June Is Filled With Events for Foodies
The Omni Rancho Las Palmas, at 41000 Bob Hope Drive, in Rancho Mirage, has brought back the Tiki Social, a tiki-inspired cocktail bar in collaboration with Jeff “Beachbum” Berry, tiki historian, author and owner of Latitude 29 in New Orleans. Through Labor Day, you can enjoy curated tropical cocktails designed to capture the spirit of paradise. I loved the “Coconutty Islander,” which tasted almost healthy. For more information, visit omnihotels.com/hotels/palm-springs-rancho-las-palmas/dining/tiki-social.
Each June, Palm Springs residents get the opportunity to honor firefighters—while eating delicious fried fish! The 93rd Annual Palm Springs Firefighters Fish Fry returns to Ruth Hardy Park, at 700 Tamarisk Road, at 6 p.m., Saturday, June 6. Expect rainbow trout, hot dogs, burgers, coleslaw and watermelon, all for the low price of $15. Adult beverages and homemade desserts are also available for purchase. For more information, visit palmspringsca.gov.
Equality Wine Fest returns to the Hyatt Palm Springs, at 285 N. Palm Canyon Drive, at 1 p.m., Saturday, June 13, bringing together some of the world’s finest LGBTQ+, BIPOC and women-owned wineries. Enjoy more than 100 wines, food samples, live entertainment, a silent auction and more. Presale tickets start at $105.54. For more information and tickets, visit equalitywinefest.com.
At 2 p.m., Sunday, June 28, head to the Classic Club, at 75200 Classic Club Blvd., in Palm Desert, for the third annual Classic Club Spirits and Wine Festival. This celebration showcases the Coachella Valley’s cocktail heritage through tastings and entertainment. General admission tickets are $65.87 in advance, with VIP tickets also available. Get them and learn more via Eventbrite.
In Brief
Coach, the luxury bag retailer, has opened The Coach Coffee Shop at the Desert Hills Premium Outlets in Cabazon, at 48650 Seminole Road. This is the first location in California, though Coach operates several other shops across the country. You’ll find coffee, matcha and an intriguing little cake shaped like a coach purse. Buy it so you can play “Is It Cake?” at home. Learn more at coach.com/content/coach-coffee-shop.
In other coffee news, San Fernando Coffee Company has opened inside the Vallarta Market, at 42425 Jackson St., in Indio. View the full menu at sanfernandocoffeeco.com.
Farmer Boys, the popular fast-casual breakfast and burger chain, has opened a restaurant across from the Agua Caliente Cathedral City, at 68895 E. Palm Canyon Drive; www.farmerboys.com.
Last month, we reported that the folks behind Hunny’s Palm Springs were opening a sister restaurant, Nashville Country Kitchen and Bar. Now they tell me they will be closing Hunny’s in early June; meanwhile, Nashville, at 262 S. Palm Canyon Drive, opened over Memorial Day weekend. Learn more at www.instagram.com/nashvillespalmspring.
Breakfast Republic is opening a second location in the Coachella Valley at 333 S. Palm Canyon Drive, in the Palm Springs space formerly occupied by Impala. This San Diego-based chain with more than a dozen locations serves breakfast and brunch standards often with a twist; think churro pancakes or shrimp and crab benedict. Learn more at breakfastrepublic.com.
Chef Brandon Avila has taken over the restaurant at Oscar’s Palm Springs, at 125 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way, No. 108. The restaurant, dubbed Avila at Oscar’s, focuses on a steakhouse vibe with a smokehouse overlay. Get more details at www.instagram.com/avilasmokehouse.
F10 Creative, the restaurant group behind Cheeky’s, Birba and Mr. Lyons, among others, has announced Bird, with the address listed on the website (birdf10.com) as 211 E. Palm Canyon Drive, Suite C, in Palm Springs—although the site also includes a map with an entirely different location. The announcement was light on details, so keep an eye on that website or instagram.com/bird.f10.
The Capital Grille, the fine-dining chain with two locations in California, appears to be building out the old Roy’s Restaurant at 71959 Highway 111, in Rancho Mirage. Keep your eyes on this space for updates.
A new “rolled ice cream” shop has opened at 45127 Towne St., in Indio: Mz. Freeze. Using fresh, natural ingredients, they roll each batch to order and focus on bold flavors and unique ice cream experiences. Learn more at mzfreeze.com.
Over the Rainbow Desserts is closing after a 16-year run at 1775 E. Palm Canyon Drive, in Palm Springs. They have announced their last day of business as May 30. Farewell to my favorite chocolate, peanut butter and caramel cupcake; you will be missed. Good luck to everyone! I am looking forward to Roman Blas’ next adventure.
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