New eateries are joining the Grand Palm Springs Restaurant Week, commencing from May 31 to June 9, 2024. During these ten delightful days, various restaurants across the Coachella Valley are providing special multi-course lunch, brunch, and dinner menus at fixed prices.
One of the recent additions to Palm Springs is Alice B., founded by acclaimed chefs Susan Feniger and Mary Sue Milliken, who have received the James Beard and Julia Child awards. These renowned chefs are the first celebrity culinary experts to establish a restaurant in the Coachella Valley.
Blending the remarkable seasonal produce of Southern California with lively Mediterranean tastes, the culinary concept is a joint venture between Feniger, Milliken, and the esteemed Executive Chef Lance Velasquez. The brunch and dinner menus draw inspiration from the fresh local harvest of the summer season.
Situated close to downtown Palm Springs, Alice B. is nestled within the premises of Living Out, a luxurious LGBTQ+ community styled like a resort with breathtaking views of the desert and mountains.
The cordial staff at Alice B., an elegant mid-century modern bar and restaurant in Palm Springs, extends a warm welcome to guests in the lounge, dining area, and outdoor dining terrace. Patrons seated at the bar and lounge can enjoy live music on specific evenings near a small grand piano. Choose from a traditional cocktail, wine, or alcohol-free beverage while relishing the sophisticated and exciting atmosphere.
The chefs’ cookbooks are showcased for purchase by guests who wish to recreate some of the award-winning recipes at their own homes.
During the Restaurant Week, the Brunch offering is priced at $35 per individual. Diners can opt for the daily biscuit with butter and seasonal preserves, fresh market fruits, yogurt with granola, and either brioche French Toast or a Breakfast burrito.
The Restaurant Week Dinner at $59 includes a choice of two Cornmeal Cheddar Drop Biscuits with cardamom honey, a Kenter Farms Baby Lettuce Salad with fried bread parmigiano reggiano, or a bowl of Spring Carrot and Ginger Soup. For the main course, select between Mendoza Farms Spiced Cauliflower and Eggplant, Seared Salmon with Kohlrabi remoulade and Arbequina olive almond relish, or Mary’s Seeded Chicken Cutlet with an apple radish slaw.
Culminate your dining experience with Tahini Ice Cream accompanied by chocolate sauce and crispy sesame seed clusters, Seasonal Sorbet served with a Pistachio Sugar Cookie, or Chocolate Cake paired with Luxardo cherries and whipped creme fraiche.
Inspired by the fascinating life of Alice B. Toklas and her partner Gertrude Stein, the restaurant creates a welcoming environment for everyone to relish a vibrant gastronomic journey amidst lively art and design. Portraits of Alice and Gertrude serve as the centerpiece of the dining area, with the eatery showcasing a rotating art collection honoring the creative legacy of the duo, predominantly created by local female and LGBTQ+ artists.
INTERESTING FACT: Living Out recently shared on their Facebook page that former First Lady Michelle Obama and actress Rita Wilson had a meal at Alice B. last month. This eatery has become the talk of the town and tops the wish list of many.
For an enjoyable foodie weekend retreat, Agua Caliente Casinos in Rancho Mirage offer a special dineGPS menu at Waters Cafe. This luxurious four-star Forbes-rated resort boasts three dining establishments participating in dineGPS, including Waters Cafe, 360 Sports, and The Steakhouse.
Waters Cafe presents a delightful three-course dinner comprising a fresh green salad or savory soup starter, followed by a choice of two substantial entrees and concluding with a delectable apple crumble tart served with vanilla ice cream and caramel glaze.
This exclusive dining experience during Restaurant Week is offered at $39 per person.
INTERESTING FACT: At Agua Caliente Rancho Mirage, Java Calinete boasts the best chocolate chip ‘everything’ cookie in Greater Palm Springs. Be sure to try their coffees, teas, healthy smoothies, and protein shakes while at the resort.
Launched in November 2023, Life House Palm Springs has been creating quite a buzz in the local community. Immerse yourself in a reimagined mid-century celebrity hideaway from the 1960s with contemporary updates. Within this newly opened establishment is another restaurant joining this year’s Greater Palm Springs Restaurant Week.
Experience a lunch priced at $25 or a delightful dinner for two at Minerva’s Palm Springs for just $59. Elevate your dining with wine pairings for each course at an additional $25 per person.
Choose to sit in a cozy booth near the bar indoors or enjoy the view of the majestic Mount Jacinto under tall palm trees outdoors. Indulge in stone-baked focaccia and bruschetta to start your dinner, followed by a charcuterie board and mains of market fresh branzino or a delectable eggplant parmesan.
Each Life House Hotel narrates a story linked to a notable historical figure, adding uniqueness and charm to the destination. This historical essence is intertwined in the artistic decor to be admired by travelers.
Minerva’s pays homage to Minerva Hamilton Hoyt, an ardent desert admirer and activist. To safeguard the mystical allure of the Coachella Valley, she skillfully toured the desert’s beauty to raise awareness about its significance and conserve Palm Spring’s enigmatic ambiance.
Embrace a gastronomic weekend at Life House and book an overnight stay during the opening of Restaurant Week. Room rates for May 31 – June 2, in a standard king room, are priced just below $650 for a two-night stay.
INTERESTING FACT: There are presently six Life House Hotels, with three more slated to open soon in locations such as Miami, Denver, and Bali.
Situated in the heart of downtown Palm Springs, Drift Hotel is a recent establishment ideal for a serene food-centric escapade. Featuring guest rooms and a multi-bedroom layout, with views of the resort-style garden and pool, alongside an indoor/outdoor eatery and bar, this destination serves as an excellent Airbnb alternative.
Utilize the complimentary beach cruisers to explore Downtown Palm Springs or unwind on a comfortable lounge chair or cabana by the expansive pool.
The dining concept Maleza, situated at the entrance of this boutique hotel, offers a soulful Baja-inspired restaurant experience.Weed is the Spanish term for ‘dense foliage’ or ‘originating from the ground.’
Renowned cook Ysaac Ramirez prepares some of the finest guacamole and crisps in town all year long. During the Restaurant Week, his renowned guacamole with crisps and a pair of tacos are priced at $25 per individual during the lunch period. Make sure to enjoy one of the artisanal cocktails with intriguing names like – Tequila, A Love Story.
INTERESTING INFO: Drift operates three additional hotels situated in San Jose del Cabo, Nashville, TN, and Santa Barbara, CA.
The acclaimed Café 54 within the Augustine Casino in Coachella presents an enticing Restaurant Week dinner special for $35. Chef Victor Ruiz is crafting an upscale three-course menu that kicks off with an Iceberg salad crowned with bay shrimp and Chef Victor’s delectable vinaigrette dressing. Guests also have the option to choose a serving of his carrot and ginger soup instead.
The main course consists of an 8-ounce top-sirloin steak prepared Oscar style with Dauphine potatoes and seasonal vegetables. Cap off your meal with strawberries accompanied by a luscious crème anglaise sauce. Chef Victor previously worked at Morton’s Steakhouse, showcasing his expertise in grilling steaks and his passion for creating memorable dining experiences for his patrons.
INTERESTING INFO: Augustine Casino established Tamalpakh Farms as a tribute to the Cahuilla Tribe. The tribe comprises 19 members, with 12 adults and three tribal leaders. Together, they are dedicated to fostering a sustainable way of living for residents in the Coachella Valley. Powered by 25,000 solar panels, the farm provides electricity for the casino, tribal headquarters, and the farm itself. They utilize subterranean water sources and retention ponds for irrigation. Locals can order seasonal farm produce boxes and purchase fresh produce at the on-site market.
By joining in the Restaurant Week festivities and making online reservations, OpenTable will contribute $1 to FIND Food Bank, a local charity that distributes over 10 million pounds of food annually across Greater Palm Springs.
This year, there is a wider array of prix-fixe menu choices and an exclusive special deal solely accessible during Restaurant Week. Participating eateries feature unique two-course brunch and lunch menus commencing at $15. Many establishments offer a three-course or more dinner menu starting at fixed prices of $39, $49, and $59. Meal prices and schedules vary by restaurant, excluding beverages, tax, and gratuity.
The appeal of dineGPS lies in the fact that no passes, tickets, or vouchers are needed. Simply secure a reservation through the website or call the participating restaurant directly. While advance bookings are highly recommended, walk-in guests are welcomed and accommodated based on availability.
This annual occasion is succeeded by the Summer Eats Mobile Dining Discount Pass starting June 10, providing exclusive dining discounts throughout the entire summer. Explore the nine-city oasis of Greater Palm Springs, including Palm Desert, Cathedral City, Rancho Mirage, and Indian Wells.
INTERESTING INFO: Every $1 donation to FIND Food Bank enables the provision of four meals to individuals facing food insecurity in the area.
Image Source: www.visitgreaterpalmsprings.com
