48 Hours: Boutique places to Eat, Stay and Play Thu, December 2, 2021 by Randy Garner Palm Springs Boutique Places and Spaces. The ideal vacation is a harmonious balance of sin and serenity. You pay too much for a garishly guilty excursion if you go too far in one direction. Veer the other way, and you’re stuck camping in some boring, remote locale. The perfect medium is a getaway that keeps you connected and cozy—an escapade tailored specifically to your boutique tastes. Welcome to Palm Springs. We are the capital of cool for a reason, and a 48-hour stay in our fair town will broaden your horizons without breaking your budget. Palm Springs is a melting pot that simmers with the best international cuisine, SoCal sophistication, and desert exploration. Palm Springs Boutique Hotels To experience this orchestra of luxury at full volume, book a stay at Arrive Palm Springs. This mixed-use marvel celebrates the contours of haute modernism with rooms that cushion your arrival in a tsunami of lush accessories. After an initial pampering, go to the shops to enjoy gourmet ice cream or decadent coffee. Or, in the historic tennis neighborhood, you’ll find gems like Amin Casa, Korakia Pensione, and Orbit In, all offering unique experiences. See the complete list of small resorts and Inns. There are over 50 to choose from. Put that protein to great use by hopping on a complimentary bike and perusing the fashionable Las Palmas neighborhood. Shop, sip, or get artsy at one of the many galleries within a half-mile radius of your resort, but be back in time for more fun. Palm Springs Eats If you’re a night owl, sample a who’s who of foodie fantasies at Fisherman’s Market & Grill. Seek out one gastronomical gem, in particular: Shanghai Reds Oyster Bar. Over the years, it has harvested rave reviews, including visits from culinary luminaries like Rachel Ray and the late Anthony Bourdain. Happy Saturday! Now, you don’t need to wake up early, but the kitchen crew at Chi Chi is already bright-eyed and baking up a storm. You’ll go wild over their homemade banana bread. Or perhaps you would prefer to indulge in healthiness with the Avalon Breakfast, named for the upscale resort where Chi Chi so stylishly resides. Cool break! Languish in the pool for an intoxicating beat before immersing yourself in our next adventure… Your 48-hour boutique safari continues with a transcendent architectural tour courtesy of the Palm Springs Mod Squad. Mingle with masters like Albert Frey, Donald Wexler, and Hugh Kaptur, and beat the heat with Mod Squad’s exclusive interiors tour. Don’t just admire architecture; live it… …and taste it! The MidMod Café is the perfect lunch enclave for what you crave. Your appetite has been raging since the midcentury, so send it back to the Rat Pack era and then get inspired with a vintage shopping spree in Uptown. Work your way from The Frippery to Iconic Atomic and get lost in their finds. Let us guess: you’re hungry again. That’s why we like you! Well, fear not because Sandfish Sushi and Whiskey combines bold flavors and refined execution. Visionary food-smith Engin Onural ranks among the best 30 sushi chefs in the world, and he’s bringing his unique spin on beverages and boutique dining to your table. As the day breaks on even more culinary possibilities, get sweet on Azúcar. Named for the Spanish word for sugar, this charming eatery has an observation deck called Sugar High from which you can greet the morning… but they are so much more than desserts. Nestled cozily in La Serena Villas resort, Azúcar offers succulent menu surprises like their Duck Egg Omelet, so put it on your bill! You still have a few hours left to explore. If you miss a swim at La Serena, splash to another festive pool: Caliente Tropics. It’s a tiki takeover of a destination, with playful décor and island hospitality so authentic that you’ll forget you’re in the desert. As your 48 hours dwindle down to cherished memories and a promise of your return trip, enjoy more shopping at Palm Springs boutique Plaza Del Sol or an artisanal nosh at Kreem, but don’t fill up on dessert; something sweeter lies ahead. For your last meal in Palm Springs, the choices are as vast as they are conveniently located. That’s right, just across the street from one another, you’ll find the Italian comfort cuisine of Il Giardino. The latter serves elevated Sicilian fare with a Northern twist and a generous dose of gorgonzola, which they import directly from their family back in Novara, Italy. Fabulous Palm Springs boutique eats. These complementary kitchens illustrate the dazzling dichotomy of boutique Palm Springs. Worldly but familiar, intimate yet epic, our hometown crafts a perfect two-day stay for the two (or more) facets of your vacation persona. Reconcile your wild side with your inner Buddha and feed them both heartily during a 48-hour adventure in Palm Springs. You May Also Like: Uptown Design District Guide
Hidden Dining Gems in Palm Springs Resorts Tue, November 30, 2021 by Randy Garner Discover Palm Springs Resort Dining Confession time: how much do you absolutely love hotels? The fresh linens, the firm pillows and the friendly atmosphere coax you into a lullaby of relaxation and restoration. But in Palm Springs, the resort experience goes beyond the bedroom and into a holistic journey of all five senses. Our hoteliers want you to feast on satisfaction… literally. That’s why they offer some of the great dining experiences in town, not just for hotel guests, but for everyone. So, check in for an exhilarating stay and check out these hidden restaurants in Palm Springs resorts. Stay Like a Queen, Eat Like a King As any great cook will tell you, presentation is everything. You want to look down at your plate and gaze at a visually stunning tableau. But what will you see when you look up? King’s Highway at Ace Hotel provides an aesthetic smorgasbord of midcentury diner chic. The swooping ceilings are positively retro-futuristic, yet the foodie fare is squarely in the here-and-now. Both the roadside restaurant and its adjacent bar, The Amigo Room, feature intermittent entertainment offerings like jazz performances and the occasional drag trivia, so dig in for great times galore! You Have Arrived Sure, dinner tables are welcoming, but they’re nothing compared to a swimming pool place setting. Splash your way over to the poolside eatery at Arrive Palm Springs for an ocean of satiation. Be sure to wash down your food with a properly chilled cocktail, or enjoy a joyful java treat at Cartel Coffee Lab. Dessert? Glad you asked! NomNomNom ‘til you drop at Shop(pe) Ice Cream. Oh, and did we mention that all of these delish destinations are all within the comfy confines of Arrive? Why venture far and wide when it’s all happening inside? Well, we have a few answers to that question – let’s continue our tasteful tour… Like. A. Boss. Now that we’ve got a taste for margaritas, let’s keep the party flowing! El Jefe at the Saguaro mixes an intoxicatingly complex variety of drinks, including the spicy guava margarita and the coffee margarita. Wake up to wonderfulness! Be the boss of your taste buds with El Jefe’s mouthwatering menu of fresh, fulfilling tacos and tortas. That’s a lot of alliteration, so now we need to whet our proverbial whistle at our next opulent outpost! Get the Royale Treatment Inside the Villa Royale resort, you will find a portal back in time. Saturated colors usher you into a throwback reality and warm lighting bounces off the ice cubes clinking lazily in your cocktail tumbler. Welcome to Del Rey. This den of indulgence evokes a speakeasy serenity, with signature libations that dance on your palate in shades of honey, gin and citrus. The tapas-style noshes range from refreshing salads to succulent steaks. Transcendence is served. Chi Chi = Yum Yum Reserve your own bungalow and savor the good life at the Avalon Hotel. Chef Alex Fregoso helms their bespoke restaurant, Chi Chi, bringing his years of experience into a cauldron of culinary adventure. Mediterranean flavors mingle with stateside staples to elevate your palate. Be sure to leave room for dessert; our favorites include the rose petal pistachio crumble and the baklava crisp. Cheeseburgers in Paradise While we’re on the delectable topic of burgers and booze, be sure to waste away the day at Margaritaville Palm Springs. They have refined island living and transported it to the convenience of the Inland Empire. Imbibe like royalty while enjoying a buffet of laid-back vacation vibes. From their two cafés to their festive bars, Margaritaville is your passport to casual drinking and dining. Located in the hearty heart of uptown, you’ll be perfectly positioned to explore the town at will (once you’re fully fueled up with food). Peruse the Parker With half a dozen food & drink enclaves strewn about its picturesque grounds, The Parker prioritizes gratification. Start the day with a lemon custard donut at Norma’s. Pair it with a thirst-quencher from the Lemonade Stand. Keep the liquid festivities bubbling at Mini Bar and/or Counter Reformation, and top it off with either a gourmet meal at Mister Parker’s or an intimate rendezvous at Mrs. Parker’s. When your whirlwind meal parade winds down, catch some Zs and get ready to do it all again tomorrow. Take a Walk on the Ingleside Estate No trip to Palm Springs would be complete without a stop at Melvyn’s. Perched inside the effortlessly stylish Ingleside Estate, Melvyn’s has roots that reach all the way back to 1975, when Frank Sinatra patronized its hallowed layout. In the spirit of vintage esteem, try the Steak Diane or duck breast prepared with a coffee coriander rub. Close your eyes and allow the flavors of old Palm Springs to whisk you back to the very foundations of resort life. How Sweet It Is Ending on a light note, enjoy the summery sips and snacks at Azucar. Located in La Serena Villas, this airy eatery won’t weigh you down during your stay. Their seafood fare is sensible yet substantial. For example, don’t let the mesquite swordfish get away! And for a sublime nightcap to your gastronomical voyage through Palm Springs, be sure to venture upstairs to Azucar’s rooftop, appropriately nicknamed Sugar High. Diverse color schemes entwine themselves around you as you toast to the San Jacinto Mountains surrounding your perspective. Your hunger has officially been put to bed. Cheers!
Lights, Camera, Inclusion! Tue, November 23, 2021 by Randy Garner Welcome to the Palm Springs Cultural Center The Palm Springs Cultural Center includes a wide range of programs including film festivals, farmers’ markets, live performances, art installations and lecture series. These all act as creative inspiration points—expanding our learning and building meaningful relationships with the people and the environment around us. A Brief History The original 625 seat Camelot Theatre was opened in 1967. The heralded state-of-the-art cinema, equipped to the standards only three other theatres in the U.S., debuted with a star-studded screening of “Dr. Zhivago.” The screening was a benefit for the United Fund. In 1971 a new Camelot II Theatre was built alongside the original Camelot Theatre. Over time the Theatre crowds diminished and was eventually closed in 1992. In 1999, Ric and Rozene Supple, owners of RR Broadcasting, purchased the Camelot Theatres building and renovated the complex. It reopened as the Festival of Arts Theatres. “The goal was to bring culture and arts to the Coachella Valley,” explains Timothy Rains, Public Relations Manager for the Palm Springs Cultural Center. “And even though that sounds generic, it’s a bigger task than it sounds. The theatres also once more became the home for The Palm Springs International Film Festival, Palm Springs Festival of Short Films and an ever-growing list of other prestigious events. In February 2002, the Festival of Arts banner was retired and the building once again became known as the Camelot Theatres. Then in late 2016, Ric and Rozene Supple donated the building, and in 2018 it was rededicated as the Palm Springs Cultural Center. Source: The Vendry A Community Hub “Palm Springs comes together at this hub. We’re definitely a community hub,” explains Timothy. According to his playbook, the audience always takes center stage. “When we look at programming, we look at what is going on out there, what’s trending in Palm Springs and what can we bring to light?” The answer is a kaleidoscope of mixed media and mirth. Entertainment “We also are starting a live music series, with concerts both inside and outdoors. For example, we have Tuesday night jazz. For programing, we are looking at live theater, live music, and film festivals. And then on top of all that we have art exhibition,” explains Timothy. “There’s just so much going on and we have so much to offer both visitor and residents.” “When I think about a lot of what we offer on the entertainment sort of venue side, I feel like we fit that community niche. It’s kind of like the Cheers bar. We’re the place where you go, everybody knows your name, come hang out, we have a lot going on, and we’re at that right spot. We’re also starting drag shows and speakers. It’s kind of crazy!” Cinema Diverse is dedicated to advancing and further strengthening our diverse gay community through the establishment of a world-class film festival that presents lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender cinema from around the world. It features an exciting and varied combination of Feature Films & Short Films from around the world celebrating LGBTQ+ Cinema. “We also have a variety of markets, including Certified Farmers’ Market, local Artisan Markets, and of course our famous Tiki Market. Mission The Palm Springs Cultural Center has been fulfilling its mission—incubating, producing, and encouraging arts and cultural programs in order to leverage the unique power of creativity to open minds, bridge what divides us, and discover what connects us. They do this important work because they believe these programs can be transformative, and that they are vital to the overall health and productivity of our community. Palm Springs Cultural Center 2300 E. Baristo Rd. – (760) 325-6565
Agua Caliente Hot Mineral Springs – A Story of Healing Thu, November 18, 2021 by Randy Garner The History The Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians have been conscientious keepers of the Agua Caliente Hot Mineral Springs, located in downtown Palm Springs. For the original Cahuilla Indians who inhabited the area – the sacred springs provided irrigation, potable water, warm bathers, and healing powers. The name “Palm Springs” is derived from these hot springs and the grove of indigenous palm trees that surrounded it. First bathhouse, 1910. Credit: Palm Springs Historical Society. The first written accounts of Palm Springs were from Captain Jose Romero. He and his team were exploring a route to open California to Sonora, primarily for transmitting mail. He recorded in his journal on December 27, 1823, referring to the area as “Agua Caliente.” “On this day at 11:00 am two gentile Indians were seen, and when they were presented they told me they were Cohahaguillas (Cahuilla), who had already served on the ranchose (group of huts for housing ranch workers), and were called Jose, and the other, Vincente. The latter took me as far as the well, and Jose went to call on his relatives for them to bring us mescal (agave). They brought nine of them, and I gave them gifts of beads. The well is built by the gentiles. It has a depth of about six varas (16.5 feet).” Through Romero’s journal, we understand the Palm Springs area was used extensively by the Spanish and Mexicans and was fairly well known. Welwood Murray built the first hotel in Palm Springs in 1886 called the Palm Springs Hotel. It was located to the North from the Welwood Murray Library. To enhance the hotel, Murray leased the hot springs from the Tribe for $100 per year and built a bathhouse. The dressing room was directly over the spring. The lease expired in 1892. Palm Springs Hotel, 1901. Credit: California Historical Society Edward S. Curtis Collection At the end of 1902, the Tribe reclaimed the hot springs and in about 1916 replaced the bathhouse with their own. It was a two-room structure with one large enough to cover a pool and allow four people to stand together in the hot curative waters. In 1928, the Tribe built the third bathhouse. The building remained an unpainted pine board bathhouse, with high windows and two doors marked “women” and “men.” In 1958, the bathhouse was razed to make way for the new Agua Caliente Resort Spa. When opened in 1960, it was considered one of the most beautiful spas in the world. The Spirit The Cahuilla legend retold by Tribal elder Franciso Patencio in the mid 1900’s offers this colorful tale about the creation of Agua Caliente Hot Mineral Springs: “The head man, Tu-to-meet, was tired and sick and lame, so he took his who-ya-no-hut [staff of power], which he struck in the ground. He twisted it around and caused the water of a spring to come out. He named is Sec he, meaning the sound of boiling water, which is up to the earth and on the earth, which is never to dry up, never to go away, but to be there forever and always for the sick.” Fransico Patencio Considered a Living Being The hot mineral spring was the heart of the Tribal life. In Stories and Legends of the Palm Springs Indians, published in 1943, Patencio writes that the native people were at first apprehensive of the spring’s powers and believed the hot waters were a portal to the underworld where the nukatem, and ancient sacred beings, live. Over time, the hot mineral spring became part of the traditional existence, providing sustenance and protection. Benefits of Soaking According to a study by the Mayo Clinic, soaking in hot mineral water increases heart rate while lowering blood pressure, which provides the same benefits of exercise with less stress to the heart. Bathing in a hot mineral spring can deliver a variety of benefits, which includes increasing the flow of oxygen-rich blood throughout the body and providing healing to the body. The skin absorbs the minerals, promoting feelings of well-being. A Great Source of Power Over the years, many generations have experienced the therapeutic powers of the Agua Caliente Hot Mineral Springs. Its water is silky and mild with a very high pH. A 10-minute soak in the slightly sulfuric water is said to relieve stress, ease muscle aches and joint inflammation, and help treat skin conditions such as dryness, redness, eczema, and rashes. For the Tribe, the springs is a source of deeper healing. Sec he is a place to recharge, connect with the place and the spirits. Agua Caliente Cultural Plaza will be hub for cultural tourism The new Agua Caliente Cultural Plaza under construction features a new Agua Caliente Cultural Museum, The Spa at Séc-he that celebrates the sacred Agua Caliente Hot Mineral Spring, a Gathering Plaza, gardens and an Oasis Trail. The new cultural plaza is located at the corner of N. Indian Canyon Drive and E. Tahquitz Canyon Way in downtown Palm Springs. Opening Spring of 2023.
The Fabulous Rusty Waters Tue, November 16, 2021 by Randy Garner Go with the Flow – Rusty Waters Is Your Reigning Club Queen By Kevin Perry Pop culture has experienced a marvelous makeover in the past decade. A RUnaissance, if you will. Gender is bending, twisting and sashaying in fabulous new directions, and Rusty Waters leads the march. She is the emcee of OMG, the hostess with the moistest, and the desert diva presiding over many of the drag shows at Hunters and throughout Palm Springs. “I can’t believe there’s this magical Disneyland for gay men and women out here in Palm Springs. How awesome is that?” Rusty plants her rainbow flag in unexpected places (ouch!), transforming the mundane midweek into an intoxicating journey that rivals the best of reality TV. Wednesday has become like our must-see day at Hunters in Palm Springs “One of the biggest, most fun things that I produce is our Spotlight Drag Competition, which takes place for an eight week run. And then we usually turn it into a feature on local talent in between rounds of competition on Wednesday nights after bingo at 8:30 pm. It’s all the things you love about Drag Race, but amped up to a 10.” “Insane, crazy challenges, a whole lot of performers from all different levels of experience, from brand new baby queens to pageant girls that have been doing it for years, enter this competition. And they just turn out these amazing, creative performances and looks in the confines to these challenges. And it’s one of the hottest tickets in town. I mean, everybody, for a Wednesday night show, it’s packed. Everybody. It’s like a Friday night. Everyone wants to see what these girls are going to do.” But the fun doesn’t end on Wednesday. Ms. Waters rages joyously throughout the week. In addition to the aforementioned bingo shenanigans, she hosts a delicious drag brunch at Hunters every Saturday and keeps the attitude flowing into Sunday nights with the Risqué Revue. Oh, she serves realness, honey, and her diligence pays dividends for the entire LGBTQ’mmunity. “Hunters contributes quite a bit to different charities all year round and they do so quietly,” explains Rusty. “They’re not really looking for a lot of fame and fortune out of it. They just kind of do it and don’t really say much about it, which I think speaks volumes to them. They’re not just doing it for recognition, they’re doing it for the right reasons and I love that. I try to kind of do the same thing. We do a lot of fundraising and charity work here and there throughout the year. I certainly donate my time to a lot of events.” Staying Strong “Unfortunately during the pandemic, we were all, as performers, kind of out of work for that period of time. And I took the opportunity to start up a drag jewelry business and do live jewelry auctions every Monday at 5:00 pm on the Touch of Elegance jewelry page on Facebook. And I work with a select group of jewelers that I really respect. They have also taken a lot of time to show me some tips and tricks and improve my abilities in my workmanship along the way. And we all got together and decided that even though we’re all over the country, it’d be great if we all worked together to kind of raise money for our own individual, local charities. We all decided to take our weekly option and donate a set, and whatever funds we could get from that set to our own individual charities. I chose the Desert Rose Playhouse, as I’d worked with them for quite some time and done some shows with them. They are LGBTQ-owned and operated, focusing on gay stories. And I thought that’s really important to have that representation, especially in a town like Palm Springs. So it’s great to kind of give back to them and help them continue giving back to the community. And I was able, in one set of jewelry, to raise $1,000 to send their way.” Palm Springs Magic What is eternally refreshing about Queen Waters is how she blends bravado with aw-shucks earnestness. Rusty regards Palm Springs as a rare discovery, like one of the gems in her bespoke collection. Progress should never be taken for granted. As an ambassador of inclusion, Rusty works hard to keep her queendom moving ever forward. “I think we all have to worry about outside influences and people still, even in this day and age, looking down on you or potentially causing harm if you were openly gay in the street or in the middle of the night or what have you. Palm Springs is one of those few places we have to worry about that a little less. And people are really embraced and welcomed to be themselves and be who they are, and that’s such a huge part of what the Palm Springs magic is, that we have to continue pushing that forward and continue making sure that it stays that way as Palm Springs grows and is attracting more and more people of all different walks of life, that all of those people are welcome. And we want Palm Springs to grow, but we also wanted to remain this gay haven for people to be who they are.” Pulling back the royal curtain, Rusty changes the subject to editorial etiquette. “Let me ask this, just to be frank. Is the word bitches acceptable or no?” With that bit of politeness out of the way, she winds up for her big finale. “It’s kind of a sign off that I do at the end of every show. It’s kind of my Walter Cronkite moment that I always thank everybody for being there and giving love and support and energy to all of our performers in Palm Springs. Not just at my shows, but everywhere. Because without local entertainers, we would lose a huge part of the magic that is Palm Springs. So as I always say at the end of every show, until next time, bye bitches!” Hunters Nightclub & Bar – 302 E Arenas Road (760) 323-0700
The 4 Saints Restaurant is Flying High Fri, November 12, 2021 by Randy Garner Reopened, Revamped and a New Executive Chef By Barbara Beckley Named after the four mountain peaks you see – and more – from its wrap-around perch atop The Kimpton Rowan hotel, Palm Springs’ highest rooftop restaurant with sweeping views is now the valley’s one-and-only sky-high steakhouse with sweeping views! Serving the finest from petite filet to Tomahawk, with a heaping helping of Southern hospitality. Credit: Laure Joliet A New Attitude If you haven’t been to 4 Saints recently – you haven’t been to 4 Saints. Under the direction of new Executive Chef Ysaac Ramirez, nothing is the same and everything is better. Combining southern style (he trained at Memphis L’Ecole Culinaire) with a dash of Latin, Chef Ramirez has remade 4 Saints into a friendly, high-end special-occasion favorite worthy of its five-star views. Credit: Jakob Layman The views are simply stunning. Panoramas sweeping across downtown, the Coachella Valley, four mountain ranges, Palm Springs Airport to Bob Hope’s party house, Palm Springs Museum of Art, the new Downtown Park and Forever Marilyn for starters. Choose posh inside booths or outside high-top tables that literally hover above the valley. As Chef Ramirez explains, people come up here to share the view. So he designed the menu accordingly, to increase diner comradery. Along with the finest steaks and fish – perfect for special occasion dining – he features multiple small plates “to create table interaction.” He recommends ordering a main and several shared items such as salad and beet dishes. What if you don’t want a big meal? He’s also added lighter fare including burgers, salads and veggies sourced from the Coachella Valley. Credit: Laure Joliet Southern Comfort It’s the side dishes where Chef Ramirez’ Southern magic shines. Order the cornbread and Oh my! It’s unlike bread or cornbread or anything you’ve tasted. And delicious. Made with heirloom cornmeal from South Carolina. “We’re the only restaurant in SoCal using this cornmeal,” he brags. And his French-style Cheesy Potatoes – voi la! “I use a pound of cheese for a pound of potatoes.” You’ll also discover touches of Latin utilizing his favorite ingredients of beets, garlic, fennel, corns and greens. Roasted Beets. Credit: Jakob Layman Fine wine and unique cocktails enhance the wide array of cuisine. The new “Flamboyance of Flamingos,” a six-to-eight person champagne concoction, epitomizes 4 Saints’ shared dining experience. Not to mention punching up the sophisticated décor with a flock of five huge golden Flamingos on the bar. Credit: Barbara Beckley The 4 Saints is getting accolades,” says Chef Ramirez. “We’re happy – it’s been a good challenge.” Dinner for Two. Credit: Jakob Layman Did Someone Say Happy Hour? Outside 4 Saints, also on the seventh-floor rooftop, the open-air High Bar has been revamped, too, with expanded seating, a new menu and new cocktails to be more locals- and visitor- friendly. Comfy chairs and cushions, coffee tables, and high-top-tables are happy-hour perfect to kick-back overlooking the one-of-a-kind view. “The High Bar is all about making memories for the guests,” says Robert Ramirez, restaurant & bar manager. “Linger longer, a fun setting, great cocktails under blue skies and incredible views.” Look for High Bar specials just for locals, he says. A testament to the High Bar’s local charm comes from waiter Chris. “I came up here as a guest, loved it, and thought to myself ‘I have to work here.’ Now I am,” he told me. See and Be Seen Juniper Table, the hotel’s casual indoor-outdoor, breakfast-lunch-dinner venue, is also set for a redo, the better for everyone to enjoy its prime location on downtown Palm Springs’ most see-and-be-seen corner. Credit: Kristin Teig Anticipated changes include a wine bar, from-scratch gourmet pizza menu – with 100 percent of Chef Ramirez’ Southern influence; entrée innovations including a ½ chicken cooked in the pizza oven; more small plates, full-service dining at night, new furniture and lush greenery. Look for these, or other concepts, to roll out after the New Year, says Chef Ramirez. Credit: Kristin Teig Come for the View! Stay for the Cuisine & Cocktails
Palm Springs’ Couples – Executive Chef Andrew Copley and Juliana Copley Tue, November 9, 2021 by Randy Garner Meet the Couple behind Copley’s on Palm Canyon. A Match Made in Restaurant Heaven. By Barbara Beckley A Chef Walks into a Bar… It’s corny. But true. The chef is young and talented. A Brit from Yorkshire, who chefed on the QE II to Australia, loved down under and immigrated. Now he’s taking time out from serious pursuits, cooking on a yacht. It’s anchored in Port Douglas, and he and his mates hit town for a drink. Behind the bar is an American. She’s young and talented, too. A meeting planner from Hawaii, taking time out to travel the South Pacific. Bartending for a bit to earn some money. This was 26 years ago. The chef was Andrew Copley. The bartender was Juliana Manion. It was love at first sight. And – lucky for us – the genesis of one of Palm Springs’ finest restaurants: Copley’s on Palm Canyon. A year later they married and moved to Hawaii, where Andrew added the Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua, and Executive Chef at the Lodge at Koele on Lanai to his 5-star accolades, which already included the Savoy and Park Lane hotels in London, and a degree in classical French training from London’s Westminster Culinary College (at 16, mind you). Andrew’s fame began on Lanai with his first TV appearances. As luck would have it, Juliana’s parents had a home in Palm Desert. Andrew and Juliana came for a visit, loved it, and moved here shortly after. “I wanted my own restaurant, but it was too expensive in Hawaii,” Andrew recalls. “We loved living in a resort community and loved the desert’s resort vibe.” Being a savvy chef, Andrew knew “you can’t just come into a place and open a restaurant overnight.” He spent nearly a year consulting and getting a feel for the desert. To get his name known, he entered “as many local cooking competitions as I could – even pastry, chocolate on Valentine’s Day, date (the palm fruit) cook-offs.” How’d he do? “I won them all!” Location, Location, Location When time came to choose a restaurant, Andrew instantly loved the Mediterranean-style adobe on North Palm Canyon Drive. “The garden courtyard and mountain views provide an upscale dining feel. The building will never go out of style.” (They didn’t know it had a celeb pedigree – the Cary Grant estate’s guest house – until later.) Never mind that North Palm Canyon at that time was “nowhere land. People told us it was a terrible location, two blocks out of town. Nobody goes there.” Except everybody did! Copley’s was an instant success. Opened in December 2004, with Andrew as owner & executive chef, and Juliana owner & business manager. “Now we’re one of the oldest restaurants in the desert. But I don’t feel like I’m old enough to be an established restauranteur,” he laughs. Juliana agrees. “It seems like yesterday, we opened. And now I’ve spent most of my 30s and 40s at this place. And have a 12-year-old son, Maddox!” Recipe for Success “We’re a good team” Juliana says. “I don’t cook. And I never go in the kitchen. The minute we’re at the restaurant, we’re business partners with completely different jobs.” As a former DMC (destination management company) owner and hotel sales and marketing pro, Juliana is expert at managing budgets and events. She’s made Copley’s a sought-after venue for parties, weddings, birthdays, corporate and restaurant buy-outs up to 200 guests. Which lets Chef Andrew Copley do what he loves. “My greatest satisfaction is the freedom to do what I want with the food.” While Andrew says he opened as “new California cuisine,” the menu is actually a reflection of his world travels – “American with traces of tropical on a foundation of Classical European,” he describes. “After Australia, the heavy cream went away in favor of more soy. Their goal is “for diners to have a really good, high-end quality of food and service – but in a feel-good, relaxed atmosphere.” Classics with a Twist “I take traditional dishes and ‘modernize them’,” Andrew explains. Grits is one of his newest adaptations. “I researched American grits, then gave it my own twist. No one else has grits with asparagus tips, jumbo shrimp and lobster sauce!” And not just any grits. His Shrimp + 3 Cheese Grits feature in-house grits made from scratch using a stock of ham hocks, veggies and fresh herbs, boiled for four hours! It’s a best seller, he says. Copley’s Beef Wellington isn’t wrapped either – it’s layered, with mushrooms and chicken livers. Rhubarb replaces traditional cranberries in his Venison Schnitzel. Two twists that never die: Copley’s Caesar Salad with pineapple croutons, and Hawaiian Ahi Tacos in a miso/sesame seed shell. “Walk into Copley’s and you know you’ll find the Caesar salad and ahi taco. Everything else changes,” he says. Asked what his favorite ingredient is, Andrew responds, “Fish. It’s delicate and comes in so many colors, shapes and sizes.” “No!” Juliana interjects, with a smile. “You’re favorite ingredient is ginger. You put ginger on everything!” Andrew laughs. And admits it’s true. Andrew and Juliana celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary in May 2021; and Copley’s 17th anniversary in December 2021. Just the beginning we bet, for such a talented twosome. Images Source: Copley’s on Palm Canyon
Palm Springs Downtown Park Fri, October 29, 2021 by Randy Garner The beautiful Palm Springs Downtown Park is a 1.5-acre public open space in the heart of downtown. It offers a shady oasis for residents and visitors near the Palm Springs Art Museum and the vibrant retail hub along Palm Canyon Drive. It is located at the intersection of Belardo Road and Museum Way adjacent to the “Forever Marilyn” statue. “This park will represent our Palm Springs community and relaxed desert lifestyle perfectly,” said Palm Springs Mayor Christy Holstege. “In fact, I’d venture to guess that you won’t see anything like it anywhere else in the world and that’s just because it’s been designed just for us, just for our community.” Nellie Coffman and the Desert Inn The Downtown Park is located on a portion of the grounds of the historic Desert Inn. Opened in 1909, it was the first sanatorium resort in Palm Springs. The warm dry air and climate made Palm Springs an ideal location for those with respiratory ailments, so Palm Springs began as a place of wellness and healing. Earl Coffman, Nellie Coffman and George Roberson circa 1926.Credit: PALM SPRINGS HISTORICAL SOCIETY After the discovery of the Tuberculosis vaccine in 1921, Nellie had already began to move away from a Sanatorium to a resort hotel. Later, guests were granted access to the nearby O’Donnell golf course. The roster of visitors in the 1920’s included Cornelius Vanderbuilt Jr., the three sons of William Randolph Hearst, New York Mayor Jimmy Walker, J. Edgar Hoover, and Shirley Temple, among others. This enters a time when Palm Springs becomes the playground for the rich, the famous, and the powerful, yet remaining a small village. Nellie Coffman is a leading pioneer of Palm Springs. The Downtown Park espoused the space, stillness, solitude, and simplicity of Palm Springs and the park imbues her spirit. Locally sourced stone and native desert plantings create a common ground rooted in a sense of place for the diverse and growing community of Palm Springs and its visitors. You will find a plaque dedicated to Nellie Coffman in the grove. Inspired by Indian Canyons Indian Canyons are the ancestral home of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians. These canyons are especially sacred to the Cahuilla people and are historically significant. The Cahuilla people thrived there for thousands of years. The Palm Springs Downtown Park design draws inspiration from local natural features of Indian Canyons. For example, Indian Canyons has the largest natural grove of a particular palm tree (washingtonia filifera) that is indigenous to Palm Springs. The park includes a thick grove of this unique palm tree that makes you feel like you are actually in Indian Canyons. Meander through the pathways and native plants, exploring our new downtown nature. The palm trees also offers ample shading. Tahquitz Canyon Waterfall Tahquitz Canyon is home to a spectacular seasonal 60-foot waterfall created through an ancient rock irrigation system. Hollywood director Frank Capra used the falls as a backdrop in his 1937 film “Lost Horizon.” In the film, the waterfall is called Shangri-La. Tahquitz Waterfall is the inspiration behind the impressive waterfall at the Downtown Park and complements the native landscaping. Just in front of the waterfall is a dancing water feature that also includes ever changing mist and smoke. Other Features Also available are two picnicking eco-lawns and amphitheater seating for community events. Adjacent streets will act as an extension of the park, allowing flexibility for larger gatherings. There are public unisex bathrooms with an outdoor hand-washing station that sits next to a new Palm Springs police substation. This provides officers a new downtown location to monitor the city and keep the Palm Springs Downtown Park safe for everyone. By Randy Garner
Holiday Shopping – Palm Springs Style Wed, October 20, 2021 by Randy Garner The past year has prompted us to reevaluate our fundamental priorities. We cherish quality time with friends and family, look forward to showing them how much we adore them and appreciate the personal touch now more than ever. So, finding the perfect gift this holiday season has become a merry, mirthful mission. Sure, online shopping is convenient, but cyber-browsing makes it impossible to find those unique, quirky, memorable keepsakes that define your loved ones. When you spot an item on the shelves, you must have, your eyes light up the same way the recipient’s face will beam when they open the glossy wrapping paper on your holiday morning. Shopping in Palm Springs is a celebration unto itself. Strolling our storefronts during the crisp embrace of fall will warm your heart throughout the season. So, walk with us, and let’s explore the best Palm Springs holiday shopping haunts, neighborhood by neighborhood… Shopping In The Uptown Design District The most challenging part of checking off your to-do list is deciding where to start. Before zeroing in on a precise purchase, you must pick a general category, right? Wrong! Indecision is encouraged at The Shops at Thirteen Forty Five. This creative collective blends artistic expression with consumer indulgence and the range of offerings mirrors the diversity of your inner circle. For him, Towne Palm Springs specializes in men’s apparel and tchotchkes. For her: Daydreamer, a fashionable enclave that sells ladies’ attire with an edge. For all: FOS Palm Springs – light up your life with fixtures and designs as bold as your imagination. And that’s just the tip of the Uptown Design District iceberg. Destination PSP presents a dizzying mix of local flair and touristy pizzazz. If you already live in Palm Springs, congrats! You’ll want to stock your shelves with midcentury majesty in the form of place settings, clocks, and dishware that reflect your passion for fashion. And if you’re visiting, congrats and a half! You’ll want to impress your friends and family with swag commemorating your trip to our stylish hometown. Kitsch and cool go hand in hand at Just Fabulous, a gift shop with attitude and gratitude. The eminently friendly staff can guide you through their stacks of cards, coffee table books, and collectibles with boundless glee. As you enter the dazzling space, the owner often greets you with a “fabulous” hello, working in the store’s title effortlessly and earnestly. The name of the game at Iconic Atomic is wonderful and weird. If you have a hard-to-please person on your radar, you’ll (somehow) find the right present at this outpost of the outrageous. Iconic Atomic will ignite your curiosity and generosity from tiki treasures to couture galore. Consider the custom resort wear at Seaplane Shirts if you’re shopping for the guy who’s got it all. Each outfit embodies individuality, crafted from small-batch textiles and brimming with enthusiasm. This dashing destination puts the Design in the Uptown Design District. Palm Springs Holiday Shopping Downtown Now that your shopping is popping get some souvenirs to match! Trevor Wayne creates pop art that transcends genres, combining classic horror with Golden Girls chic and blending them all with a side of bananas. How appealing! Trevor emblazons his brilliance on various surfaces, from mugs to hats to coasters. In other words, he’s a gift to gift-buyers everywhere. Goldenheros Peepa’s is another essential stop on your Palm Springs pop culture tour. It offers inappropriate greeting cards, incorrigible humor, and indescribable innovation in every corner of the shop. Its fierce fashions fit both men and women, but they also blur the line between genders in fun, flirty, fabulous ways. For a more traditional aesthetic, visit one of the many vintage shops that have put Palm Springs on the midcentury map. Mitchells Palm Springs features throwback styles from mild to wild! Their spectrum of offerings is sure to suit someone on your shopping list. Now that your fashionista friends are covered give their interior designs a makeover. PS Homeboys is a showroom with a lot to show for itself. Even the most discerning decorator on your list will marvel at the accessories at this home staging Mecca. But holiday gifting isn’t always about big gestures; great things also come in small packages. Stuff your stockings with sweets from Lolli & Pops or travel back in time just a few short steps away at Balboa Candy. If your special someone is avoiding sugary treats this season, get savory! Olive A’Sudden has perfected the art of oils and vinegars, with offbeat flavors like black cherry balsamic and blood orange olive oil. So, experience a dash of daring on your downtown shopping spree before pivoting to our next points of interest… Smoke Tree, Sunrise, and The Springs The eastern frontier of Palm Springs provides a bevy of laidback destinations, each of which invites bargain hunters to cash in on cachet. Here, you’ll find a range of retailers at The Springs. Home goods waltz with apparel shops and a healthy dose of restaurant choices to keep your treasure-hunting trek on track. Just west, travel down Sunrise and peruse eateries like Aspen Mills Bakery & Cafe. They can refuel your shopping safari in the short term and cater your upcoming holiday soiree down the road. Win-win-grin! As you reach the southern end of Sunrise, navigate to nearby Smoke Tree Village. This open-air gallery alleviates gift shopping stress with a pleasant aplomb. Jewelry, stationery, and flowers are all blooming in the Smoke Tree neighborhood for your attention. And if you want to mine a true hidden gem, stop at Ace Hardware next door. This may sound like an odd holiday shopping recommendation, but it’s a real game-changer! Locals refer to this location as “the Nordstrom of hardware stores.” Truly, you’ll forget the nuts and bolts of everyday home maintenance as you browse festive décor, pool accessories, and general fabulousness. Ace is the place, indeed! Don’t Forget To Treat Yourself! Locals and visitors alike will rejoice at the leisurely pace of the Palm Springs holiday shopping scene. There are no hectic crowds, no needless hustle-bustle, just stylish gifts aplenty! You’ll be so inspired by the goods and services you’re bestowing on your loved ones that you will inevitably want to treat yourself. Nosh on seasonal treats at Peninsula Pastries, work off those calories with a pedal party on Sunny Cycle and keep the great times flowing at Bootlegger Tiki. Even if you already live here, you can always live louder! So, crank up the Christmas cheer, holler with the Hanukkah spirit, and immerse yourself in holiday happiness with an extended outing in Palm Springs. Stay at one of our welcoming resorts or book a vacation rental. Where better to spend your December/January break than the capital of cool? Merry everything, intrepid shopper. You’ll find precisely what you seek in beautiful, bountiful Palm Springs. You May Also Like: Uptown Design District Guide
Fall in Love with Palm Springs Thu, October 7, 2021 by Randy Garner The Best Autumn Activities The hardest word to say is goodbye. When you are living your best life, you want the joy to last forever. That’s why it is always bittersweet when summer ends. You wish the sun, fun and relaxation would glow infinitely. But in Palm Springs, you don’t have to bid adieu to the vacation vibes you cherish so dearly. Summer gets an extended reprieve here in the desert as temperatures nestle into a welcoming harmony of crispness and comfort. For example, the average high temperature in November is 79 degrees. While others put on coats, we put on bathing suits. Autumn signifies change and growth, bridging the frivolity of warm awakenings and the reality of an oncoming winter slumber. To make the most of fall in Palm Springs, we have raked up a pile of leaves so that you can frolic in their amber embrace. Seasonal Fall Bites The harvest brings foodie freshness from the ranch to the table. Fall celebrates an abundance of locally sourced produce, proteins, and pumpkin-spice-everything. Revel in refreshing ingredients at the appropriately named FARM. It’s the perfect place to start the day. Dig in for French succulence with an array of crepes and omelets, then wash it down with a fresh juice squeezed from California’s finest. Your taste buds will enjoy a trip around the world! Sunday brunch is the reason for the season. Spencer’s, in the famous Palm Springs tennis club neighborhood, is a local favorite. It stays busy, so be sure to make a reservation. Dine outside on one of the largest outdoor patios in Palm Springs. A Palm Springs classic anytime. Try the popular Maine Lobster Omelet. As day turns to evening, be sure to keep your appetite warm with a bevy of dining options. Lulu California Bistro picks the peak products for an autumn well spent. Their strawberry salad, cantaloupe gazpacho and wild mushroom soup will prime your engine as you explore the luscious landscape ahead. They also offer a 3-course weekend brunch. Enjoy lot’s of patio seating and sunshine. Copley’s provides a fusion of freshness that wonderfully characterizes the spirit of the season. From East Asian inspiration to New England ingredients to SoCal ingenuity, this award-winning eatery is a premier destination for your autumn calendar. And while we’re on the subject, it’s never too early to plan for Thanksgiving. Trio is a downtown mainstay, offering a hearty menu for anyone fortunate enough to call Palm Springs home for the holidays. And the iconic restaurant is already styled in a fetching Halloween orange hue. No trick – just treats! Fall Hiking and Biking Now that you have refueled for the season, it’s time to put your protein to great use. Take a hike at one of the convenient trails located near the heart of town. Andreas Canyon is a cradle of cultural finds, showcasing irrigation and artistic achievements of the Cahuilla indigenous people. It’s one of the three canyons in Indian Canyons and offers beautiful views meandering along a natural creek. For a more challenging hike, consider the trailhead tucked fashionably behind the Palm Springs Art Museum. While you’re there, visit one of the many fascinating design and architecture attractions that make our city famous. Your hike continues from manmade wonders to natural spectacles. The waterfalls of Tahquitz Canyon are truly astounding, flanked by lush greenery and picturesque wildlife. The crisp water rushing past you tumbles 60 feet from apex to completion. You’ll really fall for it! Your autumn sojourn would not be complete without a leisurely trek through town on your own rental ride. Bike Palm Springs is stocked with electric cycles and traditional pedal-powered models, so customize your experience accordingly. Even their storefront is Instagram-worthy, featuring all the colors of fall as re-imagined in midcentury pastel shades. Many of the hotels and resorts also offer complementary bikes. You can also take a bike tour with Big Wheel Tours. Ride on! From Sunshine To Snow The beautiful San Jacinto Mountains is the backdrop to Palm Springs. You can visit the top of the San Jacinto Mountain via the The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. It’s the world’s largest rotating tramcar. It travels up over 2.5 miles along the breathtaking cliffs of Chino Canyon. The weather is about 30 degrees cooler, so you can go from warm to cool weather in a 10 minute tram ride. It’s known to have snow as early as November. You can go from t-shirt, to coat, back to swimsuit in a fall afternoon. Only in Palm Springs! Outdoor Fall Events Will you be in town Thursday night? If not, rearrange those plans! VillageFest rocks Palm Canyon Drive every week with a dazzling array of delightful fare. Fall hours are 6 – 10 pm. Nosh on finger foods from area restaurants, gaze at visionary pieces by local artists, and shop to the max at a bevy of business stands. The only thing missing is you! Modernism Fall Preview is a four-day long “mini-Modernism Week” featuring more than 50 events, including tours, talks, and parties. It’s a nice kick-off to the active fall social and recreational season in Palm Springs. Palm Springs Modernism Week is each February with a larger range of activities, tours, and events. The gem in our autumn crown is Palm Springs Pride, a blast of rainbow realness that invigorates our hamlet the first weekend of November. While other cities clamor for attention in June, we take our time and chill out until the scene is properly cool. The bars on Arenas Road overflow with inclusiveness, brunches throughout town heat up heartily, and the parade route wraps its love-is-loving arms around us all. Welcome. While you’re still enjoying the fall vistas, let’s chart a path to some must-attend al fresco diverse events. The courtyard at Oscar’s is a playground of icons and up-and-comers. Their spacious dining floor, balcony spillover and festive bar provide ample views of headliners who run the gamut of entertainment. From drag queens to kings of comedy and legendary musicians, Oscar’s really puts on a show! Stay Your Own Way Speaking of welcomes, you will definitely want to book a lengthy visit once you get a taste of fall in Palm Springs. Great news: you picked the perfect time (go, you!) because the rates are reasonable and spaces are available. Whether you prefer boutique intimacy or a larger resort presence, unforgettable stays await in our friendly berg. You may also opt for a vacation house rental to accommodate friends, family or fellow travelers you meet during your trip! The beauty of autumn shimmers in its endless flow of feels. You bask in the memories of summer, you prepare for the bracing beauty of winter, but most importantly: you appreciate the majesty of the here and now. Schedule your fall follies in the splendor of Palm Springs. We can’t wait to share the season with you. Cheers! Written By Kevin Perry
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