Author: lindsay

Switzerland-born sculptor Roger Reutimann looked to the contouring of a 1959 Cadillac as inspiration for this fanciful piece, which he calls “Cadillactus.” Representing creativity, the artist utilized the shaping of the classic auto’s streamlined tail fins to form the metallic branches of the towering work, playfully saluting the desert’s longtime love affair with car culture and whimsical design. 

This one-ton steel sculpture was created by local neo-surrealistic artist Anne Faith Nicholls to showcase the city’s longstanding roles as an oasis, providing water, sustenance and beauty to its many denizens. Fashioned with sheets representing waves, the piece also serves as an important reminder to conserve our most delicate resources for future generations.

Best known for his designs involving street signs, multi-media artist Scott Froschauer crafted this splashy pillar out of bright rainbow-colored rods capped with a ring of neon letters spelling out the word “equality.” Situated just outside the main entrance to Palm Springs International Airport, the work acts as a warm and inclusive greeting to all who enter the city.

To shape this piece, artist Bernard Stanley Hoyes replicated the framework of DNA, highlighting the concept that despite humankind’s many differences, we are all one, molded of the same basic elements. The two hummingbirds that top the double helix, symbolizing procreation, are a nod to a sister sculpture Hoyes created in his native Jamaica honoring the country’s motto, “Out of many, one people.”

A collaboration by Kate Jessup and Celeste Cooning, this work incorporates the fabled inverted arches of E. Stewart Williams’ 1961 Coachella Valley Savings & Loan building and the floral patterns of plants native to the area. Illustrating a harmony or “civility” of nature and architecture, “this form consists of 50% negative space and 50% steel,” Jessup explains, with “one half resolute and one half open to suggestion.”

Comprised of 52 porcelain enamel arrow-shaped road signs representing the city’s 52 different neighborhood groups, this pillar was designed by sculptural text artist Michael Daniel Birnberg, aka MIDABI. Standing 15 feet, the piece seamlessly illustrates the beautiful truth that, in Palm Springs, community can be found everywhere.

Displayed outside Ernest Coffee (1101 N. Palm Canyon Dr.), this purple ombre work, which utilizes negative space to spell out “WOW,” is a definitive statement piece! Meant to elicit a childlike feeling of wonderment and drive its viewers to a more present state, the textural sculpture acts as a poignant reminder of the need for mindfulness to anyone grabbing their daily cup of joe.  

Tucked in the courtyard on the east side of the Desert Art Center (550 N. Palm Canyon Dr.), the idea behind this orange-hued monolith, which proclaims “Moment, Movement, Change,” is explained by MIDABI as such, “Change is nature’s singular moment and continuous movement; eternal and unyielding.” Indeed, the only constant is change, as they say!

Originally displayed in New York’s Union Square Park, this piece was relocated several times before making its way to its current home outside of the Palm Springs Art Museum (101 N. Museum Dr.) in December 2023. Playing on the dualities of shadow and light, positive and negative space, nothing and everything, “The Only Other” provides thought-provoking commentary in picturesque form.

Anyone driving to Palm Springs has likely noticed the I-10 sign announcing “other Desert Cities.” In 2016, Wonder Valley artist Dana Longuevan paid homage to the seemingly dismissive placard in the form of a graphic tee. Eight years later, the popular shirts are now sold all across the Coachella Valley, as well as in Very Very, the chic art/homewares shop Dana opened with her husband, Rich Good (yes, that Rich Good), last year. The supremely soft tees run $35 and come in a variety of colors.

I recently had the pleasure of visiting this stunning rooftop bar, perched atop Azúcar restaurant at the Las Serenas Villas hotel in downtown Palm Springs. Nestled under a romantic canopy of Edison lights with striking views of the San Jacinto Mountains (which feel just inches away), colorful Boho furnishings begging patrons to settle in, and a stellar array of craft cocktails and mocktails, the watering hole is an absolute masterpiece!

This 2018 documentary, currently streaming on Freevee, highlights the many years Frank Sinatra spent in Palm Springs. Featuring interviews with such luminaries as Barbara Sinatra, Mel Haber, Nelda Linsk, and Trini Lopez, the film is a love letter to both the city and the iconic singer, showcasing his many generous contributions to the local community, various desert homes and regular haunts, most of which are still in operation today! It is a must-watch!

I spent quite a bit of time throughout the festival weekends at glamping grounds/special events venue Rancho 51 Date Garden. Established by Indio natives Johnny and Claudia Alvarado, the tranquil 2-acre retreat is tucked inside a lush grove of palm trees, with countless amenities to make guests feel truly at home, including restroom/shower trailers, a pool, food trucks and a slew of vendors offering everything from hair and makeup to permanent jewelry! It’s the only spot I’d consider booking for Coachella/Stagecoach camping!

Situated outside of La Quinta’s charming Artize Gallery is a tiny stand filled with artwork, free for passersby to take! Known as F.L.A.G., the display is a treasure trove of unique finds – as fun to browse as it is to procure. I recently snagged a gorgeous citrus drawing that I can’t wait to hang in my kitchen! While visiting, be sure to pop into Artize to check out its Art-o-Mat machine, a vintage cigarette vending machine repurposed to sell small works of art at $5 a pop.

This Deepwell Estates pad was originally built in 1965 by architect Robert Lewis, but its plush red interior comes courtesy of longtime owner Jack Stephan, aka the “Plumber to the Stars,” who overhauled the abode to the tune of $150,000 in 1971. Awash in myriad retro accents and rich crimson hues, the property is a true throwback, just awaiting its next caretaker to preserve it for future generations. (Image courtesy of Shafik Wahhab Photography.)

$1,599,000, The Paul Kaplan Group

Always dreamed of owning a hotel? Now is your chance, as the Coyote Inn has just hit the market. The Spanish Mission-style lodging features seven newly-renovated suites with fireplaces, kitchenettes and mini libraries, plus an owner’s apartment, all centered around a lush courtyard with a pool, spa, BBQ area, fire pit, and stunning views of the San Jacinto Mountains. As the glowing Tripadvisor reviews assert, this place is a beloved gem!

$2,850,000, Valentino & Valentino

One of architect Charles Du Bois’ iconic Swiss Miss houses, this 1958 Vista Las Palmas pad offers countless original details, including two stone fireplaces, an array of clerestory windows and a pitched roof topping a glorious double-height entry. Setting it apart from its contemporaries, the property also boasts a matching Du Bois-designed A-frame guest house/studio tucked away on its oversized  0.4-acre lot.

$3,380,000, Campbell Crane Team

This singular estate in the exclusive Bighorn Golf Club is a Moroccan dream! Comprising a whopping 13,000 square feet, no detail of its design was overlooked, with amenities including a 20-seat hookah lounge, a hammam spa, 8 hand-tiled fireplaces, a master bath complete with a champagne chiller, an elevator lined with mother of pearl, and a stunning central courtyard capped by a $1-million retractable glass roof. (Image courtesy of Ketchum Photography.)

$17,850,000, Patrick Stewart Properties

Seeking a lakeside dwelling offering water skiing, boating and fishing? Look no further than this extraordinary Shadow Lake Estates pad! Boasting exquisite stonework, a gourmet kitchen and the utmost in indoor/outdoor living, the sprawling 5,000-square-foot abode comes complete with a private beach, boat dock and striking views of the adjacent 45-acre man-made sports basin! You won’t find anything else like it in the entire valley!

$4,200,000, Jenell VanDenBos, Coldwell Banker Realty

The people. I’ve been in retail and worked with people all my life, and I have never met nicer people. Every day I am grateful to get to know each person I meet.

It’s a gathering place for my family, and every month, my house is full of all my kids and their partners partying and eating and enjoying the gorgeous landscape and weather.

Working! We stay open in the A/C all summer, plus it’s busy season at the Laguna Beach store so I’m over there often.

It’s knowing that there really isn’t competition – it doesn’t matter if a lot of businesses are doing it, they don’t do it the way YOU do it. Ever heard of coffee shops? Pizza? Just do what you do and do it well. That being said, experience is the best education in business. I paid attention to all my mentors, jobs, employees, and customers over the years, and I use what I learned every day.

All NLT. LA. Sylvia, the designer, actually got married out here. It’s a women-owned, no-waste, size-inclusive brand that stands for “No Less Than” as no woman should feel “less than.” Everything is handmade in LA. (NLT’s Parker Eyelet Vest and Cove Linen Pant are pictured here, along with a Cher Raffia bag from Melie Bianco, a premier recycled vegan leather brand and another shop favorite!)

Anything my son cooks when he’s here, he’s a phenomenal chef. I’m riddled with food allergies (wheat/gluten being the top meanie) and IMO the desert needs to work on inclusive places to eat. Beautiful Day (pictured) is my favorite! They have THE BEST GF hotcakes!

The day the desert has some quality GF dessert I will never leave! Tiffany’s Sweet Spot (pictured) really does a nice job with GF cupcakes though. I hear I need to make it over to Wildest in PD for some great allergen friendly food.

This colorful bar is located in the spot that housed legendary tiki lounge Don the Beachcomber from 1953 to 1985. Founded by Ernest Gantt (aka Donn Beach, aka the father of the tiki bar), the site was a bonafide hotspot, attracting such legends as Frank Sinatra, Kirk Douglas, Robert Wagner, and Bing Crosby. After sitting vacant for several years, the landmark site was revitalized in 2014 into the Polynesian paradise it is today. With a few of the Beachcomber’s original flourishes retained, Donn’s spirit – and spirits! – are very much alive and well on the premises!

As the myriad black and white headshots on the walls attest, this watering hole is about as Old Hollywood as it gets! Just a few of the legends who have graced Melvyn’s bar stools since the place was initially established in 1975 include Greta Garbo, June Allyson, Bob Hope, Clark Gable, Elizabeth Taylor, and John Wayne. Frank Sinatra, a regular and longtime pal of founder Mel Haber, even hosted the rehearsal dinner for his 1976 nuptials to Barbara Marx amongst the glamorous confines.

Where else but Palm Springs can you imbibe at Cary Grant’s former guest house? As legend has it, the beloved Copley’s restaurant once served as offsite guest quarters for the movie legend, whose longtime desert homewas located just up the road. Reimagined by chef Andrew Copley in 2004, the site is one of the area’s premier eateries today. In a fun twist, outlines of Grant’s former guest rooms are still clearly visible throughout, a vibrant reminder of the days Hollywood royalty roamed the space.

On the evening of February 25, 1995, Frank Sinatra took to the stage for one final time, executing a flawless six-song set in the main ballroom of the JW Marriott Desert Springs. The resort’s lobby bar pays homage to that landmark last performance via its nightly Sinatra Smash Happy Hour. As the crooner’s tunes play overhead and a flag with his visage drops from the ceiling, bartenders pass out samples of the signature Sinatra Smash cocktail, which, of course, features a hefty dose of Jack Daniel’s, to all in attendance.

This area stalwart was founded by local restaurateur Bob Cunard in 1982 (the very same year that the city of La Quinta was incorporated!) in a nondescript building that initially housed a laundromat. Though the exterior is a bit rough around the edges, the place is exquisitely old school inside, its retro stylings a callback to Hollywood’s golden age. So it is no surprise that such icons as Bob Hope, Ginger Rogers, Johnny Mathis, and Gena Rowlands are all known to have partaken there.

While on the hunt for stellar nachos in the Valley recently, I came across an Instagram post by The Unemployed Eater asserting the best variety can be found at Blackbook. Having now sampled them myself, I can affirm that claim is correct! The popular Arenas Road watering hole, known as “the home of the original Palm Springs style nachos,” serves up its premier offerings on a cookie sheet one layer deep, resulting in the ultimate chip-to-topping ratio, with a crunch that truly reigns supreme!

Palm Springs’ landmark Bank of America building, designed by Rudi Baumfeld in 1959, recently reopened after a lengthy restoration. Deemed “the most beautiful bank in America” upon its inception, the structure is even more striking today, with stylized mid-century furnishings, revitalized wood paneling, and newly poured terrazzo flooring. Be sure not to miss the original coin scale, which remains intact and accessible for customers to test out themselves!

Sushi-grade fish has finally arrived in the desert via Haines Packing Company, a family-owned Alaska-based seafood processing establishment that recently opened a storefront in La Quinta. The shop’s selections, all caught in the Alaskan wild, are fresh-frozen, aka “frozen rapidly after capturing at the peak of quality . . . ensuring the fish has the same quality it would have had if eaten on the dock with the fisherman at landing.” From halibut to salmon to freshly cracked jumbo lump crab meat, the options are vast and insanely sumptuous.

While driving along Indian Canyon recently, the bulbous signage affixed to the Drift hotel literally stopped me in my tracks and I had to pull over for a closer look. The piece, which spells out “DRIFT” via five whimsical globe lights, was created for the chic lodging by the Folklor branding/design firmand fabricated by locally-based Best Signs Incorporated. Calling to mind the Googie signage of yesteryear, the installation is an arresting nod to the city’s mid-century roots.

Always wanted to play tennis like a pro? Now is your chance because the Indian Wells Tennis Garden is not just a venue for the BNP Paribus Open, but a year-round tennis and pickleball club, where $25 secures visitors and locals alike a day of playat one of the pavilion’s professional-grade Garden courts! Those who don’t feel like participating in a game but still want to catch a glimpse of the world-famous facility can grab a meal at Nobu (pictured right, courtesy of Amy Bonaduce of The Clipboard of Fun), which offers unparalleled views of Stadium 2.

Literally doing my own homes and helping friends with theirs. And my family has been in the stone business for years.

My husband, Mark, had a showroom for builders when I first moved to the desert and I started doing builder design work there. After finishing almost 1000 homes for Shea, I had no idea where I was going next. I thought I would enjoy having more free time, but I really missed the work. We always talked about opening a studio again and Mark kind of surprised me with it.

Mark also surprised me with the name idea. He’s definitely my biggest fan and wanted something to reflect me. My birthday is February 15th — the same day as my son’s and my grandfather’s. Our sweet little granddaughter and our beloved dog, Murphy (pictured), were also born on the 15th.

I would have to say transitional. I like several aspects of every style and believe there is always a way to mix designs together. It’s always fun working with clients who have a different style than me — it keeps things interesting.

Talking with my clients and getting to know their vision and goals. If it’s for me personally, sometimes I see a piece of stone, furniture or even a color and it sparks inspiration. (Editor’s note – Mark custom-built the pictured table, crafted entirely from stone! I’ve seen it in person and it is stunning!)

Anything and everything! I’m always up for branching out. I also love putting together parties and really diving into a theme. (Editor’s note – pictured is the pool décor from one of Debbie’s legendary Halloween parties.)

We also own a stone fabrication company, which is right down the street from Studio 2 1 5. Our wheelhouse has mostly been counters, floors and walls. Working for Shea, I did full options, including pools and landscaping. Our aim with Studio 2 1 5 is to create a full-concept design destination, offering cabinets, fixtures, full remodels, ADUs, and more. Another important area of our services includes outdoor living. We are already expanding Studio 2 1 5 and will be showcasing many outdoor features in our new space.

We have great relationships with many local businesses (some over 30 years) and update the studio with current and classic trends.

That’s a tough one, but I would probably say the kitchen.

I love using natural stone, which is definitely back in style. It’s so beautiful and unique. There’s something special about picking out your slabs.

Probably always wanting to make holidays special for my kids when they were young. (Editor’s note – pictured is the dessert table from another of Debbie’s epic Halloween parties – all of the treats made from scratch, of course!)

Definitely the people. The desert is a special niche and relationships are rewarding and important. Because Mark and I have been in this business for so long, we have built many lifelong friends and partnerships.

Passion for what you’re doing and hard work.

The beautiful weather and landscape.

We love Lunas Bar & Grill in Indio (pictured).

Keedy’s in Palm Desert (pictured).  I love that we have Arhaus now.  And we love heading out to Ocotillo Wells with our family for camping and four-wheeling when the weather’s nice and we have the time!

My family was heartbroken when Clementine Gourmet Marketplace & Café closed its doors in 2017. (I’ll never forget my late father demolishing an entire order of the café’s cannoli we’d picked up for a dinner party—before we even made it out of the parking lot!) So I was thrilled to learn that former owner Jennifer Douheret recently opened Atelier № 27, a boutique offering vintage clothing and beautifully sourced gifts, on San Pablo Ave. Teeming with truly unique finds and a distinctive European flair—the store’s name is a nod to the address of the home in Italy where Jennifer grew up—the shop is warm, bright, and inviting. Don’t miss the line of Bougie D’Oud candles, all of which smell divine.

I’ve never been into fancy sauces or bold spices — I’m unfailingly basic when it comes to food. Give me ranch dressing and Lawry’s garlic salt, and I’m one happy camper! But that changed when I attended Kitchen Kitchen’s 46th anniversary party in November and first sampled Desert Dust, a locally made, all-purpose seasoning crafted from Coachella Valley dates. My husband and I have been obsessed ever since! It’s genuinely good on everything—from tacos and chicken to air-fried cauliflower. The Savory blend is my go-to, and the Guacamole seasoning mix is simply out of this world! Just blend with an avocado, add chips and . . . chef’s kiss!

I wrote about this longtime Indio nursery last May, shortly after it was taken over by new owners and given a refresh. Since then, Madison Gardens has continued to blossom, with gorgeous new features and experiences around every corner. The horticultural haven now boasts a conservatory filled with eye-catching plant displays, an on-site boutique offering foliage-themed gifts and stunning custom arrangements, and (my personal favorite) a K-Fé 7 Coffee kiosk, complete with the most adorable patio seating. Even if you’re not in the market for new plants, Madison Gardens is a lovely spot to grab a latte and soak in the bucolic views.

Another newsletter, another fried chicken mention—because it’s always going to be my meal of choice! So when I spotted the Boom Boom Chicken (panko-breaded breast pieces fried to golden perfection and topped with a Thai chili glaze) on the menu during my first visit to Kitchen 86last week, I immediately put in my order—and it did not disappoint. Being diabetic, I opted for the glaze on the side and used it as a dipping sauce. Easily one of the best lunches I’ve had out in a long time, Kitchen 86 has officially landed at the top of my favorites list. (The Boom Boom Shrimp my lunchmate graciously let me sample was equally excellent!) Bonus: on Friday and Saturday nights, the restaurant features dueling pianos—so a dinner reservation is in order, presto.

An afternoon at Sunnylands is always a delight! From the sylvan gardens and stellar gift shop to the on-site café and rotating exhibitions, there’s no shortage of things to enjoy. The Welcome Center’s current installation explores the historic 200-acre estate’s landscape history through stunning photographs by David Loftus. Sunnylands Director Michaeleen Gallagher states, “This exhibition invites you to see trees as more than landscape features. Here, they are art.” And that is not hyperbole. Shot in extreme close-up, from reverse bird’s-eye views, and with imagery turned on its side in vertigo-inducing fashion, the pieces are definitely works of art. Fun fact: the gallery seating was fashioned from Virginia live oaks that once  lined the property.

Spend Valentine’s Day in one of the prettiest settings in the desert at Sunnylands’ annual floral arranging workshop. Led by Studio Kate Floral and inspired by the estate’s fabled A. Quincy Jones–designed rose garden, this hands-on course walks you through creating a rose arrangement of your own (and yes, you take it home!). A post-class latte from the on-site café and a stroll through the gardens make the perfect finishing touch.

Perfect for couples, friends, or a solo self-love date.

February 14 | 1–3 p.m. | $78.99 | Sunnylands

Exciting news: my favorite local candle makers, Chicano Candle Co. (formerly Mijo Co.), have just unveiled a new candle bar at The Place in Indio. To celebrate, they’re hosting two Valentine’s Day classes where you’ll blend a custom scent (there are over 100 fragrances to choose from!) and hand-pour a signature creation with owners Vince and Adolfoguiding the way. (Mistletoe is my personal favorite scent option — off-season, I know, but it’s just that good!) Afterward, pop across the street to Rosemary HiFi for a drink or grab a burger at Papa Headz for a casual but absolutely delicious Valentine’s celebration.

Perfect for couples, Galentine’s plans, or a creative night out.

February 14 | 5–6 p.m. & 6–7 p.m. | $50 | The Place, Indio

Calling all desert yogis: head up to Yucca Valley for a love-themed evening “honoring renewal,” led by astronomer Will Henry and Betty: The Sound Fairy. This communal, three-hour experience takes place at the Hi-View Trailhead and includes two sound baths, a cacao ceremony, a narrated tour of the night sky, and stories exploring Valentine’s Day myths across cultures. It’s equal parts grounding, magical, and very desert.

Perfect for couples, close friends, or anyone craving a soulful Valentine’s experience.

February 14 | 4:30–7:30 p.m. | Yucca Valley | $40–$80 (two-for-one tickets available)

Roses may be red and violets may be blue, but you can celebrate in purple at the legendary Purple Room supper club this Valentine’s Day. Step into an “intimate throwback to midcentury glamour” at the historic establishment (where the Rat Pack used to regularly hang out!) and enjoy an evening of live jazz paired with delicious fare — from filet mignon and jidori chicken to vegan lasagna. Classic Palm Springs cool, served with a side of romance.

Perfect for couples, jazz lovers, or anyone seeking a stylish night out.

February 13–14 | Various reservation times | $99 | The Purple Room, Palm Springs

Coachella Valley denizens with ’80s-loving hearts, this one’s for you! In honor of Pretty in Pink’s 40th anniversary (yes, the film officially turns 40 this month — we are old!), the Mary Pickford Theatre is hosting special screenings of the beloved classic all weekend long. As a bonus, ticket-holders will also catch a special featurette with director Howard Deutch. So grab your most volcanic ensemble and a juice box, and settle in for a thoroughly nostalgic Valentine’s weekend movie night.

Perfect for solo plans, longtime friends, or anyone feeling a little retro.

February 13–15 | Various showtimes | $6.95 | Mary Pickford Theatre

Facilitated by the Palm Springs Chamber of Commerce, Leadership Coachella Valley is a 10-month initiative for current and emerging local leaders, welcoming a new class of 40–50 participants each year. I was lucky enough to be accepted into the Class of 2026, which kicked off with its first session in September. (Photos above were taken during that inaugural meet-up.)

Now celebrating its 25th year (anniversary party info here!), the hands-on, immersive program dives into the Valley’s history, culture, infrastructure, government, and economy through 10 intensive — and thoroughly invigorating — day-long sessions, held once a month, covering topics such as education, arts, conservation, and other aspects of community life — all while fostering meaningful relationships and cultivating leadership skills. The program also boasts an extensive alumni network, providing ongoing learning opportunities and nourishing relationships that last far beyond the 10-month journey.

Through LCV, I’ve toured corners of the Valley I never knew existed — schools, government facilities, food banks, rescue missions, nonprofits — and gained a much deeper appreciation for the people and organizations that shape our community. I’ve met some of the desert’s most dynamic, passionate individuals and learned from their perspectives and experiences.

In short? Joining has been one of the best decisions of my life. And I’m only halfway through!

Being part of this year’s class is a true gift and an ongoing reminder of how lucky I am to call this Valley home.  Want to join next year’s class? Applications open in May. Learn more here.

This question comes from my pal Cherry, owner of Roam.e, whose friend recently visited The Living Desert and noticed the Petting Kraal looked a bit different. She reached out to Cherry for insight and Cherry, in turn, texted me — thinking I might have the scoop. And she was right — thanks to one of my Leadership Coachella Valley classmates who works at the zoo and with whom I had just been discussing this very topic!

The Living Desert’s walk-in petting zoo, located inside Village WaTuTu, has always been one of my favorite spots to visit. (I even once met actor Jeremy London there! Photo above.) With the resident goats getting older and the zoo deepening its focus on conservation and animal welfare, the space was recently refreshed with a new layout to provide a more peaceful and comfortable environment for the animals.

The good news? Visitors can still go inside the Petting Kraal and interact with the beloved Nigerian dwarf goats — just now from the other side of a low fence. The Living Desert is planning additional enhancements to the habitat in the coming weeks, as well, so be sure to  keep an eye on the zoo’s socials for updates.

A flight attendant friend recently flew into the Valley for a brief layover and was put up at a hotel near Sherman’s Deli & Bakery. She and her crew passed by the eatery on their way out to explore and she texted me to ask if it was any good. I literally couldn’t respond fast enough — Sherman’s is a desert staple!

Their club sandwich— modified to add cheddar and avocado and minus the third slice of bread (pictured) — is one of my all-time favorite meals! If I’m anywhere in the vicinity, you can bet I’m popping in to snag one! My husband and I once spent a week at the Hilton right across the street and I ordered a club every single day for lunch. It was a dream! 

My friend and her crew stopped by Sherman’s later that night for baked goods to take back to the hotel . . . though I don’t think anything actually made it out of the restaurant. The second the to-go cartons were handed over, everyone dug right in. She’s since had another Palm Springs stopover and made sure to swing by again to pick up desserts for her mom to enjoy back home.

This question comes from my mom, who recently met up with some out-of-town friends for a late breakfast/early lunch in Palm Desert. Said friends visit the Valley every year and my mom was hoping to take them somewhere they hadn’t already been. They also prefer heartier meals and love bakery treats — so I put on my thinking cap and came up with the tailored list below.

Wonder (pictured) — If you’re looking for a sugary breakfast (which my mom’s friends definitely were!), this spot should be top of mind. While being diabetic, I’ve never indulged — I usually go for a sausage patty, eggs and a latte (all delish) — the French Toast here is a gluttonous gem topped with berries, syrup, chantilly cream, powdered sugar and cotton candy. Every time I’ve seen it served, the entire restaurant comes alive with oohs and ahhs. There are also plenty of tempting baked goods like donuts, croissants and danishes on hand.

Grill-A-Burger — If you’re seeking variety, this place has you covered. Despite what the name implies, it’s so much more than just a burger joint. The massive menu includes everything from hot dogs to salads to chicken strips (my personal favorite) — all grilled, tossed and fried to perfection.

Sherman’s — Though I much prefer the Palm Springs location, you can’t go wrong with a meal at Sherman’s for all the reasons noted above – hearty servings, sumptuous comfort fare and desserts that barely make it out of the box.

Keedy’s Fountain & Grill — This desert institution has been keeping hungry patrons satisfied since 1957. Serving up diner classics and generously portioned breakfasts (the pancakes can’t be beat!), this greasy spoon is one of my family’s favorite local establishments. That said, I’d skip the sister location in Indio, which, in my experience, doesn’t offer the same quality fare.

D’Coffee Bouteaque — Best known for its extensive and imaginative coffee menu (think salted caramel lattes, lavender cold brews and Oreo mochas), the food offerings are just as delectable. From Bananas Foster French Toast to Jumbo Lump Crab Benedict to the Egg White Plate, there’s something for every palate.

The Wine & Cheese Shop on El Paseo — I’ve made copious mention of this place on Instagram and in past newsletters because I truly can’t get enough. The sandwiches are next level (French ham & brie on a croissant? Yes, please!) — hands down some of the best in the Valley. The salads are also top-notch for those looking for something lighter. Don’t miss owner Jen’s take on La Scala’s legendary Chop Salad (yep, the one the Kardashians put on the map).

Project Burger — Though I haven’t dined here yet, I hear it’s the place for burger lovers. Offering a stellar selection of smash burgers alongside substantial sandwiches, this newer spot (opened in December) has been receiving seriously rave reviews.

Palm Springs has certainly seen an influx of filming as of late. The new Mickey Rourke film, Mascots, shot out here in late January and you probably caught recent news reports about the cast and crew of The Lincoln Lawyer descending upon The Saguaro to film an episode for the show’s fourth season, which just hit Netflix this month. My friend happened to be staying at the hotel at the time and was invited to be featured in the background of a scene while lounging poolside. (That’s her photo of actor Angus Sampson during the shoot pictured above.)

After hearing about The Lincoln Lawyer filming, my bestie Heidi, owner of Lucky Linqs, immediately texted saying, “We need to sign up to be extras!”

If you’re tempted, as well, you can register to be a background actor with the Greater Palm Springs Film Alliance & Film Office. It’s as simple as uploading a headshot (a phone pic works just fine), filling out your contact information, inputting a few basic stats, and you’ll be ready for your close-up in no time!