Horseradish schmear, “everything” pancake, frisee, pickled onion. $12
State Bird Provisions, San Francisco CA
Omg, I love State Bird! Their American dim sum fare is fun and delicious and they have amazing service. The hipsters who work there are super friendly and accommodating. This smoked sturgeon pancake was my favorite dish during our first visit. We’ve been there a couple times now, and this dish is still one the best!
Red Calibrachoa ‘MiniFamous Vampire’ flowers (Solanceae).
“Town & Desert, the original name of one of our favorite local mid-modern hangouts (orbit in’s hideaway). White whiskey, solerno blood orange liqueur, lemon and egg white bring vintage Palm Springs to mind with its abundant citrus, bright flavors and creamy texture.” $10
Workshop Kitchen + Bar, Palm Springs CA
I was really impressed by the cocktails at Workshop. They were expertly made and while not all of them agreed with me in flavor, I appreciated the thoughtful ingredients they used to make these concoctions.
“Ward 8, rye, house made grenadine, fresh lemon and orange juices, originating in Boston around the turn of the 20th century and named after a notoriously corrupt voting district; fortunately for us the political corruption of yesteryear is virtually extinct (insert big wink here). However, this drink is as delicious and morally in debt as it ever was.” $10
Old fashioned with Eagle rare single barrel 10 year bourbon. $10
Workshop Kitchen + Bar sign.
Pickled daikon, cilantro, lettuce, sichuan peppercorn oil. Two for $8
M.Y. China, San Francisco CA
My visit to M.Y. China was a complete disaster! The service was TERRIBLE and the food was barely a step up from mall food (I guess that’s why they’re located inside Westfield Mall). When you start referring to pork belly buns as “sliders”, you know there’s something wrong. The pork belly was chewy and the bun wasn’t fluffy like most. I wouldn’t have known this was tea soaked either.
White orchids, Roosevelt Way.
Patron tequila, refine sugar free margarita mix served on the rocks. $10
Escena Lounge & Grill, Palm Springs CA
I appreciated that this margarita was sugar free, but I wasn’t a fan of the flavor. The sugar substitute in the mix tasted a little funny. I think I’d rather scarifice having the sugar to get the correct flavor next time.
Sunset at the Escena Gold Club.
Smoky bbq sauce, cornmeal buttermilk onion rings, seasoned French fries. $13
King’s Highway, Palm Springs CA
This was one of the fancier sloppy joes I’ve ever had, lol! The pork belly was delicious and I like the bbq sauce. The onion rings were a bit greasy, but the French fries rocked!
Salt and pepper.
Dinny the Apatosaurus, Cabazon Dinosaurs, Interstate 10. These dinosaurs are worth a quick stop!
Grilled rustic bread with tomatoes, fresh basil, garlic, olive oil and salsa verde. Small $5.50
Pasta Pomodoro, San Francisco CA
I really like the bruschetta at Pasta Pomodoro. It’s simple, fresh tasting and has lots of flavor! It’s also reasonably priced and easy to share.
Diet Coke. $2.75
Crawling snail in the early morning, Jersey Street.
Tillamook cheddar grits, chorizo butter. $12
Matchbox Palm Springs, Palm Springs CA
Having eaten many versions of shrimp and grits in the South, I was NOT impressed by this at all. The grits were too congealed, the shrimp were overcooked (burnt actually), and the chorizo sauce was WAY too salty. Ugh, I couldn’t even finish it. 😦
Mixed conifers, Mt. San Jacinto hike.
Lemon, cucumber, fresh olives, herbs, red wine vinegar, olive oil. $13
Workshop Kitchen + Bar, Palm Springs CA
I enjoyed the firm texture of this salad at first. It was refreshing and different since I rarely eat farro, but it quickly got boring and my jaw began to tire from chewing the farro. I did like the flavors in the salad however. The bright citrus and herbs helped to balance the dull farro.
Morgan McMichaels as Pink at Toucans.
Bikini Blonde lager (Maui Brewing Co.) and a Rose Kennedy cocktail.
Ace Hotel, Palm Springs CA
Can anything be better than enjoying a drink poolside!? We always joke at work that our lives are SO hard, but I know I have it comparatively good.
I loved the can art for the Bikini Blonde beer!
Ace Hotel pool. I thought the adjustable lounge shades were a nice touch.
Pan-fried, served with sesame-ginger dipping sauce. $10
Escena Lounge & Grill, Palm Springs CA
The happy hour food at Escena was not nearly as good as their lunch fare. These potstickers were boring and even the sauce was generic.
Approaching the top of the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway.
Sparkling wine and orange juice. $10 each
King’s Highway, Palm Springs CA
I guess this space used to be a Denny’s or an IHOP, but they’ve turned it into a funky, warm retro restaurant. The staff is super hipster and friendly. A bit on the slow side but hipsters can’t be bother, hehe.
Ahhh, all done!
Cholla Cactus Garden (Cylindropuntia bigelovii, Cactaceae) filled with Teddy Bear chollas, Joshua Tree National Park.
In white wine sauce with herbs and cheesy baguette. Happy hour $8.99
Lulu California Bistro, Palm Springs CA
The mussels were overcooked and tough to chew. Their flesh were also super small compared to their large shells – that’s always a bad sign… It’s hard to forgive poor quality and bad preparation when it comes to mussels.
Mossy boulder, Mt. San Jacinto hike.
Vittle Monster 