January 2011

GRIND BRGR BaR Opens on Palm Canyon

“The Best Burger in the Desert” is the promise that proprietor Lee Morcus of the Kaiser Restaurant Group makes for the specialty of their newest restaurant concept. Located atop their popular Chop House Palm Springs

Pure Whyte

Poet David Whyte brings his singular gifts of creativity and public speaking to Mission Hills Country Club in Rancho Mirage on Jan. 30.

50th Anniversary Gala for The Humane Society of the Desert

Palm Springs Life Presents The 50th Anniversary Gala for The Humane Society of the Desert, "Celebrating 50 Years of Making a Difference" at MiraMonte Resort & Spa, 45000 Indian Wells Lane, Indian Wells, CA

Jamie Sadock Designs Star in Runway Show

Wielding her battle cry, ”Corrosion of Conformity,” sportswear designer Jamie Sadock (www.jamiesadock.com) brings her singular style and passion to the desert on Feb. 25.

First Tee Coachella Valley Inaugural Invitational Golf Tournament

Officials from The First Tee Coachella Valley have announced the date for their Inaugural Invitational Golf Tournament on Saturday, February 19, 2011. The Classic Club in Palm Desert will play host

Captivated by Stories of Prisoners

BY JANICE KLEINSCHMIDT

Australian director Peter Weir attended the Palm Springs International Film Festival screening of his latest film, The Way Back.

Patrick Warburton to host “Golf For Kids” Celebrity Tournament

Patrick Warburton is hosting his inaugural “Golf For Kids” Celebrity Tournament the weekend of March 4-6, 2011 at the Classic Club in Palm Desert!

Deserving of an Encore

By Janice Kleinschmidt

The story of redemption ultimately brings Duran back to the stage. “Even a has been who’s never been can come back,” he discovers.

January Wine Dinners at Morgan’s in the desert

Morgan’s in the desert at the legendary La Quinta Resort & Club offers world-class winemaker dinners and other special events each month through May.

Agave Sunset Tequila

Hyatt Grand Champions Resort Villas and Spa announces the launch of their privately labeled Agave Sunset Tequila, which will be available exclusively at the Indian Wells resort.

2011 Palm Springs Modernism Week Schedule of Events

As one of the city’s most successful signature events, Modernism Week is a celebration of all things “modern.”

A Gala to Remember

BY JANICE KLEINSCHMIDT

Walking down the red carpet at the Palm Springs International Film Festival awards gala, even non-famous attendees were greeted like celebrities

Film Festival Waiting and Learning

By Janice Kleinschmidt

Javier Bardem’s appearance at the 433-seat Annenberg Theater on Friday night drew a beyond-capacity crowd.

Culinary Nirvana

The 2nd Annual Food & Wine Festival Palm Desert March 26 and 27 will feature more than 20 nationally-known celebrity chefs.

New Eatery to Open in Downtown Palm Springs

Downtown Palm Springs will get yet another first-rate eatery when LULU California Bistro opens its doors sometime in mid-April.

Indian Canyons Golf Resort Celebrating a Swingin’ 50 Years at the North Course!

Public is invited to a night of fun & great food in the historic Clubhouse January 21st!

Palm Springs International Film Festival Opening Night

BY JANICE KLEINSCHMIDT

The screening of some 200 films over the next 11 days began Jan. 6 with the U.S. premiere of the French film Potiche (Trophy Wife)

A Fundraising Favorite

The midcentury vibe at Riviera Resort & Spa provides a perfect environment for Palm Springs nonprofits, such as the Deaf Seniors Foundation of Palm Springs, to hold their fundraisers.

Sunday Night Chef Fight

Renowned Local Chefs Smith, Copley to Cook for Culinary Supremacy at Live Head-to-Head Cooking Competition Sunday, January 23rd

Become a Film Critic in Six Easy Steps

By Hamilton Scott

Desert filmmaker-writer explores what it takes to become a film critic, just in time for the Palm Springs International Film Festival.

Tournament Preview

BY JUDD SPICER

Few golf destinations in the world can compete with the diverse golf offerings found in the Coachella Valley.

Eating After Eight

By Mona de Crinis

Whatever your reasons for burning the midnight oil, there are places to get your dinner on.

Caddie Chat

By Judd Spicer

Mark Scott caddies at Bighorn Golf Club in Palm Desert. A winter looper at Bighorn since 2003, Scott now works there full time after 22 years on the LPGA tour.

Happy Trails - The Art Smith Trail

This trek is a real treat for the hiker who enjoys a full day’s journey without excessive elevation gains. This day hike allows you to penetrate the mountains while resting along the way in several palm oases that accent the trail.

The Perfect Match

BY JANICE KLEINSCHMIDT

This month, Empire Polo Club revives its polo operation after more than a dozen years of loaning its fields to Eldorado Polo Club.

Hot Festival Films of 2011

With nearly 200 films to choose from, it’s difficult to know which are most worthwhile.

Navigating the Palm Springs International Film Festival

By Hamilton Scott

The 22nd Annual Palm Springs International Film Festival (Jan. 6-17) screens approximately 180 films from approximately 60 countries. Over the course of 21 years, the festival has grown into one of the largest and most prestigious film festivals in the world.

Celebrities Set to Play in 52nd Bob Hope Classic

Wayne Gretzky, hockey’s “Great One,” and former boxing world champion and 1976 Olympic gold medalist Sugar Ray Leonard are set to make their inaugural appearances as celebrity amateur golfers in the Bob Hope Classic

Tony Orlando headlines Sinatra's Saturday night Gala

Tony Orlando, brings his hit songs and popular voice to the stage at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino for the annual Frank Sinatra Starkey Hearing Foundation Celebrity Invitational, taking place February 24-27, 2011.

Lesley Gore, The Little Lady with the Very Big Voice

Lesley Gore steps onto the Plaza Theatre’s stage, Follies audiences know it was time well spent--her powerful voice and catalogue of hit songs reflect the hard-won wisdom of time.

A Pointed Gunn in the Village

By Mona de Crinis

A look at the first few months of Coachella Valley’s newest high-end shopping complex, El Paseo Village in Palm Desert with candid words from fashion’s Tim Gunn about manners, fur, senior style, and making it all work.

San Jacinto Snap Shots

Amateur shutterbugs took their best shot of Mt. San Jacinto State Park over the summer, competing in Mt. San Jacinto National History Association’s annual photo contest.

Citron Serves Cuisine and the Celebrity Scene

By Mona de Crinis

The intimate vibe at the Palm Springs’ hot spot resonates with celebrity appeal and casual living — a seeming oxymoron, but Citron makes it work.

Morgan’s in the Desert Now Open for Lunch

Chef Jimmy Schmidt and his team are now offering a Winter Lunch Menu at Morgan’s in the desert, at La Quinta Resort & Club from Thursday to Sunday.

Three New Deals at Tommy Bahama’s Restaurant & Bar

Now is the time of year to celebrate and Tommy Bahama’s Restaurant & Bar on El Paseo commemorates the season with exclusive food and wine specials through January 2011.