This week on an unusually windy day, I had the pleasure of checking out another unique hotel.
I was told that the vista looks much more inviting when the umbrellas are opened up, however how lovely is this? Photo: d. king
Kathy, the gracious owner, escorted me around her delightfully large one-acre property and filled me in on the history surrounding the private 16 room boutique hotel nestled against the backdrop of the dramatic San Jacinto Mountains. After all, what’s a good hotel here without a story?
Photo: d. kingPhoto: d. kingA bathroom in one of the rooms. btw, all the rooms are different. Photo: Jake Holt Photography
Originally designed by renowned modernist architect Albert Frey and built in 1960, the hotel re-opened in 2016, after a restoration by its current owners, Kathy and Gary Friedle, to its original mid-century modern design. The space is very charming and makes you feel at home. I think you might want to stay for more than one night. The outdoor space includes a lovely heated saltwater pool, the only Scandinavian Spa in the area including dry sauna, hot tub, seating areas and a Smeg retro fridge where guests are welcome to help themselves to the contents. A complimentary continental breakfast and sangria happy hour every day for guests. What’s not to love?
Bonus: I love that Gary concocts his own teas which guests also have the privilege of sampling from the cart. There’s even a Palm Springs blend which smells heavenly.
Make your selection. Just a few samples here. All teas are carefully created in the property kitchen by Gary. Photo: Jake Holt
The Monkey Tree is located less than a mile from the hustle and bustle Charlie Farrel’s famed Racquet Club. The hotel is a classic example of mid-century modern design and was a get-away for the celebrities who wanted to have some time away from the public. Palm Springs lore has it that celebrity guests at The Monkey Tree Hotel have included: Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz, Eric Clapton, Gilda Radner and Gene Wilder, and even a JFK and Marilyn visit (guarded at the private entrance of their suite by the secret service).
Entrance to the boutique.Photo: d. kingPhoto: d. king
In 1995, Albert Frey contacted the then owners of the hotel to ask if he could come by for a visit. At the time, Frey was 92 years old and said that he had not visited the property since it was built. He rode his bike the four miles from Frey House II where he was living to the hotel in a white polyester pantsuit and burnt orange shirt, arriving dapper as always. As he toured the property, he shared his inspiration for the layout and design of the hotel with the current owners. Frey was fascinated by the San Jacinto Mountains and found great inspiration in them. He intended the dramatic slanting roof lines to be in harmony and pay homage to the mountains and the Indians.
Photo: Kathy Friedle
ABOUT THE OWNERS (Kathy & Gary):
After obtaining her Master of Architecture at Washington University in St. Louis in 1992, Kathy began her architecture career in New York City. She worked for Gensler for 20 years in both design and management roles. Her clients in New York included many prestigious law firms, a well-known California based talent agency and numerous advertising agencies.
Gary has been in the field of financial management for 25 years. He started his career working on a trading desk in New York City then worked with private wealth clients and most recently was the Chief Operating Officer of a private wealth management firm. Gary has a passion for long distance running and has participated in several (100-mile) ultra-marathons.
In 2015 an opportunity arose to purchase a boutique hotel in Palm Springs, and the timing and career change seemed right for them and their two teenage sons to try a new adventure on the west coast. After seeing the great architectural bones of The Monkey Tree hotel they dove in to the restoration of the mid-century modern property which had been largely closed to the public since 1988. Their first decision was to re-establish the original 1960 name of the hotel and to re-brand, and re-invigorate the property.
Outside the entrance. Photo: Kathy Friedle
They did just that. I would definitely recommend this hotel.
Classic is timeless, classic is elegant and it’s safe – not to be confused with boring. When it comes to investment bags and shoes, it’s best to stick with enduring quality, especially if you’re on a budget. At least that’s my feeling. So when I scour the vintage markets my eyes always seem to travel to the designers who stand the test of time. And I have a good eye for certain pieces of value. When you buy well-designed vintage that never goes out of style you can always mix it up with something current.
My black varas with grosgrain bow. The other pair is pewter with leather bow.
At the Palm Springs Vintage Market I recently bought a pair of perfect fitting, barely worn Ferragamo Vara Pumps. Only one pair in my exact size. They were obviously waiting for me.
This is my second pair. Last year I also bought a pair of Vara Pumps (in photo) at this same market. Again; one pair in my size. Before I tried the first pair on I always associated these shoes with either matronly women or sensible ones who work in offices, of which I am neither.
Even though you can’t beat the craftsmanship, I was never looking to own a pair until my practical side got the better of me. Also I enjoy the thrill of the find.
So when a person in their 20’s and a person in their 80’s can wear the very same shoe with panache, that’s what I call a true CLASSIC!
From the 35th anniversary celebrating Ferragamo’s superlative Vara shoes. Embracing technology and hi-tech consumers, the Italian fashion house worked with New York-based photographer Cedric Buchet for a digital campaign featuring 14 modern iconic women, collectively known as the Vara Girls, in snapshots of their daily lives. Photo: South China Morning Post. 2014.
Salvatore Ferragamo: the grandpa of the Italian shoe
When most shoe lovers think about designer shoes, the first designers that come to their minds are Christian Louboutin, Jimmy Choo or Manolo Blahnik. All super gorgeous, but incredibly high heels. Little do they know, that one the first popular designer heel was a very comfortable one: Ferragamo’s Vara pump. One of the most sold pair of shoes worldwide and an iconic shoe that breathes beauty, craftsmanship and above all, comfort.
Photo: Olivia Palermo
The midheel, calfskin pump is detailed with a gros-grain bow on the toe, fastened with a metal buckle, with the family signature engraved in the leather. The shoe is designed to fit into the lifestyle of a sporty yet elegant woman.
The Ferragamo empire started with Salvatore Ferragamo, an innovator in footwear design. Salvatore was born in Bonito, Italy as the 11th of 14 children in a humble, agricultural family. Ever since he was young, he was determined to become a shoe maker and started his first apprenticeship in Naples at a cobbler, when he was only 9 years old. He moved back to Bonito while he was still an adolescent, and he opened his workshop with six assistants, where he produced custom-fitted shoes. His brother worked in the States during that time and he invited Salvatore to come to the US, Salvatore only being 17 years old. So he went to Santa Barbara, to open his own repair shop, where he repaired the shoes of celebrities. In 1923, he opened the Hollywood Boot Shop, where celebrities could buy outrageous footwear, with appliques, glitter, feathers and pearls. He was named the ‘Shoemaker of the stars’, designing for stars like Marilyn Monroe and Audrey Hepburn. Soon enough Ferragamo labels could be found all over the States.
His standards for measuring and sizing, combined with originality, influenced the entire shoe-industry.
My senior is almost 18 years old. Since he now walks like a turtle I found the perfect solution for taking him from A to B without much effort on my part and no effort on his. Baby strollers didn’t hold him properly and the pet wagons were too small. So I went to the sporting goods section of Walmart and found a wagon designed to take blankets and beer to the beach. Outfitted with comfort it works like a charm. Also can be pulled either way, has a handle for extension to arms length, a flap for carrying stuff and folds for easy storage. Yay!
When we arrive at our destination I take him out and he walks until he’s too tired at which point he goes back in the wagon. Layla walks alongside for exercise but she enjoys hitching a ride from time to time.
My boy outside Revivals. Photo: d. kingThis is a faster, more convenient way to take him along the River Walk. Photo: d. kingAlong the River Walk. Photo: d. kingOkay Layla; don’t get too comfortable. Photo: d. king
Hope you enjoy your weekend.
FYI: I’ve been giving Jia Jia a product called Rejeneril (a patented and clinically-proven longevity product for pets) every day for 8 years now. I believe it helps his immune system among other benefits.
Here’s another hidden gem I came across while out riding my bike. I’ve seen the sign many times and now I’ve gone beyond the simple hand painted sign into what is a completely restored 1950’s style modern rustic retreat. It’s warm, it’s simple and it’s very inviting.
Photo: d. king
History of the Lodge:
Originally built as Castle’s Red Barn in 1952 by MGM actor Don Castle and his wife Zetta, it was one of the original resort getaways for Hollywood elite. Legend has it that iconic actress Elizabeth Montgomery (Bewitched) had her first marriage at the Red Barn. The property has also had incarnations as Catalina Palms, El Rancho Lodge and now Sparrows Lodge. The Lodge was fully restored in 2013 and many of the original buildings are still in use with modern updates retaining the charm of the original Red Barn.
The original Red Barn with kitchen exposed. Photo: d. king
The lodge has a communal barn, outdoor fire pit and vegetable garden, accented by a collection of fine art including works by Ruscha, Kelly, Katz & Baldessari. The 20 rooms feature exposed beam ceilings, russet red walls, concrete floors with inlaid pebbles and butterfly chairs. Swiss army blankets top plush mattresses, and instead of closets you’ll find a metal footlocker along with hooks and hangers. Bathrooms feature rain showers, and many include horse troughs as bathtubs. Most rooms have private patios. All rooms have AC/Heat and ceiling fans. With no televisions or phones in the rooms, there is an environment of ease and simplicity.
Photo: d. king
The Barn Kitchen
The kitchen is open daily for lunch from 11am – 6pm, serving delicious sandwiches, salads and small bites.
On “Chicken” Wednesdays and “Steak” Saturdays, the kitchen serves a family style supper for a select number of guests. The menu changes for each dinner. No substitutions or alterations. Reservations are required.
Chef Gabriel Woo has received accolades from the Wall Street Journal to Conde Nast Traveller. He was recently invited to cook at the James Beard House in 2019.
The bar remains open until 11pm everyday, serving a selection of microbrews, wine, champagne, specialty drinks and sodas. In the evening, gather around the fire-pit and meet new friends.
Recent years of the Rat are: 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020.
Rats are clever and quick thinkers. Here’s proof:
The Rat is the first of all zodiac animals. According to one myth, the Jade Emperor said the order would be decided by the order in which they arrived to his party. The Rat tricked the Ox into giving him a ride. Then, just as they arrived at the finish line, Rat jumped down and landed ahead of Ox, becoming first.
The Rat is also associated with the Earthly Branch (地支—dì zhī) Zi (子) and the midnight hours. In the terms of yin and yang (阴阳—yīn yáng), the Rat is yang and represents the beginning of a new day.
In Chinese culture, rats were seen as a sign of wealth and surplus. More at link below:
Here’s what I’m up to this evening:
Introducing a new monthlySunday Soiree at Jake’s restaurant, Palm Springs. They want to kick off by celebrating Chinese New Year. Since this town tends to celebrate the Rat Pack on any given day, how fitting that 2020 is officially the Year of the Rat!
It’s a chance for Jake’s (a hidden gem in a town of many large venues) friends, family and fans to get together for a party. While usually every night is a party at Jake’s, the new Sunday Soirees will have a theme and seating will be limited! It may be a dinner, cocktail party or a fundraiser, but whatever it will be an evening filled with great food and drinks! Their culinary team is working very hard to develop creative menus for each event, while the bartenders are also creating new cocktails for each night. The self-proclaimed friendliest staff in town will be there to welcome you and ensure you enjoy the festivities.
Chinese New Year 2020
Celebrating with the meanings behind the menu
Craft cocktails specially created for the evening! (means we just want to drink)
Passed dim sum, dumplings, and potstickers
(they symbolize unity, togetherness and harmony)
Amuse
Duck Confit Spring Roll 春卷
(since they look like bars of gold, spring rolls are a wish for prosperity and wealth)
Starter
Longevity Noodles with Lobster Broth and Tail Meat 长寿面
(long noodles = long life, lobster means endless money rolling in!)
Main Course
Steamed Cod Ginger Scallion Sauce 蒸鳕鱼与姜和葱
(The typical blessing is wishing you to have a surplus of food and money every year)
Dessert is an assortment of Chinese and American Pastries
More about Jake’s Restaurant:
Jake’s is a casual European-style bistro nestled in a secluded courtyard at the epicenter of the Uptown Design District of Palm Springs. Much like the architectural & style artisans that surround it, Jake’s takes cues from the past with a nod to the future in the kitchen & behind the bar. Classics menu items are given a surprising twist while new flavor combinations excite the palate. They meticulously select all of their wines, and the cocktails are creative and modern. With a vast selection of cakes!
Since 2007, Jake’s has defined al fresco dining in the area, often described as “quintessential Palm Springs” & recognized annually by OpenTable as one of the Top 100 Al Fresco Dining Spots in the USA.
I love the idea behind a brand new boutique getaway in Palm Springs aptly named the
ART Hotel
Photo: d. king
I say “getaway” instead of “hotel” because it’s the kind of place you will want to stay and linger for longer than a weekend. Maybe a month or more? It’s easy to get inspired in a place like this. It’s bright and bold so not for the faint of heart, or at least color. A perfect place for artists. The owner is in fact an artist, designer, author among other notable achievements.
Photo: d. KingPhoto: d. king
Bookings for the Art Hotel will begin in January 2020. In addition to rentals, Turco also wants to use the space to host hybrid art exhibits/pool parties that will raise money for public arts projects.
Photo: d. kingTracy with my Layla at Animal Samaritans Yappy Hour at the Riviera Hotel. Tracy designed the dress she’s wearing. Stunning – both she and the dress! Photo: d. king
Coming soon: the Tiki hotel – another Turco project.
Let’s leap right in and check out a few things that are taking place this month:
Hope you enjoy your weekend.
Lychee martinis to die for (with raspberry purée ) being assembled by our friendly bartender.
A fun evening with friends, great cocktails, delicious food and ambience.
Girl Who Would be KING on Life, Style and INSPIRATION. 
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