And the Winners Are… Fri, August 9, 2019 by Randy Garner Palm Springs Restaurant Awards When you enjoy a truly triumphant meal, every bite is a victory. Your senses shine a spotlight on each morsel, your mouth savors the playful performance of the ensemble of ingredients, and your taste buds give a standing ovation to the gastronomical tour de force. This award-worthy experience is on delicious display at a plethora of stellar Palm Springs eateries. Though our hometown is quaint on its façade, it marinates in a concoction of international acclaim and upscale ambition. The culinary industry has taken note, as evidenced by the avalanche of trophies served to the restaurants listed below… Le Vallauris While some restaurants are satisfied with an A rating, Le Vallauris prefers AAA. The travel tastemakers bestowed their coveted Four Diamond designation to this Palm Springs institution. This is an honor that only 2.1% of their 32,000 reviewed restaurants can boast. Their awards includes the TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence title, but its real esteem lies in the company it keeps. Their dining room has welcomed a array of celebrities, from Suzanne Somers to Dustin Hoffman to Barry Manilow. It cements its reputation as the actual “hottest spot north of Havana.” SO.PA In the restaurant industry, there is no higher distinction than a Michelin star. The shimmer of one such star was still gleaming on Giacomo Pettinari when he was the founding head chef of SO.PA. This is the extravagant dining room tucked pleasantly within L’Horizon hotel. Pettinari has since passed the esteemed baton to Jason Niederkorn, known for his hearty flavor profiles that put Aspen’s Hotel Jerome on the gourmet map. He elevates simplicity to an art form. Try plates like Pan Roasted Grouper and Braised Short Rib with Pickled Peaches. The coveted Boutique Hotel Awards (boutiquehotelawards.com) recently recognized both L’Horizon and SO.PA for their hospitality prowess, the latter specifically for its mastery in the culinary realm. Open your heart to Open Table and book a reservation to transcendence… Zin Bistro A meal is a vacation unto itself. Your table provides accommodations, your waiter is your tour guide, and your beverages deliver a shore-side escape to the perfect pairing. Wine is the raison d’être of Zin American Bistro, the serene hideaway right in the middle of downtown. Their deserving drink menu has racked up a staggering four Awards of Excellence from Wine Spectator, a lofty number indeed. When you schedule your meal online, pay close attention to the specials associated with each timeslot. Truly, each visit to this Bistro uncorks a unique coupling of value and decadence. Workshop Kitchen + Bar Atmosphere is the element that embraces a restaurant, sweeping its patrons into a compelling waltz of sights, sounds, and succulence. The design of Workshop transports its guests from the antiquities of its silent-era movie theater origins to a modern masterpiece of feng shui. The layout earned the restaurant a James Beard Award for excellence in atmospherics, celebrating the surroundings that reflect its rustic attitude with no-frills flourishes. The menu reads like an action movie; Diver Scallops with Braised Pork Jowl face off with Wood-Fired Pizza and Mesquite-Grilled Pork Chops for dominance in an ever-swirling battle to conquer your palate. As you navigate their reservation portal, take note of Workshop’s choices of community tables vs. courtyard options and the daily specials that pop up accordingly. Sandfish Sushi & Whiskey Pairing sashimi with a robust adult beverage is daring, but daring is the catch of the day for Engin Onural. His knife skills sliced up the competition at the World Sushi Cup. This crowed Onural as one of the top 30 practitioners of his craft on the face of the globe. Sip on that as we continue by mentioning the Scandinavian design of the space. It adds yet another layer to the already intoxicating mélange of western boldness and eastern refinement. The fine folks at Eater recently named Sandfish as one of the essential dining experiences of Palm Springs, which explains why their calendar fills up so fast. Johannes Move over, apple pie, because the United States has a new national dish: Weiner Schnitzel. That’s the opinion of the vaunted Best Chefs America, who crowned Johannes Bacher one of the top tastemakers in the country back in 2013. Never one to rest on his laurels, Johannes snagged a Diners’ Choice Award from Open Table in 2018, and the future looks as golden as his trophy case. In addition to the aforementioned Schnitzel, Bacher captures an international appetite with selections such as Malayan Meatballs, Japanese Ahi Tuna, New Zealand Lamb, and Smoked Idaho Steelhead Trout. No passport required, but be sure to book your table ahead of time; the space is intimate and in demand. Shanghai Reds Like a pearl in an oyster, this seafood enclave is tucked in the Fisherman’s Market complex on South Indian Canyon. A winner of TripAdvisor’s Certificate of Excellence in 2015. Shanghai Reds colors us impressed with every refreshing menu item. In addition to receiving acclaim on Desert Magazine’s Best of the Valley list, perhaps the highest praise they have garnered is a visit from the late, great Anthony Bourdain. Hew was reeled in by Shanghai’s Baja Fish Taco. We are honored to feast in his former presence and honor his eternal culinary legacy. Trio Another year, another accolade for the eatery that rightfully claims the title Where Palm Springs Eats. In 2017, they took home an Experts Choice Awards… in 2018, it was Wine Spectator’s turn to honor Trio with their Award of Excellence. And in 2019, diners voted their concoctions to be the Best Craft Cocktails in the Coachella Valley Independent. Yelp has ranked Trio as the #1 restaurant in Palm Springs, owing its triumphant reputation to a party attitude and professional staff. To join the festivities and enjoy an award-worthy experience in the making, book your reservation now – and be sure to wear your best bright orange to fit in with the locals! Uptown’s Trio Restaurant We’d like to thank the myriad award-winning restaurants that contribute to our unparalleled foodie landscape. In true acceptance speech manner, our time is limited, so before the music plays us off, we invite you to experience the gastronomical wonders of Palm Springs for yourself. Congratulations on all these Palm Springs Restaurant awards. Bon appétit!
Meet Kimberly Renee, owner of Desert Adventures Fri, August 2, 2019 by Randy Garner Your Fun Starts at Palm Springs Desert Adventures By Barbara Beckley What’s a girl to do? When your Mom creates the first Jeep tour company in the desert – grows it into the biggest and best – and then tells you she’s going to “retire.” Follow in her footsteps, of course. “It’s a fabulous company,” gushes Kimberly Renee, daughter of Palm Springs Desert Adventures founder Mary Dungans. As of January 2019, Kim, and her husband, Boo Nilsson, are the sole owners of Desert Adventures. (He’s Swedish. Yes, “Boo” is his real first name. “It’s a common name in Sweden,” she points out.) Note: Desert Adventures is also known as the Red Jeep Tour. Like her Mother, Kimberly loves the desert and takes pride in being able to showcase all of its unique qualities. “Mother was a pioneer in developing the outdoorsy offerings of the Coachella Valley. Like her, I love being able to introduce people to a side of the landscape they otherwise wouldn’t see. The desert is filled with so much life!” “OMG, I had no idea there is so much going on in the desert.” This is the comment Kimberly and her guides hear frequently from visitors and locals. Locals are even more amazed. “I’ve learned more in three hours on this tour, than in 30 years of living here,” they say. It’s not by chance that Desert Adventures delivers top notch tours. Mary is one smart cookie. From the beginning, Mary’s killer instinct for marketing guaranteed that Desert Adventures’ experiences were unique and memorable. Unique Desert Adventure Experience No. 1. Palm Springs Desert Adventures is the Coachella Valley’s only tour operator with a private ranch. Not just any ranch. The 800-acre Metate Ranch, set smack atop the San Andreas Fault! With geologic formations unlike any others. “The earth is so pristine. Walking in the Slot Canyons — so narrow you have to turn sideways in places – you are literally following the seam where the Pacific and the North American plates meet,” enthuses Kimberly. “Guests love that the earth is jumbled every which way. Tilted up in places and at right angles elsewhere. Visible geological proof – usually hidden deep in the earth — that the plates are rubbing against each other.” No surprise, the “San Andreas Fault Jeep Tour” is their top selling tour. Unique Desert Adventure Experience No. 2. “Mom picked the vehicles,” recalls Kimberly. Jeeps. But again, not just any Jeep. Desert Adventures is the only tour operator with classic Jeeps — the seven-passenger Jeep Scrambler CJ8, manufactured between 1978 and 1984. With a fleet of 15, they boast the largest fleet of classic Jeep Scrambler CJ8s anywhere. Jeep aficionados get really excited, she says. Unique Desert Adventure Experience No. 3 Red! The Jeeps are bright red. “Mom loves red. And as a born marketer, she knew it’s a color that stands out. Classic red Jeeps set us apart from everyone else.” And make a memorable name, as in Red Jeep tours, the popular name for Desert Adventures. “Plus, pink was already taken,” admits Kimberly. Wait? What? Pink was taken? Desert Adventures is Born Scroll back to 1985. Mom is in Palm Springs on a meeting planner FAM trip (she had a small event/tour company in Seattle). The La Quinta Resort is impressed with her sales skills and hires her on the spot. Mary falls in love with the desert and joins La Quinta in 1986. Soon, she’s in group sales at the Ritz-Carlton Rancho Mirage, where she visits Sedona and takes a Pink Jeep Tours desert tour. Bam! The lightbulb goes on! “Gee! We could do jeep tours here,” Mary tells her husband, Charlie Dungans, Kimberly’s step-dad. A few months later, in 1987, they open Desert Adventures with one three-seat red Jeep. Charlie develops the tours and Mary sells them. Rated Desert’s Top Outdoor Activity Today, 32 years later, Desert Adventures is rated the desert’s top outdoor activity, offering a wide variety of tours from the San Andreas Fault to Palm Springs and Joshua Tree National Park to the Mecca Hills in the Eastern Coachella Valley for leisure and groups of up to 100; plus custom corporate tours; events, weddings, social functions, and photo shoots like Victoria’s Secret, and a Top Chef segment at Metate Ranch – all run by 43 “wonderful employees.” Kimberly helped out in the early years. But she also pursued her own interests – getting a social psychology doctorate degree in computer mediated social interactions, living in Santa Barbara and marrying Boo, the CEO and founder of a high tech start-up display company. Then Mom decided to retire. But not really. While Mary and Charlie live on Maui, Mary still handles Desert Adventures’ group sales, generating a whopping 80 percent repeat rate. The Guides Make The Difference Kimberly and Boo are in the desert at the helm. “I want to build on the family ambiance of our company,” says Kimberly. She plans on staying true to her Mom’s legacy of top quality guides for a top-quality experience. “It’s our guides who make us a success. “Several have been with the company since the beginning and many have been with us for 20 years. They have as much fun as the guests do.” No wonder. Thanks to Mary and Charlie’s training ethic, Desert Adventures guides are the crème de la crème. “Every guide has to take an eight-week training program (with tests and independent study). Even then there’s no guarantee you will be a guide, until you complete the course,” says Kimberly. “Not only do you have to know the history, flora, fauna, lore and Cahuilla culture – you have to deliver the information in an entertaining fashion.” Any new plans? “I’d like to expand the offerings at Metate Ranch,” says Kimberly. Stay tuned.
Power to the Public Art Wed, July 24, 2019 by Randy Garner Palm Springs Public Art By Kevin Perry Artistic expression can never be contained in a museum, a church, or a coffee table book. It is boundless and vibrant, spilling into the world and connecting humanity with every burst of color and curvature. Art weaves a shared experience through time, linking us to the masters of the past and beckoning future innovation. What better place to do so than in the glorious open air? No matter how you arrive in Palm Springs, you are greeted by wonder. It may include expansive desert vistas, picturesque mountain inclines, or one Palm Springs public art display. But pay close attention because these installations are as understated as they are unforgettable. Download the Public Art Map If your foyer in our hometown happens to be the Palm Springs International Airport, buckle up to be bowled over. Dale Chihuly’s Macchia bowl art graces our terminal, collecting rave reviews in its seductively speckled basins. This starkly contrasts the towering artistic achievement located at the base of the escalators to the international terminal; Christopher Georgesco’s Male Figure of Balzac eschews the titular author’s brand of realism in favor of an abstract 10-foot skewed obelisk. Its skewed surface is intriguing in its opacity, luring you further into the Palm Springs art scene… As you venture from the airport, plant your feet in fascination with a detour to nearby Kirk Douglas Way. Here, you’ll find a trio of works by French sculptor Jean-Claude Farhi. His geometric dominance encircles Machine Age, Le Campas de Vulcan, and Forget Me Not, three industrial outcroppings that act as guideposts to your expedition toward our inner circle of outdoor beauty. Palm Springs is known as a celebrity playground, and various art installations immortalize some of our most revered entertainment legends. Emmanuil Snitkovsky’s likeness of Mayor Sonny Bono graces the Plaza Mercado right downtown (there is also a bust of him at the Palm Springs International Airport); He also created Lucille Ball, and you can find her on the bench in front across from the Welwood Library at the corner of Tahquitz and Palm Canyon. This Palm Springs public art celebrates the late Gene Autry. It’s called Back in the Saddle Again, thanks to the De L’Esprie, and the sculpture is located at the corner of Gene Autry and Ramon Road. Not all of our residents are famous, but everyone contributes to the cultural tapestry of Palm Springs. Doug Hyde has captured the legacy of Agua Caliente Women and a Young Basketmaker at two points along Tahquitz Canyon. While these rustic figures hearken back to California’s native roots, Isabelle aspires to her future. Perched on the side of the Kimpton Rowan Hotel, Julian Voss-Andreae’s stylish cacophony of steel, concrete, and lights ushers visitors to an upscale vision of Palm Springs. You’ll find she looks different based on the time of day and where you stand. It’s a well-liked new piece of Palm Springs public art in the middle of downtown. Our local art celebrates global heroes, from the 9/11 Memorial at the airport fire station on El Cielo road to The Batter at our baseball stadium to Palm Springs founding father Frank Bogert on Horseback at City Hall on Tahquitz in front of the airport. This is also the site of Desert Reflections, a skeletal wire facsimile of our iconic SoCal landscape. Public art also decorates the grounds of the Palm Springs Convention Center on Amado and Avenida Caballeros, which was designed to emulate the natural desert landscape. The artwork, like Steve Tyree’s Crouching Cougar statue at the entry, emulates this. Here, you will find the creeping shadow of Michael Todd’s spare Daimaru XII sculpture and John Kennedy’s expressive one-two punch of The Entertainer and Sympatico. Simpatdido The aforementioned human silhouettes mingle with their four-legged friends across town. Karen and Tony Barone lend their fun canine couture to the outdoor art scene with Monsieur Pompadour and his feline friend Mademoiselle Coco, who cozy up to the Palm Springs Animal Shelter on Mesquite Ave. The Barones also flex their blue period at Fire Station #3 with R. Hero, an azure-hued pup who shares his name with a crimson twin sculpture at the public library. Abstract art is another hallmark of our public oeuvre. The serpentine embrace of Jungle Red emerges from the entrance to Warm Sands, courtesy of sculptor Delos Van Earl; La Vern Carroll’s Desert Hinge stands as a silent guardian of the Highland Gateway neighborhood; and John Clement has a triumvirate of colorfully coiled installations snaking their way throughout Palm Springs. Squeeze is at Palm Canyon Theater (538 North Palm Canyon Drive). Ithiel is at 777 East Tahquitz Canyon Way. Steve Reiman’s Escena Wind Wave greets you at the north entry to Escena Country Club with metallic arms reaching the dry desert air. John Mishler’s Wave Rhythms on Sunrise Way and Ramon at Sunrise Park are often missed. At the corner of Alejo and Palm Canyon is the undulating, hypnotic allure of the David Morris Rainmaker installation at Frances Stevens Park. The creativity of Palm Springs surges through every ravine and bluff, invisible to the naked eye yet palpable to the soul. It emerges in the art pieces described above and beats in the hearts of everyone who visits our cutting-edge community. Join the movement, which is already in progress. You May Also Like: The Art of Palm Springs City of Palm Springs Public Arts Program Art Lovers’ Guide to Palm Springs
Palm Springs Revs up the Hip Factor Wed, July 17, 2019 by Randy Garner A Quick Guide to Downtown Palm Springs For a city that has always had a swanky, classic appeal to it, there is a whole lot of fresh newness ready to be experienced in downtown Palm Springs. If it’s been awhile since you’ve visited the area, you may not be familiar with all of the brand-spanking-new storefronts, eateries and hotels that have joined the neighborhood. Source: Whitney Wolff The City of Palm Springs is proud to showcase our downtown that is a perfect scale for walking – it’s also the only real “downtown” in the entire Coachella Valley. Our reinvigorated downtown Palm Springs has retained its casual vie and is still a vibrant place to discover on foot (or bicycle). With multiple attractive public spaces to relax and numerous inviting outdoor patios for people watching Palm Springs is the ideal walkable downtown with spectacular mountain views just a glance away. Stay in Downtown Palm Springs Kimpton The Rowan Palm Springs has joined the row of picturesque, dreamy desert hotels that are seemingly indigenous to Palm Springs. Kimpton Rowan Palm Springs is the only hotel in downtown Palm Springs with a rooftop pool and restaurant. Each of the 153 spacious, light-drenched guestrooms and suites feature magnificent views of the San Jacinto Mountains and glimmering desert. Guests enjoy luxurious amenities including the rooftop pool and High Bar with private cabanas and day beds, picturesque views from the lobby and Window bar, two Chef-driven restaurants, 4 Saints and Juniper Table, a fitness center, hosted evening wine hour and more. The hotel has over 16,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor meeting and event space. Eats & Drink in Downtown Palm Springs Downtown Palm Springs is becoming a destination in dining. The Kimpton hotel has created two new full-service restaurants to experience. 4 Saints is the hotels’ fine dining establishment As the highest restaurant in Palm Springs, 4 Saints raises the bar — literally — on desert dining. Perched on the seventh floor of the Kimpton Rowan Hotel, our rooftop restaurant showcases clever cocktails and the global cuisine, set against a backdrop of 270-degree valley views. Tapas, small plates and dishes like the crudo, scallops with king crab and Alaskan halibut can be enjoyed here. Located on the main level with an outdoor patio, Juniper Table is a bit more casual with flatbreads, sandwiches, salads and a rotating craft beer list. The Rowan also features both street-level and rooftop bars. All are open daily. Juniper Table Just down the street to the north is Blaze Pizza. Blaze Pizza is a hip counter-serve pizzeria dishing up crispy, thin-crust pies made with creative toppings & sauces. Their assembly line format lets you build your own artisanal pizza. Then it’s just 180 seconds in their blazing hot over for fast fired perfection. Try the new simple salads and delicious desserts. Located just next to West Elm and a short walk to the entrance of the Palm Springs Art Museum. Those who love the morning ritual of tasty caffeinated beverages (or those who desperately need to beat their mid-day slump) will be sure to adore this new coffee addition. If you have never been to a “Reserve” branded Starbucks, it’s a specialty coffee lovers paradise. The good news? There’s now one in Palm Springs. The brand new Starbucks Reserve, located on Tahquitz Canyon and Palm Canyon, is equipped with offerings that you won’t find at your average Starbucks. It’s got a more chic, sophisticated look and has plenty of new options in terms of their coffee brewing methods and more unique add-ons to choose from, too. Tommy Bahama is our tropical oasis, right in the middle of Palm Springs. The Marlin Bar is a relaxed refuge, where you can unwind with a cocktail, enjoy some light fare, or treat yourself to organic soft-serve ice cream. It’s a laid-back outdoor space complete with umbrellas, mist on hot days and heaters on cool evenings. After a day of retail therapy, it’s the ideal spot to take in the vibrant energy of downtown Palm Springs. IL Corso is the newest dining spot opening it’s second location in Palm Springs just next to Juniper Table and H&M. Il Corso offers genuine Italian hospitality serving a wonderful variety of authentic Italian dishes – fresh salads, homemade pastas, wood oven pizza and delicious seafood. Great Happy Hour. Haus of Poke 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”. The traditional Hawaiian poké consists of fish that is sliced as a fillet, then served with traditional condiments such as sea salt, candlenut, seaweed, and limu. Lolli & Pops Lolli & Pops is a premium purveyor of sweets, candies and confections. This includes colorful French macaroons, marzipan fruits and a bulk bar that offers dozens of unique gummy bear flavors. Shopping in Downtown Palm Springs Modern home décor veterans, West Elm, are now local with their space on Palm Canyon. They offer an array of modern designs that fit perfectly into our mid-century modern style. Newly added clothing stores like Free People, H&M, Johnny Was, Havana Flip Flop, Francesca’s, have also opened up shop. H&M is a well know brand supplying on-trend clothing, swimwear, accessories & shoes at an affordable price-point located just next to the new Starbucks Reserve on the corner of Tahquitz and Palm Canyon. Dating back to 1851, Kiehl’s beauty chain offers skincare, hair & beauty products for men & women, located just a couple door north of H&M. And to round out the make-over, stop in the new M.A.C. , Sephora, and new Aveda counters. You May Also Like: Uptown Vintage Shopping
Architectural Gems: Resort Edition Thu, July 11, 2019 by Randy Garner Midcentury Resorts of Palm Springs By Kevin Perry Palm Springs is a landscape crafted in luxury and dominated by style. Our midcentury roots flourish into modern masterpieces, affirming our reputation as one of the world’s foremost tastemakers in architecture. But unlike other sterile destinations that must be admired from afar, Palm Springs has a lived-in appeal. Our midcentury resorts are as inviting as they are innovative, making your next stay a true work of art. Peruse the following structures and book your future trip at a throwback wonderland… The Desert Star Its playfully canted rooftops waltz in an endless intersection of whimsy and nostalgia, guiding your eyes to scan every meticulous surface of Howard Lapham’s 1954 triumph. Desert Star lives up to its name, shimmering with an olive green façade that is punctuated by Day Glo orange accents, but the vibrant colors belie the placid serenity of this tranquil foothill getaway. L’Horizon Hotel and Spa This truly is a tale of two bungalows (or 20, to be more precise). This midcentury resort design harkens back to the excess glamour of 1952, when it was first conceived by legendary architect William F. Cody, then resurrected in 21st century glory by designer/owner Steve Hermann. L’Horizon’s muted mix of white stone and wood frames screams elegance (but in a refined whisper). Past guests include Marilyn Monroe and presidents Nixon and Reagan; it is a true California landmark, then, now and forever. The Hideaway Once described as an “ultra-modern motor court inn,” this unassuming midcentury gem lays low to the ground while ascending to new heights of old-school grandeur. Herbert Burns crafted The Hideaway in 1947, but the flair of its sweeping patio parasols is as fresh as a cocktail umbrella and twice as intoxicating. With 70 plus years of style under its belt, this destination defies categorization. You’ll love your stay in this midcentury resort within walking distance of downtown Palm Springs. Orbit In A short stroll down Arenas Road from The Hideaway, you’ll find its sister seductress, Orbit In. Also designed by Herbert Burns (but a full decade later), this 1957 midcentury monument is a love letter to simplicity. But just when you think you’ve got its aesthetic figured out, the Orbit In surprises and dazzles with unexpected pops like a pink tiled bathroom or a Jetsons inspired space-age furniture set. Midcentury goes modern, indeed. The Weekend The Weekend, Palm Springs is a small mid-century modern luxury boutique resort located in the center of the celebrity studded Old Las Palmas neighborhood. Originally built in the 1960’s it has just now undergone a multimillion dollar renovation. Upon entering you are transported to a chic and timeless space, that while modern, is rooted in the mid-century 60’s ethos that made Palm Springs the stylish getaway for Hollywood’s elite. All of the accommodation’s offer either one or two bedroom villas, with spacious living rooms and private patios in which to relax and complimentary continental breakfast. In the 1970’s fitness guru Sheila Cluff transformed the property into a spa called The Palms. Del Marcos Towering over the competition like the redwoods from which it is constructed, this William Cody creation dates back to 1947. Every room evokes a golden age of Palm Springs luminosity, from the Errol Flynn Suite (sprawling, understated) to the Shaken Not Stirred Room (intriguing, seductive) to the Hope & Crosby Room (cozy, familiar). You’ll feel like Hollywood royalty, right here in the heart of the Historic Tennis Club neighborhood. Love-love! Triangle Inn Our hometown is a living museum of innovation and intricate design, and Hugh Kaptur exemplifies this spirit of creativity in this midcentury resort gem. The last surviving giant of midcentury modernism, Kaptur built his first Palm Springs structure in 1958. It was known as The Impala Lodge, a fitting name for such an exotic creature, festooned with angular beauty and spare quirks. Over the ensuing decades, it would become an apartment complex and then revert to its resort foundations before being lovingly restored and re-imagined as a clothing optional gay retreat. No matter how many incarnations the Triangle Inn has racked up, its ingenious assemblage of stone and glass stands as an eternal homage to Kaptur’s limitless vision. From gangster getaways to celebrity hideaways, Palm Springs is a beacon of desert sophistication. The aforementioned structures map out an oasis of awe-inspiring abodes. Welcome to the best of then, circa now.
Unique Accommodations Thu, July 11, 2019 by Randy Garner Discover Boutique Resorts Unique to Palm Springs By Kevin Perry Every vacation adds to your life story. When you return home, you regale your friends and family with tales of where you went, what you ate, and where you stayed. After all, how else can you make them jealous? A trip to Palm Springs will provide your narrative with its most memorable chapter yet. Our unique accommodations are a cacophony of unexpected, underrated, unparalleled destinations unto themselves. Each of the following hotels offers something memorably luxurious in a town that redefines the term unique every day with every stay… Amin Casa Are you ready for your close-up? Because this glamorous getaway allows you to live like Hollywood royalty in the very residence that Gloria Swanson called home. The legendary Sunset Boulevard star graced Amin Casa’s 2-bedroom suite as well as their nearby 1-bedroom bungalow, just two of the seven signature abodes available for rent. The accommodations are so grand, you can’t help but echo Swanson’s iconic phrase, “I am big; it’s the pictures that got small!” Talavera Palm Springs Why leave the comfort of your suite when decadence is knocking at your door? This unique Palm Springs accommodation pampers you with in-room massage services and spa flourishes such as aromatic pleasantries, reflexology, and even pre-natal specialty services upon request. You’ll be vacationing for two! Speaking of appetites, The Talavera also provides in-room dining options, complete with your own personal chef and musical accompaniment. Behold, the sweet sound of indulgence… Sparrows Lodge Rustic yet regal, this farm themed throwback resort is harvesting rave reviews by the bushel. Disconnect from the distractions of modern life in a placid environment free of phones and televisions. But don’t worry; they have WiFi. Simmer in a bathtub shaped like a horse trough, cozy up to desert nights by the fire pit, and dig into hearty eats at The Barn Kitchen. Over dinner, gossip about this resort’s celebrity lineage, including the rumor that Elizabeth Montgomery got married here (when it was known as the Red Barn). Bewitching indeed! Villa Royale Move over, Blanche Devereaux, because this lanai is serving fresh gourmet coffee every morning, compliments of the resort. It’s the perfect start to a day in paradise, complete with three separate pools, all with majestic mountain views. Snack the evening away at Del Rey, their bar and restaurant stocked with tapas and tantalizing cocktails. Once the buzz wears off, work off those succulent calories on a bicycle ride through town – Villa Royale rents custom designed Electra bikes for your convenience and cool cache. Caliente Tropics Bust out your grass skirts (you too, fellas) and get freaky with the tiki! This Polynesian themed establishment is as cozy as it is colorful, adorning every nook and cranny with South Pacific quirkiness. Even the tissue holders are shaped like Easter Island edifices! Bask in the balmy waters of the outdoor hot tub before toweling off and enjoying or a cocktail at The Reef Bar adjacent to your resort. La Maison As the name suggests, this lavish hotel transports you to the heights of European luxury, sparing no details and serving maximum satisfaction. You are greeted with a beverage at check in and delighted with fresh Napa Valley lavender every day. But just because La Maison is upscale, that doesn’t mean you can’t get down with some fire-grilled grub; guests have access to barbecue facilities as they celebrate happy hour with yet another beverage. We’re sensing a pattern here… and we love it! Korakia Pensione Here’s lookin’ at these Moroccan villas, reminiscent of the charismatic allure associated with Casablanca. Dignitaries from Winston Churchill to Errol Flynn to Rudolph Valentino are rumored to have cavorted here, but that’s just one facet of this resort’s elegant profile. It also features Mediterranean villas with a breezy European quality and North African accents of exotic style. You’ll lose yourself in the fantasy of the Greek Islands as fast as you can say “Opa!” La Serena Villas The foundations of this foothill retreat date back to 1933, but it experienced a Renaissance under the skilled tutelage of the visionary architect May Sung in 2016. This Palm Springs accommodation is a collection of picturesque views and pitch-perfect accessories, connecting each room with a thread of restrained style and sophisticated emphases. The establishment spins off to Azucar, a freewheeling eatery bursting with colors and flavors galore. Upstairs, experience the rooftop realness of Sugar High, a rooftop cocktail enclave that overlooks yet another draw to the property: Whispers Spa. Every twist and turn of this sprawling estate is vivid with character yet understatedly pleasing and serene. Ingleside Estate It’s the eternal dilemma: you want another drink, but you just can’t bear to get out of the swimming pool. Well, that’s not an issue at Ingleside Estate (formally Ingleside Inn), where poolside refreshments are available at the snap of your well-pruned fingertips. Dilemma solved! This resort is scrumptiously adjacent to Melvyn’s Restaurant & Lounge, a retro eatery known for their Steak Diane with a side of top-notch nightclub entertainment. Style is served! Casa Cody The lush landscaping of this resort encroaches on the pool area with zeal and appeal. You’ll feel like you’re immersed in a Monet watercolor, dabbled with otherworldly hues and shimmering with intrigue. The history of this 1920’s vanguard abode overflows with pedigree; it’s named for its founder, Harriet Cody, who counts Buffalo Bill Cody as one of her cousins. Four of the guestrooms were transplanted from Los Angeles after their use in the 1932 Olympics. Charlie Chaplin is just one of the many luminaries who hung his bowler hat at Casa Cody, foreshadowing its staying power in these ever Modern Times. Each of the aforementioned unique Palm Springs accommodations will leave their own fingerprint, and together, they form a proverbial handshake of hospitality, Palm Springs style. Welcome to the unexpected… we’ve been expecting you.
Hollywood Slept Here Fri, June 28, 2019 by Randy Garner Palm Springs Hollywood Homes Palm Springs began as a place for healing, with the warm dry air and many days of sunshine. But it quickly was discovered by Hollywood and a great escape from the camera’s. In the early years, the stars stayed and the Desert Inn, the El Mirador Hotel, and the Palm Springs Racquet Club. As more and more stars flocked to Palm Springs, they began to build their own winter getaways. We are left with an abundance of Palm Springs Hollywood homes that you can stay and play. Our hometown was a hotspot of hush-hush, garnering a reputation as just far enough from Los Angeles to cut loose but just close enough to stay connected. Silent film stars like Harold Lloyd built a home in our Movie Colony neighborhood. Other vacation destinations boast their landmarks and legacies, but only Palm Springs invites you to stay in the very homes once graced by the world’s biggest stars. We are, after all, Hollywood’s Playground. The pinnacle of desert chic where celebrities could let their fabulous hair down and eschew the spotlight in favor of sunlight. Now it’s your turn to get pampered like an A-lister. The following rental properties demand the style, sophistication, and swagger that only you can provide. Get ready for your close up… 432 Hermosa The Dinah Shore Estate is in the heart of Palm Springs. This iconic, mid-century home was designed by renowned architect Donald Wexler in 1964 and is currently owned by Leonardo DiCaprio. This furnished house rental is one of the finest examples of mid-century architecture in Southern California, the birthplace of the progressive design movement. Built on a secluded 1.3-acre desert oasis compound, the estate is exceptionally private. It offers 6 bedrooms and 7½ baths between the main house. A separate guest house overlooking the pool and is adjacent to the private tennis court. The living room boasts fantastic scale, generous seating, a grand piano, fireplace, and cocktail bar. Sinatra’s Twin Palm Estate Tickle the ivories (and your fancy) in the piano-shaped swimming pool custom designed for Ol’ Blue Eyes himself. Frank Sinatra’s recording studio still beckons visitors to this palatial getaway, which reverberates with charisma and echoes with charm. The estate was built in 1947 for Sinatra and his first wife, but it could have accommodated all four of his eventual brides! The home sleeps up to eight people, so plan your next weekend here or ring-a-ding-ring in the holidays with the Chairman of the Board. This is a great example of a Palm Springs Hollywood Home. Casa Elizabeth (Taylor) Speaking of multiple weddings, Liz Taylor (Hilton-Wilding-Todd-Fisher-Burton-Burton-Warner-Fortensky) was the queen. This is why her Palm Springs retreat is the ideal nuptial venue. Waterfalls festoon the groom’s side, verdant gardens flank the bride’s, and the San Jacinto Mountains bear witness to your special day. Elizabeth accumulated some of her most prized art pieces here, and you can bask in her glamour and glory as you luxuriate in the pool/spa area like Cleopatra of the Coachella Valley. Walt Disney’s Desert Escape Color your loved ones jealous when you send them selfies from Walt’s Palm Springs abode. Built in 1962, it’s a Magic Kingdom of bright hues and brighter views. The construction of this castle coincided with the transformation of Disney’s weekly show from black and white to the Wonderful World of Color. The décor reflects Walt’s endlessly vibrant outlook. Immerse yourself in a whole new world of happily ever after right here in Palm Springs… The Kirk Douglas House This classic estate puts the “spa” in Spartacus! Constructed during the heyday of mid-century modern perfection, the grounds just underwent a transformative and transcendent renovation. The kidney-shaped pool complements the aforementioned spa to keep you as cool as Kirk the whole year round. The mansion’s four bedrooms provide ample space to accommodate multiple generations of Oscar winners! Another great example of a Palm Springs Hollywood Home. The Sonny & Cher House Kirk Douglas also kicked off his sword and sandals at Villa Carmelita, which has come to be known as the Sonny & Cher House. The iconic duo owned this Spanish style hideaway, which welcomed such luminaries as Natalie Wood and Lloyd Bridges. It dates back to the 1940’s, when Joseph Cotton called Villa Carmelita home. Truly, it is the Citizen Kane of celebrity vacation rentals. Howard Hughes’ Mini Estate There’s nothing mini about this larger-than-life mogul’s domicile, which perches above the desert landscape just enough to give visitors a 220-degree view of town (and a welcome break from the heat at ground level). Would you expect any less from The Aviator himself? El Nido You can’t spell “glamour” without Lamour, as in Dorothy Lamour – star of the Bob Hope/Bing Crosby series of Road To films. She was the queen of this castle in the golden age of Hollywood, enjoying its serenity and seclusion. El Nido was the perfect escape for tastemakers and lawmakers alike. Rumor has it that Marilyn Monroe and JFK crossed paths on these hushed, hallowed grounds in the early 60’s. Happy Birthday, indeed. And to make your next birthday, anniversary, or any other special occasion into a star-studded affair, book your stay at one of the many Palm Springs Hollywood Homes. That’s a wrap!
Meet Just Fabulous owner Stephen Monkarsh Fri, June 21, 2019 by Randy Garner By Barbara Beckley The name says it all. Just Fabulous. There’s simply no other way to describe this fun, Palm Springs centric, and oh so chic book and gift store. Take a step inside and you’re first words are likely to be – “Look at this! It’s fabulous.” That’s because you’ve just spotted something you love – perhaps an exquisite coffee table book on mid-century architecture or a legendary movie star or fashion designer; or a sweet Little Golden Book, the one you remember from your childhood. Or something that makes you smile, like the Jeff Koons-influenced balloon dogs, or Clue The Golden Girls Board Game, and in my case, the fabulous Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg action figure – yes, action figure – complete with a black robe, lace collar, and gavel at the ready. Or because you’re meeting a fabulous author. Anne Rice has done five book signings here. Others include Barbara Sinatra, Lily Tomlin, Jackie Collins, and photographer Douglas Kirkland. This isn’t just pen to page. Each signing is an event with free bubbly and nibbles. It’s not by accident that Just Fabulous is fabulous. Owner Stephen Monkarsh has put his heart and soul into making his shop something out of the ordinary. “My shop is a state of mind. It’s about celebrating life – and Palm Springs,” he explains. “Our motto is, ‘If you aren’t feeling fabulous when you enter Just Fabulous, you will when you leave.’” “There’s something for everybody – but so, so better than average,” Stephen continues. “I truly curate the store. There’s a piece of me in every item. And in every part of the shop. I read every greeting card and every book. I hand select all the merchandise from the key chains to pink feathery flamingo pens and the George Nelson-style handmade clocks (you can custom order them in the color of your choice) to our two display limited edition SUMO books by Taschen, signed and numbered by Annie Leibowitz and David Hockney.” These are the largest, heaviest, and most expensive books of the 20th Century at nearly three feet in length. Exclusive merchandise is another plus. Just Fabulous is the only shop in Palm Springs where you’ll find Nest fragrance candles, the full array of Sugarfina candy, Taschen books, the works of Trevor Wayne and other desert photographers and artists, George Nelson-style clocks, and exclusive Palm Springs-themed Ts, hats, mugs and more, made just for Just Fabulous. Also, the largest selection of beautiful mid-century architecture books, iconic celebrity and fashion books, children’s classics, and the city’s largest collection of Australian Sunnylife pool floats and inflatables. “I love to help people find things they love. I’m always looking for new merchandise that is special and unique,” he adds. He’s got rainbow sunglasses, unicorns, everything from drink holders to hats, maracas with pink flamingos, and on and on. Source: ModTraveler But wait, there’s more! You’ll also find cookbooks from BBQ to Cannabis – “cannabis is huge,” he says. Self-help books, books for Moms, darling cat and dog books, art and design books, Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s My Own Words, amazing greeting cards, cocktail accessories, and a fabulous selection of merchandise celebrating Palm Springs LGBTQ community and the 50th anniversary of Pride (June 28, 2019 marks the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising in New York which launched Gay Pride). Stephen has extremely good taste. He grew up in Beverly Hills. Then, it was off to college – UC Irvine, UCLA, and a law degree from the University of the Pacific. His junior year was at the Sorbonne in Paris. So Stephen speaks fluent French. He also interned in Washington, D.C., at the White House under President Clinton and in Senator Barbara Boxer’s office. After university, he worked at Cartier on Rodeo Drive and quickly became one of their top 10 salespeople — in the world! He practiced law for 10 years, and lastly, at Los Angeles’s prestigious O’Melveny & Meyers. (Stephen still uses his law expertise, working pro bono as legal counsel to the Human Rights Campaign.) But Palm Springs was calling. He’d been coming here all his life. First with his parents beginning at age 5, and later with friends. In 1999, Stephen bought his first Palm Springs home, and in 2006, he moved here permanently. In January 2007, he was sipping coffee at the nearby Koffi and saw a “space available” sign in the corner shop window. “Wouldn’t it be fun to own a bookshop,” he mused. The space was his two months later (March 2007), and Just Fabulous was open for business! The timing could have been better. “I opened in the middle of the recession, and there wasn’t any Uptown Design District at that time,” he recalls. Still, Stephen believed his shop’s corner location at Palm Canyon Drive and West Alejo Road was terrific. Of course, he was right. Today, Just Fabulous marks the gateway to Downtown Palm Springs and the Uptown Design District and celebrates 12 fabulous years of success. “I feel very blessed to know I’ve made a difference in the Palm Springs community. “The shop was destined to be,” he says. Stephen remembers roller skating to the B Dalton book store in Beverly Hills as a boy and loving the beautiful coffee table books. While he never thought he would own a bookstore, Just Fabulous is his dream come true. When I asked, “What would you like the readers to know?” he responded, “If you have a dream, don’t be afraid to go for it!” And the store name? Stephen was originally going to call it Lucky Boy. But an artist friend said, “No. Your store won’t be a pet shop or a boy.” Stephen agreed. “But whatever I call it has to be just fabulous.” Voi la! A book star was born. Just Fabulous 515 North Palm Canyon Drive, 760-864-1300
The Art of Gelato Mon, June 10, 2019 by Randy Garner Gelato Granucci Will Take Your Tastebuds Away By: Gianluca Allen Simonetta (Sam) was a portfolio manager. Tom was a mechanical and software engineer. Now, they own and operate the gelato shop Gelato Granucci in downtown Palm Springs. How did that happen? Well, it all started in the 1920s with Sam’s family, the Granuccis. History of the Granucci Family In 1929, Sam’s grandfather, Luigi Granucci, moved his family from Italy to the Netherlands in search of new opportunities. They began to make gelato and sell it from bicycle carts. Over time, the business grew, being handed down from generation to generation, going from bicycle carts to gelaterias to a gelato production facility. Today, Sam’s uncle Edi and his daughter Didi run their facility in Apeldoorn, which supplies gelato to over 50 gelato shops. When Sam and Tom moved to Palm Springs, Sam decided it was time she brought the Granucci tradition to the States. With the help of Edi and Didi, Sam and Tom learned the art of gelato making and, in January 2019, opened the doors to Gelato Granucci in downtown Palm Springs. Gelato Granucci prides itself on its family tradition and its authenticity. Its ten gelato flavors, six sorbet flavors, and four granita flavors are hand-crafted from all-natural ingredients by either Tom, Sam, or their son Gianluca (hi!). Gelato Granucci sources locally and from around the globe to ensure the highest quality and most authentic flavor. They import Sicilian Bronte pistachios and Tonda Gentile hazelnuts from Italy, and all citrus fruits are farm-fresh from Pearson Ranch here in California. The dedication to fresh, all-natural ingredients shows, whether it’s in rich, creamy flavors like pistachio or hazelnut or refreshing flavors like Meyer lemon sorbet. Whenever possible, Gelato Granucci sources and partners with local providers in the Coachella Valley. All the pastry products, macaron shells, and sponge cake come from local baker pastries, and the coffee used for both coffee gelato and granita comes from local roaster Joshua Tree Coffee Company. There’s more than one way to enjoy Gelato at Gelato Granucci. Every day, there is a variety of gelato pops. Gelato is dipped in chocolate, available plain, or topped with amaretto cookies or a cookie and caramel crumble. Their unique gelato cannolis are a new twist on a classic Italian treat. Any available flavor of gelato or sorbet can be made into a macaron sandwich. For customers who wish to take gelato to go, whether to enjoy themselves or to entertain at a party, any available flavor can be packed into a pint or quart. Gelato cakes are available for a custom order for a special dessert, requiring 48 hours notice. Any two flavors of gelato or sorbet with a layer of sponge cake, masterfully decorated by Head Gelataio Tom Allen. Authentic Gelateria Experience Gelato Granucci aims to bring the Granucci tradition to the States and provide an authentic Italian gelateria experience. The first thing people notice when they enter the store is that all the gelato is covered, not displayed in pans. That is because Gelato Granucci uses a display system from Italy called pozetti (little wells). While it is not as visually impressive as the more familiar pan storage, the pozetti keeps the gelato at a uniform temperature and prevents the adverse effects of temperature change. The result is that the gelato stays fresher and maintains its creaminess. Gelato Granucci also serves a full range of coffee products, from espresso to Americanos to affogatos, with a scoop of gelato and a shot of espresso poured over the top. Yum! More than anything, Gelato Granucci strives to be a welcoming place. A place where customers can come to relax, enjoy a sweet treat, and experience a legacy going on over ninety years. Sam and Tom are looking to the future and make their mark on the Granucci legacy. And in the perpetually sunny paradise of Palm Springs, there’s no better place for a couple of gelataios to do that. Benvenuti a Gelato Granucci! Over The Rainbow Desserts
History of famed Bob Hope House Thu, June 6, 2019 by Randy Garner Bob Hope’s Palm Springs Southridge Home Located at 2466 Southridge Drive, the 24,000 sq. ft. Bob Hope house is close to the Elrod Residence. It features a massive undulating triangular roof pierced by a large circular central light shaft. The original house burned down during construction in 1973. It lasted for four years while the legal insurance issues were being dealt with. Famed architect John Lautner designed it. He filed plans with the city building department in 1977 for a permit to begin construction again on the outside shell of the home. The only difference was the material to be used. It was a wood-covered steel frame that caught fire in July 1973 in a blaze estimated to have caused nearly $500,000 in damage. The blaze, plus the death of the chief interior designer, detoured the home plans. Financial responsibility for the fire’s damage had yet to be determined in the courts. After neighbors complained of unsightliness, the city building department began quietly prodding the prominent Palm Springs couple to do something with the home’s framework. The Hope’s had been waiting for the fire settlement to be finalized. However, they decided to move forward with the rebuild anyway. The original permits were still valid with the city, so work began. While Dolores was not involved much during the first construction project, she became involved in the reconstruction and requested extensive changes to the second design. As a result, the frustrated Lautner eventually began to distance himself from the project. The home sits on 6.2 acres and has 10 bedrooms and 13 baths. The outside shell covers about 25,000 square feet. An inner shell serves as an umbrella over some 14,000 square feet of actual living space. The outside dome of the Hope home is 40 feet high at its highest point and 180 feet in diameter. The outside shell has an opening 60 feet in diameter at its top. A center skylight feature is the vortex of the outside shell, which spreads out to cover the entire inner shell of the home. The white metal shell, visible from the valley floor, was covered with roofing material and brown rock to blend with the surrounding mountainside. It was finished in 1979. I have always heard rumors that Chrysler paid for the house to host large-scale dinners for the Bob Hope Classic Golf Tournament, for which Chrysler was a proud sponsor. I’ve not been able to prove this true. The home remained in the Hope family until Delores’s death in 2013. After her passing, the family put it on the market for $50 million. The price tag dropped to $25 million by 2014. Ron Burkle purchased the property in late 2016 for $13 million. Ron is an American investor, co-founder, and managing partner of The Yucaipa Companies, LLC, a private equity and venture capital firm specializing in underperforming U.S. companies in the distribution, logistics, food, retail, consumer, and light industrial sectors. Note: The Elrod House in the Southridge neighborhood is also a Lautner design and is currently owned by Moschino creative director Jeremy Scott. He paid $7.7 million for the home in 2016. Burkle owned the property from 1995 – 2003. Hope House Remodel Helena Arghuete is the architect managing the remodel. After moving to the United States from Argentina with her husband in 1971, Helena met Lautner in Los Angeles through a family connection: Her father was working with Leonard Malin, a fellow engineer — and the original owner of Lautner’s Chemosphere house in the Hollywood Hills. Lautner hired Helena for a project in Mexico, where their professional relationship began. When Helena returned from Acapulco in 1973, Lautner asked her to work as the site architect for the Hope House. The house supervisor, Lorenzo Jauregui, has long ties to the property. His mother worked for the Hopes as a maid for 34 years. To remodel some of the interiors, woodworkers Brian Cooney Sr. and son Brian Cooney Jr. were among the many artisans involved in the restoration project. They installed African mahogany on many of the home’s interior walls and used Lautner’s designs to build at least a dozen new doors. Photo Credit: Brian Thomas Jones A Peek Inside the Bob Hope House
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