By Daniel Paris
I was very excited when I heard a new deli was to open in Palm Desert in a space once occupied by a deli with an existing restaurant in Palm Springs. I am used to delis being cramped and loud with the inevitable line of waiting customers trailing out the door. J’s was neither cramped or loud and had adequate space to handle a large crowd.
The refreshed space was full of light with a large glass wall providing a view into the kitchen’s beehive-like activity. The spaces are relaxing and sophisticated with nicely sculpted chairs and sleek furnishings. The outdoor eating spaces are large and well protected from the daytime desert heat and equipped with overhead heaters for the cooler evening diners.
The entry area features the colorful deli cases filled with tempting desserts, bagels made in-house, and deli meats and salads available for take-out. A bar area with high-top tables and plentiful bar seating separates the indoor dining areas. We were immediately warmly welcomed by staff and seated. The extensive menu is everything you hope for in a deli. Breakfast is served all day featuring the best Jewish comfort food along with dishes you would find in any large diner, including some Mexican favorites. The sandwich menu is huge with corned beef, brisket, and pastrami anchoring the choices. Pickles, potato salad or coleslaw accompany every sandwich. The dinner entrees include brisket, turkey, roast beef, and fish and include some well-priced gourmet offerings.
The owners, Jay and Vanessa Rubenstein, constantly circulate among the guests to chat and check on satisfaction with their meals. Vanessa Rubenstein is the temporary bartender and made me on of the best Bloody Mary’s I have had in the Coachella Valley. This is why I keep gravitating to family-owned restaurants in our desert.
Our food was fresh, delicious, and well presented and the staff seemed very happy to be part of J’s team. Jay, Vanessa, and their staff will provide you with an excellent dining experience.
74255 Hwy. 111
Palm Desert, CA 92260
(760) 797-5004
Monday – Sunday 8:00 am to 9:00 pm
