Travel Edition: Palm Springs

Well Hello my fellow foodies!

I know it's been awhile so I am here to catch up! As some of you may know I recently traveled to Palm Springs to celebrate my birthday! It was an absolute blast with, of course, amazing food! I am writing this to share with all of you several places we dined so that you can make sure to put these on your list of MUSTS whenever you are in the Palm Springs area. Wishing you all a wonderful Spring Break, wherever your travels may take you!

1. Cheeky's
www.cheekysps.com

They serve breakfast and lunch, with an amazingly fresh menu! Dine on the patio with a glass of fresh squeezed orange juice along side a sparkling glass of champagne. We enjoyed a sampler of fresh juices including blood orange and grapefruit juices. Fresh water comes served in a vintage glass jar complete with miniature water glasses. A great place to watch the people passing on Palm Canyon Blvd. A definite must for a lovely mid-morning dining experience!

Fresh Fresh Fresh

2. Lulu California Bistro
www.lulupalmsprings.com 

A chic and hip bistro that is everything California. From the mosaic tile walls to the overly huge chandeliers to the bright pops of modern prints, this place has a very laid back attitude with a hip vibe and a seriousness when it comes to food. Large in it's space but intimate in it's feel, Lulu's is the place to be. The open airiness from the inside out makes it another fabulous place to people watch along Palm Canyon Blvd. An almost overwhelming menu of everything yummy to pages dedicated to martinis and mojitos. This is a must for lunching, dinner or just cocktails on the patio.

Tuna & Avocado Tower

Stuffed Artichoke

Quinoa Stuffed Summer Squash

Partial View from my seat

View from upstairs

Patio

3. Copley's on Palm Canyon
www.copleyspalmsprings.com

Copley's is the restaurant I chose to dine for my birthday. I have been a long time fan of the mid-century era along with it's legion of film stars and cinematography. Located in the heart of Palm Springs, the 1940’s former Cary Grant guesthouse has been converted into Copley’s Restaurant, a casual yet sophisticated restaurant offering a friendly indoor and outdoor dining experience. We dined on the patio, enjoyed a bottle of Rombauer Chardonnay and had an amazing waiter named Rex! The food is beyond words, with every bite a new flavor, a new sensation. This is truly amazing food where every ingredient is planned and executed with such precision yet seems unforced in it's culmination of flavors. Copley’s has consistently been rated among the top restaurants in the valley by Zagat’s and New York Times. Each bite is meant to be savored and enjoyed. You dine here when time is of no essence, so that you can take it in and enjoy every bite as it was meant to be.

ROASTED BEET & WARM GOAT CHEESE SALAD

Micro Greens, Poached Pears, Candied Walnuts,
Honey Mustard Dressing

Outdoor Dining

GRILLED BEEF TENDERLOIN

Over Corn & Lobster Risotto,
Sauteed Asparagus with Reggiano Cheese, Grilled Onions, Cabernet Reduction

Evening Special: Seared Ahi Tuna with White & Green Asparagus over Wasabi Potatoes

Patio Dining

Fire Pit

Entrance

4. The Parker Palm Springs
www.theparkerpalmsprings.com

Oh The Parker. What can I say about the dear old Parker.........it's only one of the most fun fab hip places to see and be seen in Palm Springs. Putting my slight obsession with all things Jonathan Adler aside, who designed the entire resort, I am head over heels in love with The Parker. From the elegant entrance to the fun interior, Adler takes decorating with humor to a whole new level, to the restaurants, to the chic Palm Springs Yacht Club Spa and mid-century modern design of the pool, The Parker has a kitschy yet glamorous way of transporting you back in time to an era that was all "play hard" attitude of the 50's Hollywood elite. Dine at Norma's on the Patio for breakfast and lunch, poolside fare or at the ever mysteriously and glamorous Mr. Parkers for dinner. Either way, you can't lose!

Lobby Entrance

Adler Flair

Cocktails in the Lobby

Mr. Parkers

Lobby Lounge

Lemonade Stand Poolside

Lobby Bar

Norma's on the Patio

Hope you have enjoyed the journey as much as I have enjoyed sharing it! Just remember, not all restaurants you come across on your travels will always turn out to be fabulous. It's trial and error a lot of times. Just remember to do your research before you go. Listen to the locals and take referrals from friends. Then again, the thrill of taking risks to visit places off the beaten path is half the fun and the people you meet along the way may just inspire you in ways you didn't know possible!

Happy Travels and Happy Healthy Eating to you all,
Nicole