Dining Around The Desert

Dining Around The Desert: Bistro 60

Last year my husband Bill and I attended a party catered by the Bistro 60 Restaurant at the Golf Club at Trilogy in La Quinta. They did a great job, but we kept forgetting to go see them at the restaurant. Well, we finally made it a couple of weeks ago and it was really good. In fact, we went back two nights in a row.

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner At Bistro 60

Bistro 60 is a casual setting where you can get breakfast, lunch or dinner, seven nights a week. Bistro 60 is best known for its laid-back atmosphere, great service, and fresh, eclectic food. They use local farm-raised vegetables, quality meats, and Santa Monica seafood. They also offer theme nights and live music in the evenings Wednesday through Saturday.

I had the Pear Salad of mixed greens, almonds, grape tomatoes and Brie in a Guava Vinaigrette both nights. It was perfectly dressed, and the pear was excellent. Bill had the Caesar salad which was good but if you don’t like anchovies then you probably won’t like it as it tastes as if they are added to the dressing even though it doesn’t come with them on it.

Fish N' Chips In Stella Beer Batter

We both had the Bistro Fish N’ Chips the first night. It’s not something that we normally have, but our waiter sold us on it. We were not disappointed. They were light and flaky and not a bit of grease. They coat their Cod fish in a Stella Beer Batter and Chipotle Tempura served with a Jalapeno Tartar Sauce and French Fries.

The next night I had a perfectly cooked Pan Seared Steelhead Salmon served in a Spanish Achiote-Seasoned Beurre Blanc, with Cilantro Risotto and Squash. Great! Bill tried the New Zealand Lamb Chops in a Mojito Demi Glace, served with Garlic Mashed Potatoes and the Chef’s Choice of Fresh Vegetables. Bill switched out the potatoes for Asparagus, which the chef was happy to do.

Sampling Bistro 60's Desserts

For Dessert, (it is a three-course menu after all) I had the Butterscotch Crème Brulee both nights and it was very nice. Tasted just like regular Crème Brulee though. I didn’t detect any butterscotch.

Bill had the Flourless Chocolate Cake, which was a very dense slab of chocolate. I like chocolate as much as the next gal, but it was a little too rich for me. The second night Bill had the Tiramisu that was good, but I’ll be sticking to the Crème Brulee.

Both nights had good live entertainment. We heard a husband and wife duo one night and a keyboard player the next. Nice, relaxing dinner music which was a welcome change.

Good Food, Good Service & Great Views

Overall the food was very good, the service was welcoming and efficient, and the staff actually act like they enjoy working there. The Bistro 60 prices are hard to beat as well, and the views of the golf course and nearby mountains add to the experience. We'll be back!

Bistro 60 is located at The Golf Club at La Quinta at 60151 Trilogy Parkway, La Quinta (760) 501-0620

Dining Around The Desert: Adobe Grill At La Quinta Resort & Club

This past week, my husband Bill and I along with another couple decided to visit the Adobe Grill at the La Quinta Resort & Club. It had been years since any of us had eaten there, so we were looking forward to the experience.

Entering the bright and cheery space that is upstairs and to the right from the main entrance to the Resort, we were promptly greeted and taken to a very nice table in front of the ten-foot tequila display.

More Than 100 Tequila's To Choose From

Keeping with the theme, we ordered a variety of different margaritas from our server Osvaldo, all of which were very tasty and not too strong. Mine was peach, and it was just the right balance of sweet and tart. You can’t go wrong with a margarita here as they offer more than 100 tequilas.

We started out with their signature guacamole that our server made tableside. Just the right mix of avocado, onions, tomatoes, jalapenos, cilantro and lime juice served with very good tortilla chips that came with two different types of salsa.

Sampling Fresh House Made Tamales

Bill asked about tamales, and the server had the tamale maker fire up a sample to try. The tamale was very good, so Bill and our friend Guy had some of these award-winning tamales served with rice and beans. They were moist and had just the right amount of masa in relationship to the fillings.

My friend Terri had a chicken quesadilla, and I had the combo platter of a chicken enchilada and chili relleno. I ended up only eating half as I had enjoyed too much guacamole before dinner!

Dine On The Large Patio

The Adobe Grill is a colorful and happy place with a nice bar inside and during the season offers one of the best outdoor patios in the valley.

On weekends, there is live music to enjoy outside among the citrus trees and a nice view too. It’s on the pricey side for Mexican food, but you are at a resort, paying resort prices.

Summer Hours: Wednesdays through Sundays: 5 PM to 10 PM. Happy Hour from 5 to 6 PM.

The Adobe Grill at the La Quinta Resort & Club is located at 49-499 Eisenhower Drive, La Quinta. Reservations: (760) 564-7525

Photo Credit: Waldoph Astoria Resorts

Dining Around The Desert: Putting On The Ritz At State Fare

My latest culinary adventure was joining my husband Bill at the newly opened Ritz-Carlton Resort in Rancho Mirage in The State Fare restaurant and lounge.

Set in a very cool, contemporary setting featuring panoramic views of the Valley, State Fare offers breakfast, lunch and dinner as well as brunch on both Saturday and Sunday.

Offering The Best of California, It’s Prized Harvest & Ingredients

State Fare features a California sourced open-kitchen concept allowing guests to see how their food is prepared, as well as charcuterie and cheese station with cured meats and terrines made in-house.

Our knowledgeable server offered some great suggestions on both food and drink. I started out with their signature drink featuring Rosemary. This savory lemonade style drink was both refreshing and full of flavor. At State Fare, they create their own syrups and mixers and also feature a California-driven wine list.

For dinner, I started with the chilled Sweet Pea soup, and Bill ordered the Tortilla soup. Both were excellent! The Pea soup was just what you’d want, cool, silky and loaded with fresh pea flavor. The Tortilla soup was spiced just right with a little kick.

House Specialty: The State Fare Burger

For our entrees, I went for the house specialty, The State Fare Prime Burger, which in true Ritz style is no ordinary burger. There’s Fiscalini Hopscotch cheddar, arugula, aioli and an onion bacon jam, all served on a yummy pretzel bun. This heaven on a bun came with a side of tasty Sweet Potato Fries.

Bill enjoyed the Spring Lamb Stew containing braised lamb, spring veggies and tomato jus, which fell apart to the touch of a fork. Very flavorful.

Recent Seasonal Dinner Selections

The State Fare dinner menu offers seasonal selections including Carlsbad Oysters and Pacific Halibut with Smoked Potatoes, Rotisserie Saddle of Lamb, Organic Pasture-Raised Chicken for Two, and, of course, the signature State Fare Burger.

If you are in the area, craving Ritz-style service and attention to quality and detail along with killer views, State Fare is truly worth a visit.

The Ritz-Carlton Rancho Mirage: 68900 Frank Sinatra Drive in Rancho Mirage (760) 321-8282. Reservations suggested.

Luxury Real Estate Near The Ritz-Carlton

The Ritz-Carlton is located adjacent to the Palm Springs area real estate developments of Mirada Estates and The Villas of Mirada.

Dining Around The Desert: Chez Pierre, Palm Desert

Our Two Recent Visits To Chez Pierre

This last week we had the pleasure of dining twice at a restaurant that we’d never been to before, mainly because it had been in a strip mall that was a bit of a drive for us. However last October they changed locations and now are next to the Chop House in Palm Desert on Hwy 111.

The restaurant is Chez Pierre and yes, Pierre is the chef and owner along with his lovely wife, Esther. Pierre is a chef who knows how to run a restaurant. He comes out several times a night to meet and greet his patrons, to make sure they are happy and that the food is to their liking. By the responses we could see all around us, he is succeeding nicely.

Cute, Simple And Friendly Atmosphere

The space is cute, simple and a friendly atmosphere. There is a bar but it and the restaurant are small so you’ll want to make reservations. Every time it was filled up by 7:00 PM.

The whole experience was easy-going and delightful from booking the first reservation online, the greeting from the hostess, the very attentive service from the three waiters, the delicious food, very good wine, and last but not least, Pierre himself.

When you first sit down you are presented with a basket of crusty bread to have along with the butter and pate you are served. The bread was great both times and they mix it up with the variety, as the second time they served an olive bread that was my favorite.

Dinner For Two, Cooked Perfectly

The first visit I had a goat cheese salad and my husband Bill enjoyed the Organic greens salad. Both were very fresh and dressed just right. For entrees, I had the poached Skate Wings in a Dijon, caper, butter sauce, which was one of the specials that night and Bill had the Pot Roast. Both were cooked perfectly and came with sides of decadent scalloped potatoes and sautéed asparagus.

The second visit I tried the soup of the day, a cold, red bell pepper puree with a dollop of goat cheese. Bursting with fresh vegetable flavor! We both had the Saturday only special of Coq au vin featuring lots of mushrooms, pearl onions and chicken that was falling off the bone on a bed of really great, perfectly al dente pasta.

Must Try Fabulous Desserts

Great as both dinners were, the desserts were simply fabulous. You must try the Apple Tart, which is about 8 inches of thin, flaky crust, tasty apples and a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Probably the best we’ve had. The Beignets with fresh whipped cream, chocolate and caramel sauce were the best I’ve had outside of Café Du Monde in New Orleans.

If you get the opportunity and want some authentic French cuisine, be it Frog’s Legs, Sweetbreads, Liver, Escargot or any of the fresh fish, this is the place to go.

Chez Pierre is located at 74040 Highway 111 (corner of Portola) in Palm Desert next to the Chop House. Complementary valet and self-parking. Reservations suggested. (760) 346-1818

Dining Around The Desert: Nobu At The Indian Wells Tennis Garden

Dine While Watching Professional Tennis

One of the biggest events in the desert is the annual BNP Paribas Open at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden. My husband Bill and I attended a night match last Friday evening, and we chose to try one of the three new pop-up restaurants overlooking the new Stadium 2 facility. In fact, Stadium 2 is the only Tennis Stadium in the world where you can watch professional tennis while experiencing ‘foodie dining.'

We chose Nobu as I was always a big fan of Nobu’s original restaurant in Los Angeles, Matsuhisa, which was always outstanding and one of my favorites. This concept is a little different for the desert as it’s essentially a pop-up restaurant in that it’s temporary and will only be open during the tennis tournament.

Jam Packed Upon Arrival

We arrived at 6 PM, and Nobu was jam-packed with a line out the door. Nobu doesn't accept reservations at this special pop-up location. It’s first come first served and for our visit they had a two-hour wait both for tables and the popular sushi bar.

They did have several seats available along the window overlooking the new smaller “center court” and we took those even though they were down a long hallway leading to a service exit. Not the greatest location but the view of the court and the players were great.

Service left a lot to be desired as they were just slammed. The wait staff was very knowledgeable about the menu and very personable so I have to think that if the place wasn’t so crazy busy it would have been a different experience service-wise.

The Nobu Food Experience

We started off with a California Roll and a Bigeye Tuna hand roll. Neither one was anything that I’d order there again. Not that it was bad; it just wasn’t anything special or even above par considering the high price tag. We did enjoy a couple of Nobu Tacos made with tuna that were very tasty, one bite wonders. We’d have those again.

Our waiter suggested we try the Yellowtail Sashimi with Jalapeno and the Fluke Sashimi with Dried Red Miso and Yazu Sauce. These items are clearly the stars of the menu. The fish was exquisite, and the sauces were delicate and flavorful, enhancing the fish and not over-powering it.

We had Columbian ATP tennis player Alejandro Falla and his wife seated on our left, and they were very interesting to talk to as we all enjoyed our meals. We also met another couple seated on our right that it turns out has been on our web site for a long time to keep up with the desert real estate scene.

Check Please

Overall I'd say that Nobu at Indian Wells Tennis Garden was a fun experience, and the Indian Wells Tennis Garden setting is highly recommended. That said; Sushi and wine for two was about $400 without the gratuity! Nobu is open February 28th to March 16th and you must have a tennis admission ticket for entry to the restaurant.

Photos courtesy Nobu® and Watkins Landmark Construction®

Dining Around The Desert: il Corso, Palm Desert

Italian Fine Dining, Bar, Pasta & Wood Oven Pizza On El Paseo

My husband Bill and I had a return visit to newcomer Il Corso this week. Open just shy of a month, we tried it the first week, and there were a few issues at that time to be worked out mainly with regards to the staff knowledge of the product.

The interior is very inviting, and hip that you would expect since the chef’s partner is developer John Wessman who is well known in the valley. They used a variety of materials and textures such as reclaimed wood, metal and glass. The bar has large flat screen TV's that are well placed and don’t distract from the space itself.

Dining In The Stylish & Busy Bar

This visit was a much better experience overall. We sat at the busy bar and it was packed as usual, as was the inviting dining room. The bartenders were attentive and helpful with suggestions when we asked. We had a bottle of nice chardonnay called Notes from California in a style that we like which is un-oaked. The last visit I tried a Maison Premiere Absinthe Colada, a mouthful to pronounce, but very refreshing!

I started with a spinach salad featuring mushrooms, nuts, dry ricotta and warm pancetta in a balsamic dressing. Good size, fresh ingredients and the dry ricotta was a nice touch.

Time To Enjoy Our Main Courses

I then had the gorgonzola and pear pizza from the wood oven which was perfectly cooked. The crust was about as thick as a tortilla with a very thin layer of gorgonzola and then very thin slices of pear. It was not at all heavy and very tasty. Bill had the pork chop in a juniper sauce, and it was about three inches thick. Perfectly cooked, moist and served with heavenly mashed potatoes.

We followed it up with a cannoli because we have no will power. As usual, the pastry was crisp, and the ricotta filling was tart and sweet at the same time.

We’ve heard that Il Corso's bar menu is likely in the works. That will be a good addition for some smaller bites. We’ll be back!

il Corso is located at 73520 El Paseo, Suite B, Palm Desert (760) 341-6700. Complementary valet parking out front. Note: We arrived at 5PM to take photos, and the bar was packed by 5:45 PM and the dining room by just after 6 PM so reservations are suggested.

Dining Around The Desert: Tiramisu Ristorante, Palm Desert

Tiramisu, A Taste Of Sicily Right Here In The Desert

After years of hearing and knowing about Tiramisu Ristorante, my husband Bill and I finally decided to make our way there last night. The location is one that you’ll need to look for, but it’s right off of Hwy 111 and the Western entrance from El Paseo is not difficult to find. It’s a cute little space and it feels like you are in someone’s home. There is no bar and it probably seats about 40 people inside as well as the small outside patio.

Marika, who together with Chef/husband Mario Marfia are the proprietors, greeted us. The Tiramisu staff was extremely friendly, attentive and professional and the service was first rate.

Itailian Pinto Grigio & Mendocino Chardonnay

Bill started out with a glass of Italian Pinot Grigio and I enjoyed a chardonnay from Mendocino. Both went nicely with the bread and caponata they brought us to start. Tiramisu offers a nice selection of wines by the glass and the bottle with a mix of vintages from Italy and California.

The special appetizer of the evening was heirloom tomatoes and burrata with capers that we shared. The tomatoes were flavorful and the burrata was creamy and delicious.

I ordered the Ravioli Di Ricotta, which is ravioli filled with ricotta and spinach in a butter and sage sauce. The pasta was delicate, cooked perfectly and just the right portion.

Bill had the special whole fish of the night. Dover sole served with mixed vegetables. The fish was moist and simply prepared and the vegetables were cooked perfectly.

And Now For The Best Part, Dessert!

For dessert we had to try the tiramisu, right? We also ordered the cannelloni which I thought was even better than the tiramisu. It had a nice bite to the ricotta and the shell was crisp but not hard.

Overall Tiramisu is a nice little restaurant with excellent service. We noticed a lot of regulars being welcomed back while we were dining. This week we are looking forward to trying Tiramisu’s newest venture, il Corso also in Palm Desert. I'll write about our visit their next month and post it here, as well as in our monthly Palm Springs Real Estate newsletter.

Tiramisu Ristorante is located at 72655 Highway 111, Suite 6 in Palm Desert. Reservations suggested.(760) 773-9100

Dining Around The Desert: The Bistro At Fantasy Springs

Several of our local casinos offer some great choices for dining. That said I usually avoid dining in them because usually I have to walk through a smoky casino floor to get to them.

My husband Bill suggested we try The Bistro at Fantasy Springs Casino in Indio. The online reviews were very good so I agreed to take a chance on casino dining. The ambiance of The Bistro is a little old school. You’ll find a dark square shaped bar near the entry where some people also choose to eat. A large open kitchen area and a sushi bar fill one side of the dining room.

Extensive Menu Choices At The Bistro

Bill and I were seated at a comfortable four top table and the service was both friendly and punctual. The Bistro menu is rather extensive offering sushi, steaks, fish, chops, salads and a number of appetizers. Normally when I find sushi in a non-sushi restaurant I pass, but our server Adrienne informed us that their sushi was flown in fresh from Hawaii almost daily and was very good.

Before we ordered our food, I enjoyed a Slim-Tini cocktail with coconut vodka, pineapple, agave nectar, fresh lemon and toasted coconut on the rim. Simply divine! Bill chose a glass of Fume Blanc from the Bistro wine list.

Sampling The Starters

For starters I ordered the seared scallop-tempura shrimp roll from the sushi menu. Bill chose a vine ripe tomato with buffalo mozzarella salad that included imported Speck ham, EVOO, balsamic syrup and fresh basil. We sampled each other’s choices and enjoyed them both.

Choosing an entrée was a little difficult because of all the choices. Adrienne helped me choose the Chicken and Crab Fontina with an organic chicken breast, lump crab, asparagus, mushroom risotto and a fontina glaze. I recommend this entrée, but you’ll likely be taking half home with you.

Bill asked Adrienne to surprise him as he was torn between the lamb chops and a seared pork mignon. The double cut Colorado lamp chops made the cut and were cooked perfectly. A mild Khadrawi date curry sauce was listed on the menu but Bill didn’t detect any curry, which he really enjoys.

We Didn't Miss Out On Dessert

Adrienne suggested we next sample a little date bread pudding. And while I wouldn’t really call this bread pudding, Bill and I made fast work of the delicious dessert with caramelized walnuts, vanilla ice cream, Grand Mariner anglaise with toffee sauce.

We came to discover that our server’s husband is the food and beverage manager at Andalusia At Coral Mountain in La Quinta. I’m in Andalusia on a regular basis working with buyer and seller clients so I’ll make it a point to say hello on my next visit. And kudos to her for offering great service.

The Bistro is a good choice for discovering a menu filled with lots of variety in a comfortable old school setting. From sushi to fish to big juicy steaks, everyone in your party will likely find something to enjoy.

Bistro Dining Tip: Enter through the hotel entrance to avoid having to walk through the smoke filled casino.

You'll find the Bistro located at 84-245 Indio Springs Parkway in Indio, just off the 10 Freeway. (760) 342-5000.

Eureka, Indian Wells (Dining Around The Desert)

If you enjoy dining out you likely also enjoy checking out new and interesting restaurants. Eureka is a new ‘American Craft’ concept in several California locations. Their newest location recently opened here in Indian Wells at the former site of Le St. Germain. Desert burger lovers will soon likely be exclaiming ‘Eureka, I have found it!’

Basically this is a craft burger joint and more offering, and I quote “handmade food, locally sourced produce and fresh baked breads found throughout our chef driven menu. Eureka offers 100% vegetarian fed, hormone and antibiotic free, all natural beef burgers, hand cut fries plus gourmet salads and signature salads.”

Opening Night At Eureka

My husband, Bill, and I just happened to visit Eureka on their opening night after about a week of soft openings including a night when one of my team members was able to sample the menu and gave it her thumbs up.

The entire space at Eureka is new and tastefully done in earth tones and they offer a small patio out front with misters for those warm summer days. We chose to dine at the bar inside where we ran into about a half dozen friends and associates. It seems that the word spreads quickly here in the desert when new food and drink is offered!

Catalina Island Bison Burger

Bill ordered the Catalina Island sourced Bison Burger with tri-color peppers, Bermuda onion, and smoked mozzarella, finished with their house made bacon infused jalapeno jam. Bill will tell you that this combination was one of the best Bison Burgers that he’s sampled and that the Bison makes for a healthier choice than a beef burger. I told Bill that if I were to have a burger this would likely be the place I’d have it.

I went for the strawberry summer salad that featured grilled chicken over a bed of mixed greens tossed with you guessed it, strawberries, diced onion and tomato, cilantro, bleu cheese crumbles, candied pecans, basil and a strawberry vinaigrette dressing.

Knowing that it’s my job to sample other fare and report back, I ordered a side of Eureka Truffle Fries. Good, rich and likely enough fries to feed three or four. And again in the interest of gathering information Bill and I shared a Golden Gate Butterscotch Pudding. This dessert was really tasty but a bit grainy which was really our only complaint during the evening.

Wines, Craft Beers & Cocktails

Eureka offers a nice selections of wines and a couple dozen craft beers on tap in addition to a full bar and a few specialty cocktails. No reservations at Eureka so it’s first come first served and I’ll add that the place was packed on our Monday visit.

Eureka is located at 74985 Hwy 111, Indian Wells at the intersection of Cook and Hwy 111. (760) 834-7700. Be sure to say hello to Eureka's General Manager; Mika Tanimoto.