THE PARKER PALM SPRINGS



Palm Springs has so many wonderful hotels but if you're able to find a deal at The Parker, I highly suggest doing yourself a favor and giving it a try.  As you drive into the complex it immediately begins to feel as if civilization is 100 miles away.  Upon entry into the lobby, the cooky, unique and colorful Jonathan Adler decor really grabs your attention.  I wish I could have taken so many pieces home.


Once settled in you quickly realize the resort offers so many wonderful things.  There is almost no reason to leave the campus.  However, if this is your first trip to PS, I suggest getting out from time to time and hanging with the locals.  Whether your relaxing in the pool, exploring the lush gardens or grabbing a spa treatment at Psyc I'm certain you'll fall in love immediately.  

For the last stop on our trip we headed into Norma's for a bite. While it's a little on the pricey side I think this was the perfect way to end the vacation.  I'm a big fan of the lox plate so it was any easy choice for me.  Ann seemed to be on a quesadilla kick so her order was status quo.  Both were delicious, plated elegantly and prepared to perfection.  Not sure what it is about PS but everything seems to taste a tiny bit better here.

I hope you have an opportunity to some day experience the same enjoyment we did.

Buen Provecho!

Indoor Bar

CHEEKY'S



I think this could be my favorite brunch spot in Palm Springs. The food is simple and perfect to get the day started . Also any place that offers a flight of bacon is aces in my book!


Deciding to share, Ann and I split a breakfast quesadilla con ranchero salsa, mucho tocino (applewood, apple cinnamon, brown sugar, coffee vanilla and jalepeno) and a side of fresh fruit.  All were so fresh and absolutely heavenly.   Not to mention a tiny French press that packs a punch and gave me a much needed Monday morning jolt.   


I love Palm Springs and hope to return very soon.


Quick tip: If interested in trying this place make sure to arrive at 8am to avoid a long wait.  Also, they are closed on Tuesday.


Buen Provecho!

What are they doing to each other?

EL JEFE


Not a whole lot to say about this place.  We gave El Jefe at the Saguaro hotel another try and it's stock continues to drop.


The only thing I really enjoyed about this cantina was the rustic decor. It made me feel like I was in an updated version of the Deperado bar scene.  While we didn't stay long due to the annoying party next to us, we decided to at least have an appetizer.  Most of the items looked good but The Encarnacion nachos (steak, beans, queso mixto, chile de arbol, crema and cilantro) stood out the most.  Nice portion sizewith decent flavor but I am confident this will be our last visit.  


Buen Provecho!

JAKE'S PALM SPRINGS



95 degrees and climbing. This vacay was a HOT one! Great weather, good food and a pool is a combo for a wonderful time.


I love stopping at Jakes to get things started. Named after the owners pup, this place has a great waitstaff and pleasant atmosphere. Sit outside on the patio and keep cool with the mist sprays.


You can't go wrong with the jakes egg sandwich (egg, avocado,tomato, BACON, goat cheese, brioche bun)and a horseradish bloody Mary. Super Delicious!


Quick tip: If sharing your meal be aware of the $2 split charge.


Buen Peovecho!!

JAKE

TAR AND ROSES

What better place to go on a double date than the new hot eatery Tar and Roses.  New spots are usually fun and judging from their website this place had a lot to offer.  As we entered the restaurant I found the decor to be extremely warm and inviting.   The small home made product offerings near the waiting area caught my attention and I found the rebar wine rack to be quite unique.  The hostesses were less than impressive but they seemed a bit green so I was willing to overlook their lack of knowledge on several of our questions.

After waiting about an hour we were finally seated and put our waiter straight to work by ordering the bacon popcorn and a cheese plate.  Bacon popcorn should be served at every movie theater across America.  It was absolutely delicious yet so simple.  I think I will try to recreate this appetizer but add a tiny splash of heat.  The cheese plate was a bit sad and didn't really offer much.  We should have definitely skipped this dish.  

Next up were several items at a once.  Bone marrow, soft shell crab, ribs, corn & mascarpone ravioli and eggplant with burrata. Of these 5 I would recommend giving the crab, ravioli and eggplant a go.  I was disappointed in the marrow and ribs were as dry as the desert.  The gnocchi finished things up but this too was not what I expected.  

Overall, I think a few dishes were well executed while the others seemed like the kitchen was in a hurry to push out the food so they could head home for the night.  We all had high hopes for this spot but I don't imagine we'll be back anytime soon.  

Quick Tip:  If you're in the area for dinner make sure to stop in at the Misfit for a drink.  This great NY type bar is something you definitely want to experience.

Buen Provecho!