As the Palm Springs Film Festival hits town starting Jan. 2, people will be planning their days around screenings offered throughout the 10-day fest.
Serious film viewers need to know where to go to grab a quick bite before and in-between showings. If you are looking for fresh, fest-friendly fare around downtown Palm Springs, consider these dining suggestions:
Outdoor patio dining at El Mirasol is a welcome option for pre or apres-cinema.
El Mirasol Cocina Mexicana – 266 Via Altamira (at the Los Arboles Hotel) and 140 E. Palm Canyon Drive, both in Palm Springs
In operation since 1985, El Mirasol is a staple for locals and tourists alike. Service is welcoming, and quick to the table with house-made Mexican favorites like enchiladas, fajitas, tamales and strong margaritas. A trip to Southern California is not complete without an authentic Mex-fix, and this family-run restaurant has two locations to satisfy cravings for hungry film fans. Opens at 11 a.m. for lunch and dinner every day. 760-323-0721 (E. Palm Canyon) or 760-459-3136 (Via Altamira). www.elmirasolrestaurants.com
Thumbs up review for Chicken Enchiladas at El Mirasol for a Mexican-fix between flicks.
Peppers Thai – 396 N. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs
Stop in for lunch or dinner to enjoy a variety of authentic Thai fare.
This family-owned, unassuming Thai joint is the real deal. Attentive service, fresh ingredients, and authentic recipes will have you in and out in a plenty of time to make your next screening. Open from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. for lunch, and 5-10 p.m. for dinner. Mouth-watering house specialties and a variety of meat, seafood and vegetarian options make this a great place to gather with groups. 760-322-1259; www.peppersthai.com
Served in a heated warmer, the fresh ginger and tender chicken in this coconut milk soup will warm you up from waiting in festival lines.
Peabody’s Café & Bar – 134 S. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs
Peabody's Café & Bar offers breakfast and lunch, and karaoke on Friday and Saturday nights.
Peabody’s Café & Bar is a quintessential Palm Springs dive joint to grab a great breakfast and lunch. Peabody’s opens at 7 a.m. to serve customers menu favorites such as Huevos Rancheros, “Eggs Benny” and a variety of house-made hot sauces. Boasting the “Best Bloody Mary Ever!” you will have to stop in and sip for yourself. Friday and Saturday nights you can release your inner-Karaoke-star at the bar beginning at 7:30 p.m. 760-322-1877; www.peabodyscafepalmsprings.com
You'll have to try for yourself to see if Peabody's Bloody Mary is "Best of Fest."
Lori Cohen-Sanford is a private/personal chef, cooking class instructor and owner of Nourishfoods Organic Meal Services www.nourishfoods.biz. Her food column, Tastes Around Town, will appear weekly on Wednesdays. Have a story idea? You can contact Lori at [email protected] or follow her on Twitter @nourishfoodsps.
Like what you're reading? Then "Like" us on Facebook and "follow" us on Twitter.