December Includes the Return of the International Tamale Fest, Low Dez Fest
The annual Indio International Tamale Festival is back for its 32nd year, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 7 and 8, at Miles Avenue Park, 82540 Miles Ave. Follow the famous Tamale Trail around the grounds to find traditional and creative new tamale flavors. In addition to tamales, there is live entertainment, Luchador wrestling and a free ice-skating rink! Free parking is available at the Riverside County Fairgrounds, with shuttle service to the park. Entrance to the festival is free, but tamales must be purchased directly from the vendors. Learn more at www.indiotamalefestival.com.
Palm Springs Bottle Shop is bringing Low Dez Fest back to Market Market, at 1555 S. Palm Canyon Drive, in Palm Springs, at 3 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 14. This second-year celebration of queer, BIPOC and women winemakers, brewers and nonalcoholic beverage makers also includes a kickoff party the evening before at the Drift Hotel, 284 S. Indian Canyon Drive, in Palm Springs. Ticket prices vary, with general-access admission to the main event on Saturday costing $60; the proceeds benefit the LGBTQ Community enter of the Desert—an especially important cause now. (Full disclosure: My sister’s winery, Remy Wines, will be pouring at the event, and I will be there helping her out.) Get tickets and learn more at www.lowdezfest.com.
In Brief
Congratulations to Johannes, at 196 S. Indian Canyon Drive, in Palm Springs, as the restaurant celebrates 25 years in the desert! With accolades from local, national and international media, Johannes is one of my favorite places to eat in the desert. Learn more at johannespalmsprings.com.
Bay Area-based Uji Time Dessert has opened a location at 73510 Highway 111, in Palm Desert. The shop serves soft-serve flavors like matcha, black sesame and chocolate. In addition to cones and cups, you can get your ice cream served in their specialty: taiyaki, a Japanese fish-shaped pastry. Taiyaki can also be served plain or filled with Nutella or red bean paste. This is a welcome addition to our food landscape. Get more info at www.ujitimedessert.com.
New owners have taken the helm at Bongo Johnny’s, which opened in 2006 on Arenas Road and moved to its current location at 301 N. Palm Canyon Drive, in Palm Springs, in late 2018. Congrats to former owner Robb Wirt on whatever comes next!
Coachella Valley Brewing Co. has opened a location in downtown Palm Springs, at 155 S. Palm Canyon Drive, on the second floor next to Broken Yolk Café. Unlike the original Thousand Palms space, this taphouse includes a full restaurant, with a pub menu including burgers, fried-chicken sandwiches, and vegetarian options. The beer menu is extensive, too; find out more at www.cvbco.com.
The holiday pop-up shop for See’s Candy has returned to the shopping center at 425 S. Sunrise Way, in Palm Springs, at the intersection of Ramon Road. Nothing says a lovely gift like a box of chocolates; sees.com.
The Palm Springs Surf Club, at 1500 S. Gene Autry Trail, in Palm Springs, has rebranded its restaurant as Navigator. It is led by Chef Michael Hung, whoselocal pedigree includes the Colony Club and SO.PA at L’Horizon, where he helped earn them a listing in the prestigious Michelin Guide. Signature dishes include whole-roasted trout, and ribeye with bone marrow gremolata; there are thoughtfully curated vegan options as well. Check out the full menu at palmspringssurfclub.com/restaurants.
If you’re a fan of pulled pork sandwiches, smoky sausage or pork belly burnt ends, you’re going to be excited about Big Earl’s Barbecue opening inside the Fireside Lounge, at 696 S. Oleander Road, in Palm Springs. Find details at bigearlsbbqps.com.
Now, some updates: A couple of months back, I told you about Saffron Restaurant and Lounge opening at 1107 N. Palm Canyon Drive, in Palm Springs; after a few delays that included an entirely new air conditioning system, they are finally open and serving Persian cuisine; see the full menu at saffronps.com. … Desert Moon is now open in the former home of Rio Azul Mexican Bar and Grill, at 350 S. Indian Canyon Drive, in Palm Springs. Desert Moon serves breakfast, lunch and dinner Tuesday through Sunday. Check out the California fusion menu at desertmoonpalmsprings.com. … The Brown Bag in Palm Desert and Bouschet/PS Air Bar in Palm Springs are listed for sale. Good luck to everyone involved.
Do you have a hot tip or news to share? Reach out: foodnews@cvindependent.com.