Congratulations, Johnny Costa’s!
I want to start by saying congratulations to Johnny Costa’s Ristorante, which is celebrating 50 years in business!
This restaurant has been a staple in the Coachella Valley and a favorite of luminaries such as Frank Sinatra—and my parents!
If you’re unfamiliar somehow, Johnny Costa’s is located 440 S. Palm Canyon Drive, in Palm Springs. Learn more at johnnycostaspalmsprings.com.
Get Your Brain Freeze-Avoidance Techniques Ready
San Diego’s popular Scoop Ice Cream Festival made its debut in Palm Springs last year—and it is returning from noon to 4 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 1, at the Downtown Park.
More than 20 local makers of ice cream, gelato and paleta are signed up to make the day after Halloween even sweeter. The $38.25 ticket includes 10 2-ounce tastings (that is 20 ounces of ice cream!), plus entertainment and activities. To sweeten the deal, the proceeds are being donated to the LGBTQ+ Center’s Community Food Bank.
Learn more and buy tickets at scoopsandiego.org/scoop-palm-springs.
In Brief
Palm Springs is moving toward new rules that would allow all cannabis consumption lounges to serve food, offer live entertainment and hold ticketed events. According to our friends at The Palm Springs Post, the proposed regulations will allow lounges to host up to 24 ticketed events per year, as part of an effort to support the industry. The City Council unanimously advanced the changes, which still must complete the city’s approval process before taking effect.
Alice B. has been replaced by a new concept at Living Out, at 1122 E. Palm Canyon Drive, in Palm Springs. When Alice B. went on its summer hiatus, its space was taken over by Gertie’s Salon and Bar—and Gertie’s will remain there permanently. Not to worry: Gertie’s is still serving the phenomenal biscuits, which are also available to take home frozen. Get details at gertiespalmsprings.com.
Last month, we reported that Big Juice would be opening in the new Cotino development in Rancho Mirage; the announcement implied that the place is connected to the Big Juice Bar in Cathedral City and La Quinta. Now it appears another location is coming to the Thompson Palm Springs, at 414 N. Palm Canyon Drive. See the full menu at bigjuicebarcafe.com.
Ashley Stein, the owner of Saffron Restaurant and Lounge (at 1107 N. Palm Canyon Drive, in Palm Springs), announced on social media that the restaurant will close on Oct. 3, with plans to reopen in several months in a larger, yet-to-be-announced location, with a new menu and covered parking. The move follows a much-publicized dispute between Saffron and the restaurant’s landlord. Stein claimed the landlord wanted them to take down a LGBTQ+ pride poster; the landlord responded that the dispute involved lease requirements—and a large amount of unpaid rent. Watch www.saffronps.com for updates.
Popular micro-bakery Con Amor, Nina y Leon is opening a brick-and-mortar shop in the former home of Over the Rainbow, at 1775 E. Palm Canyon Drive, Suite 150, in Palm Springs. Meanwhile, their weekly pastry boxes—with treats like fig olive cake and raspberry chocolate tarts—are available on their website. Order those pastry boxes or learn more at conamorninayleon.com.
J’s Deli, the much-acclaimed Jewish deli in Palm Desert (and the maker of some of the best bagel chips I’ve ever had), closed last year—but owners have announced plans to reopen on Sept. 19 at 73655 El Paseo, in Palm Desert. Learn more at www.j-sdeli.com.
The Pin Kitchen and Bar has opened at 83040 Avenue 42, in Indio, at The Lights at Indio. It offers sandwiches, flatbreads, and a late-night menu, including a “fry flight”! See the full menu at indiogolf.com/dining.
Keke’s Breakfast Cafe, part of a Florida-based diner chain, has finally opened at 79892 Highway 111, in La Quinta—and the reviews so far are very good. Find out more at kekes.com.
Xanti’s Coffee closed its location at The Shops at Palm Desert earlier this year, with plans to reopen in Coachella. In the meantime, Xanti’s has opened a location in Indio at 45810 Fargo St., in the space previously occupied by Daily Grind. Learn more at xantiscoffee.com.
Finally, The Red Lobster in Palm Desert has permanently closed.
Have food or restaurant news? Reach out: foodnews@cvindependent.com.
