By Morgan James
Vicky’s of Santa Fe has long been lauded a desert gem, and during my first experience at the restaurant this week I found out exactly why that is. 27 years in business and it shows. Vicky’s of Santa Fe has created an atmosphere of lively elegance. The Santa Fe-style building in and of itself advertises grandeur as it sits just South of Highway 111 in Indian Wells. Inside, the ballroom and adjoining bar are stunning and I am seated at my table in the dining area. Though the room is in full with the hum of guests talking, laughing, and really enjoying their time, I can lightly hear the band playing in the background. The warm lighting is relaxing and cozy, although the room is brimming with guests at every table. I am told that the restaurant was remodeled two years ago to the neutral earth tones that are exhibited today. Beautiful!
The bread served was brushed with a light garlic butter, titillating my taste buds already. The Sautéed Mushrooms and Parmesan Truffle Fries were very good, however I had no clue that I would be in for the best Filet Mignon I have ever tasted. Drizzled with a creamy blue cheese sauce, I expected the steak to be good, but it literally melted in my mouth. I also tried the Macadamia Crusted Chilean Sea Bass with a Thai coconut sauce and while flavorful and delicious, was no rival to the Filet Mignon in my book. In fact I may have eaten another for dessert, but the portion was so generous I thought better and decided on Apple Pie a la mode. Well, talk about generous portions- the pie could have been an entire meal! Sweet, savory, hot, cold, you really do get it all with this handmade dessert which is contrived fresh right there in the kitchen of Vicky’s daily. I was impressed to find that Vicky’s also boasts a walk-in 4,000 bottle wine cellar with an extensive collection of wines.
While I absolutely relished my dinner, my ears were eager to take in John Stanley King Live! and “A Band of Four” as they played energetic popular songs. Just about the entire ballroom was out on the dance floor which spilled with dancers of all ages right into the bar area. Excitedly I tapped my feet along with the crowd- you really couldn’t not. In fact I was thrilled to find out that Vicky’s offers live music seven nights per week. Oh and what an offering! Mike Costley plays Tuesdays 6:30-10PM, Thursdays feature Carolyn Martinez & Trio from 6:30 to 10PM, and John Stanley King on this Friday night was just knocking it out of the park.
Restaurant Week runs June 3rd to the 12th this year and I know where I will be. I urge you to take advantage and visit Vicky’s of Santa Fe in Indian Wells. I can honestly say that this is my new favorite place to dine and that Filet Mignon just won’t stop calling my name!
MAY/JUNE 2016 Vicky’s of Santa Fe Weekly Schedule:
Open Tuesday thru Sunday 4:30pm-11pm Closed Monday
Mike Costley & Trio | Every Tuesday 6:30-10pm Jazz, Ballad, Swing, Rhythm & Blues and Contemporary.
Lizann Warner | Every Wednesday 6:30pm-10pm Jazz, Rock, Pop, R&B, Classical and Country.
Carolyn Martinez & Trio | Every Thursday Evening 6:30pm-10pm | Lively Jazz.
‘Meet the Corwins’ | Every Friday Early 5:30pm-7:30pm Jazz, Standards and the Great American Songbook.
John Stanley King Live! And “A Band of Four” | Every Friday Late 8pm to Midnight Music Mix of Originals, R&B Classics, and Favorites from The Beatles, James Taylor, Pink Floyd, Eric Clapton and a hand full of Sinatra Type Songs for all the lovers.
The Carmen’s Music Duo | Every Saturday 6:30-10pm Blues, Jazz, and Rock & Roll.
John Stanley King & Trio Every Sunday Evening 6pm-9:30pm Jazz, Acoustic and Classic Rock.
