October 2011

Tommy Bahama Restaurant & Bar in Palm Desert Embarks on Renovation

Tommy Bahama Restaurant, Bar and Store has been a cornerstone of El Paseo Drive since opening in October 1998. Now the popular Palm Desert oasis with island-inspired food and spirits is getting a refreshing new look.

Will the Real Bette Please Stand Up?

For the best Bette in town, check out “Bette Midler, Queen of Hearts” starring Sherrie Rae Parker on Nov. 4. Parker’s stellar performance will kick off “Stars Across the Desert,”

A counterbalance to the slug-it-out world

by Arnold Siegel

A rat race is a way of life in which people are caught up in a fiercely competitive struggle for wealth, power, position, headlines, etc.

Kaiser Restaurant Group Launches "Drink Pink For The Cure"

Kaiser Restaurant Group has launched a special trio of pink cocktails that will benefit the Desert Cancer Foundation's Susan B. Jackson Breast Cancer Fund

Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar is once again helping to raise funds with a 99-calorie cocktail

With just 99 calories, our newest low-cal cocktail is a beautiful way to kick off your evening. And this October, we are donating 100% of the sales from every “Stiletto” to the Avon Foundation for Women Breast Cancer Crusade.

Pacific Nonstandard Time

By Janice Kleinschmidt

Savor the Central Coast reveals an abundance of delights in California’s creative wine country

The Coachella Valley’s Notable 19th Holes

By Judd Spicer

Couple your round of golf with some of the desert ‘s top happy hours, celebrated dining, and memorable clubhouses. These clubs featuring inviting “19th holes” truly satisfy.

Inaugural CycleFest Rolls Out in the Desert

Push some pedals and race for a good cause. The Desert Recreation District’s Desert Recreation Foundation has partnered with Coachella Valley Volunteers in Medicine for the Coachella Valley Cycle-Fest.

Al Geiberger Joins La Quinta Resort & Club and PGA WEST®

La Quinta Resort & Club and PGA WEST® have announced an exclusive partnership with Al Geiberger – a golfing powerhouse with more than 20 victories in the PGA and PGA Senior Tours.

A cigar is not just a cigar

The pampering and relaxation ante for men is being raised at La Quinta Resort & Club, as the desert retreat launches Havana Club, a new cigar lounge and barber shop.

An Affair with Chocolate

The Chocolate Affair Palm Springs will be held at Spa Resort Casino Canyon Conference Center in Downtown Palm Springs, on Saturday October 22, 6-9p, and will benefit AIDS Assistance Program.

A thoughtful balance

Arnold Siegel

Autonomy and Life is a new discipline that imaginatively captures history's evolving design of the self to enable each student to create and work toward goals tailored to individual temperament, talent, sensibilities and circumstances.

Anniversary Preparations

In anticipation of the award-winning resort’s 2012 “silver anniversary,” Southern California’s renowned JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa is announcing a host of exciting updates in an effort to enhance the property’s overall guest experience.

Chef Fight - Hide the Knives

BY DONNA CURRAN

The Sunday Night Chef Fight is back again, this time it will be the “Battle of Highway 111,” pitting two outstanding Rancho Mirage chefs against each other for the title of Top Chef in the Coachella Valley.

Out for Laughs

By Scott Brassart

For a great night out, you need at least a few good laughs. Happily, the Coachella Valley offers some terrific spots to enjoy a giggle or two.

5 Days, 5 Hikes

If you have only a few hours to hike, here are some local trails — ranging from easy to moderate — that satisfy your wanderlust.

Unclog Your Creativity

By Mona de Crinis

Award-winning author Julia Cameron masterfully penetrates creative barriers. Her books (The Artist’s Way, Vein of Gold, and The Right to Write) and workshops have helped countless individuals unleash their imaginative selves.

Timing is Everything

By Mona de Crinis

El Paseo luxury store remodels in preparation for a successful season.

Paws for Effect

Barry Manilow hosts the Desert Paws Courageous Heart Awards Dinner on Oct. 28 at 6 p.m. at Westin Mission Hills Resort & Spa

A Community ‘Affaire’ to Remember

By Mona de Crinis

Few things beat a day in the park. Add hot art, cool jazz, and flowing wine (and beer) and you have the ingredients for Rancho Mirage Art Affaire (Nov. 12-13).

You picked ’em!

You vote. We reveal. That’s how Best of the Best works. Together with KPSP LOCAL 2, we ask readers and viewers to weigh in weekly at www.mybestofthebest.com on their favorite people, places, and things in the Coachella Valley.

Groovin’ in La Quinta

By Scott Brassart

For his Grooves in the Grove show in La Quinta, Benoit teams up with saxophonist Michael Paulo.

The Super Sandwich

By Craig Kacz

Gone are the drab, dry, brown-bag bologna clichés. The desert’s sandwich and deli favorites are original, fresh, and fun.

October 2011 Hot Picks

Check out a classic Cadillac or examine a De Soto circa 1960 during Casual Concours Palm Springs on Oct. 15. You might even drive away with a 1965 Imperial LeBaron raffled off during the event.

Purposeful Pampering

By Mona de Crinis

Throughout October, select Coachella Valley salons and spas, in partnership with The Girlfriend Factor and Palm Springs Desert Resort Communities Convention and Visitors Authority, are offering discounted spa treatments, salon services, and/or spa-themed getaway packages.

October Casino News and Entertainment

Palm Springs Casinos - When it comes to live entertainment, casinos rock — literally.