Joe Colombo's Profile
Any new sugguestions for San Diego?
Are you kidding, how does Cheesecake Factory even get mentioned on a "foodie" link? It is so mediocre it shouldn't even be called food but then again it is called a "Factory" which I think is exactly what it is!. Stay away. Almost any smaller Chef owned place would be better than that althought I have been very dissapointed on my last visit to SD. More later
Palm Springs - HELP!
Defiantly go to Johannes, it is always one of our favorites. Another nice “romantic” dining experience is Copley’s. For a casual atmosphere but outstanding food I still say Zin is one of the best and their new café, Zini Café Med is great as well with the Tapas menu being like nothing else in Palm Springs.
Zini Cafe Med
On a recent trip to Palm Springs my SO and I discovered Zini Cafe Med. We had been to Zin many time and usually make it one of our stops so finding out the owners had opened another restaurant just up the street we had to go. Simple but fresh Italian food with a GREAT tapas menu was not something we expected to find in Palm Springs! The carafe of Sangria was a pleasant paring with the small plates and we found ourselves back again for dinner (we had to try the thin crust pizza) and again left happy! Finally another good find in Palm Springs.
Cooking Classes in CA
Chef Andrew Copley at Copley's in Palm Springs teaches wonderful classes for small and large groups. Check it out.
Have fun in CA.
Christmas in Palm Springs
Melvin's? Spencer's? Do you still listen to 70's music too?
I do however second Johannes and add Copley's and Zin.
The Worst Ever, Alberto's Rancho Mirage
I'm still in shock! Went to that terrible place with a friend Sunday night. At 7:30, maximum ten people were eating.
My dining partner brought a bottle of good Chianti from his cellar, but we decided to order a bottle of Sauvignon blanc to start. The only Sauvignon was unavailable, so we ordered a Pinot Grigio found in every supermarket for around $7.00. We paid $35.00 for it.
I ordered "Shrimp Scampi": 2 oz of butterflied shrimp in a watery white wine "sauce" with at least 2 Tbs. of raw garlic!!! $12.00, terrible.
My companion ordered a Tomato and Mozzarella appetizer which was edible. The Mozza was definitely not Buffala as advertised.
Alberto's is supposetly known for it's veal dishes, so we ordered Osso Bucco at $38.00 and Veal Chop at $42.00.
The meat was well cooked, but we both had the same garnishes, pasta and raw broccoli, both lacking seasoning.
We enjoyed our Chianti and because of our lively conversation, we did almost enjoy our evening...untill we asked for the check.
$190.00 for a mediocre (at best) Italian meal? Looking closely at the bill, we noticed being charged a $15.00 corkage fee.
I asked the waiter, a carier busboy, if there was a mistake and he told us no, this how we do it.
Asking to talk to a manager, we were told that the manager had already left.
I have brought my own wines to L'Atelier in Vegas, Daniel Boulud, and many places in the desert, never have I been charged a corkage fee when I ordered a bottle from their wine list.
We finally paid the check, including the outregious corkage fee, and here is the kicker, on my way out, I was challenged to a fight in the parking lot by our waiter!!!
palm springs/desert/rancho mirage
Had brunch at Zin last weekend - very reasonably priced and not a buffet. The huevos rancheros were the best ever!
Coming to Palm Springs for Bachlorette weekend - suggestions?
Zin American Bistro and Matchbox are in walking distance from the Viceroy.
Zin has much better food but only beer and wine. Also for fun and margeritas, Las Casuelas bar is fun, but don't eat there. The bar at the Viceroy might be great for a night cap.
Brunch, Zin again and Spencer's.
Have a great time in PS.
Chef's Counter in Palm Springs/Desert Area?
You are right, there is no open kitchen at Zin, however, Johannes has an open kitchen with seats at the bar. Also very good food.
Chef's Counter in Palm Springs/Desert Area?
Zin American Bistro has what you call a "chef's counter", they call it "communal table"
It's bar height with bar stools and seats up to 8 guests.
Don't miss restaurants in Palm Springs?
Johannes, Zin, Philippe's, Citron, All Dente.
Avoid the tourist traps: Kaiser Grille, Las Casuelas and most Italians in town, except for All Dente.
Palm Springs - Thanksgiving dinner recs?
Two great Thanksgiving menus:
Johannes
Zin American Bistro
What's Chow-ish in Palm Springs?
Pretty slim pickings??? Yeah if your favorite places include Las Casuelas and Kaiser Grille, notorious tourist traps!
ToP 5 Favorite in Palm Springs Area for Lunch or dinner
For Lunch, try Spencer's in PS, beautiful outside seating!
Dinner: 1. Zin American Bistro, Great food and wine list discounted 50% on weekdays.
2. Johannes
3. Copley's
ISO Palm Springs Dining
At the Parker, ask for advice from the Concierge desk, they are very knowledgeable
ISO Palm Springs Dining
Good restaurants don't advertise in the weekly papers, they don't need to.
Any good seafood in Palm Springs area?
Best Seafood in PS;
Johannes
Zin
More than frozen whitefish or farmed salmon!!
Long Winded on Palm Springs Restaraunts
Just because someone is the sommelier doesn't mean they get to make every decision on the wine list. Possibly the owner likes the wine or they have it for a VIP who happens to like it. I have dined at Johannes many times and John K the sommelier is one of the best anywhere - including NY! He has turned me away from several more expensive bottles for an outstanding mid to low $$ bottle instead.
Palm Springs restaurants
Pacifica, yes
Sullivan's, maybe
Copley's, sometimes
The rest of them are tourist traps!
Try Johannes$$$, Zin,$$ Philippe's for lunch$$, le Vallauris$$$.
Restaurants in Palm Springs or Palm Desert
In Palm Springs, don't miss ZIN a noisy American Bistro with a great wine list and amazing comfort food.
For a more upscale experience, try JOHANNES, excellent.
Stay away from Crazy Bones, it's really bad.
Thoughts on Palm Springs? [moved from L.A. board]
Don't miss Zin, great food and wine list.
Avoid Wally's and Melvyn's, it's bas 70's food.
Blend and Johannes are the best high end restaurants in the desert.
palm springs food? [moved from CA board]
I agree with psfoodgirl, Zin is top value and Johannes top culinary experience.
Hey psfoodgirl, wanna go to Johannes or Zin ? :)
Visiting Palm Springs
Best restaurants in Palm Springs according to me:)
Johannes $$$
Zin $$
Philippe's Cafe $$
Copley's $$$
Le Vallauris $$$$
For Thai, I like Thai Smile and the Thai House downtown.
For great sushi, try Keosaku on East Palm Canyon.
Sorry, no Vietnamese that I know of!
Have a nice stay in the desert.
Need A+ Caterer in Palm Springs
I attended a few parties catered by ZIN and was very impressed by the experience. You may also contact Johannes and see if he does outside catering. Le Vallauris also does catering.
Good luck
Zin: (760) 322-6300
Johannes: (760) 778-0017
Anniversary Dinner in the Palm Springs Area?
I agree with srk, great wine list at Zin discounted 50% during the week. Also, more upscale, Johannes is very good.
Happy Anniversary.
Palm Springs/Palm Desert Help Please
Stay away from Kaiser Grille, it's a bad tourist trap. As a matter of fact, they received a B rating from the Health Dept and it took them 3 weeks to get their A back. Tells you a lot about ownership and management.
Try Zin American Bistro in PS. Very good food and service. Also more upscale, Johannes is a great place. For lunch, try Philippe's a little French Cafe.
Enjoy your stay in town.
Palm Springs ???
Johannes being closed in August, the only good alternative is ZIN downtown. They offer 50% off their wine list Sunday thru Thursday.
