In addition to all the great activities, we also enjoyed some wonderful meals in Palm Springs.  Unlike Houston, where we’ve been dining in for almost a year, California was not yet allowing dine in when we first got there.  A few days into our trip, however, restaurants were allowed to resume dine-in dining at 25% capacity.

Our first night we enjoyed a delicious meal at Roly China Fusion, a great start to our vacation.

The outdoor dining was set up around a pool, with a giant inflatable swan drifting from table to table:

We began with Szechuan Chicken Dumplings, Pork Pot Stickers, and a martini glass full of Popcorn Lobster:

Moving on to the entrees, we shared Pad See Ew Beef and Dan Dan’s Noodle:

Along with Miso Glazed Sea Bass and Green Curry Chicken in Clay Pot:

Suffice it to say, we Roly-polied our way out of there.

We had a colorful “modern Mexican” lunch at Tac/Quila (like we can’t get our fill of Mexican food in Houston).

The highlight of this meal was the Mexican Corn (with mayo, cotija cheese, paprika, lemon zest, and cilantro), served in a cast iron skillet (taking notes): 

Other dishes our group enjoyed were the Grilled Skirt Steak Fajitas, Shrimp Nachos, and Ahi Salad:

Everything was fresh and nicely presented, but in my opinion, it’s hard to beat a good ol’ Tex-Mex combo.

Based on its “instagrammability” (eye roll), we went a little out of our way to eat at the Pink Cabana at the Sands Hotel in Indian Wells.  In fairness, the restaurant and hotel were stunning:

But — I did not appreciate the hefty dose of attitude served up by the staff.  After waiting 30 minutes as our table was purportedly “being prepared” we were seated at the empty table we’d been standing next to for the entire time.  This is a pet peeve of mine, and it set a sour tone for the meal.  That said, the food was excellent, although be prepared for big prices and small portions, like this $19 Artisan Cheese Plate:

The Cabana Mezze (hummus, harissa, labneh, za’atar, and house-made yogurt naan) disappeared quickly:

Among the entrees we sampled were Cauliflower “Steak” and Petaluma Harissa Chicken (personal favorite) (pictures are not good due to dim lighting):

Not a crumb was left after our gang pounced on the Key Lime Pie and Caramel Apple Tart:

An unexpected dining surprise was the The Cafe at Shields Date Garden:

We were skeptical as we pulled into the parking lot:

But just beyond the gates is the cafe with its view of the lovely date palm gardens, which have been around since 1924 (which we unfortunately didn’t get to tour due to heavy windstorms the day before that left a lot of debris):

 

The food was great, including the Santa Fe Salad, Walleye Fish Tacos Mexican Style, and Curry Chicken Salad:

But first place goes to the Shields Signature Date Burger, with dates, bacon, and blue cheese:

No visit to Shields Date Garden would be complete without a stop in the gift shop and one of the couple of hundred date shakes they mix up daily (seriously — gotta try one):

Everyone got a kick out of dinner at Eight4Nine, which was kind of like dining in Barbie’s dream house:

I did not hear any complaints about the generous entrees, including All Natural Filet of Beef and Five Spice Duck Confit:

 

Grilled Scottish Steelhead and Smoked Portobello Mushroom Pappardelle:

And the one that I saw everyone’s fork make a detour into, Mac and Cheese Lorraine:

The Coachella Lime Pie was nicely tart, but the 849 Caramel Macchiato Cake, with its espresso brushed chocolate cake, salted caramel drizzle, vanilla bean buttercream, chantilly, and Maldon salt flakes, was the showstopper:

Our last dinner in Palm Springs was at 533 Viet Fusion:

We shared a few appetizers, including Wok’d Ginger Green Beans:

Everyone had their own entree — selections included Pad Thai with Tiger Shrimp and Tiger Shrimp and Green Papaya Salad:

And Yellow Curry with Lime (vegetarian) and Ramen Red Curry Coconut Broth with Chicken Lemongrass Meatballs:

When our server learned that it was our anniversary (26 years!), he brought out several complimentary orders of an extremely delicious Coconut Lime Flan, a perfect ending to a thoroughly enjoyable meal:

Before heading to the airport, we had time for a quick brunch at Sherman’s Deli & Bakery (which had been featured on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives):

The Mushroom Barley Soup and Homemade Chicken Soup with a side of one bigass matzo ball were, um, filling:

While others made quick business of the French Dip and a plate of scrambled eggs, bacon, and potatoes:

 

Our spring break trip to Palm Springs was one of the best family trips we’ve taken in a while.  We had so much fun doing all the activities, and the variety of restaurants and delicious meals really enhanced the experience.