With decades under his belt in the restaurant industry, Adrian Becerra has learned a thing or two about what makes a good spot.
So after more than three decades spent working as both a server and bartender at restaurants in and beyond the Coachella Valley, the industry vet leapt when presented with the opportunity to open his own place.
“I guess I can show my experience and use my head instead of my body,” he said.
The resulting eatery, California Bistro, is the latest addition to a collection of popular restaurants located on the northeast side of Frank Sinatra Drive and Highway 111 in Rancho Mirage. The area already includes Foxy’s Kitchen and Bar, Willie’s Modern Fare and Kobe Japanese Steakhouse. It’s also something of a culmination of Becerra’s life in the restaurant business, which began some 37 years ago.
Becerra and California Bistro’s General Manager, Tony Manjarrez, say the name and concept stem from their conception of California as a “mix of everybody and everything.”
That’s the goal of the bistro’s menu, too, which Becerra says includes his takes on dishes from across the culinary spectrum that he’s been exposed to or made during his career. French, Italian, Mexican and steakhouse cuisine are just some of the influences, he said.
“No one could actually say there’s nothing there for me to eat,” Manjarrez said.
Here’s a closer look at California Bistro and the other new places to eat that opened in the Coachella Valley last month, including new spots for pies, hot dogs and wine.
California Bistro, 69820 Highway 111 in Rancho Mirage
The goal of offering something for everyone is evident at this newest addition to the Rancho Mirage scene. The breakfast menu is heavy on traditional favorites, albeit with some creative twists. Take, for example, the French toast, which comes topped with berries sauteed in an orange liqueur butter. The lunch and dinner menus mix sandwiches and salads with a few of the heartier entrees, including veggie pasta and steak frites. But the full complement of those entrees can be found on the dinner menu, which includes everything from pork chops to pan-seared scallops to an eggplant lasagna. There’s also a full bar and extensive wine and cocktail menu — Becerra spent years bartending and says he is particularly passionate about how people discover new wines based on their tastes. The bright and airy space is a far cry from the grandiose Mardi Gras-like theme and decor of the ill-fated Carnival World restaurant, which was largely built out in the space but never opened.
Winston Pies, 73061 El Paseo Suite 5 in Palm Desert
This new fresh pie shop on El Paseo (it’s the first location outside of Los Angeles County) makes most of the classics, including apple, pecan, key lime and cherry pies. But there’s also plenty of surprises, including a fluffy strawberry shortcake pie and the fudge-like Chocolate Cowgirl pie. The shop even frequently offers candy-inspired pies — the caramel topped Payday pie with a peanut butter crust and filling that was once offered around tax day is just one example. Not looking to eat a whole pie? The shop also sells two-inch pie bites that are like a pie version of garlic knots. Not looking for pie at all? The shop also sells McConnell’s Coffee of Santa Barbara fame, along with Caffe Luxxe coffee.
Food Trucks on Requa, 83917 Requa Avenue in Indio
There’s no shortage of options at the Coachella Valley’s first permanent food truck park. The new venue at the corner of Salton Street and Requa Avenue brings together six food trucks in one space that also includes both indoor and outdoor dining areas. The offerings range from sushi (and something called a sushi taco) at the Valley Fusions food truck to bacon-wrapped hotdogs from The Dogg Father. Mexican food fans, meanwhile, can nosh on tacos, burritos and carne asada-topped fries from Aldo’s Mexican Food Truck, while sweet tooths can satisfy their cravings with cupcakes, soft serve and other treats from the Short and Sweet Cakery. Tea lovers also have plenty of options thanks to the presence of both La Casa Verde Matcha Bar and Quench & Refresh, which serves a variety of flavored teas. The food truck park is currently open from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.
Taqueria El Guero Bar & Grill, 82204 Highway 111, Suite F, in Indio
The strip mall adjacent to Indio’s Cardenas supermarket is the home to the latest addition to this small chain of Mexican restaurants, which also includes outposts in Cathedral City and Desert Hot Springs. The expansive menu includes everything from tacos, enchiladas and fajitas to several seafood specialties and a grilled steak special. The dining room is decorated like the exterior of a colonial Mexican structure with colorful paintings lining the walls.
Sumo Dog, 82173 Avenue 42 in Indio
The hot dog chain, which is known for putting a Japanese spin on many of its dogs by adding toppings such as miso mustard and wasabi relish, has opened a second Indio location in the growing The Palms shopping area north of Interstate 10. The new Sumo Dog, which features a drive-thru as well as a small dining room, adds to the concentration of fast food restaurants in the center, where In-N-Out Burger and Raising Cane’s both opened new outposts last year.
Aqua Bar and Grill, Inside the Aqua Soleil Hotel and Mineral Spa at 14500 Palm Drive in Desert Hot Springs
Breakfast, lunch and dinner are all on the menu at this new hotel restaurant in Desert Hot Springs. The breakfast menu has pancakes, French toast, a breakfast burrito, customizable omelets and other classic fare. The lunch and dinner offerings, meanwhile, include a mix of sandwiches, salads, tacos and a few heartier entrees, including a burger and fish and chips. There’s also a lengthy menu of drinks tailor made for sipping on the large patio that overlooks the spa’s miner pools.
Vinophile Café, 540 S. Indian Canyon Drive in Palm Springs
The former home of Italian café La Bottega (and the deli concept Lay’Vince) is now the site of this wine-focused café. A still-in-progress website explains the cafe is owned by certified sommelier and “brings together natural wines, artisanal coffee, and fresh, vibrant food in a relaxed, art-filled space.” There are also plans for the space to host wine tastings and other events.
More Coachella Valley-area restaurant news
More new restaurants coming soon
(This story was updated with new information.)
Paul Albani-Burgio covers growth, development and business in the Coachella Valley. Email him at paul.albani-burgio@desertsun.com
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: New Palm Springs-area restaurants include food truck park, wine cafe
Reporting by Paul Albani-Burgio, Palm Springs Desert Sun / Palm Springs Desert Sun
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