By Denise Ortuno-Neil
It is a growing trend in cities around the country. Pubs are springing up in communities to bring together great food, drinks and socialization. That is the focus of the Fox & Fiddle Pub, newly opened at The River in Rancho Mirage.
Pubs (Public Houses) have been around for over 2,000 years; a form of community gathering establishments that would allow for people to meet up and socialize while enjoying varied libations and food.
The Fox & Fiddle in Rancho Mirage leans on this Pub mentality, and is the first U.S. location for this Canadian based company. Their location at The River opened in February, 2017 and took over the former Sam’s Sushi restaurant, completely transforming it. A long bar now greets guests, as does the looming Moose head mounted on the wall at the entrance. The look of the Pub is a mixture of antique English style with old fashioned pictures on the walls and tufted banquets, mixed with modern touches of aqua blue colored barstools and glam chandeliers.
I looked forward to trying out the Fox & Fiddle, especially once I heard that they served Scotch Eggs. The old world dish dates back to the 1700’s, and is comprised of a soft boiled egg wrapped in a sausage meat mixture, rolled in bread crumbs and then deep fried. Tasty! The eggs are basically a whole breakfast plate in a nice little package. Fox & Fiddle serves theirs with an appropriate, not too tangy flavored House Ketchup. The egg was served halved, sitting on a small smattering of the House Ketchup. The egg had just enough oozing yolk to complement the surrounding sausage and breading. A great little appetizer to share or have on your own for a jolt of protein with a smidge of carbs.
Another menu item that lured me in was their Poutine. This hearty offering is a Canadian staple, made up of French Fries, cheese curds and rich brown gravy. I was curious to try their version, as my previous encounter with locally served Poutine was not a memorable one. On the flip side, Fox & Fiddle’s Poutine was excellent! The proportion of fries, cheese and gravy was completely balanced. The rich beef gravy pulled the other ingredients together in a smooth blanket, making the ribbons of melted cheese curds even more enjoyable. Fox & Fiddle’s Poutine is a comfort food winner, and is also available with buffalo style chicken for added bite. Other menu favorites at Fox & Fiddle are their Fish & Chips with fresh Haddock, Flatbreads, Burgers, Curries and much more, including a mean Sticky Toffee Pudding for those who need to quell their sweet tooth.
Of course, to have the full Pub experience, imbibing in a Pint is the thing to do and goes perfectly with Fox & Fiddles Pub Fare. They offer many Draft beers including traditional Pub Ales such as Guinness and Boddington, as well as domestic beers and even Coachella Valley’s own La Quinta Brewery. Not into beer? Don’t worry, Fox & Fiddles bar staff will be happy to concoct a drink that will spark you up, whether it be one of their own signature drinks such as their Foxy Collins or Poolside Shandy, or one specially made for you. Bartender Thomas, Bar Manager Victor and bar back Joe will hook you up.
Fox & Fiddle is open daily from 11am to midnight during the week and until 2am on the weekends. Enjoy their Happy Hour every day from 3pm to 6pm for special pricing on beer, wine and select menu items (that means the Poutine and Scotch Eggs).
Fox & Fiddle at The River in Rancho Mirage brings Pub life to the Coachella Valley in a modern way, sprinkled with old world charm. Coordinating great food and drinks in a social environment, bringing the community together.
Fox & Fiddle is located at 71-800 Suite 101, Hwy 111 Rancho Mirage Ca 92270. For more information visit www.foxandfiddle.com.
