Frozen In Palm Springs

Five bowls of colorful ice cream lined up in white bowls

Yep, it’s heating up in Palm Springs, but we’ve got a few things to help you enjoy the heat: misters on the sidewalks and in outdoor restaurants, cold beer on every corner, and frozen confections galore. 

Whether you’re an ice cream, yogurt, gelato, or milkshake kind of human, there’s something somewhere in Palm Springs just for you. We even have some artisanal shops for those craving ice cream in unusual but delicious flavors.

Here’s the scoop:

Ice Cream in Downtown Palm Springs

Ice Cream & Shopp(e) — This hip hybrid ice cream parlor/gift shop is at Arrive Hotel.

Great Shakes — Located in the heart of downtown, their daily flavors are listed on a PDF on their website, or you could just stop in while strolling Palm Canyon.

Brandini Toffee (the link goes to catering so you can see their in-store ice cream options) — Voted No. 1 candy store in California, they not only have the best toffee you’ll ever taste, but fantastic caramel corn in a variety of flavors AND ice cream! Get a toffee pop or opt for the decadent ice cream bowl. They’ll even make you an affogato sans booze.

Gelato Granucci — Artisanal gelato made on-site. Flavors change daily. Just north of La Quinta Brewing and Bootlegger Tiki. 

Ben & Jerry’s — You know ’em.

Carmela Ice Cream — Inside the very cool Flannery Exchange is another artisanal ice cream maker. She hails from Pasadena. Definitely worth a try and a visit to the space. If you need spot to work for a day, check ’em out.

Lolli & Pops — It has a few flavors of ice cream, but is also a swanky candy store. Great tinned gifts for bridal and groom parties, or even special guests. 

A three-scoop ice cream cone on a white background surrounded by colorful rainbow sprinkles

In Palm Springs, we all scream for ice cream. Photo by Courtney Cook on Unsplash

Away from Downtown 

Kreem — Located on the south end of Palm Springs right where Palm Canyon splits into South and East. Next to the liquor store. Artisan ice cream in unusual flavors. A local favorite. 

Cold Stone Creamery — If you keep going down Palm Canyon East you’ll run into a shopping mall. It’s past Sunrise a few blocks next to Jersey Mike’s. 

Monster Shakes — Those shopping for an extended stay at Ralph’s will find great rewards here. It’s next to Domino’s Pizza in the shopping center on Ramon and Sunrise.

Frozen yogurt

Jus Chillin’ PS — Two locations, one on Tahquitz and the other on Palm Canyon. Tons of flavors and options for add-ons.

Tutti Frutti — All local ingredients from down valley. If a fruit is in season, you’ll find a matching flavor here. They’ve got the chocolate-y-est chocolate evah!

Date shakes 

Nature’s Health Food Cafe — Off the beaten path for vacationers, but well worth the stop. Food is vegan, and they have date shakes.

Tutti Frutti — Mentioned above, they have my favorite date shake. Not too sweet. I’m sweet enough.

Ice Cream & Shop(pe): Date shakes too!

Stay cool everyone!

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And Just Like That It’s Thanksgiving In Palm Springs

A small orange pumpkin on a white napkin on a plate on a table

Summer is over, and cooler temps are playing coy. We’ve got days in the 90s and evenings in the 60s, with a strong forecast of holidays. That came fast, right?

If you need to get out of town for Thanksgiving this year, there’s no greater place to do that than in Palm Springs. The weather will be crisp in the earlies and lates; the pools and the afternoons will be warm; and the food, as always, will be outstanding.

You have options too! You can stay in one of our hotels that have a restaurant on site, and just stroll to dinner. Or you can opt for one of our other gorgeous properties and book dinner at one of the delightful options below. 

Most of the links go to OpenTable so you can see if they have any slots available. Some have but a few, others have wider options.

Home for the holidays

A vintage photo of a woman wearing a red dress holding up a turkey next to a pool in Palm Springs

Palm Springs does Thanksgiving poolside

So*Pa at L’Horizon — I had Thanksgiving here last year. Served family style, everything was delicious. Add to that, the property is stunning. We started with drinks by the pool, then were escorted to our table. All class, all the time.

The Pantry at Holiday House — Pretty sure this is a Class 1 Historic Site — the Holiday House, not The Pantry. It’s quite cozy, and Chef cooks up some mighty fine food.

Freddie’s at The Cole — It’s French! Freddie’s that is. The Cole is located on the north end of Palm Springs, and is a beautiful mid-mod property lovingly restored around 2020.

Melvyn’s at The Ingleside Estate — The ultimate spot in Palm Springs history, this property has hosted some of the biggest names in the 20th century. It used to be Ruth Hardy’s estate (she’s got her own park now) and has been a staple of our little city for over a century. Little bungalows make you feel like you’re at a swanky camp for bazillionaires. 

Del Rey at Villa Royale — This is another wonderful fine dining choice, and a marvelous place to stay. Peep the pool.

Thanksgiving dinner, Palm Springs style

Eight4Nine — Located in the old Palm Springs post office, you’d never know it. It’s a gorgeous spot just north of mid-town, and is one of the hottest spots to dine in Palm Springs. 

Kaiser Grille — I have never been, but my understanding is that their food is delicious. And you can’t beat that patio for people watching, unless you sit on the patio at …

Lulu — Solid menu, great drinks, and another great people watching spot if you sit outside. Inside it’s a fun and eclectic mix of old and new. 

Trio — This great little spot took a hit during the pandemic, but I ate here in June and it was back to its delightful former self. I have to say I personally miss the Australian Sole, but a girl can’t have everything.

Zin American Bistro — A warm atmosphere, with great wines and good food. Across the street from Lulu, the patio encourages people watching.

Churrasco — One of the newest restaurants in Palm Springs, it’s all about the meats. Right next to Johnny Costa’s on the southern end of the strip.

Tropicale — Slightly away from the madding crowd, across from the new old post office, is Tropicale. The patio is stunning, and the food is good too.

Grand Central — Right downtown, in La Plaza, this ginormous restaurant has the best grilled cheese. I’m sure they’re not serving it for Thanksgiving, but if an American standard like grilled cheese can be that good, a Thanksgiving dinner will likely be yummy.

La Cocina — Inside Reforma, this restaurant has a terrific chef and is one of the newer spots in Palm Springs. 

Bongo Johnny’s — I was surprised to see this tiki joint on the list, but maybe you’re craving a burger, or a tropical feel. You do you. 

Miro — One of my favorite restaurants in town, Miro is on the south end of town in a big shopping mall where Stein Mart used to live (RIP). It’s tucked away, so it’s a little easy to miss, but it’s on the same side of the road as Palm Canyon after it merges with Indian Canyon.

Copley’s — Formerly owned by Cary Grant, it’s an elegant spot to dine with great history.

The Purple Room — Ah, the Purple Room, home of The Judy Show, great acts, and delicious food. Former Rat Pack hideaway.

Johannes — German food never tasted as good as it does under the eye of Chef Johannes. It’s a beautiful dining room too.

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You Never Have To Leave These Palm Springs Resorts, Part 3

The elaborate painted ceiling in the dining room at The Willows Historic Palm Springs Inn

Missed Parts 1 and 2? Read them here and here.

Now, we’re delving into boutique hotels that have food and beverages available for guests only — but I’ve also got a few surprises tucked in here as well. 

With these resorts, breakfasts are almost always included, and the afternoons have other delectable amenities. It’s all about shutting out the rest of the world. These hotels really do provide everything you’ve ever wanted in a luxurious getaway — and more.

The beautiful grounds at Dive. Photo credit: Visit Palm Springs

Dive — This funky and stylish 21+, 11-room resort is a visit to the south of France (on the southern end of Palm Springs). Be on the look out for their neon 1940s, bathing suit-clad young lady in mid-dive, and you’ll know you’re in the right place.

That diving lady is one of the Lulus, and there are two more behind the stucco privacy walls that hide the soul-quenching slice of Saint Tropez waiting inside. The grounds are nook-filled, with a historic and very swimmable pool, and each room is a work of art. The place is truly unique.

When you’re ready for food, you can either pop by and place an order at the window, or text them from your phone and someone will bring it to you, because you’re on vacation and you’re posh. I can’t wait to tell you all about Dive, which I will do soon. Just know that you are going to lose your ish over it. Seriously.

The Marley’s spacious pool. Photo courtesy of The Marley

The Marley — Bring your besties, because this nine bedroom, nine bath property only books one group at a time (it can accommodate up to 22 guests!).

There is a gorgeous Viking catering kitchen so you can hire a chef and not have to worry about a meal. There is also a spacious pool and a fire pit. It’s the perfect place for a bachelorette weekend, a milestone birthday, a corporate workshop, or a yoga retreat. How about a college reunion with your old chums?

This place is equal parts sassy and dreamy. I encourage you to check out the photos on their website — I had trouble trying to figure out what part of it to show you!

Poolside at The Willows. Photo courtesy of The Willows

The Willows Historic Palm Springs Innn — I used to deliver rack cards for the Purple Room to this eight room resort, and I was never allowed past the gate, that’s how exclusive it is. It has a delightful history — this boutique hotel was once an old mansion, and Albert Einstein had a favorite bench here.

Guests are served a three-course gourmet breakfast in front of a 50-foot waterfall, and in the afternoon, wine and hors d’oeuvres are served in the lounge. Fresh fruit is available all day, and guests not wanting to leave for lunch or dinner can order room service from Le Vallauris, the French restaurant across the street.

One of the pools at Korakia Pensione. Photo courtesy of Korakia Pensione

Korakia Pensione — Downtown, but tucked away from any distractions, is Korakia Pensione, described by The New York Times as “one of the sexiest hotels in America.” 

Korakia is housed in two lovingly restored historic villas, and rests on 1.5 lush acres. There are bungalows, guesthouses, gardens, and pools. It positions itself as more of a retreat than a resort, although it’s not lacking in amenities. Expect a full breakfast, lunch options by the pool or in your room, yoga, meditation and afternoon Moroccan tea. They even have a bazaar for shopping (guests only). 

Truly an escape from the rest of the world.

The Orbit In at dusk. Photo credit: Visit Palm Springs

Orbit In — One of the cutest retro hotels around, even the staff gets into the ’60s vibe. Breakfast consists of gourmet yogurts and granola, there are pool snacks at lunch time, and Orbitinis are served during the cocktail hour. Nice pool, nice people, on a quiet street near Spencer’s (yum!).

The Santiago Resort’s pool and spa. Photo courtesy of The Santiago Resort

Men’s resorts

Santiago Resort — Gorgeous resort, with tropical plants and exotic flowers. Not only do they feed you breakfast and lunch, but there are spa services and a pool that is such perfection it’s nearly hard to describe.

Descanso Resort – Hipster hotel that’s as cool as you are. Breakfast and lunch are served at the resort, and massage services are available as well. You can read all about it here.

Hacienda at Warm Sands — It’s lush and tropical with a wonderful pool and spa. Breakfast is continental and lunches are ordered in: salads and sandwiches. You can read more here.

INNdulge — One of the larger resorts, it has a magnificent pool, and amenities include daily continental breakfast and evening social hour. The owner is a huge art fan, and there are fun and funky pieces throughout the property. More info here.

Triangle Inn – Built in the 1960s as The Impala Lodge, Triangle Inn has a help yourself continental breakfast, and on special occasions you can find Michael (one of the owners) outside cooking up a southern feast. This is the only resort I am mentioning that has kitchens/kitchenettes because they have a houseman that does your dishes for you. You get all of the fun of cooking, but none of the drudgery of cleanup.

Many of our resorts have full kitchens and kitchenettes but that’s not what this is about. This is about you doing nothing. And loving every second of it.

Of course, you can turn any hotel into a restaurant by using Postmates, UberEats, or Grubhub, but there’s comfort in knowing there is delicious sustenance readily available should you experience a food or drink 911.

Joking aside, it’s a very serious world right now, and I think we all need to take a break from the news and regroup. These small resorts offer unforgettable experiences, and each one strives to make their property uniquely their own. All are wildly different, but one thing they have in common is unparalleled hospitality — and you deserve a pampered and luxurious getaway.

Palm Springs in the summer is a bit of a scorcher, and because some people are extra precious, there are deals to be had. I encourage you to check those out.

As we say in Palm Springs, stay cool by the pool! No, we don’t say that. Not out loud. That would be a little cringe. We just go ahead and do it without talking about it because it’s a great way to beat the heat.

Not gonna lie, the A/C is super helpful, too.

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Melvyn’s, the Iconic Palm Springs Restaurant, Remains a Special Dining Experience

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Tableside Preparation Highlights Dining at Melvyn’s

Melvyn’s is one of my favorite restaurants in Palm Springs because of its old world ambiance, attentive service, and classic dishes. Dimly lit with white tablecloths and Modigliani paintings enhancing the elegant décor, the setting is intimate, serene, and romantic. The restaurant is located on the lushly landscaped property of the Ingleside Inn, a charming historic boutique hotel which has been around since the 1920s and was a favorite getaway for Hollywood celebrities during the 1950s and 60s.

The stars also relished dining at Melvyn’s and sipping cocktails in the adjoining Casablanca lounge where Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Ava Gardner, Spencer Tracey, and Sammy Davis Junior were known to croon a few tunes. Palm Springs was a haven for these famous Rat Pack celebrities and many others since Hollywood had a two-hour rule where if you were under a film contract you could only travel two hours away in case you were needed on a set.

 

Tableside Cooking

During a recent visit, we focused on Melvyn’s iconic dishes prepared tableside. Melvyn’s is one of only a few restaurants in California where tableside food preparation still occurs. My dining companion and I had a special appreciation of our dishes after watching them being prepared right at our table by our personable waiter, Peter Hauxwell, who entertained us during his preparation by describing each step. 

Icy Cold Martinis

We first ordered icy cold martinis (assuming this is what Frank would do).  We enjoyed our cocktails with classic appetizers of Vichyssoise and Escargot, both beautifully prepared traditional dishes. We then embarked on our magical tableside dining experience.

Escargot

 

Wilted Spinach Salad

Peter first prepared a delicious Wilted Spinach Salad. He whisked together bacon and Dijon mustard with a house-made vinaigrette. He then added crisp Spinach leaves that wilted in the savory bacon mixture. He topped this savory salad with chopped boiled eggs, drizzled it all with lemon, and voila! — Our salad was ready to savor. The salad was rich, flavorful, and even more delicious than it might have been because we had observed the special preparation.

 

Steak Diane

Next was the highlight of our meal, Steak Diane, an ageless dish that was reportedly a favorite of Frank Sinatra’s. Peter created an aromatic, cognac, mushroom sauce with shallots and red that briefly and dramatically went up in flames as it was poured over the tender filet medallions (perfectly prepared medium rare per our request). The flames added a lovely smoky taste to the scrumptious filets. To say they melted in our mouths is an understatement.

We had a hard time deciding between Cherries Jubilee or Bananas Foster for dessert, both flambé dishes. We opted for bananas and were not disappointed. Peter first sautéed the bananas and then mixed them with a rich sauce of brown sugar, dark rum, and various spices. The rum produced glorious flames and the dish was ready to serve atop vanilla ice cream, creating a decadent, sweet dish. Peter observed that he felt this luscious dish had aromas of children’s laughter and we couldn’t disagree. We certainly found ourselves exclaiming delightedly during every flaming display right at our table.

After dinner is the perfect time to adjourn to the Casablanca piano bar where you can enjoy live music from local musicians every night and a special jam session each Sunday. You can even dance off some of those calories you just consumed. The vibe takes you right back to Hollywood’s heyday.

 

Sue Montgomery, guest blogger

Susan Montgomery is a travel, food and wine writer who has a special affection for Palm Springs, which is about an hour from her Southern California home. She is on the Board of Directors of the International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association and in the last several years, she has published more than 300 articles on her own website and in other publications. Website link:  http://life-uncorked.com.

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Mother & Daughter Getaway to Palm Springs

Mother and daughter getway to Palm Springs

By Susan Montgomery

My daughter (who is 40-something) is a busy surgeon in San Diego.  I love to travel with her, but she does not have much time to get away. The challenge is: Where can we enjoy a weekend getaway that is not too far away and still feels like a real retreat? Fortunately, we have a lot in common when it comes to our travel preferences. We both love nice hotels with all the amenities (including a fabulous pool of course), wonderful restaurants and cocktails, unique shopping, and lovely weather in the great outdoors.

We have taken a few trips to Palm Springs together and found everything we want in a getaway, including beautiful weather almost any time of year. This article highlights a few of our wonderful experiences on several trips. If you would like to visit Palm Springs with your daughter (or your mother or your sister or your best friend), you might like to stop at some of these spots too.

Stay at The Weekend

We love staying at the small boutique hotels in Palm Springs where we find privacy and serenity in lush settings. While we’ve had relaxing stays at several delightful hotels, I think The Weekend Palm Springs is an ideal choice for a mother/daughter getaway because it offers stylishly furnished two-bedroom suites. My daughter and I prefer our own rooms so this works well for us. At The Weekend, we can stay together but have our own separate rooms for sleeping. (I’ve heard that I snore, but that can’t possibly be true.)

A classic example of mid-century modern architecture, this sleek, luxurious hotel in the lovely Old Las Palmas neighborhood was once a retreat for many of the “rat pack” Hollywood celebrities. The structure has recently undergone a stunning, multi-million dollar renovation but still retains its historical character. These suites surround a beautiful, inviting pool with lounge chairs and benches. (I can just imagine Marilyn Monroe languidly lounging by the pool.) The Weekend is a peaceful getaway but still within easy walking distance of hip bars, restaurants, and shops. Included with each stay is a delicious, ample continental breakfast delivered right to your room every morning. We both love savoring early morning coffee and really looked forward to the delectable breakfast trays.

Eat and drink

There are so many special spots in Palm Springs for great food and cocktails. Here are just a few suggestions for places my daughter and I love.

Azucar is the restaurant at La Serena Villas and is a perfect stop for lunch or dinner. The setting is modish and open with an upstairs deck overlooking the mountains and the pool. The cocktails are innovative and the food is equally tantalizing. We loved the fish tacos and watermelon salad with feta, but there are many other enticing choices.

Cocktails at Azucar in La Serena Villas

Holiday House is another chic restaurant in a small hotel. Its bar focuses on creative cocktails (such as the Aperol Spritz or the Club 55 martini (made with gin, elder flower liqueur, lemon, and rosemary-infused syrup). For lunch, if you are really hungry, you will love the juicy Pantry Cheeseburger or for a healthier option, try the Baby Kale Salad topped with salmon.

Cheeky’s (adjacent to the Alcazar Hotel) is the perfect place for a tasty breakfast or lunch before exploring Palm Springs. We love their cheesy eggs and unique bacon flight accompanied by great coffee or a spicy bloody mary. (Start the day with a zing!)

Wexler’s Deli at another small hotel, Arrive, attracts a lively youngish crowd, but this older babe loved it too. The vibe is rocking and the drinks are refreshing. We tried the savory smoked fish platter that paired well with some unique cocktails, including one that looked just like a snow cone (but was infused with vodka)

For Late Night Fun

When traveling with your daughter, you can’t go to bed too early. After dinner, the night has just begun and there is lots to do in Palm Springs.

My daughter particularly enjoyed the cozy speakeasy, Seymour’s, which is hidden away in the famous steakhouse Mr. Lyons (also an excellent dining choice). Its secret location and dimly lit atmosphere capture the ambiance of prohibition days. Creative cocktails are imaginative and delicious.

The Purple Room in the Trinidad Hotel is an iconic supper club with live entertainment Tuesdays through Sundays and vintage cocktails like Old Blue Eyes, the signature old-fashioned that was evidently Frank’s favorite drink. The dinner menu also offers traditional, nicely prepared steak, fish and pasta options. When we were there most recently, the talented owner, Michael Holmes, was performing a special show with nostalgic rat pack songs that carried us back to a bygone era. I almost expected Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin to stroll out on stage to soothe us with their old favorites.

Also harking back to the Hollywood era is the Casablanca Lounge in Melvyn’s Restaurant at the Ingleside Inn. (Melvyn’s is also a romantic spot for classic dishes like Steak Diane and Bananas Foster prepared flambè at your table.) Guests sip cocktails and dance to live music most nights, making this a perfect stop for an after dinner drink.

To do:

Besides eating and drinking, there is lots to do in Palm Springs—all activities that appeal to both my daughter and me. Most of the small hotels have bikes for guests and plenty of tours are available from celebrity home bus tours to walking tours around various neighborhoods. We love the entrancing Palm Springs Art Museum. The impressive collections focus on art of the Americas and California, including Native American artifacts and contemporary glass art, highlighted by a stunning Chihuly sculpture. My daughter and I have also really enjoyed the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. In ten minutes, you can ride in a unique tramcar (with a rotating floor) from the Coachella Valley desert up 8,500 feet to a top peak of the San Jacinto Mountains. At the top you can savor the gorgeous views, hike around, and then have lunch. And of course once you are back from your tram ride, you can shop, shop, shop in the many small boutiques with unique items you can’t find anywhere else. We particularly like the shops with mid-century furnishings and décor.

We never get tired of visiting Palm Springs. There is so much to see and do — and eat and drink — and it’s so special to share the experience with your daughter — or your mother. I hope to go back with my daughter for my birthday soon.

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Eat your way through Palm Springs

Foodies looking for a place to stay with on-property dining are in luck — several boutique hotels in Palm Springs have their own restaurants with menus that appeal to everyone.

The Ingleside Inn’s iconic Melvyn’s Restaurant has served everyone from Frank Sinatra to Liza Minnelli. Gourmet dishes are prepared table side, like Sinatra’s favorite, the Steak Diane, and delicious desserts like Crepes Suzette and Cherries Jubilee. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner seven days a week, there’s also a bar and special weekend brunch menu with endless champagne for just $9 a person. Melvyn’s Restaurant, 200 W. Ramon Road, Palm Springs. 760-325-2323

In the mood for Mexican? The El Mirasol restaurant at the Los Arboles Hotel is open for breakfast Friday, Saturday, and Sunday and lunch and dinner daily. Known for artfully prepared Mexican regional cuisine and fantastic margaritas, El Mirasol has an open air patio dining area and large bar, with specialities including Pollo en Mole Poblano (an elaborate dish featuring a sauce made of chiles, cocoa, and pumpkin seeds), Beef Chile Rojo (tender beef cooked in a red chile sauce), Carne Adobada (spicy marinated pork steak), and Chicharrón en Salsa (fried pork meat in a tomatillo, green chiles, scallions, and cilantro sauce). El Mirasol at Los Arboles, 266 Via Altamira, Palm Springs. 760-459-3136

The Villa Royale Inn’s Europa Restaurant serves modern continental dishes in an intimate space — only 12 diners can be seated at a time. The signature Salmon in Parchment and Double Crown Rack of Lamb are inspired by the flavors of Europe, and the bar, with its pool and mountain views, offers a wide range of foreign and domestic wines. Dine under the stars, by the fire, or near the fountain — every seat in the house is a good one. Europa Restaurant, 1620 S. Indian Trail, Palm Springs. 760-327-2314

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Revitalized Palm Springs Attracts Multi-Generational Visitors

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.

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Save Money and Support Palm Springs’ Fabulous Restaurants

If you have a favorite Palm Springs restaurant and love to save money, now is the perfect time to order takeout.

The City of Palm Springs, the Palm Springs Bureau of Tourism, and the Palm Springs Chamber of Commerce launched a new coupon initiative on Tuesday that supports local restaurants while giving diners a price break. All you have to do is visit the Palm Springs Chamber of Commerce website, and print a $10 off coupon, good for to-go orders of $30 or more at participating restaurants. The restaurants will then be reimbursed the $10 by the city.

This coupon can be used as often as you want, but does not work with third-party delivery services. For a list of participating restaurants, visit the Palm Springs Chamber of Commerce website (https://pschamber.org), and check back often to see if your fave has been added to the list. It could also be time to give that restaurant you’ve always wanted to try a shot!

We recommend ordering from Azucar at La Serena Villas. Serving lunch and dinner, Azucar offers an eclectic assortment of dishes — from a Dungeness crab stuffed poblano to mesquite-dusted swordfish — and several items can be made vegan or gluten free. Their cocktail list is also fabulous, with the blood orange margarita a must-try.

Some of our other favorite participating restaurants, all within walking distance of many boutique hotels, include: Eight4Nine, Farm Restaurant, and  On the Mark Palm Springs.

Palm Springs has your stay…and your eats!

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Divine, Delicious Dining In Palm Springs

Two women with blonde hair enjoy dessert at Sparrows Lodge

What do you think of when planning a visit to Palm Springs?  Of course, I envision gorgeous, soaring palm trees and dramatic mountain vistas highlighted by an almost endless, glorious, radiant sun. Upscale unique shopping and fascinating museums are also on my to-do list. And then there is that stunning trip up the mountainside on the one-of-a-kind Palm Springs Aerial Tramway.

I think of all these attractions, but mostly I think of the charming boutique hotels and also the beautifully presented dishes offered by a wide variety of excellent restaurants.

Kris, a fellow adventuresome travel writer, and I recently visited Palm Springs and focused on the small hotels and food. We both stayed in different Palm Springs Preferred Small Hotels — I was at The Muse, where I had a modern comfortable suite and was happily entranced by the cheerful colors and sparkling pool with floating flamingoes. Kris stayed at the Lucille Palm Springs, a Spanish Revival property featuring lush, soothing surroundings.  

In a future article I will focus on these hotels and also on the The Velvet Rope, where we enjoyed touring rooms focused on famous celebrity visitors to Palm Springs. But now I want to share the great restaurants we visited. I’ve visited Palm Springs quite a few times and enjoyed many fabulous restaurants, but this time we mainly dined at places new to us, and they were all outstanding.

Azúcar at La Serena Villas

A plate of Shishito peppers at Azúcar at La Serena Villas

Shishito peppers are a great addition to any meal at Azúcar. Photo by Sue Montgomery

We had a lovely late lunch at Azúcar, located on the grounds of the luxurious La Serena Villas, another special Palm Springs Preferred Small Hotel. We enjoyed the artistically decorated dining area with its enticing menu. We asked the friendly server to bring us some of his favorite dishes. I started our meal with a tangy margarita, which was the perfect accompaniment to crispy, house-made chips and tasty, chunky guacamole. 

This was followed by yummy blistered Shishito peppers served on an ajo (garlic) blanco-style puree, finished with house-made vinegar and bread crumbs. We also enjoyed charred escarole served with an Italian style salsa verde on a bed of leek puree. Our featured dish was succulent grande Iberico pork rack with roasted shallots on a bed of mostarda sauce (made of candied fruit and mustard syrup). The scrumptious vanilla bean pudding topped with whipped cream and served with warm churros was the perfect ending to our wonderful lunch.

Freddie’s Kitchen at The Cole Hotel

A bowl of French onion soup in a white crock from Freddie's Kitchen

A warm bowl of French onion soup is a treat at Freddie’s Kitchen. Photo by Sue Montgomery

After checking into our hotels we met a friend at Freddie’s Kitchen at The Cole Hotel, a newly remodeled small hotel. The atmosphere is fun and casual with food reflecting what the chef describes as “French California cuisine with a focus on France but an international flair.” Chef and owner Frederic Pierrel was born in Alsace, France, and studied cuisine in his native country. This is where he learned to love using seasonal ingredients as he does at Freddie’s. Appropriately, we all started our meals with savory French onion soup. My entrée was Australian barramundi al la plancha, which was delicious. (“Plancha” is a Spanish term meaning cooked on a very hot flattop grill.)  This special fish dish was flavorful but mild. The French-style dark chocolate mousse for desert was a wonderful cap to to an enjoyable meal.

Farm Palm Springs

A plate with a salmon and egg crepe on it topped by a salad

The salmon crepe at The Farm Palm Springs. Photo by Sue Montgomery

Early the next morning, three of us had breakfast at the Farm Palm Springs, a popular spot featuring farm-to-table Provencal dishes in an enchanting country patio setting.  We each ordered different varieties of crepes. I had a delectable crepe full of portobello and shiitake mushrooms, Gruyère cheese, and crème fraiche. It was truly heaven. One of my friends enjoyed a crepe bursting with salmon and spinach, while the other loved her sweet crepe filled with Nutella, chocolate, and strawberries. The atmosphere was warm and gracious. We will definitely return to this welcoming cafe, which is also open for lunch and dinner.

The Barn Kitchen at Sparrows Lodge

A plate of smashed cucumbers at Sparrows Lodge

The unique smashed cucumbers dish at Sparrows Lodge. Photo by Sue Montgomery

After a relaxing afternoon, we were mesmerized during dinner by the magical allure of the Barn Kitchen at Sparrows Lodge, another PSPSH hotel in a lovely setting with twinkling lights adding to the outdoor patio’s ambiance. Our meal began with cocktails and appetizers. We savored the beautifully presented hummus served with cucumber, Kalamata olives, pickled onion, and grilled pita. We also ordered smashed cucumbers, an intriguing dish enhanced by salsa, scallions, peanuts, sesame seeds, and festive cucumber flowers. I am a cucumber lover and this was the most creative presentation of the vegetable I’ve ever tried.

We each ordered a different entrée. My vegetarian dish was roasted organic cauliflower steak served with marble potatoes and topped with a tasty red pepper saffron sauce and shaved fennel. Kris adored her mole, which featured a half chicken smothered in a savory sauce with steamed rice and pickled onion, and our friend Kathy enjoyed the Baja striped bass on a bed of grilled sweet corn, summer squash, Italian peppers, and braised kale. As if we had room for more, we shared a truly decadent chocolate pot de crème made of a passion fruit gel and coconut streusel. (Kathy raved that this was one of the best desserts she had ever eaten.) The Barn Kitchen has an enticing menu of appealing, unique dishes and we all agreed that we would like to stay at the Sparrows Lodge and enjoy this wonderful restaurant again.

Three blonde women hold up their glasses to cheers at The Barn Kitchen's outdoor table

Friends enjoy the beautiful atmosphere of Sparrows Lodge. Photo courtesy of Sue Montgomery

These are just four of the many special restaurants in Palm Springs. Palm Springs is beckoning me to return for a week (or more) so I can stay in charming small hotels and enjoy different wonderful restaurants every day. I would not run out of an abundance of tempting choices.

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