We’ll have signature cocktails in addition to a full bar and a full Spanish wine list.”

YOU’RE INVITED TO LINGER

“In addition to cabanas, the citrus suite at the foot of the swimming pool is a day suite that we’re going to offer with butler service for food, and bottle service. It’ll include six chaise lounges and be a really VIP experience … and it can be reserved. We really want people to come and enjoy this space. It’s a little bit off the beaten path.”

• READ NEXT: Best Poolside Dining Options in Greater Palm Springs.