Recognizing the trend of visitors seeking experiences while discovering local cuisine, Kristy Kneiding attended a food tour training class in Chicago. Using what she learned, she started Desert Tasty Tours in Palm Springs. Recently, I had the opportunity to accompany local crooner Tod Macofsky, one of four tour leaders, on a trek throughout downtown Palm Springs.
I was comped for this tour, but the opinions are my own.
The start of the tour
Desert Tasty Tours begins at the La Plaza in central Palm Springs. La Plaza is a convenient place to meet, as there is plenty of free parking downtown and it is a visible location. Introductions took place, and I knew this was going to be a fun group (two participants donned T-shirts that said, “Desert Divas: Eat, Drink, and Be Brujee”).
Stop one: Hunny’s
The tasty chicken pot pie at Hunny’s. Photo: Kathy Condon
The first stop was Hunny’s, a restaurant recently opened in the former Grand Central site. I smiled on the way to our table on the outdoor patio, for there was a bright yellow flower and a matching honey-colored mocktail waiting for us. (At the moment, they do not have a liquor license, but it is expected by Thanksgiving.)
The name Hunny’s originated as a family play on words. Now it serves as the theme, including the bright honey-colored walls and the soon-to-arrive bakery.
While we got acquainted, a chicken pot pie topped with an orchid was set before us. The crust was tender, and as we crushed through it, steam rose from the perfectly seasoned stew. There was agreement among all of us: it was perfection.
Stop two: Maracas Cantina Mexican Food
The delectable tacos at Maracas Cantina. Photo: Kathy Condon
Located next to the Sonny Bono statue, Maracas Cantina patio has been a place to meet up and enjoy one of the restaurant’s famous margaritas since 2005. We dined at a table inside, where the walls are adorned with lovely art.
The group was served a variety of street tacos and full-size margaritas, and everyone agreed we loved having the opportunity to try the well-seasoned and delicious meats along with numerous accoutrements, so we could eat them precisely the way we wanted. During our meal, we also learned that the owner’s philosophy is, “Be grateful for employees and treat them well, and they, in turn, will treat customers well.” The cantina has many long-term employees.
Stop three: On The Mark
One of On The Mark’s impressive charcuterie boards. Photo courtesy of On The Mark
Located on Museum Way, steps away from the Marilyn statue in our central park, is On The Mark. This retail store is known for its outstanding charcuterie boards. I’m a little biased because I’m from Wisconsin, and they sell an array of Wisconsin cheese, plus cheese curds.
We were delighted when they served us miniature charcuterie plates. The date stuffed with cheese was a big hit, as were the miniature pickles, which added the right balance to the salami and cheese.
Stop four: Bill’s Pizza
The salads and beer are great too at Bill’s Pizza. Photo: Kathy Condon
Bill’s Pizza, on the opposite corner of La Plaza from Hunny’s, remains popular as ever. If you like thin-crust pizza, similar to that in Italy, you will find it delights your taste buds.
Served one-half slice, one of my tour mates exclaimed, “Is this a half slice?” Tod laughed and said, “Yes, it is, and a full slice is often a meal for some people.” The Elton John pizza was truly a hit. Plus, the fresh, crisp tossed salad and IPA accompanying it made for excellent sampling.
Stop five: Brandini Toffee
Brandini Toffee is a classic Palm Springs treat. Photo: Kathy Condon
With construction underway at the Plaza Theatre, Brandini Toffee decided to update its original store in Palm Springs. Not officially revealed, we got a sneak peek of the new black-and-white decor. The wrap-around counter base is black with a beautiful new countertop.
We were delighted to receive a quarter-pound bag of Brandini Almond Toffee. This is the same toffee that is crushed and used in their incredible shakes and the chocolate coating of their ice cream bars.
Stop six: Lulu California Bistro
Lulu’s is always hopping. Photo courtesy of Visit Palm Springs
Our last stop was Lulu. This two-level restaurant also has an outdoor patio, which is the perfect place to people watch, and is known for its all-day Happy Hour.
A staff member warmly welcomed us and escorted us to our table near the wraparound bar. Before long, a picture-perfect chocolate torte was placed before us. Served with whipped cream and a fresh strawberry, this multi-layered torte is a chocolate lover’s dream. Just ask one of my tour members — she was in heaven as she savored each forkful.
Food, and a history lesson
Fountains add a lovely touch to the Village Green Heritage Center. Photo: Kathy Condon
As you probably noted, we had plenty of food on this three-hour tour. Thankfully, the tour was paced so Tod could also point out historical aspects of our community, like the Village Green Heritage Center, maintained by the Palm Springs Historical Society.
In this park-like setting, you’ll find the Cornelia White House, a historic 1893 wooden residential structure; the McCallum Adobe home; a prominent fountain; and the Trini Lopez exhibit in the Gallery. It’s a delightful place to learn about the past. Visit Ruddy’s General Store Museum to see the recreated general store with authentic merchandise from that era.
We also traveled along Museum Way, a pedestrian walkway leading to the beautiful Palm Springs Art Museum. San Miguel Allende, one of Palm Springs’ sister cities, has festooned the street with 36 hand-crafted flowers created by Mexican artist Daniel Mestiz, called “Deriva Floral.” You can see this installation through November.
On the way to the Museum, we passed by Graffiti Park. A six-story hotel was supposed to go up here, but after many delays, the project was canceled. Today, cement pillars remain and serve as canvases for artists to express their creativity. Nearby, towering among the palm trees, a 26-foot statue of Marilyn Monroe graces the land once home to the Desert Inn.
Final thoughts
Before I headed out, I asked my tour companions their thoughts on the tour. One of them said, “I appreciated how Tod intertwined the history of Palm Springs in the narrative of this tour. I learned a great deal.” Another piped up, “The pace was perfect. I didn’t feel rushed, I had plenty to eat, and I now know where to come next trip I make from Los Angeles.”
It was a delight to go on this tour, and even as a Palm Springs resident for 14 years, I learned a great deal. If you are coming to Palm Springs and staying at one of the Palm Springs Preferred Small Hotels, the tour is a short, easy walk from most of our boutique hotels. I can assure you that you will not be hungry when you walk away.
