Outside Lynnie's Kitchen: Palm Springs Highlights!

Wow! Palm Springs is amazing… food, drink, weather! From local bars and restaurants… to poolside cafés, the week was too short! Talking to the locals at the street fair, hiking along the ‘Bump & Grind Trail’ into the San Juanito Mountains, and riding the tram to 8500 feet were only a few experiences besides eating, drinking and poolside relaxation that filled our week!

Our arrival in Palm Springs greeted us with 95 degree temperatures so our first stop was for margaritas and snacks! We heard great things about Las Casuelas and we were not disappointed! We were greeted with warm homemade chips and fresh salsa, which we added chunky guacamole … a Best of Palm Springs treat! The guacamole was slightly spicy with fresh tomatoes and cilantro, served with a wedge of lime… heavenly. We shared a chicken quesadilla served with a side of salsa roja, a mild tomato sauce, and sour cream. Missed out on the nightly entertainment, so will need to return!

Many of our days were spent poolside with lovely mountain views. We stayed in the Historic Tennis District which is nestled in the mountainous hillside. The world renowned Spenser’s Restaurant is located there as well, so we started our first full day there for lunch! Shared a half- pound angus burger and a Caesar salad… so yummy and filling we didn't need to eat the rest of the day. Headed to the pool for an awesome mountain view and clear blue salt water! Other days we arrived early to the pool to nab a needed umbrella.. treating ourselves to Egg salad sandwiches with fries or Kung Poa Calamari. Definitely shared by two and very yummy. Reading with food, drinks and awesome views was the best way to relax!

Of course we traveled to Temecula Wine Country for a day! Always wine in our travels… such beautiful country… filled with farmland and of course grapes on every corner. We think every person in Temecula with a spare quarter acre plants grapes to be sold to the local vineyards (or for home consumption)! The views at every winery were as amazing as the wines. Started at Callaway Winery… yes the same family that makes the golf balls and gravitated around the hillside. At a late lunch at Ponte Winery in a cave that was so cool! Started with a few oysters! I had an Asparagus and Roasted Vegetable Flatbread and hubby had the usual Sirloin Burger with seasoned fries. Both wee impeccably prepared with amazing presentation! Gave us the energy to visit a couple more winerie…

Our last night found us at Shanghai Reds… recommended by follow poolside acquaintances. Never doubt the little out of the way places not on the main drag! It was amazing and voted Coachella Valley’s Best Seafood for over a decade! After chatting with the manager, Stoney, for a bit we learned they purchase over 500 pounds of fresh seafood a day! Incredible freshness! You can visit the Fishmarket next door and buy some to cook at home too if you want as well. The margarita were recommended and were superb! Prepared with organic agave nectar and Azunia organic hand crafted tequila and fresh lime juice… best I've ever had!! We started with the Special of the Day and shared a bowl of Albondigas Soup, made with shrimp meatballs. I had never had this and the whole Roasted jalapeño in the bowl allowed you to make each spoonful as spicy or mild as you like it. Me spicy, Ken mild… Second course was Steamed Cherrystone Clams served in a buttery, wine sauce. So good I had to drink the broth!! My entrée was World Famous Fresh Seared Ahi Taco… recommended by Anthony Bourdain! It was grilled to perfection and the manager, Stoney said it was center cut Ahi… not sushi-grade cut! My hubby, Ken, thoroughly enjoyed the Chicken Alfredo with artichoke hearts and fresh mushrooms… not Seafood, but sill delish!

We found our way back to Las Casuelas for a final marg and dancing! Outdoor bar and dancing was great in the evening desert air. Danced to a great variety of oldies with many locals and vacationing patrons. Margaritas were not as good as Shanghai Reds, but hit the spot!

Our final morning found us having breakfast at the Broken Yolk… another recommended hot spot! Such a difficult decision with so many yummy choices, even the server found it hard to make a recommendation of his favorite. I chose the Burrito Wrap with chorizo, eggs, cheese, fresh avocado and potatoes and my hubby an omelet with home fries. Burrito easily could have served us both with Mexican rice and refried beans on the side with fresh salsa. I managed to eat the insides…so filling and no way to take leftovers to Chicago!

All in all we enjoyed our time eating our way through Palm Springs… and these were only the highlights!