Lifestyles & Things To Do

What to Do at the Top of the Palm Springs Tram

Enjoy More than Just the View at 8,500 Feet

PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY PALM SPRINGS AERIAL TRAMWAY

We found a special deal and activities that will enhance your experience at 8,500 feet above Palm Springs.

Courtesy of Palm Springs Life: JIM POWERS AUGUST 8, 2019 ATTRACTIONS, CURRENT DIGITAL

Once you've taken the 2.5-mile ride along the cliffs of Chino Canyon on the Palm Springs Tram, here are five things to enhance your experience at the top at Mountain Station.

You have about a month before the Tram shuts down from Sept. 9-29 for its annual maintenance.

First you're at 8,516 feet elevation, so note the temperature difference (about 15-20 degrees cooler than the desert) and let your body, particularly your breathing, adjust to the altitude. That means hydration and operating at a little slower pace to start. Plan ahead to ensure you have enough time to enjoy the surroundings rather than try and rush through a hike or physical activity.

DEAL

From now until the end of the year, you can buy a $36 ride and dine combination ticket from 4 p.m. daily with dinner from 4:30 p.m. at the Pines Café. Children are $23.50, ages 3-10. visitgreaterpalmsprings.com

HIKING

Mt. San Jacinto State Park is located at the top of the mountain, giving you access to 54 miles of hiking trails and 14,000 acres of amazing terrain. There are several easy hikes to try first – from three-quarters of a mile following nature trail posts to a 2.5-mile trail that is considered moderately strenuous. There is no fee for hiking.

CAMPING

There are six designated camping areas ranging in distance from the Mountain Station of 2.5 miles to 6.0. Each sits at a different elevation level – the highest is 9,700m feet – so take that into consideration. There is a $5 fee per person for camping permits. Depending on how much you want to rough it, some come equipped with water access and all of them have a pit latrine.

NATURE WALKS

In association with the Mt. San Jacinto Natural History Association, you can register for guided nature tours in August and again in October. In addition to high altitude exercise, you receive an education on a variety of topics from photography, the San Andreas Fault, to the environment. The classes are free, but you must register. msjnha.org/events

DINING

The Pines Café offers the typical food selections you might expect at a tourist attraction — pizza, sandwiches, soup and salad — but the Peaks Restaurant offers an opportunity to enjoy a fine dining experience. The accompanying Lookout Lounge serves a variety of alcoholic beverages. The last reservation taken for the Peaks is 7:45 p.m., and reservations are recommended.

For more information on the Palm Springs Tram, visit pstramway.com.

Dining Around the Desert: Angler in San Francisco

This past weekend Michael and I were fortunate enough to enjoy a couple of days in San Francisco, a city near and dear to my heart as I used to live there and loved it. And since it’s only an hour flight, it’s a nice, quick get-away from the desert.

The current restaurant scene has exploded. It’s always been great, but as my friend, Adam and his wife Jeanne who joined us at Commons Club, said, “It’s like the old days”! He’s in the restaurant and hotel consulting business and knows what he’s talking about.

On Friday we enjoyed one of the hottest new places, Angler. Angler is a sea-life focused restaurant with views of the expansive wood-burning hearth as well of the San Francisco Bay from Chef Joshua Skenes and Saison Hospitality located on the Embarcadero waterfront. The service was flawless, the food perfection, the ambiance warm and inviting, and the location can’t be beat. In fact, it’s right next door to Boulevard, which is a long-time favorite in the City.

Beautiful Potato

We enjoyed oysters that were out of this world, and a whole chicken with a potato side that was heavenly. I know. It’s a seafood restaurant, but the menu is small and the chicken was calling our names.

Read more about Angler here

132 The Embarcadero, San Francisco, CA 94105

LUNCH
Thursday to Saturday: 11:30AM - 2:00PM

DINNER
Sunday to Thursday: 5:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Friday to Saturday: 5:00 PM - 11:00 PM

415.872.9442

Make a Reservation

From Sheri Dettman
In Dining Around The Desert, Lifestyles & Things To Do

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

On a recent weekend trip to Austin, Texas, Michael and I had the pleasure of dining at Eddie V’s, a high-end chain with locations from Newport Beach to Boston to Orlando. I was especially interested as we are getting our own Eddie V’s soon in Palm Desert.

I’ve heard of Eddie V’s described as “The Mastro’s of seafood”, and I’d say that’s an apt description.

This quote from their website gives you an idea:

Seafood is what we’re known for, but our specialty is excellence. Fish arrive daily from pristine waters around the world including Swordfish from Block Island, Scallops from George Banks, and YellowFin Tuna from the Caribbean. USDA Prime steaks are hand cut and specially aged for more than 28 days to ensure peak flavor. Devotion to excellence is the guiding principle in all that we do. From making fresh tortillas by hand daily for our lobster tacos to including a full half-pound of Jumbo Lump crab meat in our crab cakes, we strive to go above and beyond in every step of preparation. Our intent: to prepare the finest meal you’ve ever had.

Michael and I enjoyed a glass of champagne along with Kung Pao Calamari with Wok-Fried Vegetables and Roasted Cashews, and an Heirloom Tomato Salad with Italian Burrata Cheese, Basil, EV Olive Oil and Aged Balsamic Vinegar. It was one of the best Calamari dishes either one of us had ever had.

Moving on to entree’s, I had Gnocchi with Shiitake Mushrooms, Asparagus, and Sundried Tomato Pesto, which was melt in your mouth delicious.

Michael enjoyed the Texas Redfish with Sautéed Jumbo Lump Crab, Meunière Style.

We also couldn’t resist the Brussels Sprouts and Truffled Mac and Cheese.

We topped it all off with Creme Brûlée but next time we’re looking forward to the Dark Chocolate and Crushed Toffee S’Mores with Toasted Homemade Marshmallow.

We were seated next to the piano at a high-top booth and were fortunate to be up close and personal with the trio providing classics along with the great atmosphere.

The service was outstanding, the vibe was fun and happening, and overall it was a great experience. We are looking forward to having our very own Eddie V’s this coming season.

9 Great Dive Bars in the Desert

Dive Right In Party with the locals at these great dive bars in Palm Springs and neighboring desert cities with nothing but a good time up their sleeve.

KAY KUDUKIS JULY 9, 2019 CURRENT DIGITAL, RESTAURANTS

Courtesy of Palm Springs Life

Tryst Is Open Daily From 2 P.m. To 2 A.m. In Palm Springs.
Photograph Courtesy Tryst Palm Springs

“This is a total dive” is a compliment in the mouths of those who recognize dive bars’ fabulous je ne sais quoi that turns a so-so evening into “Vegas baby” without emptying your pockets. These neighborhood spots offer a genuine experience where you’re likely to see some familiar faces. It’s where locals and hospitality workers go after the touristy places shut down. These dive bars are all about the drink and the fun, no finery required. No pretentiousness or posing here — you can be your authentic self.

Here are a few suggested dive bars to get you started. Got a fave dive already in mind? We welcome your feedback on expanding this list.

PALM SPRINGS

Tryst

Open from 2 p.m. to 2 a.m. daily, Tryst is the ideal spot to drink your way through giant Jenga, darts, pinball, or air hockey while selecting your favorite songs on the jukebox. Only snacks are available here, so make sure you eat beforehand. While it is on the periphery of LGBT nightlife haven on Arenas Road, Tryst is neither gay nor straight; they have open arms for everyone over 21, and drinks are reasonably priced. The inside is smoke-free, but they do have an old fashioned cigarette machine for outdoor smoke breaks. You never know what local stars (think innovative chefs and crowd-favorite musicians) might end up here on any given night. There’s plenty of parking in back.

188 S Indian Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, 760.832.6046; Facebook page.

Crazy Mel’s Burgers

This unassuming downtown joint slings bargain burgers and booze six days a week (closed Tuesdays) from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. The bar is a small half-horseshoe, but it’s still a great place to grab a beer and a nosh — the french fries are outstanding. It’s also got a laid-back, unadorned patio that’s great for day drinking and people-watching. No games to play, but they do have jello shots. Free parking is behind the Rowan complex, about a two-block walk.

166 N. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, 760.656.7563; Facebook page.

Pete’s Hideaway

Located just down from the Sunset Center on the south end of Palm Springs, Pete’s isn’t as much of a dive bar as it is a local hangout. Family owned and operated, they have a healthy following of Coachella Valley residents who value good entertainment and decent food. During the cooler months they have entertainment every night, but understandably cut back during the summer.

PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY PETE’S HIDEAWAY

Pete’s Hideaway has space for nightly entertainment.

Rat Pack (and Rat Pack–adjacent) celebrities grace the walls in photos and artist renderings. Weekdays, stop by anytime between 3 and 11 p.m.; weekends at Pete’s begin at 11 a.m. and end at midnight (Wednesdays also get the extended 12 p.m. close time). Lots of parking is available behind Allen’s Tires.

665 S Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, 760.322.6500; peteshideawayps.com

Fireside Lounge

Current and former Chicagoans longing for the nearly endless stretch of Cicero bar hours, take note: This terrific dive bar keeps its doors open from 6 a.m. to 2 a.m. daily. Between the friendly locals and games — think standards like pool and shuffleboard — a lot of fun is ready to be had. Given the hours, it’s also a haunt for entertainers and hospitality workers. Parking is only on the street, but the endless search for a spot you would experience downtown is rare here. Everyone is welcome to karaoke, and many of the valley’s best singers also participate. The bathrooms are not air-conditioned, so get in and get outta there during summer months.

696 S Oleander Rd, Palm Springs, 760.327.1700; facebook.com/FiresideLoungePalm Springs

CATHEDRAL CITY

AMP

Though it’s relatively new to the area, this barebones sports bar still has what you’re looking for in a dive — namely, friendly staff, pool, darts, and karaoke. They occasionally have live entertainment that tends to exceed the environment. Live music is a random bag, with past gigs ranging from Latin singers to rock ‘n’ roll, but you can count on a consistently nice pour.

68718 E. Palm Canyon Drive, Cathedral City, 760.699.7090; Facebook page.

PHOTOGRAPH BY MICHELE MCMANMON

The Hood attracts a healthy lineup of musical acts, but it’s also a sit-down bar to hangout at.

PALM DESERT

The Hood

The Hood was named Best Dive Bar and Best Billiards 2018/2019 by CV Independent readers. They have pool, bingo, eats (housemade pizza!), and entertainment from 11:30 a.m. to 2 a.m. Prepare to get your drink on with a fun, energetic crowd.

74360 Highway 111, Palm Desert, 760.636.5220; hoodbarandpizza.com.

Red Barn

Red Barn was a runnerup in CV Independent’s 2018/2019 best dive bars, and looks like…well, a red barn, inside and out. They have a jukebox, two pool tables, shuffleboard, live entertainment, and outdoor seating. Patrons rave about the generous pours, as well. Doors open at 8 a.m. (yep, you read that right) and close at 2 a.m. daily.

73290 Highway 111, Palm Desert, 760.346.0191; redbarnbar.com.

Desert Fox

The owner refers to his club as a sophisticated dive, and we whole-heartedly agree. It’s cozy; it’s eclectic; it’s perfectly decorated and often has entertainment. Suave bartenders (we said it’s sophisticated, didn’t we?) concoct modestly-priced cocktails from 2 p.m. to 2 a.m.

44750 San Pablo Ave, Palm Desert, 760.895.4385; desertfoxbar.com.

INDIO

Neil’s Lounge

Also on the runnerup list for CV Independent’s best dive bars, Neil’s has karaoke every night, pool tables with tournaments, and friendly bartenders and patrons, as well as funky and fun aesthetics. It definitely has a sense of humor. It’s a big bar, so bring all your friends and take over the space to sing your hearts out. It’s open 9 a.m. to 2 a.m. daily.

80956 Highway 111, Indio, 760.347.1522; Facebook page.

• READ MORE: 9 Palm Springs Bars to Engage in Conversation

Dining Around the Desert: Commons Club at the Virgin Hotel in San Francisco

Through The Lens Of Globally Inspired Chefs

Commons Club offers an elevated menu with a fresh, modern take on California cuisine. Bringing culinary delight to the downtown San Francisco restaurant landscape by combining unexpected ingredients with bold flavors and technique, Commons Club infuses a relaxed, yet elegant experience.

Michael, Adam, Jeanne and I started out with the Parker House Rolls, which were buttery, flakey and I could have eaten about a dozen of them, along with the Crudite which had a buttermilk, almond, dill sauce. Michael had an excellent Old Fashioned, and I had one of the house crafted cocktails named Tangerine Dream made with Absolut elyx, Aperol, tangerine juice, peppermint ginger, served up. Very tasty.

For our main dishes, we had Sonoma Duck ruby beet, broccoli rabe, guajillo, Schmitz Ranch N.Y. Strip potato puree, red wine, spring onion, Halibut English pea, black trumpet mushroom, miso, and Tortelloni wild mushroom, swiss chard. Everything was prepared beautifully, the service was top-notch, and it was a fun atmosphere.

Due to the fact that they have a DJ playing house music at the entrance, which spills over into the dining room, it’s not the place for quiet conversation. Aside from our group of four, that didn’t seem to be an issue with everyone else who was there as it was more of a club vibe.

They also have a rooftop bar and on our way out, we went up to see it. Packed at that time of night, but I would imagine earlier in the evening for cocktails, it would be nice.

Read more about Virgin Hotels here

Everyone Rooftop Bar

Ground Floor at Virgin Hotels
250 4th Street
San Francisco, CA 94103

Dining Around the Desert: Kitchen 86 + Bar

We are very excited to announce the Opening of the long awaited Kitchen 86 on El Paseo. They are a Modern Eclectic Small Plate Restaurant in the old Wolfgang Puck space.

Locally owned & locally grown - Kitchen 86 is a fantastic, welcoming spot to gather and enjoy an eclectic menu of modern, curated small plate continental cuisine. Using local, organic ingredients, offerings include a tableside cheese wheel pasta, house-made curry, ramens, wood-fired pizzas, plenty of entree selections and shareable small plates.

Kitchen 86 is open daily for lunch and stays open for late night guests with an impressive, rotating list of specials and a happy hour. Creative cocktails, craft beer and extensive wine list paired with the ambient dining area and lively bar makes this the perfect place to unwind and enjoy the best of what El Paseo has to offer.

I have been lucky enough to enjoy the experience several times now in the past couple of weeks that they’ve been open.

The first time, I had the Beet Salad and the Cheese Wheel Pasta, both were excellent! The Spanish blend red wine was also very good.

This past week, our party of 5 enjoyed the Boom Boom Shrimp, Kitchen 86 flatbread, and Crispy Calamari to start. We then had Scampi, the Chicken, and the house Curry.

We enjoyed a variety of libations including a perfectly made Old Fashioned, a nice selection of Red wine, and a couple of really interesting vodka coffee drinks.

Following dinner we all shared some Cannoli which were light and crisp and the perfect finish.

The service was good, the food was excellent, the drinks well made, and the company was delightful! We will be back.

To read more or make reservations, click here …

From Sheri Dettman
In Dining Around The Desert, Lifestyles & Things To Do