What: Lamb kofta kebab
Where: Lola Rose Grand Mezze, inside the Thompson Palm Springs, 414 N. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs
How much: $18
Contact: 760-841-2040; www.lolaroseps.com
Why: Taste and texture.
For about two decades, the prime Palm Springs real estate between Indian Canyon and Palm Canyon drives south of Alejo Road was an eyesore.
In the mid ’00s, the parcel’s owner planned condos; the Great Recession stopped that. In December 2015, Steve Pougnet, in one of his last acts as mayor (before he went on to be indicted on bribery charges), led a ceremonial groundbreaking for the anticipated Andaz Palm Springs.
“It’s due to open in about 12 months,” The Desert Sun reported at the time. LOL.
Of course, we all know what came next: financing issues, labor shortages, a global pandemic and inflation. But finally, in the fall of 2024, what is now the Thompson Palm Springs partially opened. I am happy to report it is beautiful—and the property’s restaurant, Lola Rose Grand Mezze, is excellent.
The space has an upscale L.A. vibe, with a large bar/lounge space (DJ Tina Turntables provided the music on our recent Friday night visit), intriguing artwork and faux wood paneling—right off the gorgeous pool. The food, from chef Quentin Garcia, is upscale Mediterranean; being in a hotel, Lola Rose logically serves breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Our party of five eschewed the “large format” dishes and “feasts,” and instead ordered all sorts of smaller dishes from the “greens,” “spreads,” “plates” and “kebabs” parts of the menu, ranging from the celebration bread ($10) to the citrus endive salad ($15) to the hummus ($12). Everything was impressive, but the one dish I can’t forget about is the lamb kofta. The ground lamb—served with roasted tomatoes, shishito peppers, onions and other accompaniments—was moist and so delicious.
They say good things come to those who wait … and Lola Rose is definitely a good thing for Palm Springs’ culinary scene.
