Temperatures Are Rising—but There’s a Lot to Do!
Summer is basically here—but that does not mean culinary things are slowing down much. There are plenty of food-focused events and new offerings to help us enjoy the valley—and beat the heat while eating and drinking well.
The Palm Springs Certified Farmers’ Market is making its usual move indoors to the Palm Springs Pavilion, 401 S. Pavilion Way, in Palm Springs. The final outdoor market is on Saturday, May 25, with the indoor market opening after two weekends off, on Saturday, June 15. The Palm Desert market is expected to close for good on Sunday, May 26, although I hear that a new location in the eastern part of the valley is being discussed. Check back here and watch facebook.com/CertifiedFarmersMarket for the latest information.
The 91st Annual Palm Springs Firefighters Fish Fry returns to Ruth Hardy Park, 742 E. Tamarisk Road, from 6 to 10 p.m., Saturday, June 1. For just $10, get fried rainbow trout, a hot dog or a hamburger with sides and a soda. Cold adult beverages and homemade baked goods will also be available for purchase. Line dance and listen to country music to complete the evening’s fun. Check out the Facebook events page for more information.
Greater Palm Springs Restaurant Week returns from Friday, May 31, through Sunday, June 9. This is an opportunity to dine out and try something new! During the 10 days, participating restaurants offer prix fixe menus and special offers. Find participating restaurants and see the deals they are offering at visitgreaterpalmsprings.com/restaurant-week.
Get ready for a hot culinary summer with the Summer Eats Pass. Here is how it works: On or after Monday, June 10, go to visitgreaterpalmsprings.com/summer-eats-gps, and save the free pass on your mobile device to redeem offers at participating restaurants. When you check in, you will be entered to win a $50 gift card. But wait—there’s more: Visit Greater Palm Springs will donate $1 to FIND Food Bank for every check-in!
The Big Gay BBQ returns to Arenas Road in Palm Springs for the second year, from 5 to 11 p.m., Friday and Saturday, June 7 and 8. This free event features music, games and activities, with barbecue from Uncle D’s Smoke House and Holy Smoke BBQ available for purchase. You can splurge and get access to the VIP area for $125, with catering by Eight4Nine and cocktails included. Check out facebook.com/events/1089828168773935 for details.
The popular Culinary & Cocktails series at the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort and Spa, at 74855 Country Club Drive, in Palm Desert, returns on select Saturdays through August. Classes focus on unique topics and cocktails; June’s lineup includes “Tuscan Night” (June 8) and a “Cake Decorating & Bubbles Class” (June 22). Prices start at $129 per person. For a complete schedule, visit jwdesertsprings.247activities.com, and click on “Dine at Desert Springs.”
The Equality Wine and Food Fest returns for the second year, from noon to 4 p.m., Saturday, June 29. This event features wines produced by LGBTQ+, BIPOC and/or women-led companies, as well as local chefs, live entertainment and educational experiences, The Grand Ballroom of Margaritaville Resort, 1600 N. Indian Canyon Drive, in Palm Springs, is where it all happens. Presale tickets start at $95 plus fees. Find out more and purchase your tickets at equalitywinefest.com.
In Brief
A new Venezuelan restaurant has opened in Palm Springs, at 186 S. Sunrise Way; Pastelisto’s serves empanadas, arepas and patacones—sandwiches between two plantains with beef, pork or chicken, as well as cheese and cabbage salad! You may be familiar with the food from either Palm Springs VillageFest or the College of the Desert Street Fair. Learn more at www.instagram.com/pastelistos_store. … The Palm Springs International Airport’s food-related renovations are beginning to show. The new restaurant in the Agua Caliente Concourse, Nine Cities Craft, offers locally brewed beers, Coachella Valley Coffee, cocktails and food inspired by the desert landscape. You can now go to the airport even if you aren’t flying out using the new Stay and Play pass; get yours here flypsp.com/stayandplay. … The Shops at Palm Desert mall now includes a new fusion restaurant highlighting American, Peruvian and Mediterranean cuisine. Volcanic Fusion Kitchen, at 72840 Highway 111, features rotisserie chicken, ribs, empanadas, kebabs and other delights from around the world. Learn more at volcanicfusionkitchen.com. … Shake Shack is coming to one of the storefronts at 73199 El Paseo, in Palm Desert. People love the burgers and crinkle-cut fries! An opening date has not been announced yet, but they’re hiring. Watch shakeshack.com. … Almost a year after taking over ownership of 533 Viet Fusion, at 1775 E. Palm Canyon Drive, No. 625, in Palm Springs, owner Brenda Jimenez tells me they have finally gotten their full liquor license! Find out more at 533vietfusion.com. … Lay’ Vince, at 540 S. Indian Canyon Drive, in Palm Springs, has closed. Chef Jon Merchain has moved to 83233 Indio Blvd., in Indio, inside Supreme Caffeine. He continues serving his delicious biscuits and gravy, and other treats. He tells me that a new Italian deli is slated to go into the old Lay’ Vince Space, although no opening date has been set.
If you have a hot tip or news to share, contact me at foodnews@cvindependent.com.
