By Rick Riozza
Since 1981, Wine Spectator has been giving awards to restaurants with excellent wine programs. And as always. they somewhat begin their coverage with comments such as: “Every wine list tells a story, and like life, it evolves over time.”
The publication continues, “Representing everything from neighborhood wine bars serving small plates to opulent palaces with star chefs and elaborate tasting menus, the just-revealed 2024 Restaurant Award winners all share one thing—a passion for exploring and sharing the world of wine, whether through eclectic flights with a sense of fun or cellars laden with well-aged gems from Burgundy and Bordeaux.
For us wine folk here in our valley, it’s wonderful news to report that this year’s Coachella restaurant tally that made the grade when it comes to an excellent wine list in the world of Wine Spectator, 13 Coachella restaurants have been internationally honored.
From the Grand Award, The Best of Award of Excellence, and the Award of Excellence, the magazine strives to showcase restaurants and wine lists, “that show an uncompromising, passionate devotion to the quality of their wine program.” Wine Spectator goes on to pat itself on the back as it claims, “reviews and awards are held in the highest regard in the domestic and international community.”
So four valley restaurants have been awarded The Best Award of Excellence. This is a very difficult category to make the cut. So let’s give a shout out! Alphabetically speaking, we have Bellatrix at the Classic Club in Palm Desert. We’ve been to many wonderful winemaker dinners and have written about them in this column over the years. It’s a beautiful venue on the Troon golf course—and now, with a new neighbor—the Acrisure Arena.
Next, we have Mastro’s Steakhouse on El Paseo in Palm Desert. The name speaks for itself; their wine list speaks volumes as well—and the wine list reads like a volume.
Following, one has to give it to Spenser’s Steakhouse in Palm Springs for staying in the wine game for as long as it has. Every so often, I get to visit their wine storage room, as a “wine professional”, and I have to say they have cases and cases of wine everywhere and in every nook & cranny. It’s a fun Palm Springs dinner house—with a great venerable wine list!
Finally, let me congratulate, again for yet another Best of Award of Excellence year, restaurateur Mindy Reed, owner and beverage director at one of Palm Springs iconic restaurants, Zin American Bistro. Isn’t she the mayor of the city?—it seems like it! She’s great and she’s everywhere. I’ve known Mindy for some time now and respect her wine knowledge and definitely respect her curated wine list. Over a decade ago, I featured her in an article in the nationally published Tasting Panel Magazine. Accolades came in from around the country!
Besides the fine dining and patio joie de vivre in the heart of downtown, I’ve enjoyed so many fantastic wine pairing dinners and I’ve met a variety of winemakers who love coming into our town. 198 S. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, CA 92262. zinamericanbistro.com.
You’ll find that the wine lists at these “Best Award” winning restaurants typically feature a selection of hundreds to thousands of labels carrying top producers; often times they will exhibit a good depth in mature vintages; they may have a large selection of large format bottles available for dining parties; are in harmony with the menu, and provide superior presentation with a knowledgeable staff.
Now I don’t have to remind us foodie enthusiasts that putting together such an impressive program takes time, and especially money. It’s a brave group that takes on this endeavor. And we hope to show our appreciation to these establishments, and other eateries and restaurants that devote time, funding, and consideration in their wine lists.
And now—let’s name a few of the Award of Excellence winners so we can congratulate them by a visitation. You know they are very proud of the accomplishment and I’m certain that they will appreciate your wine interests and show you their collection, if there is time to do so. Of course sitting for a meal and ordering up a nice bottle of wine is the supreme compliment.
Some of our favorite restaurants to bring attention to include: TRIO Restaurant. We just wrote about them: coachellavalleyweekly.com/uptown-tastes-at-trio . So congrats are in order to our friend Tony Marchese. One could easily forget about their wine program with all of the happy hour cocktails going on, but when was the last time you checked out their wine list. They have so many wines by the glass or bottle at the best prices to match all of the weekday specials and three course prix fixe meals.
Recently, we dined at the Award winning The SteakHouse at the Agua Caliente Casino in Rancho Mirage. It’s great to have as excellent steakhouse again in Rancho Mirage for both upscale and casual dining. The Tomahawk Steak hit the mark, and we found the Chilean Sea Bass to be the best fish dish in town! Delish!
La Quinta Cliffhouse Grill and Bar. Just the location of the Cliffhouse, up the mount, off of Hwy 111 near Washington, singles the restaurant out and has remained a Coachella Valley favorite for upscale casual dining since it first opened its doors. www.laquintacliffhouse.com.
And of course, we always wish to keep in mind the wonderful restaurants about town who are also Award of Excellence winners such as, Eddie V’s Prime Seafood, Mitch’s On El Paseo, Pacifica Seafood Restaurant, and Mortons. No doubt, some of these fine eateries are on your favorite list.
Bon Appétit & Cheers!
