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Dancing And Dining Hot Spot

By Pamila Bieri

Since 1965, this legendary dining and music hotspot has catered to locals, sports fans, and snow birds, achieving iconic status as the "unofficial" haunt for celebrities and pros during major golf and tennis tournaments.

Proud owners for the past six years, the hospitable, multitalented Kevin and Dodi Henry totally refurbished The Nest to create a fresh, contemporary atmosphere and an updated menu with Mediterranean classics and Californian favorites.

"We have kept The Nest's legendary status but freshened the look and upgraded the food," Dodi says. "Our loyal customers come for the food and stay for the fun!"

Serving outstanding food in a warm and gracious atmosphere with great live entertainment and generous drinks, The Nest is distinguished as one of Open Table's top 100 restaurants in the country.

Dodi brings European hospitality and family recipes to the dining room. Some of her specialty dishes are the Adriatic ground beef sausage, Mom's stuffed cabbage rolls, goulash, two different styles of burek (spinach and cheese or ground beef in phyllo dough), and Moussaka.

The Nest's renowned butter and garlic escargot, veal cannelloni, and bacon-and-date skewers are happy hour specialties you won't forget.

Contemporary favorites: Kevin & Dodi's Salad is a healthy combination of kale, Brussels sprouts, sunflower seeds, and dried cranberries; Dodi's Pasta is tossed with fresh tomato, hot Italian sausage, spinach, olive oil, and Parmesan cheese.

Don't miss the prime bone-in rib-eye, filet mignon, pork chops, and rack of lamb from the broiler, or sole piccata, salmon, and scampi from the seafood selections. Vegetarian and gluten-free dishes are also available.

For dessert, Mom's apple strudel and baklava are originals from Dodi's family.

From the bar, try the signature Choco-tini with Kahlua, Bailey's Irish Crème, Stoli vanilla, chocolate syrup, and whipped cream. An extensive wine list, imported and local beer selection, handcrafted drinks, and spirits are also available.

The best live entertainment in the valley starts when Kevin, a critically acclaimed keyboard player and vocalist, kicks off the evening with Motown, soul, gospel, jazz, and rock. Then, Tim Burleson, at the piano for 23 years, draws celebrities and musicians to join him with his high-energy style.

The Nest is open year-round. Hours: Dinner nightly, 4:30 to 11 p.m. Happy hour, 4 to 6 p.m.; Early bird, 4:30 to 6 p.m. Live entertainment: Kevin Henry, Sunday and Monday, 7:30 p.m. to close; Wednesday-Saturday, 7–8:30 p.m.; Tim Burleson, Tuesday-Saturday, 8:30 p.m. to close.

DID YOU KNOW?
During happy hour in the bar, all bar menu items are $7 and drinks are discounted nightly; a three-course $20.95 early bird menu is also available; and corkage is waived on Tuesdays.

Best Of The Northwest

Since 1960, Elmer's has been providing delicious food and personable, gracious service, making every meal a memorable family dining experience. Known for Walt Elmer's famous buttermilk pancakes and the Classic German Pancake, which is "almost as big as Crater Lake," Elmer's is a staple in the Northwest for its mouthwatering breakfast items and fresh, seasonal entreés.

The menu features traditional fl avors and Northwest favorites such as Boyd's Coffee, Oregon Marionberry syrup, Tillamook cheese, and sausages from Portland-based Zenner's Sausage Company.

While the food is a star in its own right, it's the service that makes guests smile. Led by local owner Jacky Donnell and a genuine, friendly team, Palm Springs' Elmer's delights in welcoming desert residents as well as Northwestern snowbirds craving a taste of home. The dining room, adorned with historic and scenic Palm Springs photography, is inviting and comfortable, while the outdoor, pet-friendly patio with vistas of Mount San Jacinto is the perfect place to sip mimosas.

In addition to winning local Best Breakfast awards, Elmer's has also received national recognition in the category of Family Restaurants for taste, value, service, and mood. Elmer's is proud of the reputation it has built as a local favorite and strives to be the restaurant of choice for generations of families. Open daily from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.

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