Desert Dining Guide

Indian Wells Golf Resort debuts Kestral, a Richard Blais Kitchen + Lounge

Delicious and nutritious food in a modern space celebrates the best of California

By Alison Elsner

Desert denizens are in for a treat. One of the Coachella Valley’s favorite dining hot spots is about to kick it up a notch, as another famous chef used to say. The Vue at the Indian Wells Golf Resort is reopening under the celebrity chef concept with a fresh new take on the entire foodie experience.

Welcome to Kestral, a Richard Blais Kitchen + Lounge. IWGR General Manager Robin Graf says, “We wanted to create a culinary experience to go along with the highly rated golf experience. We want to present not just a golf destination but also a culinary one for golfers and non golfers.”

Kestral is intended to enhance the guest experience with award winning golf and cuisine. Celebrated chef and television personality Richard Blais will impart his left coast take on American classics, signature cuts and coastal catches in a California-modern space that evokes the energy of surrounding flora and fauna.

To illustrate the point, close your eyes and conjure up thoughts of chicken oyster po’boy sandwiches, dry aged steaks over a wood burning grill, and liquid nitrogen margaritas.

There’s even a charming story behind the name. The American kestrel, the smallest and most colorful falcon known for its striking appearance, lends its spirit to the restaurant which captures the essence of the bird’s charismatic demeanor and graceful flights across Southern California skies. Drawing from this inspiration, Kestrel Kitchen + Lounge promises locals and visitors alike a place to savor delicious meals, sip handcrafted cocktails and soak in the natural beauty of the desert landscape.

Perched atop the entryway stairs at Indian Wells Golf Resort, the restaurant reveals an airy, earth-toned dining room and expansive bar that invite in soaring views of mountain peaks, verdant fairways and ombré sunsets. The outdoor terrace, complete with an open-air bar and table seating, frames the perfect social setting to enjoy the region’s style of cuisine and natural allure.

Richard Blais says, “Kestrel is a California kitchen that represents an extension of the good life that Indian Wells Golf resort provides. Our mission is to provide a breezy, flavorful, and flowing cuisine focusing on the region’s produce, people and history. Whether it’s a burger or composed protein and grain bowl for lunch, a regional themed freshly shaken cocktail for happy hour or a locally sourced dry aged steak with cared-for vegetables for a celebratory dinner, Kestrel is more than a restaurant for me, it’s a lifestyle.”

Fans of Chef Blais already know that in addition to being a mega-successful chef, he is also a James Beard nominated cookbook author and television personality. Widely recognized from Bravo’s Top Chef series, Blais was the winner of the inaugural Top Chef All-Stars Season. Currently, he co-hosts FOX’s “Next Level Chef” with Gordon Ramsay and Nyesha Arrington.

Blais graduated from the Culinary Institute of America in New York and trained at The French Laundry, Daniel, Chez Panisse and El Bulli. He currently owns and operates Trail Blais, a forward-thinking consulting group that has designed and launched popular eateries across the country. Most recently he opened Ember & Rye in Carlsbad, California and Four Flamingos in Orlando, Florida with the Xenia Group and Hyatt Hotels. He is also the culinary director for VIP dining at the San Diego Symphony’s performance space, The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park.

Blais advises numerous national brands on recipe development, creativity, ideation and team building. He is the James Beard Award nominated author of “Try This at Home” and “So Good.” In addition, Blais hosts “Food Court,” a high-energy, gameshow style podcast as well as the “Starving for Attention” podcast.

When not on set, in a kitchen or at home with his family, Blais may be found traveling across the country performing his live brand of stand-up cooking to enthusiastic audiences nationwide.

The chef can soon add Coachella Valley diners to his devotées. GM Graf and his team share the excitement over the soon to be announced menus. They are sure to create an even more magnetic destination with a twist on the signature style of the Indian Wells Golf Resort through innovative and unique cuisine discoveries.

Kestral
Indian Wells Golf Resort
44-500 Indian Wells Lane
Indian Wells

760.346.4653
kestrel.kitchen