Architects Who Built Palm Springs: William Cody Fri, August 13, 2021 by Randy Garner By Randy Garner William Cody (1916-1978) was retained to alter the Desert Inn in 1945, his first commission in Palm Springs. He completed the Del Marcos Hotel in 1947, his first independent commission, which was recognized by the AIA Southern California Chapter with an honorable mention. Palm Springs became a fashionable weekend and winter retreat post-World War II for the rich and famous. William Cody’s career began to flourish along with the city. He decided to move his practice and his family to Palm Springs. The Thunderbird Dude Ranch hired Cody in 1950 to change it into the Thunderbird Country Club. This led to other commissions, such as altering clubhouses, recreational facilities, and residential developments. This included the Eldorado Country Club (with Ernest J. Kump), Tamarisk Country Club, the Racquet Club, and the Tennis Club. He began almost a decade of work in 1960, altering and expanding the Palm Springs Spa Hotel (demolished). William Cody’s specialization in country club clubhouses with related residential developments led to additional commissions in California, Arizona, Texas, Cuba, and Mexico. His residential projects emphasized critical elements of Modernism. This included simplicity of form, natural light, and large windows offering a seamless connection between residential interiors and the outdoors. Because any one style did not box him in, it made his style hard to pin down and often overlooked in architectural circles. William Cody was licensed to practice architecture in California and Arizona by 1946. Cody’s celebrated designs include the Abernathy Residence, Palm Springs Library at Sunrise Park, St. Theresa’s Catholic Church, and the L’Horizon Hotel. William Cody Residence, 1946 1950 E. Desert Palms Drive William Cody’s contemporary home was built on different levels following the contour of the land. It offers walls of glass with structural steel framing and sliding doors from two of the bedrooms and living room openings to a screened and shaded inner garden court. In the center of the tile-floored living room is a fireplace brazier and tables and foam cushions to form a conversation grouping in a sunken area known as “The Pit.” Other unique features are a bomb shelter, a retracting ceiling over Cody’s bed, a toy closet, and pivot doors. This is located in the Sunrise Park neighborhood. Del Marcos Hotel – 1947 225 W Baristo Rd In 1947, William Cody received his first independent commission for completing the Del Marcos Hotel, which opened in 1948. The owner of the modern-styled resort was S. W. Marcos, a winter resident, and a real Villager. Dorothy Levin Residence, 1948 1940 E McManus Drive Desert Palm Estates – 1951 Developer Jack Meiselman approached architect William Cody around 1950 to design a series of three-bedroom/two-bathroom houses for him for a cluster of parcels within the Desert Palms Estates tract. Surviving drawings indicate what appear to have been two plans and three elevations for each plan, for a total of six designs. Park Drive borders them to the north, McManus Drive to the south, Sunset Way to the east, and other tract parcels to the west. These homes are now part of the Sunrise Park neighborhood where William Cody lived. L’Horizon Hotel – 1952 1050 E Palm Canyon Dr L’Horizon was built in 1952 as the private family retreat for the television producer, oil tycoon, and legendary hotel owner Jack Wrather and his wife, Hollywood actress Bonita “Bunny” Granville. He is best known for producing the Lone Ranger and Lassie. She was in Now, Voyager with Bette Davis. Wrather commissioned architect William F. Cody – known for his desert modern work – to design his retreat with a cluster of guest houses as hideaways for his Hollywood friends. Bette Davis is on the left, and Bonita Granville is on the right. Wrather’s property was a playground for Hollywood’s elite throughout the 1950s and 1960s. This included Marilyn Monroe, Betty Grable, and other VIPs like the Nixons and Reagans. Over the past few decades, the property fell into disrepair and lost its glamour. That is, until Los Angeles-based “designer to the stars” Steve Hermann learned that the property was for sale and snapped it up. L’Horizon was reopened in July 2015 after a multi-million dollar renovation. The William Perlberg and Bobbie Brox House – 1952 888 N. Avenida Palmas Cody continued to explore simple forms with flat or gently sloping shed roofs that reduced the dimensions of column and roof structures to a minimum, creating light profiles. Racquet Club Cottages West (RCCW) – 1960 360 W. Cabrillo Road, Palm Springs, CA 92262 (historic address 2743 N. Indian Avenue) This was designed by William Cody and built by developer Paul Trousdale. Today, it consists of 37 units (54 “historical” units) in 18 buildings and two structures. Located at the western end of the complex, the pool is surrounded by a large open landscaping area. This serves as a buffer between the pool and the westernmost units. A fence enclosing the pool was added (at an unknown date), presumably due to safety requirements. Although detached, the westernmost buildings of the complex are arranged in half-circles, creating an enclosure for the common center courtyard. The units and site of the RCCW complex have only seen some minor alterations. As a result, the essential characteristics of form, plan, space, structure, and style have survived intact. Abernathy Residence – 1962 611 North Phillips Road William Cody designed the house in 1962 for James Logan Abernathy. He was a wealthy socialite in Palm Springs and the son of a pioneering furniture manufacturer in Kansas City. The residence is formed by two L-shaped sections linked at their joints by a central square unit. But it is more notable for its ample outdoor areas. Most of the outdoors are encompassed by an overhanging roof that spans nearly 10,000 square feet (929 square meters) – doubling the home’s livable footprint. New York-based architect Michael Haverland restored the house in 2012 with designer Darren Brown and architect Thomas Morbitzer. The project included maintaining its original details and décor while upgrading the home’s windows and outdoor spaces. Credit: Dezeen Commercial Gas Station – 1964 2796 N. Palm Canyon Drive The station opened under the name “Tramway Shell Service Station.” It was lauded in the Desert Sun for its modern design and amenities. Alterations to the property include the 1984 addition of a mini-mart/convenience store to the west façade of the service garage, fronting N. Palm Canyon Drive. Other alterations to the property include replacing the gasoline fueling pumps and concrete islands in 1991. Additionally, the boarding up of original troffer lighting recessed within the canopy and the addition of new fluorescent lights to the underside of the canopy. Finally, a metal storage enclosure is added to the east façade. You can still fill up here! St Theresa Catholic Church – 1968 2900 Ramon Rd The 10-foot marble altars were carved in Italy to Cody’s precise specifications. The sculptured ceilings drape like tented fabric, and the clerestory windows welcome broad rays of strategic natural light. The main entrance at St. Theresa is at the base of a cross shape. Outside, you will be greeted by red and yellow stained glass in a pattern William Cody designed. It shimmers in the morning sunlight. However, the space darkens dramatically as you move through the heavy wooden doors. The floor is slate, the ceiling is that same dark wood, and light sneaks in through clerestory windows. Glass House – 1967 755 Cam Norte The Palm Springs Glass House, designed in 1967, is an exceptional example of William Cody’s work. It showcases his magic by combining international minimalist style with the indoor/outdoor way of living so emblematic of Palm Springs in the mid-century. Called the “master of thin” by other architects, Cody’s fragile roof floats above a glass house that is almost perfectly symmetrical. A master wing flanks a 40 x 25 foot central pavilion at one end and kitchen/guest quarters at the other end. The front yard, shielded from the street by walls of slump stone (a signature Cody detail), imparts a distinctive oriental feeling like that of a zen temple rock garden. Additionally, the protective walls at the street ensure privacy for the occupants of the glass temple within. This arrangement allows the owner and guest to absorb garden, mountain, and city views. Palm Springs Library – 1975 300 S Sunrise Way Carl Lykken donated $10,000 in 1971 to be used for the construction of a new city library. He was one of Palm Springs’s pioneers and a 29-year Palm Springs Library Board member. The city passed proposition “R” for seven new recreational facilities, including a new library. Of the money raised, $104,733 went to William Cody for the library design. The building was expected to cost $1 million. It was to be built on what was then the Polo Grounds but is now by the baseball field. Groundbreaking was in June 1974. Contractor Peter Kiewit built the new central library for $1,418,000. A central and spectacular focus in the new building was the indoor fountain set in a skylighted atrium. The Friends Of The Library donated the decorative fountain tiles and tile work. You May Also Like: Desert Modernism Palm Springs Architect – Charles Du Bois Palm Springs Architect – E. Stewart Williams Architects Who Built Palm Springs: Dan Palmer & William Krisel
American Legion 519 – A Legion of Legacy Thu, August 5, 2021 by Randy Garner Bridging the Past with the Future at American Legion Post 519 Written by Kevin Perry Remembrance is an act of love. When Lee Wilson, Jr. discusses the history, especially about the American Legion Post, he performs a jitterbug through time, bouncing effortlessly through decades without losing sight of the soul of the people he memorializes. It feels as though he knows each subject, praising their accomplishments like they’re in the room with him. Owen Coffman “Owen Coffman, he was a Stanford graduate; this guy was Palm Springs royalty as part of one of the founding families of Palm Springs.” Wilson refers to the grandson of Nellie Coffman, the founder of the Desert Inn, who is also considered a matriarch of our hometown. The Desert Inn was the second resort in Palm Springs, and Palm Springs was put on the map. They named American Legion Post No. 519 for Owen after his death in WWII, but the organization’s history stretches further back than that. Earl Coffman, owner of the Desert Inn and founder of the Palm Springs American Legion with his son, Owen Coffman World War I “The original American Legion was founded in 1918 by World War I veterans in Paris,” notes Wilson. “And then posts immediately started springing up around the country. By the way, the early Legions and VFWs were the only places during Prohibition where you could probably buy a beer.” The king of jocular asides, Wilson continues, “Excuse my language, nobody wanted to screw with the veterans… So, during Prohibition, Legions and VFWs were the only places veterans could get a beer or a cocktail or something. It was an open secret.” Post-World War II It’s no secret the military commemorates its heroes openly and passionately. Honor is infused in the very foundation of American Post 519. Wilson narrates, “Construction started in the summer of ’47, and it was built by Ryland Pinkard. His son was killed in World War II at Saipan, and he wanted to build the Legion to honor him.” Architecturally Significant Prestige has shimmered from every corner of the hall since its inception. “American Legion 519 is a Class 1 historical building in Palm Springs. We were designed by the architects John Porter Clark and Albert Frey.” Wilson relishes his opportunity to speak for the structure. “As the historian since 2012, I’ve learned so much about that place, not just the architecture. We’re one of the few examples left in Southern California with a lamella ceiling… it’s a wood-frame sort of Quonset structure that is self-supporting, so it doesn’t require any poles to hold up the ceiling.” However, that ceiling was obscured by panels and air-conditioning equipment when the Riverside County Court rented the space. It was used for municipal storage, but its potential could be allowed. “Once we’re refurbished,” predicts Wilson, “we will be the coolest place in Riverside County, easily. Our Hollywood history, for example, goes back to 1948 with the very first radio broadcast coast-to-coast from ’48 to ’54.” That’s a segue fit for the airwaves. Take it away, Tom McLean… Early Radio Days “All of live radio happened on stage,” explains McLean, Vice President of amateur radio club K6TAL. “When I say ‘live radio,’ people go dumb. There was no TV back then. None whatsoever.” Big bands were big business, and only the grandest facilities in the nation could handle the rigors of broadcasting. “There were two recording studios: one in Los Angeles, one in New York. But all the celebrities were out here. I mean everybody: the Rat Pack, Doris Day, David Niven. I mean, the list goes on and on… They decided, ‘Let’s build this,’ and the Legion Hall was the only building that could accommodate it at the time. So ABC and CBS built this back in the 40s… It was sent through phone lines to Burbank and Los Angeles on a 50,000-watt transmitter.” Palm Springs was officially on the entertainment map, drawing celebrities to the spotlight. McLean lists them off like he’s hosting an epic dinner party. “Bob Hope, Bing Crosby, Jack Benny, Cary Grant, Groucho Marx, Al Jolson, Eddie Cantor. These are just a few of those who were here.” Bing Crosby and Bob Hope share the NBC microphone stationed at the American Legion Post No. 519 to broadcast the Kraft Music Hall variety show. And they pressed their luminous lips to some of the “buried treasures” McLean and Lee Wilson found when they reopened the American Legion 519 stage after decades of shuttering—one such find: a 1948 microphone used by Judy Garland herself. Listen to Audio Listen to a Kraft Music Hall snippet broadcast from the American Legion Post No. 519 starring Al Jolson. Cary Grant was one of the movie stars who participated in the American Legion Post No. 519 live broadcasts. Hidden Treasures “That’s the original microphone. We have provenance on that. We’ve been offered a chunk of change for that,” McLean beams proudly. “We took that microphone apart and scraped off a quarter inch of nicotine from the inside. Because back in the day, in the 40s and 50s, one of the sponsors was Lucky Strike.” As the smoke cleared, McLean also found military memorabilia lurking in the mounds of forgotten artifacts. “I think you’ve heard of the Navajo Code Talkers? One of our members donated that radio to us. It’s one of the originals. Try and pick that up.” McLean brings history to life by allowing us to (carefully) hoist the cumbersome WWII battlefield radio contraption off its mantle. “They had to carry that around on their back, which did not include the batteries.” Inspired by the heroism of the past, the American Legion’s radio station still serves as an emergency communication center, and it echoes with decades of esteem. “The history is phenomenal,” concludes McLean with an understated breath of awe. Music is the Key of Life Just outside the radio booth, another priceless wonder dominates the American Legion 519 stage. “We’ve got a 1905 Salon Grand Steinway that, again, Al Jolson, Jack Benny, all those guys played on our piano.” Wilson continues, “It needs to be restored, which will be part of our restoration process.” Judy Garland, Al Jolson, and pianist Oscar Levant were on stage at Post 519, playing on our 1905 Steinway. Wilson praises a fellow Legion member who has dedicated her free time to polishing and preserving the Steinway piano. “Her name is Claudette Bradley, and she’s cute as a button. She was a Marine Corps classically trained pianist. She played for President Carter, even, at the White House.” American Legion 519 is a source of revelry—then, now, and in the very near future. “We’re the only place in Downtown Palm Springs that can hold up to 250 people to see bands and stuff like that,” invites Wilson. “We should be hosting national bands because we’re just a perfect location. We’ve got all these cool hotels that are popping up around downtown. A lot of young people are coming to Palm Springs now. And so I’m trying to get us involved.” American Legion 519 Is Not Just For Veterans “Even though the American Legion Hall is technically open for veterans and their friends and family, we have events open to the public.” Wilson also describes how veterans at American Legion 519 are incredibly willing to sign in guests for a night of entertainment and inclusion. “We started holding events on Saturday nights during the COVID crisis outside when they loosened regulations. We had DJs and bands. It was so cool. You wouldn’t believe it. And we’re just down the street from the Marilyn Monroe statue now. So we’re a perfect location. We had disco dancing with disco lights for these Saturday night events for younger people. It was really, really fun outside. We have the most historic stage next to the Plaza Theatre in Palm Springs.” Service and Sacrifice Amidst the joy of concerts and community outreach, Wilson never wavers from his core mission. “We’re sitting on a gold mine between our architectural history and Hollywood history because we want to do more things for younger vets… We can just let veterans know that we’re there for them. We’re going to have entertainment for them. ” In addition to social events, American Legion 519 is a bastion of other valuable resources. “We have what’s called a veteran service officer. We have you covered if you’re a veteran and need help with your VA claims. Fallen Heroes “I also founded the Palm Springs Fallen Heroes Project. It honors our local 27 service members killed in action in World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Iraq, and Afghanistan. I started that project. We have a display at the Air Museum.” But commemoration is more than just a duty to Lee Wilson, Jr. – an honor. “I’m the only teacher in the Valley who’s had two former students killed in action. Ming Sun. He was a student of mine and graduated from Cathedral City High School in 2004. He was killed in Iraq in January of 2007. Another former student of mine, Suresh Abayasekara Krause, was a helicopter pilot and was killed in Afghanistan. His helicopter was shot down, and all on board were killed in August of 2012.” He graduated in 2001. Tragedy flickers through Wilson’s voice as he eulogizes his fallen pupils. He regards the Legion as their forever home, so he strives hard to keep improving and evolving the space. Marching Towards Progress Change is never easy, but it is usually necessary. As Wilson perseveres to perk up the American Legion 519, perception is one of his biggest obstacles. “We’re trying to change our image. To attract younger veterans. To be more eclectic.” With a self-effacing chuckle, Wilson soldiers on. “You can imagine if we restore this place with modern TVs, a modern sound system, and modern internet—wow, just think of it! Everybody in Southern California would want to hang out… I’m trying to get us involved,” concludes Wilson emphatically. “Find sponsors, find bands, and, wow, this could be the little acorn that grows into something big.” With the help of visionaries like Lee Wilson and Tom McLean, American Legion Post 519 flourishes from the aforementioned acorn into a tree of life and legacy. We salute its continued growth. You May Also Like: Women Pioneers of Palm Springs Palm Springs Visitor Center History
The Curative Case for Cannabis Mon, August 2, 2021 by Randy Garner The Oasis of Wellness: Explore Cannabis Dispensaries in Palm Springs Palm Springs has emerged as a haven for wellness enthusiasts seeking alternative remedies. With the growing acceptance and legalization of cannabis, the city now hosts a range of wellness cannabis dispensaries that offer a unique and holistic approach to health and well-being. One of the key advantages of visiting wellness-oriented cannabis dispensaries is the availability of knowledgeable staff who can guide you through your cannabis journey. These experts have extensive knowledge about strains, dosages, and consumption methods, helping you make informed decisions based on your individual needs and preferences. Whether you are a novice or a seasoned cannabis enthusiast, their expertise ensures a safe and personalized experience. Embracing CBD Cannabidiol, or CBD, has gained significant popularity for its potential therapeutic benefits without the psychoactive effects of THC. Many wellness cannabis dispensaries in Palm Springs place a strong emphasis on CBD products, ranging from oils and tinctures to edibles, topicals, and bath products. These establishments recognize the growing demand for CBD’s wellness properties and provide a wide range of options for customers seeking its potential benefits. Palm Springs Dispensaries Downtown Dispensaries The Lighthouse Dispensary is staffed with cannabis consultants ready to educate and inspire you with the best products on the market. Chat with one of their attendants to help you find exactly what you’re looking for. If you need a bit more guidance, sit down with one of their cannabis consultants for an in-depth conversation about how their products can serve your needs. Open 11 am – 9 pm daily. Holland Pharms is the first black owned dispensary in Palm Springs. They are located at 150 N Palm Canyon. Open 9 am – 10 pm. Four Twenty Bank is arguable the largest cannabis dispensary and consumption lounge in Palm Springs, if not the world at 10,000 square feet. The lounge provides a friendly atmosphere where visitors can socialize, connect with like-minded individuals, and explore the world of cannabis in a safe and enjoyable environment. What unique about the Four Twenty Bank is they have live entertainment and dancing. There is also an arcade and pool tables. 269 S. Palm Canyon Drive. Open Sunday – Wed. 10 am – 8 pm. Thur. – Sat. open 10 am – 10 pm. The Coachella Valley Green Dragon dispensary offers a wide range of high-quality cannabis products, including flowers, edibles, concentrates, and more. With a focus on providing exceptional customer service, the Green Dragon strives to create a welcoming and knowledgeable environment for both experienced cannabis users and newcomers alike. is located at 353 S. Palm Canyon. Open Monday – Sat. 9 am – 9:45 pm. Open Sun. 10 am – 8 pm. Hits Cannabis Studio has a number of retail stores in Southern California. The Hits Cannabis Studio is their flagship boutique. It has a vibe unlike any other and feels more like a high-end retail store. You will love the music if you like classic vinyl. Don’t look for sales. This is very centrally located downtown in the Percado Plaza. 155 S. Palm Canyon Drive, Stuite A1. South Palm Springs Off The Charts Palm Springs is located in south Palm Springs by the curve. This is a family-owned business that values high product quality and customer service. They make it simple for customers to read labels and research products before making any purchase. Unlike many other dispensaries, they are permitted to provide medical guidance to help you reach your health goals. 1508 S. Palm Canyon. Off The Charts has a second location on Williams Road that combines a dispensary and lounge, which is one of the ways Off The Charts aims to connect with the community and visitors to provide the ultimate overall experience. Here you can try your product right after purchase. 757 Williams Road. Open 6 am – 10 pm. Rockstar Cannabis Dispensary offers a range of products. There is a friendly guard to help you feel safe. They often offer special discounts or deals. 530 S. Indian Canyon Drive. Open 9 am – 9 pm daily. The East Side Reefer Madness Lounge is a large 1,800 square feet space with a lounge and some classic arcade games. LGBTQ+ owned, this establishment is packed with sensory delights that pair brilliantly with their delectable array of edibles. The wide range of merchandise includes major brand names, locally grown and manufactured products, certified organic and popular season favorites. There is an array of medicinal products as well. On the corner of Ramon road and Williams Road. 4690 Ramon Road. Open 8 am – 9:45 pm daily. Fire & Flower is Canada’s largest cannabis retailer. 4810 E. Camino Parocela. Open Tue. – Fri. 10 am – 8 pm. Open Sat. Noon – 8 pm. Closed Sunday. North Palm Springs With over 10 years in the cannabis industry Higher Vision Cannabis Dispensary their vision is to offer a retail dispensary inspiring an environment of knowledge and awareness. Hey offering only the highest quality marijuana and CBD products and employing knowledgeable cannabis specialists. This is a bit hidden at the corner of Gene Autry and E. Vista China in the small business district. 1251 Montalvo Way, Unit F. Open Sun. – Thur. 9 am – 10 pm. Open Fri. & Sat. 9 am – 10 pm. The Palm Springs Dispensary is located off the I10 freeway at Indian Canyon Drive. They offer a vast selection of high-quality cannabis products within a comfortable, clean, and professional environment. Their bud-tenders are knowledgeable and can provide recommendations for the specific needs of both medical patients as well as recreational consumers. 690 Garnet Avenue. Open Monday – Saturday, 9 am – 9pm. Open Sunday 10 am – 7 pm. Things To Know Bring I.D. and Cash. The federal government and states have bickered over legalization fo years, which makes credit card companies leery of running afoul of federal law by facilitating sales. Because of this, nearly all dispensaries have an ATM on the premises. Debit card usage may also be permitted. Expect your identification to be checked before you are admitted into the main sales area. There are Limits Dispensaries may sell a maximum of 28.5 grans to each customer or 8 grams of concentrates (including edibles). Keep A Lid on it. Think of the contents like booze; You’re not allowed to have an open container in the car. Keep everything wrapped until you are able to use it in a private place. California Department of Cannabis Control
Hidden Food & Drink Gems Tue, July 13, 2021 by Randy Garner Palm Springs’ Best Kept Dining Secrets By Kevin Perry Humans are inherently curious. We love discovering new places, exploring our surroundings, and devouring excitement wherever it simmers. Once we find eating and drinking spots that nourish our stomachs, they become part of our souls. There’s no more incredible gastronomical thrill than sharing your favorite establishments with friends. “You really have to try…” Your voice lowers to a whisper as you list your preferred menu items with a sense of hushed reverence. Even though you are proud of your discovery, you don’t want the whole world to know about it. We respect your discretion, and we share your love of hidden gems. That’s why we have assembled the following list of secret, sacred, succulent options lingering in the Palm Springs culinary landscape. Off the Beaten Path The two main streets lining the downtown drag are fun and festive. However, the humble connector passageways between Indian Canyon and Palm Canyon feature dining and cocktail options that you must not miss. Bold colors and even bolder flavors beckon you to the appropriately named El Patio, an outdoor enclave decked out with primary hues and essential morsels. Local ingredients meld together for a refreshing escape from the ordinary. For a no-frills, yes-please seafood meal, paddle over to Shanghai Reds, located in the Fisherman’s Market & Grill collective. (In)famously reviewed by the late, excellent foodie legend Anthony Bourdain, Shanghai Reds is just a stone’s throw from the hottest bars in town, yet offers enough seclusion for you and your special someone. Quiet Collaborators Palm Springs is synonymous with synergy. We work together, we play together, and we break bread while building bonds. Our hometown boasts some of the most wonderfully shared spaces in the world, seamlessly combining leisure and satiation all under one stylish roof. Exhibit A: Counter Reformation, a dimly lit getaway situated firmly in the dazzling contours of The Parker resort. Their medieval-themed menu contrasts amusingly with the ultra-modern surroundings to obliterate all expectations. Stroll the grounds, and you’ll also find hidden gardens. Now that your mind has been sufficiently blown delve further into the eclectic at Amigo Room. This friendship of quirkiness and quenched thirst lives comfortably at Ace Hotel, providing weary travelers with man cave sensibilities and crafted beverages galore. Another resort/restaurant mashup is sizzling to perfection at The Heyday. Located inside the Uptown Design District, this throwback diner proudly serves its signature Smash Burger with locally sourced beef and caramelized onions, all snuggled seductively between two griddled potato buns. This is so hidden that even many of the locals don’t know about it. But don’t take off just yet; PS Air is soaring to new heights of hidden grandeur. Guests sit in first-class and coach seats and order drinks, including the Jet Lag and Black Box, off a menu styled like an airline safety card. Sharing real estate with Bouschet fine wines, this drag stage struts its stuff among Palm Springs’ most coveted speakeasies. Speaking of which… Credit: George Duchannes Speakeasy, Socialize Hard No trip to our esteemed empire would be complete without a steak dinner at Mr. Lyons. And while their Rat Pack legacy is no secret, you might be surprised to find an intoxicating alcove lurking behind Lyons’ side curtain. Welcome to the Land of Oz, aka Seymour’s. This speakeasy evokes the Roaring 20s in all of its gilded allure, pouring inventive concoctions for eager hipsters who stumble upon this shimmering Shangri La. Credit: Seymour’s While we’re strolling down memory lane to the prohibition era, be sure to stop at Bar Cecil. Excess marks the spot in this new kid on the Palm Springs block, so stop in and welcome them to the party! Credit: Bar Cecil No review of neighborhood speakeasies would be complete without visiting Paul Bar/Food. Their oak accoutrements absorb the light, immersing guests in a den of decadence. Indulge in hearty food and wash it down with rich libations like the Black Manhattan. Start spreading the news! Come Out of Hiding Reemerging from lockdown and resuming our way of life has been pure ecstasy, but we still crave some privacy amidst the revelry. Palm Springs brilliantly balances the need for external connection with the yearning for internal satisfaction. For example, Del Rey feels like your own personal lounge, yet it summons tastemakers from all over Southern California. The muted décor is warm and inviting while the menu bristles with excitement and innovation. Credit: Del Rey Palm Springs presents visitors a vast array of endless possibilities in the realm of wine-and-dine transcendence. Dig into the stealth sublimity of our cuisine scene and share your findings with everyone you know… or keep it to yourself – we won’t tell!
Welcome To The Block Tue, July 6, 2021 by Randy Garner Discover the Central Hub of Palm Springs Downtown Palm Springs has always been the central hub of things and continues to expand and offer many activities that are even more entertaining and fun. The Block offers all the shopping, dining, and excellent public spaces; there is so much to do and see. Let’s Take A Tour of The Block Designed by Whitney Wolff Food + Drink is always a good place to start. We begin at the corner of Palm Canyon and Tahquitz, where you’ll find a large open-air plaza with plenty of public seating. Kick start your morning at Starbucks Reserve, which sits right on the corner, within steps of everything on The Block. It’s not your typical Starbucks in either its décor, experience, or menus. Across the plaza is Juniper Table at The Rowan, which serves thoughtfully sourced Southern California fare inspired by bold Mediterranean flavors. Juniper Table brings artful food and drink to Palm Springs. Between Starbucks and Juniper Table is Il Corso, where you’ll experience genuine Italian hospitality, serving a wonderful variety of authentic Italian dishes, fresh salads, and homemade desserts. Just North of Palm Canyon and Museum Way is the Tommy Bahama Marlin Bar. It is a relaxed refuge where you can unwind with a cocktail and light fare and enjoy a large, laid-back outdoor patio. Stroll up Museum Way, and you’ll find Hause of Poke. What is Poke? It is a raw fish salad served as an appetizer in Hawaiian cuisine and sometimes as an entree. Poké is the Hawaiian verb for “section” or “to slice or cut.” Here, you build your own custom Poke in six easy steps. Head West toward the Palm Springs Art Museum, and you’ll discover one of the newer neighbors on the block, Stout Burgers & Beers. It feels like an upscale neighborhood restaurant and pub offering many artisanal draft beers. For a more casual fair, swing by Blaze Pizza and grab a fast-fired pizza made with fresh ingredients. Top it off with something sweet at Lolli and Pops. As the name implies, it’s a great place to satisfy that sweet tooth. Shopping on The Block Shopping always checks the box for a fun thing to do, especially in the warmer temperatures. For The Ladies Shop Francesca’s boutique for a collection of on-trend women’s clothing, dresses, jewelry, shoes, and unique gifts. Exquisite embroidery amplifies the opulence of seasonal favorites at Johnny Was with vintage-inspired fabrics and prints. From dreamy dresses to ultra-flattering denim, your new wardrobe is waiting at Free People with boho-inspired fashion. Glam It UP Explore new beauty and best-selling products for your custom look at Sephora. Kiel’s offers a complete collection for premium skincare products including creams, serums, and cleansers. Even More H&M offers fashion and quality at value pricing in a more sustainable way. Pair it with flip-flops and sandals that never go out of style at Havianas. The contemporary design of unique modern furniture and home décor at West Elm fits nicely with the Palm Springs lifestyle. Public Art Is All Around Forever Marilyn Forever Marilyn greets you on Museum Way with the San Jacinto Mountains in the background. Unity Mural Unity Mural is the backdrop featuring Amanda Gorman, the Inaugural poet. Artist Mister Alek painted Gorman surrounded by butterflies and the word “unity.” The scene depicts the powerful reading of her original poem “The Hill We Climb” when Joe Biden was sworn in as president in Washington, D.C, on Jan. 20. Isabelle Isabelle is the work of Julian Voss-Andreae, a renowned Quantum Physicist turned sculptor. It is a site-specific work to showcase everything that Palm Springs is known. She captures the brilliant sun and beautiful colors through polished stainless steel by day. By night, custom lighting plays on the glitz and glamour of Palm Springs’ vibrant nightlife. PS I Love You This 3D sign is great for an Instagram moment on the public space steps away from Isabelle. Plan Your Stay on The Block An ethereal desert beauty permeates every experience at The Kimpton Rowan Palm Springs Hotel, where urban enchantments meet epic scenery. You May Also Like: Palm Springs Revs up the Hip Factor
Dynamic Duo Couples Tue, July 6, 2021 by Randy Garner Palm Springs Couples in Life and Business By Barbara Beckley It’s no secret Palm Springs is perfect for couples. Boutique inns. Rooftop cocktails. Romantic alfresco dining under the stars. But did you know many of the businesses that help shape Palm Springs that we know and love are owned and operated by dynamic duo couples? Let’s meet some of them. In Shag Style Dynamic Dou Couple: Jay Nailor and MiShell Modern We think of Shag – aka Josh Agle – as a solo talent creating hip retro Palm Springs art. And that he is! But The Shag Store is in partnership with modernism enthusiasts Jay Nailor and MiShell Modern, whose business/marketing acumen have much to do with Shag’s fame. Before they knew Shag, it was “the perfect house that brought us to Palm Springs,” remembers Nailor. He and Modern had met in Tempe, Arizona. He was traveling for his family’s company, Nailor Industries, which manufactures commercial HVAC equipment worldwide – and Modern was a model-turned Southwest Airlines gate agent. “I stalked her,” Nailor jokes, “and she signed a marriage certificate instead of a restraining order.” In 1997, they bought Arthur Elrod’s original Movie Colony home, moved into it in 1998 and Nailor became a board member of the Palm Springs Preservation Foundation. By lucky coincidence, the twosome was considering art as a side-business when they met Shag in 2003 through the preservation foundation. Shag had designed the “Desert Polynesia” cover on the 2002 PSPF Tribute Journal. “Would you show with us, if we opened a gallery?” they asked. “Our rapport was instant,” recalls Nailor. “We loved Shag’s art and he loved our gallery space and promotional ideas.” So Nailor and Modern opened the M Modern Gallery and featured a month-long solo exhibit of Shag. In 2010, they opened The Shag Store. It’s because of Nailor and Modern that Shag has expanded his designs into oh so cool apparel and home goods. His only criteria for merchandise is that “it must have a function,” explains Nailor. Hence the socks, shirts, scarves, martini glasses, handbags and even a record player – which sold out in a week! And in store parties! Now back on track, look for Shag Release Parties to light up The Shag Store with live music, complimentary cocktails and Agle in person. Josh Agle Read More Dynamic Duo Couple: French Flair Better than France! That’s what these two couples thought. Lucky for us, they brought the taste of their homeland with them. Angelique and Christophe Robin A single Palm Springs vacation in 2018. And in less than a year Angelique and Christophe had sold their restaurant in Biarritz on France’s southwest coast, moved to Palm Springs with their two daughters and bought L’Atelier Café. While this talented twosome enjoys a new lifestyle, they stuck to tradition food-wise, preparing and serving breakfast and lunch as if they are still in Biarritz. Christophe leads an all-French kitchen team creating classics like the favorite Escargot au Beurre d’ail, and Croque Monsieur and Croque Madame. Even better, their menu features unique southwestern French recipes from Christophe’s grandmother. “It was my grandmother Esther’s cooking that inspired me to become a chef,” he says. Must-trys include the Esther Platter, a delicious mix of scrambled eggs, hazelnut and cranberry stuffed brie cheese, sautéed potatoes, Grand Ma Apple Cake, green salad and French baguette. Dynamic Duo Couple: Helene and Christophe Meyer This talented couple moved from Paris to Palm Springs (a compliment to Palm Springs, for sure) some eight years ago. In Paris, Christophe was a French head pastry chef. So he, too, continued his profession and with Helene, opened Peninsula Pastries baking as if he were still in a Parisian patisserie/cake shop. Credit: Palm Springs Life Christophe and Helene are so Parisian-precise that they import – yes, import – authentic French flour and AOP French butter Isigny Ste Mere. And have a French staff including the French head bread maker and professional baker who kneads and bakes all the baguettes and breads daily; while Christophe creates the pastries. What’s the best seller? “We have two,” says Helene. The Kouign-Amann (like a Parisian sticky bun). And the Butterscotch Pecan Twist. “There is no butterscotch in France. It’s an American invention,” Helene says. “So we created this ourselves.” You May Also Like: Couples Escape to Fun!
Lights, Camera, Coming Attractions! Fri, June 25, 2021 by Randy Garner The Palm Springs International Film Society Rolls Out the Red Carpet As the old saying goes: art imitates life. And no medium provides a more compelling reflection of the human experience than film. Motion pictures pack 24 frames of imagery into every second of screen time. That’s 24 opportunities to laugh, love and live our celluloid dreams on the biggest screen imaginable. “Film really gives us all a chance to experience something communally,” declares Palm Springs Film Society’s artistic director Lili Rodriguez. “Even if it’s not inside of a movie theater.” The past year deprived us of the ability to gather in the glowing warmth of the flickering silver screen, but Lili and her team never stopped serving groundbreaking entertainment like so much hot-buttered popcorn. Palm Springs International Short Film Festival “During the pandemic, we’ve been doing mostly virtual screenings on our virtual platform” she narrates. But the Film Society is about to roar back to in-person screenings, and it all kicks off with ShortFest 2021. “It’s one of the very first film festivals in California that’ll hold all of its screenings indoors. And so, that’s really exciting!” Launching into the main event, Lili continues, “It’s just a real privilege to be able to mount something that’s in person and promotes that culture of going back into the theaters. There are 295 films in the official selection, which is a little scaled back from what we normally do. Normally there are about 330 plus short films every year, but this year, because we wanted to allow for more time in between screenings for cleaning and for load-ins, we scaled back the program slightly.” Despite the minor dip in entries, the Palm Springs Film Society has amplified its commitment to variety. “You really can expect everything. We really program every single genre in each program because we do so many films. So, there are dramas, comedies, science fiction, horror, films for families. There really is just a little bit of everything. And I think that’s in line with what audiences who come to the Palm Springs ShortFest every year are used to.” The Oscar®-qualifying Palm Springs ShortFest is the largest short film festival and market in North America. Palm Springs International Film Festival But June’s festivities are just the opening act in the Palm Springs Film Society’s year-round captivating calendar. “We do ShortFest, which is the short film festival in the summer. And then we do the feature film festival, which is normally in January and will be back in 2022. Mahershala Ali attends the 30th Annual Palm Springs International Film Festival Film Awards Gala at Palm Springs Convention Center. (Photo by Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images for Palm Springs International Film Festival ) A Brief History – The biggest driver of the Palm Springs International Film Festival’s emergence was, Sonny Bono, who felt that a film festival was exactly the kind of event that might extend the truncated tourist season in Palm Springs. That first year’s Festival, in January of 1990, was an immediate success, drawing more than 17,000 filmgoers in the course of its five-day run, and generating positive press coverage from publications including the Los Angeles Times, Variety, and The Hollywood Reporter. The quality of the programming attracted film industry participants, media coverage, film buyers, and great directors in droves. The Palm Springs Film Festival Gala is the first to kick off the award season at the beginning of January. In addition to curating the best in international cinema, PSIFF has come to be known as the first stop on the road to the Academy Awards®. It now is a star-studded powerhouse attracting such stars like Kate Winslet, Brad Pitt, Naomi Watts, John Travolta, Nicole Kidman, Cate Blanchett, Daniel Day-Lewis, Charlize Theron, Jake Gyllenhaal, Liam Neeson, and Bradley Cooper attending the Festival’s Awards Gala to receive awards. Bradley Cooper attends the 30th Annual Palm Springs International Film Festival Film Awards Gala at Palm Springs Convention Center. (Photo by Rich Fury/Getty Images for Palm Springs International Film Festival ) Reaching the Community Throughout the year, we have a membership program, and we do normally, in-person screenings of films that are about to be released.” The wonders of cinema reverberate beyond the theater’s walls and into the souls of our citizenry. “We also do community events with partners,” beams Lili. “We do a summer series with Sunnylands and then we do a fall series with the Palm Springs Art Museum. So, we do some free community events.” But as much as the Palm Springs Film Society enjoys reaching out, the ultimate goal is to pull audiences in. “Being around people, it’s going to be really special,” Lili anticipates. “We really miss the audience experience.” Rami Malek attends the 30th Annual Palm Springs International Film Festival Film Awards Gala at Palm Springs Convention Center. (Photo by Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images for Palm Springs International Film Festival ) Growing nostalgic, she elaborates, “Nothing quite compares to being in a theater with other people and talking about the movie, either right after the screening or waiting in line. So, I think that’s really special, and it’s always a real treat to put faces to the teams that make these movies that we’ve been talking about and obsessing over for months. So, that’s always really special, in general, but this year, after going over a year without meeting filmmakers, it’s going to be, I think, extra emotional for me, personally.” Lili’s link to the landscape is paramount. “I’m a local of the desert. And so, for me, this idea of community is really important, but specifically the film community that we’ve built up at the Film Society, it’s the thing that really kept us going throughout the pandemic… It was wonderful to reconnect with our members on a different level. And so it’s everything, really.” As the soundtrack swells, we near the end of our feature presentation. Lili summons her passion and puts it all in perspective for us. “It’s more than watching movies. It’s more than watching something on your phone or in your living room. Film festivals really give you that space to go out and to connect with people who… Who like sort of the same things that you do. You know, how common is it to find, in this day and age, people who geek out over short films, right? It’s, it’s maybe a small, but very diehard group of folks. And so that’s really what we want to tap into. And that’s, I think what’s at the spirit of the Film Society. It’s a society; it’s about your relationship to other people and how cinema can bring us all together.” What a perfect finale. Thank you, Lili Rodriguez. Roll end credits. Palm Springs International Film Society (760) 322-2930 By Kevin Perry
Imagination Takes Flight Thu, June 24, 2021 by Randy Garner Welcome to the Palm Springs Air Museum Ever since human beings have walked the earth, we have dreamed about flying above it. Manned kites date all the way back to China, circa 500 B.C. Fast forward to the early 15th century, when Leonardo da Vinci drafted schematics for mechanical wings and parachutes shaped like pyramids. Even our earliest superheroes embraced the notion of impossible ascension. Superman was able to “leap tall buildings in a single bound” and two years before his 1938 debut, The Phantom haunted our imagination as “the ghost who walks.” But heroes are not relegated to comic book pages and blockbuster films; they also walk among us. “We have 320 docents and they form the backbone of the facility,” declares the Palm Springs Air Museum Vice Chairman & Managing Director, Fred Bell. “About 80 or 85% of them are aviators or retired military. And so you can come to the Air Museum and talk to somebody that actually flew one of the airplanes, which is highly unusual they get to do that.” The museum is fully committed to its military heritage, welcoming active service members and their immediate families into the sprawling establishment, free of charge. Now celebrating its 25th year of operation, the collection has been a labor of love for all involved. Palm Springs Air Museum’s Original Vision In late 1993 the idea for a Palm Springs Air Museum sprang from the imaginations of three men: Charlie Mayer, Pete Madison and Mort Gubin who agree that nothing could have happened without the many early volunteers. Charlie, Pete & Mort were conversing one day when Charlie said “Why not an air museum with WWII Warbirds right here in Palm Springs?” Former P-38 pilot Pete Madison had just bought Bob Pond’s home, and knew Pond had a collection of Warbirds and classic cars. Pond was trained as a Naval Aviator and declared his willingness to help. Thanks to his support and contacts in aviation, the concept moved forward. It began with Bob Pond’s 14 vintage aircraft and has grown to 75 aircrafts. Mr. Bell joined the museum’s board three years into its infancy, and he has relished the personal appeal of the exhibits ever since. “There are no barriers with our aircraft, so you can walk right up to them and touch them. Bob was very focused on that, that the people had a hands-on experience.” As his voice reaches cruising altitude, Bell continues, “He felt very strongly about that. And the rest, as they say, is history.” Great Event Space The museum’s legacy is storied, indeed. Splash House, for example, established the Palm Springs Air Museum as an after hours hotspot. Splash House is booked for another trip to the tarmac. As for the daytime allure of the museum, Fred Bell is elated to see a return to its enduring glory. “As we welcome people back, it’s nice to see all of their smiling faces. Guests are transported to the past, enthralled by the present, and looking forward to even more in the future. The Nighthawk Rises “Our newest addition is an F-117 stealth fighter that will go on display in November,” teases Bell. The upcoming exhibit, The Nighthawk Rises in the new Houston Pavilion will add to the museum’s already impressive grandeur. “We have one of the largest collections of aircraft on the West Coast. We have a lot of one-of-one or very rare airplanes. You can spend at least four hours in the museum and not see it all.” Bringing our conversation in for a landing, Bell transitions to the topic of the museum’s readiness for the next slate of eager visitors. “We’re waiting to greet them. We’re looking forward to seeing them again.” While Bell and his colleagues appreciate all museum attendees equally, he has a particular affection for those who are in the early stages of their journey through life because the sky truly is the limit on what they can learn about aviation. “To see the kids running around and just the smiles on their faces and people so happy to be out and about, especially in Palm Springs, which is such a destination travel area, it really brings joy to my heart.” You have brought our love of the Palm Springs Air Museum to new heights, Fred. Thanks so much, and we’ll see you on the runway! Book A Flight
Welcome Back Marilyn Tue, June 22, 2021 by Randy Garner Forever Marilyn Returns to Palm Springs Joshua John Miller, Grandson of Bruno Bernard and Chairman of the Bernard of Hollywood brand, spoke at the Forever Marilyn unveiling in downtown Palm Springs on June 20, 2021. This is his story how his famous grandfather, Bruno Bernard, helped launch the career of Marilyn Monroe. Joshua John Miller [Bruno Bernard (February 2, 1912 – June 3, 1987) also known as Bernard of Hollywood, was an American photographer best known for glamour photography of Marilyn Monroe and others.] “The woman we know as Marilyn Monroe, was born right here, in the City of Palm Springs. It Began with Photographer Bruno Bernard My grandfather, Bruno Bernard, known as Bernard of Hollywood, met Marilyn in Los Angeles one day as he was leaving a dental appointment. They struck up a conversation and became fast friends. Both of them were strangers in a strange land, Hollywood in the 1940’s. My grandfather was a refugee from Berlin during the Nazi occupation and Marilyn, Norma Jean, was an orphan who bounced around foster homes her whole childhood. They immediately forged a friendship for the rest of their lives. Where my grandfather was already on the rise as one of the top glamor photographers in the business, with photo studios on Sunset Boulevard, and even here on Palm Canyon, Marilyn was still struggling for a break, having only scored bit parts thanks to a contract with Fox that was running out and not being renewed. Marilyn wondered to my grandfather one afternoon whether she should just throw in the towel. But my grandfather convinced her, he said “Let’s go to Palm Springs.” There was a place called the Palm Springs Racquet Club. Marilyn at Palm Springs Racquet Club If you don’t know what it was, it was sort of the Studio 54 of the 1940’s and 50’s. He was the only photographer allowed on the grounds of the Racquet Club at the time and he took a picture of every golden age star that would stay there. He also kept all their secrets so they trusted him with their pictures. When he brought Marilyn into the Palm Springs Racquet Club, she felt as if this moment was going to change the rest of her life. New Year’s Ever – 1948 It was New Year’s Eve, 1948, and he brought her to a New Year’s Eve bash. He introduce her to a gentleman by the name of Johnny Hyde, who happened to be the President of the William Morris Agency (represented some of the biggest names in Hollywood). Well, he fell in love with Marilyn and Marilyn fell in love with him and he basically constructed with Marilyn… But what people have to understand is that Marilyn wasn’t built by the studio. She built the studio. He created her image. She created the dream that other people, white, black, green, orange, any gender, that you could be anything that anyone wants to be if you go after it. That’s what Marilyn represented and that’s what my mother, Susan Bernard, who carried my grandfather’s legacy, always taught me. As a person that’s part of the LGBTQ community, I’ve always felt inspired by Marilyn’s moxy and determination to make a stand in the world as an artist and as a woman. Marilyn was a woman who, when Ella Fitzgerald was performing at a nightclub, no one would come see her in the early days. Marilyn said if I go to the nightclub every night, will the press come and cover this amazing African American singer? She helped put Ella on the map! That Iconic Picture Over the years when Marilyn rocketed to fame, she and my grandfather stayed good friends. The relationship leading to the iconic picture inspired the statue before us today. The Seven Year Itch, a movie Marilyn was shooting, was doing reshoots on the Fox lot. But unfortunately, there were two reasons it had to be reshot. Her husband, Joe DiMaggio, was not happy she was letting her skirt fly in the wind. But Marilyn, being Marilyn, does what Marilyn wanted to do. So she did 50 takes. Later they reconstructed the whole set for the Seven Year Itch on the Twenty Century Fox lot. My grandfather was invited to join her had was the only photographer allowed on the set. This time the effect worked. When the breeze made Marilyn’s skirt go flying, he laughed and my grandfather snapped the picture that would cement her as not only a star, but as a legend. That night, she would tell my grandfather, she would never forget, she had become Marilyn partly because of his support and his belief in her, and Palm Springs. Her words to my grandfather were, “It all started with you.” So, in many ways, Marilyn started here in Palm Springs. So it’s fitting that she’s back again.” Welcome Home Forever Marilyn.
Welcome to PS Underground Fri, June 18, 2021 by Randy Garner Breaking Bread, Shattering Expectations It’s a question you ask every night: What’s for dinner? Whether you are feasting solo, dining with a partner, or preparing a meal for the whole family, you crave a steady diet of diversity and excitement. And you are not alone. “There are very few places where you can go and actually connect with people,” explains PS Underground visionary Michael Fietsam. “You can go to a bar, you can go to a nightclub or whatever, but it’s usually just your own little pod and group. And so for us, this whole thing started as just a way to make people happy.” For Fietsam, the path to an audience’s heart is through their stomachs. “The food that we offer for our events is unique and top quality.” The secret ingredient is intrigue. “When you go onto the PS Underground website,” narrates Fietsam, “that gives you some of the information about what you’re going to experience at one of our dinners, but also there’s some secrecy. You don’t know how many people are attending. You kind of have a hint of what to expect, but we don’t reveal too much. A lot of our events are theme-oriented, so people will come in some sort of costume or garb depending on what the event is. And we never reveal our menus in advance, which is another unique thing of PS Underground. Most of our brunches, when we do brunches, are four or five courses and our dinners can be upwards of seven to 10. We also follow the guidelines of the dietary restrictions of those around the tables. And so it’s all kind of a little bit intrigue, but also a great deal of fun. That’s what PS Underground is in a nutshell.” Cooking UP the PS Underground Concept “We started this nine years ago and it was really just a group of friends around a table in a little rented bungalow,” he recounts. “Everyone just kind of chipped in enough money to cover the cost of the wine and it quickly grew from there.” In conjunction with his partner David Horgen, Fietsam sought to make meals into true events. “We had our own catering kitchen and we started by doing pop-ups all over town in warehouses, art galleries, rooftops, gardens, just anywhere we could kind of find a place to put our table.” Cuisine fuels PS Underground’s imagination, flourishing from the placemat to parts unknown. Each morsel is woven into a larger narrative, and Fietsam takes great pride in the stories he tells. “Our themes are very varied, anywhere from a wild and crazy bodacious bingo game, all the way up to one of our most avant-garde dinners called Light, which uses a lot of technology, projection mapping and all different kinds of lighting and sound effects. And everything with that show is kind of timed like a choreographed dance.” Pausing for reflection, Fietsam adds, “We’ve done about 170 different themes.” As it turns out, variety really is the spice of life. And if you think those numbers are impressive, get a helping of these… “We went from doing eight events the first year to 25 events the second year. And the year before COVID hit, we did 187 events.” Even though the pandemic halted operations for a year, PS Underground perfectly positioned themselves to welcome diners back once it was safe to do so. “We moved into a permanent location in February of 2019. This really allowed us to take our concept to a whole new level with state-of-the-art lighting and sound system built into the building and a brand new kitchen and full bar.” Crafted Cocktails + Smell DJ “All of our events include the full bar, so we create specialty cocktails. This is another way of kind of enhancing the dinner. These specialty cocktails are created specifically to pair with the theme or even in some aspects pair with a particular course.” Indeed, beverages help shape the PS Underground experience even before the food makes its debut. “Most of our events start with a cocktail or a little cocktail meet and greet reception before everybody sits at the table. This gives people an opportunity to get to know each other a little bit before they’re sitting down for dinner.” Once settled, guests are transported to a robust new reality via their sensory steering wheel. Dazzling illumination sets the stage, musical ingenuity floods the soundscape, and even the olfactory system guides the way to nourishment nirvana. “We actually have what we call a smell DJ,” Fietsam whispers conspiratorially. “This is somebody that’s actually in the corner of the room and through each course toasts different herbs and spices that match the food that happens to be in the dish that we might be serving. And so that is one of the elements as well. And certainly all of our events are very tactile.” Get Ready to be Wowed That’s right: in addition to being mouth-full, visitors are sure to be hands-on. “There’s some sort of audience participation,” announces Fietsam. “For instance, in one of our shows, it’ll be a real quiet moment in the dinner and then all of a sudden we’ll have somebody come up and do a spotlight to sing some really grand iconic song and we’ll hand out candles to everybody and they’ll hold the candles in the air and sing along with whoever the performer might be.” Regardless of the lineup, PS Underground invariably wows their audiences. “Some shows sell out very, very quickly. Some as quickly as 20 minutes” Fietsam gushes. “All of our events sell out pretty well in advance.” Even though PS Underground has reason to boast, Fietsam maintains an earnest humility. The term people person is an understatement when it comes to his passion and mission statement. “Our goal from the beginning was to meet new people and to do it in an environment where it’s comfortable and safe, but we’re also very big proponents of our community. Meaning, we do a lot of special events, fundraisers and things like that for different organizations throughout the desert. Everyone has been so supportive of what we do that we want to try and give back as much as possible. So whenever we can, we’ll do a special price fundraiser or free event.” PS Underground’s strategy pays off with smiles by the mile. “We’ve heard of people that have made long lasting friendships, business relationships and things, just from their interaction with each other at one of our tables.” So if you’re hungry for desert fusion with a heaping side of inclusion, book a table at PS Underground while the tickets are piping hot! By Kevin Perry
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