You vote. We reveal. That’s how Best of the Best works. We ask readers and viewers to weigh in weekly at www.palmspringslife.com/best on their favorite people, places, and things in the Coachella Valley.
David A. Lee
Best Dessert
Clementine Gourmet Marketplace & Café
Clementine on El Paseo is a European-style bakery that offers much more than breads and cakes. The 5,000-square-foot café and marketplace offers breakfast and lunch entrees, plus a variety of ready-to-eat deli selections, a made-to-order pasta station, a selection of wine and beer, and, of course, its famous patisserie. In addition to its gourmet food offerings, Clementine also features a retail section great for gifts and products to take home.
72990 El Paseo, Palm Desert.
760-834-8814;
www.clementineshop.com
www.arthurcoleman.com
Best Continental Restaurant
Spencer’s Restaurant
For an upscale yet casual evening out, Spencer’s Restaurant offers a seductive dining experience with outstanding continental cuisine under the direction of Executive Chef Eric Wadlund. Enjoy an elegant, contemporary ambiance complete with soft music and lighting and an extensive award-winning wine list. If daytime is more your style, try Spencer’s for lunch and dine outside on the patio in the shadow of Mount San Jacinto.
701 W. Baristo Rd., Palm Springs.
760-327-3446;
www.spencersrestaurant.com
Rio Azul Mexican Bar & Grill
Best Mexican Restaurant
Rio Azul Mexican Bar & Grill
This charming addition to the Palm Springs restaurant scene offers a colorful and deliciously vibrant atmosphere. Lovers of traditional south-of-the-border cuisine are wowed by the culinary creations of Executive Chef Ernesto Gastelum, who promises a fresh and flavorful menu designed to please every palate. Savor Rio Azul’s tableside guacamole appetizer and imbibe on distinctive cocktails, including the “Rio” margarita or the “Azul” margarita — crowd favorites.
350 S. Indian Canyon Dr., Palm Springs.
760-992-5641;
www.rioazulpalmsprings.com
David A. Lee
Best Florist
My Little Flower Shop
A passion for parties, events, weddings, and floral splendor spells success for this full-service flower and design studio. My Little Flower Shop is big on experience. Its staff has spent a combined half-century designing, planning, and executing high-profile social, corporate, and charity events. In addition, the studio has expertly handled hundreds of weddings, birthday celebrations, showers, and anniversary parties and provided distinctive holiday and special event bouquets.
861 N. Palm Canyon Dr., Palm Springs.
760-778-7111;
www.mylittleflowershop.com
Voting for 2012-2013 Best of the Best begins this month! Visit www.palmspringslife.com/best for categories, voting calendar, and information on how to participate.