Desert Dining Guide

Coachella Valley cuisine is ready for its close up

By Alison Elsner

If the Coachella Valley dining experience were a movie, the sound track would probably be something cool and jazzy from the Vince Guaraldi Trio or the Dave Brubeck Quartet. The cinematography would focus on mountain shadows and ever-present golf action, followed by close ups of farm fresh salads, grilled seafood, and pasture-raised beef, dry aged and cut by artisan butchers. There would be shots of slow-motion pours of the best California wines such as Duckhorn, Caymus and Cakebread Cellars.

The best part of this foodie fantasy? It’s real. There’s no need to wait for the movie with so many exceptional eateries here in the desert, encouraging diners to savor the winter season through a showcase of flavorful creativity. After an invigorating day of golf at The American Express, our curated list of La Quinta area restaurants will satisfy every palate.

Fortun’s Kitchen + Bar

Centrally located next to Old Town La Quinta, Fortun’s provides a festive yet casual dining experience amidst an elevated ambiance. Diners enjoy all-American favorites at the spacious bar with a frost rail while watching games on big screen televisions. The pizza oven lures pie-lovers inside while the climate-controlled outdoor patio presents an outstanding venue for “date night.”

Starters include Wagyu meatballs and chef’s romaine wedge salad, while entrées are a masterful display of choices between petite filet, Scottish king salmon, sausage rigatoni, beef stroganoff and even fig and prosciutto brick oven pizza.

Specialty cocktails pour taste treats such as Fortun’s Manhattan, Ruby Red Cosmo and pineapple and serrano chile margarita.

Insider’s tip: don’t miss the happy hour / late lunch specials such as prime angus beef dip sandwich and barbeque burnt ends sandwich.

78085 Avenida La Fonda, La Quinta, 760.564.8744, fortunskitchen.com

Lavender Bistro

This enchanting eatery is probably one of the few restaurants set around a romantic theme of the happy purple flower. Walking in is a bit like stepping into a fairy tale, and true to theme, guests will find themselves crossing the threshold of French doors that open onto an award-winning patio decorated with thousands of sparkling lights, fresh florals and the melodic sounds of live music.

Lavender Bistro is now open for its 16th season, entrancing diners as “Best Romantic Restaurant.” New American cuisine features fresh, organic ingredients for pastries, meats and just-caught seafood. Favorite entrées include Maine lobster ravioli, cabernet braised short ribs, pistachio crusted rack of lamb, prime center cut filet mignon and so much more.

As for desserts, the warm Valrhona chocolate lava cake, fresh baked apple tart with frangipane and profiteroles complete any meal. The Fireside Lounge also welcomes visitors for drink specials all night with live music after 5 p.m.

78-073 Calle Barcelona, La Quinta, 760.564.5353, lavenderbistro.com

LG’s Prime Steakhouse

The OG of desert steakhouses, LG’s showcases top quality steaks with outstanding taste, texture and plenty of sizzle. All steaks are USDA prime, midwestern corn-fed beef, fresh and never frozen, aged skillfully and hand trimmed on premises.

The La Quinta location is only six miles from the action at PGA West and La Quinta Country Club for The American Express taking place mid-January. Golfers and spectators alike will be eager to head over to enjoy appetizers such as wagon wheels and oysters on the half shell, while prime beef entrées serve up filet mignon, New York, bone in rib eye, chateaubriand for two and the “Jewel in the Crown,” a 28-ounce porterhouse dry aged on premises for 28 days. The creamed spinach and roasted garlic mashed potatoes are essential.

LG’s features an award-winning wine cellar with a 1,000 bottle display and over 200 different cabernet sauvignons. Salut!

78525 Highway 111, Suite 100, La Quinta, 760.771.9911
255 S. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, 760.416.1779
lgsprimesteakhouse.com

Mélange at the Chateau at Lake La Quinta

For those craving a getaway to Strasbourg or an excursion overlooking the Grand Canal d’Alsace, the patio at Mélange at the Château at Lake La Quinta creates an idyllic epicurean experience. Diners are surrounded by majestic mountain views while gazing out over a picturesque lake.

This restaurant within a luxury boutique resort specializes in California farm-sourced ingredients with classic and contemporary dishes. Guests will find the lakeside fire pit cozy, while enjoying a glass of Dry Creek cabernet sauvignon or Joseph Drouhin Chablis.

The contemporary European dinner menu features Mélange greens, roasted beets and Caprese salad to start. Entrées serve Norwegian salmon, braised short rib, seared ahi tuna, and a 14-ounce ribeye steak, prepared with flair and finesse. Weekend brunch is sublime, offering shrimp and asparagus omelet, French dip sandwich and lemon coconut pancakes.

Whether celebrating or socializing, Mélange creates an alluring backdrop for a special meal.

78120 Caleo Bay Drive, La Quinta, 760.564.7332, thechateau.com/dining

Morgan’s in the Desert

Replete with history, guests appreciate more than just the exceptional cuisine at this La Quinta favorite. Known for hosting such Hollywood luminaries as Frank Capra, Greta Garbo, Clark Gable and many others over the decades, the warmth of the La Quinta Resort embraces all who enter today.

Morgan’s in the Desert showcases contemporary American cuisine inspired by the bounty of the Coachella Valley, with simple dishes in a sophisticated yet unpretentious atmosphere.

Starters showcase carbonara ravioli and crab cakes, while composed dishes feature miso Jidori chicken and a 12-ounce Snake River Farm pork chop. À la carte land and sea categories cover concoctions such as 16-ounce USDA New York strip and grilled sea bass while classic sides serve up whipped potatoes and fire roasted soy Brussels sprouts.

Exquisite selections of red and white wines include Far Niente, Grgich Hills, and Rombauer, along with several German labels and unique champagnes from France.

49499 Eisenhower Drive, La Quinta, 760.564.7600, morgansinthedesert.com

RD RNNR Libations, Pints and Plates

Owners Chris and Anita Chmielak have succeeded in their quest to open a superlative restaurant with a hip vibe, right in the heart of Old Town La Quinta. It’s the sought-after eatery and watering hole between rounds of golf, casual and inclusive. Designed as a modern craft American restaurant, the chef uses local farm to table ingredients. Refreshing craft cocktails flow from the bar, and a well-balanced assortment of hops and rotating taps are available.

For a fun treat, order up fire grilled cauliflower, house wings, ahi tuna nachos and pulled pork sliders. The “afternoon grazing” menu serves creations such as black and blue fin, adult mac and cheese and BLT wrap. There are also specials such as chicken piccata, grilled flatiron steak and pepper crusted filet.

Cocktails like bourbon crashi and Mexi-candy expertly accompany any meal. For something special, try a coyotini such as the zapper, crafted with Skyy espresso vodka, Bailey’s, Kahlua and Frangelico.

78065 Main Street, La Quinta, 442.400.3255, roadrunnerlq.com