The Battle Over Kalura Trattoria’s Patio
Kalura Trattoria, at 124 S. Palm Canyon Drive, is facing a decidedly unusual challenge.
On Nov. 21, the Palm Springs City Council approved using eminent domain to acquire the patio space that abuts the 22-year-old restaurant, in order to meet California building codes, allowing for ADA and public-safety access to the Plaza Theatre, which is in the midst of a remodel.
This is the first step in negotiations with the owner; hopefully, a satisfactory resolution will be reached for everyone involved. Kalura Trattoria’s owners are posting updates on their Facebook page, if you want to follow along. Of course, we’ll keep you posted.
Get Ready for Lots of Pinot!
The fifth annual Palm Springs Pinot Festival: A Passion for Pinot is returning to the Westin Rancho Mirage Golf Resort and Spa, at 71333 Dinah Shore Drive, from Thursday, Jan. 30, through Sunday, Feb. 2.
Tickets for the main event, the grand tasting on Saturday, Feb. 1, start at $170 plus fees. Tickets for other events—including winemaker dinners, a Sunday brunch and a seminar on Sonoma County wines—are all available at palmspringspinotfest.com.
In Brief
The city of Rancho Mirage has launched its Shop Local program. Through Jan. 24 (or while supplies last), customers can buy digital gift cards in denominations of $50, $100 or $200, and receive a bonus card at half of the original card’s value, to be used at participating restaurants and retailers. Although the bonus cards expire on Jan. 31, the original gift card is good at full value for 12 months from purchase. Find out all the details, see a list of participants, and purchase your cards at app.yiftee.com/gift-card/rancho-mirage–ca. … At 6:30 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 15, Lola Rose Grand Mezze, at the Thompson Palm Springs, at 414 N. Palm Canyon Drive, in Palm Springs, will host a “bespoke, once-in-a-lifetime dining experience curated and hosted by Chef Quentin Garcia.” The dinner is $135 per person, or $195 with wine pairings; learn more and make reservations at hyatt.com/thompson-hotels/our-story/chef-series. … Chef Gabriel Woo, of Bar Cecil fame, is working on a new project: Donna Forte, in downtown Indio. It is expected to open in the fall of 2025. Keep your eyes on this space for updates. … Burger-chain fans, rejoice: Shake Shack is now open at 73199 El Paseo, Suite A, in Palm Desert. People love their burgers, crinkle-cut fries and, obviously, their shakes. Learn more at shakeshack.com. … Family Bakery, an Armenian restaurant, has opened at 73910 Highway 111, in Palm Desert. In addition to baked goods like bread, baklava, cakes and other Armenian sweets, you can get dumplings, kebabs, spreads, cheeses and other products to eat there or take home. Find out more at www.instagram.com/mediterranean_familybakery760. … Oceana, at 79932 Country Club Drive, in Palm Desert, is opening a second location in the former home of Talay Thai, at 70065 Highway 111, in Rancho Mirage. This seafood restaurant bases its food in Mexico, but isn’t afraid to experiment with other global cuisines. The new location is expected to open in early to mid-January. A person I spoke to at Oceana said the menu will be nearly identical to that at Palm Desert location; see it at oceanapalmdesert.com. On a personal note, I am sad to see Talay close; the person I spoke to at Oceana tells me Talay is planning to reopen in a different location, but I am unable to confirm that. Keep checking this space for updates. … Jim Hicks, who earlier this year closed Impala Bar and Grill, at 333 S. Palm Canyon Drive, in Palm Springs, has announced he is opening an Irish sports bar, 333 Clover, in the same space, with a full Irish menu and Guinness and Harp on tap. Again, watch this space for updates. … Churrasco Brazilian Steakhouse, at 450 S. Palm Canyon Drive, in Palm Springs, is now open for breakfast/brunch on Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The all-you-can-eat buffet is $33 and includes eggs, bacon, sausage, pastries, hot sides and salads. Learn more at churrascobr.com/churrasco-palm-springs. … The Jus Chillin’ Frozen Yogurt on the corner of Tahquitz Canyon Way and Indian Canyon Drive, in Palm Springs, has closed; the other nearby location, at 155 S. Palm Canyon Drive, remains open. See the offerings at juschillinps.com.
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Wishful thinking: the Jus Chillin location that just closed at Tahquitz should become a cafe/coffee place, it would be a great combination with the bookstore next door.
Also heard Talay Thai was taking over another restaurant’s space.
That might be a difficult sell. Starbucks has that great location on Tahquitz and Palm Canyon less than a block away.