Sheri’s Palm Springs Area Blog

Dining Around The Desert: LG’s Prime Steak House

After many years of not visiting LG’s Prime Steakhouse in La Quinta, my husband Bill and I went for dinner during the recent PGA Tour Career Builder Challenge at PGA West. And by the looks of it, business is booming at LG’s.

Dinner For Two At LG's Large Bar

We grabbed the last two seats at the large bar. The atmosphere was very pleasant, and the room had a nice, warm feel to it. LG’s features an extensive wine list both by the glass and bottle. Thankfully the bartender offered us several wines to taste before we made our choices.

For dinner I choose two appetizers; I enjoyed the Mac and Cheese as well as the Roasted Brussel Sprouts in a maple glaze. Since LG’s is primarily a steak house, Bill went for a petite filet and baked potato with all the fixings. Bill’s steak was cooked to perfection and was both tender and tasty.

LG's Wine Cellar

We returned to LG’s the following week at the invitation of Keller Williams Realty management for a small dinner party in LG’s private wine cellar downstairs. This visit I went for the Roasted Salmon Filet, and I choose Buerre Blanc sauce over the Bernaise. Bill doubled down on the 8-ounce Filet but passed on the sizzling butter sauce.

We had a plan for desert. Bill ordered the Tiramisu while I went for the Brownie with ice cream. This way we both got to sample two splendid deserts.

LG’s tends to be on the pricey side, which is par for the course for high-end steak houses. Entrees are ala cart and the sides do add up. The bottom line for us is the quality is there, and we’ll be back in the future. Maybe not every week, but we’ll be back.

Two LG’s Prime Steak House Locations

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Dining Around The Desert: WP Kitchen, Palm Desert

As some of you might recall, years ago I worked for Wolfgang Puck at the original Spago Restaurant in West Hollywood. Thru the years, I’ve continued to enjoy Wolf’s restaurants, and I’m happy to say that his newest concept serving global fare in a family-style format does not disappoint.

Inspired by how Wolf dines and entertains at home, the menu at the new WP Kitchen & Bar in Palm Desert consists of seasonal offerings of small plates, fresh salads, pizzas, handmade pasta as well as steak and seafood.

Klaus Puck & Sheri Dettman

Wolf’s Brother Klaus Puck Onsite

On our visit, my husband Bill and I were lucky enough to see Klaus Puck, Wolfgang’s brother at the helm. He was greeting the customers, expediting the food and making sure that everything was running smoothly. Truly hands on and it shows.

Sharing WP Kitchen’s Small Plates

We started with a delicious Smoked Salmon Bruschetta, which has the best Horseradish Cream that they smoke at Spago, along with Watercress, Apples, Radish and Pumpkin Seeds. Klaus then treated us to a Lobster Knuckle Sandwich that has a taste-tingling mix of Vadouvan spices that are truly addicting. Next was the Arancini with Wild Mushrooms and a Garlic Aioli. Little Italian balls of joy!

For our next course, I had Agnolotti filled with Pumpkin in a Sage Brown Butter sauce dusted with Pecorino and finished with fried Sage. I could eat this dish every day and not get tired of it. Bill enjoyed the Braised Beef Short Rib in Moroccan Spices with Dried Fruit, Toasted Almonds and Couscous. It was falling off the bone, and the spices were spot on.

2 Desserts Are Better Than 1!

By this point, we were stuffed but Klaus’ generosity knew no bounds, and we enjoyed two desserts; the Apple Tart and Salted Caramel Pudding with Crème Fraiche Whipped Cream and Brown Sugar.

We can’t wait to go back and are very happy to have this new addition to the desert dining scene. WP Kitchen has a nice wine list and Happy Hour Menu and is open seven days a week from 11 AM until close with Happy Hour Daily from 3-6PM. Please say hello to Klaus Puck if he's there and tell him that Sheri Dettman sent you.

WP Kitchen & Bar: 73-130 El Paseo, Palm Desert, CA 92260 (760) 568-2700.

Dining Around The Desert: Koutouki Taverna, Palm Desert

Sheri Dettman (left) & Koutouki Family Member Dina

We Go Greek In Palm Desert's Newest Restaurant

My husband Bill and I had been looking forward to the newest restaurant on the scene in Palm Desert. Located at the somewhat historic site of the former Sasspers and Sense Restaurants you'll discover the new Koutouki Taverna.

Koutouki Taverna in Palm Desert is the first restaurant in the US from a Canadian family that has owned and run 26 Greek restaurants over a long career in the Edmonton, Alberta area.

Looking Forward To The Grand Opening

Bill and I had been looking forward to the Taverna's opening as we'd seen construction going on for a few months as we drove by on Highway 111. This location was also the original location of Ormi & Boni’s Restaurant before they moved to La Quinta (now rumored to soon to become a Denny's–and more on that later).

Opening just four weeks ago, the whole family is involved from the daughter, Dina, who greets you at the door (pictured with me), to Chris, her husband who is the chef. The night we were there we also met mom and shared an after dinner drink with papa.

The Tasting Menu For Us

Since this was our first visit to Koutouki, our server suggested we try the Koutouki Meze, which is a pretty broad tasting menu. The first course featured five dips, and olives served with warm pita bread– my favorite was the Kopanisti, which is Feta, roasted jalapenos, and mint. Bill enjoyed the Tzatziki made of Greek yogurt, cucumbers, and garlic.

Next up was Keftedes. These are house-made, pan fried beef meatballs followed by grilled chicken. Then, Dolmades, the traditional grape leaves stuffed with ground beef, rice and tzatziki, and then Spanakopita with spinach, feta, mint and dill. Yum!

The Main Course Arrives

As if that wasn’t enough, the main course of Arni Kleftiko soon arrived. This slow roasted lamb was falling off the bone, and the lemon-roasted potatoes were the perfect compliment. We were offered desserts, but we’d already hit our limit.

For now, Koutouki is only serving beer (Bira) and wine. They do have a nice selection of wine. Our server offered us a taste of several we were interested in before making our wine choice.

The last time we peeked in the restaurant was full, so reservations are suggested.

Koutouki Taverna is also open for lunch featuring a mouthwatering selection of Buns, Wraps, and Gyros. Koutouki Taverna: 73675 Highway 111 in Palm Desert. (760) 834-8221.