During a recent trip to the iconic and refreshing Riviera Palm Springs, the Diva and Richard did what comes naturally and tried as many restaurants as we could fit into the two day escape. We discovered three great finds and learned about several others which are now on our to-do list.
The Diva’s discoveries:
- JIAO, 515 N. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, 760-321-142, www.jiaops.com. Talk about dim sum and then some. This place dished out the best baos and potstickers this side of Hong Kong for a Chinese New Year’s brunch on February 10. We just happened to hit the highly recommended casual eatery on the right day. The indoor/outdoor arrangement is charming and the food, a provocative blend of exciting flavors from many different regions of Asia including urban street food, with several chefs bringing their particular expertise of each region as well as many family recipes.
- Casa de Frida, 450 S. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, 760-459-1681, www.casadefrida.com. This is a fun spot to go with a group of foodie friends who enjoy ordering lots of different dishes to share and sample. The place moves to a Latin beat with Chef Victor creating his own unique artisan Latino cuisine. The fusion of fresh ingredients and culinary influences from Mexico, Spain, France, Central/South America, Cuba, and the Caribbean, combined with Heritage Recipes handed down through generations of his family, create a dining experience unique in style and taste. There’s a homey, friendly feeling to the restaurant that makes you just want to relax and soak in the food and ambiance.
- Circa 59 at the Riviera Palm Springs, this fine hotel dining room oozes with romance and charm with its indoor/outdoor seating, sophisticated service (and clientele) and fabulous food. It’s expensive, but not over-the-top, and worth the splurge. Plan to dine leisurely and try as much of chef’s creations as you have room for. We went from pear and arugula salad to fire and ice Yellowfin tuna, roasted Scottish salmon, an amazing rib eye, lots of side dishes and of course different desserts such as sticky toffee pudding, chocolate hazelnut torte and a raspberry compote. Riviera Palm Springs, 1600 N Indian Canyon Dr ive, Palm Springs, (760) 327-8311.
An evening of fun and dining at Casa Frida
Photo credit:
Richard Pietschmann
For future reference:
- The Workshop Kitchen and Bar, 800 N. Palm Canyon Dr. Suite G, Palm Springs, www.workshoppalmsprings.com, Located in the Uptown Design District in the El Paseo Plaza, Workshop Kitchen & Bar opened Fall 2012 on North Palm Canyon Drive. The restaurant draws on local farmers markets with a modern, seasonal American approach.
- Dish Creative Cuisine 68525 Ramon Rd., Ste. A-101 Cathedral City, 760-832-6526, www.dishcreativecuisine.com. Creating new and exciting contemporary American cuisine with an emphasis and focus on flavor, the intimate dining room encourages the enjoyment of modern cuisine, conversation and connection.
- Cork & Fork, 47875 Caleo Bay, Suite A106, La Quinta, 760-777-7555, www.corkandforkwinebar.com. What started as a weekly Small Plates & Wine By the Glass Happy Hour in a cooking school is now the Valley’s first and only Small Plates Kitchen and Wine Bar.
- Mitch’s on El Paseo, 73951 El Paseo, Palm Desert, 760-779-9200, www.mitchsonelpaseo.com, A new dining experience on El Paseo; serving Sushi, specialty Sake selections, exemplary wine selection, prime steaks, seafood and more.
- Wolfgang Pucks Pizza Bar, 73130 El Paseo, Palm Desert, www.wolfgangpuck.com. The LA celebrity chef strikes again with a sort of ‘test’ kitchen that creates a new concept of Wolfgang Puck Pizza Bars that focuses on hand crafted pizzas featuring artisan dough. Also on the menu are soups, salads, appetizers, pastas, sandwiched and grilled items. The bar features custom cocktails, regional wines and local craft beers.
For more information about Palm Springs go to http://www.palmspringsoasis.com. For a great deal on a place to stay during the upcoming Coachella Music Festival check out http://www.examiner.com/article/a-riviera-palm-springs-coachella-package-that-will-wow-you.
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