By Raymond Bill
Recently, I stumbled upon one of our valley’s best kept fine dining secrets. This
restaurant is not downtown Palm Springs, nor is it found on Palm Desert’s famous El Paseo. No,
the great find that impressed me so much is The Nest in Indian Wells. Most of us know that
The Nest is a great place for entertainment, offering live music, dancing and reasonably priced
drinks, but they also boast a fine, continental menu offering a variety of dishes from Frog’s Legs
to Filet Mignon! While I passed on the Frog’s Legs, my meal was, quite simply, superb.
We entered through the bar and continued to the restaurant where we noticed elegant
artwork and modern lighting with contrasting textures of brick and rich solid tones. The
atmosphere is as welcoming as the staff. We were seated in the center of their large dining
room, surrounded by plush, cozy booths. We would begin with some appetizers that set the
tone for the evening. Housemade Porcini Mushroom Raviolis with prosciutto and flavors of
sweet balsamic vinegar and truffle oil. These were incredible and I highly recommend you
begin with these each visit! We would also enjoy the Escargot before the soup and salad
selections that come with each entrée.
The four of us would order different items and I was fortunate to try all of them. I
selected the Half Roasted Duck with green beans and wild rice. The duck was mouthwatering
with a hint of sweetness from the port sauce. Other favorites of mine include the thick, tender
Pork Chop and the Veal Sweetbreads. The Sweetbreads would be a new dish for my palate.
Made from glands like the throat, gullet or cheeks, the Veal Sweetbreads were very tender and
full of flavor! Equally impressive are the many Mediterranean dishes like Knish and Moussaka.
My date ordered Mom’s Sampler Platter, which offered a combination of Cabbage Rolls,
Spinach Knish and Moussaka. This was not a plate that I would have ordered on my own;
however, after tasting each item, I am certain to return and order for myself.
These dishes were topped with a couple great dessert selections of a classic Crème
Brulee, and Coconut Cream Pie upon the server’s suggestion. Both were as incredible as
expected having tasted such amazing dishes prior. While the menu is expansive, providing
enough variety to entice a repeat visit, the ambiance was little on the loud side. There are
quieter tables available if you prefer a more intimate setting, but if you are like me, and like to
have fun while you dine, every table is a great table!
The entertainment is always fantastic, the food is impeccable and their staff is attentive.
All of this paired with great company, makes this my new favorite venue to recommend to
friends. Happy Hour is offered in the bar nightly from 4pm to 7pm with a $6 bar menu, and
Wednesday night is “Ladies Night”, but don’t worry, gentlemen, the discount applies to
everyone, offering happy hour from 4pm to 10pm. Dinner is served from 4:30pm to 10pm
nightly and entertainment is also available seven nights a week, featuring the talented Kevin
Henry and Tim Burleson. Visit them at 75-188 Hwy 111 in Indian Wells, and see why they have
been a valley favorite for 45 years.
