A piece of work! These earrings were a gift from a good friend who knows that I like mixing something old with something new and a preference for pieces that can be worn with everything from jeans to a cocktail dress.
This pair is perfect because they go with everything and they don’t bother my overly sensitive ears one bit. Even my diamond studs which have a tiny amount of nickel in the backings bother my ears.
The designers make each piece by hand by incorporating new ideas and they use simple tools with old recyclable materials from scrap metals like aluminum, sterling, brass or copper sourced from their various travels. Some feature landscapes of the West and the like.
What a coincidence that just last year I bought two pairs at the outdoor VillageFest which takes place every Thursday evening in downtown Palm Springs.
Southwest polymer clay necklace
Their one-of-a-kind creations are found in various galleries and gift shops throughout the U.S. and online at Etsy. To purchase:
Once upon a time there was a picture-perfect country with unending rolling hills with ranches and horse trails. There were olive farms, countless vineyards and a lot of nice wine made from their good grapes. This place still exists. It is the essence of the California Central Coast that lies in beautiful Santa Ynez Valley, located in Santa Barbara County (photo below).
It’s where I discovered at least three outstanding Pinot Noirs (one of my favorite reds) out of the several excellent ones I sampled.
Wine Merchant Cafe
Why am I so into Pinot? I don’t know; it’s like a thing with me.
The erratic, inconsistent counterpart to my favorite white – which is Chardonnay. They’re so unpredictable and difficult to get just-s0-right (for my liking).
I started to pay more attention to this fickle but food-friendly wine right after watching the movie “Sideways” starring one of my favourite actors Paul Giamatti.
From the wine soaked movie Sideways
I think this movie really helped put places like Los Olivos on the map. If there was only one place to visit while in the area it had to be the Hitching Post in Buellton, Ca. It was where *Maya (played by Virginia Madsen) worked as a bartender. And as it so happens I went at the start of Santa Ynez restaurant week (similar to dine out in Vancouver) so I started with a highly recommended grilled artichoke appetizer which was superb followed by a steak dinner and a take-home bottle of HP Kicking Post Pinot Noir ’09. But it didn’t end here.The next day I visited Los Olivos Wine Merchant & Café (also in the movie) and sampled some premium tastes of the Central Coast – all excellent choices.
Los Olivos Wine Merchant Cafe
For 20 years, The Los Olivos Wine Merchant & Café has been a local favorite and a must stop for anyone wanting to experience Santa Barbara wine country. It stands at the center and heart of Los Olivos. This laid-back friendly town dates back to the 1860’s. There’s casual cafés, gourmet restaurants, lovely little boutiques & festivals throughout the year for art, jazz and olive lovers. Bring your cowboy boots.
Fess was a former Daniel Boone and Davy Crockett star.
Then it was off to the Fess Parker Winery which I must fess up (pun intended) to say I didn’t expect the wines to be as superior tasting as they really are.
The last stop was nearby Los Alamos and a watering hole at The 1880 Union Hotel, a 14-room landmark that’s hosted many a gunslinger of yesteryear – a one-exit rural township in northern Santa Barbara County, on the way up to Santa Maria. It’s owned by actor Kurt Russell. His GoGi label, inspired by his childhood nickname (and pronounced GO-Ghee), launched in 2008, the culmination of the actor’s own decades-long love for fine wine.
Hey, the bartender looks like a cleaner version of that guy in The Hateful Eight
Los Alamos 1880 Hotel
I’m sure over time this small cowboy town of Los Alamos will open up to become more of a wine mecca.
Although it lacks in plenty of places to eat wouldn’t you know I ended up at the opening of a restaurant named appropriately…”Plenty”. Best grilled cheese sandwich!
Maya (Sideways): “I like to think about the life of wine . . . How it’s a living thing. I like to think about what was going on the year the grapes were growing; how the sun was shining; if it rained. I like to think about all the people who tended and picked the grapes. And if it’s an old wine, how many of them must be dead by now. I like how wine continues to evolve, like if I opened a bottle of wine today it would taste different than if I’d opened it on any other day, because a bottle of wine is actually alive. And it’s constantly evolving and gaining complexity. That is, until it peaks, like your ’61. And then it begins its steady, inevitable decline . . . And it tastes so fucking good.
I can never resist sitting around a piano bar, especially in Palm Springs where they’re an institution. This year marks the 100th birthday of Frank Sinatra. That’s Life!
Melvyn’s – photo: d. king
Sing us a song, you’re the piano man
Sing us a song tonight
Well, we’re all in the mood for a melody
And you’ve got us feelin’ alright – Billy Joel
jumping out of my cake
For my birthday last week there were eight of us at Tropicaleand after dinner six of us escaped to the piano lounge to hear a man with a story who has been playing for over 40 years with renowned people such as Frank Sinatra. Just a pianist and a bass guitarist playing familiar standard classics mixed with a little jazz which put me in the mood to order a cocktail I may otherwise never bother to order at home (especially since I don’t like the taste of liquor) and don’t even know what’s in most of the drinks. Something like an old fashioned because I like the name but I decided on a ginger martini.
I settled for an Appletini to go along with the mood at Melvyn’s. This one’s on Frank. Photo: d. king
The few cozy little tables that were set up around the piano and the music they were playing tempted us to want to linger longer. So there we were…
then on Saturday night I ended up at Melvyn’s piano bar (at the Ingleside Inn) to experience that same old fashioned feeling before leaving town. The place was packed and when Melvyn (the owner who was in house that evening) found out I was from Vancouver he told me he recently had a private dinner with Jimmy Pattison (a local billionaire businessman) at the Frank Sinatra compound that Pattison stays at when in Palm Springs. I won’t mention some of the other things he said cause he’s been around a long time and he’s met everyone (photos of him with everyone from Frank Sinatra and Lucille Ball to Cher take up at least one wall). Paintings of Sinatra, Marilyn Monroe, Jimmy Dean & Elvis Presley from renowned celebrity pop artist Dan Tarantola are on another wall.
The evening was lots of fun. All ages enjoying campy, familiar, fun, feel-goodupbeat tunes. I need to find me a piano bar at home.
If I were mayor it would be mandatory in every restaurant
SOCKS are flying off the shelves. You can tell a lot about a person by the type of socks they wear. I’m trying, I’m trying but the only socks that appeal to me are sock monkeys. Remember I’m the one who prefers going barefoot whenever possible. I only wear socks when necessary like when I’m wearing pants with shoes that require them. And usually it’s a black pair with black pants, grey with grey, brown with brown…you get the picture. And they must be thin enough to wear with shoes but have just the right amount of elasticity to not fall down around the ankles (like I embarrassingly experienced with a very expensive pair of pantyhose).
Superhero Socks
I wear white sport socks for running and that’s about it. My previous sock flamboyancy came out once when I wore a pair that had colorful toe separaters (yup, one for each toe) that a friend brought me back from Japan (you know, the Japanese are so fashion forward and prone to taking risks even with their toes). Oh; and one time I tried wearing those thin nylon short lacy ones in black with open-toed Manolos and a skirt but the look is very trendy even though I liked the idea and they were from Wolford. It seemed so naughty school-girl – so not me (the school-girl part anyway).
Overall I’m sad to report that I’m a predictable and boring sock person. There are new boutiques specializing only socks and even some of the upscale stores are featuring ones meant to be seen (why else would you buy flamingo socks if not to show them off?) and something for every type of person – I’m still not on board. But I must admit they’re a shoe-in for attention. Never say never!
“Vaguery is the primary tool of songwriters” – Glenn FreyOh; there’s been too many losses in the entertainment industry in such a short time span. Talented British actor Alan Rickman passed away less than a week ago (days after I watched a new movie he’s in that’s not even released yet), and only four days after David Bowie. On that very same day, Celine Dion’s extremely smart manager husband René Angélil passed. Now Glenn Frey. This news came just days after I took a photo of “Hotel California” which I instagrammed with the captioned “some dance to remember, some dance to forget – with no alibis”. Strange, right? And like Bowie, so unexpected.
my photo
I get this feeling I may know you
As a lover (I wished) and a friend
But this voice keeps whispering in my other ear
Tells me I may never see you again
‘Cause I get a peaceful easy feeling
And I know you won’t let me down
‘Cause I’m already standing on the ground.
What can I say about Glenn Frey that hasn’t been said before? Not too much. Except that my BFF and I met Glenn Frey and Don Henley at an after party following their Hotel California concert performance in Montreal at the height of their career that they personally invited us to. They were very pleasant and probably a bit tired after the exceptional show. Jimmy Buffett was the opening act at the Montreal Forum that night. I remember totally ignoring him. At the time Hotel California was my favourite album and I had a big crush on Glenn Frey. I must say once again, we were not groupies (only because we were very young, they were very famous and a lot of girls would have done anything to even be in the same room). Anyway, it must also be noted that it didn’t seem like they were all that interested either. We were not easy targets although like I said, I was crushing on Glenn because he was not only good looking and talented but there was also something naturally down home & unaffected about him which made him all that more attractive. And he spent a chunk of time talking to us like we were already friends (“but Glenn, can’t I be your girlfriend? – move out of my way Jimmy”). Sigh!
These guys were the first ones to get my mind Tiffany-twisted, and wanting a Mercedes Benz.
Oh; yeah there’s more….
The Eagles were one of the great forces of 1970’s rock. Frey co-wrote and sang most of the Eagles hits, including Life in the Fast Lane, Desperado, Take It Easy, Tequila Sunrise, Lyin’ Eyes, Heartache Tonight and of course the infamous Hotel California. He was the Lennon to Don Henley’s McCartney.
One of the most famous Album Covers of all time
Hotel California is ostensibly about a luxury hotel visit that crosses over to the dark side – but it is really an allegory about the hedonistic lifestyle the musicians enjoyed in the 1970s. Some of the wilder interpretations of that song have been amazing. It was really about the excesses of American culture and certain girls they knew (not us, I think). But it was also about the uneasy balance between art and commerce. And a bunch of other stuff.
So Glenn… thanks for the memories, the music and giving us food for thought:
Don’t let the sound of your own wheels
drive you crazy
Lighten up while you still can
don’t even try to understand
Just find a place to make your stand
and take it easy.
Here is a fast, easy, healthy recipe that most people will enjoy as a side dish or something different to take to a potluck. When I’ve made these on occasion, people really seem to enjoy them (unless everyone is lying which can happen). For vegetarians, just omit the meat. You can use black beans and corn to turn it into something more southwestern and melt cheese overtop. Use your imagination – they’re pretty foolproof.
Ingredients:
4-6 large red (or variety of colors) bell peppers
1 Tbsp. olive oil
½ large white onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, finely minced or pressed
1 lb. ground turkey
1 tsp. red pepper flakes
1 Tbsp. fresh parsley, chopped
1 cup cooked tricolor quinoa
2 cups tomato and basil pasta sauce
Directions:
Cup the tops off the peppers and remove all seeds. Set aside.
Heat large saucepan on medium heat. Drizzle olive oil in the pan, toss in diced onions, cook until onions start to turn clear (about 1 minute). Add garlic, and stir. Let onions and garlic simmer for 30 seconds before adding ground turkey. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Sprinkle in red pepper flakes and half the parsley; stir occasionally. Save remaining parsley for garnish.
Once turkey is no longer pink, turn off the heat and drain excess liquid. Add 1 cup cooled quinoa and 2 cups pasta sauce, stir to incorporate.
Stuff each pepper with the filling (add a bit of cheese to melt overtop if you want) then place peppers upright in a small baking dish filled with a little water. Cover with tinfoil and bake in 350 degree oven for about 5 minutes until peppers are slightly soft. Some people prefer using a microwave to steam the peppers covered in plastic for 5 minutes.
Either way, cautiously remove them and plate the peppers individually. Garnish with parsley.
Serves 4 – 6
A few health benefits for Bell Peppers, Ground Turkey & Quinoa:
Peppers: the highest amount of Vitamin C in a bell pepper is concentrated in the red variety. Red bell peppers contain several phytochemicals and carotenoids, particularly beta-carotene, which lavish you with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits. The capsaicin in bell peppers has multiple health benefits. They contain plenty of vitamin C, which powers up your immune system and keeps skin youthful.
Turkey: when you compare ground turkey with its beef counterpart, they’re relatively even. But ground turkey comes in a fat-free version that could be the best option for your heart. It’s a food low in both sodium and saturated fat, making it a great choice in general—and especially solid for those watching their blood pressure or cholesterol. Turkey also packs a nutritional punch with a healthy dose of B-complex vitamins, which help regulate cholesterol levels and promote healthy blood circulation. Just make sure the packaging specifies ground turkey breast and that it’s labled at least 90% lean. (If not, there’s probably dark meat and skin mixed in, adding unwanted calories and fat.)
Quinoa: in comparison to cereal grasses like wheat, quinoa is higher in fat content and can provide valuable amounts of heart-healthy fats like monounsaturated fat (in the form of oleic acid). Quinoa can also provide small amounts of the omega-3 fatty acid, alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). Given this higher fat content, researchers initially assumed that quinoa would be more susceptible to oxidation and resulting nutrient damage. However, recent studies have shown that quinoa does not get oxidized as rapidly as might be expected given its higher fat content. This finding is great news from a nutritional standpoint. The processes of boiling, simmering, and steaming quinoa do not appear to significantly compromise the quality of quinoa’s fatty acids, allowing us to enjoy its cooked texture and flavor while maintaining this nutrient benefit. Food scientists have speculated that it is the diverse array of antioxidants found in quinoa—including various members of the vitamin E family like alpha-, beta-, gamma- and delta-tocopherol as well as flavonoids like quercetin and kaempferol—that contribute to this oxidative protection.
CHIA vs FLAX?I don’t know if one is better than the other so I use both.
Chia Seeds
Both are considered super-seeds. At least Flax was spared the humility of being sold as a pet. Let’s focus on chia seeds for now.
Not so long ago chia seeds were most well known for being spread onto terracotta pottery so that they would grow fur to resemble some kind of animal. I never had one of those and thought them to be in the same category as the useless pet rock.
But then we found out that the seeds are much more useful than for making novelty items; they’re incredibly beneficial for your health. So to be on the healthy safe side I put a handful into my vitamix to add to smoothies and top granola and oatmeal with the potent little seeds that have similar benefits to Flax except they don’t have to be ground prior to consumption, and they don’t go rancid as quickly either.
Chia seeds, along with mint, were a prized food to the ancient Aztecs and Mayans. “Chia” is the ancient Mayan word for strength, and the tiny seeds were valued for their energy-boosting properties.
A Rich Source of Healthy Fats and Nutrients
Chia seeds are a quick and easy-to-use source of protein, healthy fats, dietary fiber, minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants, all rolled into one neat package. That’s a lot to boast about.
In addition, chia seeds contain a number of additional phytochemicals, each with its own unique benefits. This includes myricetin, quercetin, and kaempferol, known for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer properties, and caffeic acid.
As it goes with the latest “IT” health boosters, you can buy it in other forms like the “Mamma Chia” energy drink shown here which has other added health benefits like spinach, kale, mint & spirulina and tastes similar to bubble tea.
We all know the various ch ch ch changes that David Bowie went through over his vast successful career and since he was the man of style I had to dedicate a whole post to him because:
I love this photo – it shows his unkempt, sexy, elegant side. Photo: KMazur/WireImage
can’t believe he is no longer among us
he was the original man of style
his was one of the first concerts I went to see at the Montreal Forum
I have four friends who got up close and personal with him – in a professional sense
He was one of a kind and the first and best person at re-inventing himself. Surely that’s where performers like Madonna & Lady Gaga got the idea from.
out of countless crazy, fun and fashionable images these are my personal favorites
A swashbuckler, with scarf and white shirt. Photo: Jorgen Angel/RedfernsThings were looking peachy with “Let’s Dance” Photo: Paul Natkin/WireImageGuess I love a well-dressed Bowie best. Photo: Richard E. Aaron/RedfernsBowie’s most normal look of the 70’s. Photo: Steve Morley/RedfernsHandsomely dressed down. Photo: Frank Micelotta/ImageDirect
He can really rock a suit. Photo: KMazur/WireImage
RIP
Tipping his hat to Sinatra. Photo: Michael Putland/Getty ImagesHe brought Baroque back. Photo: Hayley Madden/RedfernsBohemian fashion crossroad? Photo: Michael Ochs Archives/Getty ImagesI too would cover my legs with a trench coat if meeting Tina Turner. Any wise woman would. Photo: Dave Hogan/Getty Images
With his longtime wife IMAN on his 50th birthday – Jan/9/1997 Photo: KMazur/WireImage
Rock Photographer & friend Dee Lippingwell took this photo among many many other great ones of Bowie.S T Y L E
Last week marked the beginning of the Fall 2016 men’s season, and along with it feedback from some of the fashion experts at Vogue. It was the first time that Vogue Runway covered the men’s shows. To whet your appetite, editors weighed in on the best well-dressed dudes.
Here, my paired down version of the most stylish guys in fashion. I narrowed it down from 30,Starting with…
Franck Chevalier
For me he could lose the cigarette, but it’s all part of his Clint Eastwood/Marlboro man rugged appeal. Photo: Courtesy of Franck Chevalier
“Jean Paul Gaultier protégé and stylist to some of the greatest musicians of all time, Chevalier’s own look is a brilliant combination of vintage, streetwear, and original pieces he designs for himself.
Maurice Mullen
Photo: David M. Benett / Getty Images
“To me, it’s Maurice Mullen of the London Evening Standard, who I always look forward to seeing at the London shows. I have never been able to comprehend the number of immaculate Savile Row suits he must have, nor his ability to deploy the loudest patterns and colors and the killer clashing pocket handkerchief—and plaid trousers on occasion!—while being the most gentlemanly and wickedly insightful neighbor to sit next to at a show.” —Sarah Mower, Vogue.com Chief Critic
Gene Krell
Photo: Courtesy of Nao Krell
“Style is but one of Gene Krell’s admirable qualities, and he has it in spades. Born in Brooklyn, Krell was part of the London scene as hippie segued into punk. And then he brought Vogue to Asia. His street style look is built on tailoring, with British and Italian touches. And the man has range: Krell can work a tattooed surf look with as much ease as a toggle coat and brown suede shoes.” —Laird Borrelli-Persson, Vogue.com Archive Editor
Ian Bradley
Photo: Madison McGaw / BFA.com
“No one does the retro-hipster-nerd look better! With Ian you know it’s super-authentic, and every time I see him it makes me smile.” —Kelly Connor
Yohji Yamamoto
Photographed by Tommy Ton
“Yohji gets my vote. His is the gold standard by which all other designer uniforms must be judged. Consistent, pragmatic, and elegant, there’s nothing not to love about his look.” —Kristin Anderson, Vogue.com Fashion News Writer
Raf Simons
Photo: Francois Guillot / Getty Images
Former Dior Designer “Raf Simons is the greatest of all time. The end.” —Steff Yotka, Vogue.com Fashion News Writer
John Nollet
Photo: Kristy Sparrow / Getty Images
“French hairstylist to chic women like Nicole Kidman and Vanessa Paradis, John Nollet has his own signature style worth noting: white shirt, sharp jacket, trimmed beard, and artfully messy, shoulder-length hair. Sometimes he ties it back in a knot or braids it with one of his own couture feathered hairpieces, which he designs with Maison Lemarié; that contrast between his natty clothes and wild, bohemian hair is so cool—and so French. Bonus: He’s incredibly charming (and handsome)!” —Emily Farra
Karl Lagerfeld
Photo: David M. Bennett / Getty Images
“Kaiser Karl is a cluster of contradictory style statements, clashed together like a game of sartorial Consequences: Edwardian collar and stickpin with streamlined hypermodern suiting, biker gloves and goth rings, 18th-century powdered pigtail—like a Prussian general—and Terminator sunglasses. It shouldn’t work, but it always does. Lagerfeld has crafted an instantly identifiable image: He’s the most recognizable designer of our times and, I’d argue, the most stylish man on the planet. There aren’t many fashion designers people dress up as for Halloween, and there aren’t many people for whom formal dress is for life, not just the red carpet.” —Alexander Fury
Stefano Pilati
Photo: Joe Schildhorn / BFA.com
“The Zegna designer has my vote. Why? To me, he is the epitome of fearless, intuitive elegance: always intensely masculine, but those cuts, those fabrics, the tattoos, the jewelry . . .” —Sally Singer, Vogue Creative Digital Director
Mystery Man
Don’t know who he is, but I think he deserves to be included.
I’ve been coming to Palm Springs for one or two months every year for several years. Not to escape the snow but to escape the Vancouver damp and cold. Not a snowbird exactly, more of a wet bird.
with other rain birds – at Woody’s
The sunshine is a big draw although this time it rained heavily for a few days and a medium strength earthquake shook me out of bed one morning. I enjoy a good shake in the morning but mostly after a workout.
There are a lot of things to enjoy in and around Palm Springs. I get to swim almost every day and pick fresh grapefruit and lemons for my good morning start. I love the food here.
Oh, speaking of food…for this post, let’s focus on the Food.
Chilean Sea Bass at LuLu
There is unbelievably good cuisine to be found in and around Palm Springs. Of course, I haven’t been to every single restaurant but I can recommend a fair share of superb and varied places. So here are my pics with a short review and I’m certain many of them are considered to be the Pride (no pun intended) of Palm Springs.
DEBBIE’s baker’s DOZEN (in no particular order):
Woody’s Burgers: 317 N. Indian Canyon Drive – 760.230.0188
Music & Burger Heaven
From the outside it looks like a typical 1950’s diner but once inside you realize it is not your typical diner. That’s what I love about Woody’s. In short, they have excellent burgers but the real draw is when you step into the back room. There you’ll find a blue dining room complete with a stage, professional sound system and great live music. This former bus station is the place where top jazz and blues artists perform every night of the week. It’s where I bumped into my friend Michelle from Vancouver with her family and some friends sitting at a nearby table (photo above). Then for sure I knew it was a cool spot. Bonus: no cover charge, but reservations are recommended.
Copley’s of Palm Canyon: 621 N. Palm Canyon Drive – 760.327.9555
Magical especially at night
I wanted to go here based on the fact that it was formerly Cary Grant’s estate. Built in the 1920’s, this inside/outside restaurant has kept the flavour of the original Spanish architecture with its red-tile roofs, fountains and tile patios. It has consistently been rated among the top restaurants in the valley by Zagat’s and New York Times. A welcoming atmosphere with inspiring food and fire pits best describes this romantic spot. The only thing that would have made it perfect is if I had been sitting across from Cary Grant instead of my friend Colleen(but don’t tell her that).
PHO533: 1775 E. Palm Canyon Drive 760.778.6595
In short, this is PHO sure the best Vietnamese (fusion) food I’ve had to date. They are noted for their Vietnamese Crepe but I ordered the summer mango rolls, chicken lemongrass meatballs & slow roasted Pho (broth) with rice stick noodles, herbs, spices and kaffir lime. Satisfaction guaranteed!
Trio is a treat. It’s casual but cool and has classic comfort food like Mac’ n 5 Cheese, St. Louis Ribs and an original vegetarian ceviche. Oh; you don’t consider ceviche to be in the comfort category?You should try it! This is where I stole the recipe.
Sherman’s Deli & Bakery: 401 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way – 760.325.1199
Sherman’s Summer Salad
After leaving your name with the host you’ll have a relatively short wait but it’s worth it. Focus is on very casual, unbeatable platters, sandwiches, soups and salads. Everything you want in a deli. Bring a hearty appetite and give the chefs a chance to show off – as the menu states. You will not be disappointed! Also, this is the place where my friend Cher and I made national news (twice in one day) when we were questioned re the vibe surrounding Palm Springs at the International Film Festival. Didn’t you see it? We were awesome!
Lulu California Bistro: 200 S. Palm Canyon Drive – 760.327.5858
Lulu Ahi Tuna Tower
One of my all-time favourite hangouts when in P.S. It’s located in the former space of a major art gallery. A lively atmosphere with an extensive, value-priced menu celebrating California casual cuisine. It’s just a memorable place with very good food. One of my favourites is the tuna tower. I spent New Year’s Eve here twice.
Tropicale:330 E. Amado Rd. – 760.866.1952A chic and sophisticated décor with “world class” cuisine. The Coral Seas Lounge, a hip mid-century style bar is lined with sexy black leather bar-stools and is reminiscent of the upbeat lounges of old Palm Springs. It wraps around the dining room and leads outside to a lush, tropical, 2000 square foot dining patio where a variety of specialty cocktails and old-school favorites are mixed – an ideal place where friends gather and martinis are sipped under the starlit desert sky. How could that not be attractive?
Bill’s Pizza: 119 South Indian Canyon Drive (they don’t take reservations)Two of the best pizzas I’ve ever tasted – that’s all!
Al Dente: 491 N Palm Canyon Dr. – (760) 325-1160
This relaxed trattoria with a cozy patio and European atmosphere serves Italian classics. Everything is homemade using the freshest ingredients. It was one of the first places I dined at when visiting Palm Springs.
Casual yet elegant vibe, traditional Italian mixed with updated classics are on the menu. I really loved sitting outside under the heat lamps while being serenaded by the guitarist. Thursday through Saturday night the lounge becomes energetic where you can dance the night away to live music and enjoy some signature cocktails.
Morton’s (Palm Desert): 74-880 Country Club Dr, Palm Desert – (760) 340-6865So this is really in Palm Desert but it had to be included. Aside from offering some of the best steaks in the world, this steakhouse has one of the best happy hour menus ever. We enjoyed filet 3 ways (bearnaise, bleu cheese & chipotle), beef short rib tacos, tuna tacos, crab sliders and parmesan/truffle string fries. Very reasonably priced happy hour too.
Melvyn’s: 200 West Ramon Road – 760.325.2323
My friend Colleen told me that this restaurant which is located at the Ingleside Inn (an historic landmark) and is very “Old Hollywood” is really old. She said she went for drinks and there were lots of lushes hanging out but the Inn itself was very interesting. Hmmm….it piqued my curiosity so I had to check it out. After all, the brochure claims it “One of the World’s 10 Best.” The smaller print under that says…according to “Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous.” But that show is waaay before my time. So I went for brunch. I see what Colleen means; it’s living in the past but to be fair it has a somewhat elegant atmosphere and the brunch was very good.
In the piano bar – some alumni photosThe lovely pond view at Melvyn’s
I had prime rib hash with a poached egg over top and scalloped potatoes. Did I mention the endless champagne? I say it’s worth checking out because it’s been here for more than 40 years and the b+w who’s who photos lining the wall with everyone from Frank Sinatra to Heidi Klum is glamorous memorabilia and fun to look at. At least a drink at the piano bar in the evening would be worth it. p.s. when strolling the property I stole oranges off the tree.
BEST in BREAKFAST: Elmer’shands down: 1030 E. Palm Canyon Drive – 760.327.8419
A family-style restaurant offering exceptional American-style breakfasts. Memorable food & gracious service make this a must. *Their German pancakes look awesome.
Additional:
p.s. I’m told by some very reliable sources (Michele & her mom Vicki) that restaurant & lounge Eight4Nine (west coast modern cuisine) located at 849 (no kidding?) N. Palm Canyon Drive is excellent. 760.325.8490 *I haven’t been yet – the decor does not appeal to me but I intend to try it.
Oh; I cannot forget my all-time favourite flan (after my friend Rosa’s) is from JJ’s Oasis Latino
My second favorite flan
located at 1550 N. Palm Canyon Dr. This family run Mexican restaurant which has been here for ages has the greatest coconut flan…..ever! Trust me, I know.
I know, I know…those in the know will say she missed Spencer’s but really there is only so much I can eat and as you can see…I’m doing a pretty good job of it so far (but I have to run and swim more on account of it). As I write this I’m looking at the bougainvillea room at Spencer’s (their stunning outdoor patio allows dogs so you know what that means. It means more working out). It never ends….
Spencer’s Restaurant: 701 W. Baristo Road – 760.327.3446
Photos: d. king (Tropicale and Morton’s – google images)
Girl Who Would be KING on Life, Style and INSPIRATION. 
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