If you were too busy to notice that Restaurant Week started last week, don’t worry. You still have the whole week through Father’s Day, June 17. And, what better way to celebrate than by taking Dad out to his favorite restaurant!

A Foodie’s Training Ritual

I must admit that this is one of my very favorite events. I train for Coachella Valley Restaurant Week like others train for marathons. With so little time and so many great restaurants, it’s important to approach these two weeks with a clear and determined strategy.

First, you must choose from a wide variety of amazing food and drink choices.  Then, you must decide on which restaurants and at what times to book your reservations. Of course, what really makes the two week event so special is sharing it with friends. So, to avoid last minute squabbles, it is very important to include them in your planning.

Next, having a contingency plan in place is critical, and being flexible even more so. While you may believe you having the fastest fingers in the west, you could be beat out of your preferred restaurant, reservation date and time. Be ready to jump on your second choice!

Like a fighter going into the ring, I would recommend losing a few pounds ahead of time. It will help you stick to your plan and provide the energy and clarity of mind, to adapt quickly to last minute reservations and food choices.

Here are a few of my personal restaurant favorites.

  • Lavendar Bistro, 78073 Calle Barcelona, La Quinta –(760) 564-5353. ‘Award-winning patio filled with hundreds of sparkling lights, fresh flowers and live music. New American cuisine. 
  • The Tropicale, 330 E. Amado, Rd., Palm Springs – (760) 866.1952. Spanish, American Cuisine.
  • Copley’s on Palm Canyon, 621 North Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs – (760) 327-9555: Great outdoor setting and great food on the old Cary Grant estate. American food infused with Hawaiian and European flavors.
  • AC3 at Hotel Paseo, 43450 Larkspur Lane, Palm Desert – (760) 340-6069 a second Copley’s Restaurant at the new Hotel Paseo. American food infused with Hawaiian and European flavors. For more information click on my recent Hotel Paseo and AC3 Blog.
  • Cuistot Restaurant, GPS Address: 72597 El Paseo, Palm Desert – (760) 340-1000. Beautiful indoors and outdoors, excellent French cuisine. Chef – Owner Bernard Dervieux. 

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Visit www.donnaambroserealestate.com or www.palmspringsdreaming.com for info on the cities and neighborhoods of the Coachella Valley.