By Marissa Willman
As the newest hotel in the desert, Thompson Palm Springs is making a splash–and not to be missed is its signature restaurant, Lola Rose Grand Mezze.
The mezze-style restaurant is bringing elevated Mediterranean fare to Uptown Palm Springs, with a masterfully crafted menu by Executive Chef Quentin Garcia. Originally from Indio, Chef Quentin marks his return to the desert with the opening of Lola Rose.
Lola Rose centers around a Levantine-inspired communal dining concept, offering bright and flavorful plates for family-style dining. The restaurant has made quite the splash since opening in October. In January, Lola Rose was even featured in Hyatt’s three-part “A Taste of Thompson” series, highlighting executive chefs at Thompson Denver and Manta at The Cape in Cabo San Lucas, in addition to Thompson Palm Springs.
During the event, Chef Quentin crafted a four-course journey through his culinary career. The menu included items like the mushroom chip amuse course, which Chef Quentin–who once “despired” mushrooms–said captures “the flavor and texture I fell in love with” as his taste evolved. Another highlight? The Cauliflower Chawanmushi, a custard take on this cruciferous vegetable.
“My first fine-dining breakthrough came at Meadowood, where I created a cauliflower custard,” the chef’s menu read. “Seeing a variation of it added to the menu was a pivotal moment in my growth as a chef.”
The menu itself was a love letter to Chef Quentin’s experiences in kitchens around the world. Influences from Dubai, Japan, and Copenhagen were distinctly present, and his Michelin training was on full, delicious display.
Luckily, locals can enjoy Chef Quentin’s Mediterranean menu at any time. The Grand Kebab Platter is a must, bringing together maroulosalata, basmati rice, grilled tomato, Persian yogurt, and fresh lavash with your choice of chicken, beef, or lamb kebab. Pair this with the muhamara, a dip made of roasted red peppers, walnut, and pomegranate molasses. Also not to be missed are the grilled Santa Barbara spot prawns and the yellowtail carpaccio, bringing a fresh taste of the sea to the desert.
Lola Rose offers a strong drink menu, as well, with its signature “Her Name was Lola” topping the list. This vodka drink includes pomegranate molasses, hibiscus, cardamom, lemon, and soda for a refreshing cocktail. But even for those who don’t imbibe, there’s plenty to enjoy–the “Zero Proof” menu includes alcohol-free takes on the aperol spritz, pina colada, and paloma.
Lola Rose is located upstairs at Thompson Palm Springs and is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. For more information and to make reservations, visit lolaroseps.com.
