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A Cavalcade of Culinary Geography

That three young entrepreneurs — Tony Di Lembo, Rob Kenzi, and Ranz Wienert — envisioned this former auto body shop as a tropical paradise, then turned it into one of the valley’s hottest go-to spots is a testament to their imagination — and to Chef Di Lembo’s Culinary Institute of America training. The Tropicale’s seasonally changing menus reflects creativity in its panorama of world flavors and products.

The Tropicale emphasizes Pacific Rim seafood, but the menu cruises from bouillabaisse to meatloaf, a unique twist in every offering. Small plate choices migrate from Crispy Maryland Crab Cakes and Tangerine-Glazed Mandarin Calamari to Moroccan Lamb Meatball Skewers with Cucumber Raita. The exotic Pupu Platter offers Coconut Tiger Shrimp, Thai Chicken Satay, Korean Beef Skewers, Vietnamese Spring rolls, and Ahi Nori Roll.

For entrées, choose from Rigatoni Pasta tossed with Sweet Fennel Sausage Bolognese, Kahlua-BBQ Pork Porterhouse Chop with mashed plantains, and salads such as Mrs. Wong’s Chinese Chicken Salad with Mandarin oranges or the Grilled Angus Filet Mignon Salad with baby arugula in a truffle vinaigrette.

The Tropicale and Coral Seas Lounge are reminiscent of popular dinner clubs and themed cocktail bars of old Miami and mid century Palm Springs. The adjacent patio lounge and outdoor bar meanders under an 80-year-old ficus tree, lush with foliage and island furnishings to feel spacious, sensual and inviting. It is misted in summer and heated in winter.

The Tropicale took honors as Open Table’s Diners’ Choice winner in 2009 and 2010 and as The Desert Sun’s Best in the Valley for martinis.

Enjoy live jazz by renowned musician Derrik Lewis’ duo every Tuesday and Thursday, 5:30-9:30 p.m. Happy hour every night from 4 to 7 p.m. — and Wednesdays all night long — offers intriguing appetizers and luscious cocktails. The Weekend Brunch from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. starts off with The Tropicale Bloody Mary and moves to benedicts, omelettes, French toast, burgers, salads, and more. Sunday Sushi offers tempting sushi, hand rolls, and sashimi platters along with premium sakes and Japanese beer. Dinner is served Sunday to Thursday from 5 to 10 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 5 to 11 p.m.

330 E. Amado Road, Palm Springs, California 92262
1-760-866-1952
www.TheTropicale.com

By Pamela Bieri