New Year, New Hotspots

It’s a new year, and there are new restaurants popping up all over our big little city. That means it’s time to do a roundup so you can get up to date on our latest food options.

Quite a few of these are in the design district, and not places you’d likely walk by unless you’re shopping for the higher-end, mid-mod aesthetic. One spot is so far off the beaten path, you’ll wonder if you’re lost. You are not. Read on…

Go international

Saffron — Fans of Persian cuisine (of which we’ve been a bit lacking) will be happy to know that the flavors are all here. Located in the former home of Roly China Fusion (RIP), some of my friends (yes, I have those) said they quite enjoyed the menu and atmosphere.

Alana Bar and Tapas — Formerly the home of the Palm Springs Modernism Museum, this hip little spot is next to the original Las Casuelas. Currently, they’re only serving cocktails, with tapas coming soon. 

Sotto Voce — At The Shops, 1345 N. Palm Canyon. The Shops and Sotto Voce are in a super cool historic site that’s actually on the Modernism Week bus tours; their sister cafe in Palm Desert is quite popular, and I’m looking forward to a visit.

East meets west

Ponzu — This sushi spot has been around for a minute, but I don’t think I’ve mentioned it before. My friends get around, they’ve been here too and say it’s excellent. It’s in the heart of downtown, catty-corner to Marilyn and Downtown Park. Stop by Clandestino or Canopy Wine Lounge before or after for drinks/appetizers.

Joyce’s Sushi — It’s not downtown, but based on its popularity in Palm Desert, you should know about this place. The location is not in the least bit fancy. It’s in the Ralph’s on the corner of Ramon and Sunrise, behind the Carl’s Jr., next to Mario’s and Asaderos Corrales III. It’s all very international: Mexico meets Italy meets Japan meets good old American fast food. It’s practically the U.N.

All American options

Lost Property — At Skylark Hotel (read about recent renovations and additions here). From their website: “Serving up coastal-inspired dishes with a modern edge. Menu curated by the talented L.A.-based chef Brandon Kida, featuring locally sourced, flavor-packed ingredients. And of course, cocktails.”

Desert Moon — So long Rio Azul Mexican restaurant, and hello to the latest locally-owned, fine-dining restaurant in Palm Springs. The menu looks really impressive, but alas nothing for vegetarians or vegans at this time. So keep that in mind if you’re booking groups.

BBQ and beer

Big Earl’s BBQ — Brand new and located at The Fireside Inn. That’s a late night spot where non-locals rarely go because they simply don’t know about it. They’re open so late, industry workers and entertainers go here to unwind. Last time I was there they had a whole outside with ping pong tables. They often have karaoke, but today we’re here for Earl and his meats. You want it? Earl has it, and knows how to cook and sauce it. Yelp reviews are a solid five stars so far.

Coachella Valley Brewing Company — Mercado Plaza is that yellowish complex across from La Plaza in the same space where the bronze of Sonny Bono is hanging out on the fountain. The same Mercado houses Jimmy B’s, Maracas, and Happy Sushi. Upstairs from those (there’s an elevator), Wilma & Frieda’s can be found, and across the bridge, the somewhat new Broken Yolk, as well as the fresh-off-the-presses CVBC. They’ve got salad, burgers, and brews, of course. And they’ve got a bird’s nest view of Palm Springs.

It’s carpe diem 24/7 here in Palm Springs, where you can relax and let your freak flag fly. Or you can be very mindful, very demure. You do you. We are, however, very big on nice, so if you could be that, that would be swell.

Don’t forget to shop, stay local, tip your servers and guides, and bring your swimsuit!