If you know me, you know I LOVE to eat. If you don’t, all I probably need to say is that my life motto is “Live. Laugh. Love. Eat. Drink. Travel.” In fact, my whole family lives by this motto. So, it’s probably not a surprise that when we are on vacation, this motto is fully applied.

I recently returned from an annual family vacation to Palm Desert – one of my absolute favorite places on earth. It’s beautiful, warm, a little ritzy, and good food is endless. It’s relaxing, full of older people with lots of money, and the shopping is on point too. Oh and did I mention the food is unreal?

The food is so divine that I’d be doing a disservice by not sharing my top five favorite restaurants. Here’s my advice for where to eat (and let’s not forget drink) in Palm Desert.

 

Castelli’s Ristorante

Two words… Lobster Ravioli.

Pictured above is 8 (yes, I’ve counted) lobster and cheese stuffed raviolis covered in vodka gorgonzola cream sauce. I’m not trying to be dramatic, but it’s life changing. So much so that I think about it multiple times throughout the year… and sometimes multiple times a day leading up to our trip to Palm Desert. You guys, it’s that good.

From the lobster ravioli to the cannelloni, and the pork chops to the veal parmigiana, I’ve tried it all at Castelli’s and I can promise you will never have a bad a meal there. Oh, and don’t let me forget the garlic bread they serve before your meal. You’ll absolutely need to try a piece. Or five.

Mikado Japanese Steakhouse

 

This restaurant is a fam favorite for many reasons. To start, the food is excellent. With your choice of beef, chicken, vegetarian, fish or pretty much any combination of those entrees (filet mignon and chicken breast for me please), you’ve got lots of options.

Then layer in the atmosphere and you’re having one of the best meals in Palm Desert. What I love about this restaurant is that everything is 100% fresh and cooked directly in front of you at your table. Your chef not only prepares the five-course meal in front of you, but he or she also serves as your entertainment. When you visit Mikado’s, expect a show… one complete with fire, beats, jokes, and flying shrimp…yes I said flying shrimp.

 

 

Tommy Bahama

If you’ve never been to a Tommy Bahama restaurant, I highly recommend it. Whether you visit for lunch, happy hour, dinner, or dessert (I may or may not have visited for all these reasons), you’re instantly transported to a tropical island. While everything on the menu is quite delicious, here are my top choices:

• Beverage: Chi-Chi (multiple sources agree that it’s the best in Palm Desert)
• Appetizer: World Famous Coconut Shrimp (world famous is no exaggeration)
• Entrée: Grilled Chicken Breast Sandwich, House Roasted Pork Sandwich, Grilled Baby Back Pork Ribs, Blackened Fish Tacos (choosing one is impossible so instead I recommend making multiple visits)
• Dessert: Malted Chocolate Pie (trust me, you saved room)

 

 

 

 

In-N-Out Burger

Everyone rants and raves about In-N-Out Burger. And to be honest, I never got on that bandwagon… until now. I don’t know if my taste buds have changed or what, but this time I found it quite delicious. What I love about In-N-Out is that it’s very simple. Most of our meals in Palm Desert are quite elaborate so I appreciate the simplicity of a small menu and a good old American hamburger.

Oh and don’t forget the cheese. I’ve been told it makes it even better… which is hard to believe.

 

 

 

 

La Quinta Resort and Club

Every year we stay in a house at the La Quinta Resort and Club. Since 1926, Hollywood’s elite have been retreating to this resort. And today, many still do. One of the many reasons I love staying there.

Aside from the five championship golf courses, 41 pools, unique shops, and a full fitness and tennis facility, the food and drink is also top notch. Most often, you’ll find me laying by the pool, reading a good book, and sipping on a cocktail (or two). Here are a few of my favorites.

• Pina Colada: Probably my favorite alcoholic beverage. And it’s served with a pineapple so it must mean it’s healthy. Order this poolside and you won’t be disappointed.
• Mojito: Regular or watermelon. You can’t go wrong with either. Also to be ordered poolside. I won’t judge if it’s the same day as the pina colada.
• Chocolate Espresso Martini: Enjoy as an after-dinner cocktail at Morgan’s In the Desert around the outdoor fireplaces or inside listening to live music. Plan for being awake all night.

 

I think it’s safe to say diets are not allowed in Palm Desert. This list is only just a start, but should be enough to help you start eating your way through the city.

Cheers!
Hayley