For this week’s Pampered Palate we have chosen snippets of restaurant reviews from CV Weekly’s Best of 2014 winners. Please visit us online at www.coachellavalleyweekly.com and click on Pampered Palate at the top of the page or go to Archives to read their full reviews. Congratulations!
Las Casuelas Terraza- “Best Mexican Restaurant” by Ray Bill (May 29, 2014)
Whether you are looking for a great place for margaritas, live music with friends or a romantic dinner for two, Las Casuelas Terraza is a place for locals and tourists alike. I would recommend trying this restaurant again, or for the first time and if you are willing to step out of your comfort zone to try some new things, you may discover what makes this restaurant a piece of Palm Springs’ history. Located downtown on South Palm Canyon, north of Baristo, Las Casuelas is open seven days per week offering lunch and dinner and breakfast on weekends. Learn more about this restaurant and the Delgado family at www.lascasuelas.com
Giuseppe’s- “Best Italian Restaurant” by Ray Bill (May 15, 2014)
A few close friends have been raving about Giuseppe’s for a couple years now and I was very skeptical that one could find authentic Chicago Style pizza here in the desert. I considered this a challenge. My date and I would arrive at prime time to find a full restaurant, with the aromas of garlic and herbs in the air. I was in heaven. We were seated inside to admire the framed pictures of scenic Chicago hanging on the walls. We were promptly greeted by our server and offered a beverage. Giuseppe’s offers a full bar with specialty cocktails, like the delicious Moscow Mule I enjoyed, as well as a very reasonably priced wine list. We took our time with our drinks before sharing a few appetizers.
Giuseppe’s is the sister property of Bar and the new Smoketree Supper Club (which I will be visiting very soon) as they share the same owner. Giuseppe’s is located in the Smoketree shopping center at Palm Canyon and Sunrise. Open for lunch and dinner, this will be your new favorite spot for true Chicago style Italian favorites! Check out their menu at www.giuseppesps.com.
Kobe- “Best Japanese Restaurant” by Ray Bill (March 27, 2014)
When dining out in the desert, I am always looking for the total experience. Of course food quality, presentation and service are all important, but more and more I am lacking an entertainment factor to complete the whole dining experience. That is why I gravitate toward places like Kobe Japanese Steakhouse. For 25 years, Kobe has set the bar for Japanese cuisine in the Coachella Valley. My recent visit to Kobe provided much more than dinner.
The Staff was truly wonderful and welcoming. I can see why tourists return year after year and why locals celebrate special occasions here at Kobe Japanese Steakhouse. Kobe is a family friendly restaurant and is great for children of all ages. There is also an incredible and affordable early bird menu and Happy Hour is offered twice per day. In addition to the main dining area that features teppanyaki, there is also a sushi bar. I will definitely be returning to enjoy some more sushi and sake! With so much going on, I recommend visiting their website at www.koberanchomirage.com.
LULU American Bistro- “Best Continental Restaurant” by David Wayne (February 5, 2014)
When people find out that I write restaurant reviews, they ask me to recommend the best restaurant in the valley. After I finish laughing I say, I could tell them where to go every night of the week for a month and not hit a bad restaurant. One of them I am adding to that list is Lulu California Bistro. Location, location, location, in the heart of downtown Palm Springs, on one of the most busy corners of the “main drag”, Arenas and South Palm Canyon.
With a friendly staff that provides great service, a great location, and a soothing fun atmosphere, Lulu’s is one of the premier restaurants in Palm Springs. Our thanks to General Manager Willie Rhine for having us dine in his fine establishment. If you are on the East side of the valley, you can visit their sister restaurant, Acqua Pazza in Rancho Mirage. 200 South Palm Canyon, Palm Springs * Reservations: 760-327-5858
Il Corso- “Best New Restaurant” by David Wayne (March 13, 2014)
Whenever there is a new restaurant in the Coachella Valley, people come running. I suggest you do just that, and run to Il Corso. Located in the heart of El Paseo across from the Gardens, it is a beauty to behold.
My wife and I were greeted by Claudio, who gracefully runs the restaurant. He took charge of our dining experience, and made us feel as if we had been coming there for years. We asked him what he recommended from his menu, and he suggested that he just bring us his best. We were on board, however, we did not expect the show we were about to enjoy.
Besides the prime location, Il Corso has an awesome atmosphere, and the service was impeccable.
Open seven days a week, I recommend that you don’t miss out on one of the finest new restaurants that the Coachella Valley has seen in years!
Fine dining: 4:30 pm – 10:30 pm Bar: 4:30 pm – 1:30 am
Call for a reservation: 760-341-6700 Complimentary Valet Parking
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The following are some of the other winning restaurants that CV Weekly has reviewed. Listed next to them are the publication dates for you to read the full article in our Pampered Palate archives online at www.coachellavalleyweekly.com.
“Best Pizza” “Best Family Restaurant” – Stuft Pizza (July 18, 2012 & Feb. 20, 2013)
“Best Hotel Restaurant” – bluEmber in Rancho Las Palmas (May 8, 2013)
“Best BBQ Restaurant”- Babe’s Bar-B-Que & Brewhouse (Sept. 26, 2013)
“Best Romantic Restaurant”- Lavendar Bistro (April 2, 2012)
“Best Seafood Restaurant”- Pacifica (July 3, 2013)
“Best Steakhouse”- Mastro’s (April 3, 2013)
“Best Burger”- Eureka (Jan. 22, 2014)
“Best Martini”- Sullivan’s (May 9, 2012 & June 5, 2013)
“Best Margarita”- Fresh Agave (July 30, 2014)
“Best Happy Hour”- Acqua Pazza (March 26, 2014
