Dinner with a "VUE"? Yes please!
If you're looking to escape the LA smog, or treat yourself to a weekend getaway, Palm Springs is always the answer. This last year, I've visited Palm Springs 6 times! Most of the visits were with friends or family, and a few were solo trips, but it truly is my favorite destination! This past weekend, my friend Kameron and I decided to treat ourselves to a weekend getaway, and that means plush beds, desert sun, poolside drinks and indulging in lots of FOOD! Listen, I'd like to consider myself an avid foodie. I love trying new styles of food, but what I really love is the EXPERIENCE.
So what was our first stop? The newly remodeled VUE Grille & Bar located at the Indian Wells Golf Resort. The best part? We were able to book online directly through the website, and that's for both bar and dining room seating. There's nothing worse that being on vacation and so excited to visit the hottest new restaurant, but not being able to try it out because it's all booked for the night. Do yourself a favor and make a reservation ahead of time!
We turned off the main palm-tree lined street, and onto the pathway leading up to the Indian Wells Golf Resort. If we weren't in the vacation mood before, we sure were now! Indian Wells Golf Resort is an absolutely stunning property, surrounded by endless views of luscious golf courses, a water fall and eager golfers ready to take their carts out onto the course. So we headed up to VUE Grille & Bar and were immediately greeted by our hostess who showed us to our table on the outdoor patio overlooking the golf course.
Now onto the good stuff...the meal! The cocktail menu and wine list were extensive, however not overwhelming in any way. We decided to start with cocktails, and later moved onto a bottle of wine at the suggestion of our stellar waitress, Tawni.
For appetizers, we chose the Ahi Tacos, Bacon Wrapped Scallops, Jack Daniels "Fire" Shrimp, and Chef's Cheddar and Deviled Eggs. Our mouths were watering too much to choose only one! Candied Bacon and Magno Habanero Chutney? The perfect combo! If I had to decide on a favorite (which truly is a difficult task), I would have to say the shrimp. The whiskey-siracha aioli was out of this world!
Moving onto entrees, we decided on the "VUE"RGER, Bourbon Glazed Salmon, Filet Oscar, and "The Beast" -- their bone in ribeye. Too much for two people? Not a chance! My favorite dish was definitely Filet Oscar. A true fine dining experience, the filet was tender and topped in an exquisite lobster béarnaise sauce. Is your mouth watering yet? Mine sure is...again!
As if we couldn't eat any more, our amazing waitress suggested one of her favorites for dessert. And since I never say no to dessert, Tawni delivered the Salted Caramel Brownie Tower to our table along with two of the coziest fleece blankets to keep us warm. While we were finishing dessert, she called downstairs to make us a reservation for Night Golf (offered Thursdays-Saturdays). We just had to try out it since we had been tempted by the amazing view all night! What a perfect way to end a memorable meal.
My final thoughts? Whether you're an avid golfer, or looking to celebrate a special occasion with close friends and family -- or sit back for some "R+R" on a solo retreat, VUE Grille & Bar truly offers an experience unlike anything else in Palm Springs. And if you're at the indoor/outdoor bar, one of their modern private dining rooms, or by the fire on the back patio soaking up the Coachella Valley sun, it's a meal worth the memory. I already cannot wait to take my friends to experience it for themselves on our next trip. Because the "VUE" is that much better when the people you love are there to enjoy it with you.