If You’re Going Out for Thanksgiving, Plan Ahead
During my first Thanksgiving in the Coachella Valley, after I’d hosted at my Seattle home for many years, I decided to go out for dinner. My best friend from Seattle flew in; I booked a table at the now-defunct Bernie’s Supper Club; and we had a lovely time—even though there was a clown, in full face, having dinner there. (I have a phobia, OK?)
Please remember that this is a tourist community, meaning many restaurants will be open on Thanksgiving—but time slots, particularly for larger parties, tend to fill up quickly. In other words, make your reservations now.
The same goes for Christmas Eve. (It feels silly to mention that so early, but I would be remiss in not reminding you.)
In Brief
Relatively new to Yucca Valley: Snakebite Roadhouse, at 55405 Twentynine Palms Highway, offers interesting bar food, including a basket of chicharrónes, sandwiches, pasta and steaks. The website is still under construction, so find their page on Facebook for the latest information. … Desert Bakery is now open at 14201 Palm Drive, No. 108, in Desert Hot Springs, featuring a variety of Mexican breads and pastries. Again, find their page on Facebook for more information. … New to Palm Springs: Play Lounge, at 2825 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way, has board games to play while you enjoy coffee, beer, wine and a full menu of sandwiches, nibbles and breakfast items. This is a great place to hang out with friends, have some snacks and while away the hours! Learn more at playloungeps.com. … The sad news: RuBerry Salsa has closed its brick-and-mortar location in Palm Desert. The good news: Fans of their street and fusion tacos can still get your faves, including chicken with wasabi ginger slaw, behind Hair of the Dog Pub, at 555 S. Palm Canyon Drive, in Palm Springs. Check out Instagram.com/ruberry_salsa_tacos for updates. … Chef Lance Velasquez, of Biscuit and Counter fame, has been announced as the new executive chef at the soon-to-open Alice B, at 1122 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way, in Palm Springs. The restaurant is opening as part of Living Out, the new LGBTQ 55+ community, and will be open to the public. Keep your fingers crossed for an opening in late November, but delays are the name of the game in the Palm Springs restaurant community. Sign up for the newsletter and keep up to date at aliceb.com. … There is some activity at the old home of New York Company, at 1260 S. Palm Canyon Drive, with a possible name: Cipolline Osteria. I have a call in to the building owners, who also own El Mirasol and are listed on the Alcoholic Beverage Control website as having applied to transfer the liquor license. I’ll share more details when I get them. … Canopy Wine Lounge—owned by Noah Mamet, President Obama’s former ambassador to Argentina, and vintner Alejandro Bulgheroni—is set to open soon at 175 N. Palm Canyon Drive, in Palm Springs, and will feature wines from across the globe. Maybe this is your chance to sip some rosé with Michelle, Sasha and Malia! Actually, probably not; as you may recall, President Obama was more of a beer drinker. … Tea N Tea has opened at 77940 Country Club Drive, #7-2, in Palm Desert, with boba, kombucha, protein shakes and, of course, tea. A rotating selection of sweet treats is also on offer. It’s a great place to go if you need a little pick-me-up. There is no website or social media presence we could find, so head to Yelp maybe? … Goody’s Family Restaurant, a Coachella Valley mini-chain, has opened a fifth location at 75046 Gerald Ford Drive, in Palm Desert, with all-day breakfasts and a delicious club sandwich. Learn more at eatgoodys.com. … In news regarding a chain that is definitely not mini: Denny’s has opened a new location at 42455 Washington St., in Palm Desert. Another is also being constructed in Cathedral City, at Vista Chino and Landau Boulevard. Details at dennys.com. … DSRT Club, at 78075 Main St., No. 105, in La Quinta, is new and offering vintage-inspired recipes like mint and pimento lamb, or land and sea with lobster and veal. The concept is based on the 1930s architecture of the building—they’re leaning into the super club aesthetic. See the full menu desertclublq.com. … Also new to La Quinta: Kiki’s, at 46660 Washington St., a design-focused Italian restaurant with pizzas, pastas and interesting-looking entrees. Check out the full menu at kikislaquinta.com. … Camden Cellars Wine Bar, at 49990 Jefferson St., No. 110, is new and bringing wine tasting and small bites to Indio. Try the CV flatbread with local dates and prosciutto, or the oyster po’boy. Learn more at camdencellarswinebar.com.
Got a hot tip? Let me know: foodnews@cvindependent.com.
