This darling creamery serves artisanal ice cream handmade with fresh produce in such flavorful varieties as Dark Chocolate Cacao Nib, Lavender Honey, and Rose Petal. Orders are served via cup, cone, or (best yet!) smashed between two homemade cookies in one of the establishment’s award-winning and much-ballyhooed ice cream sandwich delicacies.
A desert icon, Shields Date Garden was originally established in 1924 and remains a landmark today. The onsite store opened its doors in 1953, offering myriad date delicacies, as well as toys, spices, décor and games. The place is best known for its shakes, though, recognized by California’s 56th Assembly District as The Official Date Shake of Riverside County. Thick, creamy and delicious, it’s the addition of the company’s signature date crystals, which pack an unexpected crunch, that really does it for me! While there, be sure not to miss “The Romance and Sex Life of the Date,” a fun film detailing the fruit’s cultivation process that is played regularly in the onsite theater.
While many places claim to serve “the best date shake in the desert,” Windmill Market truly has one of the most tasty! Although a bit out of the way, located on a dusty stretch of road about seven miles north of downtown Palm Springs, the establishment is worth the drive. Don’t let the rough-around-the-edges interior dissuade you. Not only are the shakes delectable and teeming with fresh dates, but the rear patio makes for a charming spot to indulge, and the market’s other fare, like tacos, hot dogs, sandwiches and burritos, are solid.
This family-owned shake shack is a local favorite thanks to its gourmet shakes crafted sans milk with the shop’s proprietary (and much loved) homemade soft-serve ice cream. The website notes, “Because we produce our ice cream at the perfect temperature, we have no need to add milk and blend it.” The result is a deliciously rich all-ice-cream concoction, especially the date and date walnut varieties. In the mood for a different flavor? Great Shakes has plenty – a good 40 options, in fact (including many dairy-free choices), all of which are a sheer delight!
Craving exquisite French food prepared by a world-class chef and served on a striking patio? Head straight to Le Vallauris, a gorgeous, Zagat-rated eatery housed in one of Palm Springs’ most beautiful and historic homes. Originally established in 1974 by Paul Bruggemans (who was also behind Los Angeles’ famed St. Germain), Le Vallauris offers fine dining at its, well, finest. Jerry Berns, longtime owner of New York’s fabled 21 Club, called it “one of the best restaurants in the world,” and that is not hyperbole. As such, everyone from Dustin Hoffman to Loretta Young has enjoyed its fare.
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About 20 minutes down the road from the North Shore of the Salton Sea lies Bombay Beach, a small census-designated town of 200 homes and trailers, many of which are abandoned. The lowest city in America, elevation-wise, Bombay Beach is one of the most filmed and photographed spots in Imperial County – and it’s not very hard to see why. Half-populated, half-vacant and dilapidated, it is like no other place in the world. Thanks to the Bombay Beach Biennale, founded in 2015, the area is also home to countless unique art installations, which are dotted around the shoreline and surrounding streets, offering endless photo opportunities. Be sure not to miss the Ski Inn while in town. Though rough around the edges, the restaurant serves decent food in a fun atmosphere (Anthony Bourdain even had his first patty melt there!) and is a filming location! (Bonus – there is a bathroom on the premises available to patrons.)
My family’s favorite restaurant in Palm Springs – so much so that when we spent a week at a local downtown hotel for a staycation, we ended up dining at Zin every single night. With varied menu options, patrons can eat healthily or sinfully (XXX Adult Macaroni and Cheese, anyone?), and either way, it is guaranteed to be delicious! The entrees are also updated seasonally, so there is always something new to try. And be sure not to miss the bottomless champagne, bellini, and Aperol spritz offerings!
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Originally established in 1995, this spot is best known for its supreme bread offerings. There are more than 30 varieties to choose from (including gluten-free options), all handmade and stone ground on the premises each day. As such, the sandwiches are stellar, as are the baked goods and salads. With additional locations in Palm Springs and Rancho Mirage, Apsen Mills is a true desert stalwart.
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A newer addition to the Coachella Valley restaurant scene, this gourmet deli promptly became an area staple and THE premier spot for sandwiches in the desert. Offering the very best in hand-crafted hoagies, artisanal coffees, and fresh cuts of meat, it is upscale in every way and a delightful place to dine! Be sure not to miss the fabulous goods offered in the onsite market.
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This new gourmet deli/market serves up some of the best sandwiches in town (the Turkey & Brie and French Ham & Brie are my personal favorites), alongside truly stellar salads, pinsas (Roman-style pizzas), and cheese and wine pairings. The establishment also sells a highly curated selection of fromages and charcuterie boards to enjoy at home. The deli is adorable, welcoming, and oh-so delicious!
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