Eats: Palm Springs
Brian and I travelled to Palm Springs for the first time this past weekend for our 2nd anniversary. We were both very much looking forward to relaxing by the pool and enjoying some of the good eats Palm Springs and the area have to offer.
We made reservations for Saturday dinner, Sunday dinner and Monday brunch through Open Table. I honestly forgot how much I love this app for finding restaurants and making reservations. I hadn’t used it in almost three years and I’m glad to say it will be put back to good use now that we’re in Vegas. Also, I love how easy it is to tell the restaurant you’re celebrating something, so (duh!) I clicked the “anniversary” button. Because who doesn’t love to be celebrated?
The Adobe Grill is located at the La Quinta Resort in Las Quinta. Let’s start with the positives: the chips and salsa were phenomenal and the margs were tasty (and strong). I actually asked Brian if we could ask for a to go bag for the remainder of the chips and salsa. We each ordered tacos for our entree and all three (carnitas, carne asada and pesca de la baja) had great flavor and were filling.
We weren’t thrilled that it was the first night of our trip and we felt rushed upon our arrival. Service was nice and polite, but it felt like they were trying to turn our table as quickly as possible. And I clicked the “anniversary” button in Open Table and not one person wished us a happy anniversary, so why even bother to have the option to share with the restaurant what you’re celebrating if no one is going to recognize it? Also, we debated between the empanadas and the ceviche as an appetizer. We ordered ceviche. It came out after our entrees and I wish we would’ve ordered the empanadas. The ceviche wasn’t as flavorful as I had hoped and it was mostly guac and pico as opposed to sea bass and shrimp.
We stopped in the Ernest Coffee for an afternoon pick me up and to cool off from exploring downtown Palm Springs. We enjoyed an iced coffee and an iced chai latte while we people watched through the windows. We’re not coffee aficionados, but we do love checking out local coffee shops when traveling. I’d definitely recommend popping in here instead of the Starbucks or Coffee Bean down the street.
Located in part of Cary Grant’s Guesthouse, dinner at Copley’s was by far, hands down our favorite meal of the trip. Not only was the food amazing and full of flavor, but everyone - the hostess, the waiter, the busboys, the manager - wished us a happy anniversary. The service was impeccable, and everyone made us feel really special. We ordered the roasted cauliflower for an appetizer, the prime grilled filet and the ahi tuna special for entrees and the chocolate soufflé cake for dessert. And we cleaned our plates. And we haven’t stopped talking about how much we loved the food, the atmosphere and the service. 10/10 would recommend.
We stopped by Melvyn’s after dinner at Copley’s because we heard there was great live music on Sunday’s, but we must have arrived to late because the place was pretty quite. Melvyn’s is located at the Ingleside Inn which I’ve been told is dog friendly. We sat at the bar for a couple drinks and made friends with the bartender and another group at the bar. The vibe here was very cool. I’d love to stop by here again on a future Palm Springs visit to hear some live jazz.
We had brunch at Norma’s before leaving town. We wanted to get a good, hearty breakfast on our bellies before the 4 hour drive home and I wanted to check out the Parker hotel which I have also been told is dog friendly (anyone see a trip to Palm Springs in Ulysses’ future?). While Norma’s has a ton of great sweet options on their menu, we both ordered savory. Side note: I always, always want sweet for breakfast, but every time I order sweet I never feel as satisfied as I do when I eat a savory breakfast. We ordered the huevos ranchero and the farm fresh eggs. I did ask for one Nutella pancake on the side, but unfortunately, Norma’s only does complete plates. We both throughly enjoyed our breakfast here.
The staff brought us complimentary mimosas to celebrate our anniversary and was very attentive. The vibe and decor here feels like stepping back into the ‘60s, and I am here for it.
Brian and I really loved our quick trip the desert in California, and we’re already planning to go back. Have you been to Palm Springs? What restaurants should we check out next time we visit?
xx,
Linds
