Wednesday, May 7th, 2008
Pop the corks and celebrate! What Cuistot is to French and La Spiga is to Italian, The Cork Tree is to California cuisine in the Coachella Valley. Unassumingly located in a strip mall at Country Club and Cook St., this sleek, elegant restaurant, created by one of the owners of the Valley’s legendary Las Casuelas chain is a desert stand-out. The décor is extremely well designed, using rich burgundy earth tones on the banquettes, chairs and draping, with cherrywood slats that cover an open ceiling, making the room comfortable and stylish . The staff is expertly trained with superb timing, attitude and discretion. The food presentation is elegant and distinctive, using square and rectangle-shaped plates to accent the courses.
And the food, oh my. This is where The Cork Tree goes over the top. Chef Herve has outdone himself. And most everything uses local ingredients! For appetizers, try the Coachella Valley Plum Tomato Soup, The Roasted Organic Beets, or the Porcini Mushroom Raviolis. You also cannot go wrong with the Daily Appetizer Sampler which has a selection of five appetizers.
For the main courses, we tried the Lobster and Radiatore Pasta Gratin, the Pacific Seared Salmon, and Seared Diver Scallops. All were fantastic, but I enjoyed the Lobster and Radiatore the best, and even saved some to take home for lunch the next day.
True to their cuisine, the wine list features mainly wines that come from Central and Southern California. We didn’t know some of the wines, but our “selection stress” was eased by the wine menu’s guide on the “principles of progressive listing”, which basically gives you a detailed description of the taste of the wine. We tried a new wine called Bearboat Pinot Noir from the Russian River Valley. Fairly priced and very, very smooth. But there are also select wines from the rest of the U.S. and around the world for those who are looking for them.
The evening concluded with a fabulous dessert sampler of three tantalizing creations, highlighted by the white peach crème brulee. Along for the ride were a mango sorbet and a flourless chocolate cake, but for me, the crème brulee was the star of the evening.
So hats off, pop your cork and come settle in at The Cork Tree. California cuisine has never seen it better than this.
The Cork Tree
74950 Country Club Drive
Palm Desert, CA 92260
760-779-0123
www.thecorktree.com
Monday, April 28th, 2008
Welcome aboard, Earthlings! This is certainly one of the most unique events in the Southern CA desert! We ventured out to Landers, CA for the first day of the Retro UFO Spacecraft Conference. Driving down Belfield Blvd., the Integratron, an otherwordly structure originally built by scientist George Van Tassel in an effort to rejuvenate human cells, pops up on your right, a stark white dome rising out of the desert sand. Coming closer, you see it’s nestled inside a welcoming oasis of art, sculpture, trailers, tents, and for those who like to kick back, a pavilion filled with swinging hammocks!
The conference was extremely well produced. The presentations by Bob Benson, an original builder of the Integratron, concerning ongoing efforts to restore and reactivate the Integratron, and a one man show about George Van Tassel played by Lloyd Noel of the Morongo Basin Historical Society dominated the afternoon’s activities. I was fascinated by Noel’s one-man show, as he answered questions from the audience as the dead George Van Tassel. He talked about his death, and what has happened to his work and family since he left his body, in a convincing, often sympathetic way. Noel really did make you believe you were talking to Van Tassel from beyond the grave. Excellent entertainment, with lots of audience participation enabled believer and non-believer alike to develop an appreciation of Van Tassel’s life and ideas.
We also got to explore the Integratron itself. It’s a small domed structure defined as “an acoustically perfect tabernacle and energy machine sited on a powerful geomagnetic vortex in the magical Mojave Desert.”
I went upstairs and laid down on a yoga mat to see if I could get the full effect. I must admit I felt completely relaxed, but with a high concentration level. Focus on meditation was the easiest it’s ever been for me. Whether or not the Integratron can rebuild cell structure is obviously open to question, but the relaxed, focused energy that inhabits it is undeniable. A fascinating, fun experience for everyone.
Returning outside, we ventured through the vendors’ tents, saw some dynamite paintings from local artists, and roamed the grounds, which have quite possibly the most spectacular views in the Morongo Valley. Sculpture and art are located throughout the grounds in cactus gardens, and around every corner there are new, creative ways to relax.
Among them, I recommend the Hammock Village and the Lizard Lounge, a comfy, carpeted, converted storage shed with a sofa and wall decorations, a great way to beat the desert heat.
A call to the front of the complex told us the “Who Can Build the Best Tin Foil Hat?” contest was about to start. All creations were fabulous, but the winner was a tin foil hat built in the shape of a crown for King Henry VIII. Sire, we salute you!
Our first Retro UFO Spacecraft Conference was a blast! The people who run it obviously adore it and their enthusiasm is infectious. There is a respect for the material, combined with a flair for fun and entertainment which makes this quality event so special. Combine that with being on the grounds of the Integratron, the great weather and the spectacular desert views and you’ve got a surefire winner. The trip through Yucca Valley on State Highway 62 is also a treat, with dozens of unique shops and restaurants to visit along the way.
For more information:
www.retroufo.com
Saturday, April 19th, 2008
The Agua Caliente Casino • Resort • Spa redefines spectacular! A festive crowd of over 2000 invited guests came to the desert on April 19 to help the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians celebrate the grand opening of the facility’s new 340 room hotel,
enjoying a fabulous array of opening night food, drinks and fireworks at an event hosted by John O’Hurley, Agua Caliente’s well-known television spokesman, best known for his role as J. Peterman on the Seinfeld series.
The festivities featured entertainers such as the traditional Cahuilla bird singers, fire dancers, and Latin, Japanese and Calypso musicians,
strategically placed throughout the property to create different worlds of sight and sound. The pool area was lit up in beautiful rainbow colors and spotlights, with tiny cocktail tables placed around it allowing views of the main stage where the chairman’s official welcome took place.
Each restaurant at the resort was showcased, offering up samples of its delicious food such as fresh shrimp and crab claws,
fantastic Mexican creations, smooth caramel lattes, and excellent pit BBQ, culminating in a gigantic dessert spread filled with dainty chocolates, and fresh fruit to be covered with chocolate from the trickling fondue fountain, among other delicate confections.
We traveled over to the new Sunstone Spa to find an efficiently organized
fitness room, cozy treatment rooms, and many accoutrements all designed to relax and calm the senses, including serene tile art, gorgeous flowers, mood lighting and aromatherapy.
VIP guests received a parting gift which included a commemorative leather satchel, and a mantle clock.
So let’s say goodnight and goodbye to a fantastic grand opening and hello to the incredible $300 million dollar, 340 room hotel, spa, pool and conference center the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians have built next to their existing casino.
And let’s also look forward to an equally spectacular 5000 seat plus theater that’s expected to bring some of the world’s greatest entertainers to the desert as soon as construction is completed.
Congratulations on a job well done! The Agua Caliente Casino•Resort•Spa - truly spectacular redefined!
For reservations:
1-866-923-7244
or
www.hotwatercasino.com
Wednesday, April 9th, 2008
An Indio Food Fiesta!This is the best full service Mexican-American supermarket chain in the Valley! The sliding doors open into Cardena’s and the décor reminds us of a crowded Mexican square on a sunny Saturday afternoon, deep in the throes of a huge fiesta. We immediately grabbed a basket and made our way through all the departments.
We started in produce. Very reasonable prices, the display is gorgeous and the quality is excellent. They have produce from all over the world, with a selection of hundreds of dried spices and chilis. We noticed that bulk foods, like pintos, were well priced.
But we must admit, we were on a mission. We had heard about the Tortilleria. They produce 1000s of tortillas per hour. The question is, were the rumors about the tortillas being the “freshest, chewiest, warmest, right off the assembly line, that will make your burritos, tacos, enchiladas, and quesadillas feel like royalty”, really true? One taste is all it took. The tortilleria staff knows what they’re doing and they happily provided us with a sample. After one nibble, I thought I’d park a semi out back so they could load it up.
But the tortillas were only the beginning. The salsa and guacamole selection is fabulous, and clearly labeled from mild to hot. The meat department has the freshest, best quality pork and beef, along with the finest seafood, fresh and frozen. They also carry freshly prepared Jalisco style chorizo. The Kitchen makes mouth watering Huaraches, Carnitas and Barbacoa for both on-the-spot meals and take out. Sit down and try a burrito or taco with the meat of your choice.
On to the bakery with very sweet delights, including colorfully decorated cakes, traditional flan, and the venerable Tres Leches cake, in addition to bolillos, teleras, and the healthy licuados, made with fresh fruit. Right next door to the bakery sits a party section, where you can buy anything and everything for your next celebration including streamers, balloons and pinatas. The combination of a bakery and the party store will put almost anyone in an exceptionally jovial mood…by the time we reached checkout, we needed two baskets!
But then again, how many supermarkets do you know that make food shopping an everyday fiesta?
Cardena’s Market
266 Highway 111
Indio, CA 92201
760-863-1984
www.cardenasmarkets.com
Wednesday, April 2nd, 2008
The aliens have landed!Have you ever looked up at the night sky and swear you saw a UFO? …or wondered if our friends from distant planets have already visited Earth? Want to know more? Then head for the 3rd Annual Retro UFO Spacecraft Convention in Landers, California, a small town in the high desert, roughly 30 miles from Palm Springs, midway between Yucca Valley and famed Joshua Tree, for two days of fun the weekend of April 26 and 27! You’ll get a friendly, nostalgic look into the unique era of UFO history in the Mojave Desert in the ’60s and ’70s.
Unlike other UFO conventions which are typically held in bland civic center meeting rooms, Retro UFO is unique. It’s held on the grounds of the legendary Integratron, a fascinating dome-topped building which scientists have called “ a mass battery” and “a magnetic room”. With Giant Rock nearby, the largest free standing boulder in the world until its unexpected split in 2000, the location is quite possibly one of the most sacred sites of all extraterrestrial phenomena. The Integratron is described by its creator, George Van Tassel, as “a machine, a high-voltage, electrostatic generator that would supply a broad range of frequencies to recharge the cell structure.” Are we talking the Fountain of Youth? Ok, you have my interest. Now on to the main event.
The Retro UFO Spacecraft Convention brings together some of the world’s most notable speakers in fields such as the paranormal, alien mind control, urban legends, crop circles, past life regression, alien abduction, and naturally, conspiracy theories, among many other fascinating subjects, to share their stories. Some claim to be “contactees” themselves, having personally been contacted by extraterrestrials. Others claim to help you remove your alien implants, account for missing time, or talk through your abduction(s). All have wondrous stories to tell and plenty of advice to give for those who need it.
In addition to the speakers, expect tours of Giant Rock and the Integratron, movies, contests for best costume, including our favorite, a contest for best tin foil hat, live music, a laser light show, and what we consider to be one of the most unique experiences in the desert, a “Sound Bath”. The Sound Bath takes place inside the Integratron and is described as a “30 minute sonic healing session experienced while resting in the highly resonant, multi-waved sound chamber as 9 quartz crystal singing bowls are played, each keyed to the one of the chakras of the body.” Bottom line: You’re bathing your body in sound to produce a healing relaxation of the mind and body. Sounds great to us. Fire up your blasters and enjoy some unique desert UFO history at the 3rd Annual Retro UFO Spacecraft Conference!
3rd Annual Retro UFO Spacecraft Conference
April 26 and 27
Landers, CA
For more info:
www.retroufo.com
www.integratron.com
Sunday, March 23rd, 2008
Serbs Sweep Pacific Life Open!
Ana Ivanovic and Novak Djokovic went the distance to become women’s and men’s singles champions of the 2008 Pacific Life Open, cheered on by their enthusiastic countrymen…and women… who came to Indian Wells, California, from all over the world, and many parts of the United States , the site of the Pacific Life Open, now THE most attended tennis event in the world after the four Grand Slams… with over 331,000 in attendance this year.
Ana pocketed her hefty $332,000 purse, a gorgeous championship bracelet covered in diamonds and sapphires from Geoffrey Scott Fine Magnetics, and the coveted bronze whale trophy, presented by Pacific Life! Congrats Ana! Svetlana Kuznetsova played an admirable match, admitting in the end that despite her best efforts, it just wasn’t her day. But Miami, and another chance, is coming next week!
As for Novak, he weathered the surprise deluge that Mardy Fish brought on, as drama continued the whole match, but the ever confident Novak held on, holding the hard fighting Southern Californian Mardy off to finally win in three sets to colllect a winning purse of $552,000. Throughout, both men demonstratred the nerve, stamina and technical ability that makes for world class tennis.
And so the curtain comes down on the 2008 Pacific Life Open. An event that shows every sign of becoming the largest and most prestigious sporting event ever held in the Coachella Valley. Thanks to the city of Indian Wells, tennis visionaries like Charlie Pasarell, and everyone who makes the Pacific Life Open happen, it’s game, set and match for the future of the Pacific Life Open! Here’s to more great tennis in 2009!
Saturday, March 22nd, 2008
Djokovic Triumphant over Nadal, American Fish Upsets Federer
What a day !!!! “Win the crowd” is the advice a great movie hero got, and Djokovic and Fish won the crowd today — just like gladiator Russell Crowe heard his name called in the great Roman Coliseum. Screams of “Novak! Novak!” and “Go Mardy! Go Mardy!” filled the giant Stadium Court at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden as first Novak Djokovic put away a still-fighting Rafael Nadal — who was obviously under some pain in the left foot, as his athletic trainer visited him early on in the match to wrap him — and then upstart Mardy Fish went on to dominate Roger Federer, who appeared stunned at the brilliant performance from this unseeded American player. Truly a day of tennis drama!
So the stage is set. The men’s singles final tomerrow will be Serbian Djokovic vs. American Fish. Who will emerge as the new Pacific Life Open champion?
As for the women finals, it’s Ana Ivanovic from Serbia vs. Svetlana Kuznetsova from Russia. Let the games begin…
www.pacificlifeopen.com
Friday, March 21st, 2008
Get Cosi in La Quinta!This is a refreshing alternative to the classic coffee house and sandwich shop. Located off Washington St., near the new Lumpy’s golf store and Bouchon fine foods, Cozi offers a fresh alternative to breakfast, lunch and dinner featuring their signature flatbread, baked in an open hearth oven, right in front of your eyes. A warm, inviting environment is what they promise, and this publicly traded (from the Chicago area) franchise operation really delivers.
I tried the mint mocha latte (sensational), a sesame bagel (good after I got over that it was square shaped). Hint: Make sure to tell them you want your cream cheese on the side, rather than slathered on the bagel, since we all have different cream cheese needs. And the Cosi breakfast bar, a crunchy granola-like snack made of nuts, and dried fruit. I found the breakfast bar to be very good for slow burning energy needs like hiking or walking.
My favorite meal at Cosi so far, is lunch. I had their Signature Salad which includes mixed greens tossed with red grapes, pears, pistachios, dried cranberries, and gorgonzola, tossed with shallot sherry vinaigrette. Everything was perfectly fresh and plentiful. The Club sandwich was also excellent. After sampling everything. I was full afterward. But I still want to try their Greek salad and the Shanghai Chicken salad.
Hearth baked dinners include Eggplant and Four Cheese Lasagna (for a limited time), grilled wild Alaskan salmon, and Alpine chicken which is grilled chicken with three cheeses in alfredo sauce, topped with bacon and bread crumbs.
The décor is warm and inviting, with big stuffed chairs and stools in one area and tables and chairs in the main seating room, with an additional patio outside which is surrounded by a fountain and several water amenities. And there’s free WI-FI service! Bring your laptop or Blackberry!
Cosi
46-660 Washington St.
Suite 8
La Quinta, CA 92253
760-771-5747
www.getcosi.com
Tuesday, March 18th, 2008
Richard Spooner aboard Cristallo
The Master of Faster!The electricity was in the air this past Sunday, March 16, at the conclusion of HITS Thermal Desert Circuit’s Championship Week. Capping off 8 weeks of horse showing starting with the Desert Circuit Premiere in January, Richard Spooner, dubbed the “Master of Faster” for his 100+ lifetime Grand Prix wins, made the first ever $200,000 Thermal Invitational Grand Prix his own, aboard his fleet of foot warmblood gelding, Cristallo, owned by Show Jumping Syndications International at the HITs Thermal Desert Horse Park.
The first round of competition in the spectacular Grand Prix ring yielded 6 fantastic jump off rides vying for first place.
Spooner was followed by second place finisher Keri Potter on her horse Rockford I. Third place went to Jill Henselwood and Juniper Farms’ Special Ed. Former Irish Olympian Eddie Macken brought Valerie Robinson’s Tedechine Sept in for fourth place.
Fifth place went to Olympic Games hopeful Will Simpson aboard El Campeon Farms’ Tosca, and rounding out the top six was Guillermo Obligado on Adria L. Mashburn’s Suleyman De Wulf Selection.
With state-of-the-art footing, new landscaping, an indoor World Cup arena, and other amenities, HITS Thermal’s sophomore year has yielded some world class riding memories, a fantastic clinic with Meredith Michaels Beerbaum sponsored by West Coast Active Riders, and plenty of family and barn social events like the vendor fashion show, the doggie jump off, and Movie night on the Jumbotron. 2009 dates have already been set, so plan now not to miss it next year!
www.hitsshows.com
Saturday, March 15th, 2008
Superb Serb! Top-seeded Serbian Ana Ivanovic, currently ranked No. 2 in the World in Sony Ericsson WTA standings, turned in another commanding performance against challenger Ioana Olaru from Roumania in second round women’s singles competition this afternoon at the Pacific Life Open in Indian Wells, California, winning 6-1, 5-7, 6-0.
