What: The Bavarian meatloaf dip
Where: Pinocchio in the Desert, 134 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs
How much: $9.95
Contact: 760-322-3776; www.pinocchiops.com
Why: Because it’s different.
Pinocchio in the Desert is one of the valley’s most popular breakfast/brunch/lunch joints for many reasons, not the least of which is, frankly, the booze: Bottomless champagne for $3.95? Well drinks and martinis for $2.50? Before mid-afternoon?! Hell yeah.
Hey, the food’s pretty good, too. Among the standard-ish omelets and benedicts and sandwiches, you’ll find some creative, different gems, and we encourage you to find one in particular: the Bavarian meatloaf dip.
This sandwich is truly greater than the sum of its parts. There’s some sauerkraut, as well as some grilled onions. There’s melted white cheese. There’s a grilled French roll. On the side is some creamed horseradish (use it) and some au jus (skip it).
And the meat? Well, it’s “super fine meatloaf from veal and pork,” and it is indeed super fine, even if it has the consistency of a thick piece of mortadella, or, God help us all, Spam. But Spam never tasted this good. Trust us.
Put all of those ingredients together (except for the au jus), and you have one fantastic sandwich, a melding of tastes that all stand up to and complement each other: meaty, spicy, sour, creamy, etc. Yum.
So, go. Be prepared for a wait if it’s a Saturday or a Sunday; just chill by the rainbow-flag-draped Marilyn Monroe statue, and be patient. Cheap drinks and tasty fare await—and the Bavarian meatloaf dip may be the fairest fare of all.