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Dining Around The Desert – Pacifica, Palm Desert

Pacifica Palm Springs Real EstatePacifica is one of the larger dining establishments in the valley. Pacifica features an outside patio, a fairly large bar area with high-top tables for dining, and, of course, the main dining room.

Pacifica’s wine list is extensive and offers selections in all price ranges. Whenever my husband, Bill, and I dine in the bar area we often meet some very interesting people. A vodka bar is also featured offering 130 of the world’s finest vodkas.

For such a large venue I must say the Pacifica usually does a fine job providing good food, service, and an appealing atmosphere. While this isn’t fine dining, it’s usually well above average.

On our recent visit to Pacifica we sampled several appetizers, a salad, and a main course. My mussels were excellent, but our other appetizers were overcooked and dry. That said the sauces were excellent. Bill rated his yellowtail as “nothing special.”

Service was good for a busy night, although the courses of food did take a while to arrive. Upon completion of our meal our server asked us if everything was to our satisfaction. I gave her my honest assessment of the food and, within minutes, Mitch, the general manager and managing partner, came over and apologized. He also deducted all of our food from our bill before heading back to his kitchen to investigate.

We know from past visits that this particular experience at Pacifica was a rarity for us. We will certainly return and give Pacifica another try. In our several earlier visits to Pacifica we enjoyed a variety of fish from the extensive daily menu as well as some yummy salads and appetizers.

Pacifica Seafood Restaurant is located upstairs on the second level of The Gardens at El Paseo shopping center and reservations are suggested. Pacifica Seafood Restaurant: 73505 El Paseo, Palm Desert (760) 674-8666. Consider also enjoying live jazz next door at Sullivan’s Steak House before or after your meal.

Suggestion: If you’re interested in food and travel, consider seeing Anthony Bourdain at the McCallum Theater in Palm Desert on February 19th at 8PM. Mr. Bourdain is a chef and the author of Kitchen Confidential: Adventures in the Culinary Underbelly. He also hosts Travel Channel’s Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations.

> View ALL Desert Dining Suggestions Here

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