April Brings Dining Out for Life—and the Big Gay BBQ!
Mark your calendar for Thursday, April 23, when DAP Health will host one of its biggest annual fundraisers: Dining Out for Life.
The concept is simple: Go out and enjoy a meal at a participating restaurant, and the Coachella Valley’s incredible culinary community will handle the rest. These restaurants generally pledge to donate at least 33% of their sales from the day to support DAP Health’s work. Many go even further, contributing 50%, 60% or even more than their total sales. (Townie Bagels notably gives 110%! THANK YOU!)
Last year, 65 local restaurants participated in Coachella Valley’s Dining Out for Life, raising more than $240,000, according to DAP Health. So on April 23, make plans to dine out. Your meal will help make a difference. To find participating restaurants, visit daphealth.org/dofl.
Later that same week: Enjoy the Big Gay BBQ (which is just like a regular barbecue, only way more fun), which has moved from June to a weekend that’s hopefully less toasty: Friday and Saturday, April 25 and 26. This free-to-attend event, sponsored by Palm Springs Pride, is a massive party on Arenas Road, in Palm Springs, with food trucks, live entertainment and an outdoor beverage lounge! For more information, visit pspride.org/biggaybbq.
In Brief
The owners of the Copper Room and Red Dog Saloon in Pioneertown are in the process of renovating Lord Fletcher’s, the very old-school English pub at 70385 Highway 111, in Rancho Mirage, that was a favorite haunt of Frank Sinatra. They haven’t announced a reopening date, but since the restaurant has been closed since the pandemic—and a car crashed into the building in 2023—I am sure there is a lot to do. Keep an eye on this space for updates.
Nearly two years after closing due to a devastating fire, beloved Palm Desert pizza place Papa Dan’s has finally reopened. For those who have been to Papa Dan’s before, be aware that they are now in a new, larger location in the same shopping center, at 73011 Country Club Drive. Welcome back to this valley favorite!
Perhaps the most asked food question in the Coachella Valley is where to get good Chinese food. It is, I admit, in short supply, especially in the western and central portions of the valley. However, help may be on the way: One More Bite Dumpling House is coming to 73547 Highway 111, Palm Desert, in the Jensen’s shopping center. This mini chain has the fingers on both of my hands crossed. You can see their menu at ombdumpling.com, and I will let you know as soon as I have more information.
The Coachella Valley now has a permanent food truck pod open every Friday, Saturday and Sunday, from 5 to 10 p.m.: Food Trucks on Requa, at 83197 Requa Ave., in Indio. Check out instagram.com/foodtrucksonrequa to learn more.
If you like fancy doughnuts, head to La Quinta, where 1/2Sies Co. is serving artisanal delights and premium ice cream, at 50921 Washington St., Suite C-1. Find out more at instagram.com/1_2sies.
Gabino’s Creperie, the Coachella Valley spot known for handheld crepes featuring treats like Buffalo chicken and Philly cheesesteak, is opening a third location in Old Town La Quinta, at 78015 Main St., Suite 108, the space that had been the home of the short-lived gourmet grilled-cheese spot Disco Rabbit. Learn more at www.facebook.com/gabinoscreperie. Also: There are rumors that Disco Rabbit plans to continue with special events and pop-up locations, although I have not been able to confirm that.
La Quinta tea and smoothie shop Bunny Teahouse, at 79680 Highway 111, is adding a second location at 43430 Monroe St., Suite K, in Indio; follow instagram.com/bunnyteahouse for updates.
Desert Hot Springs has a new Mexican joint: Taqueria Rancho 6, at 14201 Palm Drive. We couldn’t find a website or social media account for this place, so head to Yelp to learn more.
Finally, congratulations to El Mexicali Café, at 82720 Indio Blvd., in Indio, which is celebrating 45 years in business. This is an incredible feat! Get details at www.elmexicalicafe.com.
Have a restaurant news tip? Email foodnews@cvindependent.com!