AC3 – Palm Desert, California
Hollywood’s movie studio system of the 1920s and 30s contractually required its greatest glitterati to remain within 100 miles of Tinseltown’s…
Sherman’s Deli & Bakery – Palm Springs & Palm Desert, California
Not everyone appreciated my friend Bob’s stark honesty as much as I did. For nearly twelve years, Bob was my…
Grill A-Burger – Palm Desert, California
California may not have invented the hamburger, but a strong case could be made that no state has and continues…
LULU CALIFORNIA BISTRO – Palm Springs, California
How many times have you heard a transplant to the Land of Enchantment say it just doesn’t feel like Christmas…
JAKE’S – Palm Springs, California
“Now i lay me down to sleep And pray the Lord my soul to keep If i die before i…
Workshop Kitchen + Bar – Palm Springs, California
“Good restaurant design is about achieving equilibrium between the food, service and design – in effect telling a complete story.”…
Shanghai Reds at the Fisherman’s Market & Grill – La Quinta, California
For years, fish tacos have been one of those popular, almost faddish obsessions which have garnered more attention and affection…
Spencer’s Restaurant – Palm Springs, California
Dean Beck: What do you have against preachers? Clay Spencer: It’s what they preach against I’m against. Dean Beck: I’m…
Cheeky’s – Palm Springs, California
Irish playwright George Bernard Shaw is widely credited with the aphorism “England and the United States are two nations divided…
Geoffrey’s Malibu – Malibu, California
The walls at Geoffrey’s Malibu are festooned with copies of whimsical framed “doodles” created by Hollywood celebrities and movie stars…
La Super Rica Taqueria – Santa Barbara, California
Truly legendary restaurants, those which can legitimately be called institutions–and there are very few of them–don’t just inspire return visits;…
Norton’s Pastrami & Deli – Santa Barbara, California
“I flew too close to the sun on wings of pastrami.” ~George Costanza January 14th has been designated “National Hot…
Opal Restaurant and Bar – Santa Barbara, California
We’re all familiar with premise of Iron Chef America in which accomplished chefs are pitted against the veritable pantheon of…
Trattoria Mollie – Montecito, California
In its three best-selling editions–published in 2006, 2008 and 2012–National Geographic’s “Passport to the Best” has enthralled, excited and educated…
Cafe Chloe – San Diego, California (CLOSED)
From your seat on the sidewalk patio of Café Chloe, you can see Petco Park, the open-air home of the…
Nine-Ten Restaurant and Bar – La Jolla, California
My baby sister Anita paid me the ultimate compliment, not as a brother, but as a savvy restaurant essayist. When…
El Agave Restaurante and Tequileria – San Diego, California
Tequila has long endured a legacy of scorn, derision and misinformation. It’s been a proving ground for manhood among frat…