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…
GUS’S WORLD-FAMOUS FRIED CHICKEN – Austin, Texas
When I told my friend Carlos my Kim and I would be enjoying Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken during our…
Via 313 – Austin, Texas
It’s oft been said that among males (we’re such children), insults are a form of intimacy. Perhaps because of societal…
Gourdough’s Public House – Austin, Texas
Donuts could have gone their entire existences fat, dumb and happy with a following–mostly cops, adult men my age (39)…
Lucy’s Fried Chicken – Austin, Texas
“I‘m only eating the skins, so the chicken’s up for grabs.” ~Joey Tribbiani Several of my earliest memories of growing…
Contigo – Austin, Texas
There are a phalanx of “best of” lists online and in print publications that celebrate restaurants deemed true stand-outs worthy…
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…
Butters Pancakes & Cafe – Scottsdale, Arizona
“Spread your tiny wings and fly away And take the snow back with you Where it came from on that…
The Turquoise Room – Winslow, Arizona
The concept of “fast food” had a far different connotation during the Southwest’s Frontier days than it does today. This…
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…