Walking into the Palm Springs Rendezvous, blogger Jan Smith was taken aback by the hotel’s “timeless elegance.” Her visit only got better when she learned she would be staying in the “Pretty in Pink” room, where Marilyn Monroe would spend the night during her visits to Palm Springs.
Gorgeous rooms? Check. Relaxing spa with a variety of services? Check. A sparkling pool? Check. Restaurant with rooftop lounge and intriguing cocktails? Check.
Everything you need for the perfect Palm Springs stay is at La Serena Villas. Originally built in 1933 as a 26-unit hotel, this resort in the Historic Tennis Club neighborhood was redeveloped as a luxury hotel in 2016 by architect May Sung. The 18 secluded villas each have a private patio with a clawfoot tub, fire pit, and built-in benches, with Avenue Interior Design behind every room’s furniture, finishes, and materials.
Whispers Spa offers facials, massages, and body treatments, while Azucar restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Enjoy dining in the restaurant or sipping cocktails at Sugar High, the rooftop lounge. The hotel, owned by Lars Viklund, has a Spanish colonial feel, and is next door to one of his other properties, the Del Marcos Hotel, and across from his latest acquisition, The Three Fifty Hotel.
Known for their intimate and extraordinary lodgings, several Palm Springs boutique hotels also have on-site restaurants that round out an authentic stay experience. Kitchens are run by chefs dedicated to creating thoughtfully prepared, and often locally sourced, meals with their own twist.
Azucar: Modern contemporary cuisine with an emphasis and focus on flavor utilizing high-quality, local ingredients.
About Chef Joane Garcia-Colson: A recovering trial lawyer turned chef who left the practice of law to pursue her true passion – cooking. After graduating with both honors and distinction from the Arizona Culinary Institute, she threw caution to the wind and established dish Creative Cuisine in 2012. In January of 2018, Joane had the opportunity to take the culinary helm at Azucar in La Serena Villas in Palm Springs. “When I walked in the door of La Serena Villas, I fell in love with the property and couldn’t wait to bring my passion and love of food to Azucar.” Joane and her team are dedicated to excellence and strive to provide their guests with a creative, delicious and memorable dining experience.
Melvyn’s: Elegantly upbeat and the home of authentic Hollywood glamour with classic dishes and PlumpJack wines. The Casablanca Lounge at Melvyn’s is known for its nightly entertainment and the popular Sunday Night Jam Sessions featuring guest musicians and singers. No shorts, flip-flops, or baseball caps are permitted in the dining room.
About Chef Jennifer Towne: A graduate of the New England Culinary Institute, Town studied at Northern Italy’s Ristorante La Torre under Chef Patrizia Grossi, head chef for the Italian Olympic Team in Salt Lake City, Athens and Torino, Italy. She then went on to become junior sous chef at The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas where she trained under a master French pastry chef and oversaw all aspects of food preparation within a four-star hotel. After three years of island life, Town relocated to Palm Springs to be part of the opening culinary management team for the Ace Hotel & Swim Club. In her role as executive sous chef, Town planned menus with an emphasis on fresh and seasonal ingredients for the hotel’s restaurant, bar, pool, in-room dining and banquets. Town also served as executive chef of the Purple Room Supper Club, a former Rat Pack hangout and destination for Palm Springs residents and travelers alike.
Interview with Executive Chef Jennifer Town (from spring 2018):
ttps://www.palmspringslife.com/melvyns-palm-springs/
Cheeky’s: Chef: Genuinely local. Small farm food, responsibly sourced meats and fresh local produce. Modern space for creative breakfast & lunch sandwiches, bacon flights & specialty cinnamon rolls. Chef: Jose
Birba: Modern Italian restaurant with a changing menu of global eats and craft cocktails. Chic, tree-filled patio. Chef: Eric
About local chef, restaurateur and hotelier, Tara Lazar, F10 Creative.It was a simple idea: Create a fun hangout for a homemade breakfast where Tara and her friends could gather, with no fuss, fresh local ingredients, and everything made from scratch. In 2008, the now-infamous Cheeky’s was born. Always an avid eater, born of will-travel-for-food gourmand parents, Tara began building her small empire of restaurants, bars (and a hotel!) from an endless appetite of cravings, tastes, sights, sounds and colorful spaces found around the globe. Recalling a midsummer night in Tuscany, pasta-heaped and wine-imbued, Tara (and her Milanese husband) created Birba, the al fresco Italian spot next door to Cheeky’s, in 2011. With friends around the globe dropping in to visit her burgeoning Palm Springs empire, Tara dove into a splashy pool season-weekender hotel—with the ideal Palm Canyon address—in Alcazar, opened in 2011.
The Barn Kitchen: This rustic chic American eatery serves an inspired menu of sandwiches, salads and small bites daily until 6 p.m., including an excellent burger and a chicken salad sandwich that explodes with flavor (roasted chicken, avocado, bibb lettuce, tomato and spicy mustard on rustic sourdough). Family style dinners on Wednesday and Saturday nights. Reservations required.
Interview with Executive Chef Gabriel Woo (from last fall):
https://www.desertsun.com/story/life/food/2017/10/31/gabriel-woo-chef-from-palm-springs-palm-springs/815712001/
Pantry, also overseen by Gabriel Woo. American fare. Fried chicken supper Friday’s only. Reservations required.
El MirasolCocina Mexicana has built a reputation for consistently serving piping hot plates of artfully prepared Mexican regional cuisine and tangy, flavorful Margaritas in Palm Springs, California. It features a singular focus on wholesome, fresh food with house specialties like Chicharron en Salsa, a rich, aromatic Mole Sauce and handmade Corn Tortillas made fresh daily.
About Felipe and Lisbet Castañeda. They have seen their tiny original restaurant grow into two busy Palm Springs locations. El Mirasol South is still in the original location they opened in 1985. The restaurant is a landmark in Palm Springs and enjoys a bustling atmosphere, small bar and outside tables on East Palm Canyon Drive. The Castañedas’ are natives of the small ranching town of Tepechitlan, Zacatecas, an area with a proud culinary history that borders Jalisco’s famous Tequila region. Mexican food traditions go back for generations in this family and that passion for food translates into great meals for customers of both their Palm Springs restaurants.
Draughtsman:elevated pub fare and an extensive list of draught beers.
Reservoir: Modern Southern California cuisines
Interview with Executive chef, Carmen Rodriguez:“What I’m known for is the global Latin thing of fusing different cuisines together. But more than anything else, I fuse cultures together. I look at the history of the dish and when I find a commonality between an Asian dish and a Latin dish is when I put them together. I look for a commonality in the culture and people behind it—there are stories behind every dish.”
Two nights a week, guests at Holiday House only have to walk a few steps in order to have a delectable dinner.
The Pantry, under the leadership of Chef Gabriel Woo, has two theme nights every week: Cantina Night on Tuesdays and Fried Chicken Fridays. Inspired by a south-of-the-border fiesta, Cantina Night’s menu includes fun appetizers, like the Papitas con Limon y Chile (potato chips with lime and HH Hot Sauce), and carnitas, chicken tinga, and mushroom tacos. Seafood lovers can order the tostada de ceviche, and for dessert, there’s the indulgent dark chocolate brownie with cinnamon, chipotle, orange, and ice cream. Of course, there are also handcrafted cocktails. Cantina Night runs from 5 to 8 p.m., and reservations aren’t required, but are recommended.
On Fried Chicken Fridays, dinner is served family-style, and the menu changes slightly every week. During a recent meal, diners enjoyed the bucket of vegetables with chive dip and ranch; queso fundido; fried chicken with the chef’s special blend of savory spices; roasted garlic mashed potatoes; local corn and carrots; and for dessert, dark chocolate brownies with peanut butter and ice cream, topped with a Valrhona chocolate sauce. There is limited seating, and reservations are required.
The Pantry is open every day from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., serving lunch and brunch staples, and the full bar doesn’t close until 11 p.m. nightly. As part of a Holiday House stay, guests receive a complimentary breakfast, including pastries, yogurt, granola, and fruit.
Good news for people who want to try The Pantry, but aren’t staying at the hotel — you can still dine at the restaurant, you just need to make reservations in advance: 760-320-8866.
The Pantry is 21 and over.
For years we’ve been hearing that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. I might posit that it is also the most delicious, and the best comfort food for any variety of a touch-and-go morning.
Here’s a pretty detailed list of where to go for breakfast in Palm Springs. If it’s not on this list, I either A, forgot it (in which case, mea culpa) or B, I left it off for a reason, like a health inspector issue, or C, it hasn’t opened yet (Broken Yolk). Let’s go!
Pastries and breakfast sandwiches
Swiss Donut — In a strip mall on Sunrise and Ramon. Go early before the best ones are gone!
Aspen Mills — Same as above, right next door. Their baked goods are delish.
Peninsula Pastries — In the Sun Center. Same strip mall as Palm Greens. After, stop in at thrift store Revivals for some bargains.
Carousel Bakery — Closer to the airport, at Ramon Road and El Cielo, but not close enough to get stuck in traffic. What’s that? Traffic is rarely ever had here (exceptions: Coachella, Modernism Week, a Harry Styles concert, a presidential visit), so not to worry.
Play Lounge — Menus here. In keeping with its game theme, the location is a bit Where’s Waldo. But once you find it, good times and good food await.
Townie Bagels — They go through sesame bagels so fast I’ve had to try a few others. I liked the everything pumpernickel. They have soft pretzels too. Only open until noon.
You can eat breakfast outdoors any time of year in Palm Springs. Photo courtesy of Visit Palm Springs
American breakfast
Bit of Country — On Indian Canyon next to the now closed Wang’s of the Desert. Great American and Mexican breakfasts. They even have grits! (For the Southerner in you — and definitely me.)
Sherman’s Deli — East (away from the mountains) on Tahquitz, you can dine indoors or out at this NY style deli. It has a good reputation, seems to be a favorite of visitors. I like the soup.
Spencer’s — It looks fancy, but the dinner menu is the pricey one. Breakfast is not hard on the wallet, and the ambiance is lovely. Closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
Elmer’s — It’s the hash browns and biscuits for me, but some go for the German pancakes. The food is fresh, and hot. Their coffee isn’t my favorite, but it’s passable. And if you’re not into breakfast, there are other delicious options.
Indian Canyon Golf Resort — The view at the South Course is terrific, and the breakfasts are pretty good. Service can be slow, but you just hiked Lykken Trail, so you’re ready for a relaxing brekkie. Across from Lykken Trail, on the southeast corner of Murray Canyon and South Palm Canyon is where the former Canyon Club Inn used to live. If you look around you can still see the remnants, and certainly the landscaping if you take the walkway up the hill. The golf course and mountains are to your right.
The views are gorgeous from the patio at Escena. Photo courtesy of Visit Palm Springs
Escena — This is pretty far east on Vista Chino, but still in PS. Beautiful space, beautiful view.
Palm Greens Cafe — Everything is fresh, which comes with a heftier price tag, but it’s delicious. While it leans toward veggie and vegan, your friends who eat bacon will love it too. Just don’t get the fake bacon — it’s nothing at all like bacon.
Rick’s Bakery is a local favorite in the north end, just past Vista Chino. They serve grits, but I prefer the grits at Bit of Country. Just keeping it real.
Billy Reed’s — Like a fancy restaurant in 1980s Wisconsin, this is a staple for some folks. Just past Vista Chino going north, you can get here on both Palm Canyon and Indian Canyon.
Frisky Business — For the love of kitties, explore the Rimrock Trail then pop in for some coffee, a bite from vegan restaurant Tanya’s Kitchen or Aspen Mills Bakery, and cuddle with some cool cats. $22 gets you a cuppa and the cuddle. Food is on your dime, but for grab and go it’s delish.
Farm — I’ve never been to the French countryside, but I imagine this is what it looks like. Food is good too.
L’Atelier — French café with delicious quiche and the best cup of iced coffee I’ve ever had (they use real cream — at least they did when I was there). Small but quaint.
Pinocchio’s — It’s a party! And they have my second favorite potatoes in P.S.: baked and fried, just like Dad used to make. Bottomless champagne for about $8.
Cheeky’s — Generally a long line to get in, closed on Tuesdays. From their website: “Everything is made from scratch using the freshest local ingredients, changes weekly, serving up creative meditations on breakfast and lunch — with super fun vibes — in a bright indoor-outdoor setting.”
Maleza — Located in one of our preferred small hotels, the brand-new Drift Palm Springs on Indian Canyon, it has what I would call a Cal-Mex breakfast menu, and I’m not mad at it. Avocado toast is on the menu, along with fruit, yogurt, and granola, but it also offers chilaquiles, churros, and a breakfast burrito.
Grand Central is in the heart of Palm Springs. Photo courtesy of Visit Palm Springs
Grand Central — Try the grilled cheese for late breakfast; it’s the only zag I will take from my eggs over-easy and potatoes. Okay, or a lox plate. I’m pretty fond of those some days.
Thirsty Palms — Their breakfast menu starts with potato pancakes, so my ears perked up, but my eyes also noted their eclectic menu of international dishes like shakshuka, bourbon French toast, chilaquiles, l’orange ricotta pancakes, and croque madame benedict. Yum yum. This a new restaurant (sole proprietor) in town, so please give it some love.
Jimmy B’s — Our second new kid on the block, this one is in Mercado Plaza (where you can take a photo with Sonny Bono). I haven’t been yet, but it is always hopping. After 11 a.m. they have live music.
Café Mon Amour — Our third new kid is a bit further north, but the reviews are in, and this French café is a hit. Bonus: it’s on the strip and walkable, but it’s just far enough that it hasn’t yet found foot traffic.
That’s it for the breakfast round-up. Hope this helps! After you get your belly full, it might be time to enjoy a drink and a float at your Palm Springs Preferred Small Hotel. I mean, you came here to de-stress, right? Yeah, I thought so.
I’ll just slip away so you can dream about your next visit to Palm Springs.
Ciao now.
Missed Part 1? Read it here.
Welcome to summer in Palm Springs! This is long — lots to share! — so without further ado, the smaller resorts with restaurants:
Night falls on Arrive Palm Springs. Photo credit: Visit Palm Springs
Arrive Palm Springs — This resort is built to be social, and the poolside restaurant serves snacks and libations including “Poptails” — icy alcoholic popsicles. They used to have another restaurant, but sadly, the local favorite for lunch closed. However, you’ll barely notice the temps when you walk a few storefronts away to the hotel’s coffee shop, Cartel Coffee Lab, and ice cream parlor, Ice Cream & Shop(pe). Just a titch further is 1501 Gastropub by local restaurateurs Chad Gardner and Willie Rhine. Directly across the street from the resort is Sandfish Sushi and Whiskey Bar, which is as trendy as it sounds.
The view from above Fleur Noire. Photo credit: Visit Palm Springs
Fleur Noire Hotel — Initially called Burket’s Trade Winds Hotel, the new owners have reimagined the 1940s hotel and brought its original (heated) pool back to life. Surrounded by lush desert landscaping, the Spanish-style property has 21 casitas, studios, and standard rooms — all eclectic and all designed by Chris Pardo and wallpaper designer Ellie Cashman.
The clubhouse is open daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., with a communal pantry, lounge seating, and working and dining areas. They don’t actually have a restaurant, but Rick’s Desert Grill is its next door neighbor. They do, however, have a rosé and champagne speakeasy called La Boisson that will also bring your chilled libation poolside. You can literally have rosé all day.
Welcome to Holiday House. Photo credit: Holiday House
Holiday House — Smack in the middle of downtown and just a bit west of Palm Canyon is Holiday House. This is the sister property of Sparrows Lodge, which is located on the south end of Palm Springs.
Named one of Travel + Leisure’s Top 500 Hotels of 2022, Holiday House is a 21+ property. Please note there are no TVs in the rooms, but honestly, you can do that at home. Your time is best spent poolside, in a very swimmable pool.
The 28-room hipster hideaway has a little restaurant called The Pantry. Lunch is served 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and dinner is from 5 to 9 p.m., and they’ve even got a poolside menu. There aren’t a lot of choices for dinner, but what they do have is pretty scrumptious, which means they’re pretty busy. Locals try to go, but you guys generally have eaten all that deliciousness by the time we get there.
L’Horizon’s cabanas. Photo credit: Visit Palm Springs
L’Horizon Palm Springs — Originally designed in 1952 by William F. Cody as a retreat for television producer and oil tycoon Jack Wrather and his actress wife, Bonita “Bunny” Granville (yeah, no idea either), L’Horizon has been restored to its original grandeur and is 100 percent squee-worthy.
Located on three acres, the 21+ resort has 25 private bungalows, and the original 2,000 square foot home is available for bookings as well. The living room and yard of the house have unobstructed views of the mountains, and there is a sunken seating area, wood-burning fireplace, dining room, wet bar, kitchen, marble bathrooms with rainforest showers, and an outdoor shower.
When you’re done lazing by the pool, The Spa offers massages, body treatments, facials, and add-ons like peppermint foot therapy and wild lime scalp treatments. Once you’re fully relaxed, stop by Le Shop, a boutique featuring Naturopathica’s skin care and body products, resort wear, swimsuits, jewelry, sunglasses, and home accessories.
And…drumroll…L’Horizon also has a gourmet restaurant called SO•PA that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner (feel free to order poolside as well). Dramatic, refined, and intimate, SO•PA offers a unique alfresco dining experience, and is on everyone in Palm Springs’ bucket list for dining.
The patio at El Mirasol at Los Arboles. Photo credit: Los Arboles Hotel
Los Arboles — The Casteñada family would like to welcome you to their 21-room “home” featuring a rooftop deck, a courtyard pool, hot tub, and home cooked authentic Mexican meals at El Mirasol at Los Arboles.
I am not kidding you about the authentic food. Mama Casteñeda oversees the kitchen, and all of the dishes are from her recipe box (the box actually lived in her head, and she had no need to write them down until she opened a restaurant).
The restaurant is in a courtyard, and is a local favorite. They also have a sister location on the south end of town, the original El Mirasol. Pair the jalapeño margarita with any dish and you’ll be a very happy camper.
Pull up a chair at Sparrows Lodge. Photo credit: Sparrows Lodge
Sparrows Lodge — The bohemian sister resort to Holiday House also has zero TVs, but man do they have a great swimmable pool and misters all throughout the courtyard. The interiors have a modernist, beachy, farmhouse feel to them. If I’m any indication, you’ll feel a sense of serenity the moment you enter.
Their restaurant is called The Barn and like The Pantry at Holiday House, it’s on everyone’s bucket list. I cannot stress to you enough that you need a reservation, and generally well in advance. Executive Chef Sebastian Lowrey and Sous Chef Daniella Lara have created some wonderful offerings for lunch and dinner, and everyone wants in.
One of Villa Royale’s sparkling pools. Photo credit: Villa Royale
Villa Royale — Gorgeous old bones have been renovated to an even more glorious and contemporary retreat, well off the beaten path in the Deepwell neighborhood. The 21+, 38-suite property has three pools, mountain views, and folks, it is pet-friendly.
With over 50 original pieces of artwork on site, it’s like being immersed in a museum. All of the work was commissioned exclusively for the resort, and artists Sara Radovanovich, Lou Kregal, and Juan Casas lived at the Villa Royale while creating their oil paintings, which feature everything from pop culture icons to desert scenes.
Focusing on Spanish and Mediterranean flavors and led by Chef Louis Martinez, the Del Rey is Villa Royale’s small-plate restaurant. It boasts a beautiful 12-seat oak and marble bar, as well as booths and an outdoor patio with firepit. The cocktail menu is very creative — drink ingredients include black tea ice cubes, saffron syrup, and olive oil — so get ready to imbibe.
Coming next Tuesday: resorts with breakfast and lunch served on premise for guests only. Not a local in sight.
Azucar at La Serena Villas is bringing several favorites back to its menu, including a rotating Seasonal Salad.
Visit Azucar now to try the current selection: a refreshing watermelon salad with spiced pistachio, radicchio, tepache dressing, and Idiazabal cheese. Under the direction of Chef Seth Miller, Azucar is committed to sustainability, and all of the ingredients are fresh and locally sourced, leading to less food waste without sacrificing flavor.
Additional menu standouts include the pork belly tacos, Dungeness crab stuffed poblano pepper, grilled maitake mushroom, and Spanish crudite.
More than any other meal, dining out for supper is special. I mean, a meal under the desert sun is very different from a meal beneath the light of the desert sky. Dinner could be a celebration, a romantic evening (for two or three — whatever floats your boat), or a get together with friends. No matter which one you’re here for, I’m here for you.
Spencer’s is a special occasion type of place. Photo courtesy of Visit Palm Springs
Spencer’s — This is often the go-to for special occasions. The Bougainvillea Room is nice, but so is the inner space. I’d choose this for a classy celebration.
Tropicale — Outside is a party, but the booths inside offer the feel of your own little room. I’d recommend this for a birthday dinner with a small group of friends.
Johnny Costa’s — Very old school Italian, Rat Pack. Johnny was Sinatra’s favorite chef (both now gone). The waiters are pros — no college students here.
Le Vallauris — A fine dining experience, and rife for romance.
Eight4Nine — I’d call this the alternative to Spencer’s, but it’s on the strip. Owner and restaurateur Willie Rhine is well known and beloved by our town. Feel free to love on him too.
The Purple Room — Best dinner club in Palm Springs. Super Rat Pack atmosphere, great jazz-leaning acts, very old school Palm Springs.
So•Pa is a must-try while staying at L’Horizon Resort and Spa. Photo courtesy of Visit Palm Springs
So•Pa — I spent Thanksgiving here, and wowie wow wow. It’s at L’Horizon Resort and Spa and is stunning. If you want someone to fall for you, take them here.
Miro — I love this place. Excellent food, great staff, and lovely ambiance.
Mr. Lyon’s — It’s not what I expected as far as ambiance. It’s kind of “cozy LA” inside. This is another spot for special occasions and DO NOT pass on the rolls.
Melvyn’s — Another old school spot, inside Ingleside Inn which is also an old estate with a great story. You can read all about it in Mel Haber’s books about Palm Springs, which you can purchase here. There’s also terrific music.
Azúcar — Inside La Serenas Villas, this teeters between fine dining and casual dining. The food is modern contemporary cuisine, and the view is to die for.
Johannes — Clean lines, great art on the walls, the schnitzel’s the thing here. Have it just about any way you like, it’s gonna be good. It’s not the only thing, there’s seafood too, and desserts. This is not for groups, but maybe a nice evening between two or three friends. Maybe four, but if you’re loud, like I am, keep it small.
Del Rey — If I were trying to seduce someone, I’d take them here. Located at Villa Royale, it has sexy decor and tapas, which are sexy because there’s just enough for two. It’s somewhere between casual and fine dining, but the energy is swanky.
1501 Gastropub — Great menu, great atmosphere. There’s a nice, big, seatable full bar. Super casual, but don’t take that to mean you don’t need a reservation. It’s a hot ticket.
Las Casuelas Terraza — Take the party here.
Lulu’s is always hopping. Photo courtesy of Visit Palm Springs
Lulu — Everyone has to go to Lulu at least once. The atmosphere is great, and the food is terrific too. The owner, Jerry, does great things in the community, so you can thank him by taking the party here. Although they can accommodate just about any size group, they can also give you a quieter space, or you can people watch on the patio.
Gigi’s — Take your chi chi friends here for a fun Palm Springs experience.
John Henry’s — This is off the beaten path, hard to find, and the parking is horrible, but once you find it, it’s charming. Eat outside and take someone you’re sweet on.
Birba — Pizza, but fancy.
Trio — I haven’t been since their facelift and new menu, but it used to be “the spot” for cocktails and dinner. Limited parking in the back, but there’s parking.
Maracas — I mentioned it for lunch, but it’s also great for dinner with friends.
Pomme Frite — Chef wants you to know it’s a French/Belgian bistro. It’s adorable. Go here to catch up with a friend and stay for a bit.
French Miso — Tucked back, it’s actually part of La Plaza but, like I said, it’s tucked so it’s kind of hidden (although they now have big old signs). It’s quite lovely.
Freddie’s Kitchen — On the northern end, inside The Cole hotel, is this little French gem. I haven’t tried it yet, but it’s on my list.
Sandfish — It’s sushi. A lot of people love it. I went when it first opened, and I was short of impressed. But that was a few years back — try it out and let me know.
Farm — Farm curates a menu for dinner that is very different from its breakfast and lunch. There’s an amuse bouche to start, and then some choices, prices are fixed. It’s quite a lovely space too. Closed Wednesday and Thursday for dinner.
If you can, try to score a seat at Bar Cecil. Photo courtesy of Visit Palm Springs
Bar Cecil — The darling of the jet set.
Tac/Quila — Jalisco, which means it’s seafood forward. Same owners as Farm. Same great attention to detail in decor and food choices.
Workshop Kitchen & Bar — It’s very L.A.
Boozehounds — Chef Aric Ianni has worked for Kimpton, but his sensibilities run more to beer pairings with fine food.
The Barn Kitchen — At Sparrows Lodge. Good food, great atmosphere.
A little something about dress. You can pretty much dress any way that you like, although resort casual seems to be the go-to these days. There has been a recent trend that I am crazy about, and that’s fashion forward streetwear. Even more specific are those that embrace the mid-mod aesthetic of yore. It’s fun, and it’s flirty. And it makes Palm Springs feel like the technicolor part of Pleasantville. It’s a gas, man. A real gas.
“In order to be irreplaceable, one must always be different.”
– Coco Chanel
Named after Saint Valentine, the patron saint of lovers, epileptics, and beekeepers (weird three to lump together, but whatever), Valentine’s Day somehow took on the persona of the Greek god of love, Eros, which then morphed into Cupid, the god of desire. So now Valentine’s Day is symbolized by a chubby baby flying around with a magical bow and arrow shooting people in the heart with expectations of a lusty outcome. Fun!
The expectations and nerves leading up to Valentine’s Day are also (à la Gwen Stefani) B.A.N.A.N.A.S. Candy, a card, flowers, a fancy dinner, and perhaps a piece of jewelry are de rigueur, and while those are nice, why not do something different? Something that shows the object of your affection your creative streak. Here are some ideas to make the day a little easier (I got you!):
Date One: The Outdoor Adventure Date
What you’ll need: hiking shoes, a backpack, and dress in layers
Breakfast: Cheeky’s for breakfast. It’s very popular and it’s busy.
Coffee: Koffi is great, but try something new, like Ernest Coffeehouse
Lunch to go: The Sandwich Spot. Pre-order your sandwiches and put them in your backpack. Or try On The Mark for a fancier fare.
Adventure: The Tram. Take it up the mountain (wear your mask, you are in an enclosed gondola). Once you get to the top, there are great views, telescopes, and two places to eat. Explore the manmade stuff and then hike your trail. You can see all of them here, and make your choice with your date.
Alternative adventure option: Replace the tram with a hike in either Indian Canyons (so many trails!) or a lazier sexy hike at Tahquitz (tah’quits) Canyon to Tahquitz Falls. Once you get to the falls, it’s lunch time. Dangle your feet in the clear pool and enjoy. Don’t forget to pack up everything (no littering please) and hike back to civilization.
Dinner: The Rooster and Pig is only doing takeout at the time of this typing, but check the website. Things are opening back up. In keeping with the Asian theme, we have Fusion Five for pho, and 533 Viet Fusion on the south end of Palm Springs. If you want the best burger in town, head over to The Heyday. They also have a delicious magic mushroom burger (the magic is it tastes like beef, it doesn’t get you high). If you choose the Heyday option, you can go to the casino after and try your luck! 
Date Two: Bagels, Antiquing, Thrifting, Smok’em If You’ve Got’em
What you’ll need: A sense of adventure and a car. This date takes you to the south end of Palm Springs.
Breakfast: Townie Bagels — a very busy breakfast spot, but it gets you across the street from your first stop.
Cannabis?: If you’re cannabis friendly, there are three dispensaries in this area. Have an edible and let’s get on our now merry way.
Antiques, thrift stores, trading posts are across the street from Townies, and all along Industrial Place.
Antique Galleries, 505 Industrial Place gets you to the Antique Galleries and you can use your eyeballs from there.
Sunny Dunes Antique Mall, 507 E Sunny Dunes Rd. Sprawling shop featuring antique dealers selling vintage furniture, jewelry, and other collectibles.
Little Shop of Treasures, 616 E Sunny Dunes Rd. Unassuming store selling an array of antique furnishings, collectibles, clothes, and dishes.
Q Trading Co., 606 E Sunny Dunes Rd. Get your car and go to Sun Center Mall (turn right on Palm Canyon, then it’s less than half a block on your left).
Revivals, 611 South Palm Canyon Drive. This is a great little thrift store that benefits Desert AIDS Project.
Lunch options at Sun Center:
Palm Greens Cafe — Organic and vegan
PS Air inside Bouschet — Yummy salads
Spaghetteria for pizza
Lunch options at The Plaza (near your next stop):
Farm — Outstanding lunch selections, French inspired
More antiquing and thrifting:
P S Trading,140 N Palm Canyon Dr.
Bon Vivant, 766 N Palm Canyon Dr · Near Trio Restaurant, (760) 534-3197
a La MOD INC, 886 N Palm Canyon Dr · Near Trio Restaurant, (760) 327-0707
Deja Vu Vintage Finery, 664 N Palm Canyon Dr.
Flow Modern, 768 N Palm Canyon Dr.
Mohave Flea Trading Post, 383 Indian Canyon Dr..
Angel View Resale, 462 N Indian Canyon Dr.
Dinner: Birba — New wave Italian American fare. Sit on the twinkly patio.
Date Three: Spaaaah Date
Breakfast: L’Atelier in the Plaza. Pastries, quiche, salads, and champagne.
Spa options:
Our Palm Springs Preferred Small Hotels have some exceptional spa options in gorgeous settings.
Palm Springs Beautiful Spa Massage, 109 S Indian Canyon Dr. (760) 656-1028
Palm Springs Spa Massage, 471 E Tahquitz Canyon Way #226. (760) 808-4205
Lunch: grab and go eat in the new park (on Museum Way down from Marilyn).
After the spa, check out the Palm Springs Art Museum, Marilyn Statue, and art installations. Behind The Block on Museum Way.
Dinner: It’s been a nice relaxing day, and dressing up and going out to dinner might be a bit much. If you’re a planner, a few weeks in advance you can order a custom dinner from Three Queens Catering. I recently went to an event they catered and the food was awesome! Plus, I know two of them, and they are some of the funniest people on the planet.
Bar Cecil (pronounced Sess’-ill) — Super fancy and the trendiest place in Palm Springs right now.
John Henry’s — Off the beaten path on Tahquitz on the way to the airport. Blink and you’ll miss it.
Date Four: Classic Palm Springs and the Rat Pack
Breakfast: Spencer’s, Grand Central, Melvyn’s at the Ingleside Inn
Coffee: Gre Coffeehouse — Great cup of java and vinyls to peruse and purchase.
Adventure: You’ll need a car. Download the Palm Springs Life tour app. It will take you on three different tours. That should take up most of your day.
Alternate plans: Open houses! This site tells you where they are the day of.
Lunch: Holiday House
Drinks: Del Rey inside Villa Royale or Melvyn’s
Dinner: Johnny Costa’s is super old school Italian fare with a Rat Pack vibe. The chef was one of Frank Sinatra’s favorites. Try the chicken parm.
Date Five: Traditional Valentine’s Day
Toffee from Brandini’s
Flowers (in advance) from Jensen’s (a beautiful plant will remind them of you year- round)
Valentine’s Day card from Just Fabulous
Dinner at Tropicale, Copley’s, Roly China Fusion (by the pool)
Finish up your evening at Dead or Alive Wine Bar or Seymour’s (inside Mr. Lyons) on the south end of town. Both are quiet and great before sexy times — if that’s your goal.
Happy Arrow-Slinging Chubby Baby Day everyone! I hope you’re with someone you love, and as the song says, “If you can’t be with the one you love, love the one you’re with.”
Imagine the days of Greta Garbo, Marilyn Monroe, and Frank Sinatra. Envision them sitting by the pool sipping amazing cocktails and enjoying a Palm Springs hideaway.
These stars and others stayed at many of the boutique Palm Springs Preferred Small Hotels. And today they each offer an ideal place to take refuge during this time of social distancing. Hoteliers have created standards that will help keep you safe while elevating your stay experience. Palm Springs Hotels are expected to reopen for guests on June 20th.
The following is a list of places that will deliver those very special cocktails to you to enjoy while hanging out by the pool or in your room. Food is required by the liquor control commission with cocktail delivery.
The Tropicale Restaurant (760-866-1952) Order from 5-8:30 pm. Some special offerings are the Coconut Martini and Basil Lemongrass Mojito which are the most popular drinks. Firecracker Shrimp and Moroccan Lamb Meatballs are popular appetizers. It’s in-house delivery within a 7 mile radius for $10.
Sandfish Sushi and Whiskey (760-537-1022) Order from 5:30-10 pm. They have an Old Fashioned Kit or the Aviation ready-made cocktail. Delivery is through Postmates. Try the Sandfish Roll or Spicy Tuna Tostados.
Eight4Nine Restaurant & Lounge (760-325-8490) GrubHub delivers cocktails in sealed containers. The most popular are the Cosmopolitan and the Margarita. The favorites for food are the Ahi Poke Bowl and the Eight4Nine Burger. Don’t forget to order the Eight4Nine Layer Cake. It is amazing.
El Mirasol Restaurant (760-323-0721) Order between 4-9 pm. Closed on Monday and Tuesday. They provide free delivery in Palm Springs with a minimum $25 order. Some favorites are the Pollo En Mole Poblano and the Queso Fundido Con Chorizo. Their margaritas are wonderful and their guacamole is the stuff of legend.
Dead or Alive Bar Pick up or free delivery Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 2-4 pm. Call or text 323-572-5702. Try Chef Tanya’s vegan “crack” cheese & crostini. Six bottles of hand selected wine from small growers and makers for $100-$130.
533 Viet Fusion (760-778-6595) In-house delivery staff with a 5 mile radius for $8. Tuesday-Saturday 5-8 pm. They have Cocktails for Two of Thai Basil Lemon Drop, and Keffir Collins. Enjoy them with a Spicy Tuna Spring Roll or a Crunchy Tiger Shrimp Roll. They also own Roly China Fusion, home to the Thai Basil Lemon Drop and the Ultimate Gin & Tonic. Great pairings are the Dim Sum or In-House Made Lobster Popcorn.
V Wine Lounge (760-668-9665) Delivery is free every day from 11 am – 6 pm. Four Specialty Cocktails: Liam’s Bee’s Knees Gin, Mark’s Lynchburg Lemonade Bourbon, Thea’s Cosmo Gin or Vodka, and James’ Lemon Drop Vodka. They also deliver wine. Their specialty, Cheese and Salami plates, include dried fruit, nuts, olives, bread and specialty jam.
Jake’s Palm Springs (760-327-4400) Takeout and delivery. 40% off wine. For delivery, a $20 minimum order for free delivery at lunch and $40 minimum order for dinner. Favorites are the Blood Orange Whiskey Sour, Cactus Pear Margarita, Palm Canyon Margarita, and Rose Lemon Drop. Suggestions for lunch are the Jake’s Turkey Sandwich and the Crab BLT. For dinner, suggestions are the Chilean Sea Bass and the Seafood Pad Thai. Hours to order are from 12 pm – 2:45 pm and 5:30 pm – 8:00 pm.
Bouschet (760-327-7701) Delivery from 11 am – 4 pm. Free delivery with orders of $50 or more. Some of the cocktails are the Aviation Drink, the Black Box, the Cockpit, and the Mile High Club. Pairings with these drinks are The Club, the Pear Riviera, and the Chop Chop Salad.
Johannes Palm Springs (760-778-0017) Cocktails available only through pick-up. Cocktails include Watermelon Martini, and Pear Martini as well as Sangria by the bottle. Food items delivered by Grub Hub from 1-7 pm. Specialty foods are the Wiener Schnitzel and Raw Brussel Sprouts Salad.
The Paul Bar (760-656-4082) No delivery but curbside pickup. Order Wednesday-Sunday between 4-8 pm for Cocktails to Go in covered jar containers. Try their Curbside Cosmos and Frozen Sidecars. Steak Frites and Pot Roast Thursdays available, too.
Eight4Nine Bottled Cocktails
VWine Bar Special Wines, Salami, and Cheeses
Eight4Nine Specialty Cocktail That Can Be Delivered
Margaritas Delivered from El Mirasol
Cocktails to Go at VWine Lounge
