By Patte Purcell
I am going to tell you about the undiscovered jewel of the desert. The drinks are wonderful, the food is amazing, and the prices are so darn reasonable that it may stun you. My Happy Hour hot spot pick is Mama Ginas located at 73705 El Paseo in Palm Desert.
This small but elegant bar is beautifully lit and has 2 of the best (if not the most adorable) bartenders in the desert, Juan Carlos and Juan Carlos also known affectionately as ‘Crispy and Extra Crispy’.
Let’s talk about the food which in my opinion is absolutely mouthwatering. They offer a selection of salads ranging from $5.50 for the Mama Gina, a chopped salad with tomatoes, onions, capers, bell peppers and a touch of anchovy with their Italian Vinaigrette to a luscious Roman ‘Cesare’ for $5.75 topped with shaved Parmesan. My favorite is their Saporita salad with mixed greens, walnuts and blue cheese with a poached pear and a kiwi pear vinaigrette for $5.90. I guarantee you can’t find a better salad anywhere in the desert and the price, wow! It comes with 2 kinds of bread and oil and balsamic vinegar for dipping. You can add the olive tapenade for $1.95 for a real treat.
Have you ever tried Gnocchi Gorgonzola? These are little pillows of potato pasta that are so delicate and flavorful they melt in your mouth. When publisher Tracy Dietlin and I sampled them the other day, Juan Carlos commented ‘they are like an orgasm in your mouth’ ($5.90). It’s impossible to decide between the Spagetti ‘Carbonara” ($6.25) or the Penne alla Papalina, penne pasta with peas and ham in a cream sauce ($5.90), yumm! 12 different pastas are offered ranging from $5.50 (pasta pesto) to $7.90 for the Rissoto con Asparagi, fantastico!
14 appetizers and teasers includes Bruschetta Classica (tomato, garlic and basil) for $4.50 to an amazing Scaloppine Filetto, (filet mignon medallions grilled and served with sautéed spinach and their mushroom sauce) $9.50.
They offer a 10 oz. Mamma’s cheeseburger for $6.25 or a seafood burger for $7.90 to round out the menu. Are you hungry yet?
Their wonderful house wines (9 total) are $5.00, beers $3.50 to $4.50
The specialty martinis and cocktails range from $7 to $10 each. Well cocktails are $5.50, well martinis $6.50, Call cocktails are $7, martinis $8.00.
Happy hour is everyday from 4:30 to close but get there early if you want to get a seat, it’s worth the wait!
