354 Days of Sun

                                                             SNEAKY SUPPER!

A friend suggested we dine at “Davey’s Hideaway” because it has the perfect ambiance for conversation and I think that is a spot on way to describe it!  Dim lighting, live piano music and elegant service is the par for the course a this old-school steakhouse with a vintage deco feel.  The name evokes thoughts of being just a wee bit naughty….how fun is that?!!  

Your meal starts with warm & delicious sourdough bread. From there you can feast on steakhouse standards like wedge salad, shrimp cocktail, prime rib and surf & turf. The food is beautifully prepared and there is a full bar to go along with it all! 

On this night the star of the show was piano man Bob Crowley!  As charming as he is talented, Bob tickles the pearly whites all evening and really makes the room come alive. A native Kansan and Air Force veteran, Bob will be 81 years old on January 2nd, and he’s witty and full of stories.

Whether it’s a romantic evening you desire or an intimate spot to catch up with friends, Davey’s is a not so hidden gem!!

292 E. Palm Canyon, Palm Springs

                                                              GAME, SET, DINE!

Located at the base of the San Jacinto Mountain on-site at the historic Palm Springs Tennis Club, Spencer’s Restaurant is the ultimate place for a blue-chip dining experience!  Oozing with classic ambiance and impeccable service, this eatery is all things chic.  Rated by many as the best Sunday Brunch patio in Palm Springs, your meal is enjoyed adjacent to the lively tennis courts. The food is delicious and the wine cellar and bar can accommodate almost any request!

Pearl McCallum McManus, a member of one of the founding families of Palm Springs, commissioned the building of the Tennis Club which opened in 1937.  It soon became the most social spot in the desert.  Pearl is known in Palm Springs history as the person responsible for bringing Modernism to the area as early as 1923.

Famed architects, A. Quincy Jones and Paul R. Williams, designed the tennis club.  Paul R. Williams is historically important as the AIA’s first African-American architect (1923) and first African-American AIA Fellow (1957). Known as an outstanding draftsman, William perfected the skill of rendering drawings “upside down” as he was often not allowed to sit next to his clients due to his race.

On this day, I had a fabulous 3 hour brunch with my friends, Decorative Arts Dealer Benjamin Storck and his husband-to-be Jason Gregory Cobb.  Benjamin’s wealth of knowledge was on display as he informed me about Paul R. Williams and many other fascinating facts about this incredible property.  As we exited, I spotted Ben & Jason’s charming 1995 E320 Cabriolet Mercedes parked in front of the Spencer’s signage in the circular driveway. The vision just looked so that perfect I had to snap a picture!  You just can’t plan this stuff! 

701 West Baristo Road, Palm Springs

                                                         HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!

On Friday I popped in to The Galleria, one of my favorite havens for all things vintage and fabulous!!  Per the norm, I walked out with a stunning vintage ring and Italian vase from Bon Vivant.  On my way out I spotted this out of this world sparkling tree in the window.  Turns out this piece is a one of a kind masterpiece!

The creator is amazing artist Ken Steiert.  I have seen Ken’s beautiful ceramic pieces at The Galleria of the years and he is described by friends who know him as “brilliantly talented”….after discussing this piece with him I can add “wonderfully humble”. 

After collecting over a thousand dollars worth of vintage brooches, Ken crafted this tree by stringing them together with steel wire.  This physical embodiment of Peace & Joy is spectacularly beautiful in person and would be the shinning star of anyone’s holiday decor.  In the evening under lights the piece glistened and sparkled constantly. 

This unique gem is still available and should you be interested in owning it I suggest you contact The Galleria immediately.  It surely won’t be available for long!

457 N. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs

                           AROMATIC, ATMOSPHERIC, ARTISTIC & APPETIZING!!

When visiting the charming mountain town of Idyllwild the coolest IT place to dine is Cafe Aroma!  With it’s outdoor patio, library, and intimate bar areas featuring fine local beers on tap this restaurant is as warm as the delicious espresso & coffee it offers.

Cafe Aroma proudly supports local farmers, wineries & brewers. The website posts the daily specials highlighting the dedication to offering the freshest cuisine.  For the close-knit community and those merely visiting, Cafe Aroma serves up more than just delicious food.  They regularly host art showings and live music.  It feels like more of a friendly hang-out welcoming one and all!

54750 North Circle Drive,  Idyllwild

                                                        BEAUTIFUL IDYLLWILD!!

My mom and I headed to the alpine town of Idyllwild for it’s annual lighting of the tree over Thanksgiving weekend.  The town was really lively with music, vendor booths and revelers. Idyllwild is hands down one of my favorite places to visit.  It is rich with an eclectic history and is beyond stunning!

Many don’t realize that Idyllwild is a very close drive from Palm Springs.  Once the Summer home for bands of Cahuilla tribes, many locals will travel to Idyllwild for the day to escape the heat.  The mountain temperature is significantly cooler than the desert floor.  In the Summer you can have a relaxing 80 degree outdoor lunch when it’s 110+ degrees in Palm Springs.  In the winter, you can really get in to the holiday spirit with a snowy Idyllwild afternoon. 

Idyllwild can be more than a day trip. Whether renting a cabin, staying at a charming Inn or camping outdoors, an extended stay is all things outdoorsy and relaxing.  The quaint town has a bevy of mom & pop restaurants and shops.  There is amazing mountain climbing, hiking trails and simply sitting and gazing upon the landscape is an experience in itself.  Idyllwild also has thriving art scene including a music and arts school, formerly affiliated with USC, and an annual musical festival called Idyllwild Jazz in the Pines every August.  The town has a wonderful website HERE that is a great leaping off point for any trip.

On this day, I started my journey from Palm Springs.  The winding drive up the mountain on Route 74 is absolutely beautiful. There are many panoramic stopping points where you can pull of the road and take in the glorious views.  If you are taking this journey as a day trip, my suggestion is to stop in Idyllwild for a bit of breakfast or lunch, shopping and possibly a hike, then continue your journey home on Route 243. 243 takes you past Lake Hemet, which is another beautiful stopping point, there are always people fishing for Rainbow Trout, picnicking and camping in this area.  From there as you continue on Route 243, the drive takes you through Native American reservation land, past farms and beautiful mountain homes, and there are more stopping points.  The entire journey is something special to see.  Ultimately the drive will take you to the El Paseo shopping street in Palm Desert.  I love to get out the car there, stretch my legs and grab a happy hour at The Daily Grill!

                                                 MARSHMALLOW THE GREAT!!

Upon arrival at The Standard Miami, I headed to their Lido Restaurant & Bayside Grill to take in the stunning view of Biscayne Bay and have a cocktail…naturally!  My server was Argentinian-born Marcello Ibanez.  Our first conversation started something like this…

ME:  What’s your name?

MARCELLO:  People call me Marshmallow.

ME:  Can I call you Mellow?

MARCELLO: No one would ever call me that!

I adored him immediately.  His effervescent spirit lit up the entire pool area.  I came to find out that Marcello is an artist who works with retro dolls.  He also does chalk art and his work can be found all over The Standard property.  The Standard is clearly very supportive of him and I love this video profile they created about him.

As I chatted with several tourists and regulars poolside, everyone seemed to know & love Marcello. If you make it to The Standard Miami, seek him out as he will make your day!  Also, look for his work at the upcoming Art Basel art show!

                                                                     INSTASUN!

                                            **MIAMI BEACH :: SPECIAL EDITION**

When I mention I have a house in Palm Springs, I am occasionally met with a puzzled look and receive questions like….”Why? Isn’t it all seniors and Spring breakers?”  I always hope that 354 will illuminate how much more the desert has to offer.  Admittedly, I had similarly limited view of Miami.  Last week I visited Miami for 4 days and I was pleasantly surprised. It’s not all g-string bikinis and Don Johnson clones after all!!

I found a lot of similarities between Palm Springs and Miami.  First the weather in both cities tends to feature a lot of SUN!  Second the stunning look of each city is deeply connected to beautiful retro architecture…just driving around the streets is a visual feast for the eyes.  Finally being resort communities, there are a lot of great places to eat, drink and relax outdoors!

Some standouts that I highly recommend are…..

The Standard Hotel Miami ….  formerly The Lido Spa Hotel and built over 50 years ago, this property features bay views, an amazing spa, lush landscaping and a magnificent huge pool.  With many of the original design features in place the vintage look and feel of The Standard is a fabulous blast from the past in all the best ways!  A great article detailing the history of the hotel can be found here.

Wynwood Arts District …Classic story of bad neighborhood gone good…well great actually!  Now home to many galleries, museums, artists lofts, restaurants and shops, Wynwood’s streets are alive with color because of the spectacular graffiti art. On this visit I was fortunate to be in town for the Wynwood Art Walk which takes place on the 2nd Saturday of each month…the town was packed with revelers, the galleries were full, there was a market of vendors selling handmade jewelry, bags and other goods, and a lot with food trucks dishing up tons of delicious fare.  This area will be hopping during Art Basel and it’s a MUST visit!

You won’t go wrong at any of these restaurants:

Yardbird Southern Table & Bar …OMG Brunch dishes:  BLT Benedict Cast Iron Casserole & Cheesy Corn Grits

Juvia … OMG dishes:  Rock Shrimp Tiradito & Toro Nigiri

Macchialina Taverna Rustica …OMG dishes:  Fondue with Crostini & Polenta with Ragu

Wynwood Kitchen & Bar …OMG dishes: Flash Fried Bok Choy & Grilled Chicken with Quinoa

                                                           BEEN MISSING YOU….

For the first time since it’s birth I’ve been away from Palm Springs and regular posting on 354.  I was on a 10-day business and personal trip…first Miami then New York.  I found a few stories for you along the way but posting will resume regularly after the Thanksgiving holiday. Not to worry, I have a lot of amazing things planned over the long weekend to share with you.

In the meantime, I’d like to share a post by one of my wonderfully talented models, Alyssa Miller, on her amazing blog.  Her photos & words beautifully capture an event we both attended this past Saturday in New York.  Our dear friend, Jon Ilani, and his NOW husband Benny Roitman, were just married!  We are all so grateful that our President and the State of New York are moving our society in the right direction!  Mazel tov gentlemen!!

I’d like to note that California took a step backward with passing of Proposition 8 and very soon on November 30th, the U.S. Supreme Court will consider whether to review a federal appeals court decision that overturned Prop 8.  We are very possibly near the end of four years of marriage inequality!

Palm Springs is one of the 10 largest cities in the United States with the highest concentration of same-sex couples.  Here’s to hoping that Palm Springs gets to host many many weddings like the one I just attended!!

luvalyssamiller:

Last night, I was extraordinarily lucky to witness the marriage of Jon Ilani and Benny Roitman. The ceremony was the most moving I have ever experienced. Of course I cried, I cried because I have never seen love literally radiate off of two people that way. The emotion, and the energy between them was remarkable, and so inspiring. It reminded me of whats truly important in life, and just how lucky I am as well.

I also cried because just a sort time ago this marriage wouldn’t have been possible. Which in a way made it that much more special. Thank you New York for legalizing gay marriage! Hopefully now, especially considering we reelected a president who supports equal rights, the rest of the country will follow. 

I wish everyone in the world could experience the love I experienced last night, then I think we might change the way people think. 

Congratulations Jon and Benny! Mazel tov!

The dress I am wearing is Erdem, the shoes are Alaia, the bag is Marni, the earrings are Bijoux Heart. 

               THE DESSERTS THAT YOU DARE TO DREAM OF DO COME TRUE!

Recently I wrote about the most amazing “Chocolate Peanut Butter Salty Caramel” cupcake I had at Jake’s Restaurant.  I decided to visit the store of it’s creator and my oh my it’s a feast for the eyes and taste buds.  Tucked in a charming courtyard at Smoketree Village Shopping Center, Over the Rainbow Desserts is the place to go to for all your sweet needs! 

Cakes, cupcakes, pies, bars, brownies, cheesecakes…they do it all!  When I visited the store I was told that they did 21 wedding cakes in the month of October alone.  They also make gluten free, vegan, sugar free and dairy free cupcakes so there is literally something for everyone.

Whether you have a big birthday celebration in the works or just want to pop in satisfy your sweet tooth with a delicious a cupcake, Over the Rainbow is just the spot! 

“Where troubles melt like lemon drops…that’s where you’ll find me…..”

1775 E. Palm Canyon Drive, Suite 150,  Palm Springs

                                                         DESERT RIDERS PARK!

The Desert Riders are a fascinating bunch with a long history in the desert. Formed in 1931, membership in the Desert Riders became a coveted position to claim.  Original members include Carl Lykken, proprietor of the only general store with the a telegraph and telephone and the first postmaster of Palm Springs, Art Smith who’s name appears on the Desert Riders Park sign, and Charlie Farrell, Palm Springs first Mayor and co-founder of The Racquet Club.  Socializing was the original purpose of the group and many famous Hollywood actors joined in to ride and enjoy early morning chuckwagon breakfasts.  

In the early days trails weren’t necessary but as the city grew they riders realized the importance of marking and maintaining the trails.  The Desert Riders are responsible for establishing at least 28 existing trails - many of them improvements of ancient trails used by Cahuilla Indians. The trails bear the names of longstanding Riders - Lykken, Burgess, Hahn, Coffman, Furer and Hoff to name a few.  Because of the Desert Riders, tourists and locals have incredible trails to hike, ride and enjoy.  Thank you Desert Riders!

If you are interested in a guided trail ride by a real Desert Rider, Cottonwood Canyon Ranch is a great option.  I spoke with owner, Georgia, who is very warm and friendly.  She explained that the ranch she owns along with her husband, Dave, offers tours on horseback through many of these fabulous trails, riding lessons, full boarding services and they often provide horses for weddings, parties and even fashion photos shoots!

I hike South Lykken Trail most weekends and have recently started venturing beyond the picnic tables at the top. On this day I stumbled upon Desert Riders Park. I got there by continuing North on the trail past the picnic tables and once you come to the pile of rocks take the trail to the right that heads down toward the street.  Armed with my trusty iPhone I was able to capture some pictures of this hidden treasure.  Because I was drawn farther than normal I ran out of water and I really want to stress and encourage all hikers to bring ample hydration.

                                           HAPPY BIRTHDAY….YOU’RE THREE!

Raymond Lawrence is described by it’s owners, Larry Abel and Raymond McCallister, as a “a unique gathering of offerings, brands and choices to suit your creative lifestyle.”  They’ve pretty much summed it up perfectly.  A collective of vendors offer items from practical to whimsical that are great for home and gifts.  

This past weekend the store celebrated it’s 3rd anniversary with a fabulous soiree complete with disco balls and tequila!!  Needless to say a great time was had by all. Trio Restaurant sent over stilt walkers, the DJ was serving fab tunes, there were passed hors d’ouvres catered by Savoury’s and I was especially charmed by the dessert served on a tray featuring a young, handsome and NUDE Burt Reynolds!

Raymond Lawrence’s newest vendor is The Body Deli.  With a flagship store in Palm Desert, The Body Deli can be found in some of the desert’s chicest hotels & spas.  It has been the exclusive organic skin care line and spa product for We Care Spa, a detoxification spa and spiritual retreat very popular with fashionistas and celebrities, for 10 years.  Using fresh and local produce the products are made with living, organic, raw ingredients and much of it is kept refrigerated.  There aren’t many places in Palm Springs where one can find gourmet skincare products.  I, for one, am thrilled about this!

Whether just browsing on your weekend, looking for a great gift or in need of a special pop of something for your home, Raymond Lawrence is a great visit!

830 N. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs

                                                      IT’S RAINING SUNSHINE!!

The North Lykken Hiking Trail can be accessed from the west end of Ramon Road or by hiking up The Museum Trail.  Either way the trail is a great experience!  The trail has a lot of switchbacks and a moderately strenuous gradient so it is good for people of all ages.

The views are spectacular including a peek at a trio of architecturally significant homes - Frey House II, William Burgess House and The Russell House! 

Personally, I like to get my heart rate up and attack the most challenging part of my hike at the start by ascending via the Museum Trail and descending via the North Lykken trail then walking through the streets of Palm Springs back to my car.  A nice map of the journey can be found HERE.

Just a reminder to please bring plenty of water and a companion if you’re doing this hike for the first time.  Have fun and enjoy!!