Dining Around The Desert

Dining Around the Desert: Wildest in Palm Desert

Palm Desert’s newest hot spot is Wildest Restaurant + Bar.

Michael and I attended Wildest’s grand opening about a month ago, and we revisited it along with team members Betsy and Adam this past week.

WILDEST’S DYNAMIC FOOD originates in wild-caught fish, local pasture-raised and grass-fed poultry and beef, as well as plant-based meals that promise to be flavorful options to those who choose to eat meat-free. There are zero hormones and steroids in their proteins, as the restaurant strives to be cruelty-free and supports local organic, biodynamic and sustainable farms. Provisions not made in-house will be sourced from the coolest epicureans.

We enjoyed the Crispy Cauliflower Florets with coconut milk ranch and buffalo sauce for a starter.

Betsy had the Jackfruit Chile Relleno with vegan cheese, enchilada sauce, and black beans. It had a nice kick to it, and we all agreed that we’d order that in the future.

Adam had the Pan Roasted King Salmon with shaved Brussel sprouts, wheat berries, and a walnut-garlic sauce. The fish was perfectly cooked, as were the sprouts.

I went for the Grilled Moroccan Pasturebird Chicken with two quinoa vegetable salad, rosemary, and cold-pressed apple. The chicken was super tender, and the quinoa was delish.

Michael decided to try his first Roasted Plant-Based Chicken with roasted sweet potato puree, wild mushroom sauce, Brussel sprouts, and cranberries. The veggies were great, and the “chicken” was interesting.

We all partook of libations, Old Fashioneds, and red wine. They have an extensive wine list with something for everyone.

Overall, we all really liked the space, with the open kitchen, bar, and dining areas. The food was delightful and tasty, and it’s nice to have a new place to enjoy that supports local farms. We’ll all be back soon.

For more information, menus, and reservations, click here…

Dining Around the Desert: Eddie V’s in Palm Desert

I promised you back in August that when the Palm Desert Eddie V’s opened, we’d do a review, and we are so happy to report that this much-anticipated addition to the desert dining scene does not disappoint.

Michael and I were invited to the soft opening a couple of days prior to Thanksgiving, and everything from the greeting from the hostess to the wait staff to the food and wine was top-notch. As this was the staff basically practicing on us, I’d say the training is excellent, which is not something you can say these days about too many restaurants.

We both started with the Crab and Corn Chowder featuring Lump Crab, Smoked Bacon and Sweet Corn. I could honestly eat that chowder every day, it was that good. Michael had one of their special Smoked Manhattan’s which was an excellent cocktail, with an impressive presentation to boot.

Michael enjoyed the 22 OZ USDA Prime Bone-In Ribeye, and I had the Georges Bank Scallops, Sautéed with Citrus Fruit, Roasted Almonds and Brown Butter. As a side, we had the Crab Fried Rice with Mushrooms and Scallions. Dessert was the Dark Chocolate and Crushed Toffee S’Mores with Toasted Homemade Marshmallow.

In talking to a lot of friends that have also been in the past month, everyone has reported an excellent experience. We look forward to making it one of our regular stops.

  

PALM DESERT

73040 El Paseo
Palm Desert, CA  92260
(760) 340-9455

Read about Eddie V’s, directions, menu, and reservations….

Dining Around the Desert: RD RNNR in La Quinta

RD RNNR is the newest restaurant to open in Old Town La Quinta. Located in the old Solano’s space, which has been opened up a bit, brightened up a lot, and televisions added to the main dining room, it’s a nice addition to La Quinta.

I was greeted at the door by the host Chris, who I know from Melange, The Grill, and AC3. Turns out his wife is the owner of RD RNNR.

My friend Leslie and I sat at a high-top in the bar which is my preferred place to be. That seems to be the case with a lot of patrons, but the bar is pretty small. That’s the reason for the televisions and more casual feel to the dining room now.

The menu has a good variety of items ranging from Lamb Chili, Ahi Tuna Nachos, Huevos Diablos, Cali Toast and Cooked Dirty Fries for starters amongst others.

There are eight different salads from Watermelon & Tomato Caprese to Pavo Taco Salad. They all sound interesting.

Under GRAZING ALL DAY you’ll find Black & Blue Fin Tuna, Charcoal Angus RD Burger, Shrimp & Grits, to Grilled Cheese.

You’ll also find Scallops & Prawns, Brick Chicken, Flat Iron Steak and Atlantic Salmon.

Prices range from $6 - $25.

We enjoyed the MAC & WHAAAT as a starter. It’s jalapeño and cauliflower mac & cheese featuring smoked gouda, white cheddar, parmesan, and RNNR Dust. I expected it to be a pasta made of cauliflower, but instead it was actually cauliflower chunks covered in the delicious sauce. We finished off every drop.

Leslie had a BUILD YOUR OWN meal where she picked Grilled Salmon with Roasted Mixed Vegetables and Quinoa. It was a generous portion and she took half home.

I enjoyed THE CHEESY DATE salad under the FORAGING FOR GREENS. Made of Burrata cheese, Coachella dates, organic arugula, tomatoes, fresh basil, and a date vinaigrette dressing.

I didn’t see any desserts, but next time I’ll be asking about that.

RD RNNR has a nice selection of beer, wine, hard cider, mocktails, and specialty cocktails.

Leslie and I stuck to a rose and red wine. Both were nice and priced well.

Unfortunately, I didn’t take any photos, so you’ll have to wait til I go back again for that. Or better yet, go on by and check it out for yourself.

Monday - Friday 11:30 am to 9 pm and Saturday, Sunday 10 am to 9 pm
*HAPPY HOUR*
Everyday 2 - 6

https://www.facebook.com/roadrunnerlq/

78075 MAIN ST, Unit 105
La Quinta, California 92253-8961

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Dining Around the Desert: Tacos Gonzalez in Indio

Tacos Gonzalez is a tiny little taqueria right on Hwy 111 and Jefferson on the North/East corner. It consistently comes up when we ask anyone where the best tacos are. It’s a true mom and pop organization, with a very friendly, helpful staff and about 8 tables. You order at the counter but they are very attentive and if you need or want something more, they will take your order and you pay at the end of your meal.

We enjoyed beef, chicken, and pork tacos along with a couple of beers, chips and salsa. All were very tasty, the service was quick and it measured up to all of the good reviews.

They are pretty much open 8AM to 8PM every day, but they’ll close for example on Mother’s Day so that the staff can have the day off. They don’t have a website, but there are plenty of reviews on Yelp and they also have a Facebook page. I don’t think anything is over $10 on the menu and the portions are generous.

80120 US Hwy 111
Indio, CA 92201

760.347.6858

From Sheri Dettman
In Dining Around The Desert