By Tracy Dietlin
I recently attended a sit down media dinner at Miramonte Resort & Spa in Indian Wells where they introduced a few of the new signature dishes that Executive Chef Paul Hancock will be offering at the Grove Artisan Kitchen restaurant. The event was upstairs, outside next to the fire pits overlooking the gorgeous property at one of their several special event spaces. Courvoisier cocktails were provided while everyone mingled before sitting down to experience a tasty four course meal accompanied by two lovely wine selections.
The first course was Butter Poached Alaskan Halibut with Cauliflower puree, Parsley puree, Tangerines and Fried leeks. As much as I am a fish lover I must say that I’ve never been a fan of halibut until now as it’s usually too chewy for me. However, this halibut was absolutely perfect: moist, flavorful and melt in your mouth. I will definitely be going back just for the halibut (pun intended)!
Next course was a citrus winter squash with Mole Negro, Plantanos Albondigas, Tangerines, Cotija Cheese and Pepitas. I was so excited to have a dish that included squash as I don’t feel enough chefs use this vegetable enough. The cotija cheese and pepitas were also a welcome addition and the albondigas were a delightful ball of plantains that looked like hush puppies and were oh so good!
Next up was the Charcoaled NY Strip with a Bourbon demi sauce, Potato Aligot with Fried Onions on top, Charred Broccolini and Herb puree. The steak was a perfect medium rare; tender and tasty. The mashed potatoes with the fried onions were also a nice switch up from the usual.
Dessert was a Charcoaled Pecan Pie, Date Ice Cream with Chocolate Ganashe and Apple Butter Whipped Cream. It was as delicious as it sounds and the apple butter whipped cream was a little something special.
Not only is Miramonte changing up the menu in their restaurant, but they are making quite a few other changes at the property including introducing special events, live music and even beer pong competitions. They will also start renovations on the spa and rooms in the summer. It’s hard to believe they could make this property any more beautiful, but the new GM Mark Jeffrey and Director of Sales & Marketing David Folkeson have quite a vision to give the Miramonte an edgy new modern vibe while still keeping the classy upscale charm of the property.
Miramonte will be having a “Naughty or Nice” Holiday Party open to the public:
Unsure which of Santa’s lists you’ll be on this year? Well, Miramonte Resort & Spa has the inside scoop from the North Pole and will be hosting a Naughty or Nice Party on Friday, December 16th from 6-8 PM where guests who RSVP will find out if their stockings will be filled with candy or coal.
For just $25, guests can enjoy drinks with both a naughty and nice theme, farm-to-fork holiday bites prepared live by Executive Chef Paul Hancock, photo booth fun, and a chance to wipe the slate clean at our Santa Confessional.
In addition, Naughty guests will be entered to win a $50 bar credit and Nice guest have a chance to win a $50 spa credit during the evening’s raffle. Miramonte will also be donating proceeds from the evening to FIND Food Bank. Miramonteresort.com
