I was in Palm Springs last weekend, and was finally able to check out the
Ace Hotel in person. Last time I was there, I wasn't able to go inside as construction was still going on, but this time, everything was open. I
blogged about the rooms here, which are great, but the rest of the grounds, including the lobby, were equally well done. I didn't actually stay there, but I did check out the restaurant.
I've actually eaten in that space before the Ace took over the hotel, and it was a Denny's back then- so to remember that and to see it now- what a transformation!- It's the perfect blend of desert rustic, natural raw edges, yet totally modern, and still paying homage to it's mid century roots.
They just did it right- all the way down to the field journal style menu (which were even written with old school typewriter font)-
The food is light, refreshing, and really really yummy. Perfect dining for a desert getaway. Here's a few pics of some of the food we had-
Poached Salmon & Green Bean salad with tomato and basil dressing, and smoked trout flatbread- which had a base of white bean puree and wilted greens. yum!! It was so yummy, that I went back the second night!
This time, tried the spaghettini, which had prosciutto and lemon, and the Chermoula marinated tuna, that had citrus tumeric couscous underneath.
Also had the Jicama and kumquat salad. Of course couldn't pass up desert, sticky date pudding with ice cream!
and I already mentioned
the simple bottles for water and tea. Another thing I loved was the use of simple dish towels as napkins. They were just white with an aqua stripe down the middle. The one thing I regret not being able to photograph was Linda, this older campy, eclectic, and totally fabulous lady that greets everyone and sits them at the table. Her outfits alone are worth a visit, and apparently she sings too- (sadly we weren't able to witness a performance.)
EDIT: OMG! click
here to see!!.
A definite recommendation next time you're in Palm Springs. Click here to see
my flickr set. Click here for
more info.
Last weekend I went to check out the modern tour in Borrego Springs. While driving around, I suddenly came across these sculptures! Very unexpected, but so cool! Apparently they are by Ricardo Breceda, from Perris, CA. Dennis Avery, the land owner of Galleta Meadows Estates, envisioned the idea of adding "free standing art" to his property. 
The sculptures are scattered throughout the area, and include dinosaurs, mammoths, sloths, and more. Additional sculpture are planned to be put in as well. If you ever find yourself passing through Borrego, look out for them. Here is the website. You can check out a gallery of detailed images of each of the sculptures, and you can download a map to where they are all located.
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