www.coachellavalleyweekly.com
Chapelli’s
by Raymond Bill
50949 Washington St, La Quinta CA 92253
Europa restaurant
at The Villa Royale inn
A
great dining experience includes many factors. Quality of food, ambiance and professional service all contribute to the guests’ overall experience. Should any of these fall short of pleasing the guest, the restaurant risks losing future business. Quite simply, there is too much competition in our valley for any restaurant to compromise in these areas. With that said, there is one place in Palm Springs that stands tall above the competition. Europa Restaurant at the Villa Royale Inn boasts an impeccable, Europeaninfluenced menu, stellar service and one of the most beautiful dining rooms in our valley. Chef Alen Badzak has been getting much well-deserved attention lately with his fourstar, Zagat rated cuisine. Having studied the culinary arts in Europe, Chef Alen’s passion is present in each bite. After reviewing the menu, I was certain I would enjoy anything that was placed in front of me, so I asked the chef to make his own recommendations. We were impressed with each course’s presentation and intense flavor. We would begin with a few appetizers. First, Seared Wild Scallops with a touch of lemon, finished with a White Truffle Aioli. I can be quite critical when it comes to preparing seafood. Scallops over-cooked even slightly, are ruined for me. This dish
was just perfect and the light, savory drizzle of aioli complimented the sweetness of the fresh scallops. Next, we enjoyed Steak Tartare and Octopus Carpaccio. The Tartare was seasoned perfectly and prepared with classic accompaniments. The Carpaccio was unique, standing out as a favorite of mine. While we were continually impressed with each arriving course, we were equally impressed with our server, Erin. She was not only knowledgeable, she was engaging, making our evening enjoyable on many levels. I was excited to try their Caesar salad before the entrée as it is a favorite of mine when prepared well. A fresh, crisp stalk of romaine lettuce, dressed with a creamy Caesar dressing, fresh white anchovies and shaved parmesan cheese was just what I needed to satisfy my umami cravings. Then came the entrées. A softball-sized Pork Osso Bucco was presented in front of me. This has got to be one of the most delicious meals I have had in quite some time! The meat fell effortlessly off the bone. Served over saffron risotto and topped with a reduction from the braising juices with carrots and mushrooms, this meal was incredible! I wasn’t sure if this could be outdone until I tried the other entrée on our table. A bowl of large, squid ink farfalle pasta with lobster and shrimp in
a light butter sauce with artichoke hearts, a nightly special, was placed in front of my guest. Anyone who dines with me, knows I will be tasting their meal as well. Yes, I’m “That Guy”. What could top such an impressive meal? How about a rich and creamy, homemade cheesecake by Mother Sarah? A recipe known only to the owner’s mother, Sarah, this dessert is worth the visit alone! But of course I had to try the salted caramel ice cream with chocolate shavings. Both desserts were delicious, needless to say. A little espresso and a little grappa, upon the Chef’s recommendation, and we were more than satisfied. Europa Restaurant is truly one of the finest dining experiences in Palm Springs. Like many fine restaurants in our valley, Europa Restaurant is closed Mondays, open the rest of the week for dinner service. With indoor and outdoor seating available, it is recommended that reservations be made
as it is an intimate dining atmosphere. I assure you that after taking a brief tour of the restaurant, every seat is a great seat! Though the menu changes based on seasonal availability and freshness, one can get an idea of what’s available by visiting villaroyale.com/dining.
BackStreet Bistro Where Friends Meet Friends
BREAKFAST • LUNCH • DINNER
• New and exciting contemporary cuisine • Exceptional ingredients including the best available local and organic products • Not just dinner, it is an experience
Fresh Fish, Soups & Pasta Daily Happy Hour • Martini Bar • Superb Wine Jazz Night Tuesday 7:30-10pm Saturday Jazz on The Patio with Linda Peterson 12:30 - 3:30pm
Ask Us About O New Get ur Fit Menu
73-820 El Paseo, Palm Desert • 760.346.6393 TEQUILA BAR
with more than 300 tequilas!!
Open for dinner Tues.-Sat. 5:00 - 9:30 pm
68525 Ramon Ed., Ste. A-101 Cathedral City, CA 92234 Reservation are strongly suggested
760.832.6526 www.dishcreativecuisine.com
• Seafood & Steaks • Private Room • Fresh Made Margaritas • Cocktails • Happy Hour
“The local’s favorite!”
Specials Sunday - Wednesday 5:00-6:00 pm Please visit our website for the specials
Lunch: Monday - Saturday 11:30-2:30 Dinner: Monday to Sunday 4:30 - 9:30
“The Cheer’s of La Quinta”
Chapellisrestaurant.com
760-564-9835
760.341.0980
Mexican Cuisine
www.guillermosrestaurante.com • 72-850 El Paseo, Palm Desert, CA
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Award Winning Pizza Voted “Best of the Valley” Two Years Straight Over 100 Menus Items Ranging From Prime Steak to Fresh Seafood Full Bar and 40 Wines by the Glass Two Large Patios to Enjoy Views of the Santa Rosa Mountains All Day Take Out and Catering Available
LY DAI PY P A H UR HO M 3-6P
Located in Old Town La Quinta • www.stuftpizzalaquinta.com
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March 21 to March 27, 2013
760.777.9989
SUBSTANCE. STYLE. ESCENA. DAY & NIGHT
BREAKFAST, LUNCH, DINNER & SUNDAY BRUNCH NEW menus featuring eclectic California fusion dishes, undiscovered wines and craft ales.
LIVE MUSIC TUES WED THURS
JOHN STANLEY KING ROSE MALLET LOLA ROSSI & REGGIE VISION
HAPPY HOUR
SUNSETS, DRINK SPECIALS & SHARE-PLATES The perfect way to end your day and start your night.
OPEN DAILY
SUN-THURS
FRI - SAT
6:30am - 9:00pm 6:30am - 10:00pm Make reservations online at escenagrill.com
760.992.0002 | ESCENAGRILL.COM 1100 CLUBHOUSE VIEW DRIVE | PALM SPRINGS
The Place Where Food and Fun Meet
12oz. Prime Rib $19.95 5 to 8:30pm SATURDAY ONLY
Live Music 6pm - 10pm Fri, Mar 22 - Kal David Chicago Blues
Sat, Mar 23 - Ghostlight Trio Rockabilly
Your Hockey Headquarters!
(760) 345-0222
www.palmdesertgolf.com
77-200 California Dr, Palm Desert
A R T I S A N L AT I NO C U I S I N E ................................................
A destination restaurant featuring Chef Victoriano Rodriguez’s unique Artisan Latino Cuisine. Creating the fusion of heritage and modern ~ a fusion of flavors that speaks to the senses ~ and defines the flavor of our memories. With a modern twist.
A Story In Every Dish... ................................................
¡La Merienda! Early Dining at Casa de Frida $16.
S E R V E D D A I LY 3:00 ~ 5:30PM
................................................
HAPPY HOUR
TUES -FRI 3 -10 PM
OPEN : TUESDAY ~ SUNDAY 3 - 10 PM ................................................
450 S. PALM CANYON DRIVE . 760.459.1681 P A L M
S P R I N G S
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the Pampered palate
www.coachellavalleyweekly.com
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March 21 to March 27, 2013
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