Dining Around The Desert

Dining Around The Desert: The Grill On Main, La Quinta

The Grill on Main has been thru several transitions, and the most recent is a winner in my book. Opened in 2010, and now managed by former Arnold Palmer’s Restaurant Executive Chef, Brett Maddock.

My husband Bill and I have been back several times (restaurant reviews are hard work after all), and we’re happy to report we recommend The Grill On Main, especially with a new summer menu.

Classic American Fare In Old Town La Quinta

The Grill On Main features classic American fare, specialty microbrews, a nice wine list and a full bar. Open Tuesday thru Sunday during the summer season, The Grill serves lunch, dinner, and on the weekends features a Sunday Brunch. The Grill offers live music on Friday and Saturday evenings.

Happy hour is a big draw between two and seven every night. The Happy Hour menu features everything from Tempura Cauliflower with a Lemon Aioli, Carne Asada Nachos and Hot Wings to Fish & Chips and Burgers. My favorite is the Chicken BLT Salad with Greens, Avocado, Onion, Grilled Chicken & Blue Cheese Dressing. It’s a very generous portion and at eleven bucks it’s a bargain!

I’ve also sampled the Bacon-Mac and Cheese in the past and do I have to say anything more? Bacon? Mac and Cheese? It’s all good!

Fish & Chips In Beer Batter

Bill has enjoyed the Fish & Chips in beer batter. Light and crunchy served with Fries, Coleslaw and Tartar Sauce. The Grill Burger is an excellent choice served with Cheddar, Grilled Onions, House Bacon and Fries. The Albacore Tuna Melt with Cheddar and Tomato served on Toasted Sourdough is also tasty.

We usually enjoy our dinner with a nice Acacia Unoaked Chardonnay or the Rombauer Chardonnay. Both are excellent choices on a warm summer evening.

6 Kinds of Taco’s On Taco Tuesday’s

Locals love Taco Tuesday’s. The Grill offers a choice of six types of tacos for just $2 each. A very tasty deal!

The Grill On Main in Old Town La Quinta (not that old really, as Old Town is celebrating its 10th anniversary) at 78065 Main Street. La Quinta. (760) 777-7773.

Dining Around The Desert: The Chateau At Lake La Quinta

Located just a few blocks from our La Quinta real estate offices you’ll discover Lake La Quinta. This gated community of homes features a 25-acre private lake with electric boating, kayaking, fishing and more. In the near future residents of Lake La Quinta will be able to dock their boats right at the Chateau.

Located on the West side of Lake La Quinta is The Chateau at Lake La Quinta (formerly the Lake La Quinta Inn). The Chateau is a boutique hotel offering newly remodeled rooms overlooking the lake.

My husband Bill and I have been watching the progress of the Chateau’s recent addition and remodel the last few months as we drive by it on Caleo Bay Road near our offices. After hearing about their bistro, we recently decided to stop in and check things out.

The Bistro’s Soft Opening

The Bistro is not advertising yet as they are working on permission for more parking across the street for the restaurant. They are also working on ramping up their service and menu with the goal to be ready to promote the Bistro this fall.

First off, let’s just say that the location is beautiful and unique to the Palm Springs area. Outside the small bistro, you’ll find a large patio right on the Lake, and the setting couldn’t be better. There’s even a wood burning pizza oven on the patio. And since the patio faces East, you’ll get welcome shade later in the evening as you watch the electric boats pass.

Salads, Sandwiches & More

On our recent visit, the bistro had about ten items on the menu. We’ve enjoyed the Spring Salad with fresh strawberries, raspberries and Feta with a raspberry vinaigrette dressing–one of the better simple salads we’ve enjoyed here in the desert.

In the interest of sampling for this review, I enjoyed the Munster Grilled Cheese sandwich stuffed with Proscuitto and Pesto and another day the Salmon with Mashed Potatoes and Vegetables.

Flatbread Pizza From The Patio Pizza Oven

Bill sampled the Flatbread Pizza that you could customize to your liking and also the Filet Newport. In spite of being over-cooked one time and under-cooked the next, it was a high-quality piece of meat. In fact, we found all of the ingredients are of very high quality, and you cannot argue with the integrity of the food.

We are looking forward to seeing what evolves from this summer’s experimentation as we like the setting, and we’d love to put the Chateau into our regular restaurant rotation! In the meantime, I’d highly recommend libations and flatbread or salads on the patio.

Worth noting is the fact that some people might be put off by the bistro’s automatic 20% gratuity on all checks. The Chateau also features a full bar and a limited selection of wine by the glass.

A Room On The Lake

And if you’re looking for a place to stay, the Chateau is worth checking out. The reviews on TripAdvisor are very good. The Chateau At Lake La Quinta: 78-120 Caleo Bay, La Quinta, between Avenue 47 and 48, one block East of Washington Street. (760) 564-7332

Dining Around The Desert: The Edge At The Ritz-Carlton

Fine Dining Views At The Ritz-Carlton, Rancho Mirage

My husband Bill and I have dined several times at the Ritz-Carlton’s State Fare restaurant, and we've always enjoyed it. This season the Ritz opened its new fine dining restaurant. Perched on the edge of a hill adjacent to the Ritz pool area you'll find The Edge. The Edge’s location offers sweeping down valley views. Nighttime, however, is when the valley lights up.

Prior to dinner, I sampled an excellent Moscow Mule. For starters I enjoyed Charred Octopus served with petite potatoes, herb salad, smoked paprika and vinaigrette dressing. Bill ordered the King Crab plate with gooseberries, English cucumber, hearts of palm and trout roe. Both starters were exceptional.

A Carnivore’s Delight

The Edge entrée menu is a carnivore’s delight. Having grown up on a dairy farm, I gravitate toward fish and poultry. Besides the vegetarian dish, I had three choices; Mary’s Chicken, Maine Lobster or my choice, Levantine Sea Bream. My Sea Bream was prepared with Littleneck clams, spring peas & tendrils; I enjoyed this dish although I thought it could have used a touch less salt.

Bill decided to try his first genuine Wagyu steak. To be specific, this was Satsuma Japanese Wagyu from Kagoshima Prefecture, Kyushu Island, Japan. Bill ordered a six ounce New York cut that priced at $130 a la carte! The steak was first presented to Bill before cutting, then again before cooking. The marbling was amazing. But with all that marbling Bill found the steak a bit too fatty tasting, and it was under seasoned.

Brussels Sprouts Trying To Impersonate Asparagus

We dined with another couple, and they enjoyed their starters and dinners. And yes, we all sampled some tempting desserts. The company was great, the dining room and views were beautiful, but the service was not consistent throughout the evening for a restaurant of this price range. One server thought our Brussels Sprouts were Asparagus, and another tried several times to remove two plates that were still being enjoyed.

Hopefully, any service kinks will be worked out shortly. I’m also hoping that Chef will add a few more non-meat dishes for us non-carnivores. Drinks and starters at the Edge bar could be another possibility for you to consider.

The Edge at The Ritz-Carlton is open during the summer on Friday’s and Saturday’s and returns to regular hours in the fall. The Ritz-Carlton, 68900 Frank Sinatra Drive, Rancho Mirage, CA (760) 321-8282.

Top Photo: Courtesy Ritz-Carlton, Ranch Mirage. Wagyu photo: William Dettman

Dining Around The Desert: Sullivan’s Steak House, Palm Desert

Happy Hour Follows El Paseo Shopping

After a bit of El Paseo shopping, my husband Bill and I decided on Sullivan’s Steak House located on the second floor of The Gardens On El Paseo in Palm Desert. While a little early for us at five o’clock, we were there, hungry and thirsty and heck, happy hour was being offered.

Large Lounge Area With Adjacent Patio

We choose one of the high-top tables in the open lounge area, which provided a good view of the unfolding happy hour scene. The service was prompt and professional from the hostesses to our server to the manager.

The menu is the usual steakhouse fare from French Onion Soup and Shrimp Cocktail to a wide variety of Steaks and sides such as Three Cheese Mac and Cream Style Spinach. They have a couple of fish offerings including Bacon-Wrapped Sea Scallops and Ahi Tuna Steak.

Moscow Mule In Traditional Copper Mug

I enjoyed a Moscow Mule while Bill quenched his thirst with a Stella on tap. I’ve always liked the tangy ginger beer in the Mule, and I’m glad that it has made a comeback over the past few years. Here at Sullivan’s it’s served in the traditional copper mug.

Bill ordered the Bar Burger, which is pretty much a standard burger with American Cheese, Lettuce, Tomatoes, Red Onions, B&B Pickles on a Brioche Bun with French Fries. Perfectly cooked to medium, the burger was juicy and delicious. Using a Brioche Bun keeps it from being too much bread, and it’s the perfect size. Bill was hoping the included fries would be house made, but the fries were your average frozen variety.

I ordered the Sesame Chive Salmon, which is a piece of Salmon covered in sesame seeds, served on a small bed of Steamed Spinach with a Sherry-Soy Glaze. The fish was perfectly cooked, and the sauce was flavorful.

Say Yes Please To Sullivan's Key Lime Pie

To round it all off, and to ensure an all-around dining review we shared a piece of the Key Lime Pie. Sullivan's offers a generous serving size, and we'll leave it to you to decide whether to share or to enjoy yourself.

After we’d been there about 15 minutes Sullivan’s lounge area started to fill up, and by the time we left the bar was busy. They have a pretty active happy hour as well as live entertainment starting at six.

Sullivan’s Steak House: 73505 El Paseo, Suite 2600, Palm Desert, on the second floor of El Paseo Gardens, adjacent to Pacifica Seafood Restaurant. Sullivan’s features a lounge area, dining room and outside patio.

Photos: Wiliam Dettman

Dining Around The Desert: Morgan’s At La Quinta Resort

Returning To Morgan's, An Old Favorite

Time can certainly fly and since it’s been a few years since we reviewed Morgan’s In The Desert, my husband Bill and I recently revisited this old favorite located at The La Quinta Resort & Club.

Morgan’s is the La Quinta Resort’s fine dining restaurant. Morgan's is helmed by Chef Jimmy Schmidt of Detroit’s famed Rattlesnake Restaurant. Morgan’s features a selection of small plates, seafood, and meats along with excellent cocktails and an extensive wine list.

Dining At Morgan’s Bar

We chose to dine at the bar and Brian the bartender took great care of us. I started with a Tangerine-Ginger Margarita made of Sauza Agave, Pomegranate juice, fresh Tangerine, Ginger, and Lime. Bill sampled a glass of the 2012 Neyers Chardonnay.

The soup of the day, which we shared, was Cauliflower with Sweet Onions. It was creamy and packed with flavor but featured no cream or dairy. It was one of the best soups that Bill's enjoyed in recent years.

The Scallops Or Salmon?

Usually for my entrée I would order Maine Diver Sea Scallops. Brian suggested the Pan Roasted Nova Salmon on a bed of Roast Pumpkin & Quinoa Risotto, with Ginger Froth & Crispy Ginger Salad, and Brian did not steer me wrong.

Bill ordered the suggested Apple Cider Cured All Natural Pork Chop with a Smoked Salt Apple & Cauliflower Gratin and an Apple & Pinot Noir Essence. While the Pork Chop could have used 30 seconds less on the grill, the depth of flavors on this plate were wonderful. A glass of the ‘12 Seghesio Zinfandel was the perfect complement.

Our Dessert Goes Quickly

For dessert, we were treated to Twisted S’mores of Chocolate with Fire Kissed Marshmallow Ice Cream on an Almond Graham Cracker. It lasted about a minute between the two of us!

Morgan’s is open for dinner from 5:30 to 10 PM daily. The bar hours are from 5-10 and until midnight on Friday and Saturday. There is live music Wednesday thru Sunday from 7-11 PM. Reservations are highly recommended, and if you enjoy dining in the bar, please say hello to Brian. Complimentary valet parking is available at the resort entrance. Morgan's Of The Desert: 49-499 Eisenhower Drive, La Quinta (760) 564-7600

Dining Around The Desert: Cactus Jack’s

Step Back In Time To Cactus Jack's

My husband Bill and I decided to visit Cactus Jack’s at their original location in Indio for dinner (Bill's photos here are of the newer Palm Desert location), as we hadn’t been there in a few years. No matter, it’s like stepping back in time, and nothing much has changed!

Cactus Jack’s specializes in Prime Rib and large cocktails and on a Tuesday evening the joint was jumping. We found an eclectic crowd of mainly regulars, many who seem to know each other.

A Gathering Place For Friends Old & New

We had dinner at the bar, and the gentleman next to me was a luxury RV (Prevost) salesman that Bill and I had met in Bend, Oregon a few years back. At the other end of the bar was a past client of mine whom we were delighted to see. He’s a 747 pilot, and Cactus Jack’s just happens to be his 93-year-old mother’s favorite restaurant. It’s just that kind of place.

Bill enjoyed the BBQ Baby Back Pork Ribs with BBQ Beans and Cole Slaw. He said they were the best ribs he’d had here in the desert. Very meaty and juicy! I ordered the Cobb Salad, which was very fresh. The only thing I’d change would be to order the dressing on the side next time, as the salad was a bit overdressed to my taste.

A Good Variety Of Menu Selections

Cactus Jack’s offers all types of Steaks, a good selection of Pasta and Seafood along with a large selection of appetizers and Entrée sized Salads. They also offer a nice Bar Menu as well

Here, you’ll find a nice selection of wines, both by the glass and the bottle. We enjoyed a Washington State favorite of ours from 14 Hands Winery.

Cactus Jack’s is open for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner in Palm Desert and the original Indio location.

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Dining Around The Desert: Pueblo Viejo Indio

Authentic Mexican Food In A Friendly Setting

Living in Southern California and especially the Palm Springs area, you expect to have access to great Mexican food. With Pueblo Viejo Grill, that’s what you get.

Even though they have been open since ‘05, we just recently discovered them on HWY 111, just West of Monroe in Indio. They have good reviews on Yelp, so we decided to give them a try.

Small, Colorful Local Hangout

Pueblo Viejo Grill is a small, colorful space that's usually very busy. However, the tables turn fairly quickly there and the longest we’ve waited was about 20 minutes (reservations for parties of six or more only).

I’ve enjoyed both the Tostada Salad with Shredded Chicken and the Fajita Salad with Grilled Chicken. The Chile Verde Burrito was also excellent. Next will be the Viva Chile Relleno.

#4: Famous Tamales

The No. 4 Pueblo Viejo Famous Tamale with pork is my husband Bill's favorite. This entree includes refried beans and Mexican-style rice. The rice and beans are likely some of the best we’ve had. They are flavorful and stand on their own, not just as a side dish.

While waiting for our entrees, we made the mistake of munching on their fresh housemade chips and salsa. Once you go down this path it’s hard to stop.

Margaritaville in Indio

As you’d expect, they have just about any kind of tequila you might fancy and any flavor Margarita. I enjoy the Skinny Margarita made with Agave and Fresh Lime. They also have a full bar.

New Palm Desert Location Opening Soon

Soon, you’ll be able to enjoy the experience at their new location in Palm Desert in the old TGI Friday’s space. They should be open by the end of December, and we look forward to visiting them there as well.

Pueblo Viejo Grill features Fajita specials on Tuesdays and Thursdays, Seafood on Wednesdays and Happy Hour daily along with lunch specials from 11-3.

They make every dish from scratch using only the freshest premium ingredients. The menu also features all the usual items from Quesadillas to Fish Tacos to Steak Ranchero.

Pueblo Viejo Grill is located at 81931 Highway 111 in Indio (just west of Monroe). (760) 342-5900.

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Dining Around The Desert: Cork & Fork’s New Fall Menu

Cork & Fork Wine Bar, La Quinta

Cork & Fork Wine Bar offers small plates using the highest quality ingredients, organic and sustainable whenever possible. The new Fall Menu is one of their best and my husband Bill, and I have often been enjoying it.

One of my favorites is the Grilled Figs served with Burrata on Prosciutto, drizzled with truffle honey, olive oil, balsamic and basil and topped with candied pecans. My other go-to is the Crispy Cauliflower with a Sriracha aioli, Pine Nut Gremolata and pomegranate molasses. It’s addictive, trust me!

Comfort Food Also Served Here

If you are a comfort food lover, and who isn’t, consider the Grown Up Grilled Cheese with braised short rib, aged sharp cheddar, smoky tomato jam and truffled arugula.

Bill’s favorite Cork & Fork pizza is the Nonno with smoked mozzarella, Fulvio’s Italian sausage, shallots, rosemary and balsamic. Consider also the Rustic with wild mushroom mélange, parmesan, alfredo, gorgonzola, mozzarella and fresh herbs.

Cork & Fork also offers a nice selection of salads, street tacos, and soups. In fact, the soups are some of the best we’ve had from Tomato Basil to French Onion with a twist.

Eclectic & Affordable Wine List

Cork & Fork also features an eclectic list of affordable wines and beers by the glass and bottle, with pairing advice for their dishes.

If you’ve been reading these reviews for any length of time, you’ll know that I’m a dessert lover and the Butterscotch Pot Du Crème with crème fraiche and Maldon flake sea salt is delicious. They also feature a special gelato or sorbet every night.

This review wouldn’t be complete without mentioning the excellent Cork & Fork staff including Chef Andie of course. Cork & Fork Wine Bar is located at 47875 Caleo Bay in La Quinta (760) 777-7555

Dining Around The Desert: Mimmo’s Italian Restaurant & Bar

Keeping Our Recent Italy Trip Food Experience Going

Having just returned from our Italy vacation in September, you might think that my husband Bill and I might have had enough Italian food for a while. You’d be wrong!

Here we discovered a gem of a restaurant hiding in plain site right off of Hwy 111 and San Pablo in South Palm Desert. Mimmo’s opened just over two years ago and has been going strong ever since.

Dine Inside Or Out Front In The Patio Area

The owners, Mimmo and Victoria Di Salvo warmly greeted us at the entrance and offered us our choice of seating either out front on the enclosed patio or inside. And as soon as we were seated our waiter appeared at the table, offering water and bread with a wonderfully flavorful tapenade that was bursting with a fresh olive goodness.

The menu has something for everyone with a good selection of Starters, Pasta, Fish, Meat and Chicken, not to mention desserts. Mimmo's also offers a large selection of wines both by the glass and the bottle.

House Made With Top Quality Ingredients

Mimmo's strives to use only top quality local produce, high-quality meats and fish; fresh picked herbs from their garden, organic eggs, sugars and whole grain flours. Mimmo's sauces, breads and desserts are all made in-house and was reflected in every dish we ordered.

My Caprese salad appetizer had a flavorful Balsamic Reduction drizzled on top, and Bill's evening special of vegetable soup was perfection.

For dinner, I enjoyed the fresh Halibut special with lemon and cherry tomatoes with a side of sautéed spinach. The fish was perfectly cooked, light and delicious. Bill ordered the Veal Scaloppine alla Sicula topped with eggplant, tomato sauce and mozzarella. His two sides were Mimmo’s special carrots (think back to the day when carrots cooked in butter and brown sugar at home) and a wonderful soft polenta.

For dessert, we enjoyed house made Tiramisu and the Sicilian Cannoli which has the added touch of Rum and Chocolate Chips in the Ricotta. La Dolce Vita indeed!

Owners Mimmo & Victoria Are Passionate About Food & Service

What made the dining experience come together were the owners. Mimmo and Victoria are lovely, personable people, full of passion for food and for their restaurant and ready to share that with their guests.

Bill mentioned to me that the staff seemed happy to be working there. And as we witnessed, they train their staff well and are hands on to make sure everything is running smoothly.

Here They Know Your Name

As we enjoyed our evening at Mimmo's, group after group arrived, with many being addressed by name. I assume these diners would not be returning if they weren’t pleased with their Mimmo's dining experience.

Bill and I look forward to returning to Mimmo’s, and I’m sure that this will become one of our “go to” places for dinner here in the Palm Springs area.

Mimmo’s Restaurant & Bar: 73-540 Hwy 111 in Palm Desert (760) 346-9712. Closed Sunday’s.